Chapter 151 - 153:Ascension to Immortality. Blocking the Heavens and the Earth. Coming for Him.
Chapter 151: Ascension to Immortality (Two-in-One Chapter)
Bang!
In close quarters, sword and claw clashed in an instant.
Vast cosmic energy surged along the blade's edge, as if tearing open a rift, rushing forward with immense power.
The inevitable law of the Dao was severed by the Dragon Skyward Sword, and the man in black assumed that a mere Celestial Realm's strike would be easily crushed. But at the moment of contact, the vast power transmitted from the sword's edge nearly caused him to lose his senses.
A devastating shockwave rippled outward, and Li Hao's body was sent reeling backward. However, as Li Hao retreated, he manipulated the hidden lines to yank on the fish hook, viciously embedding it deeper into the man's rib cage. With each tug, the hook burrowed deeper.
The man in black grunted in pain as he chopped down with a palm strike, his palm edge as sharp as a blade, severing the hidden line.
But as the line was cut, the fish hook tore out a large chunk of flesh, causing him to inhale sharply. The searing pain fueled his uncontrollable rage.
As a Demon King, he couldn't believe that he had been injured by a mere Celestial Realm human with just one exchange of moves. It was unimaginable!
"Die!"
The man in black lashed out in fury, pointing a finger at Li Hao to deliver a fatal strike.
Nine Abyss Shattering Cloud Finger!
Under the guidance of the Dao's law, this finger strike was destined to hit its mark, imbued with terrifying demonic might that seemed to oppress even the howling wind and snow into silence.
Li Hao's expression turned solemn as the hidden lines extended, weaving a complex web around him.
At the same time, he unleashed the power of his Yin-Yang dual meridians. The immortal energy within drew upon the forces of nature, and with his own great meridians acting like a spinning top, he gathered the surrounding cosmic energy, condensing it all onto the blade!
The dragon soul sealed within the Dragon Skyward Sword thirstily drank in this power, and dragon might emerged from the sword, manifesting as a condensed and concentrated true dragon coiling around Li Hao's sword-wielding arm, enhancing it with terrifying true dragon power.
Li Hao felt his heart contract, beating violently, even painfully. He knew that the shocking finger strike was aimed directly at his heart.
His opponent was aiming for a one-hit kill!
Huff!
He took a step forward, and his sword cleaved downward with fierce intensity.
Immortal Art, Taiji Universe Sword!
Before the sword, Yin and Yang seemed to evolve, forming a virtual array that howled forward alongside the blade's edge.
Boom!!!
A heaven-shattering, earth-shattering burst of impact swept through the area, sending countless ribbons of white light scattering in all directions. A deep indentation in the shape of a finger mark was left on the ground behind Li Hao.
However, Li Hao's body didn't retreat even half a step. His black hair flew wildly as the Yin-Yang array before his sword spun rapidly, shredding away most of the overwhelming finger force. He took another step forward, and his sword light viciously slashed at the dissipating afterimage, completely shattering the finger strike!
High in the sky, the man in black's body trembled with the force of the impact, and his angry gaze turned to one of shock.
As a Demon King in the Four Establishments Realm, he couldn't believe that someone could block his attack, and moreover, his opponent wasn't even at the Three Non-Mortal stages, merely at the Celestial Realm!
He felt shocked, but also fearful and apprehensive. If a human monster like this were allowed to cultivate and grow, wouldn't he become the second True Man in this Great Yu Divine Dynasty?!
If that were to happen, he dared not imagine where the demons and monsters could find a place to live around the Great Yu Divine Dynasty.
"Incredible speed!"
Chills ran down the man in black's spine, and a murderous intent rose within him. He unleashed his martial will and once again pointed a finger, sending out another strike.
The second finger descended, just as overwhelming and terrifying as the first, stirring the endless qi in the surroundings.
Li Hao was a little surprised to see the same technique again, and he felt a twinge of astonishment and delight. It meant that the previous attack was likely the opponent's strongest move.
In this brief exchange, Li Hao had already sensed that while this Four Establishments Realm Demon King was powerful, he wasn't as unbeatable as Li Hao had imagined.
If it had been half a month ago, he might not have been able to withstand the attack, but now, borrowing the power of the heavens and the earth, he could fight!
This realization thrilled Li Hao, and without hesitation, he swung his sword once more.
It was the same sword technique, and the Yin-Yang afterimage appeared again.
However, as his sword cleaved downward, the finger strike drew near, faster than before.
Li Hao's pupils constricted slightly. In this critical moment, the hidden lines he had laid earlier to restrain his opponent suddenly pulled on his body, yanking him backward and creating distance.
Using his own power, he moved like a puppet on a string, rapidly increasing the distance between them.
At the same time, his sword technique was already complete.
Bang! Another powerful impact reverberated through the entire camp.
The man in black's expression changed, and in his anger, he pressed down with another finger strike.
He refused to believe that a mere human could possess such immense energy and repeatedly unleash such terrifying sword techniques.
Under the relentless assault of the Nine Abyss Shattering Cloud Fingers, combined with the incredible speed of his martial will, Li Hao could only dodge around the camp. But with each dodge, he created more distance and then counterattacked with his sword.
The energy within his body was enduring, and the immortal energy in his body allowed him to communicate with the forces of nature, ensuring that he wouldn't tire for a long time, essentially putting him in a semi-invincible state that would last indefinitely.
After seven or eight finger strikes, the original camp and the fenced courtyard had been destroyed by the battle.
But at this moment, Li Hao had no time to worry about that, as all his attention was focused on the fight at hand.
With the emergence of his Unyielding Might, the depleted power within him rapidly recovered, and his spirit became robust. His eyes emitted a terrifying glow as he roared and charged forward.
Bang!
He raised his hand, sending forth a palm strike, and within it, the Nine Abyss Shattering Cloud Finger pressed downward.
Simultaneously, he opened his mouth, spewing out a torrent of black demonic wind, filled with countless sharp blades that swept through the air.
As his power continued to gather, his killing moves erupted simultaneously.
Li Hao's expression changed, and he altered his sword technique, barely maintaining the balance of power within his body at this critical moment.
"Immortal Path, Reincarnation!"
Li Hao slashed once more, his sword light forming an arc that morphed into a round moon, swiftly pushing forward.
The black demonic wind was instantly obliterated, and the massive palm strike made contact with the sword arc, shattering it. However, the sword arc flickered with lightning, seemingly unable to withstand the pressure.
The finger strike that pierced through the palm completely crushed the sword light, but at the same time, the finger was also shredded, and the successive bursts of power sent shockwaves that flipped over the tents in the distant camp.
Li Hao's qi and blood churned within him, but he quickly suppressed it. With a reverse grip, he savagely slashed with his second sword.
The black-robed man's pupils contracted, and his face turned ashen with shock.
How could he still be alive?
Did this brat hide his true strength before?!
He felt his qi and blood surge to his head, a sensation that made him want to explode in rage. His eyes turned violent and bloodshot, and his body gradually transformed, his hands becoming sharp claws that emitted a piercing shriek.
The same attacks struck again and again, and black feathers sprouted from his skin, his demonic transformation deepening with each blow.
Both sides unleashed their most vicious moves, shaking the earth and mountains, the clamor reaching the heavens.
However, they seemed to be at a stalemate, neither able to overcome the other.
Under the influence of his Unyielding state, the black-robed man revealed his true form, transforming into a massive black bird. But on its back were several golden-like long feathers, a sign of its thin ancient Demon King bloodline.
It roared, flapping its wings, causing the heavens and earth to change color. Overwhelming demonic might descended like a black cloud, and from within it, a gigantic finger emerged.
Li Hao stomped his feet and soared into the sky, imbued with the might of the Immortal Path's reincarnation, charging towards that apocalyptic finger.
His body plunged into the demonic mist, slicing through it and shattering the finger, but in the process, he spat out a mouthful of blood.
With the Reincarnation Sword Technique, he converted his immortal qi, but it wasn't enough to sustain the technique, and he relied solely on his tough physique to endure.
The attack of the Demon King in the form of a black bird was broken, filling it with extreme anger. Its Unyielding state didn't last long.
Once the state waned, it would become even more debilitated than before.
This filled the Demon King with unbearable anger and shame. How could it, a dignified Demon King, be on the verge of being killed by a mere human at the Celestial Realm?!
Bang!!
Just as both sides were gathering their strength, preparing to collide once more with their most powerful strikes, suddenly, a gray shadow shot across the sky and slammed violently into the nearby camp.
Li Hao turned his head and saw a gray-robed figure climbing out of a deep pit in the dust, looking extremely disheveled. His robe was torn, and on his emaciated chest was a huge, gaping wound!
It was Feng Laoye!
Li Hao's pupils contracted to pinpricks, and the blood in his body seemed to freeze and solidify in an instant.
But then, it was as if a blazing flame ignited within him, scorching his very soul, threatening to tear him apart!
"Feng Laoye!!!"
He roared with a distorted voice, charging forward.
Feng Laopinge stood up in the pit, spitting out a mouthful of blood. His face was ugly and pale, and when he heard Li Hao's shout, he turned his head and noticed the black bird that had revealed its true form. A slight tremor ran through his heart as he realized that the Demon King had been forced to reveal its true self by Li Hao.
"Run!!!
These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant, and seeing Li Hao rushing over, Feng Laopinge hurriedly shouted.
However, Li Hao's body didn't stop. Just as he reached Feng Laoye, he suddenly felt two vast and mighty demonic auras pressing down on him.
He turned his head and saw two demonic figures rushing through the sky. One had taken on its original form, a giant lion with golden fur, its limbs covered in scales.
The other wore a dark silver robe, with intricate chest embroidery, and had a tall and handsome build, resembling a young man.
At that moment, his palm was stained with blood, and he was playing with a rib bone.
"Old man, your reaction is quite agile. You managed to dodge." The silver-robed youth smiled, but his eyes held cold killing intent.
Li Hao's expression changed. This was another Demon King!
Aside from the Dragon Lord, the Wan Mountain Demon King had invited another one!
Seeing the severely injured Feng Laoye and Li Hao, the Wan Mountain Demon King, in his giant lion form, stepped forward from the void, his hideous laughter echoing as he saw Li Hao's shocked expression:
"Just in case you had more experts in store, I specifically asked him to join the fray. But now it seems that all your previous bravado was just bluffing!"
"When it comes to schemes, do you think you can compare to me?
Previously, the Dragon Lord's appearance was likely intended to distract them, making them believe there were only three Demon Kings.
However, one of them had stayed hidden, and their secret plan had been disrupted and destroyed by Wan Mountain Demon King and his companions, causing them to retract some of their forces to use in the battle. This resulted in their failure to detect the hidden enemy.
Four of them!
Just to kill a single Celestial Realm cultivator like him, they had deployed so many Demon Kings. They were nothing like the villains in storybooks, appearing one by one for the protagonist to defeat and level up.
This ancient Demon King was going all out to ensure his death, leaving him no hope or chance of survival!
It reminded him of when he was just a six-year-old child, almost assassinated by a Demon at the Zhou Tian Realm. The gap in power and danger was even greater this time.
"Don't be afraid, I won't kill you easily. I'll melt your soul and imprison you in the River of Death, where you'll beg for death with no escape!"
"You go first, I'll hold them off!" Feng Laoye grabbed Li Hao, standing protectively in front of him. His aged face had lost its usual ruddy complexion and turned pale, but his eyes were sharp as blades as he stared unflinchingly at their opponents.
"That Demon King ambushed me, but fortunately, I managed to dodge in time. There shouldn't be a fifth one nearby!"
Li Hao looked at Feng Laoye, his eyes fixed on the fist-sized bloody hole in the old man's abdomen, the rib-piercing wound, and the tattered remains of his robe.
If the attack had been just a little higher, it would have pierced his heart! Li Hao's blood ran cold, his veins throbbing violently on his forehead, a painful and maddening sensation washing over him.
"Let's face them together!" Li Hao clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the three Demon Kings in the sky, a destructive urge welling up within him.
"I can defy the heavens and change my fate, and I won't give up now. You go, I'll hold them off!" Feng Laoye said urgently, not daring to turn back. His voice carried an unquestionable seriousness.
Hearing this, Li Hao bit his lip, his heart aching as if it were bleeding. He tightened his grip on his sword. "Feng Laoye, don't you remember what you said to me five or six years ago? You said that if you ever had a chance to defy the heavens and change your fate, you would help me!"
Back then, he was still considered a waste by others.
But he had never forgotten Feng Laoye's casual words while fishing.
It seemed that Feng Laoye had forgotten.
Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Feng Laoye's body trembled slightly, as if startled for a moment. Then, he suddenly erupted with a whirlwind of power, enveloping Li Hao and propelling him away.
"Just avenge me, go now!!" Feng Laoye roared at Li Hao for the first time.
"Hmph, none of you are going anywhere. Do you really think you can escape?" Wan Mountain Demon King sneered, signaling to Gao Xiang by his side. He was also surprised and puzzled that Gao Xiang had been playing with this boy for so long. Although he had instructed Gao Xiang not to kill him but to capture him alive for slow torture, he didn't expect Gao Xiang to be so entertained by the game.
Blackbird Demon King remained silent, feeling ashamed and furious. As Li Hao flew away, he immediately gave chase, displaying his divine speed.
Feng Laoye's aged and withered body rose into the air, his blood and flesh seemingly swelling as he roared defiantly at the sky. However, the bloody hole in his abdomen oozed more blood, staining his tattered robe.
He tried to intercept them, but Wan Mountain Demon King and the silver-robed youth seized the opportunity to attack together.
From a distance, Li Hao waved his hand, dispersing the gust of wind, and saw Feng Laoye's frail body standing alone against the three formidable Demon Kings. His eyes burned with rage and sorrow.
At that moment, he unleashed all the immortal energy within him.
Li Hao unlocked the restraints on his body, absorbing the power of the heavens and earth with all his might.
When he attained the Land Immortal Realm, he borrowed the power of the heavens and earth, and in doing so, he faintly sensed that if he drew too much power from them, his body would merge with the heavens and earth.
The more his body merged with the heavens and earth, becoming one with them, the stronger the power he could borrow.
However, in doing so, his body would disintegrate, completely merge with the heavens and earth, and lose his self, becoming a force of nature.
He might decompose into mountains and rivers, birds and beasts, or even a snowflake.
Becoming one with the heavens and earth—this was a taboo that Li Hao dared not cross, a deadly limit for those at the Land Immortal Realm.
But at this moment, he took that step.
His body was absorbing an immense amount of power from the heavens and earth, his blood and flesh tearing and his body expanding violently. A wild and violent force, like a hurricane, rushed towards Li Hao.
The world underwent a drastic change, the heavens and earth turning dark and silent.
An overwhelming and mighty pressure suddenly descended upon them all. The three Demon Kings who were about to strike Feng Laoye looked up in shock.
Feng Laoye paused as well, turning his head.
He saw the energy of the heavens and earth surging like a tide, rapidly converging on the frenzied young man.
Li Hao's black hair stood on end, his eyes shining with a terrifying light as if they were weeping blood. His body expanded, resembling the resurrection of an ancient god or demon.
He raised the sword in his hand, and at this moment, the Dragon Skyward Sword harnessed the mighty power of the heavens and earth, unleashing its true sword aura under Li Hao's stimulation.
The divine sword, as if unsealed, burst forth with dazzling brilliance. The power of the heavens and earth converged onto the blade, condensed and intensified. Finally, as the young man stepped forward, a vast sword aura swept out in a devastating strike!
"Heavenly Reincarnation!!"
The terrifying sword aura transformed into a vortex that seemed capable of devouring everything in its path, like a black hole, sweeping forward relentlessly.
The surrounding space distorted and warped, rushing towards the Three-Headed Demon King.
Behind the vortex, the soul of the Dragon Skyward Sword surged out, transforming into a dazzling true dragon. It bit down on the Blackbird Demon King, its body instantly coiling around and entangling the demon.
"Shatter!"
The Blackbird Demon King was filled with terror, struggling desperately. However, the bloodline within its body seemed to hold a sense of reverence and trepidation towards the true dragon coiling around it.
It writhed in anger, and as the sword shadow, like a black hole, devoured it, a sense of impending death loomed.
"Brother Nie, help me!!!"
Forgetting its pride as a Demon King, it frantically roared for assistance.
Wan Mountain Demon King needed no prompting and had already stepped forward, his body trembling from the boy's terrifying might. He unleashed a series of palm strikes, each one overlapping the next, forming a demonic hand that slammed towards the incoming sword shadow.
Boom! The heavens and earth erupted in a burst, and the wheel of sword shadows emitted a thunderous roar. The demonic hand contained a terrifying force, but the palm of the hand continued to be eroded until it finally exploded.
Wan Mountain Demon King felt his blood surging, and his eyes widened in shock.
The wheel of sword shadows, under the impact of the demonic hand, showed signs of fluctuation and dispersal. Suddenly, it split into countless sword shadows, like swimming dragons, shooting out in all directions.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
In an instant, the Blackbird Demon King's body was bombarded by innumerable sword auras.
These sword auras rained down like a storm, leaving piercing wounds on its wings, but the damage inflicted was not severe.
However, one seemingly insignificant sword aura found its way through a broken gap in the demon's wing and pierced its body. In that moment, the Blackbird Demon King's pupils contracted sharply.
It felt as if its bones were being forcibly pulled out, and a sense of powerlessness washed over it.
The power within its body, its spirit, and its will all began to rapidly decline and wither away.
What...what is happening?
It couldn't believe what was happening, its eyes widening in disbelief.
Then, its massive body fell straight down, crashing to the ground.
Its eyes still held a look of bewilderment, but the light in them quickly dimmed, and the life force within its body rapidly faded away. It was dead!
This turn of events stunned the Wan Mountain Demon King, who had just caught his breath, and the silver-robed youth beside him.
Immediately, their eyes widened in horror as they stared at the Blackbird Demon King, who had died in the blink of an eye.
It was dead?!
The most terrifying aspect of the previous sword technique had been deflected by the Wan Mountain Demon King, who had shattered it, leaving only the residual sword rain.
They could sense that the killing power contained within those sword auras was not strong, and yet...it had taken the demon's life?!
The Wan Mountain Demon King and the silver-robed youth exchanged startled glances, their eyes fixed on the approaching young man.
That majestic and awe-inspiring figure, like a god or demon, seemed to have unleashed some secret technique, exuding an incredibly frightening aura.
They felt as if the boy carried the weight of the heavens and earth behind him, bearing down on them with overwhelming pressure.
How could a mere Celestial Realm cultivator possess such formidable might?!
Their minds struggled to comprehend the bizarre events unfolding before them.
At this moment, Li Hao raised his hand and unleashed a second sword strike with a roar.
This sword strike was even more powerful than the previous one, like the opening of the gates of a deadly hell. The sword shadow, like a dragon, rushed towards the Wan Mountain Demon King.
The Wan Mountain Demon King's expression changed drastically. He couldn't fathom what secret technique had been employed to enhance a Celestial Realm cultivator's attack to such a degree.
Filled with rage, he roared and unleashed another demonic hand, slamming it towards the incoming wheel of sword shadows.
The sword shadows dispersed, and the soul of the Dragon Skyward Sword, along with the sword shadows, charged towards the Wan Mountain Demon King.
The Wan Mountain Demon King's instincts screamed at him, and he felt a chill run down his spine as a sense of impending death washed over him. He quickly retracted his body and turned to flee.
"Retreat!"
He didn't dare to meet this bizarre sword rain head-on and instead chose to escape.
The death of the Blackbird Demon King had been too strange, and witnessing a similar scene unfold filled him with dread.
Although he couldn't sense much destructive power from those sword rains, it was precisely this that made the situation all the more eerie!
The silver-robed youth beside him also paled slightly and quickly withdrew without hesitation.
The wheel of sword shadows gave chase, but their escape was swift, forcing Li Hao to dismantle the technique and transform it into countless sword lights that shot forward.
While this increased his speed, it was still not enough to catch up to them.
In the blink of an eye, the two powerful demons had fled beyond the Tianmenguan.
At the same time, a violent tremor echoed from a distance, seemingly from where the Dragon Lord and Song Qiu Mo were engaged in battle.
Li Hao saw that just before the two demons retreated, they had taken the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Song Qiu Mo, severely injuring her. The Dragon Lord was still in a daze, and the Wan Mountain Demon King had already signaled for him to retreat.
Chapter 152: Blocking the Heavens and the Earth
Li Hao chased after the three Demon Kings with his sword, rushing out of Tianmen Pass. By the time he reached them, they had already fled a hundred miles away, disappearing into the distance.
Li Hao hurried over to Song Qiumo, who was dressed in a deep blue skirt, now soaked in blood. There were several deep claw marks on her shoulder blades, and she was weak and pale, but she was tending to her wounds and stabilizing her condition. It seemed that her life was not in imminent danger.
"What happened to you?" Li Hao asked, his voice filled with concern.
Startled by Li Hao's sudden appearance, Song Qiumo managed to steady her breath and asked, "Is this some kind of secret technique?"
Though she asked, she had never seen any secret art that could bring about such a transformation.
Moreover, the aura emanating from Li Hao at that moment made her feel a sense of oppression. It seemed like the entire sky above was about to be crushed under his every move.
Seeing that Song Qiumo was safe, Li Hao's anger and killing intent finally abated slightly. Song Qiumo's words also reminded him to rein in his power and control the celestial energy, no longer borrowing from the strength of the heavens and the earth.
However, it was easier said than done. His previous physical form had already been constantly cracking and deteriorating. At this moment, while he was doing his best to block the influx of heavenly power, his pores, like shattered openings, refused to close, his body a gate that could not be shut.
Li Hao crouched down, gritting his teeth so hard that his eyes turned bloodshot. He knew that if he couldn't control himself, he would face complete disintegration and annihilation, turning into a gust of wind in the heavens and the earth!
He didn't want to die!
But the pain of rupture and tearing came from every part of his body.
The endless power of the heavens and the earth seemed determined to crush his bones, shred his body, and grind his organs, flesh, and blood into nothingness, finally merging with the very fabric of the universe!
"Ahhhhhh!!!" Li Hao howled like a wild beast, his vocal cords tearing, his anguished cry a lament of sorrow.
Song Qiumo sensed that something was terribly wrong with Li Hao, that he was in extreme danger. Her usually calm and collected demeanor cracked, revealing a look of tension as she asked, "How can I help you?"
But Li Hao could not answer; the pain was too much for him.
Seeing this, Song Qiumo could only try to manipulate her powers, transforming them into a soft veil of water that enveloped Li Hao, attempting to heal and slow down the disintegration of his body.
However, when her healing powers touched Li Hao's body, his deterioration accelerated.
He was in an extremely saturated state, and the more power he absorbed, the faster his body moved towards annihilation.
At this moment, Feng Boping dragged his injured body towards them. Seeing the situation, he paused for a moment before realizing what needed to be done. "Quick," he shouted, "block the heavens and the earth in this area!"
Song Qiumo was quick to react. When she saw that her powers were not only ineffective but also exacerbating Li Hao's pain, she swiftly retracted them.
As she did so, she was shocked to discover that a portion of her power had been savagely and forcefully absorbed by Li Hao.
At Feng Boping's urging, she quickly calmed her mind, mustered her strength, and converted the portion of her power that was meant for self-healing. Working together with Feng Boping, they created a barrier that encased Li Hao.
But to their horror, while their barrier did slow down the disintegration of Li Hao's body, it also began to tremble and shake, slowly crumbling away! Even their barrier's power was being absorbed by Li Hao!
This turn of events shocked the duo. How could their own powers be stolen from them?!
Even demons wouldn't be this terrifying, unless they were grand demons beyond the Four Establishments, treating them like ghosts preying on mortals, sucking them dry.
And that was precisely what Li Hao was doing at that moment.
As the two stared in shock, Li Hao gritted his teeth, exerting all his willpower to control his body. Fortunately, the barrier cast by Feng Boping and Song Qiumo was effective, temporarily blocking the power of the heavens and the earth in the area.
Although power still flowed into Li Hao's body, it was no longer as rampant as before.
Li Hao growled and suppressed his body and the celestial energy within, redirecting the absorbed power and dispersing it elsewhere.
With such rapid circulation, it was a blessing that he had opened up many grand meridians in his body, along with the Yin-Yang dual meridians, barely managing to divert a portion of the vast heavenly power. The remaining power was no longer as destructive to his body.
In the midst of this excruciating pain, Li Hao sought to bring peace to his body and mind.
Only by doing so could he trigger the "Concealing One's True Abilities" characteristic, allowing his body to slowly heal.
This was a self-healing ability comparable to that of an immortal.
However, the dual torment of his physical body and divine soul made the peace Li Hao sought so difficult and elusive. He clenched his jaw, closed his eyes in pain, and balled his fists, his body curled up like a shrimp on the ground.
He felt the wind of the heavens and the earth, wishing that the gentle breeze could take away his pain.
But the wind merely brushed past, taking nothing and leaving nothing behind.
Was he going to die like this? Li Hao wondered.
He thought of the starry sea in the courtyard, and of the countless faces that had seen him off when he left the brilliant and majestic God General's Mansion.
Li Hao slowly breathed, recalling the tranquility he had felt atop the snow-capped mountain when he comprehended the heavens and the earth.
He knew that merely resisting and converting this power was not enough; he needed to guide and channel it elsewhere.
Like a snowflake in the heavens, it rises with the wind and falls when the wind ceases.
His deep breaths became rapid and then gradually slowed once more.
His tensed body relaxed, and he eventually sat down on the ground.
His body, which had swelled to a height of fourteen or fifteen feet, slowly contracted.
However, as his bones and flesh shrank back to their original state, his torn skin remained in tatters, and his entire body was drenched in blood, resembling a blood man.
Such a pitiful sight caused Song Qiumo to stare intently, her silence speaking volumes. Her slender hand, buried in the snow, clenched tighter and tighter.
Her clear-brook eyes gradually filled with deep anger and murderous intent.
Seeing that Li Hao's condition seemed to have stabilized, Feng Boping breathed a sigh of relief. The barrier he and Song Qiumo had cast together was now in tatters, riddled with holes.
The power of the heavens and the earth continued to pour into Li Hao's body, but upon reaching him, only a small portion entered, while the rest swirled around him like a whirlwind before dissipating elsewhere.
Beyond the initial agony on the youth's face, whose skin was torn and flesh bathed in blood, Feng Boping witnessed the pain slowly ebbing away, replaced by a burgeoning tranquility.
Instead of feeling relieved, Feng Boping's eyes moistened, and a tear rolled down his cheek.
If not for their departure from that majestic and noble mansion, where divine might reigned supreme, the young man before him wouldn't have faced such peril or encountered such formidable demon kings at such a tender age!
He wondered how many of those from the mansion would truly feel sorrow for the youth if they could see him now.
The energy of the heavens and the earth swept in, picking up snow and withered leaves hidden beneath, but around Li Hao, it formed a hurricane-like force, swirling around him.
And at the eye of this hurricane sat Li Hao, his expression gradually calming. Though his ruptured flesh continued to bleed, the flow slowed, eventually ceasing.
The "Concealing One's True Abilities" characteristic activated at this critical juncture, and amidst this torturous inferno, Li Hao achieved inner peace and relaxation.
His breathing became smooth and long.
The ruptured flesh on his body seemed to scab over.
The snow beneath him was completely dyed red.
Time passed, and Li Hao slowly opened his eyes, meeting the concerned gazes of Feng Laoge and Song Qiumo. A faint smile appeared on Li Hao's face as he said, "I'm fine."
"You almost died, and you're still saying you're fine!"
Feng Boping grit his teeth, wanting to reach out and smack Li Hao's head, but he restrained himself. His tensed body relaxed, and he plopped down beside Li Hao.
Song Qiumo looked deeply into Li Hao's eyes but remained silent.
Li Hao raised his hand and dispersed the swirling heavenly power around them. He had finally gained control over the rampant celestial energy within him and was no longer borrowing external power.
The chaotic energy in the surrounding heavens and earth also began to calm, like falling leaves in the autumn wind.
"I've dragged you both into this."
Li Hao turned to the two of them; all three were severely injured and in a miserable state.
"Don't say useless things," Feng Laoge replied, forcing a smile. "After we heal our wounds, let's take the initiative and go teach them a lesson!"
He reached into his robe and pulled out several bottles and cans of medicine, popping them into his mouth.
These medicines were extremely precious, but they wouldn't take effect immediately, as the medicinal effects needed time to spread.
However, after a major battle, they could aid in recovery, and within a day or two, one would be back to full strength.
"That's right," Song Qiumo agreed, taking out her own healing medicine and swallowing it.
Li Hao nodded; today's debt would not go unpaid.
"Little Rat."
Feng Boping tossed some medicine to Li Hao, but he shook his head and refused, knowing that these medicines wouldn't be effective for him. He could only rely on himself.
Fortunately, he had the "Concealing One's True Abilities" attribute, which was even more effective than these medicines. If he could reach the Immortal realm of the Three Immunities (Unchanging, Unmoving, Untouchable)
, and combine it with the "Concealing One's True Abilities" attribute, Li Hao believed his self-healing ability would surpass imagination.
Just as Feng Boping was about to speak, a tearing sound suddenly ripped through the air from a distance.
The three of them looked up, their faces changing as they saw the three escaping Demon Kings returning!
"It seems your conditions aren't too good, haha!"
The Wan Mountain Demon King took the lead, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent and joy.
There was no need to mention Li Hao, who looked like a blood man, the most pitiful of the three. The remaining two looked like flickering candles in the wind, still unsteady.
Chapter 153: Coming for Him (Two-in-One Chapter)
Seeing the three Demon Kings counterattacking, Li Hao's heart sank.
"Didn't expect that, we'd turn the tables on you!"
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King grinned, his eyes especially ferocious. Earlier, when he saw Li Hao's bizarre posture, he had guessed that it was some kind of secret art, so he decisively retreated.
But there was no doubt that no matter what secret art it was, such an exaggerated boost in power could not be maintained for long.
Therefore, he waited for the energy on this side to subside before turning back to finish them off. He intended to devour all three of them to avenge his brother and son!
"I've never tasted kirin meat before, fellow daoist."
The Dragon Lord looked at Song Qiumo, a smile appearing on his face, but it was somewhat chilling.
Song Qiumo and Feng Boping's expressions turned ugly, but they immediately stood up, their auras stirring as they displayed a defiant posture, shielding Li Hao behind them.
However, at this moment, they were already at their wits' end, with barely any strength left.
Song Qiumo's expression was complex. She was also at the Reversal Fate Realm, but she had already used up her chance to reverse her fate, otherwise she could have used her own strength to slightly restrain these three Demon Kings.
"It's just a feeble struggle, kill them!"
The silver-robed youth took the lead, about to make his move, but suddenly, a vast and mighty aura suddenly swept over them.
Behind Song Qiumo and Feng Boping, the bloodied youth's figure shattered once more. His bones made cracking sounds as if they were breaking, and his body, still covered in cracks that had yet to heal, slowly began to swell again at this moment.
Sensing this aura, Feng Boping and Song Qiumo turned their heads in astonishment. They saw Li Hao's crimson eyes, blood dripping down, his body constantly shattering and spraying out large patches of blood.
"Hao'er..." Feng Boping exclaimed in a low voice.
Li Hao slowly took a step forward. The previously dormant immortal energy stirred once more, borrowing the power of the heavens and earth.
His body, on the verge of collapse, lifted his head and stared resolutely at the three Demon Kings in the sky. In a cold voice, he said, "You don't think that I can only use this secret art once, do you?"
The three Demon Kings, including the Myriadic Mountains Demon King, were all shocked. The silver-robed youth halted his steps, staring at the youth's body, which seemed like it would disintegrate at any moment. He felt the terrifyingly contracting power emanating from that body, and he dared not act rashly.
Earlier, the black bird Demon King had died mysteriously, and he still couldn't figure out the cause of its death.
The longer one lived, the more they cherished their lives. Facing this unheard-of bizarre situation, he chose to be cautious.
"It's all for show, hmph!"
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King snorted coldly. Although he was angry and had thoughts of retreating, his expression remained disdainful. He suddenly raised his hand and unleashed a majestic demon palm that fell like a cloud of smoke, intending to wipe out everything within a few hundred meters.
However, the Dragon-Sky Sword in Li Hao's hand burst into a sharp cry as he slashed it down.
The dragon soul soared to the heavens and collided with the demon palm, tearing it apart. Countless scales within the dragon soul shot out, transforming into innumerable sword auras.
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's expression changed slightly as he quickly unleashed another palm strike to block these sword auras, simultaneously retreating rapidly and attempting to flee once more:
"Kid, you wait there!"
The silver-robed youth also quickly followed him, leaving only the Dragon Lord, who was slightly perplexed. Although he felt that the power Li Hao had just unleashed was extremely powerful, comparable to the peak of the Dao Heart Realm, he didn't think there was any reason to be afraid.
However, since the Myriadic Mountains Demon King had chosen to retreat, he saw no reason to stay.
"Looks like we'll have to wait until next time."
The Dragon Lord sighed in his heart, glanced at Song Qiumo, and turned to flee quickly.
The three great Demon Kings came and left quickly.
In the blink of an eye, the sky cleared and the demonic energy dissipated.
Li Hao spat out a mouthful of blood and quickly closed his pores, sealing his body and cutting off his connection to the heavens and earth once more.
But this time, it was even more difficult. Feng Lao and Song Qiumo also lent their strength again, barely managing to maintain a barrier for Li Hao.
Fortunately, this confrontation wasn't too intense. After half an incense stick's worth of time, Li Hao barely managed to control his shattering body. However, compared to the previous time, this second shattering was more damaging. The flesh on the surface of his body had already fallen off, dissolving into the heavens and earth.
If it happened again, he feared that only his bones would remain.
Even his internal organs would be exposed.
The caution and cunning of these Demon Kings far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Li Hao endured the excruciating pain and struggled to maintain his composure, slowly entering a state of concealment and recuperation, halting the injuries spreading throughout his body.
"We have to leave quickly. They will definitely come back!"
When Feng Boping saw that Li Hao's aura had stabilized and he was temporarily out of life-threatening danger, he quickly spoke up.
Song Qiumo also nodded slightly. Although she didn't know why Li Hao was able to display this bizarre secret art again, there was no doubt that if it happened once more, Li Hao wouldn't be able to take it.
They could only seize this opportunity to escape.
Li Hao didn't refuse. He also knew that staying here would be useless and would only lead to their deaths at Tianmenguan.
That promise would likely be broken.
Thinking of this, his previously calm heart began to stir, almost breaking his state of concealment.
However, just as the three of them retreated to the pass, the ground suddenly shook.
Earlier, when Li Hao had entered the "Immortal Transformation" state, the numerous hidden lines of communication he had set up a hundred li away from the pass had already dissipated, and he no longer had the energy to maintain those hidden lines buried in the distance.
Song Qiuemo supported Li Hao, her fingers gently touching his bloody and fractured flesh, her heart filled with distress and determination. Her eyes flashed with hatred as she said, "We must leave now!"
She started to fly away with Li Hao, but suddenly, three figures appeared in front of them, blocking their escape route. It was the three Demon Kings who had left earlier.
"It seems that this secret art takes a heavy toll on the user," the Myriadic Mountains Demon King remarked, noticing Li Hao's worsened condition. He realized that the secret art caused severe damage to the user's body and surmised that it couldn't be used many times. Reassured, he continued, "I didn't expect our next meeting to come so soon."
The Dragon Lord smiled wryly, his tone carrying a hint of mockery.
Feng Boping's expression darkened as he transmitted his voice to Song Qiuemo, "You take Hao'er and go first. I'll hold them off."
"You..." Song Qiuemo's face paled as she looked at him, understanding his intention.
Li Hao's face was grim. He could see the three Demon Kings' plan—to trap them here, wear them down with the demon tide, and then finish them off.
Their cruelty and cunning were enough to crush any hope.
Perhaps it was time to let go of all restraints and release his full power, entering the final stage of his immortal transformation.
It was a state where his body merged with the heavens and the earth, leaving only a thread of consciousness, but it would also be his most powerful moment!
In that instant, his strength might surpass even the three Demon Kings, giving Feng Lao and the others a chance to escape.
With this thought, Li Hao took a deep breath and turned to face Feng Lao, who had quietly stepped forward to stand by his side. "You all go. I'll stay."
Feng Boping's voice was firm. "Hao'er, you have a bright future ahead of you. Listen to me this once."
Li Hao managed a faint smile. "It's my responsibility, and I've already dragged you into this. This time, please listen to me."
As he prepared to release his immortal energy once more, drawing upon the power of the heavens and the earth, the ground began to shake again, the tremors growing stronger.
Another wave of demons?
Li Hao, Song Qiuemo, and Feng Boping exchanged concerned glances, but then they realized that the vibrations were coming from within the Dragon Pass, from the direction of the Great Dragon Gate.
The three Demon Kings, including the Myriadic Mountains Demon King, frowned and turned toward the source of the disturbance.
Amid the tremors, the sound of battle cries grew louder, approaching from the distance. Soon, a massive force rode into view, their numbers swelling as they drew closer.
"Kill! Kill!"
"Young Master Hao, we're here!"
"They're demons! Hurry!"
A diverse group of riders approached, their clothing indicating that they came from various regions of the Nine Continents.
Among them were aerial combatants at the Fifteen-Li Realm and the Heavenly Man Realm, as well as two individuals at the Immortal Realm!
Upon seeing the three Demon Kings standing before Li Hao, the two Immortal Realm cultivators froze momentarily, their angry expressions turning to astonishment. They hesitated, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
They had anticipated an attack by the Demon Kings, but not by three of them!
The rest of the riders could only see the Demon Kings' appearances and were unable to sense their true strength due to the vast difference in their cultivation levels.
As the horses galloped and the aerial combatants soared, a large number of cultivators poured into the pass and descended upon the camp.
When they witnessed the devastation within the camp, their eyes widened in shock. They had not expected such a brutal battle to have taken place outside the pass.
"Young Master Hao, we're here!"
Numerous Heavenly Man Realm cultivators flew into view, their eyes widening in horror as they beheld Li Hao's ravaged body, torn and bloody.
Previously, on the debate stage at Dragon River, this young man had astonished the world by suppressing countless Heavenly Man Realm cultivators with a single finger. Now, he looked utterly wretched.
"Who are these three demons...?"
Someone among the newcomers sensed the aura of the three Demon Kings, and a chilling fear gripped their heart. A terrifying thought began to form in their mind.
Could these be Great Demon Kings, capable of pushing Li Hao to such extremes?
"We're too late," said a familiar voice.
White Chunhai and Lin Qingfeng, both Great Grandmasters, stepped forward. They had parted ways with Li Hao in Great Mountain City and, upon learning of his slaying of the Myriadic Mountains Little Demon King, had anticipated that he might face retaliation. As a result, they had kept a close eye on the young man to whom they owed their lives.
Additionally, they had gathered information from various sources about the battle in Qingzhou City and Li Hao's pledge to defend Tianmenguan Pass.
Thus, many had journeyed to Liangzhou, hoping to lend their strength at Tianmenguan Pass, motivated by a sense of duty to their nation, a desire to aid Li Hao, and a wish to repay their debt of gratitude.
It seemed that their arrival was just in time.
Lin Qingfeng had already sensed the powerful and restrained auras of the three Demon Kings, and his eyes flickered with uncertainty. Had he known the situation earlier, he might have thought twice about his decision, but now...
They were already here.
To retreat now would be embarrassing.
Moreover, looking at the two figures beside Li Hao, he recognized one of them—the Demon King from Tan Palace Academy.
Many years ago, quite a few of them had graduated from Tan Palace Academy as well.
As for the other figure, although he didn't know him, he seemed to be a powerful cultivator at the Four Establishments Realm as well, so they might still have a chance in battle.
"Young Master Hao, we'll hold back the tide of demons. You go first!"
One of the Grandmasters stepped forward. He was the one who had almost been surrounded and killed by the demons during the defense of the city, only to be rescued by Li Hao's Dragon Sky Sword, which had pierced through seven demons in one strike.
He knew that Li Hao might not remember him, as it was just a casual act of kindness, but he had remembered this debt of gratitude.
As a Grandmaster, while he respected the cycle of life and death, he was not one to back down from a challenge.
"You are the strongest young Grandmaster of our Great Yu Divine Dynasty in hundreds of years. You cannot die here, Grandmaster Hao. You must go first!"
"Brothers, if we want to build a legacy, now is the perfect opportunity!"
"Let us endure the wind and snow of this border as well!"
"I want to leave my mark on this Heavenly Pass too!"
Among the crowd, many shouted with fervent determination.
There were also some who began to retreat, quietly moving to the edges of the crowd with complex emotions, intending to find an opportunity to leave.
As the crowd gathered, several signal flares soared into the sky, transforming into purple smoke—the most urgent distress signal for aid!
When the flares were seen, all who witnessed it rushed to respond. The call to arms resounded, and countless voices joined in unison.
The face of the Myriadic Mountains Demon King changed slightly as he quickly scanned the crowd behind them. While he was not concerned about these disorganized mortals, he feared that someone from the Li family might be among them.
After all, behind this young human was the mighty Godly General Manor.
Such a monstrous talent—he doubted that the elders of the Li family would not secretly follow and protect him.
At the same time, the tide of demons outside the pass surged forward. They were all under the command of the Myriadic Mountains Demon King and originated from the Myriad Mountains region.
As for the Dragon Lord, he had come alone and had not stationed a large army to prepare for battle.
Seeing the approaching demons, the gathered crowd quickly drew their weapons, ready to engage in battle. However, they suddenly realized something—where was the city? There was no city, no formation, only an empty camp!
The realization struck them, and amidst their shock, they felt the sorrow of a bloody battle.
So this was the bitter struggle of guarding the border!
And this exceptional young man, who had astonished all of Great Yu, had been enduring it alone, silently bearing this burden.
One man defending a solitary city, one man guarding the Heavenly Pass!
Some who had been hesitant and wavering now felt ashamed. As martial artists, their blood could not remain cold forever.
Standing at the border of their nation, they seemed to sense the hardships and bloodshed of their ancestors who had fought to establish this territory. In this moment, they felt as if they were carrying on the legacy of their millennium-old bloodline.
Today, they would be the ones to defend this land.
"Kill!"
Countless Grandmasters charged forward. Without a city or formation, they themselves became the city and the formation!
A soaring battle cry filled the air as those who had come seeking fame and glory, hoping to establish their legacy, threw themselves into the tide of demons without hesitation.
"Grandmaster Hao, we're off as well."
White Chunhai gave a slight bow to Li Hao before turning and rushing towards the battlefield at the pass with solemn determination.
Lin Qingfeng nodded slightly to Li Hao, then drew his sword and flew towards the sky, the sword humming as it cleaved through the air.
"I never thought that I would have a chance to repay the dynasty."
Zhou Haitang smiled at Li Hao, then turned and rushed towards the battlefield.
He had come alone, without his disciples or daughter. Knowing the danger of this battle, he had made sure to settle his wife and daughter safely beforehand.
A man without attachments, what fear does he have of shedding blood and tears?
"Grandmaster Hao, you sheltered the heroic spirits of my Zhao family. I have no way to repay you, but I hope that our strength can help you break through and escape!"
"My ancestor's heroic spirit of the Feng family owes you a debt of gratitude. Although our family is small, we are eternally grateful!"
"My granduncle's heroic spirit inspired me to join the army, and these demons have arrived just in time!"
"I, Yan, owe you a great debt of gratitude, and I am willing to contribute my strength to defend the Heavenly Pass!"
Among the crowd, in addition to the Grandmasters from Great Mountain City who had been saved by Li Hao, there were also many other Grandmasters, some even at the Fifteen-Li Realm.
Although they had never met Li Hao before, they had all rushed here from thousands of miles away because Li Hao had defended Great Mountain City and protected the three Martial Temples there, preserving the heroic spirits within.
Among these spirits were ancestors of many prestigious families and sects, and even if their descendants had declined, upon hearing this news, they had rushed here, willing to offer whatever help they could.
In addition, among the crowd were the generals and deputy generals of Great Mountain City, who had brought their troops to aid in the defense.
It was this united force that created such a grand and majestic scene, with countless people gathered.
Back when the young man had departed from the illustrious and noble Godly General Manor at his lowest point, many students had seen him off.
Now, as the young man sat alone in the borderlands amidst the wind and snow, countless individuals were once again willing to fight for him.
Perhaps this was the innate charm that the young man beside them possessed.
"They're nothing but a bunch of waste!" The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's eyes narrowed, intending to use the demon tide to wear down Li Hao and his companions. If they took action to slay the demon tide, they would surely expose their weaknesses, giving him an opportunity to strike.
Ideally, he wanted to exhaust Li Hao's bizarre state completely using the demon tide.
However, at this moment, his demon forces were blocked outside the pass, unable to approach the young man.
"It'll be as easy as clapping my hands," the Dragon Lord said softly, raising his hand as if to clap towards the numerous figures fighting the demons outside the pass.
But just as he lifted his hand, he felt a killing intent lock onto him—it was Feng Boping and Song Qiuemo below.
Although the two were at their wits' end, they still maintained their combat prowess.
If the Dragon Lord took action, they would surely seize the opportunity to launch a lightning-fast strike!
The Dragon Lord frowned slightly as he sensed their killing intent. The more desperate his opponents were, the more cautious he became, unsure if they would be driven to a dead end and resort to some irreversible attack that would drag them all down.
With their extensive cultivation experience and broad knowledge, they had learned to be prudent and cautious.
After all, if they themselves were severely injured, even if they managed to defeat Li Hao and his companions, they might still be devoured by others on their way back.
While the three Demon Kings were temporarily allied, they did not share the same heart. Each of them had similar concerns, which was why they hadn't chosen to engage in an all-out battle with Li Hao's group. Otherwise, without those worries, they would have already gone all out.
Outside the pass, the clash of battle shook the heavens, but where Li Hao stood, the three Demon Kings and the trio of Feng Boping, Song Qiuemo, and Li Hao stared each other down, none of them making a move.
Their auras were locked onto one another, each waiting for an opening or opportunity.
If the demons outside the pass were to reach Li Hao's group, it would be the perfect chance for the three Demon Kings to strike.
Yet, the battle raged on, and neither side made a move.
Compared to the intense fighting outside, the atmosphere here seemed especially quiet.
The battle continued to wage on, and the reinforcements that had arrived were not few in number. After all, during the gathering of cultivators from across the land, more than half of them had come to participate in the discussion.
However, the Myriadic Mountains Demon King's forces were not as numerous, relying mainly on the several Three Immortality Realm great demons leading the charge, resulting in continuous losses among the Grandmasters, who fell outside the pass.
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King narrowed his eyes, observing that his forces had the upper hand, a slight curve forming at the corners of his mouth.
But just at that moment, the sound of galloping hooves thundered in the distance.
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's expression changed drastically as he looked up and saw yet another wave of reinforcements, a majestic banner fluttering in the wind as it approached the Dragon Pass.
It was a regular army coming to their aid!
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's face darkened. After all, this was the border of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, and it was not strange for military reinforcements to arrive. However, he hadn't expected them to arrive so quickly.
The previous signal flares would have alerted nearby forces, and the longer they delayed, the more unfavorable the situation would become.
"Want to give it a try?" The silver-robed youth glanced at the Myriadic Mountains Demon King and asked with a furrowed brow.
His words implied that he wanted the Myriadic Mountains Demon King to take the lead and test Li Hao's bizarre attack.
If the Myriadic Mountains Demon King didn't make a move himself, neither he nor the Dragon Lord would be willing to charge forward, especially since the one who had died was not their own son.
The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's expression was unpleasant as the death of his brother, Gao Xiang, still filled him with lingering fear. Gao Xiang's death had been mysterious, like being struck by a pea, and he couldn't fathom how it had happened.
However, he also knew that if he didn't break this stalemate, their only option would be to retreat.
That was why he had rushed to gather his forces, unwilling to give the enemy any chance to catch their breath.
After all, with Gao Xiang's death, their strength had diminished, and if they let the humans catch their breath, there might never be another chance for revenge!
"I'll do it!" The Myriadic Mountains Demon King's eyes shone with a fierce light as he roared, taking the initiative to break the stalemate.
His body swelled, releasing a mighty demonic aura as he revealed his true form. Then, he slammed his palm viciously towards the ground.
Feng Boping and Song Qiuemo's faces fell as they knew they were in no state to withstand this attack. If they took action, the other two Demon Kings would surely seize the opportunity to strike them.
Li Hao took a deep breath and took out the sacred treasure talisman bestowed upon him by His Majesty.
The talisman absorbed a bit of Li Hao's power, quickly activating its inscriptions and radiating dazzling divine light. It transformed into a blazing sun that rose from in front of Li Hao, enveloping the three of them and blocking the demonic palm that covered several hundred meters.