Chapter 463: Langya Painting Realm
"Mm?"
Lin Mingrong raised her eyebrows slightly and said, "Junior Brother, don't spout nonsense. Just now, Elder Li didn't mention you."
"He told me in secret," Li Hao said helplessly, then added, "Senior Sister, you just go ahead. I'll follow you. If anything happens, I'll take responsibility."
Hearing this, Lin Mingrong frowned. Such a clumsy excuse—she didn't even know how to refute it. But since he said he would take responsibility, and he wasn't under her master's tutelage, she figured it had nothing to do with her. She didn't bother arguing further.
"Suit yourself," she said before turning and walking straight ahead.
Passing through a courtyard filled with the fragrance of flowers, attendants stood at the entrance, guiding Li Hao and Lin Mingrong inside.
Beyond the courtyard was a palace like an ink painting, its surroundings enclosed by a barrier. The air here was rich with immortal energy, flowing with Daoist power. Just standing in this place, one could seemingly feel the essence of the Great Dao.
The moment Li Hao stepped onto the grand staircase outside the palace, he was stunned by the scenery before him.
Raising his head to look around, he saw radiant, multi-colored clouds in the sky, a golden sun shining with a warm yet non-dazzling light, and long, winding mist drifting about. At that moment, he instantly realized—this was not just a palace, but rather... a painting!
Aside from the towering palace in front of him, everything around him was painted!
Such an exquisite level of artistry astonished Li Hao. While he himself could paint dragons, phoenixes, and demons, imbuing them with combat power, this world—so naturally integrated—was clearly beyond his skill.
"Mm?"
Hearing the footsteps behind her stop, Lin Mingrong frowned slightly. Seeing Li Hao frozen in place, she said, "It's not too late to regret now. There's no need to act brave. You're still young—go back."
Li Hao was taken aback. Realizing she still misunderstood him, he shook his head and said, "You go on ahead."
Without paying further attention to her furrowed brows, he turned and walked toward the pond and trees nearby.
The pond rippled gently, and beneath the surface, fish swam vividly—as if alive.
But Li Hao immediately recognized that these, too, were painted.
The yellowing leaves on the trees, fluttering in the wind, trembling before finally detaching and drifting downward—they were painted as well.
The artist had infused life into the paintings.
At that moment, Li Hao stood like a devout apprentice, akin to a sword fanatic standing before the greatest sword saint—his heart filled with nothing but awe, admiration, and fascination.
Having reached the eleventh level in painting, he could vaguely perceive the depth and mastery within these artworks.
The painter had seamlessly integrated spatial power, water essence, and earth essence—even a faint hint of time's essence.
To blend so many Great Dao sources purely through painting—this meant that the Da Meng Lord's strength was unfathomable, terrifyingly strong.
Moreover, Li Hao had a subtle suspicion that the dense immortal energy surrounding the palace—
Might also have been painted.
If that were truly the case, then this level of power was simply defying the heavens!
Standing beside the pond, Li Hao seemed like a wandering traveler, curiously taking in the scenery. His eyes reflected nothing but astonishment and admiration.
Meanwhile, everything in this palace and painting realm was being observed from the highest point—by a pair of dreamy, celestial eyes.
In the elegant pavilion atop the palace, she sat quietly, a light veil covering her face. Her eyes, as mesmerizing as an aurora, scanned the disciples who entered her painted realm. Among them, the boy standing by the pond, craning his neck to take in the sights, stood out the most.
His eyes—filled with wonder, fascination, and obsession—caused her usually serene gaze to ripple slightly for the first time in millennia.
A gentle breeze lifted the veil on her face, revealing a faint, enigmatic smile.
A long time passed.
Outside the palace, the disciples from various divisions arrived one after another, stepping into the palace.
Noticing the boy still lingering by the pond, the attendants at the entrance exchanged puzzled glances before stepping forward to escort him inside.
Snapping back to reality, Li Hao reluctantly followed them into the palace.
This palace was grand and towering, nearly a thousand zhang tall. Standing at its entrance, Li Hao felt like an ant entering a giant's world—like a mere speck of dust.
Ahead, twelve figures stood in line. With Li Hao, there were thirteen in total.
This was the final count of Da Meng Jiu Yuan disciples who had made it into the top 1,000 of the Ancient Immortal Realm's trial.
Seeing that Li Hao actually dared to step inside, Lin Mingrong frowned deeply but remained silent.
Then, as Li Hao arrived, a hazy, mystical radiance suddenly spread across the dim palace interior.
An instant later, a projection—radiating like a galaxy of stars—materialized in the palace.
It was Da Meng Lord.
She sat with a light veil covering her face, her figure exuding divine elegance, as ethereal as a celestial being, yet with the presence of a sovereign who overlooked the heavens and earth.
"You have all passed the Yan Chu Imperial Clan's trial—I am pleased. The future of Da Meng Jiu Yuan rests upon your shoulders," she said.
Her voice was gentle, like raindrops nourishing parched land, yet carried an undeniable, sacred authority that made all present instinctively lower their heads.
"You still have three years—do not grow complacent, for others will continue to chase you. The fate of this realm is yet undecided. The great struggle among dragons and serpents has only just begun!"
The gathered disciples bowed their heads, feeling both warmth and pressure in her words.
"These are thirteen Fei Xian Pills. I trust you already know their effects," she continued. "A True Immortal can only take two in a lifetime—each one guarantees a breakthrough."
In an instant, thirteen crystal-clear, snow-white Fei Xian Pills swirled through the air and landed in front of Li Hao and the other disciples.
A rich medicinal fragrance spread through the surroundings, invigorating the spirit and giving a sensation as if every pore in the body was opening up.
Li Hao was genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected such a top-tier immortal pill—one that could directly break through a realm?
The limit of two pills… meaning that as long as one cultivated to True Immortal Realm, eighth level, they could use two Fei Xian Pills to directly achieve True Immortal tenth-level perfection?
However, such immortal pills were undoubtedly incredibly rare and in high demand—likely only available in the most powerful factions as rewards.
Upon seeing the Fei Xian Pills, Lin Mingrong and the other disciples were all tempted. Many among them were at the seventh to ninth level of the True Immortal Realm—if they could obtain a Fei Xian Pill, their strength would advance significantly.
After all, each realm breakthrough meant a doubling of immortal power!
As the pills descended, Lin Mingrong swiftly extended her hand to accept and respectfully expressed her gratitude. At the same time, she noticed Li Hao also receiving his assigned Fei Xian Pill.
She froze slightly. Since Da Meng Lord had personally distributed these pills, there could be no mistake—could it be that what this junior brother had claimed was true?
Yet, she had heard news about every disciple who had made it here, except for him. Furthermore, Elder Li hadn't reported his name, making the situation somewhat strange.
"You may cultivate in this Langya Dreamscape. The immortal energy here is dense, and the Great Dao essence flows freely. If your cultivation stirs the Dao essence, I will personally lecture on the Dao, helping you achieve a breakthrough as soon as possible," Da Meng Lord said gently.
"All other resources are yours to use freely. You need only focus on improving yourselves in the next three years!"
Hearing this, Lin Mingrong and the other disciples snapped their heads up, their expressions filled with excitement.
Among the Da Meng Jiu Yuan sect, the best cultivation ground was none other than the legendary Langya Dreamscape!
Rumor had it that one year of training here was equivalent to a hundred years outside!
"Thank you, Da Meng Lord!"
The disciples bowed in unison.
Li Hao also expressed his thanks, silently engraving the name of this painting realm in his memory.
"If you achieve a notable rank in the Southern Territory Battle three years from now, you will receive even greater rewards. All you need to do is become as strong as possible—remember, do not slack off!"
Da Meng Lord reminded them once more.
The disciples chorused their acknowledgment.
Then, Da Meng Lord waved her hand, dismissing them as attendants came forward to lead them to their designated training areas within the Langya Dreamscape.
Li Hao stood still, hesitating for a moment, uncertain whether to speak up or not.
The other disciples had already turned to leave when Da Meng Lord's gaze shifted to him, her voice soft:
"What is your name?"
Hearing this, the other disciples were taken aback and turned back to look.
They saw that Da Meng Lord was speaking to an unfamiliar young man.
"Disciple Hao Tian," Li Hao cupped his hands and replied.
"You stay. The others may leave."
Da Meng Lord spoke gently.
Upon hearing this, Lin Mingrong's eyes flickered, turning toward Li Hao.
Earlier, when Da Meng Lord had gifted him a pill, it had already proven that he hadn't been lying. Now, with Da Meng Lord keeping him behind, she suddenly found this junior brother rather mysterious.
"Da Meng Lord, earlier, I counted the disciples who made it into the top 1,000. There were twelve of us. How has one more appeared?"
At that moment, a tall, upright youth suddenly stepped forward, bowing respectfully while casting a sharp gaze at Li Hao.
He had long been aware of the number of disciples. Now, seeing this unknown young man being singled out, he felt something was off—his words were meant as a test.
Upon hearing this, the other disciples also turned their eyes toward Li Hao.
Everyone here was shrewd. They had already noticed this oddity but had chosen to remain silent.
"Hao Tian is also among the top 1,000. However, his ranking is too high to be publicly revealed. You all must keep this secret," Da Meng Lord said softly.
The palace fell into momentary silence.
Lin Mingrong, the tall youth, and the other disciples stiffened before simultaneously turning to look at Li Hao.
Making it into the top 1,000 was already impressive—but his ranking was so high that it needed to be hidden?
The youth who had spoken was none other than the chief disciple of Qiang Yuan (Spear Abyss)—a branch known for having the most disciples and the fiercest internal competition within Da Meng Jiu Yuan.
He had risen to the top through this brutal environment, securing the highest ranking among all Da Meng Jiu Yuan disciples, reaching the top 600 and even stepping into the Tenth Desolate Region!
With such a solid placement, he was practically guaranteed to retain his qualification in the next three years. He had no worries about being pushed out—his place in the Southern Territory Battle was assured.
Even so, his name had never been concealed.
And now, this unknown boy had to keep his ranking secret?
Unable to contain his curiosity, the youth asked, "May I ask Da Meng Lord… what is his ranking?"
Although his tone remained polite, there was a hint of disbelief and challenge in his voice.
Da Meng Lord seemed to see through their thoughts but remained calm, her voice as gentle as ever:
"Hao Tian is ranked within the top 100. The exact placement—you will learn in three years."
Top 100?!
Lin Mingrong, the tall youth, and the rest of the disciples all felt their pupils contract.
They stared at Li Hao, their expressions full of shock.
This boy… was in the top 100?!
How was that possible?!
They all knew that those in the top 100 were either already at the Immortal Lord Realm or had been the ones who lasted the longest in the Tenth Desolate Region.
And yet—this boy was one of them?!
The tall youth, Lin Mingrong, and the others felt their hearts shake.
To be in the top 1,000, they had all entered the Tenth Desolate Region.
But to reach the top 100… was an entirely different level!
It was simply a matter of how long one could endure inside.
Because of this, they deeply understood just how terrifying the Tenth Desolate Region was—endless attacks from Dao Origins and primordial immortal arts, each strike devastatingly powerful and completely unpredictable. Anyone who could last inside was a monster!
"This…"
Lin Mingrong slightly parted her lips, her bright eyes trembling. She couldn't believe that besides herself, there was another monstrous genius in Jian Yuan?
Top 100… She kept repeating it in her mind, feeling somewhat dazed.
Then, she suddenly recalled what she had said earlier. Her face flushed red, a burning sensation spreading across her cheeks as embarrassment overwhelmed her.
Da Meng Lord spoke softly, "Go now. Time is precious—do not waste it."
The disciples snapped back to their senses, their gazes complicated as they took one last deep look at the calm and composed young man. Then, one by one, they turned and left the grand hall.
Once they had all departed, Da Meng Lord turned her gaze toward Li Hao, her eyes gentle and soft. "What were you looking at earlier, by the pond?"
Li Hao was startled. He had assumed she would have some special reward for him—he hadn't expected her to bring this up instead.
His eyes immediately lit up with excitement, and he quickly responded, "Da Meng Lord, was this Langya Dreamscape entirely painted by you?"
Seeing the undisguised enthusiasm and exhilaration in the youth's eyes, Da Meng Lord's expression subtly changed.
When he had received the Fei Xian Pill, he had merely been slightly surprised, showing no particular joy. Yet now, it was as if something had triggered a switch in him, and his entire being suddenly came alive.
"You were able to tell it was a painting? That is impressive."
Da Meng Lord's voice remained soft.
Li Hao's eyes sparkled, and he said in genuine admiration, "Did you really paint this, Da Meng Lord? That's incredible!"
Hearing the sincere amazement and praise in the youth's voice, the corners of Da Meng Lord's lips, hidden beneath her veil, seemed to curve slightly.
"Tell me first—how did you notice?"
Her tone remained as composed as before, but she was clearly curious.
Li Hao didn't even need to think before replying, "Being inside the painting, the Dao Origins embedded within guided me toward its artistic structure. I assume this was intentionally left by you, correct?"
A rare hint of surprise flashed in Da Meng Lord's deep, dreamlike eyes.
Indeed, she had intentionally left clues—a brushstroke left unrefined, like a subtle flaw in the painting.
But for this youth to perceive the Dao Origins embedded within the strokes and recognize the method behind them—that was remarkable.
"You practice painting as well?"
"A little."
"Would you be willing to demonstrate?"
"I'd be honored to."
When it came to painting, Li Hao was completely in his element. He didn't hold back at all.
Lifting his hand, he used the surrounding space as his canvas, immortal energy as his ink, and let it spread like a mist of light. His fingertip became his brush, tracing delicate arcs in the air.
A few effortless strokes—
And suddenly, a luminous flood dragon coiled into existence, its majestic body twisting through the void.
With a low, reverberating roar, the flood dragon circled around Li Hao, exuding an imposing aura.
Seeing this, Da Meng Lord's eyes flickered with astonishment.
His mastery of painting techniques was far deeper than she had anticipated. Moreover, she could sense traces of Space and Water Dao Origins embedded within his artwork.
Though she couldn't immediately judge the depth of his comprehension, she was certain—at minimum, his Dao Origins had reached the First Level!
Her gaze lingered on him for a rare moment before she suddenly asked, "You are a disciple of Jian Yuan, correct? Have you ever seen that divine sword?"
"Divine sword?"
Li Hao was taken aback.
Da Meng Lord said softly, "In the Southern Territory Battle, the use of weapons and defensive treasures will be restricted. Once the battle ends, I would like you to attempt to draw the divine sword. If you can pull it free, it shall belong to you."
Li Hao was momentarily confused but quickly realized this was an opportunity. Without hesitation, he said, "Then I must thank Da Meng Lord in advance."
Meanwhile, on Jian Yuan's Imperial Sword Mountain—
Sitting by a small thatched cottage, Yun Wumian suddenly sneezed.
He rubbed his nose, muttering in confusion, "Who's talking about me behind my back?"