Volume 3 - Chapter 369: Duel at the Pinnacle of the Sword Dao - Part 1
"A test like this?"
"The Supreme really trusts that disciple. Sure, he's strong, but based on Haotian’s earlier performance, he shouldn't be defeated in just three moves, right?"
"That’s exactly what makes it terrifying. For the Supreme to impose such a condition, it means that Jianxin has yet to reveal his true strength. Don’t forget—in the True Immortal Secret Realm, he suppressed the Ancient Fiend stronghold with a single sword. That’s absolutely the pinnacle of the fifth layer of Sword Dao Origin!"
"The fifth layer? That’s impossible—he’s only at the True Immortal Realm!"
In the True Immortal Realm, refining one’s Dao Origin to the third layer already made one a prodigy. The fourth layer marked a top-tier genius. The fifth? That was a monstrous level of talent.
Everyone watched the two with stunned expressions. Most believed that defeating Jianxin would be impossible for Li Hao—after all, Jianxin was the Supreme’s personal disciple. But to simply endure three moves? That seemed within reach.
Li Hao's gaze swept toward Jianxin. At that moment, the other man looked back, and their eyes met—Li Hao instantly sensed a chill in his opponent’s stare.
Earlier, Jianxin had acted indifferent. Perhaps something said during their exchange had provoked him.
Still, Li Hao didn’t believe he had said or done anything wrong. They merely served different masters.
"Supreme, I have a request."
Li Hao turned to the Supreme.
His words drew astonished murmurs from the crowd; countless eyes locked onto him.
"If you're afraid, one move will do."
Jianxin spoke coldly.
He clearly disliked how Li Hao addressed his master without a trace of reverence. On the boy's face, there was no humility, no submission.
"One move? Jianxin is so arrogant."
"He’s not just boasting. A true killer only needs one strike. If he uses his strongest sword from the start, it’s either victory or defeat—no need to test the waters."
"Exactly. Skip the probing, just strike with all your might. Win or lose, let it be decided."
The crowd whispered amongst themselves.
The Supreme looked down at Li Hao and said calmly, "Speak."
"If I can withstand ten moves, may I leave peacefully without taking you as my master?"
Li Hao asked, his gaze unwavering.
The entire hall fell silent, then suddenly erupted in uproar.
People stared at Li Hao in disbelief, mouths agape.
Jianxin’s earlier words were already wildly arrogant—but now, this young man had gone even further!
No, this wasn’t arrogance—it bordered on madness!
Setting aside whether Li Hao could survive ten moves against Jianxin, simply raising the bar like this just to avoid becoming the Supreme’s disciple—it was unfathomable! Madness, truly!
Boy, what stands before you is the status of a personal disciple of an Immortal Emperor. A title countless people would kill for. Even many of the Immortal Kings present harbored envy for such an honor. And yet, you toss it aside like garbage, struggling to wriggle free from it.
Nearby, both Jianxin and Mingyue lost their composure, shock flashing across their faces. But that quickly gave way to fury—an intense rage rarely seen from people who typically regarded others as mere blades of grass. Yet now, both of them were visibly enraged at Li Hao.
Atop the mountain, even the Great Dream Master and his companions were stunned. None had expected Li Hao to be this stubborn.
In the City of Heart-Reflecting Pagoda...
On a hillside, under an old tree, Han Lao froze for a moment. Then suddenly, he burst into laughter—wild and unrestrained, as if he hadn’t laughed like this in countless years.
"Good! What a good boy! I didn’t misjudge you. Sealing your Dao Heart was worth it! If you return from this unscathed, I’ll bestow upon you a great fortune!"
Tears crept into the corners of his eyes as he laughed.
How many years had it been since he’d witnessed something this delightful? Since he’d met someone so utterly fascinating?
In the Nine Thousand Immortal Cities of Yan Chu, many of the old hidden figures were left stunned, their mouths agape.
Just like everyone else, they had been left speechless by the boy’s bold words. But slowly, their fists clenched, their eyes heated, and tears welled up.
They had lived like rats—scattered, hiding, biding their time, hoping one day to rise again.
And yet that youth, with barely a hundred years of soul age behind him, so young and inexperienced, dared to speak those words to one of the most powerful beings beneath the heavens. What courage did that take?
In that boy’s defiant stance, they saw the impulse they had buried, the acts they had dreamed of but never dared commit. Some wept openly. Others covered their mouths to stifle their sobs. And many now deeply regretted not traveling to the imperial capital themselves to stop the boy from walking into danger.
"Emperor Tianyang, after all these years… you’ve found yourself another fine disciple!"
"My Lord, are you watching? If this boy lives, we shall follow him to the death!"
"Haotian—from this day forth, remember that name. He is our new master!"
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