Chapter 368: Shattering Dao Bones to Defy Destiny, Burning Buddha Blood to Save All Beings
As the dust settled, everyone saw that Xiao Tianyu had already climbed out of the deep pit at some unknown point. He stood there, but his robes were in tatters, shredded by the immense force.
His robe, though a treasure, could not withstand Li Hao's attack. Now it hung on him in strips, barely covering his body.
Li Hao had already noticed that Xiao Tianyu had mastered the Seventh Extreme Realm. The punch he had just thrown had shattered half of Xiao Tianyu's body, but in the blink of an eye, it had healed. Only the formidable self-recovery ability of Blood Rebirth could achieve such rapid regeneration.
Xiao Tianyu's aura gradually calmed from its previous turbulence. The peak battle had ended, and he now fully realized the gap between them.
Even with just Li Hao's Eternal Dao Domain and Sixth Extreme Realm, he was already outmatched. If Li Hao had used his sword techniques and Heavenly Dharma Aspect, it would have been a one-sided slaughter.
The gap... was this wide.
Bitterness welled up in Xiao Tianyu's heart. Though he had anticipated this, truly experiencing the difference firsthand still left him feeling a sting of sorrow.
As one of the top prodigies among all heavens, he had failed to glimpse Li Hao's full potential. Such a peerless existence could really appear in this world.
"I've lost. So, this is the power of the Sixth Extreme Realm? I am in awe!" Xiao Tianyu sighed in admiration as he saw Li Hao slowly descend.
Li Hao, who had already dispelled the Immortal Ascension state, watched as his hair shifted from silver back to jet black. His aura withdrew, and the Heavenly Meridians behind him gradually dissipated. He calmly replied, "Thank you for going easy on me."
Xiao Tianyu smiled bitterly at Li Hao and said, "It seems that the title of the strongest under the heavens belongs to you. With the birth of the Sixth Extreme Realm, you are likely to be the final supreme being of the last Prodigy Tournament, ending the era of the prodigy battles."
With that, he shook his head and flew off the stage.
However, Xiao Tianyu's words rang like thunder to the audience. They finally snapped back to reality.
The strongest under the heavens, the final supreme being?
Everyone was astonished. Looking at the unparalleled youth standing on stage, their hearts were filled with shock. However, when they thought of all the feats Li Hao had achieved—the battles, his power, the inscription of his name on the Heavenly Monument, and his breaking of ancient records—they suddenly felt that Xiao Tianyu's words were not exaggerated.
Such a monstrous genius, stunning the world, how could he not become the supreme being?
When Li Hao returned to the waiting area, countless eyes were fixed on him. Everyone understood that the first place in this supreme prodigy battle was no longer in question.
Under this youth's dominance, the others could only compete for the remaining spots. The supreme title was already his by right.
The saints and prodigies in the waiting area remained silent. None doubted Xiao Tianyu's statement. Since the battle between Li Hao and Qiu Tianlü, they had realized that Li Hao had already surpassed the limits of the Dao Law Realm. Qiu Tianlü, who represented the pinnacle, had been crushed, and Li Hao had shattered that ceiling completely!
Bian Ruxue listened to Xiao Tianyu's words, her eyes flickering, lost in thought.
The strongest under the heavens?
In her mind, she saw the image of a young boy from the prestigious God-General Manor. Despite his illustrious background, he had been cloaked in the label of a "waste," though she knew otherwise. He had always been exceptionally intelligent.
However, upon arriving in the realm of the Saints, after meeting so many extraordinary geniuses, she had gradually realized that his brilliance was confined to the mortal world.
But now, she realized that even she had never truly seen through him.
She had never truly understood him…
Elsewhere in the waiting area, the Twin Buddha's face was dark with anger.
He had been reborn using the Buddha's relic, unlocking the power from his previous life. Like Qiu Tianlü, he possessed near-invincible power beneath the Saintly Realm.
Yet, even Qiu Tianlü had been defeated. If he were to face Li Hao, he would meet the same fate.
Moreover, during Li Hao's recent battle with Xiao Tianyu, he had revealed the power of the Sixth Extreme Realm, a strength that was beyond imagination. If Li Hao had used it against Qiu Tianlü, the latter would have been crushed swiftly.
In the same realm, even relying on the power of his previous life, and using every possible technique, he still could not seek revenge.
This inner demon seemed destined to never be severed!
His eyes darkened, his mind filled with violent thoughts. His Buddha's heart was long overshadowed, and now, only maddening thoughts infected by the heart demon remained.
Even though the outcome was apparent, the Prodigy Tournament continued, and the process still needed to be completed.
This stage was just for determining the top ten.
As the other Saints finished their rounds, the next matchups resumed.
In the next round, Li Hao's opponent was unexpectedly the direct disciple of a Supreme Saint from the Medical Sect.
However, before Li Hao could even get up, his opponent conceded immediately, much like Lin Zhuo before her.
After conceding, the saintess from the Medical Sect cast a distant glance at Li Hao, smiled faintly, and returned to the Medical Sect's area.
Seeing this, Li Hao, relieved by the ease, simply nodded back in acknowledgment.
When the ninth round came, Li Hao glanced at his opponent, and his eyes suddenly grew cold.
This time, his opponent was not a direct disciple of a Supreme Saint, but it was the person Li Hao most wanted to face.
Void Sacred Land's Void Yuan Shengzi!
Li Hao had come to the Realm of the Saints for the purpose of killing him.
In the Great Yu Empire's palace, Li Hao had killed six Dao Law Realm cultivators, all disciples of Void Sacred Land gathered by Void Yuan Shengzi, yet this Shengzi had managed to escape.
He had also been hunted by the Void Saint, using this as a pretext.
What angered Li Hao most was that the Buddha Sect, known for its adherence to karma, had allied itself with Void Sacred Land, disregarding the evil karma planted by Void Yuan Shengzi, simply because Li Hao had crossed paths with the Buddha Sect.
Li Hao finally saw it clearly—no matter how righteous the Saints appeared, they were still bound by their human desires!
On the other side, Void Yuan Shengzi glanced at Li Hao with a calm expression.
Few people were familiar with Void Yuan Shengzi, so this matchup didn't attract much attention. Instead, some felt it was a pity that Li Hao wasn't matched with another direct disciple of a Supreme Saint.
As the remaining battles played out and the matches concluded, it was finally time for Li Hao and Void Yuan Shengzi to take the stage.
However, Void Yuan Shengzi's prior performance hadn't been very impressive, so the outcome of this battle seemed all but certain. Many even believed that if Void Yuan Shengzi had any sense, he would simply concede like the others.
Li Hao glanced at his opponent, worried that he might indeed surrender.
While revenge wasn't possible here, Li Hao still intended to teach him a harsh lesson, planting a sword in his heart, severing his Dao Heart, so that in the future, whenever he saw a sword, he would remember this moment, and he would never be able to condense a Saintly Dao Prototype!
Li Hao stepped onto the stage, and not long after, Void Yuan Shengzi slowly followed.
His expression was indifferent as he glanced at Li Hao, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
It was clear that he had been keeping tabs on Li Hao, knowing that this was the infamous prodigy from the mortal world.
Li Hao had ruined his grand plans, and he harbored a deep hatred for him, but there was nothing he could do.
As the formation sealed the arena, Void Yuan Shengzi didn't immediately concede, causing the spectators to grow restless, booing and jeering.
"Who is this guy? Does he really want to challenge Li Hao?"
"Maybe he's just trying to gain some fame by facing Li Hao. How ridiculous!"
"Doesn't he know his own limits? Even the Supreme Saint disciples aren't a match for Li Hao. What makes him think he stands a chance?"
"He probably just wants to experience the Eternal Dao Domain. I bet he lasts three seconds."
Mocking comments reached the ears of the Void Sacred Land disciples, leaving many of them fuming, their faces red with embarrassment. They couldn't understand why Void Yuan Shengzi hadn't conceded. Was he really planning to challenge Li Hao?
If he could only hold out for a few breaths, wouldn't it be better to concede and save face?
The sounds from outside didn't reach the arena, but Void Yuan Shengzi noticed the murderous intent in Li Hao's eyes. He smirked and said with a sneer, "It's a pity that your empire gave birth to such a monstrous talent like you. Otherwise, I would have already trampled it underfoot. You ruined my plans, so you deserve to die."
His words were transmitted telepathically, not spoken aloud.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed, recalling the horrific scenes he had witnessed upon arriving at the imperial capital. His heart surged with killing intent.
At the same time, however, he sensed something was off.
If Void Yuan Shengzi had known to run away before, why wasn't he conceding now? Why was he provoking Li Hao?
"When this Prodigy Tournament is over, not even your master will be able to protect you."
Li Hao responded telepathically.
After saying that, he had no intention of continuing the conversation and directly made his move, unleashing the Eternal Dao Domain to suppress him.
Void Yuan Shengzi, sensing the danger, suddenly shouted, "I didn't get the chance to face you in the mortal world, so let me see just how strong you truly are!"
As he spoke, he exploded with the power of his extreme realm, using Return to Void to charge at Li Hao recklessly.
However, as Li Hao's Eternal Dao Domain spread out, it instantly cut off his path. Void Yuan Shengzi was forced to teleport outside the domain, unable to approach Li Hao.
The moment he was trapped within the Dao Domain, his entire body erupted with extreme energy, as he struggled to launch a desperate attack.
But the Eternal Dao Domain circulated, and his power was far too weak. Compared to the direct disciples of the Supreme Saints, he was leagues behind. The Dao Domain alone was enough to easily suppress him.
Li Hao sensed his strength and found it even weaker than Hao Yue Shengzi.
Such a level of power was merely at the bottom of the top hundred ranks.
However, Li Hao had no intention of defeating him outright. His goal was to carve a sword scar into his heart.
Just as he was about to draw his sword, Void Yuan Shengzi's eyes suddenly flickered with malice. Though his body was immobilized by the Dao Domain and unable to move, his pupils darted about, and a telepathic message reached Li Hao's ears:
"Come die with me!"
The voice was filled with rage and madness.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed as he suddenly realized something was amiss.
Boom!
At that moment, Void Yuan Shengzi's expression contorted in pain. He let out a scream of agony and began to beg for mercy.
"Don't... don't kill me! Even if we have a grudge… I…"
Before he could finish his sentence, his body suddenly exploded.
He didn't possess the Seventh Extreme Realm, so when his body exploded, his spirit was destroyed along with it. He perished on the spot!
Only a wisp of his soul flew out, attempting to flee in a certain direction.
This sudden and unexpected change left everyone stunned. They had all been waiting to see how miserably Void Yuan Shengzi would lose, but now, within Li Hao's Dao Domain, he had suddenly self-destructed!
In an instant, many faces paled.
Outside the arena, Feng Boping and Huang Tian Sheng were both shocked. This turn of events had clearly taken them by surprise, and their expressions darkened immediately as Void Yuan Shengzi's body exploded.
Li Hao heard the Void Saint's furious roar. It was as if his brain had been struck, a sudden, violent blow, causing a momentary dizziness. But in the next instant, his Eternal Dao Domain emanated its power, stabilizing his mind and neutralizing the Saint's pressure.
Li Hao lifted his head, staring directly at the Void Saint's enraged face. His gaze then swept over to the Buddha Sovereign, whose usually calm eyes now harbored a cold, murderous intent.
In that moment, Li Hao understood why Void Yuan Shengzi had dared to step onto the stage and why he hadn't conceded. He had intended to kill himself all along—to drag Li Hao down with him!
The Prodigy Tournament allowed fierce competition, but killing was forbidden. By dying within Li Hao's Dao Domain, he had made it appear as if Li Hao had broken the rules, leaving Li Hao with no way to explain himself.
Even though Void Yuan Shengzi's death seemed like a suicide, since it happened in Li Hao's domain, he would be blamed no matter what.
Li Hao stared at the Void Saint, who was glaring back at him with grief and fury, his expression one of both sorrow and anger. But beneath that fury, there was an air of calculation—a performance too precise to be accidental.
Li Hao clenched his fists, retracting his Dao Domain. He didn't bother looking at the Void Saint anymore; instead, his gaze shifted to the Supreme Saints presiding over the tournament.
After all, this was their domain. They were the ones responsible for enforcing the rules.
What had just occurred—Void Yuan Shengzi's explosive self-destruction—was something only they could truly see through. But even if they knew the truth, would they dare to challenge the Void Saint's anger and jeopardize their own standing to defend Li Hao? Would they speak up for him, knowing that the entire world had witnessed what seemed like a blatant violation of the rules?
Void Saint's plan had been well crafted. He had staged an almost inescapable trap, one that even the Supreme Saints couldn't easily untangle. This was a move that was nearly impossible to counter.
With so many witnesses, could the Supreme Saints risk their reputation by siding with Li Hao, or would they bend under the Void Saint's accusations?
"You treacherous brat!" Void Saint roared, his voice resonating like thunder. "How dare you murder my disciple in front of everyone?!"
His voice echoed throughout the Tianyuan Realm, reaching the ears of countless spectators, all of whom were in a state of disbelief. Many had been anticipating Void Yuan Shengzi's inevitable defeat. Instead, he had perished in an explosive, shocking manner.
At that moment, countless expressions changed.
Wind Ripple Saint and Huang Tian Sheng exchanged glances, both of them clearly caught off guard. But as Void Yuan Shengzi's body had exploded, the two of them quickly darkened their expressions.
Li Hao stood on the platform, his Dao Domain still stabilizing his own mind as the Void Saint's voice slammed into him. It was as if he had been struck on the back of the head by a club. However, in the blink of an eye, his Eternal Dao Domain emitted its power, shielding him from the effects of the Saint's roaring pressure.
Li Hao then lifted his head and met the Void Saint's gaze, noticing his calculated expression. His eyes shifted to the Buddha Sovereign as well, whose calm demeanor now exuded a cold, murderous aura.
Li Hao understood everything at that moment. He realized the true reason why Void Yuan Shengzi had stepped onto the stage without conceding. He had intended to die in order to implicate Li Hao.
The rules of the Prodigy Tournament were clear: killing was strictly forbidden. By orchestrating his own death within Li Hao's Dao Domain, Void Yuan Shengzi had ensured that Li Hao would be blamed for breaking the rules.
Even if Void Yuan Shengzi's death was actually a form of self-destruction, because it had occurred within Li Hao's domain, the blame would fall on him—no matter what.
Li Hao gazed coldly at the Void Saint, whose face was twisted in rage and sorrow. Yet beneath that fury, there was a sinister glint in his eyes, one that revealed his true intentions.
Li Hao gritted his teeth, retracting his Dao Domain. He didn't bother looking at the Void Saint anymore. Instead, he turned his attention to the Supreme Saints who presided over the tournament.
This was, after all, their territory, and they were responsible for maintaining order.
What had just occurred on the battlefield—Void Yuan Shengzi's self-destructive death—was something only they could truly see through. But even if they understood what had really happened, would they dare to defy the wrath of the Void Saint? Would they risk their own prestige to defend a mere participant?
Li Hao didn't know the answer, but he could only hope that the Supreme Saints would act justly.
"Void Saint!" Wind Ripple Saint's voice rang out, filled with indignation. "Your disciple clearly self-destructed in a plot to frame Li Hao! You dare accuse him of murder?!"
His voice echoed throughout the Tianyuan Realm, just as loud as the Void Saint's.
Without waiting for a reply, Wind Ripple Saint quickly approached the main Supreme Saint presiding over the tournament and urgently said, "Source Saint, this matter is clear. Void Yuan Shengzi's death was a deliberate act of self-destruction aimed at framing Li Hao. He attempted to challenge a superior opponent, harboring malicious intent from the start!"
Source Saint, who had been sitting silently high in the sky, remained quiet, his eyes gleaming with endless light as he pondered the situation. His thoughts and intentions were difficult to read.
In the waiting area, the many prodigies and saints had been utterly shocked by the turn of events.
No one had expected such a dramatic twist. Just when it seemed the tournament was nearing its conclusion, and the top ten were about to be finalized, the sudden death of a contender had thrown everything into chaos.
If Void Yuan Shengzi had only suffered bodily destruction, that could be excused. However, his entire soul had also perished, which meant he was truly dead.
"Thief Saint! How dare you slander my disciple!" Void Saint's fury echoed once more. "Would my disciple throw away his life for such a petty scheme? What benefit could there be in that? He's dead!"
The Buddha Sovereign gently chanted a mantra, saying, "Amitabha. Thief Saint, your words are too far-reaching. How could a mere Dao Law Realm cultivator have any true grievance with me? I wanted to guide him with the teachings of Buddha and hoped that he might gain wisdom. However, you took him away before he could fully comprehend our teachings. Under your protection, it seems he has only grown more reckless."
Huang Tian Sheng stood silently to the side, saying nothing. She knew that if she spoke in defense of Li Hao, her reputation would likely cause more harm than good.
Wind Ripple Saint turned around in fury and shouted, "You scheming fool! You have the audacity to throw your disciple's life away and blame it on Li Hao? You're not fit to be called a master!"
"You claim my disciple was setting a trap, yet what proof do you have?" Void Saint retorted angrily. "What everyone saw was my disciple perishing within Li Hao's Dao Domain!"
His voice grew even louder as he added, "Before Void Yuan Shengzi was struck down, there was a clear surge of killing intent. Every saint present must have sensed it! Am I wrong?"
The Void Saint was referring to the flash of killing intent Li Hao had displayed when Void Yuan Shengzi had mentioned the massacre in the Great Yu Empire's capital. Although subtle, the killing intent had been there, and every Saint in the arena had likely sensed it.
Hearing this, Li Hao's eyes grew colder. He knew the Void Saint had orchestrated every step of this trap. This was a battle he couldn't win without external help. The Saints had been carefully lured into believing Void Yuan Shengzi's death was his doing, even though it wasn't.
His only hope now was that the Supreme Saints would have the insight to see through the lies.
"That's nonsense!" Wind Ripple Saint was so furious that his hands trembled. "This is a clear ploy to defame Li Hao. We must investigate further!"
At that moment, a loud voice echoed across the battlefield. It belonged to one of the Supreme Saints overseeing the tournament: the Saint of Chaos from Chaos Heavenly Land.
"Indeed, I too sensed the killing intent," the Chaos Saint declared. "If this was a deliberate murder, then Li Hao's eligibility must be revoked. His fate should be handed over to the Void Sacred Land for judgment."
This pronouncement was tantamount to a death sentence for Li Hao.
Wind Ripple Saint was visibly shaken by the Chaos Saint's pronouncement. Just as he was about to retort, another Saint's voice rang out.
"I think we should take a closer look at this matter," said the Saint of the Medical Sect, her expression filled with compassion. "Something about this doesn't sit right. We must investigate thoroughly."
Another Saint, from the Yin-Yang Sect, spoke up, his voice calm yet firm. "If an investigation is needed, then the Buddha Sect's Karma Technique is most fitting. Let us see if the result of Void Yuan Shengzi's death truly stems from Li Hao."
With these words, the gazes of countless onlookers turned to the Buddha Sovereign.
Wind Ripple Saint clenched his fists, his face darkening. He could already sense the danger in allowing the Buddha Sovereign to be the one to conduct this so-called "impartial investigation." Given the history between the Buddha Sect and Li Hao, this was hardly fair.
"Buddha Sovereign and Li Hao have unresolved grievances," Wind Ripple Saint said, his voice low but firm. "Allowing him to investigate this matter is biased."
The Buddha Sovereign's expression remained calm as he responded, "Thief Saint, your words are an affront to me. Do you really believe I would harbor personal resentment against a Dao Law Realm cultivator? Such a notion is beneath the dignity of the Buddha Sect. I vow, upon my Buddha heart, that I will conduct this investigation fairly and without prejudice."
Wind Ripple Saint glared at the Buddha Sovereign, understanding that there was no way to stop this investigation now. The Buddha Sovereign's vow carried immense weight. To break such a vow would damage his standing within the Buddha Sect, yet Wind Ripple Saint couldn't shake the feeling that something more sinister was at play.
"Enough!" declared the Law Saint, his tone cold and commanding. "This is the realm of law. Everything must be handled according to the rules. If the Buddha Sovereign is willing to use his Buddha heart to swear an oath, then there is no reason to object."
Seeing that even the Law Saint had spoken, Wind Ripple Saint's heart sank further. He had no choice but to step back, his face filled with frustration and suppressed rage. He knew what was happening: this was all part of a premeditated plan, and now, he had no way to prevent it.
The Buddha Sovereign calmly raised his hand, forming the seals necessary to activate the Karma Technique. The air around him shimmered as a faint golden aura began to spread across the arena. Slowly, the threads of karma appeared, connecting Void Yuan Shengzi's lingering spirit to Li Hao.
As the karma threads materialized, a single, thin red thread extended from Void Yuan Shengzi's remains, directly toward Li Hao. The sight of the thread sent ripples through the crowd, and murmurs of disbelief and astonishment echoed throughout the realm.
The result was clear: according to the Karma Technique, Void Yuan Shengzi's death was indeed linked to Li Hao.
"Amitabha," the Buddha Sovereign chanted softly. "The karma is undeniable. This is the result of your actions, young one. Your heart is filled with too much killing intent."
Void Saint's face contorted with a mixture of grief and anger as he shouted, "Do you still dare deny it, thief?! You killed my disciple!"
The entire Tianyuan Realm was in an uproar as the crowd reacted to the Buddha Sovereign's pronouncement. For many, this seemed like the final nail in the coffin.
Wind Ripple Saint's expression darkened further. He stared at the Buddha Sovereign with an intensity that could have burned through stone. "Are you not afraid of your Buddha heart shattering? Or perhaps you have other tricks up your sleeve?"
"Enough!" The Chaos Saint's voice thundered across the battlefield, silencing the clamor. His eyes glowed with a chilling light as he addressed Wind Ripple Saint. "The Buddha Sovereign has already sworn upon his Buddha heart. Are you questioning the integrity of a Saint?"
Wind Ripple Saint opened his mouth to respond, but seeing the cold glares of the other Saints, he knew that further protest would be futile. He wasn't merely defending Li Hao anymore—he was standing against the authority of the Supreme Saints.
Li Hao's heart sank as he realized the situation had grown dire. He gazed up at the Supreme Saints seated high above, his eyes lingering on the compassionate expression of the Medical Sect's Saint, who had fallen silent after the Karma Technique's results had been revealed. Even the Source Saint, who presided over the tournament, wore a look of regret but made no move to intervene.
The only conclusion Li Hao could draw was that none of them intended to save him.
The Void Saint, still seething with anger, roared, "You murdered my disciple in front of everyone! Your arrogance knows no bounds, and now, you must pay the price. Surrender yourself!"
A wave of oppressive force surged from the Void Saint, but before Li Hao could respond, Wind Ripple Saint stepped forward again, his voice shaking with emotion.
"Void Saint, I may not have proof right now, but I swear upon my life and my Saint Dao that Li Hao did not kill Void Yuan Shengzi!"
The arena fell silent. Wind Ripple Saint's words had shocked everyone. A Saint was willing to stake his life and Dao to defend Li Hao?
Even Li Hao was stunned. His chest tightened, and his vision blurred for a moment. Wind Ripple Saint was the only one who stood by him without hesitation, trusting him completely.
The other Saints exchanged glances, their expressions shifting as they weighed the gravity of Wind Ripple Saint's declaration.
Void Saint, momentarily surprised by the declaration, quickly sneered. "Even if you were to sacrifice your life, it wouldn't change the truth. The evidence is clear. Your disciple killed mine, and he must be punished."
The Law Saint, who had been silently watching, now spoke in a tone that was final. "The law is the foundation of all things. If you cannot provide evidence to refute the result of the Karma Technique, then the result must stand. The rules are clear. Law must be upheld."
He turned toward Li Hao, his eyes cold and indifferent. "You have violated the sacred rules of the Prodigy Tournament. Prepare to face judgment."
Wind Ripple Saint, his shoulders slumping, stood silent for a moment. He had done all he could. He had trusted Li Hao and risked his life, but it seemed that even that was not enough.
"Wind Elder, don't..." Li Hao's voice trembled as he looked at the old Saint standing protectively in front of him.
Wind Ripple Saint, hearing the sorrow in Li Hao's voice, turned toward him with a sad smile. "I will stand by you, even if it costs me everything."
But just as Li Hao was about to speak again, a booming voice cut through the air.
"You admit to wanting to kill him, so you've already sealed your own fate!" Void Saint bellowed. "You dared to think you could escape punishment?"
Li Hao's eyes darkened. He knew the Saints had already passed judgment on him, but something deep inside him refused to submit. He wasn't going to allow himself to be executed in such a manner. He clenched his fists tightly, his thoughts racing.
A cold, clear voice echoed in his mind: If no one can wake up those pretending to sleep, then the only way is to force them awake!
Li Hao's body stiffened, his resolve hardening. He wouldn't go down quietly.
"Then I'll break the rules!" he muttered under his breath, his eyes suddenly blazing with determination. "If you want to take me down, I'll make sure I leave my mark!"
With that thought, Li Hao's gaze swept across the Saints sitting high above, cold and calculating. His heart no longer wavered, and his body straightened, brimming with defiance.
"You may not believe me, but I did not kill him," Li Hao's voice rang out clearly, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "But if you want me dead—if that's truly what you want—I refuse to bow down without a fight."
Void Saint sneered, and the Law Saint's gaze sharpened.
But Li Hao's next words sent a shockwave through the arena.
"If you're going to force me to die for a crime I didn't commit, then I swear, I'll make sure I carve a hole through your precious rules before I go down."
As soon as those words left his lips, Li Hao's body burst into brilliant light. His black hair surged into the air, turning silver in a blazing transformation, and his entire being radiated an overwhelming power.
Faced with an inevitable death sentence, Li Hao chose to fight back. Every muscle in his body tensed, and his Dao power surged wildly, his cultivation soaring to its peak.
"I refuse to be crushed by you!" His voice thundered, filled with rage and determination.
Li Hao's body, now surrounded by an immense force, started to glow with divine energy. In that moment, he entered the peak of his Eternal Dao Domain.
Amidst the chaos, even the Supreme Saints were shocked at the incredible surge of power coming from the young cultivator. This wasn't the power of a mere Dao Law Realm cultivator—it was the terrifying might of someone challenging the heavens themselves!
"Even if I fall today, I'll make sure your rules don't stand unscathed!"
With a roar that shook the heavens, Li Hao raised his sword, gathering every ounce of his power for one final, defiant strike.
This was his ultimate sword technique—Immortal's Guidance!
Under the combined power of his Eternal Dao Domain, his peak cultivation, and the full force of the Immortal's Guidance technique, Li Hao unleashed a strike that could shatter mountains and tear apart the very fabric of space.
Boom!
The battlefield was engulfed in an overwhelming burst of light as the sword energy collided with the massive Buddha palm, creating an explosion that shook the entire Tianyuan Realm. The space around them warped and fractured, as if reality itself was breaking under the immense pressure.
For a brief moment, the power of the Saints was countered. Li Hao, standing tall in the face of certain death, had managed to push back the overwhelming force of the Supreme Saints.
But the Buddha Sovereign's palm continued to descend, its power unyielding.
Li Hao felt the bones in his body begin to crack under the pressure. His Dao bones, fused with his own laws, started to shatter. The pain was excruciating, but Li Hao's resolve remained unbroken.
In his heart, he knew this would likely be the end. But if he was going to fall, he would go down fighting—defying the heavens to his very last breath.
"Break!" he roared, his voice echoing through the heavens as his Dao bones shattered, and his body surged with defiance.
Shatter the Dao bones, defy the heavens' fate!
With one final roar, Li Hao swung his sword with everything he had, aiming to tear through the massive Buddha palm.
"Even if I die, I will pierce through your hand!"