Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1805 Chapter 471: Array Painting

"Exactly, we serve not just as the Mystic Armor Department but as the Dragon Shield Tower too, tasked with guarding the front lines. A flaw in this spot would create vulnerabilities in the array, making it simple for the Ancient Demon to exploit and cause heavy casualties."

A woman with deep shadows under her eyes murmured softly as well, her look filled with regret toward Li Hao.

Offending Li Hao, the Immortal Emperor's disciple, was the last thing they wanted, yet journeying alongside him risked their own safety too much.

This was the Eastern Domain battlefield after all, where even Quasi-Emperor Realm experts could meet their end.

"I'll handle his share myself; you all just focus on your duties."

Unable to watch Li Hao face such shame, Shi Miao spoke in a frosty tone, her stare sharp as frost, scanning the seven while radiating the pressure of the Fourth Level of the Immortal King Realm.

The seven turned their eyes to Shi Miao at her statement, as the black-robed youth arched a brow and scoffed.

"Bold claims indeed—if you possess that kind of ability, why seek our help at all?"

Shi Miao's expression shifted a bit, on the verge of snapping back, yet Qingxuan lifted his hand to halt the dispute, his voice steady and composed.

"Asking for your protection obviously comes with fitting rewards from the Dragon Shield Tower. With Haotian among you, each fight you join will earn double the celestial merits—does that suit you?"

His words left the seven momentarily speechless, exchanging astonished looks among themselves.

They turned their attention to Li Hao once more, at last grasping the weight of his position as the Immortal Emperor's disciple.

"Vice City Lord Qing, can we take this as fact?"

The refined youth, radiant like fine jade, fixed his eyes on Qingxuan.

Qingxuan replied coolly, "Military matters allow no empty promises."

The noble youth eyed the remaining six, and through their shared glances, while a couple hesitated, the rest's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Very well."

The noble youth inclined his head, then added with a grin, "Under these terms, we'll certainly look after the Immortal Emperor's disciple properly."

As he voiced his agreement, the black-robed youth, though unwilling, held his tongue.

Doubled celestial merits proved an irresistible lure, and the young one in their midst could serve as a lucky charm of sorts.

In battlefields like this, seekers chase gains through peril!

Danger lurked everywhere, yet forging merits yielded immense prizes.

Even if the Immortal Emperor's disciple posed a potential liability now, the doubled celestial merits offered clear advantages, letting them build merits swiftly and outpace rival Mystic Armor Departments.

Celestial merits unlocked a wealth of rare treasures, redeemable at the Ancestor Dragon Court's vault for extraordinary resources like supreme immortal physiques, loyal spirit beasts, and more.

"Hmph!"

With the seven's consent in place, Long Qingge let out a chilly huff, recognizing that profit always swayed loyalties in the end.

"One warning, though: should Brother Haotian come to harm, you'll forfeit all celestial merits and suffer severe repercussions!"

Qingxuan declared in an icy voice.

The noble youth, anticipating such a condition, gave a small nod. "Of course."

"Brother Haotian, make this your base in the Dragon Shield Tower for the time being. In mere centuries, I'm sure you'll rise to lead it." Qingxuan faced Li Hao, a warm smile on his lips.

His choice of words alerted the seven inwardly; a figure like Vice City Lord Qing treating this youth as a brother highlighted his soaring prospects ahead.

Thinking back to the fox-eared woman's prior remarks, they saw how this youth was bound to eclipse them soon, making alliance with him a smart move.

"Master?"

At Qingxuan's remark, Li Hao scanned the area, figuring the noble youth held command, since he had arrived from above first, and the group's reactions marked him as the unspoken head.

"Yes, given Brother Haotian's talent, it's likely you'll claim my role in three to five hundred years."

The noble youth addressed Li Hao smilingly, his eyes conveying sincere friendliness.

The group now regarded Li Hao more gravely, knowing the Mystic Armor Department's head required Fifth Level of Immortal King Realm strength; reaching that in centuries marked him as a freakish genius without doubt.

"My little disciple brother, should harm befall you here, whoever's involved will face certain doom!"

Long Qingge interjected then, her stare frozen like ice, golden eyes displaying four tiers, pulsing with Ancestor Dragon might.

A shock rippled across the seven's features, a primal shiver stirring from their blood's core, urging them to kneel.

Yet as seasoned fighters in this realm, they quelled the bone-deep dread at last, even if their faces twisted uncomfortably.

"Little disciple brother, endure this setup for now; if it ever displeases you, just say the word, and I'll arrange something else."

Long Qingge shifted to Li Hao, her voice turning gentle right away.

Li Hao smiled and nodded. "This place seems pretty good."

With Li Hao's response, Long Qingge held back further words, giving a nod. "I'll head back to Jianlong Pass then—reach out if any issues crop up."

Spotting her haste to depart, Li Hao sensed the Eastern Domain's turmoil ran deep and refrained from delaying her, merely wishing, "Stay safe."

"Alright."

"Little disciple brother, my wife and I will depart as well."

Feng Qiqi told the pair.

Li Hao and Shi Miao nodded in return, waving goodbye to the duo.

"Get settled in first, and update me on matters whenever needed."

Qingxuan passed his command token to Li Hao, speaking with a grin.

Li Hao took the token and nodded.

Once the others had gone, only Li Hao and Shi Miao stood before the Dragon Shield Tower with the seven.

As Long Qingge departed, the seven's tension eased fully; hailing from Eastern Domain bloodlines, they harbored profound awe and terror for the Ancestor Dragon heritage, and she plainly ranked as an elite of that clan, close enough to the Immortal Emperor's disciple to call him little disciple brother—proving her own status as one too.