As time passed,
Li Hao’s Divine Blood increasingly transformed Dao Power like an unfathomable abyss. His physical body harbored the power of the Final Realm and carried unimaginable Dao Power.
Li Hao realized that cultivating the Physical Body Dao could be one of the essential paths to touching the limits of the Tao Comprehension Realm, even reaching the Final Realm.
The limits and the Final Realm of each stage of Martial Arts seemed interconnected, aiding and influencing one another. Li Hao couldn’t imagine what it would be like if one could cultivate them all, even Saints would probably be unable to compare.
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Li Hao had grown accustomed to life here, following a routine everyday.
These activities were, occasionally purifying herbs for Lin Shanhai, training by converting the Dao Power of his Divine Blood, and spending time alone in the courtyard, painting and carving, immersed in his own enlightenment.
And the ‘line’ was occasionally helping out at the invitations of various Alchemists.
With his extraordinary skill in purification through cooking techniques, Li Hao was favored by all kinds of Alchemists. Not interested in Alchemy himself and harmless without competitive intentions, he paradoxically became a central figure in the circle of Alchemists.
Where individuals had conflicts, they wouldn’t face each other, or they would only exchange cold looks. But facing Li Hao, they all greeted him with smiles.
This resulted in the Qingfeng Pill Master becoming increasingly renowned, even spreading among the disciples within the Sword Ancestor Holy Land.
Many disciples were aware that there was such an exceptional person among Alchemists. While who was the best in Alchemy might be debatable, there was no doubt about who had the best relationships.
This led many of the highly regarded disciples, including some Saint Heirs and saintesses, to consider befriending Li Hao; some came in person while others sent representatives to show their goodwill.
After all, procuring the services of a high-level Alchemist to refine precious medicinal substances required one’s own materials and a report to the Holy Land for the Alchemist’s consent.
And this often necessitated substantial incentives. If offered too little, one might worry about the Alchemist’s lack of dedication—if they were to ruin a batch of Dan, the precious materials would be wasted without the Alchemist facing any consequences.
After all, Alchemy inherently had a high failure rate, especially with advanced Divine Pills.
But if Li Hao could help, that would guarantee success in Alchemy.
Even if it failed, one could only blame their own bad luck and wouldn’t resent the Alchemist.
Against these various signs of goodwill, Li Hao didn’t refuse as long as they were cordial, accepting their kindness.
After all, these prodigies came with their own powerful backgrounds, not lone fighters without connection. A prodigy without backing and connections would have been dead in an unknown gutter long ago.
The Land of All Saints never lacked prodigies, but even prodigies had to bow down and rely on the protection and resources of various forces.
These connections didn’t greatly help Li Hao personally, but there might be uses for them in the future, and they could also help him collect famous paintings, chess manuals, and other diagrams.
In the Pill Refining Institute,
Li Hao, carrying the unique and rare fruits given by Inner Sect Heavenly Pride Disciples, found Lin Shanhai to share them with the elder.
This rare Spirit Fruit could nourish the body. For Li Hao, the effect was average; he mainly enjoyed the taste—it was crisp and filled with a unique fragrance, utterly delicious.
“Thanks to you, I can enjoy great delicacies again,”
Lin Shanhai said with a smile.
He fetched his cherished tea leaves to brew tea for Li Hao. The two chatted while munching on the Spirit Fruit.
The threshold of Li Hao’s courtyard had been worn out recently, with endless visits from various people, creating a bustling scene reminiscent of the grand feast Lin Shanhai hosted when he first became a high-level Alchemist.
“I’m also basking in your glow,” Li Hao said with a smile.
Hearing this, Lin Shanhai smiled and felt somewhat sentimental.
Seeing someone clowns around in their low moments, it’s hard to tell the genuine from the fake, but when someone reaches the peak of life, their true character shows.
Given Li Hao’s contacts now, even without him, he would navigate well. All Alchemists would be willing to establish deep connections with Li Hao.
Yet, Li Hao still stayed here, unhurried and calm. Those who visited Li Hao and learned of his relationship with Lin Shanhai sometimes chose indirect methods, reaping many benefits for him as well.
Li Hao treated him with the same humility and politeness as before, but their relationship had grown closer—they would occasionally jest, calling each other “you little scamp” and “you old coot”.
“Now that your injuries are nearly healed, what are your plans?” asked Lin Shanhai.
He had lived for over a thousand years and seen many people, but Li Hao was someone he couldn’t read completely—his unreadability pertained to Li Hao’s desires.
It felt as though Li Hao’s name, like a breeze in the Mortal World, arose spontaneously and settled just as freely. Apart from painting and carving, which he enjoyed in his leisure time, he seemed to care little for other matters people pursued, like Alchemy and Martial Arts.
“If Mr. Lin doesn’t mind, I plan to stay here a bit longer. Once I create a top-tier painting, I will consider my further plans,” Li Hao stated.
Although the Land of All Saints was vast, he only wanted to stay secluded here for now, to continue refining his artistic skills. When the time came, it would be his moment to seek revenge against the Void Saint.
“…”
Lin Shanhai was momentarily speechless, staring deeply into Li Hao’s eyes as if to discern his true intentions.
However, all he saw was a pair of clear and calm eyes, without a flicker of deceit.