https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-329-That-One-Sword-Illuminated-the-Entire-Holy-Mountain-/13450506/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-331-Postnatal-Dao-Embryo-Independent-Cultivator-Challenge-Part-2-Part-1-/13450511/
Chapter 330: One Sword (Part 2 Unity)
Chapter 330: One Sword (Part 2 Unity)
In the silence, countless people widened their eyes, staring at the figure on the platform, holding a green saber.
Shocked and astonished gazes all converged on the young man.
Jiang Yingyue was stunned, as were Lin Shanhai and the many other Alchemists familiar with Li Hao, their faces filled with disbelief at the scene before them.
On the high platform, Yaizu was taken aback. Her eyes were slightly dazed, but she quickly regained her composure. This sword strike was no longer a simple manifestation of Sword Intent; it was Sword Dao.
The young man's Sword Art had already reached the divine, entering the Dao and connecting with the divine!
No wonder he could easily cultivate the Great Dao Sword Art to the Dexterity Level in just ten days.
Yaizu gazed at the figure, and soon, many thoughts and ideas surfaced in her mind. The young man was an Alchemist, yet he had such an extraordinary mastery of Sword Dao. This was far beyond the identity of a simple Alchemist.
Apart from Yaizu, the five Elders, including Shanzu, also wore expressions of shock and surprise. Such a brilliant display of Sword Dao, they could all see that his sword had already entered the Dao.
On the level of Sword Art alone, the young man before them was already on par with them.
The only difference lay in the strength of their Sword Dao.
And the gap between them and the Sword Saint lay precisely here.
Both of their Sword Techniques had entered the Dao, but the paths they chose were different, and the difficulties varied.
As the Holy Son Hao Yue had said earlier, Minor Dao could not compare to Great Dao, and the Sun and Moon Sword Dao was undoubtedly one of the supreme Sword Dao.
In contrast, the Supreme Soft Sword Dao and the Thousand Threads Sword Dao were far less impressive.
The seated Sword Saint's eyes suddenly narrowed, focusing on the young man on the platform.
He suddenly recalled that the person who had been sculpting and observing him in the courtyard earlier was the same individual.
"You..."
Lin Qingying stared at the split clouds and the cracked platform, somewhat dazed and lost in thought.
Was this his Sword Art?
At this moment, Lin Qingying suddenly understood why he had been able to guide her with the Art Dao.
She also suddenly realized why she had never seen Li Hao practice cultivation. At such a peak Sword Dao realm, ordinary cultivation would not bring any further progress.
"Are you a Swordsman?"
Lin Qingying was in a daze, finding it hard to believe. Having spent so much time around him, she had never seen Li Hao wield a sword. Instead, he was always enthusiastic about refining elixirs, painting, sculpting, and playing chess with others. And yet, Li Hao was actually a Swordsman?!
"Sort of."
Li Hao glanced at her and replied.
Lin Qingying's eyes grew complicated. She had been practicing her sword techniques in front of him all this time without any reservations. If she had known he was a Swordsman, she would never have done so. After all, exposing her sword techniques to another Swordsman was a major taboo in sword practice.
"Well, it's for the best. Your Sword Art suits my sword; it can now be called a sword with a master."
Her eyes dimmed as she spoke in a low voice.
"This is your Sword Art."
Li Hao looked at her intently. Her mind was deeply eroded by the Sun and Moon Sword Intent, and her Sword Art realm had severely declined. She couldn't even see her own Sword Dao.
"My Sword Art?"
Lin Qingying was stunned, then looked at the cracks on the ground. Her Sword Art had such power?
At this moment, the Holy Son Hao Yue slowly turned around. The previously calm and indifferent expression on his face had turned icy cold, and his eyes were filled with intense and fiery killing intent.
The close-range sword strike just now had made his hair stand on end, giving him a bone-chilling feeling. Under that feeling, his Sword Dao had almost wavered. The other party had actually influenced his Sword Dao!
This was absolutely intolerable!
"Is this the confidence you have to challenge me with your sword?"
The Holy Son Hao Yue radiated intense divine light, but his eyes were cold.
"Fine, I'll accept your challenge!"
Hearing the Holy Son Hao Yue's words, a chorus of exclamations rose from the crowd below. The Holy Son Hao Yue was going to engage in a Sword Dao duel with the other party?
But at this moment, no one doubted it. That sword strike that had cleaved through heaven and earth had made many disciples realize that this Clear Wind Alchemist was far from ordinary. Or perhaps, they should now call him the Clear Wind Swordsman!
Lin Qingying's expression changed slightly when she heard Hao Yue Holy Son’s words, but she looked at Li Hao intently and said:
"Besides the Sword Art Realm, his own power is also very strong. Be careful. I’ll step down to avoid hindering you."
At this moment, she had already realized that Li Hao’s strength was far from simple.
"No need."
Li Hao shook his head and didn’t let her leave.
This sword was meant for her, and he wanted to shatter the Sword Intent in her heart, helping her to recast her Sword Heart and Sword Intent!
Lin Qingying was taken aback, looking at Li Hao with confusion.
"Dealing with him, one sword will suffice."
Li Hao said softly, "Just watch."
Lin Qingying was stunned, almost in a daze.
If it were earlier, she would have thought Li Hao was insane, unable to see how formidable and terrifying Hao Yue Holy Son was as a Potion Master. But now, the Sword Art Li Hao had displayed was enough to show that he was also a Swordsman, and he knew his limits in a duel.
Li Hao’s words caused an uproar among the spectators.
Facing Hao Yue Holy Son, who had just claimed the title of Sword God and was the strongest young talent in the Holy Land, how could he dare to speak so arrogantly?!
Did he truly believe that one sword would be enough to defeat Hao Yue Holy Son?!
On the Holy Platform, Qiu Wuheng, Bian Ruxue, and the other Holy Sons and Holy Maidens were all momentarily stunned.
The sword Li Hao had just wielded was utterly astonishing, its power exceeding their comprehension of the Sword Art Realm, for it was a sword that had already transcended to the realm of the Dao.
Qiu Wuheng’s face was filled with shock, unable to believe that this young man, who had been fishing with him, was also a Swordsman!
During their usual fishing sessions, the other party always seemed delighted when he caught something, completely hiding the fact that he was practicing his sword skills.
But now, the Sword Dao Realm Li Hao had displayed far exceeded his own.
The difference between Sword Intent and Sword Dao seemed only a step away, but in reality, it was vast.
Without enlightenment, one would spend their entire life outside, wasting their years.
With enlightenment, one step forward would lead to the inner sanctum, transcending the mundane and entering the realm of Sainthood and Immortality, no longer of this world!
Bian Ruxue’s eyes were somewhat dazed. That brilliant sword had made her feel as if she had glimpsed the shadow of the Ultimate Sword Technique.
Was someone already close to what she had been pursuing?
On the battle platform, Hao Yue Holy Son also heard Li Hao’s unmasked words, and a cold, murderous intent appeared in his eyes.
But he restrained himself and said coldly, "Since you have such confidence, let me see what you’ve got. Don’t disappoint me!"
As he spoke, his aura suddenly rose, and the Heaven-Earth Meridian appeared behind him, like a vortex reaching to the heavens.
Divine Power erupted, and his hair turned a brilliant golden yellow.
Then, his Soul Spirit merged with his Physical Body, and a majestic Heaven and Earth Dharma Image appeared.
This was the first time he had revealed his Heaven and Earth Dharma Image, but Li Hao’s close-range sword strike was enough to make him take this seriously!
In this sword duel, he was defending his own Sword Dao, so he could only win, not lose!
He believed his Master had also seen this, which was why he hadn’t stopped him or questioned Li Hao’s identity.
As he revealed various Ultimate Realms, the 49 layers of Dao Domain also appeared, but this time, the 49 layers of Dao Domain climbed to 56 layers!
In the previous battles, Hao Yue Holy Son had still been holding back!
This scene left many people in shock. In such a decisive moment, no one could force him to reveal his greatest power, truly living up to the title of Sword God, with a gap that was insurmountable compared to others!
Outside the battle platform, an array had formed again.
This was an array condensed by a Semi-Saint, capable of withstanding Hao Yue Holy Son’s attacks.
Lin Qingying stood beside Li Hao, but the surrounding area seemed to be swept by a sandstorm. The energy swirling in the sky converged ahead, and just standing here, she felt an unprecedented pressure.
She looked up at the peerless figure standing in mid-air, who suppressed the million disciples of the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary, a world-class prodigy, now revealing his supreme prowess.
Her gaze fell back on Li Hao, who remained standing calmly, holding the green blade as if nothing before him could move him.
"Sun and Moon Sword Intent, Heaven and Earth Reflect!!"
Hao Yue, the Holy Son, eyes gleaming like golden wheels of the sun and moon, radiated a dazzling divine light. He suddenly let out a long, piercing cry, and the clouds and moon in the heavens parted, as if the sun and moon were both shining at once.
His body merged with the Heaven and Earth Dharma Image, a towering figure a hundred zhang tall, like a colossal peak.
He condensed the Sun and Moon Sword Light in his hand, the brilliant and surging Sword Intent making every disciple outside the array feel the vastness and awe.
On the Holy Platform, the many Holy Sons and Holy Maidens all changed expressions, their eyes filled with deep wariness and shock.
He was too strong. Though they were all Holy Sons, Hao Yue had surpassed them by far!
Such a Sword Intent, if it were to Enter the Dao, would make his Sun and Moon Great Dao one of the most powerful among the Semi-Saints.
The radiance and power in the sky condensed, and in the next moment, Hao Yue's Dharma Image, like a divine might with fierce eyes, suddenly slashed down at Li Hao.
The Sword Light reflected Heaven and Earth, carrying the oppressive force of the sun, moon, and stars, as if it were about to shatter the entire battlefield!
Facing this Sun and Moon Sword Intent again, Lin Qingying's pupils constricted, her eyes filled with fear. The Sun and Moon Sword Intent in her mind became even clearer and more chaotic, flooding her Sea of Consciousness, making her feel an irresistible dread.
It was a lifelong shadow, a mark left by the Sword Intent. No matter what realm she reached, seeing this Sword Intent would always fill her with fear!
She clenched her fingers tightly, biting her lip until it bled, but she remained resolute, refusing to back away in fear.
Under this divine might, a gentle breeze suddenly seemed to rise.
"The utmost softness can overcome the hardest thing!"
A soft murmur echoed, and Li Hao raised the sword in his hand, his gaze passing over the numerous prompts of poetry books experience increasing on the panel.
The green blade suddenly burst into a brilliant sword light, like a thunderbolt, a lightning strike, and a gust of wind between Heaven and Earth.
The wind swept up, and the green blade met the attack, as if guiding the way like a celestial being with a gentle touch.
With a three-foot sword, he struck the Dharma Image's divine might and sword light, like a tiny insect trying to shake a tree, yet with a profound impact.
With a loud thud, the seemingly fierce Sun and Moon Divine Sword suddenly paused, then shattered, exploding into a burst of powder-like flames!
The wind swept along, following the divine sword, and rushed into the towering Dharma Image.
Hao Yue, standing at the chest of the Dharma Image, suddenly felt a gentle Sword Intent, devoid of killing intent or ferocity, like a breeze that could not be caught or discerned.
His eyes filled with shock and rage, and he roared, using his Dao Domain to suppress it.
But the Sword Intent, gentle and weak, wove through layers of Dao Domain, brushing past his neck.
A thin, cutting bloodline appeared, and fresh blood seeped out.
The wound refused to heal, the Sword Dao lingering, preventing it from closing!
Hao Yue's body trembled, his pupils constricting to the extreme, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
He reached for his neck, the wound small but deeply humiliating.
There was no doubt about it; in this Sword Dao contest, the other side had won.
"How is this possible?!"
Hao Yue, the Holy Son, could not believe it, could not understand it. His Sword Dao governed Heaven and Earth, with the sun and moon as its foundation, as solid as a rock. How could he have lost?!
On the Holy Platform, the many Holy Sons and Holy Maidens were stunned. The scars on Hao Yue's neck, though small, were clearly visible. The other side's seemingly gentle and weak sword had somehow bypassed his Dao Domain and struck him directly?
Was this what it meant for Sword Techniques to Enter the Dao?
Yaizu and the other Semi-Saints all had solemn expressions. The other side not only had Sword Techniques that had Entered the Dao, but this Supreme Soft Sword Dao was even stronger and more terrifying than they had imagined.
After all, no one present had used the Utmost Softness Sword Technique to Enter the Dao.
The levels of Sword Dao varied widely, and only through competition could their strengths be truly discerned.
Li Hao glanced at the other party, ignoring their expression of shock and rage, and turned to look at Lin Qingying.
This strike was more of a demonstration for Lin Qingying than a battle.
Lin Qingying stood there in a daze, the Sun and Moon Sword Intent in her mind shattered by the gentle breeze Li Hao had just created. That breeze and the flash of snow-white Sword Light were etched into her heart.
This was the Supreme Soft Sword Dao.
As long as she followed the imprint to Comprehend, she would eventually master this Sword Dao.
The previously shattered Sword Intent reformed in this moment.
Her eyes revealed a mix of bewilderment and enlightenment. Utmost Softness—was this what Utmost Softness truly was?
"Utmost Softness is Utmost Hardness, the weakest is the strongest."
Li Hao murmured softly, "Softness at its extreme is not water, nor wind, but Atom!"
"Atom?"
Lin Qingying was taken aback, her eyes filled with confusion. She had never heard of such a term.
Li Hao knew that, in this world, it was difficult to explain, but those who Cultivated the Supreme Soft Sword Dao would eventually reach this level of understanding, though they might use different terms, such as Supreme Minute!
"Grains of sand can form a mountain, and mountains and rivers can form Heaven and Earth. But what forms the grains of sand, what constructs water, and what coalesces into wind?"
Li Hao spoke softly, both questioning and guiding.
Lin Qingying was stunned, her eyes reflecting deep thought. She vaguely understood what Li Hao was saying, and was inwardly astonished.
This was the Supreme Soft Sword Dao?
Using the fundamental essence of all things as its base, though the sun and moon were vast, they were also built from the tiniest elements.
Thus, the Supreme Soft Sword Dao was not a Minor Dao but a terrifying Great Dao!
Realizing this, Lin Qingying was deeply shaken. She even felt that if she could truly Comprehend this, the strength of this Dao might surpass even the Sword Saint's All-Encompassing Sword Dao!
At that moment, she suddenly understood why Li Hao had been able to effortlessly shatter the vast Divine Might of the Sun and Moon Divine Sword with a single strike.
At the most microscopic levels, his opponent had too many flaws and imperfections, all part of the trajectory of his Sword Dao!
"Is this... my Sword Dao?"
Lin Qingying was momentarily lost in thought, but then she thought of something and looked at Li Hao.
"Is this my Sword Dao? Do you Cultivate the Supreme Soft Sword Intent, or are you just..."
She trembled, not daring to finish her question.
If Li Hao had merely demonstrated her Sword Dao to her, it meant that Li Hao himself possessed another Sword Dao!
Mastering two Sword Daos!
Just the demonstration of her Sword Dao was so formidable; how powerful would Li Hao's own Sword Dao be?
While the two were conversing, Hao Yue Holy Son's face was contorted with anger. His opponent had engaged in a sword duel with him but was not focused on him, instead helping Lin Qingying reconstruct her Sword Dao.
This complete disregard had thoroughly enraged him.
"Bring out your own Sword Dao and fight me!"
He growled angrily.
Li Hao looked up at him, his expression indifferent. "My Sword Dao is not something you are worthy to see."
Hao Yue Holy Son's cheeks trembled as if he had been slapped hard. He felt a mix of anger and helplessness.
He knew that with just Li Hao's Sword Dao, he had no chance of victory.
He had lost this battle, and the Sun and Moon Sword Dao, which had just reached a higher level, now showed cracks, making him feel as if his Mindset was collapsing.
"Hiding your true strength, what kind of skill is that? You possess such a Sword Dao, yet you pretend to be a Potion Master. Who are you, and what are your intentions for infiltrating the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary?!"
Hao Yue Holy Son's eyes glinted with cold light as he stared at Li Hao.
Earlier, he had planned to defeat and then interrogate Li Hao, aiming to perfect his own Sword Dao. Now that his Sword Dao was compromised, he wanted nothing more than to crush Li Hao to ashes.
Hearing the words of the Holy Son Hao Yue, Lin Qingying snapped back to reality, her expression changing instantly.
She suddenly realized that if Li Hao possessed such an extraordinary Sword Art, he could not be an ordinary person. The severe injuries he sustained from his enemies must have been inflicted by an extremely powerful foe, possibly even one close to the rank of a Semi-Saint.
Now, by displaying this Sword Art for her, he had exposed himself, putting himself in great danger and at a significant cost.
Thinking of this, her face turned grim, and she took a step forward, shielding Li Hao behind her:
"Clear Wind was injured and I found him in the Holy Land. He has been recuperating here and was not intentionally infiltrating our Holy Land. He has never done anything to harm the Holy Land."
The Holy Son Hao Yue sneered, "How do you know he didn't intentionally injure himself to get close? You've been used, and it just so happens he came to our Holy Land at the critical moment of the Sword God Battle. He's here to spy on our Sword Dao competition and learn our Sword Techniques. Moreover, how could he know your Sword Dao? Teaching Sword Art to an outsider is a serious offense!"
Lin Qingying's face darkened. She hadn't taught him intentionally, but practicing in front of a swordsman was as good as teaching him.
"Finding a pretext for punishment is easy when you've been defeated. Your Sword Dao has lost, so you're desperate."
Li Hao said calmly.
He had known this would be the outcome when he stood up for Lin Qingying. He had already calculated the risks and benefits.
But he would still do it. Repaying kindness and avenging wrongs was his nature. If he lost his nature, he would no longer be himself.
He could risk his life for revenge, so why not for repaying a debt of gratitude?
Hearing Li Hao's words, the Holy Son Hao Yue's face contorted, his lips trembling. He clenched his jaw, suppressing his rage to avoid losing his composure.
"Wait until my Sun and Moon Sword Intent enters the Dao. I might still be able to slay you. It's just a minor Dao, but in ten years, I will surely enter the Dao!"
His eyes glinted with murderous intent. There were many who were stronger in Sword Dao than him, such as the Semi-Saint Elders and the few Dao Law Realm prodigies within the Holy Land. Their cultivation years were longer, and they were more powerful, so he could accept it.
But after cultivating for another hundred years, he would only grow stronger.
Li Hao knew that the other party was trying to strengthen his Dao Heart and Sword Dao. He didn't bother to argue. With the previous sword strike, he could have broken the Sword Intent and shattered it in the Sea of Consciousness, just as Hao Yue had done to Lin Qingying, leaving a sword mark there.
But Li Hao knew that doing so would be pointless. The other party's master was a Sword Saint, who could easily help him break through the Sword Intent.
The match was already decided. Seeing that Hao Yue Holy Son had truly been defeated, the crowd below fell silent, stunned and disbelieving.
The youngest and strongest prodigy of the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary had been defeated by Sword Dao. Who was this old monster?
Yaizu's gaze shifted from Li Hao to the Sword Saint, her eyes flickering. Her beloved disciple had been defeated, and now her Sword Dao was fractured, requiring her to repair it. She wondered how the other party would handle the situation.
She thought of the painting and the young man's pure, clear eyes, and she sighed softly, her voice as gentle as a celestial melody:
"Clear Wind Alchemist, according to Qing Ying Holy Maiden, you were injured and drifted here. With your power, you must be a Holy Son from another Holy Land, correct?"
During the previous match, when Li Hao had unleashed his Sword Qi, the myriad phenomena attributes could hide it, but the power leaking out revealed his cultivation, which was at the Enlightened Realm.
Such a realm and Sword Art, capable of easily defeating Hao Yue Holy Son, indicated that this person was no ordinary figure.
She didn't believe that a Holy Son from another Holy Land would personally infiltrate and expose himself for Lin Qingying's sake.
She believed that other Semi-Saint Elders could see through this as well and wouldn't believe it, but sometimes the truth wasn't important. Like when Hao Yue Holy Son publicly disabled Lin Qingying, it was the truth, but people cared more about the outcome and the identities involved.
People admire strength. When a powerful person speaks softly, someone will listen attentively. When a weak person shouts at the top of their lungs, no one pays attention.
Even the same words, when spoken by a weak person, will only invite ridicule, but when spoken by a powerful person, they will be regarded as sage wisdom.
When Yaizu spoke this time, she was guiding the conversation, making people realize that Li Hao was a person of great importance, someone who would not risk sneaking into the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary to spy and learn.
Li Hao quickly understood that Yaizu was not just asking a simple question. He looked at her and saw her smiling gaze, which touched him deeply.
She was willing to speak up for him, even just because of the gift of a painting.
"I was indeed injured and drifted here, recuperating in Qing Ying Holy Maiden's courtyard. I have no intention of offending the Holy Land", Li Hao said softly.
Yaizu nodded slightly and smiled. "What about now? What are your plans? Are you considering joining our Sword Ancestor Sanctuary, becoming a disciple of our sect, or returning to your original place?"
Sword Master had also asked Li Hao this question. Originally, Li Hao planned to stay in the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary, diligently cultivating Sculpture, Fishing, and Go to the eighth or ninth level, or comprehending one of them to the tenth level, in order to ascend the Dao of Sacrifice and seek revenge on the Virtual Sage.
But now, he knew such a peaceful life was no longer possible.
Where there is conflict, there is trouble, and peace cannot be maintained.
"Though I wish to become a disciple of your sect, I have a great enemy. If I join your sect, it might bring disaster to it", Li Hao said, bowing slightly.
Yaizu chuckled. "Is it your enemy who chased you here? Your Sword Dao is so powerful. Your enemy can't be a Semi-Saint, can they? Even if they are, our Sword Ancestor Sanctuary can protect you!"
The other Elders, including Shanzu, were also sizing up Li Hao, catching Yaizu's meaning. With Li Hao's Sword Art and strength, he was a prodigy regardless of his age. If he could be recruited into the Holy Land, it would indeed be a good thing.
Li Hao fell silent for a moment. He knew that some things had to be clarified now, or he would not be able to explain himself convincingly.
"It's more than that."
He spoke softly.
"More than that?"
Yaizu was taken aback, her gaze narrowing. "More than one Semi-Saint?"
Lin Qingying also looked at Li Hao, her eyes wide with shock. When Li Hao was severely injured, more than one Semi-Saint was chasing him?
How could that be? A Semi-Saint's attack was already terrifying, let alone multiple.
Li Hao shook his head. "Not a Semi-Saint."
Hearing this, Yaizu was stunned, her pupils contracting. If not a Semi-Saint, then could it be a Sage?
His enemy was actually a Sage?!
Lin Qingying also realized this, staring at Li Hao in disbelief. Li Hao had been severely injured by a Sage?!
Hao Yue Holy Son, who was floating in the air, also heard this and his expression changed, looking at the young man with the sword in shock. His enemy was a Sage?!
The many disciples below also reacted, realizing that a Sage was like the sun and moon, unreachable and impossible to hear their Dao. Li Hao had provoked a Sage, and not just any Sage, but an enemy?
Yaizu was stunned for a moment, then regained her composure. She knew Li Hao would not lie about such a matter, especially when it involved a Sage.
She sighed inwardly. If it was a Sage, then the decision to recruit Li Hao, even at the risk of offending a Sage, was not one she could make.
She looked at Sword Saint, who was also staring intently at Li Hao. He knew that if he asked Li Hao which Sage it was, Li Hao would likely not reveal it, as that would expose himself.
The reason for provoking a Sage must be something deeper.
The situation was indeed complicated, and such a person was not suitable to join the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary.
But, if they interrogated him and handed him over to his Sage enemy, would that be a good thing?
His eyes flickered as he pondered this. Suddenly, a voice rang out, interrupting his thoughts.
"He is a disciple of the Supreme Sage Sect, a prodigy with exceptional talent. He is only 28 years old and is beyond the capacity of our Sword Ancestor Sanctuary to contain."
With these words, a figure floated over, followed by two Sword Attendants wearing copper masks.
It was Sword Master.
(End of Chapter)
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