Yaozu?
Lin Shanhai and the others followed the gaze and were taken aback when they saw Yaozu's eyes on them. They then turned to Li Hao.
When did Li Hao and Yaozu become acquainted?
Could it be because of his skill in refining herbs?
"Go quickly, don't keep Yaozu waiting," Lin Shanhai urged.
Li Hao nodded and flew off the floating mat, crossing ten arenas before landing in front of Yaozu and the other two half-saints.
Beside them were Lin Qingying and Bian Ruxue, along with two other holy sons and daughters. One of the holy sons had left mid-competition, looking bored.
"Junior greets the three seniors," Li Hao said with a bow.
Yaozu, noticing Li Hao's composed demeanor, smiled appreciatively.
"We've just discussed it. We want to place the painting you created earlier in the Sword Tower. What do you think?"
A painting? Li Hao was surprised, but as an artist, this was a tremendous honor. He smiled.
"Of course, I'm willing."
The three half-saints had expected this response. The Sword Tower was a revered place, and even those who claimed to be master painters within the dynasties found it difficult to have their works displayed there.
"Since that's the case, I'll send word to have them await you. Would you like to deliver it personally?" Yaozu asked.
Li Hao's heart stirred, and he nodded. "Sure."
He had planned to visit the Sword Tower anyway. Though he wasn't a disciple of the holy land, he could easily get in through connections with the alchemists.
Though he had already gathered several techniques from the inner disciples' selections, the Sword Tower had nine levels, each containing a vast collection of sword techniques and other supreme arts.
If he could access all of them, his mastery of techniques would reach an extremely terrifying level.
With enough accumulated techniques, he could refine and integrate them, creating even more powerful ones.
"Yaozu, can I also take a look at the techniques in the Sword Tower while I'm there?"
Li Hao asked, saving himself the trouble of having Lin Shanhai and the others arrange it. Asking a half-saint was much simpler.
Yaozu was slightly surprised. "You're an alchemist, aren't you? The Sword Tower doesn't have anything related to alchemy."
"I'd also like to see the various sword techniques," Li Hao said, clearing his throat.
"Did you get the idea to cultivate sword techniques after watching the battles today?"
The burly middle-aged man, Shanzu, frowned. "Cultivating the Way of the Sword is no joke. If you want to delve into it, you must immerse yourself fully. Since you're an alchemist, focus on refining your potions. Don't be overly ambitious and waste your talent and time!"
Yaozu, seeing his stern tone, shook her head slightly and said to Li Hao, "If you're interested, you can take a look. However, Shanzu is right. Specialization is the path to enlightenment. How about this: you can choose a sword technique from the Sword Tower, then come to Yaochi Peak. I'll personally guide you and assess your sword talent. If it's average, you can focus on alchemy."
Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "Thank you, Yaozu."
Shanzu frowned but didn't say more, seeing Yaozu's stance.
Beside them, Lin Qingying glanced at Li Hao, her thoughts swirling. Could it be that he wants to practice sword techniques now?
When Li Hao painted for her and pointed out the flaws in her sword intent, she had a hunch that he might have a talent for sword techniques, though he hadn't cultivated or shown it.
If he truly demonstrates sword talent and becomes Yaozu's disciple, it would be a great thing. They might even fight side by side in the future.
Thinking of this, she felt a bit excited.
Bian Ruxue glanced at Li Hao but quickly looked away, not showing much interest.
The other two holy sons and daughters, who knew Li Hao as the Qingfeng Alchemist, had tried to build a relationship with him earlier. Seeing Li Hao's sudden interest in sword techniques, they couldn't help but find it amusing.
Too young, acting like a child, getting excited over every new thing. Wanting to learn everything he sees isn't a good trait.
"This is my command token. Show it to enter any level of the Sword Tower and choose a technique. But remember, don't break any rules there," Yaozu said, tossing him a dark purple token with her name engraved on it.
The token seemed to carry a faint fragrance. Li Hao took it, feeling elated, and said, "Thank you, Yaozu."
Being able to freely choose techniques from the nine levels of the Sword Tower was better than having Lin Shanhai and the others arrange it.
The Sword Tower had nine levels. Outer disciples could only enter the first three levels.
Inner disciples could enter up to the sixth level.
A few prodigies, who had accumulated enough merit, could enter the deeper levels.
Holy sons and daughters could enter all nine levels.
With this half-saint token, Li Hao now had temporary access.
Shanzu looked at Yaozu, frowning slightly. It was rare for Yaozu, who usually kept her distance from men, to show such favor towards an alchemist.
Soon, Yaozu summoned one of her female disciples to guide Li Hao to the Sword Tower, and she also sent a message ahead.
The Sword Tower was on the Holy Mountain, in front of the Sword Cliff. This female disciple was a top inner disciple, already at the Dao Law Realm. She had successfully defended her position in the earlier competition, displaying immense strength and mastering three supreme techniques, making her a brilliant prodigy.
Though she felt uncomfortable being called to guide someone, her expression improved when she learned Li Hao was the Qingfeng Alchemist. Though still displeased, she didn't show it, as he was a rising star in the alchemy community.
Offending Li Hao would be like offending half the alchemy community, making it difficult to practice alchemy in the future.
Before long, Jiang Yingyue guided Li Hao on her flying sword to the Sword Tower.
The two dismounted from the flying sword, and Li Hao looked at the Sword Tower, feeling as if he were facing a steep and majestic peak.
The Nine-Story Sword Tower was incredibly tall, with each floor soaring high. Chains wound around the eaves, making the entire tower resemble a heavenly sword. The chains seemed to restrict its sharpness, concealing and imprisoning it.
"This is the Sword Tower..."
Li Hao was genuinely impressed. The tower was far more magnificent than any earthly architecture, even surpassing the imperial palace.
Outside the Sword Tower, two sword attendants wearing copper masks were already waiting.
Seeing Li Hao and Jiang Yingyue, they didn't recognize Li Hao but knew the top inner gate prodigy.
They quickly deduced Li Hao's identity and stepped forward, saying, "You must be Qingfeng Alchemist? I heard that Elders like Yaozu decided to place your painting in the Sword Tower. Do you have the scroll with you?"
"I have it."
Li Hao flipped his palm and pulled out the Sword God's First Battle painting from the spatial realm.
Seeing the rolled-up scroll in Li Hao's hand, the two sword attendants nodded and said, "Follow me. This matter requires the Sword Master's approval."
"Sword Master?"
Li Hao was puzzled.
The two attendants didn't explain further, only glancing at Li Hao with a hint of displeasure.
Clearly, they found it disrespectful that Li Hao didn't know about the Sword Master.
"Sword Master is the second Sword Saint in our Sword Ancestor Sanctuary!"
Jiang Yingyue whispered to Li Hao, "The Sword Master guards the Sword Tower year-round. He has the final say here. Be careful not to offend him."
She was concerned that Li Hao might say something inappropriate and cause trouble for her master, but also saw this as a good opportunity to build a relationship with Qingfeng Alchemist, even though guiding him was a bit of a nuisance.
"Second Sword Saint..."
Li Hao was taken aback. There were actually two Sword Saints in the Sword Ancestor Sanctuary?
He had always thought there was only one saint in the sanctuary, and now there was a second?!
Soon, the two sword attendants led Li Hao and Jiang Yingyue up the steps of the square in front of the Sword Tower, then around to the back, where the Sword Cliff was located.
On the opposite side of the Sword Cliff was a snow-white waterfall, cascading down from a towering precipice. The water gushed into the depths of the cliff, and the sound of water could be faintly heard, suggesting a river at the bottom.
At the edge of the Sword Cliff, an old man wearing a straw hat sat, holding a fishing rod. The line was not made of energy but was a genuine fishing line, seemingly forged from some treasure, as he sat and fished in the deep valley.
"Master."
The two sword attendants spoke, and their address made Li Hao pause. These two were actually the saint's disciples?
"One of the elders, Yaozu, has sent word that they plan to place the painting of Qingfeng Alchemist in the first level of the Sword Tower. We have come to seek your approval," one of the male sword attendants said softly.
The figure didn't react, seemingly indifferent.
Li Hao and Jiang Yingyue could only wait quietly. Jiang Yingyue dared not even breathe, her head lowered as she discreetly observed the Sword Master, a figure even more revered than her own master.
Time slowly passed.
The two sword attendants remained silent, standing with their hands at their sides, their posture unchanged.
Though waiting, Li Hao wasn't angry or impatient. He could see that the Sword Master was deeply focused on his fishing, and their arrival was a disturbance and a slight offense.
Putting himself in the Sword Master's shoes, if he were fishing, he wouldn't appreciate unnecessary chatter either.
Li Hao's gaze moved past the figure's back to the fishing rod in his hand. The line was gently swaying, indicating that the water in the deep valley was turbulent. Fishing in such swift currents was extremely challenging, testing one's skill and control.
Using divine sense to probe and control the line to see what was beneath the water would be a different matter, but that would rob the fishing of its fun.
Fishing was a blind struggle with the fish, much like how humans cannot see the will of heaven but still strive against it, finding endless joy in the challenge.
Suddenly, the line paused slightly, and Li Hao's eyes brightened, knowing a fish was approaching.
But the fish hadn't taken the hook yet, so he couldn't move.
Then, the line relaxed again, indicating that whatever was below had only brushed against it, possibly testing the waters.
He needed to wait, to be patient... Li Hao's eyes were fixed on the line, his mind focused.
Time passed, and it seemed the water below had gone still. The line remained slack. Had the fish fled?
But Li Hao knew that now was the time to be even more patient.
Suddenly, the line paused again, then slowly tightened.
He couldn't rush it!
Li Hao's eyes narrowed. The fish was still testing the waters; this wasn't a sign of a bite.
He needed to wait more!
Fortunately, the Sword Master didn't yank the rod either. The line, which had tightened, slowly relaxed again, but then suddenly tightened once more.
"Pull!"
Li Hao couldn't help but exclaim.
At the same moment, the Sword Master's movements were swift. As soon as Li Hao spoke, he swiftly yanked the fishing rod, the taut line jerking upward. Then, the Sword Master's body suddenly whipped, as if a force was pulling the line, and he cast it out from the deep valley of the Sword Cliff.
A massive black shadow suddenly soared out, its body long and imposing, emitting a furious roar with long fangs and claws, clearly a dragon!
A large iron hook pierced the true dragon's mouth, pulling it and causing it to bleed.
Li Hao was stunned. When he sensed the dragon's aura, he realized it was a Dragon King-level demon in the mortal world!
But now, this dragon was being dragged by the hook, roaring in pain. When it saw the Sword Master's face, it immediately froze in terror and wailed, "Spare me, Sword Master!"
The figure in the straw hat said nothing, only lifting his hand. A vast and overwhelming force of law suppressed the dragon, and its massive body was instantly refined into a tiny goldfish.
As the fishing line reeled in, the goldfish dangled in front of the sword master, struggling weakly and looking pitifully at him.
The sword master casually unhooked it, chuckling lightly, "Out of your seven siblings, you're the only one with such a sweet tooth. It's time for you to learn your lesson."
With that, he flicked the goldfish back down the cliff, where it plunged into the Dragon Pool below, cascading with the waterfall.
Having finished, the sword master turned around, revealing a gaunt, aged face with sharp cheekbones, as if carved by a sword. His eyes were deep, like they held the universe and the stars, radiating a sharpness that made one dare not look directly into them.
His gaze fell on Li Hao, a hint of surprise in his voice, "Young man, was that you shouting just now? Do you know how to fish?"
Li Hao snapped back to reality, feeling a bit embarrassed. He had been so engrossed that he had lost himself in the moment.
"Occasionally, I do fish," Li Hao replied humbly.
The sword master's lips curved into a smile. The timing and precision of Li Hao's cast were not something a casual fisher could achieve; he was clearly an experienced angler.
However, Li Hao looked extremely young. At his age, most people were striving for martial prowess and advancement, not indulging in such leisurely pursuits.
"Tell me, what was it you were saying about the painting? Let me take a look," the sword master said.
The two masked sword attendants turned to look at Li Hao, and Jiang Yingyue also cast a curious glance his way. She had come here partly to see what painting had caught her master's attention enough to place it in the Sword Tower.
Without delay, Li Hao waved his hand, and the massive scroll, stretching tens of meters, unfurled in mid-air. As the scroll opened, the grand scene of the ten arenas, a million disciples watching, and thousands of prodigies competing, gradually came into view.
The intricate duels of various sword techniques and the subtle manifestations of Dao domains were all captured by Li Hao's brush. The expressions on the disciples' faces were vivid and detailed, allowing one to feel their emotions and the fierce determination in their battles.
The moment the painting was revealed, the onlookers were immediately immersed in the grandeur of the combat, their senses overwhelmed by the spectacle.
Jiang Yingyue, who had stood by the arena herself, had never felt such a profound connection to the event. Through the painting, she could almost hear the cheers of the crowd and the fierce determination of the competing disciples.
The two sword attendants exchanged glances, feeling a surge of excitement as if they wanted to join the competition themselves. However, they couldn't, as they had already surpassed the age limit of three hundred years for the prodigy battles.
The sword master observed for a moment, his eyes filled with admiration. "Your painting skills are remarkable. No wonder the child from Yaochi likes it."
He referred to Yaozu as "the child," which made Jiang Yingyue feel a bit embarrassed. But considering the sword master's status, her master was indeed a junior in his presence.
"Hang it up, then," the sword master said casually.
After speaking, he looked at Li Hao. "Little one, would you like to try your hand at fishing? I'd like to see your skills."
Fishing was often a solitary pursuit, and none of his disciples had the patience for it. They were too preoccupied with the Sword Path, and he couldn't teach them. It was rare to meet a young man with such skill, and he felt a genuine appreciation for talent.
Li Hao was taken aback but quickly understood the sword master's intentions. If the roles were reversed, he would have invited a child who understood fishing just for the joy of it, regardless of their cultivation or status.
"Senior Sword Master, I'd like to visit the Sword Tower first. Can I join you later?" Li Hao asked, not forgetting his main purpose.
"Sure, go ahead."
The sword master nodded and turned back to his fishing.
Jiang Yingyue glanced at Li Hao, a hint of oddity in her eyes. Li Hao had refused the invitation of a sage, a rare opportunity to build a closer relationship with such a revered figure.
The two sword attendants also looked at Li Hao with peculiar expressions but said nothing, leading him to the Sword Tower.
Jiang Yingyue, who had accompanied Li Hao, intended to leave but then thought about how he would be fishing with the sword master later. She could stay and observe, a rare chance to get closer to a sage. So she said to Li Hao:
"Go ahead, I'll wait for you outside. We can return together."
"That might inconvenience you, Senior Sister Jiang. You can go back if you want," Li Hao quickly replied.
Jiang Yingyue felt a twinge of annoyance but smiled sweetly. "The initial battles are over, and I have nothing else to do. Since Master entrusted you to me, I'll make sure you return safely."
"Alright, I might take a while."
"No problem, I'll wait."
Jiang Yingyue said.
"Thank you, Senior Sister Jiang."
Li Hao bowed and followed the two sword attendants into the Sword Tower.
The first floor of the Sword Tower was vast, like a massive library. The shelves were clean and neatly organized, divided into sections.
Li Hao's gaze swept over the shelves, and he was amazed to see that the number of books here exceeded even those in the Dao Treasury of Qian Dao Palace. And this was just the first floor; the Dao Treasury of Qian Dao Palace, which collected martial techniques from all over the world, was still outmatched by the Sword Tower.
Li Hao followed the two sword attendants to the back of the Sword Tower, where a prominent wall in the main hall awaited. The attendants took Li Hao's painting, unrolled it, and displayed it on the wall, protected by a rule that prevented it from being touched or damaged.
Once the painting was set up, Li Hao took out the Jade Ancestor's token and showed it to the two sword attendants. "I'd like to take a look at the cultivation techniques here."
The two attendants recognized the Jade Ancestor's token and exchanged glances, both somewhat surprised. They hadn't expected the person before them to be so favored by the Jade Ancestor.
The male attendant spoke up, "You can choose for yourself. The books here are sealed by the Law, allowing you to only see a small portion of the content or the general overview. You must not forcefully break the Law seal, or you will trigger the Sword Tower's array and be instantly killed by a thousand swords!"
Li Hao noticed the Law aura permeating the bookshelves and nodded, putting the token away. After the two sword attendants left, he began to wander around the tower.
He picked up a cultivation technique and found that only the front part could be opened, while the rest seemed sealed, impossible to unlock or penetrate with his divine sense.
Fortunately, the front part was enough for Li Hao to grasp the basics and record it.
Li Hao didn't hesitate and started flipping through the books one by one.
As the notifications kept popping up, Li Hao recorded one technique after another into his panel.
The cultivation techniques here were mainly sword-based, with a vast array of sword arts.
Some sword techniques were even named saber-sword techniques, using the intent of a saber to control a sword. Others used spear techniques to control a sword, pushing sword arts to their peak!
There were countless unique sword techniques, and although Li Hao was collecting various sword arts, the influx of information made him feel as if he were gathering everything.
A single sword contained countless uses.
Perhaps due to the continuous absorption of large amounts of information, Li Hao's thoughts were flooded with inspiration. Countless ideas surged through his mind, and he felt a deep understanding of the sword.
If you see it as a sword, it is a sword.
If you see it as a saber, it is a saber.
If you see it as a breeze, it can be a breeze!
What is a sword?
A sword is a sword, yet it can be more than just a sword, but it is still a sword!
Li Hao felt a sense of enlightenment. The influx of numerous techniques refined his Unique Sword Intent, making it stronger and more refined.
A sword can cut through everything, but it must first recognize everything.
Now, Li Hao was on the path of recognition.
The cultivation techniques in the first level of the Sword Tower were all of high quality.
It took Li Hao several hours to record them all, with the majority being sword techniques, which were advanced to the Dao level in his panel.
Li Hao sat in the first level of the Sword Tower for three hours, combining various techniques to condense nine layers of Dao Domain.
Then, he moved to the second level of the Sword Tower.
Most of the techniques here were supreme arts, with only a few being advanced techniques.
However, there were far fewer than in the first level, but still over a thousand.
Li Hao recorded each one, and his Unique Sword Intent was greatly enhanced once again.
While others would spend months, years, or even decades to comprehend a single technique, Li Hao absorbed and cultivated over a thousand at once, saving countless years of effort.
His Unique Sword Intent became more refined, and his understanding of the sword deepened.
In the second level of the Sword Tower, Li Hao sat for four hours, cultivating thirteen layers of Dao Domain.
He then rose and moved to the third level of the Sword Tower.
The number of techniques in the third level was even fewer, but there were still hundreds, all of which were supreme arts.
Li Hao flipped through and recorded each one, and as time passed, the number of Dao Domains he condensed increased to eighty-nine!
With his myriad attributes and the concealed aura from his Bow Concealment and River Snow Map, Li Hao's Dao Domains were condensed within his body without causing any disturbance. However, he could feel that his Dao Domains were becoming stronger. Even though he was only at the Peaceful Dao Realm, with so many layers of Dao Domain, he could easily suppress a True Human Realm cultivator!
Without relying on the Immortal Transformation, he could fight against a higher realm with his Dao Domains alone!
Li Hao didn't stop and continued to the fourth level of the Sword Tower.
Meanwhile, the two sword attendants outside the Sword Tower withdrew their divine senses, feeling somewhat bored.
"What a greedy alchemist."
They exchanged glances and shook their heads slightly.
They had secretly observed Li Hao's actions inside the tower and were amazed that he was flipping through every single technique, a thorough and meticulous selection.
With the Jade Ancestor's token, a normal person would have directly gone to the ninth level to choose from the top-tier Dao techniques.
But this alchemist was leisurely flipping through even the advanced techniques on the first level. How could he be so patient?
"Hasn't he come out yet?"
Jiang Yingyue, waiting outside, couldn't help but ask when she saw the two sword attendants.
She had been waiting almost a whole day. Li Hao had said he would be slow, but she hadn't expected it to be this slow!
Was he picking techniques, or sleeping inside?
"If you're in a hurry, you can go back first."
The male attendant said calmly, not revealing that Li Hao was slowly selecting techniques, which would expose their secret observation.
Jiang Yingyue was speechless with anger. She had promised Li Hao to wait for him, so how could she go back on her word?
At that moment, the sound of footsteps approached. The Sword Master, carrying a fishing rod, strolled over. Seeing the three people at the entrance, he was slightly surprised and asked, "What are you all doing here?"
"Waiting for the alchemist to choose his technique. He has the Jade Ancestor's token, so he can take one technique out."
The female attendant quickly replied, her voice as clear as a skylark's.
The Sword Master was slightly surprised and glanced at the tower. Standing outside, he seemed to see through the walls. Soon, a hint of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"Eighty-nine layers of Dao Domain, and you say he's an alchemist?"