Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1798 Chapter 468: Winds of Farewell
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
The Sword Intent brimmed with razor-sharp ferocity, infused with a torrent of lethal majesty, dominating Li Hao like an imperious sovereign.
Provoked by this Sword Intent, Li Hao's inherent Sword Dao burst forth, akin to a bridge surging up from ocean depths, surging ahead to clash with the Sword Intent.
Only Me Swordsmanship, scorning heavens and earth, utterly supreme!
Various elite Sword Daos orbited the core Sword Dao, resembling stars revolving around a blazing sun.
The Sword God Technique itself, famed for "slaying all under heaven in one stroke, only to reincarnate as a Sword God anew," also circled the Only Me Swordsmanship, lending it even greater luster!
Sensing the essence of the Only Me Swordsmanship, the savage Sword Qi's killing aura slowly ebbed away, while the jet-black sword abruptly shimmered, darting right before Li Hao, rising straight like a stealthy assassin in dark robes, fixing its gaze on him. Then, the vivid red eye atop the hilt rotated, inching closer toward Li Hao.
Sensing an impulse, Li Hao stretched out his hand, and the hilt settled into his grasp all on its own.
"Junior Brother has actually earned the approval of the 'End of Immortal Sword'!"
Long Qingge felt a touch of astonishment at the sight, surprised by how swiftly the whole thing unfolded.
In the past, he along with the Sixth Junior Sister had tried claiming this Divine Sword, yet both got rebuffed and came up empty.
Dao Origin Immortal Emperor observed the moment with softened eyes, then spoke, "Haotian, this End of Immortal Sword counts as a broken Emperor Sword. Taming it and securing its acknowledgment proves incredibly tough; an Emperor Sword typically demands an Emperor's Heart in harmony to function, and without that alignment, it stays powerless. For you to win its favor, Master feels much more secure about your cultivation path."
Li Hao froze in surprise, a bit dazed, since he knew the sword held great power but never dreamed it was a damaged Emperor Artifact!
"Master, this... this is way too precious!"
Li Hao couldn't hold back from blurting out.
During his time in the Southern Domain, his getaway succeeded thanks to Master handing over a damaged Emperor Artifact to the Southern Domain Venerable, combined with Master's own authority, which bought him the opening to flee.
With yet another damaged Emperor Artifact in his hands now, he felt like he owed an immense debt!
Dao Origin Immortal Emperor shook his head and explained, "If it's chosen you, then take it without hesitation. That said, its damage means most abilities are locked away, and only Emperor Power can truly awaken it. Given your Immortal King Realm level, channeling your realm's strength will let you tap into just a portion of its might, though as a Domain Artifact, it remains without doubt the finest of its kind!"
Li Hao gave a nod, fully grasping the dread power of this shattered Emperor Sword. Noticing the red eye swivel as if staring intently, he suddenly perceived that this Emperor Sword had endured profound solitude for ages upon ages.
"End of Immortal Sword... a solid name, yet I can't stand finales; I cherish origins instead, so come along with me toward my rise as a king!"
Li Hao murmured under his breath.
He clenched the sword firmer, and right away, it emitted a soft vibration, as though echoing back to Li Hao.
At that very moment, a blood-red sword silhouette materialized at Li Hao's side, pulsing with fearsome Evil Qi.
But this time around, the Evil Qi stayed subdued, the blade's edge rippling with light—it was none other than Taowu.
"Master, I won't be able to battle at your side anymore."
Taowu sent its message laced with sorrow.
Li Hao meant to offer some solace, but Taowu cut in at once, "Still, sharing even a segment of your path has filled me with joy. The road ahead stretches far; I can journey with you up to the Immortal Monarch Realm; beyond that, let this sword take the lead. Whenever you call for me, I'll be there, ever ready to hone my blade in your service!"
Those heartfelt words stirred Li Hao deeply; since he lacked the skill to refine artifacts, he naturally couldn't boost Taowu, and even with effort, elevating it to Emperor Weapon status lay beyond possibility.
As Taowu put it, the voyage of existence spans vast distances, with unions and farewells beyond prediction, yet it's precisely that which forges precious recollections.
"Once my Carving Arts advance further, I'll work to refine your essence; it might even happen by the time I venture into Emperor Dao."
Li Hao spoke gently, "For now, I must impose on you."
Even without artifact refining prowess, Li Hao's carving techniques let him forge top-quality arms personally, such as Immortal Armor and the like.
From the Divine Sword 'Merit' that journeyed with him since the Mortal World to 'Taowu', Li Hao aimed to uplift them all through his growing Carving Arts.
"Mm."
Taowu replied with delight.
Li Hao tucked it away into his Heaven and Earth Space; just because it couldn't join the fray didn't spell abandonment.
"Junior Brother shows such deep affection and sincerity to his weapons."
Long Qingge whispered, watching the exchange, her eyes toward Li Hao warming with greater fondness and authenticity.
Dao Origin Immortal Emperor cautioned, "Demons infest the Eastern Domain; tread with utmost care."
"Yes."
Li Hao nodded.
Dao Origin Immortal Emperor added nothing further, presenting Li Hao with a Jade Token while drawing out three drops from Li Hao's Divine Blood, then binding them to Extreme Dao Mountain.
This Jade Token enabled Li Hao to reach Dao Origin Immortal Emperor whenever he wished; those three drops of Divine Blood guaranteed that, short of utter annihilation, Li Hao could revive from them, averting complete erasure.
Ever since Dao Origin Immortal Emperor bestowed Heavenly Dao Blood on Li Hao at his initiation, Li Hao had already advanced halfway toward the Three Immortal End Realm, achieving perpetual life and immortality.
Though lacking the full measure of a Divine Venerable, ending his life remained a monumental challenge.
Still, the Immortal King Realm brimmed with endless techniques, meaning no absolute security even at such heights.
"Now, head down the mountain."
Dao Origin Immortal Emperor said softly.
Li Hao and Shi Miao both bowed in unison, offering their farewells.
Long Qingge hastened to vow sending aid to back Li Hao, guaranteeing her junior brother got proper support.
Word of Li Hao's departure spread, prompting apparitions of Di Lingshu and the rest to emerge and see him off.
"Drop by the Emperor Clan whenever you get the chance; your name echoes far and wide now, with plenty in my Emperor Clan buzzing about you."