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Chapter 348: Sole Self, Supreme!
Chapter 348: Sole Self, Supreme!
In the Buddhist Hall, an Ice and Snow Phenomenon appeared, the air seeming to freeze, scattering frost flowers.
Bian Ruxue slowly opened her eyes. Her clear and bright gaze was as cold as a snow-capped mountain, devoid of any emotion or impurity.
She had just undergone a profound enlightenment, severing her emotions and cutting ties with her past, including the childhood companion who had once been close to her heart.
Although she had once said that she would marry him if he agreed to a union, she would only do so after achieving perfection in her Sword Dao, as raising children would be a time-consuming and energy-draining task.
Despite choosing the path of the Sword, she had always felt a sense of guilt toward her childhood companion.
Now, she had severed even these deep-seated feelings of guilt and longing.
She knew that if she did not sever them, she could not reach the pinnacle.
He had said that once she reached the peak, she should look upon the true summit of the Sword Dao and then inform him of its brilliance.
She had the same thought, but now, she had cut even this idea from her mind.
By freezing her Dao Heart and then breaking it open, she could achieve the emotionless Sword Dao she had just comprehended.
Indeed, her Sword Dao had evolved from the original Ice and Snow Sword Intent.
The ultimate state of Ice and Snow is freezing and shattering, where all things have emotions, but Ice and Snow are devoid of them, burying everything and suppressing the spring, causing Heaven and Earth to tremble.
Her Sword Dao was the same.
At this moment, her gaze was calm and cold. Reflecting on the Sun and Moon Sword Dao of Hao Yue, the Holy Son, she felt a sense of "nothing more than this."
Though the sun and moon can illuminate all things, all things can be severed from emotion and shattered!
She even felt that her Master, Sword Saint's Sword Dao, was not perfect. The Path of All Beings, while formidable, shares a common trait: emotion.
All creatures, from birds to beasts, have emotions, and emotions create cracks. These cracks are the paths her sword can take, the places where light can penetrate, and the directions her sword can extend!
"Hmm?"
Sword Saint sensed Bian Ruxue's awakening and noticed a profound change in her that he could not fully grasp.
However, enlightenment is unpredictable. Some people achieve greatness late in life, living an ordinary existence for decades before suddenly gaining enlightenment, touching the Sage's Will, and undergoing a dramatic transformation.
"Thank you, Master."
Bian Ruxue surveyed her surroundings. She was floating above the Buddhist Hall, and she remembered being defeated and returning to the platform below, where she had undergone her enlightenment. It seemed her Master had protected her to prevent any interference.
She nodded slightly, her words of gratitude spoken with a calm gaze.
Although she was cultivating an emotionless Sword Dao, she still acknowledged this sentiment. How and when she would repay it was up to her own discretion.
Sword Saint shook his head slightly, glanced at her, and said nothing.
Wen Sheng glanced at the girl and noticed that her enlightenment had elevated her to the pinnacle of Prodigies. Unfortunately, her enlightenment came too late, and she would not participate in this Supreme Prodigy Battle.
He withdrew his gaze and looked at the Buddhist Venerable, who had congratulated Sword Saint and now watched the arena with a serene expression, like an unmoving Buddha.
This was a silent approval for the Buddhist Sect's Semi-Saint to take action and suppress the young man.
Wen Sheng felt a twinge of regret. Such a prodigy, though sharp and brilliant, was entirely normal. Who among the young is not spirited? How could they be young without such vigor?
Especially when wronged and slandered as a Demon Path practitioner, it was only natural for him to feel such wrath. If he were to fear the Sage's authority and be meek, his Dao Heart would be tainted, making it difficult for him to achieve greatness.
At this moment, on the Battle Platform, Jue Ming was enveloped in Buddhist Light, radiant and transparent.
He projected a Golden Statue Dharma Image, which was solemn and dignified, like an upright Arhat, looking down upon Li Hao.
With a wave of his hand, an array condensed, and the Battle Platform was sealed.
Seeing this, the crowd below grew tense, realizing that the Buddhist Sect's Semi-Saint was about to take serious action, ready to personally confront and discipline Hao Tian.
“What are you doing?!”
“Stop!”
“A grand Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint, would you really bully the young? Shameless!”
“He is the top prodigy of Canglan World, having just claimed this supreme achievement. You want to suppress him and affect his incense? Don’t you find that shameful?!”
In the audience, Zhantan and the Night Ancestor, among others, were shocked and furious, shouting loudly.
They hadn’t expected the other side to actually target Li Hao, and the Buddhist Venerable did nothing to stop it. If this were any other minor world, winning the quota battle would be a monumental achievement, a sign of outstanding talent. The victor would represent the entire minor world in the All Heavens contest, a great mission and a great honor!
Instead, just after defeating his opponent and claiming first place, he was met with suppression from his own world’s Holy Land. It was infuriating.
As they spoke up for justice, they also revealed their Saint Path prototype powers, radiating the aura and dignity of Semi-Saints. They shone like stars in the crowd of millions, drawing everyone’s attention.
Seeing several Semi-Saints speak up for Li Hao, the crowd was taken aback and turned to look.
“So many Semi-Saints!”
“Are these Semi-Saints speaking for Hao Tian?”
“This Hao Tian has some deep connections, to have so many Semi-Saints plead on his behalf.”
“It’s possible these Semi-Saints don’t even know Hao Tian, just speaking up for what’s right. I think the Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint went too far, it’s bullying the young!”
“You’re right, besides, the Buddhist Disciple didn’t even admit defeat. Getting beaten is only natural.”
“What are you thinking, defending that demon? No matter how strong he is, if he can defeat a Buddhist Disciple, he should do it cleanly. Why humiliate him? The Buddhist Disciple’s cultivation is already difficult, suppressing the Heart Demon from birth, facing countless tribulations, and now this humiliation?”
“You’re right, don’t forget that the Buddhist Disciple is the Reincarnation of a Sage. He’s being beaten by a Sage!”
“Aren’t you contradicting yourself? If the Buddhist Disciple is the Reincarnation of a Sage, then Hao Tian, who can defeat him, must also be a Reincarnation of a Sage. Sage fighting Sage, who are we to judge? By your logic, the Buddhist Sect Semi-Saint trying to discipline Hao Tian is like a Semi-Saint disciplining a Sage!”
Not just in the audience, but throughout Canglan World, people were discussing the matter.
Initially, when Jue Ming wanted to discipline Li Hao for defying the Sage’s Will, no one thought it was wrong. But now, with many Semi-Saints speaking up for Hao Tian, many people were coming to their senses.
Regardless of whether he was a demon cultivator, he was already the strongest prodigy in Canglan World!
As the top prodigy among dozens of dynasties and the Three Great Holy Lands, to be disciplined at this moment of glory was nothing short of a humiliation!
Seeing the crowd’s murmurs, many Buddhist Sect disciples joined in, loudly condemning and defending their side.
Li Hao heard the angry shouts in his defense and recognized Zhantan’s cold, sharp voice. He looked over and saw the beautiful face, always smiling, now cold and furious. His heart warmed.
Besides Zhantan, Li Hao also saw the Night Ancestor, Green Ancestor, and three other Flower Touring Society Semi-Saints speaking up for him.
He couldn’t help but smile.
In times of triumph, one should enjoy it. He had lived a life of wandering and battles, but always found a few true friends. How fortunate was that?
“Still smiling? This is the Buddhist Sect’s Holy Land, and no one can protect you!”
Seeing Li Hao’s smile, Jue Ming’s face turned icy. Suddenly, the Golden Statue Dharma Image behind him raised its palm and slammed down, suppressing Li Hao.
In his palm, the six-character mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” glowed with a burning Golden Light, as if it could suppress everything.
Li Hao's gaze shifted from the audience, focusing on the enormous palm that seemed to envelop the entire Battle Platform. A cold light flickered in his eyes.
Zhantan, Green Ancestor, and others all changed color, shouting in anger.
Countless spectators held their breath, witnessing the Semi-Saint's move to suppress the extraordinary young man.
At that moment, a brilliant black light erupted. The sword in Li Hao's hand radiated intense Sword Qi, its momentum surging like a black inferno along the blade.
He lifted his head, eyes cold, and swung his sword!
A decisive and furious strike.
In the Eternal Dao Domain, numerous Sword Qi converged, blending the various Sword Dao principles Li Hao had comprehended into a single, Sovereign Self!
Heaven and Earth seemed to dim, the sun and moon losing their light as the ultimate strike was unleashed.
With a resounding boom!
The entire world trembled, countless lights intertwining, and various Sword Dao auras surged.
Ultimately, all phenomena converged into a single streak of black yet dazzling Sword Light, slicing through everything!
With another boom!
The golden Buddhist Palm exploded, the six-character mantra within shattering. The surging Sword Intent tore through the void, seemingly severing time itself for a moment!
"How is this possible?!"
Jue Ming's pupils contracted, his eyes filled with shock. The Holy Dao Will within his Saint Path prototype had been cut apart by that single sword strike!
What a radiant and powerful strike!
It sent everything flying, including the massive Golden Statue behind Jue Ming, which was severed. The array outside the Battle Platform was also torn apart.
"This Sword Dao..."
Bian Ruxue, who had just completed her enlightenment, saw this scene. Her serene and calm eyes narrowed slightly.
In that single strike, she seemed to see the condensed shadows of countless Sword Dao principles, all compressed into that one strike.
With the sword out, there was only the sword's glow, Sovereign Self, supreme!
As she was stunned and her heart shaken, Jue Ming on the platform bore the brunt of the strike. The Sword Dao, empowered by the full might of the Eternal Dao Domain, split the Buddhist Palm, severed his Dharma Image, and cut his own hand, severing his fingers!
Blood splattered, and the terrifying sword might forced him to retreat several steps. Seeing this, the arguments below instantly fell silent.
A single sword strike to defeat a Semi-Saint!
This was almost too incredible!
Countless people in the Canglan World, watching the scene reflected in the clouds, were stunned and dazed.
This scene exceeded their imagination, surpassing their limits of understanding. To defeat a Semi-Saint with only the Enlightened Realm was simply beyond belief!
Although a Semi-Saint is not a Sage, they are still considered holy, awaiting only the accumulation of incense to ascend.
Many, despite the pain in their eyes, strained to focus on the scene on the Battle Platform, unwilling to miss a single detail.
Below the platform, Lin Qingying, Zhantan, and others, who were full of worry, were stunned, then felt a sense of shock.
While Li Hao had previously defeated the Buddhist Disciple, displaying incredible power, no one expected him to be able to contend with a Semi-Saint. After all, Li Hao lacked the Saint Path power, yet he had defeated the opponent, indicating that his own reserves were terrifying, his power monstrous, leading to a qualitative change from quantitative accumulation.
"He hasn't even used his Heavenly Dharma Image yet!"
Suddenly, someone in the audience realized something, speaking in a voice that sounded like a scream.
This realization sent shivers down many spines, making their blood boil and freeze simultaneously.
Achieving such strength, it was impossible not to have reached the Third Extreme Realm, indicating that the opponent still had reserves!
"This is just too exaggerated!"
"Where did this Hao Tian come from? Which school, which sect, which Supreme Sage's disciple?!"
"With such strength, he might even stand a chance to win first place in the All Heavens Competition!"
“First place I can’t promise, but being in the top ten is a sure thing!!”
The crowd erupted in excitement.
Making it into the top ten of the All Heavens Campaign means that Canglan World will have a representative to fight for its fate, boosting the energy concentration throughout the entire world. This is a matter that benefits countless martial artists in Canglan World!
“Hao Tian…… Hao Tian?!”
Bian Ruxue heard the familiar name amidst the excited shouts.
Her mind immediately conjured the image of that young man, resolutely stepping out of the Divine General Manor on a snowy day, his back turned to the grandeur and splendor he was leaving behind.
He had forsaken one of the most prestigious and illustrious surnames in the divine imperial court, calling himself Hao Tian. Was it just a coincidence, or was it the same person?
Bian Ruxue narrowed her eyes, and the more she looked, the more she felt a faint resemblance.
But the aura he emitted was completely unfamiliar.
She knew the aura and scent of that childhood figure all too well; there was no way she could be mistaken. It couldn’t be the same person.
But why would he have the same name?
She stared at him intently, suddenly feeling an urge to approach him.
“You!”
Jue Ming glared at Li Hao, furious. Although he hadn’t used his ultimate strength, he had still exerted ninety percent of his power, yet he was still thwarted by Li Hao. Was this the confidence he had?
“It seems my demon path is too deep, even a Semi-Saint can’t subdue me.”
Li Hao casually held his sword, speaking coldly.
His words carried a touch of mockery and sarcasm, as if he were voicing Jue Ming’s thoughts.
Hearing Li Hao’s taunt, Jue Ming’s face turned ashen, and he was tempted to attack again. But that would be too embarrassing. He had intended to suppress Li Hao with a single move, making it look easy, and showing everyone his humiliation. Instead, he was the one being suppressed.
If he attacked again and lost, the Buddhist Sect would lose face.
Demon path? Regardless of the path, someone at the Enlightened Realm defeating a Semi-Saint was like proclaiming that the divine powers of the demon path were vast, and that cultivating demons could lead to enlightenment and the ability to fight Semi-Saints!
Jue Ming felt humiliated, standing on the stage with his thoughts racing, trying to salvage the Buddhist Sect’s reputation.
Li Hao seemed to read his mind and said coolly,
“Aren’t you going to continue the lesson? Your Buddhist disciple is still napping under my foot.”
When he had struck, Li Hao’s foot hadn’t moved from the Twin-Born Buddha Prince’s head. Instead, the force of his strike had pressed his foot down harder, almost cracking the Twin-Born Buddha Prince’s skull.
Hearing Li Hao’s words, many in the crowd almost burst out laughing.
Being stepped on and covered in dirt, unable to speak, and calling it napping?
Jue Ming’s face darkened, and the many Buddhist disciples below also turned ashen, feeling a deep sense of humiliation and frustration.
The Twin-Born Buddha Prince, once so dazzling and awe-inspiring, was now thoroughly humiliated by Li Hao. The air of nobility he once possessed was gone, and it was heartbreaking to watch.
“I heard you come from the Mortal World, right? You just arrived in the Land of Sages and have already provoked a Sage from the Void Sacred Land. Your arrogance today will lead to your downfall tomorrow!”
Jue Ming’s thoughts settled, and he spoke coldly, his words laced with a hidden threat.
Li Hao’s eyes turned cold, surprised that his actions were known to the other party.
“What does Jue Ming Semi-Saint mean by that?”
“This prodigy is from the Mortal World?”
“Saying he offended a Sage from the Void Sacred Land, what does that mean? He must have hidden his identity, suggesting a secret past.”
The crowd was astonished by Jue Ming’s words. While they had suspected that Li Hao was hiding something under the pseudonym ‘Clear Wind,’ they hadn’t expected him to be from the Mortal World.
Many of the princes and prodigies present were from families that had long been rooted in the Land of Sages. To them, the Mortal World was a place of meager energy, akin to a small village in the countryside.
Bian Ruxue, upon hearing Jue Ming’s words, felt a chill run down her spine, her entire body tingling.
Jue Ming, hearing the murmurs, his eyes turned cold, and he shouted,
“This demon, ten years ago, when Cloud Mist World gave the Mortal World a chance to select prodigies for discipleship, his character was deemed unsuitable. A Sage from the Void Sacred Land took action to eliminate him, but perhaps out of mercy, he allowed him to escape.”
These words sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Zhantan and Green Ancestor, among others, had grim expressions. When they had discussed the "Hao Tian" Monster earlier, they couldn't help but sigh and lament.
But now, learning that Clear Wind was that Hao Tian, they were left with nothing but surprise and joy.
The incident had been widely talked about, and everyone knew the details. It was clear that there was a personal grudge, and the Sage of the Void Sacred Land had tried to eliminate this Monster who had cultivated to the Sixth Extreme Realm. Yet, in the Sage's mouth, it was all about poor character.
As a Semi-Saint, Jue Ming's words carried significant weight and authority. When he mentioned the Sage's involvement, it left many in the audience stunned, their eyes filled with shock and suspicion as they looked at the young man.
Lin Qingying stared blankly, having been in the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary cultivating and not particularly interested in outside affairs. Only now did she understand why she had found Li Hao severely injured and unconscious back then.
He had actually escaped from the Sage of the Void Sacred Land!
A Sage, no less, had targeted an Enlightened Realm cultivator, and Li Hao had managed to escape!
"Is this the incident from ten years ago? I seem to recall a Mortal World Monster coming to the Land of Sages and offending a Sage, who then executed him."
"I heard it wasn't an offense, but rather that he had offended the Sage's disciple."
"I also heard that another Holy Land wanted to take him as a disciple, leading to a conflict between the two Holy Lands. In the end, the Sage took action and killed the Monster. I never thought it would be him!"
Many in the audience, who were well-informed, now recalled the incident and looked at Li Hao with shock.
Although the event had taken place in the Cloud Mist World, the news of a Mortal World Monster reaching the Sixth Extreme Realm had still attracted significant attention and had spread in a limited circle within All Heavens. Most people, however, were unaware of the details.
"So, this is that Hao Tian!"
"It's been so long, I had forgotten his name. He's the Mortal World Monster? No wonder he isn't from one of the Three Great Holy Lands of Canglan World. He's from the Mortal World!"
As these discussions spread, more people eagerly inquired, and upon learning the secret from ten years ago, they were all taken aback.
The mention of the incident from ten years ago made Li Hao's face turn cold. The other party was trying to use the Sage's name to pin the blame on him.
No one dared to comment on a Sage's actions, but if a Sage targeted a Dao Law Realm cultivator, it was assumed to be the Dao Law Realm cultivator's fault. Otherwise, why would a Sage bully such a mere ant?
This kind of bandit logic was infuriating, yet undeniably realistic.
"He comes from the Mortal World and wasn't raised in the Land of Sages?"
Hao Yue Holy Son and Lin Shuhai, among other prodigies, focused on this point, their eyes wide with surprise.
They all knew that cultivation in the Mortal World was slow, with a hundred years of cultivation there equating to just ten years in the Land of Sages.
Yet, Li Hao was now competing on equal footing with them. If you considered the time difference, it was truly monstrous!
"Coming from the Mortal World, he managed to win the top spot in Canglan World's quota battle?"
"Even a Buddhist Disciple and a Sage Reincarnation were defeated. Has something unusual happened in the Mortal World to produce such a Monster?"
"Too exaggerated. How did he manage to offend a Sage and still survive?"
The audience buzzed with intense discussion.
Jue Ming's face remained cold as he stared at Li Hao, refraining from further action. His earlier intervention for the Twin-Born Buddha Prince had been to save face for the Buddhist Sect. Continuing to engage Li Hao now could result in a loss, and although he still had some trump cards, Li Hao's sword had truly left him shaken.
(End of Chapter)
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