Chapter 418: Transcending the Mortal, Reaching the Sacred—Sword Dao Tenth Segment
Back in the Ancient Path, Li Hao's carving technique had already reached the ninth level, stepping into the Dao.
He was well-versed in numerous carving techniques from the world: jade carving, wood carving, light carving... Each carving style varied, from elegant refinement to imposing grandeur.
Every technique required a different depth and precision of carving strokes, each imbued with distinct power. To craft a protective dome of a size comparable to the Immortal Divine Relic—capable of safeguarding the sanctuary for ages—was a monumental task. It wasn't just about the dome's size; it also needed to withstand the erosion of the Divine Sun's power. If the dome relied solely on raw resilience to resist the Divine Sun's destruction, it wouldn't last long.
Rigidity breaks, but flexibility endures.
"The dome must harness the power of yin and yang, cycling and alternating continuously…" Li Hao muttered, his eyes gleaming with insight. The surface of the dome would need to mimic interwoven paddles, rhythmically alternating.
But such fluid motion would classify the design as a living sculpture.
Carving itself lay in the realm of solid matter.
"I need a suitable material for this carving…"
Li Hao's gaze swept across the scorching expanse of the Divine Sun. At this moment, the Immortal Divine Relic was submerged at the sun's core, surrounded by a fiery, fluid-like current of blazing energy. Dense solar essence radiated from the fiery flow.
This flow resembled a searing current of gas, or perhaps a substance nearing a molten, vaporized state, rippling in spirals all around.
Li Hao's eyes lit up. If there were any material capable of withstanding the erosion of the Divine Sun's power, wouldn't it be the Divine Sun itself?
But carving the Divine Sun?
The idea was audacious. Li Hao had never considered it before, but now he felt an intense urge to attempt it.
Taking a deep breath, he gathered his strength and began to draw the fiery flows around him, compressing them together.
These flows were soft yet imbued with Daoist power. While Li Hao had mastered solid carving, carving this fluid, vapor-like material was proving tricky.
He retrieved a damaged immortal sword and attempted to carve the fiery flow.
Yet despite the sword's sharpness, it was like trying to cut water. The fiery flow simply parted and rejoined seamlessly.
Carving—how could one carve water?
Li Hao fell into deep thought.
He had never pondered such a problem. How could one carve water or even air?
Inside the Immortal Divine Relic, the Saints, Wind Elder, and the others noticed Li Hao sitting in the void above the Divine Sun. He seemed lost in thought, surrounded by swirling, fiery flows that obscured his figure.
The scorching heat and the chaotic, destructive energy emanating from the Divine Sun kept them at bay.
"What is Haotian Zun doing?"
"I'm not sure, but he seems to be working on something."
"Let's not just stand idly by. Haotian Zun is racking his brain to find a solution. We can't just sit back and rely entirely on him—we need to contribute as well."
"Agreed."
The Saints gave Li Hao one last glance before dispersing to think of their own solutions. The Dark Saint sought out several artifact-crafting Saints to repair the Zhaotian Mirror. Lacking the necessary resources, he gratefully accepted contributions from others who generously provided what was needed.
In the face of impending doom, the Saints worked together harmoniously.
Before long, the Zhaotian Mirror was repaired. This time, however, the Dark Saint refrained from using it to spy on the True Immortal ancient demon directly. Instead, he focused on the edges of the afflicted small world.
As the projection unfolded, it revealed scenes of refugees fleeing for their lives. Though the devastation was widespread, the world had not yet been completely overrun.
"The demon is feeding, devouring the souls of both humans and other races," the Dark Saint observed, his anger and dread mounting.
The True Immortal ancient demon's power was such that it could have split the small world in two if destruction were its sole aim. But it wasn't just destroying—it was feasting.
The other Saints grew even more somber.
Wind Elder, Liesaint, and the others gathered frequently to discuss strategies. Yet, given the disparity in power, no effective solutions emerged.
Faced with overwhelming strength, even the sharpest intellects were powerless.
Two days passed.
The slaughter in the small world continued unabated.
Half of the small world had already fallen.
In the depths of the Divine Sun, Li Hao remained deep in thought. He had tried numerous carving techniques, but all had failed. The fiery flow could condense and disperse at will, as fluid and intangible as the wind.
"Is the ninth level of carving truly the limit? How can one carve the wind?"
Frustration flickered in Li Hao's eyes. Despite exhausting his mental energy, he had failed time and again. The growing sense of defeat even made him question his mastery of carving.
Meanwhile, within the Immortal Divine Relic, a Saint arrived with startling news.
In the depths of the Divine Sun, there lay an altar-like structure composed of fiery stones. Upon it rested a sword!
"The sword burns with an eternal flame—or perhaps it is the flame itself. It embodies the essence of flame Dao. Its power is overwhelming, surpassing even the Divine Sword of the God King. When I glimpsed it from afar, my eyes burned, and my Saint Dao showed signs of being incinerated," the Saint reported with excitement.
"How did you find it?"
The Nameless Saint, initially shocked and thrilled, couldn't help but ask curiously.
"I was searching for clues about what makes the Divine Sun different from other stars. I delved deeper into the core, protected by an Emperor Weapon aligned with the flame Dao. But as I neared the sword, the Emperor Weapon warned me of extreme danger if I proceeded further."
The Saint's excitement grew. "That sword is extraordinary—far beyond an Emperor Weapon. Even a Seven-Tribulation Emperor Weapon wouldn't possess such might. I suspect it might be a true immortal weapon!"
The revelation stirred the Saints.
If they could obtain this immortal weapon, it would be a tremendous boon. It could give them a fighting chance against the True Immortal ancient demon.
"With this sword and Haotian Zun's power, we might be able to kill the ancient demon!"
"Let's go. We must find a way to retrieve the sword!"
"You lower-stage Saints should stay here. Don't risk yourselves unnecessarily. We higher Saints will investigate."
The Yin-Yang Saint took charge, leading the Nameless Saint, the Law Saint, the Medicinal Saint, and others to explore the sun's core.
Wind Elder, Liesaint, and the Sword Master also joined the expedition. They understood that if Li Hao was to confront the ancient demon in battle, having an immortal weapon would drastically improve his chances.
"This place is truly inhospitable," one of the Saints muttered as they reached the sun's depths.
The fiery environment was almost unbearable, even for the Saints. Yet, bolstered by their protective artifacts, they pressed on toward their goal.
The surrounding destructive forces were so overwhelming that everyone felt as though their entire bodies were being roasted. In mere moments, they were drenched in sweat, their skin prickling with a searing sensation as though on fire.
"Is that the sword?"
Feng Boping squinted ahead. What lay before them was a miraculous sight. The molten fire, dense as magma, spiraled and swirled in the air, leaving a hundred-zhang-wide clearing in the center. In that clearing, a single sword was embedded in a crimson rock that gleamed like a crystal.
The sword's body blazed with fiery flames, its edge sharp and searing. With just a single glance, Feng Boping felt an intense stabbing pain in his eyes, as though needles pierced them. He quickly shut his eyes, but the burning sensation continued. His eyeballs felt as though they were being scorched, the pain unbearable. Soon, blood began seeping from his eye sockets.
The other Saints fared no better. At the moment their gazes fell upon the sword, their eyes ignited. It wasn't just their physical eyes—even their Saint Domains showed signs of combustion.
"What a terrifying sword!"
The stronger Saints, like the Great Saints, didn't suffer as severely. Their eyes didn't burn into hollow cavities, but they still felt an uncomfortable sting, a fiery, scorching pain.
The group was shocked. As Great Saints, the mere sight of this sword almost injured them. Such a phenomenon was extraordinary!
From their extensive experience and instincts, they were certain this was no mere Emperor Weapon. Compared to this sword, even the Zhen Tian Whip of Yuanzu was akin to comparing fireflies to the moon.
Moreover, they had a gut feeling: this sword wasn't just an immortal weapon. Even among immortal artifacts, it was likely of the rare, supreme tier—an unfathomably powerful relic.
At the same time, they shared Qing Sheng's earlier sentiment. If they approached the sword carelessly, they might face grave danger.
Yet, having come this far, how could they possibly leave without trying? To walk away from such a treasure would be unthinkable.
The Nameless Saint exchanged a glance with the Dharma Saint before turning to Feng Boping, Hu Zhu, and the nine other island masters. "This sword is extraordinary. Let's join forces to see if we can retrieve it."
"Are you certain nothing is guarding this sword?"
The Yin-Yang Saint cast a wary glance around but didn't detect any other presences.
The Dharma Saint said, "A sword like this needs no guardians. Its sheer presence is deterrent enough. But who left such a relic here in the Divine Sun? It must have belonged to a remarkable immortal."
As they discussed, Hu Zhu, Feng Boping, and the others all agreed to collaborate and attempt to extract the sword.
When they acted in unison, their combined Saint Domains layered upon one another, reducing the oppressive heat to a bearable level. The Nameless Saint took the lead, moving cautiously toward the divine sword.
As he approached, the oppressive heat that had abated earlier suddenly surged back, intensifying with every step.
When he was ten zhang away from the sword, the blinding radiance of the flames made him feel as though his body was being torn apart and roasted. Waves of pain emanated from his Yuan Shen, but he gritted his teeth and pushed forward.
At three zhang from the sword, the destructive forces intensified, shattering his Saint Domain.
"Not good!"
The Dharma Saint, trailing behind, saw this and immediately unleashed his full power, rushing forward to grab the Nameless Saint.
The moment his Saint Domain collapsed, the Nameless Saint's pupils contracted as an overwhelming wave of scorching force enveloped him. His entire body ignited, flames consuming both his physical form and his Yuan Shen. It felt as though he would be incinerated entirely in an instant, reduced to ashes within the heavens.
Panicked, he tried to retreat, but the flames were relentless. For a fleeting moment, he was certain death was near.
Just then, the Dharma Saint and the others enveloped him in their combined Saint Domains, dragging him back from the brink.
Even after being pulled back, the flames continued to burn the Nameless Saint. Gritting his teeth through the searing pain, he forced the fiery Dao energy out of his body. Only then did the burning subside, though his flesh was left marred and barely healed, regenerating at a snail's pace.
"What a terrifying sword... To think it can unleash such power simply by existing!"
The others stopped advancing, wary of the danger.
The Nameless Saint, having narrowly escaped, was shaken. Despite countless years of cultivation, he had almost been killed by a dormant, ownerless sword that hadn't even fully awakened.
"This sword seems even more fearsome than we imagined. Even for an immortal weapon, this is unheard of. Not even the True Immortal ancient demon was this lethal upon mere approach," the Dharma Saint remarked, his gaze fixed on the blazing sword hilt.
The very existence of such a treasure in the depths of the Divine Sun was inconceivable. Yet, even if they had known beforehand, it wouldn't have changed their predicament.
"Let's return and consult the Armament Saint. Perhaps with the combined power of a hundred Saints and proper formations, we might have a chance," suggested the Mo Family Saint solemnly.
The Yin-Yang Saint nodded slightly, and the group decided to retreat. Every moment spent near the sword drained their strength and pushed them closer to danger.
Once they returned, they immediately convened the other Saints to share news of the blazing immortal sword hidden within the Divine Sun.
Under the Armament Saint's leadership, they devised a plan. The Saints combined their powers, layering their domains to form a protective formation as they ventured once again into the sun's depths.
This time, the core of the formation was the Mitian Saint. Among the Great Saints, his strength was one of the highest, earning even Yuanzu's respect in the past.
Bolstered by the formation, the Mitian Saint felt an unprecedented surge of power coursing through him. He marveled at the overwhelming strength, confident that even Yuanzu wielding a Seven-Tribulation Emperor Weapon would pose no threat to him now.
As they neared the fiery sword, the Mitian Saint felt the immense pressure intensify. His expression darkened as he unleashed his full strength to withstand the oppressive force. Step by step, he advanced until he stood before the blazing sword.
His eyes glimmered with determination as he reached for the sword's hilt. The fiery energy around the hilt instantly latched onto his arm, burning not only his flesh but also his Yuan Shen. The searing pain lanced through his very soul, causing beads of cold sweat to drip from his forehead.
Gritting his teeth, he tried to pull the sword free.
But despite his immense effort, the sword remained firmly embedded in the crimson stone. It didn't budge an inch.
Instead, the sword vibrated faintly, and with just that small tremor, the Mitian Saint's arm exploded.
"Retreat!"
The Mitian Saint's expression shifted drastically. He leaped back as fiery energy surged from the sword like a blazing dragon, chasing after him.
The other Saints intervened, using their domains to momentarily stall the fiery dragon. Taking advantage of the opening, the Mitian Saint retreated to a safer distance.
"This sword... It's more terrifying than any immortal weapon. I suspect it may be something even more unfathomable," he said grimly, shaken by the experience.
"We should let Haotian Zun try. Such a weapon, if wielded, would undoubtedly tip the scales in our favor," the Yin-Yang Saint suggested.
The Saints exchanged glances, silently agreeing to withdraw for now.
Back at the sanctuary, Feng Boping glanced at Li Hao, who remained deep in meditation, and refrained from disturbing him. All their hopes now rested on him.
Amidst the Divine Sun, Li Hao sat cross-legged, his eyes closed. His thoughts churned as he pondered endlessly: How can one carve the wind? How can one carve water?
It was as if he were possessed, endlessly replaying every carving method he had ever mastered in his mind. Yet, each attempt ended in failure.
How could one possibly carve something so intangible?
His mind teetered on the edge of obsession.
Li Hao's Cooking Dao had reached the tenth segment, allowing him to use the world as his cauldron, capable of refining and blending the myriad essences of existence.
In Li Hao's perception, Sculpting Dao should operate under the same principle: the ability to carve all things under heaven.
Everything can be sculpted.
But now, faced with the mere challenges of sculpting wind and water, he felt utterly at a loss. If even these elements eluded his skill, how could he hope to carve something capable of shielding the Sacred Grounds for over a decade amidst the inferno of the Divine Sun?
Sculpt, sculpt...
His eyes became unfocused as countless thoughts rushed through his mind.
He could use sacred blood as ink to stain the skies red—why then couldn't he replace a brush with a carving knife?
At that moment, a spark of inspiration jolted through him. He clung tightly to that glimmer, focusing his thoughts as his eyes shone brighter and brighter. Suddenly, an epiphany exploded in his mind, a revelation as clear as a thunderous proclamation:
Simplicity through Great Craft.
Carving's essence lay in the act of chiseling—meticulous detail through precision.
Yet the pinnacle of sculpting transcends craft, becoming an unforced natural masterpiece.
To sculpt a tree would never match the beauty of a real one.
And yet, isn't a tree's form also sculpted—by time and the world's passage?
The chisel could be time itself, or space, or anything in between.
At last, Li Hao understood—this was the truth of sculpting.
The challenges that had once stymied him melted away in an instant.
How to sculpt wind?
Breathe, and the wind is sculpted.
How to sculpt water?
Let it flow, and the water takes shape.
Before Li Hao's eyes, a system message suddenly appeared:
[You have achieved enlightenment in the Sculpting Heart Realm: Transcending the Mortal, Reaching the Sacred.]
At that moment, Li Hao's Sculpting Dao shattered through the bottleneck of the ninth segment, ascending to the tenth!
Countless streams of understanding flooded his mind, yet his heart remained unshaken—calm, serene, and clear. His epiphany not only propelled Sculpting Dao into the tenth segment but also subtly illuminated his Sword Dao. This newfound clarity wasn't from any mechanical increment; it was a genuine fusion between the truths of sculpting and the intrinsic essence of Sword Dao.
Indeed, Sculpting Dao itself could be harnessed for combat.
Anything could serve as a sculpting tool—why not a sword?
Raising his hand, Li Hao summoned streams of molten fire from the Divine Sun, condensing them in his grasp. He no longer sought to carve directly; he realized that gathering the flames into a singular form was itself a form of sculpting.
This method left no visible trace—a technique surpassing conventional understanding. It reflected Li Hao's attainment of Sculpting's Sacred Path, a mastery that revealed no visible marks of its work.
Molten fire could block molten fire. All Li Hao needed was to concentrate the flame, condense it into a solidified barrier—a wall, a fortress—that would envelop the Sacred Grounds and the Nine Provinces Immortal Islands.
With a flash, Li Hao entered an extreme state of Transformative Ascension, accelerating his manipulation of the flames. In moments, a blazing wall of fire took form, solidifying in the void outside the Sacred Grounds.
He positioned it at the gaps of the Immortal Relic, immediately cutting off the chaotic fiery currents from the outside.
Inside the Sacred Grounds, the Saints and Feng Boping watched in amazement.
"What is Haotian Zun doing?"
Soon, they gasped in astonishment as they realized Li Hao was sealing the Immortal Relic's breaches with the fire itself.
The condensed flame wall, rather than emitting destructive energy, became a formidable shield against the fiery onslaught.
"Haotian Zun seems to have found a solution!"
"Using fire to block fire—such ingenuity!"
"Incredible. This setup could hold for at least a thousand years if maintained!"
The Saints marveled, admiration filling their gazes.
Li Hao's unparalleled talent had long been known, yet witnessing this extraordinary display left them awestruck anew.
Embracing his newly achieved enlightenment, Li Hao worked faster than ever. Streams of fire converged around him, forming more blazing walls that sealed each gap in the Immortal Relic.
Next, he shaped a massive dome, sculpted from fire, that enveloped the entirety of the Immortal Relic. This two-layered protection would ensure the sanctuary's safety for a millennium—or more.
Finally completing his work, Li Hao exhaled deeply, a weight lifted from his chest. The tranquil focus he'd maintained while carving gave way to a surge of exhilaration.
Not only had he successfully fortified the sanctuary, but the breakthrough in his Sculpting Dao had propelled him to new heights, reaching Transcendence of the Mortal Realm.
This marked the third time Li Hao had achieved such a realm in his disciplines, signifying he could now elevate his Sword Dao to the tenth segment.
Li Hao didn't hesitate. He immediately channeled his newfound enlightenment into his Sword Dao.
[Your Sword Dao has been elevated to the tenth segment.]
As the notification appeared, a torrent of insights washed over him. Li Hao closed his eyes, sitting amidst the raging currents of the Divine Sun, entirely unbothered by the searing heat. His mind was wholly absorbed in assimilating the revelations of the Sword Dao.
All his sword techniques began to evolve rapidly, ascending to greater levels of mastery.
At last, his Solely My Sword Dao truly entered the Sacred Realm.
Suddenly, a rumble of thunder echoed above him, deep and foreboding.
Li Hao's heart skipped a beat. On the Divine Sun, even here, would he face a lightning tribulation?
Within the Immortal Relic, the Saints also noticed the sound of thunder. Soon, they saw the fiery currents above Li Hao parting, revealing coiled flashes of lightning and an overwhelming sense of divine wrath.
They immediately recognized the phenomenon.
"Another Saint Lightning Tribulation?"
"But hasn't Haotian Zun already become a Saint?"
"What's going on?"
The Saints were baffled, their disbelief evident.
The more experienced Saints, including the Nameless Saint and the Mo Family Saint, quickly pieced it together. Their faces turned grave.
"It's a Dao Sacrifice! Only through Dao Sacrifice can one invoke a second Saint Lightning Tribulation!" said the Mo Family Saint, his voice trembling with shock.
Li Hao had already taken the perilous path of Dao Sacrifice once, and now he was doing so again.
The other Saints froze in stunned silence, their scalps tingling at the sheer audacity of it.
Li Hao, however, didn't falter.
He immediately leaped into action, charging headlong into the burgeoning storm.
"Disperse!"
He wielded a damaged immortal sword, slashing through the lightning with the speed and destruction of his Solely My Sword Dao. The stormclouds, just beginning to coalesce, were obliterated in an instant, and the oppressive divine aura vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
Li Hao's urgency stemmed from his fear that the noise and disturbance might attract the attention of the True Immortal ancient demon. He had no room for carelessness.
Watching the thunderclouds dissipate under Li Hao's sword, the gathered Saints were momentarily dumbfounded. This unprecedented method of tribulation made them reevaluate what they thought they knew about the heavens.
However, a few immediately realized Li Hao's cautious reasoning, silently admiring his foresight and composure.
With the thunderclouds dispersed, the tribulation was considered complete. Li Hao felt a deepened understanding of his Sword Dao, and his cultivation showed slight improvement, albeit less dramatic than his initial Dao Sacrifice.
Not lingering, Li Hao extended his divine sense outward, cautiously leaving the Divine Sun to investigate the surroundings. Confirming no residual aura leaked out, he exhaled in relief and descended upon the sacred mountain within the Immortal Relic.
"Everyone, I'm going to find the ancient demon," Li Hao declared.
His gaze swept over Feng Boping and others, briefly pausing on familiar faces like Ren Qianqian and Li Yuanzhao, who looked at him with worry and urgency. A sigh rose in his heart.
"Haotian Zun, wait!" the Nameless Saint called out hastily. "We've discovered a sword deep in the Divine Sun, one that might even be a celestial weapon. Perhaps it could aid you."
Feng Boping quickly added, "Indeed. But it's incredibly dangerous."
Li Hao's eyes brightened, his curiosity piqued. "Where?"
"In the depths of the Divine Sun."
"Lead the way," Li Hao said decisively. "There's no time to waste."
With the Nameless Saint taking the lead, the Saints brought Li Hao to the Divine Sun's core. Joining them was the Military Saint, along with 108 carefully chosen Saints to form a protective formation centered around Li Hao.
Upon reaching the depths, Li Hao's gaze fixed on the sword. Embedded in a patch of crimson soil, it radiated an overwhelming aura of might.
Li Hao's expression turned serious, though excitement flickered in his eyes. This sword was undoubtedly extraordinary—far surpassing an emperor's weapon.
"Be careful, Li Hao," Feng Boping urged.
Under the Military Saint's guidance, the Saints activated the formation, channeling immense power into Li Hao. Feeling the torrent of strength coursing through him, Li Hao acknowledged their seriousness. This sword was indeed no ordinary weapon.
Approaching cautiously, Li Hao immediately felt a suffocating pressure. Strangely, he sensed a faint consciousness within the sword—vague and dormant.
Reaching the sword, he placed his hand on the hilt. The heat surged through his palm like molten lava, and the surrounding crimson flames enveloped him.
Yet, with his formidable power, dozens of times stronger than the Nameless Saint and other Supremes, Li Hao withstood the inferno, suppressing the flames with his immense strength.
Gripping the hilt tightly, he attempted to pull the sword free.
But it didn't budge—it was as if the blade had merged with the crimson soil itself.
Frowning, Li Hao exerted all his strength. The sword trembled slightly, and suddenly, a terrifying will surged forth, slicing directly into Li Hao's sea of consciousness.
Ignoring his physical defenses and overwhelming force, the will struck directly at his essence.
Within Li Hao's sea of consciousness, his recently cultivated Dao Sacrifice Sword Intent reacted instinctively. It clashed fiercely with the invading will, pushing it back.
Despite successfully repelling the will, the impact was devastating. Li Hao was hurled backward, his hand scorched black, and his sea of consciousness trembled violently.
In just a split second, Li Hao sustained severe injuries. Yet, thanks to his Dao Sacrifice Sword Intent, he managed to survive.
Staring at the sword, his eyes deepened with shock. Even the Immortal Sword wielded by Nangong Jian wasn't as terrifying as this one.
"This might not even be a celestial weapon—it could be something far more formidable," Li Hao muttered, his tone solemn.
The Saints were stunned by the scene. Seeing Li Hao initially approach the sword effortlessly, they had harbored hope. But the sudden reversal left them speechless.
Li Hao drew a deep breath and concluded, "This sword is beyond us. I suspect even a True Immortal might struggle to control it."
His words were shocking, leaving the Saints in disbelief. Yet, none doubted him; they had felt the sword's terror firsthand.
"What now?"
"Such a treasure lies before us, but we can't wield it?"
The Saints exchanged uneasy glances before turning their gazes to Li Hao, worry etched on their faces.
They had placed their hopes in this weapon to tip the scales against the True Immortal ancient demon. Now, those hopes were dashed.
Reading their expressions, Li Hao gave a faint smile.
"Don't worry. I'm confident, even without the sword," he said calmly.
Taking the group back to the Sacred Grounds, Li Hao dispersed the formation. "Wait for my good news. If things take a turn for the worse, you'll have at least ten thousand years of sanctuary here. During that time, someone will surely come to aid us. If not... the situation in the True Realm may already be catastrophic."
His words left the Saints heavy-hearted.
"You must survive—if you fall, I will come for you!" Feng Boping's tone was firm, his eyes unwavering.
Li Hao chuckled softly, understanding the elder's concern. "I'll come back alive, I promise."
"You'll return victorious," Lin Qingying stepped forward, her red-rimmed eyes void of tears, wiped dry.
Li Hao nodded gently, glancing at Ren Qianqian, Li Yuanzhao, and the others. He could see the weight of their hope and worry resting on him.
Without saying more, Li Hao turned and departed from the Divine Sun.
"Li Hao…"
Watching the youth's retreating figure, He Jianlan was struck by a bittersweet nostalgia, recalling the same determined stride when he had first left the Divine General's Manor.
The Sacred Grounds and the Nine Provinces Immortal Islands fell silent.
Among the refugees, many from Dayu recognized Li Hao. He was the one they revered as Heavenly General, an unparalleled legend in the Dayu Dynasty. For generations, his name had been spoken with awe and respect.
Now, as he ventured forth to confront an otherworldly foe—a being of divine and transcendent might—would he emerge victorious?