Chapter 446: The Calamity Clan, Great Dream Nine Abyss
Li Hao and the others looked up, watching as numerous figures flew past, all following the massive sword ahead.
"Tianyi Sect? Isn't that one of the top sects in the True Realm?"
Li Hao's eyes flickered slightly. If the rules hadn't changed in the past hundred thousand years, then this should be correct.
He glanced at Lin Qingying, then immediately led the group to follow.
Aside from Lin Qingying, he himself was also a sword cultivator. Though he had inherited the legacy of the Celestial Emperor Tianyang, mastering more sword intents would only bring benefits, not drawbacks.
After all, his cultivation method merely required him to record techniques; it didn't consume much time.
Wang Lao followed beside Li Hao, glancing into the distance. His gaze seemed to pierce through thousands of miles, revealing deep thoughts filled with reminiscence. He transmitted his voice to Li Hao:
"You accompany these young ones. I'll go search for the reincarnation of Goddess Shimao."
Li Hao's figure paused momentarily before quickly replying through divine transmission:
"I'll go with you."
"No need."
Wang Lao gently shook his head and continued via voice transmission:
"I had already searched for her on the battlefield earlier. The time fluctuations of Goddess Shimao have completely disappeared. She must have arrived in the True Realm quite some time ago. The heavenly laws here are much tighter, and traces fade quickly. Since we are in the Southern Domain, I plan to head to Qiongyuan to find the Old Blind Man's stone statue. Perhaps he can divine her whereabouts—if that statue still exists…"
Then, he said to Li Hao:
"You have provided a valuable clue. I will spare no effort in my search. Here, take these three willow leaves."
He raised his hand and handed Li Hao three vibrant green, crystal-like willow leaves, radiating divine light.
"Each leaf grants you one slash. Below the King realm, the target will die without question. Even those above will be severely shaken."
As he spoke, he raised his hand again and gently tapped Li Hao's forehead.
A silver, meandering mark appeared on Li Hao's forehead, resembling a third vertical eye, but it quickly faded and merged into his body.
"This is my Celestial Kingdom's origin imprint. If you ever face danger and call for help, I can teleport to your side instantly. You need not worry."
After making these arrangements, Wang Lao silently observed Li Hao.
Li Hao was momentarily stunned. Seeing Wang Lao's warm and gentle gaze, he seemed to understand something.
"Train well. If you truly find the reincarnation of Goddess Shimao, you will become her personal disciple. By then, you will contend for the Celestial Emperor's legacy alongside her. With your current strength, your foundation is still lacking…"
Wang Lao's voice was soft and solemn, carrying an air of care and instruction.
Li Hao remained silent for a while before nodding.
Although he did not have a strong desire to inherit the Celestial Emperor's legacy, he understood that some responsibilities came with the position, and he would have no choice in the matter.
After finishing his words, Wang Lao quietly vanished into the void, leaving without a trace.
In Li Hao's hands, only the three glowing willow leaves remained, radiating divine brilliance.
The others noticed that Li Hao had stopped in place, and only then did they realize that one person was missing from his side.
"Where is that senior?" someone asked.
"He went to pave the way for me."
Li Hao gazed into the distant sky and said nothing more. He carefully put away the three willow leaves. Only now did he realize that Wang Lao was not a sword cultivator, but a blade cultivator.
—
After passing through the towering mountain structures, Li Hao and his group finally saw the boundless city before them.
Within the city, mountains and rivers coexisted with countless peaks and endless buildings. The vastness of the landscape seemed infinite, stretching beyond the eye's reach.
Following the lingering fluctuations of the massive sword from earlier, Li Hao led Jian Zhu, Feng Lao, and the others toward their destination.
As they flew past countless mountain ranges and buildings, they eventually arrived at the heart of the city. The deeper they went, the denser the structures became. Towering edifices stood like colossal swords or grand clock towers, emanating an ancient and desolate aura. The stone structures were rough and unrefined, appearing as though they had endured countless ages, compacted into an immovable fortress.
The group traveled through the sky, eventually reaching a vast plaza. Above them, a massive sword, nearly a hundred miles long, stretched across the sky like a celestial bridge—impossible to climb, impossible to cross.
Many figures stood beneath the shadow of the giant sword, gazing up and discussing amongst themselves.
"Wanshan Sword Tower only accepts sword cultivators. We, who do not walk the path of the sword, should seek other sects instead."
"That's right. I noticed the Fenglei Pavilion has also arrived. I happen to have comprehended the true essence of the Wind Dao. Joining them to advance further should not be a problem."
"Not necessarily. These top sects rigorously test one's Dao Heart. At the very least, one must resonate with the Heart-Questioning Tower five times!"
"That…"
Around them, many people engaged in quiet discussions.
On their way here, Li Hao had transmitted the language of the True Realm into the minds of Feng Lao and the others via divine sense. Although one could still communicate with the immortals and gods here through primordial soul intent, that would immediately expose them as outsiders, inviting trouble and discrimination.
Li Hao turned his gaze toward the center of the plaza, where an imposing pagoda towered into the heavens.
Its peak extended beyond the clouds, making it impossible to see the top. The tower, however, leaned slightly to one side, with numerous eaves and corners damaged. On the seventh tier, a fresh patch of crimson blood stained the structure, as if it had just been spilled.
"Why is there blood there?"
Some newly arrived immortals from various regions also noticed this and curiously inquired.
"Someone dared to cause trouble at the Heart-Questioning Tower? This place forbids violence."
"You're mistaken. That isn't ordinary blood—it's imperial blood from a hundred thousand years ago. I came here thirty thousand years ago, and it was just as fresh then as it is today. Imperial blood does not fade, nor does it dry." someone replied.
Li Hao's eyes flickered. Imperial blood stained upon the Heart-Questioning Tower… What kind of great event had transpired here in the past?
At that moment, atop the hundred-mile-long giant sword, a group of figures floated in the air, standing at the edge. They gazed down upon the countless immortals and saint-level cultivators gathered in the grand plaza below.
"I am Cui Yuesheng, an elder of Wanshan Sword Tower."
A solemn yet indifferent voice descended from above, resonating in the ears of everyone present.
"By the decree of our sect, we have come to seek out and recruit talented disciples. Any True Immortal whose soul lifespan is below three thousand years may participate. As for Saint-level cultivators, the requirement is a soul lifespan under one thousand years."
"The selection criteria are as follows: First, you must be a sword cultivator!"
"Second, your Dao Heart must be beyond the Heaven-grade, capable of resonating with the Heart-Questioning Tower at least five times, demonstrating a pursuit beyond the mere path of gods and heaven."
"Third, I will leave behind a trace of sword intent. Only those capable of comprehending it will be deemed qualified."
"Those who meet these requirements may enter the sect. Among them, the most outstanding will be directly accepted as inner disciples."
"The recruitment period lasts for one month. Make good use of your time."
As soon as the words fell, a wave of excitement erupted among the gathered sword cultivators. Meanwhile, those whose soul lifespan exceeded the limit could only wear dejected expressions. Just this single requirement had already eliminated many.
"Looks like us old folks don't stand a chance."
Feng Bo Ping glanced at Jian Zhu, his eyes filled with regret.
He knew Jian Zhu was an exceptional sword cultivator with great talent in the art. However, his soul lifespan had long surpassed three thousand years—no, even thirty thousand—making it impossible for him to join the sect.
Jianzhu raised his head slightly, his brows furrowing as he processed all the information Li Hao had transmitted to him about the True Realm. He now understood that the force occupying the massive sword above them was the Tianyi Sect, one of the top celestial sects in the True Realm.
Moreover, it was a sect dedicated to the way of the sword. His heart yearned for such a place, but the strict requirements left him with no opportunity to enter.
He sighed regretfully. He had originally planned to explore the True Realm in pursuit of the ultimate truth of swordsmanship, to witness a more extreme and transcendent way of the sword. However, before he could even take the first step, the door had already been shut in his face.
"The requirements of Wanshan Sword Tower seem to be in preparation for the upcoming Southern Domain Battle."
"That's right. The Southern Domain Battle only allows participants with a soul lifespan under three thousand years. They are clearly aiming to recruit for that purpose."
"It can't be helped. This time, the Southern Domain Battle is said to be reshuffling the ranks of many forces in the Southern Domain. The ranking will determine their status as celestial sects, so every major sect is fighting desperately."
Many voices murmured in discussion around them.
Li Hao glanced around and saw that many cultivators were rushing toward the towering Heart-Questioning Tower, eager to be tested and prove their Dao Heart.
He turned to look at Jianzhu and the others. Saints had long lifespans; even after a hundred thousand years, they showed no signs of aging. True Immortals, on the other hand, shared lifespans equal to that of the heavens and earth, living for millions of years.
Nangong Jian, who had remained in the ancient battlefield, had stayed there for a full hundred thousand years.
However, most True Immortals perished while competing for opportunities and cultivating. Few actually lived out their natural lifespan.
"Haotian, given your age, you should be able to join Wanshan Sword Tower."
Jianzhu smiled as he looked at Li Hao.
Feng Boping also turned to Li Hao, his face full of encouragement. He showed no regret for being unable to join the sect himself, instead saying with a smile, "This is one of the top forces in the True Realm. If you can enter, you'll be able to advance further and faster."
Li Hao shook his head slightly and said, "If they won't accept you all, then I will find another celestial sect for us."
"Absolutely not!"
Feng Boping's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, and he quickly said, "You mustn't let us hold you back. Everyone has their own path. Ours may end here, but yours stretches far ahead."
Li Hao replied calmly, "No matter how far the path extends, if your figures are not along the way, then it's a dead road. The scenery along the journey is what truly matters."
Feng Boping and Jianzhu exchanged glances. They had long understood Li Hao's temperament, yet his words still left them with an indescribable sense of warmth.
"You foolish child…"
Feng Boping muttered, still wanting to persuade him further.
Just then, a voice rang out from above. It was a cold and crisp female voice, clear as the chilling springs of winter, causing the mind to calm involuntarily:
"If your soul lifespan exceeds the requirement but your Dao Heart meets the standard and you can comprehend the sword intent, you may still apply to join. However, whether you can become an inner disciple will depend on your performance after entering the sect."
At these words, the plaza erupted into cheers. Many who had been excluded due to their age were suddenly filled with excitement.
Feng Boping and Jianzhu were momentarily stunned before their faces lit up with joy.
"It looks like you still have a chance." Feng Boping smiled at Jianzhu.
Jianzhu nodded slightly, his eyes shining with anticipation. However, his gaze turned toward the towering Heart-Questioning Tower as he said, "But they require a Dao Heart resonance of five echoes. I don't know if I can reach that level."
Li Hao knew that five echoes of the Dao Heart meant surpassing the Heaven-grade and stepping into the Chaos-grade Dao Heart realm.
Whether Jianzhu could reach that level, even Li Hao wasn't certain. So he simply said, "In that case, let's go to the Heart-Questioning Tower and take the test first."
"Agreed."
The group all nodded. Among the crowd, Zhantan and the others also smiled, full of enthusiasm. However, they knew that their cultivation paths likely made them unsuitable for Wanshan Sword Tower.
At this moment, they arrived in front of the Heart-Questioning Tower. Many figures were entering and exiting the structure, and every so often, a low humming vibration could be heard from within. Those who exited still carried faint echoes of the tower's resonance upon them—subtle, but perceivable to those who listened carefully.
"I'll go first."
Jianzhu turned to Li Hao and spoke, then, with a solemn expression, flew toward the Heart-Questioning Tower.
Li Hao watched him enter, then turned his gaze toward Lin Qingying.
"Wait for me."
Lin Qingying met his gaze, her voice soft yet firm. In her eyes, there was an unprecedented determination.
She had tested her Dao Heart before—it had only been at the Heaven-grade. However, whether it had changed since then, she did not know. She needed to test it again.
As her figure drifted toward the tower like a floating cloud, Li Hao retracted his gaze and looked at the others. "If any of you wish to be tested, feel free to go. If you choose to join another sect later, they will likely require similar tests as well."
Hearing his words, the others swiftly made their way toward the Heart-Questioning Tower.
Feng Boping, noticing that Li Hao remained standing in place, asked, "You're not going?"
"I tested myself before," Li Hao replied.
Feng Boping was surprised, then chuckled. "Judging by your expression, you must have passed the requirement, right?"
Li Hao smiled slightly. With nine echoes of the Dao Heart, he had certainly met the standard.
"Then I won't wait for you. I'll go see how I fare as well."
With a smile, Feng Boping bid farewell to Li Hao and flew toward the Heart-Questioning Tower.
Meanwhile, up above at Wanshan Sword Tower, the cold-voiced woman raised her hand and carved a sword mark into the void.
Li Hao looked up. The moment his gaze met the mark, he felt its sharpness piercing his eyes. Yet, at the same time, the sword intent carried the vastness of mountains and rivers, exuding an imposing presence. His pupils contracted slightly—this sword intent was extraordinary.
At that moment, a system notification appeared before his eyes:
[Sword Technique 'Wanshan Opening Form' (Initial Comprehension) has been acquired. Would you like to record it?]
Record.
In an instant, a new sword technique was added to his list.
Li Hao glanced at its classification. It was of the Celestial Upper-grade—suitable for True Immortals.
Cultivation techniques for Celestial Lords, however, involved laws of origin and were classified as Source-grade techniques, which formed the foundation of a sect and were rarely passed down.
Yet, this sword technique was only the introductory form, and it had already reached Celestial Upper-grade. This suggested that its full version could very well be Source-grade—or even beyond.
However, obtaining the complete technique would require joining the sect as a disciple.
After recording the technique, Li Hao did not immediately go to register himself. Instead, he wandered around while waiting for Jianzhu and the others to finish.
To ensure they could locate him easily, he left a projection of himself in a fixed spot, embedding his aura there. Then, his true self began exploring the grand plaza.
Though it was called a plaza, it was vast beyond measure. The Heart-Questioning Tower stood tall like a heavenly pillar, surrounded by various high-rise buildings. The scent of fine wine and delicious food filled the air, drifting from within these establishments.
Li Hao felt his appetite stir. The food of the True Realm was prepared using rare creatures and ingredients cultivated by True Immortals. He wondered how it would taste—would it be a supreme delicacy, or an extravagant waste?
Following the enticing aromas, he approached a tavern near the Heart-Questioning Tower. This place had the strongest scent, and within, cultivators were engaged in lively conversations. Most of them were Saint-level experts, clad in celestial robes, clearly hailing from prestigious True Immortal families across the True Realm.
Li Hao listened to the various discussions around him, absorbing information about the True Realm while casually choosing a seat by the window on the second floor of the tavern.
Before long, the dishes recommended by the waiter were brought to his table.
Without hesitation, Li Hao poured himself a cup of wine, picked up his chopsticks, and grabbed a piece of crispy, spicy deep-fried dragon tendon.
The oil used to fry the tendon was refined from dragon fat, releasing an overwhelming aroma. The thick celestial energy contained within the dragon tendon was fully activated. With one bite, an intense burst of celestial power flowed through his mouth, spreading across his entire body, saturating every meridian and bone. It was not just an extreme pleasure for the taste buds but also a direct boost to his cultivation—comparable to absorbing ten immortal stones' worth of energy.
However, this single plate of deep-fried dragon tendon cost a full one hundred immortal stones.
The thirty thousand immortal stones he had collected earlier were more than enough for him to indulge temporarily—he had a decent amount of wealth for now.
After all, he had no immediate plans to settle down in the True Realm. If he intended to establish a home, this small fortune would hardly be enough to avoid debt.
But for simple pleasures like food and drink? He could afford to spend lavishly—it was practically impossible to run out.
"What a pity. The knife skills used to prepare the dragon tendon weren't refined enough, causing the celestial energy to leak. If handled properly, the taste would have been even better."
"The wine, however, is quite good."
Li Hao ate heartily, fully enjoying the moment. Once Feng Lao and the others finished their tests, he planned to bring them here to taste the food as well.
The chef who prepared this dish must have been at least at the ninth-rank level in culinary arts.
"Heh, heh, young friend, drinking alone is so lonely. How about I join you?"
Suddenly, a raspy chuckle sounded from beside him.
An old man with a wine gourd slung over his back approached. His entire appearance was disheveled—his clothes tattered like a beggar's, his nose red from drinking, his eyes slightly hazy with intoxication. He grinned at Li Hao.
Without waiting for permission, he plopped down onto the wooden bench next to him, his gaze fixed firmly on the wine jug on the table.
A strong stench of stale alcohol wafted from him, making Li Hao instinctively frown. With a wave of his hand, he isolated the unpleasant odor before casually saying,
"If you want to drink, go ahead."
He paid no further attention to the old man, continuing to drink and eat at his own pace.
The old man chuckled, immediately picking up the wine jug and drinking straight from it. Only after gulping down an entire mouthful did he smack his lips in satisfaction. Then, he turned to Li Hao, his gaze filled with a sly amusement.
"You're quite an interesting person."
Seeing the old man drink straight from the jug, Li Hao's brow twitched slightly. With a resigned sigh, he gestured for the waiter to bring another jug while chewing on a piece of dragon tendon.
"Because I gave you wine?"
"No, because even though you clearly dislike the smell on me and disapprove of my actions, you still gave me a drink. That's what makes you interesting."
Li Hao said calmly, "That's because if someone asks me for a drink, I never refuse."
The old man raised a brow. "Why?"
"Because I won't turn down a lonely soul."
The old man froze for a moment, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter.
When the waiter arrived with another wine jug, the old man grabbed it immediately, poured a full cup for Li Hao, and then raised the jug to his own lips, drinking directly once again.
"Just drinking and no food?"
Li Hao glanced at him and said indifferently, "Good wine should be paired with good food—that's the perfect combination."
"You're right."
Without hesitation, the old man reached into the plate with his bare hands, grabbing a large portion of food and stuffing it into his mouth. Chewing as he spoke, he muttered, "Not bad, not bad, the taste is excellent."
Li Hao didn't touch the dishes the old man had touched. Instead, he quickly picked up the remaining food on his side and finished it before saying, "Take your time. I need to relieve myself."
"Alright, alright. It's rare to meet someone who understands me. Go ahead."
The old man laughed heartily, waving him off in good spirits.
Li Hao stood up, heading downstairs. As he passed the waiter, he casually gestured toward the upper floor, then exited the tavern without looking back.
A full incense stick of time later, the old man—who had been thoroughly enjoying his meal—suddenly sensed something was off.
He spread his divine sense across the surroundings, and in the next moment, his eyes widened.
The drunkenness in his gaze faded slightly, replaced by clarity.
"Where did that damn brat go?"
At that moment, the waiter approached with a respectful smile. "Sir, will you be paying the bill now?"
"..."
The old man was speechless.
So much for "never refusing someone a drink."
No wonder the brat had been so generous—it wasn't his money to spend!
His face darkened, barely suppressing his frustration. He had traveled across countless realms for so many years, yet today, he had been tricked by a mere youngster.
"Fine, fine! Just don't let me run into you again!"
He grumbled angrily.
Under the waiter's expectant gaze, the old man reluctantly fished out a pouch of immortal stones from his sleeve. It was practically all the wealth he had left.
—
"Achoo!"
At the edge of the plaza, Li Hao sneezed. He rubbed his nose and muttered to himself before scanning his surroundings.
Most people were still gathered near the Heart-Questioning Tower, leaving this area relatively quiet. Not far away, he spotted a small hill with a lone figure seated atop it.
The hill was rather short, barely a hundred meters tall, about the same height as the tavern.
Compared to the towering Heart-Questioning Tower, it seemed like nothing more than a small mound of earth.
Li Hao caught a faint whiff of alcohol in the air and followed the scent up the hill. There, he saw an old man in a silver-gray robe, reclining lazily against a greenwood tree. The elder gazed toward the distant cliff at the edge of the plaza, where mist swirled endlessly, shifting as if alive.
At that moment, the old man took a slow sip of wine, the rich fragrance spreading through the air. After sealing his wine jug, he raised his left hand, taking a deep puff from a large smoking pipe.
He exhaled, sending a stream of smoke drifting toward the misty abyss below.
It almost seemed as if the boundless clouds in the gorge had been conjured by his very breath.
Li Hao observed the scene for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly before revealing a hint of surprise.
Stepping closer to the edge of the hill, he squinted and focused his vision.
He soon confirmed that within the mist, there were invisible strands—like faint, shifting lines of law. These lines weren't random; they seemed to be drawing something in.
"Senior, are you fishing?"
Li Hao looked down at the old man, then realized that speaking while standing over someone was impolite. He crouched down instead.
The old man took another slow drag from his pipe. The smoke curled around his face, making his expression hazy. His voice was calm, carrying a natural, icy chill, much like frozen blades under the eaves of a house.
"You can see it too?"
Li Hao smiled and sat down beside him. "A little."
"Is that so?"
The old man finally turned his gaze toward Li Hao, scrutinizing him carefully.
Li Hao could feel the elder's sharp gaze scanning every detail of his face, from his hair to his eyes, even the tiniest pores on his skin.
"One who is submerged in the lake cannot truly be a fisherman."
The old man turned away, his expression calm as still water. "There are nine dragon sparrows here. Let's see if you can catch one."
"Dragon sparrows?"
Li Hao was intrigued. He asked curiously, "What level are they? How strong?"
"Afraid?"
"A fisherman never fears."
Li Hao's expression turned serious. A fisherman only worries that their catch isn't big enough—they never hesitate to cast their line.
Without another word, he raised his hand and pointed. His celestial energy condensed into a fine thread, infused with the essence of his true intent, and shot into the mist.
He used the hidden line to probe the depths of the mist, searching for traces of the so-called dragon sparrows the old man had mentioned. However, the mist remained eerily still, without any disturbance or sign of movement.
Li Hao's eyes flickered with doubt. Could he have been lying?
But when he glanced at the old man beside him, he could sense that the elder was also fishing—meaning it was unlikely to be false.
He didn't dwell on it further. Fishing was all about patience.
Crossing his legs, Li Hao sat quietly, carefully observing the changes within the mist.
Beside him, the old man suddenly flicked his wrist, a slight smirk appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"Mine's already on the hook."
As he spoke, the thin, relaxed fishing line he had cast suddenly tightened, stretching straight into the depths of the mist—beyond even Li Hao's perception.
Suddenly, something massive thrashed within the mist, sending a terrifying shockwave rippling outward.
Li Hao immediately sensed the disturbance. His expression shifted slightly as he focused his gaze, his heart tensing in anticipation.
Though he wasn't the one who had made the catch, he found himself quietly cheering for the old man.
Moments later, the mist abruptly parted, and a dark shape shot out.
Li Hao had expected to see a colossal creature, perhaps several thousand meters in size. However, what emerged from the mist was only a few meters long—a creature covered in dazzling golden scales that shimmered like feathers. Its form resembled a sparrow, yet it had a slender, dragon-like tail, sharp talons, and a dragon's head. It radiated divine majesty and power.
With a casual wave of his hand, the old man enveloped the creature within a spatial barrier, sealing it away without causing much disturbance.
But Li Hao could faintly sense that this dragon sparrow possessed an incredibly wild and ferocious strength—one that could easily kill an ordinary True Immortal.
"Mine's already caught. Looks like yours will take a while."
The old man put away the dragon sparrow, glanced at Li Hao, and chuckled.
Li Hao replied calmly, "I just got here."
"Exactly. You just arrived, while I've been here for a long time."
The old man nodded in agreement, then patted Li Hao on the shoulder.
"Judging by your technique, your fishing skills are quite strong."
"I know a little."
The old man let out a hearty laugh, took another drag from his pipe, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.
"Take your time. I'm heading back. Things have been too noisy lately—I can't even get a good night's sleep."
With that, he struggled to his feet. His hunched back swayed slightly as he picked up his wine gourd and staggered away.
Only then did Li Hao notice that the old man had a limp.
Watching him leave, Li Hao's thoughts remained on the old man's fishing technique. He called out a simple farewell before turning back to his own fishing, resuming his quiet patience.
—
Meanwhile, at the plaza where Li Hao's projection remained, Feng Boping and the others arrived one after another.
Most of them had tested their Dao Hearts at the Heart-Questioning Tower and achieved the Heaven-grade level. However, Lin Qingying had managed to reach the five-echo mark.
The resonance still lingered in her body—if she released it, everyone around her would be able to hear it.
"So none of us could match her. I suppose we really are getting old."
Feng Boping and the others were visibly surprised, exchanging wry smiles.
Even Jianzhu examined Lin Qingying for a moment, clearly not expecting that this young girl from their sect would surpass him in Dao Heart.
Among everyone who had undergone the test, Lin Qingying alone had reached five echoes—the highest Dao Heart level among them.
Feeling the weight of their gazes, Lin Qingying's face turned slightly red.
Previously, she had tested her Dao Heart and achieved only the Heaven-grade level, reaching four echoes at most. But now, somehow, she had reached five.
She suspected that the five years of waiting had been too unbearable, causing her Dao Heart to undergo a transformation.
"Your soul lifespan meets the requirement, and your Dao Heart has reached the necessary level. You can now attempt to comprehend the sword intent. If you succeed, you'll officially become a disciple of one of the top sects in the True Realm."
Li Hao's projection addressed Lin Qingying.
She asked, "What about you?"
"I'm also comprehending it."
Lin Qingying felt reassured upon hearing this. She didn't ask about Li Hao's Dao Heart.
In her mind, anything she could achieve, Li Hao could surpass. To her, this boy had always shone brightly—an unreachable figure.
With that, she flew toward Wanshan Sword Tower in the sky, heading to comprehend the sword intent.
A figure emerged from the massive sword above, observing the resonance in Lin Qingying's Dao Heart. When he heard five echoes and saw that her soul lifespan was under a thousand years, he nodded approvingly.
Although Lin Qingying was only at the Half-Saint level, achieving such a Dao Heart at her cultivation realm proved her immense potential.
"Look! Someone is attempting to comprehend the sword intent!"
"Five echoes of Dao Heart? And she's just a Half-Saint?"
"A mere Half-Saint's Dao Heart surpasses that of us True Immortals?"
Many cultivators lifted their heads to watch, their eyes filled with admiration and envy.
As Lin Qingying approached the sword, she saw that only two other people were present.
Both of them were fixated on the sword intent in the void, not sparing her a glance.
"I just need to comprehend this sword intent."
A young man clad in a silver robe, embroidered with celestial treasures, smiled and spoke.
Lin Qingying had already observed the sword intent from below, but from a distance, her comprehension had been obstructed. Now, being so close, she could almost feel its presence, sensing the waves of power emanating from it.
She took a deep breath, sat cross-legged, and focused her mind on comprehending it.
She had to catch up to Li Hao's footsteps.
Within her, the sword embryo that had once shattered had already reformed into an ethereal state. At this moment, faint sword shadows began to emerge within it, flickering like tiny stars.
—
"My Dao Heart isn't enough. I need to comprehend it further."
Jianzhu withdrew his gaze from Lin Qingying, exchanged a brief farewell with Li Hao's projection, and left to deepen his understanding of the Dao Heart.
Meanwhile, Li Hao's projection continued guiding Feng Lao and the others through the plaza.
Apart from Wanshan Sword Tower, many other sects had come to recruit disciples.
Some were Earth-grade sects, while others were Celestial-grade sects, with much looser requirements.
Before long, Chiguang, Lin Shuhai, and several others found sects that suited them.
"The True Realm is vast. It seems our paths must now diverge."
Wensheng spoke. He and his disciples, including Lin Shuhai, had decided to join a sect ranked among the Four Celestial Sects. Their methods involved wielding poetry and literature as weapons, which perfectly aligned with the teachings of the Wensheng lineage.
Li Hao considered persuading them otherwise, but upon seeing their determination, he knew that arguing would be pointless.
Besides, he was a sword cultivator. He couldn't provide them with the resources they needed for their path.
"We've traveled together for a long time. There will always be chances to meet again. The True Realm is vast—we should each venture out on our own."
Feng Boping bid farewell to Wensheng.
One was a scholar, possessing the courage of literary saints and an aura of righteousness. The other was a thief, notorious across the realms. Though their reputations stood in stark contrast, after spending years together in Haotian Holy Land, they now found themselves parting ways with a hint of mutual respect.
Everyone else had come to terms with the fact that they each had their own path to follow. Their talents varied, and they could only hope to cross paths again in the future.
Chiguang, Zhantan, and others joined an Earth-grade sect, where the requirements were more flexible. Given their extraordinary talents, they were considered top-tier geniuses across the heavens and had the potential to rise to inner disciples in the future.
As time passed, fewer and fewer people remained around Li Hao's projection. Eventually, Feng Lao also found a suitable sect—a sect named Muzong, a Tier Four Celestial Sect specializing in stealing treasures from restricted lands and trading them. While not combat-focused, it had deep connections within the Celestial Sects and held significant influence.
"I won't stay by your side and drag you down. I'll wait for the day you stand at the peak of Wanshan Sword Tower—then I'll come looking for you again."
Feng Boping grinned at Li Hao, but his eyes held undisguised reluctance.
Li Hao could tell that Feng Lao didn't truly wish to join Muzong. He was merely severing ties to avoid becoming a burden, not wanting Li Hao to be distracted.
"I'll be waiting."
Li Hao didn't try to persuade him to stay—he simply responded with a firm voice.
Feng Boping smiled with satisfaction, giving Li Hao one last look before departing.
—
A few days later, a sudden uproar erupted across the plaza.
Everyone turned to see a figure soaring out from the eighth level of the Heart-Questioning Tower, emerging from the mist above.
"My god, look!"
"I just felt the tower tremble. I heard that only someone with an Eternal Dao Heart can cause such a reaction!"
"The Heart-Questioning Tower was heavily damaged during the Emperor's Fall War. It was said to have originally been an imperial-grade forbidden artifact capable of verifying the Dao Heart of an emperor!"
"Who is she? Which sect will she join?"
Tens of thousands of geniuses from various regions of the True Realm gathered in the plaza, all looking up at the clouded sky.
From within the mist, a towering female figure descended gracefully. Her long black hair cascaded down like ink, and her frame was noticeably larger than most, yet she carried an air of elegance and divine beauty. She didn't appear coarse at all—rather, she radiated an aura of regal magnificence.
"That looks like someone from the Calamity Clan!"
"Them?"
"It's said that wherever the Calamity Clan goes, disaster and chaos follow. No one dares to marry them, nor do they dare to marry others. I never expected one of their clan to appear here."
"A clan that once pursued an Emperor's path… no wonder she has such a formidable Dao Heart."
The plaza buzzed with discussion. Many elders among the crowd revealed expressions of nostalgia, while younger geniuses, who had initially admired her beauty, now wore expressions of caution.
—
Atop the hill, Li Hao's true body remained seated, still fishing for dragon sparrows hidden in the mist.
Hearing the commotion, he glanced over and saw the elegant woman flying toward Wanshan Sword Tower before turning back to his own business.
"Heh, Calamity."
Beside him, the old man puffing on his long pipe let out a mocking chuckle. His expression carried disdain—not directed at the woman, but rather at the people gossiping about her.
Li Hao gave him a curious look. The old man had been fishing here for days but hadn't caught another dragon sparrow. He also spoke very little.
"With how distracted you are, looks like you won't catch anything."
Sensing Li Hao's gaze, the old man snorted, his expression turning cold.
Among all the elders Li Hao had encountered, this one was the hardest to approach.
Li Hao chuckled and replied, "Fishing is about patience. There's no need to force it."
"So that's your excuse for going empty-handed every day?"
The old man sneered.
Li Hao remained unshaken. "Aren't you the same?"
The old man's brow twitched—he hadn't expected to be talked back to. He cast a sidelong glance at Li Hao.
But as he looked into Li Hao's calm, smiling face, he narrowed his eyes and let out a long puff of smoke before saying flatly, "Just fish properly. Put your heart into it."
He deliberately emphasized the word "heart." Then, without another word, he uncapped his wine gourd and took a long swig.
—
Before long, rustling sounds came from the grass outside the hill, followed by a rough panting noise.
A figure stumbled up the slope, sniffing the air before breaking into a run. He followed the scent of alcohol until he spotted the old man and Li Hao sitting under the tree.
"Good wine… Hmm?!"
The moment he saw Li Hao fishing, his eyes widened. Then, rolling up his sleeves, he stormed over and grabbed Li Hao by the collar.
"You! You little brat! I finally caught you!"
Li Hao recognized the man—it was the old drunkard from the tavern who had scammed himself into a meal.
With a calm expression, Li Hao patted the man's hand and said flatly, "Don't wrinkle my clothes."
The old drunkard was about to lash out when an inexplicable sense of unease crawled up his spine. An unseen pressure settled over him, making him feel an instinctive chill.
Subconsciously, he released his grip on Li Hao's robe.
His gaze flickered toward the old man with the pipe. He studied him up and down, a hint of astonishment flashing in his eyes as if he had realized something.
His loud voice immediately quieted down, and instead of making a scene, he simply sat down nearby.
Still, he occasionally shot irritated glances at Li Hao and muttered,
"After all these years, you're the first brat to ever scam me."
"I treated you to wine, and you paid for it—how is that considered a scam?"
Li Hao questioned in return.
The old drunkard nearly choked in frustration.
Instead of continuing the argument, he turned his gaze toward the wine gourd in the crippled old man's hand, eyes glinting with longing. With a chuckle, he asked,
"How about lending me a sip of that wine?"
The crippled old man shot him a sidelong glance but said nothing, continuing to puff on his long pipe.
Seeing this, the old drunkard realized he was making a fool of himself. He let out a sigh, looking somewhat self-pitying.
"To think that I, once a descendant of an Emperor's bloodline, have fallen so low that I can't even beg for a drink."
As he spoke, he stole another glance at the crippled old man.
The old man acted as if he hadn't heard anything, merely tilting his wine gourd and taking another sip.
Seeing this, the old drunkard's face fell in disappointment. It seemed he wouldn't be getting a taste of that wine after all.
With another sigh, he turned to Li Hao instead.
"Kid, you're here to join a sect, aren't you? Why are you still hanging around here? Could it be that no one wants to take you in? If that's the case, I can reluctantly accept you as my disciple. My sect, Dameng Jiuyuan, was a Tianyi Sect ten thousand years ago. How about it?"
He grinned, watching Li Hao with amusement.
Hearing the words Dameng Jiuyuan, Li Hao paused.
It immediately reminded him of a particular sword technique—Xianren Zhilü (Immortal's Guidance).
This was a sword art from Dameng Jiuyuan.
While playing chess in the Tianyang False Realm, Li Hao had once casually asked Wang Lao about it. He had learned that Dameng Jiuyuan was a sect founded by the bloodline descendants of Celestial Emperor Tianyang himself.
"Dameng Jiuyuan…"
Li Hao studied the old drunkard, deep in thought.
"What do you think?"
The old drunkard pressed him impatiently.
Li Hao considered it for a moment before asking, "Can I bring others into the sect with me?"
"Who do you want to bring?"
The old drunkard scoffed.
"Do you think Dameng Jiuyuan is just some casual gathering of nobodies? You should be grateful that I'm even considering taking you in. Ten thousand years ago, my Dameng Jiuyuan was a Tianyi Sect. Do you even understand what that means?"
Li Hao replied calmly, "If you're unwilling, then forget it."
"You brat—"
The old drunkard glared at him, clearly annoyed. If he hadn't already noticed that Li Hao's body was brimming with celestial energy, marking him as possessing an extraordinary immortal physique, he wouldn't have been so patient in the first place.
After a moment of hesitation, he gritted his teeth and said,
"Fine, I'll make an exception for you this once!"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.
"You didn't even test me, yet you already agreed to my condition?"
"Of course there's a test! Wanshan Sword Tower requires a Dao Heart resonance of five echoes, but Dameng Jiuyuan requires six. If you can reach six echoes in the Heart-Questioning Tower, you'll qualify. Moreover, I will personally teach you Xianren Zhilü. If you can comprehend it within seven days, then you'll truly be accepted. And if you succeed, I'll even make an exception and recruit one additional person—no matter how useless they are."
The old drunkard crossed his arms, his expression full of arrogance.
Li Hao felt speechless. He had the impression that if he hadn't asked about bringing someone else, this old man wouldn't have made the test so difficult.
"Well? Do you have confidence?"
The old drunkard smirked, his gaze full of provocation.
But such a low-level provocation was meaningless to Li Hao.
Given that this sect originated from Celestial Emperor Tianyang's bloodline, if he had to choose between Wanshan Sword Tower and Dameng Jiuyuan, his preference was clear.
With a slight nod, he replied, "No problem."
"Good. Then go to the Heart-Questioning Tower and show me."
The old drunkard suddenly let out a sneering laugh, shifting his gaze toward the distance.
"Hah, just as I expected—they don't dare to accept the girl from the Calamity Clan. I'll head over first."
Following his gaze, Li Hao looked toward Wanshan Sword Tower.
There, the stunning woman who had emerged from the Heart-Questioning Tower earlier was now standing outside the massive sword, barred from entering.
Her long black hair flowed in the wind, and though her posture was composed, her expression carried a cold edge.