The allure of the Nine Orders

"Senior, I still don't know how to address you?"

Before leaving, Li Hao asked.

The old man said, "I am the first Divine Tree of the Golden Dao Source, nameless and faceless, you may call me Mister Jin."

"Mister Jin..." Li Hao murmured, a truly simple and unpretentious form of address.

He bowed slightly to Mister Jin, then turned and headed towards the majestic Origin City.

At this moment, five-colored light covered the sky, and Divine Radiance Dao Light shone brightly. The entire Origin City was filled with rich Great Dao luck. The Five Dao Source were revealed, seemingly within reach, giving people a profound understanding of the Five Daos. At this moment, there was a possibility of sudden enlightenment.

Li Hao's gaze swept towards the golden light in the center, his eyes filled with a complex and unfathomable expression.

Mister Jin once fought against the Ancient Demon Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Catastrophe, protecting the entire city. He later voluntarily left the city, giving up his position. When he tried to come back in, he was stopped instead.

He never imagined that human greed and selfishness could be found even in this Origin Divine Tree.

Shaking his head, Li Hao flew towards the nearest Water Dao Origin Divine Tree.

Mister Jin's long-cherished wish was not to return, nor did he allow him to get involved in this matter. Given his current level of understanding, he was not capable of speaking up for the other party.

The so-called upholding of justice must be based on power; otherwise, justice can only kneel outside and wait.

As Li Hao arrived, he saw a dozen or so Water Dao cultivators gathered around the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree, from various dynasties, as well as Heavenly Prodigy from the Heavenly Palace.

Li Hao's arrival did not attract much attention, but Li Hao did see a familiar figure climbing the Divine Tree Water Dao Origin Divine Tree, rushing towards its peak. It was none other than Boya Xuejian.

However, beside Boya Xuejian, there were two other figures also going upstream along a waterfall outside the trunk of the Divine Tree.

The waterfall cascaded down, but Li Hao could tell that it wasn't a real waterfall, but rather the power of the Great Dao exerted by the Water Dao Origin, most likely to test those who sought enlightenment.

"It's those three again. This time, they're probably going to get their hands on the Divine Tree Dao Fruit!"

"There's nothing we can do. Their understanding of Water Dao is far superior to ours; they've probably already reached the Fourth Layer or even Fifth Layer!"

"I am content to have a tree to perch on."

"Useless."

Beneath the tree, a group of people from the same Immortal Dynasty whispered among themselves.

Upon hearing their words, Li Hao's expression changed slightly. The Fourth Layer? The Fifth Layer?

He has currently reached the Fourth Layer Great Dao Origin, which only includes Space and the Golden Dao Source that he recently comprehended.

The other Great Dao are either double-layered or triple-layered.

Li Hao looked at Boya Xuejian. Based on his impression of the young man, even if the other party's understanding of Water Dao had not reached the Fifth Layer, he had most likely touched the threshold of the Fifth Layer.

He immediately felt a sense of tension; with his Dao Realm understanding, he feared he might not be able to compete and emerge victorious in this Spiritual Burst.

He only has a chance to make a breakthrough in the Metal Dao and the Space Great Dao.

At this moment, he suddenly realized why Boya Xuejian had come to this Five Dao Origin City. In terms of comprehending the Water Dao Origin, he was unparalleled in the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, and no one among the younger generation could surpass him. Coming here was the right choice.

It's better to practice well than to practice a lot.

However, Li Hao has already taken this path, and besides, his newly condensed Nine Sequences Immortal Seal has greatly enhanced his combat power; it's just that he doesn't have much of an advantage in this competition for the Divine Tree Spiritual Burst.

Despite his thoughts, Li Hao, with the mindset of someone newly born into this world, felt that since he was already here, he couldn't let the trip be in vain.

His figure blurred, and he immediately rushed towards the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree.

Whoosh!

Once inside the Divine Tree's canopy, enveloped in Divine Radiance, Li Hao immediately felt as if his body was shrouded in a film of water. Here, he could clearly sense the Aura of the Water Dao Origin, while his perception of other Great Dao became blurred and weak.

Li Hao understood that this was a test of his understanding of the Water Dao Origin.

He made no attempt to conceal himself, and using the Water Dao Origin, he climbed toward the Divine Tree.

Li Hao's actions also attracted the attention of others. When they sensed the Aura of the Water Dao Origin and his cultivation level emanating from Li Hao, they couldn't help but burst into mocking laughter.

"Look, a guy from the True Immortal Realm is actually trying his luck here."

"At only the second level of the Water Dao realm, he actually dares to attempt to seize the Spiritual Burst."

In the glow of the Divine Tree, apart from Boya Xuejian, and two others, everyone else began to climb the Divine Tree, reaching the position of the vines. Li Hao, however, had only just begun his ascent, and even the vines rising from the ground were still very high above his head.

Here, the power of the Return to Emptiness Extreme Realm also lost its channel. Li Hao found that he could not even teleport. He could only rely on the Water Dao Origin and borrow the invisible turbulence in the Void to swim upwards like a fish.

Li Hao's Water Dao Origin was achieved through the improvement of Painting Dao. At that time, he also gained insights into Space Dao and Earth Dao. Perhaps because he was considering the origin of three Great Dao Origin, the original realms of Water Dao and Earth Dao Origin were only at the second level.

True Immortal Realm Ninth Layer who has comprehended the Nine Sequences Great Dao Origin is already considered Heavenly Prodigy, but not yet at the top level. Reaching the third level is considered top level, Fourth Layer is considered an extreme Prodigy.

In this Origin Secret Realm, Heavenly Prodigy are merely the threshold, the most ordinary. The abilities Li Hao is currently displaying are clearly at the bottom.

"Looks like it's hopeless."

Li Hao mobilized all his insights into the Water Dao Origin and climbed against the current, but the constantly eroding Water Dao Origin forced his body back, and he reached his limit when he reached the vines.

Li Hao sighed inwardly, wanting to give up, but just as he withdrew his strength, the impact of the Water Dao Origin around him suddenly receded and weakened like a tide.

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised, as his body suddenly felt lighter.

"This?"

Li Hao looked up and saw that others were still struggling to take off, some of them with their faces flushed red.

As Li Hao was wondering, a gentle force, like an invisible Wenrou hand, lifted his body and carried him lightly towards the Divine Tree.

Soon, the vines appeared beneath his feet, growing farther and farther away, while his body rose steadily upwards along the vertical current flowing up the tree trunk.

Upon seeing this, those who had previously mocked and ridiculed Li Hao couldn't help but widen their eyes in disbelief.

At this moment, Li Hao had already surpassed their level, and they could only sense that Li Hao was enveloped by a dense mass of Water Dao Origin, unable to perceive what realm he was in, but it was extremely profound, beyond their comprehension.

What's going on?

"That kid from the True Immortal Realm actually has a higher Water Dao Origin Realm than me?"

"Who is that kid? What kind of guy is he?!"

Everyone else also noticed Li Hao; some showed surprise in their eyes, while others narrowed their gazes slightly.

Li Hao was completely bewildered and had no idea what had happened.

Just as he rose to the branches and entered the lush foliage of the Divine Tree's canopy, he suddenly heard a Wenrou, light voice that reached the depths of his Divine Soul:

"Young man, what's your name?"

Li Hao was slightly taken aback. He looked up and saw that no one was around him. He thought of Mister Jin and suddenly realized something. His Divine Soul responded:

"Are you the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree?"

Perhaps it was because of what Mister Jin had told him that he had preconceived notions, but at this moment, he felt somewhat strange about this Wenrou voice.

"Good."

The Divine Tree's voice was extremely gentle, "It's been a long time since I've seen the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal. Do you also want Divine Tree Dao Fruit? If you can form a contract with me, I can give you one and let you drink my Sweet Dew!"

"Sweet Dew?"

Li Hao was stunned, not expecting that the other party would actually detect his Immortal Seal.

"Nine Sequence Origin, the Appearance of the Emperor Realm, one of the Divine Tree Dao Fruit should rightfully be yours. Our existence was originally established by him to bless countless generations when he founded this city."

That's what the soft voice said.

Li Hao was stunned, suddenly realizing that the other person was somewhat different from what he had imagined.

"What is the purpose of entering into a contract?" Li Hao asked in his Divine Soul.

"Once the Heavenly Dao Contract is established, when you become an Emperor, your soul shadow will appear on my body to guard this Origin City for me. In return, I will provide you with cultivation assistance. The first Divine Tree Dao Fruit has the greatest effect, but you can drink my Origin Dew once every ten thousand years. Its effect is no less than that of the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, but it can continuously bring you Dao Realm Comprehension."

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree, transmitted its message.

Li Hao remained silent for a moment; this action seemed very similar to Mister Jin's.

At the same time, he also sensed the rarity and power of the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal, and even the Origin Divine Tree was willing to provide advance funding for his potential.

"What if I cannot become an emperor?" Li Hao asked.

"You possess the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal and have the potential to reach the Emperor Realm, but the probability of truly becoming Emperor Realm expert is still extremely small. You are merely barely qualified to step into that Dao Gate; whether you can actually cross it is unknown. The path ahead is too long and fraught with unpredictable changes, and the possibility of dying or perishing halfway through is actually higher!"

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree said, "But only the weak prefer stable, visible exchanges, because they cannot afford to lose them."

"However, the rarest things in this world often come with many uncertainties. For me, this is a risky undertaking. Perhaps none of the ten Nine Sequences Immortal Seal I encounter will become Emperors and perish halfway through. But if I'm lucky, even if just one of them becomes an Emperor, it will be worth the sacrifice of a hundredfold."

Li Hao was shaken, and immediately felt the allure and terror of the Emperor Realm.

That makes sense. Immortal Emperor are beings who suppress an entire era, representing an invincible myth and a peak power that even billions of Immortal Deity cannot reach or compare with!

Are you willing?

"The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree said softly."

Mister Jin's words flashed through Li Hao's mind. After a slight hesitation, he replied, "I'm willing."

He had just realized that only strength could determine right and wrong. Although he now possessed the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal and was nearly invincible among those in the same realm, he was still no match for those Immortal Lord Realm, especially those high-ranking Immortal Lord Realm. Not to mention that above the Immortal Lord Realm, there were Immortal King Realm who could crush him with a mere wave of their hand.

Li Hao estimated that the strength of this Origin Divine Tree was at least comparable to that of the Immortal King Realm.

For True Immortal to discuss right and wrong with Immortal King is like an ant trying to weigh the importance of something against an elephant—it's utterly meaningless.

As Li Hao responded, a gentle force suddenly rose around his body, carrying Li Hao upwards until, in the blink of an eye, he was close to the three people, Boya Xuejian, and the others, at the highest point.

The three seemed to notice the commotion behind them and turned around. Boya Xuejian were surprised when they saw Li Hao.

Li Hao felt somewhat embarrassed, after all, he had entered through connections and his pure Water Dao Origin Realm level was incomparable to that of Boya Xuejian.

"True Immortal Realm?"

The other two sensed Li Hao's Aura and their expressions changed. How could a mere True Immortal Realm cultivator be catching up to them so quickly?

Boya Xuejian glanced at Li Hao, then turned around, her speed increasing dramatically as she rapidly ascended upwards.

The other two were quickly left behind by Boya Xuejian, but they were not to be outdone, each unleashing extremely strong Water Dao Origin power, which was also rising steadily.

However, as the climb continued, the other two's sprint gradually slowed down, and they eventually had to stop.

Li Hao, under the protection of the Origin Divine Tree, maintained a steady speed and flew upwards at a leisurely pace.

Soon, Li Hao passed by the other two.

The two men stared at Li Hao's face as if they had seen a ghost, their eyes filled with shock and complex emotions.

Soon, only Li Hao, Bo Ya, and Boya Xuejian remained at the top. They continued to climb until they reached the depths of the treetop.

Here, Divine Radiance shines brilliantly, and ahead lies a radiant blue Divine Radiance.

Li Hao smelled the scent of the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, but his gaze fell on Boya Xuejian in front of him.

The fact that the other party was able to climb this far demonstrates their terrifying mastery of the Water Dao Origin; they may truly possess Fifth Layer cultivation.

At this moment, Divine Radiance suddenly enveloped them, and then all the surrounding branches disappeared. Li Hao felt as if he had been transported to a vast, azure world with no visible Frontier.

This was a special space, and in front of him, a woman in a deep blue dress, with exceptional beauty, stood sideways to him, her figure exquisitely graceful.

Congratulations!

A soft voice rang out, and the woman in the azure dress turned around, her face as beautiful as if it had been finely Sculpting.

Li Hao then noticed that Boya Xuejian were also beside him. The two exchanged a glance, and a strange light appeared in Boya Xuejian's eyes, followed by a strong fighting spirit:

"Your understanding of the Water Dao Origin is so profound; I hadn't even noticed it before."

Li Hao coughed lightly, blushing slightly, but offered no explanation.

"In terms of aptitude for the Water Dao Origin, you are unparalleled in my life, even surpassing me. I hope to have the opportunity Sparring Sparring with you before the Southern Region Assembly Battle!"

Boya Xuejian directly challenged Li Hao to a duel, their eyes revealing a hint of fanaticism.

When Li Hao saw that look, it felt very familiar, like seeing a worthy opponent in a game of chess.

He could understand Boya Xuejian's feelings, but he knew that he was probably not capable of fighting them yet. After all, the gap between the True Immortal Realm and the Immortal Lord Realm was too great, and Boya Xuejian far beyond the reach of Heavenly Prodigy like Chu Tianzheng.

"You are all outstanding; this is a gift from the Divine Tree Dao Fruit."

At this moment, the woman who had been neglected Water Dao Origin finally couldn't hold back any longer and spoke softly.

At the same time, with a wave of her hand, two azure Dao Fruits appeared, flying towards Li Hao and Boya Xuejian respectively.

Boya Xuejian glanced at it, but their expressions weren't particularly excited; they simply reached out and took it.

May you reach the Tenth Realm of Divine Interpretation on your journey through the Water Dao Origin!

The Water Dao Origin said to Boya Xuejian.

Boya Xuejian narrowed her eyes slightly, nodded slightly, and then looked at Li Hao, saying, "When are you free? Don't worry, I will suppress my cultivation level to the True Immortal Realm Ninth Layer."

Li Hao hadn't expected that Boya Xuejian were also battle maniacs. He had thought that their calm and composed demeanor made them seem like people with a refined and elegant personality, but it turned out that they hadn't taken a liking to anyone else.

"Well... I probably don't have much free time."

Li Hao declined.

Boya Xuejian frowned slightly, gave Li Hao a deep look, and said, "Then we can only meet at the Southern Region Assembly Battle. I hope to have the opportunity to fight you."

Li Hao smiled wryly, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "There will be geniuses from all sides then; that will be enough to make you happy."

That's different.

Boya Xuejian her head, glanced at Li Hao, but said nothing more. She then addressed the Water Dao Origin, saying, "Thank you for bestowing this treasure upon me, Senior. Once my Water Dao Origin reaches the Tenth Layer, I will surely nourish your divine body!"

Upon hearing this, the woman from the Water Dao Origin smiled with satisfaction and relief, waving her hand and saying, "Then I'll wait for you. You should go and cultivate first; time is precious here."

Boya Xuejian nodded, and then their figures disappeared like ripples on water.

After Boya Xuejian left, the woman from the Water Dao Origin looked at Li Hao, her eyes even brighter than before.

She said softly, "Luckily, I still have a Divine Tree Dao Fruit left, otherwise I really wouldn't know who to give it to this time, and I'm afraid he would have been wronged."

Upon hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. Judging from the other person's tone, he wondered if it was due to high emotional intelligence or if they really meant it was just one.

If it's true, then the allure of the Nine Sequences Immortal Seal is simply too great.

"He is a rare Prodigy the Water Dao Origin, and I can sense extremely pure Water Dao Origin power within him, including his Primordial Spirit, which contains naturally pure Water Dao power. However, it is extremely difficult to reach the Emperor Realm through this single path..."

The Water Dao Origin sighed softly, sized up Li Hao, and said:

"Your Water Dao Origin is only at the second level. This Divine Tree Dao Fruit should allow your strength to leap forward."

Li Hao nodded. Having previously consumed the Golden Dao Divine Tree Dao Fruit, he had reached the fourth level of the Metal Dao Origin Fourth Level.

Now that Water Dao Origin, he believes he can most likely cultivate to the Fourth Layer level.

This is already the pinnacle for the True Immortal Realm.

"Your second brother and sister are unaware of your existence. If they did, they would most likely bestow a Dao Fruit upon you. I will inform them now; you can simply wait here."

"This is what the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree said."

Upon hearing this, Li Hao was somewhat flattered.

Does this mean I don't have to do anything, I can just wait here, and they'll bring me the Divine Tree Dao Fruit?

If he were to consume them all, wouldn't that mean that Five Dao Source could reach the Fourth Layer level?

Thinking of this, Li Hao couldn't help but get excited. The Five Dao Source complement each other. If they all reach the Fourth Layer, who knows what kind of wonderful changes will occur? But without a doubt, the increase in combat power will be enormous!

"Now, let's enter into the contract."

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree spoke, raising a finger as delicate and white as a scallion, gently touching the Void. Accompanied by a tinkling sound of water ripples, Li Hao felt a vast and profound power envelop him, touching his Divine Soul.

He had a sudden realization, and with a gentle touch of his Divine Soul, Li Hao felt as if his Divine Soul had merged into some kind of extremely soft ocean.

On the opposite side, the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree also gently closed its eyes.

After a long while, Li Hao felt the extremely soft sensation disappear. He opened his eyes and felt a faint connection between himself and the Origin Divine Tree in front of him.

"Once you consume the Divine Tree Dao Fruit, I will give you Sweet Dew, and you can cultivate here."

"This is what the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree said."

Li Hao nodded.

At this moment, the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree glanced at Li Hao and suddenly said, "Did you go outside the city earlier?"

Li Hao's eyes narrowed, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, "That's right."

"So, you've met our Eldest Brother before?"

"Um?"

Upon hearing her address, Li Hao's eyes flickered slightly as he looked at her. He saw that the woman's eyes held no ruthlessness, but rather melancholy and sadness.

"I smell my Eldest Brother's Aura on you. You've eaten the Divine Tree Dao Fruit he gave you, haven't you? It seems my Eldest Brother thinks highly of you. After all, he's outside the city, and it takes him 30,000 years to condense a single fruit..."

She spoke softly, with a slight sigh.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised. Judging from Mister Jin's words, these few Origin Divine Tree seemed to be hostile to him, preventing him from entering the city. But was this current demeanor just for show, or was there another hidden reason?

While Li Hao was pondering, the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree asked, "Has Eldest Brother mentioned us to you?"

Li Hao's thoughts raced, and he said, "I haven't said much about it."

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree remained silent for a moment before saying, "Child, I have lived for countless Years, seen countless people, and witnessed countless human hearts. There is no need for you to lie to me."

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, then feigned confusion and asked, "A lie?"

"When I mentioned that my Eldest Brother was outside the city, you showed no surprise. This shows that Eldest Brother has already told you many things. Otherwise, when you first heard that Eldest Brother was outside the city, didn't Dao Heart have any questions or confusion?"

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree spoke, its beautiful azure eyes, like a deep ocean, gazing at Li Hao.

Li Hao's scalp tightened slightly, and he felt a little numb. These old guys who had lived for countless Years were indeed meticulous.

Although he has lived two lives, his combined Soul Lifespan is only a hundred years. Some of the Heavenly Prodigy competing in this Origin Secret Realm may have already reincarnated four or five times, experiencing far more than he has.

"Mister Jin did say some things," Li Hao could only admit.

"What did my Eldest Brother say?"

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a glimmer of hope in its eyes.

Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "Mister Jin protected this Origin City Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Catastrophe, and was seriously injured in a battle with Ancient Demon. He later voluntarily left the Origin City, but after his injuries healed slightly, he wants to return..."

Having said that, he glanced at the other person and felt there was no need to continue.

After all, the other party should know better what happened.

Upon hearing Li Hao's words, the glimmer of hope in the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree's eyes gradually dimmed. She whispered, "Didn't my Eldest Brother tell you that we should stop him from coming in again?"

Li Hao remained silent, tacitly agreeing.

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree let out a soft breath, smiled, and said, "That's not wrong."

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, staring intently at her.

"My Eldest Brother nearly perished and his tree seed was destroyed while protecting us. Without him, there would be no Five Dao Origin City today," the Water Dao Origin Divine Tree said in a low voice.

Seeing her downcast expression, Li Hao looked puzzled and asked, "Since you know, why?"

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a smile appearing on its lips. The surroundings seemed to brighten considerably. It whispered:

"My Eldest Brother has been injured once before; he can't afford to get injured again."

"Ten-Thousand-Year-Old Catastrophe, he protected us; ten thousand years later, it's our turn to protect him. As long as that Ancient Demon Undying Realm, Immortal Emperor fall one after another, a fierce battle will inevitably erupt and once again engulf Origin City."

She gazed at Li Hao and said, "If Eldest Brother return to Origin City, he'll stay here. Getting in is easy, but getting out is difficult!"

Li Hao was stunned, his expression changed, and he suddenly realized the misunderstanding.

"Our Eldest Brother thinks we're ungrateful for refusing to let him enter the city again and share in the bounty of the Origin City, but we're five siblings!"

"In this world, besides the Five Absolutes Immortal Emperor who created and nurtured us, we are the closest of friends!"

"Nourishment? Resources? What do these matter? If we were to cherish them, we would pulverize the Divine Tree Dao Fruit and bury it beneath our feet to nourish ourselves."

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree's eyes seemed to be filled with tears, yet its face bore a self-deprecating expression.

Li Hao was slightly shaken. He said, "If that's the case, why don't you just tell him directly?"

"Tell him?"

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree looked at Li Hao, a slight smile playing on its lips, and asked, "Do you have any brothers Sisters? Or, do you have any parents?"

Li Hao was slightly taken aback, and a strange light flashed in his eyes. Several faces appeared in his mind, but they quickly disappeared.

"There was once."

He spoke in a low voice, which was several octaves deeper than before.

That's right.

The Water Dao Origin Divine Tree, unaware of Li Hao's emotional shift, continued, "You should know that if someone you're protecting is in danger, you'd step forward too, right? My Eldest Brother is that kind of person. If we told him, he'd risk everything to re-enter the city. Even if he didn't, he'd stay with us until the very end, fight to the very end!"

As she spoke, her eyes revealed a sense of nostalgia, and her cheeks shone with a radiant smile.

That's just the kind of person he is.

"So."

Her smile faded, and her eyes turned calm. "This is all we can do for him. When your Eldest Brother told you about it, he must have hated us too, hated our selfishness and greed!"

Li Hao also came to his senses at this moment, but felt as if the blood in his body was boiling and surging, and he had an indescribable feeling.

He thought of the aged voice beneath the golden tree outside the city, and the promise he had made:

If Immortal Emperor, I will protect this Origin World!

Separated by a city, and by a distance of ten thousand years, they both protect each other with their hearts!