Chapter 461: Li Hao's Ranking
At this moment, Li Hao returned from Shangguan Hong and Yuan Xinggang's presence.
The Extreme Realm power lingering on his body had yet to fade, radiating an overwhelming and terrifying aura that made him stand out starkly in the crowd.
Back in front of those two figures, he had maintained his full power just to hold his ground without showing weakness.
But now, standing in the central plaza, he looked like a crane among chickens, his presence so immense that it was impossible to ignore.
"Who is that?"
"Which sect is he from? That aura is monstrous!"
"But his cultivation… why is he only at True Immortal Realm, Third Layer? Am I seeing things?"
Many sect elders turned their gazes toward Li Hao, their eyes filled with shock.
Meanwhile, Li Tie Mu, who had been waiting in the crowd, was momentarily stunned when he saw Li Hao appear.
Then, his expression changed instantly—
A mix of shock, excitement, and urgency flashed across his face as he rushed toward Li Hao.
"Come!"
With a wave of his hand, Li Tie Mu pulled Li Hao into his immortal movement technique, vanishing from sight in an instant, evading the gazes of the surrounding crowd.
Li Hao, now fully aware of his surroundings, quickly suppressed his aura, concealing the powerful presence of his Ancestral Immortal Body within himself.
Now, he looked far less conspicuous.
However, even in that brief moment, many sect elders had already memorized his appearance.
"It's that kid…!"
In Wan Shan Jian Lou, Cui Yue Sheng caught a clear look at Li Hao's face, and his pupils contracted slightly, his expression darkening.
Impossible…
In just two and a half years, this boy had broken through from True Immortal Realm, First Layer to Third Layer.
That alone wasn't particularly shocking—it was within the range of what an elite prodigy should achieve.
But…
What the hell was that aura just now?!
If not for Li Tie Mu's presence, Cui Yue Sheng might have doubted his own senses.
But with that old fox present, it was clear—he had not been mistaken.
"Elder Cui, do you know that boy?"
A fellow elder from Wan Shan Jian Lou turned to him, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"He's the one I told you about before… the Dao Heart Nine Resonance Prodigy."
Cui Yue Sheng took a deep breath, his expression dark as he responded.
The elder was stunned.
His face changed immediately as he began scanning the area, trying to find Li Tie Mu.
But—
Li Tie Mu had already disappeared, hiding who knows where.
In reality, Li Tie Mu hadn't taken Li Hao far.
They were still near the edge of the Wilderness Area, merely concealed by an immortal technique, making it difficult for others to locate them.
"You brat… you sure hid deep enough!"
Li Tie Mu looked at Li Hao, his tone sounding like a scolding, but his eyes were practically glowing with joy.
"Did you really break through the Tenth Wilderness Area?"
Li Hao nodded.
"As expected!"
Li Tie Mu was ecstatic.
Seeing Li Hao's calm and indifferent expression, he resisted the urge to lift the kid up and kiss him out of sheer excitement!
This was unbelievable!
On the very first day of the Ancient Immortal Realm, this brat had already broken into the top twenty!
Right now, the ones ranked ahead of him were all Immortal Lord Realm cultivators.
Among them—
There wasn't a single other True Immortal!
Just this alone would allow Da Meng Jiu Yuan to make a massive name for itself!
But—
At this moment, Li Tie Mu actually held back.
Patience. Patience…
Li Hao's talent was beyond monstrous.
If they revealed him too soon, it would only invite trouble.
The sect struggles were brutal.
If he publicly exposed Li Hao's identity right now, it would bring immediate fame to Da Meng Jiu Yuan…
But—
If he couldn't protect this prodigy, it would become the biggest joke in history.
Not now.
The Southern Region Tournament—that was the real battlefield!
Taking a deep breath, Li Tie Mu warned seriously,
"Do not reveal your ranking number to others."
"Your ranking is too high—it's far too eye-catching."
"You won't just blind the Tianyi Sect—even the royal heirs that you've surpassed will not be happy."
"They will either try to recruit you… or destroy you!"
His tone was deadly serious.
Li Hao nodded slightly.
He had never been one to seek attention, so he was happy to avoid trouble whenever possible.
Seeing Li Hao's calm response, Li Tie Mu secretly sighed in relief.
Many young prodigies were eager for fame.
He had been worried that Li Hao might be tempted—but thankfully, the boy had enough self-awareness.
"What about the others?"
Li Hao asked.
Hearing this, Li Tie Mu turned his gaze toward the black celestial monument, quickly locking onto the ranking numbers of Yue Xi, Murong Qingwu, and Gu Yan.
"There."
"Aside from you, Murong Qingwu is still ahead.
"She has already climbed to rank 2,600.
"If she can reach the Tenth Wilderness Area, she might even break into the top 1,000!"
Li Hao nodded.
Murong Qingwu's talent was immense, and she had joined Da Meng Jiu Yuan a few hundred years earlier than Yue Xi and Gu Yan.
It made sense that she was leading among them.
"Gu Yan is at rank 3,182.
"He's still chasing after the front-runners, but his ranking is rising quickly.
"That kid has perseverance—and he has a Heavenly Sword Immortal Body.
"Even if he doesn't make the top 1,000 this time, in three years, I doubt many can match his growth rate."
Li Tie Mu's eyes gleamed with confidence.
Even Yuan Lord had said—
If Li Hao and Gu Yan were together, they had a 50% chance of victory.
Now—
With Li Hao's performance far exceeding expectations, if Gu Yan could push himself a little further, their chances would skyrocket!
"Yue Xi…"
Li Tie Mu hesitated for a moment.
"She was forced to awaken her Ancestral Disaster Bloodline due to the Ancient Demon's attack.
"Right now, she still hasn't fully mastered it.
"In three years… we'll have to see if she can adapt and gain control."
A glint of ambition flickered in Li Tie Mu's eyes.
His ultimate dream—
Was for all four of them to make it into the top 1,000!
Today, Li Hao had already secured his place.
Now, it was up to the remaining three.
He wasn't worried about Gu Yan—
But he did have concerns about Murong Qingwu and Yue Xi.
Li Hao nodded slightly, his gaze shifting toward his own ranking.
Rank 17.
"So… in the Southern Region Tournament, will the Immortal Lord Realm cultivators be competing against us?"
Li Hao asked curiously.
If they had to fight on the same stage, a True Immortal trying to defeat an Immortal Lord was like an ant challenging a dragon.
If that were the case, he might as well forfeit immediately.
"Mm."
Li Tie Mu nodded, explaining, "Since this competition allows anyone with a soul lifespan under three thousand years to participate, there's no way to fake it.
Even if you were to reincarnate, your previous soul's lifespan would still be accounted for."
"So, under the same soul lifespan, if someone reaches Immortal Lord Realm, then that's just their own talent. Competing on the same stage is perfectly fair."
"In that case, those with a soul lifespan close to 2,900 years would have the greatest advantage."
Li Hao remarked.
Li Tie Mu nodded, "Exactly. Among geniuses, just a hundred years is enough to create a huge gap.
Some participants are a thousand or even two thousand years older than others.
For example—you, your soul lifespan is barely a hundred years…"
He suddenly paused, his gaze flickering.
Wait a minute…
This kid… isn't even a hundred years old.
And yet, he had already cultivated to True Immortal Realm, Third Layer—with battle prowess rivaling True Immortal Realm, Tenth Layer, Peak Perfection?!
For a moment, Li Tie Mu was at a loss for words.
"Technically, it's unfair when you break it down like this…"
He thought Li Hao might feel troubled by it, so he added, "But this world has never been truly fair."
"Whether you believe it or not, fate exists."
Li Hao nodded.
He wasn't particularly bothered by these things.
If he could help Da Meng Jiu Yuan achieve a high ranking, he would do his best.
If not, he wouldn't force it.
As the two conversed, a commotion broke out ahead.
A brilliant starlight descended into the plaza.
The next moment, the silhouette of a stunning young woman in a star-moon robe emerged—Xing Lan.
However, compared to their first encounter, she no longer looked as composed.
Her robes were torn in multiple places, as if scorched by flames or ripped by something sharp.
She looked a little battered—but even so, it did nothing to diminish her radiant and mesmerizing presence.
Standing in the crowd, she instantly became the center of attention, as if she were born to be the protagonist.
The elders from Xingchen Palace immediately rushed over, checking her condition with concern.
However, the flicker of shock and unease in Xing Lan's eyes had already disappeared.
Her expression had returned to calm.
She only gave a slight nod to acknowledge the elders but didn't say much.
Instead, she swept her gaze across the plaza—
But she didn't see that particular boy's figure.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Still in the Tenth Wilderness Area?
She didn't dwell on it further.
Following the elders, she returned to Xingchen Palace's ranks.
As Xing Lan left, more royal heirs began appearing in the plaza.
The atmosphere grew livelier, and the ranking numbers on the celestial monument gradually stabilized.
Clearly, many of the remaining disciples inside had resorted to grinding for time to inch their ranks forward, with only occasional jumps.
Li Hao glanced around, wondering if that little girl had arrived yet.
As he waited, a flash of green robes streaked across the plaza.
A young woman appeared—
Her robe was damaged, her hair messy, and her face slightly dirtied.
She looked a little disheveled and exhausted.
Li Hao's eyes lit up.
He immediately hurried over.
"Ah—!"
The young woman—Lin Qing Ying—froze upon seeing Li Hao suddenly appear before her.
Then—
She let out a startled cry, quickly covering her face and turning away.
"You—you—why are you here?"
She turned her body completely away, her voice flustered.
Then, she quickly realized her own foolishness.
If even she could make it here, then how could Li Hao not?
"Don't look at me!"
"Why?"
"I…"
Lin Qing Ying's cheeks turned bright red.
She knew exactly how disheveled she looked right now.
Her heart was a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
Seeing through her thoughts, Li Hao grinned.
"We've known each other for so long. What's there to be shy about?"
"I still remember your elegant sword dance in the courtyard."
"No one could match its beauty."
Lin Qing Ying froze.
Her eyes suddenly became misty.
She turned back to look at him.
"…Really?"
"Really."
Li Hao nodded.
But as he noticed her eyes growing wetter, he panicked slightly.
Quickly changing the subject, he chuckled awkwardly.
"Ahem, uh… So, which Wilderness Area did you reach?"
"The Seventh."
She answered without thinking.
Then—
She turned toward the celestial monument, and her expression dimmed.
"My ranking number is 1,014. I'm way past 10,000th place."
"This time… I won't be able to qualify."
"That's amazing."
Li Hao looked at her in genuine surprise.
In just two and a half years, she had gone from Half-Saint Realm to being able to rival a True Immortal Realm, Seventh Layer peak cultivator?
That growth rate was insane.
Seeing Li Hao's stunned reaction, Lin Qing Ying blinked.
For some reason, the way he widened his eyes in shock looked a little dumb… but also kind of cute.
She couldn't help but giggle, her heart feeling warm.
"You really think I'm strong?"
"As real as a steel needle."
Li Hao let out a genuine sigh of admiration.
"Did you take some kind of pill? Your cultivation speed is ridiculously fast."
Lin Qing Ying covered her mouth as she laughed.
Rolling her eyes at him, she teased, "You're the one with a demonic path's training speed."
"I practice swordsmanship, not alchemy.
"But… I did take some pills.
"They were all provided by the sect, though."
Li Hao nodded.
She had been getting special treatment from Wan Shan Jian Lou, so he wasn't worried about her future.
"With how well you're doing, I'm sure your sect is already satisfied."
"You still have three years left—just keep pushing forward!"
He encouraged her.
Lin Qing Ying, who had been on the verge of giving up, suddenly felt motivated again.
Hearing Li Hao's words made her confidence surge.
Clenching her fists, she nodded firmly.
"I won't stop moving forward!"
Her words seemed to carry a deeper meaning.
Li Hao smiled.
"Even if you do stop, I'll wait for you."
Lin Qing Ying's cheeks turned even redder, but her eyes grew brighter.
"I don't want to hold you back. You don't have to wait for me," she said softly.
"I want to follow behind you and see you shine."
Li Hao burst into laughter.
"I'm not a lantern—where's all this 'shining' coming from?"
"Lantern?"
Lin Qing Ying blinked in confusion.
Li Hao chuckled but didn't explain.
Instead, he nodded toward the approaching figure.
"Your sect's here to pick you up. We'll talk later."
By now, Cui Yue Sheng had rushed over.
Upon seeing Li Hao, his expression became somewhat complicated.
"Little brother…"
"See you."
Li Hao gave Lin Qing Ying a wave before vanishing with a flash of instant movement.
Cui Yue Sheng hurried forward, only to see Li Hao had deliberately avoided him.
His mouth opened, but no words came out.
His heart felt a little stifled.
A prodigy like this had been right under his nose—and yet, that old fox Li Tie Mu had snatched him away.
That was a crime!
As time passed, more and more disciples emerged from the Wilderness Area.
Li Hao and Li Tie Mu stood in the plaza, waiting patiently.
While waiting, they chatted idly.
"With your performance, once word gets back to the sect, you'll be given the best resources," Li Tie Mu said excitedly via voice transmission.
"The Yuan Lord will personally guide you in swordsmanship!"
"At that point, we might even be able to invite the Great Dream Master to lecture you.
"After all, you're now the greatest hope of our sect.
"You have the highest ranking in our entire sect!"
Li Hao asked, "This Ancient Immortal Realm trial lasts three years. When exactly will the Southern Region Tournament be held?"
"Ten years from now!"
Li Tie Mu continued,
"Once the trial ends, the top 1,000 qualifiers will receive seven years of royal resources and training.
"Seven years isn't a lot, but it's enough for a significant power boost."
"Ten years…"
Li Hao nodded.
That meant he still had plenty of time.
In ten years, it wasn't impossible for him to step into Immortal Lord Realm.
However, compared to that, his current priority was to push his Primordial Spirit to Final Realm first.
After all, mastering Daoist Arts to the Twelfth Stage wasn't something that could be forced.
The more one obsessed over it, the harder it was to break through.
Maybe one day, after watching the snowfall or listening to the wind, enlightenment would naturally come.
On the other hand—
Cultivating the Primordial Spirit required constant effort.
Besides—
If he could cook and refine the Ancient Demons, his Culinary Dao might even reach Eleventh Stage.
Thinking of this, Li Hao's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"When this trial ends, I want to visit the borderlands," he said to Li Tie Mu.
"The borderlands? Which one?"
Li Tie Mu was taken aback, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at Li Hao.
"The Yan Chu Borderlands."
Li Hao replied calmly.
"What are you planning to do there?"
Li Tie Mu couldn't help but ask.
"Obviously, to slay Ancient Demons."
Li Hao answered naturally.
Li Tie Mu smacked his forehead.
Why had he even asked?
The only reason to go to the borderlands was to slay demons.
"But your cultivation isn't high enough yet.
"Even Immortal Lords can face danger there—let alone you.
"Are you going to train your combat skills?"
Li Tie Mu muttered before quickly making a decision.
"If you really insist on going, I'll go with you.
"I'll also have Qing Xuan look after you."
Hearing this, Li Hao recalled his senior brother Qing Xuan and his formidable presence.
Shaking his head, he replied,
"No need for all that trouble."
Li Tie Mu's expression immediately turned serious.
"You want to go alone? Absolutely not happening!"
Before Li Hao could respond—
Two figures suddenly appeared in the plaza.
Looking over, he saw—
Yue Xi and Murong Qingwu.
Li Tie Mu noticed as well.
"Let's talk about this later."
Saying that, he walked over to greet them.
Both women looked utterly exhausted—
Covered in injuries, clearly having pushed themselves to the limit in the Wilderness Area.
The moment they emerged, their gazes immediately sought out the celestial monument, looking for their rankings.
Upon seeing her placement outside the top 2,000, Murong Qingwu's face stiffened.
Meanwhile, Yue Xi, who was ranked beyond 3,000, instantly scowled.
She had fought so hard—and yet, she had still fallen short of expectations.
Did this mean…
There were over 3,000 people stronger than her?!
She quickly thought of Gu Yan and searched for his ranking.
After scanning through Murong Qingwu's ranking, she found Gu Yan's name about 200 places behind her.
His ranking was 600 places higher than hers.
Her expression turned complicated.
Clenching her fists tightly, she lowered her gaze.
Then, a thought struck her.
She had forgotten to check for one more person.
Her eyes darted toward the celestial monument, searching for 996's ranking number.
She scanned from 2,000th place to 4,000th place—
Checked again, and again—
But she couldn't find it.
Her heart began to race.
She expanded her search, looking past 4,000th place.
Still nothing.
A sense of dread crept into her chest.
She switched directions—
Searching upward instead.
Past 1,000th place.
Still not there.
Past 500th place.
Still not there.
"Could it be… he didn't even participate?"
She mumbled, dazed.
Then—
She unintentionally glanced up toward the top of the celestial monument.
Among the double-digit rankings, a few triple-digit numbers stood out.
One of them—
Ranked—
19th.
Since Li Hao had left the Wilderness Area for some time, his rank had slipped from 17th to 19th due to the royal heirs catching up.
But to Yue Xi, it felt like a thunderclap exploding in her mind.
Her entire body trembled, as if struck by lightning.
She stood frozen in place—
Completely shocked.