Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1790 Chapter 464: Breakthrough and Becoming King

"Quasi-Emperor Realm?"

Upon hearing this, Di Wushè hid his shock. Since he himself stood at the Quasi-Emperor Realm, Li Hao's description of the enigmatic elder with battle prowess matching his own lessened his feeling of reverence.

"But Master, why don't they switch their cultivation to the Emperor Dao?" Gu Mofan inquired.

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor shook his head. "Switching cultivation paths would require rejecting their entire history. Though their strength mirrors the Quasi-Emperor Realm, their longevity rivals that of Immortal Emperors. In essence, they have attained immortality. Without conflicts, there's no reason to alter their path."

"If it were me, I'd prefer to start over, just to chase the highest summit."

Di Wushè spoke steadily, his gaze filled solely with an unyielding drive toward the ultimate height.

Listening to his second disciple's words, the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor gave a subtle smile and replied, "You seek the summit because you've yet to touch it. Yet in the Ancient Chaos era, they had already claimed it, unmatched across the realm. Back then, your master and the other Immortal Emperors weren't even born. After reigning as Emperors for countless ages, repeating it holds little appeal—plus, ascending to Immortal Emperor status doesn't guarantee the true apex."

At the master's explanation, both Long Qingge and Lei Jingfeng were stunned. Long Qingge, her face full of shock, asked, "Master, is there truly a realm beyond Immortal Emperor?"

"No, there isn't."

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor shook his head once more. "But as you know, your master's feats across two lives in this world stand as: First, forging the Dao Origin Immortal Seal Ultimate Realm; second, devising the Extreme Dao Method to shatter foundational bonds and exceed boundaries!"

"These form two distinct Emperor Roads!"

"In simple terms, if you're talented enough, you could forge a third road, a fourth..."

"Even Immortal Emperors vary in their might!"

The master's words left the two in awe, sparking a realization of boundless knowledge yet to grasp.

"Once you've reached your master's stage, sun and moon endure side by side. Without concern for other beings, merely for one's own safety, even amid ancient demon disasters or cosmic upheavals, no harm would come. Across endless epochs, further Emperor Roads will emerge. Still... true invincibility brings its own boredom."

"Without shouldering the weight of all life, one can't truly claim the title of Emperor."

For a brief instant, a hint of melancholy crossed the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor's eyes, but he swiftly suppressed it, shaking his head lightly before turning to Li Hao:

"You've conquered two levels of the Heavenly Domain and amassed ample Heavenly Dao Power. Did you face powerful foes along the Heavenly Ascension Road?"

Li Hao's heart skipped, sensing his master might be inquiring about the black-robed youth.

Before Li Hao could respond, Di Lingshu hurriedly recounted every detail, including Li Hao's choice to forgo the Heavenly Heart.

Shi Miao and Gu Mofan had learned of it en route, showing no surprise, yet Di Wushè and the others were dumbfounded, gazing at Li Hao in disbelief.

The chance to claim emperorship, and this young junior brother had willingly forsaken it?

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor, after Di Lingshu's account, remained composed; he merely eyed Li Hao with mild astonishment before smiling and commenting:

"Your Dao Heart reaches too high, which isn't always beneficial; your resolve proves overly pure."

Li Hao froze, anticipating a scolding from the master, only to receive this gentle observation.

Di Lingshu hadn't foreseen such a mild response either, questioning in astonishment, "Master, you're not upset?"

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor cast her a calm glance. "Seizing the Dao via the Heavenly Heart offers a peerless chance, yet the Heavenly Heart shifts like the wind. What you gain, you also lose. It's a pity, but if your personal Dao Heart doesn't align, forcing it serves no purpose—otherwise, emperorship would carry hidden fractures and weaknesses."

Di Wushè, Gu Mofan, and Zhan Qinghuang each displayed contemplative looks, staying silent.

Di Lingshu seemed puzzled. "Master, are you saying this could actually turn out for the better?"

"You've trained under this master for centuries now. Though not an eternity, it's no brief span. Your Time Origin has advanced to the Sixth Level of Perfection, merely a single stride from the Seventh. That missing stride stems from incomplete insight. Before the vast river of time, nothing remains constant. Mountains and rivers today become chasms tomorrow; universal acclaim now turns to widespread scorn later—what counts as fortune, and what as misfortune?"

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor regarded Di Lingshu steadily, his words echoing like the profound tones of the Dao, leaving her lost in thought. The frustrations in her heart and the ache for Li Hao began to ease. She stood entranced, as if beholding myriad visions unfolding, while her sealed Time Origin Realm faintly stirred, hinting at a breakthrough.

"What do you intend next?"

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor turned to Li Hao, his eyes tranquil, as though piercing every secret in Li Hao's mind.

Li Hao paused briefly, struck by the sense that nothing escaped this master's all-seeing wisdom, which spanned past and future alike.

He bowed at once and answered honestly, "This disciple plans to advance and claim kingship."

"Very well."

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor betrayed no shock, merely nodding. "Your base has hit its limit; it's time for that advance. Regarding Lingshu..."

He halted briefly before adding, "You ought to keep training here."

Di Lingshu had no desire to advance alongside Li Hao. Though she could ascend to king at will, having merged just ten Chaos Laws—far short of the twenty-three required—she aimed to build a stronger foundation.

"This junior brother joined later, yet he's set to become a king ahead," Long Qingge blurted out.

Her words drew two piercing stares like needles, and upon looking, she locked eyes with her junior sister Di Lingshu, feeling instantly awkward.

Zhan Qinghuang stifled a chuckle with her hand. "Junior Sister, you should work harder to avoid letting your junior brother pull too far ahead."

Di Lingshu flushed red, shooting her a glare. "He's your junior brother as well! You all shouldn't slack off. At his pace, he could hit Quasi-Emperor Realm before you make any progress!"