Chapter 439: The Imperial Hall Legacy
Chapter 439: The Imperial Hall Legacy
Li Hao was secretly amazed. The stringent requirements to become a Direct Disciple were merely the basic conditions to become an Immortal Emperor.
He bitterly smiled, "It seems this path is truly difficult."
"Ascending a mountain is always hard, but descending is easy, a smooth slide all the way down", Venerable Spirit said humorously.
Li Hao couldn't help but laugh.
Venerable Spirit continued, "Now that you are a Formal Disciple, we can go out with you. However, as a Formal Disciple, you don't yet have the right to use the True Venerable Tower. I will place the True Venerable Tower in your Soul Spirit. When you encounter a lethal Soul Spirit attack, the True Venerable Tower will automatically defend you."
"If you face other dangers, Hope Mountain River will protect you. As long as it's not a Quasi-Emperor, you should be fine."
Li Hao asked curiously, "Besides Senior and Elder Wang, are there others?"
"Of course", Venerable Spirit replied. "When you go to the Heavenly Calamity Hall, you'll meet those guys. Unfortunately, as a Formal Disciple, you can't control the Heavenly Calamity Hall. This Imperial Hall is the best treasure here. Moreover, I need to stay by your side until you grow to the Immortal King Realm, only then can I leave."
"So, Senior, when you go out, you won't be traveling with me?"
Li Hao couldn't help but ask. The other party was a Tower Soul, yet wouldn't follow him?
Venerable Spirit sighed lightly, a touch of loneliness in his eyes. He patted Li Hao's shoulder and said, "Hope Mountain River is enough to help you handle many dangers. After I go out, I have other matters to attend to."
He paused, as if explaining to Li Hao or reminiscing, "In that great battle, I accompanied the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor on the campaign, but was ambushed by the Ancient Demon King and his allies. An Ancient Demon Emperor's reincarnation technique nearly destroyed my True God form. Fortunately, the Immortal Emperor saved me in time and brought me here to recuperate. I missed the rest of the battle..."
At this point, his eyes showed no joy of survival, only pain and coldness.
"Now, my injuries are almost healed. After I go out, I need to find the Immortal Emperor's traces. Even if it means death, I must bring back his Eternal Imperial Body."
Seeing the hatred and killing intent in his eyes, Li Hao fell silent. This was a hatred suppressed for ten thousand years, and he knew he couldn't stop him.
Besides, the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor, whom he had never met, had become his Master. Helping to retrieve his remains was also his duty as a disciple.
"The True World still seems very dangerous. Please be careful when the time comes", Li Hao said.
Venerable Spirit looked at Li Hao, the sharp killing intent in his eyes subsiding. He smiled, "Don't worry. I left a soul imprint in the True Venerable Tower. If anything happens, I can use the soul imprint to reincarnate. Just make sure you stay safe."
"How will I find you then?"
"With the soul imprint, I can sense you. If you need to find me, just call out to me in the True Venerable Tower."
Venerable Spirit's gaze softened as he looked at Li Hao. "This True Venerable Tower is far more complex than you think. It's not just a Projection for Disciples' trials. It is an Imperial Artifact. Although it was damaged in the great battle and no longer possesses the full power of a true Imperial Artifact, its true strength is still terrifying. Work hard. If you become a Direct Disciple, you'll understand how sought-after the True Venerable Tower is."
Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, Li Hao nodded. If it wasn't too difficult, he would try his best. If it was too hard, then so be it...
"Go on, Wang Shanhe is waiting for you."
Venerable Spirit smiled.
Li Hao bowed and bid him farewell before leaving the True Venerable Tower.
When he emerged from the True Venerable Tower, he saw Elder Wang already standing outside.
"Have you found the answer?" Elder Wang asked with a smile.
"No."
Li Hao shook his head slightly and then smiled, saying, "But I found a friend."
Elder Wang was taken aback for a moment, then he also smiled, sighing, "A hundred thousand years of waiting, and you've come to us. We should thank you and remember your kindness!"
To him, Li Hao's appearance was like a miracle. While Li Hao's acquisition of the Immortal Emperor's Legacy brought tremendous benefits, his presence also gave them hope, allowing them to step out of their confinement.
During that battle so many years ago, the outside world was in chaos, while they could only cower and hide here, preserving a flicker of hope. They had longed to step out of this place.
"Thanking me is too much, Elder Wang", Li Hao said.
Elder Wang smiled but didn't say more. "Come, I'll take you to the Heavenly Calamity Imperial Hall!"
As he spoke, he raised his hand and unleashed a power that enveloped Li Hao.
This power was incredibly gentle, containing a profound and mysterious essence that surpassed the Great Dao Origin. Li Hao felt as if he were isolated from Heaven and Earth, surrounded by another world.
If not for Elder Wang's lack of malice, Li Hao felt that the other could control the power of that world with a single thought, crushing him into oblivion.
Is this the power of an Immortal King?
Li Hao's eyes revealed his astonishment as he followed Elder Wang toward the towering, majestic palace.
Outside the True Venerable Tower, Bright Sage, Lin Sheng, and the others watched from a distance, all aware that Elder Wang was taking Li Hao to receive the Immortal Emperor's Legacy.
"Once he leaves, his name will soon be known throughout All Heavens and the True World."
"Some people's brilliance cannot be hidden."
"Regardless, we must not reveal his identity."
Wander Sage said.
Everyone remained silent, knowing that the Immortal Calamity Curse would bring complete annihilation if they disclosed anything.
By now, Li Hao had followed Elder Wang and was gradually approaching the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Palace.
The countless steps leading up to the palace were solemn and majestic. A natural domain field enveloped the Imperial Hall, making it impossible to approach.
But with Elder Wang's arrival and the aura emanating from Li Hao, as well as the events of Li Hao's True Immortal Tribulation, the Imperial Hall's domain field opened a path, allowing Elder Wang and Li Hao to enter.
Each of the countless steps exuded a strong sense of intimidation. These steps were once trodden by countless generals and worshippers of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor, and the imperial might would have made them struggle to breathe.
Now, with Li Hao arriving as a Formal Disciple and Elder Wang's favor, the imperial might was subtly shielded, allowing the two to walk up the steps with ease.
"These Imperial Platform Immortal Steps once stood full of Immortal Lords, each a formidable figure, commanding awe and respect. Now, it's only you and I..."
Elder Wang walked up the steps, one by one, his eyes filled with a mixture of regret and sorrow.
This sorrow was the lingering pain of a hundred thousand years, a pain that had gradually numbed but still left a trace of sadness.
Li Hao looked around, imagining the grandeur of the past from Elder Wang's words, feeling a sense of longing.
Unfortunately, such grandeur could never be seen again.
"Can't we fly here?"
"Only the Immortal Emperor's three Direct Disciples and a few Formal Disciples who were particularly favored by the Immortal Emperor can fly. Everyone else, whether an Immortal King or a supreme Monster's Immortal Lord, must walk."
Elder Wang smiled, but his hunched back seemed to straighten slightly, "This is the imperial might. All who come to pay homage must walk, bow, and worship, without exception."
Li Hao looked up at the top of the stairs, where there was an extremely spacious area. He could almost imagine the grand presence of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor's Imperial Body Projection sitting there, overlooking all the realms.
Step by step, the two of them finally reached the top of the stairs of the Imperial Hall after several dozen minutes.
At the top, there was an incredibly vast and boundless square.
In the center of the square, a glowing sphere, radiating like a blazing sun, emitted a fierce light.
Below the sphere stood a figure of unparalleled beauty, dressed in a silver-gray gown that shimmered with a ripple-like luster. The hem of her dress fluttered, spreading out like a fox's tail on the ground. Though she was only seen in profile, her beauty was unmatched, and she seemed to be gazing at a pool of drifting Immortal Qi lotuses in front of the sphere.
When Elder Wang and Li Hao arrived, the figure did not move at all. Only when Elder Wang's face showed a respectful expression and he bowed slightly did she react.
"Glass Empress, after a hundred thousand years of pursuit, someone has finally passed the Immortal Emperor's trial and will become his Formal Disciple!"
His elderly voice echoed and then dissipated, leaving the place quiet once more.
Li Hao stood to one side, silent, merely observing the breathtaking figure.
The figure remained still, like a statue, as if she had been standing there silently for countless ages.
But her skin, smooth and delicate as snow, seemed so tender that even a leaf might cut it.
After a brief silence, the Glass Empress slowly turned around, her eyes, a deep blue like the meeting of the sea and the sky, fixed on Li Hao.
Her gaze was serene, without a hint of impurity, pure and untouched by the world, yet deep and full of hidden thoughts.
With just one look, Li Hao felt as though she had seen through him entirely, including his deepest thoughts and hidden intentions.
This made him feel a sudden tension in his body.
"You are called Hao Tian, right?"
The Glass Empress spoke softly, her voice as enchanting as celestial music, clear and calm.
Li Hao bowed slightly, and Elder Wang's telepathy echoed in his mind: "This is the Imperial Soul of the Heavenly Calamity Imperial Hall, once a Quasi-Emperor and the daughter of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor!"
Li Hao was taken aback and couldn't help but look at the beautiful woman before him.
The Glass Empress seemed to sense the ripples in Li Hao's eyes, as if she had heard Elder Wang's telepathic introduction, but her expression didn't change much. She simply said:
"I have remembered your name. May you truly become a Direct Disciple and inherit the supreme glory."
Li Hao bowed again. "I will do my best, Elder."
The Glass Empress gazed at Li Hao for a moment before her eyes withdrew. She casually drew a line in the air, and a crack appeared, filled with swirling, radiant light. She instructed Elder Wang:
"Take him to receive the inheritance."
Elder Wang bowed in agreement and then led Li Hao toward the crack.
Li Hao was somewhat surprised, having thought the inheritance would be bestowed by the Glass Empress herself.
Under Elder Wang's guidance, he entered the crack and found himself in a grand hall, shrouded in mist and filled with Immortal Qi.
"Every move you make here is known to the Glass Empress. You should work hard and not let her down."
As soon as Li Hao steadied himself, he heard Elder Wang's words.
Li Hao thought about the majestic Imperial Hall, which occupied ninety percent of the space in the Forbidden Area. As the Imperial Soul of the hall, the Glass Empress would know everything that happened here in the finest detail.
"This is your reward for becoming a Disciple."
Elder Wang now drew Li Hao's attention back to the hall, his face bearing an aged expression as he pointed at it, and said:
"Originally, as a Formal Disciple, you should have performed the formal bowing ceremony to the Immortal Emperor. However, since the Immortal Emperor's Soul Image has already dissipated, we will skip the ceremony. Go ahead and reveal the Nine Flower Immortal Seal, and the treasure vault will open the second level, which contains the inheritance and blessings for a Formal Disciple."
Li Hao followed Elder Wang's instructions and stepped forward, revealing the immortal seal.
The immortal seal was adorned with intricate nine-flower patterns, which immediately emitted a dazzling light, drawing attention.
As the light reflected onto the treasure vault, a crack appeared in the hall, and several beams of light shot out one after another.
Elder Wang raised his hand and caught the beams of light. Once the light faded, he examined them briefly to confirm they were correct, then handed them to Li Hao.
"As a Formal Disciple, on this journey, I will become your guardian, protecting your safety. True Venerable Tower will also reside in your Soul Spirit, safeguarding it. As long as you are not threatened by a Quasi-Emperor, you will be safe!"
"Besides your safety, here are your cultivation resources."
He handed the three jade tokens to Li Hao, a wistful look on his face.
"The battle back then was too intense. The immortal stones and origin stones were all used to refine the Immortal Emperor's Imperial Artifacts, and they were all exhausted. These three jade tokens are the largest Ious from the Three Major Powers of the True World, as well as their guild's imperial edicts."
"If those three guilds still existed, with these three jade tokens, you could extract an Immortal Vein from each guild, enough to cultivate you to the peak of the Ninth Level of the Immortal Lord realm!"
He continued to Li Hao, "In the past, a Formal Disciple could only receive one Immortal Vein, equivalent to a million immortal stones. Now, it's tripled!"
Li Hao was momentarily speechless. Ious?
The Catastrophe was so devastating that even the Immortal Emperor fell. Whether those three guilds still exist is unknown.
Elder Wang seemed to realize this and his smile turned somewhat forced. "If those three guilds are gone, we'll have to find another way."
Li Hao smiled bitterly and took the three jade tokens.
"Besides these cultivation resources, we have also prepared a set of First Rank Origin Immortal Weapons for you at the Immortal Lord realm!"
Elder Wang said, "You can choose which specific ones you want from the treasure vault. Since you use a sword, you can select one. I remember there are seven origin immortal swords, each with different effects. One of them is named Taowu, extremely fierce, and it is the most powerful remaining origin immortal sword. If you can subdue it, you can choose it."
As he spoke, he placed his hand on Li Hao's back and gently pushed.
Li Hao felt himself being pushed into the crack of the treasure vault, the blinding light turning his vision white.
Soon, in this pure white space, sets of immortal armor hovered around him.
There were also various weapons, swords, knives, axes, and spears, all radiating intense intimidation.
Li Hao was amazed. In the True World, the many damaged Immortal Artifacts he had picked up were all dim and decayed, only the Immortal Artifacts themselves remained. But these immortal weapons were all intact, emitting terrifying auras.
"Choose me, choose me!"
"Choose me, I'm the strongest!"
"Choose me!"
As Li Hao pondered and examined them, the immortal armor and weapons around him suddenly began to emit voices, reaching Li Hao's mind.
Li Hao was taken aback and looked over, seeing souls emanating from the immortal armor and weapons. Some were graceful immortal maidens, some were handsome youths, some were children, and some were elderly, but all looked at Li Hao with eager, pleading eyes.
Roar!
With a low roar, a few souls emitted a different aura, like fierce beasts from the Barbaric Age, sweeping intimidating gazes at the other immortal armor and weapons before turning to Li Hao with submissive eyes, saying:
"Choose me, I'm the strongest here!"
"What do you mean, want to fight? I'm the strongest!"
"I sense the essence of the Sword Dao in you. I'm the strongest sword here, choose me!"
"I want to go out and fight, I want to go out. Choose me, and I will help you reach the peak!"
The immortal armor and weapons chattered and argued.
Li Hao was somewhat bewildered. He had been thinking about how to choose, but now they were all vying for his attention.
He recalled what Venerable Spirit had said and was momentarily speechless. It seemed these entities had been cooped up for too long.
"Which one is Taowu?" Li Hao asked curiously.
Hearing his words, the other weapons fell silent. The souls of a few immortal swords turned to look at a small, ferocious beast soul, about the size of a tiger cub.
"Me, me, me!"
This Taowu soul, upon hearing Li Hao's question, became excited, rushing to Li Hao and shouting, "Choose me, I'm the strongest sword here!"
"It likes to kill and is bloodthirsty. It also doesn't like to listen to its master. If you choose it, your cultivation won't be enough to control it."
At this, a nearby immortal sword soul immediately chimed in.
Hearing this, the Taowu soul's eyes flashed with a cold light, and a Sword Light suddenly shot out, striking the other immortal sword and pushing it back with a resounding clang.
"Young man, I am the strongest. Choose me, and you won't regret it. I can ensure you become an Immortal Lord!"
The Taowu Immortal Sword said.
Li Hao glanced at it, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Alright, I'll choose you."
"Ha ha!"
Hearing Li Hao's words, the Taowu Immortal Sword burst into laughter.
It then eagerly wanted to form a Soul Spirit bond with Li Hao.
Li Hao didn't dawdle, completing the bond with it. Immediately, a fierce aura surged into his mind, carrying malevolent and cruel intentions.
"Master, I won't harm you. Once we get out, take me to battle. I didn't participate in that fight back then, but now I want to return and fight!"
Taowu's voice immediately echoed in Li Hao's Sea of Consciousness.
Li Hao smiled and replied, "Alright!"
Seeing Li Hao form a bond with Taowu, the other Immortal Armaments sighed and returned to their positions, no longer making a sound.
However, the Immortal Armors gathered around, vying for his attention.
Li Hao asked each one, selecting for a while, and at the same time, inquired with Taowu. Under Taowu's guidance, he chose a set of entirely black Immortal Armor, with patterns resembling withered vines, and faintly, an Ancestral Dragon seemed to coil around it.
The Immortal Armor also formed a Soul Spirit bond with Li Hao, named Extreme Thunder Immortal Armor.
Li Hao learned from them that they were all Immortal Lord-level Weapons, and only Formal Disciples of an Immortal Emperor could receive such rewards. With Immortal Lord-level Immortal Armaments protecting them, they could safely navigate the vulnerable period of the True Immortal Realm.
In the True World, an Immortal Lord was already considered a formidable powerhouse capable of standing on their own.
After selecting the Extreme Thunder Immortal Armor and Taowu, Li Hao was transported out of the treasure vault.
Elder Wang, seeing the Immortal Armament and Armor Li Hao had chosen, couldn't help but laugh. "So quick, you really chose Taowu. Can you control that little guy?"
"I should be able to", Li Hao replied.
Hearing his response and seeing Li Hao's relaxed expression, Elder Wang laughed again.
"As a Formal Disciple, you can also choose one of the Ten Supreme Immortal Techniques of the True Immortal Realm to cultivate. Whether you can comprehend it depends on your Channeling Qi. This Immortal Technique is taught by the Legacy Stone left by Immortal Emperor."
Elder Wang raised his hand, and a glowing stone flew out of the treasure vault, radiating a profound imperial might that made one hesitate to touch it.
"Release your Soul Spirit and enter the Legacy Stone."
Elder Wang held the Legacy Stone with both hands, his expression more solemn and serious than before.
Li Hao, upon hearing this, released his Soul Spirit and touched the Legacy Stone.
The next moment, he felt his Soul Spirit being sucked in, and he found himself in a world enveloped in Immortal Qi.
Surrounded by white mist, Li Hao looked around. Suddenly, various images appeared before his eyes.
The images were snippets of time, showing the majestic Heavenly Calamity Immortal Palace, where countless Immortal Deities gathered, creating a grand and vast scene. In a courtyard behind the Imperial Hall, a figure sat with closed eyes, suddenly standing up and drawing a sword. A Sword Light sliced through the clouds above the Imperial Hall, extinguishing the heavenly light and plunging the world into darkness.
That one sword seemed to extinguish the entire divine yang.
Li Hao was stunned by the terrifying sword strike.
The youth in the courtyard sheathed his sword, and the world gradually returned to light.
The images then gradually faded away.
At this moment, a low, melancholic voice, worn by the passage of time, sounded in Li Hao's ear, saying:
"He is Qingxuan, the second Disciple of Immortal Emperor. His soul has not withered, and it is unknown how many reincarnation cycles he has gone through or where he has been reincarnated. It is also unknown if his soul essence has scattered. If you can find him and bring him back to the Heavenly Calamity Imperial Hall, Glass Empress can restore his memory and bring him back to his peak!"
The voice continued, "At that time, you will also receive Immortal Emperor's favor, and you will have the opportunity to become a Direct Disciple!"
(End of Chapter)
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