Chapter 459 Tenth!

At this moment, the heavenly talents chosen from all the Heavenly and Earthly Sects were standing before this majestic, mountain-like black stele.

Around the black stele, faint lightning flickered, drawn and absorbed by the stele, transmitting purple electric light like fire on the stele, extending into the ground.

Nine dragon carriages soared and arrived, positioned on both sides of the black stele, lined up in order. Twenty-seven Ancestral Dragons, their massive bodies filling the sky, brought immense shock and awe to the disciples.

On the central dragon carriage, all three Ancestral Dragons had golden scales, their dragon whiskers fluttering in the wind. Their size and imposing presence were even more formidable, seemingly having reached the Perfected Tenth Level of the True Immortal Realm.

Among the numerous heavenly talents present, many might not even be able to defeat one of these mounts.

On the dragon carriage was a tall and imposing youth, clad in golden divine armor and imperial robes. He stood tall, overlooking everyone with a condescending gaze. The space around him seemed frozen, carrying a sense of oppression that could eclipse the heavens.

"The Ancient Immortal Realm is a place where our ancestors once cultivated."

That cold and dignified voice slowly spoke from the mouth of the Third Prince, Chu Xiangtian, "You heavenly talents come from various sects and schools, all are dragons and phoenixes among men. But if you wish to represent my dynasty in the Southern Domain War, you must be truly top-tier geniuses!"

"There are only one thousand slots for the battle!"

"The rest will be eliminated and return to your respective sects to continue your cultivation."

Chu Xiangtian's words were sharp and cold, filled with mercilessness.

These words immediately shocked the disciples of the various sects present, and they looked at each other in dismay.

There were nearly twenty thousand people present, yet only one thousand would be selected?

Wouldn't that mean only one out of twenty people would advance?

One must know that those who could reach this point were already the most outstanding prodigies selected by their sects. Yet they still had to face elimination, and might not even have the chance to appear in the Southern Domain.

"Heaven beyond heaven, people beyond people. I believe true heavenly talents are not afraid of challenges, but only hope that challenges come even more fiercely."

Chu Xiangtian ignored the discussions below and said coldly, "The Ancient Immortal Realm has forty-nine Desolate Regions. Even Immortal Kings cannot traverse them all. The more Desolate Regions you pass, the higher your score. If more than a thousand people stop in the same Desolate Region, then it will be judged by who can stay longer!"

"If you can pass the tenth Desolate Region, you will directly represent my Great Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty in the war, and receive a generous reward from my Imperial Family!"

Hearing this, everyone couldn't help but look towards the Desolate Regions. Just passing the tenth Desolate Region was enough?

But everyone realized that these Desolate Regions were extremely extraordinary. Even Immortal Kings couldn't traverse all forty-nine, showing how terrifying they were!

"I didn't expect the Yan Chu Dynasty to use such a harsh selection method this time."

Li Tiemu frowned slightly. He had a premonition when the other side opened the Ancient Immortal Secret Realm earlier.

"Master, are these Desolate Regions very difficult? What dangers are inside?"

Murong Qingwu asked.

Among the four present, her status was considered the highest. Ranked fifth among the disciples, she was Li Hao and the others' senior sister, so she took the lead in asking about many things for her junior brothers and sisters.

Li Hao and Yuexi both looked at Old Man Li, their faces full of curiosity.

"There are chaotic Great Dao origins within these Desolate Regions, as well as primitive immortal techniques left behind by ancient immortals. You will be attacked from all directions at any time."

Li Tiemu sighed, "The Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty once placed this secret realm on a certain border, luring ancient demons inside, killing a large number of them, and making a name for themselves since then."

"Generally speaking, the limit for those in the True Immortal Realm is at most stepping into the tenth Desolate Region. Therefore, he said that being able to pass the tenth Desolate Region would directly grant a battle slot."

Hearing this, Murong Qingwu pondered slightly, then said in surprise, "Doesn't that mean each realm corresponds to a Desolate Region? We all have the power to defeat Ancestral Dragons, so even the Tenth Level of True Immortal Realm shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

Li Tiemu smiled wryly, "That's true, but what I said was the limit. Normally, even a First Level True Immortal Realm cultivator might not be able to stay in the first Desolate Region for long. In other words, even the Ninth Level True Immortal Realm Ancestral Dragon you encountered in Emperor Sword Mountain might only be able to barely stay in the ninth Desolate Region!"

"Those who can stay in the corresponding Desolate Region for a long time basically have top-tier strength within the same realm. It's not something that can be done just by casually reaching the corresponding realm."

Hearing this, Murong Qingwu and Yuexi seemed thoughtful.

Li Hao was surprised in his heart. These Desolate Regions were divided so meticulously. Could it be that a powerful figure had arranged them behind the scenes, setting the level of danger for each Desolate Region like a game of chess?

"The Ancient Immortal Realm will be open for three years!"

At this time, Chu Xiangtian, standing on the dragon carriage, slowly said, "Within these three years, you can freely enter and exit the secret realm. If you fail in the challenge, you can also return to your own cultivation. But when the three years end, those ranked outside the top thousand will all be eliminated!"

"You only have three years, strive hard."

Saying this, Chu Xiangtian glanced at the several Heavenly One Sect elders, nodded slightly to them, and then rode the dragon carriage, soaring into the clouds above the Ancient Immortal Realm, his figure disappearing.

On the remaining eight dragon carriages, figures like royal guards flew down, emitting terrifying auras. They were all at the Perfected Tenth Level of the True Immortal Realm, their momentum at its peak, far surpassing others of the same realm.

They distributed secret realm tokens to the disciples of each sect, who could use these tokens to travel through the realm.

At the same time, they announced the detailed rules, such as the secret realm serial number of each challenger, which would be recorded on this black immortal stele.

In this way, others could also learn their ranking through this black immortal stele.

Not long after Chu Xiangtian flew into the clouds, a group of figures dressed in luxurious clothing, with imposing manners, slowly flew into the secret realm from outside.

They were both men and women, wearing armor and helmets, all looking extravagantly noble. Their brows were cold, and their eyes carried an unattainable aloofness and indifference.

These people arrived here, just glanced at Li Hao and the others, and then went straight towards the Desolate Regions.

Soon, serial numbers appeared on the black immortal stele.

There were a total of over a hundred people, and their serial numbers were from one to one hundred.

"Who are they?"

"They don't seem to be disciples of Heavenly Sects."

"Keep your voice down, they are from the Imperial Family. Some are princes and princesses, and some are direct descendants of marquises."

On the open ground outside the Desolate Regions, people whispered, and then they saw the group of figures flying into the Desolate Regions.

The red mist in the Desolate Regions seemed to suddenly become thicker, engulfing their figures and also obscuring everyone's vision, preventing even divine senses from penetrating.

And from the dense red mist, bursts of thunder rumbled, seemingly more intense and louder than before.

"The Imperial Family also wants to compete for these thousand slots?"

"Nonsense, the Imperial Family also needs to make a name for themselves in the Southern Domain. Does the Imperial Family not cultivate?"

"In that case, wouldn't our chances be even smaller!"

"What are you afraid of? The capable shall prevail. Who is afraid of whom? At worst, we just compete!"

The disciples of the various sects all seemed full of fighting spirit.

Soon, the five Heavenly One Sect elders in front seemed to have finished their instructions. Disciples from their sect successively soared away, rushing into the dense red mist Desolate Regions.

"You guys go try it first, see where you can go. Remember not to be reckless and don't get injured, otherwise you will really miss out."

Li Tiemu said to Li Hao and the others.

Li Hao and the others nodded. Murong Qingwu and Yuexi were both eager to try. Li Hao was also a bit curious and wanted to explore.

Soon, as a large number of figures entered the Desolate Regions, Murong Qingwu said, "Shall we go too?"

Saying that, she stood up and flew after them.

Yuexi, unwilling to be outdone, followed closely behind.

Gu Yan, without saying a word, had already rushed out like a teleporting shadow.

Seeing that they were all so eager to set off, Li Hao quickly followed.

When they arrived at the first Desolate Region with the crowd, Li Hao immediately felt that the surrounding world was somewhat different. A strong sense of restraint and inexplicable danger tightly enveloped his body.

Boom!

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning exploded beside Li Hao without warning and struck down towards him.

But the moment this lightning appeared, Li Hao had already captured the wave's trace through the Space Origin. Although the thunderbolt was extremely sudden, he swayed slightly and easily dodged it.

"The origin of the Great Dao is so chaotic, no wonder it collides to create danger…"

Li Hao sensed his surroundings and found this was a place of chaos. It would be even more difficult to comprehend the origin of the Great Dao here, like a messy canvas board, no longer suitable for continuing to paint on.

Moreover, immortal energy was thin here, also unsuitable for cultivation, just pure danger.

While Li Hao was carefully sensing his surroundings, Murong Qingwu, Yuexi, and Gu Yan had already rushed deeper and disappeared without a trace.

Around him were disciples from other sects. Some suddenly had raging flames erupting around their bodies, burning them, but the flames were quickly extinguished. They were just slightly disheveled but unharmed.

Seeing this, Li Hao didn't linger and teleported deeper.

This Desolate Region was only about a hundred miles across, but the space here was dense. Even with Return to Void Teleportation, the distance was greatly shortened. Fortunately, Li Hao mastered the Space Origin, and two teleportations could directly cross a Desolate Region.

When he reached the boundary line, there seemed to be a barrier of Dao mist. After passing through, Li Hao felt the pressure around him become even stronger.

However, it still didn't have much impact on him.

Li Hao continued to teleport quickly.

Return to Void Teleportation, combined with the Fourth Layer Space Origin, in the blink of an eye, Li Hao had continuously traversed five Desolate Regions.

"Who is that?"

At this time, in front of the black immortal stele outside, there were still a group of disciples watching. At the same time, the elders of the various sects were also still staying here, waiting for their own disciples.

They were watching the black immortal stele. Ranked at the top were those imperial family members who had entered first, their identity serial numbers were all in the top hundred. The rest were disciples from various sects.

"Quick, look, that serial number is climbing so fast, this speed…it reached the sixth Desolate Region in the blink of an eye?"

Some people were looking for their own disciples' serial numbers, but before finding their own, they saw a serial number climbing at an astonishing speed.

Li Tiemu was also closely watching. When he saw that the rapidly jumping serial number was 996, he was immediately stunned. Then a smile appeared on his face. It was that kid. He was really fast, reaching the sixth Desolate Region in just a few breaths.

No wonder he could climb Emperor Sword Mountain without anyone noticing. This unassuming brat…

His gaze then swept to other positions. With his divine sense, he quickly locked onto the serial numbers of Yuexi, Gu Yan, and the others. Seeing that they were still in the fifth Desolate Region, already surpassed by Li Hao.

"That kid, finally stopped acting."

Li Tiemu laughed.

He originally thought picking up Gu Yan was already a treasure, but this brat with the nine Dao Heart rings showed even more surprise and exceeded his expectations.

In this short moment, serial number 996 quickly climbed again, reaching the eighth Desolate Region.

This time, the serial number directly jumped to 48th place!

Among the top hundred serial numbers, there were only a few numbers greater than one hundred. This 996 at the 48th position appeared very abrupt and conspicuous. It was quickly noticed by people, after all, it was a three-digit number.

"Which sect's disciple is this, so fierce?"

"Such speed, he has even caught up with the Imperial Family."

"Eighth Desolate Region, people who can stand there are enough to suppress some True Immortal Realm Tenth Level elites outside, right?"

Various sects were discussing and marveling at the serial number 996.

At this time, in the clouds high above the Ancient Immortal Realm.

More than a dozen figures gathered here, all with upright postures, full of mysterious and powerful presence.

Among them, Chu Xiangtian stood on a dragon carriage, also came here, and looked down at the situation in the Desolate Regions below with the others.

"Everyone, how is it? Are there any disciples from major sects that you have taken a liking to?"

Chu Xiangtian said indifferently.

"I heard that Tian Hongyi from the Myriad Mountain Sword Pavilion has already pledged allegiance to Brother Yun Jin. Brother really acts fast!"

"That Tian Hongyi has already rushed to the ninth Desolate Region, ranking 32nd!"

"I heard he is already in the Immortal Lord Realm. It's normal to have such speed."

"Bloodline of the Imperial Clan, Immortal Lord Realm cultivation, this son also won the first place in the Myriad Mountain Sword Pavilion's Sword Tower Climb. He will definitely make a name for himself in this Southern Domain War."

"That Starfall Immortal Maiden from the Star Palace is also very powerful. It is said that she is a congenital Dao body born from a fruit that grew on an ancient tree in a certain Chaos Star."

"She has already reached 26th place."

More than a dozen figures were paying attention to the movements below, casually talking and discussing.

They were full of noble aura, untainted by dust, as if even starlight falling on them would cause them to be stained and dusty.

"Hmm? There's a serial number climbing really fast!"

"Which sect's disciple is that? I also noticed him. He's also reached the ninth Desolate Region, actually ranked above Little Brother Long Xiao."

At the 41st position, a serial number was very eye-catching, causing them all to notice it.

At this time, in the ninth Desolate Region.

Li Hao felt the dense pressure around him, as if he was in the deep sea, and couldn't help but sigh in admiration.

In this ninth Desolate Region, he also felt resistance to his movements. It was much stronger than the eighth Desolate Region.

And here, his divine sense was also suppressed to about ten miles around him. Combined with the fragmented space here, although it looked like one Desolate Region, the fragmented spaces inside actually had a huge area.

"It's simply a chaotic and broken place…"

Li Hao sighed in his heart.

But his steps didn't stop. Chaotic and fragmented space would make others lose their way and wander in circles, but with his Fourth Layer Space Origin, he could clearly capture the traces of these fragmented spaces and find the correct path.

Whoosh!

His figure continuously teleported, jumping through fragmented spaces. The surrounding origin of the Great Dao suddenly attacked, manifesting as a ferocious dragon head, without a body, but the roaring momentum was even more terrifying than an Ancestral Dragon.

Li Hao raised his hand and waved, a sword light instantly slashed out, shattering the origin of the Great Dao. Then he quickly stepped forward.

After seven or eight consecutive teleportations, Li Hao came to the edge of a mist wall.

This mist wall was not as easy to break through as before. A very strong sense of danger gathered in the mist, like countless incomplete Great Dao origins, gathered inside, waiting for someone to step in.

Li Hao raised his hand, immortal power condensed at his fingertip, and his eyes instantly changed from peaceful to sharp.

Azure Heaven Sword Slash!

The mist wall was instantly torn open, revealing a gap. Li Hao stepped out and passed through, arriving at the tenth Desolate Region.

In an instant, he felt like he had stepped into a swamp.

The pressure around him instantly became heavier, like millions of pounds of sandbags wrapped around his body, pressing down on him.

"Hmm?"

As Li Hao carefully sensed his surroundings, looking around curiously, a slightly surprised voice came.

Li Hao followed the sound and looked over, seeing a beautiful girl in a colorful dress, with star and moon symbols on her skirt, standing at the mist wall beside him.

The girl looked at Li Hao with surprise. She noticed that the young man's attire did not have the aura of the Imperial Family.

But to be able to reach the tenth Desolate Region at such speed, in her impression, only those Heavenly One Sect guys could do it.

Where did this one come from?

"Uh, hello."

Li Hao greeted in a very formal manner.

The girl raised her eyebrows slightly, and then noticed Li Hao's cultivation realm.

Third Level of True Immortal Realm?

(End of chapter)