323-324

Chapter 323: The Sword Master's Token, Yaozu's Trial (Two-in-One)

"Ninety-seven Dao Domains?"

Hearing the Sword Master's words, the three were stunned, then bewildered, exchanging glances in disbelief. Had they misheard?

Jiang Yingyue was completely dumbfounded, her mind a blank canvas filled with question marks.

She dared not doubt the Sword Master, preferring to believe her ears were playing tricks on her.

That alchemist who had come with her, possessed ninety-seven Dao Domains?!

How was that possible!

Such a number of Dao Domains was unheard of. Even she, with her exceptional talent, had only cultivated fifteen, a feat considered extraordinary for her age.

She had to simultaneously cultivate both her realm and swordsmanship, limiting her time. At her age, barely a century old, to have reached this level, she was already a peerless prodigy.

Except for those with innate Dao bodies, like the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters, this was considered the pinnacle achievable through diligent effort.

Without waiting for the trio to react, or acknowledging their thoughts, the Sword Master's figure flickered, suddenly vanishing from his spot and reappearing on the fifth level of the Sword Tower.

Here, Li Hao was seated in meditation, cultivating.

But the Sword Master's sudden appearance startled Li Hao, jolting him awake. Though the Sword Master's aura was subtle, Li Hao still sensed it, a distinct smell of water!

This was the innate ability of an old angler, extremely sensitive to the scent of water. The odor emanated from the Sword Master's fishing rod and line.

"Sword Master?"

Li Hao opened his eyes, gazing at the figure before him – the Sword Master, wearing a straw hat, with a calm expression yet an oppressive aura like a looming shadow.

Though the Sword Master made no deliberate display, even carefully concealing it, the aura unique to a Saint, at such close proximity, still instilled a sense of awe.

"Ninety-seven Dao Domains, do you intend to use this to strive for the Apex Realm?"

The Sword Master scrutinized Li Hao, asking with a hint of amusement.

Li Hao's heart trembled, a chill running down his spine. His Myriad Manifestations attribute, along with the attributes of the Jiang Xue Diagram, Hidden Bow, and other diagrams, had always been invincible. Few could penetrate them, yet the Sword Master before him had seen through it.

Could it be that diagram attributes were ineffective against Saints?

As if sensing Li Hao's slight panic and thoughts, the Sword Master chuckled softly, saying, "You possess a method to conceal your aura, a very profound one. But don't you know that this Sword Tower is my weapon?"

"Cultivating within my weapon, how could I not be aware? No matter how concealed, what use is it?"

Li Hao was stunned, bewildered. The Sword Tower was a weapon?

No one had ever told him... Li Hao felt like crying, responding sheepishly:

"Cultivating the Apex Realm is extremely difficult, but I still wish to give it a try."

The Sword Master nodded slightly. "A martial artist who doesn't aspire to cultivate the Apex Realm will find it hard to achieve great accomplishments. You've cultivated ninety-seven Dao Domains, a testament to your exceptional talent. My disciple told me you're an alchemist? Was that painting you created?"

He looked at Li Hao, a flicker of interest in his eyes.

The painting alone was no simple brushwork, requiring meticulous study and dedication to achieve.

And this young man seemed to be an old angler as well, which was quite intriguing.

"I'm a sort of alchemist, I suppose."

Li Hao chuckled wryly, knowing that explaining this wouldn't be a simple matter.

"That painting was my work. If you, Senior, find it satisfactory, perhaps there's an opportunity... I'd also like to paint a portrait for you."

Li Hao's mind raced, never forgetting his initial goal of taking advantage of the situation.

The Sword Master was slightly surprised, glancing at Li Hao before flipping his palm, revealing a small, pitch-black mirror.

Li Hao recognized it – the Bone Reflection Mirror that Lin Qingying had used to reflect his image. He wasn't sure if it was the same one.

Speaking of which, were there so many Bone Reflection Mirrors in the Sacred Land of the Saints?

Li Hao grumbled inwardly.

The mirror reflected Li Hao's age, which quickly appeared on its surface.

28 years old.

He had been here for nearly a year, recuperating and cultivating, his swordsmanship reaching the eighth stage, his Divine Blood Body reaching its peak. His cultivation had been fruitful.

"Only 28?"

The Sword Master's eyes narrowed, his initial composure replaced by a profound seriousness.

The ninety-seven Dao Domains had only surprised him slightly. While Dao Domain cultivation required talent, even the top inner sect disciples, given thousands or even tens of thousands of years, could accumulate them through diligent practice.

But 28 years old, at the Taiping Dao Realm, with 97 Dao Domains? Even if he cultivated one Dao Domain per year, it would still take hundreds of years!

Moreover, Dao Domain cultivation wasn't that simple. One needed to comprehend a certain skill to an extremely profound level before it could extend into a Dao Domain.

It required focused effort.

If calculated based on Dao Domains, wouldn't that mean cultivating three or four Dao Domains annually?

And this didn't account for infancy, when cultivation was impossible, along with realm cultivation, etc... The speed was simply terrifying!

"With your aptitude, you're not a Holy Son or Holy Daughter, and you're not from my Sword Ancestor Sacred Land, are you?"

The Sword Master gazed at Li Hao, questioning him.

Such a phenomenal prodigy was rarely seen in his lifetime, even surpassing the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters. While he was secluded, he was generally aware of the abilities of those Holy Sons and Holy Daughters.

Li Hao chuckled wryly. He had intended to cultivate in seclusion, but his abilities had been inadvertently exposed. Concealing it further would only invite trouble, as the methods of a Saint were beyond the comprehension of others. Lies would easily be uncovered.

So, he briefly explained how he had been pursued by his enemies, falling into this place and being taken in by Lin Qingying.

The Sword Master could easily inquire about this from Lin Qingying and Lin Shanhai.

As for who his enemies were, he didn't mention it. After all, it involved a Saint, and there was no guarantee that something unexpected wouldn't happen.

Hearing Li Hao's words, the Sword Master wasn't surprised, nodding slightly. "I wondered when my Sword Ancestor Sacred Land would have such a monster, and I wouldn't know about it."

Such a monster was a once-in-ten-thousand-years occurrence within the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land, bound to cause a stir. Even if he was secluded, he should have heard the news.

He looked at Li Hao, not pursuing his enemies or past. Since Li Hao hadn't mentioned it when explaining, it meant he didn't want to talk about it. The Sword Master didn't like forcing others, and he could guess the reason.

"No wonder Yaozu values you. Now, do you wish to join our Sacred Land, or will you simply stay here and leave after a while?"

The Sword Master asked. He roughly understood that with Li Hao's phenomenal talent, his background must be incredibly profound. He might be a direct disciple of one of the Supreme Saints, and might not stay here.

"Saintess Qingying has shown me kindness. She's also a Saintess within the Sacred Land. If possible, I hope to avoid getting entangled with the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land, to prevent any future trouble for the Sacred Land."

Li Hao's gaze was unwavering as he spoke earnestly.

The Sword Master nodded slightly, as he had expected. Such a prodigy didn't belong to the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land. He was most likely a direct disciple of one of the Supreme Saints, now hunted and stranded here. The pursuers must be of high standing, possibly involved in some internal struggle.

When Li Hao sought revenge, it would inevitably cause chaos. Not joining the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land was a benevolent act.

Thinking this, his opinion of Li Hao improved, and he said:

"I'll pretend I haven't seen anything. Continue your cultivation. If you seek revenge in the future, just don't use the swordsmanship of my Sword Ancestor Sacred Land."

"I will not involve the Sacred Land."

Li Hao assured him seriously.

The Sword Master said no more, his figure flickering as he disappeared before Li Hao, carrying his fishing rod.

Li Hao secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but he didn't dare continue cultivating.

From the Sword Master's tone, it seemed he thought Li Hao had just recently cultivated to the ninety-seventh Dao Domain, rather than cultivating all ninety-seven at once.

The difference between the two was significant.

He stood up and walked towards the sixth level of the Sword Tower.

This time, he was still collecting cultivation methods, absorbing all the numerous techniques. Many thoughts swirled in his mind, but this time, he resisted the urge to cultivate immediately.

Then came the seventh level of the Sword Tower.

On the seventh level, the techniques were Dao-level cultivation methods and divine abilities.

There were various Dao-level body refinement techniques, as well as Dao-level swordsmanship. Cultivating them to perfection would allow one's swordsmanship to sense the Dao.

On the eighth level of the Sword Tower, all the techniques were Dao-level, including extremely rare high-grade divine abilities.

Divine abilities were ultimate moves mastered by those at the Dao Law Realm, more profound and difficult to resist than simple applications of laws.

Reaching the ninth level of the Sword Tower, it contained the top Dao techniques and Sacred Laws that the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land could release, along with top-tier divine abilities.

Only Holy Sons and Holy Daughters were eligible to cultivate them, second only to the unique secret techniques passed down by the various Demi-Saints and Saints.

Li Hao absorbed all of them, then selected a top-tier Dao-level swordsmanship.

This swordsmanship was created by a Sword Saint. While not the Sword Saint's strongest swordsmanship, it was among the most powerful among all the techniques.

However, mastering it was incredibly difficult. This swordsmanship was called the Great Dao Sword Art!

With Li Hao's eighth-stage swordsmanship comprehension, after absorbing it, he quickly pushed it to perfection. As Li Hao immersed himself in his thoughts, it quickly improved further, reaching the pinnacle level.

Then, Li Hao integrated his enhanced Unique Me Sword Intent, deepening his understanding of the sword art, and its level rose again, reaching the True Form level!

The Great Dao Sword Art, as its name suggested, the weapon in his hand was no longer a sword, but the Dao.

The Dao was the sword, the sword was the Dao, indestructible!

The Great Dao Sword Intent extended by the sword art was integrated into Li Hao's Unique Me Sword Intent, making it even purer.

The Dao could also sever!

Although he had mastered the swordsmanship, Li Hao still held the Great Dao Sword Art in his hand, choosing it as the swordsmanship to take out of the Sword Tower.

Otherwise, leaving the Sword Tower empty-handed would be suspicious.

When he reached outside the Sword Tower, Jiang Yingyue and the two sword attendants who had been waiting for a long time quickly turned their gazes towards Li Hao. But their expressions were different from before.

The Sword Master's words echoed in their ears, and as they looked at Li Hao, they increasingly felt that even his walk seemed to exude the demeanor of a master.

But upon closer inspection, it was just a normal walk.

"You have ninety-seven Dao Domains?"

When Li Hao approached, Jiang Yingyue was the first to ask eagerly.

Her eyes were fixed on Li Hao, as if waiting for him to nod in confirmation.

She didn't know why she was so excited, but she couldn't calm down.

Li Hao knew the reason, but he asked back, "Where did you hear that?"

"The Sword Master said it himself." Jiang Yingyue stared at Li Hao, as if saying, "Are you going to deny it?"

Li Hao feigned surprise, feeling a bit helpless. A Saint couldn't make a mistake, so he could only admit it.

He nodded. "That's right."

Seeing Li Hao admit it, Jiang Yingyue felt a tremor in her heart. Though she knew that a Saint couldn't be wrong, and she hadn't misheard – after all, all three of them were there, it wasn't possible for all three to mishear – but seeing Li Hao admit it with his own mouth still felt like a huge stone had been dropped into her heart, causing a huge ripple.

Ninety-seven Dao Domains, it was too exaggerated. Even if he didn't eat or drink, and didn't do anything else, cultivating so many Dao Domains would still take an extremely long time.

"Just at the Taiping Dao Realm, your strength should be top-tier."

Beside them, the female sword attendant with the copper mask sighed, filled with emotion.

"Unless you encounter those Apex Realm prodigies, just the superposition of so many Dao Domains would probably slow down the penetration of laws. It's too exaggerated."

The male sword attendant also nodded, exclaiming, "Master said that one should focus on a single thing when doing anything. Only those who are pure can reach the pinnacle. The origin of the Apex Realm is also like this. Only by focusing to the extreme can one reach the Apex Realm. Are you planning to abandon everything and focus on the eighth Apex Realm?"

Li Hao naturally had this idea, but not in a focused manner. He said:

"This is related to my cultivation. I hope the three of you will keep it a secret."

When fighting enemies, the foundation of one's cultivation was a hidden trump card. The three understood this. The two sword attendants nodded, indicating that they would keep Li Hao's secret and not say anything more.

Jiang Yingyue, however, stared at Li Hao and said, "Being able to cultivate to this level, have you mastered other Apex Realms? Aren't you an alchemist? How old are you?"

Li Hao looked at her with a strange expression and said, "Senior Sister Jiang, this should be my secret."

Jiang Yingyue's expression changed slightly, becoming a bit complex. She also knew that she was being overly excited, but she couldn't help it. The ninety-seven Dao Domains had given her too much of a shock.

She was a top inner sect prodigy. Apart from those Holy Sons and Holy Daughters, she had always believed that she had cultivated and striven to the utmost. But now, a being with ninety-seven Dao Domains had appeared, far surpassing her.

If Li Hao's previous martial arts realms were mediocre and he only focused on the eighth Apex Realm, she could accept it. But if he had other Apex Realms before this, it would be terrifying.

Moreover, Li Hao was also an alchemist, and he had just created that amazing painting. With so many things to his name, his age couldn't be young.

"What about your age? Can't you even tell me that?"

Jiang Yingyue asked, still not giving up.

Li Hao helplessly replied, "Asking a man's age is quite impolite."

"..."

Jiang Yingyue was a little annoyed, but she also knew that this was indeed private. However, she recalled that when Li Hao spoke while the Sword Master was inviting him to fish, the Sword Master also happened to raise his rod and hook the true dragon. This showed that Li Hao also had a very deep understanding of fishing.

The most crucial point was that he liked fishing, which was usually the mentality of an older person.

He simply used cultivation methods and manipulated his flesh to maintain a youthful appearance. This technique was common.

For example, she herself was already over ninety years old. In the mortal world, she could have four generations living under the same roof and be a grandmother. But she still felt like a little girl, so she kept her appearance as it was when she was young.

After reaching the Three Immortality Realm, aging would slow down. At the Four Establishment Realm, one could manipulate their flesh to change their appearance.

For demons, after reaching the Fifteen Li Realm and transforming, they could freely change into young children or beautiful women, as they pleased.

Therefore, one couldn't judge age based on appearance alone.

It's a pity that I don't have a Bone Reflection Mirror... Jiang Yingyue thought to herself.

The two sword attendants had already calmed down. The male sword attendant saw Li Hao's cultivation method and asked:

"Have you chosen one?"

Li Hao nodded and handed the sword art to him, asking him to dispel the law seals on it.

The male sword attendant took it. When he saw that it was the Great Dao Sword Art, his eyebrows twitched. "You chose this one? Do you know that this technique was created by a Sword Saint, and it's one of the top Dao-level sword arts!"

"Yeah."

Li Hao nodded. Wasn't it because it was top-tier that he chose it?

The male sword attendant saw that Li Hao hadn't grasped his meaning and immediately said, "This top-tier sword art requires extremely high comprehension. Although its power is unparalleled, it's also very difficult to cultivate. If you want to focus on condensing Dao Domains, this sword art might consume a lot of your energy."

Li Hao finally understood the other party's good intentions. He was worried that the sword art was too profound and obscure, causing Li Hao to delve into it and delay his Dao Domain cultivation.

"It's alright. With Yaozu teaching me, I believe I can master it." Li Hao said.

Seeing Li Hao's persistence, the male sword attendant didn't say anything more. After all, Li Hao could cultivate his Dao Domains to ninety-seven, which showed that his talent was not bad. It was just that this sword art would consume more of his energy.

Soon, he used a secret seal to remove the law seals on the cultivation method and handed it to Li Hao:

"Do not spread it. Otherwise, once it's traced back to you, you will be directly imprisoned in the Endless Sword Prison, where you will be subjected to the torture of ten thousand swords every day and never die!"

He spoke solemnly, clearly emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.

Li Hao was secretly amazed. Indeed, for any force, cultivation methods were the foundation, unshakeable.

After choosing the cultivation method, Li Hao inquired about the Sword Master's whereabouts, but the Sword Master's voice echoed in his mind:

"I'm tired today. If you want to come fishing, you can come anytime. This is my Sword Token."

As the voice finished, a silver Sword Token, like a short, long dagger, appeared in front of Li Hao, falling down.

Li Hao quickly caught it.

The two sword attendants saw the Sword Token in Li Hao's hand and were stunned, slightly bewildered.

Master actually gave his Sword Token to an outsider so casually?

Jiang Yingyue also recognized it, her eyes widening. This was the Saint's token, and Li Hao had just obtained it?

Li Hao was also a little surprised. He immediately raised his hand and bowed slightly to the Sword Tower:

"Thank you, Senior Sword Master."

Then, he put away the Sword Token and gestured for Jiang Yingyue to leave.

Jiang Yingyue came to her senses, feeling a little dumbfounded and speechless.

She had waited so long, and it was over just like that?

It was clear that the Sword Master had transmitted something to Li Hao, and today's fishing seemed to be cancelled.

The Sword Master had already returned with his rod, which meant that her hope of accompanying Li Hao to fish and getting familiar with this Saint was dashed.

Since things had come to this, Jiang Yingyue didn't say anything and could only return with Li Hao.

But when they returned outside the Ten Arenas, everyone had already left, leaving only a few disciples sweeping the ground and repairing the arenas.

"The preliminary selection is over. I'll take you to see Master at Yaochi Peak."

Jiang Yingyue glanced around and knew the situation, telling Li Hao.

Li Hao thought for a moment. Lin Shanhai and the others knew his whereabouts and hadn't waited for him here, probably because they were relatively reassured about him.

"Okay."

Li Hao agreed. He had gained a huge harvest by absorbing so many cultivation methods from the Sword Tower. He also needed to personally thank Yaozu.

Although verbal thanks were meaningless, it was the only thing he could do at the moment.

...

Yaochi Peak.

This was originally the Yaochi Saintess Peak, but since Yaozu became a Demi-Saint, the word "Saintess" was removed, and it was simply called Yaochi.

The peaks were scenic and the energy was abundant. Jiang Yingyue took Li Hao there on a flying sword. With a token in hand, she directly passed through the barrier of the formation and brought Li Hao down to the mountain peak.

There weren't many buildings here, and it was relatively quiet, but there were still dozens of disciples cultivating here.

According to Jiang Yingyue, these were registered disciples.

"Seventh Senior Sister!"

Seeing Jiang Yingyue, these registered disciples quickly greeted her. Most of them were female, with only a few males.

When those few males saw Li Hao, their eyebrows twitched, and Li Hao immediately saw a hint of seriousness in their eyes, a seriousness that seemed to stem from an outsider intruding.

He found it amusing and followed Jiang Yingyue directly to the top of the peak.

This was where the direct disciples resided. Jiang Yingyue brought Li Hao to the sacred platform at the top of the peak, where Yaozu was seated, gazing at the stars at night.

Her stunningly beautiful figure, sitting alone on the Yaotai, with the night wind blowing, was breathtaking.

Li Hao glanced at her, momentarily lost in thought, but quickly regained his composure.

"Master, I've returned with Alchemist Qingfeng."

Jiang Yingyue stood outside the sacred platform and bowed her head in a report.

Yaozu turned her head, the thoughts in her brows disappearing instantly. She looked at Li Hao and smiled slightly:

"Have you chosen a cultivation method?"

"Yeah."

Li Hao nodded and said solemnly, "Thank you for your kindness, Yaozu."

With that, he took out the Sword Token and handed it back to her.

Yaozu saw it but didn't immediately reach out to take it. Instead, she noticed the Great Dao Sword Art in Li Hao's hand.

Her eyes were calm. It was natural for Li Hao to choose a cultivation method on the ninth level of the Sword Tower, and choosing the Great Dao Sword Art was also normal.

"This cultivation method was created by a Sword Saint, and it's a bit difficult. Take it back and cultivate it for ten days, then come back here and let me see."

Yaozu said softly, "If you haven't grasped the basics within ten days, go back to the eighth level of the Sword Tower and choose another cultivation method."

Li Hao understood that she wanted to use the transmission of the cultivation method to return the favor of the painting. But compared to the harvest of his trip, the favor of the painting was too insignificant.

"Okay."

Li Hao nodded without saying much.

Although he had already cultivated it to the True Form level, if he revealed it, it would be too shocking and he would have to explain himself further.

Jiang Yingyue looked at Li Hao, thought for a moment, and still didn't mention Li Hao's ninety-seven Dao Domains. After all, she had promised Li Hao earlier, and revealing it now would be a bit offensive.

Since Yaozu didn't take the Sword Token, Li Hao put it away, bid farewell to them, and left Yaochi Peak, returning to the alchemist's area.

In the Alchemy Courtyard.

Li Hao saw Lin Qingying sitting in the courtyard, cross-legged, with the bright moon hanging high. A long sword lay across her knees, as if she was closing her eyes and comprehending something.

The moonlight shone on the blade, reflecting a snow-white sword light.

Lin Shanhai saw Li Hao return and smiled, immediately asking Li Hao about his trip to the Sword Tower.

Li Hao briefly explained. Lin Qingying in the courtyard heard the young man's voice and slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze swept over, and she saw the name of the cultivation method in Li Hao's hand.

"Great Dao Sword Art. This sword art is difficult."

Lin Qingying said, her words concise.

Li Hao looked at her and smiled and nodded. "Yaozu also told me it was difficult."

"I heard that Saintess Xue'er, cultivating this sword art, grasped the basics in three days. In your case, if you can grasp the basics within ten days, it would be considered exceptionally talented."

Lin Qingying told Li Hao.

Three days was the level of a Holy Son. If he could grasp the basics within ten days, it would be considered the level of a top inner sect prodigy.

If he exceeded that too much, a month, or even several years, then his achievements in swordsmanship would be destined not to be very high.

Li Hao knew the Saintess Xue'er she was referring to, Bian Ruxue. She was a disciple of the Sword Saint and was among the highest-ranking Holy Sons and Holy Daughters in terms of background and status.

"I'll just play around with it. It'd be great if I can grasp the basics." Li Hao chuckled, not saying much.

Hearing Li Hao say this, Lin Qingying's brows furrowed slightly, and she looked at Li Hao.

When he had proposed to Yaozu that he wanted to go to the Sword Tower, she had thought that Li Hao had been affected by the battle between the prodigies and had also become ambitious. But now it seemed more like a three-minute burst of enthusiasm.

A hint of disappointment and regret flashed in her eyes, and she didn't say anything more, closing her eyes to focus on her comprehension.

After watching the battle, she had realized that there were also strong individuals among the inner sect prodigies, and she had to improve further.

Li Hao, on the other hand, was a little hungry. He got up and went to the kitchen to prepare some food. When he brought it out, the aroma made Lin Shanhai, who had already eaten dinner, feel his appetite stir again.

Lin Qingying glanced at it, frowning slightly, feeling even more regretful.

Having just obtained this top-tier sword art, a true lover of it would have already been immersed in studying it, forgetting to eat and sleep, and wouldn't have the time to cook.

She had been quite hopeful earlier, but now she was disappointed.

However, considering that Li Hao was an alchemist and wasn't interested in swordsmanship, it was normal.

She calmed down and stopped thinking about it.

Li Hao and Lin Shanhai finished eating together, filling their stomachs. Then, Li Hao said goodbye to the grandfather and grandson and returned to his own courtyard.

He had already mastered the Great Dao Sword Art, so there was no need to cultivate it. Now that he was full, he could start cultivating his Dao Domains again.

He casually set up a barrier and maximized the Hidden Attribute of the diagrams. Li Hao began to cultivate in the courtyard.

The numerous cultivation methods he had absorbed were gradually deepened and refined. Soon, new Dao Domains extended outward.

Quickly, the Dao Domains went from ninety-seven to one hundred!

Within three feet of where Li Hao was seated in meditation, one hundred Dao Domains overlapped, condensing into a solid mass. Li Hao felt that even laws would have difficulty penetrating his Dao Domains.

Just the simultaneous suppression of these one hundred Dao Domains could make a Dao Law Realm cultivator instantly fall to the ground, unable to move, and even tear them apart and kill them!

Keep in mind that this was just the power of the Dao Domains, not including other Apex Realms.

However, to Li Hao's surprise, one hundred Dao Domains had not touched the Apex Realm.

He didn't feel the special state and comprehension of touching the Apex Realm.

Li Hao cultivated again, and soon the Dao Domains reached 108, but still didn't touch the Apex Realm.

Previously, the Apex Realms of other realms were about one hundred times the original. For example, in the Through Strength Realm, ordinary cultivators had a strength of around ten thousand jin, while the Apex Realm required one million jin!

Now, the Dao Domains were the same. They had already reached one hundred times the normal Taiping Dao Realm.

"Could it be that it needs 180?"

Li Hao's eyes flickered. He felt that the higher the realm, the more difficult the Apex Realm seemed to be to touch.

However, the more difficult the Apex Realm, the stronger it would be once achieved!

Li Hao didn't feel discouraged, but rather, a sense of excitement surged through him.

He began to immerse himself completely, digesting the numerous cultivation methods from the Sword Tower.

And the number of his Dao Domains continued to increase, gradually climbing to 167!

Just from the superposition of Dao Domains, Li Hao felt that the void seemed to be crushed, as if it couldn't bear the weight.

Although he hadn't fought anyone, Li Hao felt that the laws of the Dao Law Realm couldn't penetrate his Dao Domains at all. They would be instantly annihilated!

This eighth Apex Realm, he hadn't touched the Apex Realm of Dao Domains yet, but the power it currently brought, except for Transcending Immortality, exceeded any other Apex Realm.

It could even be compared to the ultimate Transcending Immortality.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 324: Angling for the Holy Son, Battle of the Top Hundred Holy Sons (Two-in-One)

After cultivating all the techniques recorded within the Sword Pavilion into Dao Domains, Li Hao's Dao Domain count reached a staggering 172!

Among them, over a hundred were various Sword Domains!

Once unleashed, these domains would be filled with crisscrossing sword energy. Now, layered upon each other, these domains, each imbued with a different sword intent, showed a tendency to merge.

Li Hao didn't know what kind of power and phenomenon would arise if these Dao Domains fused into a single, complete domain.

Unfortunately, he had already collected all the techniques within the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground. To further enhance his Dao Domains, he would have to seek out other powerful factions, as he had once again hit a bottleneck.

After Li Hao completed his cultivation, the second round of the selection battles began the following day.

Before the Top Hundred Battle, there were a total of three rounds of selection, ultimately choosing the top hundred to face off against the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters.

Li Hao accompanied Lin Shanhai and the other alchemists, but this time he didn't go to watch the battles. He had already collected all the techniques within the Sword Pavilion, and staying there would only yield experience from painting, a task he had more suitable candidates for. Besides, he could also accumulate some angling experience in the meantime.

Li Hao noticed that, besides the three Demi-Saints, Yaozu and the others, the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters who had watched the previous battles were also absent.

Lin Qingying was still in the courtyard, immersed in her sword comprehension before their departure, clearly preparing for the upcoming grand battle.

Despite the intense battles raging before the ten arenas, Li Hao felt a sense of tranquility before the storm.

Only, it remained uncertain who would stir the tempest and emerge as the sole victor.

Li Hao hoped it would be Lin Qingying.

…

Arriving at the Sword Pavilion, Li Hao found the environment eerily quiet. As he approached, a figure materialized before him as if teleporting – the sword attendant from yesterday.

Surprised to see Li Hao return, he asked, "Are you here to exchange techniques?"

The Great Dao Sword Scripture was extremely difficult. Li Hao's desire to replace it was understandable, as without exceptional sword dao talent, dwelling on it would be a waste of time.

"No, I'm here to pay a visit to the Sword Master. I wonder if he's angling today?"

Li Hao bowed respectfully.

The sword attendant was taken aback, then chuckled, "Master is angling at the Sword Cliff. It's rare for you to understand, and it's just right for you to keep him company. He's quite lonely."

As he spoke, a hint of sadness flickered in his eyes.

Although the disciples wished to accompany their master, their angling skills were simply too poor. During the monotonous wait for a bite, they easily became distracted, their minds wandering to sword dao, and they wouldn't even notice their bait being devoured until it was gone. This often angered the Sword Master, who subsequently forbade them from accompanying him.

Before the Sword Cliff, as Li Hao and the sword attendant arrived, they saw the same scene as yesterday: the Sword Master was angling by the cliff's edge.

As if sensing their presence, the Sword Master's voice echoed, "You're here. Did you bring your own rod?"

"I don't have a rod. I use the line-casting method."

Li Hao replied.

"Using energy to form a line, huh? The little fellows in the Dragon Pool below are quite cunning. I'm afraid it won't be easy to hook them." The Sword Master said.

"We'll see." Li Hao smiled, never one to back down from a challenge when it came to angling.

"Then come and try."

The Sword Master instructed.

Li Hao immediately stepped forward, settling down on a dark brown rock not far from the Sword Master.

Sitting at the edge of the Sword Cliff, his gaze naturally fell upon the depths below, a chasm of over ten thousand zhang.

At the bottom, the spray of a cascading waterfall crashed into a deep pool, where massive dark shadows could be vaguely seen moving.

Li Hao's eyes lit up. He extended a hand, forming a line of energy. Then, employing the technique of hidden lines, he stealthily cast the line downwards.

The Sword Master's eyebrows twitched as he noticed Li Hao's technique, a subtle smile curving his lips. It seemed yesterday was not a fluke. This young man truly possessed a knack for it. Such a subtle hidden line technique, if applied to oneself, could be cultivated into a profound concealment technique.

Yet, he chose to dedicate this energy to angling. Without a doubt, it was a true passion.

"You haven't attached bait yet."

The Sword Master stated calmly.

Li Hao chuckled, "Without bait, there's still the willing bite. Those who desire, will take the hook."

"Hm?"

The Sword Master's eyes flickered at these words. His thoughts momentarily diverted from his own fishing rod, focusing on Li Hao's extremely subtle fishing line.

At this moment, Li Hao was also intently waiting.

Angling, though seemingly leisurely, was a process of mental and strategic combat. It required one to conceal themselves, observe the fish, and strategically position their bait – all a game of intellect.

Currently, Li Hao's fishing line was hidden at the edge of the Dragon Pool, in the most inconspicuous spot. At the end of the line was a curved hook, barely visible.

"Old Five, look, isn't that a hook?"

"It seems so, a fishing hook!"

Within the Dragon Pool, several enormous dragon demons were swimming about. They sensed the faint hook, but what puzzled them was that there was no line behind it, just a hook!

"Is it the Sword Master? Has he come to angle again?"

"The Sword Master wouldn't be that foolish. He previously transformed the hook into a small fish, tricking me."

"I think so too. Could it have fallen down? When did it appear? How come I didn't notice it?"

"Old Six, go pick it up and see."

The dragon demons murmured amongst themselves, whispering. One of them approached, its sharp claws reaching out to pick up the hook. It questioned, "It really is a hook… eigh…"

Before it could finish, the hook suddenly jerked upwards, piercing through its arm. Then, like a root, it extended further into the wound, penetrating its body and pulling it out of the deep pool!

"It hurts!"

The dragon demon cried out in agony, being yanked into the air.

Panic-stricken, it dared not struggle. Once pulled out of the pool, it saw the Sword Master and a strange young man seated on the Sword Cliff. But it wasn't the Sword Master who was pulling it; the other party's rod hadn't even moved, it was the young man!

For a moment, besides the pain, it felt a surge of anger and shock.

Being hooked by the Sword Master was one thing; after all, he was a Saint, and it wasn't shameful for a dragon to be caught by him.

But a young man? How dare he?!

Roar!

It roared, lunging towards Li Hao.

"Still struggling?" Li Hao chuckled, casually pulling the line horizontally, flinging the dragon demon away before reeling it back in front of him.

The dragon demon felt a tearing pain throughout its body, screaming incessantly. When Li Hao dragged it back before the Sword Cliff, it finally panicked. With the Sword Master present, it was impossible to harm the young man. Moreover, the young man's cultivation seemed extremely high, and it couldn't defeat him.

"Holy Son, spare me, Holy Son, spare me…"

The dragon demon hastily begged for mercy, mistaking Li Hao for a Holy Son of the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground.

Besides the Holy Sons, who else would have the honor to angle alongside the Sword Master?

Hearing its pleas, Li Hao found it amusing. Looking at the angling experience he had gained, he smiled and retracted his fingers. The energy hook that had extended into the dragon demon's body quickly retracted.

It was merely condensed energy, and its gathering and dispersal were controlled by his thoughts.

"Since you've sincerely begged for mercy, I'll reluctantly spare you."

Li Hao smiled, "Go."

The dragon demon's eyes were filled with gratitude and tears. "Thank you, Holy Son, thank you, Holy Son!"

Having said that, it vanished in a flash, diving back into the deep pool beneath the Sword Cliff.

"Old Six…"

The other dragon demons quickly gathered, examining him. "Are you alright? You just said Holy Son?"

"Yeah, a new Holy Son has arrived, damn it!"

"So insidious, deliberately revealing the hook for Old Six to pick up."

"Thankfully, the Sword Master is merciful. When he hooks us, he never kills us. And the bait is truly delicious. I've even managed to cultivate sword momentum from it."

The dragon demons whispered amongst themselves. They were imprisoned in this Dragon Pool by the Sword Master, but they were also content with their situation. After all, it was a tremendous opportunity to glean benefits under the feet of a Saint.

It was just that they often fell for tricks and were hooked by the Sword Master for entertainment, a bittersweet experience.

"Be careful, don't go picking up strange things anymore. We need to be more vigilant."

"The Sword Master is also angling above, but I haven't seen his bait. I don't know what form it's taken this time. We need to be cautious."

The dragon demons were on high alert.

Every day, they engaged in a battle of wits with the Sword Master, and they had become quite paranoid.

If it had transformed into something else, they might not have picked it up. But the fact that it was so openly a hook made them curious, and they ended up taking the bait.

On the Sword Cliff, the Sword Master saw that Li Hao had actually managed to hook a fish, and with such a simple trick, he couldn't help but be speechless.

Li Hao didn't stop. He reeled in his line and cast again.

This time, the line was still hidden, the hook partially concealed, but halfway along the line, a second line extended, stretching to another inconspicuous spot in the Dragon Pool.

"Look, the hook has fallen again."

"Humph, he's running out of tricks. We won't fall for the same tactic twice."

"Look, a foolish fish has gone over there, sniffing at it."

Several dragon demons swam nearby, keeping a close eye on the hook. The Dragon Pool was connected to a river and sea outside the Sacred Mountain, and fish demons would occasionally swim through, hoping to leap the Dragon's Gate.

The small fish demon looked unremarkable. It gently touched the hook, but the hook didn't react.

The dragon demons were surprised but quickly understood. The fish demon's touch was too subtle for the hook to sense, or perhaps it sensed that it was a small fish and didn't bother to reel it in.

"Go, pull it hard!"

Old Six, the dragon demon whose mouth had been twisted by the hook, barked at the small fish demon.

The small fish demon was timid but refused to go.

Old Six hadn't expected a small fish demon to dare defy him. Enraged, it sucked the fish demon into its mouth.

"Die…"

Before it could vent its anger, the fish demon in its mouth suddenly hardened and extended, piercing through its flesh.

"A hook?!"

Old Six's eyes widened.

Then, a powerful force pulled, and its body was once again lifted into the air, yanked up the ten thousand zhang to the Sword Cliff.

And the one pulling the line was still Li Hao.

"Holy Son, spare me, Holy Son, spare me…" The dragon demon Ao Jie begged frantically.

Li Hao was a little exasperated, "Why is it you again? Can't you be a little more careful?"

Ao Jie was close to tears. It was clearly Li Hao who was too insidious. Who would have thought that he could disguise himself as a small fish and make the dragon demon touch its own hook?

Li Hao withdrew the energy in his palm, "Don't take the bait anymore."

I wish I could… Ao Jie felt a surge of resentment in his heart. What was going on? He took the bait and was still being scolded!

Beside them, the Sword Master's hand holding the fishing rod trembled slightly.

The calmness in his eyes became slightly more solemn.

The first hook was a stroke of luck, a small trick. But the second hook's technique was more sophisticated, a chain of hooks.

The first hook targeted greed, the second targeted anger. He was angling for emotions, for the demon's heart!

At this moment, the Sword Master had to admit that Li Hao's angling skills were indeed impressive.

Li Hao glanced at the Sword Master and then cast his line again.

The Sword Master felt a little uneasy under his gaze. He had reached the pinnacle of sword dao, lonely as snow, but in angling, he was still a climber. Now, he was experiencing a long-lost feeling of sparring and competition.

The Sword Master didn't speak but became serious as well.

Not long after, Li Hao cast his line for a third time.

This time, he hooked Ao Jie again.

Li Hao was about to spit blood. Was this dragon demon a hundred percent guaranteed to take the bait?

Hooking the same prey would only decrease his angling experience, and he didn't want to hook this dragon demon again.

Can't you give the opportunity to take the bait to someone else?

Li Hao stared at Ao Jie, wondering if he should release it back into the Dragon Pool.

Ao Jie, sensing Li Hao's intentions, hastily begged, "Holy Son, spare me! I promise I won't move again. I'll just lie there, even if the sky falls, I won't move again!"

Li Hao thought for a moment and decided to release it again.

Time passed, and after a long while, during his fourth cast, Li Hao and the Sword Master simultaneously reeled in their lines.

Seeing the impressive angling experience, Li Hao immediately knew that he hadn't hooked Ao Jie again.

However, when the two dragon demons were pulled up, Li Hao still heard Ao Jie's voice, but it was on the Sword Master's hook.

"Sword Master, spare me…"

Ao Jie's face was full of misery. He had just sneezed, and how did he end up sucking the hook into his mouth?

Li Hao looked at Ao Jie, speechless. This dragon demon was truly lucky to be alive.

The Sword Master didn't say anything. He took Ao Jie off the hook and threw him back into the Dragon Pool, then cast his line again.

Li Hao did the same, not killing the dragon demon.

Soon after, the Sword Master started hooking fish continuously, even managing to hook two dragons at once on one occasion.

Before the Sword Cliff, the dragon demons' wails echoed from time to time. At the same time, the intense second round of battles at the ten arenas of the Sacred Mountain continued.

As the sun began to set, the Sword Master put away his fishing rod. In the end, he narrowly defeated Li Hao, hooking seven times compared to Li Hao's six.

"It's getting late. Come again tomorrow."

The Sword Master said to Li Hao, a rare smile on his face.

Today, this young man had actually made him feel a sense of urgency, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Yes."

Li Hao nodded.

In the following days, the second round of battles at the ten arenas continued, while Li Hao visited the Sword Cliff every day to angle with the Sword Master.

The dragon demons in the Dragon Pool had almost become old acquaintances to Li Hao.

One day, while Li Hao was angling, a young man approached from outside.

The Sword Master saw him and chuckled lightly, "You're here. Have a seat."

The young man stood tall and straight, but his clothes were simple. He wore a rusty, old sword at his waist and had a sword scar on his forehead, his aura restrained.

He glanced at Li Hao, a hint of surprise in his usually calm, indifferent eyes. He hadn't expected anyone else to be present besides himself.

Without saying anything, he walked to the edge of the Sword Cliff, took out a fishing rod from his spatial ring, attached bait, and cast his line, also beginning to angle.

"This is Wuhen, the Holy Son of No Trace. He is Qingfeng."

The Sword Master said casually to the two of them as he continued angling.

Li Hao and Qiu Wuhen exchanged a glance. Qiu Wuhen's eyes flickered, the name Qingfeng sounding familiar. Soon, he remembered who it was and nodded slightly to Li Hao as a greeting.

Li Hao returned the nod, and the three of them fell silent, each immersed in their own angling.

No one spoke, all lost in their own enjoyment.

As they reeled in their lines, Li Hao noticed that Wuhen's fishing line was imbued with sword intent.

This sword intent was curved and unrestrained, possessing a soft yet sharp quality.

But his softness was different from Lin Qingying's ultimate softness. They were two distinct sword arts.

Li Hao recalled a sword scripture from the ninth level of the Sword Pavilion, the Thousand-Thread Rain Sword Technique. Wuhen seemed to be cultivating this technique.

When cultivated to the peak, it could condense countless threads of sword intent, weaving like rain, capable of dividing space.

"Wuheng uses angling to comprehend the sword. You can try this method in the future as well."

The Sword Master said to Li Hao, "Everything in the heavens and earth can be used to comprehend one's own martial path."

He knew that Li Hao possessed exceptional talent and comprehension. This was a form of guidance in his cultivation.

"Yes." Li Hao nodded.

Hearing their conversation, Qiu Wuhen, who had been lowering his brows, felt a flicker of surprise in his heart. The Sword Master was actually giving advice to an alchemist?

Could it be that, besides alchemy, he also wanted to achieve something in martial arts?

But trying to grasp two things at once often leads to failure. Most prodigies find it difficult to reach the pinnacle in a single martial path, let alone trying to focus on other things as well.

He dismissed the thought, no longer pondering it. His gaze fell upon his fishing line.

…

After the second round of selection battles, the third round began, lasting nearly half a month.

All matches were one-on-one, with no defending of a position. As a result, the battles progressed much slower.

Li Hao continued to visit the Sword Cliff every day to angle, occasionally finding himself alone with Qiu Wuhen when the Sword Master was absent.

On the tenth day after obtaining the Great Dao Sword Scripture, Li Hao arrived at Yaochi Peak.

Seeing Li Hao ascend the mountain, Jiang Yingyue hurried over and brought him to Yaozu.

"Ten days have passed. How is your sword dao cultivation progressing? Demonstrate it for me." Yaozu sat on the sacred platform, her body radiating a hazy, holy light. She spoke to Li Hao softly.

Li Hao nodded, casually taking a sword from a nearby rack and began to perform the Great Dao Sword Scripture.

However, he restrained his sword intent, sword momentum, and sword dao aura, not unleashing the true state of the Great Dao Sword Scripture. Otherwise, the commotion would be too great and too shocking.

Despite this, his swordsmanship was free and easy, skilled and agile, still reaching the level of dexterity.

Yaozu's usually calm eyes widened in surprise. Such a difficult and obscure sword scripture, mastered to this level in just ten days, indicated exceptional sword dao talent!

Beside her, Jiang Yingyue was also stunned speechless when she saw Li Hao perform the Great Dao Sword Scripture with dexterity. But recalling his ninety-seven Dao Domains, she felt a sense of understanding.

It seemed that Li Hao's talent was even higher than she had imagined. Besides his cultivation, his innate talent in sword dao was not inferior to hers!

It was worth noting that Li Hao hadn't visited the mountain in ten days.

"Did you achieve this through self-cultivation, or did someone guide you?"

Yaozu asked after Li Hao finished his demonstration.

Li Hao noticed the surprise in Jiang Yingyue's eyes and wondered if he had been too ostentatious.

He immediately put on an honest face and said, "Qingying gave me a few pointers."

Yaozu understood, saying, "Even with guidance, it's still extremely rare for you to make such progress. Your sword dao talent is entirely suitable for the Inner Sect. Would you be willing to take me as your master?"

"This is a significant matter. I'd like to consider it further."

Li Hao delivered the prepared excuse.

Yaozu's eyes flickered, sensing the evasion in Li Hao's words. She was slightly surprised. It was rare for her to take on a disciple, and given the environment of Yaochi Peak, countless male disciples dreamt of joining her sect.

However, Li Hao's refusal made her think of his gaze when he painted her – clear and pure, devoid of any lustful desires.

A slight smile curved her lips. She admired Li Hao even more, saying,

"It's alright. You can give me your answer whenever you're ready. I can wait for you!"

The last few words seemed to carry a slightly heavier tone, making Li Hao understand her sincerity.

Li Hao felt a pang of guilt. He had originally used her token to visit the Sword Pavilion to collect techniques and hadn't intended to become her disciple at all.

"Okay."

Li Hao nodded. He would have to find another way to repay her kindness in the future.

Jiang Yingyue was astonished to hear that Li Hao had refused her master's offer. But then she recalled his talent and ninety-seven Dao Domains, realizing that he might have a powerful background. Perhaps he already had a master?

She suddenly understood and felt that Qingfeng's identity as an alchemist seemed rather suspicious.

However, since the Sword Master hadn't questioned it, it wasn't her place to pry.

…

After bidding farewell to Yaochi Peak, Li Hao continued his daily angling at the Sword Cliff.

Half a month passed quickly. After a total of twenty days of selection, the Top Hundred list was finally released, causing a stir throughout the Sacred Ground.

To be among the top hundred out of so many prodigies was a testament to one's exceptional abilities. If they were placed in a first-rate faction outside, they would be treated as core disciples.

Each person on the list quickly became well-known, their fame spreading.

With the release of the Top Hundred Battle list, the battle platforms on the peak of the Sacred Mountain were also erected.

In the upcoming battles, the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters would also participate, with random pairings. It was possible for two extremely powerful Holy Sons to clash on the very first day!

Defeated participants could challenge again, with a points system determining the top sixteen.

As the Top Hundred Battle kicked off, Lin Qingying, who had been comprehending the sword in the courtyard for many days, finally rose and headed towards the Sacred Mountain.

This time, Li Hao accompanied Lin Shanhai and the other alchemists, still with a floating platform seat.

The spectator area below was filled with a million Outer Sect disciples, along with the defeated Inner Sect disciples who had come to watch. This was a rare opportunity to witness the gap between themselves and the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters.

"Look, that's Sword Saint, Sword Saint has arrived!"

On the peak of the Sacred Mountain, three battle platforms stood tall, surrounded by protective formations.

As everyone arrived, a middle-aged man in pure white robes, his hands clasped behind his back, slowly descended into the air above the battle platforms.

His figure was majestic, and the void around him seemed to crack slightly, with countless faint sword energy flickering.

Even his soft sleeves gave off a sharp, cutting sensation, making it impossible to look directly at them.

Li Hao narrowed his eyes slightly. This was the strongest individual in the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground, Sword Saint!

Without any other prefix, just two simple words, yet it conveyed a sense of uniqueness and supremacy!

Besides Sword Saint's arrival, three more Demi-Saints appeared among Yaozu and the others, each taking up a position in the air. They didn't conceal their aura, and the surrounding space was filled with various phenomena influenced by their Saintly intent.

Behind Shanzu, a towering, heaven-piercing mountain-like phantom appeared.

Behind Yaozu, a hazy, illusory Yaochi Sacred Platform materialized.

Behind the other Demi-Saints, some emanated thunderous light, while others condensed crimson flames, dyeing the void red.

The oppressive aura emanating from them caused the top hundred prodigies present to hold their breath, and even the Holy Sons and Holy Daughters, who had previously been indifferent and casual, now looked exceptionally solemn.

(End of Chapter)