Chapter 483: The Intense Ancient Immortal Realm

Li Hao saw that his opponent had finished practicing swordsmanship and also got up, preparing to leave.

During this period, besides cultivation and cooking, he would occasionally take a walk in the courtyard, and while he was at it, guide Gu Xingwan in her immortal techniques as a way to repay Old Gu's kindness.

"You can go by yourself, I'm not going."

Li Hao said.

"Not going? Why?"

Gu Xingwan was stunned, the anticipation on her face instantly turning to bewildered surprise.

Li Hao explained, "Didn't the royal family say before that breaking through the Tenth Desolate Domain would directly grant a combat slot? I've already obtained it, there's no need for me to join the crowd anymore."

Gu Xingwan was taken aback. From their previous sparring defeat and their interactions over the past two years, she had already sensed this young man's formidable strength, but she hadn't expected him to have already secured a slot to participate.

"But three years have passed, your strength has definitely improved further! If you go to challenge again, you will surely go even further!"

Gu Xingwan couldn't help but say, "In that case, your ranking will also be higher!"

"Higher ranking, are there any special rewards?" Li Hao asked.

Gu Xingwan was stumped, rendered speechless for a moment. After a long pause, she faltered, "If you can enter the top ten, top five, or even first place, there will definitely be rewards from the royal family."

"That's too difficult. The top twenty are already Immortal Lords vying for position, let alone the top ten or top five."

Li Hao shook his head, not intending to expose his trump cards in this kind of place. With this time, it would be better to eat more ancient demons here and cultivate more. If there happened to be an ancient demon invasion during this period, missing it would be a great loss.

"But after all the slots are confirmed, the royal family will reward a thousand people who have obtained combat qualifications. You must be present then, are you going to have someone else collect it for you?" Gu Xingwan couldn't help but ask.

Li Hao said, "I'll just go over then. There's no need to go early, there's still a month before it ends."

"..."

Gu Xingwan fell into silence. Then, she looked at him wistfully and said, "Do you lack this month of time? I want to go ahead of time to strive for a higher ranking. If you leave now, we... we can travel together."

"It's alright, you go first."

Li Hao waved his hand, saying dismissively.

Gu Xingwan's fingers slightly tightened. Her cheeks flushed and then paled, a mix of disappointment and annoyance flickering across her face as she glanced at this oblivious youth. Finally, she turned around, huffing, "Then I'll go first, don't regret it."

"?"

Watching the girl stomp her foot and fly swiftly into the distance, Li Hao's eyes flickered slightly. He also turned and walked in the opposite direction, towards his own courtyard.

He could see the girl's affection, but he dared not accept it.

...

...

Within the Great Dream Nine Abyss War Camp.

On a secret realm battle stage marked off in the inner circle of the war camp, a girl in a snow-white dress was wielding her sword, slashing and chopping, her attacks sharp and fierce. While one hand controlled her swordsmanship with fluid rotations, the other hand commanded wind, rain, and thunder to assist her. Surrounding her was a storm, enveloped by her Dao Domain suppression, aiming to force the golden-armored general opposite her into a corner.

"Break!"

The golden-armored general suddenly roared in a low voice. His spear, like a rainbow, violently pierced through the storm and thunder, aiming for the girl's delicate forehead.

The girl's sword stance shifted, using its momentum to draw the spear onto the blade, unleashing a sharp, ringing sound.

But even after that piercing ring, a second spear abruptly bypassed the golden light, striking towards the girl's face, filled with a destructive battle intent.

This sudden, divine spear was extremely swift. The girl's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't freeze in place. Instead, her body abruptly spun, like a rapidly rotating snow lotus. Her skirt hem flared out like gears, generating a sharp, cold light. With a flick of her sword, she deflected the second golden spear as well, and then pinched her fingers together.

From within the storm behind the golden-armored general, two sharp sword energies suddenly extended and slashed out, directly hitting him.

Blue light emerged from the armor on the golden-armored general's body, blocking the sword energies. However, the powerful impact still caused him to lose balance, tilting forward.

The girl's sword light flicked upwards, stabbing straight at his face. The golden-armored general was startled. His entire body's immortal power suddenly erupted. A Dao principle of immortal power surged outwards, forcing back the sword light and sweeping the girl dozens of yards away, shaking her to the edge of the battle stage, almost causing her to fall off.

The girl's face was deathly pale, but she managed to steady herself at the edge of the battle stage. Only her hand holding the sword trembled incessantly.

"I lost."

The golden-armored general glanced at the girl with a complex expression before turning to the green-robed youth outside the battle stage and speaking.

Joy surfaced in Ji Qingxuan's eyes. He nodded to the general. Once the golden-armored general turned and teleported away from the battle stage, Ji Qingxuan stepped to the girl's side and said, "Not bad! To actually force him to use Immortal Dao principles to avoid injury, that's quite remarkable!"

Yue Xi looked at her Eldest Senior Brother, her heart filled with joy. She hadn't expected that her opponent would rather unleash Immortal Dao principles than be willing to get injured.

"To force a general of the Immortal Lord First Stage to show his true ability with the Ninth Stage of the True Immortal Realm, truly rare."

Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen also arrived, smiles on their faces. Such great progress! If she still couldn't pass the royal family's test with this level of skill and become one of the thousand chosen by the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty, it could only mean that the geniuses of this generation of the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty were outrageously numerous!

"Congratulations, congratulations!"

Murong Qingwu flew over and said with a bright smile.

Another black-robed youth also descended, his expression calm, merely offering a slight nod.

Yue Xi glanced at this youth, the joy in her eyes instantly fading quite a bit. She calmly said, "Although I forced him to reveal his true ability, if he hadn't used Immortal Lord power and just used suppressed Perfected True Immortal Realm strength to fight, I feel it wouldn't have been easy to win. It's just that he didn't want to get injured."

"That's normal. People on the battlefield don't want to get injured easily, it's instinct," Ji Qingxuan said. "But to force him to this point is already very difficult. Your realm is a level lower than his. The difference in immortal power between the Ninth and Tenth Stages of the True Immortal Realm is significant. The higher the realm, the greater the gap between each stage. The difference in immortal power between you and him is equivalent to the sum of the First to Eighth Stages of the True Immortal Realm!"

Yue Xi felt slightly better in her heart, but still felt some disappointment. She said, "If I could withstand his true Immortal Dao attacks without being immediately defeated, that would be real skill. Otherwise, when I encounter Immortal Lords in the Southern Domain War, I can only admit defeat."

Wei Hongye glanced at Gu Yan and understood her thoughts. He smiled and said, "Gu Yan has a natural Sword Immortal Physique, which has already been activated. He used his full strength just to barely withstand a casual attack from an Immortal Lord. You can't compare to him, you're already very good."

"Mm, in the Southern Domain War, True Immortal Realm and Immortal Lord Realm are in two separate battle stages, you won't encounter each other unless you wait until the True Immortal Realm battles are over and you actively challenge an Immortal Lord. Otherwise, the realm difference is there. Existences who can challenge Immortal Lords with the True Immortal Realm... are rare throughout history," Ji Qingxuan said.

Upon hearing his words, Gu Yan's eyes narrowed slightly, as if ignited by a fighting spirit.

Murong Qingwu noticed the change in her Junior Brother's eyes and couldn't help but curl her lips into a smile. She was secretly laughing in her heart. Eldest Senior Brother's words had subtly encouraged this competitive Junior Brother again.

However, in the past two years, she and Gu Yan had also completed their previous sparring agreement. To her regret, in these two years, she had actually been caught up by this youth and even surpassed.

Ancient Immortal Bloodline, natural Sword Immortal Physique, indeed, its reputation was well-deserved.

The Emperor Sword Intent comprehended on Emperor Sword Mountain was obviously grasped more deeply by him than her.

Looking at the entire True World, in terms of sword Dao talent alone, the natural Sword Immortal Physique should be considered the highest sword Dao aptitude.

Perhaps, only that young man could compare to him… Murong Qingwu's mind suddenly conjured the image of that other Junior Brother. But thinking of his casual and indifferent smiling face, she felt inexplicably closer to him, finding him much easier to get along with than Gu Yan's quiet and taciturn nature.

"There's only one month left until the three-year agreement. You should also set off. The longer you persist in the Tenth Desolate Domain, the higher your ranking will be. Theoretically, it's impossible for you to persist in there for a month. If you truly had that ability, you would be able to directly break through the Tenth Desolate Domain and obtain the combat slot directly," Ji Qingxuan said with a smile.

The three of them focused their gazes, and a faint battle intent flickered in their eyes.

In the previous test, they hadn't even made it into the top thousand. Now, three years had passed, it was time to verify their results.

"Then we'll be leaving. Senior Brothers and Sisters, thank you for your care during this time," Murong Qingwu said, bowing her head in gratitude.

Yue Xi and Gu Yan immediately followed suit, expressing their thanks.

Ji Qingxuan waved his hand and said, "The glory of Sword Abyss is entrusted to you all."

"Mm."

Gu Yan nodded forcefully, his gaze becoming profound.

After bidding farewell to Ji Qingxuan and the others, they packed their luggage and began to set off from the border, heading towards the Immortal Capital Imperial City.

Apart from the Great Dream Nine Abyss War Camp, in other war camps as well, people were leaving successively, but the numbers weren't large.

Most of the disciples participating in the war hadn't chosen to risk themselves in this border region. Instead, they were training and cultivating diligently elsewhere.

In the Wildfire Army district.

Inside the Yinglong Yuwu Camp, Huo Xiaoqi glanced around the courtyard. It had been over half a year, and he hadn't seen that young man return for a long time.

Now that the three-year period was almost up, he should leave and return to strive for a higher ranking.

"Camp Leader, I'm leaving. If Worm Two comes back, please tell him for me that we'll meet in the Ancient Immortal Realm!"

Huo Xiaoqi said to Shi Tianjing.

Shi Tianjing was taken aback. He already knew Huo Xiaoqi was a disciple from some sect, but he hadn't expected him to participate in the Southern Domain War.

"You, you're leaving?"

"That's right, my sect needs me."

Huo Xiaoqi waved goodbye, not saying much more.

Shi Tianjing and the others knew they couldn't stop him, nor did they have any reason to. They all saw him off.

"Another one leaving, sigh."

An old soldier couldn't help but sigh. With Huo Xiaoqi and Worm Two, two powerful True Immortal Realm combatants, in the Yinglong Yuwu Camp, if war broke out, it would greatly boost everyone's sense of security. But now, they were both leaving.

"Wish them good luck. We also have to rely on ourselves. On the battlefield, you can't always count on others, or you'll end up doomed sooner or later."

Shi Tianjing gazed into the distance, then retracted his gaze, shaking his head.

Having learned his lesson from that young man, his attitude towards these newcomers was much gentler than before.

"Once I've trained you all well, I'll report to the Tiger-Lion Army," Shi Tianjing said to the people around him. "You all must also cultivate diligently, you must survive."

Everyone exchanged glances, remaining silent.

...

...

Yan-Chu Immortal Capital, outside the Imperial Palace Platform.

Figures were teleporting in from all four directions of the Yan-Chu cities, their auras powerful and restrained. Some were accompanied by elders and teachers, Immortal Lord realm experts, while others were participants in the war, True Immortal Realm cultivators, but their auras were robust, like dragons and tigers coiled in their arms and fingers, their movements seeming to carry the power of ten thousand galloping dragons.

"Looks like the people from other sects have also arrived ahead of time."

"So many people have come."

"The three-year period is almost over, this ranking should finally be settled."

"I just finished secluded cultivation, my immortal techniques have made a leap in improvement, Master, I will definitely live up to your expectations!"

"Junior Sister, once I obtain a combat slot, I will propose marriage to your family, wait for me!"

"Senior Sister, my name, Wang Chu, will surely be among the thousand slots!"

Figures from all directions gathered here. After teleporting and assembling outside the Imperial Palace Platform, they dispersed like stars and rain, following the Imperial Palace guards towards the Ancient Immortal Realm entrance in the Imperial Palace square.

The entrance to the Ancient Immortal Realm hadn't been closed for the past three years. A very small number of people hadn't left this place, constantly challenging and cultivating in seclusion within the Ancient Immortal Realm.

At this time, as the geniuses from various sects gathered, Chu Xiangtian also arrived above the Imperial City, accompanied by two extravagantly dressed figures, a man and a woman, also of imperial blood, a prince and a princess.

"It seems these sects have invested a lot of effort in these three years. The auras of these disciples who have come are clearly much stronger than before."

"Three years, we've been waiting for this moment. If they can't participate in the war, then it's all meaningless."

The tall and beautiful princess beside him said indifferently, a hint of royal indifference in her eyes, not arrogance, but even more arrogant.

"Let's go, let's go take a look. Those little guys, they should be wanting to make a big scene this time too."

"That's right, the final ranking will be presented directly to Father Emperor."

As they spoke, they also flew into the Ancient Immortal Realm.

Outside the Imperial Platform, several figures descended.

"They've come."

"So many people."

Yue Xi and Murong Qingwu had just appeared when they sensed waves of powerful auras around them. Many people weren't deliberately hiding them, their sharpness and talent clearly on display.

Their expressions became serious. In the challenges three years ago, they had been full of confidence but hadn't even entered the top thousand, a great blow. Now, that sense of pressure seemed to be returning.

"Let's go to the Ancient Immortal Realm first. I've contacted Master, he and the people from the Immortal Sect are currently teleporting over," Gu Yan said.

The three of them moved together, flying out from the Imperial Platform and heading towards the Ancient Immortal Realm.

Just as they approached the entrance of the Ancient Immortal Realm, suddenly, a surging, imposing aura rushed up from behind them, its momentum extremely fast and undiminished.

The three of them's expressions shifted slightly. They turned around and saw four or five figures wearing royal golden swallow dragon robes flying over.

Seeing them in their path, the youth at the front coldly snorted, "Where did these commoners come from, move aside!"

Murong Qingwu reacted quickly, swiftly pulling Yue Xi and Gu Yan aside.

Once the royal figures had left, a hint of anger surfaced in her beautiful eyes.

"Too barbaric, are they princes?"

Yue Xi and Gu Yan also recovered, their expressions not very good.

"There are many princes, some arrogant ones are unavoidable, don't take it to heart," Murong Qingwu said, but she was also indignant in her heart.

Gu Yan slightly narrowed his eyes, memorizing the appearance of the youth at the front. He said in a low voice, "If I encounter him in the Southern Domain War, I will let him know that royal bloodline can also be trampled underfoot!"

Yue Xi glanced at him, admiration in her eyes, feeling for the first time that this Junior Brother was somewhat endearing.

Murong Qingwu rubbed her forehead, a wry smile on her face. "It's fine to say these words amongst ourselves, but don't say them to outsiders, or you'll attract a death sentence. Let's go, let's go inside first, and see if Haotian is here by the way."

"Mm."

Mentioning Haotian, Yue Xi and Gu Yan's eyes both subtly brightened. They immediately entered the Ancient Immortal Realm.

At this time, many disciples from various immortal sects were flying in, the number constantly increasing.

Not long after Murong Qingwu and the others arrived, other celestial sects arrived one after another.

While they were waiting, in the high sky, figures wearing golden swallow royal robes soared over, chatting amongst themselves, their boisterous and loud laughter ringing out, ignoring everyone beneath them—the numerous disciples from various sects who had come to participate, and the top geniuses selected from other forces.

"Royal Brother, how about we compete and see who can break through the Tenth Desolate Domain fastest?"

"Sure, whoever loses wagers a medium-grade immortal weapon as a small prize!"

"No problem."

"Chu Tianzheng, you need to step it up, to actually let people climb over you, strive to squeeze out everyone else outside of the top twenty and let them know that this is royal territory!"

"Losing to outsiders would be a bit embarrassing, wouldn't it?"

Several royal figures laughed loudly as they rushed into the Desolate Domains.

In the top twenty, there were a few identity sequences that stood out, not in the top hundred, clearly not people from the royal clan.

"That guy..."

In the Starry Palace, a figure stood on the majestic Star Palace Domain Artifact, scanning in all directions, but didn't see the figure who had accompanied him in battle. He couldn't help but frown slightly.

With that young man's combat power, he would surely have a brilliant performance this time, could it be that something unexpected happened to him in that battle?

"Junior Sister, what are you looking at?" A gentle voice sounded. Immediately after, a youth dressed in starry robes gracefully descended.

His hair flowed, his appearance jade-like and refined, his posture upright and elegant, looking handsome as a celestial being.

He gazed at the girl before him, a hint of hidden admiration in his eyes. She was the most monstrously talented existence in the Starry Palace in ten thousand years, and also the supreme pearl of the entire Starry Palace.

"Nothing."

Xing Lan slightly shook her head, withdrawing her gaze. She said, "Prepare yourselves, all of you. This time, work hard and strive to have a hundred of our Starry Palace disciples obtain slots."

"Mm."

The youth nodded in agreement, not pursuing the matter further.

(End of Chapter)