Chapter 509: The Charm of the Nine Sequences

"Senior, may I ask your name?"

Before leaving, Li Hao inquired.

The old man said, "I am the first divine tree of the Gold Dao Source. I have no given name or surname. You may also call me Mr. Gold."

"'Mr. Gold...'" Li Hao muttered. "A truly simple and unadorned title."

He slightly cupped his hands in a bow, bade farewell to Mr. Gold, and then turned to hurry towards the towering Source City.

At this moment, five-colored light blotted out the sky, divine radiance and Dao light illuminated everything. The entire Source City was filled with dense Great Dao fortune. The five Dao Sources were manifest, seemingly tangible, deepening one's perception of the five Daos immensely. It was possible to experience sudden enlightenment here.

Li Hao's gaze swept towards the golden light at the center, a complex and hard-to-read emotion in his eyes.

Mr. Gold had fought the Ancient Demons a hundred thousand years ago, sheltering the entire city. Later, he voluntarily left the city, yielding his position. But when he wanted to return, he was prevented.

He hadn't expected to see human greed and selfishness manifest even among these Source Divine Trees.

Shaking his head, Li Hao flew towards the nearest Water Dao Source Divine Tree.

Mr. Gold's wish wasn't necessarily to return, nor did he ask Li Hao to intervene. With his current realm, Li Hao lacked the power to speak up for him anyway.

The so-called pursuit of justice is built on strength; otherwise, justice can only kneel outside and wait.

As Li Hao arrived, he saw more than ten Water Dao cultivators gathered around the Water Dao Source Divine Tree, hailing from various dynasties and including prodigies from the Heavenly Palace.

Li Hao's arrival didn't attract much attention. However, Li Hao spotted a familiar figure climbing the Water Dao Source Divine Tree, rushing towards its peak – it was Boya Xuejian.

Beside Boya Xuejian, two other figures were also ascending against the current of a waterfall flowing down the trunk.

The waterfall cascaded down continuously, but Li Hao could tell it wasn't a real waterfall. It was the power of the Great Dao manifested by the Water Dao Source, likely used to test the comprehenders.

"It's those three again. This time, they might actually touch the Divine Tree's Dao Fruit!"

"Can't be helped. Their comprehension of the Water Dao is far beyond ours, probably at the fourth or even fifth level!"

"I'm content just being able to rest on the tree."

"No ambition."

Beneath the tree, some cultivators from the same Immortal Dynasty conversed in low voices.

Hearing their words, Li Hao's expression shifted slightly. Fourth level, fifth level?

Currently, the only Great Dao Sources he had comprehended to the fourth level were Space and the recently grasped Gold Dao Source.

His other Daos were at the second or third level.

Li Hao looked at Boya Xuejian. Based on his feeling about the young man, even if his Water Dao comprehension hadn't reached the fifth level, he had likely touched its threshold.

He instantly felt a sense of pressure. With his current Dao realm comprehension, he might not be able to compete successfully in this Spirit Burst event.

Only in the Gold Dao and Space Dao did he have a chance to contend.

At this moment, he suddenly understood why Boya Xuejian had come to this Five Dao Source City. In terms of Water Dao Source comprehension, he was unmatched in the Yan-Chu Immortal Dynasty's younger generation. Coming here was the right choice.

Mastery trumps breadth.

However, Li Hao had already chosen his path. Besides, his newly condensed Nine Sequences Immortal Seal had greatly boosted his combat power; it just didn't offer much advantage in the Divine Tree Spirit Burst competition.

Thoughts aside, Li Hao adopted the mindset of someone newly arrived in this world – since he was already here, he couldn't make the trip for nothing.

With a flicker, his figure immediately shot towards the Water Dao Source Divine Tree.

Swoosh!

Upon entering the divine light surrounding the tree's crown, Li Hao instantly felt his body covered by a hazy film of water. Here, he could clearly sense the aura of the Water Dao Source, while his perception of other Daos became blurry and weak.

Li Hao understood this was a test of his Water Dao Source comprehension.

He didn't hide it, ascending the Divine Tree using his second-level Water Dao Source.

Li Hao's actions also drew the attention of others. When they sensed the Water Dao Source aura and cultivation level Li Hao emitted, bursts of mocking laughter erupted.

"Look, a mere True Immortal Realm guy actually came here to try his luck."

"Only at the second level of Water Dao, yet he dares to dream of competing in the Spirit Burst."

Within the Divine Tree's radiant glow, apart from Boya Xuejian and the other two, everyone else had also begun climbing, reaching the level of the vines. Li Hao, however, was just starting his ascent; even the lowest vines rising from the ground were far above his head.

Here, the channel for his Void Boundary power was also lost. Li Hao discovered he couldn't even use spatial teleportation. He could only rely on the Water Dao Source, leveraging the unseen turbulent currents in the void, swimming desperately upwards like a fish.

Li Hao's Water Dao Source level was obtained through the Dao of Painting. The insights gained at that time also included the Space Dao and Earth Dao. Perhaps because it involved comprehending three Dao Sources simultaneously, both his Water Dao and Earth Dao Sources were only at the second level.

For a ninth-level True Immortal, comprehending a Great Dao Source to the second level already qualified as a prodigy, but not top-tier. Reaching the third level was top-tier, and the fourth level was reserved for extreme monstrous talents.

And in this Source Mystic Realm, being a prodigy was merely the entry requirement, the most common standard. The ability Li Hao currently displayed clearly placed him at the bottom.

"Looks like it's hopeless."

Li Hao mobilized all his Water Dao Source comprehension, climbing along the counter-current. However, the constantly scouring Water Dao Source pushed him back repeatedly. By the time he reached the level of the vines, he had already hit his limit.

Li Hao sighed inwardly, ready to give up. But just as he relaxed his efforts, suddenly, the impact force of the Water Dao Source around him receded like a tide, weakening significantly.

Li Hao paused, surprised. His body suddenly felt light.

"This?"

Li Hao looked up, only to see others still struggling upwards, some with faces flushed red from exertion.

While Li Hao was bewildered, a gentle force, like an invisible, tender hand, seemed to guide him, lifting his body and carrying him effortlessly upwards towards the top of the Divine Tree.

Soon, the vines were beneath his feet, receding further and further away. His body followed the vertical counter-current along the trunk, rising continuously.

Witnessing this, those who had previously mocked Li Hao couldn't help but widen their eyes in disbelief.

Li Hao had now surpassed their height. They could only sense a dense mass of Water Dao Source enveloping him, unable to perceive its level, but it felt extremely profound, exceeding their own level of comprehension.

"What's going on?"

"That True Immortal kid's Water Dao Source level is actually higher than mine?"

"Who is that kid? Where did he come from?"

Others also noticed Li Hao, some showing surprise, others narrowing their eyes thoughtfully.

Li Hao himself was completely baffled, having no idea what was happening.

Just as he ascended to the branch level, entering the lush foliage of the Divine Tree's crown, a gentle, light voice suddenly reached his ears, penetrating deep into his soul:

"Young man, what is your name?"

Li Hao paused slightly, looking up, but saw no one around. He thought of Mr. Gold and instantly had some understanding. His soul responded,

"Are you the Water Dao Source Divine Tree?"

Perhaps because of what Mr. Gold had told him, he had a preconceived notion, and this gentle voice felt somewhat strange to him now.

"Correct." The tree's voice was extremely soft. "It's been a long time since I've seen a Nine Sequences Immortal Seal. Do you also desire a Divine Tree Dao Fruit? If you are willing to form a contract with me, I can gift you one and allow you to drink my Nectar!"

"Nectar?" Li Hao was stunned, not expecting the other party to have detected his Immortal Seal.

"With a Nine Sequences foundation, you possess the potential of an Emperor. You rightfully deserve a Divine Tree Dao Fruit. Our existence was established by his venerable self when he built this city, intended to bless countless generations."

The gentle voice said.

Li Hao was taken aback. He suddenly felt that this entity was somewhat different from what he had previously imagined.

"What does forming a contract entail?" Li Hao asked with his soul.

"A Heavenly Dao contract. Once formed, when you become an Emperor, your soul imprint will appear on me, guarding this Source City for me. In return, I will provide you with cultivation resources. The first Divine Tree Dao Fruit has the greatest effect, but my Source Nectar can be drunk once every ten thousand years. Its effect is no less than the Dao Fruit, and it can continuously bring you Dao realm insights."

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree transmitted mentally.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment. This approach felt very similar to Mr. Gold's. At the same time, he sensed the rarity and power of the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal; even a Source Divine Tree was willing to invest in his potential upfront.

"What if I fail to become an Emperor?" Li Hao asked.

"You possess the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal, granting you the potential for the Emperor Realm. However, the actual probability of becoming an Emperor is still extremely small. It merely means you are barely qualified to step towards that threshold; whether you can cross it is unknown. The path is too long, full of variables. The possibility of perishing midway is actually higher!"

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree continued, "But only the weak prefer guaranteed, stable exchanges, because they cannot afford to lose."

"However, the rarest things in this world are often fraught with uncertainty. For me, this is a gamble. Perhaps ten individuals with the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal whom I encounter will all fail to become Emperors and perish midway. But if luck is on my side, and just one succeeds, then even sacrificing a hundred times over would be worthwhile."

Li Hao's heart trembled. He instantly felt the allure and terrifying significance of the Emperor Realm. But it made sense; Immortal Emperors were existences that suppressed entire eras, invincible legends, representing a peak power unattainable and incomparable for billions of immortals and gods!

"Are you willing?" the Water Dao Source Divine Tree asked softly.

Mr. Gold's words surfaced in Li Hao's mind. He hesitated slightly, then responded, "I am willing."

He had just understood that only strength could determine right and wrong. Although he possessed the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal and was nearly invincible within his realm, he was still no match for Immortal Lords, especially high-level ones, let alone Immortal Kings who existed above them and could crush him with a wave of their hand. Li Hao estimated that this Source Divine Tree's strength, even if not at the Immortal King realm, couldn't be far off.

A True Immortal discussing right and wrong with an Immortal King was like an ant discussing weight with an elephant – utterly nonsensical.

Following Li Hao's response, a gentle power surged around his body, carrying him continuously upward. In the blink of an eye, he was approaching the highest point where Boya Xuejian and the other two were.

The three seemed to sense the movement behind them and turned to look. When Boya Xuejian saw Li Hao, surprise flashed in his eyes.

Li Hao felt a bit sheepish. After all, he was taking a shortcut; in terms of pure Water Dao Source realm level, he couldn't compare to Boya Xuejian.

"True Immortal Realm?" The other two sensed Li Hao's aura, their expressions changing. A mere True Immortal was about to catch up to them?

Boya Xuejian gazed intently at Li Hao for a moment, then turned back, his speed exploding as he rapidly ascended against the current.

The other two were quickly left behind by Boya Xuejian, but unwilling to be outdone, they both unleashed extremely strong Water Dao Source power, steadily climbing higher.

However, as they continued to ascend, the other two's momentum gradually slowed, and they eventually had to stop.

Li Hao, under the Source Divine Tree's protection, maintained a steady, unhurried pace upwards.

Soon, Li Hao passed the other two. They stared at Li Hao's face as if seeing a ghost, their eyes filled with shock and complex emotions.

Soon, only Li Hao and Boya Xuejian remained at the top. They continued to climb, finally reaching the depths of the tree crown.

Here, divine radiance shimmered brilliantly. Ahead, there seemed to be a pearl-like azure divine light.

Li Hao smelled the fragrance of the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, but his gaze fell on Boya Xuejian ahead. For him to climb this high, his mastery of the Water Dao Source was truly terrifying, likely at the fifth level.

At this moment, the surrounding divine radiance suddenly enveloped them. Then, all the surrounding branches vanished. Li Hao felt as if he had been transported to an azure world, vast and boundless, with no visible edge.

This was a special space. Ahead stood a woman in an azure dress, possessing extraordinary grace. She was turned sideways, her silhouette exquisitely beautiful.

"Congratulations to you both." The gentle voice sounded again. The woman in the azure dress turned, revealing a face as beautiful as a fine sculpture.

Only then did Li Hao notice Boya Xuejian beside him. They exchanged glances. A peculiar look appeared in Boya Xuejian's eyes, followed by intense battle intent:

"Your Water Dao Source comprehension is actually so profound. I didn't notice it before."

Li Hao coughed lightly, blushing slightly, but offered no explanation.

"Your aptitude in the Water Dao Source is the greatest I've ever seen, even stronger than mine. I hope to have the chance to spar with you before the Southern Domain Conference!"

Boya Xuejian directly issued a challenge to Li Hao, a hint of fervor in his eyes.

Li Hao recognized that look; it was familiar, like seeing a worthy opponent in a game of wits.

He could understand Boya Xuejian's feelings but knew he likely wasn't capable of fighting him yet. The gap between True Immortal and Immortal Lord was too vast, and Boya Xuejian was definitely not comparable to prodigies like Chu Tianzheng.

"You are both outstanding. These are the Divine Tree Dao Fruits bestowed upon you." At this moment, the ignored Water Dao Source woman finally couldn't resist speaking softly. With a wave of her hand, two azure Dao Fruits appeared, flying towards Li Hao and Boya Xuejian respectively.

Boya Xuejian glanced at it, his expression showing no great excitement, merely raising his hand to accept it.

"May you reach divinity through the ten realms on your path of the Water Dao Source!" the Water Dao Source said to Boya Xuejian.

Boya Xuejian narrowed his eyes slightly, nodded, then looked at Li Hao and said, "When will you be free? Don't worry, I will suppress my cultivation realm to the ninth level of True Immortal."

Li Hao hadn't expected this Boya Xuejian to be such a battle maniac. Seeing his previously calm, snow-like demeanor, Li Hao had thought him a person of elegant and detached nature. It turned out he simply hadn't regarded others highly enough.

"Well... I probably won't have much free time," Li Hao politely declined.

Boya Xuejian frowned slightly, gave Li Hao a deep look, and said, "Then we can only meet at the Southern Domain Conference. I hope to cross hands with you then."

Li Hao gave a wry smile and cupped his hands towards him, "There will be geniuses from all sides then, enough to keep you entertained."

"That's different." Boya Xuejian shook his head. He looked at Li Hao but said no more. He turned to the Water Dao Source and said, "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing this treasure. When my Water Dao Source reaches the tenth level, I will surely nourish your divine body!"

Hearing this, the Water Dao Source woman showed a satisfied and gratified smile. She waved her hand, "Then I shall wait for you. Go cultivate first; time here is precious."

Boya Xuejian nodded, and his figure vanished like ripples in water.

After Boya Xuejian left, the Water Dao Source woman looked at Li Hao, her eyes even brighter than before.

She said softly, "Fortunately, I kept one Divine Tree Dao Fruit in reserve. Otherwise, I really wouldn't have known who to give it to this time. He might have been slighted."

Hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but be inwardly astonished. Listening to her, he wasn't sure if she had high emotional intelligence or if she truly only had one and would have given it to him. If the latter was true, the charm of this Nine Sequences Immortal Seal was simply too immense.

"He is a rare monstrous talent in the Water Dao Source. I can sense an extremely pure Water Dao Source power within him, even his primordial spirit contains natural, pure Water Dao energy. However, trying to reach the Emperor Realm through a single path is extremely difficult..."

The Water Dao Source sighed lightly, sizing up Li Hao.

"Your Water Dao Source is only at the second level. This Divine Tree Dao Fruit should allow your strength to leap forward."

Li Hao nodded. Having previously eaten the Gold Dao Divine Tree Dao Fruit, his Gold Dao Source had reached the fourth level. Now, with the Water Dao Source, he believed he could likely cultivate it to the fourth level as well. For the True Immortal Realm, this was already the extreme limit.

"Second Brother and Little Sister don't know about your existence yet. If they did, they would likely send you Dao Fruits too. I'll inform them now. You just need to wait here."

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree said.

Hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but feel flattered and overwhelmed.

Did this mean... he didn't have to do anything, just wait here, and they would deliver the Divine Tree Dao Fruits? If he consumed them all, wouldn't that mean all five of his Dao Sources could reach the fourth level?!

At this thought, Li Hao couldn't help but feel excited. The five Dao Sources complemented each other. If all reached the fourth level, he didn't know what wondrous changes might occur, but undoubtedly, the boost to his combat power would be immense!

"Now, let us perform the contract," the Water Dao Source Divine Tree said. She raised a finger, like a tender, white scallion stalk, and gently tapped the void. Accompanied by the ding-dong sound of ripples, Li Hao felt a vast, profound power envelop him, touching his soul.

Understanding dawned in his heart. His soul gently made contact. In an instant, Li Hao felt as if his soul had merged into some kind of extremely soft ocean.

Opposite him, the Water Dao Source Divine Tree also gently closed her eyes.

After a long while, Li Hao felt the extremely soft sensation disappear. He opened his eyes and sensed a faint connection between himself and the Source Divine Tree before him.

"After you consume the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, I will give you the Nectar. You may cultivate here," the Water Dao Source Divine Tree said.

Li Hao nodded.

At this moment, the Water Dao Source Divine Tree glanced at Li Hao and suddenly asked, "Did you go outside the city earlier?"

Li Hao's gaze tightened, but his expression remained unchanged. "Yes, that's correct."

"Does that mean you met our Big Brother?"

"Hm?" Hearing her form of address, Li Hao's eyes flickered. He looked at her but saw no ruthlessness in her eyes, only melancholy and sadness.

"I smell Big Brother's aura on you. You must have eaten the Divine Tree Dao Fruit he gave you. It seems Big Brother also thinks highly of you. After all, outside the city, it takes him thirty thousand years to condense a single Dao Fruit..."

She spoke softly, with a slight sigh.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised. Based on Mr. Gold's words, these Source Divine Trees seemed to be hostile towards him, preventing his entry. But her current demeanor – was it an act for his benefit, or was there another hidden reason?

While Li Hao pondered, the Water Dao Source Divine Tree asked, "Did Big Brother mention us to you?"

Li Hao's thoughts turned. "He didn't say much."

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree fell silent for a moment, then said, "Child, I have lived for countless ages, seen innumerable people, and countless human hearts. There is no need for you to lie before me."

Li Hao paused slightly, feigning confusion. "Lie?"

"When I mentioned Big Brother being outside the city, your expression showed no surprise. This shows Big Brother already told you many things. Otherwise, upon hearing that Big Brother is outside the city, wouldn't you naturally have questions and confusion?"

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree said, her beautiful azure eyes like a deep ocean, gazing at Li Hao.

Li Hao's scalp tingled slightly; he felt a bit numb. These old beings who had lived for countless ages were indeed meticulous thinkers. Although he had lived two lives, his total soul age was barely a hundred years. Some of the prodigies competing in this Source Mystic Realm might have already reincarnated four or five times, experiencing far more than him.

"Mr. Gold did mention some things," Li Hao had to admit.

"What did Big Brother say?" The Water Dao Source Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a trace of hope in her eyes.

Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Gold protected this Source City a hundred thousand years ago, was severely injured fighting the Ancient Demons, and later voluntarily left the Source City. But when his injuries healed somewhat, he wanted to return..."

Reaching this point, he glanced at her, feeling it unnecessary to continue. After all, she should know better what happened.

Hearing Li Hao's words, the trace of hope in the Water Dao Source Divine Tree's eyes gradually dimmed. She said softly, "Did Big Brother tell you that we prevented him from coming back in?"

Li Hao remained silent, implicitly confirming.

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree let out a light breath, smiled faintly, and said, "Saying it like that isn't wrong, actually."

Li Hao paused slightly, gazing intently at her.

"Back then, Big Brother nearly exhausted his soul, his tree seed almost extinguished, just to protect us. Without him, there would be no Five Dao Source City today," the Water Dao Source Divine Tree said in a low voice.

Seeing her dejected expression, Li Hao looked puzzled. "Since Senior knows this, then why?"

The Water Dao Source Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a smile gracing her lips, seeming to brighten the surroundings. She said softly:

"Big Brother was injured once. He cannot be injured again."

"A hundred thousand years ago, he protected us. A hundred thousand years later, it's our turn to protect him. Those Ancient Demons are not eradicated, Immortal Emperors fall one after another. Sooner or later, a fierce battle will erupt again, affecting the Source City once more."

She gazed at Li Hao and said, "If Big Brother returns to the Source City, he will stay in this city. Getting in is easy, getting out is hard!"

Li Hao was stunned, his expression changing slightly. He suddenly realized the misunderstanding here.

"Big Brother thinks we are ungrateful, refusing to let him re-enter the city and share the nourishment within the Source City. But we are five siblings!"

"In this world, besides the Five Absolutes Immortal Emperor who created and nurtured us, we are the closest to each other!"

"Nourishment? Resources? What do those count for? If we cherished those things, we would have crushed the Divine Tree Dao Fruits and buried them beneath our own roots to nourish ourselves."

There seemed to be mist in the Water Dao Source Divine Tree's eyes, but her face held a self-deprecating smile.

Li Hao's heart trembled slightly. He said, "If that's the case, why don't you just tell him directly?"

"Tell him?" The Water Dao Source Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Do you have brothers or sisters? Or... do you have parents?"

Li Hao paused slightly. An indescribable light flickered in his eyes. Several faces appeared in his mind but quickly submerged again.

"I used to," he said softly, his voice several degrees lower than before.

"Then that explains it." The Water Dao Source Divine Tree didn't notice Li Hao's emotional shift and continued, "You should know, if someone you protect encounters danger, you would step forward too, right? Big Brother is exactly that kind of person. If we told him the truth, he would disregard everything to re-enter the city. Even if he didn't enter, he would stay with us until the very end, fighting until the very end!"

As she spoke, nostalgia filled her eyes, and her cheeks glowed with a radiant smile.

"He's just that kind of person."

"So," her smile faded, her eyes becoming calm, "we can only treat him this way. When Big Brother spoke to you, he must have hated us too, right? Hated us for being selfish, greedy!"

Li Hao also came back to his senses, feeling as if his blood was boiling and rushing, an indescribable sensation.

He recalled the aged voice beneath the golden tree outside the city, the promise he was asked to make:

If he became an Immortal Emperor, he must protect this Source World!

Separated by a city wall, a rift of a hundred thousand years, yet they were both protecting each other with all their hearts!

(End of Chapter)