https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-337-Defeating-Chiguang-with-a-Single-Sword-Part-1-/13450518/
Chapter 336: Traces of Hao Tian, Top Ten Rankings (Part 2)
Chapter 336: Traces of Hao Tian, Top Ten Rankings (Part 2)
"Heavenly Path is Sealed?"
Li Hao was taken aback and asked, "Is there really an Immortal Deity in the world?"
Hearing Li Hao's question, Night Ancestor chuckled and said, "Immortal Deities are elusive, and no one has ever seen one with their own eyes. However, ancient texts have recorded their existence. For example, the Sword Stele at Moon Viewing Cliff, where the sword shadow named 'Divine Guide' is inscribed. Such a magnificent Sword Move could only have been performed by an Immortal Deity."
"That's right. I heard that even the Sword Saint couldn't comprehend it, and other Supreme Sages have also said that the Sword Move within can only be left behind by an Immortal Deity, not by mere mortals."
"Besides the Divine Guide at Moon Viewing Cliff, there is also the Palm Seal in the Chill Wasteland and the Shattered Silk drifting in the Soul Severing Sea. These all indicate that Immortal Deities once existed in the world. However, for some unknown reason, they seem to have vanished, leaving no trace."
The young man, despite his youthful voice, knew many ancient secrets and added, "While Sages can live for millennia, they cannot achieve true immortality. To make their Great Dao eternal, one must transcend the Supreme Sage stage and become an Immortal Deity, to be worshipped by all for eternity."
"If one becomes an Immortal Deity, merely appearing in the world and leaving divine traces would earn the faith of countless people. After all, a living Immortal Deity would be revered by all, even Sages. Who wouldn't fear and respect such a being?"
Speaking of Immortal Deities, Green Ancestor also chimed in, his voice tinged with regret.
Li Hao was surprised, never expecting to hear such incredible secrets so soon after joining the Flower Touring Society.
"What does the Supreme Sage mean by 'Heavenly Path is Sealed'? Is it a path for cultivation, or is it a literal road?"
Li Hao asked curiously.
"It's a literal road."
Night Ancestor explained, "Some Supreme Sages have touched the barrier and felt the Heavenly Dao Intent of this world, discovering that it is impossible to become an Immortal Deity here. The only way is to leave this world."
"Thus, the Supreme Sages have been exploring and searching for a way to transcend this world. They followed the traces left by Immortal Deities and found a path, but it is sealed. This world is like a closed egg, and we are destined to die here, unable to transcend."
Li Hao was stunned. This was his first encounter with the secrets of the Land of Sages, and it was more despairing than he imagined.
Eternal life is out of reach, and everyone will eventually fade away?
No wonder there are forces like the Flower Touring Society. If one cannot escape death, it's better to enjoy the present.
"Recently, the Supreme Sages have discovered a second path in a dangerous area. However, to break through the restrictions, it seems that all Ultimate Realms must be cultivated, and only then can the path be opened!"
Green Ancestor continued, "Therefore, over the past thousand years, Sages have been reincarnating, using various methods to cultivate all Ultimate Realms, in the hope of being the first to break through and transcend to become Immortal Deities."
"However, this path is also very difficult. Cultivating nine Ultimate Realms is extremely challenging, requiring exceptional talent. Moreover, this path is still just a hypothesis, and its truth can only be determined through trial."
"But even this sliver of hope has driven the Sages to compete fiercely. After all, the chance to become an Immortal Deity is the only hope for eternal life!"
Li Hao was stunned.
Earlier, he learned from Lin Shanhai that the Sages' reincarnation was for a secret purpose, but he never imagined it was related to achieving immortality.
No wonder reincarnation is extremely dangerous, with the risk of falling into endless cycles. If not for such a great temptation, the Sages would not take such risks.
Nine Ultimate Realms... Li Hao's eyes flickered. He was already at the seventh Ultimate Realm, and with enough cultivation techniques, the eighth Ultimate Realm was within reach. As for the ninth Ultimate Realm, it was the Insight Ultimate Realm. Once Yudao reaches the Ninth Rank, he might be able to glimpse it.
But...
"Do Supreme Sages, with their long lifespans, also fail to cultivate nine Ultimate Realms?"
Li Hao asked doubtfully.
Some Ultimate Realms are indeed difficult, but with time and effort, they can be gradually achieved.
He was able to Cultivate to the Seventh Ultimate Realm, mainly due to the Panel's point allocation, which shortened his Cultivation time.
However, others had much more time to spend, which could make up for this gap.
"It's not that simple."
The young man shook his head. "Supreme Sages are all world-class monsters with long-standing Cultivation. They have already achieved the other Ultimate Realms, but it's said that the Sixth Ultimate Realm is the hardest to attain. No one has managed to Cultivate it. Reaching the Celestial Sovereign stage in the Tianren Realm seems to involve merging with Heaven and Earth, but while the heart of the Heaven and Earth Soul Inheritance is present, the Will to merge with Heaven and Earth is hard to find."
Li Hao was slightly taken aback. The Sixth Ultimate Realm?
He had heard before that the Sixth Ultimate Realm was difficult, but he didn't expect even Supreme Sages to be stuck at this stage.
He suddenly thought of the faint touch of Heavenly Sovereign Will he had sensed, with the Celestial Sovereign being the pinnacle of the Tianren Realm.
"You're behind the times. Ten years ago, it was rumored that the Cloud Mist World opened a passage to the Mortal World and found a Prodigious Youth with the Sixth Ultimate Realm in the Mortal World. However, he was later personally killed by a Virtual Sage, snuffing out this hope."
Green Ancestor suddenly said.
Li Hao was startled, hearing something about himself, and his heart raced.
"Yes, I heard about that. Unfortunately, without the protection of a Supreme Sage, even if one Cultivates to the Sixth Ultimate Realm, they are still vulnerable to unforeseen dangers. After all, the Sages' Reincarnations all want to break through to the Sixth Ultimate Realm themselves to be the first to open that path. They wouldn't willingly give that opportunity to someone else", Night Ancestor said.
"The world is not short of prodigies, but those who haven't grown into their power are like wisps of cloud, easily scattered by a gust of wind."
Li Hao fell silent. When the Virtual Sage killed him back then, he said it was because Li Hao was hunting the Holy Son of the Void Sacred Land in the Mortal World. Now, it seemed that the reason Night Ancestor mentioned also played a significant part.
A prodigy remains a prodigy, but without the protection of a force, their brilliance will be extinguished.
Li Hao took a deep breath, his eyes turning cold. Since the age of six, when he faced an assassination attempt, he understood that his greatest reliance was himself.
If no one could protect him, then he would become invincible in the world!
"Let's not talk about these things. It doesn't really concern us anyway. Clear Wind, what are you most skilled at?" Green Ancestor asked.
Li Hao refocused his thoughts. Currently, his highest level of expertise was in Cooking and Art Dao.
"Cooking and painting."
Li Hao said, "These are my current specialties."
Thinking about the chess discussion they just had, he added, "I also have some knowledge of Go. If there's an opportunity, I hope to spar with the two of you."
"Oh? You dabble in so many things?"
Green Ancestor was surprised. Although the Immortal Dao had been severed, they had lost their drive, finding other interests. However, they each specialized in one thing. Li Hao's involvement in cooking was unexpected.
"What? You said you like cooking?"
Suddenly, a perfectly proportioned, ethereal figure moved closer to Li Hao, asking in surprise, "Are you serious, or just doing it for fun? Zhantan, what skill did he use to join us?"
"Another one who likes cooking, White Ancestor has found a kindred spirit."
Night Ancestor laughed and said to Li Hao, "We take our chess very seriously. We don't play for fun. We have no time for poor players."
The elegant woman's ethereal figure softly said, "Clear Wind joined the Flower Touring Society through Art Dao. Butterfly showed me his paintings. In terms of Art Dao, he surpasses even me. He has already Entered the Dao!"
Hearing Zhantan's words, everyone was momentarily silent, looking at Li Hao in surprise.
His Art Dao was even stronger than Zhantan's?
It was known that Zhantan was a master of Art Dao in the Flower Touring Society, even called a young painting saint. For Li Hao's paintings to earn her recognition and for her to admit being inferior, this was quite alarming.
Li Hao understood from her words that she must be one of the vice-presidents Gui Qinshuang mentioned, a Semi-Saint.
Moreover, from her words, she was also an expert in Art Dao, which piqued Li Hao's interest. He would have the chance to exchange ideas with her, and she likely had some Famous Paintings in her collection, which were all Tomes.
"Art Dao?"
The White Ancestor, with her perfect figure, couldn't hide her disappointment and said, "I thought it was about Cooking."
Li Hao smiled and said, "My Cooking skills are not much worse than my Art Dao."
"Really?"
The White Ancestor looked at him in surprise and asked, "You're sure?"
"Let's have a taste test sometime, and we'll know", Li Hao said, displaying considerable confidence when it came to Cooking.
The White Ancestor's eyes lit up at this, and she nodded. "That's right. Whether it's good or not, a taste will tell. Where are you? I'll come find you."
Li Hao was a bit surprised to see that she really intended to come, but he could also tell that she genuinely enjoyed this hobby, which indicated she had plenty of leisure time.
"In the Canglan World", Li Hao said.
Zhantan, standing nearby, interjected, "White Ancestor, you can come to find Clear Wind, but don't be too serious. Don't disturb his Cultivation. He's currently participating in the Supreme Prodigy Battle, and this time, he has a good chance of representing our Canglan World."
Hearing Zhantan's words, the others were all taken aback. Green Ancestor asked, "You're still participating in the Supreme Prodigy Battle? How old are you?"
"Approaching thirty", Li Hao said.
"..."
The others exchanged glances, dumbfounded. Under thirty? That's practically a kid.
"At your age, you already have the leisure to paint and cook?" The White Ancestor seemed to doubt her own ears.
At thirty, life is just beginning.
When they were thirty, they were still pushing hard to advance in their Cultivation.
Back then, their minds were solely focused on Cultivation, and even women were pushed to the side, as they could hinder their progress.
"..." The Night Ancestor was stunned. "You reached the Enlightened Realm before turning thirty?"
To achieve the Enlightened Realm at that age, in terms of realm alone, he was already a monstrous prodigy.
Zhantan also looked at Li Hao in surprise. Although she knew Li Hao's identity from Gui Qinshuang and was aware of his participation in the Supreme Prodigy Battle, she hadn't expected him to be so young.
The Supreme Prodigy Battle was for those under a hundred years old, and she had assumed Li Hao must be at least eighty or ninety, given his mastery of Art Dao.
That had already shocked and intrigued her, as even a hundred years was still very young for them, just the beginning of their Cultivation journey.
They had been Cultivating for hundreds, thousands, or even several thousand years, long since weary and stuck in bottlenecks, which had led them to cultivate other interests.
"Joking, right? Thirty years old and already in the Enlightened Realm? Could you be a Sage Reincarnation?"
The young man was shocked.
Setting aside other abilities, his realm alone was enough to surprise them.
They were all prodigious monsters themselves, and though their current strength was formidable, making them old monsters in the Enlightened Realm, they were far from Li Hao's level at his age.
Li Hao revealed his age mainly because the Bone Reflection Mirror would measure it during the Supreme Prodigy Battle, and it was bound to come out eventually, so there was no need to hide it.
"Clear Wind's talent, you could ask the Sage about this. Aren't you supposed to focus on Cultivating to the Sage Realm?"
Green Ancestor couldn't help but ask.
"Cultivation doesn't have to be all-consuming. It's important to balance work and leisure", Li Hao said with a smile.
Even they, who had long since given up on intense Cultivation, were left speechless and dumbfounded by this.
He really had a carefree attitude...
"We thought we had already let go, but it turns out Clear Wind is even more detached. The Heavenly Path is sealed, and Ascension is meaningless. We will all end up like this eventually."
The Night Ancestor sighed bitterly. "I only understood this at three thousand years old, but Clear Wind grasped it at thirty. Does that mean he gets to enjoy life for three thousand years more?"
The others were speechless. Although they had already shifted their focus to other things and were no longer as obsessed with Cultivation, Li Hao's early realization still left them speechless.
"Since you Cultivate and also study Art Dao, how much time do you spend on Art Dao?"
Zhantan asked Li Hao, her gaze fixed on him.
Li Hao was a bit taken aback and thought for a moment. "I paint whenever I have free time. It's hard to quantify exactly how much time I spend."
Zhantan fell silent, not saying a word. While Li Hao's Cultivation was impressive, what truly struck her was that his Painting Skill surpassed hers.
Under thirty, to have spent ten years on Art Dao in addition to Cultivation and still surpass her was remarkable. She had dedicated hundreds of years to Art Dao, believing she had a deep understanding and skill, but now she felt her talent in this area was woefully inadequate.
"Life is like a drunken dream, we woke up early, but Clear Wind never slept at all."
Green Ancestor shook his head, at a loss for words.
"Zhantan just said that Clear Wind has a chance to represent Canglan World? That’s not something that can be achieved with just Enlightenment Realm cultivation, right?"
White Ancestor narrowed her eyes and asked.
Zhantan regained his composure, his gaze on Li Hao becoming complex. "That's correct. Clear Wind's Sword Techniques have also Entered the Dao, making him one of the top contenders to represent Canglan World. The final decision will depend on the upcoming competitions."
"Sword Technique Enlightenment?"
Upon hearing her words, the group fell silent once again.
They had all reached the point where their techniques had Entered the Dao, and in terms of strength, they had cultivated to a very deep level. However, the key issue was their age.
Being under thirty, it was too young. At that age, they had not achieved such a feat.
"Clear Wind is in Canglan World, so I should go and take a look." Night Ancestor said.
"I'll go too, to cheer for Clear Wind. Who is Clear Wind's Master?" Green Ancestor asked curiously.
To have taught such a prodigy, the Master must be a Supreme Sage.
Li Hao remained silent, a figure appearing in his mind—his first master, Lin Haixia.
But she was only at the Divine Wanderer Realm.
Seeing Li Hao's silence, the others realized that this involved a secret he was unwilling to reveal.
Regardless, even the direct disciples of Supreme Sages they knew of did not match Clear Wind's level, highlighting just how monstrous he was.
"Qingjiu is also participating in the Supreme Prodigy Battle, but he is from the Tianlan Realm. If you all can represent your respective worlds, you might meet in the final."
White Ancestor suddenly said.
"Qingjiu, Qingjiu, come out." Green Ancestor called out directly.
Li Hao saw him transmit his Divine Sense to a particular shadow. Most of the shadows here were still, indicating they were doing something else in reality and had not probed the Flower Touring Token.
After a while, the shadow Green Ancestor's Divine Sense had probed began to move, and a voice asked, "Green Ancestor, why did you call me?"
"Are you in seclusion?"
Green Ancestor asked.
Despite their different realms, they communicated without any sense of hierarchy, more like old friends.
"Of course, I'm preparing for the upcoming battles. Next, I have to compete with the other Three Great Holy Lands of the Tianlan Realm. I’m not sure if I can win", the shadow of Qingjiu said.
Green Ancestor replied with a hint of exasperation, "Don't act like you're weak. The Holy Sons of other Holy Lands should be the ones afraid. Haven't you achieved Spear Technique Enlightenment? With your Ancient Blood Dao Body, you have a good chance of becoming the top prodigy this time."
"Don't jinx me. Making it into the top ten would be a miracle. You know how monstrous those guys are. Without Semi-Saint strength, it’s hard to stand your ground in the top ten", Qingjiu's shadow said with a bitter smile.
"Exactly, Green Ancestor, stop teasing him. You didn't even make the top ten back then, and you have the Green Emperor Bloodline. Now, with Sages reincarnating, the top ten are full of monsters. If Qingjiu can make it into the top ten, he has a good chance of ascending", Night Ancestor added, subtly jabbing at Green Ancestor.
Green Ancestor rolled his eyes and said to Qingjiu, "I called you because we have a new member. This is Clear Wind, who is also participating in the Supreme Prodigy Battle. You might meet him, so don't bully him too much when you do."
"New member?"
Qingjiu finally noticed Li Hao, somewhat surprised. "Also participating in the Supreme Prodigy Battle?"
Apart from him being the youngest, another young person under a hundred years old had joined.
"That's right. Clear Wind is even younger than you, just under thirty, and his Sword Techniques have already Entered the Dao!" Green Ancestor said with a smile.
Qingjiu was taken aback, his gaze becoming serious as he sized up Li Hao, though the shadow revealed nothing.
"Thirty years old, Sword Technique Enlightenment. If we get the chance, we should spar", Qingjiu said.
Li Hao nodded, "Sure, let's exchange techniques when we have the time."
"I took sixty years to achieve Spear Technique Enlightenment. Your insight is quite terrifying."
Qingjiu said, though it took him sixty years to achieve Spear Technique Enlightenment, he cultivated an extremely powerful spear path and didn't feel much inferior to Li Hao.
At the same age, he might not measure up, but the cultivation path is long, and martial artists who fight to the death don't really care about age.
Strength is strength, and weakness is weakness.
"I was just lucky", Li Hao said humbly.
"Clear Wind, you need to step up your game. With your Sword Technique Enlightenment, securing a spot to represent Canglan World shouldn't be too difficult", Night Ancestor said with a smile.
Li Hao nodded.
"Once your battle in Canglan World is over, I'll come to discuss the Art Dao with you", Zhantan told Li Hao.
"It doesn't necessarily have to wait until the end of the battle. Whenever I have free time, it's fine."
Li Hao knew this vice president, a Semi-Saint from Canglan World, and wasn't worried about the battle affecting him. On the contrary, discussing the Art Dao could enhance his understanding. If he reached the Tenth Rank, he might have a chance to Sacrifice Dao to Sagehood.
"Such a crucial battle should not affect you", Zhantan shook her head and said.
Li Hao replied, "It won't affect me. It's just a battle. If I lose, I lose; if I win, I win. If I only narrowly win here, there's no point in continuing."
"Tsk, with this level of awareness, no wonder you've achieved such a high level in the Art Dao by the age of thirty", Night Ancestor sighed.
"Spoken well. If it's not for the top spot on the Supreme Prodigy list, there's no point in participating", Green Ancestor nodded. Everyone in the room had once been prodigies and understood this pride, but to be so open-minded at this age was rare.
Zhantan was somewhat surprised. Although their conversation was brief, she sensed a detachment from fame and fortune in Li Hao, which was not forced but innate.
She narrowed her eyes and thought for a moment before saying, "Alright, since your goal is the top spot, I won't say anything more. In a few days, once your Wandering Ten Strong competition is over, I'll send someone to fetch you."
"Alright."
Li Hao nodded.
"Once I finish my current affairs, I'll also come to find you and see if your cooking is as amazing as you say. I hope you can treat me to a feast", White Ancestor said to Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled and agreed.
Night Ancestor and Green Ancestor also said they would come to cheer Li Hao on.
Qingjiu, hearing this, feigned hurt and said, "Why not come to cheer for me? You're so fickle!"
"Get lost. You're always exaggerating. With your strength, you're guaranteed to advance. I feel sorry for your opponents", Night Ancestor said irritably.
Qingjiu sighed, "I won't reveal my full strength until the finals."
"Finished, this kid is just showing off again", Green Ancestor said.
"Once he's done, we'll find him and give him a beating to show him what we old folks can do", Night Ancestor said.
Qingjiu: "..."
Seeing them chatting happily, Li Hao also smiled. After a few more words, he bid them farewell.
Once his thoughts returned to his body, Li Hao, having nothing to do in the courtyard, continued to accumulate Sculpture experience.
Two days later, the Wandering Ten Strong competition began.
This battle was highly anticipated, even though it was just a contest among wanderers from several dynasties. Making it to the top ten was no small feat, and they would all face off against the Holy Sons and Holy Maidens of the Three Holy Sites.
This battle would determine the ranking of the top ten. Li Hao was one of the favorites to win, and Chiguang was even more popular, with many experts from various factions recognizing his terrifying potential.
Li Qingyi and his group also arrived as promised, eager to witness this fierce competition. After all, this battle would give them a glimpse of the opponents they would soon face.
Compared to other holy lands, where they couldn't gather information, these wanderer battles were public, allowing them to see their opponents in advance.
In addition to Li Qingyi and his group, there were other figures in the crowd.
Lin Qingying, Bian Ruxue, Qiu Wuheng, and others from the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary also arrived. They were among the top ten and would represent their holy land in the competition for Canglan World's spots.
They were also here to gather intelligence on the other competitors. Moreover, Li Hao, who had defeated the Hao Yue Holy Son with a single sword strike, was participating. They knew he hadn't used his full strength in the previous battles, so they were curious if he would do the same in the top ten competition.
"That Chiguang is also quite terrifying."
Various pieces of information reached their ears. Apart from Li Hao, they also saw another extremely formidable figure, Chiguang. Like the Hao Yue Holy Son, he seemed to be in a league of his own compared to the other contestants.
"Mystic Power Enlightenment..."
In the crowd, the Hao Yue Holy Son, dressed in white and gold, had changed his appearance but still stood out like a crane among chickens, with a unique aura. He had also come to observe the battle.
(End of Chapter)
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