Chapter 778: Invincible Fist

Seeing Li Hao prepare to fight, Jin Jin Ziying and others narrowed their eyes, astonished that Li Hao possessed such audacity—and such arrogance!

"You're utterly disregarding us! Yu Shu, return!"

Jin Jin Ziying's gaze turned icy, his body radiating surging emerald energy, thick with life-force divine power, imbued with the primordial essence of the Dao of Life.

Though the Dao of Life is one of the Ten Thousand Daos, it ranks just beyond the Nine Orders, yet remains an immensely potent primordial Dao, surpassing weapon Daos like Sword Dao and Spear Dao, belonging to the realm's foundational Dao.

Equal to the Dao of Life are the Daos of Destruction, Thunder, Light, and Darkness—just below the Nine Orders, capable of reaching profound realms, each a dominant force in its own right.

At his command, Princess Jin Jin Yushu, who had been dueling Gu Yan, flickered and returned to his side, her energy instantly merging into the formation they had forged.

"Interesting. You truly dare challenge all nine of us? Even if you have the confidence to contend for the top ten, this recklessness is unforgivable."

The young man with the nine-flower immortal seal smiled faintly at Li Hao.

Tall and slender, hands clasped behind his back, he gazed down from above, as if mourning the fall of a prodigy.

"Younger brother, return."

But Li Hao ignored these words, speaking only to the panting Gu Yan.

Gu Yan's expression twisted in conflict, yet he still obeyed Li Hao's command—deep within, he had come to accept this "elder brother."

"Lin Qingying, watch over them. I alone am enough—otherwise, I might injure you."

Li Hao did not turn, only spoke to Lin Lin Qingying.

Seeing Li Hao truly meant to face them alone, Master Yue Xi's face changed; she hurriedly said, "Younger brother, don't act rashly—we'll fight together!"

"A free-for-all only hinders me."

Li Hao did not turn; his tone left no room for argument.

Their fused Yin-Yang Destruction Formation would not be significantly altered even if Master Yue Xi and the others joined—instead, he'd have to divert attention to protect them.

"This Hao Tian really has a hard skull—won't bow even now?"

"Finally, bloodshed? Better yet, let them both be wounded—we'll have a chance to slip in easily without revealing our cards."

Outside the Emperor's Platform, other contestants watched, refraining from rushing in.

They saw that Li Hao and the Jin imperial clan were bound to clash—unless Li Hao yielded, no one else would have a chance to intervene in this Emperor's Platform.

But to their delight, Li Hao refused to bow—thus, whoever won or lost, they'd have an opening!

"Hmph. So stubborn."

On the mountain peak, at the Great Da Da Meng Jiuyuan Sect, Yin Jingcheng stared at the scene, his expression cold.

Seeing the boy force himself into the spotlight, he felt a pang of irritation.

"This isn't wise. If he'd negotiated properly with the Jin imperial clan, perhaps three slots could've been spared. That young swordsman just now? He's strong enough for the top hundred—take him along."

Beside him, Meng Huaiyue gazed intently, disapproving of Li Hao's impulsiveness—if he lost, their sect might not even secure a single spot in the top hundred.

Hearing his disciples' words, the Great Dream Master remained silent, a strange feeling stirring in her heart—not surprise, but deep concern for Li Hao.

For some reason, his choice didn't shock her at all.

Perhaps it was their months together in the painting realm, or their daily exchanges—she understood this boy's nature better than most.

"Whether he wins or loses, any dazzling performance will uphold our sect's honor!"

The Great Dream Master whispered softly, her eyes fixed on the boy atop the Emperor's Platform, "He's already done enough. Even if he loses, he won't lose with shame."

Hearing their master's words, Yin Jingcheng and Meng Huaiyue froze, turning to look at her back—suddenly, it felt unfamiliar.

"Little one, do your best…"

Far away, in the Yan Chu region, atop the Sword Abyss Peak of the Great Da Da Meng Jiuyuan Sect, the Abyss Master Yun Yun Wumian gazed at the reflected scene above, his eyes gleaming with profound light.

"Hmph. To think he dares break the Yin-Yang Destruction Formation alone—how presumptuous!"

On the mountain peak, at the Yun Jin Qin Xianchao, Jin Jin Fengling, clad in luxurious golden robes, crossed his arms, watching the boy on the Emperor's Platform, a cold smirk on his lips.

Beside him, a woman as ethereal and exquisite as a fairy glanced sideways and asked, "Jin Fengling, do you know that boy?"

"Just a fool who doesn't know his place."

Jin Jin Fengling recalled his failed quest for the Divine Tree's fruit in the Primordial Secret Realm—his gaze grew colder still.

Too bad the fellow isn't an Immortal Lord—this battle offers no chance to face him. Otherwise, he'd have crushed him dead on the arena.

Still, though he can't compete, he's noted the sect behind him.

That sect has three Immortal Lord contestants, but their energy is clearly fresh—barely entered the realm. He'll make them die in place of that boy—exact his revenge!

"Looks like a good show will start early."

Amidst the clouds, Emperor Jin smiled.

Emperor Chu remained calm, gazing at Li Hao and said coolly, "To fight many with few—even if he loses, he's a true hero."

"Winning against odds isn't the only path. Recklessness isn't true prodigy behavior."

Emperor Jin chuckled. Though he'd previously admired Li Hao's performance, now that his own child was competing, he felt Li Hao had underestimated the Jin imperial clan's formation.

Emperor Chu said nothing—words were meaningless.

"The others are just dead weight. What's he doing—so reckless!"

Among the Yan Chu imperial clan atop the mountain, Chu Chu Yueli had been watching Li Hao closely. Seeing him defeat several prodigies on the Emperor's Platform, she'd felt joy, even pride—but now, seeing his choice, her expression darkened.

If Li Hao fails to enter the top hundred, it'll be utterly humiliating!

Chu Chu Tianhuang and Helian Boya Biya Xuejian stared at the scene, their expressions unreadable.

At this moment, on the Emperor's Platform, Jin Jin Ziying, as soon as Jin Jin Yushu returned, activated the Yin-Yang Destruction Formation, engulfing half the platform!

Since Li Hao had ordered others not to join, it suited them well—earlier, that unassuming young man with the Ancient Sword Immortal Body had surprised them; who knew if more such monsters lurked? Better to avoid dealing with them.

"Attack!"

Jin Jin Ziying uttered a soft command; his emerald light enveloped the others, his antlers branching further, becoming more jagged, like a divine stag king surveying all.

Beside him, three other Yun Jin imperial clan members surged forward; Jin Jin Yushu adjusted slightly, then followed.

The nine-flower immortal seal youth and the other three also seized this chance to engage Li Hao—after all, though the Dao Fire Rankings weren't absolute, his ninth-place standing had drawn their attention.

This was a chance to test his strength—valuable training for themselves.

"Red Candle: Mystical Annihilation!"

The youth with crimson scales on his face revealed murderous intent; behind him, a crimson dragon phantom emerged, radiating black-blue light, his palm coalescing a blazing crimson divine sword as he charged Li Hao.

The blade's core pulsed with profound Fire Dao primordial energy—reaching the fourth layer of primordial realm!

Behind him, Jin Jin Yushu unleashed Eternal Descent of the Divine Path again—the ancient god clan's secret technique, infused with ancient god power; in the True Realm, it was said one fragment of ancient god power surpassed ten thousand divine lights.

Behind them, the nine-flower immortal seal youth's forehead seal glowed; nine circles rotated, revealing nine distinct primordial Dao forces, forming a luminous wheel behind him, upon which nine long swords were embedded.

On his seal, Sword Dao dominated, the others serving as auxiliaries—all now harmonizing with Sword Dao, merging into it.

"Immortal Art: Moon Winter!"

The nine-flower immortal seal youth whispered, activating one of the Ten Great Immortal Arts—the pinnacle Sword Dao technique: Moon Winter!

The nine sword lights on the wheel reflected moonlight's icy radiance, suddenly converging to form a crescent blade of moonlight, descending straight upon Li Hao's head!

Simultaneously, the other three also unleashed top-tier Immortal Arts—all among the Ten Great Immortal Arts.

Gazing at the torrent of lethal energy unleashed in an instant, the scene resembled heaven collapsing and earth splitting, engulfing half the Emperor's Platform in a death zone—no one could survive!

Seeing this, many faces paled; countless people across the Southern Region's immortal cities gasped in shock.

Such terrifying power was hard to believe came from Immortal Foundation cultivators—even Immortal Lords would perish under this combined assault by the Yun Jin imperial clan and four others, unless they were high-tier Immortal Lords!

"Younger brother!"

"Elder brother!"

Master Yue Xi and Gu Yan both paled, rushing to move forward.

But a green-robed figure blocked them—Lin Lin Qingying, her face grave, her heart tenser than anyone's, yet she chose to trust Li Hao.

At this moment, behind Li Hao, the Celestial Star Veins glowed like solidified light, their surging, condensed pathways resembling a star map, divine energy pouring into Li Hao's body in a funnel-like torrent.

Instantly, centered on his body, a divine energy storm erupted—a hurricane of power, so vast and overwhelming that others on the Emperor's Platform felt it, turning to stare.

"The Celestial Star Veins—achieving the Final Stage of this system? Remarkable talent."

A sect elder murmured in awe.

"Achieving the Second Final Stage at the Immortal Foundation realm? Truly rare."

In the Southern Region, powerful figures within hidden realms watched, smiling faintly, "Pity—such an aberrant talent likely won't bow to me as master."

This Southern Region battle reflected across the entire True Realm's Southern Territories; countless prodigies flocked here—not just for fame, but to attract the favor of great masters and join powerful lineages.

Though they originally came from heavenly sects, those sects weren't always the best path—beyond them roamed many mighty beings, nearly equal to Immortal Emperors, who didn't establish sects but possessed supreme secret arts and Immortal Techniques; to become their disciple and receive true transmission brought boundless benefits.

"Divine Blood, Ten Great Veins' Final Stages—he's mastered two. Remarkable."

On the clouds, the Original Sovereign Empress whispered.

Earlier, in the True Immortal Secret Realm, she'd sensed this boy's extraordinary nature.

"Complete all ten stages, and you reach Half-Emperor. He's already walked one-fifth of the path!"

Emperor Emperor Tianzhao murmured. His daughter had just been defeated by Li Hao, yet he bore no resentment—these young ones' clashes were mere games, too trivial to stir true emotion.

Hearing his words, other Emperor Kings narrowed their eyes.

Their casual remarks were earth-shattering secrets to outsiders.

No one knew that to transcend Immortal King and touch Immortal Emperor, one must first perfect all ten stages!

These ten stages are from the Initial Power Stage to the Sage Stage!

Originally, none had Final Stages—ancient Immortal Emperors forged them, elevating the life tiers of all races in the True Realm, enabling them to advance from Extreme Stages to Final Stages.

This was the Immortal Emperor's epoch-making achievement—a feat of eternal merit, earning the devotion and reverence of all races in the True Realm.

As they spoke, on the Emperor's Platform, the divine energy storm spun, and within its center, Li Hao's power unveiled itself.

All his Extreme Stage powers now surfaced.

Divine Power, Primordial Spirit, Heavenly Law Manifestation, Law of Heaven and Earth Body, Immortal Transformation, Eternal Dao Domain.

There is also the Ultimate Realm of Dao Comprehension, the Dao Ancestor, the Ultimate Realm of the Saint, and the Proto-Heavenly Dao Infant!

Except for the Ultimate Realms of Gui Xu and Immortal Indestructibility, which cannot be directly manifested, all ten realms' Ultimate powers were now activated by Li Hao.

This outpouring of celestial power from the true realm amplified Li Hao's ultimate transformation into an Immortal, granting him a more terrifying force of upheaval; his body merged with heaven and earth, merged with the Emperor's Altar, and faintly sensed a distant consciousness within the cosmos.

That was the final stage of Immortal Transformation—the Heavenly Sovereign!

With that sliver of Heavenly Sovereign will settling upon him, Li Hao's entire aura became majestic and piercing, like an ancient emperor descending from the void, drawing all surrounding celestial power into his body.

His body swelled to a hundred zhang—still condensed from the Law of Heaven and Earth form—and like the colossal cosmic manifestation behind him, he stood as two towering titans, looking down upon the nine members of the Yun Jin imperial clan.

As countless celestial arts surged toward him, Li Hao simply raised his hand and clenched his fist.

In that moment, he thought of Second Uncle, and of his famed ultimate technique—the Half-Step Invincible Fist!

Do not overexert yourself in all things, or you will not fall; the half-step you reserve for yourself is truly invincible!

"Break—!!"

Li Hao's golden hair whipped wildly as the power of his Divine Blood's Ultimate Realm surged; his physical strength multiplied dozens of times, and combined with his Ancestral Immortal body, his punch blasted forth, causing the void itself to shriek with terrifying sonic booms—as if heaven and earth had been punched through!

The explosive roar was deafening, momentarily drowning out the clash of celestial arts and the battle upon the Emperor's Altar!

The Half-Step Invincible Fist, through Li Hao's current Dao comprehension, had been refined to its true essence, reaching a level truly deserving of the name "Half-Step Invincible."

The punch was Dao; Dao was the punch. This punch contained the power of space and time, condensing the forces of past and future, merging three punches into one—now, it hurtled forth like a roaring meteor of fire!

"How is this possible?!"

Jin Jin Yushu's pupils shrank; the divine power he had unleashed—the falling golden divine spear—was instantly crushed into illusion, rippling under the roaring fist!

The other three imperial clan celestial arts, directly in the path of Li Hao's punch, shattered piece by piece; the celestial phenomena they summoned vanished instantly, like smoke blown out.

The curved blade-light of the Moon Winter Art, unleashed by the youth bearing the Nine-Flower Immortal Seal, was shattered by that punch!

BOOM!!

The violent force carved a black scar across the entire Emperor's Altar's void; countless celestial arts vanished instantly, their aura shattered.

Li Hao's hundred-zhang form, like an ancient rebellious god, strode forward, shaking the Emperor's Altar with thunderous steps as he charged toward the nine, swinging his second punch!

In a distant corner of Yan Chu territory, within a great immortal clan of an immortal city, a group of figures stared at the peerless youth upon the Emperor's Altar, their eyes blank with shock.

One white-bearded elder's eyes suddenly reddened; his throat tightened, his tongue turned sour—though the fist art the boy displayed had long surpassed the level of his own created technique, he still recognized its shadow. How could he not know it?

"My fist art..."

He never imagined that the technique he had created in the mortal world would one day, before the gaze of countless races of the true realm, be unveiled—and crush the true realm's prodigies!

PUFF!

Several figures flew backward; Jin Jin Yushu and the other three imperial clan members were all thrown back by Li Hao's second punch, their immortal bodies riddled with cracks.

While struggling to resist the Emperor's Altar's death law, they now bore the full force of that devastating fist technique—and were instantly gravely wounded.

"My celestial art..."

The youth with the Nine-Flower Immortal Seal paled; his celestial art had been shattered by a single punch from Li Hao.

It was not Dao realm suppression—he had been crushed by the sheer, brutal force within that punch!

Moreover, that punch carried intense fluctuations of space-time power; the man had mastered the two highest principles of the Nine Sequences—and had reached profound depths in both!

"Such a powerful fist!"

On the mountaintop, countless onlookers could not help but gasp in awe.

(End of Chapter)