The Name of Eternals

Chapter 362: The Battle Begins, He Has Arrived!

"Do you think he still remembers us?"

"How could he forget? Xuan Shen fought him before, and they were rivals for a while. There's no way he's forgotten, right?"

"Indeed, especially since he's technically half a member of the Ji family."

"Shh, don't bring that up."

Outside the gate, Ji Xuan Shen and several other young talents of the Ji family whispered among themselves.

They had all passed through the Immortal Gate and apprenticed under saints from the Yuan Shi Sacred Land. Some were here to participate in the competition, while others, having not qualified, had come to spectate.

Arriving early, they searched for information about Li Hao's residence. Ever since Li Hao made a name for himself on the Heavens Battlefield, his movements had been closely monitored by various factions, with information provided by the intelligence network of Yunque Tower. Many forces had obtained news about Li Hao, and because he had not made much effort to hide his actions, it wasn't a secret that Li Hao had won first place in Cang Lan Realm and was now hiding in the Thieving Heaven Sacred Land.

"Hmm, you're here as well?"

A few more figures approached, led by Jiang Ziyan, who noticed the group waiting outside the courtyard and gave them a subtle glance.

She had long known that Ji Xuan Shen and the others seemed to care deeply about the boy her father was so concerned with, but she hadn't expected them to come, like her, to visit Li Hao as soon as possible.

"Miss Ziyan," Ji Xuan Shen acknowledged with a slight nod.

Jiang Ziyan was the saintess of the Yuan Shi Sacred Land, of high status, but since she had aged out of the competition's age bracket, she could not participate in this year's battle of geniuses.

"Saint Son Xuan Shen," Jiang Ziyan greeted back with a nod, acknowledging that he hailed from a grand saintly family, much like her own, with ancestors who were saints.

Ji Xuan Shen had shown remarkable talent in the Yuan Shi Sacred Land, having broken through rapidly since becoming an apprentice, rising to great heights in cultivation. He stood out in various competitions within the sect, quickly earning the title of Saint Son. Currently, he was considered one of the most promising young talents in the sect.

Given his reputation and potential, Jiang Ziyan was naturally keen to maintain good relations with him, especially since they both hailed from human families with saintly lineage.

"Are you close with him?" Jiang Ziyan asked curiously, seizing the chance to get to know more.

Between busy cultivation schedules, it wasn't often that she had the opportunity to talk to Ji Xuan Shen.

"We are both rivals and friends—at least, that's how I see it," Ji Xuan Shen replied calmly.

Though he had once been defeated by Li Hao, that experience had remained etched in his memory, driving his cultivation forward. Whenever he encountered difficulties in his path, the image of Li Hao's unyielding figure standing tall gave him the motivation to push through.

Jiang Ziyan's eyes flickered slightly at his words, aligning with what she had expected.

Smiling warmly, she said, "I heard he offended the Buddhist Sect and was hunted by the Xu Sheng. I was worried he might be too afraid to show up here."

"Afraid?" Ji Xuan Shen chuckled, a rare smile breaking through his usually calm demeanor. "In this world, there's nothing he wouldn't dare to do. The fact that he dared to offend a saint is enough to make us all feel inadequate."

Jiang Ziyan was momentarily surprised by Ji Xuan Shen's remark. Why would anyone admire someone for offending a saint? From his tone, it almost sounded like admiration rather than rivalry. But Ji Xuan Shen, the proud Saint Son of Yuan Shi Sacred Land, admiring someone? The thought seemed implausible.

She shook her head, dismissing her confusion. After all, she wasn't close to Li Hao. She had barely spoken with him, though she had always known his talent was extraordinary when she first saw him at the Immortal Gate. Her purpose in visiting was simply to reinforce her family's connection with him, especially since he had been away from the human realm for over a decade. Despite his relationship with her father, Jiang Ziyan was wary that long-term absence might cause the bond to weaken.

With this in mind, she explained the reason for her visit to the servant at the gate and waited patiently outside.

Inside the courtyard, Li Hao had already risen and was heading toward the gate.

"Ji... Hao Tian!" Ji Xuan Shen's calm expression shifted the moment the courtyard gate opened, his eyes turning serious. When he saw the familiar face of Li Hao, a surge of excitement coursed through his veins. It was a mixture of long-awaited anticipation and a strange, unspoken excitement at their reunion.

Jiang Ziyan had heard about Li Hao's recent achievements, especially his fame across the heavens. The news had caused a stir in all the major Sacred Lands. As a saintess, she was well-informed, so she knew the boy standing before her wasn't the same youth who had entered the Immortal Gate. Despite being hunted by saints, he had survived and even stirred up great waves in the Sacred Land of All Saints.

She couldn't help but silently admire her father's keen judgment; clearly, he had seen something she hadn't.

"Hao Tian, do you still remember us?" Jiang Ziyan asked with a gentle smile. Normally, she wore a cold and noble expression befitting her status as a princess. But now, she seemed as warm and approachable as a soft spring breeze, abandoning any pretense of superiority.

"Princess, you're here too," Li Hao said, nodding in recognition. He still remembered Jiang Ziyan as the daughter of Yu Huang.

Seeing that Li Hao still referred to her by her worldly title, Jiang Ziyan smiled slightly and said, "We've heard all about your feats, and we're here to support you."

Li Hao blinked in surprise before smiling lightly. "Thank you."

Ji Xuan Shen, still focused, said seriously, "I'll be participating in the Supreme Heavenly Genius Battle as well. I've wanted to face you again ever since we crossed the Immortal Gate. We've both trained hard in the Sacred Land of All Saints, but I know I'm still not at your level. However, if we get the chance, I would like to spar with you again."

Ji Xuan Shen's straightforward personality left no room for ambiguity, and he was open about his feelings and aspirations.

Li Hao was slightly taken aback by Ji Xuan Shen's forthrightness. It wasn't easy for such a proud genius to acknowledge someone as a rival and admit that he was still chasing after them. However, Li Hao appreciated Ji Xuan Shen's candor and found himself feeling more amicable toward him. He always preferred people who spoke their minds.

"Sure, we can spar anytime. It'll be a friendly competition," Li Hao replied with a smile, feeling a sense of satisfaction seeing these familiar faces who had all made impressive progress over the years.

In the back of his mind, he also thought about offering them some of the techniques he had advanced through his system if they were interested.

"My father sent me here to greet you on his behalf. He also said I should help you if I can, but seeing how you've grown, I doubt you need much help from me anymore," Jiang Ziyan said softly, her eyes sparkling.

Though she had previously been uninterested in court politics, time had tempered her. She now understood the importance of connections and was more inclined to foster relationships that might benefit her family.

Li Hao nodded, sensing her goodwill but not feeling it was necessary. His relationship with Yu Huang was deep, and he trusted that no matter how much time passed, their bond would remain. As long as Yu Huang's descendants were not malicious, Li Hao would naturally regard them with kindness.

"Why don't you all come inside? No need to stand at the door," Li Hao invited them into the courtyard.

He brought out tea, wine, and some homemade snacks. When friends came from afar, it was only right to offer good food and drink.

As they ate and chatted, Ji Qing Shuang quietly observed Li Hao. Her father, Ji Qing Yuan, was the newly appointed War God of the Ji family. When Li Hao had fought the many geniuses of the Ji family, she had been present, but Ji Xuan Shen had stopped her from facing Li Hao.

Even though they hadn't fought, she knew deep down that she wasn't Li Hao's equal. Now, the gap between them had widened even further.

Li Hao's origin within the Ji family was even more humble than hers—he was only half-blood, while she was a legitimate child of a lesser branch. Once, she had felt dissatisfied with her birth, but after witnessing Li Hao's strength and spirit as he defeated all the top talents of the Ji family, her doubts had been resolved.

Thus, she had a special impression of him. In Li Hao, she saw a reflection of her father's rise from humble beginnings to becoming the War God. For Ji Qing Shuang, Li Hao embodied the idea that bloodline could not determine one's future.

Their conversation flowed from reminiscing about the human world to life in the Sacred Lands, from lighthearted talk about food to discussions about cultivation. Inevitably, the topic turned to the upcoming Supreme Heavenly Genius Battle.

"This time, several top contenders are frighteningly strong," Jiang Ziyan noted. "They're all disciples of the Supreme Saints, with unparalleled talent. It's said that they've even been handpicked by the Supreme Saints themselves."

Ji Xuan Shen, who had been focused on his cultivation, hadn't paid much attention to external matters. For him, no matter who his opponents were, his goal was to surpass himself and eventually catch up to Li Hao.

"It doesn't matter. It won't affect me," Li Hao said with a casual smile. His real targets weren't the other competitors; they were Xu Sheng and the Buddha Lord. He had already survived their ambush, and now his focus was on completing his Saint Dao and using the Heavenly Genius Battle to accumulate the necessary power to break through and become a saint. Only then would his revenge truly begin.

"…" Jiang Ziyan had been expecting Li Hao to ask for more details, so she could provide him with the information she had gathered. But his relaxed response left her momentarily speechless.

Seeing the carefree smile on Li Hao's face, she was momentarily stunned. Did he not care about winning? Or was he just that confident?

After a brief pause, she decided to share the information anyway, even if Li Hao hadn't asked for it. She couldn't let go of her opportunity to help, even if it wouldn't earn her much credit in his eyes.

As she provided insights into the potential top contenders, Ji Xuan Shen grew more serious. He hadn't realized how terrifying some of the other competitors were. His previous confidence about making it into the top ten now seemed shaky.

If he couldn't even make it to the top ten, how could he stand a chance of sparring with Li Hao without being thoroughly embarrassed?

His mood darkened, and he sipped his tea quietly.

Li Hao noticed the change in atmosphere and sighed inwardly. He had hoped their reunion would be more lighthearted, but it seemed his old friends were all carrying their own burdens now.

"He may be strong, but no matter how strong he is, he's still just a breeze passing over the mountain. It's just a competition, not the end of your life," Li Hao said in an effort to lighten the mood.

Ji Xuan Shen looked up, seeing the carefree expression on Li Hao's face. He couldn't help but feel that maybe he was overthinking things.

"True enough. Even if we lose this time, we'll continue to cultivate and, one day, become saints ourselves!" another genius from the Ji family said, breaking the tension.

Ji Qing Shuang nodded in agreement. She had always held a more open view on such matters. After all, her father had risen from a lowly position to become the War God, proving that one's origins did not determine one's potential.

In the human realm, Ji Xuan Shen had already stood at the pinnacle. With the vast resources of the Sacred Land of All Saints, his growth had been meteoric. In just ten years, he had risen to become one of the most prominent Saint Sons of the Yuan Shi Sacred Land.

Give him another few decades, and when he returned to the competition, the heavens themselves might be shocked.

The conversation grew more relaxed after that, and Jiang Ziyan, seeing Li Hao's attitude, realized her efforts to gather intelligence had been unnecessary.

Before long, another visitor arrived.

Li Hao's spiritual sense extended, and he sensed familiar presences at the gate. He immediately asked the servant to invite them in.

"Hao Tian."

The new arrivals were Ming Yue Jian and Qing Jing Zi, disciples of Qin Zhenren. They, too, had apprenticed at Yuan Shi Sacred Land. Ming Yue Jian was here to compete, while Qing Jing Zi had come to spectate, having not qualified for the competition.

Ming Yue Jian, with his Dao Heart and Dao Body, was prone to sudden epiphanies, allowing him to cultivate rapidly. After becoming an apprentice under a saint and receiving the resources and treasures provided, his physical body and cultivation had both improved immensely. Although his overall strength still lagged behind Ji Xuan Shen's, he was far from weak.

Seeing Ji Xuan Shen and the others already seated, Ming Yue Jian and Qing Jing Zi exchanged surprised glances, realizing that they had been a little slow to arrive.

Ming Yue Jian, two years younger than Li Hao and now 26, still looked like a boy of 18 or 19. With his bright eyes and fair skin, his appearance was androgynous, hard to distinguish whether he was male or female at first glance.

With his usual shyness, Ming Yue Jian greeted Li Hao with a bashful smile. "Greetings, Hao Tian."

"There's no need for such formalities. We're all peers here," Li Hao chuckled, waving him over.

Ming Yue Jian blushed slightly. "My master instructed us to treat you as we would him, even though you aren't one of his disciples."

Li Hao was briefly taken aback, then laughed. "It's been ten years, and you still remember what your master said?"

"One day as a master, a father for life. I wouldn't dare forget," Ming Yue Jian replied earnestly, his expression turning serious.

Li Hao smiled at his sincerity. "Well said! Let's have a drink together!"

Ming Yue Jian nervously waved his hands. "My master said alcohol is harmful to the body. I can't drink…"

"…"

Li Hao was speechless for a moment, then burst into laughter. He didn't press the issue and poured him a cup of tea instead. "Alright, tea it is."

Ming Yue Jian sighed in relief and clinked his teacup with Li Hao's.

As more guests filled the courtyard, the atmosphere became livelier.

But before long, yet another visitor arrived.

Li Hao's spiritual sense scanned the gate, and he found yet more familiar faces.

He laughed and told the servant to quickly let them in.

This time, the visitors were from the Sword Ancestor Sacred Land—Lin Qing Ying, her grandfather Lin Shan Hai, and several other alchemists, including Shi Hua Jin.

Seeing the courtyard already filled with people, Lin Qing Ying and the others hesitated, surprised by the number of visitors. Jiang Ziyan and Ji Xuan Shen were also intrigued, noting that these guests weren't among those who had crossed the Immortal Gate with them, meaning Li Hao had made quite a few new connections.

"We heard you were here and came to check on you," Lin Qing Ying said softly when she saw Li Hao.

"Was your journey smooth?" Li Hao asked.

"With the Sword Master personally escorting us, we didn't run into any trouble. Even when we encountered demons, the Sword Master swept them away with a single strike," Lin Qing Ying replied.

"The Sword Master came himself?" Li Hao was a bit surprised. He had expected Sword Saint to accompany them.

Perhaps the Sword Saint had stayed behind to guard the sacred land?

Thinking about seeing his old fishing companion again, Li Hao couldn't help but smile.

"Are these your friends?" Lin Qing Ying asked, glancing at Jiang Ziyan, Ji Xuan Shen, Ming Yue Jian, and the others. She noticed that they all appeared to be exceptionally talented geniuses, and her eyes flickered as she realized Li Hao had many close friends beyond herself. She bit her lip slightly, her thoughts churning.

"Yeah," Li Hao nodded, inviting Lin Qing Ying, her grandfather, and the alchemists to join them. The once spacious courtyard was starting to feel a bit crowded.

Not long after, another message arrived from the gate. Li Hao looked over, recognizing the visitors immediately.

This time, it was Lin Shu Hai, Chi Guang, and several others.

Li Hao raised an eyebrow slightly. Lin Shu Hai had no prior connection with him, but Chi Guang's visit was surprising.

Seeing the courtyard full of people, Lin Shu Hai and Chi Guang both hesitated. They had assumed that, given Li Hao's troubles with the Buddhist Sect, his situation would be bleak, with others avoiding him. Yet the place was bustling with activity.

"Hao Tian, I'm Lin Shu Hai. Since we both hail from Cang Lan Realm, we're practically from the same homeland," Lin Shu Hai said politely, cupping his hands.

Li Hao returned the greeting and invited him in, noticing the other geniuses from Wen Zu Sacred Land who had come with him.

Chi Guang, on the other hand, looked a bit conflicted. During the battle in the Divine Dynasty, he had concealed his strength and let Li Hao take the victory. At the time, he had believed that it was his choice to yield, but he later realized that he wouldn't have stood a chance against Li Hao even if he had fought with all his might.

Though Li Hao had defeated him, Chi Guang bore no grudge. In fact, he had come with a friendly warning.

"The Twin-Buddha Child has recovered. I thought you wouldn't dare show up here, but it seems you've come anyway. I've heard that the Twin-Buddha Child inherited his past life's Saint Dao and is even stronger than before. If you run into him, be careful," Chi Guang advised.

This was secret information his master had passed on to him.

"Understood," Li Hao nodded. Chi Guang's goodwill was unexpected, so he acknowledged it and didn't keep his guard up.

Having delivered his warning, Chi Guang glanced around at the other guests in the courtyard, feeling a bit conflicted. Despite the enmity from two powerful Sacred Lands, Li Hao still had so many people willing to stand by him, undeterred by the potential danger.

"I'll take my leave," Chi Guang said, turning to go.

"Why don't you stay for a drink?" Li Hao suddenly called out. "I've got some good wine here."

Chi Guang paused, his tense expression softening. He realized that the grudge between them had been resolved.

Stopping in his tracks, he turned back and said, "Alright, I'll have a cup."

Li Hao smiled and welcomed him back.

The commotion in the courtyard soon drew the attention of nearby guests. Lin Bai Chuan, who had been meditating in his own courtyard, came looking for Li Hao, hoping to invite him for a walk. But when he arrived, he was stunned by the crowd of people in Li Hao's courtyard.

He blinked in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock.

Most Sacred Sons and Daughters preferred peace and quiet, focusing on their cultivation and keeping few close companions. Yet Li Hao's courtyard felt more like a lively marketplace.

In the distance, two figures stood side by side in the sky. Feng Bo Ping gazed down at Li Hao's courtyard, watching the scene unfold with a smile tugging at his lips.

"He's quite popular, isn't he?" Huang Tian Sheng remarked softly.

Feng Bo Ping smiled. "He's always been this way, even back in the human realm."

"With a personality like that, it's no wonder people like him," Huang Tian Sheng said. She had met countless people in her life and could easily tell that Li Hao's easygoing nature made him likable—very different from the usual aloofness of other geniuses.

Feng Bo Ping's smile faded slightly as if a troubling thought had crossed his mind. He simply nodded without saying more.

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. Tian Yuan Realm had become a bustling hub of activity, especially around Tian Yuan Sacred Mountain, where the competition was set to take place.

The inns were packed, and many of the elite spectators, including royals and nobles, had already arrived. The wealthiest and most powerful had even caused a few minor disturbances, though these were quickly smoothed over.

During these three days, most discussions revolved around which of the participants would claim victory. Aside from the disciples of the Supreme Saints, Li Hao's name came up often as a favorite.

After all, leaving a mark on the Heavenly Stele was a rare and significant accomplishment, with undeniable credibility. While the Heavenly Stele didn't account for all aspects of combat ability, it was a powerful indicator of one's potential and was highly respected.

"If we're going by the Heavenly Stele, Hao Tian should be the favorite to win, right?"

"The Heavenly Stele only measures potential, not actual combat prowess. Otherwise, there'd be no need for a competition at all—just go press your hand on the stele and be done with it."

"Exactly. The Heavenly Stele shows the upper limit of potential, but battles aren't decided by potential alone. There are many other factors, like mindset during the fight."

"A genius like him won't be thrown off by something as trivial as mindset."

"Praise him all you like, but that doesn't change the fact that he might not even show up. He provoked the Buddhist Sect and our Void Sacred Land—he's probably hiding with his tail between his legs right now."

"Where else would he be? Probably skulking in the Thieving Heaven Sacred Land."

"Don't forget, it used to be called Old Thief Realm until the Thief Saint decided that 'old thief' was an insult to a great bandit and changed it to Xiao Qian Realm."

In Tian Yuan Sacred Land, people were buzzing with conversation.

"Master, has Hao Tian arrived yet?"

In Fa Jia Sacred Land, Wu Tian asked his master, one of the Saints of Law, known as the Law Saint, who presided over the laws of countless nations.

"He's already here. Why? Are you interested in him?"

The Law Saint's starry eyes, containing the light of a thousand worlds, twinkled as he smiled serenely.

Wu Tian recalled the sight of Hao Tian casually suppressing Qing Lu Wang during their encounter on the Heavenly Battlefield, and it filled him with a strong desire to fight.

"Yes. I want to see for myself what kind of skills someone with a red Heavenly Stele mark truly possesses," Wu Tian said without hesitation.

"You'll get your chance. In this competition, you'll likely cross paths with him," the Law Saint replied with a smile, his words carrying a weight of certainty as though he had already glimpsed the threads of fate.

Wu Tian's eyes brightened. His master was rarely wrong in such matters.

Elsewhere within Fa Jia Sacred Land, a tall young man clad in white, bathed in the fragrance of incense, opened his eyes after a long period of contemplation.

"I've been in seclusion for too long. It seems some new challengers have emerged," he remarked, his voice calm yet filled with a trace of disdain.

"Yes, I've heard one of them even dared to challenge saints. The Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Land let him go unpunished—how generous of the saints," one of the servants by his side replied respectfully, though there was a hint of anger in her voice.

"To challenge the sanctity of Saint Dao is to seek destruction. For the Buddhist Sect to allow such disrespect without retribution is a sign of weakness. Laws exist for a reason, and the law must be enforced. Such leniency is dangerous," the white-robed youth said coldly, his tone unwavering.

As a disciple of the Law Saint, he had been taught to uphold the Saintly Law above all else. In his eyes, the challenge to the authority of saints was a violation of sacred law, and the failure to punish such disrespect was equally damning.

He was a man of order and structure, and his belief in the sanctity of rules was unshakable.

"The heavens and earth are like a chessboard, and all beings are pieces that must follow the rules of the game. If the rules are disregarded, then what is the point of winning or losing?" he mused as he placed another piece on the board in front of him.

His mastery of chess was unparalleled, but finding a worthy opponent was a rare challenge.

"Where is Master?" he asked, setting down his piece.

If his master had known about this transgression, he surely wouldn't have let it go unpunished.

"The Law Saint has gone to comprehend the Dao of Heaven's Law. If you participate in the competition, he will likely return in time," the servant answered, bowing.

The white-robed youth's expression softened slightly. With his master focused on the Dao, it made sense that he hadn't intervened.

"Master has achieved the status of Supreme Saint, using the laws of heaven as his scripture. Those who do not follow the Law of Heaven will only destroy themselves," he said.

"The seasons turn, each in their proper order—how could anyone think they have the right to disrupt that?"

His eyes grew cold again as he picked up another chess piece and set it heavily on the board.

"If I face that brat, I'll make sure he learns the consequences of stepping out of line."

Meanwhile, deep within a hidden cave in the Tian Yuan Sacred Land, a young man sat cross-legged before a stone wall, awakening from his meditation.

"It's time. Your opponents this time won't be easy. You might even face the rumored Sixth Extreme Realm in person," the old white-haired man sitting before him spoke calmly.

Though the cave was dark, the old man seemed to shine with a pure, white light. Stars swirled around him like galaxies, creating a luminous, ethereal atmosphere.

The young man was momentarily taken aback. "You mean Hao Tian? But what about Fa Jia's Wu Tian and that Law Saint's personal disciple, Qiu Tian Lü? They seem formidable as well."

The old man shook his head slightly, saying no more.

The young man bowed in thanks and left the cave.

…

The day of the Supreme Heavenly Genius Battle had finally arrived.

As the World Stones projected images across Tian Yuan Realm, the clouds in the sky shifted, revealing the grandeur of the Heavenly Sacred Mountain.

People had long finished their morning meals and gathered in anticipation, eagerly awaiting what was sure to be the grandest spectacle in the heavens.

This once-in-a-century event was something most people would never have the chance to witness in their lifetimes.

"It's starting! Look, that's Fa Jia's Wu Tian!"

"And that's Fa Jia's Qiu Tian Lü! I heard he's the personal disciple of the Law Saint and is expected to inherit the mantle of Supreme Saint!"

"That's Xiao Tianyu from Yuan Zu Sacred Land!"

"And there's Qing Lu Wang from Mixed Heaven Sacred Land. I heard he was once forced to serve as Hao Tian's mount. Do you think that's true?"

"Shh! I think it's true—look, his face just changed. He must have heard us!"

In the crowd, those who had been gossiping about Qing Lu Wang's embarrassing past suddenly felt his cold, piercing gaze, and broke into a cold sweat, silencing themselves immediately.

At the top of Tian Yuan Sacred Mountain, the competition would take place, while the participating geniuses gathered at the Saintly Path Stairway leading to the waiting area.

As one after another of the Saint Sons and Daughters ascended the steps, countless eyes watched them closely.

Those who were disciples of the Supreme Saints naturally garnered the most attention, with many people recognizing them instantly.

After all, being a disciple of a Supreme Saint was already a title that carried immense weight.

"That's the Bright Moon Saint Son from Sword Ancestor Sacred Land!"

"There's our Senior Brother Lin!"

Among the crowd, Bright Moon Saint Son and Lin Shu Hai, along with their companions, ascended the steps. However, aside from a few who recognized them from Cang Lan Realm, they didn't attract much attention from the broader crowd.

To truly gain recognition across the heavens, one had to perform feats that shook the universe. With only a hundred years to cultivate, these geniuses hadn't had many chances to make their names widely known.

This Supreme Heavenly Genius Battle was the perfect stage for them to do so.

"There's Chi Guang!"

"Who's Chi Guang?"

"You'll know soon enough—he's strong!"

Nobles and heirs from various realms gathered to watch the competition. Royalty from the Divine Dynasties were a common sight here, and even among them, some of the most prominent families were represented.

As more and more competitors ascended the steps, the crowd grew more eager.

"Where's Hao Tian? He hasn't shown up yet."

"Maybe he chickened out."

"Nonsense! I heard he's already here. He's probably just taking his time."

"But the Buddhist Sect is already here—would he really dare show his face?"

Onlookers craned their necks to catch a glimpse, but with the myriad restrictions in place, it was impossible for them to scan the foot of the mountain with their spiritual sense.

At long last, a figure appeared on the steps, slowly making his way up.

He seemed a little drowsy, rubbing his eyes as he walked.

Li Hao had stayed up late the night before, meditating on his Saint Dao Embryo, so he had overslept a bit. Though he could easily go a month without sleep if necessary, he wanted to be fully rested for the unpredictable events to come.

"It sure is lively," Li Hao muttered as he reached the top of the steps and was immediately met with countless gazes from the crowd.

"Hao Tian!"

"He actually showed up!"

"He really isn't afraid of death. After offending the Buddhist Sect and the Void Sacred Land, he still has the guts to compete. Does he really think he can take first place?"

"He's definitely here for first place. In the end, it's the allure of the incense—it's hard to resist the chance to become a saint instantly."

Many people didn't recognize Li Hao at first, but as soon as those who did began shouting his name, the entire crowd quickly caught on. The drowsy-looking youth was none other than Hao Tian, the name that had been spreading through the heavens like wildfire!

As the whispers and exclamations spread, the atmosphere grew even more intense, and those who had already reached the waiting area turned to look in his direction.

All of the competitors, including the disciples of the Supreme Saints, were now sizing him up with serious expressions.

"So that's him?"

"He's Hao Tian?"

The Saint Sons and Daughters from various realms all studied the youth as he approached, their eyes filled with caution.

"Hmph, his demeanor certainly doesn't suit my taste."

In the waiting area, Qiu Tian Lü, dressed in pristine white robes, glanced at the youth, his eyes narrowing in distaste as he saw Li Hao smiling and greeting the crowd.

Although they had never met, something about Li Hao's presence irritated him deeply.

Li Hao could feel countless eyes on him, but he was used to it by now. Glancing around the waiting area, he spotted Lin Qing Ying and the others, feeling a bit more at ease knowing they were all present.

Then his gaze shifted further ahead, to where powerful and hidden auras lurked.

There were dozens of saints gathered on Tian Yuan Mountain!

Most of them were keeping their auras tightly concealed, but with his budding Saint Dao, Li Hao could still sense their presence.

His expression grew serious. This event had truly drawn the attention of the heavens. After all, the Supreme Heavenly Genius Battle was designed to ignite competition among the heavens' best, encouraging the emergence of geniuses with the potential to reach the Sixth Extreme Realm.

Now, he had arrived.

As he reached the waiting area, Li Hao felt a cold, piercing gaze fix on him.

He looked up and saw the Twin-Buddha Child, glaring at him with eyes full of icy hatred.

Li Hao met his gaze evenly, and the Twin-Buddha Child's lips curled into a cruel smile. Though he had failed to kill Li Hao earlier, he had learned that Li Hao's real body had arrived, meaning he had been played for a fool.

The sword strike he had seen was likely aided by Huang Tian Sheng. The heart demon that he had thought was dispelled had instead returned, even stronger, and his hatred for Li Hao had only deepened.