Chapter 371: A Saint Beyond Three Saints and Seven Paragons
Li Hao carefully sensed within himself and realized that the transformation wasn't just of his physical body—it was the Saintly Dao within his body that had undergone the true metamorphosis!
His physical body had already reached its ultimate perfection, having long since reached the pinnacle in the Dao Law Realm. The reason for such a massive transformation after attaining Saintly Ascension was due to the Saintly Dao. The power of the Saintly Dao was born within his body, residing in every pore of his being.
At this moment, it was the Saintly Dao evolving, making it seem as if his body was changing.
Should he endure the calamities of the earth and the heavens, his Saintly Dao would further refine and elevate, making his physical body even more terrifying.
"Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapons, born of heaven and earth... even Saintly Dao weapons can hardly harm me anymore..."
Li Hao's eyes flashed with a glimmer of light. At this point, even a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon could only leave scratches on his body, and would itself suffer damage. It was like two equally strong swords clashing, both suffering nicks and cracks!
To kill him, there was the risk of damaging one's imperial weapon!
At this time, the Ancient Sky Feather transformed into a stream of light, flying back into the hand of the Mixed Heaven Saint. The radiant glow on the feather dimmed considerably. As it landed in his palm, the Mixed Heaven Saint glanced at it and stored it away without much concern. He then looked down at Li Hao with an indifferent expression.
"Since you've survived this disaster, I acknowledge your place among the Saints."
With that, his figure was surrounded by great Dao principles, clouds of mist swirled around him, shrouding his form, as though he no longer cared to involve himself.
Li Hao gazed up at him, frowning slightly. Although the Mixed Heaven Saint had acted against him, Li Hao couldn't sense any killing intent. It seemed as though the Saint truly just wanted to teach him a lesson.
Yet something still felt off to him. This Mixed Heaven Saint's actions hadn't harmed him, but had instead helped him survive the tribulation. The tribulation was incredibly powerful, triggered by the attack of a Supreme Saint and a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. And after surviving it, his Saintly Dao had undergone significant transformation, ascending to a higher level.
If the Mixed Heaven Saint had truly intended to kill him, the attack wouldn't have stopped there. Although Li Hao had defeated both the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint, his power was still far from enough to face a Supreme Saint.
Casting a final look at the dissipating clouds, Li Hao pushed aside his thoughts. Whatever the reason for the Mixed Heaven Saint's actions, he would find out sooner or later and would remain on guard.
At this moment, the Source Ancestor, seeing that the Mixed Heaven Saint had stepped back, cast a meaningful glance at the dispersing mist. He then smiled at Li Hao and said, "Congratulations, Hao Tian, on ascending to Saintly status. The Lands of the Saints will now welcome a new Saint. From this day onward, I shall announce this to the heavens."
Li Hao nodded, knowing that this was customary—whenever a Saint arose, the heavens would be informed.
However, merely knowing and remembering were two different things.
Still, his reputation was already secured by his fame from the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, ensuring that all would remember him.
For most Saints, when their ascension was announced, they would also need to host a grand Saintly Dao Debate, so the realms could remember them, allowing them to receive incense and prayers.
Saints cultivated their Saintly Dao not by retreating into seclusion, but by engaging in Dao Debates, which was akin to martial sparring. Though it seemed peaceful, it was full of danger, and in a single moment, their Saintly Dao could be shattered!
Law Saint cast a cold glance at Li Hao, his displeasure clear, but he said nothing further.
"The Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, will you continue participating?" the Source Ancestor asked Li Hao.
This question drew the attention of many Heavenly Talents in the waiting area. Competing on the same stage as a Saint? Even if they lost, the prestige of the experience would be worth boasting about for generations.
"Naturally."
Li Hao replied, "I'm willing to let them take the title of first place, but as for the incense and heavenly treasures, I want them."
His direct words brought a smile to the Source Ancestor's face, who had anticipated such a response.
"Reasonable. Now that you've ascended to Saintly status, there's no need for you to remain in the waiting area. It would only make the younger participants uncomfortable. I shall grant you a seat in the Saint's Domain."
Saying this, he gestured toward the space where the Buddha Sovereign had previously sat.
The Buddha Sovereign had fled with his disciples, leaving the area empty.
Li Hao acknowledged with a slight nod and, without hesitation, moved to the high seat in the air.
As he sat, he made no attempt to conceal his aura. At this moment, with the realm stone reflecting his image, and all heavens watching, there was no reason to hide.
His aura naturally flowed, and around him, great Dao principles swirled, manifesting visions.
While the Buddha Sovereign's visions had been radiant golden light and lotus blooms in the void, Li Hao's visions, as a Saint through body refinement, manifested as numerous physical body techniques—like the immovable King Ming, the dragon's body, and the body of the Supreme One.
These visions surrounded him like gods and demons, making the young man seated in the center appear especially dignified, like the sovereign of gods and demons—a true and illustrious deity!
Upon witnessing this scene, countless eyes gleamed with admiration. Many people had already made up their minds. When they returned to their respective small worlds and divine dynasties, they would erect statues of the Hao Tian Saint, building golden temples to offer incense in his honor!
By offering incense, they would receive the protection of a Saint.
Noticing the natural dominance exuding from Li Hao, several Saints narrowed their eyes. They knew that this young man had not only ascended to Saintly status but had power comparable to a Three Calamity Saint. He now had a place among the heavens, second only to Supreme Saints.
In the waiting area, Qiu Tianlü and Xiao Tianyu wore complicated expressions. That young man had leapt beyond their past lives. Even if they could recover their former powers, they would be no match for him.
Throughout the many years of the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, this was the first time someone had gone from the competition to the Saintly observation platform, standing above all, looking down on everything.
Ji Xuanshen, Lin Qingying, and the others were filled with excitement. They never imagined that Li Hao would overcome such a terrifying ordeal, escaping the schemes of two Three Calamity Saints, even standing up against a Supreme Saint.
The young man sitting calmly now seemed to have endured storms of lightning and fire, exuding an aura that made it impossible to look directly at him.
Bian Ruxue's gaze was dazed as she watched. The changes had been too fast, her emotions rising and falling with every twist. At first, she had worried when Li Hao killed Void Yuan Saint's disciple, blaming him for being too reckless. But now, after seeing Li Hao overcome countless trials, ascend to Saintly status, and surpass the mortal world, even outshining her own master, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.
To reach this level of power, according to her master, she would still need to go through several lifetimes.
Becoming a Saint was no easy feat, far from being a sudden leap. Yet here, Li Hao had truly taken such a leap to ascend.
Other Saints, to avoid the tribulations of the Three Calamities, would even reincarnate to accumulate power.
To reach the height of a Three Calamity Saint was exceedingly difficult. Even these monstrous talents from the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle would require an incredibly long time to achieve it—if they could at all. Some might even have to reincarnate multiple times, risking becoming lost in the cycle of reincarnation for hundreds or thousands of lifetimes!
"He became a Saint..."
Bian Ruxue's eyes were unfocused, unable to comprehend how the boy from the courtyard over twenty years ago had suddenly become a Saint of the heavens.
"Uncle, did you know? Hao-gege has become a Saint..."
She muttered softly, recalling how in her pursuit of the ultimate sword, she had joined the Sword Cottage, following her master, the Sword Saint. She had never imagined that all the glory she had once sought would now rest on the shoulders of that young boy.
The ultimate sword she had been seeking now seemed to be in his grasp.
The breathtaking sword strike he had unleashed earlier had transcended the mundane world, while she still struggled to grasp such a sword in her own pursuit.
The towering mountain she had been climbing turned out to be him...
All along, the scenery at the mountain's peak had been right by her side.
Bian Ruxue bit her lip, the taste of blood slightly sweet yet bitter as it seeped from the corner of her mouth. But even the taste of blood was not as bitter as the emptiness and confusion in her heart, nor the indescribable pain she felt.
She suddenly remembered practicing swordsmanship as a child, with Li Hao by her side, swatting away the mosquitoes that bothered her.
He hadn't practiced swordsmanship, but every time she did, his bright eyes would watch her with a gentle smile, sometimes in admiration, sometimes in praise.
Because of that, she had trained extra hard, wanting to use her sword to repay the kindness she owed him, to fight against the harsh judgments of the adults around them, to stand in front of him and shield him from the wind and rain.
But somewhere along the way, she had forgotten those original intentions.
Bian Ruxue's eyes filled with tears as she realized that she had never repaid the kindness she had received.
The storms and hardships he had endured, she had never helped him weather.
In fact, she had even become part of those hardships.
"My sword path is too heartless..."
Bian Ruxue murmured, gazing at the sword in her hand. Her face, as cold and pure as snow, was now streaked with crystal-clear tears.
At the same time, as Li Hao ascended to Saintly status, the Source Ancestor signaled to the Saint responsible for the competition to resume the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle.
The battle platform was restored, the arrays reactivated, and the other contestants, having finally recovered from the shock of the Saintly battle, began stepping forward to compete once again.
However, after witnessing the Saintly battle, even the intense battles among the Heavenly Talents failed to stir much excitement. It was like savoring the main course, only to be left with a few meager desserts.
Though Li Hao was still technically in the rankings, his opponents sensibly forfeited when facing him.
As the top ten rankings were revealed, Li Hao unsurprisingly secured a place. Rather than his own ranking, Li Hao was more concerned with where Ji Xuanshen and the others had placed.
Unfortunately, Ji Xuanshen and the other Ji family talents fell short of the top ten. Chi Guang made it into the top ten, but Lin Shuhai, seemingly less fortunate, fell short.
Lin Qingying also ranked outside the top ten but was satisfied with her place in the top twenty.
She smiled at Li Hao when she saw him glancing her way, seemingly content with her performance.
After the top ten were decided, the contestants were given a three-day rest before the final battle for first place.
However, this time, first place had already been claimed, leaving no suspense. It was the battle for second and third place that garnered much debate.
The Saints dispersed, but some took the opportunity to communicate with Li Hao, inviting him to visit their Holy Lands for tea.
Li Hao exchanged a few polite words, understanding that these Saints were trying to recruit him to their Holy Lands to strengthen their influence. However, if he were to join any Holy Land, it would be Wind Elder's Dao Thief Holy Land.
"Hao Tian, come with me."
As the event came to a close, the Source Ancestor transmitted a message to Li Hao.
Li Hao looked over at him and noticed that other Supreme Saints were also paying attention to him, their eyes gleaming with a hint of intrigue.
His gaze flickered with understanding. Bowing his head slightly, he noticed Wind Elder's grave expression and reassured him with a calming smile before following the Supreme Saints.
They arrived at the Source Ancestor's Holy Land, within the Yuan Sheng Cave Heaven. Apart from Li Hao, only Supreme Saints were present, including Medical Saint, Mixed Heaven Saint, Law Saint, the Supreme Saint of the Mo Family, and others.
"I've heard from Yuan Zhou about your ambush on the way here. That Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint have overstepped their bounds."
The Supreme Saint of the Mo Family addressed Li Hao.
The Mo Family's Supreme Saint appeared to be in his middle years, with a square face and distinctive features, sporting a thin mustache.
At this moment, all the Supreme Saints had retracted their auras, with no celestial phenomena surrounding them.
Li Hao smiled faintly at the Mo Family Supreme Saint's words. Though they had been aware of the ambush beforehand, they hadn't spoken up. Whether it was the persuasiveness of the Buddha's vow or a reluctance to interfere, it was clear they hadn't wanted to get involved.
Now that they were offering words of goodwill, it was primarily because Li Hao had "taken his place at the table." Additionally, there was the true reason they had been summoned by the Source Ancestor.
Hearing the Mo Family Supreme Saint's words, Law Saint's expression darkened, and his anger flared.
"Ambush? What ambush?"
"Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint ambushed Hao Tian on his way here, trying to prevent him from competing," the Mo Family Supreme Saint replied.
Law Saint's face changed, his eyes flashing with rage.
"Utterly reckless!" he said.
He did not look at Li Hao, instead muttering with a dark expression, "These past days, I've been studying the Dao and haven't kept an eye on things. They've grown increasingly lawless!"
Hearing Law Saint's words, Li Hao remained silent. He understood that this was Law Saint's nature as a guardian of the Dao. When he witnessed lawbreakers, it was not a personal matter—it was merely a defense of his Saintly Dao.
However, the Mo Family Supreme Saint's words served another purpose: to inform Law Saint that, if he had been unaware before, now that he knew, he would be obligated to act.
But even if Law Saint acted according to the law, the result would not be the outcome Li Hao desired. He would have to take matters into his own hands.
The other Supreme Saints glanced at Li Hao with some astonishment. They hadn't expected the young man to face such a life-threatening ordeal just on his way to compete. Unlike the other Heavenly Talents, who were carefully protected by their sects and only needed to focus on the competition, Li Hao had to fend off assassination attempts from Saints.
However, they weren't too surprised by the actions of the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint. If they were in their position, facing such a monstrous talent, they too would have acted swiftly to eliminate him.
But as Supreme Saints, nothing could threaten their status anymore. They were above the fray.
As the saying goes, a wealthy man is more inclined to be charitable, but the poor struggle just to survive. Those who had already secured their place among the Supreme Saints had no need to concern themselves with such matters.
The Source Ancestor smiled at Li Hao.
"Don't worry about the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint. There will be justice. But the reason I called you here today is to talk about the Sixth Extreme Realm."
Li Hao nodded, having already guessed the topic.
"Go ahead, Source Ancestor," he replied.
Seeing Li Hao's calm demeanor, the Source Ancestor knew there was no need for further pretense. Smiling, he said, "It seems you've already heard some rumors. Indeed, this is not a closely guarded secret. The very reason for the creation of the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle was to pave the way for this."
As the Source Ancestor broached the main topic, the Supreme Saints around them focused their attention on Li Hao.
If there was one thing that could still ignite their ambition, it was the hope of transcending Saintly Dao to reach the legendary Immortal God Realm!
Even Saints would eventually weaken and perish; they could not truly live as long as the heavens and earth.
"In the Lands of the Saints, traces of the Immortals and Gods once existed. But in time, they vanished. When I first became a Saint, I searched for the path to immortality, but the Immortal Road had been severed. This world, while rich in power, is like a sealed egg. Every living being within it will eventually die, until this world itself becomes a barren wasteland," the Source Ancestor explained.
"When the heavens themselves begin to decay, the end of this realm will follow. That time is not far off. We've been searching for a way out and have finally found one."
"The decay of the heavens?" Li Hao was taken aback by the revelation.
"Indeed. Just as the sun, moon, and stars will all fade, so too will this realm. When you survive the heavenly tribulations, you will sense it—this world is slowly dying," the Source Ancestor said.
Li Hao understood. It was like the death of stars; even celestial bodies eventually burn out. This was no different.
"We've discovered an ancient temple. Inside is a path once walked by the Immortals and Gods, but all six Extreme Realms must be unlocked to open the way. That's why we need your help."
The Source Ancestor gazed at Li Hao as he spoke.
Li Hao now realized the truth. For the monstrous talents of the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, this competition was a chance to leap through the dragon gate and rise. But for the Supreme Saints, it was merely a way to find the key they sought.
Now, they had found their key.
"Very well, but I hope I can bring my friends with me," Li Hao said.
He knew that even as a Saint, he had no way of resisting such an endeavor. He had no choice but to comply. Still, compared to the time when he was in the Dao Law Realm, now at least he had the power to negotiate.
The Source Ancestor, unsurprised by Li Hao's agreement, nodded with a smile.
"Of course. Such a grand event will attract all the Saints from the heavens. But the ancient temple is dangerous. It is currently shrouded in tribulation clouds. According to our calculations, it will take about three years for the clouds to disperse. That will be the ideal time for us to enter."
"Alright," Li Hao agreed without hesitation, his eyes gleaming.
Three years—time was what he needed most. These three years would be just enough.
Moreover, he didn't know much about this mysterious temple. He would need time to gather information to avoid being used as a pawn.
"Then it's settled. In three years' time, we'll meet again in the Tianyuan Realm," the Source Ancestor said with a light chuckle. "Together, we will explore the ancient temple and tread the path of the Immortals and Gods."
The other Supreme Saints smiled as well. Even Law Saint, whose expression was usually stern, had a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.
"Hao Tian, how did you cultivate the Sixth Extreme Realm? Could you share the process with us?" Yin Yang Supreme Saint suddenly asked.
Upon hearing his question, the other Supreme Saints also turned their gazes to Li Hao.
Li Hao immediately felt as though a pack of wolves was eyeing him. His Saintly Dao involuntarily began to circulate, but his expression remained calm as he responded.
"It was purely by chance. I call this extreme realm 'Transformation into Immortality,' requiring one to perceive the Dao and find the commonality in all things."
Li Hao knew that if he didn't share something, these Saints would never let him off. So he gave them just enough to occupy their thoughts, leaving the rest for them to figure out.
Whether they could comprehend it was up to them.
However, Li Hao knew that the more desperate one was, the harder it would be to grasp.
Three years from now, the exploration of the Immortal God path would require the power of the Sixth Extreme Realm. Most likely, these Supreme Saints hoped to master it themselves so they wouldn't have to rely on Li Hao. He could understand their motives.
But sharing his insights without compensation was out of the question.
"And what is this commonality in all things?" Yin Yang Supreme Saint pressed.
Li Hao frowned slightly, but his tone remained calm as he answered, "You are all Supreme Saints with your own deep understanding of the Dao. In the eyes of the Buddha, a flower is not a flower, a leaf is not a leaf. To a thief, all things are transient clouds, to be taken or discarded. The commonality of all things varies in the eyes of different individuals. It's up to you to find your own interpretation."
Yin Yang Supreme Saint fell into deep thought, furrowing his brows as he gazed at Li Hao.
He knew that Li Hao wouldn't easily divulge the answer, but there was no flaw in his response.
The other Supreme Saints' eyes flickered with contemplation. They had been researching the Sixth Extreme Realm for years and had long realized that it required insight into the true nature of the heavens and earth, a comprehension of the highest realm of Heaven-Man Unity.
However, they still hadn't found the right answer.
They had each followed their own Dao in their quest to unlock the mystery, yet none had succeeded.
"The heavens have their cycles, and all things rise and fall. You will have to find the answer for yourselves," the Source Ancestor said. His words carried a hidden meaning, subtly advising the Supreme Saints to give up any thoughts of forcing the issue.
Li Hao recognized the Source Ancestor's subtle warning to the other Supreme Saints, cautioning them not to let their desires get out of hand. He realized that dealing with Supreme Saints required extreme caution. These beings, having ascended to the highest realms of existence, feared nothing. Should any one of them harbor malicious intent, nothing could stop them—except perhaps the intervention of another Supreme Saint.
Reflecting on this, Li Hao realized he needed to quickly pass through the Three Calamities in the next three years.
Once that was done, he could finally see where the path of the Supreme Saints led.
With the agreement made, the Supreme Saints and Li Hao bid their farewells and left the Source Ancestor's cave estate.
When Li Hao returned to his courtyard, the Source Ancestor's Holy Land offered him a residence befitting a Saint. But Li Hao declined. He intended to leave once the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle concluded, and there was no need to relocate.
Outside the courtyard, Li Hao found Wind Elder waiting, and a bright smile lit up his face.
"Wind Elder, why are you waiting out here? Why not come inside?"
"I've been waiting for you. Did the Supreme Saints give you a hard time?" Wind Boping asked with a smile, his eyes filled with affection and pride. The boy who had once lived among mortals had now fully grown, standing on equal footing with him.
Although Li Hao had only endured one Calamity, his power was unparalleled, and even Saints who had survived the Three Calamities might not be his match. He had truly ascended in one leap.
"No, they just talked about the ancient temple and the expedition three years from now to seek the Immortal path," Li Hao replied, inviting Wind Elder inside and casually setting up a Saintly Dao barrier. He explained the details of his meeting with the Supreme Saints.
Wind Boping nodded thoughtfully.
"I expected as much. The Saints need you to break through the ancient temple's barrier. But I fear many Saints will perish along that Immortal path, leaving only their bones behind..."
His eyes darkened as he spoke.
The road to the Immortal Gods was fraught with uncertainty. No one knew if the journey would be one of peaceful cooperation or brutal competition.
"Are you going, Wind Elder?" Li Hao asked.
Wind Boping glanced at Li Hao. His original plan had been to protect Li Hao until he was strong enough to take revenge. Now that Li Hao had become a Saint, he had no lingering attachments. Smiling, he replied, "I probably won't go. Three years... it's neither long nor short. We'll see when the time comes."
Changing the subject, Wind Elder asked, "Now that you've ascended to Saintly status, do you plan to establish your own Holy Land, or will you join another?"
Li Hao understood the underlying question and chuckled.
"I'm all alone, so establishing my own Holy Land would be pointless. If Dao Thief Holy Land still needs people, I'll follow you, Wind Elder."
Wind Boping's eyes flickered at Li Hao's words, pausing at the phrase "all alone." He remained silent for a moment before saying, "The Dao Thief Holy Land... if you're willing, I hope that in the future, should the younger ones from our Holy Land ever lose their way, you'll protect them."
"Hmm?"
Li Hao was puzzled by the request.
Seeing his confusion, Wind Boping laughed it off, saying, "I think it's best if you establish your own Holy Land. Choose a small world with a good environment. Though you may face resistance from the other Holy Lands, every new Saint experiences this. It's the way of the world—everything competes for space, just as flowers vie for pollen and leaves for the wind. In this world of cultivation, one must rise against the current. Even Saints cannot escape this fate."
Li Hao fell silent for a moment, pondering the nature of competition.
To compete was to struggle.
Saints competed, and Saints fought.
"Perhaps," Li Hao muttered softly.
The heavens are flawed, and where there are flaws, there is competition.
But if perfection doesn't exist, then what is the meaning of competition?
Time flew by, and three days passed in the blink of an eye.
The Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle reached its most intense stage, with the top ten contenders vying for the number one spot.
But this year's battle was different from previous years. The outcome had already been decided, and when Li Hao took his place high in the heavens, many couldn't help but marvel at the unprecedented scene.
That young man had shattered convention, creating a legend. He was undoubtedly the brightest star of his generation.
Qiu Tianlü, Xiao Tianyu, and the other top ten contenders arrived one after the other, glancing up at Li Hao, who sat high above them, expressions shifting slightly.
They knew the first place belonged to him, as did the incense and heavenly treasures. The fight for second and third place now seemed somewhat hollow.
Though the atmosphere lacked excitement, the battle continued as usual.
One of the fiercest matches was between Qiu Tianlü and Xiao Tianyu. Both revealed their extreme realms, unleashing the power of their Saintly Daos, reflecting their past life powers. The fight grew heated, but in the end, Xiao Tianyu narrowly claimed victory, securing second place.
When the final match came, Li Hao descended onto the platform. Xiao Tianyu could only smile wryly and bow his head in defeat.
As Li Hao stepped onto the platform, the atmosphere reignited. Even though they knew Li Hao wouldn't participate, the cheers rose louder and louder.
Sensing the fervor surrounding Li Hao, many Saints narrowed their eyes. If Li Hao hadn't chosen the path of sacrifice to the Dao, his overwhelming popularity would have quickly increased his incense offerings.
The Source Ancestor personally stepped forward to present Li Hao with the Supreme Heavenly Talent's prize.
Three heavenly treasures, along with a portion of Saintly incense.
The incense was sealed within a golden body. By inscribing his divine will on it, he could claim the sealed incense within.
Li Hao accepted the treasures but didn't absorb them on the spot. If he were still in the Dao Law Realm, he might have chosen to ascend to Saintly status on the spot, rapidly increasing his strength to gain the power to protect himself. But now, that wasn't necessary.
Even if he held the golden body in his hand, no one dared to covet it. Those capable of snatching it, the Supreme Saints, had no need for a bit of incense.
The many Heavenly Talents gazed at the golden incense in Li Hao's hand, their eyes filled with envy. This was what they had fought so hard to attain—the chance to ascend to Saintly status in an instant!
With that, the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle came to a close.
The Saints of the heavens took their Heavenly Talents back to their respective realms.
Those who had come to the Tianyuan Realm as spectators began their journeys home, discussing the astonishing events they had witnessed along the way.
The Source Ancestor did not announce that this was the final Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle. Li Hao understood that the Supreme Saints' attention was now focused on the exploration of the Immortal God path three years later. If their search succeeded, they would no longer concern themselves with the Lands of the Saints. If they failed, the competitions would continue.
With the Supreme Talent prize in hand, Li Hao returned to the Dao Thief Holy Land in the small thousand world with Wind Elder and Huang Tian Sage.
He wasn't in a rush to hunt down the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint. In their own lands, where the incense of their Saints flowed and bolstered their power, they would be far stronger. Even if he could defeat them, he wouldn't be able to kill them.
There were two ways to kill them. The first was to improve his movement techniques and swordsmanship, relying on brute strength to suppress them, then imprison and refine their Saintly Daos.
The second way was to challenge them to a Saintly Dao Debate at their doorstep.
Improving his movement techniques and swordsmanship would take at least a year or two. In comparison, the Saintly Dao Debate already seemed within reach.
After ascending to Saintly status through body refinement, many sealed memories had surfaced. He now had a clear direction for his own Dao Debate, and he was confident he could defeat both the Buddha Sovereign and Void Saint.
But first, he needed time to organize his thoughts.
As the onlookers of the Tianyuan Realm returned to their various realms, Li Hao's name spread throughout the heavens.
Time passed.
Three months after the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, several shocking news items emerged.
The Source Ancestor's disciple, Xiao Tianyu, attained enlightenment and ascended to Saintly status!
Law Saint's disciple, Qiu Tianlü, merged with his previous Saintly Dao and broke through the Saint threshold.
Additionally, Bai Yuan of the Ming family also shattered his limitations and reclaimed his previous Saintly status.
In just a few short months, three new Saints had emerged, shaking the heavens.
Aside from them, many of the top ten from the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle made significant progress.
A legend began circulating, originating from the well-informed Yunque Tower.
One Saint, Three Saints, Seven Paragons!
All born from this generation's Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle.
The "One Saint" referred to Hao Tian Zun.
The "Three Saints" referred to the monumental Ji Saint of the heavens, Saint Xiao of the Source, and the illustrious Saint Bai of the Ming Dao.
Three Saints returned, and one Saint ascended to the summit!
The "Seven Paragons" were seven individuals at the peak just below Saintly status, all on the verge of ascension, needing only incense to become Saints!
Every generation of the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle produced legends, as those who made their mark on the battlefield went on to perform countless world-shaking deeds in the following decades.
This generation would be no exception. Many were now closely watching for any news about the top ten Heavenly Talents.
…
In the Canglan Realm, within the Buddha Sect's Holy Land.
In a dimly lit meditation chamber, three figures sat cross-legged.
In the center was the Buddha Sovereign, to his right sat the Green Lantern Buddha, and on his left was the Twin-Faced Buddha Son, clad in a dark black monk's robe.
The aura emanating from him was now that of a Saint, though he had yet to pass through the Calamities.
Since Li Hao had utterly defeated the Buddha Sovereign, the Twin-Faced Buddha Son's inner demons had grown so intense that they had led to a sudden enlightenment. He sought to merge his Buddha and demon natures, hoping to sever his demonic side, but finding it impossible, he took another path.
He severed his Buddha nature!
From that moment, he completely fell into the demonic path, now becoming a true Demon Sovereign.
Though he was now shrouded in demonic energy, he still wore the monk's robe and remained in the company of the Buddha Sovereign and Green Lantern Buddha.
"Six months from now will be the Saintly Dao Debate, when the Saints of the heavens will all gather. That will be our final chance to kill him."
The Buddha Sovereign's eyes opened slowly, his voice a quiet murmur.
The Saintly Dao Debate was an immensely important event, where the Saints of the heavens gathered to engage in discourse and competition.
Following every Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, the Dao Debate took place as scheduled. All Saints were invited to exchange their insights and settle private feuds in this arena, avoiding the risk of mortal casualties from Saintly battles.
At the debate, even the Supreme Saints would preside and teach, making the event even more prestigious than the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle.
While the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle attracted the attention of countless young talents, the Saintly Dao Debate drew in the half-Saints from across the realms, all vying for a chance to listen in.
In the Dao Debate, a single moment of insight could allow them to complete their budding Saintly Dao. With the addition of incense offerings, they could instantly ascend to Saintly status.
"He follows the path of the Mixed Heaven Saint, refining his body to become a Saint. To kill him through sheer power will be extremely difficult. Even Saints will need to exert their full strength. His only weakness is his Saintly Dao."
"If we can break his Saintly Dao, his physical body will fall apart on its own."
The core of a Saint's power was their Saintly Dao. Once it was destroyed, their foundation would crumble, and all their strength would diminish.
Hearing the Buddha Sovereign's plan, Green Lantern Buddha remained silent for a moment. He, too, had heard about the upheaval at the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, shocked by the unexpected turn of events.
Lately, the Buddha Sect's incense had been cut off, and the aftermath of the battle was starting to become evident.
But if they could kill Li Hao at the Saintly Dao Debate, breaking his Dao and shattering his Saintly Heart, everything could be reversed.
The debate was where Saints could challenge each other, and the victor would win respect, while the defeated would be silenced.
"He has only survived one Calamity. His Saintly Dao is still flawed. The Mixed Heaven Saint's intervention seemed like an act of opposition, but in truth, he helped him. His body is now as powerful as a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. Apart from the Supreme Saints, none can harm him."
Green Lantern Buddha spoke softly, his eyes glinting with calculation.
The Twin-Faced Buddha Son's gaze flickered with cold malice.
"That Mixed Heaven Saint seemed to oppose him at every turn, clearly wanting to see him dead. But in the end, he helped him survive the tribulation. His body is now as strong as a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. Unless a Supreme Saint intervenes, it's almost impossible to harm or kill him. He ruined everything!"
In the Buddha Sect's last attempt to kill Li Hao at the Tianyuan Realm, the Buddha Sovereign hadn't brought the sect's most treasured Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon. Thus, they hadn't had the means to kill him.
But now that Li Hao had survived the tribulation, even a Dao Tribulation Imperial Weapon would struggle to end him.
"You think the Mixed Heaven Saint helped him? In truth, he was helping himself."
Green Lantern Buddha explained, "The Mixed Heaven Saint is a great ancient beast of calamity, a demonic creature who cultivated by absorbing the essence of all things. He, too, ascended to Saintly status through body refinement, following the path of augmentation. It's clear that he views Li Hao as a great tonic. By assisting him, he's ensuring that Li Hao doesn't fall to our hands. Once Li Hao has survived the Three Calamities, the Mixed Heaven Saint will strike, devouring him whole and possibly surpassing the Source Ancestor to reach the ultimate Supreme Saint level."
Both the Buddha Sovereign and the Twin-Faced Buddha Son were stunned by this revelation, shocked by the Mixed Heaven Saint's hidden motives.
In the Buddha Sect, Green Lantern Buddha was the oldest, and while the Buddha Sovereign was the sect leader, Green Lantern Buddha was the strongest Saint among them. His words carried great weight.
His seniority was just slightly below the Source Ancestor's by about ten thousand years.
And the Source Ancestor, as the oldest Saint, was an enigmatic figure. His methods were vast, and his strength and depth were beyond anyone's ability to fathom.
"If it weren't for the Mixed Heaven Saint's interference, I would have gone to the Dao Thief Holy Land myself, issuing a public challenge to debate him. Even if he avoided the debate, the rumors alone would have damaged his reputation, bolstering our Buddha Sect's prestige. But if he accepted, the Mixed Heaven Saint would not allow it."
Green Lantern Buddha's voice was low.
"At the Saintly Dao Debate, with all the Saints of the heavens present, the Mixed Heaven Saint won't be able to protect him. The Law Saint will make sure of that. This is our last chance."
The Buddha Sovereign nodded slightly, having already considered this.
"But what if he doesn't attend...?" the Twin-Faced Buddha Son muttered, his brow furrowed in concern.
He knew that Li Hao wasn't reckless. Though he appeared arrogant, he was in fact extremely cautious.
"If he doesn't attend, we'll go to the Small Thousand Realm and invite him personally."
The Buddha Sovereign's eyes gleamed with cold light. Even if Li Hao refused to come, they would ensure his reputation was destroyed in the eyes of the heavens, reviving the Buddha Sect's flow of incense.
At the same time, within the Void Holy Land.
Since the conclusion of the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, the Void Holy Land had been sealed off by the Law Saint, cutting off their incense.
The entire Void Holy Land had suffered a tremendous blow, with many disciples choosing to leave the sect.
A thousand years of isolation was too much for them to bear, especially for newer disciples who had only recently sworn their vows. They couldn't afford to waste a millennium here.
Now, the Void Holy Land looked desolate and barren.
In contrast, the Yuanshi Holy Land flourished with life. Their talents, such as Ji Xuanshen and Mingyue Sword, had all made names for themselves in the Supreme Heavenly Talents Battle, bringing great prestige to their sect.
"If my Saintly Dao could advance further, allowing me to shatter the void and touch the river of time, I would reverse time and grind that wretched brat to dust!"
In the depths of the Void Holy Land, at what looked like a sacrificial altar, the Void Saint's expression was grim, his voice filled with fury.
Beside him were two other Saints of the Void Holy Land. One had just passed through the Earth Calamity, while the other was none other than the Void Saint's master.
"Killing him with a mere projection of your Dao Law Realm self was already pushing the limit. This failure wasn't your fault."
The elderly figure, looking to be about seventy, spoke slowly. His narrow eyes glinted with sharpness.
This man was Void Ancestor, the master of the Void Saint.
Twelve years ago, when the Dao Thief Saint had come to seek vengeance for Li Hao's death, it was the Void Ancestor who had personally stepped forward, gravely injuring and driving him away.
"His body is now invincible. Apart from the Supreme Saints, none can harm him. As for the Mixed Heaven Saint's intentions..."
The Void Ancestor's eyes narrowed slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. However, Supreme Saints operated on a level beyond his reach. He continued, "Even though his body is strong, his Saintly Dao is still that of a One-Calamity Saint. When the Saintly Dao Debate arrives, I'll rally my old friends to take turns debating him, breaking his Saintly Dao!"
"Even if the Mixed Heaven Saint can protect him from us, he can't shield him from all the Saints of the heavens!"
His eyes burned with murderous intent as he spoke.
The Void Dao they practiced wasn't like the Buddha Sect's false compassion, where their killing intent needed to be hidden behind words. There was no need to conceal their murderous desire.
Saints viewed all life as insignificant. To them, the decision of life or death was but a fleeting thought.
Hearing his master's words, the Void Saint's eyes brightened. When his primordial spirit had fled, he had nearly been reduced to nothing but his Saintly Dao. Fortunately, Li Hao had just ascended and lacked experience in killing enemies.
In the Small Thousand Realm.
Within the Dao Thief Holy Land.
Wind Boping watched Li Hao, who was seated in the courtyard, his entire body surrounded by the radiance of the great Dao. His eyes were filled with awe.
If he hadn't set up a Saintly Dao barrier to seal off the courtyard, the light emanating from Li Hao's body would have illuminated the entire Small Thousand Realm.
He knew that Li Hao was refining his Saintly Dao, perfecting it. But even knowing this, the sheer magnitude of the display was astonishing.
"The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao..."
Li Hao's eyes slowly opened as an ancient Dao scripture emerged from the depths of his memory. Each word was etched into his mind with perfect clarity.
This was a scripture he had read in his previous life, long forgotten. Yet now, after becoming a Saint through body refinement, the memory had resurfaced with vivid clarity.
With his current wisdom, he realized that this ancient scripture contained the ultimate truth of the heavens and earth. If he could fully comprehend it, he could touch upon the Dao itself!
As he murmured softly, countless words of wisdom danced before his eyes.