Chapter 452: Innate Sword Immortal Body

The oncoming sword pressure felt like the upright sword hilt of an emperor. Li Hao glanced at the very top center point, which resembled the eyes of an emperor, gazing down at him.

However, this imperial aura paled significantly compared to the majesty of the Heavenly Calamity Emperor Palace.

That former senior Sword Abyss disciple who cleaved mountains had just entered the Immortal King Realm at the time. Even with his full Immortal King power, he could barely unleash a trace of the Emperor Sword's might.

Li Hao glanced at it and then withdrew his gaze. Although there were many names on the Emperor Sword Cliff, he wasn't interested in joining the crowd.

If he really wanted to leave his name, he might as well carve out a separate wall himself.

Back in the courtyard on the mountain peak, Qi Meng'an, having learned of Li Hao's return, hurried to greet him, informing Li Hao about the Immortal Moon Xi leaving her name on Emperor Sword Cliff.

Deep down, this steward also harbored some intention of motivating Li Hao, as he had never seen such a relaxed swordsman.

After listening, Li Hao recalled passing by earlier and forgetting to look down, but it was just a minor matter. He nodded, instructing Steward Qi to send congratulations on his behalf. As for himself, he went to the sword training ground in the courtyard and activated the barrier. Only he and Xi Yan, who possessed the sword token, could enter.

This time, the breakthrough in his state of mind from fishing had yielded the greatest harvest not in swordsmanship, but in Li Hao's comprehension of the origin of Time大道 (Great Path/Grand Dao).

In the Nine Sequences, Time and Space reign supreme.

Previously, painting had helped him comprehend the origin of Space大道. Now, fishing allowed him to perceive the passage and vastness of time, enabling him to fish out years from the river of time.

Among the nine Immortal Seals he had condensed before, five of the origins came from the Nine Sequences. Now, Li Hao planned to replace one of the other four with the origin of Time大道!

An Immortal Seal bearing nine flowers is the limit. Li Hao tried to integrate the origin of Time大道, but it simply wouldn't merge. He could only choose one from within to replace.

Of the remaining four flowers, Li Hao pondered and selected the Immortal Guiding Path from the Great Dream Nine Abyss. Although this sword technique origin was exquisite, it was merely a branch of sword dao origin, considered barely qualified to condense into a flower.

Enveloped within the barrier, Li Hao began his closed-door cultivation, replacing and condensing a new Nine-Flower Immortal Seal.

As the origin of Time大道 integrated, Li Hao's Nine-Flower Immortal Seal instantly radiated a collapsing suction force, rapidly absorbing the surrounding天地 (Heaven and Earth/Nature) immortal energy.

Immortal energy throughout the entire courtyard converged towards the sword training ground, but it was still far from enough. Li Hao had no choice but to unleash the ultimate power of the All-Heaven Star Meridian.

This time, starlight from all heavens surfaced around his body. These starlights were true stars of the True World, and their projections brought vast immortal energy, continuously pouring into Li Hao's body.

While Li Hao cultivated, Qi Meng'an within the courtyard noticed the unusual flow of immortal energy, and when he realized it was all converging towards the sword training ground, he immediately breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

It seemed that Immortal Moon Xi's progress had indeed stimulated his young master to some extent…

As the new Nine-Flower Immortal Seal was condensed, the flowers of Time origin and Space origin seemed to connect and fuse together on the Immortal Seal, outlining a complex and exquisite Dao紋 (Dao Pattern), radiating a power that subtly warped the surrounding spacetime.

These two Dao紋 were at the bottom of the Immortal Seal, like branches spreading leaves, propping up the other Immortal Dao紋 above.

Slowly收回 (retracting/drawing back) the Immortal Seal into his body, Li Hao instantly felt the power of spacetime harmonizing with himself. It seemed as if he could easily control the surrounding spacetime with a lift of his hand or a step of his foot. This level of origin control surpassed immortal power. Even if the opponent's immortal power was ten times, or even dozens or hundreds of times greater than his, they would be toyed with.

The first year at Sword Abyss concluded.

In this year, Li Hao's Nine-Flower Immortal Seal gained a third level of Dao紋 of the Time origin大道.

His sword dao also smoothly entered the eleventh stage.

Furthermore, his chess skills and painting skills had also gained some insights and improvements.

At year-end, snow fell from the sky, blanketing ten thousand miles in white.

The slopes and pavilions of Sword Abyss were all draped in silver.

In this snow, Li Tie Mu returned to the mountaintop, also bringing back a handsome and extraordinary young man.

"This is your new junior brother, Gu Yan!"

Li Tie Mu summoned Wei Hongye, Li Hao, and others in front of the Sword Immortal Pavilion, publicly accepting a disciple in front of everyone, and introducing this young man's identity to them.

This young man appeared to be around the same age as Li Hao, about seventeen or eighteen years old. He had sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, and his pupils were heterochromatic, the upper part fiery red, while the lower part was silvery white, exceptionally divine and unusual.

Having such heterochromia, he obviously possessed an extraordinary Dao Physique.

"Gu Yan, the surname Gu?"

Wei Hongye's expression subtly changed upon hearing Old Man Li's introduction, as if she thought of some ancient legend.

Li Tie Mu knew that some of his disciples had significant backgrounds and extraordinary insights, so he didn't hide anything, saying, "That's right, he's a descendant of ancient immortals, from the Gu Clan, and possesses the Innate Sword Immortal Body."

Hearing his words, Li Hao and Xu Jianming looked over in confusion, clearly having never heard of it.

But Wei Hongye and Moon Xi both constricted their pupils, looking at the young man in shock.

Among the myriad races in the True World, descendants of ancient immortals are extremely rare, top-tier races on the verge of extinction.

Legend says that the ancient immortal descendant race is born with various divine abilities, and this young man before them was actually an Innate Sword Immortal Body, the strongest Dao Physique for sword cultivation in legends!

Moon Xi looked at him in shock, her eyes filled with disbelief.

The young man named Gu Yan remained calm, even a bit numb, merely quietly listening to Li Tie Mu's introduction, saying nothing, nor glancing around, but slightly raising his head, looking at the pavilion behind Li Tie Mu.

Li Tie Mu saw the shocked looks on Li Hao and Xu Jianming, and his mood became extremely good. He explained with a smile:

"See the plaque behind me, Sword Immortal Pavilion? Among sword cultivators, the highest realm is Sword Immortal!"

"And the Innate Sword Immortal Body, from a young age, can grasp the origin of sword dao. In other words, when he is able to learn and practice swordsmanship, he can already use the sword to venerate the Dao!"

Hearing these words, Li Hao and Xu Jianming were both slightly unsettled.

Li Hao thought he was already cheating by having a system, but unexpectedly, there was someone even more ridiculously overpowered than him.

To be able to venerate the Dao with a sword right from the start of sword practice?

Xu Jianming looked utterly shocked and bewildered. They just got two monstrous junior sisters and brothers, and now here comes an even more exaggerated one?

"Master, where did you find him?"

Xu Jianming couldn't help but ask.

Li Tie Mu's eyes were filled with smugness, saying, "Naturally, it's because I have fate with him. Our Sword Abyss's foundation in swordsmanship is also enough for him to fully unleash his Sword Immortal Body. In the future, there's a glimmer of hope for him to aspire to the Supreme Sword Dao!"

He naturally didn't mention that such a good seedling was also one he'd snatched from Ten Thousand Mountains Sword Tower.

Otherwise, why would he be away from the sect every day, running around everywhere?

Xu Jianming didn't believe this old man's nonsense, slightly rolling his eyes. He wondered in his heart if this Old Man Li's luck had exploded recently.

"The Sword Manual for initial cultivation in Sword Abyss, I'll transmit it to you once. You must master it within seven days."

At this moment, Li Tie Mu said to the young man Gu Yan before him.

Gu Yan's expression remained calm, but when he heard 'sword manual,' a hint of sharpness seemed to appear in his numb eyes.

Moon Xi's expression was complex as she looked towards Li Hao, wanting to meet his gaze and seek a hint of resonance.

She had inquired about it. Back then, Senior Sister Wei Hongye and Fourth Senior Brother Xu Jianming were not given a half-month requirement. However, she and Li Hao were given a half-month, already considered extremely talented.

But now, this young man before them was actually required to master it in just seven days!

At this moment, as Li Tie Mu demonstrated, the Immortal Guiding Path sword technique flowed gracefully, containing the essence of the Great Dao, simplified to its core.

Li Hao, watching Old Man Li's demonstration, revealed a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Old Man Li's demonstration of this sword technique was already at the Origin level, which was also the level he currently grasped.

However, he didn't know if this was all of his true strength in serious instruction.

Soon, Old Man Li finished practicing. Before he could even instruct, Gu Yan beside him suddenly closed his eyes, then abruptly opened them moments later. A sword suddenly materialized in his palm, and he began to wield it in place.

Seeing his starting stance, Li Hao understood and took a step back to avoid it.

Moon Xi reacted a bit slower and was almost injured by the edge of his sword. Only after dodging did she look at him in horror.

The sword technique Gu Yan was currently practicing was precisely Immortal Guiding Path!

Initially, it was slightly clumsy, but Dao rhythm quickly gathered, and he had entered the door of the sword technique!

Mastering it after just one look!

Moreover, he became increasingly skilled, and the subtle essence within the sword technique seemed to be displayed as well.

This time, not only Moon Xi was shocked, but Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming were also stunned, blankly watching this new junior brother.

Li Tie Mu was stunned, then his mouth split open into a grin, almost reaching his ears, his smile uncontrollable.

He really picked up a great treasure!

He was already beginning to imagine how astonished the numerous sects and celestial clans across the Southern Domain would be during the Southern Domain War when Gu Yan would display his talent!

"Good, good, good!"

After Gu Yan finished practicing the sword technique, Li Tie Mu was smiling like a flower, unable to close his mouth, saying, "Worthy of being the Innate Sword Immortal Body, this talent, with the aid and foundation of our Sword Abyss, you are bound to become the Supreme Sword Dao expert in the future!"

He laughed heartily, then said, "Let's go, I'll take you to the Sword Abyss Pavilion!"

Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming slightly opened their mouths, but were speechless. They could both see that their master was in an extremely good mood and greatly valued this junior brother.

And the other party's sword talent also made it impossible for them to feel jealous.

Moon Xi looked at the footprints left at the end of the snow-covered steps as they left. The figures of the old and young had already disappeared.

She withdrew her gaze, turned and left, without saying a word.

Li Hao brushed off snowflakes from his body and glanced at the heavy snow. It was the perfect time for hotpot and barbecue. He immediately invited Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming to his small courtyard.

Learning that Li Hao wanted to cook to entertain them, Wei Hongye and Xu Jianming exchanged a glance, both surprised. From Moon Xi, they sensed urgency and eagerness, but this Seventh Junior Brother always seemed extremely relaxed from beginning to end. Even when surpassed by Moon Xi, he didn't seem nervous. They didn't know if it was genuine or just a facade.

"Eating is unnecessary, there will be opportunities in the future. Junior Brother… no, we should call you Seventh Junior Brother now, you should also hurry back to cultivate," Wei Hongye said.

Xu Jianming nodded, patting Li Hao's shoulder, saying, "Our lineage relies on you to hold up our reputation, don't lose to those disciples of Elder Zhou."

Li Hao was helpless. His invitation was also part of cultivation.

But since they were unwilling, Li Hao didn't force them. Good food awaits distinguished guests.

He nodded, bid them farewell, and then returned to his courtyard.

Thinking of cooking, Li Hao thought of the Ancient Demon's corpse, and couldn't help but secretly swallow his saliva.

Among the many ingredients in the True World, only the Ancient Demon race was the most nourishing.

Li Hao immediately called for Qi Meng'an, asking how to find the Ancient Demon race.

Seeing Li Hao ask about Ancient Demons, Qi Meng'an's expression became more solemn.

In the True World, mentioning Ancient Demons meant the common enemy of all races.

"This is the inner territory of Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty. It's very difficult for the Ancient Demon race to invade so deep. If you want to hunt Ancient Demons, you can only go to the border, join the Yan Chu Immortal Army. That way, you can also accumulate military merit, and receive rewards and titles from the Immortal Dynasty, all of which are great resources and treasures!" Qi Meng'an said.

He came from the holy dynasty within the Great Dream Nine Abyss Celestial Sect. To mortals, it was an extremely powerful force, but in the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, it was just like a small village.

Hearing Steward Qi's words, Li Hao's heart stirred. He heard from Senior Sister Wei that their Eldest Senior Brother seemed to be at the border right now, slaying Ancient Demons, but it was under Sword Abyss's orders. Sword Abyss must have received dispatch and conscription from the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, and therefore sent their Eldest Senior Brother to respond and participate in the war.

"It seems like hunting Ancient Demons can only be done on the battlefield."

Li Hao's eyes flickered. The nourishment of Ancient Demons might be worth taking a risk for.

If he could condense the Divine Bone and cultivate his Primordial Spirit to its ultimate stage, becoming a True God, then he would truly be almost immortal and indestructible!

At that time, even if his physical body shattered, the True God would still endure, and even Immortal Monarchs might not be able to kill him!

However, before going to the Yan Chu battlefield border, Li Hao planned to first go to the Sword Abyss Pavilion to select a sword technique.

He had been here for a year and hadn't chosen a sword technique yet, which was a bit unreasonable.

The heavy snow had stopped. Li Hao came to the Sword Abyss Pavilion alone.

The majestic Sword Abyss Pavilion stood in a valley-like basin, the surrounding light dim, and the cliff faces were covered with traces of sword qi slashes.

Before coming, Li Hao had heard that Old Man Li had taken his new junior brother here, and he had gained the approval of three top-tier sword techniques.

And due to Old Man Li's favoritism, he was specially permitted to take away all three top-tier sword techniques simultaneously, and could cultivate all of them.

At this moment, Li Hao quietly came here alone.

The majestic Sword Abyss Pavilion stood before him. Li Hao stepped forward and收敛 (concealed/restrained) his Myriad Manifestations attribute.

Here, it was the cultivation techniques choosing their masters, not masters choosing techniques.

He needed to fully display his sword dao and sword intent, allowing these techniques to discern him, only then would he have the right to choose.

Li Hao's expression was calm as he arrived at the Sword Display Platform below the Sword Abyss Pavilion.

At this moment, he removed his disguise, and sword intent radiated from between his brows.

The Way of Self-Supremacy Sword Dao—this was his core sword dao, integrating the many sword techniques and sword manuals he had mastered, including a hint of the Ten Supreme Immortal Arts' Azure Sky—all of which had been incorporated into his own sword dao by Li Hao.

Moreover, the Nine-Flower Immortal Seal faintly surfaced on his forehead. Time, Space, Water origin, Earth origin, Form Dao, Command Dao, and the six Dao of the Nine Sequences, their origin mysteries, more or less integrated into his Way of Self-Supremacy Sword Dao.

The core concept of Way of Self-Supremacy Sword Dao was to sever whatever one thought in the heart, whatever one had in mind.

And to sever, one must first possess.

Now, his Way of Self-Supremacy Sword Dao, under the integration of many Great Dao origins, could even distort time and space, reaching a level of strength Li Hao himself was not clear about.

Since leaving the Heavenly Calamity Emperor Palace, he had not yet truly fought all-out without reservation.

And at this moment, as the Way of Self-Supremacy Sword Dao manifested, the spacetime around Li Hao seemed to be changing and trembling. Numerous sword dao rhymes revolved around him, like countless sword shadows.

An unimaginable sharpness, dominance, and arrogant sword intent radiated from Li Hao's body, as if this was his true nature, the edge in his heart.

In front of him, the majestic Sword Abyss Pavilion suddenly trembled gently.

Immediately following, the tremor intensified, beginning to shake.

Then Li Hao realized that it was the ancient swords inserted into the Sword Abyss Pavilion that were all shaking, as if they were about to break free.

Whoosh!

Along with the first ancient sword flying out, the remaining ancient swords trembled and flew out one after another, whistling in mid-air, eventually forming a sword tide storm, encircling the entire Sword Abyss Pavilion, and also encircling Li Hao's body, enveloping him like a tornado.

Li Hao looked up, gazing at the countless floating sword manuals, somewhat stunned. He hadn't expected so many sword dao techniques to choose him.

However, the ancient swords at the very peak of the Sword Abyss Pavilion were still only trembling slightly, not drawn out.

But as the trembling became more intense, with several '噌' sounds, those few most supreme ancient swords also suddenly drew themselves out, displaying powerful sword force, whistling and falling towards Li Hao.

The other ancient swords in the sword tide seemed to be intimidated by the might of these few supreme swords, not daring to approach.

Li Hao knew that these few should be the top-tier sword manuals in the Sword Abyss Pavilion.

Just as he was about to choose, suddenly, several ancient swords seemed to sense something, and suddenly retreated to both sides.

Immediately following, Li Hao saw a golden divine sword flying out from the top of the Sword Abyss Pavilion.

Sword light overflowed, radiating golden brilliance, and its appearance was also extremely ancient, its whole body seeming to have countless Dao rhymes revolving.

And on the blade, there was an inscription of small characters. As it slowly descended, it gradually came into view before Li Hao:

"One sword slays all under Heaven, in the next life, still a sword god…"

Just fourteen characters, radiating a powerful aura of arrogance, dominance, and madness.

Li Hao looked up, seeing three words on the hilt: Sword God Art!

Li Hao was slightly stunned. He had seen various sword dao technique names, but never such a simple and direct one.

The surrounding few ancient swords seemed not to dare approach, all avoiding to the sides, and the encircling sword tide also became coarser, because it was farther away from Li Hao.

Li Hao's eyes flickered. At this moment, there was no need to ponder. Even a fool could see that the sword technique on this sword should be the most supreme in the Sword Abyss Pavilion.

He reached out and grasped the hilt. Instantly, golden light enveloped the sword, covering Li Hao's vision, bringing him into a dazzling golden world.

Immediately after, ancient whispers sounded. Then, Li Hao seemed to see a peerless figure, holding a long sword, facing countless figures alone, including immortals, gods, demons, and monsters. Finally, he swept out a sword, and the dazzling sword light obscured Li Hao's vision, also obscuring those countless figures.

But the invincible sword intent remained in Li Hao's heart, engraved in his sword heart.

When everything vanished, Li Hao discovered that the sword in his hand had disappeared without him knowing when, and the surrounding sword tide was also gone. All the swords had returned to their original positions.

It was as if everything just now was a dream.

But the sword manual engraved in his sword heart told Li Hao that all of this was not a dream.

He brought up his panel, seeing an extra sword technique on it:

[Sword God Art (Quasi-Emperor Tier): One Sword of Nine Swords (Perfected)]

Sure enough, it wasn't a dream.

Moreover, this Sword God Art was actually a Quasi-Emperor Tier sword technique. This was a top-tier sword art only second to Emperor Swords.

Li Hao's Ten Supreme Immortal Arts · Azure Sky was also just at the perfected level, and his current sword dao had only comprehended this Sword God Art to perfection, and that was only the first layer.

This Sword God Art had nine layers, the names being quite simple and crude, namely One Sword, Two Swords, Three Swords… up to Nine Swords!

From just the names, Li Hao could tell how arrogant, domineering, and arrogant the person who created this set of sword techniques was.

Li Hao left the Sword Abyss Pavilion and returned to his courtyard.

He planned to set out for the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty border to hunt some Ancient Demon ingredients. However, when he expressed his idea, he was stopped by Qi Meng'an, who informed him of the rules of Sword Abyss.

Li Hao then inquired with Xu Jianming, only to learn that one must not go out to train until reaching the True Immortal Realm fifth level.

Previously, his trip to Floating Pagoda City could only be considered as sightseeing.

"Wanting to go to the border to train is a good thing, but if your cultivation is too low, going there is just being cannon fodder. Disciples who can become disciples of our celestial sect are all geniuses, how can they easily go there to be cannon fodder?" Xu Jianming said to Li Hao, also inquiring about Li Hao's cultivation level.

Although Li Hao had the Myriad Manifestations attribute to conceal it, seeing him ask, he didn't hide it.

Learning that Li Hao was only at the True Immortal Realm first level, Xu Jianming was somewhat speechless, immediately patting his shoulder, telling Li Hao to cultivate properly and saying if he lacked immortal stones, he could borrow from him.

Although it was borrowing, lending at this time was already extremely rare.

Li Hao was somewhat helpless. Going down the mountain for training required verification of cultivation, so he could only cultivate first.

Fortunately, with the 30,000 immortal stones he had accumulated before, coupled with the All-Heaven Star Meridian and the celestial energy of the Heavenly Courtyard, etc., cultivation was indeed progressing by leaps and bounds.

In just one month, Li Hao reached the True Immortal Realm second level, the intensity of immortal power in his body doubling compared to before.

After another two months, Li Hao reached the True Immortal Realm third level, the immortal power in his body exploding and doubling again.

And when his cultivation broke through to the True Immortal Realm third level, he learned news that the new junior brother Gu Yan had just challenged Emperor Sword Cliff to leave his name, and unexpectedly, he succeeded in leaving his name on it, moreover, even ahead of Moon Xi.

Having just entered the sect for three months and being able to leave his name on Emperor Sword Cliff, this news once again caused a sensation throughout Sword Abyss.

In the Moon Pool Courtyard.

Moon Xi had just finished cultivating and was wiping her sweat when she heard the news from her steward.

The silken immortal handkerchief in her hand was instantly crushed.

"Left his name ahead of me?"

Moon Xi's eyes trembled slightly. Only three months, but back then, she had been in the sect for a year before leaving her name there.

She prided herself that her sword dao talent was absolutely not inferior to anyone, even that monster who triggered nine Dao Heart echoes had his sword dao brilliance obscured by her.

After all, Dao Heart was Dao Heart, and sword dao was sword dao.

But now, this monster with the Innate Sword Immortal Body suddenly gave her a mixed feeling of emotions.

Her expression changed for a moment, and then she asked, "What about Hao Tian?"

"Young Master Hao?"

The steward immediately lowered his head and replied, "He hasn't made any move yet, hasn't left his name on Emperor Sword Cliff."

Hearing this, the breath that Moon Xi had held in her chest, almost suffocating her, was immediately released.

Previously, she heard from Senior Sister that being able to leave a name on Emperor Sword Cliff within three years of arriving at Heavenly Courtyard was already considered a genius.

That was why her name-leaving back then had caused a sensation, because it was far beyond even genius level.

She didn't rest anymore, continuing to turn around and cultivate.

Although having a 'bottom-liner' made her feel a bit better, but Innate Sword Immortal Body… was it really unbeatable?

She didn't believe it.

Having been told since childhood that she would bring disaster, she didn't believe in fate. If it was truly destiny, then she would change it!

After Gu Yan caused a sensation by leaving his name on Emperor Sword Cliff in three months, another half year passed, and Li Hao reached the True Immortal Realm fourth level!

During this time, besides cultivation, he would spar chess with the old chess player in the courtyard, or compete with others in other artistic skills.

This day, Li Hao had just finished cultivating when he felt a buzzing whistle, flying over the courtyard from overhead.

Immediately after, Li Tie Mu's voice came, drifting into Li Hao's ears in the courtyard:

"All disciples, quickly gather."

(End of Chapter)