Chapter 363: The Great Battle Begins, He Arrives!

"Do you think he still remembers us?"

"How could he not? Divine Xuanshen fought him before, and was once his rival for a time. He can't have forgotten, right?"

"That's right, moreover, he's practically half a Ji family member."

"Shush, don't mention that matter."

Outside the door, Ji Xuanshen and other Ji family prodigies spoke in hushed tones and murmurs.

They had previously stepped through the Immortal Gate and become disciples of Sages from the Primordial Sacred Ground. Some came to participate in the upcoming battle, while others were not selected and came to spectate.

They had arrived early to inquire about Li Hao's residence and whereabouts.

Since Li Hao made a name for himself in the Battlefield of Heavens, his movements had been closely watched by the Cloud Sparrow Pavilion. Many forces had obtained some intelligence about Li Hao from the Cloud Sparrow Pavilion. After all, this information was not deliberately concealed, and the commotion was significant, so many people knew that Li Hao had taken first place in the Canglan Realm and was now hiding in the Heaven-Stealing Sacred Ground.

"Hmm, you guys are here too?"

From behind, several figures approached, led by Jiang Ziyan. Her eyes flickered slightly when she saw Ji Xuanshen and the others waiting outside the courtyard.

She had known earlier that they seemed to be very concerned about the young man her imperial father cared about, but she hadn't expected them to come to visit him at the first opportunity, just like her.

"Miss Ziyan."

Ji Xuanshen nodded slightly when he saw her.

The latter was a Saintess of the Primordial Sacred Ground, holding an extremely high position, but she was too old to participate in this Prodigy Battle.

"Holy Son Xuanshen."

Jiang Ziyan also nodded in greeting, knowing he was from the Great Wilderness Sacred Clan, and like their Jiang family, their ancestors were Sages.

Furthermore, Ji Xuanshen had shown outstanding talent within the Primordial Sacred Ground. Not long after becoming a disciple, he had broken through realms rapidly, his cultivation soaring. In both large and small sect competitions, he displayed dazzling brilliance, quickly becoming a Holy Son, and now was among the top figures among the many young Holy Sons.

She was naturally happy to befriend this Holy Son, who had a promising future within the sect, especially since they were both from the mortal realm and descended from ancient Sacred Clans, making them somewhat related.

"Are you very familiar with him?"

Jiang Ziyan took this opportunity to ask curiously.

Usually, everyone in the sect was busy with their own cultivation, and opportunities to interact were few.

"We are rivals, and also friends, at least that's how I see it."

Ji Xuanshen said calmly.

Although he had been defeated by Li Hao before, that scene would forever be etched in his memory. It had become the driving force for his cultivation. Whenever he was trapped or encountered setbacks, the unyielding figure would appear in his mind.

Jiang Ziyan's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing Ji Xuanshen's words, which was similar to what she had expected.

She smiled gracefully, "I heard he offended the Buddhist Sect and was previously pursued by that Void Saint. I was worried he wouldn't dare to come."

"Dare not?"

Ji Xuanshen chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement appearing on his calm face upon hearing her words, "Under the heavens, there is nothing he wouldn't dare to do. Just the fact that he dared to offend a Saint alone is something we cannot compare to."

Jiang Ziyan was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt arising in her heart. What was so enviable or comparable about offending a Saint? Judging by his reaction, it seemed like he respected the other party regardless of right or wrong. This didn't feel like a rival, but more like admiration.

However, Ji Xuanshen was currently a rising star Holy Son in the Primordial Sacred Ground, with high standards. Would he admire someone else?

Jiang Ziyan secretly shook her head, dismissing the thought. She wasn't very familiar with that young man, having barely exchanged a few words. She had only noticed his terrifying talent when he crossed the Immortal Gate, a talent that could be described as peerless. Therefore, she also wanted to take this opportunity to solidify the relationship between him and the Jiang family.

After all, he had been away from the mortal realm for over ten years. Although he had a relationship with her imperial father, without long-term contact, it might fade.

Thinking this, Jiang Ziyan explained her reason to the servant at the door and waited patiently.

At this moment, Li Hao in the courtyard had already gotten up and went to open the courtyard door.

"Ji…昊天 (Hàotiān)!"

When Ji Xuanshen saw the courtyard door open, his eyes instantly shifted from calmness to solemn seriousness. When he saw that familiar face, his heart slightly trembled, and he felt a rush of blood accelerating through his veins, a sense of long-awaited reunion and a kind of inexplicable excitement.

Jiang Ziyan also knew about Li Hao's fame in the Heavens, as it was a momentous event. Most Holy Sons and Saintesses of the major Sacred Grounds, unless they were extremely out of touch, were aware of it.

She fixed her gaze on the young man, secretly marveling in her heart. After stepping through the Immortal Gate, she had thought a generation of prodigy had fallen, but he had actually survived the pursuit of a Saint's incarnation and stirred up such a huge storm in this land of Saints, where prodigies gathered like clouds.

She couldn't help but secretly praise her imperial father's insight, which was indeed much sharper than hers.

"Hàotiān, do you still remember us?"

Jiang Ziyan asked with a gentle smile. Normally, she had a cold expression, carrying the dignity and arrogance of an imperial princess, aloof and unapproachable. But at this moment, she was like a gentle spring breeze, without the slightest pretension.

Ten years had passed, and her appearance had not changed, hence her question.

"Princess is here too."

Li Hao saw Jiang Ziyan and remembered that she was Emperor Yu's daughter, nodding slightly to her.

Jiang Ziyan smiled, pursing her lips, when Li Hao still addressed her with her mortal realm title, and said, "We've heard about your affairs. We all support you!"

Li Hao was taken aback, and couldn't help but smile, "Thank you."

Ji Xuanshen looked intently at Li Hao and said, "I will also participate in this Supreme Prodigy Battle. Ten years, when we crossed the Immortal Gate, I thought about fighting you again. We've both been cultivating diligently in the Land of Saints, striving forward together. But now, I'm still not as good as you. However, if there's a chance, I still want to spar with you again."

He was straightforward and didn't like beating around the bush, stating his thoughts and intentions directly.

Li Hao was slightly surprised by Ji Xuanshen's words. It was truly not easy for this proud prodigy to say such heartfelt words, admitting to seeing him as a rival and a goal to chase, and acknowledging it so frankly.

He nodded slightly, not feeling any aversion, but rather a sense of goodwill towards him. He liked people who spoke their minds directly.

"Sure, if there's a chance, we can discuss and learn from each other, without animosity."

Li Hao smiled, feeling a sense of comfort seeing these familiar faces from the past, who had also improved their strength rapidly.

Thinking that if there was an opportunity, he could pass on some of the advanced techniques he had deduced and upgraded on his panel to them, if they needed them.

"My imperial father sent me a secret message, asking me to convey his regards to you on his behalf, and to help you as much as possible if I had the chance. But now it seems, helping is probably out of the question."

Jiang Ziyan said softly, her eyes flickering.

Although she disliked the power struggles and intrigues of the royal family, as time passed and she matured, she had come to value the things she had once rejected in her youth, and gradually understood their importance, inevitably adding a bit more calculation to her words.

Li Hao nodded, vaguely sensing the princess's goodwill, but in his opinion, it was unnecessary.

Based on his relationship with Emperor Yu, even after a hundred or a thousand years, their relationship would remain the same when they met again!

And towards Emperor Yu's descendants, as long as they were not malicious, he would naturally have goodwill and kindness.

"Everyone, don't just stand at the door, come in and sit."

Li Hao invited them into the small courtyard.

He then took out tea, wine, and some snacks he had made in his spare time.

When friends came from afar, it was only right to entertain them with good wine and drinks.

During the gathering, everyone ate, drank, and chatted casually. Ji Qingshuang's eyes were cold and clear as she examined Li Hao.

Her father was Ji Qingyuan, a newly promoted God of War of the Ji family. Among the many Ji family prodigies present at the time, Li Hao had single-handedly challenged them all. When it was her turn to step forward, Ji Xuanshen had stopped her, so she hadn't had a chance to fight the young man before her.

But even so, she knew she was no match for him, and now the gap was even wider.

This young man's origin in the Ji family was even lower than hers, being of half-blood, while she at least counted as being from a concubine branch.

Originally, she was slightly dissatisfied with her background, but after seeing the young man defeat all the prodigies at the peak with his iron fists, a small knot in her heart had been untied.

Therefore, compared to others, she had a special impression of this young man.

In him, she saw the shadow of her father, who had become a God of War despite being born from a concubine, proving that bloodline couldn't affect one's achievements.

Several people chatted and reminisced, from the mortal realm to the Sacred Land, from eating and drinking to cultivation, and finally, the conversation turned to the upcoming Supreme Prodigy Battle.

"There are several hot favorites to win this time, all of whom are extremely terrifying. They are all disciples of Supreme Saints, with peerless talents, favored by Supreme Saints."

Jiang Ziyan's eyes flickered. Her intention in seeking to befriend Li Hao was also to bring some useful information.

Ji Xuanshen had been in secluded cultivation and didn't know much about these external matters. For him, no matter who the prodigies were, his goal was to first surpass himself, and then catch up with Li Hao.

"It doesn't matter, it won't affect anything."

Li Hao smiled. His target was not these participants, but the Void Saint and the Buddha Lord.

Now that he had survived their ambush, the remaining thing to consider was condensing his own Saintly Path Seedling, and then using this incense offering to break through to become a Saint!

When that time came, it would be his true moment of revenge.

"..."

Jiang Ziyan slightly opened her mouth, wanting to wait for Li Hao to ask before taking the opportunity to introduce them in detail, but that was his reply.

Seeing the young man's casual smile, she was a little stunned. Could it be that he didn't intend to compete for first place? Or was he too confident?

After a moment of pondering, she decided to take the initiative and offer the information herself.

But in that case, it would be her volunteering, rather than Li Hao owing her a favor.

Although she felt a little helpless about this, the Prodigy Battle was about to begin anyway, and this information would soon be useless. Even if she couldn't gain a favor, she still hoped Li Hao could be prepared.

Hearing Jiang Ziyan's descriptions, Ji Xuanshen's expression turned serious. He hadn't expected the disciples of the Supreme Saints to be so terrifying besides Li Hao.

He had originally been full of confidence, thinking he had a chance to get into the top ten, but now he was a little unsure.

If he couldn't even make it into the top ten, how could he talk about sparring with Li Hao? Wouldn't that be embarrassing?

His expression was heavy as he sipped his tea, one mouthful after another.

Seeing the atmosphere suddenly become solemn, Li Hao felt a bit helpless. This was supposed to be a gathering of old friends, and he only wanted to chat about happy and lighthearted things, but now everyone seemed to be preoccupied.

"Let him be strong, let him be mighty, the gentle breeze caresses the hills. It's just a competition, not the end of life."

Li Hao immediately spoke to comfort them.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Ji Xuanshen looked up at him, and seeing the carefree smile on Li Hao's face, he suddenly felt his own worries were a bit excessive.

He naturally understood this principle, but the person in front of him seemed to be putting it into action, which somewhat influenced him.

"You're right, even if we lose this time, it won't affect our continued cultivation. We'll still become Saints in the future!"

Another Ji family prodigy said.

Ji Qingshuang nodded. She was the most open-minded about this kind of thing. Her father had a low background, but he still became a God of War!

Being able to cultivate to the Hearing Dao Realm in the mortal realm, his talent was obvious. If he were in the Land of Saints, he would likely be able to cultivate to the Half-Saint realm!

Ji Xuanshen was already a top prodigy in the mortal realm. With the abundant resources of the Land of Saints, he had rapidly soared and transformed, becoming a Holy Son with great fame in the Primordial Sacred Ground in just ten short years.

If he was given a few more decades and participated again, he would surely amaze the Heavens.

The atmosphere became relaxed and joyful again. Seeing Li Hao say this, Jiang Ziyan also realized that her efforts to gather this information were somewhat redundant.

After chatting for a while, more people came to visit.

Li Hao scanned with his divine sense and found that they were also acquaintances, so he immediately asked the servant to invite them in.

"Brother Hàotiān."

The visitors were Qin Zhenren's disciples, Bright Moon Sword and Pure Heart Child.

They had also become disciples of the Primordial Sacred Ground. Bright Moon Sword had come to participate in the competition, while Pure Heart Child had regrettably been eliminated and accompanied him to spectate.

Bright Moon Sword possessed a Dao Heart and Dao Body, making it easy for him to have sudden insights during bottlenecks, so his cultivation progressed rapidly. After becoming a disciple of a Saint, he received abundant resources and rare treasures, body tempering, extreme realm cultivation, and his cultivation progress was not inferior to Ji Xuanshen, but his overall strength was still slightly weaker.

Seeing that his fellow disciples Ji Xuanshen and Jiang Ziyan had already arrived, Bright Moon Sword and Pure Heart Child were slightly stunned, immediately realizing that compared to these older brothers and sisters, they were still much slower.

Bright Moon Sword was two years younger than Li Hao, now 26 years old, but looked only eighteen or nineteen years old, with bright eyes and white teeth, fair skin, and somewhat feminine features, making it difficult to distinguish his gender.

His eyes were pure and clear, still carrying some shyness and bashfulness as when he first met Li Hao in the Dao Palace, saying,

"Bright Moon Sword greets Brother Hàotiān."

"We are all peers, no need for greetings."

Li Hao smiled and invited him to sit at the table.

Bright Moon Sword's face flushed slightly, and he said, "Master said, although you are not his disciple, we should treat you as if we were treating him."

Li Hao was taken aback, feeling a bit helpless, and said, "You've been here for ten years, and you still remember your Master's words."

"Once a teacher, always a father, I dare not forget."

Bright Moon Sword said seriously, his face becoming earnest.

Li Hao laughed upon hearing this, saying, "Good, well said, worth a drink!"

Bright Moon Sword's face became nervous and uneasy again when he saw the wine cup being handed over, "Master also said, drinking is harmful to health, I don't drink alcohol…"

"..."

Li Hao was speechless, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. He didn't force him, saying, "Then we'll replace wine with tea."

Bright Moon Sword breathed a sigh of relief, nodded, picked up his teacup, and had a drink with Li Hao.

As the number of people in the courtyard increased, it also became more lively.

However, not long after Bright Moon Sword and Pure Heart Child arrived, more people came to visit.

Li Hao scanned with his divine sense and found that they were also acquaintances.

He couldn't help but smile and asked the servant to quickly invite them in.

This time, the visitors were from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground, Lin Qingying and her grandfather Lin Shanhai, as well as alchemists like Shi Huajin.

Seeing that there were many people in Li Hao's courtyard, Lin Qingying and others were taken aback. Jiang Ziyan and the others also looked sideways, somewhat surprised, as these faces were not among those who had crossed the Immortal Gate, indicating that they were people Li Hao had met in the Land of Saints.

"Hearing you were here, we came to see you."

Lin Qingying looked at the young man at the table and said softly, her gaze fixed on him.

"Was your journey here smooth?"

"With Sword Master personally escorting us, nothing happened. Any demons encountered on the way were swept away by Sword Master with a single sword strike." Lin Qingying said.

"Sword Master is here too?"

Li Hao was a little surprised that it wasn't Sword Saint who came.

Could it be that he was staying behind to guard the Sacred Ground?

Thinking that he could see his fishing buddy again, Li Hao was quite happy.

"Are these all your friends?"

Lin Qingying looked at Jiang Ziyan, Ji Xuanshen, Bright Moon Sword, and the others, noticing that they all seemed to be exceptionally talented prodigies. Thinking that Li Hao had so many friends besides her, her eyes flickered slightly, and she lightly bit her lip.

"Yes."

Li Hao nodded and invited Lin Qingying, Elder Lin Shanhai, and the others to join the table. The originally spacious courtyard suddenly became a bit crowded.

Before long, there was another message from outside the door. Li Hao looked over and saw that Lin Shuhai and Red Glow had also arrived.

Li Hao raised his eyebrows slightly. He had no particular connection with Lin Shuhai, but no friction either. It was acceptable for him to come visit, but Red Glow's arrival was a bit unexpected.

Seeing Li Hao's courtyard full of people, Lin Shuhai and Red Glow were obviously stunned. They had thought that Li Hao, having provoked the Buddhist Sect and caused such a stir, would be deserted and avoided by everyone. They hadn't expected it to be so lively.

"Brother Hàotiān, I am Lin Shuhai. We are both from the Canglan Realm, so we can be considered half-fellow villagers."

Lin Shuhai cupped his hands in greeting, appearing gentle and refined, extremely humble.

Li Hao returned the greeting and invited him and the prodigies from the Text Ancestor Sacred Ground behind him to join them.

Red Glow looked at Li Hao, his expression somewhat complex.

During the Divine Dynasty Battle, he had hidden his strength and given up first place to Li Hao, originally thinking it was his concession. Only later did he realize that even if he had been serious, it would have been useless.

His true strength was no match for the other party.

Although Li Hao had defeated him, he had lost willingly and had no hostility towards Li Hao. His purpose in coming here was actually to remind Li Hao.

"That Twin-Life Buddha Child has been resurrected. I thought you wouldn't dare to come, but I didn't expect you to still come. I heard that the Twin-Life Buddha Child inherited his previous life's Saintly Path, and his strength is even more terrifying than before. You should be careful if you encounter him."

Red Glow reminded him.

This was a secret message his master had told him.

"Mm."

Li Hao hadn't expected the other party to come with good intentions. Seeing this, he didn't continue to treat him coldly and nodded.

After Red Glow finished speaking, he glanced at the crowd gathered around Li Hao, his expression becoming even more complicated. Given Li Hao's current status, with two major Sacred Grounds hostile to him, there were still so many people who dared to approach him, unafraid of getting burned.

"Farewell."

After Red Glow finished speaking, he didn't stay longer and turned to leave.

"Want to stay for a drink?"

Seeing him leave alone, Li Hao suddenly spoke, "My wine tastes good."

Red Glow paused slightly, his expression easing a lot, knowing that the past grievances were now wiped away.

He stopped and said, "Then I'll have a cup to try."

Li Hao smiled slightly and invited him to join them.

The commotion here was noticed by other Holy Sons in nearby courtyards. Lin Baichuan, after cultivating in his courtyard for a while, came to find Li Hao, wanting to invite him out for a walk. When he came to visit, he saw Li Hao's courtyard full of guests.

He was somewhat stunned, his eyes widening slightly in disbelief.

These Holy Sons and Saintesses usually preferred tranquility and focused on cultivation, having very few friends. But Li Hao's courtyard was as lively as a marketplace.

In the distant void, two figures stood side by side, Feng Bo Ping overlooking Li Hao's courtyard. Seeing the lively scene inside, with the young man in the center of the table smiling, drinking wine like a playboy, casually chatting and laughing, his eyes flickered, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"It seems he's quite popular."

Lying Heaven Saint also saw it and said softly.

Feng Bo Ping smiled slightly, "He was like this in the mortal realm."

"Such a personality is indeed likeable."

Lying Heaven Saint said softly. She had seen countless people and could tell at a glance that Li Hao's personality was quite easygoing, unlike other proud and aloof prodigies who were hard to approach.

Feng Bo Ping seemed to think of something, his smile slightly fading, only nodding.

Time flew by.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Heavenly Origin Realm was bustling with activity everywhere, and the most lively place was still Heavenly Origin Sacred Mountain.

The houses here were all fully occupied, with prodigies and dignitaries from all realms arriving. Some arrogant and willful ones even caused some minor troubles, but they were quickly quelled.

In these three days, many people were discussing who would be the champion of this Prodigy Battle. Among those with the highest voices, besides several disciples of Supreme Saints, was Li Hao.

Making a name for oneself in the Battlefield of Heavens was a solid achievement. Although the Heavenly Stele could not measure techniques and was not absolutely accurate, it was definitely an important reference for talent, with extremely high credibility.

"If we go by the Heavenly Stele, then Hàotiān should be the number one in this generation, right?"

"The Heavenly Stele is just a benchmark, not absolute. Otherwise, why compare? Just go to the Heavenly Stele and press your handprint."

"That's right, the Heavenly Stele only represents the upper limit in certain aspects. Battles are not just about one aspect, even the mentality during the competition will have an impact."

"Prodigies of this level, their mentality is not as easily disturbed as ordinary people."

"Blowing him up is useless. That Hàotiān may not even come, don't forget he's too arrogant, offended the Buddhist Sect and our Void Sacred Ground, and is probably hiding somewhere with his tail between his legs."

"Where else could he be? Definitely in that petty Heaven-Stealing Sacred Ground."

"Small Thousand Realm, I think Old Cheat Realm would be a better name."

"Speaking of which, it was originally called Old Cheat Realm. Later, that Thief Saint thought Old Cheat was insulting to the grand thief, so he changed it to Small Thousand Realm."

In Heavenly Origin Sacred Ground, people from all realms were discussing.

"Master, has that Hàotiān arrived?"

In the Legalist Sacred Ground, Wu Tian asked his master, who was one of the Legalist Saints, the Saint of Ten Thousand Nations' Laws, also known as Law Saint.

"He arrived long ago. Are you very interested in him?"

Law Saint's eyes were like hanging stars, seeming to contain thousands of lights, smiling faintly.

Wu Tian thought of seeing in the Battlefield of Heavens how the other party casually suppressed the Azure Deer King under his seat. That kind of strength made him feel a strong fighting spirit.

"Yes, I really want to compare with him to see how great the ability of someone who can leave a scarlet mark truly is." Wu Tian said without hesitation.

"You will have a chance to meet him in this competition."

Law Saint smiled faintly, as if following some kind of law of the Great Dao, glimpsing the future.

Wu Tian's eyes lit up slightly. His master was extremely skilled in divination and prediction. Usually, the things he said were very accurate, rarely wrong.

Elsewhere in the Legalist School.

"After being in seclusion for so long, it seems some unruly newcomers have emerged outside."

A tall and upright figure, dressed in white, bathed in incense, looked proper and upright, exuding tranquility, but his eyes were rather cold, carrying reason and intense calmness.

"That's right, I heard that the other party provoked a Saint at the Dao Law Realm. The Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Ground surprisingly didn't pursue the matter. They are indeed magnanimous, possessing Saintly compassion."

The maid serving beside him said respectfully, but there was a hint of anger in her eyes.

"Provoking the Saintly Dao Discipline is courting death. And the Buddhist Sect as well, tolerating juniors' provocations without severe punishment is not upholding the law. Law must be impartial, this is equivalent to condoning evil, we should advise them!"

The white-clad youth said coldly. After hearing about this, he was somewhat dissatisfied with both sides.

As a disciple of Law Saint, his master cultivated the Saintly Dao Discipline, which everything must obey, including Saints who also needed to obey his master's discipline. But now someone was breaking it.

Provoking a Saint at the Dao Law Realm was violating the Saintly Dao.

If the Saint didn't severely punish this matter, it was also disobeying the Saintly Dao Discipline.

"Heaven and earth are like a chessboard, and all things are like chess pieces on it, all must obey the rules of chess to discuss winning or losing. If the rules are not followed, what meaning is there to winning and losing?"

In front of the incense burner table of the white-clad youth was a chessboard. He dropped a chess piece with his slender fingers.

His chess skills were superb, but he could only play against himself.

Because it was extremely difficult to find someone who could play against him.

"Where is Master?"

After dropping the piece, the white-clad youth suddenly asked.

If Master knew about this matter, it was impossible for him to ignore it.

"Law Saint has gone to comprehend the Heavenly Dao Law. If the Holy Son participates in this Prodigy Battle, Law Saint should return." The maid replied, lowering her head.

Hearing this, the white-clad youth's expression softened slightly. Master was occupied, no wonder he hadn't intervened.

"Master has reached the Supreme Saint realm, taking the Heavenly Dao as his book, comprehending the Heavenly Dao. These Saints do not know that the laws and disciplines set by Master are Heavenly Dao Disciplines, which all things must obey. Going against them will only lead to self-destruction!"

"Spring, autumn, winter, and summer, each season rotates, how can they be disrupted at will."

His eyes were cold, and he picked up another piece, slamming it heavily on the chessboard:

"If I encounter this person, I will surely let him know that those in the Dao Law Realm must abide by the rules of the Dao Law Realm!"

In another hidden cave dwelling in Heavenly Origin Sacred Ground.

Deep within the cave dwelling was a stone wall, and a young man sat in front of the stone wall, awakening from his comprehension.

"Go, the time is almost up. This time your opponent is not to be underestimated. The legendary Sixth Extreme Realm, you may experience it personally."

The white-haired old man in front of the stone wall said calmly.

He sat in that dark cave dwelling, yet he was like a beam of pure white light, surrounded by star rivers, brilliant and ethereal, seemingly not in the mortal world.

The young man was slightly stunned and couldn't help but ask, "Is it that Hàotiān? But that Wu Tian from the Legalist School, and that Qiu Tianlü, the direct disciple of Law Saint, are also likely not to be underestimated."

The white-haired old man shook his head slightly, saying no more.

Seeing this, the young man stood up, cupped his hands in farewell, and retreated.

…

In the blink of an eye, the Supreme Prodigy Battle finally began.

As the realm stones shone, covering the entire Heavenly Origin Realm, the clouds high above suddenly changed, reflecting the scene on Heavenly Origin Sacred Mountain.

Countless people had gotten up early and finished breakfast, eagerly anticipating this grandest and most lively event in the Heavens.

Once every hundred years, this kind of grand gathering was something countless people might never witness in their lifetime.

"It's starting, look quickly, that's Wu Tian from the Legalist School!"

"That's Qiu Tianlü from the Legalist School. I heard he is Law Saint's direct disciple, and is expected to inherit Law Saint's Supreme Saint mantle!"

"That's Xiao Tianyu from the Source Ancestor Sacred Ground!"

"That's Azure Deer King from the Mixed Heaven Sacred Ground. I heard that in the Battlefield of Heavens, he was pressed under that Hàotiān's butt as a mount. I wonder if it's true or not."

"Shush, it seems to be true. His face changed, he heard it!"

Among the crowd, some people who mentioned Azure Deer King's embarrassing past immediately felt Azure Deer King's sharp gaze shooting over, piercing like needles, making them break out in cold sweat and dare not discuss it further.

On Heavenly Origin Sacred Mountain, the battlefield was at the peak of the Sacred Mountain, and prodigies from all realms were proceeding from the courtyards arranged on the mountainside, along the Saintly Path steps for participants, to the waiting area.

As one Holy Son after another ascended the steps, countless eyes gathered here.

Among them, the Holy Sons who were disciples of Supreme Saints walked out, drawing the loudest cheers, obviously recognized by many.

After all, just the title of Supreme Saint disciple was intimidating enough.

"That's Holy Son Bright Moon from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Ground."

"That's Senior Brother Lin from our Sacred Ground!"

Among the crowd, Holy Son Bright Moon and Lin Shuhai and others also ascended the Saintly Path steps. But except for some people from Canglan Realm who recognized them, people from other realms didn't know much about them, and they didn't cause much of a stir.

To be known by the Heavens, one must have done something extremely sensational, but they only had a short hundred years, and even cultivation time was not enough, let alone many opportunities to become famous everywhere.

This Supreme Prodigy Battle was their real grand stage to make a name for themselves.

"That's Red Glow!"

"Who is Red Glow?"

"You may not know him, but you will soon remember him, he's very strong!"

Among the crowd, dignitaries and young lords from all realms gathered, coming here to watch the battle. They were all from famous noble families, and even royal families of Divine Dynasties were not uncommon here, easily found everywhere.

As one figure after another ascended the steps, many people watched intently. Later on, the figures gradually became fewer.

"Where's that Hàotiān? Why haven't we seen him?"

"Could it be that he really backed down, afraid to participate?"

"Nonsense, I heard he came, maybe he's just walking slower."

"The Buddhist Sect has already arrived, does he still dare to show his face?"

Outside the Saintly Path steps, everyone watched, if not for too many restrictions here and their divine senses unable to sweep around, they would have wanted to use their divine senses to scout down to the foot of the mountain long ago.

While everyone waited eagerly, a figure slowly walked up the steps.

He looked a bit sleepy-eyed, even rubbing his eyes as he walked.

Last night, he had been comprehending the Saintly Path Seedling and had gone to bed too late, also waking up late. Although for him now, he could endure not sleeping for a month, but with many changes coming next, he still needed to conserve his energy.

"It's really lively enough."

As soon as Li Hao reached the end of the steps, he saw countless figures gathered outside the arena, all looking over at this moment.

"Hàotiān!"

"He actually really came!"

"Is he really not afraid of death? Provoking the Buddhist Sect and Void Sacred Ground, and still daring to participate. Could it be that he really thinks he can take first place?"

"He must be aiming for first place. After all, the allure of incense offering is too great. Becoming a Saint on the spot, who could resist?"

Many people didn't recognize Li Hao, but as some who did recognize him exclaimed in surprise, they quickly knew that the seemingly just-woken-up young man before them was Hàotiān, whose name had spread throughout the Heavens!

Hearing the bursts of exclamations and the suddenly intensified discussions that were dozens of times louder in the arena, the Holy Sons from various realms who had already passed by also looked over intently.

They had also heard of the name Hàotiān recently, it was like thunder in their ears. Even those direct disciples of Supreme Saints were not as talked about as him.

"Is that him?"

"Is he Hàotiān?"

Many participating Holy Sons and Saintesses from various realms were intently observing the young man, with caution in their eyes.

"Hmph, as expected, this personality is not pleasing to me."

In the waiting area, Qiu Tianlü, who was already seated, was dressed in white. His eyes glanced over, seeing the young man smiling at the onlookers, then walking towards them.

Although it was their first meeting, he felt a莫名厌恶 (mòmíng yànwù - inexplicable disgust) for the other party's demeanor.

Li Hao felt countless gazes converging on him, but he was already used to it. He raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the waiting area, mainly to see if Lin Qingying and other acquaintances had arrived.

Seeing that they had all come, he was relieved, and then looked into the distance, at those hidden and powerful Saintly figures.

The number of Saints gathered on Heavenly Origin Mountain for this battle was actually as many as dozens!

But most of them concealed their auras, extremely obscure, but Li Hao, relying on his Saintly Path Seedling in its bud, still sensed them.

His expression became solemn. It seemed that this grand event was indeed of concern to the Heavens. After all, the purpose of holding this Supreme Prodigy Battle seemed to be to stimulate the prodigies of the Heavens to compete and cultivate, and then to inspire a monster with the Sixth Extreme Realm.

And now, he had arrived.

When he reached the waiting area, Li Hao felt a cold gaze fall on him.

Looking up, he saw the Twin-Life Buddha Child, staring at him coldly.

Li Hao met his gaze. When the Twin-Life Buddha Child saw Li Hao looking over, a sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth. Having failed to kill Li Hao before, and learning that Li Hao's true body had arrived here, he knew he had been played.

That sword strike he had seen was likely caused by Lying Heaven Saint's secret assistance. His original inner demon, which was about to dissipate, was now ignited again, even stronger, with deeper and more uncontrollable hatred.

(End of this chapter)