Chapter 486: Li Hao's Trail, Ranking the Top Ten (Combined)

"The path to immortality is broken?"

Li Hao was stunned and asked, "Do immortals and gods exist in this world?"

Hearing Li Hao's question, Night Ancestor chuckled and said, "Immortals and gods are ethereal; no one has ever seen them with their own eyes, but they are recorded in ancient texts. For example, the sword stele at Moon-Gazing Cliff contains a sword shadow named 'Immortal Pointing the Way.' Such exquisite sword moves could not be executed by anyone other than an immortal."

"That's right. I heard that even the Sword Saint went to contemplate it but couldn't fathom it. Other Supreme Sages have also said that the sword moves within it could only have been left behind by immortals and gods; they are beyond human control."

"Besides the Immortal Pointing the Way at Moon-Gazing Cliff, there is also the palm print in the Ancient Land of Cold Silence and the tattered silk floating in the Soul-Severing Sea. All these indicate that immortals and gods once existed in this world. It's just that for some reason, they seem to have departed from the world, leaving no trace behind."

Although the young man's voice was youthful, he knew many ancient secrets. He said, "While sages can be passed down through the ages, they cannot ultimately achieve eternal life without decay. But immortals and gods can. To make one's own Dao eternal, one must transcend the Supreme Sages and become an immortal or god to be worshipped by all for eternity."

"If one becomes an immortal or god, one only needs to appear in the world and manifest immortal traces to receive the faith of countless people. After all, even sages would worship a living immortal or god; who would not be in awe?"

When the topic turned to immortals and gods, Green Ancestor also spoke up, his voice filled with regret.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected to hear such incredible secrets just after joining the Flower Wandering Society.

"What does it mean when the Supreme Sages say the path to immortality is broken? Does it refer to the path of cultivation, or is it a literal road?"

Li Hao asked curiously.

"It is a literal road."

Night Ancestor said, "Some Supreme Sages touched that barrier and contacted the Heavenly Dao will of this realm, learning that one cannot become an immortal here; one must step out of this realm to do so."

"Therefore, the Supreme Sages have been opening and exploring, searching everywhere for the Heaven-Reaching Path to step out of this realm. Later, by following the traces left by those immortals and gods, they found such a path. But the road was sealed, and this realm is like a closed egg. We can only die trapped in this realm for our entire lives, unable to transcend."

Li Hao was stunned. This was his first time encountering the secrets of this Land of All Sages, and he hadn't expected it to be so despairing.

No hope for eternal life, and everyone eventually fades away? No wonder there are forces like the Flower Wandering Society. Since death is inevitable, one might as well enjoy the present.

"Now, the Supreme Sages have explored a second path in a dangerous location. But to break the restrictions, it seems one needs to open all the Extreme Realms before there is hope of stepping foot on it and clearing that path!"

Green Ancestor took over the conversation, saying, "Therefore, for the past thousand years or so, the Sages have been reincarnating to cultivate. Some use avatars to reincarnate, just to cultivate all the Extreme Realms and be the first to break through that path and fly up to become immortals."

"It's just that this path is also very difficult. First, cultivating the Nine Extreme Realms is extremely hard and requires peerless talent. Second, this path is only a conjecture; perhaps only by trying will one know if it is true or false."

"But even though it is just such a sliver of hope, the Sages are scrambling for it. After all, that sliver of immortal opportunity is the only hope for eternal life!"

Li Hao was stunned.

He had previously learned from Lin Shanhai that the Sages' reincarnation was for a secret matter; he hadn't expected it to concern becoming an immortal and achieving eternal life.

It was no wonder; reincarnation is extremely dangerous, and one could easily sink into a hundred lifetimes of misery. If there weren't such a great temptation, the Sages would never risk it.

Nine Extreme Realms... Li Hao's eyes flickered. He was already at the Seventh Extreme Realm. If he could obtain a large number of cultivation techniques, the Eighth Extreme Realm would be within reach. As for the Ninth Extreme Realm, that was the Hearing Dao Extreme Realm; once his Dao-Governing reached the Ninth Stage, he might be able to catch a glimpse of it.

It's just that...

"The Supreme Sages have long lifespans; haven't they been able to cultivate the Nine Extreme Realms?"

Li Hao asked.

Some Extreme Realms are difficult, but by relying on the accumulation of time and years, they should eventually be cultivated slowly.

He was able to cultivate the Seventh Extreme Realm mainly because of the panel's point-adding, which shortened his cultivation time.

But others had longer times to spend, which could also make up for this gap.

"It's not that simple."

The young man shook his head and said, "The Supreme Sages are all peerless monsters, and their cultivation is long-standing; they have already cultivated other Extreme Realms. But I heard the hardest is the Sixth Extreme Realm; no one can cultivate it. Cultivating the Heavenly Human Realm to the extreme seems to be about merging with heaven and earth, but while one may have the heart to inherit the soul of heaven and earth, the will to merge into heaven and earth is hard to find."

Li Hao was slightly stunned. The Sixth Extreme Realm?

He had previously heard that the Sixth Extreme Realm was difficult, but he hadn't expected even the Supreme Sages to be stuck there.

He suddenly thought of the sliver of Heavenly Venerate will he had vaguely touched; the end of the Heavenly Human Realm is the Heavenly Venerate.

"Your information is outdated. Ten years ago, I heard that the Cloud Mist Realm opened a human channel and found a monstrous youth in the human world who had the Sixth Extreme Realm. But he was later killed by the Void Sage himself, stifling this hope."

Green Ancestor suddenly said.

Li Hao was startled. Suddenly hearing about his own affairs, his heart skipped a beat.

"That matter? I heard about it too. It's a pity; without the protection of a Supreme Sage, even if one cultivates the Sixth Extreme Realm, it's easy to meet with misfortune. After all, the reincarnated Sages all want to cultivate the Sixth Extreme Realm themselves and be the first to break through that path; why would they give the opportunity to others?" Night Ancestor said.

"The world is not short of monsters, but monsters that haven't grown up are ultimately just wisps of floating clouds, easily blown away by a gust of wind."

Li Hao was silent. When the Void Sage killed him back then, he said it was because he had hunted down the Holy Son of the Void Holy Land in the human world. Now it seemed that besides this reason, the reason Night Ancestor mentioned also accounted for half.

A heaven-gifted talent is still a heaven-gifted talent; without the protection of a force, their brilliance will be cut short.

Li Hao took a deep breath, his eyes becoming cold. Since the assassination attempt when he was six, he had understood that his greatest reliance was himself.

Since no one could protect him, he would be invincible in the world himself! "Let's not talk about this anymore; it has nothing to do with us anyway. Qingfeng, you haven't said what you are best at yet?" Green Ancestor said.

Li Hao pulled his thoughts back and thought about it; his highest levels currently were in cooking and painting.

"Cooking and painting."

Li Hao said, "These two are my current specialties."

Thinking that the other party had just been talking about chess, he added, "I have also done some research on chess. If there is an opportunity, I hope to spar with the two of you."

"Oh? You play so many things?"

Green Ancestor was surprised. Although the path to immortality was broken and they no longer had that drive and had found other pleasures, they only specialized in one thing. Li Hao had actually dabbled in cooking as well.

"What, you say you like cooking?"

Suddenly, a round-bodied phantom loosened up, moved closer to Li Hao, and asked in surprise, "Are you serious or just doing it casually? Zhan Tan, what skill did he use to get in?"

"There's actually another one who likes cooking. Bai Zu has found a soulmate."

Night Ancestor laughed and said to Li Hao, "We are very serious about chess; we don't just play casually. We don't look down on bad chess players."

The phantom of the elegant woman said softly, "Qingfeng joined our Flower Wandering Society through painting. His painting is superb. Die has shown me his works; in terms of painting, he is even a step higher than me, having already entered the Dao!"

Hearing Zhan Tan's words, the few were silent, looking at Li Hao in surprise.

Painting is actually stronger than Zhan Tan's?

One must know that in the Flower Wandering Society, Zhan Tan's painting is considered a masterpiece, and she is called the Little Painting Sage. That Li Hao's paintings could gain her recognition, and that she even sighed in inferiority, was a bit terrifying.

Li Hao heard the other party's words and immediately understood; the other party should be one of the vice-presidents of the Flower Wandering Society that Gui Qinshuang mentioned, and also a Half-Sage.

And listening to the other party's meaning, she was actually also a painting expert. This made Li Hao somewhat interested; he could communicate when he had time. Moreover, the other party likely had some famous paintings in her collection, which were all illustration attributes.

"Painting?"

The round-bodied Bai Zu heard this but couldn't hide his disappointment, saying, "I thought it was cooking."

Li Hao smiled and said, "My cooking skills are no worse than my painting."

"Really?"

Bai Zu looked at him in surprise and asked, "Are you sure?"

"When we have time, we can taste each other's and we'll know." Speaking of cooking, Li Hao showed considerable confidence.

Bai Zu heard this, light appeared in his eyes, and he nodded, saying, "That's right, whether it's delicious or not, you'll know after tasting it. Where are you? I'll come find you."

Li Hao hadn't expected the other party to come as soon as he said it, which was somewhat unexpected, but he could also see that the other party really liked this path, which was enough to show that the other party really had a lot of leisure and time.

"In the Canglan Realm."

Li Hao said.

Zhan Tan on the side said, "Bai Zu, it's fine for you to come find Qingfeng, but don't be too serious and don't disturb Qingfeng's cultivation. He is currently participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle, and this time it seems there is quite a hope for him to represent our Canglan Realm in the battle."

Hearing Zhan Tan's words, the few were all surprised. Green Ancestor said, "You are still participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle? How old are you?"

"Under thirty." Li Hao said.

"..."

The few looked at each other in silence. Under thirty? This is simply a little kid.

"Only this old, and you have the leisure to do painting? And cooking?" Bai Zu also doubted he had heard correctly, somewhat stunned.

Only thirty, life has just begun.

When they were thirty, they were still trying hard to charge forward in cultivation.

At that time, their minds were full of cultivation, and women had to stand aside, affecting their progress.

"This..." Night Ancestor said in a daze, "Under 30, and you have cultivated to the Hearing Dao Realm?"

Being able to cultivate to the Hearing Dao Realm at this age, just in terms of realm, is already very monstrous.

Zhan Tan also looked at Li Hao in surprise. Although she knew Li Hao's identity from Gui Qinshuang and knew he was participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle, she hadn't expected Li Hao to be so young.

The Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle is for those under a hundred years old. She originally thought that Li Hao had researched painting to this extent, so he must be at least eighty or ninety years old.

This had already made her extremely surprised and concerned. After all, a hundred years old is still too young for them, and the path of cultivation has just begun.

They have all been cultivating for hundreds of years, thousands of years, or even several thousand years, and are already tired of cultivation and stuck in a bottleneck, which is why they have cultivated leisure.

"You must be joking, a 30-year-old Hearing Dao Realm, could it be a reincarnated Sage?"

The young man said in shock.

Not to mention other means, just this realm made them feel surprised.

They were able to cultivate to this extent because they were also heaven-gifted monsters. Although their current strength is extremely strong and they can be called old monsters in the Hearing Dao Realm, at this age, they were far inferior to Li Hao.

Li Hao revealed his age mainly because the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle would definitely have an Image-Reflecting Mirror measurement later, and it would be exposed sooner or later, so there was no need to hide it.

"Qingfeng's talent is something that can ask for the Sage realm. Shouldn't you try hard to cultivate to the Sage Realm first?" Green Ancestor couldn't help but ask.

"Cultivation doesn't delay things; work and rest should be combined." Li Hao smiled.

Hearing Li Hao's words, even those of them who were lying flat had a feeling of being stunned and speechless.

This is really big-hearted...

"I thought we were already open-minded, but it turns out Qingfeng is ruthless enough. The path to immortality is broken; what can becoming a Sage do? Sooner or later, we will all fade away like us."

Night Ancestor smiled bitterly and said, "I only understood when I was three thousand years old, but Qingfeng understood when he was thirty. Does this count as being able to enjoy three thousand more years?"

The few were all speechless. Although they had all shifted their minds elsewhere and didn't care much about cultivation, Li Hao having such awareness at such an age really made them somewhat speechless.

"You research painting while cultivating; how much time did your painting take you?"

Zhan Tan stared at Li Hao and asked.

Li Hao was slightly stunned, thought about it, and said, "I paint when I have free time; it's hard to calculate specifically."

Zhan Tan was silent and didn't speak. Li Hao's cultivation certainly shocked her, but what hit her even harder was that Li Hao's painting skills were also better than hers.

Under 30 years old, besides cultivation, being able to research painting for ten years is already amazing, but even so, his painting skills have already surpassed hers.

She has been immersed in painting for hundreds of years and considers herself to have considerable attainments and insights. Now it seems that her painting talent seems too dull.

"Life is like a drunken dream; we woke up early, but Qingfeng didn't sleep at all."

Green Ancestor shook his head, somewhat speechless.

"Zhan Tan just said that Qingfeng is expected to represent the Canglan Realm in the battle? This is not something that can be done just by having Hearing Dao Realm cultivation, right?"

Bai Zu asked with narrowed eyes.

Zhan Tan also came back to her senses, and the look in her eyes when she looked at Li Hao became complex. She said, "That's right, Qingfeng's sword technique has also entered the Dao. He is one of the popular figures representing the Canglan Realm in this battle. The specifics depend on the later competitions."

"Sword technique entered the Dao?"

Hearing her words, the few were silent again.

They also had techniques that entered the Dao, and in terms of strength, they had cultivated to a very, very deep level, but... the key lies in age.

Under 30 years old, too young. At this age, they didn't have such skills.

"Qingfeng is in the Canglan Realm, right? Then I have to go see it." Night Ancestor said.

"I'll go too, to cheer for Qingfeng. Who is Qingfeng's master?" Green Ancestor asked curiously.

Being able to teach such a person, the master is likely a Supreme Sage.

Li Hao was silent, and a figure appeared in his mind; that was his first master, Lin Haixia.

But she only had the cultivation of the Shenyou Realm.

Seeing Li Hao silent, the few also realized that this involved secrets and the other party didn't want to expose it.

However, regardless, even those personal disciples under the Supreme Sage, the information they obtained was not as good as Qingfeng's, which shows how monstrous the other party is.

"Qingjiu is also participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle, right? But he is in the Tianlan Realm. If you can both represent your respective worlds in the battle, perhaps you can meet in the final battle."

Bai Zu suddenly said.

"Qingjiu, Qingjiu, come out." Green Ancestor called out directly.

Li Hao saw him transmit his divine sense to a certain phantom. Most of the phantoms here were static, likely doing other things in reality and not checking the Flower Wandering Token.

Not long after, the phantom that Green Ancestor's divine sense had probed began to sway, and then asked in confusion, "Green Ancestor, why call me?"

"You fellow, are you in seclusion?"

Green Ancestor asked.

Although their realms were different, their communication had no hierarchy, but rather like old friends.

"Of course, I'm preparing for the battle recently. Next, I have to compete with the other three major holy lands in the Tianlan Realm. I don't know if I can win." The phantom Qingjiu said.

Green Ancestor said angrily, "Don't pretend to be weak here. The ones who should be afraid are the Holy Sons of other holy lands. Didn't you also have your spear technique enter the Dao? And you have the Old Blood Dao Body. This time, you are expected to take the Supreme First Place."

"Don't mock me. I'll be burning incense if I can squeeze into the top ten. First place? Those are all monsters. You know that. Without Half-Sage strength, it's hard to stand in the top ten." Qingjiu phantom smiled bitterly.

"That's right, Green Ancestor, stop teasing others. You didn't even make it into the top ten back then. It's a pity you are still the Green Emperor's bloodline. Now that the Sages are reincarnating one after another, the top ten are all monsters. If Qingjiu can squeeze into the top ten, he is already expected to become a Sage." Night Ancestor said, taking the opportunity to squeeze Green Ancestor.

Green Ancestor rolled his eyes and said to Qingjiu, "I called you over because we have a newcomer. This is Qingfeng, who is also participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle like you. You might meet. Don't bully him too much then."

"Newcomer?"

Qingjiu noticed Li Hao and was somewhat surprised: "Also participating in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Battle?"

Besides him being the youngest, here comes another little guy under a hundred years old.

"That's right, Qingfeng's age is even younger than yours, under thirty, and his sword technique has already entered the Dao!" Green Ancestor laughed.

Qingjiu was stunned, and the look in his eyes became solemn, sizing up Li Hao, but the phantom couldn't see anything.

"Thirty years old, sword technique entered the Dao. If there is a chance, we can spar." Qingjiu said.

Li Hao nodded, "Let's communicate when we have time."

"I also had my spear technique enter the Dao at sixty. Your comprehension is a bit terrifying."

Qingjiu said. However, although he had his spear technique enter the Dao at sixty, he was cultivating a very strong type of spear Dao, and in his heart, he didn't feel much worse than Li Hao.

Although the same age is not as good, the path of cultivation is long, and martial artists fight for life and death. Who really cares about age? Strong is strong, weak is weak.

"I was also lucky." Li Hao said, relatively humble.

"Qingfeng, you must work hard, strive to represent the Canglan Realm in the battle. With your ability of sword technique entering the Dao, it shouldn't be difficult to take the Canglan Realm's battle spot." Night Ancestor laughed.

Li Hao nodded.

"When you finish the Canglan battle, I'll come find you to discuss painting." Zhan Tan said to Li Hao.

"It doesn't necessarily have to wait until the battle is over; as long as I have free time, it's fine."

Li Hao knew that this vice-president Half-Sage was also from the Canglan Realm. He wasn't worried about being affected by the battle. On the contrary, discussing painting could also increase his understanding of painting. If he could reach the Tenth Stage, he would have hope of sacrificing the Dao to become a Sage.

"In such a critical battle, it's better not to affect you." Zhan Tan shook her head.

Li Hao said, "It won't affect me. It's just a battle. Losing is losing, winning is winning. If I only win narrowly here, there's no need to participate later."

"Tsk, with this awareness, no wonder you have attainments in painting under 30." Night Ancestor sighed when he heard this.

"Well said. If it's not for the first place in the Supreme Heaven-Gifted Ranking, there's no point in participating." Green Ancestor nodded. Those present were all heaven-gifted talents and understood this pride, but being able to be so open-minded at this age was rare.

Zhan Tan was somewhat surprised. Although it was just a short exchange, she felt a sense of indifference to fame and wealth from Li Hao. This feeling was by no means deliberate, but natural.

She narrowed her eyes slightly, thought about it, and said, "That's fine. Since your goal is first place, I won't say anything. A few days later, when your loose cultivator top ten ends, I will send someone to pick you up."

"Good."

Li Hao nodded.

"When I finish my trivial matters, I will also come find you to see if your cooking is as magical as you say. I hope it can satisfy my appetite." Bai Zu also said to Li Hao.

Li Hao agreed with a smile.

Night Ancestor and Green Ancestor indicated that they would come to watch and cheer for Li Hao.

Qingjiu heard this and pretended to be aggrieved: "Why don't you come to cheer for me? You are favoring the new over the old!"

"Get lost, stop it. With your strength, you are sure to advance. I've already started to sympathize with your opponent." Night Ancestor said angrily.

Qingjiu was helpless and said, "I won't easily expose my full strength until the final battle."

"It's over, this kid is showing off again." Green Ancestor said.

"When he finishes the competition, let's find him and beat him up, let him see the skills of us old guys." Night Ancestor said.

Qingjiu: "..."

Li Hao saw them chatting happily and laughed too. After chatting for a few more sentences, he said goodbye to them.

When his thoughts returned to his body, Li Hao had nothing to do in the small courtyard and continued to accumulate carving experience.

Two days later, the top ten ranking battle began.

This battle was highly anticipated. Although it was just a battle of loose cultivators from dozens of dynasties, being able to squeeze into the top ten was by no means simple. Later, they would all have to compete with the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters of the three holy lands.

This battle was about the ranking of the top ten. Li Hao became one of the popular candidates for the championship. In addition, the more popular one was Chi Guang. Many strong people in the forces saw that Chi Guang was extremely terrifying.

Li Qingyi and others also arrived as promised, wanting to see this dragon-fighting and tiger-fighting battle. After all, the performance in this battle was also an insight into the opponents they would soon encounter.

Compared to other holy lands, they couldn't investigate, but these loose cultivator battles were public, and they could see the opponent's information in advance.

Besides Li Qingyi and others, there were some more figures in the crowd.

Lin Qingying, Bian Ruxue, Qiu Wuchen, and others also arrived. They were all in the top ten of the Sword Ancestor Holy Land and would represent the holy land in the battle to compete for the Canglan Realm's spot.

This time, they were also here to investigate other people's information. Moreover, Li Hao, who had defeated the Haoyue Holy Son with one sword, was also participating here. They knew Li Hao wouldn't use his full strength in the previous battles, so they didn't have the heart to watch, but was it still the same in the top ten battle?

"That Chi Guang is also a bit terrifying."

Much information flowed into their ears. Besides Li Hao, they also saw that there was an extremely terrifying character here, which was that Chi Guang. Like Haoyue of the Sword Ancestor Holy Land, compared to other contestants, it seemed there was a gap.

"Supernatural power entered the Dao..."

In the crowd, the Haoyue Holy Son in white-gold luxurious clothing had changed his face. Standing in the crowd, he was still like a crane in a flock of chickens, with a unique temperament. He also came here to watch the battle.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 487 =====