Chapter 766: Chapter 151: Buddha Venerate’s Gentle Whisper, Only Me Swordsmanship (Seeking Monthly Pass)_2
Li Hao had previously heard about the fierce competition between Saints for Incense Fire and now had a slight experience of a Saint’s might. As a non-Saint, a single sentence from a Saint could cause his Incense Fire to wane. Only if he himself were a Saint, openly discussing doctrine with another, could he vie for Incense Fire.
Previously, Emperor Canghai had elevated his Incense Fire to that of 15 cities, but now, in just a brief moment, it had declined to 10 cities, and it was still continuously diminishing.
“Actually choosing to fall into degeneration, who can step forward and suppress this person?”
“Walking not the righteous path but instead straying into crooked ways.”
“It’s unknown how many innocent souls he has killed.”
The crowd below discussed animatedly, with princes and princely heirs showing their disdain. At this moment, by spurning the Demonic Path, they could assert their own identities.
…
The common people’s criticism is not entirely out of disgust but a disgust for those who can feign virtue.
Outside the crowd, Lin Qingyue’s face was full of worry, hoping that these comments wouldn’t affect Li Hao’s State of Mind. She knew Li Hao, who spent his days playing chess and painting, a person so carefree and happy by nature. Not even serious about Cultivation, how could he possibly fall to the Demonic Path?
However, once the Buddha Venerate spoke, unless a Saint stood up to defend Li Hao, the decree was final, as if set in stone.
“Who would have thought the Buddha Venerate would be like this…”
Outside the crowd, Lin Shanhai sighed deeply, his eyes showing disappointment and regret.
One always seeks something bright as one gets older, thus he held some favor for the Buddha’s Path in his heart, but he never expected the Buddha Venerate to claim Li Hao to be of the Demonic Path.
The child had spent a year with him, how could he not know what kind of heart he had?
“He’s actually really of the Demonic Path.”
Li Qingyi and others showed surprise in their eyes. As disciples of the Literary Saint Holy Land, they greatly despised the Demonic Path, being scholars with righteousness in their hearts. Yet, to their surprise, Li Hao turned out to really be of the Demonic Path.
In the Canglan Realm, where the Buddha’s teachings are esteemed, disdain for the Demonic Path is common after long preaching, and they were inevitably influenced.
“But by his appearance, he truly doesn’t look like it, but these are the words of the Buddha Venerate…”
Li Qingyi’s gaze flickered, and though reluctant at heart, disappointment still shone through.
Lin Shuhai’s demeanor was indifferent, showing no change, as if unaffected.
The Twin Buddha Child looked towards Li Hao, the corners of his mouth revealing a faint smile.
Atop the Buddha Hall, the Literary Saint and Sword Saint looked at the Buddha Venerate, exchanging meaningful glances, yet remained silent.
Sword Saint wore an indifferent expression. If Qingfeng or Haoyue and those of his status, as his Direct Disciples, were involved, he would have surely spoken to prove their innocence.
But he had heard from the Sword Master that the other party was from the Supreme Saint Gate, having fallen to their current state.
As for the Buddha Venerate’s accusation of Demon Practitioner… although he couldn’t see it, he also didn’t believe it at all.
After all, how could the Supreme Saint Gate allow their Disciple to fall? However, with the Buddha Venerate slandering in such a way, if the other party returns to their Sect, and eventually succeeds the Saint position, it will inevitably lead to a great battle. When that time comes, it would also be a good thing for him.
After all, the status of the Buddha’s sect in the Canglan Realm is too high. If the Buddha’s sect were to fall, he and the Literary Saint could vie for more. If the Sword Ancestor Holy Land could take over half of the Buddha’s sect’s Incense Fire, he would surely advance further and might have hope to challenge the Heavenly Tribulation and transcend the Three Calamities!
With various controversies in the venue, the more Li Hao stayed silent, the more convinced the crowd became.
Li Hao closed his eyes, no longer attending to these external comments.
He focused all his might to seal the resentful spirits within his Divine Blood arms. Within the malice of the resentful spirits came ferocious wailing, but as they were doused by Divine Blood, they seemed to find a door to tranquility, their resentment gradually dissipating.
Then, the fifth battle commenced, pulling the attention away from Li Hao and back to the prideful battle on the Battlefield.
As each duel concluded, by the end of the competition, people were completely immersed in the subsequent battles, and the ten mighty warriors of the Canglan Realm were eventually decided.
With the advancement, the top ten all lined up on the battle stage.
From this point, these ten would represent the Canglan Realm in war, vying with the All Heavens.
Aside from the spectators below, the countless gazes of the Canglan Realm converged, focusing on these top ten on the stage.
Li Hao felt a faint drift of Incense Fire coming his way, but it was minute, spontaneously arriving Incense Fire.
Had it not been for the Buddha Venerate, merely the fame shown in this battle would have attracted much Incense Fire.
Li Hao glanced at his arms; the resentful spirits within had already been entirely refined and absorbed.
Among these top ten, aside from Li Hao, Lin Shuhai, the Twin Buddha Child and others, there were also three disciples of the Buddha’s sect.
Li Hao’s acquaintance Qiu Wuhen, having fallen short of the top ten, was defeated by a Buddha Child.
Among the independents of the Divine Dynasty, Su Yun also fell short of the top ten, missing the mark.
“All of you are dragons and phoenixes among men, the true competition lies in the battle for supremacy in the All Heavens. The battles you engage in today represent our Canglan Realm in this campaign. I hope the following combats will not tarnish the reputation of the Canglan Realm,” said the Buddha Venerate with a calm voice.
“To prevent any tactics from being revealed prematurely, the battle for the top ten ends here. However, in literature, there is no first place, and in martial arts, there is no second. We will now proceed to the contest for the number one Heavenly Pride of the Canglan Realm!”
“Only the first place is chosen. Those confident in contending may participate; the others may preserve their strength, waiting to display it on the ultimate stage of the battle among the All Heavens.”
Hearing the Buddha Venerate’s words, everyone was amazed, but they soon understood.
This was not wrong, the current battles were to select the ten great Heavenly Prides of the Canglan Realm to contend with the All Heavens, essentially an internal conflict.
Since it’s an internal conflict, there’s no need to fight too viciously.
Literary Saint and Sword Saint had indifferent gazes, both understanding the Buddha Venerate’s intent. The previous 100 cities of Incense Fire were prepared for the Twin Buddha Child. This Buddha Venerate had paved every path for his Disciple.
Only choosing the first, with no second or third place, the position of the first had essentially been reserved.
Chapter 767: Chapter 151: Buddha Venerate’s Gentle Whisper, Only Me Swordsmanship (Seeking Monthly Pass)_3
Thus, once this battle ended, all eyes converged upon the Buddha Child twins. All others would be rendered insignificant and dim.
“Buddha Venerate, this may be somewhat excessive.”
The Sword Saint spoke softly. Although he had no expectation for the Haoyue Saint Son to gain fame through this, knowing that his strength might not even make the top ten when competing in All Heavens, he still felt reluctant to see his brilliance overshadowed in the Canglan Realm.
Buddha Venerate replied quietly: “The esteemed disciples of the two of you can also vie for the top spot. True capability will be shown in the contest. All beings are equal. Sword Saint, who cultivates the way of all beings, should understand this.”
The face of the Sword Saint cooled slightly, interpreting Buddha Venerate’s words to mean that all could compete, relying solely on their abilities.
…
Literary Saint glanced faintly at Buddha Venerate, seemingly letting out a light chuckle, but said nothing.
Sword Saint noticed Literary Saint’s silence and frowned, sighing inwardly, deciding not to say more.
How much Haoyue can show will depend on his own ability.
Regardless, the greatest gain from this battle was Bian Ruxue’s sudden insight, her Sword Intent moving toward Perfection. If she can use this to understand the Dao, it will be worth more than this fleeting glory.
After all, the journey of cultivation is long, and momentary setbacks mean little.
“It’s better this way, saving all the trouble. I only want first place; I’m not interested in the rest!”
Chi Guang was very satisfied with Buddha Venerate’s statement. As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the Buddha Child twins, and noticing their indifference toward him, his gaze then landed on Li Hao.
“It’s time for you to take back your big talk!”
Chi Guang said to Li Hao, his demeanor indifferent and carrying a condescending air.
Li Hao did not respond; the other party was beneath his notice.
“If you wish to contend for first place, come onto the stage. The rest should temporarily withdraw.”
A Buddha Sect Semi-Saint spoke out loud.
The ten contestants exchanged looks; no one stepped down. The three Buddha Sect Saint Sons turned their gaze towards Li Hao, with one saying:
“We cultivate our minds and natures, uninterested in competing for first place, only wishing to vanquish demons and defend the Dao!”
“That’s right, as a Demon Practitioner, you should return to your own Demonic Path!”
“Chanting scriptures and cultivating merits are solely for exorcising demons, clearing the world of darkness. I may not be the first, but you, as a follower of the Demonic Path, must not entertain the illusion of claiming it either!”
The three Buddha Sect Saint Sons’ eyes were cold and direct, their bodies radiating Buddha light, staring straight at Li Hao.
Li Hao, hearing these words, actually felt the urge to laugh, unsure whether they had recited their scriptures too deeply, or if they had other motives. He said:
“There’s no need for such bluster; all of you come at me together. Since you claim I follow the Demonic Path, then make sure not to lose to me, otherwise what sutras are you reciting, what Buddha are you cultivating?”
Upon hearing Li Hao’s words, surprise and anger flickered in the eyes of the three. They were all among the top contenders, elites among the Saint Sons, yet Li Hao treated them with such disregard.
“You’re mine.”
Chi Guang addressed Li Hao.
Li Hao looked back coldly and said: “You can join them, you won’t make a difference!”
Chi Guang was momentarily taken aback, his sneering face suddenly darkened and he said: “This time, not even a Buddha Sect Semi-Saint can save you!”
As he spoke, his whole body burst into dazzling and intense flames, and the temperature of the entire battle stage began to rapidly rise.
The Buddha Sect Semi-Saint was somewhat helpless; these people were arrogant and quick to act, truly with little concern for decorum or rules.
Lin Shuhai smiled subtly but said nothing, simply turning and flying down from the stage, yielding it for the fight.
Seeing this, the others also descended from the battle stage, not intervening in this clash.
However, Lin Qingyue’s figure flickered, moving to Li Hao’s side, drawing her sword to stand ready, clearly intending to face the challenge alongside Li Hao.
Li Hao glanced at her and said softly: “Leave, don’t get dragged down by me.”
“What’s wrong with being a Demon Practitioner? What if I really accompanied you in Cultivating Demons?”
Lin Qingyue held her sword, her gaze directed at the three Buddha Sect Saint Sons.
Hearing her words, the complexions of the three Buddha Sect Saint Sons changed. Lin Qingyue was different from Li Hao; she was the saintess of the Sword Ancestor Holy Land, with the backing of her Holy Land Sect.
Li Hao, upon hearing her words, felt a jolt in his heart, turning to look at her. Amidst the scorching waves of heat, her hair fluttered, yet her eyes were bright and resolute.
Her stunning, peerless visage deeply impressed upon Li Hao’s vision. He watched her seriously for a moment, then lowered his head, speaking to Xiyan on his wrist:
“Return to the Heaven and Earth Space for now.”
Xiyan, sensing the imminent battle, said to Li Hao: “Be careful.”
As she spoke, she quickly burrowed back through the spatial rift opened by Li Hao, knowing her presence would only hinder him.
Only then did Li Hao look up at the three Buddha Sect Saint Sons and Chi Guang, who was blazing with crimson flames like a fiery deity, the corners of his mouth revealing a faint smile:
“It seems I’ve given you too much, and you do not appreciate it.”
“Nonsense, what have you ever bestowed upon us?”
One of the Buddha Sect Saint Sons angrily retorted.
Li Hao extended his hand into the Heaven and Earth Space, drawing out a pitch-black merit, saying:
“I’ve given you too much face!”
As he spoke, the Heaven and Earth Vein abruptly materialized behind him, like a pillar connecting the heavens, enveloping the atmosphere in all directions of the battle stage.
Then, with ferocious extraction, his physique cultivated to the Power Transmission Ultimate Realm, his Divine Blood capable of accommodating more power than others of the same level, thus the extraction speed of the Heaven and Earth Vein’s power was also more vast. An energy storm, tangible in nature, rose up behind Li Hao, swirling around the youth.
Confronted with such a frightening scene, everyone was shocked.
Despite also being in the second Extreme Realm of the Heaven and Earth Vein, Li Hao’s display was clearly more powerful and imposing.
Chi Guang’s eyes narrowed, his expression becoming grave as he said: “Come on, let’s see what you’ve got!”
Standing in the Fire Domain, surrounded by flames that barely concealed a phoenix’s silhouette, a golden spear appeared in his hand, as if forged from magma and showing signs of cracking gold patterns.
Chapter 768: Chapter 151: Buddha Venerate’s Gentle Whisper, Only Me Swordsmanship (Seeking Monthly Pass)_4
“I never let you experience my true methods before, but now it’s time for you to witness them!”
Golden flames burst forth from Chi Guang’s eyes as extreme fiery light bloomed on the spear, embodying the essence of Flame Dao, dazzling and bright like the spear tip holding a condensed sun, capable of incinerating everything.
“That Chi Guang’s Spear Skill has reached the Entering Dao stage!”
“What terrifying Spear Intent, even outside the Array, I feel like I’m about to ignite, my body is getting hot.”
“What kind of Spear Dao is this? I feel like I’m sweating all over!”
Through the Boundary Stone’s reflection, countless Martial Artists in the dozens of Divine Dynasties across the Canglan Realm could only see that divine spear reflected in the clouds above their heads, and yet it seemed to scorch their eyes, evoking a sensation of boiling blood.
…
Merely the hint of Spear Intent transmitted through the Spear Dao was so terrifying, it was unimaginable how anyone could withstand a direct confrontation with this spear.
Lin Qingyue’s complexion changed slightly, pale, not expecting Chi Guang’s Spear Skill that has reached the Entering Dao to be so formidable. She felt as if her whole body was burning, and images of raging flames emerged in her mind. With great effort, she restrained herself, recalling Li Hao’s previous words about placing oneself in nothingness, and she was barely able to resist it halfway.
But she was only at the “Intent” level; if the opponent actually attacked with the spear, she would surely be unable to fend it off.
“This Chi Guang is terrifying!”
Behind Chi Guang, the expressions of the three Buddha Venerate Saints also changed drastically, not expecting this dark horse to be so formidable, their combat power far exceeded by his.
Beneath the stage, Lin Shuhai’s eyes flickered, and the smile on his face slightly subsided.
On the stage, Li Hao’s eyes, however, were as cold as ice, unchanging.
He raised his hand, and his whole aura changed, the previous disguise hidden and now seemingly torn away to reveal his true nature.
On the dark blade of his sword, there burst forth the power that could split the void.
“Hmm?!”
Seeing the dreadful Daoist Charm flowing on Li Hao’s sword, the overconfident Chi Guang’s eyes narrowed, feeling an inexplicable palpitation.
Boom!
Li Hao did not waste words, abruptly swinging his sword.
Only Me, Swordsmanship!
At this moment, he executed his very own Sword Dao.
Wherever his gaze fell, wherever his thoughts went, all were cut down!
What kind of sword strike was that?
Black sword light rose from the battle arena, and where the sword light cut through, the void was completely split open, turning into black rifts as space shattered!
The surrounding Fire Domain was annihilated, including the dispersed air temperature which instantly extinguished, turning into a realm of cold.
Where the sword light passed, none could remain arrogant!
Chi Guang’s pupils constricted, feeling a fearsome splitting; all the hairs on his body stood on end as if he was getting goosebumps, and his blood started to boil.
He felt the terrifying pressure of life and death, and could not help but roar furiously, his hair flying wildly as he bellowed, “Break!!”
The spear burst forth with dazzling Divine Light, Flame Dao at its peak, burning everything to ashes.
The intense firelight, as if accompanied by the ancient call of Feng Ming, shook the Sea of Consciousness of those who heard it, even those viewing through the Boundary Stone felt the tremors in their minds, some feeling disoriented.
However, this powerful spear attack, faced with the sweeping black rifts, melted away like ice and snow, disintegrating and shattering rapidly.
That one sword strike, unimpeded, instantly tore through the battle arena, extinguished Chi Guang’s Spear Dao, slashed his divine spear in half, and then cut across his shoulder, tearing off an arm, striking the Array.
The Array on the battle arena, consolidated by a Semi-Saint, now shook and trembled, and then suddenly tore apart, revealing a huge hole!
In the Buddha Hall above, Buddha Venerate’s eyes shone with a hint of light, and with a pointed finger, the Sword Qi that tore through the Array was suppressed and guided by a beam of Buddha Light, only then slowly dissipating.
And for all the viewers across the Canglan Realm watching through the reflected image, they felt as if their pupils were being sliced, experiencing intense pain.
Many held their eyes, covered their faces, and let out screams of agony.
That one sword, capable of cutting through everything, including the focus of the gaze!
This is Li Hao’s true Sword Dao, Only Me Swordsmanship!
With one strike, in the heavens and the earth, there is only my sword, and all else is destroyed!
Chapter 769: Chapter 152: Haotian, We Meet Again!
“My Spear Dao…”
Chi Guang’s face filled with shock, he watched the youth before him in disbelief; his own spear technique, capable of incinerating everything, had been severed by the other’s single sword?!
What kind of Sword Dao was that?
He felt a terrifying tremor, the cleaving sensation of that Sword Intent was too intense, as if nothing could block it.
Atop the Buddha Hall, the indifferent eyes of the Sword Saint suddenly sharpened, his gaze flickering with light, revealing a trace of astonishment.
As the supreme figure of Sword Dao, he saw more clearly than others that the single sword strike contained countless Sword Intents, hundreds, even thousands!
…
Such extreme Sword Intent, integrated into one’s own Sword Dao, would make it unbreakable and extremely fearsome!
Sword Saint cultivated the Sword Dao of all beings; starting by observing all beings, then cultivating the Sword Dao, his path was similar yet different from Li Hao’s. The level of swordsmanship displayed by Li Hao at this moment was no weaker than his.
If they competed at the same realm, purely comparing swordsmanship, it was uncertain who was stronger or weaker!
The eyes of Literary Saint shone with an extraordinary light, as if the laws themselves were condensed in his gaze, and he squinted, remarking:
“Such a formidable young talent, in less than a century, to have cultivated his skills to this extent, given a few more centuries, he may even have a chance at Ritual Path to Saint Ascension!”
To become a Saint within a millennium was already an exaggeration, let alone within a few hundred years — such words were great praise for Li Hao.
Below the stage, Zhan Tan and several Semi-Saint figures sat together; these were the figures like the Ye Ancestor and Green Ancestor who had come to support Li Hao in the battle.
They were all stunned to see the sword that severed the Array.
“Qingfeng’s sword…”
“His Sword Dao is actually this terrifying?!”
As Semi-Saints, their skills were also at the Dao Entrance Level, but even at the same level, there were differences in strength; Sword Saint’s Path of all beings, for example, was more complex and more terrifying than other Sword Daos.
Zhan Tan was somewhat stunned. During this period, Li Hao had always discussed the Artistic Path with her and had never seen him wield a sword before; she didn’t expect that when Li Hao truly drew his sword, it would be so terrifying.
“His strength is not lesser than that of fine wine.”
Zhan Tan muttered to herself, the shock on her face subsiding, replaced with a pleasant surprise.
On the battle stage, Li Hao withdrew his sword and didn’t look at Chi Guang again; this one sword was enough to make the opponent recognize the gap between them.
His gaze fell on the three Buddha Children, his eyes containing a coldness:
“Since you call me a demon, I’ll give you a chance to vanquish the demon now; don’t disappoint me!”
As these words were spoken, the previously silent audience burst into an uproar.
To say such a thing in this most sacred Buddhist Holy Land was brazen to the extreme!
Chi Guang recovered his senses, his eyes flickered, somewhat dazed.
It was only at this moment that he truly realized he had been defeated.
As Li Hao said, conquered by a single sword!
To defeat him, just one sword was enough!
He had concealed his Spear Dao, and the opponent had concealed his Sword Dao, that was the opponent’s true sword!
While Chi Guang was lost in thought, the three Buddha Children came back to their senses, looking at Li Hao with shock and fear.
Just standing beside the battle stage, they had felt the terror of Li Hao’s sword; if he struck again, the three of them together might not be able to withstand it.
“Benefactor, you’re too arrogant!”
“If it weren’t for the rules of our Buddhist sect, we would have subdued you long ago!”
The three Buddha Children said with ugly expressions.
“As Buddha Children, with a demon standing before you, don’t you have the courage to confront it?!”
Li Hao’s eyes suddenly snapped open, shooting out a sword-like cold gleam: “Since you have taken it upon yourselves to eliminate demons, now is the time to test your Cultivation!”
The three Buddha Children were so angered by Li Hao that they practically spat blood, ‘test their Cultivation’? They were not his seniors; what right did he have to say such a thing.
But seeing the cold gleam in Li Hao’s eyes, all three knew that even if they made a move, it would be nothing but a humiliation.
“Benefactor Qingfeng, don’t be too oppressive!”
The Semi-Saint Buddha riding the Green Lion chanted a Buddhist name with a frown.
Li Hao wanted to laugh; who was being oppressive? If someone splashed dirty water on the other party, they instead blamed the other for counterattacking too aggressively?
“In the Pride of Heaven Battle, all kinds of rules are restricted, age, realm, everyone starts on the same line. Since you call me a demon, I allow you three to come at me together. As Buddha Children, are you afraid to subdue the demon?”
Li Hao spoke sharply.
Hearing Li Hao’s words, the faces of the three Buddha Children turned as purple as pig liver, hating the Puhua Saint to the core for causing trouble and putting them on the spot, why provoke such a Monster for nothing!
The audience looked at each other, indeed, the rules of the Pride of Heaven Battle were restricting, all of the same generation competing; now, Li Hao was challenging the three, but the three Buddha Children dared not make a move.
For a time, many people felt disappointed with the three Buddha Children.
You are the future Buddhas!
Yet retreating under the might of a demon, how can you protect the people in the future?
Suddenly, the Incense Fire centered on the three Buddha Children visibly waned.
Noticing this, the three Buddha Children’s faces simultaneously changed, shocked and furious.
It would have been fine to just be humiliated, but to affect their Incense Fire, that was akin to tampering with their life force!
Their foundation towards becoming a Saint being affected was like slaying one’s parents, unforgivable!
“You are too presumptuous, even if I cannot match you, I will extinguish your demonic flames!”
One of the Buddha Children was filled with rage, yet his face maintained a dignified solemnity, intoning a Buddha name, his whole body radiating brilliant golden light.
A magnificent Heaven and Earth Law Manifestation emerged behind him, vowing to become a Saint with the Heaven and Earth as his Soul Continuation; he too had remarkable talents in his youth, renowned far and wide, later favored by Buddha Venerate and taken as a disciple. In this Holy Land teeming with Monsters, he was still among the best, even one of the very top.
