Chapter 830: Imperial Might

With but a single sword strike, he defeated thirty-four elite scions of noble families!

On the battlefield platform, save for the boy's figure, not a single soul remained standing!

Immortal bodies shattered, crimson blood sprayed—yet the boy stood coldly unmoved, a sight that deeply stunned the many noble scions present, leaving them speechless.

Below the platform, the Jiang and Lin family elites were also frozen in shock, utterly unprepared for the boy to unleash such terrifying sword qi and command such domineering sword intent.

The Su family members too were stunned; Su Muqing, Su Wanqing, and Su Wanxue all fell into a daze—was this real? Could the man who constantly clung to Su Muqing, merely seeking to flatter her and leverage the Su family's resources, possess such terrifying power?!

Though this power meant little compared to theirs, in the realm of Immortal Monarch Stage One, it was utterly crushing!

"The Nine Sequences' Primordial Source…"

Beside him, Su Qiyu, already at the peak of Immortal Monarch Stage Ten, was the first to recover—he froze, stunned. The boy was only Immortal Monarch Stage One, yet he controlled the Nine Sequences' Primordial Source, and his realm was no shallow one; without doubt… the opponent was likely also a Nine-Sequence Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal bearer!

Such a seal was proof of peerless talent, sufficient to become a direct disciple of an Emperor Immortal!

Someone of this caliber, even in the talent-rich Northern Region, was a radiant figure—worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with the Su family's Four Little Phoenixes, and even with him!

Coupled with Su Muqing's earlier claim that the boy had only a hundred years of soul lifespan… Su Qiyu's expression changed. He understood his father never made hasty decisions—yet this man had been allowed to stay in the Su household, pursuing Su Muqing. Clearly, he had his father's permission. Now he saw: his old man was still his old man; they had all been shortsighted.

"Such a formidable Immortal Monarch Stage One!"

The two Immortal Monarch Peak attendants beside Immortal King Tan were both stunned, their expressions turning grave.

No wonder he could sit with the Su family.

On the platform, Li Hao scanned the crowd; the silver-white, frost-like sword qi in his hand dissipated. He lifted his head slightly and asked:

"With this, do I earn the right to harvest the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus?"

The boy's voice broke the silence. Immortal King Tan snapped back to awareness and nodded: "Yes!"

As he spoke, he retracted the sealing barrier.

Seeing this, Li Hao stepped forward—but his foot did not land in the pool of blood below. Instead, at the instant he stepped, he teleported to the cushion below the platform, drifting down like a gentle breeze, sitting with calm ease.

At this moment, the noble scions below, frozen like wooden statues, finally came to their senses—and a wave of shocked murmurs erupted.

Countless gazes locked onto Li Hao, staring at the boy in dread.

One sword defeated thirty-four elites—and from his relaxed demeanor, he clearly hadn't even used his full strength!

Unrivaled in his realm!

This was true unrivaled dominance—a complete, crushing posture!

"So strong! That guy is incredible!"

"No wonder he dares to pursue Su Muqing! At Immortal Monarch Stage One, he already wields such terrifying might—I'm at Stage Three and I'm not sure I could even block that sword strike!"

"This guy is clearly another top prodigy. When the Four Little Phoenixes reach his realm, who will be superior?"

"Where did this guy come from? I've never heard of him before. Judging by his techniques, he must've crushed his peers even in the True Immortal Realm!"

Many whispered among themselves, their gazes filled with awe and gravity—no one dared underestimate Li Hao again.

These words reached Su Muqing and the others. Su Muqing snapped back to awareness, her expression shifting, brows furrowing tightly.

She had already sensed Li Hao's talent—but these people didn't know: though his talent was extraordinary, his Dao heart was abysmally low.

With such talent, he could have become a true dragon on his own. Yet now he lingers in the Su household, playing chess and painting, neglecting cultivation, relying entirely on the Su family's resources to rise.

"This guy…"

Su Wanxue's fleeting shock faded. She gazed at Li Hao seated not far away, her expression grave—no longer did she look down on him.

No wonder Father once considered arranging a marriage between her and Wanqing and this man—his talent truly rivals theirs.

Add in his soul lifespan… they all fall short of him—even that Imperial Prince pales in comparison!

"Your sword art is incredible. You're a Nine-Blossom Nine-Sequence Immortal Seal bearer too, right?"

Su Wanqing sat beside Li Hao, watching the boy return, her eyes brightening slightly. She whispered softly:

"Incredible? " Li Hao slightly shook his head. To avoid drawing too much attention, he hadn't used the Five Absolute Emperor Sword—this strike was at most thirty percent of his true power.

Seeing Li Hao remain silent, Su Wanqing took it as tacit agreement. She immediately recalled his earlier words—he intended to harvest the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus for her?

She glanced at the purple hue above the sword pool, then suddenly realized something, turning to look at Su Muqing beside her—her gaze grew hesitant.

"Now that you've earned the right to harvest the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, if you give it to Sister Muqing, she'll surely treat you better."

Su Wanqing whispered this to Li Hao—she didn't speak aloud, for if she openly urged him to act, it would appear as if she were manipulating him in Su Muqing's eyes.

Li Hao sensed the girl's thoughtfulness. His gaze remained calm. "It's fine."

Su Wanqing blinked, unsure what Li Hao meant by "it's fine."

She glanced at him and saw him, as before, quietly gazing at Su Muqing. She internally scoffed—of course, why should she speak up? He would naturally give it to Sister Muqing.

A faint sense of disappointment stirred within her, but she recognized her emotion and quickly stilled her mind, dispersing the thought.

Below the platform, the murmurs continued—Li Hao's performance had irrevocably etched his name into the minds of every noble scion present.

All understood: from this battle onward, Li Hao would become famous throughout the Gusu Imperial Star.

"You're amazing."

Lin Jinrou, not far away, also expressed her admiration to Li Hao.

"Flattery," Li Hao replied humbly.

Lin Jinrou smiled, her eyes sparkling. The boy had such combat prowess at only a hundred years of soul lifespan—his talent likely surpassed even her brother's. Who was this prodigy?

She suddenly found it intriguing—wondering if this news reached home, would her brother grow anxious?

Since childhood, she had never seen anyone who could challenge her brother. Now, it seemed, such a person had finally appeared.

On the other side, Jiang Huanhuan also whispered to Li Hao, expressing her awe and inviting him to the Jiang household.

Li Hao politely declined via telepathy. Jiang Huanhuan wasn't offended—since he wouldn't come, she would go to the Su household to find him.

Among the crowd, someone pulled out a soul lifespan mirror and secretly reflected Li Hao's image.

Instantly, the mirror revealed Li Hao's soul lifespan: 102 years!

Seeing this, the man's pupils contracted, his heart surging with shock—the Su family's rumors were true!

A prodigy. An absolute legendary prodigy!

On the platform, the defeated noble scions had their primordial spirits reuniting with their shattered immortal bodies, slowly repairing themselves as they returned below. Their gazes toward Li Hao were filled with fear and disbelief—yet none dared challenge him again.

Immortal King Tan, seeing the crowd still murmuring and no one stepping forward, finally spoke to urge them on.

Only then did others remember: the sword pool's osmanthus harvest was still ongoing.

Seeing no one else willing to ascend, Lin Jinrou smiled and leapt onto the platform, continuing her undefeated streak.

Soon, challengers came one after another—but all fell before Lin Jinrou's sword.

Li Hao noticed that everyone here was a sword cultivator, and asked Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing replied: "For the Sword Pool's Osmanthus Harvest, only sword prodigies from noble families come. Those who cultivate other Dao paths don't show up—otherwise, the number would far exceed this."

Li Hao understood. He then looked at her and Su Wanxue—neither were sword cultivators. Indeed, the sword was the most universal weapon.

As Lin Jinrou secured her undefeated record and earned the right to harvest the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, the challenges continued.

As time passed, Su Wanxue ascended—but faced resistance from another Jiang family prodigy and was defeated, failing to claim the undefeated record.

Jiang Huanhuan whispered: that Jiang prodigy had already become a disciple of an Emperor Immortal, returned after cultivation, and his master told him to descend for trials, promising a great opportunity awaiting him on the Gusu Imperial Star.

Su Wanxue lost. Her expression was grim. As one of the Four Little Phoenixes, she had never been defeated in her realm before.

"It's fine. I'll harvest it for you."

Su Qiyu comforted Su Wanxue.

Su Wanxue thanked him, but her expression didn't soften. This defeat filled her with shame and irritation—she realized her cultivation had grown lax.

Soon after, Jiang Huanhuan took the stage, securing an undefeated record at Immortal Monarch Stage Four. Though her soul lifespan was shorter and her realm slightly behind Su Wanqing and her sister, she was still a top prodigy in her stage.

Li Hao scanned the crowd. Only those from the three great families had secured undefeated records—clear proof of the three families' dominance on the Gusu Imperial Star. Once challenges ended, the osmanthus harvest would begin.

First to harvest would be those who earned the right to the Flowing Frost Silver Osmanthus.

"This sword stele holds a terrifying sword intent. To harvest the osmanthus, you must endure its purification—it's no easy feat."

Su Wanqing told Li Hao.

As she spoke, many had already harvested osmanthus; a few others, upon approaching, suddenly groaned and fell into the waterfall, wounded by the sword intent.

"With your sword art, you have a good chance of claiming the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus."

Su Wanqing comforted Li Hao.

Li Hao nodded slightly.

Soon, the Flowing Frost Silver Osmanthus harvest ended. Now it was the turn of those who earned the Divine Spring Golden Osmanthus.

This group was smaller, each unleashing domineering aura as they charged toward the sword stele.

Of the dozen or so, only two or three fell back; most succeeded in harvesting the osmanthus.

"Here you go."

Su Wanqing gazed up at the topmost Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, her eyes filled with affection—and regret.

Su Muqing's gaze turned icy. She stepped forward first, her white immortal robe fluttering like a female sword immortal, swiftly reaching the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus. She condensed sword qi in her hand, slashed upward, plucked one blossom, and turned back.

"Hurry! Or someone else will take it!"

Su Wanqing urged Li Hao.

This time, ten had earned the right to harvest—matching the ten Immortal Monarch stages—but only six Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus blossoms existed.

Li Hao didn't hesitate. He rose swiftly and chased after, brushing past Su Muqing as she returned.

Su Muqing's eyes were cold, a flicker of disdain visible. When Li Hao gave her the Immortal Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, she would crush it beneath her foot—she loved the blossom, but she'd use it to show him just how much she despised him!

Others also realized the slots were many but the blossoms few—and rushed forward.

oC〇

Su Qiyu moved fastest—he was Immortal Monarch Peak, and immediately after Su Muqing, he plucked the second blossom, drifting back gracefully.

He looked at Su Wanxue and Su Wanqing, the single blossom in his hand clearly insufficient to share—he frowned, saying to Su Wanqing:

"Wanqing, I'll give this one to Wanxue this time; I'll make it up to you with something else next time."

Su Wanxue shook her head. "Let Wanqing have it—I don't want it."

Su Wanqing hurriedly said, "Give it to your sister—I already have Divine Spring Golden Osmanthus; I prefer gold over purple."

Su Qiyu cleared his throat lightly. Su Wanxue, the second of the four sisters, was more familiar with him; he stepped forward and said:

"Wanxue, take it."

Su Wanxue was about to refuse again, but Su Wanqing pressed: "Sister, please take it—I truly don't like it."

Su Wanxue opened her mouth slightly, then reluctantly accepted it. "Thank you, Qiyu brother. Thank you, Wanqing sister."

Su Wanqing smiled, revealing not the slightest trace of regret or disappointment.

Suddenly, a cry of alarm rang out, followed by a splash.

Su Wanqing's heart tightened; she looked up and saw two figures falling from among the many who had gone to harvest the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, one already plunging into the Sword Pool.

"Even a Third Layer Immortal Lord can't harvest the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus? How strong is this sword intent?"

"Of course—it's already near the peak, where the sword intent is strongest."

"So even if we secure an invincible record, we can only stare in awe!"

The crowd began to murmur.

Suddenly, someone cried out: "Look! That guy harvested it!"

Su Wanqing fixed her gaze and saw that among the falling figures, Li Hao was not among them.

A deep, terrifying sword intent swirled, severing a single Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, caught in a long, powerful hand.

In Li Hao's eyes, five primal forces swirled like a five-colored lotus; a terrifying sword intent invaded his consciousness, but he likewise unleashed the might of the Five Absolute Emperor Sword, slicing it apart within his mind!

The Five Absolute Emperor Sword's momentum was even more domineering—once it severed the intent, the pressure on him dropped sharply; he turned his body and returned effortlessly.

"How is this possible? Kong's prodigy, a Third Layer Immortal Lord, failed—and yet he harvested it?"

"Could his sword intent be stronger than Kong Yeyu's?"

"Did that guy really not use his full strength before? Could he possibly rival Kong Yeyu?"

Everyone stared in shock and dread at the young man returning with the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus in hand.

Su Muqing's expression also changed slightly. Earlier, when she harvested the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus, it had seemed easy—but when struck by that sword intent, she had felt just how terrifying it was; even she had been forced to use her full power to cut it down.

"This guy…"

Su Muqing fixed her gaze on Li Hao, her eyes flickering uncertainly.

Su Wanqing also noticed how much harder harvesting the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus was than she'd imagined; she couldn't help but feel delighted for Li Hao.

At that moment, Li Hao reached the cushion. He had just steadied himself when a chorus of gasps erupted.

Li Hao turned his head and saw a pink figure tumbling into the Sword Pool.

"My god, Jiang Huanhuan fell too!"

"Even a Fourth Layer Immortal Lord couldn't harvest it? That's Jiang Huanhuan!"

"How is this possible? Just how strong is the sword intent at the peak of this sword stele?"

All the prodigies from the noble families were stunned, rising in shock, unable to believe it.

"How could this be?"

Su Wanqing froze. Jiang Huanhuan wasn't just a Fourth Layer Immortal Lord—she was one of Jiang Clan's top prodigies. When Jiang Huanhuan secured her invincible record earlier, Su Wanqing had felt the woman hadn't even used her full strength—and yet now she couldn't harvest the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus?

Su Muqing raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised but not dismayed; a faint cold smile touched her lips. So Jiang Huanhuan was nothing special after all.

Tan Immortal King watched this scene, his eyes fixed deeply on the First Layer Immortal Lord boy. He knew the sword intent here tested not merely cultivation level, but one's own sword Dao.

The boy's sword Dao was beyond imagination—far beyond what he had shown so far.

"Huanhuan!"

Nearby, the Jiang family members rose in alarm at Jiang Huanhuan's fall; some rushed into the Sword Pool to retrieve her.

Li Hao turned his gaze away. In his hand, the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus emitted a unique fragrance, soothing and refreshing, its pure purple light swirling, surrounded by the essence of the Great Dao, causing faint, elusive phenomena to appear around it.

Su Muqing's face was cold, her eyes straight ahead; she did not look at Li Hao.

"Here."

Li Hao handed the Divine Rhythm Purple Osmanthus to Su Wanqing.