Chapter 822: The Law of the Physical Body

Su Zhenyuan loved his four daughters dearly, but as patriarch of the Su family, he was utterly decisive; with his agreement, the matter was now final, unchangeable unless the slumbering Ancestor intervened.

Su Qingmei understood this, so she hesitated, the words dying on her lips, her gaze shifting to the boy, revealing a coldness and killing intent in her eyes.

"Muqing, though this child is only at the Immortal Lord Realm's first tier, both your father and mother have examined his soul lifespan—it's merely ninety-six years, under a hundred. Such a soul lifespan is extraordinary talent, no lesser than the true heirs of great clans!"

Su Zhenyuan fell silent for a moment; though inwardly he favored Muqing's marriage to the Lin family's Imperial Prince, he still honored the ancestral marriage contract and spoke up for Li Hao, hoping that if his daughter developed affection for him, it meant they were truly destined—he could only helplessly submit to fate.

"Soul lifespan under a hundred?"

Upon hearing their father's words, the three daughters all snapped their heads up, stunned, staring at Su Zhenyuan.

Even they, at a hundred-year soul lifespan, were far from such cultivation!

Among them, the most gifted—Su Muqing, the peerless True Phoenix of the Su family, born once in fifty thousand years—had only just entered the True Immortal Realm at a hundred-year soul lifespan. Such talent had shaken the entire Gusu Imperial Star, and together with the Lin family's Imperial Prince, had become a legendary tale.

Could this boy's talent surpass Su Muqing's?

The three daughters' gazes instantly fixed on Li Hao, filled with shock.

Su Muqing stared at him in disbelief; when she saw him staring back, her expression changed, her anger surging again, teeth clenched:

"Even if that's true, I won't marry him—who knows if he took some rare divine herb? If it were only about realm, I could've reached the peak of Immortal Lord long ago. If he truly had such ability, why cling to my Su family?!"

Hearing this, Su Wanqing and Su Wanxue both nodded inwardly. Their father had said the boy had an Imperial Lord behind him; acquiring certain Chaos divine artifacts wouldn't be surprising. Realm alone meant nothing—what mattered was the foundation's solidity and actual combat power.

Su Zhenyuan had also considered the possibility Li Hao took rare elixirs, but that was trivial; with an Imperial Lord cultivating him, he would never force growth—he must have advanced step by step, so his Immortal Lord Realm couldn't be inflated.

He said: "Little Hao's talent should be unquestionable…"

"No matter his talent, I don't care. I promised Zhexuan I'd never leave him!"

Su Muqing cried bitterly.

Seeing her speech interrupted, Su Zhenyuan's face darkened. He let out a heavy cold snort, rarely so stern:

"I've decided. No more words. In a hundred years, if you still dislike him and he still fails to move you, you may refuse. But for these hundred years, you will obey."

That cold snort struck Su Muqing's heart like a hammer, jolting her awake. Her face paled. She stared at her father as if seeing a stranger. Finally, she slowly lowered her head and turned to face the boy staring directly at her.

In an instant, all etiquette and rules were thrown aside. Her grievance and rage exploded forth. She made no effort to hide her disgust and hatred:

"Whether ten years, a hundred years—even a thousand, ten thousand years!"

"I, Su Muqing, will never love you!"

The girl's words pierced the hall like needles, as if aiming to pierce the frail boy.

But Li Hao remained silent. To him, Su Muqing was a stranger—no emotion. He was here for one reason: to accompany the figure who had crossed time and space, standing before the Supreme One to fight for him.

Compared to that, a mere hundred years of companionship meant nothing.

Seeing Li Hao's indifference, Su Muqing felt her strength drained, teeth clenched, she let out a cold snort and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Li Hao's figure flickered, following the blue moon-colored robe from the flow of time, trailing after her.

"You!"

Seeing Li Hao truly shadow her every step, Su Muqing nearly exploded, face turning ashen.

She whirled, glaring at Li Hao, her aura surging, immortal energy lifting her hair and robes—but the boy before her remained unmoved.

Seeing her aura failed to scare off this Immortal Lord Realm first-tier fool, Su Muqing grew even angrier. She glanced up at her father in the hall, a flicker of hatred in her eyes, then turned away.

With Li Hao and Su Muqing gone, Su Wanqing and Su Wanxue exchanged glances, stunned by what had just happened, unsure how to judge it.

"Father, Mother, we'll take our leave now."

Su Wanxue came to her senses, bowed respectfully, and took her leave.

After receiving her father's nod, both swiftly departed from Minghuang Hall. They sensed the oppressive clouds gathering there, and couldn't help but wonder about the boy—how could he reach Immortal Lord in a hundred years? He must have been cultivated by a powerful figure. Logically, he wouldn't be artificially boosted—meaning he truly possessed astonishing talent.

But why did he insist on attaching himself to the Su family?

In Minghuang Hall, only Su Zhenyuan and his wife remained.

"Wife, don't do anything unnecessary. If this boy suffers even a scratch, it will be the Su family breaking its promise—and I won't forgive you."

Su Zhenyuan's face was grim, his gaze radiating stern authority.

Su Qingmei's expression changed slightly. This was a severe warning—she knew her husband meant it.

"Do you really want Muqing to marry such a boy?"

Su Qingmei asked, "Even if his talent is extraordinary, using Muqing to leverage our family's power—such a heart will never go far in cultivation. His Dao heart can't be high."

Hearing his wife's gentle, soft words, Su Zhenyuan's cold sternness gradually faded. He sighed:

"All is fate. The Imperial Lord behind this boy sent him here with the marriage contract now—perhaps he sees what we cannot. There may be deeper meaning. You don't understand how far an Imperial Lord can see, what he can perceive…"

A deep wariness flashed in his eyes, then he shook his head: "Leaving that aside, the contract is real, the boy is real—there's no reason to refuse. If I refuse, what becomes of our Su ancestors? This isn't just about fearing that Imperial Lord or keeping a promise—it's about honoring our own ancestors!"

Hearing this, Su Qingmei froze, her heart stirred, understanding her husband's righteousness.

Her gaze softened: "Husband, I misunderstood you earlier. But Muqing will suffer greatly from this—she'll surely resent you as her father."

"When she one day shoulders the family's burden, she'll understand…"

Su Zhenyuan sighed, but recalling the faint hatred in his beloved daughter's eyes as she left, his heart grew bitter.

Su Qingmei gripped his broad hand, whispering: "I'll speak to Muqing. She'll understand your hardship. A hundred years will pass quickly."

Su Zhenyuan nodded slightly, clasping her slender hand in return, his gaze turning tender.

…

Su Muqing's courtyard, nestled deep within the Su family's inner compound, was called Lake Pavilion Garden.

Within the garden lay nine scenic spots, seven courtyards, and three cultivation grounds.

Su Muqing resided in Zhexian Courtyard—the main courtyard, rich with immortal energy.

Lake Pavilion Garden, like the other three minor Phoenix courtyards, was built to the highest standard for direct heirs. Su Muqing, favored for her talent and bloodline, received the True Phoenix inheritance, and the courtyard was further enhanced with divine herbs and Chaos relics, making its immortal energy denser than those of Su Wanqing and the other three girls.

Returning from Minghuang Hall, Su Muqing went straight to Zhexian Courtyard, her face dark as iron.

Seeing Li Hao follow her into the courtyard, she nearly snapped, furious:

"This is my private residence. What are you doing here?"

"I'm accompanying you."

"I don't need you to accompany me!"

Su Muqing roared.

Li Hao gazed into her eyes, as if peering through them into the depths of her soul, seeing another primordial spirit yet unawakened.

He spoke without expression: "I won't interfere. Do what you wish. As long as I can see you, that's enough."

"You—you!" Su Muqing stamped her foot in rage, then quickly restrained herself, coldly saying: "Don't think this will sway me. It's ridiculous!"

At that moment, the steward and servants of Zhexian Courtyard arrived to greet them. Seeing the boy arguing with Su Muqing, their eyes widened in shock—within the Su family, who among the younger generation dared defy the True Phoenix?

"Wu Ma, throw him out!"

Seeing her longtime caretaker Wu Ma approaching, Su Muqing immediately ordered.

Wu Ma hurriedly complied, releasing the aura of Immortal Lord Realm's peak, ready to suppress and eject Li Hao.

Li Hao frowned and said: "Your father said I share equal rights with you. Anyone who lays hands on me is guilty of laying hands on you."

Hearing this, Wu Ma froze. As a steward in the Su family, her wit was sharp—she'd sensed Li Hao's unusual nature from his argument with Su Muqing. Now this statement left her pale.

Su Muqing's face was icy: "Your stubbornness only makes me hate you more!"

"Irrelevant."

Li Hao said.

"You!"

Su Muqing's chest heaved with fury. Raised in ease and privilege, she had always been a fairy untouched by mortal troubles—never before had she endured so much injustice in a single day. Seeing her reaction, Wu Ma realized Li Hao's words were true—and her head ached.

"Wu Ma, what are you waiting for? Throw him out! Any trouble is on me!"

Su Muqing snapped.

Wu Ma inwardly groaned—if trouble came, the girl would never be punished; it was always the servants who suffered.

Before she could decide how to respond, a whistling sound rushed toward them—it was Yao Qin, from Su Qingmei's side.

Seeing the scene in the courtyard, her face flickered with oddness as she studied Li Hao deeply.

Earlier in the hall, kneeling nearby, she had seen Li Hao's soul lifespan—and her impression of the boy had slightly shifted.

No matter his behavior, he was undeniably a peerless prodigy.

"Miss Muqing, Lady Su sent me to tell you: uphold your Dao heart, ignore external distractions, focus on yourself. A hundred years will pass quickly."

Yao Qin glanced at Li Hao beside her, didn't use telepathy, but spoke clearly and respectfully.

Su Muqing's expression changed, her eyes growing colder by three degrees—this meant her mother had also surrendered, urging her to accept fate.

She took a deep breath, glared at Li Hao with hatred, and said: "Fine. I'll see how you crawl out of my Su family like a dog in a hundred years!"

Without looking back, she turned and entered the house.

Li Hao's figure flickered, following her inside.

"Young Master, that's the Lady's main chamber—you…"

Wu Ma paled, rushing to block him.

Li Hao didn't turn: "I know my limits."

Wu Ma stared blankly—you know your limits? But I don't even know you!

She turned to Yao Qin and urgently telepathed: "Miss Yao, who is this boy? He said he has equal status with Miss Muqing—is that true?"

Yao Qin watched Li Hao cling to Su Muqing like a stubborn patch of glue, momentarily stunned. Hearing Wu Ma's question, she looked away and nodded:

"Yes. The patriarch himself promised it."

"This…"

Wu Ma was dumbfounded. Before she could ask more, Yao Qin had already teleported away.

Inside the chamber, Su Muqing saw Li Hao follow her in, her expression shifting: "So now you'll watch me sleep and bathe too?"

"If it can be done this way, that would be best."

Li Hao said calmly.

"... et out!"

Su Muqing's face instantly flushed—not from shyness, but from rage.

Li Hao said: "A hundred years may seem short, but counted day by day, there are still many days. Why not live in harmony?"

"Hah, I feel sick just seeing you."

Su Muqing sneered coldly without mercy.

Li Hao fell silent.

Seeing that Li Hao refused to leave, Su Muqing took a deep breath. She knew well that a proper solution was needed—otherwise, having this man by her side for a hundred years would bring endless inconvenience.

"If you really want to stay here, fine. But you must not come near my sleeping chamber. Stay in the courtyard. If you refuse, I'll go straight to my father—even if I have to threaten to kill myself!"

Su Muqing said coldly.

Li Hao thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."

Seeing that Li Hao still had some boundaries, Su Muqing secretly exhaled in relief, then sneered: "Then it's settled. Also, let me tell you—I only grow more disgusted every time I see you!"

Li Hao made no reply. He had already recognized that the girl before him was someone else—he guarded only her body, and the true soul still unawakened.

"Hmph!"

Seeing Li Hao remain silent again, Su Muqing snorted, turned, and stepped into the chamber, saying:

"Behind this main hall is my sleeping chamber. Please leave now."

Li Hao paused briefly, then finally stepped out.

The hall door was instantly pulled shut by an unseen force, slamming hard—as if venting some fury.

Nearby, Wu Ma hurried over, about to speak, but Li Hao glanced at the closed door and spoke first: "Are you the steward here?"

"Yes, I don't know who you are, Young Master…?"

Wu Ma froze, visibly uneasy, unable to fathom the identity of this boy.

"Please have the room beside this one cleaned out. I'll be staying here."

Li Hao said.

Wu Ma stared, glancing at the closed hall, hesitant.

Li Hao glanced at her. Seeing she made no move, he said nothing more, but took a piece of divine tree trunk from his space between heaven and earth, sat on the ground directly before the sleeping chamber, and began carving with his fingertips, concentrating his immortal energy.

Soon, two chairs and a small table emerged from his carving.

Wu Ma and the other servants watched the boy's actions, exchanging glances, unsure what to do.

Wu Ma decided to go ask Su Muqing, and told the other servants and maids to withdraw.

Not long after, when Wu Ma emerged from the sleeping chamber, she saw the boy had placed a board of black and white go stones on the newly carved table. She was startled, but did not approach or ask—instead, she called over a nearby maid and ordered everyone not to approach the boy, and to ignore him as the young lady had instructed.

"That guy…"

Inside the hall, Su Muqing, through her spiritual sense, watched Li Hao's actions outside. Seeing his stubbornness, her anger deepened. She quickly withdrew her spiritual sense and entered the cultivation room within the hall.

Outside, as Li Hao waited, his mind gradually grew calm.

Since leaving the Southern Region, he had last refined his Painting Dao, breaking through to the twelfth level. Using the true essence of the Painting Dao, he embedded it into his Body Dao, and instantly stepped into the Immortal Monarch realm. He had not yet had time to fully feel the many powers of the Immortal Monarch realm, or the changes within himself.

【Name: Li Hao】

【Soul Lifespan: 96】

【Realm: Immortal Monarch Realm, Level One】

【Sword Dao: Level Eleven (First Glimpse of Sword Immortal)】

【Body Dao: Level Twelve (True Monarch)】

【Control Dao: Level Eleven (True Immortal)】

……【Panel details omitted, one thousand characters】

Li Hao scanned the panel. Now that his cultivation techniques had multiplied, the panel had grown longer—but he still took in every line at a glance.

After stepping into the Immortal Monarch realm, Li Hao realized the greatest difference from before: previously, he had only controlled the primordial essence of the Dao. Even with profound insight, he mostly used primordial power—as if wielding only the embryo of the Dao.

Now, wherever he looked, the surrounding heavens and earth revealed countless Dao laws, crystallized like branches blooming from the Dao, like chains dancing through the air.

If the primordial essence of the Dao was a seed, then the Immortal Dao laws were its leaves and branches.

Fighting with leaves and branches naturally brought greater power—this was the difference between the Immortal Monarch realm and the True Immortal realm, unless the seed itself was forged of iron.

"Body Dao laws."

Li Hao scanned with his gaze, sensing a primal, savage Dao law encircling him.

(End of Chapter)