Chapter 395: The Immortal Gate in the Starry Sky
Li Hao's expression twisted, his face filled with pain and an uncontrollable urge for bloodshed and destruction.
He suddenly thought of the maddened and violent expression on Long Saint's face when the dragon stood in front of the ancient well earlier. It seemed as though Long Saint had been influenced by the power emanating from the well.
"It can even affect my primordial spirit, including my Saint Dao will!"
Li Hao was deeply alarmed. The violent, frenzied emotions felt as though they stemmed from the very roots of his Dao intent. They clung to him like a second skin, guiding his actions, and given enough time, he feared he might lose control completely and spiral into chaos.
Without hesitation, Li Hao used his Transformation Power, allowing his consciousness to merge with the heavens and the earth. This was the state of Harmony Between Heaven and Man, a hallmark of the Heavenly Person Realm.
Gradually, the ferocious emotions dissipated. Li Hao's primordial spirit and consciousness diffused into the boundless world, far beyond the reach of the influence emanating from the well—unless that power could affect the entirety of the world itself.
Once his mind returned to calmness, Li Hao glanced at the raging Long Saint attacking the courtyard. Instead of counterattacking, he retreated swiftly toward the sculpture.
At the same time, the auras of Yuan Zu and Shen Wang began to encircle the area from opposite directions.
Although their presence was concealed and vague, Li Hao knew they were already observing the events unfolding here from the shadows.
"Do you think you can escape? No one can leave here alive!"
Long Saint roared maniacally, clearly having lost control. His bloodshot eyes radiated fury, and crimson light seeped from the gaps between his scales.
He dived at Li Hao, intending to flatten the courtyard completely. However, his immense power was repelled by the silver-gray glow protecting the courtyard, preventing any damage.
Seeing this, Li Hao confirmed that Long Saint had indeed succumbed to the power's influence. Without hesitation, Li Hao flickered and appeared before the sculpture.
The sculpture appeared odd up close. It was pressed against a wall, lacking any surrounding altar or pedestal, as though it didn't belong to this place.
Divine light flickered in Li Hao's eyes as his Divine Sight activated, piercing the surface of the sculpture. He could see its intricate inner patterns, each line meticulously carved, as well as faint traces of Immortal Dao Energy emanating from within.
Li Hao's eyes gleamed with intrigue as he pressed his palm against the sculpture, channeling his energy inward.
It didn't take long for him to notice something unusual.
Behind the sculpture, he sensed a faint spatial rift.
The weak energy that had drawn his attention earlier was leaking through this rift.
Li Hao's expression shifted with surprise. Looking at the sculpture again, he realized it resembled a stone plug, as if it was sealing something behind it.
Boom!
Long Saint's massive body slammed into the courtyard again, only to be bounced back by the silver glow. His deafening roars filled the air as his feral and violent instincts were pushed to the forefront. He seemed hell-bent on destroying the courtyard's defenses.
Listening to the ceaseless crashing sounds, Li Hao grew even more cautious of the blood within the well. For the Dragon Emperor Supreme to descend into such madness, the power within the blood must be unimaginably sinister.
Were it not for Li Hao's ability to merge his primordial spirit with the heavens, he likely would have succumbed to similar rage and madness.
Li Hao didn't linger. He decided to attempt moving the sculpture.
"Could this lead to the Immortal God Path?"
His eyes flickered with anticipation. The faint traces of immortal energy made him feel an inexplicable sense of intimacy.
The legend pursued by countless saints lay before him—so close, yet so far.
As he tried to move the sculpture, something unexpected happened. It seemed to come alive, its face contorting into an expression of anger and majesty as it glared down at Li Hao.
In that moment, Li Hao felt as though he had been struck by lightning. His entire body froze, a paralyzing fear coursing through him as if he were an ant standing before a god.
The overwhelming pressure made his hand tremble. He didn't know whether to withdraw or continue.
The sculpture's eyes bore into him, filled with sternness and indifference, as if commanding him to stop.
Although the pressure was silent, it weighed on Li Hao's heart like ten thousand mountains, leaving him unable to move.
Li Hao's body stiffened as he slowly withdrew his hand. He could feel an ominous premonition growing stronger—continuing to tamper with the sculpture would likely lead to catastrophic consequences.
Such instincts, honed to the level of prophecy by his Saintly intuition, were rarely wrong.
As Li Hao stood still, deep in thought, Long Saint's attacks grew increasingly frenzied. At the same time, the two concealed auras finally revealed themselves.
Yuan Zu and Shen Wang had sensed each other's presence. They had remained hidden to observe the situation, trying to discern the secrets of this place.
What they saw, however, was only Li Hao and the maddened Long Saint.
Long Saint's condition was particularly dire, his madness creating an uproar that was impossible to ignore.
There were three paths in total. Upon seeing each other, Yuan Zu and Shen Wang immediately deduced that they had chosen the wrong ones. The only correct path had to be the one before them.
"Long Saint, calm yourself. What exactly is happening here?" Yuan Zu said as he stepped forward, his tone placating.
His intent was to pacify Long Saint, preventing the commotion from attracting other saints to the area. The fewer competitors, the better.
Shen Wang also emerged from the shadows, his face cold and unreadable as he stared at Long Saint. His icy gaze suggested he was ready to attack at any moment.
Li Hao, noticing that the two had finally revealed themselves, remained motionless. Despite the potential Immortal God Path lying just beyond the sculpture, his instincts warned him against forging ahead alone.
"Why should I explain anything to you? If you want to find the Immortal God Path, do it yourself!"
Long Saint let out a low growl, showing no courtesy even in the face of Yuan Zu's calm demeanor.
However, his rationality still held on by a thread, stopping him from uttering anything more aggressive.
Yuan Zu's eyes flickered faintly. Long Saint's behavior was far too abnormal—it was completely unlike the way he would normally speak to Yuan Zu.
"Hao Tian, what's going on here?" Yuan Zu asked, turning his attention to Li Hao.
Li Hao's mind raced as he answered honestly, "Seniors, Long Saint has gone mad. He's been corrupted by the blood in the well, and his consciousness has become unstable."
His explanation aligned with what Yuan Zu and Shen Wang had observed. Both of them glanced toward the ancient well within the courtyard, sensing the deep and violent energy emanating from it. Much of this energy had clearly infected Long Saint.
"Why are you standing there?" Yuan Zu asked with a mild smile, his tone seemingly casual.
Li Hao hesitated, his expression conflicted. After a moment, he gritted his teeth and said reluctantly, with a trace of bitterness, "The Immortal God Path seems to be behind this sculpture."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, a glimmer of light flashed in the eyes of both Yuan Zu and Shen Wang. Even if the claim was false, the mere mention of the "Immortal God Path" stirred their emotions deeply.
In truth, Yuan Zu had already discreetly probed the sculpture before asking. He had detected a faint, vast, and elusive energy concealed within it.
Now, hearing Li Hao's words, Yuan Zu felt assured of his findings. He immediately said, "I didn't expect the Immortal God Path to be hidden here. Hao Tian, you've accomplished a great merit by discovering it. The heavens will thank you for this."
Li Hao shook his head and replied, "Even without me, someone else would have found this place eventually. But finding it is one thing—accessing it might be another. I sense danger here."
Yuan Zu's slight suspicion dissipated after hearing Li Hao's words. His figure blurred and reappeared near Li Hao in an instant, traversing the void with unparalleled speed.
Li Hao's face tightened. The speed at which Yuan Zu moved was terrifying, surpassing even the spatial mastery of Xu Zu. In a confrontation, escape would be impossible; a head-on clash would be the only option.
As Yuan Zu arrived before Li Hao, Shen Wang, unwilling to be left behind, sliced through space with his sword, stepping through a spatial rift to join them.
Yuan Zu's gaze shifted to the sculpture. His pupils seemed to transform into swirling vortexes as he activated the Eye of Origin, capable of tracing the threads of causality and peering into the marks left by time.
However, the sculpture was ancient beyond comprehension, and the time Yuan Zu could trace back was limited. In his vision, the sculpture remained unchanged. Yet the Eye of Origin had another function—revealing the essence of all things.
This was the very ability that had enabled Yuan Zu to ascend to sainthood alone during the ancient era.
As Yuan Zu delved deeper into the sculpture's essence, he immediately detected a crack hidden behind it. The vast and elusive energy emanated from this fissure.
It wasn't the energy of the Saint Dao. Yuan Zu had encountered this aura before—it was etched into the depths of his soul. The moment he sensed it, he recognized it: this was the energy of the Immortal Gods!
The Immortal God Path!
Yuan Zu's heart trembled slightly, and a trace of excitement flickered in his eyes. However, he quickly suppressed his emotions, allowing no sign of his inner turmoil to show.
He nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, behind this sculpture lies the probable path to the Immortal Gods. However, it appears dangerous. The road leading to the Immortal Realm may involve leaving this world entirely and entering the domain of the Immortal Gods. It could be the oppression of that world manifesting here…"
Although Yuan Zu appeared to be analyzing the situation to himself, his words were intended for Shen Wang.
Shen Wang's expression remained stoic as he stared at the sculpture. His eyes turned pitch black, the Eye of Destruction activating to penetrate the sculpture's mysteries.
"If this is truly the Immortal God Path, let me go first!"
Above the courtyard, Long Saint's enraged voice resounded once more. His blood-red eyes locked onto Li Hao as he snarled:
"Yuan Zu, Shen Wang, you may proceed—but he cannot! He killed Huntian. He's too dangerous. That weapon of his, a peerless divine armament, must be handed over!"
As he spoke, Long Saint's massive form began to shrink, descending rapidly toward the courtyard and charging toward the three figures.
Hearing Long Saint's words, both Yuan Zu and Shen Wang were momentarily stunned. Their gazes shifted toward Li Hao.
Killed Huntian? Him?
Li Hao let out a helpless chuckle, his expression one of feigned resignation. He offered no explanation.
"You killed Huntian?" Yuan Zu finally asked, his voice low and probing.
Li Hao shook his head and replied, "Long Saint is mad, spouting nonsense. Even if I wanted to, I don't have the strength to accomplish such a thing."
His words were half-truths, but they aligned with Yuan Zu's expectations. Yuan Zu knew of Huntian's ambitions toward Li Hao but had little interest in intervening. With the Immortal God Path so near, the matter seemed trivial to him. Even if Huntian had succeeded in advancing to the God Realm, it wouldn't threaten Yuan Zu, whose power extended beyond the Incense God Realm.
Huntian's intent to devour Li Hao wasn't surprising. Yuan Zu had even speculated that other Supreme Saints might have warned Li Hao of the danger, which could explain how he had managed to escape.
"Did Huntian trouble you?" Yuan Zu asked.
Li Hao nodded and replied, "He did, but I narrowly escaped. Fortunately, this place is complex enough to provide cover…"
"Enough nonsense! The Immortal God Path is right here. Are we opening it or not?"
Shen Wang interrupted impatiently, unwilling to waste any more time listening to explanations. To him, no matter how talented Li Hao was, the idea of him killing Huntian was preposterous.
As Shen Wang spoke, Long Saint's eyes burned with renewed fury. He let out a deafening roar and charged forward once more, his bloodlust filling the air.
Even though Li Hao's earlier defeat of Xing Sheng had been astonishing, it was ultimately just that—an impressive feat. Compared to a Supreme Saint, he still fell far short. Moreover, Huntian was among the most formidable of the Supreme Saints, especially with his sanctified physical body, which surpassed even Long Sheng in power. No matter how extraordinary Li Hao was, it was simply impossible for him to have killed Huntian.
Defeating a Supreme Saint and killing one were entirely different matters.
Supreme Saints weren't fools. When facing a losing battle, they could escape using countless life-saving methods. Killing one outright was nearly unthinkable.
Even Yuan Zu would find it extremely difficult to kill a Supreme Saint. Success would require meticulous planning and an immense amount of effort. Otherwise, a determined opponent could simply flee, making it almost impossible to land a decisive blow.
Hearing Shen Wang's impatience, Yuan Zu refocused on the sculpture. However, his cautious nature led him to ask Li Hao first:
"Long Sheng mentioned you possess a peerless divine weapon. Did you acquire such a treasure within this ancient hall?"
Li Hao, aware of their suspicions, decided to provide a carefully calculated explanation. He couldn't entirely dismiss Long Sheng's claim as mere insanity; doing so would only arouse further distrust. Instead, he admitted, "It's just a fragment of a blade. Its only value lies in its sharpness."
As he spoke, Li Hao retrieved the shard and displayed it to the two of them. To demonstrate, he sent the blade flying toward the distant, approaching Long Sheng.
The sight of the shard infuriated Long Sheng. He roared, "You dare challenge me!"
Blood-red light erupted from Long Sheng's body as his hand transformed into a massive dragon claw, descending upon Li Hao with overwhelming force.
Yet, the shard effortlessly pierced through the blood light and punctured Long Sheng's claw, carving an arc in the air before returning to Li Hao's hand.
"Such a swift blade!"
Yuan Zu's eyes narrowed, and even Shen Wang's expression shifted slightly. Both were surprised. They hadn't expected Li Hao to wield such a weapon, razor-sharp and undeniably dangerous.
They knew well how formidable Long Sheng's physical body was. While not as strong as Huntian's, it ranked among the most resilient in all realms.
Yet, the shard had pierced Long Sheng's claw effortlessly, its sharpness terrifying.
As the shard returned to Li Hao's hand, Long Sheng's claw had already healed. Enraged, Long Sheng lunged at Li Hao, seeking to engage him directly.
Yuan Zu frowned slightly. Concerned that Long Sheng's madness might damage the sculpture, he unleashed his Saint Domain, causing the flow of time to slow drastically. In an instant, Long Sheng's aura began to wane.
Li Hao's expression changed. This was his first time witnessing Yuan Zu's power in action.
The Saint Domain seemed capable of reversing time itself—an awe-inspiring ability.
"Quiet if you don't want to die!"
Shen Wang turned and barked sharply. His voice carried an undeniable authority.
Under Yuan Zu's suppression, Long Sheng's aura flickered erratically. Behind him, the phantom of a Dragon Emperor appeared briefly before dissipating. Panting heavily, his bloodshot eyes teetered on the edge of madness.
"Are you protecting him? You'll regret this!" Long Sheng snarled, his voice filled with venom.
Yuan Zu ignored him, his focus returning to the shard in Li Hao's hand. The moment Li Hao had revealed it, Yuan Zu had recognized it as a fragment of a damaged weapon. It lacked a weapon spirit and was incomplete.
"This blade of yours… it might be a fragment of an immortal weapon," Yuan Zu murmured.
"Perhaps," Li Hao replied evenly, "but for now, it's just sharp enough to cut."
Li Hao's display of the shard wasn't merely a demonstration of its power; it was also a calculated move to establish his worth. By showcasing his strength, he sought to deter Yuan Zu and Shen Wang from acting recklessly against him.
Shen Wang glanced at the shard and quickly dismissed it. "It's nothing more than a broken weapon. Against a Three-Tribulation Saint, it's lethal, but it's useless against a Supreme Saint."
Even if the shard pierced a Supreme Saint a thousand times, their regenerative abilities would render it meaningless.
"A mere remnant, but it might serve you well on the Immortal God Path. Perhaps one day, you'll have the chance to repair it into a true immortal weapon," Yuan Zu remarked.
To him, the shard was of little value compared to his own Seven-Tribulation Emperor Weapon, which not only possessed unparalleled sharpness but also carried destructive tribulation power capable of threatening Supreme Saints.
"Long Sheng, since you're so eager to enter the Immortal God Path, why don't you lead the way?" Yuan Zu suggested, his tone calm but firm.
Long Sheng glared at the trio with burning hatred. "There's danger inside. You want to use me as a pathfinder? Never!"
"You don't have a choice," Shen Wang said coldly. Without further words, he and Yuan Zu moved in unison. Despite being long-time rivals, they reached an unspoken agreement to suppress Long Sheng together.
Li Hao retreated slightly, a wry smile on his lips. "As expected, interests reign supreme," he thought. Even adversaries of countless millennia could momentarily set aside their differences in the face of a common goal.
"Why not him? Why don't you use him as the pathfinder?!" Long Sheng roared, his fury and despair palpable.
His emotions surged violently, his bloodshot eyes filled with venomous hatred.
"Because you're too noisy," Shen Wang replied coldly. From beneath his feet, divine flames erupted. His Saint Domain merged with Yuan Zu's, intertwining the powers of origin and destruction.
The combined suppression was overwhelming. Long Sheng's Dragon Emperor phantom vanished, and the blood-red light that had shrouded his body was forced back into his scales. For a brief moment, clarity returned to his eyes.
"You…" Long Sheng sputtered, coughing up blood. He couldn't believe they had chosen to target him over Li Hao. Despite his protests, the combined might of Yuan Zu and Shen Wang left him utterly powerless.
Under the absolute suppression of two of the most formidable beings in existence, even Long Sheng's Saint Domain crumbled, and his movements were completely restricted.
Li Hao felt cold sweat forming in his palms. If Yuan Zu and Shen Wang had chosen to turn their combined might on him, he would have had no way to resist.
Together, they were unstoppable.
"Begin," Yuan Zu commanded, raising his hand and placing it gently on the sculpture.
As before, the sculpture seemed to come alive, radiating an immense and oppressive aura.
Yuan Zu's expression flickered, but his vast experience allowed him to discern that the sculpture was not a living entity. Instead, it bore traces of its creator's lingering presence, meant only to intimidate.
With a firm push, Yuan Zu moved the sculpture aside, revealing a pitch-black fissure behind it.
From within the fissure, a vast and mysterious energy surged forth. Alongside it came waves of sinister, destructive fluctuations that sent chills down the spine.
"Go!"
Yuan Zu hurled Long Sheng's restrained body into the fissure, stepping in right after him.
Shen Wang followed closely, his figure vanishing into the darkness.
Li Hao hesitated briefly before stepping through the fissure as well.
The moment he entered, he was greeted by an expansive starry sky.
Ahead of him stood an ancient, towering gate, majestic and imposing.
The gate's surface was engraved with intricate, otherworldly patterns. A single glance left Li Hao feeling dizzy, as though his mind might implode. He fought the urge to vomit.
"Is that… a gate?"
Yuan Zu and Shen Wang's expressions shifted as they stared at the gate, their eyes gleaming with intense light.
From beyond the gate, an even more powerful and vast energy seeped through—a type of energy unlike anything in the Saintly Realm. It carried the unmistakable aura of the Immortal Qi described only in legends.
Li Hao could feel it too, the faint traces of Immortal Qi drifting from the gate.
"Immortal Qi, the essence of all creation," Li Hao thought, his heart racing.
The faint strand of Immortal Qi he had once absorbed allowed him to achieve his Immortal Transformation, but now, true Immortal Qi flowed just beyond the gate. If he could cross it and absorb this energy, he might instantly ascend to the Sixth Ultimate Boundary.
But the gate stood as an impenetrable barrier, emanating only faint ripples of its energy.
"The Immortal God Path… it's real," Yuan Zu muttered, his eyes blazing.
Suddenly, his Saint Domain erupted, enveloping Shen Wang in an attack.
Anticipating the move, Shen Wang retaliated, divine flames igniting as he unleashed a devastating sword strike.
The clash between their powers shook the starry void as Yuan Zu summoned his Seven-Tribulation Emperor Weapon, a long whip radiating tribulation energy. As it swung, thunderclouds formed, and lightning crackled through the void.
"This time, without the help of the other Supreme Saints, do you truly think you can kill me?" Shen Wang taunted.
The God King cast a cold glance at Yuan Zu's whip, then sneered and said, "The taste of the Heaven-Suppressing Whip... it's been a long time since I last felt it."
Yuan Zu remained calm, his expression unchanging. "If you've forgotten it, I'd be happy to remind you."
The God King's eyes grew icy. In the past, he had been brutally beaten by this whip, his divine bones shattered, his flesh torn apart, and ultimately subdued in a humiliating defeat.
"You can't kill me, and I can't kill you," the God King said, his face grim but his tone rational. "If you dare, let's both cultivate for another ten thousand years in the Immortal World. Let's see who comes out on top then."
Though he had come here for revenge, the God King was pragmatic enough to recognize that killing Yuan Zu was nearly impossible.
Without the Divine Army to back him, unable to sacrifice his entire race, he couldn't unleash his most powerful techniques. For now, he would have to endure.
Yuan Zu chuckled but didn't respond further. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze sharpened, suddenly locking onto the massive door ahead.
During their confrontation, Long Sheng had already reached the door. He raised a clawed hand, attempting to push it open.
"You were supposed to scout the path, not rush ahead!"
Yuan Zu's voice thundered as his Origin Saint Domain expanded, pressing down on Long Sheng.
Long Sheng revealed his true form, his colossal dragon body stretching for dozens of miles across the starry void. He roared defiantly, his dragon claws crackling with blood-red lightning as he tried to tear through Yuan Zu's Saint Domain.
The God King joined in, swinging his sword to sever one of Long Sheng's claws.
Despite their earlier animosity, Yuan Zu and the God King attacked Long Sheng in unison, quickly subduing him.
Meanwhile, Li Hao watched silently from the sidelines, keeping himself as inconspicuous as possible. He understood that both Yuan Zu and the God King still had their attention on him. His restraint was the only thing preventing them from turning their wrath against him.
Once Long Sheng was suppressed, Yuan Zu and the God King rushed toward the massive door simultaneously.
The door was ancient and enormous, towering dozens of meters high in the starry sky. It seemed immovable, its back sealed by an invisible barrier that blocked all attempts to peer beyond it.
Li Hao had long noticed that although this space appeared to be a vast starry sky, it was surrounded by a boundary. The countless stars in the distance were unreachable, merely to be observed from afar.
Yet, for some reason, these stars felt deeper, more brilliant than the ones seen outside.
"Be careful. There may be danger behind this door," Li Hao said, feigning concern.
In truth, neither Yuan Zu nor the God King needed his warning. Their expressions had already grown serious.
The aura emanating from the sculpture earlier was the same as what now seeped from the door—a mix of boundless Immortal Qi and an oppressive, foreboding killing intent that made even the most powerful beings uneasy.
Yuan Zu stood silently. The Immortal God Path lay just ahead. To retreat now? Impossible. He couldn't allow the God King to enter first. If the God King went in and destroyed the door, he could monopolize the Immortal World and one day return as a true Immortal to exact revenge.
The God King, staring at the door, slowly raised his hand and pressed it against its surface.
Yuan Zu watched closely, his gaze fixed on the God King's hand, but he made no move.
Suddenly, the intricate patterns on the door began to stir. They seemed to come alive, pulsating with energy. Without warning, a silver-white light erupted from the door.
Boom!
The light exploded like a supernova, blinding and impossible to react to. Yuan Zu and the God King were sent flying backward by the sheer force of the blast.
Their Saint Domains were instantly invaded and destroyed by the light's power.
Yuan Zu coughed up blood, his domain disintegrating like melting ice. Though he could reconstruct it, the Saint Dao within his domain had been severed, leaving him temporarily unable to recover his full strength.
The God King's face was equally pale. Like Yuan Zu, his Saint Dao had been cut off, and his power had plummeted significantly.
As their domains shattered, Long Sheng broke free from his bindings. Seeing the two supreme figures injured, he burst into laughter. "You wanted me to scout the path, but you didn't appreciate my help. Now look at you!"
While mocking them, Long Sheng's massive body twisted through the air, aiming directly at Yuan Zu.
Compared to Li Hao, his hatred for Yuan Zu burned hotter.
Yuan Zu's expression darkened. With a wave of his hand, the Heaven-Suppressing Whip lashed out violently.
The whip crackled with tribulation energy, creating shockwaves that resembled starbursts as it struck Long Sheng's dragon body. In an instant, nine explosive sounds reverberated through the void, and Long Sheng's massive form was shattered into pieces.
Not only was his body destroyed by the whip, but his Saint Domain was also obliterated, and his Saint Dao severely damaged.
Long Sheng's fragmented body fled into the distance, his face filled with shock and rage as he glared at Yuan Zu.
"You haven't truly felt pain until you've tasted this whip," Yuan Zu said coldly, his gaze piercing.
Turning to the God King, Yuan Zu noted that his condition was no better than his own. With some relief, he turned his attention back to the door.
The intricate patterns on the door, which had twisted and moved earlier, had now reverted to their original form.
Yuan Zu's eyes flickered with thought. As one of the oldest Saints, his knowledge was unparalleled.
The patterns seemed to reflect the handiwork of an Immortal, sealing the door and forbidding anyone from opening it. The path to the Immortal God Realm had been locked away by this immense power.
Beside him, the God King stabilized his injuries and floated back toward the door. This time, he didn't act rashly, instead carefully studying the intricate patterns.
Yuan Zu moved closer, observing as well. After a moment, he noticed a small crack within the patterns.
This crack was where the faint traces of Immortal Qi leaked out, revealing the anomaly hidden behind the sculpture.
"It seems even the power of the Immortals is beginning to weaken," Yuan Zu murmured.
Yuan Zu's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he exchanged a glance with Shen Wang. Though they were adversaries, they were also the two people who understood each other best.
Words were unnecessary—they could discern each other's intentions clearly.
Shen Wang gave a faint nod, and the two moved in unison. Shen Wang wielded his sword, while Yuan Zu lashed the Heaven-Suppressing Whip. The starry void around them churned violently as their combined energies converged on the gap in the intricate patterns of the door. The energies compressed into a single point before striking the weak spot.
Boom!
The starburst of light that had appeared earlier erupted once again.
This time, however, they were prepared. As they attacked, both immediately retreated at full speed. But the speed of the blast was too overwhelming, and they were still caught in the wave of destructive force.
Their bodies were hurled backward, and they each felt their Saint Dao severed once more.
Turning their attention back to the door, they saw that it remained entirely undamaged. The gap in the patterns hadn't changed; it hadn't expanded at all.
Despite their combined strength, they had failed to breach the door.
Shock flashed in their eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resolute determination. This was the power of the Immortal Gods. As Supreme Saints, they had already glimpsed the mysteries of the Dao, but the might of the Immortal Gods was something far beyond even their comprehension. It was almost unfathomable to imagine the full extent of the Immortal Gods' power.
Li Hao, standing at a distance, observed the scene silently. But unlike the others, he noticed something subtle.
At the gap in the patterns, there was a faint sliver—a tiny crevice. It seemed as though the door could, in fact, be passed through.
Yuan Zu and Shen Wang, however, seemed unaware of this. Or perhaps they simply couldn't perceive the crevice, as it was only wide enough for faint traces of Immortal Qi to seep through.
"Ha! You can't get in. No one can. What's the point of finding this place if it's sealed off?"
Long Sheng's voice rang out as he laughed maniacally, his body radiating blood-red light. The energy seeped through the gaps in his scales as his expression alternated between rage and mockery. His eyes flickered with derision as he looked at Yuan Zu and Shen Wang.
Yuan Zu ignored Long Sheng's taunts and simply stared at the door.
After a long while, he slowly turned his gaze toward Li Hao.
At first, Li Hao thought Yuan Zu was merely glancing casually. But as their eyes met, a sudden sense of unease crept over him—a sharp instinct that danger was near.
Yuan Zu's gaze seemed to penetrate him, as though he had discerned something.
Shen Wang, on the other hand, remained silent, his eyes fixed on the door, seemingly lost in thought.
"Hao Tian, do you have a way to get in?"
Yuan Zu's voice suddenly echoed in Li Hao's mind.
Li Hao's heart tightened. Feigning a helpless tone, he replied via sound transmission, "If even you and Shen Wang can't get in, how could I possibly manage it?"
"That's not necessarily true," Yuan Zu's voice continued, calm and deliberate. "It's said that the Immortal Gods departed due to some great event, sealing this realm behind them. Perhaps they left this seal intentionally, and the outer barrier may require your power to open. The path might only allow someone with Sixth Ultimate Boundary power to pass."
Yuan Zu's calculation sent a chill down Li Hao's spine. His insight was deep, and his speculation unnervingly accurate.
Indeed, Li Hao could sense that if he entered his Immortal Transformation State, he might be able to squeeze through the gap in the door.
But doing so would reveal this capability, and the consequences would undoubtedly be catastrophic. Yuan Zu and Shen Wang would never allow someone else to enter the Immortal God Path ahead of them. They would fear that whoever entered first might destroy the path or reinforce the seal, cutting them off completely.
The path to ultimate power could not be entrusted to another. Suspicion and greed would never allow it.
"What you say makes sense, but I really don't have a way in," Li Hao replied with a bitter laugh through the sound transmission.
Yuan Zu pressed further, his tone lowering. "You should try. If you can get in, I'll hold Shen Wang off. I trust your character. If you can open the path, all the heavens will owe you a great debt."
Li Hao felt a flicker of dark amusement at Yuan Zu's words. The pretense of trust and gratitude was paper-thin, a mere facade. But he understood that Yuan Zu wouldn't let him go without at least an attempt.
"Fine, I'll give it a try," Li Hao replied with feigned reluctance.
He then began walking toward the door.
The God King, noticing Li Hao's approach, turned his gaze toward him. His eyes carried a chilling light.
Yuan Zu intervened, saying, "Let him try. He has the power of the Sixth Ultimate Boundary. That power resonates with the aura inside the door—it may be our only chance."
The God King's eyes flickered briefly but he said nothing, withdrawing his killing intent.
Li Hao approached the door and, under the watchful gaze of the two Saints, entered his Immortal Transformation State. His body merged with the heavens, allowing him to faintly align with the crevice in the door.
As he placed his hand on the door, he felt his body slowly begin to merge with the gap. The faint crack allowed his energy to trickle through, confirming what he had suspected—he could indeed enter.
But it would be a slow and arduous process, one that Yuan Zu and Shen Wang would undoubtedly notice and interrupt before he could complete it.
Pretending to struggle, Li Hao channeled his energy toward the gap without fully entering. After a brief moment, he withdrew his hand and stepped back.
"It's no use," he said with a bitter smile, shaking his head.
Yuan Zu's eyes stayed locked on Li Hao. "The barrier didn't attack you, which means your power is indeed connected to it."
Shen Wang, his expression icy, also stared intently at Li Hao, his gaze sharp with killing intent.
Li Hao's face darkened slightly, and he nodded. "That might be the reason."
"Hand over the method to cultivate the Sixth Ultimate Boundary," Shen Wang said coldly, his tone laced with menace. "Considering your connection to the Divine Maiden of my clan, I may spare your life."
Yuan Zu, by contrast, maintained a calmer demeanor. "Hao Tian, you are the only one to have cultivated the Sixth Ultimate Boundary. Do you have any insights to share? If you spread its teachings, your virtue will be celebrated across the heavens, and your name will draw infinite incense offerings."
Li Hao felt his heart sink. He had expected this turn of events, but it didn't make it any easier. Their attention had shifted from using him as a key to demanding the cultivation method for themselves.
"This method cannot simply be taught," Li Hao replied, his voice measured. "It requires personal enlightenment. Even if I were to explain it, would you really believe me?"
Shen Wang snorted coldly. "You're not even thirty, and you've reached this level. The Sixth Ultimate Boundary clearly didn't consume much of your time. Even if we lack your talent and are ten times duller than you, ten years! Ten years should be enough for us to grasp it. If we can't cultivate it within ten years, you can't blame us for what happens next."
Yuan Zu said nothing, his calm gaze fixed on Li Hao. His intentions were clear.
Li Hao understood that their ultimate goal was to master the Sixth Ultimate Boundary, not only for its power but also to avoid being repelled by the door's barrier. This would allow them the time and opportunity to study the door's mysteries more thoroughly.
"The more you desire the Sixth Ultimate Boundary, the harder it will be to achieve," Li Hao said, his voice steady. "Without enlightenment, it's meaningless to pursue it—even if you try for a century, a millennium."
Shen Wang's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So, you refuse to speak?"
Li Hao remained silent. Ten years under their watch would mean more than just explaining his insights—it would mean being under constant scrutiny. If they failed to cultivate the Sixth Ultimate Boundary within that time, they would undoubtedly hold him accountable.
And if they succeeded, they would have no reason to let him live.
"Caught between a rock and a hard place," Li Hao murmured softly.
Yuan Zu's tone was gentle but carried an undeniable weight. "Hao Tian, you are a wise man. This concerns all realms. You don't need to burden yourself with so much doubt. All we want is to enter the Immortal God Path. We won't allow others to step ahead of us or destroy the path. If I reach the Immortal World, I promise to leave the path open for others, giving all realms the opportunity to ascend."
Li Hao met Yuan Zu's gaze, a faint smile playing at his lips. "You won't let others enter first because you don't want to entrust your fate to them. Why, then, should I trust you with mine?"
Yuan Zu's voice grew quieter, but the threat in it was unmistakable. "Hao Tian, don't make yourself an enemy of all the heavens. Even if you don't speak, we will eventually unravel the method."
Li Hao's smile faded. "Then seek enlightenment on your own," he said evenly. "I can promise you this: before either of you cultivates the Sixth Ultimate Boundary, I will leave this place and never return. I have no interest in exploring the Immortal Path. I'm young, after all, and the heavens are vast. I haven't even grown tired of the mortal world yet…"
"Ungrateful wretch!"
Shen Wang's shout cut through Li Hao's words, his killing intent surging as he glared fiercely at him. "I'll ask you one last time—will you speak, or not?"