Chapter 365: That Sword, Reflecting the Heavens
Tian Wuji was flung out of his Dharma Aspect, crashing into the formation barrier and falling like a discarded painting.
In the past, at this point, Li Hao would have stopped, considering this exchange a mere sparring match. But since his opponent had intentionally sought to block him from entering the top 100 and humiliate him, he would respond in kind.
Boom!
Instead of throwing another punch, Li Hao stepped forward abruptly. His Dharma Aspect extended a finger, like a towering mountain peak pressing down on Tian Wuji's body.
"You!"
Tian Wuji, still reeling from the shock of his Dharma Aspect being destroyed, saw Li Hao's finger descending upon him. The expression of arrogance and disdain in Li Hao's posture was unmistakable, as if he were squashing an ant. His eyes turned red with rage as he roared, raising his fist to strike.
"Heaven's Desolation Shattering Fist!"
He wanted to roar, but under the fierce pressure of Li Hao's finger, the rushing wind filled his mouth, drowning his voice.
Boom!
The massive finger from Li Hao's Dharma Aspect descended, crushing Tian Wuji's fist and body into the ground of the battle stage.
The ground shook violently, cracking in response, and the tremors extended outward. Even the entire holy mountain seemed to shudder for a moment.
This scene burned itself into the eyes of everyone present. After a few seconds, Li Hao's Dharma Aspect finger dissipated, and he slowly retracted the Dharma Aspect itself. He floated gently to the ground, looking as clean as if he hadn't exerted any effort.
On the opposite side, a deep pit remained, with Tian Wuji lying inside, his robe torn and bloody.
Although his fist technique was strong, it could not bridge the gap between their Dharma Aspects. Moreover, Li Hao's body had reached the final realm of perfection, making his Dharma Aspect even more terrifying.
"He lost so quickly!"
"Tian Wuji from Hun Tian Sacred Land actually lost! And it wasn't even against Li Hao's Eternal Dao Domain; he was crushed by a Dharma Aspect!"
"Tian Wuji practices the Dao of Extreme Strength, renowned for his unmatched power beneath the Saint Realm, and yet he lost in a contest of strength?!"
"Clearly, Li Hao's strength surpasses his. It seems Li Hao is also a body cultivator, and the Eternal Dao Domain is not his only trump card!"
The crowd buzzed with astonishment. No one had expected the battle to unfold like this. Many had wanted to see a contest between the Eternal Dao Domain and the Dao of Extreme Strength, but instead, Li Hao had crushed Tian Wuji using pure power and his Dharma Aspect. In the end, a single finger was enough to pin him down.
Within the Three Upper Realms, Tian Wuji was widely regarded as a top contender, far more famous than Qing Lu Wang. He had even been considered a candidate for the top three, but now he had lost so miserably.
Li Hao looked down coldly at his defeated opponent, saying nothing.
There was no need to speak to a vanquished foe; silence was the greatest insult.
Tian Wuji pulled himself out of the pit, covered in blood and humiliation. He was a well-known prodigy, yet he had been utterly defeated. What stung the most was that Li Hao hadn't even used his Dao Domain. It was as if Li Hao had fought with one hand tied behind his back, and even then, Tian Wuji had lost.
"I acknowledge your blood inscription on the Tian Bei," Tian Wuji said, his face dark and grim. He knew there was no point in talking tough after a loss—it would only make him look more pathetic. After speaking, he turned and flew off the stage.
In the waiting area, Qing Lu Wang, also from Hun Tian Sacred Land, showed no surprise, only a complex expression.
He knew that the young man's true power was far beyond what anyone imagined. Li Hao was a monster in human skin, a being whose strength could shake the heavens. Qing Lu Wang shifted his gaze to Qiu Tianlü and Xiao Tianyu of Yuan Zu Sacred Land. Perhaps only they had a chance of forcing out Li Hao's true power.
With Li Hao's second victory, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. Across Tian Yuan Realm, excitement rippled like a wave.
To witness such intense battles so early in the top 100 contest made the journey here more than worth it.
"Does anyone else wish to challenge?"
Li Hao stood with his hands behind his back, his cold gaze sweeping over the waiting area.
Many prodigies felt the sharp edge of his stare prickling their backs, and none dared to meet his eyes.
Without a word, Li Hao radiated an intimidating aura. The slender figure standing there resembled a divine being, overlooking the universe with an aura of invincibility.
In the waiting area, those who had initially planned with Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji to cut Li Hao down fell silent, avoiding his gaze.
If it had just been the Eternal Dao Domain, some might have taken the risk. But seeing Li Hao's terrifying Dharma Aspect, they knew that even if they forced him to use both his Dao Domain and Dharma Aspect together, they would still likely be pushed to their limits—and still might not win.
They had come here to compete for glory, not to pick fights out of spite.
Besides, after witnessing Li Hao's power, it was clear that his reputation was well deserved.
After a brief silence, no one else stepped forward. The Saint from Yuan Zu Sacred Land immediately declared Li Hao's advancement.
Originally, there had been plans to overwhelm Li Hao with a series of challenges to break his spirit, but his victories were so decisive that the third fight never materialized.
Neither Tian Wuji nor Yan Qingchuan blamed the others for their hesitation. By now, they knew that defeating Li Hao would require them to pull out all their trump cards—and even then, victory was uncertain.
With Li Hao's promotion, the cheers grew even louder. Though it was clear that some had plotted to humble him, in the end, their actions had only made Li Hao shine brighter, earning him even more admiration.
Seeing that no one else was coming, Li Hao raised an eyebrow and calmly left the battle stage, returning to his seat in the waiting area.
Lin Qingying smiled warmly at him, and he returned the smile.
Seeing the two exchange glances, Bian Ruxue furrowed her brow and clenched her hands slightly.
Hao Yue Sacred Son noticed this too, and his expression darkened as well.
With Li Hao off the stage, the rest of the top 100 battles continued, and those who hadn't fought yet began to take their turns.
Meanwhile, some of the disciples of the Supreme Saints, who had been waiting on the sidelines, finally stepped onto the stage to defend their positions.
Many had been watching, waiting for a chance to challenge Li Hao. But after seeing his two victories, they thought better of it and changed their minds.
It wasn't that they didn't believe they could win; they simply realized it would be too costly to push themselves so hard at this stage of the competition.
With the Supreme Saint disciples now defending their positions, the competition entered a lull as few were willing to challenge them.
Before long, both Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji took the stage to defend their places. After seeing their strength, none of the other prodigies dared challenge them.
Li Hao, uninterested in learning from their example, had no desire to issue a challenge either. To push someone out of the top 100, he would have had to defeat them three times, which seemed pointless.
Seeing that Li Hao wasn't going to challenge them, both Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji breathed a sigh of relief. If Li Hao had challenged them again, they would likely have lost once more. Though it wouldn't have prevented their advancement, being defeated twice by the same person would have been humiliating.
"I can't believe Hao Tian didn't challenge them—what a shame!"
"If he had, he could have won again!"
"It seems Hao Tian isn't as arrogant as the rumors suggest. He must have a heart capable of tolerance."
"Exactly. If I were in his place, I'd be out for revenge!"
Many were surprised that Li Hao hadn't challenged Yan Qingchuan or Tian Wuji, and this unexpected humility caused many to revise their opinions of him.
Before long, the top 100 contest came to a close.
Though some had not participated, of the 330 competitors, only 100 advanced.
Many of the young prodigies who had fought their way from small worlds to this grand stage of the heavens were forgotten in the blink of an eye, leaving no trace behind.
Yuan Zu Sacred Land soon announced the names of the top 100, followed by the rules for the next stage.
However, the next round wouldn't take place for three days, giving the remaining competitors time to rest.
After all, not everyone had advanced as easily as Li Hao and the disciples of the Supreme Saints. Some had pushed themselves to the limit, using secret techniques that took a heavy toll on their bodies, and they needed time to recover.
"Three days until the battle for the top ten begins—it's going to be even more intense!"
"Of course! The top 100 contest was just a warm-up. While there were a few standout battles, Hao Tian's fights against Hun Tian Sacred Land and Yin Yang Sacred Land really stole the spotlight from everyone else."
"Definitely. That one battle sent chills down my spine."
"Indeed, the top prodigies are on a completely different level from the rest of the competitors. With three different Dao-level techniques, it's no wonder they're so terrifying. And the fact that he still lost…"
As the top 100 contest concluded, the conversations afterward became even more heated. Everyone eagerly anticipated the next round, the battle for the top ten.
Many of the Supreme Saint disciples had gone uncontested, much to the disappointment of the audience. But the spectators understood—the competitors weren't foolish enough to go up against those disciples without a good reason.
At the top of the Holy Mountain, the audience began to disperse, and the Saints returned to the Saintly Dojos provided by Yuan Zu Sacred Land for their rest.
Though the Saints had come to observe their juniors' battles, they were really here to ensure their disciples' safety. Without them present, these monstrously talented youths would surely be targeted by those harboring ill intentions.
During the three-day break, the Tian Yuan Realm was abuzz with excitement, as though the entire world was celebrating. Meanwhile, Li Hao returned to his small courtyard and resumed his regular routine of training undisturbed.
While continuing his cultivation, he absorbed the power of the laws into his body, all the while reflecting on the sprouting of his own Saint Dao, seeking to glimpse the true nature of his heart.
There are countless passionate souls in this world, but those who can see their true hearts are few and far between.
In his meditations, time flew by. Though three days were not enough for Li Hao to fully grasp the essence of his Saint Dao, he noticed a subtle transformation taking place within his body.
As he cultivated the laws, Dao Rhyme began to gather, and his bones started to undergo a transformation, absorbing the power of the Dao and changing from Divine Bones to Dao Bones.
Dao Power is indestructible. This meant that his bones would not shatter instantly, no matter what struck them.
Only Saint-level power, with its ability to slowly wear down the Dao Power within his bones, could eventually cause his bones to break. But they couldn't be destroyed outright.
This difference significantly improved Li Hao's survival capabilities.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Once again, the masses swarmed to the top of the Holy Mountain, eagerly taking their seats in anticipation of the next stage of the competition.
Li Hao, along with the scattered cultivators and the top 100 prodigies from various worlds, gathered in the waiting area.
When Li Hao arrived, many of the other competitors glanced at him, their expressions tense.
In the top 100, the battles had been up to the competitors' discretion, but the contest for the top ten was different. Now, only ten competitors could advance, so collisions were inevitable.
Aside from Li Hao, the disciples of the Supreme Saints were the ones the other competitors most wanted to avoid, but the matchups were random. It all came down to luck.
As Li Hao and the other competitors assembled, the Saints from various worlds also restrained their auras and descended.
The Saints invited by Yuan Zu Sacred Land made no effort to hide their auras, sitting in the heavens above. The sky itself seemed divided into sections, with the heavens displaying their own unique visions.
Li Hao glanced at Fo Zun and Xu Sheng and saw that they were both looking down with calm expressions, their gazes passing over him without stopping.
Li Hao furrowed his brow, an unsettling feeling creeping over him.
With two Heaven and Earth treasures contributing to the prize pool, the incense of sainthood was within reach. Could they truly remain this calm?
But then again, this was the Tian Yuan Realm, with Supreme Saints keeping watch. They wouldn't dare make a move against him here.
Besides, with Elder Feng nearby to protect him, even if they did attack, he could be shielded. And with his current power, he wouldn't be easily killed. It would take considerable effort to bring him down.
Shaking his head, Li Hao pushed the thought aside, dismissing it for now.
At that moment, as the interface projected the contest onto the viewing stone, the battle for the top ten officially began.
With the names of the top 100 competitors displayed on the tokens, the winds stirred, and soon, the first-round matchups were announced, flashing in the sky.
"Hmm?"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow when he saw his first opponent—it was none other than the first competitor from the top 100 contest, Bai Yuan, the prodigy of Ming Jia Sacred Land!
His earlier challenge, "Let the Heavens teach me," had already shown that Bai Yuan was no ordinary opponent.
Bai Yuan, noticing Li Hao as his opponent, was momentarily surprised, but then he smiled and glanced in Li Hao's direction.
Li Hao, however, after seeing his opponent's token, immediately turned his attention to check Lin Qingying and the other familiar faces' matchups, hoping they could progress further.
Seeing that Li Hao wasn't paying him any attention, Bai Yuan raised an eyebrow but didn't mind. He hadn't challenged Li Hao earlier because he didn't want to take advantage of his situation.
Although the power of Li Hao's Eternal Dao Domain and Dharma Aspect was formidable, it hadn't dampened his fighting spirit. In fact, it made him feel even more excited.
Meanwhile, many in the crowd were searching for information on Li Hao and the other contenders, and when they saw that Li Hao was matched against Bai Yuan, the prodigy from Ming Jia Sacred Land, they gasped in shock.
These two were among the favorites to win, and they were clashing this early!
Compared to the match between Li Hao and Bai Yuan, the other disciples of the Supreme Saints had much better luck, avoiding each other in the initial round and instead facing prodigies from other Sacred Lands. Their path to victory seemed much smoother.
The only other notable matchup was the one between Tian Wuji and Yan Qingchuan, who had been paired against each other.
However, even this strong pairing paled in comparison to the anticipation surrounding the clash between Li Hao and Bai Yuan.
"Hao Tian has the worst luck! First, they tried to block him during the top 100 contest, and now he's drawn yet another Supreme Saint disciple!"
"To face Bai Yuan in the first round... Bai Yuan is a rival on par with Qiu Tianlü!"
"I heard Qing Lu Wang once challenged Bai Yuan, and Bai Yuan defeated him in just three moves."
"This Hao Tian's luck is terrible. The other Supreme Saint disciples are at least facing mid-tier opponents from the Middle Nine Realms, but he keeps getting paired with Supreme Saint disciples. This is his third match, and all of his opponents have been Supreme Saint disciples!"
Many people were whispering, shaking their heads at Li Hao's unlucky streak. But even as they discussed his misfortune, excitement gleamed in their eyes.
After all, they had come to watch the most intense battles, and what could be more exciting than seeing Li Hao face off against such powerful opponents?
Lin Qingying, Hao Yue Sacred Son, and Chi Guang all looked toward Li Hao, noting that he remained composed, showing no signs of worry.
A trace of concern flickered in Lin Qingying's eyes, but seeing Li Hao's calm demeanor, she was reassured. She had been around Li Hao long enough to know that he rarely showed anxiety. The only time she had seen him truly on edge was when he had faced the Buddhist Saints.
"It looks like we're finally going to see who's stronger."
On the other side, Tian Wuji glanced at Yan Qingchuan, his eyes brimming with fighting spirit.
The temporary alliance they had formed was already behind them, and now they would fight with all their might.
Yan Qingchuan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment but cast a lingering glance toward Li Hao. His eyes glimmered with interest.
He knew Bai Yuan well—he was no easy opponent. It would be fascinating to see if Bai Yuan could push Li Hao to the point where he would have to unleash both his Dao Domain and Dharma Aspect.
As the first round began, the Saint from Yuan Zu Sacred Land announced the initial matches. One name caught Li Hao's attention—Qing Jiu.
When Qing Jiu took the stage, he glanced at Li Hao, offering a resigned smile before turning his focus to his opponent.
His opponent was none other than Hao Yue Sacred Son.
The opening match of the top 100 contest immediately became one of the most anticipated, with Hao Yue Sacred Son quickly assuming a serious expression as he took the stage.
As the formation was activated, Hao Yue Sacred Son wasted no time with words, while Qing Jiu seemed eager to prove something, boldly proclaiming:
"Three moves. I'll finish this in three moves!"
Hao Yue Sacred Son was startled by Qing Jiu's arrogance, then burst into laughter. He hadn't intended to boast, but here was someone trying to one-up him.
"Very well. Let's see it," he said coldly, as his five Extreme Realms erupted into action. Though others had challenged him during the top 100 contest, none had forced him to reveal his true power.
Now, with his five Extreme Realms on full display, he unsheathed his sword. The blade gleamed brightly, and the silver-gold glow in his eyes became more intense.
Qing Jiu blinked in surprise, not expecting such power.
Still, he remained calm and unleashed his full strength.
Beyond the five Extreme Realms, Qing Jiu revealed a Sixth Realm—the Rebirth from a Drop of Blood.
This realm could be achieved in one of two ways. One method, like Li Hao's, involved cultivating the Immortalization Realm, allowing one's consciousness to merge with the world itself. The other way was to rely on the help of a Saint from one's sect, allowing one's consciousness to reside within the Saint's Saint Dao, enabling the practitioner to cultivate the Sixth Realm.
Qing Jiu had achieved this with the assistance of his master, though the Sixth Realm primarily enhanced survival rather than combat power.
In truth, Qing Jiu's real confidence stemmed from his martial techniques.
Boom!
His spear shot forward, and his Dao Physique erupted into view.
"Da Luo Dao Physique!"
With a low shout, Dao Rhyme surged around Qing Jiu, and two distinct Dao-level energies coiled around his spear.
The sight of this caused many eyes to light up in surprise.
Hao Yue Sacred Son's expression shifted, growing more serious as his Sun and Moon Divine Eyes focused on unraveling the mysteries of Qing Jiu's spear technique.
But it was too late. Qing Jiu stepped into the Void and engaged in battle.
In the void, his spear moved like lightning, while Hao Yue Sacred Son's sword technique, which had only just touched upon the edge of the Dao, was immediately shattered.
"What a waste of good eyes."
With a cold sneer, Qing Jiu thrust his spear forward, embedding two kinds of Dao power into a strike that was impossible to avoid or block. It pierced through Hao Yue Sacred Son, knocking him from the air.
Qing Jiu did not pursue his opponent, lowering his spear and standing tall.
In this match, Qing Jiu had won, showcasing the strength that would propel him toward the top ten. His performance left a lasting impression on many.
Li Hao watched the defeated Hao Yue Sacred Son, his face ashen and gloomy, and shook his head. The Sacred Son aimed to cultivate the Sun and Moon Great Dao, seeking to use the reflection of the sun and moon to illuminate the heavens, yet he also sought to sever his emotions and desires, believing that doing so would align him with the indifferent nature of the world.
However, the world was not indifferent—it was filled with sentiment.
That was why flowers bloomed in the spring and withered in the fall.
When winter's snow buried all life, the warmth of spring soon followed.
The flowers that died in the cold would bloom again under the sun's nurturing rays.
Even as the creatures of the earth trampled the fields in the spring, the summer rain, autumn frost, and winter snow would always come to restore balance. The animals would roost, the beasts would hibernate, and the world would continue to care for all.
This was the gentle love of the world.
Reflecting on this, a light appeared in Li Hao's eyes. He had gained a deeper understanding of both humanity and the universe, bringing him one step closer to the core of his own heart.
The first match ended, and though Qing Jiu's victory was impressive, Hao Yue Sacred Son had shown enough strength to justify his place in the top 100.
Then, the other competitors took their turns.
As each battle unfolded, Li Hao saw Lin Qingying step onto the stage and swiftly claim victory. Her opponent, another competitor from a small world, was slightly weaker than Hao Yue Sacred Son and was easily defeated.
"It's finally Hao Tian's turn!"
"Is this the match we've all been waiting for?"
Many eyes turned to the order of combat, eagerly anticipating Li Hao's upcoming battle. Though the previous fights had been exciting, in everyone's minds, Li Hao versus Bai Yuan was the true highlight.
Now, at last, it was time for them to clash.
Though other matches remained, this was the one everyone wanted to see.
When the Saint from Yuan Zu Sacred Land called Li Hao's name, he wasted no time. He stood and calmly made his way to the stage.
As he arrived, Bai Yuan finally rose from his seat and leisurely followed him to the stage.
With the formation barrier sealing the battlefield, the much-anticipated duel began.
"I thought I'd only face you in the top ten. Meeting you now is even more thrilling!" Bai Yuan chuckled, but unlike his earlier flippant demeanor, his expression grew more serious.
After witnessing Li Hao's previous battles, Bai Yuan could no longer take him lightly.
To underestimate such an opponent would be to disrespect the path of cultivation.
"…Hmm."
Li Hao wasn't sure how to respond, so he merely gave a noncommittal grunt.
Bai Yuan laughed but quickly sobered, drawing his sword. Though he wielded a blade, he had not trained at Jian Zu Sacred Land.
Jian Zu Sacred Land was, without a doubt, the most revered place for swordsmen, but other Sacred Lands also had sword techniques, albeit fewer in number.
"Show me your Dao Domain and your Dharma Aspect combined!" Bai Yuan's aura exploded as he spoke, and the Heavenly Meridians behind him condensed into view. Immediately, a towering Dharma Aspect appeared.
Bai Yuan unleashed his full power from the start, knowing that against Li Hao, anything less would be meaningless. The Eternal Dao Domain commanded too much respect to be taken lightly.
Li Hao watched silently. He needed his opponent to display enough strength to justify a real fight.
As Bai Yuan's power surged, his Dao Domain appeared, reaching 118 layers!
The woven layers of his Dao Domain fused together, forming a brilliant, golden Imperial Dao Domain.
"The more people know my name, the stronger I become!"
In the Ming Jia Sacred Land, cultivation focused on reputation—the strength of one's name was the source of power. Just as Dao Tian Sacred Land gained power by stealing, Ming Jia Sacred Land thrived by seizing fame. This explained Bai Yuan's earlier decision to be the first to step onto the stage, declaring his desire to be taught by the heavens. It was all to bolster his reputation.
Facing Li Hao was a dream scenario for Bai Yuan. Win or lose, this battle would be highly publicized. If he could win, his name would echo through the heavens, and he would build his fame upon the defeat of his opponent.
As the Imperial Dao Domain took shape, the regal aura around Bai Yuan intensified. He merged with his Dharma Aspect, and within the Aspect's palm, he conjured a sword of Imperial Law.
The sword was vast, brimming with authority, like the weapon of an ancient emperor reborn to split the heavens.
Seeing this overwhelming display of power, many in the audience turned pale.
During the top 100 contest, none of the prodigies had challenged Bai Yuan, respecting his reputation. Only those from the Three Upper Realms knew his true strength, but now the heavens had revealed the truth to all. Bai Yuan's power was far beyond what anyone had imagined.
Compared to Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji, Bai Yuan was even more formidable.
"A reputation is nothing but a burden. Cast aside those external things and find your true self."
Li Hao's voice was calm as he looked at Bai Yuan's imposing Imperial Dharma Aspect, shaking his head. To him, it fell far short of the true path.
A Saint cultivates only their own Dao, believing with absolute certainty that their Dao is the strongest in all the heavens. If they do not believe this, it is because they have not yet grasped the essence of their Dao.
Li Hao had the same faith in his path. Only his Dao was the true Great Dao!
Without this conviction, it would be impossible to ascend to sainthood, let alone form the Saint Dao.
Holding onto this belief, Li Hao couldn't help but look down on those whose Dao clashed with his own.
"Your image of strength is borrowed from others. It isn't truly your own."
Li Hao raised his hand, summoning the Gongming Sword from the void.
"This sword is called Gongming. I will use it to break your reputation!"
A sharp glint appeared in Li Hao's eyes as he spoke. He didn't unleash his Dao Domain, nor did he summon his Dharma Aspect. Only his slender figure stood on the battlefield, his robes fluttering in the wind.
Behind him, the Heavenly Meridians gathered, drawing vast energy into his body.
"You dare to break my Dao with a sword?!"
Bai Yuan's earlier battle-ready expression suddenly hardened, his eyes flashing with cold fury. He felt deeply insulted and growled darkly:
"Then don't blame me if I accidentally kill you!"
With that, his Dharma Aspect erupted in blinding light. The Imperial Sword in his hand surged with golden energy, illuminating the skies and turning the clouds above into shimmering gold as it slashed down at Li Hao.
At that moment, Li Hao calmly raised his own sword.
The towering Dharma Aspect and the weighty Imperial Sword looked to him like nothing more than a scene from a painting.
And his task was to tear this unwanted painting to shreds.
Only My Sword Dao, Only I Alone Reign Supreme!
Boom!
An overwhelming sword light shot forth, illuminating the heavens. In an instant, it seemed to fill the entire world, causing countless eyes to squint as a dazzling light flashed across their vision.
The sword light from Li Hao's hand soared, growing in the wind, swelling into a massive blade of light that clashed directly with Bai Yuan's golden Imperial Sword.
This was no ordinary sword. It carried the strength of Bai Yuan's Dharma Aspect and the full weight of his sword Dao.
But in that instant, it was cut down!
Li Hao's Only My Sword Dao had absorbed countless sword paths. While Yan Qingchuan had wielded three Dao-level techniques, Li Hao's sword Dao had already assimilated countless sword techniques.
Only after mastering countless sword paths could one truly sever them.
And only after witnessing the grandeur of the heavens and remaining true to one's own sword could one achieve the pinnacle of swordsmanship, never losing sight of the heart of the blade.
A thunderous crash echoed through the heavens as Li Hao's sword swung upward. The golden Imperial Sword shattered, followed by the colossal Dharma Aspect behind it, cleaved cleanly in two!
As the Dharma Aspect crumbled, the sword light surged onward, crashing into the formation barrier. The Saint-forged barrier trembled under the impact.
Had this been a formation set by a Semi-Saint, like the one used in the small-world Sacred Land qualifying rounds, it would have been cut in half by Li Hao's sword.
Even the Saint-crafted barrier struggled under the force of the blow, shuddering violently. This sight plunged the entire Tian Yuan Realm into stunned silence.
Every pair of eyes was locked on the battlefield, watching as time seemed to slow, absorbing the incredible sight before them.
That sword light was unstoppable, filled with the power of ten thousand sword paths, but above all, it carried a pure, unrivaled intent to cut.
It would cut down everything, destroy everything. Aside from the indestructible Saint Dao itself, there was nothing it could not overcome.
Seeing this sword, the prodigies in the waiting area fell into stunned silence. Some stared in disbelief, utterly dumbfounded.
Dressed in his elegant white robes, Qiu Tianlü's face paled slightly.
Lin Zhuo, who had once thought of challenging Li Hao, now stood frozen, his pupils constricting in terror.
Hao Yue Sacred Son appeared dazed. In the face of that sword, he realized that even if he completed his Sun and Moon Divine Sword and illuminated the heavens, it would still be severed by Li Hao's blade.
This sword was so terrifying that not even the heavens could resist it.
Bian Ruxue was similarly frozen in shock, feeling as though her blood had turned to ice. She had even forgotten to breathe. For a fleeting moment, she felt as though she glimpsed the shadow of the Final Sword—the sword she had been searching for all her life.
Was it possible that the thing she had been chasing after was actually in the hands of her Hao-gege?
Her heart began to race uncontrollably, and her eyes turned red as she struggled with the realization.
Meanwhile, the Saints sitting in the four corners of the arena grew solemn.
They could see it clearly—this sword was frighteningly powerful. Aside from the Saint Dao itself, there was nothing it could not cut down.
"That boy's sword…" the Sword Lord muttered in surprise. He could see the sheer force gathered within Li Hao's strike, which was far from ordinary swordsmanship. This was a sword path forged by the fusion of countless other sword paths, yet it carried a power unlike any he had ever seen before.
This Sword Dao was so fearsome that all other sword techniques seemed to fade in comparison, losing their brilliance.
Even the Heavenly Sword Dao he had cultivated paled before it.
The Sword Lord stared intently at the young man before him. He had always admired Li Hao's temperament, and though he had known of Li Hao's incredible talent, he had never felt threatened by it. After all, as a Saint, he had long since reached the peak of cultivation, walking his own path. No matter how gifted another person might be, they could never shake him from his course.
But now, for the first time, the Sword Lord felt truly awed. Even his own Sword Dao seemed dim beside the brilliance of this young man's blade.
This was the pinnacle of Sword Dao.
To cut down everything, destroy everything, until the ultimate source of the sword was reached.
As the sword energy dissipated against the formation barrier, the silence that had gripped the arena slowly began to thaw. Moments later, the air was filled with cries of astonishment, some so loud they verged on screams.
Everyone was shaken to their core, electrified by what they had just witnessed. What kind of swordsmanship was this? What kind of power?
At that moment, no one even spared a glance for the fallen Bai Yuan. Every eye was fixed on Li Hao and the sword in his hand.
Li Hao casually twirled his sword, then sheathed it.
To him, this battle was already over.
On the other side of the stage, Bai Yuan had fallen from his Dharma Aspect, though he hadn't collapsed outright. However, with his Dharma Aspect forcibly shattered, his strength had dissipated. Though his Heavenly Meridians could still gather power, it would take time to recover.
Li Hao's refusal to pursue him now was a mercy in itself.
Bai Yuan stood shakily on the ground, his gaze blank as he stared at the young man across from him.
Suddenly, a number flashed through his mind—the number he had seen reflected in the Imprinted Bone Mirror.
28 years old…
Was this really something a 28-year-old could achieve?!
A bitter smile tugged at Bai Yuan's lips. For the first time, he felt a crushing sense of despair. He finally understood the look of hopelessness he had seen in the eyes of others when they looked at him. It turned out that this was how it felt.
It was the feeling of chasing something you could never catch up to.
"What is your Dao?" Bai Yuan asked, his voice faint. He recalled Li Hao's earlier words and couldn't help but wonder.
If it was just about cultivation, this speed was impossible—unless Li Hao's Dao was different from everyone else's.
"I'm still exploring it. It's a Dao that belongs to me alone," Li Hao replied calmly.
Bai Yuan froze. A Dao of his own?
His eyes glazed over. Did that mean his own Dao had a flaw? If not, why had he, with his renowned reputation across the heavens, lost to a mere 28-year-old?
His expression became despondent. He said no more and turned to leave, stepping off the stage in defeat.
Li Hao had won.
With Yuan Zu Sacred Land's official announcement, the crowd erupted into wild cheers. Even though everyone had expected this result, the moment it became official, the tension broke, and the excitement spilled over in full force.
Too powerful. This was the level of a heaven-defying genius whose name was carved into the Tian Bei!
Three battles, three victories, all against disciples of the Supreme Saints, and each time, Li Hao had used a different method.
Everyone had known Li Hao's Dao Domain was powerful—an extreme level of mastery. Later, they learned that his Dharma Aspect was even more terrifying, strong enough to suppress the disciples of Hun Tian Sacred Land. And now, his Sword Dao had stunned the heavens.
From his fist to his sword to his Dao Domain, it seemed there was no flaw in Li Hao's abilities—no weaknesses.
Moreover, all of his skills had been cultivated to the highest possible level, leaving no room for error. He was a monster, truly perfect and without flaw.
The crowd roared with approval. Across the Tian Yuan Realm, the name Hao Tian echoed, now deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of everyone who had witnessed his strength.
As Li Hao stood on the stage, he felt thin threads of Incense Power drifting toward him, converging on his body.
Though he hadn't claimed the first place prize yet, with his current fame, it wouldn't take long before countless people began offering him Incense Power voluntarily.
Li Hao stepped down from the stage, returning to his seat in the waiting area to await his next battle.
The contest for the top ten required each participant to fight in ten rounds. Points were awarded for victories, and the rankings were based on total points. If there were more than ten competitors tied for the top spots, they would continue to fight until only ten remained. If there were fewer, the rankings would be determined by the final point tally.
"Is that guy really 28 years old? It feels like two hundred years wouldn't be enough to reach that level."
"How did he do it? Sword Dao, Extreme Realms, body refinement—how is that even possible?"
"Did he start cultivating as an infant?"
"That still wouldn't be enough. There are Saints who reincarnate and have been cultivating for multiple lifetimes, and they still can't compare."
Even Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji were shaken by Li Hao's sword. It seemed he had been hiding this ultimate technique all along. The sheer audacity of it was staggering.
Moreover, no one knew if this was Li Hao's true limit. To this point, no one had forced him to combine his Dao Domain, Dharma Aspect, and sword into a single attack.
Before long, Yan Qingchuan and Tian Wuji stepped onto the stage for their match.
Although their battle was intense, it failed to excite the crowd as much as Li Hao's clash with Bai Yuan.
In the end, Yan Qingchuan won by a narrow margin.
Not long after, the first round of battles concluded, and the second round began.
To everyone's surprise, Li Hao's next opponent was revealed to be Lin Zhuo.
Yet another Supreme Saint disciple.
"Hao Tian has the worst luck! How is it that every match is against a Supreme Saint disciple?!"
"Do you think this is some kind of conspiracy? Are the Sacred Lands teaming up to suppress him?"
"That's impossible. It's just a coincidence. They might have tried to target him during the top 100 contest, but there's no way they're rigging these matchups."
Though many whispered suspicions, most people were confident in the fairness of the tournament. After all, Li Hao was only in the Dao Law Realm—just a small fry compared to the Saints. He wasn't important enough for all the Saints to band together against him. That idea was laughable.
Even Li Hao himself was surprised by the matchup. Was this just bad luck?
Raising an eyebrow, he glanced toward Fo Zun.
But the Saint's expression remained indifferent as he gazed at the battlefield, showing no signs of the previous interest he had displayed during the top 100 contest.
Li Hao turned his attention back to the competition. Could it really just be bad luck?
No matter. Whatever the reason, even if he had to face every Supreme Saint disciple in the heavens, it didn't matter to him.
After all, he had come here to claim first place. If that was his goal, he would have to defeat every opponent in his path. It was only a matter of time.
Soon enough, the second round of battles began.
As one fight after another unfolded, it wasn't long before Li Hao and Lin Zhuo were called to the stage.
Just like before, Li Hao calmly stepped forward.
But this time, Lin Zhuo wasted no time, following him onto the stage immediately.