https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-535-A-Game-at-the-Foot-of-the-Mountain/13451984/
Chapter 536: The Acceptance of Mountain of Inquiry
Chapter 536: The Acceptance of Mountain of Inquiry
At the foot of Mountain of Inquiry, apart from Li Hao, only a few disciples from the various Immortal Dynasties who had set out later were still lingering here.
But soon, they too defeated their respective Dao Realm Avatars and quickly climbed up the mountain.
Only Li Hao remained, calmly and unhurriedly placing his Go stones.
After all, compared to the swift and decisive battles with swords and blades, Chess Dao was clearly more time-consuming.
Countless people watched this scene in astonishment. While the prodigies from the Southern Domain's various Immortal Dynasties were cutting down their Dao Realm Avatars and rushing to the mountaintop, that young man was sitting alone at the foot of the mountain, quietly playing a game of chess.
"That brat, what is he doing, still taking his time like this!"
Li Tiemu, upon seeing this, became anxious despite his earlier calm demeanor.
Although he knew Li Hao's Dao Heart was extremely strong and that the Floating Pagoda of Heart Inquiry had confirmed Li Hao's Dao Heart as an Eternal Dao Heart, which was more than enough to reach the Heart-forgetting Hall halfway up the mountain, he was unsure if Li Hao could make it to the summit.
If he couldn't reach the top, he would be eliminated for exceeding the quota!
"Does he even understand Chess Dao?"
Beside him, Great Dream Master was also taken aback.
She knew that Li Hao, besides his cultivation, was also proficient in Art Dao and had attained enlightenment through painting, leading to the comprehension of other Dao Realms.
But she hadn't expected that Li Hao, besides Art Dao, had also studied Chess Dao to such a degree that Mountain of Inquiry had even reflected a Dao Realm Avatar for him.
This was enough to show that Li Hao's mastery of Chess Dao was also considerable!
She was momentarily stunned, then, hearing Li Tiemu's anxious voice, she snapped back to reality, a hint of worry appearing in her eyes. However, she was outside the field and couldn't even send a telepathic message to Li Hao, so there was no way to urge him on.
However, she knew from Old Li that Li Hao's Dao Heart level was high, and the hope of reaching the summit was still significant. Even if he fell behind in time, he wouldn't be eliminated.
"An interesting Chess Dao."
At this moment, Emperor Chu and the other emperors from the various dynasties also noticed Li Hao's peculiar actions.
Compared to the other disciples, this young man's behavior was too striking, exuding a unique and transcendent aura that set him apart from other cultivators.
Emperor Chu was skilled in chess and enjoyed it. In his daily life, he often played with Yuan Xinggang, that old fellow, and Shangguan Hong, that rough guy. Over the long years of their matches, the two had also become increasingly profound in their Chess Dao.
And now, seeing this young man's Chess Dao, he found it wasn't bad at all.
Although it didn't quite match their level, in this realm, he had never seen a young prodigy with such skill in Go.
"Quite a promising chess player."
Beside him, Emperor Jiang smiled. He, too, had studied Chess Dao and was impressed to see such a unique young talent. This couldn't help but make him look at Li Hao with new eyes.
Although Chess Dao was a Minor Dao and couldn't compare to the Nine Sequences or the Dao Images of swords and blades, it was still a good way to hone one's mindset during leisure time.
"He's still in the opening stage. A true game of chess should flow naturally, with each move falling into place, rather than being forced."
At the front, the towering Dharma Image of the Heavenly Palace Supreme also revealed a faint smile, saying, "But for his age, to achieve such a realm in Chess Dao while also cultivating is already a remarkable feat."
Hearing the Supreme Sage's praise, the other emperors of the Immortal Dynasties couldn't help but be slightly moved.
They had no bias against the Minor Dao of Go, but they felt that with this young man's talent, he should be focusing more on cultivation.
In a certain sect of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty.
"Li Hao..."
A figure in green robes sat on the mountaintop, also playing chess. Opposite him was a good friend from the sect with whom he shared a common interest.
As they casually played, their eyes were drawn to the Southern Domain's Heaven's Pride Battle reflected in the sky. The figure in green robes couldn't take his eyes off the young man.
"Old Wind, is that child really your friend? With such a shallow soul age, he still has the thoughts to play chess. That's a waste of time!"
The gray-robed old man with a red nose couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.
The Elder in Green Robes laughed, saying, "That's just how he is. How can it be a waste of time if he finds joy in it?"
Old Gray Robe was taken aback, slowly chewing on the words before clapping his hands and exclaiming, "Brilliant!"
"An ordinary person's life spans no more than three Heavens. Whether one strives or takes things as they come, whether one builds wealth and power or holds high office, in the end, all will turn to a handful of yellow earth, just like all the commoners under the sky, buried in the ground. What's the difference?"
Elder in Green Robes smiled and said, "It is only the times when one is truly happy that count as truly living."
"Old Wind, you have a truly carefree outlook. I can't help but feel inferior."
Old Gray Robe couldn't help but sigh, a trace of admiration in his eyes.
Though he spoke thus, truly feeling such carefree ease from the heart was another realm altogether, and he knew he could hardly achieve it.
"These words were once spoken by that child."
Elder in Green Robes looked down at the unique young man at the foot of Mountain of Inquiry, his eyes gleaming with deep nostalgia and longing.
"Who?"
Old Gray Robe was taken aback, looking at the young man reflected in the clouds. Despite his short soul age of just a hundred, how could he have such profound insights?
"What realm is that child's Dao Heart?"
He couldn't help but ask.
Elder in Green Robes shook his head slightly. "If one is fixated on the Dao Heart, it won't reach great heights."
Old Gray Robe was stunned, feeling a thunderous shock in his mind.
In the various Immortal Dynasties of the Southern Domain, countless people were now debating Li Hao's actions.
"His soul age is so young, and he's qualified to participate in the Southern Domain Battle, which shows his talent is extremely high. Yet, instead of focusing on cultivation, he delves into these side paths!"
"This is such a waste of talent. Doesn't his sect care?"
"Perhaps to them, playing chess is also a form of cultivation. Mother, look at how that prodigy is playing chess. If I go to seek dual cultivation with Lady Qingluan tomorrow, it would be quite normal, right?"
"His talent is world-class. What's the harm in being a bit whimsical? Don't forget, he was ranked ninth on the Dao Fire List!"
"Could you dual cultivate to the point of participating in the Southern Domain Battle? Not just Qingluan, even Hongluan and Lüluan would be fine!"
Amidst the various debates, the chess game at the foot of Mountain of Inquiry was nearing its end.
This game wasn't long. After all, the Dao Realm Avatar reflected at the foot of the mountain, though similar in chess style to Li Hao, was not quite at the same level.
"It's almost over."
Li Hao observed the opponent's struggling moves. Though the opponent was just a phantom, Li Hao could sense the gravity of the situation from the dark contours of the face.
He smiled, not with the joy of victory, but with a sense of nostalgia.
It was as if the opponent had taken him back to a past time, reliving an experience.
"When we reach the summit, if you can still reflect the Chess Dao, we'll play another game."
Li Hao said, then placed a stone, cutting off the opponent's retreat.
On the other side, the Dao Realm Avatar, hearing Li Hao's words and seeing the stone fall, slowly placed a black stone on the chess board. It trembled slightly and then seemed to dissolve into a drop of ink, merging with the chess board.
"I have lost. I will wait for you at the summit."
The Dao Realm Avatar stood up and bowed slightly to Li Hao in acknowledgment of defeat.
Then, with a wave of his hand, the chess board and stones returned to him, merging with his body, and he transformed into a mist of ink-like smoke, dissipating before Li Hao's eyes.
Seeing this, countless people were stunned, finding it hard to believe.
Previously, the prodigies from various Immortal Dynasties had all defeated their Dao Realm Avatars, but here, it was the Dao Realm Avatar who had conceded defeat, and the scene appeared unusually peaceful.
"He won?"
"The Dao Realm Avatar actually conceded? If Chess Dao won't do, we can still compare martial skills!"
"Winning is useless. He's too far behind. The people at the front have already reached the Heart-forgetting Hall!"
"By the time he climbs up, the slots will probably be full. He'll be the last one!"
"What a pity. He's still ranked ninth on the Dao Fire List and has the youngest soul age. Is he going to be eliminated in the second trial?"
"Will he even make it to the final great battle? I was looking forward to seeing his performance in the great battle!"
Some saw that dozens of people had already gathered at the Heart-forgetting Hall on the mountain waist, and others were still chasing after them. If Li Hao could climb rapidly from here on, there might still be a chance, but if he delayed even slightly, he would likely miss the slots!
"Kid, hurry up!"
Li Tiemu clenched his fists, gritting his teeth in silent encouragement for Li Hao, wishing he could push Li Hao forward.
Other elders from the various abysses also looked tense. Although they had prodigies like Yin Jingcheng and Su Ye Chen from Spear Abyss, who were at the Immortal Lord Realm, their performance in the Immortal Lord Realm group was only average compared to other monsters.
Li Hao's performance in the True Immortal group was particularly outstanding. For the Nine Depths of the Great Dream to gain fame, it largely depended on Li Hao's performance.
At the foot of Mountain of Inquiry, Li Hao saw the dissipation of a Dao Realm Avatar but did not linger, quickly ascending the steps.
He rushed up at breakneck speed, but after a few hundred steps, he reached a pavilion on a gentle slope where another Dao Realm Avatar appeared beside him.
Soon, a Dao Realm Avatar identical to the previous one materialized. Li Hao examined the figure, uncertain of the specific Dao Realm essence.
However, this Dao Realm Avatar suddenly raised a hand and swirled a piece of dark cloth in the air.
Li Hao felt the familiar Great Dao Aura and was instantly surprised. This time, it was not Nine Sequences but Art Dao!
"Art Dao, huh..."
Li Hao was somewhat taken aback but did not refuse. Although he could use Sword Dao to split the Dao Realm Avatar and proceed, the Mountain of Inquiry trial lasted three days, which was ample time.
"Shall we use this mountain as our canvas?"
The Dao Realm Avatar spoke, its voice identical to Li Hao's.
Li Hao glanced at Mountain of Inquiry and nodded. He had previously painted the Spatial Origin Dao Tree, but this mountain held extraordinary power and was no less complex.
It could even match the Time Origin Divine Tree.
After all, he had yet to perceive how the Dao Realm Avatar manifested or dissipated. If he were to paint, he would not be able to capture this layer.
Seeing Li Hao agree, the Dao Realm Avatar immediately moved to one side and began to focus on the painting.
Li Hao raised his head and gazed at Mountain of Inquiry.
However, standing in the mountain, he could not see the entire landscape.
Before the trial, he had seen the complete form of Mountain of Inquiry, but that was merely a superficial view.
"Art Dao is not about the whole, but the essence."
Li Hao raised his hand, gathered Immortal Power, and used his finger as a brush to start painting in the air.
This scene once again stirred the Southern Domain, causing countless people from various Immortal Dynasties to erupt in excitement.
Previously, it was Chess Dao, and now he was actually painting?!
"What is he doing? Why are his Dao Realm Avatars so strange!"
"Art Dao? Besides focusing on Chess Dao, he has thoughts on the minor art of Art Dao?!"
"Music, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting—could it be that he excels in all of them? Was he a scholar in the past?!"
Many people expressed shock, disbelief, and confusion.
As a top genius, he should be cherishing time for cultivation, not wasting it on side pursuits. It was simply incomprehensible.
"To manifest a Dao Realm Avatar on Mountain of Inquiry, his Art Dao is not just a simple skill but a deep understanding of the Dao Realm. How much effort must he have put into it!"
"I haven't even begun Sword Dao, and he's already entering the Dao with Art Dao?"
Countless cultivators were stunned, feeling the world had gone mad.
"Earlier, the Master Chess Player said his Chess Dao is almost on par with a Master. Now, could his Art Dao be at the same level?"
Amid the shock, Emperor Chu and other Imperial Rulers in the sky were also surprised.
Li Hao's mastery of Chess Dao was already unexpected, but now he was also delving into Art Dao, which seemed to be a significant deviation from his main pursuits.
"His paintings have a unique charm and contain spatial origin power. Not simple at all."
Empress Yuanzun commented, a glint in her eyes. She also enjoyed painting, but for her, it was more of a hobby to cultivate her spirit.
"It seems this child's talent far surpasses our expectations."
"None of us had such impressive performances back then."
The other Imperial Rulers' expressions turned serious. Though Li Hao pursued side interests, it only highlighted his terrifying talent.
Even if Li Hao were to be eliminated in the Southern Domain Battle, his talent was undeniable, and he was destined to become a powerful King Realm ruler in the future.
"Art Dao……"
Great Dream Master saw the Dao Realm Avatar and was momentarily stunned, then she gave a bitter smile.
She was both surprised and knew it was to be expected. Earlier, in the Langya Painting Realm, she had already known that Li Hao's realm of painting was extremely high.
"What is he doing, still painting? He should just cut down that Dao Realm Avatar with one sword!"
Beside her, Old Li was extremely anxious. He saw that the number of people gathered at the mountain waist had already surged to hundreds, and the main group was catching up.
Li Hao was still at the first pavilion, and there was another one ahead. By the time he reached the Heart-forgetting Hall, time would be running out.
"If the requirement for the Heart-forgetting Hall at the mountain waist is a Chaos-grade Dao Heart, then an Eternal Dao Heart should be enough to reach the summit."
Great Dream Master, seeing Li Tiemu's anxiety, gently consoled him.
However, despite her speculation, her eyes still carried a hint of worry.
After all, Li Hao's success or failure was of great importance. If he failed the second trial, it would be truly regrettable.
At this moment, in the secret realm, Li Hao was painting a hazy mountain silhouette.
The mountain was ethereal, but the steps within it were extremely clear, and those steps contained Dao Resonance, making them vivid and almost tangible in the painting.
The Dao Realm Avatar, on the other hand, had painted the entire Mountain of Inquiry.
"This Art Dao competition, Hao Tian seems to be losing. His mountain is just an illusion!"
"No, his mountain may not be real, but the steps seem genuine, while the Dao Realm Avatar has painted the entire mountain, capturing its form but lacking the essence of the Mountain of Inquiry!"
In various immortal dynasties, there were some with lower realms but who had delved deeply into the Art Dao, and they began to offer their critiques.
Others around them asked about the high and low points of Li Hao's and the Dao Realm Avatar's competition, and in no time, they became the center of attention. They relished the attention and began to speak enthusiastically.
Soon, both Li Hao and the Dao Realm Avatar put down their brushes.
The Dao Realm Avatar looked at Li Hao's painting and was clearly stunned, then fell silent.
Li Hao also looked at the Dao Realm Avatar's Mountain of Inquiry and couldn't help but marvel at it, recognizing it as a majestic and divine mountain.
"I lost."
The Dao Realm Avatar said softly, then raised his hand to collect his painting.
Li Hao nodded, "Thank you for the match."
The Dao Realm Avatar didn't say anything more and vanished into thin air.
Li Hao glanced at his own painting, then pasted it on the side of the pavilion, smiling lightly, "Since I am here, I will leave a humble work. I hope the divine mountain will not mind."
He had said it casually, but to his surprise, the painting slowly seeped into the pavilion and disappeared.
Li Hao was taken aback, then his eyes widened slightly. At this moment, he was even more certain that the Mountain of Inquiry was not just an inanimate object, but possibly a terrifying Imperial Weapon or a naturally occurring divine entity with its own consciousness.
The painting's disappearance seemed to indicate that the Mountain of Inquiry had accepted it. Li Hao felt honored and then continued up the steps.
"That painting actually disappeared!"
At this moment, countless people saw the scene and were stunned.
Soon, someone exclaimed in shock, "The painting must have been taken by the Mountain of Inquiry!"
"It must be so. It's long been said that the Mountain of Inquiry is a primordial Dao-level divine object. If it's true, that's incredible!"
"The Mountain of Inquiry actually recognized his painting. Is that young man's Art Dao really that strong?!"
"How long has he studied Art Dao? He's only 96 years old in soul age. How could that be enough? How young was he when he truly started cultivating?!"
Countless people were amazed, and their impression of that young man deepened.
"The Mountain of Inquiry actually took his painting. For so many years, no one has ever painted for the Mountain of Inquiry, right?"
In the sky, Emperor Chu's eyes flickered, and he said with a smile.
The sky ahead remained calm, and the Venerable Spirit did not speak.
The other imperial capitals felt surprised, their eyes filled with admiration. Even they might not have gained the Mountain of Inquiry's recognition, as it had once helped the Supreme Sage achieve a Heavenly Emperor Dao Heart, making it extremely extraordinary.
(End of Chapter)
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