Chapter 456: One Day to Ascend the Mountain, One Day to Descend (Seeking Monthly Tickets with a 10,000-Word Update)

Only to see, in the Immortal Path of Void Space, a youthful figure emerged, slowly walking out while looking around left and right.

His posture was stalwart and upright. His Heaven Academy disciple robes were exceptionally clean, without a single speck of blood or a hint of damage. He appeared as if he had been leisurely strolling through a garden somewhere, wandering all the way to this place. His expression lacked any lingering fear or relief from the battle with the Ancestral Dragon, only carrying a touch of curiosity.

"Another one has climbed up?"

The expressions of the people in front of the thatched hut subtly tightened. They hadn't expected that so close to the end, someone else would continuously ascend.

The little girl from before, who had been teleported here, had just collapsed upon landing and was being helped and rescued by Elder Li and others. This person now, however, appeared quite calm and collected, causing many to feel a sense of awe in their hearts.

Li Hao's days as a disciple were still short, and he spent his time either in the academy or going out to Floating City. Other Heaven Academy disciples had no impression of him. But when Elder Li, Zhou Qingyun, Wei Hongye, and others beside them clearly saw Li Hao's appearance, they all widened their eyes, faces filled with disbelief and shock.

"Little… Junior Brother Seven?"

Wei Hongye was astonished.

Li Timu, who was holding the unconscious Yuexi, also froze, eyes wide, looking at Li Hao as if he had seen a ghost.

This kid actually made it through too?

"Hmm?"

Murong Qingwu also looked at Li Hao in surprise, as if she was seeing this junior brother for the first time.

She had heard from their master that Yuexi and this junior brother had joined the sect not long before Gu Yan. It was already astonishing enough that Yuexi, with the bloodline of the Calamity Clan, could climb up, but she had done so by pushing herself to the point of serious injury and unconsciousness, and her current situation was unknown. This kid, on the other hand, seemed to have arrived with extreme ease.

Beside them, Ji Qingxuan and Lu Wuchen exchanged glances, both with a hint of surprise in their eyes. Ji Qingxuan was not familiar with these three newly arrived junior brothers and sisters, but he knew their general situations. He hadn't expected that in addition to the Sword Immortal Body who had ascended, these two others could also climb up in succession.

"How did you get up here?"

The old woman standing beside Zhou Qingyun flickered and appeared in front of Li Hao, sizing him up and down, asking with suspicion.

They had seen Yuexi defeat the Ancestral Dragon and thought that no one else would challenge before the end. They had sent Yuexi to the mountaintop, and hadn't left for long, when someone actually climbed from the seventh level to the summit.

This short amount of time wasn't even enough for a full battle. She even suspected whether Li Hao had bypassed the seventh level and flown in from outside the Imperial Sword Mountain in the sixth level, but this possibility was even lower. After all, the Abyss Lord's Immortal Kingdom enveloped everything, such a thing was impossible.

"I walked up."

Li Hao replied.

The old woman was somewhat speechless, scrutinizing Li Hao for a moment. "You defeated the Ancestral Dragon?"

Li Hao thought of the Ancestral Dragon that had been split in two, but he hadn't used the power of the fourth level of space origin in that sword strike. The other party should be able to heal: "Sort of."

Seeing the relaxed smile on the young man's face, the old woman's expression became somewhat grave. She faintly sensed a peculiar feeling from this youth, a kind of temperament different from other Heaven's Chosen. Seemingly easygoing, yet capable of erupting with immense danger at any moment.

Behind Ji Qingxuan and the others, Gu Yan, who was standing a bit away from old man Li, fixed his gaze on Li Hao, as if this was the first time since arriving at this Sword Abyss that he was seriously observing this senior brother ranked ahead of him.

Yuexi's arrival had already moved him somewhat. He hadn't expected Li Hao to be able to reach the summit as well.

As a born Sword Immortal Body, he had always been far ahead of his peers and those at the same realm. This was the norm. But now, the gap in cultivation didn't seem to be as large as he had imagined.

"That youth seems to be a disciple recently accepted under Elder Li's tutelage."

"No wonder he's a fresh face."

"To be able to climb to the summit so soon after becoming a disciple? What is his cultivation level? I actually can't sense it."

"I heard before about someone with a Dao Heart resonating nine times, could it be him?"

"Most likely."

"Elder Li's disciples who reached the summit are quite numerous this time, almost all of them are here!"

Before the thatched hut, many disciples were whispering, all sizing up Li Hao.

Outside the Imperial Sword Mountain, there was also an uproar and clamor at this moment.

Yuexi and Li Hao successively climbing the mountain and obtaining the chance to comprehend the Imperial Sword before the time limit ended caused many disciples to feel shock and envy.

However, Yuexi had already made a name for herself in the Sword Abyss and left her name on the Imperial Sword Cliff. Many people recognized her.

But Li Hao, who had climbed up later, was unknown to most disciples. They were all discussing and wondering who this person was.

"It's him…"

Xu Jianming stood on the hillside, blankly staring at the last figure to ascend the mountain. He hadn't expected it to be that amiable junior brother who had remained in the first level for two years.

He stood there stunned. After a moment, he suddenly looked around, realizing that besides himself, there was actually no one else there.

Except for him, all the senior brothers and sisters ahead, and the junior brothers and sisters behind, had all ascended the mountain!

Leaving only him.

"What the heck…"

Xu Jianming inwardly wailed.

…

Imperial Sword Mountain Top.

Not long after Li Hao's arrival, the old woman and Zhou Qingyun bid farewell to old man Li and returned to the seventh level to continue guarding.

They wanted to avoid encountering another oddity like Li Hao who could sneak up so silently. They also intended to confirm things with the Ancestral Dragon.

However, when they arrived at the seventh level, they saw the Ancestral Dragon healing its body. The process was somewhat slow, and its aura was very weak.

"You…"

The old woman and Zhou Qingyun were both shocked. Looking at the enormous tear marks on the Ancestral Dragon's body, with half of them still unable to heal, it clearly looked like it had been split in half by a single sword strike!

When the Ancestral Dragon saw them, it suddenly felt a sense of closeness, for the first time finding these two old fellows not so annoying and hateful.

"You guys finally came. I need to heal first. I can't fight for now."

The Ancestral Dragon said immediately.

It was afraid that another monstrous talent would appear. It didn't have the strength to fight again in its current state.

Just now, that sword strike had made it smell the scent of death. That youth was too terrifying, shocking its heart and unforgettable.

"…You were injured by that youth?"

Zhou Qingyun asked in astonishment after recovering from his shock.

While healing, the Ancestral Dragon said unhappily, "Otherwise, could I have done this to myself?"

There was a hint of resentment in its voice.

Just now, these fellows left, and it almost died!

It was simply dereliction of duty. No, it must complain to Lord Abyss Lord about them later!

While the Ancestral Dragon was muttering resentfully in its heart, Zhou Qingyun and the old woman were too shocked to speak.

In such a short time, that youth actually defeated the Ancestral Dragon and even injured it to this degree! This was too terrifyingly unbelievable.

"If I remember correctly, that youth previously revealed his aura, it was only at the True Immortal Realm, third level…"

Zhou Qingyun looked at the old woman. They exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment in each other's eyes. Just what kind of monsters had old man Li brought back this time after going out?!

Mountaintop.

Wei Hongye and Murong Qingwu surrounded Li Hao, curiously digging to the root and asking him how he had come up.

Li Hao could only honestly answer that he had fought his way up.

But obviously, this answer did not satisfy them.

However, as time passed, the trial time on the Imperial Sword ended. Disciples who had lingered in various places of the Imperial Sword Mountain were sent out of the Imperial Sword Mountain by a vast and mighty force.

At the same time, a detached and calm voice from the mountaintop echoed throughout the entire secret realm:

"The Imperial Sword Mountain trial is over. Those who failed to pass, return to the Sword Abyss, cultivate well. There will still be opportunities in the future."

"It's the Abyss Lord's voice!"

The eyes of some older disciples lit up.

Many disciples were excited and their hearts surged. Although they had failed to reach the mountaintop, they had already known this result two years ago. After all, everyone basically knew in their hearts how far they could go when they first entered the Imperial Sword Mountain.

"Senior Brother Zhou ascended the mountain. This time he will definitely advance further, representing our Sword Abyss in battle!"

"That's right, making a name in Yan and Chu, in the Southern Domain battlefield, we'll be able to see them display their power!"

"Let's go, let's go, we also need to cultivate diligently. Now the gap has widened even further, we must cultivate properly."

"Bad luck, Senior Sister Zhao was stuck on the seventh level and couldn't pass for a long time. What a pity."

Many disciples left in groups, some with regret, some with hope, some unwilling, all eventually departing, along with the closing of the secret realm's entrance passage.

"…"

Xu Jianming returned all alone, looking somewhat desolate. In his heart, only ten thousand grass mud horses galloped by.

…

Mountaintop.

Yun Wumian's figure descended before the thatched hut. When the disciples saw his figure, they quickly bowed in worship:

"Disciples pay respects to the Abyss Lord!"

Li Hao also followed suit, bowing and worshipping. At the same time, he slightly raised his eyes, curiously observing the other party, only to see the other person looking at him with gentle eyes, their gazes meeting for a fleeting moment.

Li Hao immediately felt awkward and lowered his eyes.

"No need for formalities."

Yun Wumian saw the young man's embarrassed look, and couldn't help but reveal a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Who could have imagined that there would be such an unexpected surprise this time.

Although he hadn't paid attention to this youth before, everything that happened on the Imperial Sword Mountain was within his grasp as soon as he wished to know.

When Li Hao rushed to the sixth level at extreme speed and defeated the True Immortal Realm level eight ancient demon, he noticed Li Hao. Then he saw Li Hao enter the seventh level and with just one sword strike, defeat the Ancestral Dragon.

And he recognized that sword strike.

One of the Ten Great Immortal Arts that had been renowned throughout the True World ten thousand years ago, the Azure Sky Sword Art!

Although it had been replaced by the new Ten Great Immortal Arts nowadays, its power was still overbearing and terrifying.

And that youth had mastered such a sword art, and also added the power of Earth Origin and Space Origin to his attack, enhancing the offensive force. Although they were only at the second level, this was the Nine Orders!

Mastering two Nine Order powers and comprehending them to this extent was extremely rare.

Apart from that born Sword Immortal Body, Yun Wumian hadn't expected to encounter such a talented and intelligent genius. Different from Gu Yan and that little girl from the Calamity Clan, he didn't see any bloodline power in Li Hao's body. This youth was neither from an Imperial Clan nor an ancient immortal lineage. His attainment in sword arts and mastery of origin power seemed to be purely due to his comprehension.

When comprehension reached an unimaginable level, it could already rival bloodline, and even surpass it!

This point also made him feel exceedingly joyful in his heart.

As everyone straightened up, Yun Wumian's gaze inadvertently swept over the youth, circled around once, and he saw old man Li's anxious expression, and the unconscious little girl in his arms.

When that little girl activated the true power of the Calamity Clan bloodline, he had detected it. Now suffering from backlash was also normal. He slightly raised his hand, and a wisp of spiritual light burst forth from his fingertip, like a firefly dragging a bright blue arc, came before old man Li, and then entered Yuexi's forehead.

"Rest and recuperate for a few days will suffice. I've temporarily helped her seal that power within her body. It will only open up if she encounters mortal danger."

Yun Wumian said softly and calmly, "This power is still not something she can control at her current stage. Only when she reaches the True Immortal Realm completion will she be able to truly command it."

Elder Li, hearing this, immediately said gratefully, "Thank you, Abyss Lord."

At this moment, Yuexi in her unconscious state, her eyelids trembled slightly, her pupils were moving, as if she was about to wake up, yet also seemed trapped in a nightmare, murmuring softly:

"Mother, don't go, Mother…"

"Don't kill my Mother…"

The girl's whispers were like dreamlike mutterings, extremely faint, but everyone present were figures of great stature, and heard them clearly.

Some looked toward the girl, seeing her haggard face, pity rising in their eyes.

Some looked somber and kept their heads lowered, as if also thinking of certain past events.

Others, however, remained calm and indifferent, without any sense of empathy.

Li Timu quickly raised his hand, forming a barrier around them, protecting the girl's inner world, and also protecting her self-esteem.

"Congratulations to all of you for passing the Imperial Sword Mountain trial. You will all obtain the opportunity to comprehend the Imperial Sword."

Yun Wumian spoke at this moment, his words pulling everyone's thoughts back, causing many to have bright eyes, excitement in their hearts.

"My Great Dream Sword Abyss, with ancient heritage, once followed a certain Immortal Emperor, and also received guidance from that Immortal Emperor, leaving behind two traces of Imperial Sword Intent. If you can comprehend them, not only can you learn heaven-defying Imperial-level sword arts, but you also have the chance to take this opportunity to touch the Heavenly Dao Imperial Heart, laying a higher foundation for your own Dao Hearts!"

Yun Wumian's voice was calm, with a kind of majestic demeanor, like the flowing of deep springs into everyone's hearts.

"This opportunity is rare. The comprehension time is half a year, you must cherish it."

Yun Wumian said.

Everyone responded in unison.

At this time, the girl in Li Timu's arms also woke up. She clutched her forehead, feeling a piercing pain, with a feeling of wanting to vomit.

But she quickly realized, clearly seeing the surrounding scenery. Her gaze was immediately drawn to Yun Wumian.

That was an existence at the Immortal King Realm. Where he stood, was like the center of heaven and earth.

When she saw Ji Qingxuan's figure, Yuexi was somewhat dazed. A surge of excitement suddenly arose in her heart.

She had passed the seventh level and reached the top of Imperial Sword Mountain?

But soon, she saw another figure in the crowd, somewhat familiar. Looking from the side, it was actually Li Hao.

Her initially excited heart immediately fell again, somewhat pale and stunned.

That guy… how could he be here?

Isn't this the Imperial Sword Mountain top?

How long had she been unconscious? What had happened?

While Yuexi was at a loss, Yun Wumian had already raised his hand. Along with his exertion, the entire Imperial Sword Mountain violently trembled.

Everyone only felt a violent tremor beneath their feet. Some released their divine sense and were immediately shocked to discover that the gaps that had previously cut and divided Imperial Sword Mountain into seven levels were now closing up, gradually merging into a single, massive, towering mountain!

And the spirit race demons and monsters in various places inside the mountain all seemed to have been transferred somewhere, disappearing without a trace.

As Imperial Sword Mountain merged, a silver-gray light emerged from Yun Wumian's brow, a miniature lotus imprint.

If someone observed closely, they would discover that the lotus petals were extremely numerous, blossoming radiantly.

Rumble~~!

The ground behind the thatched hut trembled violently.

Immediately afterwards, dust flew up, and two towering stone steles rose from the mountain.

On each of the two steles, there were two profound sword marks, one deep and one shallow, one thick and one thin.

Along with the earth-shattering rise of the two steles with sword marks, a vast, ancient, and desolate sword intent, sharp and fierce, emanated from the steles, sweeping and pushing away the dust and smoke everywhere.

When the steles with sword marks no longer trembled, and everything returned to calm, that sword intent seemed to gradually emerge from its sealed state, becoming increasingly terrifying, as if slicing through stars and splitting the moon from the primordial ages!

Everyone looked up, their eyes filled with shock.

This was, Imperial Sword Intent!

Yuexi, who had just been confused about the situation, was also shocked at this moment, finally realizing that this was indeed the top of Imperial Sword Mountain.

However, she couldn't spare the time to think about why Li Hao was here at the moment. Her eyes were completely drawn to the two steles with sword marks.

Yun Wumian, watching the crowd who had fallen into a trance, slowly said, "These two Imperial Sword Intents have existed for countless years. Now revealed, you should view them as if viewing the Great Emperor himself. How much you can comprehend will all depend on your respective fortunes and comprehension!"

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and placed futons one by one in front of the two steles with sword marks.

When the other disciples saw this, they immediately woke up and hurriedly flew over, sitting on those futons, looking up to comprehend the Imperial Sword Intent.

Ji Qingxuan's figure flickered, and he was the first to teleport away, sitting in the foremost position.

The figures of the other Immortal Realm cultivators also followed closely behind.

Lu Wuchen and Wei Hongye also hurriedly rushed over. They only had half a year of comprehension time, they must seize every second.

Yuexi, who had just been confused about the situation, now also suddenly became alert, immediately rushing out from Li Timu's arms, heading towards the futons.

As many figures scrambled to rush over, only Elder Li and several other elders, and Yun Wumian, remained in place in an instant. At the same time, there was also a youthful figure.

The young man's figure thus appeared particularly abrupt and out of place here.

Li Hao looked up. When these two steles with sword marks appeared, he sensed a familiar aura.

It was the aura of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor. In his heart, a voice seemed to be telling him that these sword marks were left by the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor!

"Is this the sword wielded by the Great Emperor…"

Li Hao's eyes flickered. His Sword Dao Origin Realm, level three, allowed him to immediately record these two Imperial Sword Intents into the panel.

But only the superficial aspects, not even considered an introduction.

The thick sword mark was the Imperial Sword Style "Severing the Sky"!

The thin sword mark was the Imperial Sword Style "Retrieving the Moon"!

Although he had only comprehended superficial aspects, as the information poured in after recording them, Li Hao seemed to faintly see two sword energies, piercing down from the vast sky, leaving two sword marks in the void before his eyes!

That majestic aura and sword momentum made him, besides sensing the power of the Imperial Sword, also faintly feel a trace of Imperial Intent.

Li Hao's eyes flickered. He stopped in place, falling into thought.

Yun Wumian and Elder Li and others' gazes all landed on this youth. Everyone was striving, yet he alone was not, inevitably seeming somewhat different.

"Kid, what are you thinking about?"

Elder Li couldn't help but urge him through sound transmission, "There's only half a year, what are you spacing out for!"

Li Hao came back to his senses, glanced at him, and then looked up at the two steles with sword marks again. His comprehension was already finished. Staying here any longer had no meaning, it would only be wasting half a year of time for nothing.

"Abyss Lord, can I leave the mountain early?"

Li Hao looked towards the Abyss Lord, slightly bowed and cupped his hands in salute, asking.

Hearing the youth's words, the scene instantly became silent. Elder Li's throat seemed to be cut off, staring blankly at Li Hao, doubting if there was something wrong with his ears.

What nonsense? He had just arrived at Imperial Sword Mountain and wanted to descend? And early?

Imperial Sword Intent had been revealed for ten thousand years. Generation after generation of disciples came to comprehend it. There had never been anyone who said they wanted to leave early.

After all, the longer one stayed, the more one could comprehend. Who would waste this precious opportunity?

Yun Wumian was also somewhat stunned. Obviously, this situation was encountered and heard for the first time. He was usually calm and detached. Even if millions of ancient demon armies were sweeping before his eyes, he wouldn't change color. At this moment, he rarely revealed a hint of surprise, asking:

"Why? Do you feel that you cannot comprehend, or do you think you have already grasped it?"

Li Hao slightly shook his head. Saying that he had already grasped it would be too arrogant. After all, he had only glanced at it, and only grasped some superficial aspects.

"I have come, seen, and now I want to do something more meaningful."

Li Hao said.

Yun Wumian's eyes narrowed slightly. Hearing the youth's meaning, he was actually going to turn around and descend the mountain immediately.

"Something more meaningful? What is that?"

He couldn't help but feel a bit curious, asking.

Li Hao glanced at the backs of the many disciples who had already sat down and were comprehending before the steles with sword marks, withdrew his gaze, and turned to look down Imperial Sword Mountain, saying:

"To play a game of chess, paint a picture, eat a delicious meal, and perhaps carve some small things."

The youth's clear voice gently echoed before the thatched hut on the Imperial Sword Mountain top.

Simple words, put together, spoken from the youth's mouth, made Elder Li and Elder Zhou Qingyun and other elders all dumbfounded, wide-eyed in astonishment.

In that youth's view, these commonplace and simple things, to him, could actually be more meaningful than comprehending Imperial Sword Intent?

Yun Wumian also hadn't expected the youth to say this. He was somewhat stunned. When he saw the youth's sincere and clear eyes, he suddenly realized that the other party was not lying, and these words were not prevarication or a perfunctory excuse.

When all the Sword Abyss Heaven's Chosen disciples were rushing to ascend the mountain, this youth only glanced at the Imperial Sword Intent and was actually turning around, descending the mountain, rushing down from that summit.

Yun Wumian was silent. Such a youth, he had only seen in his life.

If he hadn't witnessed the invincible scene of that youth defeating the Ancestral Dragon with a single sword strike, he would have only considered this youth a foolish and stupid kid.

But that sword strike told him that this youth was not only not stupid, but also possessed peerless comprehension and intelligence.

Now, he seemed to see again that this youth also possessed a rare, unique, and extraordinary disposition.

However, he was also unsure whether this disposition was good or bad.

But, it was interesting.

He slowly said, "You are called Haotian?"

"Yes."

The youth nodded.

"What is your surname? What prestigious family are you from?"

"Surname Hao, given name Tian, no prestigious family. To this world, I came alone."

Li Hao said calmly and frankly.

"Hao…"

Yun Wumian's mind searched for such a prestigious family, discovering that there was indeed no major family with the surname Hao. He said softly, "To dare to use 'Tian' (Heaven) as your name, what a grand temperament!"

"Heaven begets and earth nurtures, using a name to revere Heaven, what is unacceptable about that?"

Li Hao said.

Yun Wumian's eyes flickered slightly, gazing at the youth's calm eyes. His gaze suddenly became much gentler, saying:

"According to Elder Li, you only became a disciple of Sword Abyss two years ago. You have some kind of power on you that draws on the rules of the Heavenly Dao, faintly discernible. Even I find it difficult to see your true cultivation level, unless you reveal immortal power. Do you know this is a very dangerous thing?"

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, immediately realizing that he was talking about his Myriad Forms Attribute.

Under the cover of the Myriad Forms Attribute, it could help him conceal his realm.

Unless he actively revealed his aura.

And Li Hao instantly understood the meaning of the other party's words.

Even an Immortal King had such difficulty peering into him. They would definitely suspect that he possessed some rare treasure!

"As Heaven's Chosen, each having their own opportunities is commonplace. I will not inquire about yours."

Yun Wumian's voice was soft and gentle, saying: "But remember, you became a disciple of my Great Dream Sword Abyss, you are a person of my Sword Abyss. If you have any difficulties, Sword Abyss is your backing. No one can bypass Sword Abyss to harm you!"

Li Hao was stunned. He gazed at this Abyss Lord, then cupped his hands and bowed in worship: "Disciple will remember!"

Yun Wumian rarely showed a smile on his face. In the eyes of Elder Li and others, it made them all reveal surprised expressions.

"The early opening of Imperial Sword Mountain this time, to let you all comprehend sword intent, young one, do you know why?"

Yun Wumian said.

Li Hao's heart stirred, saying: "Is it related to the Southern Domain Grand Tournament? To cultivate disciples in advance?"

Yun Wumian glanced at Elder Li. Elder Li had an expression of grievance, indicating that he had not revealed the news in advance.

"Correct, the Southern Domain Grand Tournament, Nine Great Immortal Dynasties, many Heavenly and Earthly Sects' Heaven's Chosen, and those monstrous talents in the Heavenly Palace, will all compete."

Yun Wumian looked at Li Hao with a smile, "Those within three thousand years of soul lifespan can participate in the battle, and this battle will concern the ranking of the entire Southern Domain sects' status, the allocation of immortal vein resources, and many other benefits. Therefore, all sects are vying for it!"

Li Hao nodded, able to imagine how intense that Southern Domain Grand Tournament would be.

"But besides for the sects, for the participants themselves, there are also great benefits."

A light emerged in Yun Wumian's eyes, softly saying, "If you can enter the top ten, you will have the opportunity to enter the Chaos True World to cultivate."

"Chaos True World?"

Li Hao asked in confusion.

Seeing that Li Hao didn't even know about the Chaos True World, Yun Wumian was slightly startled, then chuckled wryly. This time he truly believed that Li Hao had no prestigious family background.

However, to be able to reach this step, reach before him, alone, was somewhat unbelievable.

"Indeed, that is a holy land of cultivation that even imperial clan descendants are vying for. There, you can touch the Chaos Great Dao, comprehending other Great Daos is also easier. Countless sects, families, and even disciples under that Supreme One of the Heavenly Palace all yearn to enter the Chaos True World, but the number of places is limited…"

Yun Wumian looked at Li Hao, smiling lightly, "You must properly seize this opportunity."

Hearing this, Li Hao immediately understood, nodding, "I will."

Seeing Li Hao's such calm reaction, Yun Wumian asked, "Do you still want to descend the mountain now?"

"Descend the mountain."

The youth's reply made Yun Wumian feel somewhat helpless in his heart.

"Why?"

"Because descending the mountain is more meaningful."

The youth said seriously.

Yun Wumian met his gaze, suddenly realizing that his introduction and encouragement just now seemed to be wasted effort.

But, inexplicably, he also wasn't angry. Perhaps it was that youth's gaze was too pure, making him actually somewhat believe that what the other party wanted to do, seemed to be truly meaningful.

Perhaps, to this youth, it was so.

Yun Wumian shook his head with a smile, saying, "Go then. If you have any needs, just tell Elder Li."

Saying so, he turned around and returned to the tea table before the thatched hut to sit down. It had been a long time since he had spoken so many words in one breath, he felt his mouth somewhat dry.

Li Hao cupped his hands and bowed farewell, then waved goodbye to old man Li, and turned to descend the mountain.

"Haotian, you really want to descend the mountain?"

When Elder Li saw Li Hao's action, he immediately woke up and couldn't help but become anxious.

The youth "mm"ed and with one leap from the mountaintop, disappeared before their eyes.

Elder Li's footstep chasing after him paused, blankly watching this scene.

But he quickly chased out again, wanting to chase the youth back. Zhou Qingyun however, pressed his shoulder, shaking his head, "Don't chase after him. That child is the one you spoke of with the Dao Heart resonating nine times, right? With such a Dao Heart, his mind is even higher than yours. In my view, that child should already have gained something, and wants to digest it on his own."

Elder Li was stunned, looking at him suspiciously.

Zhou Qingyun said unhappily, "You don't know how that child passed the seventh level, you really are a failed master."

Only then did Elder Li realize, that kid being able to climb up was beyond his expectations, he still didn't know how he had climbed up.

"How did he pass the seventh level? The Ancestral Dragon isn't that easy to deal with." Elder Li hurriedly asked.

Zhou Qingyun shrugged, "How else could he pass? He just walked over."

"Speak properly!"

"Hey, still getting anxious, your good disciple, almost split the Ancestral Dragon to death with one sword strike, and then walked over grandly, understand now?" Zhou Qingyun had an unhappy look, but his eyes were full of envy.

Receiving a Calamity Clan, he was a bit envious.

Receiving a born Sword Immortal Body, he was jealous.

Now another such monstrous talent came, he really wanted to strangle this old fellow!

Elder Li's body shook when he heard his words, blankly frozen in place.

One sword strike almost splitting the Ancestral Dragon to death? That scene, he couldn't imagine, but it seemed he could barely imagine what kind of scene it was.

That kid… was that powerful?

Elder Li looked towards the old woman, seeing the eye-roll she gave, immediately confirmed that this old fellow Zhou Qingyun was not lying.

He couldn't help but become excited. He knew that Li Hao was only at the True Immortal Realm level three. With level three immortal power, being able to defeat the Ancestral Dragon with a single sword strike, wouldn't this mean he had the potential to contend for invincibility in the True Immortal Realm?

"That kid is the most deeply hidden one. In my view, if they truly fought, that Sword Immortal Body kid might not necessarily be his opponent."

Zhou Qingyun stroked his beard, saying.

Elder Li's heart skipped a beat, then his heart pounded wildly. He no longer paid attention to Zhou Qingyun, came before Yun Wumian by the thatched hut's tea table, saying:

"Abyss Lord, is that really so? That child…"

Yun Wumian held his teacup, gently took a sip, slightly nodded, his expression not appearing as cold as usual, with more gentleness in his eyes.

"Indeed is a rare sword seedling, compared to ancient immortal lineages…"

He finished drinking the teacup, and then said two words: "Not inferior."

Just these two words made Elder Li tremble with excitement, his whole body shaking. He knew that everything that happened on Imperial Sword Mountain couldn't be hidden from this Abyss Lord, and also knew that to be able to receive such an evaluation from the other party, it must be extremely true.

"Being able to accept these two disciples, your contribution to Sword Abyss this time is great. After this Southern Domain Grand Tournament ends, you can ask for anything you want."

Yun Wumian looked towards Elder Li, saying peacefully.

Elder Li was so excited that his voice was somewhat trembling, but his eyes became inexplicably moist at this moment. He bit his lip, saying:

"I only want Great Dream Sword Abyss, to return to Heavenly Unity Sect, to restore the glory of ten thousand years ago!"

Hearing these words, Yun Wumian fell silent.

He looked at the old man's tearful appearance, his eyes also seemed to have a hint of emotion. He looked up at the two steles with sword marks standing in the distance, his eyes carrying vicissitudes and nostalgia:

"Yes, I also want…"

His soft murmur made Elder Li's body tremble slightly.

"Immortal Emperor Lord has fallen, that Supreme One sits in the Southern Domain, wanting to eradicate all traces of the Emperor. The Ten Great Immortal Arts of the past are almost断了传承 (duàn le chuán chéng – broken in inheritance/lost their lineage). I don't know where that youth learned them from…"

Light like ten thousand stars seemed to flicker within Yun Wumian's eyes, saying faintly, "My Great Dream Sword Abyss has been cautious these years, not committing offenses, not causing trouble, only so as not to give that Supreme One any handle to grasp. Great Dream Sword Abyss not only must survive, but also return to the position that once belonged to us, proving that the Emperor's legacy is not extinguished, Immortal Emperor Lord will not be buried by time…"

These words seemed to speak out what was in Elder Li's heart, making him so excited that he almost wept.

Ten thousand years. That battle was earth-shattering. The Emperor Lord fell. Since the war ended ten thousand years ago, that Supreme One has solely controlled the Southern Domain.

The imperial traces of the past are silently being covered up.

The countless hot blood shed in that battle seemed to also be gathering dust in the years of time, distorted and slandered by those with ulterior motives.

Many people had long forgotten that today's Southern Domain could exist because of the countless corpses buried in the void river on the Southern Domain border.

"Abyss Lord has the heart. Old Li only has one wish in this life, is to be able to see Great Dream Sword Abyss, return to Heavenly Unity Sect. That should have belonged to us, we followed the Immortal Emperor, how could we disgrace the glory of the Imperial Dao!"

Elder Li wiped his eyes, quickly收拢 (shōu lǒng – gathered, contained) his emotions, lowered his head and bit his lip, saying.

Yun Wumian slightly nodded, the trace of vicissitudes and emotion at the bottom of his eyes also quickly收起 (shōu qǐ – put away, gathered up), these ten thousand years of suffering, they had long learned to suppress and restrain the thoughts in their hearts, not giving that Supreme One any handle or opportunity to seize.

"Is there still a while before the Southern Domain Grand Tournament? Do those two children have a chance?"

Elder Li asked again.

Yun Wumian's eyes flickered slightly, looking towards the Sword Immortal Body youth's back before the steles with sword marks, nodding,

"Fifty percent."

Fifty percent, that is half.

Elder Li took a deep breath, a strong motivation emerging in his eyes. He immediately said, "I'll go check on that kid first, see just what he wants to do."

Yun Wumian slightly raised his hand, "That child's talent and comprehension are not inferior to the Sword Immortal Body, only his temperament is a bit indifferent. However, perhaps it is precisely this temperament that allows him to reach here. You also don't need to change him. When the time comes, however much he performs, let it be according to his own mood. If he needs any cultivation resources, you just provide them as you wish, come find me later."

Elder Li was slightly stunned, wanting to say something but stopped.

Yun Wumian slightly shook his head and said softly, "The burdens we carry on our shoulders have bent us out of shape, don't let those children also be bent out of shape."

Elder Li was stunned, lowered his head and was silent, no longer speaking.

Imperial Sword Mountain Foot.

Li Hao said he was descending the mountain, and he really did descend the mountain.

However, when he reached the foot of the mountain, he saw that in the merged first level of Imperial Sword Mountain, there was actually a void rift.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised, using the power of space origin, prying open that void rift and drilling inside.

As soon as he entered, he saw that there was actually a vast天地 (tiān dì – heaven and earth, world), just like the previous first level of Imperial Sword Mountain, identical.

The original space was only compressed to a sliver of a gap, but inside was a whole universe.

Li Hao felt surprised, and immediately sensed the spirit race aura in the air, his eyes lighting up, immediately heading to that cliff valley.

"Hmm?"

Before the cliff valley, the spirit race old man and Aling, as well as the spirit race middle-aged man, were still sitting here.

The Abyss Lord hadn't released them, they could only continue waiting quietly here.

Sensing Li Hao's aura, the three were all surprised, looking up.

"Why are you here?"

The spirit race old man asked in surprise.

Li Hao smiled, "Passing by, saw you were still here, just came to take a look."

"You went to the mountaintop?"

Aling couldn't help but ask, her eyes wide, with curiosity.

Li Hao nodded, "Went to take a look."

"How was it?"

"Many people, very majestic." Li Hao said.

Hearing these words, the three couldn't help but chuckle. Imperial Sword Mountain, which countless people yearned to ascend, was just these six words in this youth's mouth?

"After reaching the summit, isn't one able to comprehend the Imperial Sword Intent?" Aling covered her mouth and smiled, then asked.

"I've already finished comprehending, so I'll descend the mountain first."

Li Hao said.

"Can it be said that one has finished comprehending?" Aling couldn't help but feel a little amused, saying, "Isn't it that the longer you comprehend, the more you understand?"

That's what they say… Li Hao nodded, saying, "But I'm dull-witted, and have no patience, so I can only slip away first."

"If you are dull-witted, then there are not many who can be considered intelligent."

Aling said unhappily. To be able to block her sword with just a physical immortal body was not anything dull-witted, and Li Hao was only at the True Immortal Realm level three.

At this time, having been prompted by Yun Wumian, Li Hao had already put away the Myriad Forms Attribute.

"Enough talk, let's play chess." Li Hao said.

"Your addiction is quite large." The spirit race old man couldn't help but find it funny, not going to comprehend Imperial Sword Intent, running to play chess, he also couldn't understand it.

"Only by winning against you can I quench my thirst." Li Hao laughed loudly.

"Then you should still go comprehend Imperial Sword Intent, it'd be easier." The spirit race old man said humorously.

…

Imperial Sword Mountain Top, two steles with sword marks stood tall.

Many disciples were staring intently at the steles in comprehension, forgetting themselves and everything else.

Time flowed by in a hurry, in the blink of an eye, half a year passed.

Yun Wumian appeared, calling everyone awake from their contemplation, raised his hand and pressed the two steles with sword marks back into Imperial Sword Mountain.

Along with the rumbling sounds, everyone awakened.

"It's time to descend the mountain."

Yun Wumian said.

Everyone looked at each other, some eyes still revealing blankness, in their minds, only those sword marks remained.

"Is it already over?"

"Half a year has passed?"

"I, I haven't felt anything yet, I only felt a bit of sword momentum."

"…"

The disciples rose, some wailing, some clutching their heads, and some closing their eyes, constantly recalling, afraid of forgetting.

"Let's go, other abyss disciples have already gathered, it's time for us to set off as well."

Elder Li and other elders approached, each calling their own disciples to their side.

(End of chapter)