Chapter 427: Three Years
Wang Lao chuckled at Li Hao's words and said, "You're quite amusing. Do as you please. It's rare to see someone remain so composed before the Celestial Emperor's legacy, unhurried and calm. No wonder you possess the Eternal Dao Heart."
The earlier Heaven and Earth Nine Chimes and the Eternal Dao Heart had left Wang Lao with great admiration for Li Hao.
After all, having such composure and mindset at the Saint level was exceedingly rare, even during the peak eras before the War of the Fallen Emperors.
"So, does this mean Senior agrees?" Li Hao's eyes lit up slightly.
"If you genuinely wish to learn, I can teach you. But what I cultivate here isn't rice or wheat—it's celestial herbs and divine grasses," Wang Lao said with a smile. "If you truly master this craft, it will be a skill that allows you to gain favor in countless celestial sects in the True Realm, perhaps even granting you a status equal to a Celestial Sovereign."
Li Hao was taken aback, realizing just how profound Wang Lao's cultivation skills were. To reach the status of a Celestial Sovereign merely through the art of cultivating celestial herbs—how extraordinary must that ability be?
"Then I must sincerely thank Senior for teaching me," Li Hao said, bowing deeply.
Wang Lao waved his hand dismissively and said, "If you can pass the three trials, you'll become a nominal disciple of the Celestial Emperor. No need for such formalities with me. If you fail, I'll accept this courtesy then."
Li Hao straightened, appreciating Wang Lao's magnanimity even more.
"Let's start with identifying celestial herbs," Wang Lao said with a light smile. Cultivating celestial herbs was his passion, and discussing it brought an extra warmth to his expression.
Wang Lao led Li Hao into the fields. Each plot was filled with celestial herbs and divine grasses, exuding ethereal light. The laws of the world floated like silken threads in the air, gently nurturing the herbs as if cradling them in delicate hands.
"This is the Eternal Longevity Herb. It absorbs the energy of heaven and earth and can thrive even without deliberate cultivation. However, with proper care and irrigation using Golden Dao Essence, it can transform into the Eternal Immortal Leaf, the key ingredient for refining the Eternal Immortality Pill," Wang Lao explained, pointing to a specific plant.
Li Hao noticed how Wang Lao regarded these herbs with an expression akin to a father's gaze upon his children.
He found the art of cultivating celestial herbs intriguing, though his system's interface didn't seem to register it as a skill.
Even so, Li Hao didn't mind. He sat with Wang Lao at the edge of the fields, listening to stories about celestial herbs, their cultivation, and anecdotes from Wang Lao's years of experience.
Days passed in this way. Although the celestial bodies here were artificial, Li Hao couldn't help but marvel at the intricate starry sky and the alternation of day and night. Wang Lao explained that the celestial dome was a grand star array created by the hall spirit of Tianyang Hall, sustaining its power indefinitely.
Time flew by like an arrow.
Li Hao abandoned the meditation mat and immersed himself in the fields, laughing and learning about celestial herbs alongside Wang Lao. They appeared more like two farmers than cultivators. Li Hao rolled up his sleeves, tied his pants at the knees, and let his feet sink into the mud, often finding tiny black bugs crawling on his legs. These weren't ordinary insects but specially cultivated spiritual bugs that stimulated the growth of celestial herbs and enhanced their quality.
During a break, Li Hao casually asked if Wang Lao played chess. Wang Lao countered with a laugh, "Do you?"
Delighted, Li Hao retrieved a chessboard from his storage space and invited Wang Lao to a game.
Surprised that Li Hao carried a chessboard with him, Wang Lao laughed heartily, rolled up his sleeves, and joined Li Hao at a wooden stump in front of the cottage. The two began their match.
Li Hao, confident in his skills, planned to impress the elder with his prowess. Yet, every move he thought was brilliant turned into a liability, effortlessly countered by Wang Lao. His strong opening positions were quickly reversed, leaving him in disarray.
After losing three games in a row, Li Hao felt as though his understanding of chess had been shattered. His moves became hesitant and unsure.
Wang Lao chuckled as he gathered the pieces and said, "Your skill is quite impressive, but to beat me, you'll need another hundred thousand years of practice."
His tone carried undeniable pride as he burst into laughter.
Li Hao, however, was fuming. He could accept defeat in combat, but not in chess.
He scratched his chin and rested his face on his palm, replaying the games in his mind. If his strength lay in precise strategy, Wang Lao's moves were like a deer leaping effortlessly, leaving no trace.
The next day, Li Hao challenged Wang Lao again.
After losing four or five more games, Li Hao began to grasp a hint of Wang Lao's strategy. With a seemingly insignificant move to block a crucial position, he elicited a soft hum of approval from Wang Lao, who examined the board carefully and then glanced at Li Hao. "Your perception is excellent," Wang Lao remarked with admiration.
Yet, he showed no mercy in the game. A flurry of precise moves ended the match decisively.
Li Hao felt as though he'd been struck twice in the chest, almost coughing up blood in frustration.
Seeing Li Hao's aggrieved expression, Wang Lao laughed even harder. "Care to go another round?" he teased.
"Let's do it!" Li Hao replied, his determination unshaken.
Li Hao became even more focused, deliberating over every move with great care.
And yet, he lost even more miserably.
In front of the small house, the elder and the youth played an intense game of chess. On one of the meditation mats nearby, a figure suddenly opened their eyes, the restrained aura around them subtly dispersing. Their gaze sharpened as they turned to look at the distant black tower.
After a moment's thought, the figure glanced around, searching for someone on the meditation mats. Not finding who they were looking for, their gaze shifted to the small house.
There, before the wooden stump, an elder and a youth were hunched over the chessboard with no regard for their image. The elder appeared calm, a faint smile on his face, while the youth was scratching his head, his expression serious and intense. He seemed fully absorbed, pouring all his energy into the match.
Seeing this, Ming Sheng raised an eyebrow. Earlier, while meditating, his thoughts had wandered to the newcomer, and he had observed him several times. Every time, the youth was either chatting with Wang Lao by the fields or playing chess in front of the house. Not once had he seen the youth sitting on a mat to cultivate.
Was he not cultivating?
Or perhaps he was trying to curry favor with Wang Lao to gain some secret guidance?
A slight sneer tugged at Ming Sheng's lips. When he had first arrived, he too had tried to ingratiate himself with Wang Lao—serving tea, massaging his legs, and showering him with flattery. Although Wang Lao had been amiable and had enjoyed the attention, he had made it clear that he would not provide any guidance related to the trials.
This was a fundamental rule laid down by the Celestial Emperor, one that bound Wang Lao deeply. Even without such constraints, Wang Lao would never have offered guidance, as his reverence for the Celestial Emperor transcended all. To hint or advise on the trials would be a betrayal of that respect.
After Ming Sheng's experience, he had watched other saints attempt the same path, only to meet the same end.
Now this new prodigy was clearly trying the same shortcut, but it was obvious he had miscalculated.
With his talent, the youth could have caught up by cultivating earnestly, but he seemed intent on taking a crooked path, wasting precious time. Ming Sheng could only shake his head in mock pity.
He stood and walked toward the black tower.
Some saints noticed his movement and opened their eyes. "Ming Sheng is going to challenge the True Sovereign Tower."
Hearing this, other saints whose meditation was less deep also shifted their focus. Their expressions grew serious.
If Ming Sheng passed this trial, he would advance to the third step, creating an insurmountable gap between him and the others.
Among them, Mu Sheng, his hair as white as snow, cracked open a sliver of an eye, his gaze cold as he watched Ming Sheng's retreating figure.
Of all the saints, only he and Ming Sheng had reached the second trial. They viewed each other as fierce rivals, knowing the Celestial Emperor's Dao Legacy was singular—only one could claim it. The one who did would soar to new heights, gaining an unparalleled foundation even in the True Realm.
On the other hand, failure would relegate them to the ranks of ordinary True Immortals, with even the pursuit of the Celestial Lord becoming an arduous dream. The gap was too vast.
"Hmm? Why is that one still playing chess with Wang Lao?"
At this moment, someone noticed Li Hao and realized he wasn't on the meditation mats but still mingling with Wang Lao.
Though Wang Lao was an unfathomably powerful figure, his involvement in the trials was strictly neutral. Any hints or guidance were out of the question. Because of this, the saints rarely wasted time trying to engage with him.
"Probably hoping for some advice from Wang Lao, but it won't work."
Someone shook their head, a hint of scorn in their eyes.
Luo Sheng, Dong Dao, and Chen Baoyu—saints who had previously conversed with Li Hao—also sighed inwardly. Though they held some goodwill toward him, Li Hao was still a competitor. Helping him now would only pave the way for their strongest rival to get back on track.
Meanwhile, Hua Sheng and You Sheng exchanged glances. You Sheng suddenly sent a sound transmission to Li Hao, saying, "Ming Sheng is challenging the True Sovereign Tower. If he passes, he'll likely move on to the third trial, where Wang Lao will guide him in the way of becoming a True Immortal."
At the chessboard, Li Hao, deeply engrossed in the game, was oblivious to everything happening around him. His entire focus was locked onto the board, immersed in a mental realm where the chessboard stretched into a starlit sky, and a towering figure loomed above him. The presence, a master of the Dao of Chess, bore down on him with overwhelming force.
Under such pressure, Li Hao could only throw himself entirely into the game to ensure he didn't lose too quickly.
"Ming Sheng is challenging the True Sovereign Tower. Aren't you at all concerned?"
Noticing the commotion among the saints on the mats, Wang Lao glanced over before smiling slyly at Li Hao. "You're not worried?"
Li Hao felt the giant presence above him rumble like thunder. Jolted back to reality, he blinked, then followed Wang Lao's gaze toward the distant black tower. Just as he looked, a saint disappeared into its entrance.
"Oh."
Li Hao spared the scene a brief glance before returning his attention to the chessboard.
At this moment, his sole focus was breaking through the intricate puzzle before him.
"Hao Tian, did you hear me? Wang Lao is kind, but he won't help you with cultivation."
This time, You Sheng's voice reached Li Hao. Glancing toward her, he noticed both You Sheng and Hua Sheng watching him with concern. He paused, then smiled at their good intentions and replied, "No rush. Once I've beaten Wang Lao at chess, I'll start cultivating."
If he could defeat Wang Lao, he felt he might even push his chess Dao to the eleventh level.
"What…"
You Sheng was momentarily stunned, at a loss for words. Was chess really so captivating that even the Celestial Emperor's Dao Legacy paled in comparison?
Li Hao withdrew his gaze and refocused on the chessboard, immersing himself entirely in the game, unaware of anything around him.
He contemplated deeply, while Wang Lao patiently waited for him to make his move. Watching the young man before him, Wang Lao noted that Li Hao was genuinely unhurried, with no trace of impatience or anxiety. Wang Lao smiled faintly. While indulging Li Hao in these games might seem like a distraction, he had noticed that the other saints had made little progress recently. When Li Hao's interest waned, Wang Lao would guide him back to diligent cultivation at an opportune moment.
Among all the candidates here, the one Wang Lao valued most was this youth. Though he couldn't give Li Hao special treatment or hints, he was determined to ensure that Li Hao made steady progress.
By the meditation mats, several saints were silently keeping track of Ming Sheng's time inside the True Respect Tower.
Before long, Ming Sheng emerged from the tower.
"He lasted longer this time. It seems Ming Sheng wasn't affected and even made some breakthroughs!"
"Indeed. That one who tried to curry favor with Wang Lao wasted too much time. My own state of mind feels clearer now."
"I heard Wang Lao say that if you pass the trial, your battle instincts will reach an extraordinary level. It's not just about skill or accumulated experience—battle instincts are an innate ability to adapt and react instantly. They can only be cultivated through specific methods."
"We better work harder. If Ming Sheng truly steps into the third stage and starts cultivating the Way of Immortality, we'll still be stuck figuring out the basics of immortal techniques."
The saints' expressions grew solemn. After casting lingering glances at Ming Sheng, they turned back to their own cultivation, with some offering quiet congratulations as he passed.
Ming Sheng's face remained impassive, his cold demeanor unchanging. Although he had endured longer this time, he knew he was still far from overcoming the trial. Despite relying on ingenuity several times to escape danger, it wasn't enough.
He turned and glanced at the figure seated by the chessboard near the cottage. The young man was intently focused on the board, utterly absorbed and devoid of distractions. Ming Sheng's brows furrowed slightly, and a faint, mocking smile flickered across his lips before disappearing as he returned to his meditation mat to resume contemplation.
Time flowed steadily in this tranquil haven.
The atmosphere here was serene, with only the occasional sound of an old man and a youth laughing echoing faintly.
For the meditating saints, cloaked in their own Dao domains, the noises posed no disruption. They remained absorbed unless the surrounding energy or intent shifted dramatically.
The natural peace of this place—once punctuated only by Wang Lao's hoe turning the soil or the gentle babble of a stream—now carried a touch of human warmth, like a distant village filled with quiet life.
A year passed.
Li Hao's chess skills had reached the pinnacle of the ninth stage, but he still suffered crushing defeats under Wang Lao's relentless strategy. He hadn't won a single game.
Never before had Li Hao experienced such consistent failure. In his spare time, he tried to focus on his painting, but the unresolved losses consumed his thoughts. His mind felt cluttered, and his attempts at gaining insights into painting yielded little progress.
The more he lost, the more determined he became to try again. It became a compulsive cycle, almost an addiction. On the other hand, Wang Lao, who had won so many matches, began to grow slightly bored. During their games, he'd often take breaks to water the fields, gather Dao energy to nourish the immortal herbs, or even casually brew tea while waiting for Li Hao to make his move.
Sometimes, he'd stretch out his legs and scrape the dirt from between his toes.
When Li Hao finally made a carefully calculated move after a long pause, Wang Lao would promptly respond with a decisive counter. The boy's fleeting smile would freeze on his face, replaced by deep contemplation once more.
Seeing Li Hao's expression shift so dramatically, Wang Lao found it amusing. He'd never encountered someone so invested in chess. For most people, losing so often would have made the game tedious, but this young man's stubborn determination only made Wang Lao more eager to keep defeating him.
Yes, he admitted, it was a bit cruel—but he didn't particularly enjoy losing either.
Two more years went by.
In front of the cottage, beside the chessboard, the youth sat deep in thought, his hand hovering over a chess piece.
Suddenly, an overwhelming spear intent surged from the direction of the meditation mats. The force was so sharp it seemed as if it could pierce the heavens themselves.
The powerful aura startled Li Hao out of his reverie, and he turned to look.
"We now have a third person who has mastered the Ten Thousand Battle Immortal Technique to perfection," Wang Lao said with a smile as he glanced at the disturbance.