The Name of Eternals

Chapter 157: Three Immortals, Transcendental Pinnacle

Three thousand miles north of Tianmen Pass, there lies the Chishui River. The river's waters are dark red, its bed filled with red stones, inhabited by water demons. By the river, at the foot of a mountain, stands a humble cottage. Here, an elderly man resides, a Three Immortals realm demon who calls himself the Red God.

The Red God commands the demons within a thousand miles, his territory rooted in the Chishui River. Originally a red-blooded python, he devoured the essence of the sun and moon for three hundred years, evolving into a flood dragon, and finally reaching the Three Immortals realm through relentless hunting and cultivation.

But now, this Red God is trembling, kneeling before three formidable figures who rest beside his cottage. Despite their efforts to conceal their overwhelming aura, the Red God's heart quivers in fear, unsure how he came to provoke these three demon kings.

"Damn the Li family, damn that old bastard, damn that little brat!" the Wanshan Demon King roared, clenching his fists, his eyes bloodshot and breath heavy. He was severely wounded, suppressing both his injuries and his fury. The hatred for his slain son burned fiercely, compounded by the loss of his brother and the immense resources spent to recruit the two demon kings beside him. His forces had been utterly decimated, his millennia-old foundation in the Wanshan Demon Domain obliterated.

"If only we had coordinated with the Sacred Palace or the Dragon Gate beforehand," the silver-robed youth lamented, his eyes filled with regret. "We could have ambushed the Li family while attacking that brat, delivering a crippling blow."

"That's wishful thinking," the Dragon Lord said, shaking his head. "That old fighter wouldn't have shown up unless he had back-up guarding the Li family estate."

"They've already begun collaborating," the silver-robed youth revealed a startling piece of information. "Do you think the Taixu realm could muster such forces alone? They're banding together, preparing to carve up the Great Yu Dynasty."

The Dragon Lord was stunned. "They're cooperating? Those factions have been at odds for centuries. Who would've thought they'd unite?"

The silver-robed youth didn't elaborate, instead shifting the topic. "The Demon Suppression Division will soon come after us. We need to decide whether to stick together or part ways."

The Dragon Lord and Wanshan Demon King fell silent.

"If we stay together, will you lead us to the Sacred Palace?" the Dragon Lord asked.

The silver-robed youth nodded. "I left the Sacred Palace to live freely, but now I'm forced back. The Sacred Palace is the only option; the Great Wilderness is too dangerous."

The Wanshan Demon King, still seething with grief, looked at the Dragon Lord. "You're headed to the Dragon Gate, aren't you?"

The Dragon Lord sighed. "I turned them down years ago, seeking freedom. Going there now would be humiliating."

The Wanshan Demon King sneered. "Enough. Since you both have destinations, let's part ways."

"And you? Where will you go? The Taixu realm?" the Dragon Lord asked.

The Wanshan Demon King nodded. "I have no choice. They are preparing to attack Liangzhou. I might get a chance for revenge."

The Dragon Lord acknowledged. "Then, farewell. Perhaps we'll meet again."

They exchanged parting words and flew off, leaving the Wanshan Demon King alone. As he prepared to depart, a figure draped in a pure white robe materialized behind him.

The Wanshan Demon King's face twisted in rage. "Sent to take me back?"

The figure in white remained calm. "You still have a chance for redemption. Renounce your evil ways and you will be forgiven."

The Wanshan Demon King laughed bitterly. "You have no idea what it's like to lose a son. My son's potential was limitless! Now, I'll never have another like him."

The white-robed figure showed no emotion. "Your son's talent would take a thousand years to mature. Do you think we have that time?"

The Wanshan Demon King knew this to be true but was unwilling to concede. He turned away, clutching a dark blue protective talisman given by the white-robed figure. With one last look southward, he soared into the sky, leaving behind a blood-soaked river and a trail of destruction.

The next day, Li Hao arranged for nine cauldrons of the demon king's precious blood to be transported back to Qingzhou, as a gesture of gratitude to the Li family. Though the intended recipient was no longer there, it mattered not; the gift would reach its destination.

With the demon king driven off, Li Hao focused on his final promise: guarding the pass for three years. Eight months had passed, and spring approached. With winter's grip loosening, the rebuilding of Cangya City continued, and its walls were fortified by the astrologers of the Division of Celestial Phenomena.

Li Hao ventured a hundred miles outside the city to a solitary peak. There, he activated his system interface, reviewing his attributes. His body, control, sword, and fist techniques were all at six segments, while his movement technique lagged at three segments. He had 33 technique points accumulated but had only used 27, leaving six.

His breakthroughs in the culinary and sculpting arts had provided the necessary points. Now, with the newly acquired "Cooking Insight," he decided to invest in his physical cultivation.

As he did, a flood of information surged into his mind. The concept of the "Three Immortals" – immortality, indestructibility, and eternal vigor – was imprinted deeply within him. His physical techniques evolved to unprecedented levels.

From "Golden Skin Tempering: Vajra (True State)" to "Hundred Refinements Indestructible Body: Immovable Wisdom King (Transcendental)," his techniques transcended ordinary martial arts, invoking the immense power of the heavens.

Li Hao stood, feeling the surge of power, and activated the "Immovable Wisdom King." His body expanded, muscles bulging, his frame reaching nearly two meters. An ethereal figure, a majestic eight-meter tall deity, formed behind him, exuding a terrifying aura of invincibility.

He pushed forward with his palm, the divine figure mimicking his movement. The impact was slow but unstoppable, imprinting a massive palm mark into the earth.

Breathing deeply, Li Hao felt an insatiable urge to test his newfound strength. He moved through his other techniques, transforming into a smaller dragon, his body adorned with scales that absorbed and processed energy at an unprecedented rate.

With each transformation, his understanding of the Three Immortals deepened. He reached the "Undying" stage, bypassing the typical steps, feeling his body regenerate and grow stronger with every passing moment. The peak where he stood was enveloped in a storm of energy, drawing the attention of everyone in Cangya City.

As they gathered to witness his transformation, Li Hao continued his training, breaking through to the "Eternal Vigor" stage. His body transcended mortal limitations, embracing the full potential of the Three Immortals.