Chapter 389: The Remains of Immortals and Gods
The Primordial Ancestor and the gathered Saints stepped forward, their expressions calm and composed. They showed no sign of surprise, for this was not their first visit to the Ancient Hall. When the hall first revealed itself to the world, it became the site of ferocious battles for supremacy. The scars of those clashes lingered—fissures and cracks etched deep into the passageways.
At the end of the corridor, a towering platform stood broken and fragmented, bearing the marks of past struggles. The God King's eyes rested on the empty space above the steps, where a bronze divine throne had once stood. Back then, he had ceded it to the Primordial Ancestor.
Yet now, even with the throne, the Primordial Ancestor had not ascended to the rank of Immortal God.
"Hmph," the God King snorted coldly, casting the Primordial Ancestor a disdainful glance before striding ahead.
The outer reaches of the Ancient Hall had long since been scoured clean. Any treasure that might have existed was already taken, leaving the Saints to explore its deeper secrets.
Li Hao followed the group as they passed through the corridors, delving further into the Ancient Hall. The hall seemed to house an entire realm within itself, vast and grand, resembling an imperial palace of a celestial dynasty.
Along their path, they came upon the General's Viewing Platform, a vast and imposing structure lined with statues of towering figures. Each sculpture depicted a strikingly handsome young man, standing tall and proud, exuding a transcendent aura. His gaze seemed fixed far into the distance, as though watching over the Ancient Hall. His eyes reflected a cosmic brilliance, appearing almost lifelike.
Li Hao's eyes lingered on one of the statues, narrowing slightly. Around the figure's form swirled a faint Dao rhythm, an energy so potent that it seemed capable of triggering unknown reactions if disturbed.
The craftsmanship of the statues was extraordinary, their intricacy reaching the level of an eighth or ninth stage creation. Some of the Dao rhythm locked within these statues still lingered, albeit faintly. Even capturing a mere fraction of this energy left one with a daunting sense of reverence and awe.
"This is the image of an ancient Immortal God," a Saint murmured, gazing at the statues with admiration and longing.
Although Immortal Gods had vanished from the world, their legacies—their relics and myths—still unveiled fragments of their mysteries, leaving those who glimpsed them yearning for more.
"Don't get too close," an experienced three-disaster Saint warned. "If the statues absorb your Dao aura, there will be consequences."
Li Hao's gaze shifted to two of the statues whose heads had been destroyed. Their Dao rhythm had faded, likely the result of past explorations.
"This is the Bai Xian Tai—the Immortal Worship Platform. Ahead lies the Ji Tian Tai, the Heaven-Sacrificing Altar. We've already explored these areas," the Primordial Ancestor explained to Li Hao as he led the way.
"From other relics and the archives of ancient noble clans, we've learned that the ancestors of some families had connections to Immortal Gods. They were even invited here as guests."
"The Bai Xian Tai was where the Ancient Hall's master accepted the worship of Immortal Gods. This master wasn't just an Immortal God—they held a position of unparalleled prestige among their peers."
He gestured further down the corridor. "Ahead lies the Ji Tian Tai, an altar used to sacrifice to the Heavenly Dao."
At the corridor's end loomed a vast and majestic platform, as tall as a mountain. Weathered flags, once used for ceremonies, fluttered weakly in the air, their colors faded, their edges frayed. Bloodstains darkened the stone, a haunting testament to past rituals. Yet, there were no artifacts or remnants to be seen—everything had already been looted.
Li Hao's gaze lingered on the altar momentarily. Much of this had already been described to him by Feng Lao.
"And over there," the Primordial Ancestor continued, pointing ahead, "is the Feng Dao Tai, the Sealing Dao Platform. This is the true core of the Ancient Hall. Opening it requires mastery of the Sixth Extreme Boundary. Beyond it lies the path to the Immortal God Realm and, potentially, countless treasures."
He turned to Li Hao with a faint smile. "We'll need your help to open it this time. Once it's open, feel free to choose whatever treasure you like."
The God King scoffed coldly at the Primordial Ancestor's words but said nothing.
Li Hao merely nodded lightly. He didn't trust such empty assurances. Inside the hall's core, should truly valuable treasures appear, the likelihood of being allowed first choice was laughable. Still, the Primordial Ancestor's words were carefully crafted to win favor.
It wasn't long before the group reached the Sealing Dao Platform.
This part of the Ancient Hall exuded an unparalleled vastness. Though filled with intricate mechanisms and restrictions, the outer areas had been fully explored, allowing for an unhindered approach.
As the Saints and Sages gathered, Li Hao's expression grew solemn. Before them stood a grand archway, shrouded in dense Dao energy. Around it swirled an invisible force, one sharp enough to slice through the void itself.
To breach it by force would undoubtedly trigger devastating repercussions.
"This is the True Martial Eight Extremes Formation," the Primordial Ancestor declared. He raised his hand, brushing his energy lightly against the center of the arch. It was as if he had touched a ripple in the fabric of space—waves of energy spread outward, revealing the hidden restrictions within.
"The formation requires the power of all eight Extreme Boundaries to unlock. Fortunately, apart from the Sixth Boundary, the rest of us have mastered them."
The formation had claimed the lives of countless Saints during its initial discovery. Only after pooling the knowledge of the heavens' finest formation masters had its workings been deciphered.
The Primordial Ancestor's gaze fell on Li Hao, as did the stares of the other Saints. The God King, Hun Tian Sage, and many others fixed their eyes on him as well. In all the heavens, only this young man had mastered the elusive Sixth Extreme Boundary.
Li Hao appeared calm on the surface, but he was keenly aware that once the formation was unlocked, his unique value would vanish. From that moment on, his survival would hinge solely on his abilities.
Still, there was no turning back. The treasure troves beyond this gateway had ensnared the greed and ambition of every Saint present.
Taking a deep breath, Li Hao began to manifest the energies of the Eight Extreme Boundaries one by one.
Each stage of martial cultivation—Tong Li, Zhou Tian, Ji Hun, Shen You, Fifteen Li, Tian Ren Jing, San Bu Xiu, Si Li—was paired with a corresponding Extreme Boundary: Shen Li (Divine Power), Tian Di Mai (Heaven and Earth Veins), Tian Di Fa Xiang (Heaven and Earth Manifestation), Yuan Shen (Primordial Spirit), Gui Xu (Void Return), Hua Xian (Immortal Transformation), Bu Si Bu Mie (Undying and Indestructible), Yong Heng Dao Yu (Eternal Dao Domain).
As Li Hao successively unleashed each Extreme Boundary, he channeled the powers into the formation. When he reached the Sixth Extreme Boundary, his hair turned a shimmering silver, drawing upon the force of the heavens. The Hua Xian energy coursed into the formation, illuminating it with a brilliant silver radiance.
The formation's glow became blinding as the Eternal Dao Domain surged forth, completing the circuit. The Eight Extreme Boundaries whirled together, merging into a nebulous chaos. Slowly, the ancient restrictions of the arch began to unravel, creaking open as they surrendered to Li Hao's mastery.
Ripples cascaded from the archway, its once-solid surface dissolving like a veil of water. Beyond it lay an ominous, shadowy passageway, cold and cavernous, like the maw of a mountain.
A faint stench of decay wafted out.
The Saints exchanged wary glances, their faces grim.
Suddenly, the Primordial Ancestor surged forward, his figure blurring as he vanished into the darkness. The God King followed almost immediately, a crimson streak racing after the Primordial Ancestor, the two vying to be the first.
Seeing them act, the other Saints hesitated no longer. Though danger loomed in the unknown, the allure of what lay within was irresistible. Fa Sheng, Yi Sheng, Mo Sheng, and others all hurriedly joined the pursuit.
Li Hao lingered for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the scene before stepping into the passageway, all the while remaining vigilant. He knew his utility had now expired, and any Saint could turn on him at any moment.
The air inside was damp and cold. Along the passage, the remains of long-dead beings lay scattered, their bodies reduced to little more than bone. A chilling silence enveloped the corridor, broken only by the faint echo of footsteps.
The air was thick with the pungent stench of decay. Li Hao surveyed the scattered corpses, noting the faint traces of Dao runes engraved upon their bones. These remnants showed evidence of individuals who had refined their bodies to produce Dao Bones, a level akin to his own cultivation. However, it was clear they had failed to integrate their Divine Blood into their Dao foundation. Without the preservation of Divine Blood, their flesh and bones could not remain united and had decayed into skeletal remains.
Li Hao did not rush to follow the Saints deeper into the passage. If treasures of true worth lay ahead, the Supreme Saints would inevitably clash for them. There was no benefit in getting caught in such a struggle. Moreover, keeping some distance allowed him to avoid the probing gaze of Hun Tian Sheng Ren.
As Li Hao continued to walk leisurely, observing his surroundings, other Saints hurried past him, driven by their greed and ambition.
"These corpses... they're most likely the remains of Immortal Gods," Jian Zhu, the Sword Master, commented as he slowed to match Li Hao's pace. His voice carried a weight of solemnity.
"Don't linger too long. With so many Immortal God remains here, there must be a path to the Immortal God Realm ahead!" Jian Sheng, the Sword Saint, called out as he dashed by, not even glancing back.
Jian Zhu glanced at Li Hao and asked in a low voice, "Are you wary of Hun Tian Sheng Ren?"
Li Hao nodded slightly. "Go ahead. There's no need to wait for me."
Jian Zhu hesitated briefly before nodding. "Alright. I'll scout ahead."
He understood that staying with Li Hao wouldn't help in the event of a confrontation with Hun Tian Sheng Ren. The enemies Li Hao faced now were far beyond what Jian Zhu could handle.
In their earlier journey, when Li Hao encountered difficulties within the Buddhist Sect, Jian Zhu's sword had been enough to alleviate the situation. But now, the gap between the Three-Disaster Realm and the Supreme Saint Realm was insurmountable—an abyss as vast as heaven and earth.
"Immortal God remains... Even Immortal Gods can perish?"
Li Hao's eyes flickered with thought. Feng Lao had once mentioned that the disappearance of Immortal Gods was due to some catastrophic crisis—an apocalyptic calamity of heaven and earth.
Could these remains be the victims of that calamity?
"Could it have been the result of Heaven's Killing Intent?"
Li Hao's gaze deepened as he scrutinized the corpses and the marks within the Ancient Hall. The evidence confirmed the existence of Immortal Gods. But what could have caused their demise? Beyond the power of Heaven's Will, he could think of no force capable of such destruction.
Yet, his current understanding of Heaven's Will painted it as neither malicious nor benevolent. Instead, it treated all life as part of an eternal cycle, nurturing all without interference. If this was not Heaven's Wrath, what calamity could annihilate beings that transcended Saints?
Li Hao continued through the passage until he emerged into a vast hall. Within the hall, chaotic energies surged as fierce clashes broke out. Saints were battling for control of a fragmented spear shaft.
The spearhead had long since broken off, but the shaft, seemingly cast from ancient bronze, radiated a faint, destructive Tribulation Force.
Li Hao, attuned to such energies, immediately recognized it as an incomplete Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. Despite its damage, its strength was comparable to that of a Five-Tribulation, perhaps even a Six-Tribulation Imperial Weapon.
Not far away, Fa Sheng and Mo Sheng were locked in a fierce struggle for the spear shaft, while Yi Sheng and Ming Sheng fought over a glowing amber-colored orb.
The hall was indeed brimming with treasures, each one of extraordinary value. The Supreme Saints had wasted no time in detecting and fighting over them. Meanwhile, the other Saints scoured the hall for anything left unclaimed.
Although envious of the Supreme Saints' spoils, most Saints had no choice but to seek lesser treasures scattered around the hall.
In the center of the hall stood another statue of the young man, this time clad in full armor. His presence exuded even greater majesty, as though prepared for battle. The statue seemed to radiate an oppressive power, yet no one dared approach it.
Li Hao glanced briefly at the statue before his gaze shifted. Neither the Primordial Ancestor nor the God King were anywhere to be seen. He deduced that they had already ventured deeper into the hall, leaving no traces but faint remnants of their respective auras.
At the far end of the hall were three diverging paths. Two of them carried lingering traces of the Primordial Ancestor and the God King. The central path, however, bore the auras of other Supreme Saints, including Hun Tian Sheng Ren and Long Sheng, the Dragon Saint.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed as he studied the scene but eventually withdrew his steps. He did not venture further.
Returning to the main hall, Li Hao observed the ongoing chaos as Saints scavenged and fought over anything of value. Their behavior struck him as almost laughable—resembling rural bandits looting a plundered town.
Choosing a higher vantage point, Li Hao seated himself on a meditation cushion before the central statue, crossing his legs. He had no intention of competing in the fray. Instead, he decided to wait and observe how events unfolded—particularly whether the paths explored by the Primordial Ancestor and the God King would indeed lead to the Immortal God Realm.
Sitting there in stillness, Li Hao's tranquil demeanor stood in stark contrast to the frantic activity of the other Saints.
However, as he settled into the meditation cushion, a sudden sensation coursed through his body. It was as though the cushion beneath him had collapsed inward, pulling on his energy. A suction force began to drain the power from within him.
Li Hao's eyes widened in alarm, and he swiftly rose to his feet, glaring at the cushion in disbelief.
The cushion appeared unremarkable, its surface a dull gray. But when Li Hao tentatively released a small amount of energy toward it, the cushion absorbed it instantly—like a bottomless pit.
Perplexed, Li Hao considered retrieving the cushion for further study. But before he could act, a sudden resonant hum echoed from the statue before him.
The statue's eyes flared with blinding light, enveloping Li Hao in an intense beam.
Before he could react, an overwhelming force—rooted in spatial laws—engulfed him. The space around him warped, and his vision blurred. When his surroundings finally stabilized, Li Hao realized he was no longer in the hall.
The disturbance had not gone unnoticed by the Saints still in the hall.
"Where's the Haotian Zun?" one Saint demanded.
"He's gone! It looks like that statue teleported him somewhere!"
"Could it be the path to the Immortal God Realm?!"
The possibility sent waves of excitement through the crowd. Some Saints abandoned their ongoing fights, rushing toward the statue in hopes of triggering the same phenomenon.
Ming Sheng, abandoning his struggle for the amber orb, approached the meditation cushion. His eyes gleamed with anger and determination as he scrutinized it. Sensing its peculiar properties, he unleashed his power toward it.
Moments later, the statue's eyes flared once more, enveloping Ming Sheng in its light. He vanished, leaving the others in even greater frenzy.
Meanwhile, Li Hao materialized in an unfamiliar space, his surroundings dim and cold. To his surprise, he was not alone. Two figures stood nearby—Hun Tian Sheng Ren and Long Sheng.
The two Supreme Saints appeared momentarily stunned by Li Hao's sudden appearance. Their expressions quickly shifted to a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
"Haotian Zun," Long Sheng said with interest, "how did you end up here?"
Li Hao, quickly composing himself, responded calmly, "The Primordial Ancestor sent me."
Hun Tian Sheng Ren narrowed his eyes, his lips curling into a cold smile. "You seem nervous. Is it me you fear? Has someone been whispering tales in your ear?"
Long Sheng gave him a knowing look and chuckled. "Let's not disturb the young lord."
Li Hao, unwilling to linger any longer, turned and darted into one of the nearby passageways. The last thing he needed was a confrontation with these two Saints.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath. "All I wanted was to sit and rest. How did it come to this?"