Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1797 - 467: King’s Domain Realm (2)

Furthermore, should time allow... one could even keep forging additional supreme World Hearts, fusing them to enable several King’s Domain Hearts to exist together!

As Li Hao mulled it over further, the notion struck him as increasingly frightening. Were it to advance that far, envisioning its sheer might became nearly impossible.

"He's right on this. While the King’s Domain Heart packs a punch, back among the Seven Monarchs from a hundred thousand years past, just two managed to carve out their own Emperor’s Path; the others all stumbled, even the one right next to you."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor stated with composure.

Shi Miao shot him a displeased look upon hearing that, sensing he was downplaying her before Li Hao, and grumbled, "Without the Ancient Devil War getting in the way, I would've absolutely forged my own Emperor’s Path. In this life, I'll walk it for sure!"

Li Hao grasped what his master meant; essentially, the King’s Domain Heart didn't hold a candle to the Emperor’s Path.

"Your disciple gets it."

Li Hao replied.

Noting Li Hao's quick understanding, Dao Origin Immortal Emperor gave a faint nod. He knew full well how sharp this young pupil of his was, and continued, "For your trip to the Eastern Domain this time, your fifth senior brother will keep an eye on you. The trial in the Original Demon Cave won't mean much real challenge for you, and as your master, I grant you leave to head down the mountain."

Li Hao inclined his head and inquired, "What exactly is the Original Demon Cave?"

"The Original Demon Cave stands as a profoundly dread-filled secret realm. You're aware the heart of the Primordial True Realm lies in Chaos. It served as the primal True Realm, drawing nearest to the world's roots. In that spot, a gateway links to the world's profoundest depths—that's the Original Demon Cave!"

"It ought to count as the earliest Ancient Demon Cave, harboring the primal blood essence of the Ancient Demon Clan!"

"Primal blood essence?"

Li Hao's face shifted a bit, caught off guard by the Ancient Demons' shadow emerging here.

"In plain terms, it's the very first Ancient Demon. The Ancient Demons roaming the outside world these days stem from endless lineages later on. Against those initial Demons, they're far inferior."

Shi Miao explained.

Li Hao's features altered once more. Original Demons surpassing Ancient Demons in strength? Keep in mind, the Ancient Demon Clan's exceptional build let them smash the Ten Thousand Clans at equal ranks with ease; only same-rank prodigies could take them down, while regular powerhouses could scarcely hold their own.

"Master, from where did this Ancient Demon Clan first arise?"

Li Hao questioned, finding the Ancient Demon Clan shrouded in deep mystery, though his master probably held the key to their beginnings.

At Li Hao's words, Dao Origin Immortal Emperor grew quiet. Moments later, he began deliberately, "You've broken through now and claimed your king title; no need to keep certain matters from you. Still, learning them won't bring much gain. This Ancient Demon Clan hails from Reincarnation!"

"Reincarnation?"

Li Hao jolted in surprise, abruptly remembering words from the Ancient Demon Clan girl, Mi Xueyao, regarding Reincarnation Fragments.

"Legend holds that Reincarnation broke apart, driving the Ancient Demons into the True Realm, where they claimed the domain of the Ten Thousand Clans."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor continued steadily, "Long ago, an Immortal Emperor aimed to rally allies for a 'Reverse Demon Plan,' seeking to storm the Ancient Demon Clan's realm, yet discovered it already in ruins. This left the Ancient Demon Clan with nowhere to fall back. We even sent an Immortal Emperor to parley, offering to cede a portion of the True Realm for their stay, but that Immortal Emperor ended up shamefully cornered by them, fleeing with grave injuries, nearly meeting his end."

With that, a chill flickered in his gaze.

The True Realm's Ten Thousand Races had extended olive branches, ready to share existence with the Ancient Demons, yet the Ancient Demon Clan sought to devour every bit of the True Realm's Ten Thousand Races, lording over them and turning the clans into mere beasts.

Li Hao froze for an instant, his expression turning grim without thought, aware that his master included, numerous Immortal Emperors had poured vast efforts and trials into this before, all crashing to failure, sparking the devastating disaster of a hundred thousand years back.

"Even the seventh layer trial of the original demon cave, should you tackle it, you'd clear it. It demands combat prowess at the second layer of the Immortal King Realm, and your base runs profound. Fresh from your breakthrough and king proclamation, you're already set to clash with second-layer Immortal King Realm foes."

Shi Miao told Li Hao.

It's beyond merely the Double World Heart; Li Hao's inner Heavenly Dao Power, blended with assorted Extreme Realm and Final Realm forces—like Extreme Dao Chaos, True God Blood, and more—sufficed for him to burst forth with second-layer Immortal King Realm might.

"So then, those two who conquered the Original Demon Cave’s ninth layer can readily dispatch peak first-layer Immortal King Realm experts?"

Li Hao queried, taken aback.

Shi Miao affirmed with a nod, "That lines up with just scraping by against third-layer Immortal King Realm strength, Ancestor Emperor Power—utterly fearsome."

Li Hao felt a bit at a loss for words; he'd formed the Double World Heart, but it fell short of rivals stirring Ancestor Emperor Power. Was this the edge of heritage?

A straightforward route lacking roots still couldn't rival the effortless prowess from the Heavenly Dragon People... Li Hao gave a wry smile, yet harbored no urge to vie with such folk. The path of Cultivation marks a lone pursuit of the Dao, much like him pondering a board of Go, where this journey isn't about besting rivals, but piercing through nearly impossible positions; such progress fuels personal growth and elevation, tied not to others.

Carving an Emperor’s Path mirrors that pursuit; the "foe" amounts solely to one's inner hurdles and puzzles in making diverse World Hearts dwell in harmony.

"Old Wu."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor summoned, and Long Qingge’s avatar materialized, advancing to bow: "Master."

"I'm entrusting Hao Er to your care; protect him well."

Long Qingge dipped his head, recalling the master had brought this up earlier. Of course, he'd seize the chance to bond tighter with the little junior brother; fellow pupils or not, forging deeper ties to turn into war allies would prove hugely advantageous down the line for the Eastern Domain's Ancestor Dragon Court.

"Master, have no worries—even staking my life, I won't allow my little junior brother to suffer harm!"

Long Qingge vowed right away.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor offered a subtle nod, then instructed Li Hao: "In that case, go along with your fifth senior brother."

"Yes."

Li Hao agreed with a nod.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor lifted his hand, tracing a loop through empty space, from which six beams of Divine Light cascaded down, shockingly assembling into a full array of Domain Artifacts!

Eyeing this array of Domain Artifacts, a flicker of sorrow crossed Dao Origin Immortal Emperor’s gaze, though he swiftly masked it. He sent the Domain Artifacts gliding toward Li Hao and spoke measuredly:

"These belonged to a disciple of an old companion from days gone by, bound by three seals. You'll release them upon hitting the third, sixth, and ninth layers of the Immortal King Realm. At your present strength, handling it proves beyond you otherwise."

"Twilight of the Gods?"

Shi Miao's look shifted upon spotting this Domain Artifact set, displaying clear astonishment.

Li Hao glanced across, observing how the Domain Artifact's armor bore golden streaks like tears, akin to parched remnants—more precisely, blood remnants!

"How did this Domain Artifact end up with you?"

Shi Miao couldn't resist turning to Dao Origin Immortal Emperor.

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor regarded the Domain Artifact, replying evenly: "Obviously, both that old companion and his disciple have gone eternally quiet."

Shi Miao's face altered faintly, yet as if struck by a memory, she held her tongue in the end.

Li Hao turned to Shi Miao, "What's the backstory on this Domain Artifact?"

Shi Miao gave a slight nod, "This Domain Artifact came from one of the Seven Monarchs a hundred thousand years ago, the castoff armor of the God-Slaying Emperor. Prior to the great clash, the God-Slaying Emperor had ascended to the Quasi-Emperor Realm. In their early days, over a certain incident, they razed the Ancient God Clan, besting their youthful talents. That day brought the Ancient God Clan a harsh blow, stripping away heaps of their glory. It was during that time, clad in this Domain Artifact, that it earned its name."

Li Hao stood dumbfounded, grasping at once that this treasure carried ancient weight.

The Ancient God Clan’s Shen Wuji, whom he'd encountered previously, had treated him warmly.

Incidents from a hundred thousand years prior differed vastly from those ten thousand years on, and Li Hao wouldn't muddle them, particularly with these mighty clans, where folks inevitably mix the noble and the vile, the upright and the corrupt—impossible to lump as one.

"This ranks as a peak Immortal King Realm Domain Artifact, serviceable clear to the Tenth Layer of the Immortal King Realm."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor informed Li Hao, "On top of that, your Immortal Sword no longer suffices to display your full might. As your master, I'll provide you with a fresh one."

He extended his hand, and abruptly, a dim gray bolt of lightning flared in the void, the fabric of space quivering subtly, as though some profoundly alarming presence neared emergence.

Before long, a deep black Ink Sword took shape, coiled with strands of blood threads around its grip, an eyeball at the pommel that, under Li Hao's stare, abruptly spun, fixing directly on him.

As their stares met, Li Hao sensed a faint tremor in his thoughts, like a mighty spiritual sword intent piercing his awareness, resembling a flash of sword gleam slashing across his senses, delving far into the Sea of Consciousness.