https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-539-The-Match-on-the-Mountain-Top/13467201/
Chapter 540: The Sealed Dao Heart
Chapter 540: The Sealed Dao Heart
At the peak of the Mountain of Inquiry.
Amidst the rapt attention of the crowd, Li Hao’s confrontation with the Dao Realm Avatar’s Chess Dao had already begun.
This match was largely incomprehensible to the many participating disciples. Only a few, who had a passing interest in Chess Dao but not deep expertise—only reaching the second or third realm of chess—were barely able to follow the game, though they could not grasp its intricacies.
However, in the sky, Emperor Chu and the other imperial rulers watched with keen interest.
Among the patriarchs and elders of the other immortal dynasties, there were also those skilled in and fond of chess, who stroked their beards in appreciation.
Li Hao’s expression was solemn. In just a few moves, he realized that this Chess Dao Incarnation was no weak opponent, possessing a skill level close to the eleventh tier.
This meant he needed to be fully prepared and focused to win this game. The slightest mistake, even with a slight skill gap, could lead to a complete loss.
“Flying Dagger Array, the Precious Dragon Layout, truly remarkable!”
Emperor Tianzhao, gazing at the chessboard, could not help but clap in admiration.
Emperor Chu’s eyes also showed surprise. Earlier, Li Hao’s game at the foot of the mountain seemed merely average to him, though it was far superior to the other participants, it did not reach the level of true mastery.
But now, at the summit, the game was rapidly changing, each move presenting numerous possibilities and paths, like two supreme swordsmen exchanging blows, each move containing infinite variations, their attacks and defenses seamlessly interlocking, a marvel of skill!
Such a battle was a feast for the eyes alone.
“With this level of chess, I would believe he has spent ninety-six years studying it.”
Emperor Jiang also commented.
With his long lifespan, he naturally had a good understanding of Chess Dao, though he was not particularly fond of it.
But in terms of skill, he was no slouch.
“Ninety-six years of study won’t produce such skill. More like nine thousand six hundred years!”
Emperor Chu shook his head, speaking softly. “If not for his sword, this level of chess would make him a world-class Chess Dao genius!”
“Three-layer strategy, using borrowed pieces, indeed impressive.”
The Supreme Sage in the sky slowly spoke, offering his critique.
As they conversed, in the hall atop the mountain, dozens of disciples from various dynasties watched Li Hao’s confrontation with the Chess Dao Incarnation.
“Is this even a match? Could they be going easy on him?”
“Winning by playing chess? That’s too easy.”
“Ha, ignorance! Don’t underestimate this game. An average player would lose for sure!”
“I heard that the Dao Realm Avatar of the Mountain of Inquiry appears based on one’s various Dao Realms, chosen at random. For his Chess Dao to reach this level and manifest a Dao Realm Avatar, I remember his soul age is only ninety-six years, right?”
Watching the game, they couldn’t understand it, but they saw the young man’s serious and focused expression, as if he were engaged in a life-and-death struggle!
“Interesting.”
Di Lincen, seeing this, smiled, and took a swig from his wine flask.
He didn’t understand Chess Dao, but he could tell the game was not simple.
As time passed, a few more figures gradually climbed up from the foot of the mountain.
They were the disciples who had been waiting in the Heart-forgetting Hall. Now, having passed through the Dao pavilions, they reached the summit.
Upon reaching the top, they saw Li Hao sitting on the steps, engaged in combat.
When they saw Li Hao battling his own Dao Realm Avatar in a game of chess, they were stunned, their eyes widening.
But soon, their own Dao Realm Avatars appeared, and each entered their respective trials, unable to focus on anything else.
With these new arrivals, the other disciples finally encountered a match they could understand and began to watch with interest.
Soon, three out of the four defeated their Dao Realm Avatars and successfully reached the summit, while one was defeated and fell into a strange, reverent state.
Beside them, Li Hao’s game was still undecided.
Time stretched on, stars rose and the moon appeared, and the trial on the Mountain of Inquiry entered the night.
This signaled the end of the day.
Starlight sprinkled down, and the game before the chessboard continued, the pace of their moves slowing.
The other disciples, seeing this, had long lost patience and either closed their eyes to rest or cultivated, using their Dao Domains to make the most of their time on the mountain.
“What a long match. I wonder if it will still be undecided by the end of the trial.”
“I’ve heard of games lasting ten years. It seems that’s true.”
Starlight dotted the chessboard, and Li Hao’s mind was completely immersed in the game, oblivious to the passage of time.
He carefully analyzed the opponent’s moves, which were similar to his own but lacked depth and thorough consideration. However, this style was overly peaceful, lacking a fierce offensive spirit.
“Is this the flaw in my Chess Dao…?”
Li Hao thought to himself, and his moves became more aggressive and cunning.
He treated the Chess Dao Incarnation before him as a mirror, learning from the heavens and earth, seeking to understand the past and present!
As the first ray of morning sunlight fell upon the Chess Board, Li Hao placed his stone precisely where the light shone.
"It's over."
At that moment, the Sky Supreme Sage, floating in the clouds, spoke softly.
Beside him, Emperor Chu nodded slightly. He had watched the match with great interest, noting the subtle changes in the young man's strategy. Now, with this final, decisive move, the game had reached its conclusion.
"Who would have thought I'd witness such a magnificent game here, making my own fingers itch to play."
Emperor Tianzhao sighed lightly.
"Has a winner been decided?"
Red Empress was surprised. She had no particular fondness for the Chess Dao and couldn't tell who had won.
At the Chess Board, the Dao Realm Avatar gazed at the spot where Li Hao had placed his stone. The tension in his expression suddenly eased.
He picked up a Go Stone, lifted it, and then placed it back in the Go Box. After a brief silence, he murmured, "I have lost."
Li Hao's gaze shifted from the Chess Board to the dark outline of his opponent's face. Though the silhouette resembled his own, he knew it housed a different soul.
Or perhaps, a different consciousness.
"Thank you for the game."
Li Hao said.
"Thank you for your painting."
The Chess Dao Incarnation dissipated, but before it vanished, it smiled and whispered one last sentence.
Li Hao was momentarily taken aback but quickly understood. As he had suspected, the Dao Realm Avatar was a manifestation of the Mountain of Inquiry's consciousness, controlled by the Mountain of Inquiry. Thus, he had been playing against both himself and the Mountain of Inquiry.
But there was no doubt that the Mountain of Inquiry had not taken advantage of him. It had used only the appropriate level of skill to match him.
As the Chess Dao Incarnation dissipated, the Chess Board before him also vanished.
Li Hao slowly rose, bowed deeply to the air before him, and then made a formal salute.
This climb had been immensely rewarding. Even the single match had deepened his understanding of the Chess Dao.
The commotion caught the attention of the other disciples in the hall.
As they saw the Chess Dao Incarnation dissipate, someone whispered, "It's finally over. Did he win?"
"I can't tell, but it looked tough."
"To think he could reach the summit at such a young age. Regardless of how difficult the match was, the fact that he made it here without falling into the Dao confusion is proof of his solid Dao Heart."
Many watched as Li Hao approached the hall, their eyes filled with respect.
They knew that if they were in his position, with only a century of soul age, they would not have been so composed.
But there are no "what-ifs" in this world.
At this moment, in the Southern Domain Battle, only current strength mattered!
"Congratulations."
Chu Tianhuang greeted Li Hao warmly, his smile friendly. He knew this scene would be broadcast to the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, and his imperial brothers would see it. This was his way of announcing his relationship with Li Hao, even though he hadn't yet actively sought to recruit him. It was enough to make others believe they had a connection.
"Very impressive."
Boya Xuejian also approached, greeting Li Hao with admiration.
"Thank you."
Li Hao smiled, greeted the two of them, and then signaled to Di Lincen.
"You know that imperial clan?"
Chu Tianhuang asked, curious about Li Hao's gesture.
"Yes."
Li Hao kept his answer brief, knowing it was best to be cautious when dealing with the imperial clan.
"In terms of talent, you surpass us. If the Southern Domain Battle were delayed by three centuries, we might have had a chance to face you then."
Boya Xuejian sighed, a hint of regret in his eyes. He believed that with another three centuries, Li Hao would certainly reach the Immortal Lord Realm and be worthy of facing them.
After all, to achieve such a level in less than a century of soul age was a cultivation speed that rivaled the best.
Chu Tianhuang was momentarily stunned but then smiled and agreed. He immediately invited Li Hao to take a seat.
"The Questioning Heart Hall?"
Li Hao followed the two into the hall and read the inscription above the entrance, savoring its meaning.
"The Heart-forgetting Hall is located halfway up the mountain and requires a Chaos-grade Dao Heart to reach. However, even a Chaos-grade Dao Heart, though transcending the mortal realm, is still like the chaos of heaven and earth, unable to find its own path. Only by forgetting the heart and the Dao can one truly know the heart and the Dao."
Chu Tianhuang explained to Li Hao, "This Questioning Heart Hall at the summit can only be entered by those with an Eternal Dao Heart. Inside, there is a questioning statue, and it is said that the Supreme Sage once comprehended the Heavenly Emperor Dao Heart before this statue."
The Eternal Dao Heart, though capable of reaching the King Realm, is insignificant before Heaven and Earth. It will decay alongside them, influenced by the surrounding realms.
Boya Xuejian sighed softly and said, "If one could glimpse the Heavenly Emperor Dao Heart, even just a glimpse of the Dao Heart, it would cause a qualitative leap in many Immortal Techniques."
Li Hao knew that different Dao Hearts, even when wielding the same level of Immortal Techniques, would yield different results.
"The Heavenly Emperor Dao Heart... It's difficult to comprehend. Even the emperors of the Immortal Dynasties may not fully grasp it."
Chu Tianhuang murmured, glancing at the statue of the Questioning Heart within the hall. He shook his head, with no intention of trying to comprehend it.
Li Hao looked at the statue standing in the hall, which appeared to be a peculiar stone with a faint human outline. Upon closer inspection, it was a graceful female figure, with flying stones resembling a flowing skirt and stone bands wrapped around her like flowing silk ribbons.
He gazed intently at the statue, and suddenly felt it undergoing a subtle change, gradually transforming from a stone statue into a human figure.
He thought it might be an illusion, but when he focused again, it was still a stone statue. The previous sensation seemed to be just a trick of the mind.
However, the stone statue now appeared more like an oval stone.
This stone stood there, and Li Hao suddenly felt a sense of disorientation, as if it were not just a stone but a realm in itself!
"Hao Tian?"
Chu Tianhuang, noticing Li Hao's trance, called out in surprise.
Li Hao snapped back to reality and looked again. The stone had returned to its original form, and everything that happened just now seemed like an illusion.
But Li Hao knew it wasn't a mere illusion; the object truly had a mysterious quality.
"I want to try to comprehend it."
Li Hao said.
Chu Tianhuang, taken aback, nodded, "Alright."
Inside the hall, others were also comprehending the stone statue, but most people sat outside, feeling nothing from it.
Li Hao silently sat before the stone statue. After a while, the strange feeling did not return.
He was puzzled, sitting there until midnight without entering that wondrous state again.
Li Hao knew that such sudden enlightenment often depends on opportunity and cannot be replicated.
However, he remembered the sensation clearly.
Li Hao stood up and stepped outside the hall. The moonlight illuminated the sky, and the golden mist enveloping the Mountain of Inquiry shimmered in the moonlight.
Li Hao gazed at the golden mist and suddenly felt something within it drawing him.
He found Chu Tianhuang nearby, who was meditating with his eyes closed. As Li Hao approached, Chu Tianhuang opened his eyes but had not truly entered a cultivation state.
"Any insights?"
Chu Tianhuang asked with a smile.
Li Hao shook his head and asked, "What's inside the golden mist?"
"I don't know."
Chu Tianhuang glanced at it and shook his head, "We tried to climb it before, but we fell and found ourselves in the Questioning Heart maze. Look at those few over there."
He pointed, and Li Hao saw several figures on the ground nearby, frozen in stiff poses, their eyes vacant.
"Perhaps a higher Dao Heart is needed to enter the golden mist. It might require a top-tier Eternal Dao Heart."
Chu Tianhuang said.
Li Hao's heart stirred as he looked at the golden mist. In the Questioning Heart Pagoda, he had resonated with the Nine Resonances of Heaven and Earth, which should be close to a top-tier Eternal Dao Heart.
"I'll give it a try."
Li Hao said.
Chu Tianhuang was somewhat surprised but didn't object, nodding, "Don't force it."
Li Hao immediately leaped into the air, drawing attention from others. Someone sneered, "Another one showing off."
The mountain was bound by special laws. Li Hao's leap was more like a bounce. Before he reached a height of several dozen meters, he felt a chill emanating from his soul, similar to what he experienced while climbing the steps.
As he approached the golden mist, Li Hao vaguely saw a figure sitting within it.
Before he could see clearly, a low whisper seemed to echo in his ears:
"Your Dao Heart is bound; don't overexert yourself."
As the words faded, Li Hao's body touched the golden mist and fell back down.
He landed on the ground but did not fall into the Questioning Heart maze. He immediately stood up and looked up, seeing the golden mist become more dense, obscuring everything.
"Hmm? He touched the golden mist?!"
"How could he not fall into the Questioning Heart maze?!"
"Could his Dao Heart be a top-tier Eternal Dao Heart?"
Many people, witnessing this, exchanged surprised glances, and some stood up on the spot.
(End of Chapter)
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