Chapter 494: Origin Secret Realm

"Your son/subject greets the Imperial Father."

"Your son/subject greets the Imperial Father."

The several royals on the Immortal Platform, including Chu Tianhuang who stood at the forefront, all knelt down in succession.

The other royals below the Immortal Platform also knelt and bowed their heads, not even daring to secretly glance up.

People from other sects, including the Demon Subduing Division, the ancient families, and other forces, also reacted and hastily knelt down to pay respects.

Standing in the misty clouds beside the Imperial Palace, the two illusory figures, Yuan Xinggang and Shangguan Hong, only slightly bowed to show respect. With their status and friendship with Emperor Chu, these secular formalities were long unnecessary for them.

Li Hao followed the others, intending to kneel on one knee to pay respects, but suddenly a gentle force supported his body.

At the same time, a majestic yet approachable voice resonated in his mind, "Where is your esteemed master currently?"

Li Hao was slightly stunned, looking around in confusion, before his gaze settled on the towering figure of the Imperial Palace.

"Your master and I once had a bond of favor. You have no need to worry. Has your master not mentioned this to you?"

The voice sounded again.

At this point, Li Hao was finally certain that the voice transmitter was the Emperor Chu before him, the one who possessed nine thousand Immortal Cities and boundless territory in Yan Chu.

In the entire True World, this was a top-tier powerhouse, perhaps only second to the Immortal Emperors who stood at the very peak.

"May I ask how Your Majesty discerned it?"

Li Hao transmitted his voice back, filled with doubt.

Now that things had come to this, there was no need for him to deny it. The Emperor's words didn't sound like extortion, and moreover, with the other party's strength and status, if they truly harbored malicious intentions, there was no need for extortion; they had plenty of ways to achieve their goals.

"Your Immortal Body is an Ancestral Immortal Body. Apart from the families who received his favor back then, this technique is not passed down to outsiders. And that group of people has long been exterminated, vanished without a trace…"

Emperor Chu's voice transmission was calm as he explained.

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, not expecting that his Immortal Body would expose his origins.

However, even Gu Changming could discern the source of his techniques from his attacks. It seemed not so surprising that Emperor Chu could see through him.

He awkwardly said, "I see."

"Where is your esteemed master now?" Emperor Chu inquired again through voice transmission.

Li Hao replied via voice transmission, "Replying to Your Majesty, I only coincidentally obtained a bit of inheritance, not even worthy of being considered a personal disciple. I know nothing about his whereabouts. Perhaps when I become a personal disciple, I might learn some information."

He spoke relatively cautiously. Although the Emperor Chu before him seemed to have no ill intentions, he still kept some reservations.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Emperor Chu's voice transmission temporarily ceased. Then, as if sighing with emotion, he said:

"To think that with your talent, you still cannot become a personal disciple… Indeed… His three personal disciples back then were exceptionally brilliant, far beyond this level. They were the true paragons of their generation…"

Within these murmurs, his voice gradually faded away.

Subsequently, Li Hao saw the doors of the Imperial Palace fully open. A majestic and dignified voice rang out, it was Emperor Chu's voice from just now, "You who come from the nine thousand Immortal Cities, about to fight for my Yan Chu against the six kingdoms, the top ten, step forward!"

Chu Xiangtian immediately turned his head and gestured for Chu Tianhuang, who was at the front, to step forward.

The other royals, including the seventh princess who ranked seventh, also showed joy in their eyes and stood up one after another, stepping forward and flying towards the Imperial Palace.

Li Hao, Xinglan, and the others also followed suit. The ten of them stood in the billowing clouds outside the Imperial Palace, their figures outstanding and attracting the gaze of the world.

"The champion, awarded a Fragment of Destiny!"

Along with Emperor Chu's words, a stream of light shot out from the Imperial Palace, drawing a colorful arc of light, and landed in front of Chu Tianhuang.

Hearing this, the others all had their eyes light up, filled with excitement and envy.

Fragment of Destiny! This was a supreme divine object that could be used to comprehend the power of destiny.

Among the countless Great Daos in the True World, the Nine Sequences are kings, and Destiny is supreme.

Even the extremely difficult to comprehend Nine Sequence Origins like Time and Space were insignificant compared to Destiny!

And the best way to comprehend the power of Destiny was to rely on the divine object, Fragments of Destiny!

Unexpectedly, the Yan Chu Imperial Family was so generous this time, actually bestowing such a treasure.

Chu Tianhuang, who had always been calm and collected, could not help but reveal a hint of excitement in his eyes. He quickly reached out to receive it, and then bowed to express his gratitude.

"The runner-up, awarded a top-tier Immortal Weapon, a drop of Emperor Blood Essence, and a seven-year opportunity to comprehend the Origin Realm!"

Emperor Chu continued his bestowal.

Two beams of light flew out from the Imperial Palace. One was a longsword exuding a biting, freezing power. A phantom of an azure ice phoenix seemed to accompany the sword, letting out a cry, radiating terrifying might and aura, suppressing the momentum of Li Hao and the other top ten!

Just this Immortal Weapon alone seemed capable of skewering all ten of them.

Li Hao vaguely sensed the restless intent transmitted from Taotie in his Heavenly Earth Space. It transmitted to Li Hao, "Delicious aura, I really want to eat it!"

"You can eat it?"

Li Hao felt the might of the Immortal Weapon and was somewhat astonished by Taotie's words.

"If master is at the same realm as it, I am confident!"

Taotie said excitedly.

Li Hao sensed its bloodthirst and ferocity, and also felt the confidence revealed in its words. It was indeed a top-tier Immortal Weapon left over from the Imperial Palace's weapon reserves.

And in that great war of the past, there were likely many Immortal Weapons of the same level as Taotie, or even stronger, that were lost in that earth-shattering battlefield.

At this moment, following the Immortal Weapon, was a beam of intense silver-black light, like constantly fracturing silver-black lightning.

Within that light, an immense majesty radiated, causing everyone present to feel a sinking sensation in their hearts, an indescribable feeling.

Boya Xuejian, who stood in second place, revealed a light in his eyes for the first time. The weapon and the Emperor Blood Essence seemed to be prepared for him, including the attribute of the Immortal Weapon, which also felt extremely compatible to him.

He reached out and received the two eye-catching treasures in his hands.

"Ranked third, same rewards."

Emperor Chu continued the bestowal.

Then the same treasures flew out, but this time the attribute of the Immortal Weapon was a dazzling golden yellow, exuding a heavy power, a different type of Immortal Weapon.

"My heavens, consecutively bestowing two drops of Emperor Blood Essence!"

"Even within the Imperial Clan, they wouldn't bestow rewards like this!"

"This is Emperor Blood Essence! If used by someone without Imperial Blood, it can transform their bloodline into Imperial Blood! If used by someone with Imperial Blood, it can increase the concentration of their Imperial Blood, and they can even receive a chance for Imperial-level instruction!"

Below the Immortal Platform, the disciples and elders of various sects were in an uproar, some envious, and some elders wishing they could be on stage, regretting deeply why they didn't have such an opportunity.

"For the rest, awarded an Immortal Weapon, and my Imperial Clan's top-tier Immortal Body battle technique,"Hegemon Immortal Body", and a seven-year opportunity to comprehend cultivation in the Origin Realm!"

Emperor Chu's voice resonated like thunder, extremely steady yet spreading throughout the heavens and earth.

Seven beams of light shot out, containing seven Immortal Weapons, though not reaching the level of the one Boya Xuejian received. However, they were all usable until the tenth level of the Immortal Lord Realm!

In addition, there were seven streams of light that entered the foreheads of Li Hao and the other seven people. Immediately afterwards, a massive amount of information surged in, a golden Immortal Body battle technique suspended in their sea of consciousness.

"Young man, what is your name?"

As Li Hao was observing and receiving this Imperial Clan Immortal Body battle technique, Emperor Chu's voice rang out, his gaze falling on Li Hao.

Hearing Emperor Chu's words, Xinglan and the others beside him also looked at Li Hao in surprise, seemingly not expecting that he would be singled out by Emperor Chu.

"Haotian."

Li Hao came back to his senses and quickly cupped his hands in reply.

At this moment, his name spread throughout the nine thousand Immortal Cities, becoming known to the world!

"You have reached this stage in the True Immortal Realm. The "Hegemon Immortal Body"battle technique is a manual for the Immortal Lord Realm, temporarily useless to you. I bestow upon you a drop of Emperor Blood Essence, manage it well."

Emperor Chu slowly said, and immediately a beam of light emitting Imperial might flew and landed in front of Li Hao.

Li Hao was slightly stunned, reaching out to receive it. It was a drop of blood, but it felt as heavy as ten thousand mountains.

He quickly thanked the Emperor.

The others were all looking at Li Hao with envy, their gazes complex, some jealous, and others secretly resentful in their hearts.

Emperor Blood Essence was so rare, yet Li Hao had picked up such a bargain.

After the rewards for the top ten were concluded, Emperor Chu then raised his hand and drew a large arc in the void. The arc of light reflected another world, seemingly a secret realm.

"Those who represent my Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty in the battle against the six kingdoms, in these seven years, all may cultivate in the Chaos Secret Realm. Those who perform exceptionally well within it, will obtain the opportunity to cultivate and comprehend in the Origin Secret Realm!"

Hearing his words, the various sects below the Immortal Platform erupted once more. Those disciples who had not made it into the top thousand were all shocked and bewildered, then stamped their feet and wailed, regretting losing this huge opportunity.

The Chaos Secret Realm was a well-known holy cultivation ground within the Imperial Clan. Inside was a piece of the Chaos World, making it easier to comprehend many Great Daos within it.

And the Origin Secret Realm was even more terrifying. In the entire True World, it was considered one of the top secret realms. Only powers like the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty Imperial Clan were able to control it.

Inside, one could visually perceive the origins of all Daos. Except for the Nine Sequences, all other Daos could be easily captured and comprehended within it!

If one could cultivate in the Origin Secret Realm for a long time, they could even nurture freaks of nature with Nine-Petal Immortal Imprints!

This was the ultimate foundation of a major power!

"Emperor Chu actually dares to open the Origin Secret Realm on such a large scale!"

"I heard that cultivating in the Origin Secret Realm, even a third-rate talent can become a first-rate top genius!"

"Opening the Origin Secret Realm once is not easy, the Great Dao can easily become turbid. This is truly going all out!"

"Past Southern Domain Convocations were not this generous. Had we known earlier, even if we had to force-feed them pills, we would have made them break through to the Immortal Lord Realm. That way, they could have surely secured a spot."

The elders of various sects all had drastic changes in their expressions, filled with regret and lament.

"You guys are truly blessed this time!"

Within the Great Dream Nine Abyss Sect, Li Tiemu looked at Gu Yan and the others, excitedly saying, "In the Chaos Secret Realm, you must cultivate diligently! You must seize the opportunity to go to the Origin Secret Realm, otherwise your gap with Haotian will only widen infinitely!"

"If you can squeeze into this Origin Secret Realm, it will surpass thousands of years of your bitter cultivation!"

Seeing Elder Li's excited appearance, even Yuexi, who was still somewhat bewildered about all this, realized what a rare opportunity this was. She couldn't help but clench her fist.

A light shone in Gu Yan's eyes, his expression becoming resolute.

On the Immortal Platform, Li Hao heard the discussions around him, and was somewhat surprised. It seemed this reward was quite good.

However, he wondered if comprehending Painting Dao and Chess Dao in this Origin Secret Realm would also have any enhancements or improvements?

"Enter."

Emperor Chu said.

The arc of light he drew became enormous, and within it, one could faintly see a blurry secret realm world.

Chu Tianhuang, standing at the front, did not hesitate. He put away the rewarded items and took the lead, rushing into it.

The others also followed suit.

Seeing this, Li Hao could only follow them inside as well.

After they had all entered, Zhang Xuanyu and the others who were ranked lower also quickly entered in succession.

A sense of spatial displacement and illusion came over him. When Li Hao opened his eyes again, he saw himself in a vast plain.

In front of the plain, there were nine towering pagodas.

The end of the pagodas was a world of chaotic clouds and mist, like drifting fog on a cliff.

"Immortal Seal Tower."

A royal murmured, a look of reminiscence in his eyes.

"This is the Chaos Secret Realm?"

Xinglan surveyed her surroundings and immediately felt a great difference from the outside world. In the plain, faint traces of Great Dao origins would occasionally drift by, like a gentle breeze, easily grasped.

This subtle feeling of contact amazed her. Cultivating here, as long as one's comprehension wasn't too poor, they could become a prodigy!

"This is my first time coming to the Chaos Secret Realm as well. I've long admired its reputation. Have you royals cultivated here before?"

Beside them, a young prodigy from the Illusory Sea Sect surveyed the surroundings and asked with a smile.

The princess royal closest to him glanced at him and said, "We have only heard of it, never been here before. Although we are royals, we have reached where we are today by our own talent and comprehension. Don't think we only rely on resources and background to bully you."

Hearing her words, the Illusory Sea Sect youth was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said:

"Don't be so sensitive, I didn't say anything, just casually asking."

"Hmph."

The princess royal snorted and ignored him.

"Everyone, choose now. These are the Immortal Seal Towers. Whichever level of Immortal Seal you have condensed, go to that tower. Inside the tower is the Origin Secret Realm cultivation ground!"

At this time, the middle-aged royal ranked third, after Boya Xuejian, calmly said.

As he spoke, his brows and eyes naturally carried a sense of authority, giving people a feeling of trust.

"Immortal Seal?"

Xinglan and Li Hao exchanged glances. Compared to the royals, they clearly lacked much information.

"If one forcefully chooses an Immortal Seal Tower exceeding their own Immortal Seal, what will happen?" the Illusory Sea Sect youth asked.

"Simple, you can't get in."

The middle-aged royal said indifferently.

The latter revealed an expression of understanding and nodded.

At this time, more and more people were being transmitted into this plain. In the blink of an eye, many disciples from various sects, as well as other royals, gathered around Li Hao and the others.

In the passage, accompanied by a dragon's roar, Chu Xiangtian flew in, stepping on an ancestral dragon.

He looked at the crowd gathered on the plain, and listening to their curious discussions and whispers, he explained the matters regarding the Immortal Seal Towers and the Chaos Secret Realm.

Hearing Chu Xiangtian's words, everyone finally understood that the nine towers before them actually connected to the Origin Secret Realm.

"Time is short, I'll go first."

The princess royal showed impatience on her face. After Chu Xiangtian finished speaking, she took the lead and rushed towards the Immortal Seal Tower.

As soon as she moved, the others also acted one after another.

(End of Chapter)