Chapter 462: Li Hao's Ranking

At this moment, Li Hao returned from his meeting with Shangguan Hong and Yuan Xinggang. The power of the Extreme Realm on his body had not yet fully receded, and his entire being radiated a terrifying might, making him extremely conspicuous and eye-catching in the crowd.

He had maintained this peak state just to barely manage to appear neither servile nor arrogant before those two figures.

But now, standing in the plaza, he was like a crane standing among chickens, his aura powerful and formidable.

"Who is that?"

"Which sect's disciple is that? Such a fierce presence!"

"His cultivation... is only at the True Immortal Realm, level three. Am I seeing things?"

Many sect elders noticed Li Hao, and astonishment flashed in their eyes.

Li Tiemu, who was waiting on the periphery, was stunned for a moment when he suddenly saw Li Hao appear. Then, he quickly rushed excitedly towards Li Hao.

"Come here!"

Li Tiemu beckoned Li Hao, waved his hand, and, taking Li Hao with him, teleported away, disappearing from everyone's sight.

At this moment, Li Hao also came back to himself and quickly retracted the Extreme Realm aura around him. The might of his Ancestral Immortal body also faded into his being, making him no longer stand out.

But in this short span of time, many sect elders had already memorized Li Hao's appearance.

"It's that kid..."

Within the Ten Thousand Mountains Sword Pavilion's group, Cui Yuesheng's pupils slightly constricted when he clearly saw Li Hao's face, and shock filled his eyes.

How could it be?

In just two and a half years, that kid had cultivated from the first level of the True Immortal Realm to the third level. This wasn't considered astonishing; it was only the normal level for a top-tier talent.

But... where did that terrifying presence come from?

If it weren't for Li Tiemu's appearance, he would have even suspected he was seeing things. But with that old fellow Li Tiemu there, it proved that he couldn't be mistaken.

"Elder Cui, do you know that young man?"

Another elder from the Ten Thousand Mountains Sword Pavilion asked in confusion beside him.

"He's the one I mentioned, that monstrous genius with the Nine Resonances of the Dao Heart."

Cui Yuesheng snapped back to reality and said with a gloomy expression.

The elder was taken aback, his expression slightly changing. He immediately searched around for Li Tiemu's figure, but couldn't find him anymore, not knowing where he had hidden.

In reality, Li Tiemu hadn't taken Li Hao far. They were still at the edge of the desolate region, but he used immortal techniques to conceal himself and Li Hao, making them impossible to easily detect.

"You小子… you really know how to hide yourself!"

Li Tiemu looked at Li Hao, his tone seemingly scolding, but his eyes were filled with unconcealed joy: "Did you break through the Tenth Desolate Region?"

Li Hao nodded.

"As expected..."

Li Tiemu was overjoyed. Seeing Li Hao's indifferent demeanor, he wished he could pick up this kid and kiss him hard!

This was too exhilarating! On the first day of the Ancient Immortal trials, he had already rushed into the top twenty! Those ranked ahead of Li Hao were basically all at the Immortal Lord Realm. True Immortals... seemed to be nonexistent!

This point alone was enough to bring great glory to the Great Dream Nine Abyss!

But Li Tiemu restrained himself for now.

"Small impatience spoils great plans." With Li Hao's talent, he wanted to save it for the Southern Domain Tournament to make a name for himself.

Otherwise, it was hard to guarantee that other sects wouldn't become jealous, secretly harm him, and use various methods against him.

The Heavenly Sect Competition was extremely cruel.

If he were to reveal Li Hao's ranking number at this moment, it would definitely make the Great Dream Nine Abyss famous throughout Yan Chu, but if they failed to protect this monstrous talent afterward, it would become a huge joke instead.

No rush, no rush, the Southern Domain is the main stage… Li Tiemu secretly cautioned himself.

He said to Li Hao, "Don't easily tell others your ranking number. Your ranking is too high, too eye-catching. Not only will you dazzle those of the Heavenly Oneness Sect, but those royal families you surpassed won't be willing to accept it either. They'll either try to recruit you or destroy you!"

He spoke with utmost seriousness and gravity.

Li Hao nodded slightly. He was someone who didn't like to be in the limelight in the first place, and less trouble was always better.

Seeing Li Hao agree, Li Tiemu breathed a sigh of relief. Young people were often ambitious and eager for fame. He was genuinely worried he wouldn't be able to persuade Li Hao.

"What about them?"

Li Hao asked.

Hearing this, Li Tiemu's gaze swept towards the black immortal stele and quickly locked onto Yue Xi and Gu Yan's ranking numbers. He said, "Look, currently, besides you, Qingwu is still the highest. She's already reached rank 2600. Judging by the situation, if she can break into the Tenth Desolate Region, she has a chance to break into the top thousand!"

Li Hao nodded. Murong Qingwu's talent was extremely high, and she had also started earlier, several hundred years prior, making her more powerful than Yue Xi and Gu Yan.

"Gu Yan is at rank 3182, still catching up, but his ranking is jumping very quickly. That kid has resilience and is a born Sword Immortal Body. Even if he doesn't break into the top thousand this time, in three years, in terms of progress speed, I believe few will be able to compare to him!"

Li Tiemu said, his eyes shining, having strong confidence in his junior disciple as well.

After all, the Abyss Master had also said that with them both, Li Hao and Gu Yan, they had a fifty percent chance of success.

And now, Li Hao's performance was beyond expectations. If Gu Yan worked harder, it would be even more secure.

"Yue Xi was previously forced to unleash the true power of the Calamity Bloodline by an ancient demon. She still hasn't mastered it yet. Three years... I don't know if she'll be able to adapt and control it."

Li Tiemu said in a low voice. He also had a hint of greed in his heart, hoping that all four disciples, including Murong Qingwu and Yue Xi, could break into the top thousand!

Now, Li Hao had already secured an entry ticket on the first day. It was now up to the remaining three.

He wasn't worried about Gu Yan, only about Murong Qingwu and Yue Xi.

Li Hao nodded slightly and also glanced at his own ranking: 17th!

"When the Southern Domain Tournament comes, will those Immortal Lord Realm experts also compete on the same stage as us?"

Li Hao couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

If they were to compete on the same stage, True Immortals compared to Immortal Lords, it would be better to just directly admit defeat.

"Yes."

Li Tiemu nodded and said, "After all, this time the rule is that anyone within three thousand years of soul age can participate. Soul age cannot be faked. Even if you reincarnate, your previous life's soul will still contribute to your soul age."

"So, with the same soul age, if others can cultivate to the Immortal Lord Realm, that's their ability. Competing on the same stage is understandable."

"In that case, it's most advantageous for those whose soul age is exactly two thousand nine hundred years."

Li Hao said.

Li Tiemu nodded, "That's right. If they are both geniuses, a hundred years of time is enough to create a large gap. The soul age difference among you is even thousands of years, two thousand years, for example, you, your soul age is only a hundred years..."

Speaking of this, he glanced at Li Hao, suddenly becoming a little dazed.

Right, this kid... was less than a hundred years old in soul age, yet he had cultivated to the third level of the True Immortal Realm, and his combat power was comparable to the tenth level peak of the True Immortal Realm?

He suddenly became speechless.

"Although it's not entirely fair to analyze this in detail, is there really true fairness in this world?"

Li Tiemu thought Li Hao was minding it and comforted him, "Sometimes, whether you acknowledge it or not, there's something called fate in this world."

Li Hao nodded. He didn't care about these things. If he could help the Great Dream Nine Abyss gain rankings, he would naturally try his best. If not, he wouldn't force it.

While the two were talking, a commotion arose in front of them.

They saw starlight gathering in the plaza. Immediately after, a graceful figure in a star-moon skirt emerged, it was Xinglan.

However, her current appearance was somewhat different from the composed and understated appearance Li Hao had initially seen. Her dress was somewhat tattered, as if scorched by crimson flames and also torn by something, looking a bit disheveled.

Nevertheless, this still couldn't conceal her bright and dazzling aura. Standing in the crowd, she made people look at her at first glance, as if she was a natural protagonist.

Several elders from the Star Palace immediately flew over, quickly checking on her situation with concern.

The hint of agitation in Xinglan's eyes had now disappeared, and her expression returned to calmness. She only nodded slightly in response to the Star Palace elders, quite composed. Her gaze suddenly swept across the plaza, but she didn't see that young man's figure.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, still in the Tenth Desolate Region?

She didn't think too much about it and returned to the Star Palace group with the elders.

As Xinglan returned, other royal family members also appeared one after another.

The plaza became increasingly lively. The ranking numbers that had been rapidly changing before also gradually stabilized. Obviously, the disciples who were still working hard inside could only increase their ranking by enduring time, with only occasional small jumps.

Li Hao looked at the plaza, wondering if that little girl had come out yet.

While he was waiting, a figure in green robes swept past and appeared in the plaza, her robes somewhat damaged, her hair messy, looking a bit dusty and disheveled.

Li Hao's eyes lit up, and he quickly hurried over.

"Ah!"

Seeing Li Hao suddenly appear in front of her, Lin Qingying was taken aback, then exclaimed and hurriedly covered her face, turning her head away.

"You, why are you here?"

She turned away and subconsciously said, but quickly realized how foolish she sounded. She could come here, let alone Li Hao.

"Don't look at me."

"Why?"

"I..."

Lin Qingying's cheeks flushed red, knowing how disheveled she looked at the moment, feeling both shy and annoyed.

Li Hao saw through her thoughts and said with a grin, "We're old acquaintances already, what's there to be shy about? I will always remember your graceful sword dance in the courtyard, more beautiful than anyone."

Lin Qingying was stunned, her eyes suddenly turning red. She turned her head back, "Really?"

"Really."

Li Hao nodded. Seeing her increasingly moist eyes, he panicked and quickly changed the subject, "Um, haha, speaking of which, which Desolate Region did you reach?"

"Seventh."

Lin Qingying answered almost without thinking, then looked towards the black immortal stele, her eyes instantly dimming. "My ranking number is 1014, ranked after ten thousand. I definitely won't be able to participate in the tournament this time."

"So amazing."

Li Hao looked at her in surprise, in just two and a half years since arriving in the True World, she had gone from Semi-Saint to being comparable to a peak seventh-level True Immortal Realm now?

This speed of progress was a bit exaggerated.

Seeing Li Hao's surprised expression, Lin Qingying was taken aback. She suddenly felt that the handsome face with widened eyes was a bit silly, and also a bit cute. She couldn't help but chuckle, but her heart felt warm. She said,

"You really think I'm amazing?"

"More real than a steel needle!"

Li Hao exclaimed, "Did you take pills? This cultivation speed is almost demonic."

Lin Qingying covered her mouth and laughed, casting a sidelong glance at Li Hao, revealing gentleness and affection, "You're the demonic one. I cultivate the Sword Dao, and pills… I did take some, all good pills bestowed by the sect."

Li Hao nodded. She was receiving key nurturing in the Ten Thousand Mountains Sword Pavilion, and he could finally relax.

"With your performance, your sect should already be satisfied. There are still three years left, keep working hard!"

Li Hao encouraged her.

Lin Qingying, hearing Li Hao say this, who was previously somewhat discouraged and ready to give up, suddenly felt full of confidence again, her motivation doubled.

She clenched her fists and nodded forcefully, "I will definitely not stop!"

These words seemed to have deeper meaning.

Li Hao smiled and said, "Even if you stop, I will wait for you."

Lin Qingying's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes became even brighter. "I don't want to hold you back. Don't wait for me, I want to follow behind you and see your radiant glory."

Li Hao couldn't help but laugh heartily, "I'm not a lightbulb, where would I get radiant glory from."

"What is a lightbulb?" Lin Qingying asked in confusion.

Li Hao laughed and said, "Your sect has come to pick you up, we'll talk later."

At this time, Cui Yuesheng had already rushed over quickly. When he saw Li Hao, his expression was somewhat complicated. He said, "Little brother..."

"Goodbye."

Li Hao waved his hand at Lin Qingying, and with a flicker of his figure, he instantly teleported away.

Cui Yuesheng chased after him, seeing that Li Hao intentionally avoided him, he was speechless, but felt a bit uncomfortable in his heart. Such a monstrous talent was snatched away by that old fellow surnamed Li right under his nose, it was simply criminal!

At this time, as time passed, more and more disciples from various sects came out of the desolate region.

Li Hao and Li Tiemu stood in the plaza, waiting quietly.

They chatted idly while waiting.

"With your performance, once it's reported back to the sect, you will definitely receive the most top-tier resource support. Even the Abyss Master will personally come to guide you in swordsmanship!"

Li Tiemu excitedly transmitted his voice to Li Hao, painting a bright future: "At that time, we might even invite the Great Dream Master to lecture you. After all, you are now the greatest hope within our sect, the highest-ranked within our sect!"

Li Hao asked, "This Ancient Immortal trial ends in three years, but what is the specific date for the Southern Domain Tournament?"

"Ten years!"

Li Tiemu said, "After the test here ends, the thousand selected people will receive seven years of nurturing with royal family resources. Although it's only seven years, it can still significantly improve your strength."

"Ten years, huh..."

Li Hao nodded. In that case, the time left for him was still relatively sufficient.

In ten years, he might not be unable to become an Immortal Lord.

However, compared to the Twelfth Stage of Artistry, he currently wanted to cultivate his Primordial Spirit to the final stage first.

After all, the state of mind for artistry was something that couldn't be forced. The more persistent you were, the harder it was to enter.

Maybe one day, watching a snowfall or listening to the wind, he would have an epiphany and suddenly comprehend it.

On the contrary, Primordial Spirit cultivation, that could only rely on himself… to eat it bite by bite.

Moreover, cooking ancient demons might also allow his Culinary Dao to reach the Eleventh Stage.

Thinking of this, Li Hao's eyes became increasingly bright.

"After this is over, I want to go to the border."

Li Hao said to Old Man Li.

"The border? Which border?"

Li Tiemu was stunned, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at Li Hao.

"The Yan Chu border."

Li Hao said.

"What are you going there for?" Li Tiemu couldn't help but ask.

"Of course, to kill ancient demons." Li Hao said.

Li Tiemu slapped his own forehead, feeling that all his questions were nonsense. Going to the border was naturally to kill ancient demons.

"But your current cultivation realm is too low. Even Immortal Lords are in danger on the border battlefield, let alone you. Do you want to go to hone your combat experience? That's not a bad idea. If you really want to go, then I'll accompany you, and I'll have Qingxuan look after you too."

Li Tiemu said immediately.

Li Hao heard him mention that senior brother and recalled his figure. He shook his head slightly and said,

"There's no need for so much trouble."

Li Tiemu immediately straightened his face, wanting to display the majesty of a master, "You want to go alone? That's absolutely impossible!"

Before Li Hao could speak, two figures appeared in the plaza.

Li Hao looked over and saw that it was Yue Xi and Murong Qingwu's figures.

Li Tiemu also noticed and said to Li Hao, "We'll talk about your matter later."

As he said this, he went to greet Murong Qingwu and Yue Xi.

At this moment, both women were extremely disheveled and heavily injured, showing that they had already tried their best to endure in the desolate region.

The first thing they did when they came out was to look at their ranking numbers and find their positions.

When Murong Qingwu saw that she was ranked outside the two thousandth place, her face changed, looking a bit unsightly.

When Yue Xi saw that she was ranked outside the three thousandth place, her face instantly darkened. She hadn't expected that after working so hard, she would actually be ranked outside three thousand.

Didn't that mean there were more than three thousand people present who were stronger than her?

Soon, she thought of Gu Yan and immediately scanned her gaze over, finding Gu Yan's ranking number about two hundred places behind Murong Qingwu.

His ranking was six hundred places higher than hers.

Her expression became complex, and she couldn't help but clench her fists.

At this moment, she suddenly thought of a figure she had overlooked and immediately searched for the ranking number 996 on the stele.

She looked back and forth from rank two thousand to four thousand, but couldn't find it, and she became suspicious.

She expanded the search range again, looking outwards from rank four thousand, searching all the way to the bottom and back several times, but still couldn't find it.

She suddenly felt a tremor and started searching upwards from rank two thousand.

But she searched all the way to rank one thousand... rank five hundred, and still didn't find it!

"Could it be… he hasn't even participated yet?"

Yue Xi was a little lost.

As she inadvertently looked up, towards the top of the black immortal stele, she immediately saw a few striking three-digit ranking numbers among the many two-digit rankings.

One of them was 996, ranked...

Nineteenth!

Li Hao had been out for a long time already and had been overtaken by other royal families, dropping from seventeenth to nineteenth.

Seeing that ranking, Yue Xi's whole body trembled, as if struck by lightning, and she stood there dumbfounded.

(End of chapter)