Chapter 556: One Supreme, Three Saints, Seven Extremes (Guaranteed 4K Bonus Update 8)

Li Hao carefully sensed it—the transformation wasn't in his physical body, but in the Sacred Path within his flesh.

His body had long since reached the ultimate limit of the Final Realm, having hit its ceiling even in the Dao Law Realm; the massive change in his flesh becoming Sacred was due to the Sacred Path's power, born from within his flesh and permeating every single pore.

It was the transformation of the Sacred Path that made his body appear to have changed.

If he endures the Earth Calamity and Heavenly Calamity, the Sacred Path will further condense and ascend, making his body even more terrifying.

"The Dao Catastrophe Emperor Weapon, born of heaven and earth—the Sacred Path Emperor Weapon can no longer harm me…"

Li Hao's eyes gleamed; even a Dao Catastrophe Emperor Weapon could now only scratch his flesh, and would itself suffer damage—like two equally powerful swords clashing, both would be chipped.

To kill him risks damaging their own Emperor Weapon.

At that moment, the ancient primordial feather transformed into a streak of light and flew back into the hands of the Heaven-Blending Saint, its radiance dimming as if much of its power had dissipated; after landing in his palm, the Heaven-Blending Saint merely glanced at it, then put it away, before coldly gazing down at Li Hao:

"Since you can endure this calamity, you are granted a seat among the Saints."

With that, his figure was wreathed in Dao energy, mist swirling around him, concealing his form as if he no longer cared.

Li Hao looked up, frowning; though the man had struck, he felt no killing intent—it seemed the man had truly only wished to teach him a lesson.

Yet he sensed something amiss: this Heaven-Blending Saint hadn't harmed him—he'd actually helped him pass the tribulation. This calamity had been immense, orchestrated by a Supreme Saint, with Dao Catastrophe Emperor Weapons as its instrument; after surviving it, Li Hao's flesh Sacred Path had undergone its utmost transformation, ascending to a new level.

If the man had truly harbored murderous intent, his attack would not have stopped there. Li Hao had defeated the Buddha Sovereign and the Void Saint, his power surging—but he had no confidence he could truly contend with a Supreme Saint.

He gazed deeply at the mist, suppressing the myriad thoughts in his heart; no matter the reason, the Heaven-Blending Saint's motives would eventually be revealed—he must remain vigilant.

At this moment, Yuan Zu, seeing the Heaven-Blending Saint no longer interfere, gave a knowing glance at the mist before smiling at Li Hao: "Congratulations, General Hao Tian—you've ascended to the Saint Seat. The Saints' Realm welcomes a new Saint. From today, I shall proclaim it to all heavens!"

Li Hao nodded; this was routine—when a Saint rises, all heavens learn his name.

But knowing and remembering were two different things.

Yet he had become famous in the Supreme Prodigy War; all heavens would remember him.

Other Saints, when proclaimed to the heavens, still needed to hold a Saint Discourse Assembly to be truly remembered and to absorb worship.

Saints cultivated the Sacred Path not through seclusion, but through mutual discourse—discourse was like martial combat; seemingly calm, yet ever-shifting and perilous; one misstep and a Saint's Path could perish! The Law Saint glanced coldly at Li Hao, his eyes clearly displeased, yet said nothing.

"Will you continue in the Supreme Prodigy War?"

Yuan Zu asked Li Hao.

The question drew the attention of many Saint heirs and Saint maidens in the waiting area; to duel alongside a Saint? Even if you lost, it would still bring glory to your lineage.

"Naturally."

Li Hao said: "I can let them have the top rank—but I want the worship and the heavenly treasures."

He spoke bluntly; Yuan Zu merely smiled, having anticipated his answer: "Reasonable. Now that you've ascended to the Saint Seat, you needn't wait in the waiting area—save the young ones discomfort. Take a seat in the Saint Domain!"

He gestured toward the position previously held by the Buddha Sovereign.

The Buddha Sovereign and his disciples had fled; the vacant space had been cleared.

Li Hao, without ceremony, nodded slightly to Yuan Zu, then turned and ascended into the high sky.

He sat there, not suppressing his aura; now that the World Stone reflected his presence and all heavens watched, there was no need to hide.

His aura flowed naturally, Dao energy swirling around him, manifesting strange phenomena.

The Buddha Sect had previously displayed crimson-gold Buddha light and lotuses blooming from empty space; Li Hao, having become Sacred through flesh, manifested phenomena from countless body-cultivation arts: the Immovable Wisdom King, the Dragon Body, the Supreme Body, and more.

These phenomena encircled him like divine demons, making the boy seated at the center appear supremely noble—a true god among gods!

Seeing this, countless eyes gleamed; many had already decided that upon returning to their own world's divine empires, they would erect statues and golden temples to worship this General Hao Tian Saint.

Offering worship would earn the Saint's protection.

Seeing Li Hao's natural aura, several Saints narrowed their eyes; they knew this boy hadn't merely ascended to Sainthood—he now stood on par with the Three Calamity Saints, second only to Supreme Saints, holding a place among all heavens!

In the waiting area, Qiu Tianlü and Xiao Xiao Tianyu and others wore complex expressions; this boy had leapt beyond their past lives. Even if they regained their former power, they could not match him.

Ji Ji Xuanshen, Lin Lin Qingying, and others watched in excitement; they had never expected Li Hao to survive such a horrific tribulation, to break free from the combined sabotage of two Three Calamity Saints, and to withstand the Supreme Saint's assault.

The boy seated there in peace seemed to have endured thunder and fire calamities, radiating a sacred might too profound to gaze upon.

Bian Bian Ruxue, seeing this, was dazed; the changes had come too swiftly, her emotions rising and falling. Earlier, when she saw Li Hao kill the Void Yuan Saint heir, she'd been anxious, blaming him for being too brutal. Now, Li Hao had overcome all calamities, ascended to Sainthood, transcended mortal bounds, and even surpassed her master.

According to her master, she would need to endure several lifetimes to reach such a level.

Sainthood was hard to attain—how could one ascend in a single step? Yet here, Li Hao had truly done just that.

Other Saints, to avoid the Three Calamities, even reincarnated to accumulate power.

Reaching the height of a Three Calamity Saint was extremely difficult; even these prodigies in the Supreme Prodigy War would need immeasurable time, perhaps multiple reincarnations—and if they erred, they might sink into ten or a hundred lifetimes of oblivion.

"He's become a Saint…"

Bian Bian Ruxue's eyes glazed over, unable to imagine that the child from the courtyard over twenty years ago had now ascended to Sainthood among heaven and earth. "Uncle, do you know? Brother Hao has become a Saint…"

Bian Bian Ruxue murmured to herself; only now, in the Saints' Realm, did she understand how radiant and brilliant a Saint truly was—but now, boundless glory rested upon this boy.

The ultimate sword she sought seemed to be held in his hands.

The ultimate sword shadow she had seen before—transcending the mortal realm, invisible to mortals—he had slashed it out as casually as breathing.

The mountain peak she had climbed—its view at the summit—was his.

That view had always been beside her.

She had entered the Sword Hut, pursued the Sword Dao, become a disciple of the Sword Saint, endured all—yet when she finally raised her gaze, the figure she saw atop the peak was the one who had walked ahead, never looking back, seated in tranquil perfection.

Bian Bian Ruxue bit her lip, blood trickling faintly along her lips—sweet yet bitter, yet it could not match the emptiness, bewilderment, and indescribable pain within her heart.

Suddenly, she recalled childhood sword practice, when insects bit her, and he had driven them away.

He never practiced swordplay, yet whenever she trained, the child's bright eyes always held a gentle smile—as if praising her, as if applauding.

That gave her extra motivation; she wanted to repay his kindness with her sword, to defy the adults' glances, to wield her blade before him and cut down every storm and rain for him.

But at some point, those original intentions had slipped away, forgotten.

Bian Bian Ruxue's eyes suddenly grew moist; she realized now that the kindness she had sought to repay had never been repaid.

The snow and wind he endured, she had never shielded him from even a fraction.

In fact, she had become one of those very winds and snows.

"My Sword Dao… is too heartless…"

Bian Bian Ruxue looked down at her sword; glistening tears slid down her frost-like face.

Meanwhile, as Li Hao ascended to Sainthood, Yuan Zu signaled the Saint overseeing the tournament to resume the Prodigy War.

The battle platform was repaired, the formation reconstituted; other contestants, shaken from the Saint battle, gradually took the stage.

Yet after the Saint battle, these prodigies' duels, though fierce, could no longer draw gasps—it was like finishing a grand feast and now only having dessert.

Li Hao was still on the rankings, but his opponents were wise—they surrendered immediately.

When the Top Ten list was finalized, Li Hao naturally claimed his place; yet more than his own rank, he cared about Ji Ji Xuanshen and the others'.

Regrettably, Ji Ji Xuanshen and the other Ji family prodigies all lost outside the Top Ten; Chi Guang made the Top Ten, while Lin Lin Shuhai seemed unlucky, falling just outside.

Lin Lin Qingying also ranked outside the Top Ten, but with the most wins, placing her in the top twenty.

Lin Lin Qingying was very satisfied with her rank; seeing Li Hao look over, she smiled at him.

After the Top Ten, there was another three-day rest before the final contest for first place.

But this time, first place was already decided—no doubt about it; the controversy lay in second and third.

The Saints dispersed; some, before leaving, whispered to Li Hao, inviting him to their sacred lands for tea.

Li Hao exchanged polite words; he knew these Saints wished to invite him to join their sects, to bolster their prestige—but if he joined any sacred land, it would only be Wind Old Man's Steal-Heaven Sacred Land.

"General Hao Tian, come with me."

As the crowd dispersed, Yuan Zu whispered to Li Hao.

Li Hao looked at him, sensing other Supreme Saints watching him—he flickered his eyes, guessing the reason.

He nodded slightly; seeing Wind Old Man's grave expression, he gave him a reassuring look, then rose and followed the Supreme Saints away.

They arrived at Yuan Zu's Sacred Land, the Yuan Saint Cave Heaven; besides Li Hao, all present were Supreme Saints—including the Medicine Saint, the Heaven-Blending Saint, the Law Saint, the Mo Family Supreme Saint, and others.

"Yuan Zhou told me about the ambush you suffered on the way—the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint were utterly reckless!"

The Mo Family Supreme Saint said to Li Hao.

He appeared as a middle-aged man, with a square face and peculiar features, sporting a small mustache.

Now, all Supreme Saints had suppressed their auras; no phenomena surrounded them.

Li Hao heard the Mo Family Supreme Saint's words and merely smiled; he had known of this all along, yet the man had said nothing earlier—perhaps the Buddha Vow's persuasion was too strong, or perhaps he simply didn't wish to meddle.

Now he spoke these words of goodwill because Li Hao had joined the table—and because this was why Yuan Zu had summoned him.

The Law Saint frowned at the Mo Family Supreme Saint's words: "Ambush? What ambush?"

"The Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint ambushed General Hao Tian on the way, trying to prevent him from entering the competition."

Said the Mo Family Supreme Saint.

The Law Saint's face darkened, anger flashing in his eyes: "Utter nonsense!"

He didn't look at Li Hao, only growled: "I've been meditating on the Heavenly Dao lately and haven't paid attention—these people are growing more lawless by the day!"

Li Hao heard the Law Saint's words and made no response; he knew this was the Law Saint's Sacred Path—if someone broke the law, it was a challenge to his own path, and he would act; it had nothing to do with Li Hao—it was purely about defending his own Dao.

But by voicing this, the Mo Family Supreme Saint had informed the Law Saint: if he was unaware, fine; but now that he knew, he must act.

Yet the Law Saint would act according to law—he wouldn't deliver the outcome Li Hao desired. Li Hao would settle his own grudges himself.

Other Saints looked at Li Hao, surprised this boy had endured such peril on his way here; while other Saint heirs were protected by their sects and only needed to fight, this one had to guard against Saint assassins.

Yet they weren't surprised by the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint's actions; had they been his enemies, they too would have eliminated him as soon as possible.

But having reached the Supreme Saint realm, little could threaten their status, so they no longer involved themselves in such filth.

As the saying goes: wealth nurtures conscience; when one is rich, one appears generous; the poor, starving and suffering, have no capacity to give.

Yuan Zu looked at Li Hao and smiled: "The Buddha Sect and Void Saint will be dealt with. Today, I summoned you to speak of the Sixth Ultimate Realm."

Li Hao thought to himself—it was as he suspected—and nodded: "Please speak, Yuan Zu."

Seeing Li Hao's expression, Yuan Zu knew no preamble was needed; he smiled gently: "You already know this secret—it's not truly a top-secret matter. The Supreme Prodigy War was founded for this very purpose."

Seeing Seeing Yuanzu speak of serious matters, the eyes of the Holy Ones flickered slightly as they fixed their gaze on Li Hao.

If there was anything that could still shock and stir them, it was only one thing: transcending the Holy Dao and reaching the legendary realm of Eternal Immortal Deity. Even Saints would wither, unable to truly share the same lifespan as heaven and earth.

"The Land of the Holy Ones once bore traces of Immortal Deities, but later, Immortal Deities vanished entirely. When I cultivated into a Saint, I sought the Immortal Path—but it was severed. Though this world is rich in power, it is sealed like an egg, and all life within will slowly perish until it becomes a dead world!"

Seeing Yuanzu said: "When heaven and earth decline utterly, this world will reach its end. That day is not far off. We have long sought an escape—and finally found one."

"Heaven and earth decline?"

Hearing this, Li Hao was momentarily stunned.

"Correct. The sun, moon, and stars will all wither. This world is no different. When you cross the heavenly tribulation, you will sense it— heaven and earth are slowly decaying," Seeing Yuanzu said.

Li Hao understood. It was akin to stellar extinction—even cosmic stars eventually exhaust their energy. The principle was the same.

"We discovered an ancient palace. Within it lies the path of the Immortal Deities—but only when the Ultimate Extreme is fully opened can it be unlocked. Thus, we need your help."

Seeing Yuanzu said to Li Hao.

Li Hao knew that for the prodigies of the myriad realms, the Supreme Prodigy War was a leap from fish to dragon—but for these supreme beings, it was merely searching the ocean for a single key.

Now, that key had been found.

"Fine, but I hope I can bring my other friends along."

Li Hao said.

He knew that even as a Saint, he had no power to resist such matters—he could only comply. Fortunately, compared to his earlier helplessness in the Dao Law realm, he now had leverage to negotiate.

Seeing Li Hao agree, Seeing Yuanzu was unsurprised and nodded.

"Naturally. Such a grand event, even the Saints of the myriad realms would not miss. But the ancient palace is perilous—now shrouded in tribulation clouds. According to our calculations, three years from now, when the clouds dissipate, will be the optimal time to enter."

"Agreed."

Li Hao's eyes flickered as he accepted at once.

Three years—he lacked nothing more than time. This was perfect.

Besides, he knew little of the mysterious ancient palace. This gave him time to gather more intelligence, lest he be used as a pawn.

"Since you agree, let us meet three years from now, all gathering in the Li Tianyuan Realm."

Seeing Yuanzu smiled lightly: "Then we shall explore the ancient palace together, and tread the path of the Immortal Deities."

The other Holy Ones also smiled. Even Fa Sheng, whose expression was always solemn, revealed a glimmer in his eyes.

"Hao Tian, how did you cultivate your Sixth Extreme? Could you tell us the process?"

At this moment, Yin-Yang Holy One suddenly spoke.

Hearing this, the eyes of the other Holy Ones turned to Li Hao.

Li Hao felt as if surrounded by wolves—his Saint Dao instinctively flowed—but his face remained calm.

"Purely chance. I call this Extreme 'Immortal Transformation.' It requires perceiving heaven and earth, seeking the commonality among all things."

He knew that unless he said something, he could not dispel their probing. So he threw the question back to them—let them ponder it themselves.

Whether they could comprehend it was up to their own ability.

But Li Hao knew: the more eagerly one sought, the harder it became to achieve.

To explore the Immortal Path in three years, one needed the power of the Immortal Transformation Extreme. These Holy Ones likely wished to master it themselves, to avoid relying on Li Hao and becoming dependent on him. Li Hao understood.

But to share it freely? Absolutely impossible.

"What, then, is the commonality among all things in heaven and earth?"

Yin-Yang Holy One pressed.

Li Hao frowned, silently sneering, yet his expression remained placid. "You are all Holy Ones—you each have your own understanding of all things. To the Fomen, flowers are not flowers, leaves are not leaves. To the Thief Sect, all things are floating clouds—take or discard as you wish. The commonality among heaven and earth's myriad things differs in each person's eyes. It is up to your own insight."

Yin-Yang Holy One fell into thought, frowning as he glanced at Li Hao.

He knew Li Hao would not reveal easily—but this answer was unassailable.

The other Holy Ones' eyes flickered, but none spoke further. They had studied the Sixth Extreme for years and long sensed that it required glimpsing the truth of heaven and earth, reaching the pinnacle of the Heavenly-Person realm.

And the pinnacle of the Heavenly-Person realm was perceiving the myriad things of heaven and earth. Li Hao's question was one they all knew—but none knew the answer.

They had probed and perceived according to their own paths, yet their conclusions had never been correct.

"Heaven and earth have cycles; all things bear the weight of time. Find the answer yourselves," Seeing Yuanzu said, his words carrying deeper meaning, causing many Holy Ones to abandon their reckless thoughts.

Li Hao sensed Seeing Yuanzu's warning to the Holy Ones. His eyes flickered. Indeed, dealing with these Holy Ones demanded extreme caution—they had reached the highest realms, beings who feared neither heaven nor earth. If they truly harbored ill intent, there was little to restrain them—unless another Holy One intervened.

Thinking of this, Li Hao decided he must cross the Three Calamities as swiftly as possible within these three years.

Then he would see how the path of the Holy Ones truly led.

With the three-year agreement settled, the Holy Ones and Li Hao all took their leave from Seeing Yuanzu's cave.

Li Hao returned to his courtyard. News arrived from Seeing Yuanzu's Sacred Land, offering him a Saint's residence—but Li Hao refused. He would stay a few more days until the Supreme Prodigy War ended, then depart. There was no need to relocate.

Outside the small courtyard, Li Hao saw Wind Elder. His mood instantly lifted, and he grinned.

"Wind Elder, why are you waiting here? Why not come in?"

"Waiting for you. Did those Holy Ones trouble you?"

Feng Bo Ping smiled, his eyes filled with affection and nostalgia. That boy from the mortal world had truly grown—he now stood shoulder to shoulder with him.

Though Li Hao was only a One-Calamity Saint, his combat power was extraordinary—likely unmatched even by Three-Calamity Saints, second only to the Holy Ones. He had ascended in a single step.

"No. They only spoke of the ancient palace—going to seek the Immortal Path in three years."

Li Hao invited Feng Bo Ping into the courtyard and casually released a Saint Dao barrier to enclose them, then told him everything.

Feng Bo Ping nodded slightly. "I expected they'd seek you for this. Among the myriad realm Saints, only you possess the Sixth Extreme. To break the barrier of the ancient palace, you alone can do it. But on that Immortal Deity path… how many Saint Daos will perish? How many bones will be buried…"

At this, his gaze grew heavy.

That path concerned Immortal Deities. Whether it would be a peaceful journey or a bloody scramble—it was impossible to say.

"Will you go, Wind Elder?"

Li Hao asked.

Feng Bo Ping looked at Li Hao. He had once planned to wait until Li Hao grew strong enough to protect him before seeking revenge. Now that Li Hao had become a Saint, his heart was at ease. He smiled.

"I won't go. Three years… short or long, we'll see."

He changed the subject. "Now that you've become a Saint, will you establish your own Sacred Land, or join another?"

Li Hao understood his intent to recruit him. He smiled. "I have no family or clan. Establishing a Sacred Land would be empty. If your Dao-Tian Sacred Land still needs people, I'll follow you."

Feng Bo Ping's eyes shifted slightly. The words "no family or clan" made him fall silent for a moment, then he said: "Dao-Tian Sacred Land… if you don't mind, should any of our young ones have nowhere to go in the future, I hope you'll take them in and protect them."

"Huh?"

Li Hao was startled. What did that mean? Seeing Li Hao's surprise, Feng Bo Ping said no more and laughed.

"I think you should establish your own Sacred Land. Choose a small world with good conditions. Though self-establishment will inevitably draw hostility from other Sacred Lands, every one goes through this. All things compete—so does heaven and earth. Petals vie for pollen; fallen leaves vie for wind. Cultivation exists within heaven and earth—you must struggle upward. Even Saints cannot escape."

Li Hao fell silent. Struggle? This struggle meant combat. Where there is struggle, there is battle.

Saints compete. Saints fight.

"Perhaps."

Li Hao murmured.

Heaven and earth are flawed. Where there is flaw, there is struggle for perfection.

But is there true perfection?

There is no perfection.

If there is no perfection, then what is the meaning of struggle? Time flew by. Three days passed in an instant.

The Supreme Prodigy War had reached its most intense phase: the top ten vying for first place.

But this year was different from all others; the first place was unquestionable—when Li Hao appeared, seated high in the heavens, many sighed. Such a situation had never occurred before.

That boy had shattered conventions, forged legends, and was undoubtedly the brightest star of his generation.

Qiu Tianlü, Xiao Xiao Tianyu, and the other top ten gradually arrived, all involuntarily glancing at Li Hao seated high above, their expressions subtly changing.

First place belonged to him—thus, the incense and heavenly treasures would naturally fall into his hands.

Without such rewards, the empty honors of second and third place felt dull to them.

Though the atmosphere was low, the Prodigy War proceeded as scheduled.

As time passed, the fiercest clash was undoubtedly between Qiu Tianlü and Xiao Xiao Tianyu. Both revealed their Extremes, unleashing Saint Dao power, manifesting their past-life strength, fighting with true fury. In the end, Xiao Xiao Tianyu edged ahead and claimed second place!

When the final match came, Li Hao descended onto the stage. Xiao Xiao Tianyu gave a faint, bitter smile and bowed his head in defeat.

As Li Hao stepped onto the stage, the crowd's energy reignited. Though everyone knew he wouldn't fight, the cheers rose in waves.

Sensing Li Hao's overwhelming popularity, many Saints fixed their gaze. Had Li Hao not chosen the Sacrificial Dao path, such fervent devotion would have granted him abundant incense—his power would have surged rapidly.

Seeing Yuanzu appeared personally to present Li Hao with the Supreme Prodigy's reward.

Three heavenly treasures, and a vial of Saint incense.

The incense was sealed within a Golden Body. One needed only to imprint their spiritual sense onto the Golden Body to receive the incense sealed within.

Li Hao collected everything but did not absorb them on the spot. Had he still been in the Dao Law realm, he would have chosen to instantly become a Saint, rapidly boosting his power for self-preservation. But now, it was unnecessary.

Even as he held the Golden Body aloft, no one dared to spy or covet it. Those capable of seizing it—the Holy Ones—did not lack such incense.

Many prodigies stared at the Golden Body in Li Hao's hand, their eyes filled with envy. This was what they had strived for—a chance to instantly become a Saint!

The Supreme Prodigy War thus ended.

The myriad realm Saints returned home with their prodigies.

Countless people who had come to Li Tianyuan Realm also began their journeys back, inevitably discussing the astonishing events of this year.

Seeing Yuanzu did not publicly announce that this was the final edition of the realm's Prodigy War. Li Hao knew: Seeing Yuanzu and the others' minds were fixed on the Immortal Path exploration in three years. If they succeeded, they would no longer care about affairs in the Land of the Holy Ones. If they failed, they would continue holding it.

Li Hao took the Supreme Prodigy rewards and returned with Wind Elder and Huang Tian Sheng to the Dao-Tian Sacred Land in the small world.

He did not rush to pursue the Fomen and Void Sacred Land. They were their own territories, strengthened by Sacred Domain incense. Even if he defeated them, he could not kill them.

There were two ways to kill them: first, improve his body movement and sword Dao, overpower them with brute force, then imprison, seal, and refine their Saint Dao.

The second method is to go to his door and engage him in a Saint's discourse.

Improving his body movement and sword art would take Li Hao at least one or two years; in comparison, he already had some direction from the Saint's discourse.

After his physical ascension to sainthood, many long-buried memories resurfaced; he now had clarity on the doctrines he would debate, and he would surely crush the Buddha Sovereign and the False Saint.

But he first needed to return and organize his thoughts.

As the many spectators from the Li Tianyuan Realm returned to their respective realms, Li Hao's name became known throughout all the worlds.

Time passed.

Three months after the end of the Supreme Prodigy War, a series of announcements emerged in succession.

The direct disciple of Source Ancestor, Xiao Xiao Tianyu, suddenly attained sainthood!

The disciple of the Law Saint, Qiu Tianlü, aligned with his past-life Saint Dao and also crossed the threshold of sainthood.

In addition, Bai Yuan of the Mingjia also shattered his constraints and reclaimed his former Saint position! Within mere months, three Saints emerged in succession, shocking all the realms.

Besides them, the other top ten prodigies of the war also made considerable progress.

A legend spread from Yunque Tower, which held vast intelligence.

Three Saints and Seven Ultimates were all born in this generation of the Supreme Prodigy War.

That one was the Hao Tian Zun.

The three Saints were the Heaven-Earth Record Saint, the Source Saint Xiao, and the famed Daoist Bai Saint whose name endures through ages.

With the three Saints restored and one ascending to the summit, the Seven Ultimates were the seven peak prodigies just below Sainthood, all reaching the pinnacle of Half-Saint status—only lacking incense to become full Saints! After every Prodigy War, the ensuing decades became legends of the victors' astonishing deeds.

This generation was no exception; many closely followed the intelligence on the top ten prodigies of this war.

…

In the Canglan Realm, within a Buddhist holy site.

In a hidden chamber of a Buddhist hall, three figures sat in meditation.

Seated in the center was the Buddha Sovereign, to his right the Green Lamp Buddha, and to his left, a double-faced disciple clad in dark robes.

Now, the aura he emitted was unmistakably that of a Saint—though he had not yet endured the Tribulation.

Since Li Hao's crushing defeat of the Buddha Sovereign, his inner demon had taken root to its extreme, yet paradoxically triggered sudden enlightenment; he had sought to unify Buddha and Demon, so he tried to sever the demon—but now, the demon could not be severed, so he chose another path.

He severed his Buddha-nature! From then on, he fully fell into the demonic path and became a Demon Sovereign.

Yet now, despite his demonic aura, he still wore his monk's robe, sitting with the Buddha Sovereign and the Green Lamp Buddha in the same room.

"In half a year, the Saint's Discourse Assembly will begin; all the Saints of the myriad realms will arrive. This is the final chance to slay this boy!"

The Buddha Sovereign opened his eyes and spoke slowly.

The Saint's Discourse Assembly was an extremely solemn event, a grand gathering where Saints of the myriad realms exchanged and tested their Dao.

It was held regularly after every Supreme Prodigy War, allowing Saints to mutually validate their Saint Dao, exchange insights, and resolve personal grudges here—avoiding direct combat that might harm innocent mortals.

At this assembly, the Supreme Saints would personally appear to impart teachings; its solemnity surpassed even that of the Supreme Prodigy War.

The Supreme Prodigy War drew the eyes of countless prodigies, but the Saint's Discourse Assembly drew every Half-Saint in the myriad realms, desperate to attend.

In the Saint's Discourse, they listened; if they could spark insight, they could refine their nascent Saint Dao, and with incense, leap into full sainthood.

"His path is the Heaven-Blending Saint's physical ascension; killing him through raw power alone is extremely difficult—even the other Saints must exert true force. His only weakness is his Saint Dao!"

"Break his Saint Dao first, and his body will collapse on its own!"

A Saint's core lies in his Saint Dao; if the Dao is shattered, his foundation is destroyed, and all other powers will decay.

Hearing the Buddha Sovereign's words, the Green Lamp Buddha fell silent. He had heard of the events of the Supreme Prodigy War and never imagined such a drastic turn.

In recent days, the Buddhist incense offerings had ceased; the aftereffects of the Supreme Prodigy War were now manifesting.

But if, at this Saint's Discourse Assembly, we slay the Hao Tian Zun and shatter his Saint heart through discourse, all may yet be reversed.

What is discourse? Mutual proof. The victor convinces; the loser remains silent.

"He has just become a Saint, endured only one tribulation, and his Saint Dao still has flaws. The Heaven-Blending Saint intervened to help him cross the tribulation—seeming like an attack, but in truth, he secretly aided him!"

The Green Lamp Buddha's eyes flickered as he whispered.

The Twin-Faced Disciple's eyes occasionally flashed with cold malice: "The Heaven-Blending Saint previously targeted him relentlessly, clearly intending to kill him—yet now he helps him cross the tribulation! His body rivals a Dao-Tribulation Emperor Weapon; save for the Supreme Saints, no one can harm or kill him. This is a disaster!"

Earlier, when the Buddha Sovereign went to the Li Tianyuan Realm, he did not bring the Buddhist sect's ultimate treasure—the Dao-Tribulation Emperor Weapon—so he lacked the means to kill Li Hao.

But now that Li Hao has crossed this tribulation, even deploying the Dao-Tribulation Emperor Weapon would be insufficient to kill him.

"You think the Heaven-Blending Saint is helping him—he is helping himself."

The Green Lamp Buddha said: "The Heaven-Blending Saint is an ancient demon beast from the same era as Source Ancestor, forged by absorbing boundless essence. He achieved sainthood through physical transformation, walking the path of supplementation. Clearly, he sees Hao Tian as a supreme tonic. His 'aid' is merely to prevent Hao Tian from being killed by us—once Hao Tian endures his three tribulations, he will strike, swallow him whole, and possibly surpass Source Ancestor, reaching the ultimate peak of Supreme Saint!"

Upon hearing this, the Buddha Sovereign and the Twin-Faced Disciple were stunned—they had never imagined the Heaven-Blending Saint harbored such intentions.

Among the Buddhist sect, the Green Lamp Buddha was the oldest. Though the Buddha Sovereign led the sect, the Green Lamp Buddha was its strongest Saint, and his words carried immense weight.

After all, in terms of seniority, the Green Lamp Buddha was only ten thousand years younger than Source Ancestor.

Source Ancestor, as the oldest Saint, possessed countless methods and profound reserves—no one dared lightly probe or challenge him.

"Had it not been for the Heaven-Blending Saint, when Hao Tian returned to the Theft Saint's domain, I would have gone to his door myself to challenge him to discourse. Even if he refused to appear, the mere rumor would damage his reputation and bolster our sect's prestige. But if he accepts, the Heaven-Blending Saint will not stand idle."

The Green Lamp Buddha whispered: "At the Discourse Assembly, all the Saints of the myriad realms will be present. Even if the Heaven-Blending Saint tries to protect his precious tonic, it will be useless—the Law Saint will block him for us. This is our final chance."

The Buddha Sovereign nodded slightly—he had considered this.

"But if he doesn't come…" The Twin-Faced Disciple frowned, concerned.

He knew the boy was no fool; though he appeared arrogant, he was profoundly cautious.

"If he doesn't come, we will go to the Small World ourselves to invite him."

The Buddha Sovereign's eyes gleamed with cold light; even if he refused, his reputation among the myriad realms would be ruined, and the Buddhist incense could be restored.

Meanwhile, in the Void Saint's domain.

Since the end of the Prodigy War, the Void Saint's domain had been sealed by the Law Saint, its incense offerings cut off.

The entire Void Saint's domain suffered heavy losses; many disciples chose to leave the sect.

After all, a thousand-year lockdown was devastating for a holy domain; many newly initiated disciples could not bear to waste a millennium here.

Now, the Void Saint's domain appeared desolate and bleak.

In contrast, the Yuan Shi Saint's domain thrived with prosperity; its prodigies, Ji Ji Xuanshen and Mingyue Xue Jian, had gained fame in the Supreme Prodigy War, bringing great prestige to the sect.

"If my Saint Dao could advance further—to shatter the Void and touch the River of Time—I would reverse time and grind that damned brat to dust!"

Deep within the Void Saint's domain, in a place like an altar, the False Saint's face twisted in fury.

Beside him stood two other Void Saint's domain Saints—one who had just crossed the Earth Tribulation, and the other, the False Saint's master.

"Killing a Dao-Realm cultivator with a manifestation was already the limit. This is not your fault."

The old man, seemingly over seventy, the Void Ancestor, spoke slowly.

His eyes were narrow, with large white sclerae, giving him a deep, piercing gaze.

Twelve years ago, when the False Saint killed Li Hao, the Theft Saint came to the domain seeking revenge—it was he who personally confronted and severely wounded the intruder.

"His body is now invincible; save for the Supreme Saints, none can harm him. The Heaven-Blending Saint's intentions…"

The Void Ancestor's eyes narrowed slightly, as if a cold smile flickered—yet he could not interfere with Supreme Saint actions. He continued: "But though his body is strong, his Saint Dao remains that of a One-Tribulation Saint, newly ascended. At the Discourse Assembly, I will summon my old allies to take turns debating him—until his Saint Dao is shattered!"

"Even if the Heaven-Blending Saint can block us, he cannot block all the Saints of the myriad realms!"

As he spoke, his eyes burned with murderous intent.

Their Void Dao did not feign compassion like the Buddhists; their killing needed no pretense or excuse—they openly embraced their murderous hearts.

Saints viewed all things as straw dogs; life or death rested solely in their will.

Hearing this, the False Saint's eyes gleamed. Earlier, his Primordial Spirit had barely escaped, nearly reduced to nothing but his Saint Dao for rebirth—luckily, the boy had just become a Saint and lacked killing experience.

In the Small World.

Within the Theft Saint's domain.

Feng Bojing gazed at Li Hao, seated in the courtyard, surrounded by swirling Dao energy, his eyes filled with awe.

Had he not sealed the entire courtyard with his Saint Dao, the Dao energy radiating here would have illuminated the entire Small World.

He knew Li Hao was refining his inner Saint Dao—but the scale of this disturbance was terrifying.

"The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao…"

Li Hao slowly opened his eyes. An ancient Dao scripture surfaced from deep within his memory, each character clear.

It was something he had read in his past life during idle moments; he had thought he had long forgotten it—but after his physical ascension to sainthood, it reappeared vividly.

Now, with his current wisdom, he realized this scripture contained the ultimate truths of heaven and earth; if he could comprehend it, he could directly reach the Heavenly Dao!

As he murmured the line, countless literary and scholarly insights suddenly leapt before his eyes.

(End of Chapter)