Ninth Place

"If Dao Heart is not firm, even with innate Heavenly Talent and profound knowledge, it will be difficult to go far."

As the disciples of the various Immortal Dynasty exchanged bewildered glances, the Immortal Guard Commander announced, "The second trial is about Dao Heart. Only those with both strong Dao Heart and formidable combat power are qualified to participate in the final Heaven Pride Assembly Battle and vie for the pinnacle of the Southern Region!"

Upon hearing this, some Sect elders' eyes lit up with joy, knowing that their disciples not only obtained the Dao Fire but also possessed a strong Dao Heart, giving them a good chance of passing the second trial.

The Immortal Guard Commander raised his hand and unleashed a black-gold list, which soared upwards in the wind.

The edge of the list was adorned with golden Long Ying, while the center resembled a flowing river of ink.

"This is the Dao Fire Heaven Pride List. This first trial is based on the number of Dao Fire you possess. The Top Ten will be awarded an Immortal Weapon."

Upon hearing the words of the Immortal Guard Commander, the disciples of various Immortal Dynasty outside the secret Beyond the Border erupted in excitement.

"There are also rewards? And rankings?"

"If I had known this would happen, I would have hunted down more Dao Fire!"

"Senior Brother, you were too kind-hearted and left the Dao Fire to someone else. I never expected there would be a reward here."

"A reward? Wouldn't that encourage Human Tribulation even more Dao Fire? That's unfair!"

Among the crowd, some of the eliminated disciples were indignant.

Many others who possessed Dao Fire, however, felt regretful. This reward had not been mentioned beforehand, otherwise they would have hunted down even more Dao Fire. Now, they had missed the opportunity to be listed and had also lost an Immortal Weapon.

The Immortal Weapon bestowed by the Heavenly Palace are undoubtedly of exceptional quality.

Despite the murmurs and whispers, the Immortal Guard Commander remained cold and unchanging, saying indifferently:

"We don't advocate plundering others' resources or stealing their spots, but reality is cruel. Opportunities don't just sit there waiting; you have to fight for them, grab them, and struggle for them!"

"For this first trial, we have prepared three thousand Dao Fire, with three thousand slots available, but we know that in the end, there will be no more than three thousand who will advance."

"Resentment? Regret? This first trial is meant to teach you that when faced with an opportunity, you must seize it at all costs!"

"Once you leave the Sect and absorb countless Cultivation Resources, you will become the pillars of Human Race. Now is the time to put away your naive ideas!"

Hearing those cold rebukes, which echoed throughout the Southern Region and the various Immortal Dynasty, many of the previously indignant commoners fell silent.

Indeed, though they were reluctant to admit it, they all understood that this was true for many social classes in the world, from merchants and peddlers to the Imperial Clan and emperors.

If you want something, you have to fight for it, you have to struggle for it!

"Not mentioning it beforehand is not encouraged, but rather to give the rest of you a chance. Otherwise, some of them might have absorbed most of the Dao Fire. This is the Supreme's mercy!"

The Immortal Guard Commander said coldly, "This reward is also an encouragement for their efforts. Since they have hunted more Dao Fire, they should receive more benefits. That's fair!"

Upon hearing this, those who had initially been Qi Ingestion fell silent and could no longer utter a word.

In the various Immortal Dynasty, many worldly-wise elders couldn't help but applaud and cheer.

The compassion of the strong lies in silence.

We do not favor the weak, nor do we pander to them.

Seeing that no one responded, the Immortal Guard Commander raised his hand, and the Dao Fire in everyone's hands were drawn towards the black and gold Dao Fire Ranking.

Seeing the hundreds of Dao Fire above his head fly away, Li Hao's gaze swept towards Di Linchen on the other side, and he transmitted his voice:

"I didn't expect this to happen. I'm returning the Dao Fire you gave me before."

"Need not."

Upon hearing Li Hao's voice, Di Linchen was somewhat surprised, then a slight smile appeared on his lips. "Mere Immortal Weapon are nothing to me. There's nothing worthwhile about making it onto this list. The final Grand Battle rankings are the real test!"

Upon hearing this, Li Hao no longer hesitated or declined.

At this moment, the Dao Fire Ranking absorbed the Dao Fire from everyone, and golden light gradually appeared on it, outlining the names.

At the very top of the list was none other than the God Clan Youth, Shen Wuji.

The one who followed closely behind was named Sword Heart.

Li Hao's gaze swept across the list and he saw that his name was ranked ninth.

He never expected that the Dao Fire he casually collected would actually yield an Immortal Weapon in return; it was truly an unexpected gain.

However, he possesses the Taowu Immortal Weapon. If the Immortal Weapon bestowed upon him has special effects, it might be useful; but if it's just a weapon, it's not very meaningful and can only be given away.

"Haotian, this Dao Fire..."

The disciples of the Great Dream Nine Abyss looked at Li Hao, their eyes filled with shame.

Their Dao Fire were given to them by Li Hao, and now that the quantity of Dao Fire is actually useful, they are in a dilemma.

"It's alright, we don't need your stuff. This is just luck."

Li Hao chuckled, indicating that they didn't need to take it to heart.

Seeing Li Hao's carefree attitude, everyone couldn't help but feel admiration. If Li Hao had impressed them with his Heavenly Talent and combat prowess before, now they felt even more sincere respect for him. This magnanimous spirit alone surpassed that of countless others.

Li Hao's gaze swept across the list and saw Di Linchen's name, listed near the very end.

He couldn't help but shake his head. This Dao Fire Ranking wasn't particularly valuable, but it would still leave a deep impression on countless people in various Immortal Dynasty.

At this moment, the Immortal Guard Commander took out another scroll of Dao Fire Ranking and absorbed the Dao Fire of the Immortal Lord Realm group next to him.

Those of you who failed to obtain the Dao Fire will be eliminated!

The Immortal Guard Commander spoke coldly to the few Immortal Lord Realm in that group who lacked Dao Fire.

Upon hearing this, the men's expressions changed drastically, showing both shock and anger.

One of them said, "We are already at the Immortal Lord Realm. Eliminated? We don't even qualify for the final Grand Battle?!"

"That's right, the requirement of Three Thousand Years of Soul Lifespan is ridiculous. We've already cultivated to the Immortal Lord Realm, we're definitely stronger than these True Immortal Realm, so how can they say they're eliminating us?"

The others were shocked and expressed their disbelief.

The Immortal Guard Commander coldly replied, "One should have the level and awareness be commensurate with one's realm. As an Immortal Lord Realm, how can you compare yourself to the True Immortal Realm? Don't you find it laughable?"

"But the rule is Soul Lifespan of Three Thousand Years, and we haven't exceeded Soul Lifespan. Is it wrong for our Dao Realm to advance too quickly?"

A Gold-Robed Youth gritted his teeth, no longer caring about offending the other party with his words.

"Now that you've entered the halls of the Immortal Lord Realm, you should abide by the rules of the Immortal Lord Realm. Since you're at the bottom of the Immortal Lord Realm, there's no need for you to participate in the later Grand Battle, unless you want to compete with the True Immortal Realm? Even if you win, what does that prove? Your realm advancement might be due to consuming certain heavenly materials and earthly treasures to forcibly raise your realm. That's why we're divided into two groups: True Immortal Realm and Immortal Lord Realm!"

"Some people want to solidify their foundations, while others only care about the outcome of this Grand Battle and want to quickly raise their cultivation level. If you can all pass, then everyone will focus on improving their cultivation level from now on, ignoring their foundations. In that case, the Southern Region Heaven Pride Battle will become a place for self-destruction and the pursuit of fame and fortune. It would be better not to hold it at all!"

The Immortal Guard Commander spoke with thunderous force, reverberating in the ears of those present.

Upon hearing this, the faces of those men flushed red, as if their Blood Qi was boiling. The Anger words that had been on the tip of their tongues could no longer be uttered.

Failing to obtain the Dao Fire indeed puts him at the bottom, lagging behind others in the Immortal Lord Realm. Although he is stronger than the True Immortal Realm, he can't very well compete with the True Immortal Realm, as winning would be a given.

"You can't even get Dao Fire, what are you still being so stubborn about?"

At this moment, a disciple at the Immortal Lord Realm, holding Dao Fire, spoke calmly.

But these words were like a knife to the Heart-Extermination, making those people turn red with embarrassment, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

As the Dao Fire Ranking of the Immortal Lord Realm soared up, names were soon listed one by one.

Compared to the True Immortal Secret Realm, the numerous battles in the previous Immortal Lord Secret Realm attracted even more attention from the various Immortal Dynasty.

"That guy..."

When Chu Yueli saw that Li Hao was ranked ninth on the True Immortal Dao Fire Ranking, her eyes flickered. At this moment, her dislike for Li Hao had greatly diminished.

Previous tests showed his Soul Lifespan to be less than a hundred years; he's too young.

Such astonishing Heavenly Talent made even her proud heart somewhat Qi Ingestion.

If the other person really becomes her husband, then it wouldn't be so bad.

Seeing Li Hao's ranking, a hint of pride flickered in her eyes. If her father insisted on bestowing marriage upon her after the Southern Region Assembly Battle, she would simply accept it.

The other party will be her husband. With her father, the emperor, around, even if he is Heavenly Talent talented, he will not dare to neglect her. After all, she is one of the most Heavenly Talent Princess in the Yan Chu Imperial Family.

This arranged marriage seems to reveal the emperor's favoritism. Such Heavenly Prodigy as her husband is better than her other Sisters, and may greatly help her status in the future.

Li Hao was naturally unaware of the wild thoughts swirling in Chu Yueli's mind. He was observing the Dao Fire Ranking of the Immortal Lord Realm and, seeing Chu Tianhuang ranked sixth, chuckled inwardly, thinking that the other party was also a ruthless killer.

As the Dao Fire Ranking was displayed, the Immortal Guard Commander took out the Immortal Weapon he had prepared and bestowed rewards upon the Top Ten both rankings.

Li Hao took the Immortal Weapon and discovered it was a jade bracelet containing the Aura of Space Dao.

He sensed it briefly and realized it was a life-saving Immortal Weapon that could teleport him over an extremely long distance and leave a mark in the Void, allowing for fixed-point teleportation over a distance far exceeding his own teleportation speed, thus saving his life when encountering powerful enemies.

This was an unexpected bonus. Li Hao accepted it, thought for a moment, and then gave it to Lin Qingying.

"Um?"

Lin Qingying was somewhat taken aback when she saw the jade bracelet that Li Hao handed her.

"For you."

Li Hao smiled.

Although this jade Immortal Treasure a fine Space Dao Aura, Li Hao judged that if he encountered someone at the seventh or eighth level of the Immortal Lord Realm, that person would likely have a way to block it. Therefore, it would be effective against those at the fourth or fifth level of the Immortal Lord Realm, but not against those at higher realms.

In this way, the item's effectiveness in saving his life would be greatly reduced, so it would be better to give it to Lin Qingying.

"Give me?"

Lin Qingying was stunned. When she saw the jade bracelet, her cheeks suddenly flushed slightly, but she shook her head and whispered, "This is Immortal Treasure, too precious."

"It's just a bracelet, take it."

Li Hao smiled, put it directly into her hand, and put it on her.

Lin Qingying's fair, smooth hand was grasped by Li Hao, her cheeks Crimson even more, but she did not pull away. She simply lowered her head and hummed in agreement.

Seeing this, Gu Xingwan parted her lips slightly, but ultimately remained silent.

Chu Yueli, who happened to be watching from a distance, was stunned and then a surge of jealousy rose in her eyes.

What does this mean? He's already finding himself a concubine before even getting married.

Her face was cold and she stared intently at Li Hao, making no attempt to hide the Anger in her eyes.

Feeling the piercing gaze, Li Hao turned his head and saw that it was the Imperial Daughter. He raised an eyebrow, glared at her irritably, and then turned his head away, ignoring her.

His attitude infuriated Chu Yueli. He was giving gifts to another woman right in front of her and dared to be so arrogant, completely disregarding her.

In the distant Starry Sky.

The events leading up to the Secret Realm are also reflected in the Starry Sky.

A figure in blue, dressed in starlight and moonlight, suddenly saw this scene and paused.

The young man took her hand and put a bracelet on the other woman, whose beauty was as ethereal as frost. The way they looked at each other clearly indicated that their relationship was not insignificant.

She had met the woman before, but she never imagined that their relationship would progress to this point.

After a brief Pause, the azure-blue figure sped off again, its form enveloped in Seven-Colored Iridescence light, disappearing from sight.

"The second trial will be held at the Dao Questioning Mountain!"

After the Immortal Weapon were rewarded, the Immortal Guard Commander announced in a loud voice, "I'm sure you've all heard of the Dao Questioning Mountain. It was forged from the Heavenly Dao Stone, containing the ultimate principles of the Heavenly Dao, and can also reflect the Dao Heart!"

"Gentlemen, please follow me to the Dao Questioning Mountain!"

He said this to the Imperial Emperor and Sect Master of the various Immortal Dynasty.

As he spoke, he raised his hand and made a light sweeping motion in the Void.

The Void suddenly split open, revealing a huge rift that led to another part of the continent.

Behind the crack was a majestic mountain, exuding an ancient Aura that carried the scent of vicissitudes and tribulations.

"It's actually the Dao Questioning Mountain! I heard that the Supreme Dao Questioning Mountain cultivated his Emperor Heart here in his early years!"

"A test of one's Dao Heart? I wonder if my Dao Heart can pass."

"It's not just about the Dao Heart; I've heard that the Dao Questioning Mountain also reflects one's own Great Dao and battles with it."

Some of Heavenly Prodigy prodigies came from powerful and knowledgeable races, and they were now discussing amongst themselves, their eyes revealing fighting spirit and anticipation.

"I wonder how far your Dao Heart will take you on this Dao Questioning Mountain. I'll be waiting for you at the Mountain Summit."

As Li Hao looked around, he heard Di Linchen him.

He was somewhat surprised and glanced at the other person, who was actually able to tell that his Dao Heart was not weak.

Let's go.

The Immortal Guard Commander called everyone to move to the Dao Questioning Mountain.

The crack shortened the distance, allowing one to pass through it and arrive directly at the Dao Questioning Mountain.

The Dao Questioning Mountain, had Mountain Summit covered in white snow, with golden Cloudmist swirling Mountain Summit and faint rumbling sounds emanating from within.

But everyone could tell that it was not ordinary thunder, but the Great Dao Thunderclap, the sound echoing from the Great Dao Origin. If one could comprehend it, one would gain something in terms of one's own Dao Realm.

"Dao Questioning Mountain, besides testing your Dao Heart, will also reflect the embodiment of your own Dao Realm. You must overcome this Dao Realm Avatar to continue. This trial even requires you to surpass yourselves!"

The Immortal Guard Commander said coldly, "For ordinary people, surpassing oneself is a rare moment of enlightenment, but for top Heavenly Prodigy, it is an essential ability. Otherwise, you will face even more difficulties on your cultivation path in the Future, and you must surpass yourself step by step in order to go further!"

Everyone's eyes were solemn; they all understood the difficulty of the path of cultivation.

Reaching the Immortal King Realm alone requires immense fortuitous opportunity, let alone pursuing even more distant goals.