Chapter 438: The Ultimate Realm of the Yuan Spirit, True God

"That is… a True Immortal!"

"The realm we've yearned for and sought after, the realm the Source Ancestor mentioned countless times…"

In the distant void, everyone stared blankly at the scene, feeling as if they were witnessing the rise of a myth.

The legendary True Immortal Realm, surpassing the mundane, surpassing even Sages, truly standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Heaven and Earth, the True Immortal Realm of eternal life!

"Tens of thousands of years of arduous cultivation… in the end, it was all for naught." Saint Mu's eyes were complex, filled with bitterness.

At this moment, they no longer held any hope of obtaining the Immortal Emperor's Dao lineage.

The path to reach the pinnacle of the True World in a single step was right before their eyes, yet someone else had already taken it. This feeling was extremely unpleasant.

"It's not entirely in vain. At least the insights gained from cultivation over these years are still within us. We are inferior in skill; there's no one else to blame." Saint Lin gazed deeply at the young man's figure, then said calmly.

Earlier, when Li Hao passed the second level of the True Venerable Tower, he had already realized that the Immortal Emperor's Dao lineage would fall into this young man's hands. They could not compete with him.

That exaggerated cultivation speed was truly monstrous, a prodigy who would shine brightly even in the True World, far beyond their reach.

In front of the house, Elder Wang's body had stopped trembling. His clenched fist slowly relaxed, and a smile appeared on his lips. After a hundred thousand years of waiting, he had finally ushered in a true prodigy. And he could finally step out of this forbidden land and leave this place with Li Hao.

In mid-air.

Li Hao's body slowly descended, landing on the futon.

At this moment, he silently sensed the changes in his body, and at the same time, called out his attribute panel.

[Skills (Quasi-Emperor Technique): Ancestor Scripture of Heavenly Order (True Immortal Chapter: Proficient)]

[Body Technique: Ancestral Immortal Body (Pseudo)]

[Control Technique: Battle Heaven Control Method (Perfected)]

"Fourth level of Space Origin, I have grasped the 'Heaven' in Heavenly Order, but without Time Origin, I'm not even truly at the entry level, let alone Perfection…"

Li Hao's eyes flickered as he saw "Proficient" displayed on the panel. He could understand.

He himself felt that he had not grasped the essence of this immortal technique. It was as if a very important piece was missing.

As for the body technique, the Ancestral Immortal Body was also incomplete. Li Hao guessed it was related to his current Ninth Grade Mixed Origin Divine Blood physique. After all, it was not his true body. The Ancestral Immortal Body, condensed from pure immortal power, could not truly fuse with his physical body; it was merely superficial.

Once he returned outside and refined it again with his true body, he could reach perfection.

He just didn't know if his physical body was still intact after all these years.

But with the strength of his physical body, comparable to a Sixth Tribulation Dao Tribulation Emperor Weapon, there were very few things in the Heavens that could destroy it. It should be fine.

Lost in thought, Li Hao's mind returned to the Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal.

This Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal resided in his Yuan Spirit, radiating a constant and intense, yet gentle, immortal power. The nine petals were interconnected, bringing a powerful amplification to his immortal power.

Li Hao finally understood why Elder Wang said the Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal was top-tier for True Immortals. For each additional Dao petal on the seal, the amplification from their interconnectedness would double.

One petal was a onefold increase, two petals were twofold, three petals were fourfold, and four petals were eightfold!

By the time of the Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal, it was a 256-fold amplification of immortal power!

Condensing a Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal allowed one to unleash 256 times the immortal power of a True Immortal realm. This difference was enough to achieve instant kills with a flick of a finger!

"These nine Dao petals are like a natural formation!"

Li Hao's eyes gleamed. The Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal was already so terrifying. He wondered how terrifying the Dao Origin Immortal Seal that Elder Wang spoke of must be.

Such beings were rare and precious even in the True World, capable of becoming direct disciples of an Immortal Emperor.

As Li Hao pondered, a figure slowly flew over.

Li Hao looked up and saw it was Elder Wang. The other party walked over with a smile, joy unconcealed in his eyes.

"How did you do it? With your aptitude, I even want to see if you'll have a chance to attempt the direct disciple trial in another ten thousand years."

Elder Wang said.

Currently, Li Hao's soul lifespan was less than a century, and he still had nine thousand nine hundred years to strive for it.

Although the gap between direct disciples and formal disciples was enormous, it wasn't entirely without a sliver of opportunity.

"Elder Wang, do you know how to transform from a Nine-Petaled Seal to a Dao Origin Immortal Seal?"

Li Hao's eyes brightened slightly as he asked curiously.

Elder Wang shook his head slightly and said, "This method is probably only known to the Immortal Emperor. Perhaps you can ask the Venerable God; it might have some direction. But as far as I know, the Dao Origin Immortal Seals of the Immortal Emperor's three direct disciples were all due to other great fortuitous encounters they had, which cannot be imitated or replicated."

Li Hao felt a slight disappointment in his heart upon hearing this and asked, "Who is the Venerable God?"

"The Emperor Soul of the True Venerable Tower."

Elder Wang smiled and said, "He was once a True God, a being who cultivated his Yuan Spirit to its ultimate realm. However, because he focused too much on Yuan Spirit cultivation and neglected his physical body, his physical body was destroyed when he fought to the death with an enemy, and he almost perished. The Immortal Emperor saved him and allowed him to reside in the True Venerable Tower, making him the Emperor Soul of this Quasi-Emperor Weapon, undying and indestructible!"

Li Hao was slightly stunned, immediately thinking of his previous conversation with the tower soul projection in the True Venerable Tower.

"Quasi-Emperor Weapon…"

Li Hao looked up at the black tower in the distance. This tower was actually a Quasi-Emperor Weapon.

Although he didn't know the ranking of immortal weapons, a Quasi-Emperor Weapon was likely a near-top-tier treasure.

"His Yuan Spirit is cultivated to its ultimate realm. Does that mean I can ask him for advice on Yuan Spirit cultivation methods?"

Li Hao's eyes flickered. He couldn't help but feel a little anticipation. Then, he thought of something and asked in confusion, "The Yuan Spirits of Ancient Demons are stronger than immortal gods of the same realm. But if cultivation reaches the ultimate realm, wouldn't it be no different from an Ancient Demon? Why didn't he participate in the war back then?"

"Of course, he participated in the war."

Elder Wang sensed that others were slowly approaching. If Li Hao hadn't condensed the Nine-Petaled Immortal Seal, he would have directly taken Li Hao away and only told him about this matter.

But now, Li Hao had already passed the third trial to become a formal disciple, and everything here was coming to an end. He no longer concealed anything, sighing lightly,

"The Venerable God was injured in that great war. The Immortal Emperor sent him back, allowing him to recuperate while also using him as a legacy left behind in this place."

Seeing Li Hao's confusion, he continued, "Although the Venerable God reached the ultimate realm of the Yuan Spirit, reaching the pinnacle and apex in Yuan Spirit cultivation, the ultimate realm doesn't mean it's the strongest power. There are quite a few Ancient Demon Kings of the Ancient Demon race who have reached the ultimate Yuan Spirit realm. But what makes them truly terrifying is that they also possess many secret techniques of innate Yuan Spirit talent obtained from reincarnation."

"These secret techniques can unleash even more terrifying power from the Yuan Spirit. It's like an iron sword, where hardness and sharpness reach their ultimate, evenly matched. But how to wield it is another matter entirely."

Li Hao paused, understanding dawned on him.

The ultimate realm of the Yuan Spirit only represented strength, but how to skillfully kill enemies and utilize it was another matter.

And the Ancient Demon race were experts in this regard.

"Now, you have two choices."

Elder Wang said, "First, you can become a formal disciple now, inherit the Immortal Emperor's Dao lineage, and leave this place. Second, you can continue to cultivate here, challenge the third level of the True Venerable Tower, condense the Dao Origin Immortal Seal, and become a direct disciple!"

"Which do you choose?"

After asking, he added, "If you choose the second option, a mere ten thousand years is nothing; I can wait again. I've already waited a hundred thousand years…"

"The first option, I'll inherit it now."

Li Hao said, "I want to go out."

Ten thousand years was too long. By then, perhaps he would have already reached the Immortal Lord Realm or even the Immortal King Realm through skill enhancement.

The Heavens couldn't wait for him for ten thousand years.

And he was also unwilling to make Elder Feng and the others wait for ten thousand years.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Elder Wang's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded, "Alright. If you have anything you want to ask, you can go find the Venerable God. If not, I'll take you to inherit the formal disciple status now and listen to the Immortal Emperor's posthumous teachings."

"Okay, please wait for me a moment."

Hearing this, Li Hao immediately flew towards the True Venerable Tower.

Elder Wang stood silently in place, waiting.

Around him, everyone gathered. They had all heard Elder Wang and Li Hao's conversation and were now filled with extremely complex emotions.

"These tens of thousands of years, you've accompanied this old man for a stretch here. It's time for parting now."

Elder Wang watched Li Hao enter the True Venerable Tower, then turned to look at everyone. His gaze softened, and he said, "Your arduous cultivation here must have been an unforgettable time for you. Carefully savor the gains you've made here; they will be useful for life. When Hao Tian inherits the Dao lineage, the restrictions here will be lifted, and I will let you return to the Heavens."

"But before we part, I still need your cooperation. This Immortal Calamity Curse will seal your memories of this place. Outsiders cannot probe them. If they forcibly try to, the Immortal Calamity Curse will destroy all your memories here, along with your own Yuan Spirit!"

"If you yourselves leak the secret, no matter through what means or hint, unless you can deceive your own Dao hearts, it will be triggered, and you will perish instantly!"

Elder Wang raised his hand, his palm emitting silver light. Orbs of light-like immortal power condensed above everyone's heads.

Hearing Elder Wang's words, everyone's expressions changed slightly, but no one dodged. They had all expected similar measures.

Elder Wang not erasing them was already extremely benevolent.

"Hao Tian is about to become a formal disciple of the Immortal Emperor. His status is special and must not be leaked. Otherwise, the Ancient Demon race will surely hunt him down frantically and nip him in the bud. If other races and forces find out, they will also covet the Immortal Emperor's Dao lineage inherited by Hao Tian, which will also bring trouble to him. Please understand, everyone."

Elder Wang said softly and gently.

Everyone felt somewhat overwhelmed and flattered.

They also knew that this matter was extraordinary. And Elder Wang, of such high status, was explaining it to them so carefully, giving them an indescribable feeling.

They could also tell that Elder Wang was in an extremely good mood at the moment, hence his attitude was a hundred times gentler than usual.

"This cultivation journey is also a fortuitous encounter for you. If Hao Tian can inherit the Immortal Emperor's mantle or become an Immortal King, he will also protect you. I can see that this child is sentimental. You must not harm yourselves by giving rise to jealousy."

Elder Wang said softly.

Everyone looked at each other, their expressions complex.

To say they weren't jealous was impossible. After all, it was the Immortal Emperor's Dao lineage, snatched away right before their eyes. There was always a sour taste in their mouths.

But Li Hao's performance made it impossible for them to muster the will to compete.

"Elder Wang, please bestow the curse."

You Saint suddenly spoke. Her noble and stunning face was filled with calmness and composure. She said, "Hao Tian obtained this fortuitous encounter through his own abilities. It is also the fortune of our Human Race that in the future, he will lead the Human Race to fight against the Ancient Demons. I will swear to guard this secret with my life!"

Hearing her clear, crisp voice, everyone's eyes wavered slightly. Saint Lin said, "That's right. The capable reside in it. Hao Tian obtained it later but earlier than us. We've been given long years, countless opportunities. We only have ourselves to blame for being useless."

Seeing him speak, others also nodded in succession.

They also knew that refusal was useless.

Elder Wang immediately stopped being polite. The Immortal Calamity Curse was cast. Even if someone harbored resentment, it was useless; they would not be able to leak this matter and Li Hao's identity.

"If I remember correctly, Hao Tian, as a formal disciple, will have a certain authority in the Heavenly Calamity Imperial Palace to select Immortal Guards!"

Elder Wang glanced around at everyone and said, "Immortal Guard positions are limited. Once you become an Immortal Guard, you will be sworn to absolute loyalty to Hao Tian, even if ordered to die, you must not resist!"

"But if you can become an Immortal Guard, you will also obtain the Immortal Guard cultivation method. If your own comprehension is sufficient, you might have a chance to cultivate into an Immortal Lord!"

Hearing Elder Wang's words, everyone looked at each other.

At this moment, inside the True Venerable Tower.

Li Hao entered the tower again, but directly arrived in that vast heaven and earth.

A pillar of light suspended before his eyes, purple light flowing on it. A blurred figure gathered, but its appearance was not Li Hao's projection, but that of a middle-aged man, slender and tall, with a refined and melancholic air.

He sized Li Hao up and down, his own features were indistinct, but Li Hao seemed to feel his gaze, bright and gentle.

"Ten millennia… finally, you've arrived. I didn't expect it wouldn't need my help; you succeeded on your own."

Venerable God sighed softly, but his tone betrayed a hint of ease and freedom. He had watched Li Hao undergo his tribulation outside, seen it all, and had already been excited before.

"Venerable God Senior, Elder Wang said you once cultivated into a True God. I wonder how one achieves this?"

Li Hao bowed respectfully, then asked curiously, "Is it condensing Divine Bones? I don't know how many bones one needs to condense to reach it."

"Divine Veins are easy to form, but Divine Bones are difficult to refine."

Venerable God already knew the reason for Li Hao's visit. He smiled and said, "But Divine Bones are only the first step. What is a True God? It is when the Yuan Spirit cultivation reaches its extreme, no longer needing to rely on the physical body. One's self becomes eternal, a single thought can traverse millions of miles, crossing desolate forbidden lands. When Divine Bones are condensed to their extreme, Yuan Spirit Blood will be produced. When Yuan Spirit Blood flows throughout the body, it will condense into the True God Seal!"

"What is the True God Seal? It is the core of the Yuan Spirit, equivalent to your current Immortal Seal, the deepest layer of power imprinted in your soul!"

He swept his gaze over Li Hao and said, "Although I don't know how a little fellow like you managed to cultivate your Yuan Spirit to such a level in less than a century, if you can maintain this pace, you'll succeed in a few more centuries."

He said it lightly and casually, but there was a hint of helplessness in his heart.

Previously, when Li Hao first came to the True Venerable Tower, he sensed Li Hao's Yuan Spirit strength and had begun to pay attention to this monstrously talented little fellow since then.

If Li Hao could become a True God within five centuries, this aptitude would be even more monstrously talented than he was back then. In the future True World, he would surely shine brilliantly, with the hope of becoming a direct disciple of the Immortal Emperor and inheriting his legacy!

"So that's how it is."

Li Hao understood.

Divine Bones were just the first step, Divine Blood was the second, and the third step was the True God Seal!

If that was the case, he indeed still had a long way to go.

He hadn't expected that breaking through the limit of the Yuan Spirit, condensing Divine Veins and Divine Bones, was still so far from the ultimate realm.

Looking at it now, the difficulty of reaching the ultimate realm in Power of Mastery was really too low. It seemed that the difficulty of the later ultimate realms increased exponentially.

"If you had come to challenge before your enlightenment, and become a True Immortal during your enlightenment, you definitely would have passed the third level of the True Venerable Tower. Pity, an opportunity like this only comes once, and you missed it."

Venerable God said to Li Hao, sighing somewhat.

"Even if I had passed by luck, it wouldn't be through genuine skill. There's too much of a fluke in it."

Li Hao said.

"You're too honest."

Venerable God couldn't help but laugh and said, "Every other person who passes relies on enlightenment. So-called combat improvisation, simply put, it's whether or not you can gain enlightenment under the pressure of battle and reverse the situation with it."

"Otherwise, if you were to truly fight an enemy ten times your strength, wanting to defeat them fairly and squarely would be virtually impossible."

Li Hao laughed and said, "You said 'virtually impossible,' not 'absolutely impossible.'"

"It used to be absolute, but later, someone broke that."

Venerable God's eyes suddenly flickered, seeming to think of someone who had stunned an era. He said, "But that kind of being, there will likely never be another again. That was also one of the Immortal Emperor's most beloved direct disciples. Pity…"

"If there hadn't been that cataclysm back then, the True World would surely have another Immortal Emperor by now!"

Saying this, he shook his head slightly, seemingly unwilling to mention these disappointing matters any further. He said to Li Hao,

"You missed this opportunity, so next time you'll have to wait until you advance to the Immortal Lord Realm. With your lifespan, you should still have time with another nine thousand years or so. If you can gain detailed control over this enhanced realm and use it to challenge the third level, you'll still have a chance. Otherwise, you'll really have missed it."

"However, it's no big deal if you missed it. You're a formal disciple now, and the sole formal disciple right now. If you want to become a direct disciple, there's still another path awaiting you. It'll depend on a bit of luck. Go with Wang Shanhe later and you'll understand."

Saying this, he laughed somewhat mysteriously.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised, "There's another path?"

He noted it in his heart but didn't leave immediately. Instead, he asked, "Senior, regarding the Dao Origin Immortal Seal, do you have any clues or methods?"

Venerable God smiled and said, "This is one of the secrets of the True World. Although I know a little, it's not comparable to what the Immortal Emperor knew. And back then, before the Immortal Emperor's final expedition, he left some clues. The old man had long anticipated that the True World would encounter a cataclysm and cultivation resources would be far inferior to the prosperous era. It might be very difficult to give birth to peerless prodigies like direct disciples in the future. Therefore, in his posthumous teachings, he will teach you how to become a direct disciple and walk towards a higher realm."

"In short, although you are only a formal disciple now, the treatment you receive will be much higher than those formal disciples in the past. However, the difficulty of becoming a direct disciple will not decrease because of this. Because the only goal of a direct disciple is to become an Immortal Emperor. If you don't even have the aptitude of a direct disciple, then there is absolutely no possibility of cultivating into an Immortal Emperor!"

(End of chapter)