Chapter 516: Comprehending the Dao of Painting
At the main peak of Da Meng Jiu Yuan Sect.
When Li Hao and the others returned, the place was already bustling with excitement, packed with people.
Elders from each abyss and inner disciples had all gathered at the main peak, eagerly awaiting the return of the disciples who had gone out to fight.
"They're back!"
"Look, that seems to be the monster from Jian Yuan."
"Yeah, it's him, Jian Yuan's Hao Tian. Seven years ago in the Ancient Immortal Realm, he made it into the top ten and even defeated a royal at the Immortal Lord stage!"
"Didn't expect someone even scarier than our Qiang Yuan's senior brother Ye Chen. Is Jian Yuan finally producing a miracle?"
The elders and disciples of various abysses were all talking. Seeing the figures of Li Hao and the others returning bathed in teleportation light, their faces were full of excitement.
Although it had been seven years since they last saw Li Hao, his impression on them was unforgettable. To think this boy had made it into the top ten among all the geniuses in the Yan Chu Immortal Court—it was unbelievable.
More importantly, Li Hao had defeated Chu Tianzheng while still in the True Immortal stage, creating a legend of triumph against adversity, making him wildly famous throughout the Yan Chu Immortal Court.
"So lively."
Murong Qingwu, Gu Yan, and the others glanced around and felt the crowd's enthusiasm.
Li Hao swept his eyes over the crowd and soon spotted Li Tiemu. He flew toward him right away.
"How was it? You must've gained a lot from those seven years in the Primordial Secret Realm!"
Li Tiemu saw Li Hao land and couldn't stop grinning.
"Yeah."
Li Hao nodded. In that secret realm, his immortal seal had advanced to the Nine-Sequence Immortal Seal—an incredible breakthrough. He also comprehended all five Daos to the fourth level and caught a glimpse of the Emperor's Dao from a hundred thousand years ago. It was a massive boost to his combat power.
Right now, even Li Hao didn't know how strong he was. But if he were to fight Chu Tianzheng again, he felt he could win with a single sword strike.
"Thanks to you, our Da Meng Jiu Yuan Sect is now officially the second-ranked sect in the Yan Chu Immortal Court!"
Li Tiemu smiled and said, "Even though the Southern Region War hasn't started yet, your ranking and stunning performance in the Ancient Immortal Realm made the royal court upgrade our sect's status ahead of time. Once the war ends, if all goes well, we'll be named the top sect again and return to our former glory!"
He couldn't hide his excitement.
"We've already been promoted early?"
Li Hao was a bit surprised but didn't feel much emotionally. Even if Da Meng Jiu Yuan became the number-one sect, it wouldn't stir much in his heart.
But he knew that in this ancient sect, many old-timers like Elder Li had been working toward this for a long time.
"This is all thanks to you. When you have time, head back to Jian Yuan. The Yuan Lord said he'll give you a proper reward when you return."
Li Tiemu said proudly.
"As a disciple of Jian Yuan, I was just doing my duty." Li Hao replied.
Li Tiemu laughed. "Stop being so modest. It's not just you—everyone will get something. Let's see what the sect master gives you. By the way, why are you still at the ninth stage of the True Immortal realm? The Southern Region War is right around the corner. You should be able to break through to the tenth stage, right? If you're short on spirit stones, I'll give you some."
"I'm not short on stones. Just haven't had time to train. I'll use the next few months to raise my cultivation level."
Li Hao said.
Li Tiemu replied, "The gap between stage nine and ten is massive—almost a doubling of power. It's a bigger leap than from stage three to four. Once you hit stage ten, in the True Immortal bracket of the war, I'd say there won't be more than three people who can beat you."
"That many?"
Li Hao was a little surprised.
Li Tiemu was caught off guard and chuckled. "You call that many? This is the Southern Region's top sanctuaries and forbidden lands all gathering their elite geniuses. The Seven Ancient Immortal Courts stretch far and wide. You're already number one in the Yan Chu's True Immortal tier, but who knows if someone from the other six can match you?"
"Besides, in the Heavenly Palace, all kinds of monsters might show up. If the Heavenly Palace Sovereign sends their personal disciple, that would be a real problem."
"The Sovereign's personal disciple?"
Li Hao's eyes flickered. He knew the Heavenly Palace Sovereign was an Immortal Emperor, and being a personal disciple of an Immortal Emperor was no joke. He had felt it himself when he received the inheritance.
"Yeah."
Li Tiemu nodded. "A thousand years ago, the Sovereign accepted a personal disciple—an infant at the time. I heard the baby was brought from the Primordial True Realm. Its bloodline was extremely mysterious, and it was born with a natural Dharma Image, with an ancient Human Emperor's phantom behind it..."
He sighed. "That kind of monster is unheard of. If they grow up, they'll definitely be invincible among their peers."
Li Hao was stunned. A natural Dharma Image? That was almost heaven-defying.
"Don't think too much about it. Don't pressure yourself. With the Sovereign's guidance, that personal disciple is probably already at the Immortal Lord stage by now. Unless they deliberately suppress their cultivation to comprehend the Nine-Sequence Immortal Seal, they wouldn't still be at the True Immortal level."
Li Tiemu consoled Li Hao.
Li Hao's thoughts churned as he was hit with the realization that there was always someone stronger.
At the same time, the other geniuses from the various abysses also returned to their respective divisions.
On Jian Yuan's side, aside from Li Hao, Lin Mingrong, the disciple of an old matron, had also performed quite well.
But when it came to true strength, Li Hao was undoubtedly number one, and Gu Yan could be considered a close second.
Even though Li Hao and Gu Yan had been the latest to join, their combat prowess was the strongest in Jian Yuan.
"Ye Chen, how did it go? Did you pass the trial in the Chaos Secret Realm and make it to the Primordial Secret Realm?"
In Qiang Yuan, an elder urgently questioned Su Yechen beside him.
Within Da Meng Jiu Yuan, apart from that monster from Jian Yuan, Su Yechen held the highest ranking on the Immortal Tablet. He had even reached the Immortal Lord realm, making him the sect's only contestant at that level.
"Master, no need to worry. The Chaos Secret Realm wasn't difficult for me. I cultivated in the Primordial Secret Realm for five years and gained a lot. Unfortunately, I didn't capture a Time-Space Dao origin, so I couldn't go to the Time-Space Origin City. I had to settle for Xingyu City instead, but it was still a worthwhile trip."
Su Yechen gave a reassuring smile to his anxious master, though his gaze drifted to the distance.
He had thought that by breaking through and becoming the sect's only Immortal Lord participant, he would be the center of attention. But to his surprise, that boy had completely stolen the spotlight.
"Five years—that's good."
The Qiang Yuan elder let out a breath of relief and said, "Aside from that Jian Yuan kid Hao Tian, you're our best hope. These remaining three months are crucial. If you need anything, just tell me. Don't let yourself get distracted from cultivation."
"Understood."
Su Yechen nodded.
At that moment, as the cheers outside grew louder, the figure of Da Meng Master appeared—an external projection, towering like a divine image.
Her gaze swept over the crowd, calm and veiled in mist, yet exuding authority. Only when her eyes met Li Hao's did they reveal a hint of gentleness.
"Three months remain. You've just come out of the secret realm, so make sure to refine and absorb what you've comprehended. The sect will provide each of you with thirty thousand spirit stones to support your cultivation and full grasp of your Daos."
Her voice was gentle, like drifting smoke and mist. "If you make it into the top one thousand in the Southern Region War, you will be rewarded with a top-grade immortal weapon set. If you place in the top one hundred, you may become my personal disciple."
The crowd gasped with amazement, a mix of envy and excitement.
Becoming Da Meng Master's personal disciple meant a chance to one day lead Da Meng Jiu Yuan Sect. What an incredible opportunity.
But ranking in the top hundred in the Southern Region War, with its sea of geniuses, was a daunting task.
"Kid, you better work hard."
Li Tiemu sent a voice transmission to Li Hao.
Li Hao remained silent. He wasn't particularly interested in becoming Da Meng Master's disciple, but if it meant the chance to discuss painting, that would genuinely tempt him.
With her message given, Da Meng Master's figure vanished, and the crowd on the mountain was dismissed.
Only three months remained. With time so short, she didn't want to waste any of their precious cultivation time.
"Come to my hall."
As her image disappeared, Da Meng Master's voice echoed in Li Hao's mind.
Li Hao was surprised. He looked around and confirmed that no one else had heard it. With some guesses in his heart, he turned to Li Tiemu and said, "Da Meng Master summoned me."
"Then go. Just don't be disrespectful."
Li Tiemu seemed to have expected it and smiled.
Li Hao immediately left the Jian Yuan disciples and followed the path he had taken before, moving along with practiced ease.
By now, he was well known within Da Meng Jiu Yuan. As he walked, countless eyes followed his movements.
"Where's junior brother going?"
Yue Xi asked curiously.
"Hao Tian ranked tenth on the Immortal Tablet. He's the sect's hope. Da Meng Master probably wants to guide him personally, help him stay on the right path. You shouldn't linger either—get back to cultivating."
Li Tiemu answered with a smile, not hiding anything.
Yue Xi and Murong Qingwu looked on with envy but no jealousy. They both knew that someone like Li Hao would far surpass them even without guidance.
More importantly, Li Hao now carried the hopes of the entire sect. Whether Da Meng Jiu Yuan could rise to fame through the Southern Region War depended on him.
"Let's go cultivate."
Gu Yan remained calm, told the two women, and walked toward Da Meng Master's courtyard. That was the Langya Painting Realm, the best cultivation spot in the whole sect.
"Hmph."
On the other side, Su Yechen of Qiang Yuan saw Li Hao heading toward Da Meng Master's main hall and instantly realized she had sent him a secret message. His expression turned cold. He was the only Immortal Lord contestant, yet Da Meng Master hadn't given him any special attention.
But thinking of Li Hao's ranking on the Immortal Tablet, that shadow in his eyes quickly faded. After bidding farewell to his master, he too quickly made his way to the Langya Painting Realm.
At this moment, deep within the Langya Painting Realm, inside the main hall—
"You must have a very strong master behind you, don't you?"
As soon as Li Hao entered the hall, Da Meng Master, dressed in a soft blue robe, asked quietly.
She had her back to Li Hao, so her face couldn't be seen.
Li Hao's gaze shifted slightly, but he didn't hide anything. He nodded and said, "Yes."
"To defeat someone in the Immortal Lord realm while still at the True Immortal stage, that's near mythic. Without a powerful master, not even the most monstrous bloodline could do it."
Da Meng Master turned around and looked over her shoulder at Li Hao. Her beauty was breathtaking. "In this Southern Region War, you've already become a thorn in many eyes. News about you has already spread to other immortal dynasties."
Li Hao was slightly surprised, but his expression remained calm. "If one wishes to wear the crown, one must bear its weight. Since my name has spread, being burdened by fame is only natural."
Da Meng Master glanced at him with slight surprise, then nodded with a faint smile. "It's rare that you understand that. Fame is nice, but if you can't carry it, it becomes a burden."
"For the next three months, don't go anywhere. Stay here in the Langya Painting Realm. If you wish to cultivate or have any questions, feel free to ask me. When the Southern Region War begins, come with me to Tiangong to compete."
"Alright."
Li Hao nodded, agreeing easily. There were only three months left, and he had no plans to wander around anyway.
Da Meng Master was a little surprised by how readily he agreed. When he had insisted on going to the border before, she'd thought he was a stubborn one who wouldn't listen to reason. She had planned to persuade him carefully this time, since most young prodigies had a streak of arrogance. But she hadn't expected him to agree so quickly.
"During these three months, I'd also like to spend time discussing the Dao of Painting with you. Would you be willing?"
Li Hao asked.
"Dao of Painting?"
Da Meng Master was taken aback, frowning slightly. "While I do enjoy the Dao of Painting and have used painting to enter the Dao—including constructing this Langya Secret Realm with it—the Southern Region War is almost here. Are you sure you want to spend time on this?"
"Yes."
Li Hao smiled. "Since you can use painting to enter the Dao, then so can I."
Da Meng Master raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Really now? This path isn't easy. Can you actually use painting to comprehend the Dao?"
"Yes."
Li Hao nodded.
Da Meng Master's lips curved into a smile. "Then I'll have to test you."
Li Hao said, "Before we begin, could you help me send a message?"
"A message? To whom?"
Da Meng Master was puzzled.
"To the Department of Demon Suppression."
"The Department of Demon Suppression? Why are you contacting them?"
"I want them to send me something."
Li Hao smiled. The ancient demon corpses in his world-space were running low. Now that he was a spirit officer of the Department of Demon Suppression and his direct superior was the Grandmaster Gu Changming, he intended to ask Gu Changming for more corpses rather than go out and risk hunting them himself.
"Send something to you?"
Da Meng Master looked baffled and couldn't help asking more.
Li Hao simply said he had a friend in the Department of Demon Suppression. Hearing that, Da Meng Master didn't press further and agreed.
After the message was sent to Gu Changming, Li Hao took up residence in a secret hall within the Langya Painting Realm.
He used time as his brush tip and immortal energy as his ink to draw the Space Origin Tree.
As the lush silver-gray divine leaves took shape one by one, the outline of the tree's crown gradually emerged. The air around it began to ripple with distorted and sharp spatial energy.
"This is…"
Da Meng Master was stunned by what she saw. She had also been to the Primordial Secret Realm and instantly recognized this as the Space Origin Tree.
But now, this divine tree was actually drawn by Li Hao?
And at first glance, it was hard to tell whether it was real or an illusion. The surrounding aura of the spatial Dao gave her the illusion that the Space Origin Tree had descended into the real world and stood right before her.
A long while passed.
With the final stroke, the Space Origin Tree was complete.
Li Hao's understanding of the Dao of Painting deepened again, and his perception of space became even more refined.
Immersed in thought, he only remembered Da Meng Master was there after a moment.
"Your comprehension of the Space Origin is at level four. Water Dao is also level four. Earth Dao—also level four…"
Da Meng Master's gaze was filled with shock and complexity.
While Li Hao painted, the aura of the Dao naturally leaked out, and she was finally able to sense it. This young man had already cultivated three of the Nine Sequences to the fourth level. That was unbelievable.
To think that Li Hao was still only in the True Immortal stage. Even among Immortal Lords, such progress was considered extraordinarily gifted—rare even in a thousand years.
"Senior, could you give me some pointers? I'd like to know where I can improve."
Li Hao looked at Da Meng Master earnestly. From the Langya Painting Realm alone, he could tell her skills in the Dao of Painting surpassed his own. At this moment, he was genuinely seeking guidance.
Da Meng Master stared at the Space Origin Tree, her expression no longer casual. At this moment, she was certain that aside from herself, this youth was also someone who used the Dao of Painting to comprehend other Origin Daos—and his talent was terrifying.