Chapter 304: The Saint's Mark

"Child, now that you have become a Dao Seed, my Ji Clan will exhaust all resources to cultivate you; many are treasures you have never seen before."

Ji Daoxin drifted to Li Hao's side and said gently and warmly: "There is also the Saint's Sound left by the Progenitor to help you condense your Dao Heart, allowing you to easily and smoothly step into the Four Standing Realms."

"The many absolute arts and techniques of my Ji Clan are all yours to contemplate, helping you gather the essence of martial arts and pioneer your own absolute arts."

"And the Taiping Dao Realm can also be of help to you..."

The foundation of the Primordial Saint Clan is extremely strong, and it has auxiliary effects on every stage of the Four Standing Realms.

As for other tribes, at most they rely on countless divine medicines and demon blood to raise their juniors to the Fifteen-Li Realm, which is already the limit.

The Heavenly Human Realm requires one to kick through it themselves, the Three Imperishable Realms also require one's own comprehension, and the Four Standing Realms go without saying; the Dao Heart is a threshold difficult to overcome.

Hearing Ji Daoxin's words, everyone looked at Li Hao, their eyes glowing with brilliance.

That's right, with these precious top-tier resources of the Ji Clan, any heaven-gifted talent would be red-eyed with envy.

As long as one's own comprehension is sufficient and one's natural talent is not low, under the full cultivation of the Ji Clan, most can step into the Taiping Dao Realm!

And stepping into the Dao Realm means that even in the Great Desolate Heaven, one is a first-class powerhouse; unless the War Gods of the various Saint Clans emerge, there are almost no opponents, and it is very difficult to die!

If one can safely pass through the future and obtain opportunities, becoming a War God is also highly likely.

After all, the goal of the Dao Seed is to become a new War God!

As for charging toward the Sage Realm, that purely depends on opportunity.

"Many thanks, my lord."

Li Hao bowed his head slightly to thank the head of the Ji Clan, then said: "I only wish to help my mother atone for her sins; these things should be left to the other heaven-gifted talents."

Ji Daoxin was stunned, and the people outside the arena were also dumbfounded, looking at this youth in some disbelief.

The clan head had made it so clear, yet this youth still wanted to refuse? This was an opportunity many dreamed of; even the Ji Clan's own heaven-gifted talents fought and risked their lives for it.

Now that the opportunity was already in his hands, he chose to let go?

Ji Xuanshen sat at the edge of the arena, staring blankly at the youth. The other party had fought in a bloody battle, on the verge of life and death, just because he wanted to help his mother atone for her sins?

He turned a blind eye to this Dao Seed and the countless precious cultivation resources of the Ji Clan? The other heaven-gifted talents were also stunned, not expecting this youth to be so persistent.

Especially those who had previously mocked the youth for being shameless and wanting to squeeze into the Ji Clan were even more tongue-tied and speechless.

He was even willing to abandon the position of Supreme Dao Seed that was already in his hands, let alone joining the Ji Clan.

"Is it because of what they said earlier? You are still young, do not act on impulse," Ji Yunqing said hurriedly, also hoping to keep Li Hao.

Many people heard this and felt a thud in their hearts, feeling somewhat panicked, fearing the clan would hold them accountable.

But Li Hao shook his head and said: "I am not acting on impulse, it is just that Senior Yunge told me that if I could become the strongest heaven-gifted talent of the Ji Clan, I could atone for my mother's sins. That is the purpose of my coming here."

Hearing the youth's calm words, everyone understood that this youth had never intended to stay in the Ji Clan from beginning to end.

It was only because he had to atone for his mother's sins that he had fought in bloody battles until now, fighting all the heaven-gifted talents.

Ji Xuanshen's eyes were complex and his heart was bitter, but what followed was an indescribable feeling. A brilliant light appeared in his eyes as he stared deeply at the youth.

He seemed to understand what true, heaven-topping pride was.

This youth did not care about resources at all. Just as the other party said, if there is no Saint Bone, then condense a Saint Bone yourself!

Compared to him, they, the heaven-gifted talents of the Ji Clan, were merely geniuses who had nothing but arrogance.

Ji Daoxin also realized that he might not be able to keep this youth, and furthermore, this youth possessed the spirit of those few supreme heaven-gifted talents that had been born in the Ji Clan over the past few thousand years.

True, heaven-defying arrogance, and a backbone that stands tall and firm, never yielding! If such a person had been born in the Ji Clan, how good that would be...

Ji Daoxin sighed inwardly, looked at Ji Tianchao and the others, gave them a look, and transmitted his voice: "It seems we can only wait for Qingqing to return and let Qingqing persuade him. You all should work on Qingqing when the time comes and make sure she keeps her son."

"Her son risked his life to come here, so he must have deep feelings for her and should listen to her."

Hearing Ji Daoxin choose a roundabout way to persuade him to stay, Ji Yunyue and the others understood in their hearts, and at the same time, they thought the same.

If they couldn't persuade him, they would let Qingqing herself do the persuading.

They didn't want to see such a good grandson leave just like that.

"In addition, I will immediately send people to the outside of the wilderness, to that Emperor Da Yu Divine Dynasty, to investigate his situation and clarify his past. In view of his current status, the other crimes of Qingqing marrying out will be waived."

Ji Daoxin transmitted his voice.

He believed that now that he had made such a choice, the other elders in the clan, those of the older generation, should not have anything to say.

Although the Ji Clan struggles internally between legitimate and illegitimate lines, and various branches fight in secret, at least one point is good: when encountering external enemies, they all act in unison, and when encountering heaven-gifted talents, they treat them all equally! Compared to some tribes that have completely rotted, the family laws and clan rules of the Ji Clan are still relatively intact.

Ji Yunyue and the others nodded slightly. Thinking of Li Hao changing his surname, they were suddenly curious. This youth came to the Great Desolate Heaven alone; what about his father? What about the elders of his father's clan? Could it be that Qingqing married an incompetent person who couldn't enter the Great Desolate Heaven? After the transmission ended, Ji Tianchao looked at Li Hao and suddenly asked: "How many Extreme Realms have you opened?"

Once these words were spoken, the few were stunned, looking at Ji Tianchao in confusion, but then they realized something and all looked at the youth.

If Ji Xuanshen hadn't used the Saint Bone earlier, they wouldn't have been able to see the youth's Heaven and Earth Dharma Image. The youth had been hiding his strength until the very last moment, and they suspected that the youth might have other trump cards.

Although the probability of this was extremely low and somewhat exaggerated...

Li Hao looked at the old man who had stood up for him earlier and was somewhat surprised. Such a question was somewhat presumptuous; after all, this was a matter of martial arts and was a secret.

But seeing the expectation in the other party's eyes, which didn't seem to be just probing, he thought for a moment and transmitted: "Four, I suppose."

Although he had guessed it, Ji Tianchao's heart was still shaken, knowing that Li Hao was not lying.

He had seen earlier that Li Hao might not just have the three types he displayed, but a fourth, which was the Land Immortal Realm!

Seeing that Li Hao didn't speak, but seeing Ji Tianchao's eyes suddenly become excited, the others immediately realized that the two had transmitted their voices.

Ji Tianchao took a deep breath and said to Li Hao with a smile: "No matter, in my Ji Clan, no one can hurt you, unless they step over my dead body!"

He said these words with absolute certainty.

Just from the fact that Li Hao sent the third brother back, he would protect this grandson with all his might, not to mention that Li Hao now displayed supreme natural talent.

The few quickly transmitted their voices to ask Ji Tianchao, but Ji Tianchao didn't respond, only saying to Li Hao: "My Ji Clan has an Extreme Dao Stele, you should go and try it. I heard that if you can ignite four Extreme Dao Steles, you will obtain the Sage's inheritance!"

Ji Yunyue and the others were shaken, already knowing the answer.

Ji Qingyuan, who was standing outside the arena, also had a slight change in expression, his eyes staring at the youth.

"Sage's inheritance?"

Li Hao was puzzled.

Ji Tianchao nodded slightly, his voice carrying a hint of excitement: "That's right, child, you must try it, that is a huge benefit!"

Seeing him so serious and earnest, Li Hao thought for a moment and said: "Will that affect my leaving the Ji Clan?"

"..."

Ji Tianchao paused slightly. This child, is he so persistent about leaving the Ji Clan? He thought of the third brother's words; the other party was able to clear the Mo River because he was unfettered.

He sighed inwardly. Fortunately, that Mo River was formed because of the third brother's obsession, and there shouldn't be any similar Mo Rivers in the future. Leaving a concern for this youth wouldn't affect anything.

Moreover, when Qingqing returns, perhaps this child will change his mind.

Ji Tianchao said: "Basically, it won't."

"That's right, you go and try it first," Ji Daoxin also immediately persuaded.

Seeing that they all said so, Li Hao thought about it and agreed.

The conversation between the few spread, and everyone heard that the youth was going to the Extreme Dao Stele to test his martial arts Extreme Realm, and they were all somewhat surprised. Ji Daoxin didn't talk nonsense and immediately led Li Hao away. The Extreme Dao Stele was not far from Heaven Dao Mountain, on a steep slope like a broken bridge, where eight ancient, pitch-black stone steles stood.

"This is the Extreme Dao Stele. You only need to display your limit state for each realm, and then attack the Dao Stele, and it will be captured and detected by the Dao Rhyme on it."

Ji Daoxin said to Li Hao warmly.

Li Hao glanced at it and nodded.

"From low to high, they are the Eight Realms, from Power to Four Standing Realms!"

Ji Daoxin said.

Li Hao's heart stirred slightly. Do the Four Standing Realms also have a limit state? I don't know what that would be like. Unfortunately, he hasn't stepped into the Four Standing Realms yet.

Although there are Dao Hearts that can be exchanged in the Merit Treasury, Li Hao only learned after browsing that not only are those Dao Hearts extremely expensive, but there is also only a difference between Xuan and Huang grades.

A Huang-grade Dao Heart costs 20,000 merit points, and a Xuan-grade costs 50,000.

That's right, from the introduction of Dao Hearts in the Merit Treasury, Li Hao learned that there are also gaps between Dao Hearts, but it is extremely rare to become a Four Standing Realm cultivator in the Emperor Da Yu Divine Dynasty, so there is no comparison of grades, only judging strength based on power.

Dao Hearts are like Soul Images. The vast majority of Dao Hearts are Huang-grade, and a few are Xuan-grade. For example, pursuing immortality, leaving a name for eternity, etc., are extremely far-reaching Dao Hearts. After condensing them, they will also belong to the type with extremely strong strength in the Dao Heart Realm.

As for more ordinary Dao Hearts, they might be continuing the family line, observing benevolence and propriety, etc.

The types of Dao Hearts inside are not many, and Li Hao didn't find a suitable one, so he didn't choose to exchange.

After all, once exchanged, one's own state of mind might change accordingly. Li Hao couldn't be sure whether he would still be himself after being changed by external forces.

Therefore, he still chose to rely on himself to condense it.

Although there are many things in this Merit Treasury, Li Hao found after browsing that there don't seem to be many truly top-tier things.

For example, Extreme Realm cultivation, the Divine Power Realm can be exchanged, and Heaven and Earth Veins can also be exchanged, but they require more merit points.

As for the Land Immortal Realm, there is no exchange.

There is also no Three Imperishable Extreme Realm.

Therefore, relying on this Merit Treasury, one can be promoted to become a heaven-gifted talent, but it is difficult to become a top-tier heaven-gifted talent. It seems that everything that needs to be comprehended by oneself is scarce.

In other words, the Merit Treasury is like a collection of concentrated super resources.

Li Hao withdrew his thoughts and came before this Extreme Dao Stele.

The crowd that had originally gathered outside Heaven Dao Mountain heard that Li Hao was going to test the Extreme Dao Stele and also chased after him, including Ji Xuanshen and many other heaven-gifted talents.

They had already seen that Li Hao mastered three types of Extreme Realms earlier, and now it was just a verification through the Extreme Dao Stele.

Li Hao didn't delay and quickly adjusted his Extreme Realm state to test from the Extreme Dao Stele.

Divine Power, Heaven and Earth Veins, Heaven and Earth Dharma Image! The three types of Extreme Realms were quickly revealed. Li Hao attacked the three Dao Steles one after another, and the pitch-black Dao Steles ignited with black Extreme Dao Divine Flames at the same time.

Seeing the burning Dao Steles, although they knew Li Hao mastered three types of Extreme Realms, the expressions of the crowd still changed slightly again.

Li Hao skipped the fourth and fifth Dao Steles. Currently, his Imperial Dao remains at the sixth stage, and without new arts entering the spirit, he hasn't been able to improve to the seventh stage. Imperial Dao has a greater impact on the Shenyou Realm and the Fifteen-Li Realm, so he hasn't touched the limit of these two realms yet.

Even if he waits for the seventh stage of Imperial Dao, he still needs many top-tier Spirit Refining techniques and Object Controlling techniques to reflect and cooperate with each other before he can cultivate to the peak.

Li Hao came before the sixth Dao Stele.

"He has a fourth type?"

Ji Xuanshen saw this, his pupils shrinking slightly.

From Li Hao skipping the fourth and fifth Dao Steles, he realized something was wrong. The other party wasn't acting recklessly, but was very clear about which Extreme Realms he had mastered.

The other heaven-gifted talents also saw this point, and their expressions changed.

Li Hao didn't stand on ceremony, exhaling a mouthful of immortal Qi, and directly punched the Dao Stele.

Soon, the Dao Rhyme on this sixth Dao Stele seemed to capture this mouthful of immortal Qi, and immediately ignited with raging black divine flames! Seeing that Li Hao actually ignited the fourth Extreme Dao Stele, Ji Tianchao's eyes glowed, he quietly clenched his fists, secretly excited.

And the many Ji Clan members who chased after were all stunned, looking at this scene in shock.

As Ji Clan members, they naturally knew the common sense of the Extreme Dao Stele. Being able to ignite one Dao Stele already made one a heaven-gifted talent, and only Ji Xuanshen of the current generation had managed two!

And now, that youth ignited four in a row! The burning black flames seemed to dance in their eyes, reflecting one incredible face after another.

Just at this moment, the black flames on the four Extreme Dao Steles suddenly flared up, their flames rising and pulling and condensing each other in mid-air. Moreover, the pitch-black Extreme Dao Steles seemed to be vibrating slightly, and an ancient silver character lit up on each of them.

Those ancient characters seemed to be the embodiment of Dao Rhyme, constantly rotating and enlarging, then suddenly rushing into the sky, turning into four silver pillars.

The silver pillars rushed straight into the sky, breaking through the clouds and mist, then the silver light connected to each other, outlining an ancient symbol, then flickered and disappeared, as if escaping into the void.

Ji Daoxin and Ji Tianchao, as well as a few older generations of the Ji Clan, all opened their eyes slightly, staring at the void, their eyes carrying expectation and excitement.

The crowd in the distance was astonished, not knowing why.

But not long after, a sudden silver holy light traveled from the void, like a beam of light shot from thousands of miles away, suddenly shining on Li Hao.

The ancient aura of a Sage diffused, just like the ethereal yet vast aura emitted when Ji Xuanshen activated the Saint Bone earlier.

It seemed that just a wisp of aura could crush mountains and rivers!

"That is... the aura of a Sage!"

"Has a Sage descended?"

Many Ji Clan members widened their pupils, unable to believe it.

Ji Xuanshen was also stunned, having never seen such a scene.

And shrouded in the holy light, Li Hao only felt as if his whole body was soaking in a hot spring, very comfortable. Then, he heard a vague voice:

"I am waiting for you to come."

That voice transformed into thoughts that Li Hao could understand, landing in his heart.

When Li Hao looked again, the light dissipated, and the world returned to normal.

But on Li Hao's forehead, a silver-like mark appeared, then quietly faded away.

As the mark sank into his body, a segment of information appeared in Li Hao's mind. It was a towering figure, as if sitting in an immortal god world, with clouds and mist everywhere, and spiritual light permeating.

Its whole body emitted boundless Dao power, as if surrounded by the Dao of heaven and earth.

Just one look made people unable to help but bow their heads.

That was... a Sage! The ultimate goal widely spread in the Emperor Da Yu Divine Dynasty and pursued by countless martial artists, a Sage! Sages within the Divine Dynasty had long since disappeared, becoming legends. Only that True Person of the Qian Dao Palace was a living powerhouse, sitting in the Emperor Da Yu world.

Now, Li Hao actually saw a living Sage, who even bestowed a disciple mark upon him.

That mark also left a path, a path to that Sage.

As long as the mark is activated, one can arrive, pay respects as a disciple, and listen to the Sage's Dao Sound!

In addition, this Sage mark also contained a wisp of the other party's power. If this power were activated, it would be difficult for even a Wen Dao Realm cultivator to break through. It could be considered a life-saving talisman bestowed by the other party to a disciple.

Li Hao's eyes flickered, feeling the mark sinking into his sea of consciousness. As long as it was activated, he could see the Sage. This was simply a huge temptation.

But Li Hao didn't have the thought of activating it now. He still had too many things unfinished.

That Sage seemed to know that he had many ties, which is why he said "I am waiting for you to come."

(End of chapter)