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Chapter 375: Challenge to the Saints
🕑 Added 2024-10-29 15:39:54 +0000 UTCAt the bank of the Celestial River in Qühe World.
Several figures sat like immovable rocks, peacefully fishing in complete silence. Their fishing lines, though invisible to the naked eye, were formed by their own Saintly Dao, infused with a unique Dao rhythm that was difficult to detect.
The other ends of their lines extended into the snowy white Celestial River, whose waters roared as monstrous figures flickered beneath the surface, exuding terrifying auras.
Suddenly, the line in the hands of one young man twitched slightly. His eyes lit up with excitement, and he quickly pulled the line.
Simultaneously, the hook at the other end darted forward, piercing through its prey and embedding deeply into its core, grasping its vital force.
"A fish is on the hook!"
Li Hao's face lit up with joy as he exerted his strength to reel it in. Despite the fierce struggle of the prey, under his powerful grip, the massive waves, hundreds of feet high, were not enough to break free, and the creature was dragged out of the Celestial River.
"What a big fish!"
Li Hao saw the creature's glistening scales reflecting seven-colored lights as they flipped over the water's surface. His eyes brightened further with excitement.
"Another Divine Water Dao Fish!"
This was a rare spirit creature, born from the power of the Great Dao within the Celestial River, and it could serve as nourishment for a Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon.
This was the second Divine Water Dao Fish Li Hao had caught while fishing here.
Hearing Li Hao's words, the other three turned their heads, glancing at him with envy and amusement in their eyes.
Liesaint complimented with a grin, "Not bad, you're catching up to me. I've only caught four so far."
Feng Boping twitched slightly at her boast.
He had only caught one.
The Swordmaster, upon hearing Liesaint's words, unconsciously tightened his grip on his fishing line. Like Feng Boping, he had only caught one fish...
Liesaint wasn't exaggerating. Though she was a woman, her fishing skills were truly the best in the heavens.
Li Hao was also deeply impressed by Liesaint's fishing technique, estimating it to be at least of the ninth stage.
Before long, Li Hao had reeled in the struggling Dao Fish, and with a gentle smile, he said, "Little one, don't thrash around. Once you fuse with the Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon, I'll leave you a trace of your Dao consciousness, so you won't completely vanish."
Upon hearing Li Hao's words, the Divine Water Dao Fish, which was about three meters long and covered in rainbow-colored stripes, stopped struggling. Its eyes rolled around, and it seemed to understand that fighting back against a Saint was futile. It chose instead to trust him.
Li Hao removed the hook and placed the fish into his spatial domain for temporary storage.
"Liesaint's fishing skills far surpass both of yours. You're both lacking in cultivation compared to Haotian, and now it seems you can't even fish as well as he can."
Liesaint glanced at Li Hao before turning to Feng Boping with a nonchalant comment.
Whenever she caught a Divine Water Dao Fish, she never missed the opportunity to "express her admiration" in front of Feng Boping.
"This time was just bad luck. Next time, things will be different," Feng Boping grumbled, clearly irritated.
He was the first to acknowledge Li Hao's unparalleled talent in cultivation, but he absolutely refused to admit that Li Hao could surpass him in fishing skills as well.
The Swordmaster's expression darkened as well. "After the Dao Debate is over, we'll have another round. I wasn't fully prepared this time."
Liesaint chuckled softly at their defiant words. "They say women are prone to lying, but I think you men are naturally born to lie your way to sainthood."
Feng Boping, unwilling to continue arguing, sensed that the disturbance caused by Li Hao's catch had scared away most of the monsters at the bottom of the river. He decided to reel in his line as well.
"The Dao Debate is only a day or two away. It's time for us to prepare."
"Agreed," the Swordmaster said as he quickly reeled in his line. Understanding Feng Boping's intention, he turned to Li Hao and said, "I'll head back to the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land and bring a few of my less capable disciples along for the event. Let's meet at the Qian Kun Realm."
Liesaint smirked but didn't expose them. She, too, reeled in her line and said to Li Hao, "One of my scouts has detected that this Dao Debate will offer eight Heavenly Treasures as rewards in addition to the usual prizes. Quite the generous offering. What do you think? Who could be behind this?"
She looked at Feng Boping and the Swordmaster as she asked the question.
Both of their expressions stiffened at her words. They unconsciously glanced at Li Hao.
Still basking in the joy of catching the Divine Water Dao Fish, Li Hao casually reeled in his line while saying, "Who cares who's behind it? My fish is already on the hook."
Seeing Li Hao's carefree attitude, the two exchanged glances, no longer discussing the matter, though they had their suspicions.
After packing up their gear, the group returned to the Small Thousand Realm.
The Swordmaster bid farewell to Li Hao, Dao Thief, and the others. Previously unfamiliar with Dao Thief and Liesaint, the Swordmaster had, thanks to Li Hao, spent a month fishing with them, becoming well-acquainted and establishing a friendship in the process.
"This Dao Debate will be held in the Qian Kun Realm, so we should set off as well," Feng Boping said once they returned to their sacred land. He gathered a few half-saints to accompany them, leaving the rest behind to guard the sacred land. He also brought along his two direct disciples, Lin Baichuan and Chu Hanwei.
Though neither of them had reached the half-saint level, both had formed the seeds of the Saintly Dao and had touched the threshold of half-sainthood. As non-reincarnated Saints, their talents were considered exceptional.
For this Dao Debate, only those of imperial backgrounds or ancient noble families with extraordinary connections could secure a place to listen to the debate in person, given the significant effort and resources required to obtain such an opportunity.
Saints, however, were allowed to bring their direct disciples, and half-saints were also permitted to attend.
Li Hao nodded. As Feng Lao called for the disciples, he packed lightly and asked Lin Qingying if she would like to come along.
When Lin Qingying heard his question, she quickly nodded, her eyes meeting Li Hao's briefly before she softly said, "Wherever you go, I'll go."
After speaking, she averted her gaze, but from the corner of her eye, she stole a glance at Li Hao.
Li Hao, slightly surprised by her response, seemed to think for a moment before replying, "Alright, as long as you want to go, I can take you anywhere in the heavens!"
Hearing Li Hao's reply, the corners of Lin Qingying's lips curled into a subtle smile. Though she tried to hide her joy by looking away, her delight was evident, only to quickly fade as she composed herself. She nodded, "I'll do my best to comprehend the seed of the Saintly Dao and accumulate incense."
She, too, wanted to become a Saint. Only by achieving sainthood could she stand side by side with Li Hao, rather than remain a follower in his shadow.
Li Hao, however, shook his head and said, "Don't rush. You're cultivating the Dao of Nothingness. Nothingness is nothing. The more anxious you are, the slower your progress will be. You mustn't focus on 'becoming.' Nothingness is natural; everything returns to nothing."
Lin Qingying's eyes shimmered at his words, but of everything Li Hao said, the part that resonated most with her was the final sentence.
"Everything returns to nothing... If I master the Dao of Nothingness, will you return to me?"
She gazed at Li Hao for a moment, saying nothing, before nodding slightly in acknowledgment.
Once Feng Lao had gathered the group, he called for Li Hao to set off.
"Liesaint isn't coming?"
Li Hao asked.
Feng Boping shot him a glance. "She came last time to escort you. There's no need for that now. I'm not that close with her."
"'Not close'...," Li Hao chuckled, deciding not to press further. "Alright, then I guess we'll meet her at the Qian Kun Realm."
With that, he took Lin Qingying and Xiyan and set off with Feng Lao.
As for Hong Yue, her cultivation was too low to be of any use at the event. Having not yet reached the Wen Dao Realm, attending the debate would be meaningless for her.
On the way, Lin Baichuan, Chu Hanwei, and the others gazed at Li Hao's back with complicated emotions. Previously, he had been the peerless talent among their generation, a towering figure they looked up to like a great mountain. Now, he had transformed from a mountain into a divine sun, high in the sky, impossible to reach. The gap between them had only grown wider.
Their master had advised them not to compare themselves to Li Hao, as doing so would trap them in his shadow forever, making it impossible to break free.
Still, the Dao Debate was a rare opportunity for them to witness the great event firsthand, potentially allowing them to make great strides in their cultivation.
With that hope in mind, their gazes, like the other half-saints in the Dao Sect, were filled with anticipation and excitement.
The Qian Kun Realm—one of the Three Upper Realms.
The Dao Debate alternated among the Three Upper Realms, and this time it was held in the Qian Kun Realm.
As the event drew near, saints from all over the heavens arrived in the Qian Kun Realm.
Many reclusive saints who had not appeared in ages also made their way to the debate.
In one imperial city, an old beggar suddenly performed a calculation with his fingers, then smiled as he looked at the aristocratic girl who had just dropped a coin into his bowl.
"A good heart fosters good karma. Let this old man gift you a blessing."
With a gentle wave of his hand, a thread of Dao energy entered the girl's forehead. In an instant, her entire body was refined, her aura becoming more potent, and a trace of Dao energy settled within her. In time, it would help her break through to the Wen Dao Realm.
In the Tianjiao Supreme Battle, the Wen Dao Realm was as common as foot soldiers, unremarkable and not even qualified to take the stage. But in the heavens' imperial dynasties, those in the Wen Dao Realm were the ancestors of noble families, able to hold sway over thousand-year-old clans, and were revered figures that even emperors sought to win over.
The girl blinked in confusion, but by the time she gathered her thoughts, the old beggar had vanished as if in a dream.
In a distant mountain range, a disheveled figure emerged from a cave. His tattered clothing suddenly glowed with divine light, instantly transforming into a pristine set of Dao robes. As Dao energy surrounded him, the poisonous mists that had plagued the mountain range for centuries dissipated, turning the desolate area into a flourishing paradise.
"This time… will I be able to perfect my Dao?"
The figure muttered to himself before stepping forward and vanishing.
Meanwhile, in the Buddhist Sect, the Buddha Sovereign's brow flashed with golden light, as if receiving a message, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"After all, eight Heavenly Treasures are enough to feed the Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon to half its fill, maybe even causing it to evolve."
The Green Lantern Buddha said calmly.
These eight Heavenly Treasures were a substantial sacrifice for both the Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Land.
The temptation was immense, even for themselves. How could Li Hao resist?
Moreover, they had sharp eyes and had already discerned that the black sword Li Hao used was a fragment of a Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon.
Though they didn't know how he had obtained it, with such great fortune and destiny surrounding him, it wasn't unusual for him to come across such an opportunity.
A fragment of the weapon meant he would inevitably seek ways to restore it. His craving for the Dao Calamity Emperor Weapon would compel him to attend.
Certain Dao Calamity Emperor Weapons could rival the power of a Three Calamities Saint, while even non-combat types held extraordinary powers and utility.
"Let's prepare to depart."
The Twin-Faced Buddha spoke softly, his eyes gleaming with impatient killing intent.
Once known as the Twin-Born Buddha, he now went by the name of the Twin-Faced Buddha.
Though his expression appeared serene, one side of his face held a constant gloom, while the other radiated kindness, giving off an eerie, dual-natured aura. His presence unsettled many disciples of the Buddhist Sect.
With the Buddhist Sect on the move, more saints continued to gather in the Qian Kun Realm.
"I may not be a Supreme Saint, but my Dao is unmatched. When I perfect it, the heavens will recognize it, and I will proclaim my supremacy to all!"
A Saint descended upon the Qian Kun Realm, radiating the majestic energy of the Great Dao.
In the Qian Kun Realm, three great Sacred Lands reigned: the Medical Dao Sacred Land, the Hunyuan Sacred Land, and the Dragon Ancestor Sacred Land.
Among these, the Hunyuan Sacred Land was the most prominent, widely regarded as the foremost sacred land of the Qian Kun Realm. Its gates were open to all, welcoming humans, demons, and beasts alike.
This inclusiveness earned the Hunyuan Sacred Land widespread praise, embracing all like rivers flowing into the sea.
In contrast, the Dragon Ancestor Sacred Land was predominantly home to the scaled races.
As for the Medical Dao Sacred Land, it was the favored choice of the many human dynasties within the Qian Kun Realm, as it only accepted human disciples.
When Li Hao arrived in the Qian Kun Realm with Feng Lao, they were surprised to find someone waiting for them in the void. The individual introduced themselves as a saint from the Medical Dao Sacred Land.
To Li Hao and Feng Lao's astonishment, the greeter was not just any saint but a representative personally sent by a Supreme Saint.
"My master has sent me to welcome Haotian Zun and invite you to our Sacred Land, where we hope to extend our hospitality."
The saint smiled warmly, but his eyes were sizing up Li Hao. He had missed the Tianjiao Supreme Battle, as his disciple had been eliminated early, so he hadn't bothered attending. However, he had heard of Haotian Zun's incredible feats and now couldn't help but scrutinize the young man more closely.
Sensing the faint but overwhelming power that seemed to intertwine with the heavens themselves, the saint couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Li Hao and Feng Lao exchanged glances before Feng Lao said, "Since that's the case, let's pay the Medical Saint a visit."
They both knew that such an enthusiastic gesture likely carried ulterior motives. The Medical Saint was a Supreme Saint, and while Li Hao's talents were extraordinary, it wouldn't be enough for the Medical Saint to go out of their way without a deeper reason.
Lin Baichuan, Chu Hanwei, and the others were shocked. They hadn't expected Li Hao's status to be so high, enough to warrant a personal invitation from the Medical Dao Sacred Land, complete with the full display of respect.
Soon, under the saint's guidance, they arrived at the Medical Dao Sacred Land.
As soon as they entered, Li Hao caught the faint scent of medicinal herbs permeating the sacred land. Many of the smells were familiar to him, as they reminded him of the herbs he had once used while assisting Lin Shanhai with alchemy.
The Medical Dao and alchemy shared similarities, but only the Medical Dao produced Supreme Saints—there were no Supreme Saints of alchemy.
Li Hao knew that alchemy was merely a branch of the Medical Dao.
"Please, follow me."
The saint smiled and motioned for Li Hao to proceed.
His gaze didn't linger on Feng Boping and the others. Understanding the situation, Feng Boping stopped and exchanged a glance with Li Hao, before leading the others to the guest quarters prepared for them by the Medical Dao Sacred Land.
Though somewhat perplexed, Li Hao followed the saint into the grand hall at the pinnacle of the sacred land.
The hall was filled with the subtle fragrance of medicinal herbs, and seated within was the ethereal figure of the Medical Saint, clad in a green robe that exuded the energy of life itself.
Li Hao could see that countless threads of incense were streaming toward the Medical Saint, drawn to her just as incense had flooded toward him after the Tianjiao Supreme Battle.
However, unlike him—who had gained that incense due to the peak of his fame—the Medical Saint was receiving it in her everyday life. The sheer volume of incense coming to her was a testament to the enormous influence of a Supreme Saint.
"We meet again. It seems you've made some progress since last time," the Medical Saint said with a gentle smile, her demeanor as clear as a mountain stream. Her entire being radiated holiness, untouched by the impurities of the world.
Li Hao found it hard to imagine someone of such high status having such pure eyes. Her gaze was so clear that it almost felt blinding, making it difficult to meet her eyes directly.
"At the Tianjiao Supreme Battle, I must thank you for speaking up on my behalf," Li Hao said with a respectful bow.
When the Hunyuan Supreme Saint had tried to suppress him, the Medical Saint had spoken a few words in his defense. Though it hadn't changed the outcome, Li Hao still appreciated her intervention.
"But my words didn't carry much weight. It was your own strength that turned the tide."
The Medical Saint smiled softly, not accepting his gratitude.
Still, Li Hao valued the sentiment over the result. He didn't dwell on it further and instead asked, "Why have you summoned me here?"
The Medical Saint's smile remained as she explained, "You're a clever person. You should already know that the Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Land intend to challenge you. You must have anticipated this and come prepared. I hope you're not only here for the eight Heavenly Treasures."
"Of course."
Li Hao nodded, offering no further explanation. He did intend to claim the treasures, but beyond that, he planned to crush the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint and thoroughly plunder their sacred lands.
"I've called you here for a different reason," the Medical Saint continued, her gaze sharpening slightly. "You've achieved sainthood through the path of the physical body, a very difficult road. To my knowledge, only the Hunyuan Saint and his disciples have walked this path, and both of his disciples eventually perished."
She paused, glancing at Li Hao. "Do you know how you might continue to refine your physical body?"
Li Hao's eyes flickered as he understood that she was offering him guidance.
He had already realized that achieving the pinnacle of physical cultivation required more than just training. He had absorbed the blood of monsters and demons to refine his body, as purely relying on physical cultivation techniques would lead to diminishing returns once he reached the extreme limit.
Now that he had achieved sainthood through his physical body, if he wanted to improve further, he would have to continue refining his body, seeking the truth of the physical Dao.
Beyond that, the only way to make further progress would be to consume supreme treasures of the world—or a human-shaped elixir.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "I understand. Thank you for your guidance."
Seeing his understanding, the Medical Saint smiled. "If you ever need help, don't hesitate to come to me. As a healer, I will do what I can to assist you."
Li Hao nodded, glancing at the Medical Saint once more. He had already deduced that her willingness to help him wasn't purely out of a healer's compassion. If that were the case, there would be countless suffering beings across the heavens who would require her care.
The Qian Kun Realm's three great sacred lands were checks on one another, and the Medical Saint likely didn't want the Hunyuan Saint to grow even more powerful and eventually dominate the entire realm.
Still, regardless of her motives, she had offered him valuable advice, and he appreciated it.
As he was about to leave, the Medical Saint said, "If you can't handle the Buddhist Sect or the Void Sacred Land's challenges, come to me. The Dao Debate can damage your core, so don't push yourself too far."
"Understood."
Li Hao bowed in thanks and took his leave.
As the Medical Saint watched him go, her eyes glimmered with a trace of nostalgia, and she murmured softly, "He reminds me of him…"
Her gaze grew distant, filled with memories.
…
After leaving the hall, Li Hao reunited with Feng Lao.
Feng Boping gave him a questioning look and sent a voice transmission, asking, "Was it about the Buddhist Sect?"
"Yes."
Li Hao nodded, choosing not to mention the Hunyuan Saint's potential threat to avoid worrying Feng Lao.
This was something he would have to handle on his own. After all, it involved a Supreme Saint. If they truly intended to deal with him, they would have already taken action. The fact that they hadn't meant they were waiting for something.
Li Hao speculated that they were waiting for him to fully transcend his heavenly tribulation and perfect his physical Dao. Only then would he be "ripe for the taking."
With two days remaining before the Dao Debate, more and more saints arrived in the Qian Kun Realm. Li Hao, Feng Lao, and the others temporarily settled in the Medical Dao Sacred Land.
They weren't the only guests; other saints with ties to the Medical Dao Sacred Land had also been invited to stay.
When some of them spotted Li Hao and Feng Lao, they were surprised to see the rising star of recent events among the guests.
However, they were all saints and had seen many things in their lifetimes. Every saint had once stirred the heavens upon their ascension, with some maintaining their fame for decades or even centuries. After a moment of surprise, they returned to their own affairs.
Li Hao's combat prowess was undeniable, but the Dao Debate was a contest of pure Dao.
Combat strength was influenced by many factors, but the Dao was like a spine—the core of a saint.
If someone could break another's Dao, it would be akin to severing their spine, rendering them unable to stand. A saint would lose their sainthood.
For outsiders, the Dao Debate offered a rare opportunity to listen to the saints' insights and gain immense benefits.
For saints, however, it was a perilous competition.
In essence, they would expose their most vulnerable and vital core for others to strike. A victory would strengthen the core, but a defeat could weaken it. A crushing defeat could lead to total destruction.
This was why saints approached the Dao Debate with utmost caution, only exposing the periphery of their Dao rather than its core. Even if they lost, the damage would be limited, preventing fatal blows.
The following day, Li Hao noticed the Swordmaster had also arrived, accompanied by the Sword Saint, who had come to participate in the debate.
Besides them, Li Hao spotted Wen Saint, along with his grandson Lin Shuhai and his granddaughter Li Qingyi.
Wen Saint smiled at Li Hao, offering a respectful nod.
Li Qingyi's gaze, however, was more complex, clearly struggling to reconcile the fact that her former rival had now ascended to sainthood.
The stark contrast was difficult to accept.
Li Hao acknowledged Zhandan with a nod.
Zhandan, graceful as ever, returned the gesture, her eyes filled with mixed emotions.
But standing beside the saints, she maintained her poise, showing no signs of discomfort.
As more saints gathered in the Qian Kun Realm, the surrounding energy of the heavens and earth grew exponentially more intense, filled with the aura of the Dao. This atmosphere allowed even ordinary cultivators to make breakthroughs.
In some imperial dynasties, princes who were fortunate enough to catch the eye of a passing saint were taken on as disciples.
The entire Qian Kun Realm was abuzz with excitement. Many factions saw the Dao Debate as an opportunity to demonstrate their strength, hoping to attract the attention of the gathered saints.
The Dao Debate was a catalyst for the overall power of the smaller worlds.
The debate itself would be held at the Heaven and Earth Dao Field, located at the heart of the Qian Kun Realm.
This Dao Field floated in the sky, situated at the midpoint between the three great sacred lands of the Qian Kun Realm. It lay at the realm's center, directly atop the realm's dragon vein, enhancing the flow of fortune and energy.
"You all will stay here below the Dao Field. How much you gain depends on your talent and opportunity," Feng Lao instructed Lin Baichuan and the others. Only half-saints were qualified to stand at the periphery of the Dao Field, and even then, they wouldn't be allowed on the field itself.
"Understood."
Lin Baichuan and the others nodded.
Beyond them, Li Hao noticed that the Sword Saint had brought along the Holy Son of Haoyue and other disciples from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land, leaving them to listen below the Dao Field as well.
Li Hao glanced at Lin Qingying, who said to him, "Go ahead. I'll wait for you here."
"Alright."
Li Hao nodded and soared into the sky with Feng Lao.
The sky seemed clear, but it was actually shielded by a Dao barrier. Once they crossed the barrier, they found themselves within the vast Heaven and Earth Dao Field.
At the outer edge of the field, countless half-saints had already gathered. Their numbers far surpassed what Li Hao had seen during the Tianjiao Supreme Battle. Back then, half-saints had been as common as stray dogs, but now they truly seemed to be everywhere.
Further in, saints sat in neat rows at the edge of the field.
Many saints had arrived early, each seated on their own meditation cushion, their auras radiant and intertwined with the surrounding Dao, as if they were the centers of their own universes.
As Li Hao scanned the field, he noticed that each saint's Dao shone like a brilliant galaxy, winding around them.
Liesaint had already arrived, seated in the distance, and she glanced over at Li Hao and Feng Lao.
Feng Boping led Li Hao to a random spot, and once seated, his gaze shifted around the field, eventually settling in one direction.
"They're here."
Following Feng Lao's line of sight, Li Hao spotted the Buddha Sovereign, along with the Twin-Faced Buddha and the Green Lantern Buddha.
The Green Lantern Buddha glowed with a faint, blue light, like an ever-burning lamp, casting a cool glow over their surroundings.
The Twin-Faced Buddha, who had undergone a significant transformation, stared at Li Hao with dark, malicious eyes. It was clear that ever since he had arrived, he had been searching for Li Hao.
Their gazes met, and the Twin-Faced Buddha flashed a cold smile filled with murderous intent, making no effort to hide his hostility.
At this point, they were already mortal enemies.
Li Hao, however, remained expressionless, quickly averting his gaze.
There was no need to waste emotions on the soon-to-be dead.
As more saints gathered, each one radiating like a miniature sun, their combined presence cast a heavy atmosphere over the Dao Field, making the half-saints seated below tremble with tension.
Soon after, the Supreme Saints began to arrive.
The Medical Saint, the Hunyuan Saint, and the Dragon Saint were responsible for hosting the Dao Debate.
In addition, the Fa Saint, the Name Saint, the Yin-Yang Supreme Saint, and other Supreme Saints also made their appearance.
The arrival of the Yuan Ancestor, however, caused a small stir.
In a place filled with half-saints, none of them would typically react so strongly, but the Yuan Ancestor was no ordinary saint. As the first saint of ancient times, he was revered far beyond the rest.
Upon seeing the Yuan Ancestor, Li Hao couldn't help but recall Ying Xiaoxiao's words: the Yuan Ancestor had achieved sainthood through incense and offerings.
As usual, the Yuan Ancestor took his seat at the central position, while the other Supreme Saints—whether it was the Fa Saint or the Name Saint—clearly respected his authority.
The other saints in attendance numbered far more than those present during the Tianjiao Supreme Battle, at least one or two times more.
"A saint represents the Dao of the heavens, embodying the essence of all things, and speaking on behalf of the heavens to create a new path for all beings."
The Yuan Ancestor began, his words echoing through the Dao Field. His statement reminded everyone of the origin of the title "saint."
The crowd fell silent as everyone listened intently. This was no Tianjiao Supreme Battle filled with cheers and noise.
"Each saint has their own Dao, and the question of which is the supreme Dao has been debated since ancient times. That is why we hold this Dao Debate."
The Yuan Ancestor's gaze swept across the gathered saints. "Now, those who wish to step forward may do so and choose their opponent."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure stood up—it was the Fa Saint. His expression was calm and composed as he stepped onto the Dao Field and turned to the Dragon Saint.
"Dragon Saint, would you care to start the proceedings with me?"
The Dragon Saint, cloaked in an imperial robe and exuding an aura of unparalleled majesty, met the Fa Saint's gaze with cool indifference. He knew the Fa Saint wished to continue their ongoing debate.
Without backing down, he rose and floated into the Dao Field. "Since the Fa Saint is so insistent, I'll oblige and settle the matter once and for all."
Silver light radiated from the Fa Saint, contrasting with the Dragon Saint's golden brilliance. With a calm expression, the Fa Saint said, "The law is unforgiving, and it cannot tolerate the slightest flaw. The Dragon Saint was born in the wilderness, ignorant of propriety and law, knowing only the law of the jungle. I wonder, does the Dragon Ancestor Sacred Land have any laws at all?"
"In the Dragon Ancestor Sacred Land, strength speaks louder than anything else. The weak listen to the strong, and that is not law—it is Dao!"
The Dragon Saint's voice rang out coldly, his words imbued with the power of his Saintly Dao.
The half-saints watching from the sidelines were stunned, not expecting the debate to begin with two Supreme Saints right away. The scale of the event was beyond their expectations.
As Li Hao observed the debate unfold, he saw that their words were more than just verbal sparring. Each sentence was infused with their Dao, and their Dao energies clashed fiercely.
If one faltered, their Saintly Dao would suffer.
If one emerged victorious, their improvement would be significant, surpassing centuries of diligent cultivation.
Every saint believed that their Dao was the supreme truth of the universe. Without such conviction, it was impossible to condense the Saintly Dao.
If a saint doubted their own Dao, it would become a mere minor path, not a universal truth, and they would never achieve true sainthood, no matter how much incense they received.
"Law is Dao! Without law, all things fall into chaos. Without law, there is only disaster and slaughter. Without law, the heavens themselves would be reduced to ashes!"
The Fa Saint's face was cold, his Saintly Dao manifesting as a silver pillar of light. As he spoke, the pillar shone brilliantly, pushing toward the Dragon Saint, embodying the principles of law and equality.
The Dragon Saint, in contrast, radiated golden light, his voice booming as he responded, "Before you were born, the heavens were still in harmony. Your law is merely a shackle on the natural order!"
His Saintly Dao erupted into golden dragons that coiled around the Fa Saint's silver light, fiercely resisting its advance.
"Without law, there is only barbarism, endless chaos, and unceasing cycles of suffering!" the Fa Saint retorted.
"And what has changed now? The open slaughter of the past has merely been hidden behind the guise of order. Your law is a leash held by the rulers, a tool for the strong to enslave the weak. The law you revere is nothing more than a way to secure power for the emperors you serve, in exchange for their incense offerings!"
The Dragon Saint's voice rumbled like thunder, shaking the heavens. His Saintly Dao shone brilliantly, leaving many of the half-saints feeling overwhelmed.
Li Hao watched quietly, intrigued by the intensity of the debate.
The saints' Daos clashed with ferocity, but this was merely a test of each other's strength. Neither had yet to reveal their core principles, as a direct hit to their core would cause irreparable damage.
As the two Supreme Saints continued their debate, many of the half-saints were deeply affected, their minds swayed by the exchange. Some of the saints, too, found themselves gaining insights from the debate.
Li Hao's eyes flickered. While he observed their argument, he found himself unimpressed. In his view, both of their Daos seemed… limited.
The Dao Debate was a contest of the Great Dao, but to Li Hao, both the Fa Saint and the Dragon Saint had only grasped a small fragment of the true Dao.
After a long while, the debate came to an inconclusive end. The two Supreme Saints had tested each other, but neither had emerged victorious. Their Daos had collided, causing some damage, but both had also gained something, repairing a small flaw in their Saintly Daos.
As they left the Dao Field, another saint quickly stepped forward.
Li Hao sensed the gaze of the Buddha Sovereign and the Void Sacred Land on him, along with several other saints who seemed to harbor ill intentions.
After the second debate concluded, a saint stepped onto the field and turned to face Li Hao.
"Haotian Zun, the Royal Dao Sacred Land wishes to debate with you."
The saint was cloaked in regal splendor, his aura exuding an air of imperial authority. Surrounding him were nine dragon-like manifestations of his Dao, swirling majestically.
Li Hao had heard of this saint before. The Royal Dao Sacred Land was based in the Middle Nine Realms, and many of its disciples had gone on to establish empires and seize royal power.
Their philosophy was rooted in the concentration of resources under a single ruler. In their view, the essence of imperial power was the ability to allocate resources at will.
At one point, they had even proposed that the heavens should be ruled by the Yuan Ancestor alone. However, before the heavens could decide, the Yuan Ancestor had already refused.
"This Huang Tianji is an old friend of the Buddha Sovereign," Feng Boping suddenly transmitted to Li Hao.
Li Hao's gaze grew cold as he responded with indifference, "The Royal Dao is a petty path, unworthy of debate."
Upon hearing his words, the saint on the Dao Field froze momentarily. His eyes quickly darkened with rage as he said, "You come to the Dao Debate and yet refuse to step onto the field. What are you trying to do? Are you here to ruin the rules?"
Li Hao smirked and replied, "I enjoy fishing."
His comment was abrupt, leaving everyone confused as they turned to look at him, unsure of what he meant.
Feng Boping, Liesaint, the Swordmaster, and the others were equally baffled by Li Hao's words.
Li Hao continued, "Perhaps the saints here do not share my fondness for fishing, but I'm sure they understand the basics. When we fish, we cast our line into deep waters to avoid the small fish in the shallows."
"A seasoned angler can tell the size of the fish by the way it tugs at the line."
"When a small fish nibbles the bait, pulling the hook would be a waste. Worse yet, it could scare away the bigger fish."
As he spoke, he noticed the saint's expression growing colder. Li Hao concluded, "If you wish to debate with me, so be it. But you alone are not enough."
He stood up, casting a glance around the field, his gaze lingering on the saints who had been eyeing him earlier. Then, with a cold smile, he declared, "To all who wish to debate with Haotian Zun, step forward together. I challenge you all!"
Turning to face the Buddha Sovereign and the Void Sacred Land, he added, "And to the Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Land, I know you've been waiting for this. Shall we debate?"
His words left the entire Dao Field in stunned silence. Every saint stared at the newly ascended Haotian Zun, incredulous at his audacity. Was he insane? This kind of declaration was sheer madness!
While everyone knew of Li Hao's incredible combat strength, the Dao Debate was a different matter entirely. Some saints, even those who had only overcome a single tribulation, had perfected their Saintly Dao to rival that of Three Calamities Saints, despite their lacking battle power.
Li Hao's combat abilities were indisputable, but his Saintly Dao was still shallow. Huang Tianji was a Three Calamities Saint, his Saintly Dao tempered through countless trials. Li Hao would be hard-pressed to face him alone, let alone challenge multiple saints at once.
This move was nothing short of suicidal.
"Haotian!"
Feng Boping's face paled at Li Hao's reckless challenge.
He had witnessed Li Hao's breakthroughs in his Saintly Dao, but even a Supreme Saint wouldn't dare to make such a challenge.
Since Li Hao had achieved sainthood, Feng Boping no longer referred to him as "Hao'er," treating him as an equal.
Liesaint and the Swordmaster were equally shocked, their expressions shifting as they stared intently at Li Hao, urgently sending him telepathic messages.
Li Hao heard their anxious inquiries but simply offered them a reassuring glance before turning his attention to the Buddha Sovereign.
Both the Buddha Sovereign and the Twin-Faced Buddha seemed momentarily taken aback. They had not expected such a gift to fall into their laps—Li Hao had offered to challenge them on his own.
Yet, as confident as Li Hao appeared, they couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt.
Where did his confidence come from? Could he have a Supreme Saint supporting him?
As Li Hao finished speaking, the Yuan Ancestor, along with the Fa Saint, the Hunyuan Saint, and the other Supreme Saints, were all taken aback. Even they were baffled by Li Hao's audacity.
The Hunyuan Saint's face darkened. If Li Hao were to die here, with his Saintly Dao destroyed, the precious treasure he had been waiting for would be wasted.
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