337-338

Chapter 337: A Single Sword Defeats Crimson Light (Monthly Ticket Request at the Beginning of the Month)

"If these two were to clash, it would be quite revealing."

The Radiant Moon Saint Son's eyes were cold, indifferent to the others, not even glancing at them. Only the single sword strike from Li Hao lingered in his mind, a thorn in his side.

If not for his Master's calming words afterward, he might have suffered a crack in his Dao heart.

Besides these Saint Sons, many elders from powerful factions were also present to watch the battle.

They were unable to attend the selection battles of the sacred grounds, so this clash of independent cultivators from dozens of dynasties had become a grand event in the Canglan Realm.

Emperor Canghai himself had also come to observe the battle, seated in a rather understated cloud chariot.

"I heard from Gui Qingshuang that Qingfeng has joined the Flower Touring Assembly. Qingshuang played a part in it, and for this child to become a butterfly of the Flower Touring Assembly is quite promising."

Emperor Canghai chuckled lightly to the elegant and beautiful woman beside him, his aged hand gently caressing her jade-like hand.

This beauty was a favored concubine among many, and her daughter was Gui Qingshuang, enjoying the benefits of her daughter's status.

"Qingshuang is also working for Your Majesty. Just yesterday, she was thinking of you, saying that the March camellias have bloomed and she wanted to send some to you."

The elegant concubine spoke with a gentle smile.

Emperor Canghai nodded slightly. "It's been a while since I've seen the child. Have her come see me when she has time."

The elegant concubine smiled faintly, then turned her gaze to the battle stage, asking, "If the Crimson Light Attendant and the Qingfeng Attendant were to fight, it would surely be a fierce dragon and tiger struggle. I hope they don't develop any grudges because of it."

Emperor Canghai gazed at the battle stage, a hint of worry in his eyes.

As the crowd grew larger, the Top Ten Battle officially began.

After announcing the rules, the pairings were randomized. Under the watchful eyes of ten Half-Saints, one from each of the ten divine dynasties, the competition of these talented individuals commenced.

The scene was grand and imposing. Li Hao, seated in the waiting area, remained calm and composed, feeling a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling crowd.

For him, this battle was merely a formality. The ranking didn't matter. What truly mattered were the upcoming clashes with the Three Great Sacred Grounds, where the coveted spots representing the Canglan Realm in the inter-realm competition were at stake. This was the crucial battle, and the current fights were merely a warm-up.

Soon, the results of Li Hao's opponent were revealed.

Li Hao looked and was slightly surprised. It was the cloud-robed woman he had met at the Imperial Palace earlier, whose name was Su Yun.

Su Yun also noticed her first opponent was Li Hao. Her expression flickered. She still remembered Li Hao receiving the incense offerings of ten cities in the Imperial Palace. Afterward, she had observed him and learned about his Dao-level swordsmanship, realizing that she was no match for him.

As the other battles concluded, Li Hao and Su Yun were the third pair to fight.

On the battle stage, Su Yun stared at Li Hao as he approached, saying, "I've heard that your swordsmanship has reached the Dao level. I would like to experience it for myself."

"Certainly." Li Hao nodded.

Su Yun's eyes turned serious. As the formation solidified, she instantly unleashed her Four Extremities Realm power, then suddenly swung a cloud sleeve.

The cloud sleeve, like a whip, was a powerful artifact. Cloud shadows danced within the sleeve, a manifestation of a certain divine ability.

Li Hao felt as if the entire battle stage had transformed into a sea of mist, but this mist carried a corrosive power, as if it were trying to erode his body.

However, his physique had been cultivated to the pinnacle, the absolute limit. The mist was blocked at the surface of his skin, unable to cause any harm.

Seeing her divine ability fail, Su Yun's pupils constricted slightly. She could sense that her divine ability, when applied to Li Hao's flesh, was like striking a divine adamantine stone, unable to cause the slightest tremor.

"How is this possible?"

Su Yun was momentarily stunned. The failure of her divine ability was unprecedented, especially with her own signature technique.

Li Hao didn't hesitate. He reached out, gathered a wisp of the cloud mist, and concentrated his soul power into it, transforming it into a cloud mist sword qi, which he casually slashed out.

The supremely gentle sword Dao, with the cloud mist as its path, traversed Su Yun's Dao domain in an instant, brushing past the strands of hair near her ear, severing dozens of them, which gently fell onto her shoulders.

Su Yun froze. Though her Dao domain wasn't fully expanded, it failed to provide any resistance. This Dao-level sword qi had transcended the domain's laws.

Unless her Dao domain was vast and numerous, it wouldn't be able to withstand it.

Su Yun's expression shifted, a hint of struggle in her eyes, but ultimately, she gave in, whispering, "I concede."

She had anticipated her defeat, but not this easily.

Li Hao bowed slightly and then turned to leave the stage, as if he had simply strolled around for a bit.

The cheers from the crowd had just begun to rise when the battle ended, leaving many stunned and shocked. Su Yun's previous battles had been fierce, and her cloud mist divine ability had left her opponents feeling as if they were about to ascend to heaven, finding it incredibly difficult to deal with. Yet, against Li Hao, it seemed as if the ability hadn't even taken effect before he defeated her.

"Qingfeng's sword is incredibly powerful!"

"I noticed him during the Ten Thousand Man Battle. All his fights seem to be resolved with a single sword qi."

"Such terrifying swordsmanship. Could he be from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground?"

"Impossible. While those from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground all use swords, not everyone who uses a sword is from there. I also use a sword. Does that mean I'm from there too?"

"Cut it out. Your swordsmanship isn't even worth a glance to him."

"Your mother…"

The crowd buzzed with discussion. However, a select few, like Li Qingyi, had serious expressions.

Though Li Hao had again used only his sword Dao to resolve the battle, he hadn't unleashed his true killing moves, clearly holding back significantly. Furthermore, they noticed something else: the cloud mist divine ability seemed to have a significant impact on the physical body, but Li Hao had resisted it, indicating that his physique was also incredibly strong.

"A physique at the Limit of Harmony Realm, all in the state of divine power. But he doesn't seem to have entered the state of divine power. Could it be that the divine ability hasn't taken effect yet?"

Someone questioned, then thought it could only be so.

Other martial artists might have differences in physique, but the physiques of talented individuals were generally similar, all at the Limit of Harmony Realm.

While there were differences within the Limit of Harmony Realm, they weren't significant. Moreover, talented individuals had too many things to cultivate. Aside from their realm, techniques, divine abilities, and other aspects of the Limit of Harmony Realm were worth exploring.

"Too weak."

The Radiant Moon Saint Son's eyes were cold. Though the cloud-robed woman possessed the combat strength of a Saintess, she was far inferior to Li Hao. Even he could easily defeat her.

Among the crowd, Lin Qingying saw the sword Dao Li Hao used, the same supremely gentle sword Dao as before, and a glimmer of light appeared in her eyes, along with a sense of understanding.

Li Hao had previously guided her in swordsmanship, but comprehending it was a different matter. Unless she had a sudden epiphany, it wouldn't be something that could be grasped overnight. Otherwise, if Saints could teach disciples so effectively, they would be able to graduate in a single day.

After the battle with Su Yun ended, Li Hao successfully advanced. He then waited for his next opponent.

Su Yun, meanwhile, entered the loser's bracket and continued to fight, eventually securing a victory after a fierce struggle.

While watching the battles, Li Hao was also subtly absorbing the techniques of these talented individuals. At the same time, he took out his drawing board and began to grind ink and paint.

His actions caught the attention of some, who were shocked. During such an intense and exciting battle, he still had the leisure to paint?

Was he deliberately showing off, or was he simply overly confident?

But when countless strands of divine sense converged and saw Li Hao's artwork, they were speechless. The figures in the painting were vibrant and lifelike, as if they were performing techniques right before their eyes, imbued with a sharp offensive power, far from a mere act of showmanship.

"This Young Master Qingfeng has exceptional painting skills!"

"Is this what an unparalleled talented individual is like? Besides martial arts, their other skills are also beyond the reach of ordinary people."

"With his painting skills alone, he could become the chief painter of a divine dynasty."

Many whispered among themselves, but Li Hao remained unaffected by the discussions, his mind at ease as he casually painted.

As painting experience prompts popped up one after another, the experience bar gradually progressed…

Not long after, it was time for Li Hao to take the stage again. He temporarily placed his brush on the inkstone and stood up, instantly teleporting onto the battle stage.

This time, his opponent was a young man from the winner's bracket. He had noticed Li Hao painting from the sidelines. His expression was serious. Among the Top Ten opponents, aside from Crimson Light, Li Hao was also a figure to be wary of, giving off a sense of hidden depths.

His displayed sword Dao alone was already incredibly terrifying. No one knew what other methods this Qingfeng possessed.

"You seem confident in your victory."

The young man stared at Li Hao and said.

Li Hao was startled, then shook his head. "Winning or losing here is just a formality, it doesn't matter."

The young man's eyes narrowed, instantly understanding Li Hao's meaning. His focus was on the Canglan Realm's spot in the inter-realm competition, not the current battle.

However, wasn't that also the case for him?

As talented individuals, who didn't possess a degree of arrogance?

"I'm quite eager to see your clash with Crimson Light, to see what trump cards you both have."

The young man's eyes narrowed. "Facing me, you might have to reveal a few things ahead of schedule."

As he spoke, the formation solidified. He suddenly erupted, summoning a natural phenomenon as his Dharma image, and the blade in his hand ignited with dark, raging flames, slashing towards Li Hao.

His Dharma image also condensed a blade, following his attack and cleaving down. Space seemed to crack slightly. The intent within this strike was incredibly powerful, as if it were meant to split the earth.

Li Hao felt the vast power and momentum. His natural phenomenon pathways subtly activated, appearing behind him, instantly drawing in immense natural power, which he then transformed into a sword qi in his hand, casually slashing out.

The supremely gentle breaking the supremely rigid. The sword qi, like a soft thread, quickly adhered to the opponent's blade, penetrating into the Dharma image.

With a loud bang, the Dharma image shattered, and the sword qi grazed the opponent's neck, leaving a bloody mark.

Li Hao retracted his hand, and the spiderweb-like natural phenomenon pathways behind him retracted and hid.

The young man standing within the Dharma image was stunned, then his face turned pale and unsightly.

He had wanted to force Li Hao to reveal some of his true abilities, but this sword Dao was far more terrifying than he had imagined. Li Hao had indeed displayed the natural phenomenon pathways he hadn't shown in previous battles, but he had only subtly activated them, drawing in a small amount of power. It wasn't a trump card at all.

When the young man conceded, Li Hao bowed slightly and turned to leave the stage.

Upon returning to his seat, he saw that the brush tip on his inkstone was suspended, about to fall. He quickly picked it up, swirled it in the inkstone, adjusting the brush tip before resuming his painting.

The smooth and seamless transition left many who had been following Li Hao speechless.

Compared to the battle, he seemed to care more about his painting.

"Another battle ended with a single sword strike. Who can force him to use a second sword?"

"Too strong. I think only Crimson Light can suppress him."

"It's unbelievable that such prodigies can emerge from among us independent cultivators, and there are two of them. Crimson Light isn't bad either."

"It seems like he hasn't even warmed up yet. That's a bit exaggerated."

The crowd discussed excitedly.

Lin Qingying, seeing Li Hao's focused expression, recalled the sight of him carving and painting in the small courtyard every day. A smile appeared on her stunningly beautiful and cold face, like a flower blooming on a snowy mountain, a breathtaking sight.

She knew that Li Hao wasn't putting on a facade of ease, but genuinely enjoyed these activities.

Others couldn't understand, but she had seen enough to know Li Hao's nature.

"His behavior is very similar to an old friend of mine."

Nearby, Bian Ruxue said softly.

As Saintesses of the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground, they had come to watch the battle and were standing relatively close.

Lin Qingying was slightly surprised and turned to look at her, saying, "What?"

Bian Ruxue's eyes reflected a distant memory, whispering, "When I was a child, there was a talented individual who spent his days painting and playing Go, showing no interest in martial arts. But his martial arts aptitude was incredibly terrifying, not inferior to the Saint Sons within the Sacred Ground. Unfortunately, he was too playful."

Lin Qingying was slightly stunned. She knew that Bian Ruxue was from the mortal realm. Was there such a prodigy in the mortal realm?

"That's not exactly being playful."

Lin Qingying said, "He's just doing what he enjoys. Isn't that what we strive for in cultivation, to be free and unrestrained? He's already achieved that freedom."

As she spoke, she looked at Li Hao, a hint of envy in her eyes.

Bian Ruxue looked at her and said, "Isn't the pursuit of your cultivation the attainment of Sainthood through the sword Dao?"

"Yes, and no." Lin Qingying's gaze fell upon the figure painting, and she said thoughtfully, "If I had someone to accompany me, the sword Dao wouldn't be something I absolutely had to cultivate. After all, the ultimate goal of our cultivation and attainment of Sainthood is freedom and unrestrained joy."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Bian Ruxue's eyes. She withdrew her gaze and said indifferently, "I'm different from you. I want to see the highest peak, even if it means death without regret!"

Lin Qingying glanced at her, sensing her indifference, as if she looked down on her words. She didn't mind, smiled faintly, and said:

"Perhaps the most beautiful scenery is at the foot of the mountain. Standing high only allows you to see farther, but the true beauty may not be at the summit."

"How would you know if you haven't seen it? With your mentality, if not for his guidance, your sword Dao would not achieve much."

Bian Ruxue said, no longer wanting to continue the conversation.

Lin Qingying smiled slightly, saying, "But it's because of my mentality that I received his guidance. It's my good fortune. My Master said that luck is also a part of strength. Talented individuals all possess Heavenly Dao luck, so it seems my luck is quite good."

Bian Ruxue frowned. She had also heard her Master, the Sword Saint, say this, and there was no refuting it.

"You said that your old friend from the mortal realm was like that. What happened to him later? Could he be Qingfeng?"

Lin Qingying's eyes twinkled, intrigued.

She found it hard to imagine that there could be a second person like Qingfeng in the world.

Bian Ruxue's thoughts drifted, but she quickly pulled herself back, shaking her head. "My Master brought me here, and I no longer know much about the mortal realm. He cannot be Qingfeng. Their auras are completely different, and that's something that cannot be hidden or changed."

Hearing this, Lin Qingying didn't think about it any further. She glanced at Li Hao and whispered:

"Don't you envy him?"

Envy? Bian Ruxue looked at her in surprise. When she saw the hint of tenderness in her eyes, she seemed to understand something. Her eyes became even colder, saying:

"Your sword Dao won't go far."

After saying that, she didn't intend to communicate further.

Lin Qingying perceived her thoughts and smiled faintly, not getting angry or responding. She knew that their personalities were different, and they weren't on the same path.

As the fierce battles continued on the stage, except for Li Hao and Crimson Light, others also displayed extraordinary strength. The Top Ten Battle gradually neared its end. Many people eagerly awaited the clash between Li Hao and Crimson Light, but it didn't happen prematurely. It wasn't until both of them advanced to the final round that they finally met.

"I thought we'd get to see the good show earlier, but it seems they only meet in the final battle."

"This feels like a fated duel!"

"Is it divine abilities or swordsmanship that's stronger? The clash between Dao-level divine abilities and swordsmanship has been debated for ages. This battle should provide an answer."

Many in the audience's eyes lit up with anticipation. The final battle was finally here.

Li Hao had finished painting portraits of all nine talented individuals. Now that the final battle had arrived, he put away his drawing board and ink.

This action, in the eyes of many, indicated that Li Hao was finally getting serious.

Crimson Light was the first to step onto the battle stage. Seeing Li Hao put away his drawing board, a smile appeared on his lips. In previous battles, Li Hao seemed to still be thinking about his painting, but now that he was facing Crimson Light, he was finally taking things seriously.

However, it remained to be seen whether he could force him to reveal a few of his techniques… Crimson Light's eyes flickered. He glanced at the audience, pausing for a moment on a few figures in saffron robes before withdrawing his gaze.

At this moment, Li Hao also stepped onto the battle stage.

Having painted everyone, Li Hao had already realized that Crimson Light was, aside from himself, at a completely different level among the Top Ten.

The painting experience of the others was at most around 22,000, while Crimson Light was at 35,000. The gap was too large.

Keep in mind that the difference between a Half-Saint and Crimson Light was only about 10,000 experience.

And a 10,000 experience difference in painting manifested in battle as complete dominance!

This also showed how large the gap between the initial 370,000 experience provided by the Sword Master and a Half-Saint was!

"As I expected, this final battle is between us."

As the formation solidified, Crimson Light didn't rush to attack, speaking calmly.

Li Hao nodded. "I yield."

Seeing that Li Hao wasn't interested in exchanging pleasantries, Crimson Light raised an eyebrow. He had initially felt a sense of kinship towards a prodigy like Li Hao, but the other party didn't seem to reciprocate.

Though he had previously looked down on Li Hao for focusing on other things, after observing him through a series of battles, he felt that aside from a few individuals from the Sacred Grounds, only Li Hao could barely keep pace with him.

His true opponents were destined to be among the countless other worlds that would compete to represent the Canglan Realm.

"You haven't used a sword in any of your previous battles. Are you still not planning to use one this time?"

Crimson Light stared at Li Hao and asked.

Li Hao listened to his reminder and nodded, taking out the pitch-black Gongming sword from the space between heaven and earth.

This sword was entirely black and devoid of light, as if it could devour everything.

Crimson Light smiled faintly, then flames erupted from his entire body. "Let's see if your sword can cut through my flames!"

As he spoke, he suddenly attacked, revealing his Limit of Harmony Realm power. His natural phenomenon pathways gathered power, pushing his momentum to its peak, and then he waved his hand, unleashing his fire-based divine ability.

"Here it comes!"

In the audience, many talented individuals who had previously fallen to Crimson Light had serious expressions.

This fire-based divine ability was incredibly terrifying. It was bound to hit, impossible to dodge, and could only be endured.

It remained to be seen whether Li Hao's sword Dao would be affected under the scorching flames of this divine ability.

At the same time, the moment Crimson Light attacked, Li Hao felt a surge of anger in his heart, like flames burning within him. His emotions were ignited, and even his blood felt like it was boiling and becoming violent.

But soon, a cold glint flashed in his eyes, and a sword intent suddenly arose from his heart.

Cut!

My unique sword Dao, cut through the fire within my heart!

The scorching anger subsided in an instant, and Li Hao's mind returned to the tranquility he had felt when he first stepped onto the stage.

He raised his hand and swung his sword.

On the dark Gongming sword, brilliant sun and moon sword light suddenly appeared, like a dazzling sun, radiant and intense, illuminating the entire battle stage.

With a single sword strike, the sun seemed to explode, transforming into surging heat waves that pressed down on Crimson Light!

"My sword Dao…"

The Radiant Moon Saint Son was stunned, then his pupils constricted, and his eyes widened in shock.

His own sword intent had been used by the other party, and not just sword intent, but sword Dao!

The vast and surging sun and moon were even more terrifying and exquisite than what he had unleashed!

His sword Dao, which he had painstakingly cultivated for years, had been observed and understood by the other party, and surpassed!

The Radiant Moon Saint Son's face was a mixture of shock, change, and pale fear. His previously stable Dao heart was cracking inch by inch, feeling like his understanding of the world was collapsing.

Crimson Light saw the flames in Li Hao's eyes disappear and was momentarily stunned. His pupils constricted in surprise. His fire-based divine ability had actually been extinguished?

He couldn't see what method Li Hao had used, but the imposing sword light before him was pressing down.

The sword qi contained the might of heaven and earth. Within the sun and moon, countless images intertwined, using the sun and moon to illuminate the heavens and earth, and using the heavens and earth to suppress all things.

His entire body felt as if ten thousand mountains were piled upon him, so heavy that his knees felt a sharp, tearing pain. Yet, a blazing light erupted from his eyes, like flames. Was this the opponent's strongest sword technique?

Bang bang bang!

The sun and moon sword Dao pressed down like stars, causing the entire battle stage to cave in and crack. Crimson Light stood amidst it, surrounded by flames, his eyes radiating a brilliant light, a smile on his lips.

Bang!

The explosive sword force of the sun sent his body flying backward, crashing into the formation.

The formation trembled, and Crimson Light fell to the ground, his entire body covered in cracks. This single sword strike had severely injured him.

He got up from the ground, his blood surging, but he was trying to suppress it, not using his true power.

A fiery domain formed around his body, forty Dao domains layered upon each other, barely managing to counteract Li Hao's sword strike.

Despite this, his entire body was scorched and cracked by the sun and moon.

Outside the arena, the crowd was shocked. They hadn't expected that Li Hao's sword would unleash such unprecedented power against the powerful Crimson Light.

Li Hao had used the sun and moon sword Dao before, but clearly not at full power, winning easily.

Now, they were truly witnessing the terror of this sword Dao.

The sun and moon carried the suppression of heaven and earth, as if they were going to flatten the entire Sacrificial Dao Mountain.

"Is this Qingfeng's sword? What a terrifying sword Dao!"

Countless people were shocked and discussed excitedly, amazed by the hidden power of the opponent.

Among the crowd, many Saint Sons and Saintesses from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground were stunned.

They all recognized that this wasn't Qingfeng's own sword Dao, but the Radiant Moon Saint Son's!

And the Radiant Moon Saint Son only had sword intent, while Li Hao, at this moment, was wielding the sun and moon sword Dao!

The momentum was even more terrifying and perfect. This was the true Sun and Moon Divine Sword!

The Radiant Moon Saint Son's face was pale, and the young man wasn't using his own sword, but his. This seemed to imply another terrifying thing.

That is, Li Hao's own sword Dao was even more terrifying!

After all, one's own painstakingly cultivated sword Dao was incomparable to another's. Li Hao had only briefly clashed with him, and even if he had been secretly observing and paying attention to him since arriving at the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground, it had only been a little over a year. In such a short time, he had cultivated the sun and moon sword Dao. This level of comprehension was already astonishing.

If he were to use his own sword Dao, it would be even more terrifying.

The Radiant Moon Saint Son suddenly remembered that the sword Dao Li Hao had used to defeat him earlier seemed very similar to Lin Qingying's, it was her sword!

Upon realizing this, his expression became even more unsightly.

What kind of sword Dao did Li Hao possess?

Could it be that, like his Master, the Sword Saint, he used all living beings as his sword, with all sword Daos becoming his own?

Thinking about this, he felt a sharp pang in his heart. He used the sun and moon as his sword Dao, wanting to illuminate the heavens, and he was also following the same path as his Master. When illuminating the heavens, he would naturally also illuminate all living beings. If his sword Dao were to be perfected, it wouldn't be inferior to his Master's!

But now, Li Hao was displaying his sword Dao here.

If Li Hao's cultivation reached the Saint Realm, with sufficient power, this sword Dao would unleash even more terrifying power, truly illuminating the heavens and earth, with all things becoming his sword!

Crimson Light's body swayed precariously, and the wounds on his body were slow to heal. The sun and moon sword intent that had penetrated into his pores was still tearing at his flesh.

He stared at Li Hao, but excitement and a smile appeared in his eyes.

Li Hao stood calmly with his sword, looking at the other party. He could sense that the other party still had other abilities that he hadn't used.

"Is this your strongest sword Dao? I've experienced it, and it's indeed very strong!"

Crimson Light's voice came, but it was directly transmitted to Li Hao's ears.

Li Hao looked at the other party and saw that although he looked miserable, his eyes were filled with a smile.

"Unfortunately, I need to save my trump card for the Buddhist twins, and I can't use it prematurely. I want to represent the Canglan Realm in the inter-realm competition with the first position. I'll give you the first position among the independent cultivators. Next time we meet, I'll take it back!"

Crimson Light said, a satisfied look in his eyes. Li Hao's sword had made his blood boil, and this Supreme Talented Individual Battle had made him even more eager. Just among the independent cultivators, he had encountered such a figure. In the upcoming inter-realm competition, who knew what kind of sparks would fly?

Li Hao was startled, slightly surprised. Was the other party planning to give up?

But he didn't mind. If one sword wasn't enough, he would use another. If that wasn't enough, he could use his own sword Dao to quickly resolve the situation.

"If you weren't just playing around, if your sword Dao were a little stronger, you might have truly posed a threat to me."

Crimson Light transmitted his voice to Li Hao, with a hint of regret in his words.

Li Hao smiled and put away the dark Gongming sword, saying, "Then let's have another duel next time."

"You'll have to work harder next time."

Crimson Light smiled. Having witnessed Li Hao's strongest sword technique, he now had a clear understanding of Li Hao's strength.

Then, Crimson Light turned around and conceded to the referee, no longer continuing the battle.

Hearing Crimson Light's surrender, the crowd was shocked, but also relieved.

Li Hao's previous sword strike had been too powerful. Even those outside the formation felt a sense of being suppressed by the sword force, unable to move.

"Crimson Light's fire-based divine ability was actually resisted by Qingfeng!"

"What kind of technique is that, capable of blocking such a divine ability?"

"It seems that Qingfeng is even more terrifying than we imagined. Representing our Canglan Realm in the inter-realm competition should be no problem, right?"

"I thought Crimson Light would win, but Qingfeng is even more unfathomable. His sword Dao is too terrifying."

Countless voices of discussion arose from the audience.

The Radiant Moon Saint Son heard this and his face turned a mixture of green and white. He felt a mixture of disdain and anger. He was disdainful of the crowd's ignorance, as they didn't understand that Li Hao still had techniques he hadn't used. He was angry because the other party had displayed such a terrifying sun and moon sword Dao. If he were to make a move later, wouldn't people laugh at him?

He suppressed his anger, his face ashen, and turned to leave. He felt a sense of madness, an unprecedented desire to perfect his own sword intent before the next battle.

But rushing through cultivation was useless and could easily lead to going astray and falling into madness. In his heart, there was more frustration than anything else.

"Crimson Light actually lost."

In the cloud chariot, the elegant concubine was stunned, slightly surprised that this Attendant, who had received the incense offerings of twelve cities and was about to marry a princess, had lost to Qingfeng.

They had underestimated Qingfeng's strength.

Emperor Canghai's eyes flickered. As a Half-Saint, he saw things more clearly, realizing that Crimson Light hadn't unleashed his true trump card. He probably intended to save it for later battles. After all, the current independent cultivator competition was insignificant compared to the Canglan Realm's spot in the inter-realm competition.

"That Crimson Light kid must have taken the Buddhist twins as his target. Those twins are indeed quite terrifying. Not only are they at the Six Extremities Realm, but their Buddhist Heart and Demon Phase are simply frightening. They should be among the top in the myriad realms…"

Emperor Canghai's eyes flickered. Regardless, after this battle, the incense offerings for this Qingfeng Attendant would have to be increased.

"That's not his sword Dao!"

Lin Qingying's eyes were filled with excitement. If Li Hao's displayed sun and moon divine sword was this terrifying, his own sword Dao must be even stronger.

Bian Ruxue's expression was also incredibly serious. No wonder he had the leisure to paint. His strength was a bit terrifying, far surpassing her.

"How could he be wielding the Radiant Moon Saint Son's sword? Could it be that he's also cultivating the same sword Dao as the Sword Saint, with his own sword Dao capable of incorporating other sword Daos?"

Other Saint Sons and Saintesses were all suspicious, having a clearer understanding of Li Hao's strength. This time in the Canglan Realm's inter-realm competition, Qingfeng was likely a hidden dark horse, with a good chance of challenging for the top ten in the Supreme Talented Individual Battle!

Keep in mind that those who made it into the top ten were all monstrously talented individuals. With Saints now reincarnating and cultivating, the intensity of this Supreme Talented Individual Battle was unprecedented.

"His sword is indeed frightening…"

Li Qingyi and the others had serious expressions, all realizing how terrifying Li Hao's strength was.

"It seems that aside from Senior Brother Shuhai, no one will be his match."

The young man with the folding fan had a serious expression and whispered.

Li Qingyi nodded slightly, taking a deep breath. It seemed that his previous defeat wasn't unwarranted.

At this moment, with Crimson Light's surrender, the Top Ten Battle came to an end.

The Half-Saints from the ten divine dynasties came forward to reward the ten participants and declared the grand event over.

The next battle would be in three months, a competition against the Three Great Sacred Grounds. At that time, the Boundary Stone would shine, and the entire Canglan Realm would be able to witness the battle.

Su Yun looked at Li Hao, knowing that he had shown mercy in their previous battle. The gap between them was simply too large.

Her eyes flickered. With three months remaining, she needed to go into seclusion and cultivate.

"The Canglan Realm's inter-realm competition is in three months. We need to go into seclusion as well."

"I never thought that there would be such prodigies among the independent cultivators, and there are two of them. Crimson Light isn't bad either."

The many Saint Sons and Saintesses of the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground had serious expressions. They didn't linger any longer and returned to their Sacred Ground to go into seclusion.

The few figures in saffron robes among the crowd chanted a Buddhist sutra, their expressions calm as they turned to leave.

Li Qingyi, the young man with the folding fan, and the others also felt immense pressure. Aside from Li Hao and Crimson Light, there were other powerful enemies among the remaining participants. They all needed to prepare seriously.

Though three months of cultivation might not lead to significant progress, they had gained a lot of insights from watching so many battles and the Sacred Ground competition. If they could digest and absorb all of it, they would see considerable improvement in a short period.

"I should go back into seclusion as well."

Lin Qingying glanced at Li Hao, didn't greet him, and turned to leave gracefully.

When she emerged from seclusion next time, if she could achieve Dao-level swordsmanship, she might have a chance to compete. Otherwise, she would inevitably be just a supporting character.

As the battle ended, many figures in the crowd left. Crimson Light glanced at Li Hao. At this moment, his wounds were slowly healing. He transmitted his voice to him:

"There are three months left. Do your best. With your current sword Dao, though it's very strong, it's still lacking."

Li Hao was speechless. This guy talked too much. He suddenly felt that he should have used his unique sword Dao to split him in two earlier, to make him quiet.

Crimson Light finished transmitting his voice and left the battle stage. Though he hadn't used his full power in this battle, he was still a little unhappy. He hadn't expected his fire-based divine ability to be suppressed by Li Hao's sword Dao. If he could have easily won with just his fire-based divine ability, it would have been truly perfect.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 338: The Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground, Eighth Pinnacle Realm (Monthly Ticket Request at the Beginning of the Month)

The grand battle concluded, and Li Hao didn't idle away. He quickly contacted Chandana through the Flower Play Order to discuss his artwork.

"Aren't you going into seclusion?"

Chandana was a little surprised. She hadn't expected Li Hao to be so eager, seeking her out for art discussions right after a major battle. It felt as if the Supreme Prodigy Battle had interrupted Li Hao's painting, making her wonder which was the primary and which the secondary pursuit.

'Seeking you out is my seclusion...' Li Hao thought.

If he could achieve the tenth stage of the Painting Dao, Li Hao could ascend to Sainthood through the Dao of Sacrifice. This was his most pressing goal at the moment.

Besides the Painting Dao, his Culinary Dao was also at the ninth stage, and both held the potential to reach the tenth.

The tenth stage required comprehending a profound state of mind, but before that, he needed to fill his experience bar as quickly as possible.

"Qingfeng is truly carefree. It seems he doesn't hold the fame and glory of the Supreme Prodigy Battle in his heart at all."

Yezu sighed.

"Qingjiu, I'm talking to you. Learn from Qingfeng. Hmm, your names all have the character 'Qing' in them?"

Qingzu suddenly noticed a blind spot.

A wisp of a figure stirred, revealing Qingjiu. He had also heard from Chandana that Li Hao had won first place in the Scattered Cultivator Battle, but this was akin to a preliminary selection for a smaller world. The subsequent battle for the coveted spots was the true test of prodigy prowess.

"I lack his carefree spirit."

Qingjiu said with a wry smile.

He had been in seclusion recently, and after receiving some news, he felt a slight pressure from a few exceptional prodigies.

Though he claimed not to care, he had only been cultivating for less than a hundred years, and the fire within his heart had not yet extinguished.

"This Qingjiu lad, he claims to be unparalleled in the Dao of Chess, yet he comes to our Flower Play Gathering and hasn't accompanied this old man for a single game. He's been secretly secluded the whole time."

Yezu shook his head, having long seen through the fire burning in Qingjiu's heart. However, he didn't blame or scorn him. After all, at their age, they had been even more frantic than Qingjiu. Back then, everything but cultivation had been pushed aside. They had even fought for fame and glory, plundered treasures, and slaughtered without mercy. Now, having experienced it all, they felt a certain desolation, like the fading of a grand spectacle.

"Don't blame Qingjiu. With his strength, a little effort will allow him to strive for a top-ten position in the Supreme Prodigy Battle. It's natural for him to want to push himself further. If it were too far-fetched, Qingjiu would likely be more relaxed."

A young ethereal figure spoke. He was also a Half-Saint, named Huozu (Fire Ancestor).

Hearing Huozu's words, Qingjiu gratefully glanced at him and said:

"Huozu understands me. Right now, I feel like I'm being pushed. The Sacred Ground and my master have high expectations of me. And based on the information I've gathered, there are only a few individuals who truly pose a threat. With a little effort, a top-ten spot is within reach."

"Your ambitions extend beyond the top ten, young man."

Yezu saw through his little scheme and chuckled.

Qingjiu, caught in the act, stammered, "Old Ye, don't make fun of me. I'll be burning incense if I can make it into the top ten."

"Don't be coy."

Yezu snorted, "That game of chess you promised me ten years ago, when are you going to finally play it with me?"

"Next time, for sure!"

Qingjiu quickly promised.

Chandana turned to Li Hao, "Are you truly coming?"

"Yes." Li Hao nodded.

"Good. I'll send someone to pick you up tomorrow. I actually watched your Scattered Cultivator Battle as well." Chandana chuckled lightly.

Li Hao was slightly surprised. After a moment's thought, he replied, "Alright."

Qingjiu watched Li Hao with envy, "Qingfeng is so relaxed. However, I heard that the Twin Buddha Son from your Canglan Realm is quite formidable. Be careful when you encounter him. That fellow is also a contender for the top ten, and various forces are watching him closely."

"Mm, thank you for the advice." Li Hao smiled.

After a few more pleasantries, Li Hao exited the Flower Play Gathering and went into seclusion in his courtyard, engaged in carving.

The next day, Gui Qingshuang arrived at Li Hao's courtyard, bringing news from the Cang Hai Divine Dynasty.

"The incense offering has increased from ten cities to fifteen?"

Li Hao was a little surprised by Gui Qingshuang's words, but then he realized it must be due to the recent battle.

This would shorten the time it took for him to ascend to Sainthood through incense by another twenty years. Now, he only needed 240 years.

If he won first place in the Supreme Prodigy Battle, the incense could allow him to ascend to Sainthood immediately. And the accumulated incense would then become a source of power at the Saint Realm, the more the better.

After Gui Qingshuang bowed and took her leave, a flower palanquin soon arrived, carrying a beautiful woman in a pink floral dress. She gently knocked on the courtyard gate, her voice as clear as a yellow oriole, calling out:

"Yueying, sent by Ancestor Chandana, has come to escort Young Master Qingfeng."

Li Hao scanned the woman with his divine sense. Her aura was no less refined than that of a noble lady or even a princess. He replied, "Give me a moment, just one incense stick's worth of time."

The woman outside the courtyard respectfully acknowledged and waited quietly at the gate.

Li Hao continued his carving. Soon, the statue in his hand was complete, a likeness of Yaozu.

He placed the carved statue on a rack in the courtyard, where numerous other statues were already displayed.

Li Hao stood up and brushed off the wood shavings from his clothes. Suddenly, he remembered something and raised his hand, opening a spatial rift in the heavens and earth. He called out:

"Xiyuan, come out."

A crimson light shot out from within, transforming into the form of a girl in a red dress.

"What a rich concentration of heavenly energy."

As soon as Xiyuan emerged, she sensed the energy of this Sacred Ground of Sages, far surpassing anything found in the mortal realm.

Li Hao smiled, "You must have been cooped up. Come, let's go to a rendezvous."

"I'm alright. I could also peek at the outside world from Master's spatial realm."

Xiyuan giggled, not inquiring about the rendezvous. She transformed into a red light and wrapped around Li Hao's wrist, becoming a crimson vine bracelet.

Previously, in the Sword Ancestor's Sacred Ground, Li Hao had been unfamiliar with the place and hadn't dared to release Xiyuan. He had only allowed her to observe from within the spatial realm. The Sword Ancestor's Sacred Ground was primarily populated by sword cultivators who advocated for slaying demons and exorcising evil, holding a rather hostile view towards demon and spirit beings.

Although humans and demon/spirit beings coexisted in the Sacred Ground of Sages, not all humans could accept them. Some human Sacred Grounds were even allies with demon/spirit beings, while others were sworn enemies.

Arriving outside the courtyard, Li Hao saw the woman in front of the flower palanquin and said, "Let's go."

Yueying secretly glanced at the young master, aware that he was the prodigy who had won first place in the Scattered Cultivator Battle. She had seen Li Hao's swordsmanship the previous day when she accompanied Ancestor Chandana to watch the battle.

With a respectful demeanor, she invited Li Hao into the palanquin and instructed the dragon beast pulling it to depart.

The palanquin soared into the air, yet remained incredibly stable, like a willow catkin in the wind, incredibly smooth.

As they passed over mountains and rivers, the Xiyuan vine on Li Hao's wrist extended a curious, antenna-like tendril to explore the surroundings.

Before long, they left the Sacrificial Dao Mountain region and the territory of the Cang Hai Divine Dynasty, passing through the domains of seven or eight other Divine Dynasties before finally arriving at a Sacred Ground.

This Sacred Ground was enveloped in a rosy mist, filled with a surging aura of righteousness.

As soon as they approached the Sacred Ground, Li Hao heard the sounds of scholars reciting ancient scriptures.

Li Hao gazed intently, seeing numerous academy-like courtyards scattered throughout the Sacred Ground. Disciples sat within these courtyards, reciting the scriptures. Strangely, as they recited, dragon and phoenix illusions appeared above the courtyards. In other areas, battlefield illusions materialized, with warriors engaged in fierce combat.

Li Hao's eyes widened in surprise, recognizing the location.

"This is the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground?"

Li Hao asked Yueying, who was seated in the palanquin.

Yueying's gaze returned from Xiyuan on Li Hao's wrist. With a gentle smile and respectful tone, she replied, "Replying to Young Master Qingfeng, it is."

Li Hao's eyes flickered. So, Chandana was an elder of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground?

But upon reflection, it made sense. A Half-Saint's existence either meant they were an elder of a Sacred Ground or a retainer of a Divine Dynasty. Chandana was also one of the vice-presidents of the Flower Play Gathering, a person of extraordinary status. She likely held a high position among the elders of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground.

"What are they doing?"

Li Hao pointed to the illusions above the academies, his curiosity piqued.

Yueying smiled slightly, "They are cultivating. This is the cultivation method of our Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground. The Venerable Sage of Literature uses the celestial scriptures as his book, and the book as his Dao. Our battle methods differ from those of the Sword Ancestor, the Dao of Blades Sacred Ground, and others. They cultivate with swords and blades, their attacks are about striking and killing. Our Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground cultivates through reading the scriptures of sages and scholars, using eloquence and literature to slay!"

Li Hao understood. He had heard that the Sages of the Thirty-Three Realms each claimed a Dao, possessing their own unique cultivation systems, numbering dozens in total.

Like the Buddhist Sect, where contemplating scriptures and discussing the Dao constituted cultivation.

The Sword Sage cultivates swordsmanship.

The Venerable Sage of Literature uses poetry and literature to kill.

He had also heard of a Military Sage who used strategic planning and layouts as their killing moves, their attacks being unpredictable and elusive.

The battles between Sages were also a contest of orthodox Dao. Only those who reached the Supreme Sage Realm could claim to be orthodox. However, even among Supreme Sages, no one had been able to definitively establish superiority, their respective Dao being mutually incompatible.

Li Hao thought of his own Poetry and Literature Dao, as well as his skills in chess, painting, calligraphy, and music. If he poured his power into them, he could use them to kill. However, his sword was usually sharper, so he treated chess, painting, and the others as leisure activities.

Like his Fishing Dao, he had been able to hook dragon beasts since long ago. He could even reel in a largemouth bass with his Four Pillars Realm strength. Though his Fishing Dao was only at the sixth stage, combined with his current power, he could now hook Dao Realm dragon beasts.

If his Fishing Dao reached the ninth or even tenth stage, Li Hao couldn't imagine whether even Saints would be hooked.

The flower palanquin headed towards a towering mountain peak, a relatively tranquil area. Upon landing at the summit, Li Hao saw a few disciples in the academy reciting the scriptures of sages.

Above their heads, however, were illusions of weapons, tiger demons, and other creatures engaged in fierce combat.

"Abetting the wicked!"

One of the disciples softly recited, and the tiger demon transformed into a human form, its power ferocious as it lunged at its opponent.

Another disciple, however, spoke rapidly, narrating a story of a hunter hunting a mountain tiger. Arrows instantly appeared in the void, shooting like meteors and piercing the tiger demon.

Li Hao watched for a moment, finding it interesting. Their combat style seemed to involve a form of 'speaking into existence.' If someone with a low cultivation base engaged in this kind of combat, it would be like prematurely touching upon the traces of the Dao Realm. With such a cultivation system, it was no wonder they could form their own unique school of thought.

Each Sage's cultivation had its own irreplaceable strengths, which is why they constantly competed with each other. If a Dao could be replaced, it meant it had obvious flaws and could be broken and destroyed.

The phrase "Saints are immortal, and the Dao will not perish" is actually the reverse. The power of the Dao is indestructible, and Saints have essentially fused their Dao with their bodies, achieving a state of unity between body and Dao.

Therefore, Saints are essentially unkillable, unless one destroys their Dao like shattering a great path, crushing their Saintly heart, and causing their Dao to collapse, only then can they perish.

"Hmm? Is that you?"

While Li Hao was observing, a young man with a folding fan in his hand sensed a familiar aura and turned towards Li Hao, a look of astonishment on his face.

He blinked several times, confirming that he wasn't mistaken, before abruptly standing up.

Li Hao felt the gaze and looked towards the young man, a little confused.

The young man with the folding fan quickly walked towards Li Hao, examining him from head to toe, exclaiming in surprise, "How did you end up at our Tian Tan Peak?"

Yueying, seeing the young man, immediately bowed, "Greetings, Saint Son Qingshu."

Qingshu?

Li Hao asked, "Does Young Master Song know me?"

"My surname is Zhao." Zhao Qingshu's face darkened slightly. He turned to Yueying, "How did he get here?"

Yueying respectfully replied, "Reporting to the Saint Son, Ancestor Chandana invited him to discuss painting with Young Master Qingfeng."

"Discuss painting?"

Zhao Qingshu was stunned. He immediately thought of his master, who loved painting and possessed exceptional skills in the art.

Considering that Li Hao had been painting during the Scattered Cultivator Battle, it was likely that his master had taken notice of him for this reason.

"You just won first place. Shouldn't you be in seclusion? Although you defeated Chi Guang, you shouldn't underestimate the other Saint Sons." Zhao Qingshu asked Li Hao.

Since the end of Li Hao and Chi Guang's confrontation in the Scattered Cultivator Battle, the news had spread back, and that Shu Hai senior brother had also gone into seclusion. But Li Hao, on the other hand, had the leisure to accept an invitation to discuss painting.

"You're right."

Li Hao nodded.

Zhao Qingshu: "..."

Since it was his master's invitation, he couldn't say much more. Moreover, based on his own strength, he couldn't really put on a brave front in front of Li Hao. That sword move had made him feel pressured. If he encountered Li Hao in battle, he would probably just have to shut up and admit defeat.

Li Hao followed Yueying to meet Chandana. After Li Hao left, the disciples who had been engaged in combat earlier approached Zhao Qingshu. One of them curiously asked:

"Senior Brother Qingshu, who was that person?"

"The first place winner of the Scattered Cultivator Battle."

Zhao Qingshu watched the other's back, letting out a breath. While he felt a little resentful, it was mostly a sense of helplessness.

With the strength demonstrated by that sword move, the other had every right to be proud. Others were in seclusion, while he was leisurely enjoying himself... Humph, just wait until you encounter the Twin Buddha Son! You'll be crying then!

In the back garden of Tian Tan Peak.

Chandana had already sensed Li Hao's presence. When Li Hao entered the garden, she smiled gently, "You've arrived."

In the illusory space of the Flower Play Gathering, they could only see a gray-black silhouette. Now, seeing him in reality, Li Hao finally saw Chandana's appearance. She looked to be twenty-six or seven, like a graceful fairy, but her entire being exuded a sense of nobility. Though her demeanor was calm, there was an aura of inviolability about her.

Just her silhouette had seemed like an Empress, but now, in person, she also possessed a certain loneliness and detachment.

Li Hao's eyes widened in surprise. The only other person who had given him such a stunning impression was Yaozu. But Yaozu's aura was one of solitude and detachment, as if separated from the world, while Chandana's aura had a stronger imperial quality.

"Do you prefer painting landscapes or dragons, beasts, and insects?"

Chandana asked.

Li Hao snapped out of his reverie, seeing that an easel and a scroll had already been prepared in the courtyard. He felt a sense of comfort and smiled, "I paint everything."

"Oh?"

Chandana was intrigued. While they both loved the Painting Dao, their preferences for subjects differed. She, for example, preferred painting dragons, beasts, and insects, especially those with unusual appearances.

"Then today, let's paint a Ground Fiend Dragon."

Chandana said.

She raised her hand, opening a spatial rift in the heavens and earth, from which she extracted a dying, grotesque dragon.

This dragon's appearance was hideous, like a deformity. Its scales were dense, with numerous reversed scales. Its claws were like those of an eagle, and its tail was covered in sharp spines like a porcupine.

"Let's paint this beast. Let's see who can capture its might. What do you say?"

Chandana asked.

Li Hao nodded. Painting might was simple, that was merely the seventh stage of the Painting Dao. Painting intent was more difficult, but after careful observation, he had already discerned the dragon's origins and cultivation.

Without further ado, Li Hao went to the easel Chandana had prepared for him. Both of them became focused and began to paint.

Yueying stood to the side, watching with curiosity.

The courtyard was very quiet, the sunlight dappling through the trees, creating patterns of scattered gold on the ground.

Time passed silently, punctuated only by the occasional sound of grinding ink.

After an hour, they both stopped painting. Li Hao put down his brush and looked at the dragon in his painting. Though it was still lying there listlessly, without any imposing aura, its dragon eyes were subtly ferocious, its energy restrained, as if it could unleash a desperate attack at any moment.

At first glance, it was a sickly dragon, but upon closer inspection, it caused a shiver of fear.

On the other hand, Chandana's painting was also complete. The dragon in her painting had a similar posture to the real one, but it exuded a majestic aura, as if it could roar and leap out of the painting at any moment.

Chandana had painted meticulously and was quite satisfied. After finishing, she stretched slightly, revealing her alluring curves, and a faint fragrance wafted into the air.

She stood up and looked at her own painting, a slight smile playing on her lips. Then, she went to Li Hao's easel and saw that he had also finished.

She glanced at it, a little surprised. The dragon in the painting was like a tracing, similar to the real one, but this level of skill was merely basic in the Painting Dao.

Li Hao's painting skills shouldn't be this rudimentary. She looked again, and suddenly felt a sharp edge, as if a dragon's roar and killing intent had surged into her mind. Her expression changed, and she instinctively took a step back.

The real dragon in front of her was merely at the Dao Realm, and she could easily capture it without any threat. But the dragon in Li Hao's painting gave her a chill, causing her to take a step back.

Chandana snapped out of her shock and looked again, noticing more and more that Li Hao's painting was vast and profound, not just simple brushstrokes, but an overall sense!

This sense was hidden within the dragon, hidden within the intent, and the intent hidden within the Dao.

The more Chandana looked, the more startled she became. She suddenly realized that Li Hao's painting skills were far superior to her own. The paintings in the Imperial Palace seemed to have been done casually, not showcasing Li Hao's true painting ability.

Was this the true mastery of painting entering the Dao?

Chandana couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. With a long sigh, she said to Li Hao, "Young Master's painting, even if I practice for another ten years, I would still be inferior."

Li Hao asked, "How long have you been practicing painting?"

"Three hundred years."

Chandana's face flushed slightly. After speaking, she put the dragon away and casually dispelled the lingering stench of the beast in the courtyard. She asked Li Hao, "You've just arrived, and the journey must have been tiring. Would you like to eat something?"

"What do you have here? That dragon looked delicious. How about some roasted dragon claws?" Li Hao asked.

Chandana then remembered that Li Hao had mentioned his love for cooking and couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, then I'll have to taste your culinary skills and see if they're up to par with Bai Zu."

Li Hao laughed. When Chandana took out the dragon, cut off its claws, Li Hao began to scale and cook it.

Soon, the aroma wafted through the mountaintop.

In the front courtyard, several disciples who were reciting scriptures suddenly sensed something and took a deep breath.

"What's that smell?"

"It smells so good. Is it dinner time?"

Following the scent, they realized it was coming from their master's courtyard and dared not disturb her.

In the courtyard, Li Hao cut the dragon meat and shared it with Chandana.

The tranquility made Li Hao think of his time in the small courtyard at the Heavenly Gate Pass.

"Mm..."

Chandana wasn't particularly interested in the strong fishy smell of dragon meat, but after Li Hao cooked it, it was incredibly fragrant. She took a small bite, her eyebrows slightly raised, "Your cooking skills seem to be even better than Bai Zu's."

"Have you eaten his cooking?"

"Yes, it was also incredibly delicious, making me crave more. Unfortunately, that fellow likes to tease people. After he knew I was craving it, he stopped making it for me. Humph!"

Chandana snorted in annoyance.

Li Hao saw a hint of coquettishness beneath her noble and dignified demeanor and couldn't help but look at her a few more times.

Chandana also realized that she had revealed a bit of her true nature. While eating, she asked, "You're not even thirty yet, and you're good at everything. How did you cultivate to this level?"

Li Hao smiled inwardly, 'If you had a cheat, you'd be the same.'

After they finished eating, Chandana took Li Hao to admire her past paintings, her attitude becoming humble and respectful as she asked for Li Hao's guidance.

Li Hao didn't hesitate and pointed out the flaws in her paintings.

Li Hao discovered that he could actually gain experience while giving guidance.

When he pointed out the flaws, he received a notification that his Painting Dao experience had increased. It was only a few hundred to a thousand points at a time, not a large amount, but it would add up over time.

One speaking, the other listening. Chandana, a Half-Saint of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground, acted like a student, following Li Hao and asking for his instruction. Occasionally, she would ask questions, and Li Hao would answer them with the depth of a Painting Dao master, giving Chandana the feeling that her meridians were unclogged, and her horizons broadened.

"So that's how it is. My painting intent has been too focused on complexity. 'From great complexity comes great simplicity,' what a brilliant saying!"

Li Hao quoted a phrase from a Daoist scripture, gaining over ten thousand experience points. The words caused a shockwave in Chandana's mind. This level of understanding of the Painting Dao seemed to loosen the foundation of her own Saintly Dao.

Half-Saints had already glimpsed the Saintly Dao, establishing their own Dao. If they could perfect it and had abundant incense offerings, they could ignite three incense sticks and ascend to Sainthood on the spot!

"Complexity and simplicity are both responses to the situation, not something to be pursued deliberately." Li Hao said.

Chandana's eyes sparkled. She stared at Li Hao, realizing more and more that his state of mind was incredibly high, beyond her reach as a Half-Saint.

It was hard to imagine that he was barely thirty. She would believe it if someone said he was a reincarnated Supreme Sage who had awakened some of his memories.

But she knew that if that were true, he wouldn't be wasting time here with her. He would have long since followed his own Dao and returned to his original body.

Li Hao stayed temporarily at Tian Tan Peak, painting and discussing with Chandana every day. Chandana also showed Li Hao some of her famous paintings, including three that could be recorded in his panel. Li Hao asked for them, and Chandana readily agreed.

Li Hao didn't rush to record them. Once recorded, the paintings would be burned and disappear, which would be a pity.

In addition, Li Hao also painted over a dozen scrolls for Chandana. The initial Painting Dao experience he gained was close to sixty thousand!

This surprised Li Hao. Other Half-Saints usually gained around fifty thousand, but Chandana gained ten thousand more. This meant that if she clashed with other Half-Saints, she would likely be able to crush them.

No wonder she could become the vice-president of the Flower Play Gathering. She was undoubtedly top-tier among those at her level.

During this time, Zhao Qingshu came to Chandana to ask about his cultivation. Chandana simply brushed him off. Seeing his master laughing and chatting with Li Hao, Zhao Qingshu felt a pang of discomfort, a strange sense of unease.

He simply stopped seeking his master out and went into seclusion himself.

In the Painting Dao, Chandana was completely convinced by Li Hao. Apart from painting, Chandana also took the opportunity to ask Li Hao about the upcoming battles.

The more she admired him, the more she felt that Li Hao would go further. Although the Immortal Path was severed, with Li Hao's talent, achieving Sainthood wouldn't be difficult. It would be a pity if he wasted his potential.

"If you need anything, just ask. I've improved my painting skills a lot thanks to your guidance, but I still can't compare to you."

Chandana said to Li Hao.

Li Hao didn't hesitate and, after a moment's thought, said, "I don't lack much, except for cultivation techniques. Do you have any connections in that area?"

"Cultivation techniques?"

Chandana was taken aback, a little surprised. Talented prodigies usually didn't lack cultivation techniques. They would cultivate their own techniques and constantly refine and improve them.

She smiled gently, "That's a small matter. Just tell me what kind of cultivation technique you want, and I'll get it for you. However, the cultivation techniques of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground are rather unique, and you wouldn't be able to cultivate them. I can find other cultivation techniques for you. Just pick whatever you want."

Li Hao's eyes lit up. Sure enough, this vice-president of the Flower Play Gathering had wider connections than he did, and with her long cultivation experience, finding cultivation techniques wouldn't be difficult.

"Then thank you very much. The more cultivation techniques, the better. I want to gather the strengths of a hundred schools." Li Hao said.

Chandana raised an eyebrow. It was easy to say, but it was an incredibly difficult path. The Sword Sage she knew had taken the path of the Universal Sword Dao, and it had been extremely arduous before he succeeded. After succeeding, however, he became incredibly formidable.

She didn't try to dissuade Li Hao about his cultivation path. After all, those who reached this level had their own paths.

"No problem. I have retainers in ten Divine Dynasties who can open their cultivation technique libraries for you to choose from." Chandana said, her eyes full of confidence.

Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter, "That's fantastic."

Speaking of which, he suddenly remembered what Chandana had said about the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground's cultivation techniques.

He had the Poetry and Literature Dao, and perhaps the cultivation techniques of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground could increase his Poetry and Literature Dao experience.

The Poetry and Literature Dao was one of the most difficult for him to improve. He could only gain a little experience by reciting famous poems and prose from his past life.

"If possible, could I also borrow a look at the scriptures of sages from the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground?" Li Hao asked, feeling a little hesitant about the request.

Chandana raised an eyebrow and smiled, "You want to learn the cultivation techniques of the Venerable Sage of Literature's Sacred Ground? But you've already cultivated the Sword Dao. The Literary Dao is another Saintly Dao, two completely different systems that are difficult to reconcile. Even if you manage to reconcile them in the end, it won't significantly improve your strength. The blade is always what truly kills, a thick blade back is useless."

Li Hao nodded. He understood the logic. He just wanted to accumulate Poetry and Literature experience.

"If you want to see them, I can take you to have a look. However, you don't have a Literary Heart. You'll probably find it boring after reading only one book."

Chandana chuckled.

Li Hao asked, "Would this have any impact on you?"

"Apart from the inherited masterpieces directly related to the Venerable Sage of Literature, I can't give you access to them. The rest are fine." Chandana said.

Li Hao wasn't greedy and nodded with a smile, remembering this favor.

Chandana was efficient. That night, she sent out orders, and the next day, she informed Li Hao that he could go to the ten Divine Dynasties to view the cultivation techniques whenever he wanted.

Li Hao thought for a moment and decided that it was more important to improve his Dao Domain first.

He immediately went to the Divine Dynasties that Chandana had mentioned, with Yueying leading the way.

These Divine Dynasties had also watched Li Hao's prodigy battle and were extremely polite to him. Knowing that he was a retainer of the Cang Hai Divine Dynasty, they couldn't try to recruit him, but establishing a good relationship was still a good thing. Moreover, Chandana had spoken on his behalf, so they had to give her face.

Li Hao chatted with Yueying and learned that Chandana's original background was in the Upper Three Realms of the Thirty-Three Realms, the daughter of a supreme Divine Dynasty's emperor. No wonder she had such a noble aura, a sense of imperial dominance.

As he toured the Divine Dynasties, viewing the cultivation techniques, Li Hao recorded more and more of them.

After visiting all ten Divine Dynasties, Li Hao returned to Tian Tan Peak with Yueying. He greeted Chandana and then went into seclusion in the residence she had arranged for him.

The cultivation techniques recorded in his panel began to be deduced and transformed, cultivating to form a Dao Domain.

And the number of Li Hao's Dao Domains, which had been at 220, began to increase rapidly...

As time passed, the Dao Domains piled up, reaching 280... 300... 330...

When the ninth Divine Dynasty's cultivation techniques were finished, Li Hao's Dao Domain had reached 358 layers!

Li Hao continued to cultivate the tenth Divine Dynasty's cultivation techniques, and his Dao Domain quickly increased again.

With a hum, when the Dao Domain reached 360 layers, Li Hao suddenly felt a tremor in his mind. The density of his Dao Domain seemed to reach a certain limit. The overlapping layers and the mutual gravitational forces of the Dao Domain fields began to merge!

The numerous Dao thoughts within the Dao Domain seemed to form a perfect cycle and undergo a transformation.

A flood of chaotic information surged into Li Hao's consciousness. His body seemed to merge with the Dao Domain, giving him a feeling of intimate contact with the heavens and earth.

He could clearly feel the wind passing through, the sand and gravel shedding their shells, and space swaying like water. Moreover, Li Hao also felt a terrifying force, the force of time!

Li Hao could clearly perceive all the changes within the Dao Domain. It seemed that with a single thought, he could freeze space, preventing it from swaying.

And time itself could be slowed down. The seemingly irreversible force of time would also become sluggish.

(End of Chapter)