Chapter 464: Langya Painting Realm

"Hmm?"

Lin Mingrong slightly raised her eyebrows and said, "Junior Brother, don't talk nonsense. Just now, your master, Elder Li, didn't seem to mention you."

"He told me secretly."

Li Hao said helplessly, "Senior Sister, just go your way. I'll follow you, and if anything happens, I'll take responsibility."

Seeing Li Hao say this, Lin Mingrong frowned. Such a clumsy excuse, she couldn't even be bothered to debunk it. But since he said he would take responsibility and wasn't a disciple of her master, so it wouldn't implicate her, she decided to ignore him.

"Suit yourself."

She tossed out those words, then turned and strode away.

They passed through a small courtyard filled with the fragrance of flowers, where attendants stood at the entrance to greet Li Hao and Lin Mingrong.

Behind the courtyard was a palace like a splash-ink landscape painting. The palace was enveloped in a barrier, and the immortal energy here was rich, with Dao energy flowing. Merely standing there, one could almost feel the very origin of the Great Dao.

As Li Hao stepped onto the long staircase outside the palace, he was astonished by the landscape painting before him.

When he looked up and around, seeing the colorful clouds in the sky, the warm, golden, yet not blinding sun, and the winding, drifting colored clouds, he instantly realized that this wasn't a palace, but... a painting!

Except for the majestic palace in front of him, everything around was a painting!

Such exquisite painting skills! Li Hao was somewhat amazed. Although he could also paint dragons, phoenixes, and other demons and give them combat power, the natural and seamless world before him clearly demonstrated painting skills superior to his own.

"Hmm?"

Lin Mingrong, sensing the footsteps behind her stopping, frowned slightly. Seeing Li Hao pausing, she said, "It's not too late to regret it now. There's no need to be a hero. You're still young, go back."

Li Hao was taken aback, hearing her inexplicable words, he immediately realized that her misunderstanding hadn't been resolved. He shook his head and said, "You go ahead first."

Saying this, regardless of her furrowed brows, he turned and walked towards the pond and trees beside him.

Ripples spread across the pond's surface, and fish swam vividly in the water.

But Li Hao saw at a glance that it was all painted.

The leaves on the trees were turning yellow, fluttering in the wind, swaying and struggling in the breeze before reluctantly falling from the branches.

This was also a painting.

The painter's art already possessed life force.

At this moment, Li Hao was like a devout apprentice, like a sword enthusiast in the face of the strongest sword saint, his heart filled with surging emotions, amazement, and fascination.

His painting Dao was at the eleventh stage, just barely able to sense the skill and refinement in these paintings.

Space, water, earth, and other layers were integrated into it, and even a hint of the essence of time was present.

Just relying on painting to incorporate so many essences of the Great Dao, the strength of this Great Dream Master must be unfathomable and terrifyingly strong.

Moreover, Li Hao faintly felt that the rich immortal energy surrounding the palace seemed... to be painted as well.

If that were true, it would be truly heaven-defying!

Li Hao stood by the pond, like a casual visitor who had wandered there, craning his neck to look around at the beautiful scenery, his eyes filled only with amazement and fascination.

And everything in the palace and painting realm was presented in the eyes of a pair of dreamlike eyes at the highest point of the palace.

She sat in a refined pavilion atop the palace, her face veiled with a thin gauze, her eyes as dreamy and ethereal as the aurora, overlooking all the disciples who entered her painting realm. Among them, the youth standing by the pond, tiptoeing and looking around, was particularly striking.

The astonishment and fascination in the youth's eyes caused a slight ripple in those eyes that had been calm for tens of thousands of years.

A gentle breeze lifted the veil on her face, seeming to reveal a faint smile.

After a long while.

Outside the palace, disciples from other abysses also successively arrived in the painting realm and entered the palace.

The attendants serving at the palace gate noticed the youth still gazing into the distance by the pond. A strange expression appeared on their faces as they stepped forward to greet him and invite him into the palace.

Li Hao came back to his senses, finally remembering his purpose. Reluctantly, he followed the attendant into the palace.

The palace was majestic and enormous, about a thousand feet tall. Standing at the entrance, Li Hao felt like an ant entering a giant's world, like a speck of dust.

He saw twelve figures standing not far ahead. Including Li Hao, there were thirteen people in total.

This was also the total number of disciples from the Great Dream Nine Abysses who had ranked within the top thousand in the Ancient Immortal Realm this time.

Seeing that Li Hao actually dared to come up, Lin Mingrong frowned, but said nothing more.

Just as Li Hao arrived, a hazy, misty light suddenly arose in the dimly lit palace, and then a projected illusory figure, formed as if by gathering starlight, appeared in the palace. It was the Great Dream Master.

She wore a veil, her figure exquisite, like a ethereal immortal banished from heaven, yet also like an empress who possessed the world and looked down upon everything.

"I am pleased that you were able to pass the test of the Yan Chu royal family. The future of the Great Dream Nine Abysses rests on your shoulders."

The Great Dream Master's voice was gentle, like rain, permeating everyone's hearts, yet it also carried an undeniable majesty that made people bow their heads involuntarily.

"There are still three years. You must not slacken and be overtaken by others. The situation is still uncertain, and dragons and snakes are rising together, all vying for dominance!"

The disciples bowed their heads, feeling the warmth and approachability, as well as the inviolable divine威严.

"These are thirteen Flying Immortal Pills. You should know their effects. True Immortals can only take two in their lifetime, and each one can directly break through a realm!"

In an instant, thirteen snow-white and crystalline pills flew to Li Hao and the others.

The rich fragrance of the pills spread around, making people feel refreshed, as if their pores were opening.

Li Hao was surprised in his heart. He hadn't expected such top-tier immortal pills that could directly break through a realm!

A limit of two pills... In other words, True Immortals only need to cultivate to the eighth level of True Immortality to reach the tenth level of perfection?

However, such immortal pills must be extremely precious and in short supply. It was estimated that only major powers could produce some as rewards.

Seeing the Flying Immortal Pills, Lin Mingrong and the other disciples were somewhat moved. Many of them were in the seventh to ninth levels of True Immortality. If they obtained a Flying Immortal Pill, their strength would surely advance further.

After all, each step was like ascending to heaven, and each realm breakthrough doubled the immortal energy they controlled!

As the immortal pills arrived, Lin Mingrong quickly reached out to receive hers and expressed her thanks. But at the same time, she noticed that Li Hao had also accepted his share of the pill.

She couldn't help but be slightly stunned. The Great Dream Master had personally bestowed them, there must be no mistake. Could it really be as this Junior Brother said?

However, she had heard about the arrival of everyone else, but Elder Li hadn't reported the arrival of this Junior Brother, which was a bit strange.

"You may cultivate in this Langya Dream Realm. The immortal energy here is rich, and the essence of the Great Dao flows. If your cultivation touches upon the essence of the Great Dao, I will lecture you, allowing you to improve greatly as quickly as possible."

The Great Dream Master said softly, "All other cultivation resources are at your disposal. You only need to do your best to improve yourselves in these three years!"

Hearing her words, Lin Mingrong and the others abruptly raised their heads, their expressions excited.

In the Great Dream Nine Abysses, the best cultivation holy land was this legendary Langya Dream Realm!

It was said that cultivating here for a year was better than a hundred years outside!

"Thank you, Great Dream Master!"

Everyone said in unison.

Li Hao also thanked her in chorus, secretly remembering the name of this painting realm.

"If you can achieve a good ranking in the Southern Domain Assembly Battle three years later, there will be even more rewards. You only need to try your best to become stronger. Remember, do not slacken!"

The Great Dream Master exhorted again.

Everyone responded in unison.

Then, the Great Dream Master waved her hand, dismissing everyone. Someone was assigned to take them to their designated cultivation areas in the Langya Dream Realm.

Li Hao stood in place, hesitating, unsure whether to speak.

The other disciples had already turned to leave. The Great Dream Master's eyes turned to the youth, and she said softly, "What is your name?"

Hearing this, the other disciples were surprised and turned to look, only to see that the Great Dream Master was asking a young man with an unfamiliar face.

"Disciple Haotian."

Li Hao cupped his fist in salute.

"You stay, the rest of you may go."

The Great Dream Master said softly.

Hearing this, Lin Mingrong's gaze flickered as she stared at Li Hao. The Great Dream Master's bestowal of pills earlier indicated that Li Hao hadn't lied. Now, she was keeping Li Hao behind. She suddenly felt that this Junior Brother was a bit mysterious.

"Great Dream Master, previously, this disciple counted. There are twelve of us disciples who ranked within the top thousand. How did an extra one appear?"

At this moment, a tall and upright young man suddenly bowed and asked doubtfully, his eyes looking towards Li Hao.

He had already noted the number of people. Now seeing this youth being kept behind by the Great Dream Master, he couldn't help but feel strange. His question was also a probe.

Hearing this, the other disciples also looked at Li Hao.

Everyone present was astute and had already noticed this, but no one had said anything.

"Haotian also ranked within the top thousand, but his rank is too high to be publicized. You must also keep it secret for him."

The Great Dream Master said softly.

As soon as these words came out, the palace fell into a brief silence.

Lin Mingrong, the young man who had just bowed and spoken, and the other disciples all shuddered and looked at Li Hao in unison.

Ranked within the top thousand, and the rank was so high that it needed to be kept secret?

The young man who had spoken was the chief disciple of the Spear Abyss, which was also currently the branch with the most disciples and the most intense competition within the Great Dream Nine Abysses.

He had stood out among them, and his ranking in the Ancient Immortal Realm was also the highest among the abyss's disciples, breaking into the top six hundred and stepping into the tenth desolate region!

With such results, three years later, he would basically not be squeezed out and could be considered firmly qualified to receive a battle order.

Even so, his results had not been hidden. And now, this unknown youth actually needed to have his ranking hidden?

The young man couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Great Dream Master, what is his rank?"

Although his tone was cautious when asking this, he was somewhat unconvinced in his heart.

The Great Dream Master seemed to see through their thoughts, and still spoke gently and softly, "Haotian is ranked within the top hundred. The specific rank, you will naturally know after three years."

Within the top hundred?

Lin Mingrong and the young man both slightly constricted their pupils. The other disciples also looked at Li Hao in shock.

This youth, ranked within the top hundred?!

How was that possible!

They all knew that among those ranked within the top hundred, apart from those Immortal Monarch level geniuses who had already broken through the tenth desolate region, the rest were those who had persisted the longest in the tenth desolate region!

And this youth was actually one of those who lasted the longest?

The faces of the young man, Lin Mingrong, and the other disciples changed. Being able to rank within the top thousand meant that they had all entered the tenth desolate region.

It was just a matter of the difference between staying for a short or long time.

Because of this, they deeply felt the horror of that tenth desolate region. The endless stream of Great Dao essences and primitive immortal术 attacks were terrifyingly powerful and caught you completely off guard. Those who could persist in there were all monsters!

"This..."

Lin Mingrong slightly opened her mouth, her beautiful eyes slightly shaken. Besides her, there was actually such a monstrous genius in the Sword Abyss?

Top hundred... she murmured repeatedly in her heart, somewhat lost in thought.

Then she suddenly thought of her previous words, and her face instantly turned crimson, feeling hot and burning.

The Great Dream Master said softly, "You may leave now. Time is precious, do not delay."

The disciples all came back to their senses, their expressions complex, deeply glancing at the youth who looked calm and collected, and then walked out of the palace one after another.

After they had all left, the Great Dream Master looked at Li Hao, her gaze gentle, and said, "What were you looking at by the pond earlier?"

Li Hao was taken aback. He thought it was some special reward, but he didn't expect it to be about this matter.

His eyes suddenly filled with intense interest, and he said repeatedly, "Great Dream Master, is this Langya Dream Realm all painted by you?"

Seeing the inexplicable excitement and agitation in the youth's eyes, the Great Dream Master's expression subtly changed. When the other party received the Flying Immortal Pill, there was only a hint of surprise beneath the calmness, without any joy, but at this moment, it was as if a switch had been flipped, and he suddenly became invigorated.

"You could actually see that it's a painting. That's not easy."

The Great Dream Master said softly.

Li Hao's eyes sparkled, and he said, "Is it painted by you, Great Dream Master? You're amazing!"

Hearing the youth's heartfelt admiration and praise, the corner of the Great Dream Master's mouth under the veil seemed to curve into a slight smile.

"First tell me, how did you see it?"

Her voice still maintained its previous tone, asking without revealing her thoughts.

Li Hao said without thinking, "Being in the painting, the Great Dao essence in your painting, Senior, guided me to the painting's traces. I presume this was also intentionally done by Senior?"

A hint of surprise flashed in the depths of the Great Dream Master's eyes. That was indeed intentionally done by her, like leaving a deliberate flaw in the brushwork, but this youth was actually able to capture the Great Dao essence guidance in her painting. This was truly astonishing.

"You are also skilled in painting?"

"A little bit."

"Could you demonstrate a little?"

"Then this junior will show off my poor skills."

Mentioning painting, Li Hao became energetic and didn't stand on ceremony. He raised his hand, using the space before him as canvas and the surrounding immortal energy as ink, and began to paint. His fingers were like brushes, sketching in the void. Immortal energy gathered like spiritual light, drawing graceful arcs. In an instant, a flood dragon condensed out of thin air.

Accompanied by a low dragon roar, the flood dragon suddenly began to move, coiling around Li Hao's body, its aura fierce and mighty.

Seeing this scene, a look of astonishment appeared in the Great Dream Master's eyes. This painting skill was quite profound, exceeding her expectations. Moreover, it incorporated the Dao rhythm of space essence and water essence. Although she couldn't tell how deep it was, it was at least at the first level of essence!

Her gaze rarely showed a focused look, and she suddenly said, "You are a disciple of the Sword Abyss, right? Have you seen that divine sword?"

"Divine sword?"

Li Hao was puzzled.

The Great Dream Master said softly, "The Southern Domain Assembly Battle restricts weapons and armor. After the Southern Domain Assembly Battle ends, you can try to draw out that divine sword. If you can draw it, it will be given to you as a gift."

Li Hao was somewhat bewildered, but he understood it was a good thing, so he said, "Then thank you very much, Great Dream Master."

At the same time, on Emperor Sword Mountain in the Sword Abyss.

Yun Wumian, sitting by the grass hut, suddenly sneezed. He rubbed his nose tip and wondered, "Who is talking about me behind my back?"

(End of Chapter)