Chapter 304: The Threefold Divine General, Eternal Guardian Deity
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Twenty layers, thirty layers...
Days later, as the techniques were recorded and assimilated, the number of Dao domains increased to forty-nine layers, adding thirty-four new Dao domains.
Each Dao domain's rules were distinct, some slightly similar, with differences that were subtle yet present.
These included many top-tier techniques of the royal family. Although the core top-tier techniques of the Divine General's residence were not included, everything else from the Divine General's residence was present here.
As the number of Dao domains increased, Li Hao could clearly feel that the stacking of these domains was gradually leading to a qualitative change, not just a simple accumulation of numbers.
Previously, when facing the Dao Law realm, his Dao domains could be easily penetrated by the laws, but now, with forty-nine layers of Dao domains stacked together, Li Hao could sense a significant feeling of impenetrability.
He planned to find Daoist Qin to test his Dao domains against the laws.
But before that, he continued exploring the Dao Treasury and found that besides techniques, there were various Daoist texts and teachings, but no collections of chess manuals or famous paintings.
Li Hao smiled wryly. In this martial world, it was not easy to find famous paintings or chess manuals—he would have to search among the common folk.
Fortunately, with Emperor Yu's help, it would be much easier to collect such items.
Dusting off his clothes, Li Hao pushed open the doors of the Dao Treasury and saw the two figures who had been waiting there for days. He smiled and said, "Thank you for waiting. I'd like to meet your master now."
"General Haotian, you're too kind. We thought you'd stay for a month," Qingjingzi replied with a smile.
The two seemed surprised that Li Hao had emerged so quickly. The Dao Treasury housed countless techniques, and even spending a month inside without eating or drinking wouldn't be enough to see it all.
They assumed that Li Hao had only browsed a few of the top royal techniques in the Dao Treasury. Normally exclusive to the royal family, these techniques were now available to Li Hao with Emperor Yu's permission.
"Alright, I'll take you there now," said the young Mingyuejian, nodding eagerly. He seemed a bit nervous, unlike a typical top-tier prodigy filled with arrogance.
Led by the two, Li Hao soon reached the hidden hall of Qiandao Palace, where the elderly Daoist resided.
The old man was seated in front of a memorial tablet, seemingly in mourning.
Qingjingzi brought Li Hao in and, glancing at his master's back and the tablet of his senior brother, quietly said, "Master, General Haotian is here to see you."
Daoist Qin's eyes, lost in thought, trembled slightly before focusing. He slowly turned around, seeing three youthful and energetic figures before him, with the young man in the center standing out the most.
His gaze flickered. Two years ago, when this youth's fame began to rise, he hadn't imagined that Dayu's Dao lineage would not rest in the hands of the two outstanding disciples he had painstakingly cultivated, but rather in this free-spirited youth from outside the palace.
He already knew of Li Hao's past and understood that even with the resources of the Divine General's residence, precious as they were, they couldn't have nurtured such an exceptional prodigy.
"This time, words cannot express my gratitude. The Emperor has already spoken to you about the incense, hasn't he?" Daoist Qin asked softly.
Li Hao nodded and explained his reason for coming.
Hearing that Li Hao wanted to test his Dao domains against his laws, Daoist Qin was a bit surprised. He scrutinized Li Hao, remembering the terrifying power he had displayed when he killed six Dao Law realm experts. It was easy to forget that Li Hao hadn't even reached the Dao Comprehension realm, often mistaking him for a top-tier Dao Comprehension cultivator.
Daoist Qin smiled wryly to himself. It was hard to imagine what level of mastery one had to achieve in martial arts to cross such realms and possess such power.
He agreed to Li Hao's request and the two ascended into the sky above Qiandao Palace.
Qingjingzi and Mingyuejian also curiously followed, watching their master and the young man from above.
They had heard of the battle in the imperial palace but hadn't witnessed it firsthand. Their master had hidden them in a secret hall with protective formations to preserve the incense, keeping them safe from harm.
Now, seeing the young man, who was already capable of standing on equal footing with their master despite his youth, they couldn't help but watch intently.
"I'm going to make my move," Daoist Qin said. After Li Hao nodded, he suddenly unleashed his Dao law. Instantly, a force of law shot toward Li Hao.
Li Hao responded by releasing forty-nine layers of Dao domains, stacking them around himself.
The law collided with the Dao domains but felt as if it had plunged into deep water, slowing down significantly.
Although the law eventually reached Li Hao, by then, its power had been greatly diminished. Li Hao casually waved it away.
It seemed that forty-nine layers of Dao domains could not entirely block the laws, but they could greatly weaken them.
Seeing this, Daoist Qin's pupils contracted slightly, his eyes filled with shock.
During the earlier battle, he had seen Li Hao use fifteen layers of Dao domains and assumed that was his limit. But now, there were forty-nine?
Had he comprehended this in the Dao Treasury?
Daoist Qin was filled with doubt. Could such a feat be possible in such a short time? Nonetheless, forty-nine layers of Dao domains had shattered his understanding—it was the first time he had seen someone comprehend so many Dao domains.
With such talent, if Li Hao focused on Dao comprehension, he might have already reached that realm.
Below, Mingyuejian looked up, puzzled by the seemingly simple gesture. He turned to his senior brother and asked, "Is the fight over?"
Qingjingzi, usually calm, appeared stunned, his eyes reflecting shock. After a moment, he regained his composure and quietly said, "Yes, it's over."
At the Four Establishments realm, Qingjingzi had only recently become aware of the existence of Dao domains. Although Mingyuejian was extremely talented, second only to Li Hao in Dayu, he was still a Heavenly Master, far from comprehending such things.
Qingjingzi had counted forty-nine Dao domains, but his heart was in turmoil. Is this what a true prodigy looks like? In comparison, he suddenly felt like a mere mortal. Could his martial arts journey ever reach the heights Li Hao had already attained?
His Dao heart wavered as he found himself disheartened.
"Qingjingzi, remember your Dao title. Stay true to your heart. Purity is non-action. There are countless paths in the human world, and you must be yourself," Daoist Qin's voice echoed in his mind.
Qingjingzi's body trembled as he snapped out of his dark thoughts. He quickly dismissed his distractions and respectfully bowed his head.
When he looked at the young man again, his gaze was still complex but much calmer.
Daoist Qin, sensing his disciple's restored Dao heart, smiled wryly. Just witnessing this youth's talent is enough to shake the hearts of his peers? How exaggerated!
But this young man before him was indeed unparalleled in history.
The test concluded, Li Hao bowed to Daoist Qin, preparing to leave. However, Daoist Qin called out, "General Haotian, what are your plans?"
Li Hao thought for a moment and replied, "First, I'll visit some old friends to say farewell, then head to the Immortal Gate to deal with that Saint Son. I don't want to leave any loose ends. After that, I'll return to the human world and slowly explore places I haven't seen yet. I promised a friend I would show her everything, from the earth to the heavens."
Hearing Li Hao's plan, Daoist Qin nodded slightly. The Saint Son's departure had left him uneasy, fearing that the Saint Son would return with stronger reinforcements.
If they struck again, it would likely be a Half-Saint.
A saint, however, would not lower themselves to such petty actions, coming to the human world to compete for incense.
Moreover, when saints descend to the human world, their own incense is damaged. Saints need to maintain a distance from the human world.
Unless it was a saint who ascended through sacrificial Dao, but such beings were often solitary, entirely focused on their Dao, rarely entangled in worldly affairs.
"Before you leave, General Haotian, I will give you a parting gift," Daoist Qin said.
"Oh? What is it?" Li Hao asked.
"You don't have a suitable weapon yet, do you?" Daoist Qin smiled. "This Qiandao Palace was built from a fragment of an imperial weapon destroyed by a Dao tribulation. I will forge a sword from it and present it to you."
Li Hao was momentarily stunned. An imperial weapon shattered by a Dao tribulation?
He glanced at the majestic Qiandao Palace below and, with his heightened senses, noticed some clues.
"Unfortunately, the sword will only be as hard as the material. The imperial weapon's power has long since faded," Daoist Qin lamented.
Li Hao nodded. He indeed lacked a proper sword. His original Dragon Xiao sword was too fragile, breaking easily under his strength. The other divine treasures he possessed were on par with his physical toughness, making them unnecessary.
"No matter, as long as it's hard and sharp," Li Hao replied.
Daoist Qin nodded, and they agreed on a timeline.
Learning that it would take three months, Li Hao wasn't in a hurry—he still had many things to do.
Bidding farewell to the Daoist, Li Hao also said his goodbyes to the two young disciples and left Qiandao Palace.
When he returned to the imperial palace, the damaged halls had already been repaired—an easy task in a world of martial artists.
Seeing Li Hao again, Emperor Yu's expression grew even more complicated. "You rascal! If it weren't for the Wang family's report, how long were you planning to keep this from me?"
Though his words were reprimanding, his tone was full of concern.
"What are you talking about?" Li Hao asked.
"The fact that you are the mysterious 'Worm Two' and that you were the one who established the Merit Treasury!" Emperor Yu had been stunned when he heard this from Wang Zhendong and the others.
Although he knew Li Hao was strong, the situation in the river was complex, and sheer strength alone wouldn't have been enough.
Rescuing the imperial palace and establishing a merit treasury for Dayu, benefiting countless martial artists...
Looking at the young man before him, Emperor Yu didn't know how to express his thoughts.
"These are small matters—just ways to stay alive," Li Hao said with a smile, not taking it seriously. He then asked, "Your Majesty, are you still helping me collect famous paintings and chess manuals?"
Emperor Yu snapped out of his thoughts, smiling wryly. "I've already dispatched two teams to search and collect them for you."
Li Hao nodded and then bid him farewell.
Knowing Li Hao's plans, Emperor Yu did not stop him but added, "Though merits and titles mean little to you now, I will still announce your achievements to the world for the incense that will benefit you in the future."
"Alright," Li Hao replied, not objecting.
As Li Hao left the imperial palace, an edict was issued across the capital, announcing his titles and deeds to the world.
The edict listed Li Hao's various achievements, also revealing his identity as 'Worm Two.'
For these merits, he was conferred the title of Divine General.
For saving the three provinces of Liang, You, and Qing, he was also conferred the title of Divine General.
For rescuing the imperial palace and safeguarding the incense offerings, he was once again conferred the title of Divine General.
Threefold merits as a Divine General, all bestowed upon one man. Emperor Yu broke with precedent, conferring upon Li Hao the title of Heavenly General of Dayu, granting him a great province and establishing the Heavenly General's Mansion, designating him as the Eternal Guardian Deity!
As this edict was issued, the nineteen provinces of the world were shaken.
The various Divine General's residences and countless aristocratic families were all stunned.
Every word in the edict praised Li Hao's achievements. The name Haotian spread throughout the nineteen provinces.
The title of Heavenly General placed him on par with the emperor, granting him authority equal to the ruler. He was also granted full control over life and death within Dayu's borders—even the royal family had to obey his decrees.
His status was now above that of the Divine General's residences. He could command any military force in the land, and all Divine Generals had to follow his orders without question!
As the details of the edict spread, countless people were left speechless and dumbfounded.
This was akin to being the God of War, the second emperor of Dayu.