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Chapter 509: The Charm of Nine Sequences
Chapter 509: The Charm of Nine Sequences
"Senior, may I ask your name?"
Before leaving, Li Hao inquired.
The Elder said, "I am the first Divine Tree of the Metal Origin Dao, nameless and surnameless. You can call me Mr. Jin."
"Mr. Jin..." Li Hao repeated, finding it a simple and unadorned name.
He bowed slightly and bid farewell to Mr. Jin, then turned and hurried toward the majestic Origin Secret City.
At this moment, the sky was awash in a kaleidoscope of colors, divine light and Dao glow illuminating everything. The entire Origin Secret City was permeated with a rich Great Dao Aura. The Five Dao Origins were clearly visible, almost within reach, deepening everyone’s understanding of the Five Dao and increasing the likelihood of Sudden Enlightenment.
Li Hao's gaze swept over the central golden light, his eyes filled with a complex and indiscernible emotion.
Mr. Jin had once fought against ancient demons a hundred thousand years ago, protecting the entire city. Later, he voluntarily left the city, yielding his position. When he tried to return, he was unexpectedly barred.
He hadn't expected that human greed and selfishness could also be seen in the Primordial Dao Tree.
Shaking his head, Li Hao flew toward the nearest Water Path Divine Tree.
Mr. Jin’s wish was not to return, nor did he want Li Hao to interfere. Given his current realm, he had no power to speak on Mr. Jin’s behalf.
Justice, after all, is built on power; otherwise, it can only kneel and wait outside.
As Li Hao approached, he saw that the Water Path Divine Tree was surrounded by a dozen Water Dao cultivators from various dynasties and prodigies from the Heavenly Palace.
Li Hao’s arrival didn’t attract much attention, but he noticed a familiar figure climbing the Water Path Divine Tree, heading toward its peak. It was Boya Xuejian.
However, two other figures were also ascending alongside Boya Xuejian, climbing up the tree trunk against a waterfall of water.
The waterfall seemed to be continuously falling, but Li Hao could tell it wasn’t a real waterfall. It was likely a manifestation of the Water Origin Dao’s Great Dao Power, used to test the participants.
"Those three again. This time, they might touch the Divine Tree Dao Fruit!"
"There’s no helping it. Their Water Dao comprehension far surpasses ours. They might already be at the fourth or even fifth realm!"
"Being able to rest on the tree is enough for me."
"You’re such a disappointment."
Beneath the tree, some cultivators from the same Immortal Dynasties whispered to each other.
Li Hao overheard their conversation and his eyes narrowed. Fourth realm, fifth realm?
He had only reached the fourth realm in the Primordial Dao of Space and the recently comprehended Metal Origin Dao.
The other Great Dao realms varied, some at the second realm, others at the third.
Li Hao looked at Boya Xuejian. Given his impression of the young man, Boya Xuejian’s Water Dao comprehension was likely at or very close to the fifth realm.
This realization made Li Hao feel a bit tense. With his current Dao realm comprehension, he might not be able to compete in the spiritual explosion.
Only in the Metal Dao and Space Dao did he have a chance to make an impact.
At that moment, he understood why Boya Xuejian had come to the Five Dao Origin City. In Water Origin Dao comprehension, he was the best in the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, unmatched by any of his peers. Coming here was the right choice.
Quantity doesn’t always beat quality.
However, Li Hao had already chosen his path, and his recently condensed Nine Sequence Immortal Seal had significantly boosted his combat power. It just didn’t give him an advantage in the spiritual explosion competition.
Despite his thoughts, Li Hao embraced the idea that since he was already here, he shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
His figure flickered, and he immediately dashed toward the Water Path Divine Tree.
Whoosh!
As he entered the tree’s canopy, enveloped in divine light, Li Hao felt as if a water film had enveloped his body. Here, he could clearly sense the aura of the Water Origin Dao, while his perception of other Great Dao realms became vague and weak.
Li Hao understood that this was a trial of his Water Origin Dao enlightenment.
He made no attempt to hide and began climbing the Divine Tree using his second-stage Water Origin Dao.
Li Hao's movements drew the attention of others. When they sensed the Water Origin Dao aura and cultivation he emitted, mocking laughter erupted.
"Look, a True Immortal Realm cultivator actually dares to try Channeling Qi here."
"Just at the second stage of the Water Dao Realm, and he's already trying to compete for the spiritual explosion."
Amid the radiant light of the Divine Tree, everyone except Boya Xuejian and two others started climbing. They had all reached the vines, while Li Hao was just beginning his sprint, the raised vines still far above his head.
In this Origin Secret Realm, the Netherwasteland Extreme Realm power had no effect, and Li Hao discovered he couldn't even use Spatial Teleportation. He could only rely on his Water Origin Dao, using the invisible currents in the void to propel himself upward like a fish struggling against the current.
Li Hao's Water Origin Dao realm was enhanced through the Art Dao, and at the same time, he had gained insights into the Space Dao and Earth Dao. Perhaps due to the balance of these three Primordial Dao, both his Water Dao and Earth Essence were only at the second stage.
A True Immortal Realm Ninth Rank cultivator with a second-stage Nine Sequences Primordial Dao was considered a prodigy, but not a top-tier one. Reaching the third stage was considered top-tier, and the fourth stage was the realm of ultimate monsters.
In this Origin Secret Realm, being a prodigy was just the threshold, the most common level. Li Hao's current abilities clearly placed him at the bottom.
"It seems there's no hope."
Li Hao summoned all his Water Origin Dao insights and climbed against the current, but the relentless Water Origin Dao pressure continually forced him back. By the time he reached the vines, he had reached his limit.
Li Hao sighed inwardly, ready to give up, but as he relaxed his efforts, the Water Origin Dao impact around him suddenly weakened like a receding tide, making his body feel lighter.
"This?"
Li Hao looked up and saw others still struggling to ascend, some with their faces flushed.
As Li Hao puzzled over this, a gentle power, like an invisible, tender hand, lifted him and carried him upward, floating him toward the Divine Tree.
Soon, the vines were beneath his feet, growing farther away, and his body continued to rise against the vertical current along the tree trunk.
Seeing this, those who had mocked Li Hao earlier couldn't help but widen their eyes in disbelief.
Now, Li Hao had surpassed their height, and they could only sense a dense Water Origin Dao aura surrounding him, unable to discern his exact realm, but it was extremely profound, surpassing their comprehension.
"What's going on?"
"That True Immortal Realm kid, his Water Origin Dao realm is actually higher than mine?"
"Who is that kid, and where did he come from?"
Others also noticed Li Hao, some showing surprise, others narrowing their eyes in concentration.
Li Hao was equally bewildered, completely unaware of what was happening.
As he ascended to the branches and entered the dense foliage of the Divine Tree, a gentle, light voice whispered directly into his Divine Soul:
" young man, what is your name?"
Li Hao was slightly stunned and looked around, seeing no one. He thought of Mr. Jin and realized what was happening, responding in his Divine Soul:
"Are you the Water Path Divine Tree?"
Perhaps because of Mr. Jin's stories, he found the gentle voice somewhat odd.
"Indeed."
The Divine Tree's voice was extremely gentle, "I haven't seen a Nine Sequence Immortal Seal in a long time. Do you want a Divine Tree Dao Fruit? If you form a covenant with me, I can gift you one and let you drink my Nectar!"
"Nectar?"
Li Hao was taken aback, never expecting the other party to detect his immortal seal.
"The Nine Sequences Origin, the potential of the Emperor Realm, and the Divine Tree Dao Fruit should rightfully belong to you. Our existence is meant to bless this city and its people for generations, as he established it."
The gentle voice spoke.
Li Hao was stunned, suddenly feeling that the other party was different from what he had imagined.
"What does forming a covenant entail?" Li Hao's divine soul asked in return.
"By forming a Heavenly Dao Covenant, once you become an emperor, your soul shadow will manifest on me, defending this Origin Secret City. In return, I will provide you with cultivation support. The first Divine Tree Dao Fruit has the greatest effect, but my origin nectar can be consumed every ten thousand years, with an effect that rivals the Dao Fruit, continuously granting you insights into the Dao Realm."
The Water Path Divine Tree communicated telepathically.
Li Hao fell silent, feeling that this arrangement was similar to what Mr. Jin had proposed.
At the same time, he sensed the rarity and power of the Nine Sequence Immortal Seal, which even the Primordial Dao Tree was willing to invest in, given his potential.
"What if I fail to become an emperor?" Li Hao asked.
"You possess the Nine Sequence Immortal Seal and the potential of the Emperor Realm, but the probability of actually reaching that level is still very low. You merely have the bare minimum qualifications to step through that threshold. The journey is long and fraught with many uncertainties, and the likelihood of failing along the way is much higher."
The Water Path Divine Tree continued, "But only the weak seek visible and stable exchanges, for they cannot afford to lose."
"However, the most scarce things in this world often come with many uncertainties. For me, this is a risky venture. Among the ten Nine Sequence Immortal Seals I encounter, perhaps none will become emperors and will perish along the way. But if just one succeeds, the sacrifices I make will be worth it a hundredfold."
Li Hao was deeply moved, instantly sensing the allure and terror of the Emperor Realm.
Indeed, Immortal Emperors are beings who dominate their eras, invincible at the 1st Rank, representing the pinnacle of power that millions of Immortal Deities cannot hope to match!
"Do you agree?"
The Water Path Divine Tree asked softly.
Li Hao recalled Mr. Jin's words, hesitated slightly, and then responded, "I agree."
He had already realized that only strength determined right and wrong. While he was nearly invincible at his current realm due to the Nine Sequence Immortal Seal, he was still no match for Immortal Lord Realm cultivators, especially the higher-tier ones. Not to mention, above the Immortal Lord Realm was the Immortal King Realm, where a mere gesture could crush him.
The Primordial Dao Tree's strength, Li Hao estimated, was likely close to that of an Immortal King, if not equal to it.
Discussing right and wrong with an Immortal King was like an ant discussing weight with an elephant—utterly meaningless.
As Li Hao responded, a gentle power enveloped him, lifting him continuously upward. In the blink of an eye, he was approaching the three figures at the highest point: Boya Xuejian and the others.
The three seemed to notice the commotion behind them and turned to look. Boya Xuejian's eyes widened in surprise upon seeing Li Hao.
Li Hao felt somewhat embarrassed, knowing that he had taken a shortcut. In terms of pure Water Origin Dao Realm levels, he could not compare to Boya Xuejian.
"True Immortal Realm?"
The other two sensed Li Hao's aura and their expressions changed. A mere True Immortal Realm cultivator was almost catching up to them?
Boya Xuejian glanced at Li Hao, then turned and sped up, rapidly ascending.
The other two were soon left behind but refused to feign weakness. Each erupted with powerful Water Origin Dao power, gradually climbing higher.
However, as they continued to ascend, the other two's pace gradually slowed, and they were eventually forced to stop.
Under the canopy of the Primordial Dao Tree, Li Hao maintained a steady pace, neither rushing nor lagging as he ascended.
Soon, Li Hao passed the other two individuals.
The two stared at Li Hao as if they had seen a ghost, their eyes filled with shock and complexity.
Before long, only Li Hao and Boya Xuejian remained at the higher levels, continuously climbing until they reached the heart of the tree canopy.
Here, divine light shimmered brightly, and ahead lay a luminous, azure Divine Light.
Li Hao caught the scent of the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, but his gaze lingered on Boya Xuejian ahead.
For Boya Xuejian to climb this far, his mastery of the Water Origin Dao was truly formidable, possibly reaching the Fifth Realm.
Suddenly, the surrounding divine light enveloped them, and the branches around them vanished. Li Hao felt as if they had been transported to an endless, azure world without borders.
This was a special space. Ahead, a woman in a blue dress stood with an exquisite and graceful figure, her side profile exquisitely beautiful.
"Congratulations."
A gentle voice echoed, and the woman in the blue dress turned, her face as beautiful as a fine sculpture.
Li Hao then noticed Boya Xuejian beside him. They exchanged a glance, and Boya Xuejian's eyes revealed a mixture of surprise and intense battle spirit.
"Your comprehension of the Water Origin Dao is truly profound. I didn't detect it earlier."
Li Hao coughed lightly, his face slightly red, but he didn't explain.
"Your talent in the Water Origin Dao is unparalleled, even surpassing mine. I hope we can spar before the Southern Domain Battle."
Boya Xuejian directly challenged Li Hao, his eyes gleaming with a fervent intensity.
Seeing that look, Li Hao felt a sense of familiarity, as if he were facing a formidable opponent in a strategic game.
He understood Boya Xuejian's feelings but knew he currently lacked the ability to face him, given the vast gap between the True Immortal Realm and the Immortal Lord Realm. Boya Xuejian was not just another prodigy like Chu Tianzheng.
"You are both outstanding. Here are the Divine Tree Dao Fruits granted to you."
At this point, the woman of the Water Origin Dao, who had been overlooked, finally spoke up.
With a wave of her hand, two azure Dao Fruits appeared and flew toward Li Hao and Boya Xuejian.
Boya Xuejian glanced at the Dao Fruit but showed little excitement, merely reaching out to catch it.
"May you achieve Ten Realms to Divinity on your path of the Water Origin Dao."
The woman of the Water Origin Dao said to Boya Xuejian.
Boya Xuejian's eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded. Then, he looked at Li Hao and said, "When will you be available? Rest assured, I will suppress my cultivation to the Ninth Rank of the True Immortal Realm."
Li Hao hadn't expected Boya Xuejian to be such a battle enthusiast. He had thought the other man was calm and refined, but it seemed he hadn't found anyone worthy of his attention.
"This... I'm afraid I won't have much time."
Li Hao politely declined.
Boya Xuejian frowned slightly, giving Li Hao a deep look. "Then we can only meet at the Southern Domain Battle. I hope to spar with you then."
Li Hao smiled wryly and bowed. "There will be many talented individuals from various factions; they should keep you entertained."
"That's different."
Boya Xuejian shook his head, glanced at Li Hao, but said no more. He then turned to the woman of the Water Origin Dao. "Thank you for the gift. When I reach the Tenth Realm of the Water Origin Dao, I will certainly nourish your divine body with it."
The woman's face lit up with satisfaction and warmth. She waved her hand. "I will be waiting for you. Go and cultivate; time here is precious."
Boya Xuejian nodded, and his figure vanished like a ripple in water.
After Boya Xuejian left, the woman of the Water Origin Dao turned to Li Hao, her eyes even brighter than before.
She said softly, "Fortunately, I had one Divine Tree Dao Fruit left. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known who to give it to, and it would have been a shame."
Li Hao was taken aback by her words. Her tone suggested either high emotional intelligence or that she truly had only one Dao Fruit, which she intended to give to him.
If it was the latter, the allure of the Nine Sequence Immortal Seal was indeed formidable.
He is a rare Water Origin Dao Monster. I can sense an extremely pure Water Origin Dao Power within him, including his Soul Spirit, which is infused with the innate purity of Water Dao. However, trying to reach the Imperial Realm through a single path is extremely difficult...
Water Origin Dao let out a light sigh and sized up Li Hao, saying:
"Your Water Origin Dao is only at the Second Realm. This Divine Tree Dao Fruit should significantly boost your strength."
Li Hao nodded. He had previously consumed a Metal Dao Divine Tree Dao Fruit, which brought his Metal Origin Dao to the Fourth Realm.
Now, with Water Origin Dao, he believed he could likely Cultivate to the Fourth Realm as well.
This would be the ultimate level for the True Immortal Realm.
"Second Brother and Sister are not yet aware of your existence. If they knew, they would likely send you Dao Fruits as well. I will inform them now, and you can wait here."
Water Path Divine Tree said.
Li Hao couldn't help but feel somewhat overwhelmed.
This meant that he didn't need to do anything; he just had to wait, and they would send him Divine Tree Dao Fruits?
If he consumed them all, it would mean that all his Five Dao Origins could reach the Fourth Realm!
At this thought, Li Hao couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The Five Dao Origins complementing each other, if all reached the Fourth Realm, would undoubtedly bring about wondrous changes. But one thing was certain: it would greatly amplify his combat power!
"Now, let's form the pact."
Water Path Divine Tree said, raising a finger as delicate and white as an onion stalk. She lightly touched the void, and a gentle ripple sound echoed. Li Hao felt a vast and profound power envelop him, touching his Divine Soul.
He understood, and his Divine Soul gently touched the power. In an instant, Li Hao had the sensation of his Divine Soul merging into a vast, gentle sea.
On the other side, Water Path Divine Tree closed her eyes gently.
After a long while, Li Hao felt the gentle sensation fade away. He opened his eyes and sensed a faint connection between himself and the Primordial Dao Tree.
"Once you consume the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, I will give you Nectar, and you can Cultivate here."
Water Path Divine Tree said.
Li Hao nodded.
At this moment, Water Path Divine Tree glanced at Li Hao and suddenly asked, "Have you been Outside the City before?"
Li Hao's eyes tightened, but his expression remained calm. "Yes."
"Then you've met our Elder Brother?"
"Hmm?"
Li Hao's eyes flickered as he looked at her. He saw no malice in her eyes, only a hint of melancholy and sorrow.
"I can sense Elder Brother's aura on you. You must have consumed the Divine Tree Dao Fruit he gave you. It seems Elder Brother holds you in high regard. After all, to condense a Dao Fruit Outside the City takes thirty thousand years..."
She spoke softly, with a touch of a sigh.
Li Hao was somewhat surprised. According to Mr. Jin, these Primordial Dao Trees seemed to be his enemies, preventing him from entering the city. But now, her demeanor made him wonder if this was just an act or if there was more to it.
As Li Hao pondered, Water Path Divine Tree asked, "Did Elder Brother talk to you about us?"
Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "Not really."
Water Path Divine Tree fell into a slight silence before saying, "Child, I have lived for countless ages, seen countless people, and witnessed countless hearts. There's no need to lie to me."
Li Hao was taken aback and feigned confusion, "Lie?"
"When I mentioned Elder Brother being Outside the City, you didn't show any surprise, which means Elder Brother has already told you many things. Otherwise, upon hearing that Elder Brother is Outside the City, wouldn't you have some questions and doubts?"
Water Path Divine Tree said, her azure eyes like a deep ocean, gazing intently at Li Hao.
Li Hao’s scalp tingled, and he felt a slight numbness. These ancient beings, who had lived for countless years, indeed had intricate thoughts.
Though he had lived two lifetimes, his combined soul age was only a century, while some of the prodigies competing in the Origin Secret Realm might have reincarnated four or five times, with far more experience than him.
"Mr. Jin did mention something", Li Hao admitted.
"What did Elder Brother say?"
The Water Path Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, her eyes filled with a glimmer of hope.
Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Jin protected this Origin Secret City a hundred thousand years ago, battling ancient demons and sustaining severe injuries. Later, he voluntarily left the city, but after his wounds had somewhat healed, he wanted to return..."
At this point, he glanced at her, feeling it unnecessary to continue.
After all, she should be more aware of what happened.
Hearing Li Hao’s words, the glimmer of hope in the Water Path Divine Tree’s eyes gradually dimmed. She softly said, "Did Elder Brother tell you that we prevented him from coming back in?"
Li Hao remained silent, his silence serving as an acknowledgment.
The Water Path Divine Tree exhaled lightly, then smiled. "You’re right."
Li Hao was slightly taken aback, his gaze fixed on her.
"Elder Brother nearly exhausted his soul and risked the extinction of his tree seed to protect us. Without him, there would be no Five Dao Origin City today", the Water Path Divine Tree said in a low voice.
Seeing her downcast expression, Li Hao’s eyes revealed confusion. "If you know this, then why?"
The Water Path Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, as if the surroundings brightened. She said softly, "Elder Brother was injured once, and he can’t be injured again."
"A hundred thousand years ago, he protected us, and now, a hundred thousand years later, it’s our turn to protect him. Those ancient demons, the Indestructible, and the Immortal Emperors have fallen one after another. A great battle is inevitable, and it will surely affect the Origin Secret City."
She gazed at Li Hao. "If Elder Brother returns to the Origin Secret City, he will stay in this city. It’s easy to come in, but hard to leave!"
Li Hao was stunned, his face changing. He suddenly realized the misunderstanding.
"Elder Brother thinks we are ungrateful and refuse to let him back into the city to share the nourishment of the Origin Secret City, but we are five siblings!"
"In this world, besides the Five Supreme Immortal Emperors who created and nurtured us, we are the closest to each other!"
"Nourishment? Resources? What do they matter? If we valued them, we would have crushed the Divine Tree Dao Fruits and buried them under our feet to nourish ourselves."
Tears seemed to well up in the Water Path Divine Tree’s eyes, but her face showed a self-deprecating smile.
Li Hao’s heart was moved. He said, "If that’s the case, why don’t you tell him directly?"
"Tell him?"
The Water Path Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, her lips curling slightly. "Do you have siblings? Or parents?"
Li Hao was taken aback, a complex light flashing in his eyes. Faces flashed through his mind but quickly submerged.
"I used to."
He spoke softly, his voice lower than before.
"Then you understand."
The Water Path Divine Tree didn’t notice Li Hao’s emotional change and continued, "You should know that if someone you protect is in danger, you would stand up for them, right? Elder Brother is that kind of person. If we told him, he would risk everything to come back into the city. Even if he didn’t enter, he would stay with us until the end, fight until the end!"
As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, and her cheeks glowed with a radiant smile.
"He’s that kind of person."
"So."
Her smile faded, and her eyes became serene. "We can only treat him this way. When Elder Brother confided in you, he must have hated us, hated us for being selfish and greedy!"
Li Hao snapped back to reality, feeling his blood boil and surge, an indescribable feeling coursing through him.
He thought of the aged voice under the golden tree outside the city, the promise he made:
If I become an Immortal Emperor, I will protect this Origin World!
A city apart, a hundred thousand years of separation, yet they were each protecting the other with their hearts!
(End of Chapter)
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