The Third Trial, the Path to the True Immortal Realm

"Haotian, I heard from Old Wang that you have passed the first test?"

As soon as Li Hao arrived, Sage asked Li Hao a question.

Li Hao looked at the person who asked the question. Although the other person's eyes were sincere, there was a hint of doubt in them.

"Um."

Li Hao nodded slightly, not paying much attention.

"Haotian, how did you manage to last so long on your first challenge of the True Venerable Tower?"

Another Sage asked curiously, a hint of admiration in his eyes for Li Hao. Among the crowd, some were jealous, but others saw Li Hao's potential and wanted to take the opportunity to befriend him.

Flower Saint and Wandering Saint also gazed at Li Hao in the crowd without asking any questions. They believed that Li Hao had not taken any shortcuts. After all, anyone who could join the Flower Wandering Society couldn't be too bad. Besides, what kind of person Old Wang? He had no reason to deceive them.

"Run away, keep running away."

Li Hao replied to the man, "The projection inside is indeed very powerful; it's impossible to fight it head-on."

Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Lin Sheng, Bright Saint, and Mu Sacred Capital's eyes flashed; they all deeply understood the power of that projection.

But escaping... it's not something you can just do whenever you want.

"Even if you tried to escape, it would be difficult, since the projections inside could overwhelm you in every way. Did you perhaps gain some enlightenment inside?"

The person who had previously asked Li Hao about passing the test looked puzzled.

Li Hao smiled slightly but did not respond.

After all, this test is inherently secretive, involving all sorts of personal tactics and trump cards, so the other party's question is already somewhat offensive.

"The True Venerable Tower challenge shouldn't have any tricks, right? Haotian must have had some kind of epiphany to prevent the projection from shining, which is why he could last so long, right?" Bright Saint suddenly spoke up, his voice calm, but his gaze was fixed on Old Wang.

Clearly, he had doubts about Old Wang's authority. If it wasn't a sudden enlightenment, then it could only be a trick taught by Old Wang. Otherwise, he would never believe that anyone could withstand that terrifying projection for so long on their first challenge.

Escape? The projection is even faster!

Old Wang sensed Bright Saint's gaze and could easily see through the young man's thoughts. He smiled gently and said to Li Hao:

"You little rascal, you've been hiding your true intentions well. I underestimated you before."

Li Hao scratched his head, unsure of what he meant.

"You all need to work hard and cultivate diligently. Haotian, come with me."

Old Wang glanced around at everyone and then spoke to Li Hao.

Li Hao nodded.

Everyone had complex expressions when they saw how much Old Wang favored Li Hao.

Bright Saint, Herding Saint, and Lin Sheng exchanged glances, all sensing a strong sense of danger emanating from Li Hao. Lin Sheng, in particular, had only recently passed the first test, and his challenge against the True Venerable Tower had lasted even less than Li Hao's, less than half an incense stick's time. As for how to defeat the projection, he had absolutely no clue.

Just when he was about to catch up with the main group and close the gap with Herding Saint and Bright Saint, he was crushed and overtaken by Li Hao. This crushed his years of cultivation and his newly ignited ambition, like a bucket of cold water being poured over his head.

The crowd whispered amongst themselves, discussing Li Hao's challenge to the True Venerable Tower and speculating who would be the first to reach the Third Step and seize the Immortal Emperor Dao Heritage.

Bright Saint, Lin Sheng, and the other two exchanged glances, but instead of continuing their Seclusion cultivation, they reached a tacit understanding and simultaneously got up and flew towards Old Wang's Dwelling.

Old Wang brought Li Hao back and casually set up a silent Barrier around them. He was about to explain to Li Hao the Immortal Method for the third test of cultivation, as well as the path to advancing to the True Immortal Realm, including the various differences in the True Immortal Realm. The two had just sat down in front of the Wooden Stake when, before Old Wang, they saw three whooshing sounds flying towards them.

"Old Wang."

The three men saw that Old Wang was frowning and looked at them with a few awkward smiles, but they felt uncomfortable. They had been here for a very long Years and had been very attentive to Old Wang, but now they were being treated like this because he was fickle.

Although they were dissatisfied, they didn't show it on their faces; instead, they were all smiles.

What are you doing here?

Old Wang asked.

Bright Saint bowed slightly and said with a smile, "Old Wang, we've also come to learn from your teachings and hear your wisdom."

Old Wang shook his head slightly, directly seeing through their thoughts, and said, "You think Haotian was able to persist in the True Venerable Tower for so long because of my guidance? Very well, considering your hard work and obedience over the years, I'll use Haotian as your first lesson."

"Um?"

The three men were embarrassed when Old Wang pointed out their thoughts, but they didn't take it seriously. After all, they weren't the only ones who thought this way; others would think the same way too. Besides, it was very likely the truth.

Upon hearing that Old Wang was going to give them a lesson, the three of them showed expectant expressions, and at the same time glanced at Li Hao, wondering if he was planning to pass on that technique to them as well.

"This first lesson..."

Old Wang's expression remained calm. After Pause, he said, "It's about learning to acknowledge the excellence of others."

The three people. "..."

Ignoring the slight Solidification in the smiles of the three, Old Wang said indifferently, "When you travel to the True Realm, if it still retains some of its former prosperity, you will see even more Prodigy. They come from noble backgrounds, have deep foundations, and some have been bathing in Immortal Herb since childhood, eating Dao fruits as snacks. When cultivating the same Cultivation Method, they will grow a hundred or a thousand times faster than you!"

"And then there are those who, though lacking in resources, are exceptionally intelligent, possess extraordinary Heavenly Talent, and have Flash of Insight minds. They too can rise from Heavenly Prodigy beginnings to compete with the prodigies of powerful forces and earn their own reputation."

"At that time, will you also compare yourselves with others, feel jealous, and be Anger?"

The three men's expressions changed, their thoughts completely seen through, including the Anger and jealousy in their hearts, which made them somewhat afraid to look directly into Old Wang's eyes.

"Haotian's Heavenly Talent far surpasses yours. I didn't teach him anything about testing, but he played Chess with me for three years, secretly figuring things out on his own in his spare time, and cultivated the Yama Immortal Technique to the level of its Origin True Meaning. This can only mean that his past foundation was already superior to yours!"

Bright Saint, Herding Saint, and Lin Sheng looked at Li Hao with a hint of doubt in their eyes.

After all, the Aura of Tribulation Power emanating from Li Hao was only at the level of Second Tribulation Saint, while the three of them were already Supreme Saint!

"Instead of wasting your time on pointless speculation, you should put in more effort. Your aptitude in the True Realm is only average, while Haotian is a True Realm Heavenly Prodigy!"

Old Wang said without any politeness.

Upon hearing his words, the three men's expressions changed, and they all looked rather grim.

Having heard Old Wang reminisce about many things in the True Realm before, they knew that what Old Wang said was true; he had long ago said that their aptitude could only be considered average.

However, could this young man beside me be considered a Heavenly Prodigy even in the True Realm, a place teeming with Prodigy talents?

Three years, could he really have relied on himself?

"Go, don't waste time here. I need to impart the Immortal Method for Haotian's third trial, the path to advancing to the True Immortal Realm."

Old Wang waved his hand to shoo them away.

The three, who were initially filled with anxiety, were stunned upon hearing this, and then their eyes widened as they stared blankly at Old Wang.

"Old Wang, you're being way too biased!" Bright Saint couldn't help but say.

He once Old Wang's legs and shoulders, spending hundreds of years serving him. The other party repeatedly told him that he could not help with the test by giving hints or suggestions, but he remained enthusiastic and wanted to show his True Heart.

In the end, he did manage to show Old Wang his True Heart, but he still didn't receive any help. Instead, Elder Wang intended to teach him how to cultivate Immortal Herb, but with the Immortal Emperor Dao Heritage before him, he had no interest in figuring out how to Immortal Herb Cultivation and politely declined on the spot.

Herding Saint and Lin Sheng also stared intently at Old Wang, their expressions mirroring Bright Saint's, though they remained silent.

Seeing the three men's anxious expressions, Old Wang remained calm and said:

"What kind of favoritism is this? Haotian has already passed the second test and the first level of the True Venerable Tower. When you are able to pass, I will also teach you the Immortal Method for the third test, but it is too early for you now."

These words struck like a bolt from the blue. The three of them froze for a moment, then their minds went blank as if they were exploding with a roar.

After a long while, the three of them came to their senses, looking at Old Wang in astonishment, and then at Li Hao.

"He... he passed the test of the True Venerable Tower? The first level? Could there be Second Layer?"

Herding Saint couldn't help but say, his expression becoming somewhat out of control.

Upon hearing Old Wang's words, Li Hao Dark Dao to himself, "As expected." The eye contact he made inside the tower earlier wasn't an illusion. Others seemed unable to see what was happening inside the tower, but Old Wang could.

But this True Venerable Tower actually has two levels?

"The True Venerable Tower has three levels, corresponding to the trials for Registered Disciple, formal disciple, and the Immortal Emperor's Personal Disciple!"

"Of course, besides the trials at the True Venerable Tower, there are other tests for Personal Disciple, but you don't need to know about those."

Old Wang calmly stated, "In the first level of the True Venerable Tower challenge, your projections only represent twice your actual strength. In the Second Layer, it's five times! In the third level, it's ten times!"

"Ten times..."

Not only were the three of them stunned, but Li Hao's eyes widened slightly as well.

So, he went to the Second Layer earlier?

No wonder he felt that the projected Aura was much stronger than his own, at least four or five times stronger.

Then he was instantly killed.

It turns out there's a third layer, and it's ten times bigger?!

Li Hao could hardly imagine how terrifying it would be if his own power increased tenfold; he felt he could slaughter even those in the True Immortal Realm.

The Second Layer projection he encountered earlier already seemed to possess this level of combat power; ten times that...

"For Personal Disciple by Immortal Emperor, passing the third level of trials is merely the easiest part among many trials."

Old Wang coldly said, "Since this test exists, you should know that some of you will pass it. You should also understand that there are heavens beyond heavens, but you haven't encountered them yet. Now, Haotian should be considered the first heaven you have come into contact with!"

Upon hearing his words, the three looked at Li Hao, their expressions becoming complicated.

Is the boy in front of me really that terrifying?

"Go."

Old Wang said no more, waving his hand to urge them on, "I didn't tell you about Haotian's approval earlier because I was afraid it would be a blow to you."

Although he wanted to use Li Hao to motivate them to cultivate harder, he also knew that Li Hao was too Prodigy for them, and that overdoing the stimulation would only backfire, making them despair and lose their motivation to cultivate.

The three felt a tightness in their chests, but they still bowed and Old Wang, turning to leave, though their minds were somewhat dazed.

After they left, Old Wang's cold expression faded, and he looked at Li Hao, giving him a disapproving glare, and said:

"If I had known you were this smart, I wouldn't have held you back these past few years. From now on, you must cultivate diligently. Passing the True Venerable Tower on your first attempt—although I don't know if it was due to a sudden enlightenment—you now have a sliver of hope of becoming a formal Novice Disciple of the Immortal Emperor."

"Don't miss this opportunity; seize it and cultivate diligently."

Li Hao was speechless; he was most afraid of others urging him to cultivate.

After all, he has already tried his best...

"Well, Old Wang, these two things won't affect each other," Li Hao tried to persuade him.

Upon hearing this, Old Wang felt a surge of anger. These words were clearly telling him, "I still want to play!"

"What can I say to you? That's Immortal Emperor Dao Heritage, formal disciple! Do you know what passing the test means?"

"Does this mean becoming formal disciple?"

"..."

Old Wang rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the sky, feeling like he was talking to a brick wall, and there was a sense of absurdity about it.

Since when did the Immortal Emperor Dao Heritage become so prominent that it needs someone else to urge it on?

Aren't those things that everyone is scrambling to get?

"The reason I gave them the challenge of becoming Registered Disciple was because I knew that the Immortal Deity lineages outside had been broken, and the fact that they could produce Registered Disciple was already the limit. Moreover, the great battle back then was too tragic. The Immortal Emperor originally thought that the lineage would be handed over to Registered Disciple to control a portion of it first. If the Registered Disciple performed better and better, they would have the potential to become true disciples and unlock more benefits of the lineage."

Old Wang said to Li Hao, "If you can become formal disciple, it's equivalent to receiving Cultivation Resources that will allow you to directly reach the Immortal Lord Realm. With a little more effort and a bit more dedication, you might even be able to become Immortal King!"

"In the True Realm, they are overlords, second only to the Immortal Emperor. Wherever they travel, people from all directions come to pay homage. What a magnificent and Xuanhe!"

Li Hao was somewhat surprised and said, "So generous?"

"Otherwise what? This is all because of that battle back then. Many things were lost, and resources were scarce. If the Immortal Emperor were still alive, during the most prosperous period of the True Realm, becoming Immortal Emperor formal disciple would mean becoming a Future Immortal King!"

Old Wang said irritably.

Li Hao nodded, feeling a surge of excitement within him, and said, "Then I'll give it a try."

However, thinking about how terrifying the Second Layer of projection was, he felt a little apprehensive.

Fortunately, his Transcendent Chess Heart has not yet been integrated; if it were integrated into the Body Movement Dao, he might have a 20% chance.

That's right, it's only 20%. After all, the projection is far superior to oneself in every aspect. Quantitative change leads to qualitative change. Even if one's Movement Method reaches the Tenth Dan, it might only be slightly better than five times the projection. This cannot make up for other gaps.

Seeing Li Hao's words, Old Wang seemed relieved and immediately said, "Since you have such a glimmer of hope, then you should seize it. I will also treat you as formal disciple and challenge you. Passing the first test within three years is indeed a speed that meets the requirements for formal disciple, and there's even room for improvement."

He continued, "Next, you need to try to get through the Second Layer of the True Venerable Tower; as for the third level, forget about it."

"Now, I will first teach you the Immortal Method for advancing to the True Immortal Realm."

Old Wang's expression turned serious. "The Saint-Level is merely the condensation of one's own Sacred Dao from the Great Dao. When this Sacred Dao is cultivated to its peak, one can faintly sense a trace of the will of Heaven's Will. This is the Supreme Saint, which is also the Great Perfection of the Saint-Level!"

"But to become an immortal, one must gain the recognition of Heaven and Earth for one's own Sacred Dao; that is, to prove one's Dao to Heaven!"

"To prove one's Dao to Heaven, one must comprehend the Saint Dao Origin True Meaning!"

"That is, the realm of the first test. In other words, those who passed the first test are qualified to advance to the True Immortal Realm!"

Old Wang spoke, his gaze swept over the three people who had already returned to their Meditation Cushion.

In the tens of thousands of years that have passed here, only three people have been born who have cultivated enough to qualify for advancement to the True Immortal Realm.

"But this is just an ordinary True Immortal Realm."

Old Wang said, "As I told you before, the third test is to condense the Three Immortal Seal, also known as the Three Flowers Immortal Seal!"

"Mastering one Origin True Meaning allows one to condense One Flower Immortal Seal; the Three Flowers Immortal Seal represent three paths, each requiring the comprehension of the True Intention of the Great Dao Origin!"

"formal disciple require the Nine Flowers Immortal Seal!"

"Furthermore, the Soul Lifespan must be within ten thousand years."

He stared at Li Hao. When Li Hao first arrived, he could tell that Li Hao's Soul Lifespan was no more than a hundred years. Based on his past experience, the young man in front of him had the opportunity to become formal disciple, given that he had cultivated to such a level.

"Nine Flowers Immortal Seal?"

Li Hao was slightly taken aback and said, "So that means you've condensed nine kinds of Origin True Meaning?"

"That's right."

"What about the Personal Disciple?"

Li Hao asked curiously.

Nine is usually a symbol of extreme numbers, but it can also be an actual number.

"Personal Disciple is difficult."

Old Wang shook his head slightly and said, "The Immortal Seal has basically reached its limit by bearing the Nine Flowers. It would be useless to continue condensing more Saint Dao Origin True Meaning, as it cannot be inscribed onto the Immortal Seal. The Nine Flowers Immortal Seal is already the pinnacle of Immortal Seal, but nothing is absolute. If it is further improved, it will become Dao Source Immortal Seal, which is rare even in Myriad Worlds."

"But to transform the Nine Flowers Immortal Seal into Dao Source Immortal Seal requires not only Heavenly Talent but also various opportunities. In short, you don't need to worry about that. Being able to condense the Nine Flowers Immortal Seal already makes you a top-tier True Immortal Realm Heavenly Prodigy in the True Realm!"