Everlasting Renown Chapter 455: A Single Step to the Top! (Part 2) - Novel Cool

Chapter 455: A Single Step to the Top! (Part 2)

Chapter 455: A Single Step to the Top! (12,000 Monthly Votes) (Part 2)

Li Tiemu wore a smile, but his eyes betrayed a hint of worry.

Time was too short. For a prodigy, the most lacking resource wasn't cultivation materials but time!

In terms of cultivation resources, major forces could provide them. He himself had secretly given Gu Yan fifty thousand immortal stones, helping him cultivate to True Immortal Realm Fourth Level within a year.

Currently, Gu Yan had no shortage of immortal stones or Immortal Pills, and with the high concentration of Immortal Power here, he still had a chance to advance to True Immortal Realm Fifth Level within the year!

Such a rapid advancement is absolutely terrifying. If his Immortal Power doubles, he might have a chance to Challenge the Ancestral Dragon.

However, it’s not a sure thing, and no one can guarantee a win.

Noticing Old Li's concerns, the old woman shook her head and said, "You’re really greedy. Red Leaf has already reached the peak, and Light Dance has a great chance too. Are you still not satisfied?"

Old Li smiled bitterly and replied, "But Red Leaf is almost three thousand soul years old. In this Southern Domain Battle, we can’t just rely on her to lead the charge. Although her Talent is high, she’s still a bit weak to lead our sect’s Ascension ranking."

"It seems you’re pinning your hopes on that Sword Immortal Body. That makes sense. If we have three years, he’s likely to secure a spot."

Zhou Qingyun nodded, his eyes suddenly twinkling. "But with such Talent, the Abyss Lord is also paying attention. If he really can’t make it this time, making an exception for him isn’t out of the question. After all, privileges are meant for prodigies."

Li Tiemu nodded slightly. He had already considered this. If the kid really doesn’t make it, he would swallow his pride and ask the Abyss Lord to make an exception.

"That little girl from the Yanhuo Clan probably won’t make it. She’s still struggling at the fifth level. Her Soul Spirit isn’t strong enough, and cultivating it isn’t something that can be done overnight."

The old woman said.

Li Tiemu nodded. He had also been keeping an eye on Yue Xi. Aside from Gu Yan, her Talent was already quite terrifying. It was just that her luck this time wasn’t good.

"Speaking of which, what about that guy with the nine-ringing Dao Heart?"

"He’s still at the first level."

Mentioning Li Hao, Li Tiemu couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Although his main focus was on Gu Yan, he had also kept an eye on Li Hao and Yue Xi. Li Hao, however, had done nothing on Emperor Sword Mountain but play chess with the spirit race.

He was deeply impressed by Li Hao’s social skills, but the kid’s carefree nature left him at a loss for words.

After all, with a nine-ringing Dao Heart, his mindset was absolutely flawless. Forcing him to do anything might actually break his Dao Heart.

"First level?"

Zhou Qingyun and the old woman were taken aback, staring at Li Tiemu in surprise.

"That kid doesn’t seem to be interested in competing for a spot. Maybe he saw from the beginning that he couldn’t win and gave up early. I don’t know if I should call him optimistic or too carefree."

Li Tiemu said helplessly.

Zhou Qingyun and the old woman exchanged a glance, both speechless.

Time passed.

Before they knew it, two years had almost gone by, and the trial on Emperor Sword Mountain was nearing its end.

In the final month, many disciples who had been in seclusion to comprehend the trials were waking up, engaging in intense battles on Emperor Sword Mountain to hone their combat experience.

"Look, Senior Sister Qing has reached the summit!"

"Finally made it, hah! Senior Sister Qing has been challenging the Ancestral Dragon at the seventh level for a year and finally defeated it!"

"Who would have thought that Senior Sister Qing would secure that spot in the final month? Impressive!"

On a mountain peak, several disciples cheered.

Mourning Qingwu glanced over. She recognized Senior Sister Qing, who was at the eighth level of the True Immortal Realm. Climbing to the summit now wasn’t too surprising.

She took a deep breath, drew her sword, and headed toward Emperor Sword Mountain.

Beside her, Yue Xi also suddenly stood up and made her way to Emperor Sword Mountain.

Xu Jianming saw their figures and sighed softly. He was also challenging the Ancestral Dragon, but a battle at the beginning of the month had left him feeling hopeless.

"Cultivating with you guys is truly a torment."

Xu Jianming sighed bitterly. In less than two years, Yue Xi had surged to the sixth level, and the junior brother with the Sword Immortal Body was even more impressive, also challenging the Ancestral Dragon.

In less than two years, he had been caught up by this new beginner, leaving him with a complex and mixed feelings.

With someone reaching the summit, many disciples were spurred on and headed to Emperor Sword Mountain.

The frenzy of climbing began anew.

At the sixth level.

Yue Xi engaged in a fierce battle with the ancient demons at the eighth level of the True Immortal Realm. Her eyes glinted with madness, and her attacks were ruthless, abandoning any thought of defense.

"Looking for death!"

The ancient demons were also enraged, striking viciously, hoping to kill this woman before the Sword Abyss Elder intervened.

Yue Xi swung her sword with all her might, her entire body pulsating with Immortal Power. A silvery-white mark of chaos appeared on her forehead, a symbol unique to her clan.

Only one month remained, and she hadn't even seen the Ancestral Dragon yet. If she failed to secure a spot for the Imperial Sword this time, she would never have another chance.

Kill!

Yue Xi launched her most powerful attack.

As many disciples challenged the Ancestral Dragon, another figure climbed to the peak of the Emperor Sword Mountain, causing a stir among the disciples.

"It's Senior Brother Sun! He defeated the Ancestral Dragon too!"

"Glory to our Qinghe Academy!"

"Wait, another one?"

At the summit, a breathtakingly beautiful figure flew out, her hair disheveled. She gathered her hair behind her ears and looked back, marveling at the vastness of the heavens and earth.

"Qingwu."

A figure flew over, and it was Wei Hongye.

Seeing that Murong Qingwu had also reached the summit, a smile spread across her face.

"Senior Sister."

Murong Qingwu also wore a smile.

Her successful ascent caused a sensation outside the mountain, and many disciples recognized her.

On a hill, Gu Yan, dressed in black, opened his eyes and glanced at the summit.

Thinking of their earlier challenge, a glint of determination appeared in his eyes, and he slowly stood up.

...

On the seventh level of the Emperor Sword Mountain.

Gu Yan once again stood before the Ancestral Dragon, gazing at its massive form. His eyes shone with an unprecedented resolve.

Silver threads of Immortal Power enveloped his body, his ancient immortal bloodline power awakened. He had already grasped the fourth level of the Sword Dao's essence, a level typically only reached by Immortal Lords. Yet, he had achieved it while still in the third realm of the True Immortal stage!

Now, at the fourth realm of True Immortal, nearing the fifth, he challenged the Ancestral Dragon once more.

"Young man, you are no match for me."

The Ancestral Dragon's voice was low and impatient. "Don't waste your efforts!"

In response, a brilliant sword light shone.

Boom!

As the earth-shattering battle began, Li Tiemu, Zhou Qingyun, and the old woman appeared silently beside him, watching the fight intently.

Li Tiemu's expression was extremely serious, tinged with anxiety. This battle was crucial for Gu Yan. With only a few days left, another failure would make it almost impossible to succeed.

With the raging sword tide, the Ancestral Dragon erupted with divine might, roaring deafeningly and shattering the sword tide, engaging the young man in fierce combat.

Soon, the overwhelming power and brute strength of the Ancestral Dragon began to suppress the young man once again.

However, in the chaotic sword tide, a weathered and surging sword intent suddenly awakened.

Under the ultimate pressure, the young man's roar pierced the sky, accompanied by a primordial sword qi. The Ancestral Dragon's body was slashed, scales flying everywhere.

Seeing this, Li Tiemu, Zhou Qingyun, and the old woman's pupils dilated in shock.

"His ancient immortal bloodline has awakened? Is that the Sword Immortal Body reaching the divine realm?!"

They were stunned by the young man's transformation, never expecting his bloodline to erupt with even more terrifying power in such dire straits.

And the tide of the battle shifted accordingly.

A few minutes later.

A figure in black climbed to the summit.

This scene caught the attention of many disciples outside the Emperor Sword Mountain, causing a wave of exclamations.

Many disciples were familiar with the black-clad young man, having heard about the prodigy with the Natural Sword Immortal Constitution.

However, he was still a beginner, his cultivation merely at the fourth realm of True Immortal. How could he have reached the summit?

"Heavens, am I seeing this right? Is that guy Gu Yan?"

"It's him, he defeated the Ancestral Dragon at the fourth realm of True Immortal? This is impossible!"

"This is too outrageous. I'm at the eighth realm of True Immortal and can't even break through the Ancestral Dragon's body. What makes him so special?"

Some Heaven Courtyard disciples were also stunned, their faces pale with shock.

At the summit of the Emperor Sword Mountain, Ji Qingxuan, Wei Hongye, and the others were taken aback when they saw the young man climb up, then they looked at him in surprise.

"You made it too?"

Murong Qingwu, seeing this junior brother catch up to her, was surprised, then she gazed at him intently.

Gu Yan's robes were torn, indicating a tough battle, but his expression remained calm. The Immortal Power surrounding him had a light, ancient feel. He gave Ji Qingxuan a slight nod before raising his gaze to survey the surroundings, looking for the Abyss Lord.

"Truly monstrous."

Wei Hongye, seeing the young junior brother's proud demeanor, felt a mix of helplessness and admiration. To catch up with them, veterans who had toiled for years, right from the start—his talent was incomparable.

At the edge of the cliff behind the thatched cottage, Yun Wumian was also observing the young man. Over the past two years, he had watched every challenge the young man undertook, noting his astonishing progress. Such intelligence had stirred a love for talent within him. If the young man had failed this time, he would have considered making an exception for him. But the boy had truly proven himself.

At this moment, on the sixth level of the Emperor Sword Mountain, Yue Xi was defeated. Her expression was somber; the gap in Soul Spirits made it extremely difficult for her to face the ancient demons, who often suppressed her.

Returning to the hill, she heard the exclamations around her and was stunned. She looked around but couldn't see the young junior brother.

"He..."

Xu Jianming, with a complex expression, replied, "The young junior brother has already reached the summit."

Yue Xi felt a buzzing in her head. He had reached the summit? The young junior brother, who started later than her, had already reached the summit? She hadn't even passed the sixth level!

Her fingers clenched tightly, blood seeping out without her noticing. She had just stepped back but suddenly turned and headed back to the Emperor Sword Mountain.

Xu Jianming, too, was distracted, his mind in turmoil. Being surpassed so easily by a new junior brother was a blow to his pride.

As the challenge neared its end, the competition on the Emperor Sword Mountain intensified.

Yue Xi made several attempts, fighting with all her might, but was still suppressed by the ancient demons on the sixth level. Soon, it was the last day.

Li Tiemu's voice echoed from the summit of the Emperor Sword Mountain, announcing the final trial. This final notice roused all the disciples from their cultivation, either to attempt the climb or to watch from the hill.

Yue Xi stood on the sixth level, hearing the voice that spread throughout the Emperor Sword Mountain. Her blood seemed to boil, her heart pounding fiercely. It was the last day.

If she missed this opportunity, the gap between her and the young junior brother would widen, and she would never catch up, not even touch his shadow!

This couldn't continue. It mustn't!

I will win. I will climb up!

I will climb up!!

Yue Xi's eyes shone with determination. Unbeknownst to her, a power within her blood began to stir.

The Yanhuo Clan's curse was not without cause. The core of this curse was the power to stir Heavenly Dao Essence.

At that moment, a thread of Heavenly Dao Essence power surged into her, unnoticed by her, but a voice echoed in her mind: I will win. I will climb up!!

She erupted with full force, her sword slicing through the air. The sword strike carried a trace of Heavenly Dao Essence's might, infused with the aura of the curse, causing the ancient demon ready to strike to flinch and dodge.

Yue Xi's hair flew wildly, her tall figure seeming almost spectral. Her sword movements grew faster and faster, until she split the ancient demon's Soul Spirit!

...

On the first level of the Emperor Sword Mountain.

Li Tiemu's voice echoed from the summit.

Li Hao, immersed in a chess game, barely noticed until his sleeve was gently tugged. He turned, puzzled.

"Today is the last day. Finish this game, and you should leave."

Beside him, the spirit race woman Ah Ling said.

Li Hao was slightly stunned, realizing how quickly time had passed. He looked at the spirit race elder across from him, who stroked his beard and smiled, "Young man, the Chess Dao is long, and we have met by chance. If we meet again, let's play another game."

Li Hao came to his senses, feeling a twinge of regret. "Thank you, Senior, for your company over the past two years."

The spirit race elder was taken aback, then laughed heartily, "I should thank you for showing me that humans can be so interesting."

Li Hao smiled. Although he hadn't comprehended the twelve stages of Chess Heart, his understanding of the Chess Dao had significantly improved. His experience was full, and he only needed to grasp the Chess Dao Mind Realm to reach the twelfth stage of the Chess Dao!

After a while.

The final game concluded.

Li Hao lost.

Li Hao stood up, slightly bowing and said, "I bid you farewell, seniors."

"This is a Token of the Spirit Race, a Spirit Talisman. Keep this talisman, and should you ever find yourself in the Spirit Race's domain, you will be treated as one of us. You can also seek some basic assistance from the Spirit Race."

The elder of the Spirit Race sliced his finger through the air, retrieving an Immortal Talisman that emitted a faint glow of Spirit Light, and handed it to Li Hao.

Li Hao was slightly taken aback but reached out to accept it. Then, after a moment's thought, he grabbed two Go Stones from the Chess Box and imbued them with his own power using the attributes of the Heaven-Earth Spectrum.

"This contains a mark I've left. Please keep it; if I have the chance, I can trace you back using this mark."

Hearing Li Hao's words, the Spirit Race elder was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter.

According to the young man, this was essentially a tracking device. Who would willingly carry such a thing? Yet, the young man presented it as a parting gift with a sincere expression.

He chuckled, "Very well, I will keep it."

Li Hao nodded, then bid them farewell once more.

Noticing the direction Li Hao was heading, the Spirit Race elder called out, "You're going to the second level?"

"Yes, to check out the summit."

Li Hao turned and smiled, then bid them farewell again before vanishing through the Netherwast Teleportation.

Hearing Li Hao's words, the three who had just been smiling at the young man's innocent demeanor all froze in place.

To... check out the summit?

Meanwhile, Li Hao, having bid farewell to the three elders of the Spirit Race, used spatial origin in conjunction with Netherwast Teleportation to head straight for the central area.

There were no Disciples here; the Spirit Race patrolled the central area.

Li Hao's arrival was silent and unnoticed. He slipped through the ranks of the Spirit Race and stepped into the Teleportation Array. Only then did the numerous Spirit Race guards notice him, but they only saw his back as he vanished in the teleportation.

After the teleportation ended, Li Hao found himself on the second level of Emperor Sword Mountain.

The teleportation location seemed random, so he followed the mental guidance to the central area.

As he approached the central area, numerous Demon Race members appeared.

"Another Human Race member?"

"Kill him!"

Various Demon Race members revealed their true forms, massive and terrifying, and lunged at Li Hao.

Li Hao's long robe fluttered, his hair dancing in the wind, but his speed did not slow. He brought his fingers together in a sword gesture and slashed through the air.

The void of Heaven and Earth seemed to be severed, cracking like a mirror.

As the Demon Race members approached the edge of the crack, they felt the terrifying power of the spatial rift and stopped, staring in shock at the young man who moved through their ranks.

His solitary and determined figure was etched into their pupils.

Third level, fourth level...

Until he reached the fifth level.

Upon emerging from the teleportation, Li Hao immediately sensed the familiar aura of ancient demons in the void.

He looked around with interest, released his own aura, and flew toward the next teleportation point.

Soon, near the teleportation point, three ancient demons of the True Immortal Realm, sixth level, emerged from the void.

"True Immortal Realm third level?"

Feeling Li Hao's aura, the three ancient demons were surprised. It was rare for a True Immortal Realm third level to reach this far.

Recognizing Li Hao's Heaven Courtyard Disciple attire, their eyes turned fierce. They knew that once the trial ended, it would be their end. The Abyss Lord might spare members of other races, but not the Ancient Demon Clan.

If they could take down this Human Race member before dying, it would be a profitable trade.

The three ancient demons exchanged a glance, understanding each other's intent. They planned to quickly kill the human, leaving him no time to call for help.

Seeing the three ancient demons, Li Hao's eyes also lit up, and he licked his lips.

Whoosh!

In a brief moment, the void seemed to freeze. The power of the spatial origin caused the three ancient demons to pause slightly, and then Li Hao's Sword Qi, unleashed with a flick of his finger, instantly pierced their bodies.

Li Hao knew the anatomy of ancient demons well. As he cut through them, his Soul Spirit also attacked.

In an instant, before they could even scream, the three ancient demons were dead.

Li Hao, who could slay a True Immortal ancient demon in the Sage Realm, now found it even easier as a True Immortal, mastering numerous Immortal Techniques.

With the three ancient demons dead, Li Hao raised his hand and collected their bodies into the Heavenly Earth Space. They would make excellent ingredients.

Subsequently, Li Hao stepped into the sixth level...

Long after Li Hao disappeared, another disciple arrived at the fifth level, cautiously making their way to the teleportation array. However, they did not see any ancient demons.

The disciple was both startled and secretly delighted, immediately taking the opportunity to enter the teleportation array.

Upon arriving at the sixth level, the area had shrunk even more. The teleportation array leading to the seventh level was not far away. The disciple stealthily moved forward but found that the ancient demons in the sixth level had not emerged to attack.

Meanwhile, at the seventh level of the Emperor Sword Mountain.

The Ancestral Dragon gazed at the young man who had gracefully appeared before it. Seeing the young man stroll leisurely, its eyes slightly narrowed.

The young man had not concealed his aura, indicating he was at the Third Level of the True Immortal Realm, the lowest cultivation among those who had stood before it so far.

However, the young man was wearing the Heaven Courtyard disciple's robes, clearly marking him as a prodigy.

"Hmph, just sent off a Fourth Level True Immortal, and now another Third Level shows up. Do they really think they can pass through here so easily?!"

The Ancestral Dragon was somewhat irritated, its gaze sweeping around. It saw that the three old fellows had escorted the little girl away, leaving a gap.

With no one to guard, this young man was practically asking for death by appearing before it.

"Die!"

Imprisoned here for two years and being used, the Ancestral Dragon had long harbored a deep-seated anger.

At that moment, it revealed its massive form, lunging at Li Hao.

Compared to the Ancestral Dragon's enormous body, Li Hao was like a speck of dust suspended between heaven and earth.

The powerful wind and the terrifying dragon aura swept over him, but Li Hao merely lifted his head, a faintly interested expression on his face.

So, this is the Ancestral Dragon?

Whoosh!

Facing the massive dragon claw descending through the mist, Li Hao drew the True Treasure Sword provided by the Heaven Courtyard.

Swish!

He raised his hand and casually slashed out a single strike.

But this strike was one of the Ten Immortal Techniques, Qing Tian!

One strike of Qing Tian!

Simultaneously, the mark of the Nine Flower Immortal Seal faintly appeared on his forehead, then quickly vanished.

The descending dragon claw and the overwhelming dragon qi were suddenly reversed, the sky seeming to boil, the mist violently dispersing and cracking, affecting a vast area, and the entire world seemed to become quiet!

Only after the sword momentum passed did the sword mark appear, splitting open the Ancestral Dragon's body.

"The body of the Ancestral Dragon... is nothing special."

The clear, young voice carried a hint of amusement.

The massive dragon body fell, and the young man's unparalleled figure gracefully flew past the sword mark on the descending dragon body, leaving a trail of black hair as he walked toward the teleportation array leading to the mountain peak.

With a loud boom, the entire seventh level of the Emperor Sword Mountain shook violently, dust and smoke filling the air, obscuring the Ancestral Dragon's horrified eyes.

But the young man's figure had already vanished into the teleportation array.

At the summit of the Emperor Sword Mountain.

In front of a thatched cottage, the disciples who had climbed to the peak were waiting. Some paced back and forth, while others, though seemingly gazing at the distant sea of clouds, were actually filled with excitement and anticipation.

The trial of the Emperor Sword Mountain was about to end, which meant they would soon be given the opportunity to comprehend the imperial sword.

In the crowd, Ji Qingxuan, Wei Hongye, and others gathered together, their expressions filled with concern.

Li Tiemu held a tall woman in his arms. Her beautiful face was pale, and her clothes were tattered. It was Yue Xi.

"Is Little Junior Sister alright?"

Wei Hongye's face was full of worry. From Master Old Li, she had learned that this Little Junior Sister had actually forced her way through all seven levels of the Emperor Sword Mountain. She was genuinely surprised, but seeing Yue Xi's unconscious state now, she was deeply concerned.

Li Tiemu shook his head slightly. He had witnessed his disciple's battle with the Ancestral Dragon, which had been almost to the point of burning.

If not for the awakening of the Yanhuo Clan's blood power, which made the Ancestral Dragon hesitate and unwilling to be injured, she might not have passed the seventh level.

"Let the Abyss Lord take a look later."

Li Tiemu said.

At that moment, ripples appeared in the void Immortal Dao outside the summit, indicating the arrival of someone through teleportation.

Noticing this, everyone looked up.

(End of Chapter)

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