https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-417-Physical-Body-Destroyed-Divine-Yang-Takes-Refuge-Part-2-/13451640/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-419-Transcending-the-Mundane-and-Entering-the-Sacred-Sword-Dao-Level-Ten-Part-1-/13451655/
Chapter 418: Anger
Chapter 418: Anger
Seeing Li Hao return unharmed, Feng Boping felt a mix of excitement and relief.
Battling a True Immortal and surviving was already a miracle. The fact that Li Hao's Physical Body was destroyed only highlighted the peril and difficulty of the encounter.
"It's good you're safe, good you're safe. Don't take such risks next time!"
"Understood."
Li Hao nodded, sensing Feng Boping's agitated mood. He felt a tinge of guilt. "I'm sorry for worrying everyone."
"You're thinking about that now? It's enough that you're back." The Sword Master's face broke into a rare smile.
The Lying Heaven Sage walked over and pinched Li Hao's arm. "You really gave us a scare this time. Old Wind almost cried. The last time I saw him like that was when he was expelled from the sect..."
At this, she suddenly remembered that Master Mivu Supreme Sage was still with them and turned to him with a playful smile.
Mivu Supreme Sage smiled bitterly. "Back then, it was indeed my fault..."
"It's all in the past. I just said it without thinking." The Lying Heaven Sage quickly added.
Feng Boping gave her a sidelong glance. Although the past was a sore spot for him and the others, their trip to the Void Transcendent Heaven had somewhat healed those wounds.
As they chatted, the other sages slowly approached.
"Heavenly Venerated Hao, it's good you're safe."
Fame Sage's eyes sparkled with joy at seeing Li Hao return alive. He had feared that Li Hao would meet the same fate as the Primordial Ancestor and the god king, sacrificing himself to cover their retreat. The loss of another of humanity's strongest warriors would have been devastating. But Li Hao had managed to escape the True Immortal ancient demon, a feat that bordered on the miraculous.
Moreover, this seemed to suggest that Li Hao was even stronger than the Primordial Ancestor and the god king!
This was a shocking revelation. The young man had repeatedly defied expectations, showcasing his prowess during the Supreme Young Hero Battle and achieving sagehood without incense.
"What about that ancient demon?"
Law Sage, though relieved that Li Hao had returned, couldn't help but think about the True Immortal ancient demon.
Everyone's attention turned to Li Hao, their eyes filled with concern.
"I couldn't kill it. It destroyed my Physical Body in an instant. I barely managed to escape and shake it off before reaching here. Now, that ancient demon is either searching the All Heavens for me or... in the Massacre."
The mention of "Massacre" caused the Holy Capital sages to pale. Their fists clenched, not out of anger but out of deep shame.
Although they had anticipated that, without their support, the ancient demon would wreak havoc in the All Heavens, causing widespread suffering, the realization that it was actually happening filled them with a creeping unease and discomfort.
Faced with the sages' silence, Li Hao said nothing more about blame or accusation. The damage was done, and any words now would be futile. Perhaps if he had stayed to defend the Immortal Gate himself, he could have prevented the sages' actions.
He felt a sense of regret, glancing around the Holy Land and seeing many Dayu Commoners.
He could identify them by their distinctive clothing, which varied among the numerous Divine Dynasties of the All Heavens. Each Dynasty's attire and appearance reflected their unique beliefs and had a profound impact on every aspect of their lives.
"Given the circumstances, this was to be expected."
Feng Boping's expression turned cold as he glanced at the other sages. Worried that Li Hao might rush out again, he said, "Don't think too much about it. We're here to take refuge and rest. In ten years, with your potential, you'll undoubtedly reach a new level, perhaps even Supreme Sage. By then, with the Military Sage's formations, you might stand a chance against that True Immortal ancient demon."
He also learned about the Military Formation from the other Sages. They had all initially assumed that Li Hao would die along with the Primordial Ancestor and the god king, and were even considering choosing another to serve as the focal point of the Military Formation.
Hearing Feng Boping’s words, the Sages snapped back to reality and immediately understood his thoughts. Several of them quickly began to persuade him.
The others remained silent, finding it difficult to speak.
After all, it was their mistake that had brought calamity upon the Ten Thousand Realms, an unjust disaster. Now, they were trying to persuade Li Hao to abandon them. If not for the belief that this was for the greater good, their Dao Hearts would have crumbled with shame.
"That’s right, you’ve only been cultivating for less than thirty years, and you’ve already become a Sage. You’ve slain the old Three Calamities, and after spending twelve years on the ancient path, you’ve surpassed the Primordial Ancestor and the god king. You even managed to escape from a True Immortal. If you cultivate for another ten years, you might truly be able to contend with a True Immortal."
Fame Sage hurriedly added, his eyes burning with intense hope and confidence.
The young man before them was undoubtedly the most monstrous prodigy in the history of All Heavens. A Sage at thirty was already astounding, but they could just about accept it. However, the idea that he could surpass the Primordial Ancestor in just twelve short years, with such a rapid ascent, was truly mind-boggling.
Li Hao nodded, agreeing with their assessment.
In this refuge, he continued to refine his Artistic Skills. Although there was no Heaven and Earth Energy here, making cultivation impossible, his cultivation state did not require a great deal of Heaven and Earth Energy. The key was his mindset.
If he devoted himself fully for ten years, Li Hao was confident he could defeat a True Immortal.
"Hmm."
Li Hao nodded, indicating his agreement with their words.
The Sages felt a sense of relief, mixed with anticipation and fervor. It seemed they could once again glimpse a glimmer of hope.
If they could give this young man another ten years, would he continue to create miracles?
Thinking of Li Hao’s monstrous talent, the Sages felt a faint glimmer of hope, small though it was, it was hope nonetheless!
"Outside this Holy Land, there are many barriers. What are these…?"
At that moment, Li Hao noticed the barriers surrounding the Holy Land, feeling somewhat surprised.
"The passage of time has been too long, and the Immortal Divine Relic is damaged. Destructive divine yang powers are seeping in, so we must use barriers to block them. With our combined power and that of the other Sages, we can only sustain this for ten years."
Fox Lord explained to Li Hao, her eyes filled with a complex expression. The memories of Little White Fox from the Mortal World had been integrated into her True Self, becoming a part of her, like a dream. But now, the figures in this dream were becoming increasingly clear and familiar.
In the Mortal World, he had defended a lonely city, and now, he had nearly perished for the sake of All Heavens.
"Damaged?"
Li Hao was taken aback, his gaze scanning the barriers outside the Holy Land. He immediately saw that destructive powers were indeed seeping through, colliding with the barriers.
Li Hao now understood why they had said it would only last ten years. This refuge could only hold out for that long.
However, ten years was more than enough for him.
"During these ten years, whatever method Heavenly Venerated Hao wishes to cultivate, we will do our utmost to assist. If you need anything from us, just let us know."
Fame Sage spoke earnestly to Li Hao. "Whether it’s Heaven and Earth Treasures or other divine medicines, if we have them, we will provide them."
As he spoke, he looked at the other Sages and said, "Now, if any of you have divine medicines that can aid cultivation, I hope you will contribute them. If we can survive this calamity, I will remember your kindness and repay it in the future."
"Fame Sage, you make it sound so formal. There’s no need for repayment. If not for Heavenly Venerated Hao, we would already be dead. This is a matter of saving our lives. Even if we are the least of them, we would not forget such a great favor!" one of the old Three Calamities Sages said.
"Indeed, I have Divine Medicine here that can temporarily enhance the intensity of Divine Sense. Its effects are excellent and can even benefit those at the Primordial Spirit Ultimate Realm."
"I have three Yin-Yang Mystic Ultimate Pills here. When taken in a state of severe injury or near death, they can facilitate a rebirth and enhance various aspects of the user."
"I have... more here as well..."
The saints eagerly offered their Divine Medicine.
Li Hao gently waved his hand, stopping them from presenting more. These Divine Medicines held little significance for him. Even the cultivation-enhancing Divine Medicines were only meant to assist cultivators in breaking through to the Ultimate Realm, and he had already achieved the Ultimate Realm in all aspects. Consuming these elixirs would have minimal effect and would not help him break through the Ultimate Realm Limit or transcend the Ultimate Realm.
"I'll let you know when I need them", Li Hao said to the saints.
The saints were taken aback by Li Hao's lack of interest in the numerous Divine Medicines. Even the Primordial Ancestor and the god king would find it hard to remain calm in the face of such offerings.
"Heavenly Venerated Hao, please don't be reluctant. Any help, even the slightest, is worth it. You are the hope of All Heavens!"
One sage said earnestly.
Li Hao shook his head slightly and replied, "There's no need to discuss it further. I need to prepare for cultivation."
The saints, understanding the urgency, did not press the matter further and did not want to delay Li Hao.
Time was of the essence, and cultivation was a race against the clock.
Just as Li Hao was about to leave, he suddenly noticed that his Incense was decreasing, which left him stunned.
Incense decreases either when believers change their faith or when they die.
Li Hao thought of the True Immortal ancient demon and his expression darkened.
"That ancient demon must be on a rampage."
His face grew grim, and a heavy weight settled in his heart. After all, the lives in All Heavens were countless, far more than just a few billion.
Even a single Minor World had over a trillion humans and dozens of Divine Dynasties.
How much more so when considering the Thirty-Three Heavens combined?
"What's wrong?"
Feng Boping noticed Li Hao's troubled expression and asked.
Li Hao shook his head slightly and said, "My Incense is decreasing. The ancient demon must be massacring."
The saints were taken aback. A few sages quickly realized their Incense was also decreasing. They exchanged glances and immediately inquired with the other sages.
However, the Incense of the other sages remained unchanged. The few sages who noticed the decrease looked grim, as their believers were mostly concentrated in the same Minor World, which was also their primary place of preaching. It was clear that this Minor World was under attack by the ancient demon.
"Damn it!"
"Those cursed ancient demons!"
The sages clenched their teeth in rage and cursed.
"If any of you wish to see the situation outside, I have a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon that can project the coordinates and scenes of any place in All Heavens."
A young sage suddenly spoke up.
Fame Saint, Mojia Supreme Sage, and a few other Supreme Sages looked at him. Fame Saint seemed to recall something and asked, "Is it the Sky Reflecting Mirror?"
"That's right."
The young sage was somewhat surprised that Fame Saint knew of this artifact.
"I obtained it from an ancient Forbidden Area. It can reveal any location in All Heavens, and even the divine yang outside cannot interfere with it. I just tested it", the young sage explained.
The Holy Capital's inhabitants turned their attention to him. One sage asked, "Can it also reveal the Holy Land outside?"
The young sage's face showed a hint of unease as he nodded. "Yes, it can."
The saints were stunned and exchanged uneasy glances. This Imperial Weapon was truly extraordinary. If the owner wished, they could even spy on them while they were cultivating. No wonder this sage had never mentioned the mirror before.
After all, a Treasure like this would make the Holy Capital uneasy in anyone's hands. No one wants to be spied on while cultivating or engaging in secret activities.
"No wonder, no wonder you established Skylark Tower, the top intelligence organization in All Heavens."
A Sage sighed, but his expression was cold as he looked at Dark Saint, his eyes suggesting he suspected he had been spied on as well.
This young man was named Dark Saint, the founder of Skylark Tower, known as the Master of Skylark within the organization. He was extremely mysterious, and there had always been rumors and speculations in All Heavens about who this Master of Skylark truly was, but no one had ever found out.
"I once felt a trace of spying. Could it have been you?"
Medicine Sage suddenly narrowed his eyes, his expression unfriendly as he stared at Dark Saint.
Dark Saint's face changed slightly, and he shook his head. "No, no, I would never spy on any of the Supreme Sages."
Despite his words, even Mojia Supreme Sage and the others looked at him with cold eyes, clearly suspecting they had been spied on as well.
The Master of Skylark knew many secrets, yet they had never been aware of it. While they knew he was the Master of Skylark, Skylark Tower was known for gathering intelligence through various channels. They never expected their Master of Skylark to be the one spying directly from their own homes.
"Stop talking nonsense. Show it to us now. From now on, this mirror must be placed in a public place and must not be privately controlled by anyone."
Yin and Yang Supreme Sage coldly snorted.
Dark Saint smiled bitterly. He had known that exposing this mirror would lead to this situation. Moreover, given the current disaster-avoidance period, he wasn't sure if there would even be a future. If this mirror had been exposed before the ancient demons appeared, it would have certainly brought him a great calamity.
Sighing inwardly, Dark Saint nodded. "There's no problem with that."
When he decided to bring out the mirror, he had already prepared for various outcomes, but he did not regret it.
Perhaps his years of spying were despicable, but at this moment, he was at least honest and open.
With a flick of his wrist, Dark Saint revealed an ancient silver mirror in his palm.
It was only as big as a palm, with flowing silver edges and patterns that contained natural Great Dao Laws.
Everyone watched as the mirror, under Dark Saint's control, emitted a beam of light, projecting an image onto the Immortal Divine Relic in the Holy Land.
Then, Dark Saint locked onto the location of the Sages whose incense had diminished. He knew them all and where they were in the Holy Land.
A silver glow illuminated the projection, revealing a scene of brutal carnage.
Bodies piled like forests, blood pooled like seas, and everywhere were fleeing and wailing figures. Many had dull eyes, their souls absorbed, though their bodies showed no physical injuries.
Black mist swirled and churned, covering the sky, making the scene resemble a hellish landscape.
The Holy Sages' faces changed at this sight.
Li Hao furrowed his brows, seeing countless commoners fleeing in terror in the projection.
These commoners couldn't understand why such terrifying demons had suddenly descended, massacring everyone, while the revered Sages, whom they had once worshipped and who were famous throughout All Heavens, had vanished without a trace, offering no aid or protection.
In the black mist, a massive, grotesque figure soared, easily identifiable to Li Hao as the True Immortal ancient demon he had battled earlier.
The demon was flying joyfully, continuously harvesting souls from the ground, occasionally landing its massive body in cities and crushing countless commoners, including the elderly, children, beggars, and wealthy officials, all reduced to flesh and blood.
Seeing this brutal massacre, the Holy Sages' faces darkened.
Li Hao's expression also turned grim, his fists clenching involuntarily.
Although he had accepted the fact that All Heavens would be massacred, witnessing it firsthand ignited a burning anger within him, a fury he found hard to control.
The desperate and heart-wrenching faces in the midst of this disaster were deeply moving.
And this was just one city, one Minor World among thousands or even tens of thousands!
The imagined disaster and the real, visual impact were two entirely different things.
"Beast!"
The Holy Capital clenched their teeth, feeling a mixture of rage and pain.
They hated the ancient demons, and they also wished they could slap themselves for not being prepared.
"Hmm?"
Dark Saint's face suddenly changed.
The True Immortal ancient demons within the Projection seemed to sense the Sky Reflecting Mirror's probing gaze and suddenly turned to look at the Projection. It was as if they were piercing through countless dimensions, staring directly at Li Hao and the other Sages standing before the Projection.
The pair of blood-red, cruel eyes sent a shock through the hearts of the Sages.
"Not good, it can sense our probing!"
Dark Saint's expression changed abruptly. His Imperial Weapon was a Third Tribulation Imperial Weapon, but it lacked the offensive and defensive capabilities of a Supreme Treasure. It had only the ability to probe and reflect. He had used it to probe a Supreme Sage without being detected, but this True Immortal ancient demon noticed it immediately.
The True Immortal ancient demon in the Projection seemed to open its mouth and let out a roar. Immediately, the Projection was abruptly cut off, disappearing in an instant. With a crack, a fissure appeared on the Sky Reflecting Mirror, stretching across its center.
Dark Saint picked up the mirror, his heart aching as he caressed the crack.
"Will it be able to locate our position?" one Sage asked, alarmed.
Dark Saint looked up and saw the same tension on the faces of the other Sages. He suppressed his pain and said, "No, just now, the Dao Soul of the Sky Reflecting Mirror fell into a deep sleep and informed me that it had blocked the reverse probing."
Hearing his words, the Sages breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"That was too risky."
"This is a True Immortal; it cannot be easily probed."
The Holy Capital’s residents were still shaken, filled with lingering fear.
Li Hao, however, had a grim expression. The scenes from the Projection were still vivid in his mind.
In ten years, All Heavens would be reduced to ruins.
How many people would die?
The elderly, children, women, civilians, emperors... all would perish!
Countless cultivators, who labored day and night to cultivate, aspiring to reach the peak and ascend, would be wiped out by this sudden catastrophe.
It was too unfair, too cruel!
Li Hao remained silent.
Was he really going to stand by and watch All Heavens fall?
Earlier, he had accepted this reality, but seeing the gruesome scene with his own eyes had shaken him deeply.
"Little Rat, don't overthink it. There's nothing we can do."
Feng Boping, noticing Li Hao's troubled expression, quickly said, his eyes filled with concern.
The other Sages also saw Li Hao's expression and their faces changed. They hurried to comfort him, fearing he might act rashly.
Although they had been angry just moments ago, they had now calmed down.
Li Hao, however, appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was far from peaceful.
"Ten years..."
Amidst the Sages' comforting words, Li Hao felt as if their voices were distant, even though they were right beside him. He didn't try to listen carefully, his mind replaying the sorrowful, crying faces he had seen.
After a long while, Li Hao took a deep breath. The barrier in his ears seemed to vanish, and the voices around him suddenly became clear.
Li Hao looked at the anxious faces of the Sages and smiled, then glanced at the Holy Land and the nine Immortal Islands.
"This place can only last for ten years. I will find a way to extend its lifespan."
Feng Boping's face changed. "What are you planning to do?"
Li Hao glanced at him but didn't speak, only smiling.
"Don't do anything reckless. If you die, we will have no hope left!"
Feng Boping, sensing Li Hao's thoughts, became anxious.
Li Hao shook his head. "As long as we remain hidden and the True Immortal ancient demons don't detect us, this place will be absolutely safe. If the Holy Land can last longer, we can wait for reinforcements from outside the Immortal Gate. The news has already spread."
He thought of the Red Tassel Spear Woman and Nangong Jian. Even if the Red Tassel Spear Woman couldn't be relied upon, after twelve years of fighting side by side, Li Hao trusted Nangong Jian. He had promised to return and would surely keep his word.
The Sages now realized what Li Hao intended to do, and their faces changed drastically. Dark Saint also felt regret and quickly said, "Heavenly Venerated Hao, don't act rashly. What if the reinforcements don't come?"
Li Hao remained silent, acknowledging that such a possibility existed. Various unforeseen circumstances could prevent Nangong Jian from returning in time.
“I’m not being impulsive,” Li Hao took a deep breath and said slowly, “I just suddenly realized that if this True Immortal ancient demon were to devour the souls of all living beings in All Heavens, it might undergo a transformation, potentially even breaking through to the True Immortal realm!”
Hearing Li Hao’s words, the saints were stunned, their faces draining of color.
“How, how could this be?”
“Does it rely on devouring souls to enhance itself?” Law Saint couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.
Li Hao nodded slowly. Devouring the souls of all living beings in the Ten Thousand Realms could elevate the True Immortal ancient demon’s power to the level of a Supreme. At that point, unless he could break through to the True Immortal realm within ten years, or even cultivate to the pinnacle of True Immortal, he would have no chance of contending with a Supreme ancient demon. But this was just his estimation.
After all, Li Hao had never experienced the gap between a True Immortal and a Celestial Lord. However, the Red Tassel Spear Woman was a Celestial Lord, and it was said that she could instantly slay a True Immortal.
“This…”
The Holy Capital was in shock. The hope they had just seen seemed to shatter in an instant.
Li Hao didn’t say more. He had to act quickly. Every second, the True Immortal ancient demon was slaughtering and massacring. He had to find it as soon as possible.
Logically, acting now would be the best course, as the demon’s power was increasing with every passing moment.
But he couldn’t abandon Old Feng, Sword Master, and the many other close friends. They were his dearest companions.
This battle was extremely perilous, with uncertain outcomes.
And if he were to fall, they would only have ten years to live, a death sentence in all but name.
Therefore, Li Hao wanted to prolong the Holy Land’s existence, regardless of whether Nangong Jian and the Red Tassel Spear Woman’s reinforcements could arrive in time. At least, more time meant a glimmer of hope!
This was the only thing Li Hao could do for them at this moment.
He walked out of the Holy Land, stepped beyond the Barrier, and stood in the divine yang.
Even with his physical body, he felt the intense heat, but it wasn’t unbearable.
He released his Soul Spirit, absorbing the rich Sun Essence to enhance his Soul Spirit Power.
At the same time, while absorbing the Sun Essence, Li Hao didn’t idle. He began to construct the Holy Land again, but this time, he chose an incredible method.
Sculpture.
And not just the Holy Land, but a dome large enough to enclose the Holy Land and the nine immortal islands!
Such a dome would need to cover billions of lives, a colossal undertaking.
Li Hao sat cross-legged in the void, focusing his thoughts and beginning to conceive how to start sculpting.
“Hao Tian…”
Lying Heaven Sage and the others watched Li Hao’s actions with grim faces, wanting to dissuade him.
Feng Boping, however, remained silent, not speaking a word.
He understood Li Hao’s nature too well. Once Li Hao made a decision, he wouldn’t easily waver.
“Try to persuade him. We need to think of another way.”
“He just escaped and now he’s going back to fight? That’s a death sentence!”
The saints were anxious. While Li Hao’s words had filled them with despair, the thought of him continuing to fight felt like suicide, shattering their hopes once more.
“Don’t disturb him, don’t influence him. Give him time. Every second counts right now.”
Feng Boping turned to the saints, his voice cold.
The saints looked at him, stunned, seeing a deep, still, and sorrowful calm in the old man’s eyes.
They fell silent, feeling a sense of helplessness, like struggling in water but unable to reach the surface.
In the void, as he pondered, various thoughts swirled in his mind. The faces of those who had died tragically, the ancient demon’s blood-red, sinister eyes, the words of the saints, and the worried faces of Old Feng and the others… Li Hao slowly calmed his heart. He knew that in this moment, he couldn’t rush or be distracted.
Distraction was the most time-consuming thing, wasting precious moments.
Soon, the myriad thoughts gradually dissipated, and his heart sank into the depths, leaving only the thoughts of sculpture and construction.
(End of Chapter)
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