Chapter 497: Heavenly Dao Bridge
The Heavenly Dao Bridge—a celestial pathway within the Origin Secret Realm, connecting directly to the Origin Cities.
This bridge was located outside Chaos Reception City, over ten thousand miles from the city walls. Due to the influence of the Grand Dao Domain, divine sense was severely suppressed in this area. Even with Li Hao's powerful divine sense, he could only perceive a range of a hundred miles around him.
In the True Realm, his divine sense could easily cover tens of thousands of miles, yet here, the restrictions were absolute.
At this moment, Li Hao, Chu Tianhuang, and Boya Xuejian were traveling together toward the Heavenly Dao Bridge.
As they moved, Chu Tianhuang was subtly observing Li Hao, though he refrained from directly inviting him to his faction. After all, they had just met, and extending an invitation too soon might come across as wishful thinking. Instead, he planned to gradually demonstrate his royal majesty and dominance, ensuring that Li Hao recognized him as a leader worthy of following.
"Brother Boya, I have long heard that your Water Dao Origin comprehension is profound. May I ask to what extent you have mastered it?"
While traveling, Chu Tianhuang asked with a pleasant smile.
Boya Xuejian remained calm, his tone composed. "It is far from profound. I have barely scratched the surface and am still at the beginning stages."
"If what you grasp is only the surface, then the rest of us must not even count as beginners."
Chu Tianhuang chuckled, sensing that Boya Xuejian was unwilling to disclose too much. He did not press further—after all, such inquiries were quite intrusive.
If it weren't for the fact that his older royal brothers had previously tried to recruit Boya Xuejian and been rejected, Chu Tianhuang wouldn't have even asked. He already knew that Boya Xuejian had no intention of aligning himself with Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty.
"Let's check out the Heavenly Dao Bridge first. If we can cross it, I will return later to assist a few of my younger siblings."
Chu Tianhuang looked ahead as he spoke, his pace steady and unhurried.
"You can assist them?"
Li Hao asked curiously.
Chu Tianhuang glanced at him with a slight smile. "Of course. This is the Ninth Layer of the Origin Secret Realm, the deepest level. My siblings are still in the other layers. To reach this place, they must master a corresponding Dao Origin. If we can grasp one of these Grand Dao Origins floating in the sky and bring it to them, they too can enter this layer."
"Though Nine Flower Immortal Imprints are considered the pinnacle, they are not necessarily the ultimate limit."
Seeing Li Hao's surprised expression, Chu Tianhuang continued, "Have you ever heard of someone with a Six Flower Immortal Imprint defeating another with a Nine Flower Immortal Imprint in the same realm?"
"No."
Li Hao shook his head.
Boya Xuejian's gaze sharpened slightly as he suddenly realized something. "Are you suggesting… that the Six Flower Immortal Imprint in question was composed solely of the Nine Supreme Sequences?"
Chu Tianhuang glanced at him with approval and smiled. "Correct. Even Nine Flower Immortal Imprints vary in strength. There is a legend that if someone were to refine all Nine Supreme Sequences into a Nine Flower Immortal Imprint, it would undergo a metamorphosis and reach an even more mythical level!"
Li Hao's eyes flickered with thought. Nine Supreme Sequences forming the Nine Flower Immortal Imprint?
At present, he had already condensed seven flowers, with only the Gold and Wood elements left unrefined. If he could successfully form them here, what kind of transformation would his Nine Flower Immortal Imprint undergo?
"I have heard of this theory as well."
Boya Xuejian remained composed, but there was a flicker of a deep, intense light in his gaze. "However, I specialize solely in the Water Dao Origin and have no interest in side paths. I was never able to refine the Nine Supreme Sequences into my Nine Flower Immortal Imprint. Now that I have entered the Immortal Monarch Realm, it is irreversible—I no longer have the chance."
Chu Tianhuang sighed. "Indeed. If I had spent thirty thousand years at the True Immortal Realm, perhaps I could have achieved it. But…"
Only he understood the immense pressure of competing for the throne. To remain in the True Immortal Realm for thirty thousand years, patiently cultivating a singular supreme power, was unimaginable. The sheer number of obstacles and assassinations he would face made it an unrealistic path.
"Still, although I can no longer aim for that legendary transformation, I firmly believe that mastering a single Dao to its peak can be just as powerful as refining all Nine Supreme Sequences!"
Boya Xuejian's eyes shone with unyielding determination. "If I push the Water Dao Origin to its utmost limit, why should it be weaker than Time or Space?"
Chu Tianhuang raised an eyebrow, observing him for a moment before giving no comment.
Li Hao, however, understood Boya Xuejian's perspective. Anyone deeply devoted to their own path would naturally believe it to be the strongest. If someone could shatter preconceived limitations, the results could indeed be astonishing.
After another stretch of travel, the Heavenly Dao Bridge finally came into view.
As they approached, Li Hao's divine sense detected numerous figures ahead. Some traveled in small groups, while others walked alone. Each of them exuded a unique aura—individuals who would stand out even in a crowd of tens of thousands.
"This area is close to the city. Near the Heavenly Dao Bridge, combat is strictly prohibited."
Chu Tianhuang informed them as he led the way forward.
The Heavenly Dao Bridge was an awe-inspiring sight. It shimmered with flowing silver light, exuding an endless radiance of celestial mist and ethereal energy.
Its far end was shrouded in mystery, extending into the unknown. On either side of the bridge lay abyssal chasms, dark and bottomless, their depths impossible to fathom.
When Li Hao's divine sense attempted to probe beyond the edges of the bridge, he suddenly felt as if his soul was being pulled downward. Even his divine sense seemed to be sinking into the abyss!
His heart clenched in shock, and he swiftly retracted his divine sense.
If even divine sense could fall into the abyss, then anyone who stepped off the bridge might be doomed. The unseen forces at work here were terrifying.
"Be careful. The edges of the bridge are extremely dangerous."
Chu Tianhuang's expression grew serious as he issued a warning, having clearly sensed the same threat.
At that moment, four more figures arrived at the Heavenly Dao Bridge, each stopping at the edge to observe and evaluate it.
One of the young men noticed the golden swallow and flying flood dragon emblem embroidered on Chu Tianhuang's sleeve. His figure flickered slightly as he approached with a smile.
"Royalty from Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty?"
Chu Tianhuang turned his head and noticed the serpent-shaped earring on the young man's ear. He raised an eyebrow and replied, "Chi Jiang Immortal Dynasty?"
"Qi Tianshou. May I ask for your name?"
The man introduced himself with a casual smile, his gaze fixed on Chu Tianhuang.
"Chu Tianhuang."
"I didn't expect Yan Chu's fortune to have risen so much. This time, there are actually quite a few Nine Flower Immortal Imprints among you. Impressive."
Qi Tianshou chuckled lightly.
Chu Tianhuang glanced at him. Behind Qi Tianshou, a middle-aged man slowly approached. His expression was cold, his aura deep and unfathomable—clearly a powerful Immortal Monarch Realm expert. However, he did not appear to be a guardian stationed in the Heavenly Dao Bridge but rather someone who had gained the opportunity to enter through other means.
"During the Southern Domain War, perhaps we will have the chance to exchange pointers."
Chu Tianhuang responded politely.
"You're too kind. Here, take my token. Perhaps, in the future, we may find an opportunity to cooperate."
Qi Tianshou maintained his smile as he handed Chu Tianhuang a token.
Chu Tianhuang's eyes flickered. After a brief pause, he accepted it. As a royal, he knew that beyond his own cultivation, power also stemmed from networks and alliances. Clearly, the other party shared the same mindset.
"Brother Chu, which Origin City do you intend to visit?"
Seeing Chu Tianhuang accept the token, Qi Tianshou's smile deepened, and his tone became noticeably friendlier.
Chu Tianhuang replied calmly, "Naturally, I plan to visit Time-Space Origin City. Among the Nine Supreme Sequences, who wouldn't want to witness the power of time and space?"
"Haha, then I shall see you again at Time-Space Origin City."
Qi Tianshou laughed, waved, and returned to his previous spot.
Throughout the exchange, Li Hao and Boya Xuejian remained silent. The man had only glanced at them once, making no effort to converse with them. From his gaze, it was clear that he considered them mere followers of Chu Tianhuang.
"Which city are you heading to?"
Boya Xuejian turned to ask Li Hao.
"If I want to refine the Gold and Wood Dao, it should be in Five Elements Origin City, right?"
Li Hao asked. "If that's the case, then I'll go to Five Elements Origin City."
"You're focusing on Gold and Wood Dao?"
Boya Xuejian raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. Then, he smiled and said, "That's perfect. I am also heading to Five Elements Origin City."
Chu Tianhuang looked at Li Hao in surprise. He hadn't expected Li Hao to pass up the opportunity to cultivate Space Origin.
From Li Hao's battle with Chu Tianzheng, it was evident that he had already comprehended Spatial Laws at a high level.
"This is a rare opportunity. You're not going to cultivate Space Origin?"
Chu Tianhuang couldn't help but ask. He had originally planned to deepen his connection with Li Hao in Time-Space Origin City and use that as a chance to recruit him.
Li Hao shook his head. "I want to check out Five Elements Origin City first. I can always visit Time-Space Origin City later, right?"
"You can visit later, but that would waste time. There are only seven years left."
Chu Tianhuang replied, shaking his head slightly.
Seven years was a long time for mortals, but for Immortals, it was nothing more than a fleeting moment.
A single moment of enlightenment in a deep Dao meditation could consume a thousand years.
"That won't be a problem."
Li Hao said casually.
As they conversed, more figures began approaching the Heavenly Dao Bridge.
Chu Tianhuang observed the increasing crowd and lowered his voice. "People from other Immortal Dynasties are arriving. It seems things are about to get lively."
With that, he stepped forward. "Let's get on the bridge first. To reach an Origin City, we need to capture the corresponding Grand Dao Origin and gain its recognition. Heavenly Dao Bridge isn't an easy path to cross."
Li Hao and Boya Xuejian followed behind him.
The Heavenly Dao Bridge extended into the deep, endless void. Countless Grand Dao Origins flowed over the bridge like falling stars, a breathtaking sight—radiant and mesmerizing.
Just as they were about to step onto the bridge, a figure suddenly flickered and surged ahead of them, rushing onto the bridge first.
"Let me go first!"
It was a burly figure—tall and robust, with thick black hair cascading down his back. His entire presence exuded a raw, untamed savagery, like a primal beast.
His voice boomed like thunder, loud and powerful, despite his calm tone.
As soon as his foot landed on the Heavenly Dao Bridge, the once breathtakingly beautiful scene changed drastically!
The bridge, which had been like a radiant, blooming flower, suddenly twisted into a deadly, venomous maw!
Blades of lightning, fiery swords, dark hammers—countless forms of Dao-Manifested Attacks erupted from the bridge, bombarding the massive figure.
Each of these attacks carried immense Grand Dao Power, and their combined force was no less than a raging inferno of divine destruction. In an instant, the bridge transformed into a battlefield, engulfing the burly man in a terrifying storm of Immortal Techniques.
Chu Tianhuang's gaze sharpened. "The Heavenly Dao Bridge contains the power of infinite Grand Dao Origins. The moment you step on it, the Dao Origins will materialize into various attacks. To cross this bridge, you must withstand the onslaught of all these Grand Dao Powers!"
Li Hao and Boya Xuejian now fully understood the bridge's true danger.
The burly man, unfazed by the terrifying assault, suddenly erupted with overwhelming power. His hair stood on end, burning with a fiery, primal aura. His body swelled as muscles and bones expanded, revealing his Immortal Body.
Behind him, the phantom of an ancient primordial ape manifested, hands pressed together in a meditation-like pose.
"Break for me!"
The burly man roared, his fists slamming forward. A thunderous shockwave rippled through the void as countless Immortal Techniques shattered upon impact. His iron fists tore a massive hole through the barrage, obliterating everything in his path.
Li Hao had also trained in fist techniques. Second Master's Half-Step Invincible Fist, which he had cultivated to an extremely profound level, had already surpassed its original form.
Yet, despite its continuous refinement, the core principle of the technique had never changed. Half a step remained half a step—fully stepping forward would mean losing invincibility.
At this moment, the burly man's fist technique was completely different. His punches were wild and unrestrained, carrying a feral and destructive force—as if the pure essence of primal power had been condensed into each strike.
Li Hao narrowed his eyes slightly. He wondered, if his Fist Dao reached the eleventh level, could he match this man in combat?
The burly man continued his relentless assault, each step forward accompanied by a storm of lightning and flames, as explosions rang out across the bridge.
Even from hundreds of miles away, one could likely hear the deafening roars and witness the dazzling bursts of power.
More figures gathered outside the bridge. People arrived one after another, and before long, there were more than a dozen individuals, all watching intently as the fierce warrior battled his way across the Heavenly Dao Bridge.
"Chaos-born, primal invincibility!"
The burly man let out a low growl, his eyes flashing beast-like crimson, his punches growing even more violent—imbued with Destruction Dao and Space Origin Power.
With each ferocious punch, he carved out a path forward through sheer force alone.
Before long, he forced his way into the bridge's central area—where the structure descended, seemingly leading to the other side.
"Space Origin, come to me!"
Standing in the middle of the bridge, the burly man had to defend against relentless attacks while also searching for Space Origin Power among the cascading Grand Dao Origins.
However, these Dao Origins rained down like a meteor shower—too numerous to count—and Space Origin Power was particularly rare.
Among the many Grand Dao Origins, there were Sword Dao, Spear Dao, Whip Dao, Shear Dao, and countless others.
Finding Space Origin Power amidst this chaos was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The burly man stood at the bridge's center, roaring as he withstood a barrage of Immortal Techniques while scanning the sky for his target.
His energy gradually diminished, and when he began to falter, the ancient ape phantom behind him suddenly opened its eyes.
The hands that had been pressed together in a meditative pose suddenly clenched into fists.
An open palm—an offering to Buddha.
A clenched fist—a force to shatter the heavens!
Boom!
The ancient ape phantom moved, using its enormous fists to shield the warrior from the unending attacks. Meanwhile, the burly man continued to frantically search for Space Origin Power.
But despite his desperate gaze, he still couldn't find it.
Space Origin Power was far too elusive.
Chu Tianhuang watched calmly, a slight smirk forming on his lips.
"The Supreme Origins of the Nine Sequences are incomparably powerful. Hidden among the countless minor Daos, they are extremely difficult to detect. In fact, they may not even appear at this moment."
Li Hao and Boya Xuejian were deep in thought. It was evident that Chu Tianhuang understood this Origin Realm far better than they did.
"Many strive for Time-Space Origin City, but very few can actually enter."
Chu Tianhuang glanced at Li Hao and said, "Choosing Five Elements Origin City was a rational decision."
Li Hao nodded.
Before long, the ancient ape phantom behind the burly man began to flicker and weaken.
Despite searching frantically, he had failed to locate the Space Origin Power.
"Where is it?! Where the hell is it?!"
The burly man roared in frustration, his eyes bloodshot, on the verge of losing control.
But the only response he received was an even more intense barrage of Immortal Techniques.
Soon, his strength waned, and he could no longer hold on.
If he were to be blasted off the bridge, he would face unimaginable danger in the unknown abyss below.
Ultimately, he had no choice but to retreat in defeat.
"I'll go next."
Chu Tianhuang stepped forward, his expression brimming with confidence.
Li Hao couldn't help but smirk. Using someone else's failure as a stepping stone to elevate himself—truly a royal move.
However, Chu Tianhuang wasn't the only one who had this thought.
Four other figures also made their move, rushing toward the bridge.
But Chu Tianhuang was faster than all of them. With a flicker of movement, he instantly appeared on the Heavenly Dao Bridge.
The other four, unwilling to be left behind, also leaped onto the bridge at the same time.
"We can enter together?"
Boya Xuejian asked in surprise.
Li Hao nodded. "Seems like it."
"Then let's go. No point wasting time down here."
Without hesitation, Boya Xuejian jumped onto the bridge.
"..."
Li Hao was momentarily speechless. But after a moment's thought, he followed suit.
Since multiple people could go at once, why stand around watching the show?
Seeing Boya Xuejian and Li Hao land on the bridge, Chu Tianhuang's face darkened slightly.
But when he saw exactly who had joined, his frown deepened, only for a flicker of understanding to pass through his eyes.
"You two are here to seek Five Elements Origin?"
"Mm."
Boya Xuejian nodded. "I won't waste any time here."
As he spoke, his figure blurred, his white robes fluttering like a soaring crane, as he swiftly advanced deeper into the bridge.