Bab 836 Bab 170: Pertempuran Dimulai, Dia Telah Tiba! _3
Suasana kembali tenang dan ceria. Mendengar Li Hao mengatakan ini, Jiang Ziyan pun menyadari bahwa tidak perlu baginya untuk bersusah payah menyelidiki hal-hal seperti itu.Setelah percakapan santai, datanglah pengunjung lain.Li Hao memancarkan Pikiran Ilahinya, menyadari bahwa itu adalah seorang kenalan, dan segera meminta para pelayan untuk mengundang mereka masuk.”Saudara Haotian.”Para pengunjung tersebut adalah murid-murid Master Qin, Bright Moon Sword dan Pure Zi.Mereka juga magang di Tanah Suci Primordial, dengan Pedang Bulan Cerah di sini untuk berkompetisi, sementara Zi Murni, yang sayangnya tidak lolos seleksi, ikut menemani untuk menonton pertempuran.Pedang Bulan Cerah memiliki Tubuh Tao dengan Hati Dao, yang membuatnya rentan terhadap wawasan mendadak saat mengalami hambatan, sehingga kultivasinya berkembang pesat. Setelah berguru pada seorang Saint, ia menerima sumber daya berlimpah dan harta langka, yang menempa tubuh fisiknya dan meningkatkan kultivasinya di Alam Ekstrem, membuat kemajuannya sebanding dengan Ji, meskipun secara keseluruhan sedikit lebih rendah.Melihat rekan-rekan seperguruan seperti Ji dan Jiang Ziyan sudah hadir, baik Bright Moon Sword maupun Pure Zi sedikit tertegun, dan segera menyadari bahwa dibandingkan dengan kakak-kakaknya ini, mereka jauh lebih lambat.Bright Moon Sword, dua tahun lebih muda dari Li Hao, kini berusia 26 tahun, tetapi penampilannya baru sekitar delapan belas atau sembilan belas tahun. Dengan mata yang cerah, gigi putih, dan kulit yang lembut, ia memiliki penampilan yang agak feminin, sehingga sulit dibedakan jenis kelaminnya.Tatapannya murni, dia masih tampak seperti saat pertama kali bertemu Li Hao di Istana Tao, dengan sedikit rasa malu dan sungkan, dan berkata:”Pedang Bulan Cerah memberi salam kepada Saudara Haotian.””Kita semua setara, tidak perlu formalitas.”
Li Hao tersenyum dan memberi isyarat agar dia duduk di meja.Wajah Pedang Bulan Cerah sedikit memerah saat dia berkata: “Guruku berkata bahwa meskipun kamu bukan muridnya, dia ingin kami memperlakukanmu sebagaimana kami memperlakukannya.”Li Hao terkejut, sedikit tak berdaya, dia berkata: “Kamu sudah berada di sini selama sepuluh tahun dan masih ingat kata-kata gurumu.””Seorang guru sehari adalah ayah seumur hidup; aku tidak berani melupakannya.”Pipi Bright Moon Sword berubah serius saat dia berbicara.Li Hao, mendengar ini, tertawa dan berkata: “Bagus sekali, itu pantas diminum!”Saat cangkir anggur dihidangkan, wajah Pedang Bulan Cerah kembali menunjukkan ekspresi gugup: “Guru juga berkata bahwa minum alkohol dapat membahayakan tubuh, saya tidak minum alkohol…””…”Li Hao yang tercengang, tertawa terbahak-bahak, tidak memaksanya, dan berkata: “Kita bersulang dengan teh saja.”Bright Moon Sword menghela napas lega, mengangguk, dan mengangkat cangkir tehnya untuk berdenting bersama Li Hao.Seiring bertambahnya jumlah orang yang datang, halaman itu pun menjadi lebih hidup.
However, not long after the arrival of Bright Moon Sword and Pure Zi, another visitor appeared.
Li Hao’s Divine Thought swept out, realizing it was still an acquaintance.
He couldn’t help but laugh, asking the attendants to quickly invite them in.
This time, the visitors were from the Sword Ancestor Holy Land, Lin Qingyue along with her grandfather Lin Shanhai, and various Alchemists like Shi Huajin.
Seeing the many people in Li Hao’s courtyard, Lin Qingyue and the others were taken aback, Jiang Ziyan and others also turned with some surprise, noticing these were faces not from their original crossing through the Immortal Gate, obviously people Li Hao had met in the Land of All Saints.
“Heard you were here, so we came to check on you.”
Lin Qingyue saw the young man at the table, looked intently and said softly.
“Was your journey here smooth?”
“With the Sword Master personally escorting, we didn’t encounter any issues, any Demons we met on the road were cleared away by one stroke of the Sword Master.” Lin Qingyue said.
“The Sword Master came too?”
Li Hao was somewhat surprised, it wasn’t the Sword Saint who came.
Could it be that he stayed to safeguard the Holy Land?
Thinking of seeing this fishing companion again, Li Hao also felt quite delighted.
“These are your friends?”
Lin Qingyue looked towards Jiang Ziyan, Ji, Bright Moon Sword, and others, sensing they were all extraordinarily talented Heavenly Prides, and thinking of Li Hao having so many friends besides her, her eyes fluttered slightly, and she nibbled her lower lip.
“Yes.”
Li Hao nodded, inviting Lin Qingyue, old Mr. Lin Shanhai and others to sit down, and the originally spacious courtyard suddenly seemed a bit crowded.
Soon after, a message came from outside the gate; Li Hao looked and was surprised to find Lin Shuhai, Chi Guang, and others had also arrived.
Li Hao slightly raised his eyebrows; he had no dealings with Lin Shuhai, but without grudges, he could accept their visit, though Chi Guang’s arrival was a bit unexpected.
Seeing Li Hao’s crowded courtyard, Lin Shuhai, Chi Guang, and others were clearly stunned; they had thought Li Hao, having offended the Buddha sect, might be shunned by others and be in a deserted state, but contrary to their expectations, it was very lively.
“Brother Haotian, I am Lin Shuhai, also from the Canglan Realm; we could be considered half-fellow townspeople.”
Lin Shuhai bowed, appearing genteel and extremely modest.
Li Hao returned the gesture, upon seeing the Heavenly Prides from the Saint Dynasty behind him, also invited them to sit.
Chi Guang looked at Li Hao, his expression complex.
During the battle of the Divine Dynasty, he had concealed his strength and conceded the first place to Li Hao, thinking it was his own concession, but later realized that even if he had competed seriously, he would have been no match for him.Meskipun Li Hao mengalahkannya, dia benar-benar yakin dan tidak menaruh permusuhan terhadap Li Hao; kunjungan ini sebenarnya dimaksudkan untuk memberi Li Hao peringatan.”Anak Buddha Kembar telah bereinkarnasi; kukira kau tak akan berani datang, tapi ternyata kau di sini. Kudengar Anak Buddha Kembar mewarisi Jalan Suci dari kehidupan sebelumnya, dan kekuatannya bahkan lebih mengerikan dari sebelumnya; kau harus berhati-hati jika bertemu dengannya.”Chi Guang memperingatkan.Ini adalah informasi rahasia yang diceritakan oleh tuannya.”Memang.”Li Hao tidak menyangka orang lain datang dengan niat baik dan melihat ini, tidak menunjukkan wajah dingin tetapi mengangguk.Setelah Chi Guang selesai berbicara, ia melirik lagi ke arah orang-orang di meja Li Hao, raut wajahnya tampak rumit. Mengingat posisi Li Hao saat ini, dengan dua Tanah Suci utama yang memusuhinya, sungguh mengejutkan melihat begitu banyak orang berani mendekat, tanpa takut terbakar.”Saya pamit.”Chi Guang selesai berbicara, tidak berlama-lama, dan berbalik untuk pergi.”Mau tinggal sebentar untuk minum?”Melihat dia pergi sendirian, Li Hao tiba-tiba berbicara: “Rasa anggur ini cukup enak.”
Chapter 837 Chapter 170: The Battle Begins, He Has Arrived! _4
Chi Guang’s figure paused slightly, his expression easing considerably, knowing that the past grudges were now completely written off.
He stopped in his tracks and said, “Then let’s have a taste.”
Li Hao gave a slight smile and invited him to take a seat.
The commotion here was noticed by other Saint Heirs in the nearby courtyards. Lin Baichuan, who had been cultivating in the courtyard for a while, came to find Li Hao, wanting to invite him for a walk. Upon arrival, however, he saw Li Hao’s courtyard full of guests.
He was somewhat stunned, his eyes wide in disbelief.
These Saint Heirs and saintesses, who usually favored tranquility and were focused on their cultivation, had very few friends. Yet, Li Hao’s courtyard was as bustling as a vegetable market.
From a distance in the void, two figures stood side by side. Feng Boping looked towards Li Hao’s courtyard, observing the extraordinary liveliness, and seeing the young man in the middle of the gathering with a smile on his face, drinking like a prodigal, chatting and laughing freely, a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
“It seems he’s quite popular,” commented Lie Sky Saint, who also saw the scene.
Feng Boping replied with a smile, “He was like this in the Mortal World.”
“Such a disposition indeed makes one likable,” remarked Lie Sky Saint softly. She had seen countless people and could tell at a glance that Li Hao’s nature was quite amiable, unlike other aloof Heavenly Prides who were hard to approach.
Feng Boping’s smile faded slightly, as if he thought of something, and he simply nodded.
Time flies.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and everywhere in the Heavenly Origin Realm was bustling, with the liveliest place still being Tianyuan Saint Mountain.
All the houses here were filled, and distinguished guests from various realms had arrived. Some unruly and willful individuals caused some minor disturbances, but these were quickly settled.
Over the past three days, many people discussed who would be the champion of the Pride of Heaven Battle, with the highest voices being for several disciples of the Supreme Saint Gate, and Li Hao.
Leaving one’s mark on the All Heavens Battlefield, it’s a genuine achievement. Although the Heavenly Stele can’t measure skill completely accurately, its measurement is still a significant reference for talent and carries a lot of weight.
“If we go by the Heavenly Stele, then Haotian should be the top of this batch, right?”
“The Heavenly Stele is just an indicator, not absolute; otherwise, why bother competing? Just leave a handprint on the Heavenly Stele.”
“That’s right, the Heavenly Stele only represents certain upper limits. Combat is not one-sided and even the mindset at the time of competition can have an impact.”
“These Heavenly Prides have a mindset not easily disturbed like those of the common folk.”
“Praising him is useless. Haotian might not even show up, remember, he was too arrogant and offended both the Buddha realm and our Void Holy Land. Right now, he could be hiding somewhere, tail tucked between his legs.”
“Where else could it be, probably sneaking around in that thieving Void Holy Land.”
“Little Thousand World, I think it would also be fitting to call it Old Thousand Realm.”
“Don’t mention it; it was originally called Old Thousand Realm, but then Thief Saint felt that ‘old thousand’ insulted the dignity of thieves, so he changed it to Little Thousand World.”
Inside the Tianyuan Sacred Land, all the realms were discussing.
“Master, has Haotian arrived?”
In the Law Sect Sacred Land, Wu Tian asked his master, one of the Legalist Saints, known as the Saint of Ten Thousand Nations Laws, and also as Law Saint.
“He has already arrived. Are you very interested in him?”
The Law Saint looked as if stars were suspended in his eyes, seemingly containing thousands of brilliant lights, and he said with an indifferent smile.
Wu Tian recalled his observation at the All Heavens Battlefield, where the other party suppressed the Green Deer King with a gesture. That power had ignited a strong desire to compete within him.
“Yes, I really want to see how formidable he is, leaving a red mark on the battlefield,” Wu Tian said frankly.
“On this trip, you’ll have the chance to encounter him,” said the Law Saint with a smile, as if he followed certain laws of heaven and foresaw the future.
Wu Tian’s eyes brightened. His master was extremely skilled in divination and prediction, and his words were usually very accurate with rare errors.
Elsewhere in the Law Sect.
“After a long seclusion, it seems that some unruly newcomers have popped up outside.”
A figure stood tall and upright, dressed in white clothing, purifying himself with burning incense, seeming well-comported with an aura of serenity, and although his eyes were rather cold and sharp, he exuded rationality and a strong sense of calm.
“Indeed, it’s said that he challenged Saints while only in the Dao Law Realm, and neither the Buddha realm nor the Void Holy Land pursued him. They are quite magnanimous, possessing the compassion of Saints,” said the serving maid obediently, with a hint of indignation in her eyes.
“Challenging the Saint Path’s rules is seeking self-destruction. The Buddha realm as well, allowing a junior to challenge without stern punishment. The law does not indulge sentiments; such tolerance is equivalent to condoning evil. It’s time for a counsel!” the young man in white said coldly, not pleased with either party upon hearing of the event.
As a disciple of the Holy Master of Law, his master cultivated the Heavenly Dao Rules. All things, including Saints, must follow his master’s rules, and now someone was breaking them.
Challenging Saints is a violation of the Saint Path.
Saints not punishing this severely is also not following the Saint Path’s rules.
“The world is but a chessboard, all things the pieces, which should follow the rules of Chess Tao to determine victory or defeat. If rules are not observed, what meaning is there in victory or defeat?”
In front of the young man in white, in front of the board where incense burned, there was a chessboard, and his slender fingers picked up the pieces and set them down.
His Chess Tao was transcendent, yet he could only play against himself.
Because it was exceedingly difficult to find someone capable of playing against him.
“Where is the Master?” the young man in white suddenly asked, as he moved a piece.
If his master knew of this matter, he would certainly not stand by.
“The Holy Master of Law went to comprehend the principles of the Heavenly Dao. If the Saint Heir participates in this Pride of Heaven Battle, the Holy Master of Law will probably return in time,” the maid said, her head lowered.
The young man’s expression eased slightly upon hearing this; with his master being occupied, it was no wonder there was no indulgence.
“The Master has reached the level of Supreme Saint, studying the Heavenly Dao as scripture. These Saints do not know that the law established by my master is the Heavenly Dao Rules, to which all things comply. Going against it will only lead to self-destruction!”
Chapter 838 Chapter 170: The Battle Begins, He Has Arrived! _5
“Spring, Autumn, Winter, Summer, the seasons must rotate in order, how can they be disrupted at will.”
His eyes were cold and sharp as he picked up a piece again, heavily placing it on the board:
“If I ever encounter this person, I will certainly let him know that one in the Dao Law Realm must follow the rules of the Dao Law Realm!”
In another secret cave mansion in the Tianyuan Sacred Land.
Deep in the cave mansion, there is a stone wall with a young man sitting in front of it, awakening from his meditation.
“Go, the time is almost right, your opponent this time is not to be underestimated, you might personally experience the legendary Sixth Extreme Realm.”
The white-haired old man calmly said in front of the stone wall.
Sitting there in the dark cave, he seemed like a stark white beam of light, surrounded by starry galaxies, brilliant and misty, as if he wasn’t part of the mortal world.
The young man was briefly stunned and couldn’t help saying: “Is it that Haotian, but Wu Tian of the Fajia, and Qiu Tianlu, the direct disciple of the Holy Master of Law, should not be underestimated either.”
The white-haired elder slightly shook his head, not saying more.
Seeing this, the young man got up and respectfully bowed before retiring.
…
In the blink of an eye, the Supreme Genius Battle had finally begun.
With the Boundary Stones illuminating, spread across the entire Heavenly Origin Realm, the clouds above suddenly changed, reflecting the scene atop the Tianyuan Sacred Mountain.
Countless people had finished their breakfast early, eagerly looking forward to the most grand and bustling event across all heavens.
A once-in-a-century event, many people would struggle to witness it even once in their lives.
“It’s starting, look, that’s Wu Tian from the Fajia!”
“That’s Qiu Tianlu from the Fajia, I heard he’s the direct disciple of the Holy Master of Law, likely to inherit the mantle of the Supreme Saint!”
“That’s Xiao Tianyu from the Source Ancestor Sacred Land!”
“That’s the Green Deer King from the Mixed Heaven Sacred Land, I heard that he was previously subjugated under Haotian’s buttocks as a mount in the All Heavens Battlefield, not sure if it’s true or false.”
“Shh, it seems to be true, his expression changed, he heard it!”
In the crowd, some people who mentioned the dark history of the Green Deer King suddenly felt the piercing gaze of the Green Deer King, causing them to sweat profusely and dare not talk further.
On Tianyuan Mountain, the battlefield is at the peak of the mountain, and the geniuses from all realms are arranged from the mountainside courtyard, following the Saint Path steps to the waiting area.
As each Saint Heir ascended the steps, countless gazes converged there.
Among them, the Saint Heirs under the Supreme Saint Gate walked out to loud cheers, obviously recognized by many.
Merely having the title of a disciple of the Supreme Saint was enough to terrify.
“That is the Haoyue Saint Son from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land.”
“It’s our Brother Lin from our sacred land!”
In the crowd, the Haoyue Saint Son and people like Lin Shuhai also ascended the Saint Path steps, but apart from some from the Canglan Realm recognizing them, other realms didn’t know much about them, causing little stir.
To become renowned across all heavens, one must have done extremely sensational deeds, but with only a few hundred years of cultivation, how could they have many chances to become widely known.
This Supreme Genius Battle was indeed their grand stage to become famous.
“That’s Chi Guang!”
“Who is Chi Guang?”
“It doesn’t matter if you don’t know him, but soon you will remember him, he is very strong!”
In the crowd, dignitaries and Princely Heirs from various realms gathered to watch the battle, all from prominent and powerful families; even members of the Divine Dynasty’s royal family were common here, easily grabbed by the handful.
As figures climbed the steps one by one, many spectators watched intently. Eventually, fewer figures appeared.
“Where is Haotian? Why don’t I see him?”
“Could it be that he really backed out, not daring to participate in the competition?”
“Nonsense, I heard he came. Maybe he’s just moving slowly.”
“Now that the Buddhist has arrived, does he still dare to show up?”
Outside the Saint Path steps, onlookers gathered. If not for the extensive prohibitions here that prevented their Divine Thought from sweeping around, they would have long tried to probe with their Divine Thought down to the foot of the mountain.
As everyone eagerly awaited, a figure slowly ascended the steps.
He looked somewhat sleepy, rubbing his eyes as he walked.
Having stayed up late last night pondering the embryonic form of the Saint Path, Li Hao woke up late. Although he could go a month without sleep at his current level, sleeping was a pleasure. Why should he abandon such enjoyment for the sake of cultivation?
“It’s quite lively.”
As Li Hao reached the top of the stairs, he saw countless figures gathered outside, all staring intently at him now.
“Haotian!”
“He actually came!”
“He’s really unafraid of death, provoking both the Buddhist and the Void Holy Land and still daring to compete. Could it be that he really thinks he can take first place?”
“He must be aiming for first place. After all, the lure of the Incense Fire is great, the path to becoming a Saint, who can resist it.”
Many did not recognize Li Hao, but as some who knew him cried out in astonishment, it quickly became known that this youth who appeared to have just woken up was none other than Haotian, famous throughout All Heavens!
Amidst the sudden surge of astonished calls and a discussion that intensified tenfold, the Saint Heirs who had walked before also turned their attention towards him.
The name of Haotian had recently become as thunderous as ever to them, even more so than those personally transmitted by Supreme Saints.
“Is that him?”
“Is he Haotian?”
Many competing Saint Heirs and saintesses scrutinized the youth with a serious gleam in their eyes.
“Hmph, indeed I find his character unappealing.”
In the waiting area, Qiu Tianlu, clad in white, glanced over and saw the youth smiling at the spectators and then walked towards this side.
It was their first meeting, but he felt a profound aversion against the aura the other emitted.
Li Hao felt numerous gazes fixed on him, but he was accustomed to it. He looked up, his glance swept the waiting area, primarily checking if Lin Qingyue and other acquaintances had arrived or had overslept like him.
Seeing that they had all arrived, he felt relieved and soon looked towards the distant, hidden yet formidable figures of Saints.
This battle had amassed a surprising number of Saints on Tianyuan Mountain, almost dozens!
While most maintained a hidden and extremely inconspicuous presence, Li Hao, with his nascent understanding of the embryonic form of the Saint Path, still sensed them.
His expression was solemn; it seems this grand event indeed held significance to All Heavens. After all, the purpose of this Supreme Genius Battle seemed to be to stimulate the geniuses of All Heavens to compete and cultivate, and then to bring forth those monstrous beings from the Sixth Extreme Realm.
Now, he had arrived.
Upon reaching the waiting area, Li Hao felt a cold gaze falling on him.
Looking up, it was the Twin Buddha Child, staring coldly at him.
Li Hao met his gaze, and as the Twin Buddha Child saw Li Hao looking at him, a slight cold smile leaked from his lips. Previously unable to kill Li Hao and having learned that the real Li Hao had arrived here, he knew he had been tricked.
The sword strike he had witnessed was probably a result of Lie Sky Saint’s covert help. The Heart Demon which he initially thought he was dispersing, from then on, was evoked even more intensely, his hatred deepened, becoming even harder to control.
Chapter 839 Chapter 171: Seeking Guidance from All Heavens
Li Hao’s expression remained calm, sensing the change in the aura of the Twin Buddha Child, which had previously been a blend of righteous and evil, a fusion of Buddhas and demons. Now, however, the Buddha light was retracted, with a heavier demonic nature and a hint of madness.
It seemed as if a certain path had been taken to its extreme, breaking the previous balance.
In response, Li Hao took note, but did not pay too much attention.
Even if the other party inherited the Saint Dao Power from a previous life, the capacity they could utilize was ultimately limited to their Dao Law Realm cultivation and physique.
In the Thirty-Three Realms of All Heavens, each realm had ten spots, including Li Hao, making a total of 330 participants selected from billions, all top Heavenly Prides of their respective realms.
At this moment, the waiting area seats were nearly filled, consisting of stone platforms floating in the air, extremely eye-catching.
As Li Hao made his way, aside from the Twin Buddha Child, many gazes fell upon him, all subtly probing, while others were more overt, even with a hint of provocation.
Li Hao simply swept over them, noticing some cold eyes. Though the faces were unfamiliar, they seemed to harbor some enmity towards him.
He did not pay them any mind; with great fame, it was inevitable to attract troubles.
Ascending to a stone platform, he settled down comfortably, gave a visual greeting to familiar faces like Lin Qingyue and Ji, and then took in the scene of this battleground.
The peak of Tianyuan Saint Mountain was immensely vast, and despite being the summit, it appeared boundless. The sky was filled with brilliant colors, and the Heaven and Earth Energy was so dense it seemed like viscous seawater. Now, All Heavens Saints were descending here in their true forms, concealing their auras. Their Saintly powers met in the shadows, subtly creating a fantastical celestial scene.
Dragons, phoenixes, and other auspicious shadows evolved and floated through the void, with Daoism Charm like floating clouds and mists emitting unusual hues, drifting in the sky.
Among them, some Saints who were openly invited did not hide their presence. Their Daoist Charm congealed around them; some resembled golden-armored warriors, surrounded by countless shadows; others had a divine ruler above their heads, seemingly able to measure heaven and earth.
Many grand scenes made one feel refreshed and exhilarated, with blood boiling with excitement.
Li Hao’s gaze moved, noticing that Buddha Venerate had also arrived, not concealing his presence, seemingly invited as well.
His position was highlighted by the golden light dazzling around the Lotus Platform, occupying a significant seat amidst these heavenly and earthly anomalies.
The Heaven and Earth Treasures awarded to the champion of the Pride of Heaven Battle were provided by the Buddhist sect, hence the invitation from the Source Ancestor Sacred Land.
In addition, Void Saint had not concealed his aura. Where he stood, the surrounding anomalies seemed to dissipate, becoming blurred, as if he stood amidst a void, detached from the mundane world.
As Li Hao looked their way, both Buddha Venerate and Void Saint also looked toward him, but their gazes did not seem to focus on Li Hao but rather on the waiting area as a whole, not concentrated. However, Li Hao could feel the unmistakable killing intent in their eyes, a killing intent only he could see and feel.
Seeing Void Saint, a killing intent surfaced in Li Hao’s eyes. He knew that if this were not the Source Ancestor Sacred Land, the other would not hesitate to strike at him.
Their enmity set, there was no turning back.
Li Hao’s face cold, he withdrew his gaze and turned to look at other Saints.
The most conspicuous among them was an elderly man in a white robe, seated in the center. His stature was imposing, like a towering Dharma Aspect, and although his robe was white, it seemed as fine as silkworm thread, swelling with the wind, evoking the sensation of a venerable immortal.
Li Hao knew that this was the Source Ancestor, the oldest Saint among the Land of All Saints.
Even among the Supreme Saints, he held an extremely high position.
Not far from him were five or six Saints, each with an aura far surpassing that of other Saints. Li Hao knew these were the Supreme Saints from the Upper Three Realms Sacred Lands.
Apart from them, Li Hao also saw an acquaintance—it was the Sword Master.
His presence was not concealed either, seated in the void with what appeared to be endless sword shadows swaying around him, flickering in and out of existence. His expression was indifferent, giving off an aura of inaccessibility.
As Li Hao looked over, the Sword Master seemed to be looking at Li Hao as well and showed a slight smile.
Li Hao couldn’t help but smile too, nodding his head in acknowledgement.
Besides these Saints, there were many Semi-Saints around; Li Hao scanned the area, and to his surprise, saw a whole circle of them surrounding the inner side closest to the Battlefield!
Truly… Semi-Saints are as common as dogs.
But Li Hao knew this gathering was of All Heavens, and there were probably still many who hadn’t come for this event.
Among these Semi-Saints, Li Hao also saw some old acquaintances, Yao Ancestor, Zhan Tan, and others.
When their gazes met, smiles were exchanged.
Beneath the Saints, at the center where everyone gathered, was a vast battlefield, yet within it, climates like storms and snow converged, with lightning occasionally flashing—seemingly a dangerous forbidden area.
Soon after, the rest of the Saint Heirs and saintesses gradually arrived.
Out of 330 seats, seven spots were left empty.
Those who did not come had their Semi-Saints from their Sects approach Source Ancestor, nervously explaining the reasons.
Some were in critical moments of their cultivation and were not disturbed. Although the Pride of Heaven Battle was critical, they feared they could not compete for the top ten, so their Sect chose to let them continue their seclusion, not wanting to miss out on both fronts.
Others couldn’t attend due to some “accident.”
Li Hao’s eyes flickered, it seemed that besides him, there was plenty of strife among the other Sacred Lands.
Where there are gains, there is strife.
Li Hao sighed inwardly; even Saints can’t escape this fact.
Mankind rushes about in pursuit, seeking nothing more than fame.
Grandmasters establish Sects and receive incense fire for a century.
Saints preach and establish teachings, leaving a name for thousands of generations, in endless cycles.
Chapter 840 Chapter 171: Seeking Guidance from All Heavens_2
However, he seemed to be no exception; he also came here for fame, and behind fame lies profit.
As the Divine Sunlight shone upon the corona, the time arrived, and the Source Ancestor spoke, announcing the official commencement of the Supreme Genius Battle.
At this point, the entire Saint Mountain vibrated, and the previous discussions and cheers, all momentarily quieted down.
Afterward, the Source Ancestor softly expounded the rules.
Firstly came the top hundred seats; after advancing to the top hundred, the battles would intensify!
The selection rule for the top hundred seats was extremely straightforward and brutal: those confident could take the stage to accept challenges, and those who could defeat three opponents, or face no challengers, would advance to the top hundred!
Each person only had one chance to challenge, and victors assumed their opponent’s place, needing to win against two more to advance!
This mode of selection, without a doubt, would be incredibly rapid, leaving many Heavenly Prides who had come here astonished, with a sense of discomfort in their hearts.
They had overcome formidable competitors from minor worlds to become the paramount Heavenly Prides there, and yet, upon arrival here, they were treated as mere grains of sand in a relentless screening process.
If one among the top hundred were to lose, I’m afraid no one would remember them.
Having crossed thousands of mountains and vast voids to arrive here, they were merely inconspicuous among the throng of Heavenly Prides.
Compared to some who looked complex, many more had a gleam of intense confidence in their eyes, feeling that this method was excellent and perfectly suited their disposition as Heavenly Prides.
One should cut the chatter short and settle it directly through combat — the strong and the weak would be distinguished naturally.
Besides, it’s only the top hundred; those who lack the ambition to sprint for the top ten waste their time coming here.
With the Source Ancestor finishing the rules, he announced the commencement, with another Saint from the Source Ancestor Sacred Land presiding over it.
Outside the battlefield, a massive Bone-Reflecting Mirror floated, and those taking the stage needed to be reflected in the mirror to prevent any deceit.
“Who wishes to come forward first?”
Asked the Saint from the Source Ancestor Sacred Land with a smile.
The crowd below loosened up, many unable to restrain themselves, but a figure suddenly flashed, using the power of Returning Ruin Instantaneous Movement to appear directly in front of the Bone-Reflecting Mirror.
Immediately, the Bone-Reflecting Mirror displayed his age and lifespan.
68 years old!
Such an age was considered young among the Heavenly Prides.
Once the Bone-Reflecting Mirror verified his credentials, he stepped onto the stage with a dignified posture, his face like sculpted jade, looking handsome and extraordinary.
“Noble Family Sacred Land, Bai Yuan, requests guidance from All Heavens!”
As his clear and confident words spread, a wave of discussion and exclamations erupted from the crowd.
Noble Family Sacred Land, a Sacred Land of the ‘Purple Dye Realm’ in the Upper Three Realms, with a Supreme Saint in residence, this Bai Yuan, was likely a disciple of the Supreme Saint Gate!
While not widely known across All Heavens, he had already demonstrated his edge in the Upper Three Realms, so those from the Upper Three Realms who came here to watch were excited, cheering and hailing him loudly.
Those who had previously wanted to be the first to take the stage paused for a moment, then their expressions shifted to solemnity.
Even if some didn’t recognize Bai Yuan, they understood the significance of the Noble Family Sacred Land.
A disciple of the Supreme Saint Gate!
These four words alone could cause an uproar like thunder.
In an instant, the crowd outside became silent, exchanging glances, some in contemplation, yet no one made a move.
Others from the Upper Three Realms, though wishing to clash with him, knew it was only for the top hundred spots, and not the time to confront him.
Otherwise, they would unduly reveal their trump cards prematurely, an unwise and embarrassing move during the battle for the top hundred.
After a brief silence, no one stepped up to challenge him.
With that bold proclamation of “requests guidance from All Heavens,” it seemed to momentarily quell the entire place!
Such a display made many disciples from the Noble Family ecstatic and cheering, letting out excited howls.
“Bai Yuan, Saint Heir, is mighty!!”
“Domineering, this is our Noble Family’s Saint Heir; no one from All Heavens dares to take the stage!”
Many Noble Family disciples were thrilled to the extreme.
But these words were too late; had they been said earlier, it might have provoked others who could not bear to see such arrogance challenged.
Bai Yuan, upon hearing the Saint from the Source Ancestor Sacred Land announce his advancement, had a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. His gaze swept over several figures in the crowd, as if to say, I’m waiting for you!
Then, his eyes landed on Li Hao with a hint of frivolity, harboring the same desire to suppress this keeper of the Heavenly Stele Blood Words. Regrettably, the latter had not taken the stage.
With a whoosh, Bai Yuan turned and stepped down, returning to the waiting area.
But with such a dominant opening performance, he was certainly remembered by all the influential figures from the Heavenly Origin Realm who had come to watch.
Li Hao saw the other’s frivolous gaze but didn’t mind as he had no intention to challenge at this stage.
With Bai Yuan leaving the stage, immediately a second figure used Instant Teleportation to reach the Bone-Reflecting Mirror, seizing the opportunity to perform second.
The Bone-Reflecting Mirror revealed the age, 78 years old.
But he appeared young and confident, stepping onto the stage and spoke indifferently, “Yin Yang Sacred Land, Lin Zhuo, asks for your guidance. My cultivation is not strong; don’t waste this opportunity.”
Though his words sounded modest, they were tinted with arrogance and provocation.
Hearing this, someone from the waiting area instantly became uneasy, a figure teleported out, underwent the Bone-Reflecting Mirror test, and seeing he was within a hundred years old, stepped onto the stage.
“My cultivation is quite short, I just wish to sneak into the top hundred to have a look, so let’s pick an easy target,” he casually said, but it was clear to everyone, it was aimed at Lin Zhuo.
However, making such a statement carried its own risks.
Lin Zhuo, hearing the remark, curved his lips, and responded, “Then come and have a try.”
Quickly, with the Array consolidating, phenomena such as storms, snow, and other anomalies appeared on the battlefield, with lightning surging around. They had to fight each other while dodging these law attacks.