Chapter 461: Appreciation

Just as Li Hao crossed over, his identity number suddenly leaped from outside of the thirtieth rank to seventeenth!

Such a dramatic improvement, definitely not something achievable by slowly grinding in the tenth desolate domain, immediately astonished the elders from various sects watching outside, all of whom were extraordinary individuals.

"That number nine-nine-six guy, he must have broken through the tenth desolate domain!"

"Such an improvement must be a domain breakthrough. Which sect's disciple is this?"

The Heavenly Unity Sect representatives from Starry Hall and Myriad Mountains Sword Tower exchanged glances, their expressions serious.

In the crowd, however, Li Tiemu was completely stunned.

The strong liquor he had in his mouth, he forgot to swallow, and it dribbled down his stubble like saliva, soaking his collar.

But he was completely unaware.

Others might not know, but he knew… that was Li Hao's number.

That kid, that kid… he broke through the tenth desolate domain?!

Li Tiemu was shocked. The eleventh desolate domain and the tenth desolate domain had a huge gap, a difference comparable to True Immortal Realm and Immortal Lord Realm. That kid could actually break through the barrier; this level of strength had already far surpassed what was needed to defeat Ancestral Dragon.

Hearing the surrounding discussions, he suddenly snapped back to his senses, immediately breaking out in a cold sweat. He quickly composed himself, lest others notice anything amiss.

This kid, this brat… Li Tiemu was both shocked and delighted. From帝剑山 (Emperor Sword Mountain) until now, the surprises Li Hao had given him came one after another, each wave surpassing the last. Here, he had finally revealed his true trump card.

"This kid even kept it from me. He doesn't have any bloodline, how did he manage to do it?"

Amidst his joy, Li Tiemu couldn't help but be amazed.

His gaze swept towards Yue Xi, Murong Qingwu, and Gu Yan's rankings.

He saw that Murong Qingwu had the highest rank, already past three thousand. Murong Qingwu and Gu Yan were around the three thousand five hundred mark.

At this moment, other monstrous talents from various sects were also exerting their strength, making these rankings quite remarkable. From the rankings, one could roughly deduce that they were likely in the ninth desolate domain.

"Unexpectedly, this kid is the most ruthless character. Could it be as the Domain Master said, that someone's comprehension could be high enough to surpass the foundation of ancient inheritances like Imperial Bloodlines and Ancient Immortal Legacies?"

Li Tiemu thought to himself, his eyes flickering. His fingers unconsciously clenched, his heart filled with nothing but surprise and excitement, feeling like he had found a great treasure.

Li Hao's advancement drew the attention of various sects outside, causing a flurry of discussions.

In the clouds high above, Chu Xiangtian and the others were all intently watching. They hadn't paid attention to these rankings before and didn't know which sect's disciple it was.

But being able to reach this ranking, surpassing many of their imperial siblings, was enough to show exceptional prowess.

"It seems there are still hidden dragons and crouching tigers among these sects."

"Those guys are always arrogant and complacent. It's time to let them know that the monstrous talents in these sects are not inferior to them."

"That Boya Xuejian has already reached seventh place. He should be considered the strongest monstrous talent among these sects, right?"

"Boya Xuejian, this person doesn't seem to have joined any of your factions yet. It seems he intends to make a name for himself in the Southern Domain and then wait for a better offer."

"Heh, perhaps his ambitions are not in our Immortal Dynasty, but in the Heavenly Palace."

"Rumor has it he has a Chaos Dao Lineage, a Snow Spirit nurtured in chaos, his mastery of water sources is unfathomable!"

They discussed in low voices, some sneering, some frowning.

Deep within the desolate domain, on a secluded hilltop.

Both the white-haired old man and the golden-armored general showed surprise in their eyes. They hadn't expected that little fellow to actually break through the fog wall. This wasn't just courage, but breaking power surpassing the tenth perfection of the True Immortal Realm!

"That mastery of Immortal Power is indeed extraordinary…"

The golden-armored middle-aged man also recognized the power of the young man's sword strike. A hint of appreciation emerged in his golden, candle-flame-like eyes.

The white-haired old man, however, frowned slightly, staring intently into the distance.

"But the eleventh desolate domain will be his limit."

The golden-armored middle-aged man saw the young man standing in the eleventh desolate domain, turned to the white-haired old man and chuckled, "Old Yuan, how long do you think he can last?"

The white-haired, white-robed Old Yuan snapped out of his thoughts, his gaze slightly focused, then he softly said, "At least half an incense stick!"

The golden-armored middle-aged man was taken aback, then burst into laughter, "You're exaggerating! Although I also think highly of him, the Great Dao Origin in the eleventh desolate domain already contains Immortal Dao power. Its power is more than ten times stronger."

"Want to bet?"

Old Yuan calmly looked at him.

The golden-armored middle-aged man grinned, revealing a domineering smile, "I bet he won't last half an incense stick!"

Old Yuan's lips slightly curved upwards, "If you lose, you're not allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Demon Subduing Bureau, and this young man will belong to our National Supervisory Academy."

The golden-armored middle-aged man's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't back down, "Deal. If you lose, this young man is mine, and you're not allowed to interfere in my actions regarding the Demon Subduing Bureau!"

Old Yuan couldn't help but laugh heartily. He hadn't expected that the matter he was worried about, which they couldn't agree on even after two Go games earlier, would be settled because of this young man.

He had great confidence in that young man because he had already seen some of the young man's background. Moreover, that young man hadn't shown the power of his Immortal Seal from beginning to end.

To obtain such an Immortal Art, there must have been trials. That young man must have at least a Three Flowers Immortal Seal!

Thinking of this, he laughed even more heartily.

The golden-armored middle-aged man frowned upon hearing his hearty laughter, faintly feeling that he might have overlooked something, but he didn't believe his eyesight was inferior to Old Yuan's.

"Kid, that's about enough…"

He looked into the distance, his eyes fixed, his expression becoming serious for the first time.

Matters concerning the Demon Subduing Bureau, the most powerful authority in the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, were being wagered on a young man millions of miles away, amidst their lighthearted conversation.

And in the eleventh desolate domain.

After Li Hao passed through the fog wall, he immediately felt the pressure here.

If the previous place was like being in a swamp, then this place was like being in mud. Even movement was difficult, and lifting a hand felt like wielding a force of a thousand jun (ancient unit of weight).

At the same time, thunder and fire roared before his eyes, the void was torn apart, and pitch-black cracks appeared, indistinguishable from lightning or spatial fissures.

"This is the eleventh desolate domain?"

Li Hao glanced around, his expression solemn. He felt real danger here.

To stay here for long, he might need to use the power of the Nine Flowers Immortal Seal.

Bang!

Suddenly, the void slightly distorted, and immediately afterwards, a golden, flame-tailed spear shot out from within.

This spear howled towards Li Hao, arriving in an instant.

Li Hao's pupils constricted slightly, but with his fourth level Space Origin, at the moment the void distorted, he sensed something condensing there and had already dodged in advance.

His figure swayed, and the spear brushed past his side. The high temperature of the flames grazed his cheek. Missing its target, it directly pierced through the distance and disappeared into a black crack.

"Truly dangerous…"

Li Hao glanced aside. If he had been hit just now, even his Ancestral Immortal body would have been severely injured, even on the verge of death.

Fortunately, his Space Origin had reached the fourth level. Even in this eleventh desolate domain, he could still cope.

The space here was strange and unpredictable, but currently still within Li Hao's grasp and understanding. If he were to climb another two or three desolate domains, Li Hao felt he might step into instant death!

"That prince said that breaking through the tenth desolate domain would grant the qualification to fight. I should already be qualified now."

Li Hao's eyes flickered. He looked around, faintly sensing three more places in the void where Great Dao Origin was gathering and condensing.

Thunder-like attacks were about to descend. Li Hao was too lazy to stay any longer.

Although he could persist here by unleashing the Nine Flowers Immortal Seal—after all, he still had the power of Time Origin, which was even more terrifying than Space Origin, even though he hadn't comprehended the fourth level, it shouldn't be underestimated.

However, continuing to persevere would only improve his ranking slightly.

Since he had already obtained the qualification, there was no point in staying here any longer.

Swoosh!

Li Hao turned around, the extreme limit power in his body, which he hadn't restrained, gathered again. Suddenly, he cleaved out with his sword, cutting open the fog wall that had just healed.

Seeing Li Hao's action, the white-bearded old man deep within the desolate domain, whose face was originally full of smiles, suddenly froze, then his eyeballs widened.

On the other hand, the golden-armored middle-aged man was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, unable to stop applauding.

Wise, wise…

The golden-armored middle-aged man was too lazy to continue playing Go. He dropped his piece, got up, and stood by the hilltop, gazing into the distance.

Swoosh!

Li Hao cleaved open the fog wall and passed straight through, quickly returning to the tenth desolate domain.

Even though he had returned, his rank on the black Immortal Monument didn't drop.

Li Hao took out his identity number. Immortal Power poured into it. Immediately, a majestic Immortal Power law descended, forcibly breaking apart the chaotic Great Dao Origin around him and enveloping Li Hao's body.

But before this Immortal Power could take Li Hao away, suddenly, from the depths of the desolate domain, a profound and boundless Immortal Power, seemingly comparable to heaven and earth, swept over, enveloping both Li Hao and the Immortal Power that was surrounding him.

Li Hao sensed these two powers, somewhat puzzled. But in the next moment, the void before him distorted. When his vision returned to normal, he was standing on a hilltop.

The Immortal Power that had enveloped him had disappeared, but before him were two abyss-like auras. Although extremely restrained, they made Li Hao feel a heart-palpitating sensation, as if he were standing beside Elder Wang.

Li Hao looked around and saw a white-haired, ethereal old man with a divine bearing, and a middle-aged man in golden armor, exuding a domineering aura of slaughter.

Then, Li Hao's gaze fell on the chessboard between them, an unfinished game of incomplete pieces.

Seeing that the young man's gaze was not intimidated by them, the golden-armored middle-aged man revealed a hint of satisfaction. Just now, he had directly intervened, interrupting the Immortal Monument's power and bringing this young man before them.

"Young man."

He spoke, his voice deep like a booming bell, containing the aura of countless corpses piled up, a slaughtering energy. Although his tone was calm, it carried a creepy, bone-chilling sensation.

Li Hao came back to his senses, immediately realizing that the two people before him were both extremely powerful experts, of the same realm as Elder Wang.

He didn't dare to be negligent, immediately clasping his fists and bowing, "Greetings, seniors. May I ask who these two seniors are?"

"To reach the eleventh desolate domain, you are quite remarkable."

The golden-armored middle-aged man's expression was calm, only a trace of a smile in his eyes, "I am the Marshal of the Nation of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, and also the Commander-in-Chief of the Chu Immortal Army. Are you willing to join my command, to follow me in campaigns in the south and north, establishing illustrious immortal merit, leaving a name for ten thousand generations!"

Li Hao's pupils shrank, somewhat stunned.

Before him, was actually the Marshal of the Nation of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty?

This was a figure of supreme rank and authority, commanding billions of immortal troops. With a single order, even the Heavenly Unity Sect would have to avoid his sharp edge and dare not obstruct him.

"With your talent and disposition, within a thousand years, I will surely make your name resound throughout Yan Chu, making you an Immortal General of my great Yan Chu!"

The golden-armored middle-aged man acted decisively and straightforwardly, throwing his promise to the young man.

Li Hao returned to his senses, immediately realizing that this was an opportunity.

But…

He inquired, "Then what would I need to do?"

"Simple, cultivate, join the army, and follow me to conquer all directions. I will send my fierce generals to first guide you up from the rank of a common soldier. When you are accustomed to and adapted to the battlefield, and have established immortal merit, I will then promote you step by step!"

The golden-armored middle-aged man's gaze was commanding, his words carrying innate authority, "Rest assured, you are someone I intend to cultivate. As long as you don't act recklessly and proceed step by step, there will be plenty of immortal merits for you to claim. When you become my Yan Chu Immortal General, and visit any mountain, regardless of your cultivation level, the sect masters of the Heavenly Unity Sect will have to personally greet you!"

What he said was霸气 (overbearing/domineering), but also true.

Although those sects had vast power, compared to the entire Yan Chu Ancient Immortal Dynasty, they were still like ants trying to shake a tree, unmatched.

Hearing the other party's words, the spark that had just risen in Li Hao's heart was extinguished instead.

Cultivation, joining the army… neither was what he aspired to.

Moreover, a thousand years… was too long.

Following his own path, after a thousand years, his achievements might not be inferior to this.

Li Hao shook his head and said, "Thank you for the Marshal's kindness, but this junior's strength is still weak. I still wish to rely on my own slow cultivation, lest I become a burden to the army."

His attitude was sincere, neither humble nor arrogant.

Seeing this appearance, Shangguan Hong, clad in golden armor, was immediately stunned. He could see that this wasn't humility or a polite refusal, but the young man's genuine rejection.

What conditions he had offered, even the elders of major sects would be envious. It was rare for him to be moved and appreciate a young man so much, yet the other party actually declined him!

Beside him, Yuan Xinggang also looked surprised, not expecting Li Hao to reject such temptation.

He glanced askance at Shangguan Hong's slightly darkened face, and couldn't help but secretly chuckle in his heart. This couldn't be blamed on him.

"Young man, since you are unwilling to engage in fighting and killing, then why not come to our National Supervisory Academy, become my disciple? I will personally guide you. When I retire in the future, if you can surpass my other disciples, you might have a chance to become the National Preceptor of my great Yan Chu!"

Yuan Xinggang said with a smile.

Hearing his words, Shangguan Hong instantly woke up, his expression changed, and he looked at him angrily.

Yuan Xinggang calmly met his gaze and transmitted his voice, "He has already declined you, you can't blame me for this."

Shangguan Hong snorted coldly, and said to Li Hao, "Young man, do you know what kind of heaven-sent opportunity you are rejecting? Even if you make a name for yourself in the Southern Domain Battle, so what? At most, it's just making a name for your sect. If you join my command, once the news spreads, who would dare to touch your sect? Even if you sever ties with your sect then, the afterglow of your prestige will still benefit them."

Li Hao felt somewhat helpless in his heart. This opportunity was indeed rare, and he felt a little regretful in giving it up.

"If joining senior's command means senior will allow junior to cultivate independently, then it might be acceptable." Li Hao said.

Shangguan Hong was stunned, unable to help but widen his eyes.

Was this young man disdaining his guidance?

Joining his command, compared to becoming a general, the most important benefit was not being able to follow by his side, learning the skills to fight against the myriad races?

"Hmph, countless people want to follow me, yet you are so unappreciative, unable to seize such a heaven-sent opportunity."

A hint of anger surfaced in Shangguan Hong's eyes.

Yuan Xinggang, however, waved his hand with a smile, revealing expectation to Li Hao, "Young man, if you want to cultivate independently, you can join our National Supervisory Academy. I guarantee I won't interfere with you. However, before you achieve success in your cultivation, I won't publicly announce your identity, what do you think?"

Hearing his words, Shangguan Hong looked at him in surprise. Although this young man had extremely high talent, making him feel pity for talent, it wasn't enough for him to be so humble.

He stared intently at Yuan Xinggang, knowing that this old fellow's temperament was definitely not inferior to his own, there must be some reason.

Li Hao was also taken aback when he heard the white-haired old man's words, and quickly said, "Thank you very much, senior, this junior is willing."

Seeing Li Hao agree, Shangguan Hong's expression slightly changed. Although he was a little angry at Li Hao, thinking that this young man had just helped him win the bet, his expression also softened slightly, saying:

"Since you have such thoughts, I can also promise you, this is a Chu King's Decree. In times of crisis, you can use this decree to mobilize the Tiger and Lion Immortal Army in various regions. In addition, I will enroll you in the Chu Immortal Army, with the honorary rank of Squad Leader, receiving Immortal pay. I will give you a hundred years, by then the Southern Domain Battle will have long ended, and you can then decide whether to truly join!"

While speaking, he tossed out a golden, glittering Immortal Decree, which landed in Li Hao's hand.

Li Hao quickly caught it. It was ice-cold to the touch. The golden light on the decree receded, revealing an ancient "Chu" character written on it.

Li Hao was somewhat overwhelmed by favor from superiors, not expecting these two powerful figures to think so highly of him.

He quickly bowed and paid his respects, "Thank you both seniors for your appreciation. This junior will definitely consider it carefully."

"What is your name?"

Yuan Xinggang asked with a smile.

"Haotian."

"Haotian…"

Shangguan Hong nodded and said, "Good name. The Hao family name, I don't seem to have heard of it. You're from another domain."

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, pondering how to answer.

Seeing Li Hao's troubled expression, Shangguan Hong waved his hand, "It's alright, heroes should not be judged by their origins. I value you, only for your person. Kid, go back and consider it carefully, don't miss this opportunity."

Li Hao inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, and couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill towards him, once again cupping his hands and bowing, "Thank you."

"Go on."

Shangguan Hong gently waved his hand, and a vast power sent Li Hao away.

After Li Hao's figure disappeared through the desolate domain, Yuan Xinggang turned to look at Shangguan Hong and chuckled:

"You're actually willing to promise such great benefits, even giving out the Chu King's Decree. Among those princes, even those who are favored might not have this decree!"

"Hmph, Old Yuan, what exactly are you hiding in your gourd? Although this kid is highly talented, you are willing to concede to his attitude. Earlier, you also bet that he could last half an incense stick. I'm curious to know, what exactly do you see in him?"

Shangguan Hong coldly asked.

Yuan Xinggang was taken aback, then couldn't help but smile wryly. He hadn't expected that the other party was so willing to bet because of him.

His eyes shifted slightly, and he chuckled, "If you can agree to not implicate the innocent when weeding out the moths within the Demon Subduing Bureau, I will tell you."

Shangguan Hong raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and said, "Alright, I agree."

He knew this was the reason Old Yuan had been worried about all along. He was just using this young man to take a step back and make a concession to him.

Seeing him agree so readily, Yuan Xinggang also smiled, but recalling some past events, a hint of vicissitude and sigh couldn't help but appear in his eyes, saying:

"That young man, in him, I see the shadow of some old friends. If I'm not mistaken… that young man might have obtained some inheritance even more powerful than both of us."

"Since a precious flower has an owner, then I will provide fertile soil, help my old friend water it once, perhaps it can bloom into a very beautiful flower."

Shangguan Hong was stunned, an inheritance even more powerful than them?

Recalling the young man's appearance just now, his eyes flickered, immediately feeling that what Old Yuan said was eight or nine parts true.

"What kind of inheritance is it?"

He asked.

Yuan Xinggang glanced at him, and after a long while, softly uttered a few words:

"An inheritance from the era when Emperors fell…"

Shangguan Hong's eyes narrowed, turning his head to look at the spatial trajectory where the young man had departed, falling into silence.

…

Swoosh!

At the same time, Li Hao's figure appeared in the plaza before the black Immortal Monument.

Besides him, others were also being teleported out one after another.

But even so, when Li Hao appeared, he still drew the gaze of many, their eyes revealing astonishment.

(End of Chapter)