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Chapter 370: Crushing the Void Saint, The Body Ascends
🕑 Added 2024-10-22 08:04:19 +0000 UTC"If you are worried about your disciple's soul fragment being destroyed, I have a method to preserve it intact if it is proven innocent," said the Medicine Saint softly.
Her voice was calm and serene, as if untouched by dust. She wore a flowing emerald green robe, almost like jade, radiating the essence of pure, transparent life energy.
Upon hearing the Medicine Saint's words, the Void Saint's expression grew darker. He knew that with her offer, there was no longer any room for evasion.
Under the gaze of all present, the Void Saint knew that if he truly handed over the soul fragment and the memory of his disciple's conspiracy remained, the reputation of the Void Sacred Ground would be tarnished beyond repair, and they would become a laughingstock.
As his thoughts raced, a chill ran through his heart. With a calm facade, he said, "Since the Medicine Saint has spoken, let her examine it..."
He produced the soul fragment, but silently infused it with a trace of void energy to destroy it.
However, at that moment, the heavens seemed to tremble slightly. A vast power descended, intercepting the void energy and enveloping the soul fragment, lifting it into the sky.
The Void Saint's face twisted in fury as he glared at the Source Ancestor.
The Source Ancestor merely gave him a meaningful glance before smiling and saying, "Let the Medicine Saint conduct her examination."
The Void Saint's entire body trembled with barely contained anger. He hadn't anticipated that the Source Ancestor would act so decisively, fully aware of his intentions.
In his original plan, he could have quietly destroyed the fragment, expressing regret that his disciple had been too weak to endure. Even though this would be a tacit admission of guilt, he didn't care what the other Saints thought. As long as he could deceive the common people, the Void Sacred Ground's incense offerings would remain stable.
But the Source Ancestor's actions had cut off his retreat.
Moreover, he realized the Source Ancestor's move was meant to gain favor with Li Hao, the newly ascended Saint of the Dao.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, the Void Saint's expression darkened further, now pinning his hopes on the possibility that the crucial memories within the soul fragment were missing.
At this moment, he regretted not erasing the soul fragment earlier, even if it meant suffering a backlash from his soul vow. That would have been preferable to the current predicament.
But a Saint rarely looks back.
The Medicine Saint raised her delicate fingers and gently tapped the air.
The suspended soul fragment began to project images from its memories, revealing a series of scenes.
"Mother, I'm hungry..."
"This place has such a large divine empire. Interesting. Its strongest cultivators are merely at the Dao Seeking Realm. I want its incense offerings!"
"If this plan succeeds, I will take seventy percent of the incense offerings from this empire. The remaining thirty percent will be divided among you six."
"Master, if that person wins the Supreme Heaven's Chosen competition and becomes a Saint, he will surely come after our Void Sacred Ground."
"I understand, Master. Even if I must die, I will take him down with me!"
As the scenes unfolded, including images from the Void Saint's disciple's childhood, the audience's attention was fixed on the more recent memories.
Li Hao's gaze was drawn to the moments that clearly revealed their conspiracy against the Great Yu Empire.
A cold light flashed in his eyes as the memory showed the Void Saint discussing plans with his disciple.
When this part of the memory surfaced, everyone's eyes widened, and after hearing the words clearly, an uproar broke out.
The Void Saint's heart sank to the depths.
Damn it!
He clenched his teeth. Why? Why did the fool remember these things?!
"It seems the truth has been revealed. He was not killed by Hao Tian, but was part of a conspiracy!"
"To sacrifice one's life in such a despicable plot—how disgraceful!"
"Void Saint, you owe us an explanation!"
With the evidence now laid bare, many Saints turned their eyes on the Void Saint, and one of them coldly demanded answers, especially those Saints with strained relations with the Void Sacred Ground.
Earlier, the Buddha Sovereign had sworn by his Buddha heart that Li Hao had killed the disciple. But this hard evidence carried far more weight.
"That Void Saint's disciple committed suicide just to frame Hao Tian—how despicable!"
"This is the kind of disciple raised by the Void Sacred Ground? Such disgraceful conduct!"
"Didn't you see? It wasn't just the disciple's plot—it was his master, the Void Saint's plan all along!"
"No wonder he's a Saint. This plot was so sinister! If Hao Tian hadn't become a Saint, such a heaven-defying genius would've been destroyed by this conspiracy!"
"The Buddha Sovereign must also give us an explanation! He swore on his Buddha heart. There must be some trickery involved!"
"Two Saints conspired together—shameful!"
Angry voices echoed across the Tianyuan Realm.
Even though the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint were both Saints, typically beyond reproach, the current outrage among the people was so great that even Saints would need to tread carefully.
After all, these two had achieved Sainthood through incense offerings, not through the Path of the Dao. They could not ignore the eyes of the world.
Besides, many of the Saints present had their own followers. If another Saint were to strike at their followers, they would likely intervene.
The uproar across the Tianyuan Realm was deafening. The Void Saint couldn't hear it, but the furious whispers from the crowd around the battlefield made it clear to him that, from this day forward, the reputation of the Void Sacred Ground would be in tatters. Their incense offerings would dwindle for centuries.
"Buddha Sovereign, you owe me an explanation as well!"
Law Saint's icy gaze fell on the Buddha Sovereign.
Swearing by one's Buddha heart was nearly irrefutable evidence. However, the current situation made it clear that there was another layer of deception involved.
"All things have their cause and effect. The technique of karma can only judge based on cause and consequence. While he did not directly kill him, the disciple's death was a result of his actions. That is why the karma technique pointed to him."
The Buddha Sovereign had clearly prepared an explanation in advance. His expression was solemn as he spoke.
But this logic did not hold up under scrutiny. It was weak reasoning, but it was just enough to provide a plausible defense.
The Void Saint's disciple had not been killed by Li Hao, but had chosen suicide to frame him. Hence, the karmic technique had linked the cause to Li Hao.
The Saints present understood that if they continued to press the matter, the Buddha Sovereign would continue to use this justification to extricate himself.
Upon hearing the Buddha Sovereign's explanation, the Void Saint's expression changed slightly. It seemed like the Buddha Sovereign had anticipated the possibility of exposure and had prepared a way out. But the Void Saint had not considered such a contingency, as he had been confident in the success of his plan, believing it was foolproof—especially with Law Saint present. He couldn't imagine anyone openly violating the law.
In truth, the Void Saint's plan had involved manipulating Law Saint as a key component. He had calculated that Law Saint's presence would deter anyone from interfering with his scheme.
However, he had overlooked the most important factor: Li Hao's unexpected ascension to Sainthood, which had turned the entire plan on its head.
"Well played, karma!" Law Saint's gaze was cold. He understood that the Buddha Sovereign's reasoning was just barely legitimate under the law. If he acted against him now, it would seem like overreach, contradicting his own principles.
Turning his attention to the Void Saint, Law Saint's voice grew frosty. "Void Saint, as a Saint, you conspired to frame a Dao Law Realm cultivator. I, along with the Source Ancestor and other Supreme Saints, organized this Supreme Heaven's Chosen competition to discover and nurture the talents who will one day ascend to Sainthood!"
"For your selfishness, you let your disciple die and plotted against a junior. Such a crime is unforgivable!"
The Void Saint's face darkened as he replied, "My disciple's memories are incomplete. He conceived this plan of his own accord, not under my command. My sin is one of indulgence."
"Enough lies!"
Law Saint roared, "From this day forth, the Void Sacred Ground is sealed for a thousand years. No teachings or preaching shall be conducted there!"
This was a divine punishment—closing the Void Sacred Ground for a millennium!
For the next thousand years, no disciple of the Void Sacred Ground would receive incense offerings, nor would they be permitted to leave.
Upon hearing such a heavy sentence, the Void Saint's face turned ashen, but he did not protest. Instead, he lowered his head and said, "I accept the punishment."
Li Hao narrowed his eyes, chuckling lightly as he said, "Before your sentence is carried out, there's still a debt to be paid."
The Void Saint's expression shifted slightly. "What do you mean?"
"Now that it's proven I wasn't the one who killed him, my name has been cleared. But my fury still demands blood as payment!"
A murderous glint flashed in Li Hao's eyes. A thousand years of isolation? What did that have to do with him? He had no intention of waiting a thousand years for revenge.
Law Saint frowned and said sternly, "Hao Tian, you've already had justice. Don't overstep your bounds."
"Justice?" Li Hao laughed, his gaze sharp as a blade. "I earned my own justice! I fought for it with my fists and my sword!"
"If I hadn't ascended to Sainthood, I'd already be crushed beneath the Buddha Sovereign's hand by now. At that point, who would have stood up and told me justice was on my side?!"
"They conspired against me. They framed me. I suffered for it!"
"So now, my vengeance will be delivered by my own hand!"
Li Hao's voice was cold, resonating throughout the Tianyuan Realm. Through the realm stone's projection, countless people could sense the murderous intent in his words.
Many of them nodded in agreement. If a person couldn't exact their own revenge, how could they ever find peace?
People live for dignity, and monks fight for their incense. Ironically, in this case, the incense was in the hands of the Buddha himself.
The Void Saint heard the murderous intent in Li Hao's voice, and his own expression turned cold. At this point, he had no reason to hide his true feelings, and his gaze filled with killing intent as he said,
"You want to kill me? Or the Buddha Sovereign? You think you can? Even if you have ascended through the Path of Sacrifice, we have already survived the three tribulations. If you want to try, come and see for yourself!"
As he spoke, he raised his head and looked around, adding,
"This is him defying the law and inciting violence. If I cripple him, no one can blame me!"
Despite having witnessed Li Hao's overwhelming power, the Void Saint still had trump cards left to play. He didn't believe he would lose.
The Buddha Sovereign's face remained cold. He had barely managed to defend his position in this mess, but the damage was done. If Li Hao fought the Void Saint first and then came for him, he would be at a disadvantage. He couldn't allow Li Hao that opportunity.
"Hao Tian, your murderous intent is too strong. Even after ascending to Sainthood, it hasn't changed. I had hoped to bring you into the Buddhist path, to purify your heart. But now that you've touched the sacred sound of the Dao, all I can do is offer you advice. I have two hundred and seventy volumes of the Mahayana Sutras that I will gift to you, hoping to cleanse your heart of its killing intent."
Though his words seemed sincere, there was a hidden arrogance in them, as if he was standing on higher moral ground than Li Hao.
Li Hao narrowed his eyes. He saw right through the Buddha Sovereign's scheme. His words, veiled as concern, were meant to provoke him.
Li Hao could see through others' plans, but his character left no room for games. He didn't care for subtlety.
"So you're just trying to provoke me? Go ahead and join forces, then!"
Li Hao replied bluntly.
He knew that if he pushed the Void Saint to the edge, the Buddha Sovereign would step in, using the excuse of "Buddha's mercy" to interfere. His words, cloaked in apparent compassion, would provide a perfect excuse for the Buddhist sect to intervene while making himself seem noble.
The seemingly simple phrase "Please show mercy, good sir" was actually full of profound, subtle wisdom.
The Buddha Sovereign would never stand idly by while Li Hao killed the Void Saint, only to face Li Hao alone afterward. So, Li Hao saw no need for further words.
"So arrogant! When you were at the Dao Law Realm, you dared challenge a Saint. Now that you've become a Saint, you don't even see any of us as your equal!"
The Void Saint sneered, his words meant to stoke animosity against Li Hao.
But Li Hao ignored him. The other Saints weren't fools—they wouldn't be easily manipulated by the Void Saint's petty tricks. Those who could be swayed were not worth his concern.
"You've talked long enough. Time to die!"
With a swift movement, Li Hao wiped away the floating memory projections, and the soul fragment dissipated into nothingness.
The Void Saint remained motionless, his eyes fixed on Li Hao. Though he didn't think he would lose, the sheer power Li Hao had displayed earlier was not something to be underestimated.
Suddenly, the Void Saint's figure flickered, and in an instant, nine identical images of him appeared around Li Hao.
He had reached the pinnacle of the Void Realm, executing nine instant shifts at once!
Normally, even after using Void Shift, there would be a brief moment of stagnation when opening the void passage. However, as a Saint of the Void, the Void Saint could perform seamless shifts, without delay.
Nine figures, each holding a deadly, purple-glowing dagger, closed in on Li Hao.
These daggers exuded a warped void energy—powerful Dao artifacts.
Refined through the trials of lightning and fire, these were Sacred Dao Imperial Weapons!
Sacred Dao Imperial Weapons were superior to Sacred Heart Treasures but inferior to Heavenly Tribulation Imperial Weapons. They were essentially man-made Heavenly Tribulation Imperial Weapons.
Li Hao sneered and was about to strike when a wave of Buddha light shone upon him. The Buddha Sovereign had unleashed the Eternal Buddha Domain and sent a thousand overlapping golden palms crashing down like towering peaks.
The two Saints had joined forces, intending to crush Li Hao under their combined might.
Earlier, they had held back, maintaining a degree of civility, but with the evidence exposed and their dignity in tatters, they were now fighting with full force.
"Die!!"
The nine Void Saints closed in on Li Hao from all directions, sealing off any chance of escape.
Li Hao knew that even if he used Void Shift, the Void Saint would likely track him down, given his mastery of void energy.
But he had no intention of dodging. As the Void Saints neared, a cold, mocking smile appeared on Li Hao's face.
Boom!!
Suddenly, Li Hao raised his fist, ignoring the dagger aimed at him, and smashed it into the face of the nearest Void Saint.
The dagger emitted a brilliant light as it slashed across Li Hao's arm, cutting all the way to his neck, sparks of lightning and fire flying.
But to the astonishment of everyone watching, the dagger left only a singed mark on Li Hao's skin, which healed in an instant!
Li Hao's punch, however, landed like a thunderous bell, smashing into the Void Saint's skull with a deafening crack. Blood splattered everywhere—it was the blood of a Saint, spraying into the void. The Void Saint's body flew backward as the other eight illusions vanished. His real body's head was caved in, one of his eyes bulging grotesquely from its socket, leaving him looking utterly horrific.
Everyone was stunned. Even the other Saints showed visible shock.
They had known that Li Hao's body was extraordinary, but now they could see just how terrifying it truly was.
A Sacred Dao Imperial Weapon had only managed to leave a shallow cut, and Li Hao hadn't even needed to regenerate from blood—there hadn't been enough damage for that!
"What kind of path is he following? Could this be the legendary Body Refining to Sainthood?"
"Is it really possible to achieve the Dao through body refinement?"
"His body seems to rival that of the Mixed Heaven Saint…"
Several Saints couldn't help but glance toward the Mixed Heaven Saint.
This Saint was not human but a fearsome ancient beast. In the time of the Source Ancestor, the world was still wild and untamed. The Mixed Heaven Saint had roamed the lands, mastering the Dao of strength, becoming known for his unparalleled physical power. Among all the Saints, his body and strength were regarded as supreme.
And now, it seemed a second such monster had appeared.
The Mixed Heaven Saint's cold eyes flickered with a strange light, though his thoughts remained unreadable.
Li Hao, having crushed the Void Saint's head with a single punch, wasted no time. He instantly executed Void Shift, appearing before the Void Saint again, his fist raised for another blow.
The Eternal Buddha Domain surged toward him, its thousand golden palms forming a barrier to buy the Void Saint time.
But Li Hao paid them no mind. He summoned a sword in his hand and swung it in a sweeping arc.
The radiant "Immortal's Guidance" technique materialized once more. No matter how many times one witnessed it, the sword's brilliance and perfection never failed to inspire awe.
The thousand golden palms shattered under the sword's might, and the Buddha Domain split apart.
Li Hao, his silver hair flowing, reached the pinnacle of his power. He struck out with a forceful punch aimed directly at the Void Saint.
The Void Saint, his head already healing, now looked pale and shaken. His Sacred Dao Imperial Weapon, refined through countless treasures and tempered by heavenly tribulations, had once cleaved through the tribulations themselves. Yet it had failed to cut down Li Hao!
"You're no human—you're a demon!"
The Void Saint's voice trembled with both rage and fear as he rapidly retreated, void energy crackling around him as he gathered his power. He knew that only by using his strongest techniques could he hope to wound Li Hao.
Li Hao smirked, ignoring his taunts as he closed in.
The Void Saint's figure blurred again as he used Void Shift to dart away repeatedly, frustrating Li Hao's attempts to reach him.
"Eternal Dao Domain!!"
Frustrated by his inability to catch up, Li Hao unleashed his Eternal Dao Domain, sealing the void around them.
The power of his Eternal Dao Domain had now been infused with the strength of his Saintly Body, increasing its potency tenfold. The void froze, and time itself seemed to slow.
Li Hao realized that within the Dao Domain, the flow of time was slower than outside it!
This was the most powerful version of the Eternal Dao Domain he had ever used. It had
ever reached. The power was almost comparable to a miniature world, though its range was still limited…
Li Hao's thoughts flashed briefly, but he quickly focused again, locking onto the Void Saint's shifting form. Within the Dao Domain, even the seamless Void Shifts were now sluggish, their once instant transitions taking noticeably longer.
The Void Saint's pupils contracted as he felt the suppressive force of the Dao Domain. It was as if he were moving through deep ocean waters, no longer able to flit about with ease. Everything slowed, as if time itself had been diluted.
"Die!"
Li Hao raised his hand and clenched his fist. The power of the Eternal Dao Domain surged and compressed, concentrating the full might of 360 layers of Dao Domain, combined with his Saintly Dao, into a single point.
With a deafening explosion, the Void Saint's body burst apart within the Dao Domain, blood splattering in every direction.
For a moment, the entire Holy Mountain fell silent.
The disciples of the Void Sacred Ground stared in disbelief, their mouths agape as they witnessed their Saint being crushed by Li Hao. Their once-invincible protector was obliterated before their eyes, his body blown apart into countless fragments.
Even the other Saints watching from the various sacred grounds wore grave expressions, many of them showing faint signs of unease. Some even had a flicker of fear in their eyes.
Among them were Saints who had only passed one or two tribulations. Until now, they had regarded Li Hao as a junior, someone to be impressed by but not someone they needed to be wary of. Though his performance in the Supreme Heaven's Chosen competition had been astonishing, his recent ascension to Sainthood had utterly reversed their previous assessments.
He had rapidly surpassed them.
Though he had not yet undergone any tribulations, Li Hao had already slain a Saint who had passed three tribulations. The implications were terrifying—what would happen when Li Hao himself faced the tribulations?
"You!"
The Buddha Sovereign's face twisted in shock. He had initially dismissed Li Hao's pursuit of the Void Saint as reckless hubris, expecting the Void Saint to escape or at least stall for time. But now, the Void Saint, master of the Void Dao, had failed to break free from Li Hao's Dao Domain and was crushed before his very eyes.
Li Hao had shattered the Void Saint's physical form, and just as he was about to destroy the remains entirely, he sensed a wisp of energy slipping away from his Dao Domain and escaping into the void.
"Hm?"
Li Hao's spiritual senses honed in on the escaping wisp, realizing it was the Void Saint's Yuan Shen—the core of his spirit and soul, wrapped in his Saintly Dao energy. It fled at an astonishing speed, quickly vanishing beyond the Tianyuan Holy Mountain and even escaping the boundaries of the Tianyuan Realm.
Within the span of a single breath, the Void Saint's Yuan Shen had completely vanished from Li Hao's senses, moving with such speed that even he was taken aback.
Li Hao's expression grew cold. The Void Saint truly lived up to his reputation for survival—his ability to escape death was extraordinary.
Still, Li Hao did not chase after him. There were other matters at hand, namely the Buddha Sovereign and the Sun Saint.
Compared to the Buddha Sovereign, the Sun Saint had yet to act directly against him, but Li Hao had kept his awareness trained on him. The moment the Void Saint fled, the Sun Saint also began to retreat quietly.
"Leaving so soon?"
Li Hao's figure blurred, and in the blink of an eye, he blocked the Sun Saint's path of escape.
The Sun Saint's face darkened as he gazed at Li Hao. His body radiated pure yang energy, and his demeanor was grand and dignified, but there was a shadow of frustration in his eyes.
"You're really going to force this, aren't you?"
The Sun Saint's voice was filled with barely restrained anger. "I've only been observing, not attacking. What reason do you have to pursue me?"
Li Hao chuckled coldly. "You didn't attack because you believed the Void Saint's clone would be enough to kill me. You didn't feel the need to bother."
Without another word, Li Hao swung his sword, unleashing a strike that cleaved the air and descended directly on the Sun Saint.
The Sun Saint's face twisted in fear and fury as his body flared with radiant flames, transforming into a blazing sun that filled the sky with light.
"Do you really want to provoke the Sun Dao Sacred Ground?!"
The Sun Saint roared as he released his immense power, trying to fight back.
"Provoke? I will personally destroy it!"
Li Hao responded, his sword slicing through the Sun Saint's radiant flames like a knife through butter. The sword's ethereal glow was laced with the ethereal "Immortal's Guidance," and its sword intent pierced the Sun Saint's forehead, leaving a deep fissure between his brows.
Compared to the Buddha Sovereign and the Void Saint, the Sun Saint was slightly weaker. He had only passed two tribulations and had yet to face the Heavenly Tribulation.
In just a single strike, Li Hao heavily wounded the Sun Saint.
"Law Saint, you must intervene! He is murdering the innocent!"
The Sun Saint's voice was filled with panic as he retreated, blood pouring from his wounds. He called out to the Law Saint for help.
The Law Saint's face hardened, and he turned to Li Hao with an icy glare. "I've already divined the truth of your conflict with the Sun Saint. He has wronged you, yes, but not to the extent that warrants death!"
"He had murderous intent toward me. That is reason enough!"
Li Hao's response was curt as he executed a Void Shift, rapidly closing the distance with the Sun Saint to finish him off.
"I will remember this! If you dare, come face me at the Sun Dao Sacred Ground!"
The Sun Saint's face paled as he saw how determined Li Hao was. With gritted teeth, he executed his own Void Shift, disappearing into the sky like a trail of fire.
"Not so fast!"
Wind Wave Ping, who had been observing the fight, noticed that Li Hao's body technique lacked the necessary speed to catch the fleeing Sun Saint. Without hesitation, Wind Wave Ping struck out, instantly appearing in front of the escaping Sun Saint. With a single palm strike, he extinguished the fiery light and forced the Sun Saint's body to reappear.
The Sun Saint let out a grunt, his face contorting with fury. "Wind Wave Ping, are you really going to make enemies of the Sun Dao Sacred Ground?"
"Cut the crap!"
Wind Wave Ping sneered. "You can't just leave without resolving things first."
The Sun Saint nearly spat blood in frustration. What kind of nonsense was that? This wasn't about resolving anything—the man chasing him was clearly out to kill him!
In the brief moment of delay, Li Hao had already arrived. His Eternal Dao Domain enveloped the Sun Saint, freezing the flow of time around him.
The Sun Saint roared in panic, his body erupting into a brilliant explosion of heat, like a star going supernova.
The blinding explosion, suspended in the slowed flow of time, was a breathtaking sight. It was as if the world had paused to witness the dazzling collapse of a star.
But then, through the radiant explosion, a single streak of sword light emerged, cutting through the flames and striking at the core of the light.
The Sun Saint felt the destructive power within the sword. It wasn't just sword energy—it was laced with Li Hao's Saintly Dao.
"No… this can't be…"
The Sun Saint screamed as the sword cleaved his body apart, shattering him into countless pieces.
As his body and Yuan Shen disintegrated, the scattered remnants of his being began to fade. But in that moment, a faint trace of his Saintly Dao began to escape, swiftly fleeing into the distance.
Wind Wave Ping noticed this but only furrowed his brow, choosing not to interfere.
That trace of Saintly Dao was beyond destruction. Only by crushing the Saint's very Dao could one fully eradicate a Saint. Otherwise, even in fragments, their Dao would remain, allowing them to reincarnate.
This was one of the reasons Saints were so difficult to kill.
Even if their physical bodies were destroyed, their souls could be preserved within their Dao, allowing them to be reborn time and again until they could restore their full strength.
Li Hao observed the fleeing trace of Saintly Dao but didn't pursue it. Wind Wave Ping had already explained the situation to him.
While Li Hao could chase after it, he wouldn't be able to destroy it completely unless he reached the peak of Saintly mastery.
There was a reason even Saints feared the Supreme Saints—only the Supreme Saints had the power to completely annihilate a Saint's Dao.
In contrast, battles between Saints typically ended with both sides clashing physically and philosophically, but seldom with one fully obliterating the other.
Elsewhere, the Buddha Sovereign's face twisted upon seeing the Sun Saint's defeat. Though he had managed to maintain his composure so far, he couldn't help but feel alarmed. His fellow Saints had been defeated, and now the Buddha Sect itself was on the line.
"Buddha be praised…"
The Buddha Sovereign muttered under his breath, and with a swift motion, his golden robes billowed out, enveloping the many Buddhist disciples present and pulling them into safety. At the same time, he cast a shimmering golden cloth toward Li Hao as he prepared to escape.
Li Hao sliced through the golden cloth with a wave of his sword, but when he looked again, the Buddha Sovereign had already vanished.
Li Hao's face darkened as he felt his own shortcomings
for the first time—his inability to chase down and kill his enemies frustrated him. He could overwhelm his opponents in battle, but without the proper speed or spatial mastery, he couldn't seal their fate.
Despite his triumph, Li Hao couldn't help but feel an unfulfilled desire gnawing at him. Even though the Buddha Sovereign had fled, leaving behind a bitter taste of unfinished business, the entire Tianyuan Realm had fallen into a stunned silence.
Saints from all corners of the world had their eyes locked on the battlefield, each of them harboring a deep sense of trepidation. They witnessed firsthand how a newly ascended Saint had forced three powerful Saints into retreat. The sheer power and audacity of this feat would leave an indelible mark in the annals of history.
Though Li Hao hadn't succeeded in slaying them completely, his ability to obliterate their physical forms and force them into retreat sent a clear message: despite his recent ascension, he was already a force that no one could ignore.
The silence from the gathered Saints was deafening, each of them contemplating the ramifications. They understood now that from this moment forward, Hao Tian would be a name to be reckoned with. His rise had shaken the very foundations of the Tianyuan Realm.
"Did we just witness a miracle?"
"It's hard to believe… He's just become a Saint, and he's already forced the likes of the Void Saint and Buddha Sovereign to retreat."
"I've never seen anyone like him. How is this even possible?"
The voices of the crowd grew louder as the initial shock wore off, and soon the entire Tianyuan Realm erupted in cheers. Li Hao's name was chanted from countless lips, his legend taking root in the hearts of all who had witnessed the battle.
"Long live Hao Tian! Long live the new Saint!"
Even in the farthest corners of the realm, those who had watched through the realm stones couldn't contain their excitement. Li Hao had done the unthinkable, and his story had now spread across all of Tianyuan.
The Saints remained quiet, each of them calculating their next moves, aware that their world had shifted today. Many of them understood that Li Hao's ascension wasn't just the rise of a new Saint but the emergence of a new power, one that would shape the fate of the realm.
For many, Li Hao's victory was a shockwave that threatened to topple the established order. But for others, especially those aligned with their own sacred grounds, it was a terrifying wake-up call.
From today onward, wherever Hao Tian's name was spoken, it would carry with it an aura of invincibility.
"You seem quite satisfied now, aren't you?"
Law Saint's cold voice suddenly broke the silence, addressing Li Hao directly. It was clear that Law Saint disapproved of Li Hao's actions, especially the way he had taken matters into his own hands without concern for the established rules.
Li Hao, sensing the stern look in Law Saint's eyes, knew that his direct actions against the Void Saint and Buddha Sovereign had crossed a line in the eyes of the law-keeper. But with the thrill of victory still coursing through his veins, he only smiled faintly.
"I am," Li Hao replied calmly.
Law Saint's lips twitched in frustration. "You may have ascended to Sainthood, but that does not give you the right to break the laws of the realm. Just because you've gained some power doesn't mean you can act with impunity."
"Doesn't it?" Li Hao responded lightly. His eyes were cold, and his words echoed the philosophy that had shaped his journey. "Justice wasn't something that was given to me. I fought for it—earned it. I brought these Saints to their knees not through words, but through action."
"You…" Law Saint almost laughed in disbelief. "Just because you fought and won doesn't mean you're above the law! If not for the Source Ancestor pleading on your behalf, I would not tolerate such behavior. You've stepped outside the bounds of the law once, but I'll let it slide this time. Next time, I won't hesitate to crush you."
The warning was clear. Law Saint was not willing to let Li Hao's behavior slide any further, despite his newly acquired power.
Li Hao felt a moment of tension as Law Saint's stern gaze bore into him. He knew full well that his actions had ruffled more than a few feathers. However, he also understood that in this world, power defined justice, and his rise to power meant that he could set his own terms.
Still, he wasn't interested in clashing directly with Law Saint. There was no reason to antagonize a figure of such authority just yet. After all, his goal wasn't to destroy the existing order, but to forge his own path within it.
With a slight nod, Li Hao turned to the Source Ancestor, who had remained silent throughout the ordeal. The Source Ancestor met his gaze with a knowing smile, offering a subtle gesture of acknowledgment.
Li Hao took the gesture as an unspoken signal—an understanding that they were on the same page. It wasn't necessary to fight every battle immediately. The Source Ancestor's intervention had smoothed things over for now, allowing Li Hao to move forward without provoking too much opposition from the other Saints.
Just as Li Hao was about to withdraw the last of his celestial energy, a cold, unfamiliar voice suddenly rang out.
"You've broken the seal on your tribulation and initiated the path to your first disaster. Since you've already invoked the calamity, I might as well help you along the way."
Li Hao's eyes immediately snapped in the direction of the voice. The speaker was none other than the Mixed Heaven Saint, whose frigid gaze locked onto him. From the very beginning, this Saint had harbored hostility toward Li Hao, even joining the other Saints in trying to suppress him.
Now, it seemed the Mixed Heaven Saint had chosen his moment to strike.
"Mixed Heaven Saint, what are you doing?" Wind Wave Ping's voice was tense as he stepped forward. "You know full well that this is—"
"This isn't about grievances," the Mixed Heaven Saint interrupted with an indifferent tone. "I'm merely acting in accordance with the heavenly will. He has provoked the calamity, and I'm simply going to assist him. This is his disaster, and I will help him complete it. If he can survive, I'll consider this debt settled. But if not, well… then it's fate."
The words were spoken with an air of finality, and there was no mistaking the cold, calculating malice behind them.
Wind Wave Ping's face twisted into a scowl. He knew that this was personal. Though the Mixed Heaven Saint claimed to be following the heavenly will, he was undoubtedly acting on his own desire for revenge. After all, Li Hao had humiliated the Mixed Heaven Sacred Ground by using their disciple, the Azure Deer King, as a mount.
Li Hao's gaze remained calm as he sized up the situation. He knew this wasn't just about the tribulation—it was about the Mixed Heaven Saint's need to assert dominance, to remind everyone of his place as one of the most powerful beings in the realm.
From across the battlefield, the Source Ancestor merely raised an eyebrow, but made no move to intervene. It was clear that he had no intention of stopping the Mixed Heaven Saint. After all, this was how the world of Saints worked—strength decided everything.
Li Hao wasn't intimidated. If anything, the prospect of facing such a challenge excited him. He had risen to every test thrown his way thus far, and this would be no different.
"So be it," Li Hao said calmly. "Let's settle this."
The Mixed Heaven Saint's cold expression deepened. "You've taken the path of body refinement, haven't you? You're the second person in history to achieve Saintly Ascension through body cultivation."
"The first was me. As your predecessor, I'll help you experience the limits of that path. This weapon is the Ancient Sky Feather, a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. Let's see if you can withstand its power."
As he spoke, a long, silver feather appeared in the Mixed Heaven Saint's hand. It radiated a silver glow, its ethereal light enveloping it like the brilliance of the heavens. Dao principles swirled around it, and the sheer presence of the feather sent waves of pressure across the battlefield.
Even the Source Ancestor's expression grew serious at the sight of the weapon.
The other Saints were visibly shaken as well. This was no ordinary treasure—it was a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon, a relic forged in the fires of the universe's most extreme trials. Even Saints would think twice before facing such a weapon.
Li Hao raised his head and looked at the Ancient Sky Feather. Despite the tremendous power emanating from it, he didn't flinch. He had already gauged his own abilities after facing the Void Saint and the Buddha Sovereign. His body had become so durable that even Sacred Dao Imperial Weapons could do little more than scratch him.
Now, standing before the Ancient Sky Feather, Li Hao sensed that this challenge would be his greatest yet. But his eyes were filled with resolve.
The Mixed Heaven Saint didn't hesitate. With a flick of his wrist, the Ancient Sky Feather shot forward, transforming into a beam of light that pierced through the heavens, aimed directly at Li Hao.
The beam of light closed in on Li Hao, faster than even the void could contain, leaving streaks of silver brilliance in its wake. In the blink of an eye, it reached Li Hao's chest.
At that moment, Li Hao felt as if a mountain had smashed into his chest. The impact was sharp and intense, the power behind it immense. His body, which had weathered countless blows, now felt like it was being pierced by a thousand blades.
At the same time, he felt the power of wind and lightning coursing through his veins, tearing at his flesh and bones. His body began to crack and split under the pressure, as though he were being burned alive from the inside out.
The Ancient Sky Feather's destructive force worked its way through his body, slowly unraveling his physical form.
But Li Hao gritted his teeth, his gaze still burning with determination. Despite the excruciating pain, he felt something deeper stirring within him. He could feel his flesh breaking, yet at the same time, it was reforming, healing itself stronger than before.
In the midst of the agony, Li Hao's mind opened to a new understanding. Images began to flash before his eyes—scenes of a primordial world, where a majestic divine bird soared through the skies, casting its shadow over the vast, untamed land.
The bird's wings flapped, sending ripples through the air, and from one of its wings, a single feather fell. This feather drifted through the ages, absorbing the essence of the universe, enduring countless tribulations until it became the weapon now wielded by the Mixed Heaven Saint—the Ancient Sky Feather, a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon!
Boom!
Li Hao's body shuddered as the Ancient Sky Feather pierced through his chest, leaving a gaping wound. His flesh and bones were scorched and torn, his entire body cracked open as if molten lava flowed through his veins.
Yet in that moment, Li Hao's Saintly Dao surged to the surface, regenerating the broken tissues. The cracks along his skin sealed themselves, and his wounds began to heal. His body, once nearly destroyed, now underwent a profound transformation.
A new, more powerful energy radiated from Li Hao's flesh. His physical form had ascended, his Saintly Body now infused with the strength of a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon.
"I've crossed it…"
Li Hao muttered to himself as he stood tall. His aura surged, growing even more formidable. His flesh, once as durable as Sacred Dao Imperial Weapons, had now truly ascended to the level of Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapons.
He had survived the calamity, and in doing so, he had become stronger than ever before.
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Comments
TC97
Ok. Thank you
Ariq Naufal Hudzaifah
I collected the chapter first, until 5 chapter
TC97
When will this be updated please?
