Chapter 482: The Intensity of the Ancient Immortal Realm
Li Hao watched as Gu Xingwan finished her sword practice and prepared to leave.
Over the past few years, aside from cultivating and cooking, he would occasionally stroll through the courtyard and give Gu Xingwan pointers on her Xian Shu, as a way to repay Gu Changming's kindness.
"You can go ahead, I'm not going."
Li Hao said.
"Not going? Why?"
Gu Xingwan was stunned, the expectation on her face instantly turning into confusion.
Li Hao replied, "Didn't the royal family say that as long as you break through the Tenth Desolation Domain, you directly qualify for the battle selection? I've already secured my spot, so there's no need to go join the commotion."
Gu Xingwan was momentarily speechless. After their previous sparring matches and two years of interaction, she had already realized how powerful this young man was. But she hadn't expected that he had already secured his place in the battle.
"But after three years, your strength must have improved even more! If you go and challenge it again, you'll definitely make it further!"
She couldn't help but say, "If you push for a higher ranking, won't your status improve?"
"Does getting a higher ranking come with any special rewards?" Li Hao asked.
Gu Xingwan was caught off guard and found herself at a loss for words. After a moment, she hesitantly said, "If you get into the Top Ten, the Top Five, or even First Place, the royal family will definitely reward you handsomely!"
"That sounds difficult. The Top Twenty are already mostly Xianjun Realm cultivators fighting for spots, let alone the Top Ten or Top Five."
Li Hao shook his head, not planning to reveal any more of his strength in such a setting. Instead of wasting time in some competition, he'd rather stay here, eat more ancient demons, and train. If an ancient demon invasion happened while he was away, it would be a huge missed opportunity.
"But when all the spots are finalized, the royal family will honor the thousand people who qualified. You'll have to be there—are you planning to send someone to claim your reward on your behalf?" Gu Xingwan asked.
Li Hao said, "When the time comes, I'll go. There's still a month left; there's no rush."
"…"
Gu Xingwan fell silent for a moment, then looked at him with a soft yet disappointed gaze.
"You're really not going? I wanted to leave early to push for a higher rank. If you went, we could… travel together."
"You go on ahead."
Li Hao waved her off, speaking casually.
Gu Xingwan clenched her fingers slightly. Her face flushed red and pale in turns, carrying both disappointment and frustration. She shot a glare at the clueless young man, then turned on her heels and huffed,
"Fine! I'm leaving first—don't regret it!"
"?"
Watching the young woman stomp her foot and soar into the distance, Li Hao's eyes flickered briefly before he turned and walked in the opposite direction, heading back to his courtyard.
He understood her feelings but didn't dare to accept them.
—
In the Great Dream Nine Abyss War Camp.
In a training ground carved out within the camp, a young woman in snow-white robes wielded her sword with precision and aggression. Her swordplay was swift and sharp, and with each move, she summoned wind, rain, and thunder to aid her. The battlefield was enveloped in a raging storm, suppressed by a Dao Domain, forcing the gold-armored general she faced into a corner.
"Break!"
The gold-armored general suddenly let out a deep roar. His spear shot forward like a streak of light, piercing through the storm of thunder and wind, aiming straight for the young woman's forehead.
The young woman twisted her sword, pulling the incoming spear's trajectory toward her blade and deflecting it with a ringing clash.
But before the sound fully dissipated, a second spear shot out from behind the first, streaking through the golden light, hurtling directly toward her face—its tip carrying overwhelming battle intent.
The sudden strike was incredibly fast. Her pupils contracted, but she didn't freeze. Her body spun like a swiftly rotating snow lotus, her flowing robes swirling like gears. A dazzling light flashed as her sword twisted, knocking aside the second golden spear. At the same moment, she snapped her fingers.
From the storm raging behind the gold-armored general, two sharp sword energies suddenly shot out, striking him directly.
A blue glow flared on his battle armor, repelling the sword energy. However, the force of the impact disrupted his balance, causing him to stagger forward.
The young woman's sword tip flicked upward, heading straight for his face. The gold-armored general was startled, his Xianli surging in an instant, unleashing a powerful celestial force that repelled her attack and sent her flying dozens of meters to the edge of the training platform. She barely managed to stay on her feet.
Her face was pale, and her sword hand trembled slightly.
"I lost."
The gold-armored general gave her a complex look, then turned to the young man in green robes outside the training ground and said.
Ji Qingxuan's eyes gleamed with excitement. He nodded at the general, who then stepped down from the platform and vanished in an instant.
Ji Qingxuan walked over to the young woman and said,
"Well done! You actually forced him to use celestial force to avoid injury—that's quite the feat!"
Yue Xi looked up at her senior brother, feeling a mix of joy and disbelief. She hadn't expected her opponent to rather unleash celestial force than take a hit.
"With just a True Immortal Ninth Realm cultivation, you managed to push a Xianjun First Realm general into using his true power. That's quite impressive!"
Wei Hongye and Lu Wuchen arrived as well, their faces filled with smiles.
With such significant progress, if Yue Xi still couldn't pass the royal examination and make it into the top thousand of the Yan Chu Xianchao, then it could only mean that the prodigies of this era were simply too overwhelming.
"Congratulations!"
Murong Qingwu landed beside her, smiling cheerfully.
A dark-robed young man also descended, his expression calm, offering only a slight nod.
Yue Xi glanced at him, but her excitement instantly faded.
Her gaze cooled as she said,
"Even though I forced him to reveal his true strength, if he had only used True Immortal Perfection power instead of unleashing Xianjun strength, I feel like I still wouldn't have won. He simply didn't want to get injured."
"That's normal. Those who have fought on the battlefield don't like getting injured—it's an instinct."
Ji Qingxuan said, "But forcing him to that extent is already remarkable. Your cultivation is one level lower than his. The gap between True Immortal Ninth Realm and Tenth Realm is significant. The higher the realm, the greater the difference between each stage. The gap between the two of you is equivalent to the combined difference from True Immortal First Realm to Eighth Realm!"
Yue Xi felt a bit more reassured after hearing this, but there was still some disappointment in her heart. "If I could withstand a real Xian Dao attack without immediately losing, then I would truly be skilled. Otherwise, if I face a Xianjun in the Southern Region Battle, I'll have no choice but to admit defeat."
Wei Hongye glanced at Gu Yan and understood her frustration. Smiling, she said, "Gu Yan has a Heaven-born Sword Immortal Body, which was fully awakened long ago. He pushed himself to the limit just to block a casual strike from a Xianjun. You can't compare yourself to him—you've already done incredibly well."
"Yes, in the Southern Region Battle, True Immortal and Xianjun fights will be on separate platforms. You won't face them unless you finish the True Immortal battles and actively challenge a Xianjun. The difference in realm is real—there have been very few people in history who could challenge a Xianjun while still at the True Immortal Realm."
Ji Qingxuan explained.
Gu Yan's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this, as if something within him had been stirred.
Murong Qingwu noticed the subtle change in his expression and couldn't help but smirk. Their Senior Brother's words had once again ignited Gu Yan's fighting spirit.
Over the past two years, she had also dueled Gu Yan several times, fulfilling their previous agreement. However, to her dismay, not only had he caught up to her, but he had also surpassed her.
The Ancient Immortal Bloodline, combined with the Heaven-born Sword Immortal Body, truly lived up to its name.
Back at Imperial Sword Mountain, when they were comprehending the Imperial Sword Intent, Gu Yan's comprehension had clearly surpassed hers.
In the vast True Realm, in terms of pure sword talent, the Heaven-born Sword Immortal Body was likely the highest possible qualification.
Perhaps only that boy could rival it…
Murong Qingwu suddenly thought of another Junior Brother. But when she pictured that familiar, carefree smile, she inexplicably felt a stronger sense of closeness compared to Gu Yan's silent and brooding personality.
"The three-year deadline is just one month away. It's time for you all to set off. The longer you last in the Tenth Desolation Domain, the higher your ranking. Logically, none of you should be able to last an entire month inside. If you truly had that ability, you'd be able to break through the Tenth Desolation Domain entirely and qualify directly."
Ji Qingxuan smiled.
The three of them focused their gazes, their eyes filled with determination.
They had failed to make the Top 1000 last time. Now that three years had passed, it was time to prove their growth.
"Then we'll be off. Senior Brother, Senior Sister, thank you for taking care of us during this time."
Murong Qingwu bowed in gratitude.
Yue Xi and Gu Yan quickly followed, bowing respectfully.
Ji Qingxuan waved his hand and said, "The glory of Jian Yuan rests on you all."
"Understood."
Gu Yan nodded firmly, his eyes filled with determination.
After bidding farewell to Ji Qingxuan and the others, they packed up their belongings and departed from the borderlands, heading for the Imperial Capital of the Immortal Dynasty.
Aside from the Great Dream Nine Abyss War Camp, other war camps also saw people leaving, though not many.
Most disciples who participated in the selection chose not to risk the borderlands and instead trained in safer areas.
—
In the Wildfire Army City.
Within the Yinglong Yuwei Camp, Huo Xiaoqi glanced at the courtyard. It had been over six months, and that boy still hadn't returned.
Now that the three-year mark was nearly up, it was time for him to leave and strive for a higher ranking.
"Commander, I'm leaving. If Chong Er returns, tell him—I'll see him in the Ancient Immortal Realm!"
Huo Xiaoqi said to Shi Tianjin.
Shi Tianjin was taken aback. He had already known that Huo Xiaoqi was from a major sect, but he hadn't expected him to participate in the Southern Region Battle.
"You… you're leaving?"
"That's right, my sect needs me."
Huo Xiaoqi waved goodbye without saying much more.
Shi Tianjin and the others knew they couldn't stop him and had no reason to, so they simply saw him off.
"Another one gone… sigh."
An old soldier sighed. In Yinglong Yuwei Camp, having Huo Xiaoqi and Chong Er around meant there were two powerful True Immortal Realm cultivators, bringing a sense of security to the others. But now, both were gone.
"Wish them luck. We can't always rely on others. On the battlefield, if you keep hoping for someone to save you, you'll die sooner or later."
Shi Tianjin gazed into the distance before turning away, shaking his head.
After his experiences with that boy, he had softened his approach toward training the new recruits.
"Once I finish training you lot, I'll report to the Tiger Lion Army."
Shi Tianjin looked at his soldiers and said, "You all better train well and survive."
The soldiers exchanged glances but remained silent.
—
In the Imperial Capital of Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, outside the Imperial Palace Platform.
Figures from all over the Yan Chu Dynasty arrived via teleportation formations. Their auras were restrained yet powerful. Some were accompanying elders, including Xianjun Realm experts. Others were participants in the battle—though they were only at the True Immortal Realm, their energy surged like dragons coiled within their limbs, exuding a formidable presence.
"Looks like the other sects arrived early as well."
"So many people have come."
"The three years are almost over. The final rankings should soon be determined."
"I just finished my closed-door cultivation. My mastery of Xianfa has improved tremendously. Master, I won't let you down!"
"Junior Sister, once I secure my spot in the battle, I'll formally propose to your family. Wait for me!"
"Senior Sister, my name, Wang Chu, will definitely be among the Top 1000!"
Figures from across the realm gathered outside the Imperial Palace Platform, teleporting in from all corners of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty. Like falling stars, they followed the imperial guards toward the vast Ancient Immortal Realm within the imperial palace square.
The entrance to the Ancient Immortal Realm had remained open for the past three years. A few individuals had never left, choosing to remain inside to challenge its trials and cultivate in seclusion.
Now, as elites from various sects assembled, high above the imperial capital, Chu Xiangtian arrived with two exquisitely dressed figures—an imperial prince and a princess, both bearing the royal bloodline.
"It seems the sects have invested heavily in their disciples these past three years. This batch is clearly much stronger than before."
"Three years… Everything has led to this moment. If they fail to qualify, all their efforts will have been in vain."
The tall, elegant princess spoke with a detached tone. Her gaze held the natural cold arrogance of the royal family—not mere pride, but an imperious indifference.
"Let's go. We should take a look as well. I imagine some of these little ones are eager to stir up trouble."
"Indeed. The final rankings will be presented directly before Father's eyes."
With that, they descended into the Ancient Immortal Realm.
Outside the Imperial Platform, several figures arrived.
"They're here."
"So many people…"
Yue Xi and Murong Qingwu had just teleported in when they immediately felt the overwhelming presence of countless powerful auras. Many cultivators didn't bother concealing their strength, letting their dominance radiate freely—a display of arrogance unique to the most talented prodigies.
Their expressions grew serious. Three years ago, they had entered this place brimming with confidence, only to fail spectacularly, not even making it into the Top 1000. The humiliation still lingered, and now, the same oppressive pressure returned.
"Let's go. We'll enter first. I've already contacted Master—he's arriving with the main sect group."
Gu Yan said.
The three of them took off, flying toward the Ancient Immortal Realm's entrance.
Just as they neared the gateway, a powerful force surged from behind, approaching at extreme speed without slowing down.
Their expressions changed as they turned to look. A group of four or five figures, clad in Imperial Golden Swallow Dragon Robes, came hurtling toward them.
Seeing them blocking the way, the leading youth snorted coldly. "Where did these commoners come from? Move aside!"
Murong Qingwu reacted the fastest, quickly pulling Yue Xi and Gu Yan to the side.
As the imperial figures flew past, her beautiful eyes filled with anger.
"How rude! Are they princes?"
Yue Xi and Gu Yan also frowned, their expressions darkening.
"There are many princes. Some are bound to be arrogant. Just ignore them." Murong Qingwu said, though she too felt a sense of injustice.
Gu Yan narrowed his eyes, silently memorizing the appearance of the leading youth. His voice was low but firm. "If I encounter him in the Southern Region Battle, I'll make sure he understands that royal bloodline or not, he can still be trampled underfoot."
Yue Xi glanced at him, admiration flickering in her gaze. For the first time, she found this silent Junior Brother somewhat endearing.
Murong Qingwu sighed, rubbing her forehead. "You can say that to us, but don't say it out loud to others. That kind of talk could get you killed. Come on, let's head inside. Maybe we'll find Haotian."
The mention of Haotian made Yue Xi and Gu Yan's eyes light up slightly. Without another word, they quickly entered the Ancient Immortal Realm.
Inside, more and more disciples from various sects arrived, their numbers steadily growing.
Shortly after Murong Qingwu and her group entered, the disciples of the other major sects also began arriving.
Above them, in the sky, a group of figures clad in Golden Swallow Dragon Robes hovered, chatting and laughing openly, completely indifferent to the thousands of sect disciples below them—many of whom were the top prodigies of their respective factions.
"Royal Brother, why don't we compete to see who can break through the Tenth Desolation Domain the fastest?"
"Sure, loser wagers a mid-tier Xianbing as a small bet!"
"Deal."
"Chu Tianzheng, you better step up your game. How could you let someone surpass you? Make sure to push all the non-royals out of the Top 20—remind them that this is royal territory!"
"Losing to outsiders would be quite shameful, wouldn't it?"
The imperial figures laughed heartily as they dashed toward the Desolation Domains.
Among the Top 20, a few ranking spots were visibly not associated with the royal lineage.
"That guy…"
Atop the Celestial Star Palace, a figure stood on a magnificent floating stellar artifact, scanning the crowd below. But she didn't see the familiar figure she was looking for, and her brows furrowed slightly.
With his strength, he should have stood out. Could it be that something happened to him during that war?
"Junior Sister, what are you looking at?"
A gentle voice rang out. Soon after, a young man in star-embroidered robes descended, his demeanor refined and elegant. His hair flowed freely, his posture straight and noble, radiating an otherworldly handsomeness.
His gaze held a trace of concealed affection as he looked at the girl before him.
She was the most extraordinary prodigy of Celestial Star Palace in the past ten thousand years—their shining star.
"Nothing."
Xing Lan shook her head slightly and withdrew her gaze. "Prepare yourselves. This time, we must ensure that at least a hundred of our disciples qualify for the battle."
"Understood."
The young man nodded but didn't pursue the matter further.