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Chapter 344: Buddhist Venerable Speaks Softly, Sole Sword Dao
Chapter 344: Buddhist Venerable Speaks Softly, Sole Sword Dao (Seeking Monthly Votes)
Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Chiguang raised an eyebrow, his smile fading as an intense Crimson Flame burst forth from his body:
"A Hundred Layers Dao Domain, it seems you're quite confident. I'll take you on right now and see how you plan to defeat me in one move!"
He leaped into the air, landing on the Battle Platform, ready to face Li Hao head-on.
The audience below erupted in gasps, wondering if the two top geniuses from the Divine Dynasties were about to clash right here and now.
Many eyes gleamed with anticipation.
At that moment, a Semi-Saint from the Buddhist Sect spoke up with a cold expression:
"Since this is a competition, there are rules. Please don't break them. If you wish to compete, you can do so after the official match or during the battle for first place. Right now, this is the Top Ten Contest. The winner must leave the Battle Platform!"
His voice boomed like a gong, resonating throughout the city.
The eardrums of a million people hummed, feeling the immense power of the Saint Path.
Chiguang's eyes turned cold, but the flames around him did not diminish. Feeling humiliated by Li Hao, he wanted to teach him a lesson right here.
Seeing that his words had no effect, the Semi-Saint from the Buddhist Sect's expression darkened. He moved swiftly, using the Return to the Abyss technique to flash onto the Battle Platform. His Dharma Image, draped in a robe, exuded solemnity as he looked down at Chiguang:
"Sir, please don't break the rules!"
Though his words were polite, his tone was stern, and his eyes glowed with the golden light of the Saint Path, like a golden flame.
Chiguang's expression changed as he felt the layers of power emanating from the other man, rising continuously. Realizing that the other party was determined to intervene, he knew it would be impossible to confront Li Hao forcefully.
"Hmph, I'll let you off for now!"
Chiguang's eyes flashed with cold light as he extinguished his flames and turned to leave the platform.
Li Hao, who was about to make his move, saw Chiguang retreat and let the Sword Dao in his palm dissipate. He turned and left the platform without a backward glance.
Their seats were close, but neither glanced at the other when they returned to the audience.
The Battle Platform rose into the air, and the Semi-Saint from the Buddhist Sect's expression softened. He glanced deeply at Li Hao, his eyes cold and stern, before returning to his original spot, sitting on the back of a green lion.
"Pity, we almost had a good show."
"A Hundred Layers Dao Domain, that Clear Wind is so arrogant, claiming he will definitely take first place. Can he really defeat Chiguang in one move? I wonder if it's true."
"Defeating Chiguang might be possible, but taking first place might be a stretch."
"He's a Demon Cultivator, right? He probably has more Demon Path techniques he hasn't shown yet. This can't be his full strength!"
"Just because he's called a Demon Cultivator, does that mean he is one? With such strength, why would he need to become a Demon Cultivator?"
Demon Cultivators are reviled in many worlds of the All Heavens, making it difficult to gather incense. For top geniuses, this is not necessarily a good thing.
Unless they come from minor worlds where the Demon Path is prevalent, where only the strong are revered and the weak are prey, and all things can be used according to the laws of nature, they might not care about the distinction between the righteous and the demonic.
"The words of the Buddhist Sect's Holy Son shouldn't be taken lightly."
"If he really is a Demon Cultivator, why would the Buddhist Venerable allow it?"
The audience buzzed with speculation, their eyes on Li Hao's identity. Many looked at the Buddhist Venerable, who was seated on a lotus platform.
If the Buddhist Sect's Holy Son could see that Li Hao was a Demon Cultivator, the Buddhist Venerable could certainly do the same. If he confirmed it, Li Hao's identity would be verified.
If he denied it, the Holy Son's accusation would be seen as a malicious slander.
The Buddhist Venerable clearly heard the discussions and felt the attention of the crowd. His expression remained calm, and he spoke gently:
"Though Clear Wind has fallen to the Demon Path, the Prodigious Battle of Canglan World is open to all. Even as a Demon Cultivator, he has the right to participate. I only hope that Clear Wind does not become too engrossed in this minor path. After the Prodigious Battle, if he wishes to join our Buddhist Sect, I will personally help him to be enlightened."
The crowd was stunned by the Buddhist Venerable's words. Many looked at Li Hao with disdain and contempt.
The Buddhist Venerable spoke personally, which was as good as ironclad proof.
A cold light flickered in Li Hao's eyes as he raised his head to meet the Venerable's gaze. Li Hao felt the Venerable's eyes were deep and profound, filled with boundless radiance, embodying both compassion and indifference.
Li Hao averted his gaze, his anger boiling within. The Venerable's words were clearly in favor of his own disciple. If the Venerable truly had the ability to discern, he would have seen that Li Hao was not a Demon Cultivator. On the contrary, Li Hao was liberating and saving those Slaughter Grievances, guiding them to a peaceful afterlife—a virtuous act that only someone with Divine Blood could accomplish.
He remained silent, knowing that arguing would be futile. The Sage's authority surpassed any words he could say. How could the world believe him over a Sage?
In this world, there must be evil to counterbalance good!
Even if they share the same origin.
Otherwise, how could one use good to gain benefits?
Fortunately, after being hunted by the Virtual Sage, Li Hao had already shattered his idealized view of Sages. He didn't feel overly reverent or disappointed, only angry.
Li Hao thought of Ying Xiaoxiao, who was known as a Demon Race member. She had long grown accustomed to it.
The Divine Race, once defamed in the Land of Sages, must have felt immense sorrow and indignation.
The truth no longer mattered; everything in this world revolved around self-interest.
Li Hao took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. He sensed that the Incense drifting around him was gradually diminishing. This Incense had been accumulated from the temples built for his city by Emperor Canghai.
Now, this Incense was waning.
He imagined that through the Realm Stone's projection, many people in the city were watching this battle and, upon hearing the Venerable's words, were losing their faith.
Very well, very well, very well... Cutting off Incense is no different from cutting off one's path!
Li Hao had heard that Sages fiercely competed for Incense. Now, even a slight experience of this power made him realize the Sage's authority. Since he was not a Sage, a single word from a Sage could cause his Incense to diminish. Only by becoming a Sage himself and engaging in open debate could he hope to compete for Incense.
Emperor Canghai had previously increased his Incense to that of 15 cities. In just a short while, it had dwindled to 10 cities and was still decreasing.
"Such a willing descent into depravity. Who will step forward to suppress this man?"
"Instead of following the righteous path, he chooses the evil way."
"Who knows how many innocent souls he has harmed."
The crowd below buzzed with discussion, and the princes and heirs all showed disdain. At this moment, anyone who condemned the Demon Path could assert their own righteousness.
Outside the crowd, Lin Qingying looked worried, hoping these words wouldn't affect Li Hao's mindset. She knew Li Hao, who spent his days playing chess and painting, a carefree and content person who didn't take cultivation seriously. How could he have fallen into the Demon Path?
However, once the Venerable spoke, unless another Sage defended Li Hao, his words were as good as law, set in stone.
"Who would have thought the Venerable would be like this..."
Outside the crowd, Lin Shanhai sighed softly, his eyes filled with disappointment and regret.
As one ages, one tends to believe in bright and noble things. He had always had a favorable view of the Buddhist Path, but he never imagined the Venerable would accuse Li Hao of being a Demon Cultivator.
The child had been with him for a year. He knew Li Hao's character well. How could he have been wrong?
"He really is a Demon Cultivator."
Li Qingyi and others looked shocked. As members of the Wenzu Holy Land, they despised the Demon Path. After all, they were scholars with a sense of righteousness. They never imagined Li Hao would truly be a Demon Cultivator.
In the Canglan World, where the Buddhist Sect held the highest respect, long-term teachings had instilled a deep disdain for the Demon Path. It was impossible not to be influenced.
"But looking at him, he doesn't seem like one, yet these are the Venerable's words..."
Li Qingyi's eyes wavered. Though he was unwilling to believe it, disappointment still showed in his gaze.
Lin Shuhai's expression remained unchanged, seemingly unaffected.
The Twin-Born Buddha Prince glanced at Li Hao, a faint smile playing on his lips.
In the Buddhist Hall, Wen Sheng and the Sword Saint exchanged meaningful glances with the Venerable but said nothing.
The Sword Saint's expression was indifferent. If Clear Wind, Huoyue, and Bian Ruxue were his direct disciples, he would have spoken up to clear their names.
But he had heard from the Sword Master that Li Hao was the disciple of a Supreme Sage, who had somehow ended up here.
As for the Demon Cultivator that the Buddhist Venerable mentioned... although Li Hao couldn't see it, he didn't believe it either.
After all, how could a Supreme Sage's Disciple let their own disciple fall into darkness? However, if the Buddhist Venerable's smear campaign led the opponent to return to his sect and eventually inherit the holy position, it would certainly lead to a great battle. For Li Hao, this would not be a bad thing.
The Buddhist Sect held too high a position in the Canglan World. If the Buddhist Sect were to fall, Li Hao and Wen Sheng could still compete. If the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary could take over even half of the Buddhist Sect's incense offerings, he would surely advance further, with a chance to challenge the Heavenly Tribulation and overcome the Three Calamities!
Amidst the various arguments in the arena, the crowd saw that Li Hao did not refute the accusations, which only made them more convinced.
Li Hao closed his eyes, no longer paying attention to the external gossip.
He quickly refined the Slaughter Grievance locked within his arms. The resentment inside emitted a fierce wailing, but under the influence of Divine Blood, it seemed to find a path to peace, and the resentment gradually dissipated.
The fifth match began, drawing everyone's attention back to the battlefield and the clash of prodigies.
One battle after another concluded, and by the end of the competition, people were completely engrossed in the subsequent matches. The top ten contestants of the Canglan World were finally decided.
With the advancement, the top ten all stepped forward onto the Battle Platform.
From this point on, these ten individuals would represent the Canglan World in the All Heavens' contest.
Apart from the audience below, countless gazes from the Canglan World focused on the ten people on the platform.
Li Hao felt a faint trace of incense wafting over, but the amount was minimal. This was incense offered spontaneously.
If not for the Buddhist Venerable, the fame he had gained from this battle would have attracted a large amount of incense.
Li Hao glanced at his arms, where all the Slaughter Grievance had been refined and absorbed.
Among the top ten, besides Li Hao, Lin Shuhai, and the Twin-Born Buddha Prince, there were three other disciples of the Buddhist Sect.
His acquaintance, Qiu Wuheng, had stopped short of the top ten, defeated by a Holy Son of the Buddhist Sect.
Su Yun from the Divine Dynasty Wanderers also failed to make it into the top ten.
"You are all outstanding individuals, and the true competition lies in the All Heavens' contest. Your struggles today will represent our Canglan World in the grand stage. I hope you will not tarnish the name of the Canglan World in the upcoming battles."
The Buddhist Venerable spoke calmly, "To avoid revealing some techniques prematurely, the top ten battles will end here. However, in literature, there is no first, but in martial arts, there is no second. Next, we will determine the number one prodigy of the Canglan World!"
"Only the first will be chosen. If you have the confidence to compete, you may participate. The rest can preserve their strength for the ultimate stage of the All Heavens' contest."
Upon hearing the Buddhist Venerable's words, everyone was surprised, but they soon understood.
This made sense; the current battles were to select the top ten prodigies of the Canglan World, who would then compete against the All Heavens. It was akin to an internal competition.
Since it was an internal competition, there was no need to fight too fiercely.
Wen Sheng and the Sword Saint looked calm, both seeing through the Buddhist Venerable's intentions. The Hundred Cities' Incense had been prepared for the Twin-Born Buddha Prince, and the Buddhist Venerable had paved the way for his disciple.
By selecting only the first, without second or third, the first position was virtually predetermined.
This way, once the battle was over, all attention would be on the Twin-Born Buddha Prince, while the others would fade into obscurity.
"Buddhist Venerable, this seems a bit excessive."
The Sword Saint said softly. Although he didn't expect Hao Yue Holy Son to gain fame through this, he knew that in the All Heavens' contest, Hao Yue might not even make the top ten. However, he was reluctant to see Hao Yue's potential overshadowed in the Canglan World.
The Buddhist Venerable replied gently, "Both of your disciples can also compete for the first position. Let the outcome be decided by their skills. All beings are equal, and the Sword Saint's Cultivation Path of All Beings should understand this."
The Sword Saint's face grew slightly cold. The Buddhist Venerable's words implied that they could also compete, but it all depended on their own abilities.
Wen Sheng glanced at the Buddhist Venerable with a faint smile but said nothing.
Seeing that Wen Sheng didn't refute him, the Sword Saint frowned, sighed inwardly, and said no more.
How much he reveals will depend on Bright Moon's own capabilities.
Regardless, the greatest gain from this battle is Bian Ruxue's enlightenment, her Sword Intent reaching Perfection. If she can grasp the Dao through this, it will surpass this fleeting glory.
After all, the path of cultivation is extremely long, and a temporary setback means nothing.
"Very well, this saves us the trouble. I only want first place; the rest mean nothing to me!"
Chiguang was quite pleased with the Venerable's words. As he spoke, his eyes glanced at the Twin-Born Buddha Prince. Seeing that the other wasn't looking at him but at Clear Wind beside him, he raised an eyebrow, then his gaze fell on Li Hao.
"It's time to take back your big talk!"
Chiguang said to Li Hao, his expression indifferent, exuding an air of superiority.
Li Hao ignored him; the other wasn't even in his sights.
"If you wish to vie for first place, step up. The rest, step down for now."
A Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint declared loudly.
The ten people looked at each other, but no one stepped down. The three Buddhist Sect Holy Sons glanced at Li Hao, and one of them said:
"We cultivate our hearts and minds; we have no interest in vying for first place. We only wish to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path!"
"Indeed, if you are a Demon Cultivator, you should return to your place among the Demon Cultivators!"
"Chanting scriptures and practicing the Dharma is only to eliminate demons and purify the world. Even if I am not first, this Demon Path practitioner will not be allowed to claim the top spot!"
The three Buddhist Sect Holy Sons glared at Li Hao, their bodies radiating Buddhist Light.
Hearing this, Li Hao felt a bit amused. He wasn't sure if they were truly too deep in their sutras or had ulterior motives. He replied:
"There's no need for more talk. Come at me together. Since you say I am of the Demon Path, you'd better not lose to me, or what scriptures do you chant, and what Buddhas do you cultivate?!"
Hearing Li Hao's words, the three were shocked and furious. They didn't expect Li Hao to be so arrogant. They were among the top ten, the best among the Holy Sons, and yet Li Hao was looking down on them.
"You're mine."
Chiguang said to Li Hao.
Li Hao gave him a cold, disdainful look and said, "You can join them. One more won't make a difference!"
Chiguang was taken aback, his cold smile turning into a grim expression. "This time, even a Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint's intervention won't save you!"
As he spoke, fiery light erupted from his body, the temperature on the Battle Platform rising sharply.
The Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint looked somewhat helpless. These guys were so arrogant, ready to fight without any regard for rules or decorum.
Lin Shuhai smiled slightly but said nothing. He turned and flew off the platform, yielding it to Li Hao.
Seeing this, the others also stepped down, not interfering in the confrontation.
However, Lin Qingying's figure flickered, and she stood beside Li Hao, sword in hand, ready to face the challenge with him.
Li Hao glanced at her and whispered, "Leave, don't let me drag you down."
"So what if I'm a Demon Cultivator? What if I truly cultivate with you?"
Lin Qingying held her sword, her eyes fixed on the three Buddhist Sect Holy Sons.
Hearing her words, the three Holy Sons' faces changed. Lin Qingying was different from Li Hao; she was the Holy Maiden of the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary, backed by a Holy Land sect.
Li Hao was moved by her words and looked at her. In the midst of the searing flames, her hair danced, and her eyes were bright and resolute.
Her breathtaking beauty was etched deeply in Li Hao's eyes. He looked at her seriously, then lowered his head and spoke to the Xiyan on his wrist:
"Go back to the Heavenly Earth Space."
Xiyan realized a major battle was coming and said to Li Hao, "Be careful."
She quickly returned to the Spatial Rift Li Hao had opened for her, knowing she would only be a burden if she stayed.
Now, Li Hao raised his head and looked at the three Buddhist Sect Holy Sons and Chiguang, who was engulfed in Crimson Flames like a fiery deity. A faint smile appeared on his lips:
"It seems I've given you too much, and you don't know how to cherish it."
"Nonsense, what have you ever given us?"
One of the Buddhist Sect Holy Sons said angrily.
Li Hao reached into the Heavenly Earth Space and pulled out the pitch-black Achievement, saying:
"I've given you too much face!"
As he spoke, the Heaven-Earth Meridian appeared behind him, towering like a pillar to the heavens, enveloping the entire Battle Platform in its aura.
It then drew power fiercely. Li Hao's body, cultivated to the Divine Blood stage, could contain more power than others at the same level, so the Heaven-Earth Meridian's power absorption was even more vast. A tangible energy storm swirled around Li Hao, encircling the young man's body.
Seeing such a terrifying scene, everyone was stunned.
It was the same Heaven-Earth Meridian, Second Ultimate Realm, but the Phenomena Li Hao displayed were even more majestic and awe-inspiring.
Chiguang narrowed his eyes, his expression turning serious. "Come on, let me see what you've got!"
He stood in the fiery domain, surrounded by flames, and a faint Phoenix Shadow could be seen. In his hand appeared a golden spear, forged from molten lava, with cracks in the golden patterns.
"I didn't let you experience my true techniques earlier, but now it's time for you to see them!"
Golden flames erupted from Chiguang's eyes, and the spear shaft bloomed with Ultimate flame light, a brilliant and dazzling blaze that seemed to coalesce into a divine sun at the spear tip, capable of burning everything to ashes.
"Chiguang's Spear Technique has reached Enlightenment!"
"What a terrifying Spear Intent! Even outside the array, I feel like I'm being ignited, my body burning with heat."
"What kind of spear art is this? I feel like I'm sweating all over!"
Through the Realm Stone, countless martial artists from the dozens of Divine Dynasties in the entire Canglan World saw the divine spear reflected in the clouds above their heads. The mere sight of it made their eyes feel scorched, and their blood seemed to boil.
Just a hint of the Spear Intent emanating from the spear art was so terrifying; it was unimaginable how one could resist facing the spear directly.
Lin Qingying's face turned slightly pale. She hadn't expected Chiguang's Spear Technique Enlightenment to be so terrifying. She felt a burning sensation all over her body, flames flickering in her mind. She struggled to control herself, recalling Li Hao's earlier words, and placing herself in a state of nothingness, barely managing to withstand it.
But she was only at the level of "intent", and if Chiguang were to strike, she would surely be unable to defend herself.
"This Chiguang is terrifying!"
Behind Chiguang, the three Holy Sons of the Buddhist Sect also changed their expressions, not expecting this dark horse to be so formidable, with combat power far exceeding their own.
Lin Shuhai, watching from the audience, his eyes flickered, and his smile faded slightly.
On the stage, Li Hao's gaze remained as cold as ice, showing no change.
He raised his hand, and his entire aura shifted. The disguise he had been hiding behind seemed to be torn away, revealing his true self.
A black sword, radiating power that split the void, appeared in his hand.
"Huh?!"
Seeing the terrifying Dao Resonance emanating from Li Hao's sword, Chiguang, who had been full of confidence, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, a sense of unease.
Bang!
Li Hao wasted no words, swinging his sword abruptly.
Sole Self, Sword Dao!
At that moment, he was wielding his own Sword Dao.
Wherever his gaze fell, wherever his intent reached, everything was severed!
What kind of sword was this?
A black sword beam erupted from the Battle Platform, and wherever the sword beam sliced, the void split, forming black cracks, tearing through space!
The surrounding fiery domain was completely annihilated, and even the heat in the air was instantly extinguished, turning into a cold domain.
The sword beam was invincible!
Chiguang's pupils contracted, feeling a terrifying splitting force. His body hair stood on end, and his blood boiled.
He felt the terrifying pressure of life and death, and couldn't help but roar, his hair flying wildly. "Break!!"
Divine light erupted from the spear, the Ultimate Flame Path burning everything to ashes.
The scorching firelight, accompanied by the ancient Phoenix's cry, made people's minds tremble. Even those watching through the Realm Stone felt the Phoenix's cry, their minds shaking, and some felt disoriented.
However, this infinitely powerful spear strike, in the face of the sweeping black cracks, melted like ice and snow, rapidly disintegrating and collapsing.
The sword beam, unimpeded, instantly tore through the Battle Platform, extinguishing Chiguang's spear art and severing his divine spear, then slicing across his shoulder, tearing off his arm, and striking the array.
The array on the Battle Platform, condensed by a Semi-Saint, now trembled and shook, and then suddenly split, forming a large hole!
In the Buddhist Hall, the Buddhist Venerable's eyes glinted, and he pressed a finger down, suppressing the Sword Qi that had torn through the array with a Buddhist Light seal, causing it to slowly dissipate.
Through the Realm Stone, countless spectators across the entire Canglan World felt as if their pupils were being cut, experiencing intense pain.
Many people clutched their eyes, screaming in agony.
That one sword could cut through everything, including the gaze of those watching!
This was Li Hao's true Sword Dao, the Sole Sword Dao!
One sword out, and in the heavens and the earth, only my sword remains, all else is destroyed!
(End of Chapter)
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