Chapter 824

Just arriving at the main pavilion, Li Hao sensed the qi of Su Muqing and Su Wanqing, immediately descending from the terrace and stepping inside.

"Big Sister Lan Qin, when will the Painting Immortal Long Yun arrive?"

Su Muqing asked curiously.

"She's on the way. Once everyone else arrives, the Painting Immortal Long Yun should be here too."

Another gentle voice replied, exuding the grace of a refined lady.

"Are all these paintings by the Painting Immortal Long Yun? So beautiful—they seem to contain the origin of life itself, capable of becoming warriors within the paintings."

Su Wanqing's voice chimed in, filled with the youthful excitement and liveliness of a girl, exclaiming in awe.

"These are all early works of the Painting Immortal Long Yun. For this exhibition, it's said she'll bring her latest pieces—then all of you sisters will get to see the originals."

The gentle voice said.

Li Hao entered the pavilion and immediately smelled the scents of many women, seeing a cluster of graceful figures, all dressed in immortal treasure gowns, beautiful in appearance, like a hundred flowers blooming at once.

Among them, the most striking were four figures: Su Muqing and Su Wanqing, a woman in deep blue robes, and a girl in pink-green attire—all gathered before two paintings, forming a small circle, while others stood in a larger outer circle.

"Hm?"

Suddenly, Su Muqing's expression changed as she turned her head and immediately saw Li Hao approaching.

Her face darkened in shock and anger: "How did you get in? Who let you in?!"

Hearing her sudden outburst, the pavilion, once filled with laughter, fell silent. Everyone turned in surprise, and upon seeing a strange young boy, they were puzzled, whispering among themselves.

"Who is this? How did he make Su's young lady so angry?"

"He's quite handsome, though."

"Muying, who is this?"

Lan Qin, the host of this lakeside pavilion, stared at Su Muqing in astonishment—she rarely saw the other girl so furious. After all, with the Su family's power and imperial influence, no one in Gusu Imperial Star dared provoke this True Phoenix.

"A greedy scoundrel."

Su Muqing gritted her teeth.

Su Wanqing's face was filled with bewilderment—how had Li Hao gotten in? He had no status as a Su family member here. Had he pretended to be one?

Su Muqing and Su Wanqing thought the same thing at once, turning sharply to the woman in deep blue robes: "Big Sister Lan Qin, he's not one of us. Quickly have him thrown out!"

Lan Qin froze, her eyes flickering slightly. She mingled with these noble daughters of Gusu Imperial Star not only because her own family was respectable, but because of her keen social acumen. With Su Muqing's influence and strength, only someone truly beyond control could provoke such anger.

Anger usually came only when one was powerless.

If it could be easily fixed, why get angry?

This boy's identity, then, was worth reconsidering.

"Muying, calm down."

Lan Qin soothed Su Muqing, then smiled at Li Hao: "Forgive me, Young Master—what great clan are you from? Today's gathering is for viewing paintings, not combat. I'm afraid you weren't invited?"

Her words were measured, avoiding any rash offense.

Su Muqing raised an eyebrow, turning to Li Hao. She knew only that he answered to the Emperor, but not his clan—she now wanted to hear his answer.

Li Hao naturally couldn't mention the Southern Region, so he skipped the question entirely: "I am Hao Tian. I'm not here to compete. I understand painting, and came merely to appreciate."

"You understand painting?"

Lan Qin and the others exchanged glances. Aside from Li Hao, only two or three men were present—the rest were dozens of women.

Painting was a minor art. The few men who approached their circle were usually prodigies, and none would waste time on such things when cultivation was urgent.

"You're lying."

Su Muqing, seeing Li Hao avoid discussing his clan and instead speak so boldly, flew into rage: "You used the Su family's name to sneak in! Big Sister Lan Qin never invited you!"

Lan Qin now frowned slightly, addressing Li Hao: "Young Master, without an invitation, I cannot entertain you."

Li Hao replied at once: "Someone brought me in. My presence here has nothing to do with the Su family."

"Who?"

Su Muqing snapped, clearly skeptical—if someone truly brought him in, she'd see who dared meddle so much!

Li Hao shook his head. "He didn't give his name. When I see him, I can prove it."

Lan Qin's eyes showed doubt, but Li Hao's earnest demeanor didn't seem like deception. She hesitated—driving him out might insult the person who brought him in.

Though the Su family was the strongest here, two other noble families' daughters were also present. Could it be the Lin family?

As she pondered, Su Muqing spoke again: "Big Sister Lan Qin, throw him out. I don't want to see him!"

Lan Qin glanced at her, feeling a headache coming on, then said to Li Hao: "Young Master, since Miss Su doesn't wish to see you, please leave."

Li Hao frowned, looking at Su Muqing—her face flushed with anger, her eyes brimming with revulsion. Such an expression on that face made him feel a pang of sorrow. He sighed inwardly: same body, but utterly different temperaments.

"Since you're all here to appreciate paintings, I have one to show. Why not view it?"

Li Hao said.

Lan Qin's eyes flickered with surprise: "You truly have a painting?"

The other women murmured among themselves, curious, and now clearly sensing the tension between Li Hao and Su Muqing.

Li Hao flipped his palm, and in the space of heaven and earth, a scroll appeared—the Space Origin Divine Tree painting he had created after his insight into painting.

As the scroll floated into the pavilion's air, it seemed to merge with the cosmos, radiating waves of Space Origin Divine Tree essence, as if rooted in the void, a majestic divine tree standing above them all.

It appeared near, yet impossibly distant—solemn and majestic.

"Space Origin Divine Tree?"

The girl in pink-green robes gasped, her eyes sparkling, fixed unblinkingly on the Space Origin Divine Tree.

Su Muqing and Su Wanqing had both visited the Origin City and seen the Space Origin Divine Tree, even meditated beneath it.

Yet they never expected Li Hao's scroll to depict this very tree—and his brushwork was terrifying, capturing the Dao's resonance perfectly.

Even meditating before this scroll could enhance cultivation!

"His brushwork has transcended mortal limits, entered the Immortal Realm—what incredible skill!"

"This painting radiates intense Space Origin fluctuations. Only someone with at least fourth-layer Space Origin cultivation could paint this—and fuse it flawlessly into the artwork."

"This is undoubtedly a rare treasure, rivaling high-grade immortal artifacts!"

The women, all from noble clans, had sharp eyes—they immediately recognized the scroll's extraordinary nature.

Su Muqing and Su Wanqing, who loved and deeply studied painting, instantly saw its terrifying depth, their eyes filled with shock.

Clearly, they never imagined Li Hao could produce such a masterpiece.

"This is nearly approaching the true essence of painting…"

Lan Qin, with the highest painting discernment, felt greater awe than anyone else, her eyes wide with astonishment.

"Where did you get this painting?"

At that moment, the girl in pink-green robes snapped back to herself, blinking her bright eyes at Li Hao with curiosity:

"I'm Jiang Huanhuan. You can call me Huanhuan!" Li Hao blinked slightly: "Just call me Hao Tian."

"Huanhuan!"

Su Muqing, seeing Jiang Huanhuan's actions, turned pale with rage and nearly exploded: "He's a fraud! You have no idea how despicable he is!"

"Impossible!"

Su Muqing immediately rebutted, furious: "Liar! You've only a hundred years of soul lifespan—barely enough time to cultivate, how could you possibly have the energy to study this painting? Just reaching this level of artistry requires at least a century of grueling practice!"

Hearing Su Muqing's words, the minds of those present, which had just been stunned, now shook even harder, leaving them utterly bewildered.

Only a hundred years of soul lifespan?

The women present were mostly True Immortals, all sensing the Imperial Immortal pressure emanating from Li Hao; the seven or eight Imperial Immortals among them instantly recognized his cultivation level, for since hearing Wang Lao's words, Li Hao had stopped deliberately concealing his cultivation base.

Otherwise, if his panel's disguise activated, even those far above him—even Immortal Kings—would fail to see through him and suspect him of possessing a priceless treasure, sparking greed and murderous intent.

"A hundred years of soul lifespan? An Imperial Immortal? Did Su Muqing just say that, or did I mishear?"

"How is that possible? He's only got a hundred years of soul lifespan?"

The women all wore expressions of shock, more stunned than when Li Hao first revealed the painting.

After all, to them, painting was merely a hobby; their true focus remained cultivation.

Especially in the Northern Region, where every immortal clan—from patriarch to servant—felt the weight of cultivation's importance, for otherwise, encountering demons and monsters outside would end in horrific ruin.

Lan Qin and the girl in pink-green robes also froze, staring at Li Hao in disbelief, then turning to Su Muqing.

Seeing the fury on her face, their hearts pounded wildly, sensing her words might be true.

A hundred years of soul lifespan, Imperial Immortal cultivation—without doubt, the young man before them was an unparalleled prodigy, unheard-of even in legend!

Only such a being could make this proud Su family's True Phoenix so furious, yet utterly powerless!

"Muqing, is he truly only a hundred years old in soul lifespan?"

Though she had suspected, Lan Qin couldn't help whispering to confirm with Su Muqing.

Hearing her question and the murmurs around her, Su Muqing's face darkened terribly; for some reason, seeing Li Hao shine made her feel worse than if she herself had been humiliated.

Seeing Su Muqing's silence, Lan Qin turned to the more approachable Su Wanqing. Seeing Su Wanqing give a slight nod, her heart slammed like a hammer, shaking violently—when she looked again at the boy, deep awe now filled her gaze.

According to her knowledge, even the Lin family's Imperial Heir had only just entered the True Immortal realm at a hundred years of soul lifespan—and even then, he had already stirred the entire Gusu Imperial Star!

Later, when his bloodline power manifested in the True Immortal realm, his cultivation soared, dominating his level without rival, even overcoming higher realms.

Lan Qin pulled her thoughts back, her gaze softening as she said to Li Hao: "Lord Haotian, did you truly paint this?"

"Naturally."

Li Hao nodded.

The girl in pink-green robes stepped lightly, appearing before Li Hao as if to lean in and examine him closely; then she grinned, her eyes sincere and earnest:

"I'm Jiang Huanhuan. You can call me Huanhuan!" Li Hao blinked in surprise and said: "Just call me Haotian."

"Haotian!"

Seeing Jiang Huanhuan's actions, Su Muqing's face twisted in fury, nearly exploding: "He's a fraud! You have no idea how despicable he is!"

Jiang Huanhuan and Su Muqing were also close friends; hearing this, she frowned and looked at Su Muqing. "Base?"

Su Muqing clenched her teeth, wanting to expose how Li Hao had forced her into marriage with a marriage contract, relentlessly clinging to her—but the words stuck in her throat, too humiliating to speak. She could only grit her teeth and say:

"He's utterly base—a shameless scoundrel. No matter how gifted he is, he'll never achieve greatness. His Dao heart is pitiful; he only craves wealth and status. He's utterly unworthy of this bloodline and talent!"

Hearing Su Muqing's words, the crowd exchanged glances, all turning to Li Hao with confusion.

"Where did you get this idea?"

Jiang Huanhuan, however, was intensely curious.

Su Muqing's face remained tense; she could not bring herself to reveal that Li Hao had harassed her for a hundred years—it was far too shameful to say.

Seeing her silence, Jiang Huanhuan turned and studied Li Hao closely for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said:

"Do you and Muqing-jie have a misunderstanding? Shall I help you clear it up?"

Li Hao hadn't expected this girl to still speak kindly to him after hearing Su Muqing's words. He shook his head slightly. "Nothing to explain."

Jiang Huanhuan was surprised, sensing something unspoken between them. She didn't press further, shifting the topic back to the painting of the Space Origin Divine Tree. "Did you really paint this yourself?"

"Mm."

Li Hao nodded.

Jiang Huanhuan studied him for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "I believe you."

With that, she skipped back like a cheerful little bird to Blue Qin and Su Muqing's side.

Su Muqing, hearing Jiang Huanhuan's words, turned black with rage—but Jiang Huanhuan came from the Jiang family, whose status in Gusu Imperial Star, though not equal to the Su family's, was not far behind. Her ancestors had once produced an Immortal Emperor, and the previous generation of Jiang family prodigies had flourished, branching widely. Though this generation's Four Little Phoenixes shone brighter among other great clans, the accumulated foundation of the prior generation still balanced the scales.

Su Muqing, hearing Jiang Huanhuan's words, turned black with rage, but Jiang Huanhuan was born into the Jiang family, whose status in Suzhou Imperial Star was nearly equal to the Su family's—her ancestors had once produced an Immortal Emperor, and the previous generation of Jiang had spawned numerous prodigies, branching widely; though this generation's Four Little Phoenixes shone brighter among other great clans, the accumulated foundation of the prior generation still maintained a rough equilibrium.

At that moment, a soft, elegant voice spoke.

Everyone in the pavilion trembled slightly, turning to see a familiar figure approaching.

"Dragon Yun, the Painting Immortal!"

Blue Qin's eyes lit up the moment she saw her, rushing forward to greet her.

Su Muqing, Su Wanqing, and the others also turned, seeing a woman of graceful, icy elegance walking toward them, her delicate silk robes fluttering with flowing light and radiance, like a fairy stepped from a painting.

Li Hao, seeing her, was startled—was it really her?

"Space Origin Divine Tree…"

Dragon Yun, the Painting Immortal, gazed at the floating painting, then slowly turned her eyes to Li Hao. "You painted this?"

Li Hao, noticing the two attendants beside her, realized he hadn't been mistaken. He nodded. "Correct."

"Your brushwork is truly remarkable—reached the pinnacle of mortal art, beyond compare."

Dragon Yun nodded slightly, offering her appraisal and recognition of Li Hao's skill.

Li Hao felt no joy at this praise—it was merely stating facts.

After all, Level Eleven in Painting was already transcendent, entering the Immortal Dao.

Hearing Dragon Yun's words, the crowd grew even more awed by Li Hao's painting. To be praised by Dragon Yun, the Painting Immortal, meant it was a masterpiece of the ages.

Blue Qin stepped forward. "Dragon Yun, did you bring Li Hao in?"

Dragon Yun nodded slightly. "He stood outside the sealing barrier, claiming my paintings were mediocre. So I brought him in to see what his own work was like."

Long Yun, the Painting Immortal, nodded slightly and said, "He stood outside the sealing barrier and called my paintings mediocre, so I brought him in to see what his own paintings were like."

Hearing this, the crowd understood—and turned to Li Hao with strange expressions. He had called Dragon Yun's paintings mediocre?

Didn't he realize those displayed outside were her early works?

Everyone felt a pang of embarrassment for Li Hao.

"Of course—he's bold and reckless. Those paintings were merely for beginners learning painting."

Su Muqing sneered. "Does he think a little skill makes him above everyone else? Clearly his Dao heart is low—unworthy of any success!"

Dragon Yun looked at this Su Miss with mild surprise—but since she was defending her, Dragon Yun's eyes softened. She gave Su Muqing a slight nod, then turned to Li Hao.

"Your brushwork is impressive. But since you're here, let us each paint one piece for everyone to admire and enjoy, shall we?"

Li Hao had never truly sparred in painting before. His discussions with the Master of Dreams were explorations, not contests.

Hearing this, he had no reason to refuse.

Like a swordsman never refusing a swordsman's challenge.

Like a swordsman who never refuses a swordsman's invitation to duel with the Dao of the sword.

Li Hao nodded.

Hearing the two would paint live, everyone's eyes lit up—no one expected such a spectacle.

Blue Qin, thrilled, waved her hand and cleared a space. "This pavilion is too small. Let's move to the lake outside for the display?"

Dragon Yun nodded slightly.

Soon, everyone ascended from the pavilion and hovered above the lake.

"Sister, why does he insist on following you?"

Su Wanqing joined Su Muqing above the lake, standing beside her. She couldn't help whispering curiously.

She sensed the boy carried no arrogance—everything he did seemed aimed only at gaining entry.

"How should I know? He probably thinks this stupid trick will move me. Ridiculous."

She sensed no arrogance in the boy; everything he had done was likely merely a means to follow her inside.

Su Wanqing thought of the hundred-year vow and nodded, sighing inwardly with regret.

At that moment, Dragon Yun and Li Hao arrived above the lake, facing each other in the cleared space.

The contest, and Dragon Yun's sudden appearance, drew every soul from nearby pavilions. Soon, the area was ringed with onlookers.

"Who is that? What's happening?"

"Challenging Dragon Yun, the Painting Immortal?"

Most present were women, chattering excitedly.

Blue Qin raised her hand, speaking sternly. "Silence."

A crushing aura of peak Immortal Lord power surged out, instantly silencing the entire crowd.

Dragon Yun regarded Li Hao calmly. Though his Space Origin Divine Tree painting had surprised her, his insult to her early works—like mocking her childhood self—was intolerable. She would teach him a lesson.

"Let me show you the realm beyond form…"

Dragon Yun spoke slowly. She raised her hand; the pearls and immortal treasures woven into her silk robes shimmered. Immortal energy erupted from her body, and instantly, the surrounding landscape, sky, wind, and scenery transformed!

With a gesture, heaven and earth changed hue!

A painting realm spread from her body outward, like a Dao domain.

But this was no Dao domain—it was a painting realm built purely from Immortal energy!

Li Hao had once been inside the Langya Painting Realm under the Master of Dreams; he was no stranger to such realms.

As Dragon Yun unleashed hers, the crowd erupted in gasps—even Blue Qin's Immortal Lord aura couldn't suppress them.

Previously, Li Hao had been within the Langya Painting Realm under the Master of Dreams, so he was no stranger to this realm.

The women's eyes gleamed. A few men stared in adoration, nearly kneeling before her fluttering silk robes.

"Painting Realm—this is the realm beyond form! The true essence of painting: the Painting Realm itself!"

Su Muqing's gaze was entranced. Her anger toward Li Hao vanished. Her eyes held only awe, admiration—as if gazing upon a priceless treasure.

Beside her, Jiang Huanhuan and Su Wanqing were equally spellbound, filled with longing. To reach such a realm—how many more years of practice would they need?

Yet they were cultivators too, unable to devote themselves fully. They might not even touch this realm in a thousand years.

"This is… Dragon Lake Immortal Realm."

Dragon Yun whispered. As she spoke, low roars echoed within her painting realm—like ancient dragons surging from primordial mountains. Dragon spirits coalesced within the realm, their forms twisting through the transformed sky, coiling everywhere.

Beneath the crowd's feet, the lake itself transformed into a vast, ancient wilderness lake, waves crashing as true dragons leapt skyward, spraying a thousand cascading waves.

"So powerful! How did those dragon spirits emerge? I can't even see how!"

"She used Immortal energy as her brush—raising her hand, a thousand dragons soared! This painting realm is a domain, not mere art!"

"Exactly! Painting is Dao. At Dragon Yun's level, the Painting Realm becomes a Dao domain—even superior, capable of slaying enemies and demons!"

Everyone was awestruck. This realm was no mere spectacle—the dragon spirits within, shed of form, possessed real power.

Amid the chorus of dragon roars, a thousand dragons bellowed together. The power radiating from the realm made every soul tremble, skin prickling, blood boiling, spirits vibrating as if shaken to their core.

Li Hao, standing before Dragon Yun, remained calm. The Dragon Lake Realm was powerful—but compared to the Master of Dreams' dazzling, mysterious Langya Realm, he preferred the latter. There, every detail unfolded like a revelation.

"Your painting has reached the pinnacle—but still, it remains bound by form…"

Dragon Yun murmured, her gaze cold, slightly condescending as she looked down at Li Hao.

Though his brushwork was extraordinary—if not for his earlier insult—she might have exchanged insights with him. But his disrespect demanded apology.

Li Hao said nothing. He slowly closed his eyes.

Though the other's painting skill was extraordinary—had there been no prior friction, she might have discussed techniques and shared insights with them—her own work had been insulted, and she must make the other apologize.

As his eyes shut, Immortal energy surged from his body. The air rippled with distortion. Time and space trembled. The Nine Sequences of the Dao flickered subtly in alternating rhythm.

A vast, sorrowful, ancient sigh—like a whisper from the distant primordial past—emanated from the boy's body, spreading like an unfurling scroll. Heaven and earth dimmed. A force of time's passage, of years flowing away, surged forth.

As he closed his eyes, immortal energy surged instantly from within him; the void rippled with distorted waves, time and space churned, and the nine-order Dao forces subtly alternated.

A faint sigh, vast and mournful, ancient and primordial, as if echoing from the distant aeons, rippled from the boy's form, spreading like a scroll—sky and earth dimmed, and the force of time's passage surged forth.

(End of Chapter)