The Name of Eternity.

Chapter 594 A Perfect Match for True Dragons, Winning the Sword Pool

A painting of time!

As time and space shifted, the world around Li Hao changed, transforming into a vibrant and ever-changing scene within a painting.

The clouds and mist in the sky surged and changed, and the waves of the lake below rippled. In this void, it seemed that many figures from the south and north could be seen, flying by or lingering here.

The wildflowers by the lake bloom and fall, wither and flourish again, going through many cycles, just like the ebb and flow of the tide!
Such a spectacular sight, compared to the thousands of dragons soaring and turning in the painting of the immortal dragons next to it, is extremely shocking. Although there are no dragons coiling around it, the feeling of the passage of time and the cycle of time is even better than the scene of thousands of dragons galloping.

Compared to it, the "Thousand Dragons Galloping" all seem too monotonous and lack luster.

The world changes, and who can withstand the passage of time?!

"The origin of time, the passage of time and space, such superb painting skills, such a profound understanding of the art..."

Among the crowd, a young girl with flowing black hair stood silently, gazing intently at the picturesque scene of time flowing around the boy, her face filled with solemnity and a touch of awe.

The other party's painting skills actually surpassed those of the Dragon Rhyme Painting Immortal.

Both are paintings, but clearly, this young man is superior!
She had been admiring flowers in other pavilions, not in the main building, so she didn't know why the Dragon Rhyme Painting Fairy and the young man were competing, but this time, the outcome was clearly decided.

"He actually also controls the realm of painting..."

"This is a realm that can only be mastered by comprehending the true meaning of painting. His painting skills are so advanced that he can even fight on the battlefield!"

"So powerful! Su Muqing just said he only has a hundred years of lifespan? Are you kidding me? What kind of good person can reach this level of painting skill in a hundred years, let alone someone who is already a Celestial Lord..."

"Miss Su must have misspoke or misread something. There must be some misunderstanding. I absolutely refuse to believe it."

"Forget about lifespan and spirit lifespan, I have to say, this painting is just too beautiful. It changes endlessly every moment, as if one could admire it forever!"

"That's right, absolutely amazing!"

"Don't you all feel a sense of sorrow for the passing of time in his paintings? I seem to see the cycle of life, the destiny of all things in the world. Besides the origin of time and space, there are other fundamental principles and rhythms within them..."

On the lake, all the women stared blankly at the landscape painting of time beside Li Hao, completely immersed in it, feeling the passage of time within it, their hearts surging with emotion.

"His paintings..."

Su Muqing stared blankly at the scene, finding it hard to believe, yet it felt so real.

She was somewhat stunned. How could the other person have such exquisite and terrifying painting skills, capturing the essence of the subject through painting?

She is a cultivation prodigy and also has extremely high comprehension in the art of painting. She became famous in a battle a hundred years ago and her name resounds throughout the Gusu Imperial Star. She also has time to do things other than cultivation, such as getting involved in the art of painting.

She practiced painting for sixty years and spent sixty years grinding ink, but she only barely reached the level of transcendence. She knew that although painting was a minor art, one had to go all out to comprehend it to a very high level.

Beside her, Su Wanqing stared blankly into space. For some reason, she sensed an unconcealable sorrow in the other's painting, as if it were the sorrow of losing something.

What painful secrets were buried in that boy's heart?

She was lost in thought, becoming increasingly engrossed.

The lake fell silent instantly, and Lan Qin and Jiang Huanhuan were both shocked and immersed in the scene.

Opposite Li Hao, Long Yun Huaxian's originally indifferent face had changed color. Shock appeared in her eyes. The previous painting of the Space Origin Divine Tree was not actually his masterpiece.

The other party also possessed the art of painting, and this art contained the origin of the Nine Orders, with time and space as its main focus. The sense of decay of time was so strong that she couldn't help but be drawn into it. This was definitely a masterpiece of unparalleled value, capable of touching the depths of one's own soul.

Long Yun, the Immortal Painter, took a deep breath, unwilling to admit defeat. She said in a solemn voice:

"Since we are both in the realm of painting, let's have a little exchange."

As she spoke, her painting suddenly expanded, extending and crushing towards Li Hao's painting.

A thousand dragons roared and surged forth from the rendered ancient Canghu Lake, soaring together and shaking the heavens and the earth!

This scene jolted everyone on the lake back to their senses. They felt their minds shaken, their blood rushing through their veins, and their blood boiling from the dragon's roar.

Such a magnificent scene is truly breathtaking, but as the thousands of dragons surge into Li Hao's painting, another extraordinary sight emerges.

The once mighty dragons seemed to have plunged into a vat of boiling oil. In an instant, their skin and scales peeled off, blood and flesh splattered, their bodies shrank continuously, and their immortal power was pulled away like silk threads being peeled away, gradually disintegrating and collapsing!

That vibrant and colorful landscape of time slowly emanated a desolate and sorrowful aura, engulfing the dragons.

Soon, the dragons collapsed one by one and disappeared into the landscape of time, making the landscape appear even more desolate.

Everything in the world will eventually perish...

Li Hao gazed at the shattered painting of the Dragon Rhyme Immortal, a deep sorrow lingering in his calm eyes. The image of the girl lying broken beneath the Supreme Being's feet flashed through his mind:

"Your paintings, in the end, cannot withstand the passage of time and cannot become eternal!"

Long Yun, the Fairy of Painting, trembled, her painting shattered, and her artistic spirit was also affected. Her face flushed, and she spat out a mouthful of blood.

Hearing the boy's words, she couldn't help but raise her head, a hint of resentment in her eyes, and said:

"Eternity? You make it sound so easy. Unless I create a realm with my painting skills, it can't be called eternal. Are you implying that the painting skills below that realm are inferior to yours?!"

Li Hao did not answer; his indifferent expression, masking his deep sorrow, was already a response to Long Yunhuaxian.

Long Yun, the Painting Immortal, looked grim, but the collapse of her painting realm, coupled with her own appreciation of painting techniques, forced her to admit deep down that, apart from the Realm of Boundaries, there seemed to be no other painting realm that could surpass the young man before her.

This is already the ultimate and pinnacle of artistic expression!
To surpass such a realm of painting is beyond her comprehension.

"I lost."

Long Yunhua Xian was somewhat dejected and did not continue to fight. Since the outcome was decided, she conceded defeat.

Upon hearing his words, Li Hao also put away the painting. When he was in this painting of time, he couldn't help but think of that broken girl, and he would feel sad.

Thinking of what had vanished, he couldn't help but turn his head and look at the figure in the crowd.

Fortunately, the other person's reincarnation still exists.

This time, he will not allow his body to be injured or broken again.

Seeing Li Hao's gaze, Su Muqing, who was staring blankly, came back to her senses, her expression changed immediately, and she turned her head away.

A surge of emotions welled up within her. She felt a deep admiration and fondness for the other person's paintings, but her anger was aroused by his shameless behavior of pestering her.

Despite possessing such talent, why is his moral character so base, only coveting power and bloodline?

The image of her childhood sweetheart floated into her mind, and a trace of complexity in her heart quickly disappeared. Compared to that radiant figure, all men in the world would pale in comparison.

No matter how skilled one is in painting, it's just a trivial skill.

Although she loved painting, she naturally understood deep down that cultivation was the true path!
With Long Yunhua Xian's surrender, this duel in the art of painting came to an end.

The women on the lake were all shocked and discussed among themselves. However, having witnessed the difference firsthand, no one questioned the result. They were simply amazed that, apart from the Painting Immortal Longyun, there was someone in Suzhou City with such superb painting skills.

For a time, many women from prominent families began to inquire about Li Hao's identity, hoping to invite him to their homes privately to teach them painting techniques.

After whispering and inquiring among themselves, they learned that the other party seemed to be related to the Su family.

"What I said earlier was an overstatement. You are right; my paintings are indeed not worthy of being considered high art."

Long Yunhuaxian approached Li Hao, bowed slightly, and apologized to him.

Seeing her attitude, Li Hao felt a little embarrassed and said, "I was just commenting casually, don't take it to heart. Everyone's early works were mediocre."

Upon hearing this, Long Yunhuaxian's lips twitched. In the end, it all came down to his paintings being too mediocre.

However, she also knew that Li Hao was right. Those paintings were exhibited here only for young ladies from wealthy families who were just getting into the art of painting. The techniques on those paintings were enough for them to learn.

After exchanging a few words, the two reconciled. Longyun Huaxian immediately invited Li Hao to the main building to appreciate the paintings and exchange ideas. However, Li Hao's gaze swept towards the girl in the crowd. He had only come here to accompany her, not to actually paint.

Although painting is something he genuinely loves, just like playing chess or fishing.

But even for that broken glance back at his feet, he could restrain himself and endure it.

Following Li Hao's gaze, Long Yun Hua Xian was somewhat surprised. She was quite old, having lived for 20,000 years, and was considered well-informed. She immediately saw the deep tenderness and profound emotions hidden in Li Hao's eyes.

She realized what was going on and said softly, "Then I won't bother you any longer, young master. I am from the Murong family. This is my jade token. If you need anything in the future, you can come to the Murong family and show this to me."

She handed Li Hao a jade pendant, thus establishing a good relationship.

Li Hao did not refuse, accepted the gift and thanked her, then said goodbye and went to Su Muqing's side.

Su Muqing heard the whispers around her and the conversation between Long Yunhuaxian and Li Hao. Her expression kept changing. The more eye-catching the young man in front of her was, the more annoyed she felt for some reason.

"Don't think that just because of this, I'll treat you differently!"

With a cold expression, she left a single sentence and went back to the main building.

Su Wanqing glanced at the jade pendant in Li Hao's hand. In Gusu City, apart from the Su family, the Jiang family and the Lin family were equally prominent.

Besides these three major families, the Murong family is the most prominent family, followed by several other aristocratic families such as the Lan family.

"You are exceptionally gifted and so talented, you shouldn't be like this."

Su Wanqing sighed softly.

Li Hao glanced at her but didn't say anything.

Before he could chase after Su Muqing, a figure with flowing black hair drifted towards him, accompanied by a fragrant aroma that was refreshing and delightful.

"How should I address you, young master?"

A girl with long, flowing black hair floated gracefully before Li Hao, as if stepping on ripples on a lake, and her soft voice rang out.

"Lin Jinrou?"

When Su Wanqing saw the newcomer, her expression changed slightly. The other party was the cousin of the imperial prince who was engaged to Su Muqing, and also a top genius of the Lin family, who was as famous as her.

Li Hao turned to look at the newcomer, glancing at his stunningly beautiful face before saying, "Haotian."

"Young Master Haotian, I am Lin Jinrou from the Lin family. May I invite you to my home to teach me the art of painting?"

Lin Jinrou spoke softly and directly, her eyes fixed on Li Hao.

Li Hao shook his head slightly, "Sorry, I'm busy."

After saying that, he left the other person behind and chased after Su Muqing.

Lin Jinrou was slightly taken aback; this was the first time someone had rejected her.

Even if she invited the immortal painter Long Yun to the family to teach her privately, the other party would not refuse, as it would offend the Lin family.

"Wanqing, do you know him?"

Lin Jinrou turned her gaze away from Li Hao's retreating figure and looked at Su Wanqing beside her.

Su Wanqing hadn't expected the other party to be interested in Li Hao. Considering the artistic skill Li Hao had just displayed, it was understandable. She sighed softly. Privately, her relationship with Lin Jinrou was alright, but this concerned Su Muqing's innocence, so she said lightly:
“The other party is temporarily staying in my Su family’s home, and may stay for a hundred years.”

"Temporarily staying?" Lin Jinrou's eyes flickered slightly as she asked, "What is his relationship with your Su family?"

Su Wanqing smiled bitterly and did not answer. If this news were to spread, Gusu Imperial Star would probably be in an uproar.

Inside the main building.

Li Hao followed Su Muqing. When Long Yun Huaxian sought out Li Hao to discuss the art of painting, Su Muqing took the initiative to seek guidance from Long Yun Huaxian.

Seeing Li Hao standing to one side, Long Yunhua Xian had no intention of talking to Su Muqing and wanted to take the opportunity to discuss things with Li Hao, but since the other party was, after all, the true phoenix of the Su family, she did not dare to offend him and could only patiently explain to him.

Li Hao sat to the side, listening silently to their conversation, his eyes fixed on Su Muqing's face, his thoughts wandering.

This sight naturally caught the attention of many young ladies from prominent families who were admiring the paintings in the main building, and they all began to whisper among themselves.

Since Su Muqing became famous, she has had no shortage of suitors, but all of them disappeared after she announced her relationship with the Lin family's son.

After all, no one dared to compete with that prince for his fiancée.

A true phoenix and a true dragon, they are a perfect match, a match made in heaven.

Unexpectedly, someone else is now pursuing Su Muqing.

As time passed, Su Muqing asked about several of her questions regarding her painting, and finally, she could no longer bear the whispers and discussions around her.

She snorted coldly, glared at Li Hao, then bid farewell to Long Yun Huaxian and flew back to the Su family.

Seeing this, Li Hao immediately followed suit.

After the two left, the discussions inside the main building intensified.

"What is the identity of that Young Master Haotian? How dare he openly pursue Su Muqing?"

"Look at his affectionate eyes, they're almost dripping with tears, it feels like he's deeply in love with Su Muqing."

"Nonsense! If I were a man, I would also like Su Muqing, but unfortunately, she belongs to that Imperial Prince!"

"If the Lin family finds out about this, I wonder if that Young Master Haotian will be in trouble. What a pity, his painting skills are so amazing, truly astonishing!"

"Miss Su said he only has a hundred years of lifespan. Is that true or false? If it is true, he must have a top figure backing him, or even an emperor. In that case, he might not be afraid of the Lin family."

The women whispered among themselves. They were all young ladies from prominent families, intelligent and perceptive, and they could tell that Li Hao's background was somewhat extraordinary.

Su Wanqing felt somewhat helpless when she saw that Su Muqing had returned early without saying goodbye, but since she also loved painting, she stayed.

When Lin Jinrou learned that Li Hao had left and heard the whispers of the girls around her, a glint flashed in her eyes. Was that young man actually planning to compete with Brother Zhexuan for Su Muqing?
……

Gusu Imperial Star, Lin Family.

Inside a magnificent mansion, no less impressive than that of the Su family.

Inside the inner courtyard of the mansion, on a cultivation array forged from chaotic immortal stones, sat a figure in a green robe, with a face as handsome as jade and extraordinary elegance.

Surrounding him, dragon energy swirled, with crimson dragon-shaped formations encircling him. This was not a special immortal technique, but rather the immortal power he had condensed within his body.

He cultivated the Lin family's top-level immortal techniques, condensing his immortal power into the Candle Dragon Immortal Power within his body. With the same amount of immortal power, he was a hundred times stronger than an ordinary Immortal Lord, making him virtually invincible within the same realm. He could easily crush opponents across four or five realms!

Other prodigies can condense their immortal power into mist, and then into liquid, which is already at the level of top prodigies of a great clan. But this Candle Dragon Immortal Power is even better than liquid immortal power!
As the nine strands of Candle Dragon Immortal Power surrounded him and disappeared into his body, his aura grew slightly stronger.

When he opened his eyes, he saw someone waiting for him not far away in the courtyard.

"What's the matter?"

The two words, "clear and crisp," echoed through the courtyard, like a gentle breeze or the glint of a sword under the bright moon, carrying a faint air of majesty.

"Reporting to the young master, we have just received a message about Miss Mu Qing."

"Oh."

Upon hearing the name "Mu Qing," a hint of tenderness appeared in the young man's cold eyes. He asked, "What is it?"

"Miss Mu Qing attended the Dragon Rhyme Art Exhibition. I heard that someone was pursuing her there."

The man bowed his head respectfully, revealing his aura as that of a Perfected Immortal Lord, yet he was as respectful as a servant.

"Pursue?"

Upon hearing this, the young man regained his composure and said, "With Mu Qing's looks and status, she has countless suitors. There's no need to dwell on such a trivial matter."

After saying that, he got up and went to the Lin family's secret realm to engage in practical training with the family elders.

……

The Su family, Huting Garden, and Zhexian Academy.

Two figures returned one after the other. Su Muqing went back to the courtyard and entered her own palace without looking back or glancing at Li Hao.

Li Hao glanced at the tightly closed courtyard gate and could only turn around and sit down on the carved chair next to it.

Not seeing Su Wanqing, Wu Ma stepped forward and cautiously asked:
"Young Master Haotian, where is Miss Wanqing?"

"do not know."

Li Hao said it casually; he genuinely hadn't paid attention.

Wu Ma retreated sheepishly.

The courtyard seemed to have returned to its previous normal state, with the palace doors tightly closed and a boy playing chess by himself in the courtyard.

This Immortal Abode is Su Muqing's main courtyard. Although it is not a cultivation array within the palace, the immortal energy in the courtyard is extremely dense. Li Hao feeds on the flesh and blood of ancient demons every day. With the immortal energy in the courtyard naturally permeating his body, he feels the immortal energy within him becoming increasingly profound, like a hazy mist, growing ever denser.

Li Hao was not in a hurry to break through his cultivation realm. He focused his mind on chess, carving, cooking, and other things, and had no time to spare for cultivation.

After all, breakthroughs in these skills would bring greater benefits and higher cost-effectiveness.

Even so, at the sixth level of the Dao of Form, his physical body had already autonomously absorbed the immortal power of heaven and earth, and was independently condensing his immortal body and cultivating.

The celestial body was gradually built up, taking shape over time...

Li Hao's celestial body also caused the immortal power within him to accumulate to a great depth, turning into a vast expanse of cloud-like mist, faintly permeating with liquid-like immortal power.

When one's immortal power is as smooth as water, that is when one's celestial body is fully formed.

In this peaceful time, Su Wanqing visited the Immortal Abode several times to see Su Muqing, and also to see if Li Hao was still holding on.

In addition, having witnessed Li Hao's painting skills before, she also wanted to learn from him. Although she felt sorry for Li Hao's wishful thinking, she believed that a master should be a teacher, and that did not prevent her from humbly asking Li Hao for advice on painting.

Whenever the topic of painting came up, Su Wanqing noticed that the young man's eyes sparkled with light and he was full of energy. He seemed like a tall, handsome young man with a sword, telling tales of love and hate in the martial world, riding a horse and singing freely, exuding a special confidence and radiance.

Every time Su Wanqing arrived, Su Muqing would open the palace door and chat with her at the entrance, or stroll with her in the garden to enjoy the scenery. This was a rare opportunity for Li Hao to see her.

He automatically ignored the cold and disgusted looks the other person gave him each time.

"It's hard to imagine that the art of painting has so many intricacies and can contain so many fundamental principles."

Across the chessboard, Su Wanqing rested her chin on her hands, listening intently as Li Hao tirelessly recounted the art of painting, her eyes shining brightly.

Bathed in sunlight, the boy's face was backlit, radiating a glow that rivaled even the most formidable prodigies from powerful clans she had ever witnessed in their duels.

"All paths in the world, if taken to their ultimate form, can be compatible with all things."

Li Hao said softly.

This is a different feeling he had after he realized the true meaning of painting.

The way of the sword can also encompass all things in the world: wind, fire, thunder, lightning, time, space, metal, and wood!
A drop of water can reflect the world, and a blade of grass can pierce the sun and moon!
Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Su Wanqing was slightly taken aback. Suddenly, she had a feeling of enlightenment, as if she had touched upon something, but she couldn't quite grasp it.

She knew that it was because her own level of understanding was too low that she was unable to grasp that fleeting moment of enlightenment.

"You really like playing chess?"

Su Wanqing shifted her gaze from the boy's face to the chessboard, but she didn't understand chess. In her opinion, it was something only old scholars liked, and she had no interest in it.

Li Hao nodded.

"You have so many hobbies. Father said you only have a hundred years of lifespan. Is that true?"

Su Wanqing couldn't help but ask curiously. Although she knew her father wouldn't lie and had no reason to, she still found it hard to imagine that he could reach such a level in just a hundred years, and that he had such a high level of mastery in painting.

Li Hao smiled and nodded slightly.

Su Wanqing sighed softly and said to Li Hao, "It's such a pity that you have such talent. Knowing my sister as I do, she won't change her mind. Besides... painting is ultimately a minor path. No one can match the Lin family's imperial son."

She looked at Li Hao and felt no aversion towards the young man. After several exchanges with him, she felt that he was indeed a peerless genius, no less than the prodigies of the great clans she had seen. It was just a pity that his opponent was the true dragon of the Lin family.

All men in the world pale in comparison to her!
Li Hao fell silent for a moment. A hundred years of companionship was indeed too short. Perhaps if he could break through to the Immortal King Realm within a hundred years, he might be able to discuss it again with the head of the Su family. Otherwise, he wouldn't even have the right to discuss it.

A century... Li Hao silently picked up a black stone and charged into the heart of the white territory.

The outcome of a battle often hinges on a single, crucial move!
The rest are all just setups, decoys to conceal the enemy.

Seeing that it was getting late, Su Wanqing got up to say goodbye to Li Hao and went to the main hall to say goodbye to Su Muqing.

Su Muqing would occasionally observe the situation in the courtyard, especially when Su Wanqing arrived. Seeing her younger sister approach, she frowned and said:
"It's best if you don't get too close to this kind of person. With such a mindset, you're destined not to go far on the path to supreme power!"

Su Wanqing nodded slightly. She understood this as well. That path was extremely difficult. Countless geniuses had fallen on this path throughout history. In addition to talent, bloodline, cultivation resources, opportunities, comprehension and other things, one also needed an invincible Dao heart!

That mind is not misled or influenced by any external things, and is therefore indispensable.

"Sister, you should cultivate diligently. When the time comes to win the Sword Pool, we will be waiting for you to show your talent."

Su Wanqing smiled and didn't talk to her about Li Hao. She knew that Su Muqing was disgusted by Li Hao, but for some reason, after talking to the boy more, her impression of him had quietly changed. However, thinking about some of his behavior, she couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Yeah, you too! Let's win the championship together!"

Su Muqing couldn't help but smile as she thought about winning the Sword Pool championship several years later.

time flies.

A year later, Li Hao's celestial body finally reached its peak.

Within his body, immortal power condensed like dew, descending from the thick immortal clouds and transforming into sweet dew that merged into his immortal body, instantly filling his body with a powerful and profound immortal power.

If the previous immortal power was merely an air sac wandering through the body, then now it is beginning to transform into a water bag. At the same level of Immortal Lord, a single finger of immortal power can suppress other ordinary level one Immortal Lords.

He possesses the Heavenly Star Vein, and with the absorption and transformation of the sixth level of the Dao of Form, although he did not deliberately cultivate and the Heavenly Star Vein did not manifest outwardly, his speed of absorbing the immortal power of heaven and earth far surpasses that of ordinary people, comparable to the full-force cultivation of some great clans' prodigies.

Although Li Hao had some understanding of the great success of his immortal body, he did not feel too happy. The road ahead was still very long, and he was only taking a step forward from the starting point. After all, what he would face in the future was not these great clans' geniuses, but the Southern Region Supreme, his mortal enemy!
time flies.

Over three years, five years, the immortal dew within Li Hao's body accumulated more and more, from entering the Great Completion stage to becoming completely full and condensing into the Great Completion Perfection of a Celestial Immortal!

(End of this chapter)