Li Hao followed the Great Dream Master, cultivating the path of painting in the Painting Realm of Langya, while the others continued their studies and underwent their final refining and enlightenment within the same realm.
Meanwhile, the other Heavenly Sects of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty were not to be outdone. Knowing that the Southern Region Competition would determine the ranking of the sects, they had opened up various sacred lands and secret realms within their sects to provide their disciples with a final chance to push their limits.
In the Divine Crow Secret Realm of the royal family in the capital of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty.
Here stood a giant golden tree, with ten golden crows perched upon it, like ten suns hanging in the sky, their brilliant light illuminating the entire secret realm.
The flowers, plants, and earth throughout the secret realm were all golden, as noble as if they were plated with gold.
Beneath the golden tree flowed the Divine Crow River, its waters golden, flowing towards a mysterious end. There, countless dark shadows seemed to rise and fall, a stark contrast of darkness, loneliness, and death compared to the sacred golden brilliance under the golden tree.
"In this Southern Region Competition, you must all work hard. As members of the royal family, you must never lose to the royal families of other Immortal Dynasties. Our Yan Chu, inheriting the souls of our ancestors, has fought across the Eight Desolates, battled Six Dynasties, and traversed the Immortal Forbidden Emperor's Domain. Even if you are defeated, you must fall standing, never bringing shame to the divine might of our ancestors!"
The Chu Emperor's expression was calm, but his words carried a vast pressure that made the other princes, who had already achieved cultivation success, dare not speak, lowering their heads in silence.
Chu Tianhuang and the others felt their hearts pounding like drums, their blood surging as if flowing backward. They dared not be negligent and hurriedly agreed.
No matter how peerless the heavenly talents were, in front of their father, they all felt a sense of awe and trembling.
This was because over the past hundred thousand years, there had been countless heavenly talents in the world, like the sands of the Ganges River, but throughout their lives, none had been able to catch up to the shadow of their father.
In other words, the ultimate ideal limit of their cultivation was the father in front of them.
"Go and enlighten yourselves. After the Southern Region Competition is over, if you can make it into the top ten, I will grant you the title of Divine Crow, protecting you for ten thousand years."
The Chu Emperor said calmly.
Upon hearing this, Chu Tianhuang and the others' eyes lit up, but most of the princes and princesses looked towards Chu Tianhuang.
They knew themselves well. They had not even made it into the top ten in the Immortal Dynasty's ancient immortal realm competition, and with the addition of the prodigies from the other six dynasties and the Heavenly Palace, it would be almost devilishly difficult to make it into the top ten.
Among them, only Chu Tianhuang was the most likely.
"Divine Crow..."
In the crowd, Chu Yueli looked up and gazed at the divine crows perched on the golden tree. If she could receive the protection of the divine crows for ten thousand years, it would help her completely overcome her current "weak period."
That's right, although she was already in the Immortal Monarch realm and could be considered a mid-to-upper-level expert in the True Realm, the interests involved with her were such that if someone were to truly deal with her, it would be at least an Immortal King taking action. At that time, she would be completely powerless to resist. If she had the divine crows, she could smoothly grow to the Immortal King realm. Only then would she truly possess the combat power to dominate a region and control her own destiny!
Thinking of this, the figure of that young man appeared in her mind, and a cold light immediately burst forth in her eyes.
If she could receive the protection of the divine crows, the first thing she would do is kill that young man.
That way, even if her father insisted on this marriage, if the person was gone, there would be no reason to refuse.
The various princes had different thoughts, but Chu Tianhuang acutely sensed that several of his elder brothers standing next to him, including Chu Xiangtian, were looking at him.
Clearly, if he could receive the protection of the divine crows, he would also be able to enter the sequence of competing for the throne in the future, just like those older and more monstrous elder brothers, having the qualification to inherit their father's mantle.
Understanding this, he knew that this battle was extremely crucial for him.
…
In the Crimson Frontier Immortal Dynasty, somewhere in an Emperor's Fall forbidden land.
Wreckage and dry bones were scattered everywhere, and occasionally a colossal shadow would streak across the starry sky overhead. Despite being ten thousand miles away, its enormous form could still be seen, emitting an ancient and barbaric aura.
On the ground, there were footprints a thousand meters wide, leaving behind deep pits.
An Immortal Emperor had once fallen in this forbidden land, but it seemed they hadn't died completely, evolving into a forbidden land and giving birth to many incredible and dangerous species.
At this time, on the summit of a solitary peak, a white-haired old man was seated, holding a fishing rod.
In front of him was a deep pool, its water black and bottomless, with the edges faintly green, seemingly tens of thousands of feet deep.
Suddenly, a huge tremor came from the distant forest, followed by a large black shadow streaking towards this place.
But upon closer inspection, it would be revealed that in front of the black shadow was a young figure with fiery red hair, deep divine light in his eyes, and golden-red pupils, extremely mysterious. He appeared radiant, and his small body was filled with raw, barbaric strength.
Whoosh!
The young man landed here, carrying the huge black shadow, and threw down the ferocious beast in his hand, causing the ground to shake violently.
"Gently, you've scared away the fish for your master!"
The old man on the solitary peak saw this and couldn't help but say softly, with a hint of helplessness.
The young man clapped his hands and grinned, saying, "Whatever Master wants to catch, it wouldn't be so timid."
The old man neither agreed nor disagreed, but simply glanced at the ferocious beast he had slain, a faint smile playing on the corner of his mouth. He said:
"This Wind and Thunder Ape has absorbed Emperor's blood, its Nascent Soul has been strengthened, and it has also mastered the fifth level of Wind and Thunder Origin. You've dealt with it cleanly."
Apart from a terrifying wound at the heart in its chest, the giant beast on the ground had no other injuries, indicating a single fatal blow.
Furthermore, dark flames were still burning at the wound, preventing its flesh and blood from healing, and even its Nascent Soul was swallowed whole.
Upon hearing his master's praise, the young man grinned and said, "I wonder if this Southern Region Competition that Master speaks of can make me feel excited."
"I heard there are some formidable characters in this Origin Secret Realm. You'll encounter them then."
"Formidable?"
Upon hearing this, the young man's eyes immediately lit up, and he said, "If I had known, I would have gone to that Origin Secret Realm as well."
"I've already taken you to that Origin Secret Realm. There's not much point in going again. It's better here."
The old man smiled and said, "I don't know if those little guys in the Origin Secret Realm have hidden any tricks. They should be qualified to be your opponents then."
"I hope so."
The young man clapped his hands and said, "At least they have to be stronger than this big gorilla."
The old man chuckled, but he knew in his heart that most of the prodigies in this Southern Region Competition were probably not as strong as the giant beast in front of him.
After all, with the three-thousand-year limit on soul lifespan, being able to break through to the Immortal Monarch realm was already a leader among people. This giant beast, tainted with Emperor's blood and in the fifth level of the Immortal Monarch realm, its true combat power was likely even more terrifying than the seventh level Immortal Monarchs outside.
Thrown into the Southern Region Competition, it would absolutely be an insurmountable mountain.
"In the last three months, you can go and take a look at that ancient coffin."
The old man smiled. Although he was extremely satisfied and confident in his disciple, his goal was not just for his disciple to win first place in the Southern Region Competition, but to go even further!
"Really?"
Upon hearing this, the young man's eyes lit up again, and he clapped his hands in joy. "Then I'll go now!"
As if afraid his master would go back on his word, he instantly disappeared in a flash after speaking.
The old man chuckled in amusement, thinking to himself, if you really see it, I hope you don't regret it.
Thinking this, he still put away his fishing rod and quietly followed, to avoid any accidents.
…
In the Wang Qin Immortal Dynasty, a massive dragon bone stretched across the starry sky.
This was the forbidden land of the Wang Qin Immortal Dynasty, also known as the renowned Heavenly Dragon Graveyard.
But in this graveyard, there was only this continuous dragon bone extending for nearly a hundred million miles, spanning the starry sky. Just this dragon bone was the size of several immortal cities, making it hard to imagine what kind of existence it was in its lifetime.
At this time, at the head of the dragon bone.
A figure walked here, clad in a black dragon robe, emitting a noble imperial aura. Nine dragon souls subtly coiled around him, like an extended outer vein, drawing the surrounding dragon energy into his body.
Suddenly, his steps paused slightly, and he took out a token from his怀里.
Light faintly bloomed from the token, revealing the figure of an emperor, none other than the Qin Emperor of the Wang Qin Immortal Dynasty.
"It seems your Dragon Vein has been completed. Besides the Starry Sky Vein of All Heavens, you have another Great Vein Immortal Art unique to our Wang Qin Immortal Dynasty."
The Qin Emperor looked at his son, who possessed peerless talent, but his eyes were filled with a condescending indifference. He said:
"In this Southern Region Competition, I want you to take first place!"
"Yes, Father."
The young man in the dragon robe slightly nodded, his expression equally calm, appearing neither humble nor arrogant.
"You are permitted to go and look at the Dragon Eye. There is a gift waiting for you there."
The Qin Emperor finished speaking coldly, and his figure dissipated.
A faint black light flickered in the young man's eyes. He looked into the distance, then stepped out, and with a slight flicker, disappeared from the spot, reappearing tens of thousands of miles away.
…
The Southern Region, Heavenly Palace.
In the Great Thousand True Realm, countless races were spread throughout various Immortal Dynasties, Immortal Cities, and prosperous stars. Countless races resided there. In the past, the various Immortal Emperors had risen together and divided this vast land into four regions. Although the Southern Region was a region, it was boundless, encompassing hundreds of millions of stars and numerous Immortal Dynasties in the southern part of the True Realm.
But at the center of these numerous Immortal Dynasties was a majestic Heavenly Palace.
This Heavenly Palace guarded the Southern Region, the six directions of the universe. With the Supreme Being personally presiding, even ancient demons from outside the domain dared not infiltrate this place.
The City of Heavenly Palace was like a vast continent, the epitome of nobility and luxury, brilliant yet understated. The eaves of the city were carved from top-grade True Treasure materials, making them difficult for even True Immortals to destroy.
In the starry sky outside the City of Heavenly Palace, teams of Heavenly Palace guards patrolled.
And in the Supreme Emperor's Hall within the city, five figures stood. One person stood in a row by himself, while the other four stood in a row behind.
They were all disciples of the Supreme Being, but the four behind were just introductory disciples, while the one in front was the Supreme Being's personal disciple.
"The Southern Region Competition is about to begin. I have spoken to the Primordial Emperor. After you enter the Primordial True Realm, he will look after you. In this Southern Region Competition, you must perform well. There are also monstrous talents with exceptional bloodline aptitude in the other Immortal Dynasties, including some of the top hundred races. Do not underestimate your enemies."
In the Emperor's Hall, the Supreme Being, clad in a pure white robe and emitting flawless divine light, spoke peacefully.
However, these words were only directed at the four people behind him.
The four also understood and respectfully nodded in agreement.
"Sword Heart, just go easy. Don't injure people too severely. The ancient demons from outside the domain are watching us. We need more prodigies to grow and become experts who can guard a region and protect all races."
The Supreme Being said with a gentle smile.
These words were addressed to the young man in front.
The young man nodded slightly, "I will show mercy."
"Alright, the time is almost here. I presume they will be setting off soon. You should also go back and prepare."
The Supreme Being said with a peaceful smile.
Upon hearing this, the five individuals slightly nodded in promise and then turned to leave.
…
Time flew by.
As the Southern Region Competition approached, in the Great Dream Nine Abyss, the disciples of each abyss within the Langya Painting Realm were diligently cultivating, absorbing and consolidating the insights gained from the secret realm.
Somewhere in the Langya Painting Realm, Gu Yan was seated, surrounded by sword energy. These silver-white sword lights hummed softly as if being summoned.
On his forehead, a silver-white sword mark appeared, the power of his innate Sword Spirit Body revealed.
He hadn't told anyone, but in the Chaos Origin City of the Origin Secret Realm, he had gained the recognition of the Sword Dao Origin Divine Tree and was bestowed with a Dao Fruit from the Sword Dao Divine Tree.
And that Dao Fruit also activated the Ancient Immortal Sword Body within him. His talent was like a switch that had been flipped, completely unleashed. His comprehension and cultivation of the Sword Dao advanced by leaps and bounds.
Now, his Sword Dao had reached an incredible level. Although his cultivation was still at the True Immortal realm, Gu Yan was confident that he could defeat an Immortal Monarch at the True Immortal realm, just like Li Hao, and even win more easily than Li Hao!
In the main hall of the Langya Painting Realm.
Li Hao was painting together with the Great Dream Master.
After three months of being together, the Great Dream Master had fully witnessed the strength of Li Hao's painting path. She was deeply shocked. It was not surprising that his painting path had reached such a realm, but what was truly astonishing was that Li Hao's soul lifespan was only a mere hundred years, and he was also a swordsman. How could he have so much energy to study other paths?
This could only mean that Li Hao's talent was extraordinary, exceeding her imagination.
"You are neither of Emperor's blood nor of Chaos bloodline. I really don't know how you can have such high comprehension. Could it be the ultimate of a mortal body?"
As a leaf of the Time Divine Tree appeared, Li Hao's painting also finished, and he was covered in sweat.
Next to him, the Great Dream Master finally spoke, sighing at Li Hao.
Li Hao heard this and smiled bitterly. He had heard these words countless times during this period.
"How is the painting this time?" Li Hao asked.
The Great Dream Master looked at the divine leaf and nodded, "It already has the divine charm. Not bad, the progress is obvious."
Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief. Indeed, he also felt significant progress.
The Time Origin Divine Tree was a completely different level of painting skill. Before, he could not even begin to paint it, racking his brain to no avail to draw a single leaf.
But now, he was already able to paint it in rough outline.
"With my painting path, I can only barely draw an outline. The Great Dao contained within the Time Origin Divine Tree is too profound, and the requirements for Time Origin are too high."
The Great Dream Master said.
If she were to paint other things, she would only need to master the Origin of Space, the Origin of Water, and the Origin of Earth. But the Time Origin Divine Tree was an exception.
"Yes."
Li Hao nodded. He had also gained insight by looking at the Great Dream Master's misty painting of the Time Origin Divine Tree.
Time is still, but it seems to flow.
Then a painting appears still, but in reality, it can also flow!
And his ability to paint it was also mainly due to the Time Origin Divine Tree giving him a drop of sweet dew, which raised his Time Origin Great Dao to the fourth level and allowed him to comprehend this point.
"The Southern Region Competition is about to begin. Your cultivation is still at the ninth level. Didn't you use that Flying Immortal Pill?"
The Great Dream Master asked.
(End of this chapter)