And this transformed Dao Power was absorbed by the flesh, merging into the body.
The flesh was undergoing transformation, gradually enhancing from a grade comparable to the precious Saint Heart.
One must know that Dao Power is indestructible, this is an ironclad law!
If one can integrate Dao Power into the flesh, permeating each other like water mixed with sand, the physique will reach an unimaginable level!
As the Qi Force kept permeating, the Dao Power also kept transforming, and time silently slipped away.
The Heaven and Earth Vein gathered a massive amount of Qi Force, continuously transforming and blending into the flesh.
His flesh was ceaselessly tempered and strengthened. Compared to before, the parts of the flesh into which Dao Power had been injected became like sand mixed with cement, solidifying to become indestructible.
Should he encounter those six from the Dao Law Realm from before, Li Hao felt that even without entering the Transform to Immortal state, relying solely on his flesh, he would be able to stand firm within their Dao Domains, untouched by the laws!
Li Hao, while cultivating and transforming, reflected upon the Cultivation Techniques that had been extrapolated.
The first one that caught Li Hao’s eye was the “Stone Skin Hundred Refinements” Cultivation Technique he had randomly chosen.
As the comprehension of his Physical Body Dao continuously increased, this Cultivation Technique was also being extrapolated and elevated. From an Inferior Grade Skill of the Mortal Realm, it had become a top-tier Body Refinement Peerless Skill. Now, it had turned into an exaggerated Daoist level Cultivation Technique!
The name had also changed to “Taoist Body Melting”. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire
The Dao Power that had been absorbed into the body silently operated according to this technique, making the flesh become more refined.
…
…
While Li Hao sat at the Heavenly Gate Pass immersed in Tao Comprehension cultivation, suddenly, the calm Heaven and Earth Energy above the Imperial Palace in the distant Imperial City erupted into turmoil.
Sensing this odd fluctuation, Emperor Yu, who was in the Imperial City attending the early court, slightly stirred, lifted his gaze, and seemed to peer through the palace’s domed ceiling to the skies above the Imperial Palace.
Quickly, his expression subtly changed and he abruptly stood up.
The ministers in the hall, discussing how to carry out the campaign against Buddhism, were taken aback to see their sovereign rise so suddenly, hastily bowing their heads.
The two who had been proposing and debating were especially startled, breaking out into cold sweat on the spot, fearing that they had said something to anger His Majesty, suspecting that such a reaction could lead to the extermination of their entire clans.
But Emperor Yu paid them no heed, instead stepping out of the hall in one stride.
At the same time, at another location in the Gan Tao Palace.
The Daoist Palace here had changed its appearance, the original now nowhere to be seen. Today’s Daoist Palace, while differing slightly, was mostly unchanged from the original.
At this moment, in a dark chamber of the Daoist Palace, an oil lamp illuminated the entire dark room.
An elderly man, who appeared to be sleeping while sitting on a cushion, suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a hint of surprise, and his figure vanished in a flash, reappearing in the sky outside the Daoist Palace.
Others from the Four Stands Realm, feeling the disturbances from the Imperial Palace not far away, also stepped out one after another, looking on in astonishment.
They saw energies swirling violently above the Imperial Palace, growing increasingly intense, until suddenly, a streak of golden light emerged from the turmoil, like a golden thread!
This golden thread swiftly expanded, propping open a door-like cavity in the void, and with a whoosh, a figure dressed in splendid attire flew out.
Then, one after another, numerous figures continued to emerge.
Outside the great hall, Emperor Yu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing upward. Chu Jiuyue hurried to his side, and at this moment, seeing the golden light split open and the figures shuttling out, her face was filled with astonishment, soon turning to delighted exclamation:
“The Immortal Gate has opened!”
“They’ve returned!”
Excitement tinged her voice.
A thousand years ago, the opening of the Immortal Gate gave many outstanding individuals of the Dayu Divine Dynasty a chance to step through the Immortal Gate and seek guidance from a Saint.
Now, the prodigies who had stepped into the Immortal Gate were finally returning!
They were returning with the fruits of their cultivation!
The thought of how powerful they must have become after a thousand years of cultivating, and the era of strength that the Dayu Divine Dynasty would enter upon their return, was beyond imagination!
“Father Emperor!”
“Imperial Brother!”
Among those emerging from the Immortal Gate, quite a few immediately spotted Emperor Yu outside the court pavilions and swiftly flew towards him.
Emperor Yu, seeing the first woman to fly up to him — resplendent in her attire as if a graceful fairy had descended, her eyes clear and bright as if discerning all the world’s secrets — was suddenly before him. She floated lightly, without a speck of dust, her very presence exerting a solemn pressure on those around her, making everything else seem small and powerless.
Although her facial contours had changed from the 16 or 17-year-old girl’s to a stunning noble woman, Emperor Yu recognized her at a glance as the most talented among his many daughters.
“It seems you’ve fared quite well on the other side.”
Emperor Yu sensed the Dao Power emanating from her, hidden yet with an underlying surge like an abyss, seemingly capable of raising tempests with a slight outburst.
She had already reached the Tao Comprehension Realm… and it seemed, the Dao Law Realm.
Reflecting on the past years when she was only at the Heavenly Human Realm, a thousand years had passed, and she had become a being of the Dao Law Realm.
Moreover, to progress from the Dao Law Realm to the Saint Realm, one needed the help of Incense Fire, which required a long time to collect. Perhaps she had reached the Dao Law Realm long ago but was hindered by this, unable to Entering Saint.
Seeing the joy and smile in his father’s eyes, Jiang Ziyan’s lips also curled into a smile, her cool demeanor softening as she gently said, “Father Emperor, how has Dayu been these years? Have you been well?”
“All is well, all is well…”
Emperor Yu beamed jubilantly, aware that achieving the Dao Law Realm was not so easy to attain. Without the necessary talent, even after two or three thousand years of cultivation, one might remain stagnant.
“I, Xia Yucheng, pay my respects to Your Majesty.”
A young man with a tall stature approached Emperor Yu and bowed slightly.
His aura was contained, but Dao Power was also present.
Even in the face of Emperor Yu, he was still extremely polite.
Emperor Yu looked at him, knowing that this was the most exceptional talent of the Xia Family a thousand years ago, almost comparable to Li Junye of the Li Family a thousand years later.
If Li Junye had been born at an opportune time, he would have also entered the Immortal Gate in the past… Emperor Yu thought of that fallen talent and sighed inwardly, smiling at Xia Yucheng,
“It seems you have also gained a lot.”
Xia Yucheng smiled back, then glanced at Jiang Ziyan beside him, nodding with a respectful bow, which seemed to carry even more reverence.
Emperor Yu noticed this detail, surprise flickered in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by an even broader smile.
It seems his daughter did quite well there…
Now, as more and more people arrived, Jiang Ziyan, dressed in noble attire, looked up at the Immortal Gate, rose into midair, and said in a soft voice,
“Thank you, Master, for sending me off.”
“It’s a trivial matter. The other two Holy Lands will also come to pick people tomorrow; you should prepare.”
“I understand.”
Jiang Ziyan nodded and then saw the golden crack in space slowly disappearing, and the Saint’s Will inside also faded gradually.
Surrounded by people, Emperor Yu also noticed his daughter’s conversation, and upon hearing her address to the other, he paused, surprise and excitement flashing in his eyes, as he transmitted,
“Child, did you take a Saint as your master in there?”
Jiang Ziyan turned to look at her father, nodded slightly, and transmitted back, “Yes, but it’s complicated; I’ll explain later.”
Emperor Yu was startled, his delight turning into a sense of gravity. He nodded and scanned the crowd.
Apart from the Imperial Bloodline, two disciples of Gan Tao Palace’s Master Qin had also returned, their bodies faintly radiating Dao Power, but Emperor Yu could tell they were only in the True Man Realm.
But for Dayu now, two True People were enough to hold positions of power. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire
In total, eighteen people had returned, out of which only five were in the Four Stands Realm; the rest were True People or even in the Dao Law Realm.
This power was simply too horrifying and sufficient for Dayu Divine Dynasty to be on a par with the central powerhouses of the Donghuang Continent.
And this was the return on an investment made a millennium ago, an investment that had caused the Dayu Divine Dynasty to decline from its peak, becoming a turning point, but now it was once again stronger than in the previous emperor’s era, astonishingly powerful beyond imagination!
However, Emperor Yu noticed that many familiar faces were missing, and the numbers were much fewer. Those who had entered the Immortal Gate a thousand years ago were more than this handful; his expression changed slightly.
The Immortal Gate, aside from aiding in cultivation, also had its opportunities and dangers.
“What about the others?”
Emperor Yu immediately inquired.
Xia Yucheng glanced around; seeing no one else answering, he briefly explained the situation.
It turned out that right after entering the Immortal Gate, they were selected by various powers and dispersed.
When they gathered again, it was a completely different scene.
“The few from the Helian family, I heard they went to challenge the Mo River and fell there.”
“The three from the Li Family, they were supposed to return with us this time, but they encountered trouble in their sect, and now they are entangled.”
“The Wang Family, I heard they ran into trouble with people from the Great Qing Nation, and they were assassinated…”
Xia Yucheng reported each situation he knew.
After listening, Emperor Yu’s expression subtly changed. Although he had anticipated the competition within the Immortal Gate to be extremely fierce, he had not expected so many problems even when all who went there were prodigies.
“Your Majesty, how is my Chen family now?”
“Your Majesty, is my sect still in existence?”
“Your Majesty…”
The others also began to ask about the state of affairs on Emperor Yu’s side, some of them impatient; besides the Imperial Family and the five Divine General Mansions, there were also prodigies from first-rate sects in Jianghu.
But as they left, their sects began to decline, clashing with other third-rate sects, leading to many casualties. If Emperor Yu hadn’t remembered that they once had a prodigy entering the Immortal Gate and had the Imperial Family’s forces covertly support them, they would have been eradicated long ago.
“Silence.”
The voice of Jiang Ziyan rang out, not loud, but clear and aloof, and it carried an unquestionable authority, exuding the nobility and deterrence of the royal princess.
The place quieted down immediately, the complexions of those who had inquired shifted, and they glanced at her, not daring to make another sound.
Although they were of extraordinary strength now, some already in the Dao Law Realm, during the century they spent in the Immortal Gate, they all knew that Jiang Ziyan, of royal origin, had the highest achievements, and most importantly, her sect was exceptional.
“The time here is ten times that of the Immortal Gate. I will give you five days to deal with your personal affairs. If you want to know something, go find out for yourself, and do not bother my father,”
Jiang Ziyan’s eyes remained calm as she continued, “Also, do not rely on your status and strength to wreak havoc in the Mortal World. You must still abide by the laws of our Dayu Divine Dynasty!”
Her words were light and unhurried, but everyone was genuinely sobered, realizing that with the royal princess here, they could not misbehave in Dayu.
“Yes.”
“Your Majesty, we take our leave.”
The crowd said their goodbyes to Emperor Yu in turn, and then they transformed into streams of light and disappeared.
Xia Yucheng also bid farewell to Emperor Yu, wishing to visit the Xia Family.
Soon, only five members of the Royal Family, including Jiang Ziyan, remained by Emperor Yu’s side.
“Big Brother Emperor, you sent an urgent message to me earlier; is everything all right?”
A young man hastily inquired.
Seeing him, nostalgia filled Emperor Yu’s eyes as he felt the Dao Law Realm aura emanating from him, and he couldn’t help but smile,
“There was an issue, but it has been resolved. You’ve all come back a bit late.”
“Upon receiving your message, I contacted Ziyan immediately and asked her to request her Master’s assistance. Although it took half a month, that was as fast as we could make it,” said the young man with a wry smile.
After spending half a month in the Land of All Saints, it was close to half a year in the Mortal World.
Jiang Ziyan’s eyes narrowed as she asked, “Father, it’s been over a hundred years, that thing should only be used in extreme emergencies. What kind of danger did we encounter here?”
Her Divine Thought covered the Imperial City, yet she didn’t detect any sign of calamity.
“It’s already been resolved.”
Emperor Yu spoke in a low voice, “Previously, some people from the Immortal Gate discovered the incense fire of our Dayu and coveted it in secret, planning to use demons to compete for it. They did not wish to reveal their identities, yet for some reason, they chose to reveal themselves and invited six individuals from the Dao Law Realm to come here, intending to plunder and destroy our Jiang family.”
Hearing his words, the faces of the five Imperial Family members changed at once. Six from the Dao Law Realm had come here?
They could tell that Emperor Yu was in the Tao Comprehension Realm, and they were also aware of the old Daoist in the Dao Law Realm gazing over from Gan Tao Palace above, but these were clearly not enough to withstand the presence of six from the Dao Law Realm.
Not to mention they were from the Immortal Gate.
“What about now?”
The indifference in Jiang Ziyan’s eyes vanished, replaced with an intense solemnity that even carried a hint of murderous intent.
Seeing their anxious expressions, Emperor Yu laughed, “Don’t be nervous, it’s all in the past now. Our Dayu Divine Dynasty has produced a rare talent, one in a thousand years, who alone slaughtered all six from the Dao Law Realm and even forced out the mastermind behind them. When the enemy fled, a Holy Force intervened. I am now concerned that the force behind the enemy is not giving up and may employ a Saint to act, although the likelihood of a Saint taking direct action is not high…”
As he spoke, the smile faded from his face, and his eyebrows filled with concern.
The others from the Jiang family were stunned, looking at each other in disbelief.
They had been in the Land of All Saints for a hundred years, which meant a thousand years must have passed in the Mortal World.
Could it be that in a thousand years’ time, in this energy-depleted place, a monster had arisen, reaching the Dao Law Realm and capable of slaughtering those from the Immortal Gate’s Dao Law Realm?
Jiang Ziyan knew her father wouldn’t exaggerate and asked in surprise, “It was all done by the same person? What about Grandpa Qin?”
“He…”
Emperor Yu cleared his throat and said, “Both Grandpa Qin and I were no match. The enemy possesses Divine Skills. Grandpa Qin has been here for many years and, although he has cultivated our Jiang family Divine Skills, he is not as proficient as the enemy.”
Jiang Ziyan looked at him suspiciously but didn’t delve further, pondering instead,
“If that’s truly the case, then this monster is probably the reincarnation of a Saint. Otherwise, it would be impossible within a mere thousand years, and under such circumstances, to not only reach the Dao Law Realm but also to kill those from the Immortal Gate’s Dao Law Realm, especially when six of them arrived at once. It’s likely that the power behind them is extremely formidable, most probably a Holy Land.”
Emperor Yu gave a wry smile, thinking to himself that the youngster hadn’t been cultivating for a thousand years, not even twenty years.
Moreover, he knew Li Hao had slain the enemy using the Grand Tao of Peace Realm, crossing a vast boundary. His talent had surpassed all imagination, beyond words, and unbelievable to the extent that one would find it impossible to believe.
Whether he was the reincarnation of a Saint, Emperor Yu did not know.
“You must have become a disciple in a Holy Land as well, haven’t you?” Emperor Yu looked towards his eldest daughter.
Jiang Ziyan nodded slightly, “My mentor is an Elder in the Holy Land, a Semi-Saint from the Military School.”
“No wonder they treat you with such respect,” said Emperor Yu with a smile.
Jiang Ziyan nodded quietly, yet her face showed little joy. Instead, she sighed lightly and said, “Father, let’s go to the back hall to talk.”
Emperor Yu nodded, and to Chu Jiuyue by his side, he said, “We’ll adjourn the court for today.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Chu Jiuyue showed full submission, bowing her head and lowering her eyes. She smiled at the returning members of the Royal Family and Jiang Ziyan, then turned to carry the message.
Emperor Yu, along with the returned members of the Royal Family, proceeded to the back hall of the Imperial Palace.
“These years, your time in the Immortal Gate must have been very hard.”
In the back hall, Emperor Yu looked at them with a touch of compassion in his eyes.
Jiang Ziyan shook her head slightly and then said, “Father, we cannot stay long on this visit; we must return to the Immortal Gate.”
“Um?” Emperor Yu was slightly taken aback.
Jiang Ziyan seemed to anticipate his reaction, her expression somewhat grave, she said, “The situation within the Immortal Gate is quite complex. We are alone and frail inside, with a weak foundation. If we all returned, it would mean abandoning the relationships we have established; instead, it would give those who hold a grudge against us an opportunity to exercise their power and influence the Mortal World.”
“That’s right, we owe a lot to Ziyan this time.”
The young man beside, Jiang Baishan, nodded and said, “When we first entered the Immortal Gate, we were taken away by various powers based on our cultivation talent. Fortunately, Ziyan received her master’s appreciation and became a disciple of a Semi-Saint. This time she was able to unite two other Holy Lands and open the Immortal Gate in time for our return; otherwise, who knows how much longer it would have been.”
“The forces within the Immortal Gate are intricately interlinked. We must manage our affairs well there. A small stone that falls from above, even inadvertently, would cause an earthquake intolerable to the Dynasty in the Mortal World.”
Another Royal Family youth spoke.
Emperor Yu was somewhat surprised, hearing their intent that life inside the Immortal Gate was not smooth sailing and their situation difficult. He said,
“With your talents, plus your current level of cultivation, you should already be the mainstay or even high-level members of the major powers, right?”
Jiang Baishan gave a wry smile, “Brother Emperor, it’s not as simple as you think. The one thing the Immortal Gate does not lack is prodigies. We might be unparalleled in the Mortal World, but there, we are just average at best. Though there are many mediocre people there, the number of prodigies is far beyond what we have here in the Mortal World.”
“That’s right, since a thousand years ago, All Saints have been looking for something, reincarnating one after another. Some directly reincarnate as themselves, saying they want to cultivate to the limits of the various realms of the Martial Arts and there are even Pride of Heaven Battles overseen by All Saints themselves. Moreover, there’s Mo River and a Merit Treasure Vault there. You wouldn’t believe it, Brother Emperor, but merit actually has a wonderful use—it can be exchanged for many incredible things in that Merit Treasure Vault.”
“So, there’s no shortage of geniuses there. Even though we exist in the Dao Law Realm, location there hinges more on innate talent. With high talent, even if one is just in the Four Stands Realm, their status may even require those in the Dao Law Realm to give way, especially if they have the favor of a Saint behind them…”
Emperor Yu froze, unexpectedly learning of the existence of the Merit Treasure Vault there.
However, considering that place was the Land of All Saints, such a thing was not surprising.
“You mentioned the Merit Treasure Vault; we have one for Dayu as well. Give Dayu another thousand years, and it will also foster a group of outstanding prodigies.”
Upon reaching this point, Emperor Yu couldn’t help but think of Li Hao, the corners of his mouth curling into a faint smile involuntarily. But soon after, he turned to the group and said,
“This time, calling you back might be in vain. The catastrophe has been resolved. In about ten more years, the Ancestor will be resurrected. You just need to hold on for one more year inside. Once the Ancestor revives, he will protect you.”
The group exchanged glances, all stunned.
The Dayu also had a Merit Treasure Vault?
“You’re saying that Dayu has a Merit Treasure Vault as well?” Jiang Baishan couldn’t help but ask.
Emperor Yu nodded with a smile, “That’s a long story…”
He briefly recounted the matter, and everyone listened with bewilderment. They only knew about the Merit Treasure Vault in the Mo River within the Immortal Gate but didn’t know how it was opened. Now they learned that it required the emergence of someone with a hundred thousand merit.
“Looking at it this way, the likelihood that the person is a reincarnation of a Saint is even greater. Could it be one of the Ancestor’s old friends, reincarnated to come to the aid of the Jiang family?”
Jiang Ziyan’s eyes revealed contemplation; it wasn’t an impossibility.
Emperor Yu chuckled, “We will know in the future; guessing now is pointless.”
Jiang Ziyan nodded slightly. Besides occasionally awakening some memories, saints reincarnated usually had no impression of their previous lives—otherwise, the meaning of being reincarnated to rebuild would not be significant.
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Rebuilding meant abandoning the old path and exploring anew in an attempt to reach higher realms.
The sporadically awakened memories might offer guidance on the path, but their help was limited.
“This time our coming isn’t in vain. My master opened the Immortal Gate in the name of recruiting disciples, not for us to come to the Mortal World to assist. That would’ve been an excuse others could have used to stop us.”
Jiang Ziyan spoke, “In the Cloud Realm where we reside, the other two Holy Lands have heard the news and will come to recruit some disciples. If there are any prodigies in Dayu, they can, like we did a thousand years ago, ascend the Stairway to Heaven, and cultivate within the Immortal Gate.”
“Only this time, the criteria for recruiting disciples is more stringent, aimed mainly at Martial Artists who have mastered the Extreme Realm.”
Emperor Yu curiously asked, “What place is the Cloud Realm?”
“The Cloud Realm is a Land of All Saints within the Immortal Gate, vast and boundless, consisting of thirty-three smaller worlds. The voids separating them require the strength of someone in the Grand Tao of Peace Realm, using their Dao Domain to traverse. Each small world is more than ten times the size of the Dayu Divine Dynasty’s territory—therein, strong warriors abound.”
Jiang Baishan explained, “The small world we are in is the Cloud Realm.”
Emperor Yu came to a realization.
“Recruiting disciples again…”
Emperor Yu furrowed his eyebrows slightly. A thousand years ago, when the Immortal Gate recruited disciples, countless geniuses rushed to join, which led to the gradual decline of the Dayu Divine Dynasty thereafter.
He had agreed at that time because the opportunity was rare and he had foreseen that when the incense fire of the Ancestor was about to be fully gathered, it might be coveted and contested. Sending Jiang Ziyan and other members of the Imperial Family was in hopes that they would return after achieving the Tao Comprehension Realm to sit in council together over Dayu.
But now, they had indeed reached the Tao Comprehension Realm, and moreover, the Dao Law Realm. Unable to stay longer in the Mortal World after their return, they faced yet another cycle of Immortal Gate disciple recruitment.
This time, the fate of Dayu would likely decline further.
Although disasters had subsided and there were no wars, Master Qin had once been severely injured, and his longevity could not sustain for another thousand years.
Among the current geniuses of Dayu, someone must take over Master Qin’s mantle, to preside over Dayu, or someone like Jiang Ziyan who was willing to stay and take up Master Qin’s role in taking care of Dayu.
As for Li Hao… Emperor Yu knew that such a True Dragon could not be imprisoned in a cage like Dayu. Even if Li Hao were willing to stay and protect, he still hoped the latter would venture into the Immortal Gate.
“If it’s about taking in disciples, is there any one of you willing to stay in the Mortal World to take over Master Qin’s position?”
Emperor Yu asked.
At his words, the expressions of Jiang Ziyan and the other five slightly changed. Jiang Baishan and the others looked towards Jiang Ziyan, who whispered softly,
“Father, since the disaster in Dayu has been resolved, although we will not stay, we will not let Dayu fall into peril again. On this trip, I have obtained some treasures from my master, which can be handed over to Grandpa Qin to protect Dayu.”
While speaking, she took out numerous items from the Heaven and Earth Space.
“Although these may seem like middle-rank artifacts of the Saint Heart, they have been refined by incense fire and are extremely powerful. With these weapons, Grandpa Qin who is a Dao Law Realm cultivator will not be significantly weaker when facing other Dao Law Realm adversaries.”
“This is a secret technique of Divine Skills of middle rank, extremely precious. I exchanged for this Divine Skill after completing three tasks for the Sect. Let Grandpa Qin covertly cultivate it. As long as he does not flaunt it in the Land of All Saints, there will be no consequences to face.”
“These are ten Dao Talismans, terrifying in power and diverse in effects. If sacrificed at once, each is comparable to a strike from the Dao Law Realm.”
She handed all these items to Emperor Yu, saying, “With these items, Dayu can be kept safe in this Mortal World.”
Seeing these treasures, not a trace of joy appeared on Emperor Yu’s face; instead, he looked at his daughter.
Then, he glanced at Jiang Baishan and the others, and through their eyes, he vaguely discerned their intentions.
Clearly, they had already discussed and prepared everything, with no one truly wishing to remain in the Mortal World.
After a brief silence, Emperor Yu nodded, having received his answer.
He did not persuade or inquire further, and he even pondered whether they would have returned at all if there were no incident of the Ancestor’s revival?
There was no answer.
Emperor Yu knew it was futile to ponder the human heart deeply. However, he couldn’t help but think of the youth playing chess on that board.
That carefree figure, like a breeze, who had once said, “I haven’t yet seen all there is to see in the Mortal World,” seemed to carry much more weight in his heart at this moment.
It was for this reason that he was even less willing to have him stay and delay his journey.
“Recruiting disciples… then let the recruitment proceed. With these treasures, indeed, Dayu can remain unharmed unless faced with a situation like the previous one.”
Emperor Yu’s demeanor was somewhat dispirited. He summoned Chu Jiuyue and informed her of the Immortal Gate’s recruitment,
“Go there personally and notify that fellow; he must make the journey. This opportunity is rare. Tell him that I’ll be angry if he doesn’t come.”
Chu Jiuyue nodded quickly.
Upon hearing Emperor Yu’s serious instructions, as if fearing the other wouldn’t come, Jiang Ziyan and the others were a bit surprised. Jiang Ziyan frowned and said,
“For geniuses, such matters are fatally attractive; I don’t think anyone would refuse to come.” Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire
Emperor Yu gave her a glance and said no more.
That child was unlike the others, frighteningly indifferent…
The news of the Immortal Gate’s disciple recruitment, along with the return of the strong from the Immortal Gate, spread without much fanfare from Emperor Yu, but the news still circulated among the top powers.
And since most geniuses came from these top powers, once they heard the news, all the geniuses under their command were excited and rushed to the Imperial City of the Holy City.
In Liangzhou, within the Heavenly Gate Pass.
Li Hao was cultivating, transforming Qi Force into Dao Power and ceaselessly forging it into his flesh.
His body was constantly improving, growing stronger and stronger.
When Chu Jiuyue arrived at this pass, Li Hao was in the courtyard, painting while integrating Dao Power into his flesh, and simultaneously cultivating.
Visiting this city and small courtyard again, Chu Jiuyue felt a shocking mix of familiarity and strangeness. It had once been a city reduced to little more than a mound of earth, but now it flourished.
Yet the small courtyard had not changed much, though there were fewer people within.
Upon seeing Jiang Lichen, Chu Jiuyue greeted him with respect, but Jiang Lichen just glanced at her and paid no further attention.
“…That’s the situation. His Majesty has sent this old servant to tell you that you must come,” Chu Jiuyue said.
Her eyes, however, were glancing toward the firewood area, presuming it was almost time for meals.
“Immortal Gate? Recruiting disciples?”
Li Hao raised his eyebrows slightly, feeling rather indifferent. If he wanted to go to the Immortal Gate, he would simply need to activate the Saint’s mark within his Sea of Consciousness and call upon the Saint willing to accept him as a disciple.
The Saint would make special arrangements and welcome him.
He had no immediate plans to enter, for there were still matters here that had not been concluded.
However, now that he thought about it, it was almost time to make a trip to the Immortal Gate and kill someone before returning.
Just to save himself the trouble of that escapee from the Immortal Gate causing more problems.
“Speaking of which, how many of the famous paintings and such that you were commissioned to collect for His Majesty have been found?” Li Hao inquired.
Chu Jiuyue was taken aback, not expecting Li Hao to be concerned with those trivial items rather than the Immortal Gate.
He glanced at the writing brush in the young man’s hand and silently let out a wry smile, saying, “Many have been collected; the General may go to the Imperial Palace and have a look when convenient.”
“Alright.”
Li Hao nodded and said to him, “Thank you for the trouble, eunuch. You may go back first; I will follow shortly.”
Chu Jiuyue nodded and then hesitated. Looking up at the sky, he said, “May I stay a while longer in the General’s precious place?”
Li Hao was surprised, giving him a curious look: “As you wish.”
By mealtime, Li Hao personally took to cooking. Now with Ninth Stage culinary skills, he sliced off a portion of the Demon King’s flesh he had slaughtered earlier, refining and cooking it, filling the small courtyard with a fragrant aroma.
Through the purification of the meat, a dish became as precious and nourishing as a restorative elixir.
Li Hao invited Ren Qianqian over to eat and drink.
The long-waiting Chu Jiuyue also came over happily.
Only then did Li Hao understand his reason for staying and was not stingy, handing him a share.
After the meal, Chu Jiuyue left contentedly, and Li Hao tidied up the writing materials, taking Ren Qianqian with him. If it were a disciple recruitment event at the Immortal Gate, Qianqian’s talents should be considered top-notch.
Xiyan swayed her skirt, transforming into a red ring that wrapped around Li Hao’s wrist.
“Let’s go.”
Li Hao set off immediately.
The Candle Flame God and his wife were still merging, so he could only make the journey himself.
Jiang Lichen followed, his eyes full of anticipation: “I missed the Immortal Gate in the past, but this time I won’t miss it.”
Li Hao remained noncommittal, not surprised by his desire to go to the Immortal Gate.
While Li Hao and others were on their way to the Immortal Gate, in a certain part of the Dayu Divine Dynasty, several figures casually passed through a city, hearing the news.
“The Immortal Gate?”
They looked at each other in surprise, not expecting the Jiang family Dynasty’s realm to actually open an Immortal Gate to recruit disciples.
“The Mysterious God, this is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity. Our Ji Family also needs the Third Ancestor to come forward to contact the Immortal Gate. We can only send one Dao Seed every three hundred years for training. Now, we just need to be chosen by one from within.”
A woman could not help but speak.
The young man in their center was strikingly handsome, and even though he purposely restrained himself, his haughtiness stood out in the crowd.
They had followed that young man here, wandering in Dayu’s realm, seeking his traces. After traveling through various states and hearing many legends about the young man, they were unspeakably shocked.
They had already planned to leave this Dayu, prepared to bid farewell to that young man before returning to the Ji Family to retreat and cultivate. They did not expect to hear such news.
“This Dayu has the Merit Treasure Vault and the Immortal Gate. The Jiang family must have planned ahead when they left the Great Wilderness Heaven to come here.”
“The opportunity is rare; we should also prepare quickly. I don’t know the conditions for accepting disciples in the Immortal Gate, but we should easily pass. If even we cannot be chosen, then there is even less chance for others.”
After a quick discussion, they decided to bring the news back to the Ji Family, so that the outstanding youth of the Ji Family could try their luck.
In the past, only Dao Seeds could enter the Immortal Gate, but now it was different.
Moreover, by going there, they could seek protection from the Ji Family’s foundation and either cultivate or develop more easily than others.
“Let’s go.”
After the discussion, they quickly returned, aware of the urgency of time.
On the other side, Li Hao had already arrived at the Imperial City.
Upon reaching the Imperial Palace, Li Hao felt several discreet but powerful presences dwelling within.
He had already learned about the situation from Chu Jiuyue; these must be the members of the Imperial Family who had entered the Immortal Gate a thousand years ago.
Carrying Ren Qianqian with him, Li Hao floated over to the Imperial Palace, his status as a Heavenly General allowing him to enter the Imperial Palace directly, disregarding the order of the Imperial City.
“You’re here.”
Emperor Yu sensed the faint aura deliberately revealed by Li Hao and immediately flew out from the back hall of the Imperial Palace to meet him.
At the same time, he noticed that Li Hao’s aura had changed from the Tai Ping Tao Realm to the Tao Comprehension Realm.
He was a little stunned. How much time had passed?
According to the secret reports from the battle in Liangzhou, Li Hao’s cultivation was still in the Three Immortal Realms, and it had only been a year. Now, he had already reached the Tao Comprehension Realm…
Thinking of what Master Qin had previously said about supporting Li Hao for another ten years, Emperor Yu inwardly smiled bitterly. What had seemed like ample time was still drastically underestimated for this young man.
“There are still three days before the recruitment begins, so you might as well stay here for a few days,” the Emperor Yu said to Li Hao with a smile.
At the same time, several Divine Thoughts probed over; it was Jiang Ziyan and others.
