https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-455-A-Single-Step-to-the-Top-Part-2-/13451813/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-456-One-Day-Up-the-Mountain-One-Day-Down-Part-2-/13451815/
Chapter 456: One Day Up the Mountain, One Day Down (Part 1)
Chapter 456: One Day Up the Mountain, One Day Down (Part 1)
In the Void Immortal Path, a young man emerged, looking around.
He stood tall and straight, his Heaven Courtyard Disciple robes clean and unblemished, without a trace of blood or damage. It was as if he had been strolling through a garden and had casually wandered here. His expression showed no signs of the aftermath of battling the Ancestral Dragon, only a hint of curiosity.
"Another one has climbed up?"
The crowd in front of the thatched cottage narrowed their eyes, surprised that someone else had managed to climb up just before the end.
The little girl who had been teleported over had collapsed as soon as she landed and was quickly helped up by Elder Li and others. This newcomer, however, seemed calm and composed, which left many feeling a sense of awe.
Li Hao had only recently become a disciple, and since he spent most of his time either in the courtyard or in Pagoda City, the other Heaven Courtyard Disciples had no impression of him. However, when Elder Li, Zhou Qingyun, and Wei Hongye saw Li Hao, their eyes widened in disbelief.
"Little... Junior Brother Seven?"
Wei Hongye was stunned.
Li Tiemu, who was holding the unconscious Yue Xi, also froze, his eyes wide as if he had seen a ghost, staring at Li Hao.
This kid made it too?
"Hmm?"
Meng Qingwu also looked at Li Hao in surprise, as if meeting this junior brother for the first time.
According to Master, Yue Xi and this junior brother had joined the sect not long after Gu Yan. The fact that Yue Xi, with the Yanhuo Clan's bloodline, had managed to climb up was already surprising, though she had been severely injured and was now unconscious. Now, this kid looked as if he had done it with ease.
Beside them, Ji Qingxuan and Lu Wuchen exchanged glances, both showing signs of surprise. Ji Qingxuan was not very familiar with these three new junior brothers and sisters, but he knew their general situations. He hadn't expected that, apart from the one with the Sword Immortal Body, the other two could also climb up one after another.
"How did you get up here?"
An old woman, standing beside Zhou Qingyun, flashed over to Li Hao, examining him closely with a mix of shock and suspicion.
They had seen Yue Xi defeat the Ancestral Dragon and thought no one else would challenge it. They had just sent Yue Xi to the summit, and now, in a matter of moments, someone had climbed from the seventh level to the top. It was impossible for a battle to have taken place in such a short time. She even wondered if Li Hao had bypassed the seventh level and flown up from the sixth level of the Emperor Sword Mountain, but that was highly unlikely given the Abyss Lord's Immortal Kingdom's coverage.
"I walked up."
Li Hao replied.
The old woman was speechless, looking Li Hao up and down. "You defeated the Ancestral Dragon?"
Li Hao recalled the Ancestral Dragon split in two but knew he hadn't used the fourth level of spatial origin power, so the dragon should have been able to heal:
"Sort of."
Seeing the young man's relaxed smile, the old woman's expression turned serious. She sensed something unique about him, a different aura from other prodigies. He seemed laid-back, yet capable of erupting with immense danger at any moment.
Behind Ji Qingxuan, Gu Yan, who stood a bit away from Old Li, gazed intently at Li Hao, as if truly examining this senior brother for the first time since entering the Sword Abyss.
Yue Xi's arrival had already impressed him, but he hadn't expected Li Hao to reach the summit as well.
Being a Natural Sword Immortal Constitution, he had always been far ahead of his peers and those of the same realm. However, the cultivation gap was not as wide as he had imagined.
"That young man seems to be a recent disciple under Elder Li."
"No wonder he's a new face."
"He managed to climb to the summit so soon after becoming a disciple? I can't even sense his cultivation level."
"I heard there's someone with a nine-ringed dao heart. Could it be him?"
"Most likely."
"This time, so many of Elder Li's disciples have reached the summit. Almost all of them are here!"
In front of the thatched cottage, many disciples were whispering and examining Li Hao.
Meanwhile, outside the Emperor Sword Mountain, there was a wave of excitement and commotion.
Yue Xi and Li Hao had climbed up one after the other, securing spots to Comprehend the Emperor Sword just before the end, leaving many disciples in awe and envy.
Just that, Yue Xi had already made a name for herself in the Sword Abyss, leaving a mark on the Imperial Sword Cliff, and many people recognized her.
But Li Hao, who climbed up afterward, was unknown to most of the disciples, leading to much speculation about his identity.
"It's him..."
Xu Jianming stood on the hill, staring blankly at the final figure ascending the mountain. He couldn't believe it was the easygoing junior brother who had been stuck at the first level for two years.
He stood there in a daze, and after a moment, he suddenly looked around, only to realize that he was the only one left behind.
Everyone else, from the senior brothers and sisters to the junior brothers and sisters, had all made it up the mountain!
Leaving him behind.
"Damn it..."
Xu Jianming wailed inwardly.
...
At the summit of the Emperor Sword Mountain.
Not long after Li Hao's arrival, the old woman and Zhou Qingyun bid farewell to Old Li and returned to the seventh level to resume their watch.
They wanted to avoid another encounter with such a peculiar individual who could slip up the mountain unnoticed. They also went to verify things with the Ancestral Dragon.
However, when they reached the seventh level, they found the Ancestral Dragon healing its body, a process that was slow and its aura extremely weakened.
"You..."
The old woman and Zhou Qingyun were shocked, seeing the massive tear in the Ancestral Dragon's body, half of which was still unhealed. It was clear that it had been split in two by a single sword strike!
Seeing them, the Ancestral Dragon suddenly felt a sense of familiarity, finding these two old fellows less annoying and bothersome than usual.
"You finally came. I need to heal my injuries and can't fight for now."
The Ancestral Dragon said immediately.
It feared another such monster might come, and it currently lacked the strength to fight.
That young man's blow had brought it to the brink of death, and his terrifying power left a deep impression on it.
"... Was it that young man who injured you?"
Zhou Qingyun asked, still in shock.
The Ancestral Dragon, while healing, replied with a hint of resentment, "Do you think I could do this to myself?"
Its tone was tinged with bitterness.
These guys had left, and it had almost died!
It was a clear case of dereliction of duty. No, it had to report them to the Abyss Lord when it returned!
While the Ancestral Dragon grumbled to itself, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman were too stunned to speak.
In just a short time, that young man had defeated and severely injured the Ancestral Dragon. This was truly shocking.
"If I remember correctly, that young man revealed his aura earlier, and it was just at the Third Level of the True Immortal Realm..."
Zhou Qingyun looked at the old woman, and their eyes met, both seeing the shock in the other's gaze. Just how many monsters had Old Li brought back this time?!
At the summit.
Wei Hongye and Murong Qingwu gathered around Li Hao, curiously asking him how he had managed to climb up.
Li Hao could only honestly answer that he had fought his way up.
But clearly, this answer didn't satisfy them.
However, as time passed, the trial on the Imperial Sword was over, and the disciples who had remained at various points on the Emperor Sword Mountain were sent out by a vast, powerful force.
At the same time, a calm and indifferent voice echoed from the summit throughout the secret realm:
"The Emperor Sword Mountain trial has ended. Those who failed to pass will return to the Sword Abyss and cultivate diligently. There will be opportunities in the future."
"It's the Abyss Lord's voice!"
Some of the older disciples' eyes lit up.
Many disciples were excited and their hearts raced. Although they hadn't reached the summit, they had known this outcome since two years ago. After all, everyone knew their limits from the moment they entered the Emperor Sword Mountain.
"Senior Brother Zhou made it up the mountain. This time, he will definitely advance further and represent our Sword Abyss in battle!"
"Right, we'll see them shine in the Yan Chu region and on the Southern Domain battlefield!"
"Let's go, let's go. We need to cultivate diligently. The gap is getting wider, and we must work hard."
"Unfortunately, Senior Sister Zhao couldn't pass the seventh level. What a pity."
Many disciples left in groups, some with regret, some with hope, and some with frustration. As they departed, the entrance to the secret realm closed with them.
"..."
Xu Jianming returned alone, looking rather desolate. All that remained in his heart was a million curses.
...
At the summit.
Yun Wumian's figure descended before the thatched cottage. The disciples, seeing him, quickly bowed in reverence:
"Disciples pay respects to the Abyss Lord!"
Li Hao also bowed, and at the same time, he curiously glanced up to get a better look. He met the Abyss Lord's warm gaze, and their eyes locked for a moment.
Li Hao felt embarrassed and lowered his gaze.
"There's no need for such formality."
Yun Wumian couldn't help but smile at the young man's disgruntled expression.
Who would have thought that this time, there would be such a pleasant surprise?
Though he hadn't paid much attention to this young man, anything that happened on Emperor Sword Mountain could be known to him instantly if he wished.
When Li Hao rapidly ascended to the sixth level and defeated the ancient demons of the True Immortal Realm's eighth stage, Yun Wumian took notice. Then he saw Li Hao enter the seventh level and, with a single sword strike, defeat the Ancestral Dragon.
He recognized that sword technique.
One of the ten famous Immortal Techniques of the True World from a hundred thousand years ago—the Qing Tian Sword Art!
Though it has been replaced by newer Immortal Techniques, its power remains formidable and terrifying.
The young man had mastered this sword technique and even augmented his attacks with Earth Origin and Spatial Origin powers, despite both being at the second stage. This was Nine Sequences, after all!
To comprehend two Nine Sequences powers to such a degree was truly rare.
Apart from the Natural Sword Immortal Constitution, Yun Wumian hadn't expected to encounter such a talented and wise individual. Unlike Gu Yan and the little girl from the Yanhuo Clan, he saw no signs of bloodline powers in Li Hao. This young man was neither from an Imperial Clan nor an Ancient Immortal Legacy. His mastery of sword techniques and comprehension of origins seemed purely instinctual.
When insight reaches such an unimaginable level, it can rival and even surpass bloodline powers!
This realization brought him great joy.
As everyone stood straight, Yun Wumian's gaze inadvertently swept over the young man, then around the room. He noticed Old Li's anxious expression and the unconscious little girl in his arms.
When the little girl had unleashed the Yanhuo Clan's bloodline True Energy, he had detected it. The backlash she experienced was a normal occurrence. He raised his hand slightly, and a thread of Spirit Light, like a firefly, traced a bright blue arc and approached Old Li, then entered Yue Xi's forehead.
"Rest for a few days, and she will be fine. I have temporarily sealed that power within her. It will only be released if she faces a grave danger."
Yun Wumian spoke calmly, "That power is beyond her current control. She must reach the Perfect True Immortal Realm to truly master it."
Old Li was immediately grateful, "Thank you, Abyss Lord."
At that moment, the unconscious Yue Xi's eyes fluttered, and her pupils moved, as if she were about to wake up or trapped in a nightmare. She murmured softly:
"Mother, don't go, Mother..."
"Don't kill my mother..."
Her whispers were faint, but everyone present heard them clearly.
Some looked at the young girl with pity, seeing her haggard face.
Others remained silent, their heads lowered, perhaps recalling their own pasts.
A few remained calm, showing no empathy.
Li Tiemu quickly raised his hand, forming a barrier around the girl to protect her inner world and her dignity.
"Congratulations on passing the trial of Emperor Sword Mountain. You will all have the opportunity to comprehend the Emperor Sword."
Yun Wumian's words drew everyone's attention, their eyes bright with excitement.
"I, from the Nine Depths of the Great Dream, have an ancient lineage and once followed an Immortal Emperor, receiving guidance from that Immortal Emperor. I have left behind two strands of Imperial Sword Intent. If you can comprehend them, you will not only learn transcendent Imperial Sword Techniques but also have the chance to touch the Heavenly Dao Imperial Heart, laying a stronger foundation for your own Dao Heart!"
Yun Wumian's voice was calm, carrying a natural authority that flowed like a deep, steady stream through their minds.
"This is a rare opportunity. The comprehension period is six months. You must cherish it."
Everyone responded in unison.
At that moment, the girl in Li Tiemu's arms woke up. She clutched her forehead, feeling a sharp pain and a strong urge to vomit.
But soon, she became aware of her surroundings and her eyes were immediately drawn to Yun Wumian.
He was an existence of the Immortal King Realm, standing at the center of Heaven and Earth.
When Yue Xi saw Ji Qingxuan's figure, she was momentarily dazed, a surge of excitement welling up in her heart.
Was she really through the seventh layer, at the peak of Emperor Sword Mountain?
But soon, she spotted another familiar figure in the crowd. From the side, it was clearly Li Hao.
Her heart, which had just soared, plummeted again, leaving her pale and stunned.
That guy... how could he be here?
This isn't the peak of Emperor Sword Mountain, is it?
How long had she been unconscious, and what had happened?
While Yue Xi was still bewildered, Yun Wumian raised his hand. With his exertion, the entire Emperor Sword Mountain began to tremble violently.
Everyone felt the ground beneath them shake fiercely. Some released their Divine Sense and were horrified to discover that the gaps between the seven layers of Emperor Sword Mountain, which had been cut apart, were now closing, gradually merging back into a single, massive, towering mountain!
The spirit and demon races within the mountain seemed to have been transferred to some other place, vanishing without a trace.
As Emperor Sword Mountain merged, a silver-gray light appeared on Yun Wumian's forehead, revealing a miniature lotus mark.
If anyone examined it closely, they would notice that the lotus petals were numerous and intricate.
Rumble!
The ground behind the thatched cottage began to shake violently.
Dust and debris flew up as two towering Stone Steles emerged from the mountain.
On each Stone Stele, there were two deep sword marks, one deep and one shallow, one thick and one thin.
As the two sword-marked steles rose from the ground, a powerful, ancient, and majestic Sword Intent emanated from them, sweeping away the dust and smoke around them.
When the sword-marked steles stopped trembling and everything returned to calm, the Sword Intent seemed to emerge from the depths of time, growing more terrifying, as if slicing through stars and splitting moons from the Ancient Era!
Everyone looked up in awe.
This was the Imperial Sword Intent!
Yue Xi, who had been confused, was now equally stunned. She finally realized that she was indeed at the peak of Emperor Sword Mountain.
However, she couldn't think about why Li Hao was here right now. Her eyes were completely drawn to the two sword-marked steles.
Yun Wumian, observing the stunned crowd, spoke slowly, "These two Imperial Sword Intents have existed for countless ages. Now that they are revealed, treat them as if they were the Emperor himself. How much you can comprehend depends on your own destiny and insight!"
As he spoke, he waved his hand, and Zabutons appeared in front of the two sword-marked steles.
The other disciples, realizing what was happening, quickly flew over and sat on the Zabutons, looking up to comprehend the Imperial Sword Intent.
Ji Qingxuan's figure flickered, and he instantly teleported to the front, sitting in the foremost position.
Several other figures in the Immortal Lord Realm followed closely behind.
Lu Wuchen and Wei Hongye also hurried over, knowing they had only six months to comprehend the Sword Intent, and every second counted.
Yue Xi, who had been confused just moments ago, suddenly came to her senses and rushed out of Li Tiemu's arms toward the Zabutons.
As many figures scrambled to claim their spots, only a few Elders, including Li Tiemu, and Yun Wumian remained. There was also a young man's figure.
This young man's presence seemed particularly out of place.
Li Hao looked up at the two sword-marked steles and felt a familiar aura.
It was the aura of the Heavenly Catastrophe Immortal Emperor, and a voice in his heart told him that these sword marks were left by the Heavenly Catastrophe Immortal Emperor!
"Is this the sword stroke of an Emperor..."
Li Hao's eyes flickered, and with his Sword Dao essence at the third realm, he immediately recorded the two Imperial Sword Intents in his Panel.
But it was only the basics, not even at the beginner level.
The thick sword mark was the Emperor Sword Technique "Sky Splitter"!
The thin sword mark was the Emperor Sword Technique "Moon Embrace"!
Although he had only comprehended the basics, the information that flooded in made Li Hao feel as if two strands of Sword Qi were descending from the heavens, leaving two sword marks in the air before him!
The grand momentum and Sword Intent left him not only in awe of the power of the Imperial Sword but also with a faint sense of the Emperor's will.
Li Hao's eyes flickered as he stood there, lost in thought.
Yun Wumian, Li Tiemu, and the others all looked at the young man, finding him peculiar in his nonchalance while everyone else was competing.
"Kid, what are you thinking about?"
Li Tiemu couldn't help but urge him telepathically, "You only have six months. What are you daydreaming about!"
Li Hao came back to his senses, glanced at the Abyss Lord, and then looked up at the massive stone monument with the two sword marks. His Comprehension was already complete, and staying here any longer would be a waste of time, merely squandering another half a year.
“Abyss Lord, can I leave the mountain early?”
Li Hao looked at the Abyss Lord, bowed slightly, and asked.
The moment the young man spoke, the scene fell silent. Li Tiemu's throat seemed to be cut, and he stared dumbfounded at Li Hao, unsure if his ears were deceiving him.
What was this? Just arrived at Emperor Sword Mountain and already wanting to leave early?
The Emperor Sword Intent had been displayed for ten thousand years, and countless disciples had come to Comprehend it. No one had ever said they wanted to leave early.
After all, the longer one stayed, the more one could Comprehend. Who would waste such a precious opportunity?
(End of Chapter)
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