https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-460-Unique-Self-Sword-Technique-Slash-/13451829/
Chapter 461: Recognition
Chapter 461: Recognition
As Li Hao made his leap, his rank number surged, jumping from outside the top thirty to the seventeenth position!
Such a significant improvement was not something that could be achieved by merely spending time in the tenth wasteland. The Elders from various sects outside were all seasoned experts and were immediately stunned by this scene.
"That number 996 must have broken through the tenth wasteland!"
"Such a leap can only be from breaking through a domain. What sect's disciple is this?"
The members of the Star Hall and the Ten Thousand Mountains Sword Tower, among others from Tianyi Sect, exchanged glances, their expressions grave.
In the crowd, Li Tiemu was dumbfounded.
He forgot to swallow the fiery liquor in his mouth, which dribbled down his beard and soaked his shirt.
But he didn't notice.
Others might not know, but he did. That... was Li Hao's number.
That kid, that kid... he broke through the tenth wasteland?!
Li Tiemu was shocked. The gap between the eleventh wasteland and the tenth wasteland was immense, equivalent to the difference between the True Immortal Realm and the Immortal Lord Realm. That kid had actually broken through the barrier, and his strength was far beyond what was needed to defeat the Ancestral Dragon.
Hearing the surrounding discussions, he suddenly snapped back to reality, breaking out in a cold sweat. He quickly composed himself to avoid drawing attention.
This kid, this brat... Li Tiemu was both shocked and delighted. From Emperor Sword Mountain to now, Li Hao had given him one surprise after another, and here he finally revealed his true capabilities.
"This kid, he even kept it a secret from me. He has no noble bloodline, so how did he manage this?"
Li Tiemu felt a mix of surprise and joy, but he couldn't help but wonder.
He glanced at the numbers for Yue Xi, Murong Qingwu, and Gu Yan.
Murong Qingwu ranked the highest, already over three thousand, while Murong Qingwu and Gu Yan were around three thousand five hundred.
At this point, other sect monsters were also making their moves, and achieving these ranks was quite difficult. From their positions, it was clear they were in the ninth wasteland.
"Who would have thought, this kid is the real deal. Could it be true, as the Abyss Lord said, that someone's Insight is so high it can surpass the power of imperial bloodlines and ancient immortal legacies?"
Li Tiemu thought to himself, his eyes flickering, his fingers clenching tightly. He was filled with both surprise and excitement, feeling like he had discovered a great treasure.
Li Hao's ascension caught the attention of the various sects outside, leading to much discussion.
In the high clouds, Chu Xiangtian and others were all focused, having not paid much attention to this number before, they didn't know which sect's disciple it belonged to.
But to reach this rank, surpassing many of their royal siblings, was a clear sign of extraordinary strength.
"Seems there are still hidden talents in these sects."
"Those proud and self-satisfied nobles should know that these sect monsters are just as formidable."
"Boya Xuejian has already reached seventh place. He must be the strongest monster among these sects."
"Boya Xuejian, he hasn't joined any of your ranks yet, it seems he plans to gain fame in the Southern Domain and then seek a better offer."
"Hmph, perhaps his ambitions lie not with our Immortal Dynasties but with the Heavenly Palace."
"He is said to possess the Chaos Dao Vein, a Snow Spirit born from Chaos, with unfathomable Water Origin!"
They whispered among themselves, some sneering, others frowning.
In the depths of the wasteland, on a secluded hill.
The white-haired elder and the golden-armored general both showed signs of surprise. They hadn't expected the young man to actually break through the fog wall. This was no longer just bravery; it was a power that surpassed the Tenth Tier True Immortal Perfection!
"The mastery of that Immortal Power is truly remarkable..."
The golden-armored middle-aged man also recognized the young man's formidable sword strike, a hint of appreciation in his golden, flame-like eyes.
The white-haired elder, however, furrowed his brow, lost in thought.
"But the eleventh wasteland is his limit."
The golden-armored middle-aged man, seeing the young man standing in the eleventh wasteland, turned to the white-haired elder and smiled lightly. "Old Yuan, how long do you think he can hold on?"
The white-haired, white-robed Old Yuan snapped out of his reverie, glanced at the young man, and said softly, "At least the time it takes to burn a single incense stick!"
The golden-armored middle-aged man was taken aback and couldn't help but laugh. "You're exaggerating. Even I see his potential, but the Primordial Dao in the eleventh wasteland already contains Immortal Dao power, which is at least ten times stronger."
"How about a bet?"
Old Yuan looked at him calmly.
The golden-armored middle-aged man bared his teeth in a domineering smile. "I bet he won't last half an incense stick!"
Old Yuan's lips curved slightly. "If you lose, you must not interfere with the Demon Suppression Bureau, and this young man will join my National Supervisory Academy."
The middle-aged man in golden armor raised his eyebrows but showed no sign of backing down. "Fine, if you lose, the young man is mine, and you can't interfere with my actions regarding the Demon Suppression Bureau!"
Old Yuan couldn't help but laugh heartily. He hadn't expected that the matter he had been worried about, which hadn't been resolved in their previous two games of chess, would be settled because of this young man.
He had great confidence in the young man, as he had already discerned some of his background. Moreover, the young man had yet to reveal the power of the Immortal Seal.
To obtain such an Immortal Art, one must surely undergo trials. The young man must at least possess a Three-Flower Immortal Seal!
Thinking of this, he laughed even more heartily.
The middle-aged man in golden armor, hearing his laughter, frowned slightly, sensing that he might have overlooked something. However, he didn't believe his eyesight was inferior to Old Yuan's.
"Boy, that's enough..."
He looked into the distance, his gaze focused, and his expression became serious for the first time.
Many matters concerning the Demon Suppression Bureau, the most powerful institution of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, were now being wagered on a young man thousands of miles away, as they laughed and talked.
Meanwhile, in the Eleventh Wasteland.
Li Hao, after passing through the fog wall, immediately felt the oppressive force here.
If the previous place was like being in a swamp, this was like being buried in mud, making every movement difficult. Even lifting a hand felt as if he were wielding a thousand-jin weight.
At the same time, Thunderfire rumbled, and the void tore apart, revealing black cracks that couldn't be distinguished as either lightning or spatial rifts.
"Is this the Eleventh Wasteland?"
Li Hao looked around, his expression grave, sensing the true danger here.
To stay here for long, he might need to use the power of the Nine-Flower Immortal Seal.
Pang!
Suddenly, the void slightly distorted, and a golden spear with flames shot out from within.
The spear whistled toward Li Hao, arriving in an instant.
Li Hao's pupils constricted, but with his fourth-stage Spatial Origin, he sensed something coalescing in the distorted void and dodged in advance.
His figure flickered, and the spear passed by him, the high temperature of the flames brushing past his face. After missing, it pierced through to the distance, disappearing into a black crack.
"Truly dangerous..."
Li Hao's eyes scanned the area. If he had been hit, his Ancestor Immortal Body would have been severely injured, perhaps even on the brink of death.
Fortunately, his Spatial Origin was at the fourth stage, and he could still handle the Eleventh Wasteland.
The space here was bizarre and unpredictable, but it was still within Li Hao's grasp and understanding. If he ventured two or three wastelands further, he might die the moment he stepped in!
"The Prince said that breaking through the Tenth Wasteland would grant the qualification to participate in the competition, so I should be sufficient now."
Li Hao's eyes flickered. He looked around, sensing that primal Dao energy was gathering in three areas of the void, beginning to coalesce.
A thunder-like attack was about to descend, and Li Hao didn't want to stay any longer.
Although the Eruption of the Nine-Flower Immortal Seal could help him endure here, he still had the power of Time Origin, which was even more terrifying than his Spatial Origin, though he hadn't yet fully comprehended it.
Despite not reaching the fourth stage, it was not to be underestimated.
However, continuing to stay would only improve his ranking slightly.
Since he had already secured his qualification, staying here was pointless.
Whoosh!
Li Hao turned around, his uncontained Ultimate Power condensed again, and he suddenly slashed with his sword, cutting through the fog wall that had healed.
Seeing Li Hao's actions, the old man with the white beard in the depths of the wasteland, whose face had been full of smiles, froze, his eyes widening.
The middle-aged man in golden armor, on the other hand, was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter, clapping repeatedly.
Prudent, very prudent...
The middle-aged man in golden armor no longer felt like playing chess, threw down the pieces, and stood by the hillside, looking into the distance.
Whoosh!
Li Hao split the fog wall and immediately passed through, quickly returning to the Tenth Wasteland.
However, despite returning, his rank on the black immortal stele did not drop.
Li Hao took out his rank number, and Immortal Power surged into it. Instantly, a mighty Immortal Power Law descended, forcefully breaking through the chaotic primal Dao and enveloping Li Hao's body.
But before this Immortal Power could carry Li Hao away, a profound and vast Immortal Power, comparable to Heaven and Earth, emerged from the depths of the wasteland, enveloping the Immortal Power that had wrapped around Li Hao.
Li Hao felt the two powers, somewhat puzzled. But in the next moment, the void before him distorted. When it returned to normal, he found himself standing on a hill.
The Immortal Power that had enveloped him had dissipated, but now Li Hao sensed two Abyss-like auras. Though they were extremely restrained, they still made him feel uneasy, as if he were standing beside Elder Wang.
Li Hao looked over and saw an old man with flowing white hair, a practitioner of Immortal Wind and Dao Bone, and a middle-aged man clad in golden armor, exuding a domineering Killing Aura.
Next, Li Hao's gaze fell on the Chess Board between them, where an unfinished game lay.
Seeing that the young man's gaze was not intimidated, the middle-aged man in golden armor showed a hint of satisfaction. He had acted directly, blocking the Immortal Power from the Immortal Stele and bringing this young man to their presence.
"Young man."
His voice was deep and resonant, carrying the Killing Aura of countless dead, yet despite his calm tone, there was an eerie chill that seeped into one's bones.
Li Hao snapped back to his senses, immediately recognizing that the two before him were formidable experts, on par with Elder Wang.
He didn't dare to be disrespectful and quickly bowed, saying, "Greetings, seniors. May I ask who the two of you are?"
"Your ability to reach the eleventh wasteland is commendable."
The middle-aged man in golden armor remained calm, a hint of a smile in his eyes as he said, "I am the Grand Marshal of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty and the commander of the Chu Immortal Army. Would you be willing to join my ranks, follow me in battles, and establish immortal merit, leaving a name for eternity?"
Li Hao's pupils constricted, and he was momentarily stunned.
The Grand Marshal of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty stood before him?
This was a man of the highest rank, commanding an immortal army of millions. His word alone could make even the Tianyi Immortal Sect yield, not daring to stand in his way.
"With your talent and character, I can guarantee that within a thousand years, you will be renowned in Yan Chu, becoming a general of our great Yan Chu!"
The middle-aged man in golden armor was decisive and straightforward, offering his promise to the young man.
Li Hao quickly realized that this was a rare opportunity.
However...
He asked, "What would I need to do?"
"Simple. Cultivate, join the army, and follow me in battles. I will assign one of my fiercest generals to train you from the bottom up. Once you adapt to the battlefield and earn immortal merit, I will gradually promote you."
The middle-aged man in golden armor spoke with a scornful gaze, his words carrying authority. "Rest assured, you are someone I wish to cultivate. As long as you follow the plan and don't cause trouble, there will be plenty of immortal merit for you to earn. When you become a general of Yan Chu, even the leaders of the Tianyi Sect will personally welcome you, regardless of your cultivation level."
His words were bold, but they were also the truth.
Though the sects had vast influence, they were still like gnats trying to shake a tree compared to the ancient Yan Chu Immortal Dynasties.
Li Hao's heart, which had just sparked with excitement, cooled down.
Cultivation and military service... neither appealed to him.
Moreover, a thousand years was too long.
He believed that if he followed his own path, he might achieve even greater things within a thousand years.
Li Hao shook his head. "Thank you, Marshal, for your kind offer. I am still of low strength and prefer to cultivate on my own, so as not to burden the army."
His attitude was sincere and respectful.
Seeing this, Shangguan Hong, the man in golden armor, was taken aback. He could tell that this wasn't mere modesty or hesitation but a genuine refusal.
The conditions he had offered would make even the elders of major sects envious. He rarely took a liking to anyone, yet this young man had refused him!
Beside him, Yuan Xinggang also looked surprised, not expecting Li Hao to reject such a tempting offer.
He glanced at Shangguan Hong's slightly darkened face and couldn't help but feel a bit amused. This wasn't his fault.
"Young man, since you don't wish to engage in battles, why not come to the National Supervisory Academy and become my disciple? I will personally teach you. When I retire, if you can outperform my other disciples, you might become the National Master of Yan Chu!"
Yuan Xinggang said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Hong snapped back to his senses, his face changing as he glared at Yuan Xinggang in anger.
Yuan Xinggang met his gaze calmly, using telepathy to say, "He has already refused you. This isn't my fault."
Shangguan Hong coldly snorted and turned to Li Hao. "Young man, do you realize what a Heavenly Opportunity you are refusing? Even if you gain fame in the Southern Domain Battle, it will only benefit your sect. If you join my ranks, once the news spreads, who would dare to touch your sect? Even if you sever ties with your sect, the residual influence will still benefit them."
Li Hao felt a bit helpless. This was indeed a rare opportunity, and he felt a pang of regret at having to let it go.
"If I join your ranks, Senior, can I still cultivate on my own?" Li Hao asked.
Shangguan Hong was taken aback, his eyes widening in surprise.
Was this young man actually rejecting his guidance?
Joining under his banner, compared to becoming a general, the most important benefit was surely the chance to follow him and learn the skills needed to wage war against the All Heavens and Ten Thousand Races.
"Hmph, there are countless people who would love to follow me, and you, of all people, can't seize such a heaven-sent opportunity."
A glint of anger flashed in Shangguan Hong's eyes.
Yuan Xinggang, however, waved his hand with a smile, looking at Li Hao expectantly. "Young man, if you wish to cultivate on your own, you can join our National Supervisory Academy. I promise I won't interfere, but before you achieve your cultivation, I won't announce your identity. How does that sound?"
Hearing his words, Shangguan Hong looked at him in shock. This young man, though highly talented, didn't deserve such humility.
He fixed his gaze on Yuan Xinggang, knowing that this old man's temperament was as strong as his own, and there must be a reason for this.
Li Hao, hearing the white-haired elder's words, was also taken aback. He quickly replied, "Thank you, Senior. I am willing."
Seeing Li Hao agree, Shangguan Hong's expression changed slightly. Although he was angry with Li Hao, he remembered that the young man had just helped him win the bet, so his expression softened a bit. "Since you have this idea, I can also promise you this. Here is a Chu King's Order. In times of crisis, you can use this order to mobilize the Tiger-Lion Immortal Army from various regions. Additionally, I will enroll you in the Chu Immortal Army, with the rank of Tenth Rank General, and you will receive an immortal salary. I will give you a hundred years. By then, the Southern Domain Battle will be over, and you can decide whether you truly want to join!"
As he spoke, he threw a golden, radiant order, which landed in Li Hao's hand.
Li Hao quickly caught it. It felt cool to the touch, and the golden light on the order dimmed, revealing an ancient and elegant character: Chu.
Li Hao was both surprised and honored, never expecting these two powerful figures to value him so highly.
He quickly bowed. "Thank you, Seniors, for your admiration. I will certainly consider it carefully."
"What is your name?"
Yuan Xinggang asked with a smile.
"Hao Tian."
"Hao Tian..."
Shangguan Hong nodded. "A good name. I haven't heard of a family with the surname Hao. You must come from another domain."
Li Hao was slightly stunned, pondering how to respond.
Seeing Li Hao's difficulty, Shangguan Hong waved his hand. "It's fine. Heroes don't need to have a distinguished background. I value you for who you are. Young man, go back and think about it. Don't miss this opportunity."
Li Hao felt a sense of relief and a growing fondness for the man. He bowed again. "Thank you."
"Go."
Shangguan Hong gently waved his hand, and a powerful force sent Li Hao away.
Once Li Hao's figure vanished into the wasteland, Yuan Xinggang turned to Shangguan Hong and chuckled.
"You actually offered such a great benefit, even giving him a Chu King's Order. Even the favored princes don't all have such an order!"
"Hmph, Old Yuan, what's your game? This young man is talented, but his attitude isn't one you'd usually compromise for. You bet he could last an incense stick's time. I wonder what you see in him?"
Shangguan Hong asked with a cold snort.
Yuan Xinggang was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but laugh. He hadn't expected Shangguan Hong to be so willing to make such a significant offer because of him.
His eyes flickered, and he smiled lightly. "If you can promise not to harm the innocent when you root out the corrupt officials in the Demon Suppression Bureau, I'll tell you."
Shangguan Hong raised an eyebrow, thinking for a moment. "Alright, I agree."
He knew this was the reason Old Yuan had been hesitant, and he was using this young man as an excuse to make a concession.
Yuan Xinggang, seeing his quick agreement, smiled. However, as he recalled certain past events, a hint of melancholy and a sigh appeared in his eyes. "In that young man, I see the shadow of an old friend. If I'm not mistaken... that young man might have received a legacy even more powerful than ours."
Shangguan Hong was stunned. A legacy more powerful than theirs?
Thinking back to the young man's appearance, his eyes flickered, and he felt that Old Yuan's words were likely true.
"What kind of legacy?"
He asked.
Yuan Xinggang looked at him, hesitated for a moment, and then softly said, "The Legacy of the Imperial Fall Period..."
Shangguan Hong's eyes narrowed, turning to look at the space where the young man had departed, falling into silence.
...
Whoosh!
At the same time, Li Hao's figure appeared in the square in front of the black immortal stele.
Others were also being teleported out, but even so, when Li Hao appeared, many eyes turned to him, filled with surprise.
(End of Chapter)
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