Chapter 437: The Pinnacle of Soul Refinement, True Deity
"That is… a True Immortal!"
"The realm we've dreamed of reaching, the realm the Origin Ancestor spoke of countless times…"
In the distant void, the onlookers stared blankly at the scene before them, as if witnessing the birth of a myth.
The legendary True Immortal Realm, transcending mortality and Saints, standing shoulder to shoulder with heaven and earth, an existence of eternal life!
"Decades of painstaking cultivation… all for nothing." Mu Sheng's expression was filled with complexity and bitterness.
At this moment, they had lost all hope of obtaining the Celestial Emperor's Dao inheritance.
The path to the pinnacle of the True Realm, one that could elevate a cultivator to unimaginable heights, had been claimed before their eyes. The pain was difficult to describe.
"It's not entirely wasted. At least the insights we've gained over the years remain with us. Skill is inferior to others; we can't blame anyone else." Lin Sheng cast a long, deep gaze at the young figure and then spoke with calm acceptance.
When Li Hao passed the second level of the True Sovereign Tower, Lin Sheng had already realized that the Celestial Emperor's Dao inheritance would likely belong to this youth. Competing with him was futile.
Such an astonishing cultivation speed was the hallmark of a true prodigy, destined to shine in the True Realm—a level they could never hope to reach.
In front of the humble cottage, Wang Lao's trembling had subsided. The fists he had clenched tightly earlier slowly loosened. A faint smile appeared on his face.
After waiting tens of thousands of years, he had finally found a true genius. At last, he could step out of this forbidden place and accompany Li Hao into the wider world.
In midair, Li Hao's body slowly descended, landing gently on the meditation mat.
At that moment, he quietly felt the transformation within his body and summoned his system panel.
[Skill (Quasi-Emperor Art)]: Shuntian Ancestral Canon (Proficient in the True Immortal Chapter)
[Physical Technique]: Ancestral Immortal Body (Imperfect)
[Combat Technique]: Battle Heaven Art (Perfect)
"Space Origin at the fourth layer—this means I've grasped the 'Heaven' portion of Shuntian, but without mastery over the Time Origin, I haven't even truly begun. I'm far from perfection…"
Li Hao's gaze flickered as he studied the panel. He could understand why it was labeled "Proficient."
He himself could feel that he had not yet captured the essence of this immortal art, as if a crucial piece was missing.
As for the Ancestral Immortal Body, its imperfection was likely due to his current body being an artificial one crafted from nine-tier Mixed Origin Divine Blood. This temporary body, although supported by pure celestial energy, could not fully integrate with the ancestral body—its brilliance was only surface-deep.
Once he returned to his original body in the outside world, he could refine it again to achieve perfection.
The thought crossed his mind: after so many years, would his original body remain intact?
Given its strength—comparable to a six-tribulation Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon—very few forces in the heavens could destroy it. It should still be unharmed.
Returning his focus to the Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal, Li Hao marveled at its power.
The seal resided within his soul, radiating a constant, warm celestial energy. The interconnected flowers amplified the energy exponentially.
Li Hao now understood why Wang Lao had described the Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal as the pinnacle of True Immortal achievements. Each additional flower exponentially increased the amplification.
One flower doubled the power.
Two flowers quadrupled it.
Three flowers multiplied it by eight.
Four flowers by sixteen.
Reaching Nine Blossoms, the amplification was a staggering 256 times!
With a Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal, a cultivator could unleash celestial power at 256 times the base level, creating a gap so vast that it could obliterate opponents in an instant.
"These nine Dao flowers function like a natural formation!"
Li Hao's eyes gleamed. If the Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal was already so terrifying, the legendary Origin Dao Immortal Seal, as described by Wang Lao, must be unimaginably powerful.
Such seals were incredibly rare, even in the True Realm, and were exclusive to the Celestial Emperor's personal disciples.
As Li Hao pondered, a figure approached from the distance.
Looking up, Li Hao saw Wang Lao walking toward him with a joyful expression that was impossible to hide.
"How did you do it? With your potential, I'd wager that in another ten thousand years, you might have a shot at challenging the personal disciple trials."
Wang Lao's tone carried a rare warmth.
At less than a century of soul lifespan, Li Hao had close to ten thousand years left to refine his cultivation. Although the gap between a personal disciple and a formal disciple was vast, it wasn't entirely out of reach.
"Wang Lao, do you know how one advances from a Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal to an Origin Dao Immortal Seal?"
Li Hao's eyes brightened with curiosity as he asked.
Wang Lao shook his head slightly. "That secret likely rests with the Celestial Emperor himself. Perhaps you could ask the True Sovereign Tower's spirit—it might provide some direction. However, from what I know, the Celestial Emperor's three personal disciples all achieved their Origin Dao Immortal Seals through unique opportunities that cannot be replicated."
Li Hao felt a twinge of disappointment but pressed on, "What exactly is this 'spirit' you mentioned?"
"The spirit of the True Sovereign Tower," Wang Lao explained with a smile. "It was once a True Deity—an existence that had refined its soul to its ultimate form. However, due to neglecting its physical cultivation, its body was destroyed in battle against an archenemy. Near death, the Celestial Emperor saved it and allowed it to inhabit the True Sovereign Tower, making it the artifact spirit of this Quasi-Emperor weapon. Immortal and indestructible."
Li Hao paused, recalling his earlier encounter with the projection of the Tower Spirit.
"Quasi-Emperor weapon…"
His gaze shifted to the distant, shadowy tower. To think it was a Quasi-Emperor weapon—a treasure nearing the pinnacle of power.
"Since it refined its soul to perfection, does that mean I can consult it about soul cultivation?"
Excitement sparked in Li Hao's eyes. Then, a thought crossed his mind, and he hesitated. "If the ancient demons' souls were stronger than their celestial counterparts, wouldn't a perfected soul resemble them? Why didn't it participate in the war back then?"
"Of course, it fought in the war," Wang Lao replied as others began to gather nearby. Had Li Hao failed to achieve the Nine-Blossom Immortal Seal, Wang Lao would have left immediately, keeping this matter between himself and the youth.
Now that Li Hao had passed the third test to become a formal disciple, everything here would soon come to an end. Wang Lao no longer hid his emotions, sighing softly as he explained:
"The Sovereign Spirit was injured during the ancient war. The Celestial Emperor brought him back here, leaving him to recover while also entrusting him to act as the guardian of this inheritance."
Seeing Li Hao's puzzled expression, Wang Lao continued, "Though the Sovereign Spirit reached the peak of the soul's cultivation—the end-stage of the soul path—being at the peak doesn't mean being invincible. The Ancient Demon Clan had numerous Demon Kings who also attained the soul's ultimate stage. What made them truly terrifying was their mastery of countless innate soul techniques gleaned from the mysteries of reincarnation."
"These techniques allowed their souls to unleash devastating power. Think of it like an iron sword. Even if its sharpness and hardness reach perfection, how one wields it determines its true impact."
Li Hao was momentarily stunned but quickly understood.
The peak of the soul path signified strength, but mastery in wielding that strength to kill and dominate required an entirely different set of skills.
In this area, the Ancient Demon Clan were undisputed experts.
"You now have two choices," Wang Lao said. "First, become a formal disciple immediately, inherit the Celestial Emperor's Dao legacy, and leave this place. Second, remain here to cultivate further, challenge the third level of the True Sovereign Tower, and condense the Origin Dao Immortal Seal, becoming a personal disciple!"
"Which do you choose?"
Before Li Hao could respond, Wang Lao added, "If you choose the second option, I can wait another ten thousand years. After all, I've already waited for a hundred thousand…"
"The first option—inherit now," Li Hao interrupted decisively. "I want to leave."
Ten thousand years was too long. By then, his progress in mastering his arts could elevate him to the level of Immortal Monarch or even Immortal King.
The myriad heavens couldn't afford to wait that long.
And Li Hao didn't want Feng Lao and the others to wait for him either.
Hearing his answer, Wang Lao's eyes flickered, and he nodded. "Very well. If you have questions, you may consult the Sovereign Spirit. If not, I will take you to inherit the formal disciple title and listen to the Celestial Emperor's final teachings."
"Give me a moment," Li Hao replied, flying toward the True Sovereign Tower.
Wang Lao stood silently, waiting.
Around him, the gathered Saints exchanged complex glances. Wang Lao and Li Hao's conversation had been audible, and now their feelings were tumultuous.
"After accompanying this old man for tens of thousands of years, it's time for us to part ways," Wang Lao said, watching Li Hao enter the True Sovereign Tower. Turning to the others, his gaze softened. "This time of hardship will be unforgettable for you. The insights you've gained here will serve you for a lifetime. Once Hao Tian inherits the Dao legacy, the restrictions here will be lifted, and I will send you all back to the myriad heavens."
"However, before we part, I must ask for your cooperation. This Celestial Curse of Calamity will seal your memories of this place, making them inaccessible to outsiders. Anyone who attempts to forcefully pry into them will have their own soul and memories destroyed."
"If any of you reveal this secret—whether directly or indirectly, through any means—unless you deceive even your own Dao heart, the curse will activate, and you will die instantly, your Dao vanishing!"
Wang Lao raised his hand, silver light swirling in his palm as clusters of celestial energy gathered above everyone's heads.
Hearing his words, the Saints' faces changed slightly, though none of them resisted. They had anticipated something like this.
Wang Lao sparing their lives was already an extraordinary kindness.
"Hao Tian is about to become the Celestial Emperor's formal disciple. His identity is extraordinary and must remain confidential. If the Ancient Demon Clan learns of this, they will hunt him relentlessly, seeking to destroy him before he fully matures. Similarly, other races and factions coveting the Celestial Emperor's Dao legacy would bring him endless trouble. I hope you understand."
Wang Lao's voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight.
The Saints felt a mix of emotions. They were awestruck by Wang Lao's profound care and patience in explaining everything to them—an attitude far gentler than his usual demeanor.
They could also see that his mood was particularly good today, likely due to Li Hao's unprecedented success.
"This time of cultivation has been a rare opportunity for all of you. If Hao Tian truly inherits the Celestial Emperor's teachings or even reaches the level of Immortal King, he will surely protect you. I can tell that this child values relationships deeply. Do not let jealousy cloud your judgment and bring ruin upon yourselves."
Wang Lao's words were soft yet deeply resonant.
The Saints exchanged glances, their expressions conflicted.
To say they weren't jealous would be a lie. After all, the Celestial Emperor's Dao legacy was an unimaginable treasure, and seeing it slip through their fingers naturally left a bitter taste.
However, Li Hao's extraordinary abilities had left them with no room to even entertain thoughts of competition.
"Wang Lao, please bestow the curse," You Sheng said suddenly, her noble and flawless face calm and serene. "Hao Tian has earned this opportunity through his own skill. If he leads the human race against the Ancient Demons in the future, it will be our race's fortune. I will safeguard this secret with my life."
Hearing her clear and resolute voice, the other Saints' eyes flickered with emotion.
Lin Sheng added, "Indeed. Let the capable inherit. Hao Tian obtained this through his own efforts. We've had countless years and opportunities, yet we failed. We have only ourselves to blame."
With his words, the others nodded in agreement.
They also knew that refusal was meaningless.
Wang Lao wasted no time. The Celestial Curse of Calamity descended, ensuring that even if resentment lingered in anyone's heart, the secret of this place and Li Hao's identity would remain safe.
"If my memory serves me right, Hao Tian, as a formal disciple, will have limited access to the Heavenly Calamity Emperor's Hall to select celestial guards," Wang Lao announced, surveying the crowd.
"Becoming a celestial guard requires a vow of unwavering loyalty to Hao Tian. Even at the cost of your life, defiance is not allowed," he explained. "However, becoming a celestial guard also grants access to celestial guard cultivation techniques. If you have sufficient comprehension, you might even ascend to the realm of Immortal Monarchs through this path."
Hearing Wang Lao's words, the gathered Saints exchanged uncertain looks.
Meanwhile, within the True Sovereign Tower, Li Hao had entered again and found himself in a vast expanse. A solitary pillar floated in front of him, pulsing with a faint purple glow. A blurred figure coalesced above it, forming the image of a middle-aged man. Though his facial features were indistinct, his tall, refined silhouette carried an air of sophistication and melancholy.
The figure scanned Li Hao up and down. Although his face was unclear, Li Hao could sense a warm and gentle gaze.
"Ten thousand years of waiting, and finally, someone worthy has arrived," the Sovereign Spirit sighed softly, his tone laced with a relaxed satisfaction. He had witnessed Li Hao's tribulation from within the tower and had already experienced an earlier surge of excitement.
"Senior Sovereign Spirit, Wang Lao mentioned that you once achieved the realm of True God. Could you enlighten me on how to reach that level?" Li Hao bowed respectfully, curiosity glimmering in his eyes. "Is it through condensing divine bones? How many must one condense to achieve it?"
"Condensing divine veins is far easier than forming divine bones," the Sovereign Spirit replied with a knowing smile. "But divine bones are merely the first step. What defines a True God is a soul cultivated to its pinnacle, no longer reliant on a physical body. A True God becomes eternal, capable of traversing millions of miles in a thought, crossing even the Forbidden Desolation Lands. When divine bones reach their ultimate refinement, they will naturally generate divine soul blood. Once this blood flows through the entire body, a True God's Seal will form."
"And what is the True God's Seal?" The Sovereign Spirit continued, "It is the core of the soul, akin to the Immortal Seal you've just formed. It represents the deepest imprint of your soul's power."
He cast another look over Li Hao, his gaze both amazed and amused. "Though I don't know how you've managed to cultivate your soul to such a level in less than a century, if you maintain this progress, you could achieve True God status in just a few hundred years."
Hearing this, Li Hao's understanding deepened.
Divine bones were only the first step, followed by divine soul blood and ultimately the True God's Seal. Compared to that, breaking through the limits of the soul realm seemed almost trivial. The further one advanced, the exponentially greater the challenge.
Li Hao nodded. "I understand now. But given how far I still have to go, I didn't consider rushing the process."
The Sovereign Spirit chuckled. "You're too honest. Most others would seize every opportunity, even if it means relying on epiphanies gained during desperate battles. These so-called flashes of brilliance are merely the ability to turn adversity into insight."
Li Hao smiled faintly. "You also said it's 'almost' impossible to win a fight against an opponent ten times stronger. That 'almost' means there's still a chance."
The Sovereign Spirit's gaze flickered briefly as if recalling a figure from an era long past. "Indeed. There was one such existence who defied that impossibility. That individual was the Celestial Emperor's most beloved personal disciple. Unfortunately…"
The Sovereign Spirit shook his head, his voice tinged with regret. "If not for the calamity of that time, the True Realm might have gained another Celestial Emperor."
"With your current progress, your next chance to challenge the third level will come when you ascend to the rank of Immortal Monarch," the Sovereign Spirit said, his tone serious. "You have over 9,000 years of lifespan remaining—ample time. But you'll need to master your current realm thoroughly before attempting the challenge again. Otherwise, the window of opportunity will close forever."
"Still," he added with a mysterious smile, "there's another path for you to become a personal disciple. It depends on your luck. Once you leave here, you can follow Wang Lao to explore it."
Li Hao's curiosity was piqued. "Another path?"
The Sovereign Spirit merely smiled without elaborating. Instead, he turned the subject back. "By the way, do you have any questions about the Origin Dao Immortal Seal?"
Li Hao immediately perked up. "Senior, do you know anything about how to achieve it?"
The Sovereign Spirit's expression grew thoughtful. "That is one of the True Realm's greatest secrets. I know a little, but not nearly as much as the Celestial Emperor did. Before his final expedition, the Celestial Emperor foresaw that the True Realm might face destruction, and resources for cultivation would dwindle. As such, he left behind a record in his final teachings on how to become a personal disciple and advance to higher realms."
"Though you are now a formal disciple, the treatment you'll receive will far surpass that of previous formal disciples. But remember, the difficulty of becoming a personal disciple hasn't been lessened. The goal of a personal disciple is singular: to become a Celestial Emperor. Without such qualifications, one could never ascend to that level!"