Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1807 Chapter 471: Painting Formation (Part 3)

"Brother Haotian performed quite admirably already. Once the fight begins, we'll keep him safe right in the middle. Though he might be the least powerful, we'll make sure to shield him properly."

A different youth, shrouded in dark energy everywhere, voiced his thoughts.

Li Hao identified him as part of the Ghost Tribe, belonging to the same group as those two sisters from the Ghost Tribe.

"Exactly so."

Long Ying gave a small nod as well. At this point, they had come to accept both Li Hao and Shi Miao. Sure, safeguarding Li Hao carried a bit of danger for their group, but the benefits and praises they'd earn turned it into a smart choice.

Next, Long Ying presented the other six to Li Hao. The stunning woman with fox ears went by Liuli, the Ghost Tribe fellow was named Gui Xuanbing, and the youth clad in dark robes was Duan Yuan, hailing from the Night Dragon Clan.

Those left were Wuyue, Yan Jing, and Zi Qianxue.

"In our Dragon Shield Seven Towers, things work just like in the rest—the stronger your cultivation level, the loftier the level you occupy. Brother Haotian, with your First Level of Immortal King Realm, the first floor suits you best."

Long Ying addressed Li Hao directly.

Li Hao cast a casual look at the bottommost first floor and, without much care, agreed with a nod, "Sounds fine."

"Decided by power?"

Shi Miao arched a brow, fixing her eyes on the dark-robed youth Duan Yuan, then stated evenly, "If that's how it is, I'll aim for the eighth floor."

"Are you issuing a challenge to me?"

Duan Yuan picked up on Shi Miao's irritation aimed at him, likely stemming from his initial objection before. He spoke bluntly without holding back:

"Fine, let's see what you've got."

Since they both stood at the Fourth Level of Immortal King Realm, Duan Yuan refused to take the confrontation lightly.

"Challenges require the Duel Arena."

Long Ying mentioned, yet he refrained from intervening, eager to witness Shi Miao's fighting prowess. Unlike Li Hao, who studied under the Immortal Emperor, Long Ying felt greater curiosity toward Shi Miao. Her genuine Fourth Level of Immortal King Realm strength qualified her for the Mystic Armor Department, making her a reliable partner amid battles.

"No point in going through all that hassle."

Shi Miao dismissed it with a shake of her head. In a flash, her domain surged outward, morphing into a savage presence that rushed straight at Duan Yuan.

Duan Yuan's face twisted upon sensing the dreadful might hidden in that domain. Startled, he shifted right away into his shadowy dragon shape, bellowing while deploying his own domain.

Yet the moment his domain emerged, Shi Miao's overpowered it. From within her domain stretched a slender, ghostly finger, as if drawn from ancient records of history, enormous enough to bore through half the Dragon Shield Seven Towers, bearing down heavily upon Duan Yuan.

Duan Yuan barely managed a draconic cry before the finger crushed onto his skull, smashing him into the Dragon Shield Seven Towers and forcing blood from his lips.

The sight left Long Ying and his companions utterly dumbfounded.

Duan Yuan, who ranked just below Long Ying in their midst, got utterly overwhelmed by Shi Miao in mere moments, putting him firmly on the back foot!

Even though Duan Yuan hadn't brought out his strongest technique yet, his domain had been breached by the foe. The difference stood out starkly.

"This can't be happening?"

"Her... Is she another pupil of the Immortal Emperor too? Makes sense, given they're companions."

The group recovered from their daze, hearts pounding with astonishment, their gazes alight with thrill. This level of battle might promised a huge lift for their seventh floor team, perhaps offsetting Li Hao's weaker spots.

Li Hao realized Shi Miao was standing up for him and quickly sent a mental note urging her to ease up.

Shi Miao pulled back her energy, the domain's force receding like retreating waves. She shot a look at Duan Yuan and declared, "I took you on because of your rude remarks earlier. Consider it settled now. In combat, we fight as allies! Voice any complaints you have right here. But should I catch any sneaky actions during battle, you'll regret it!"

Her statement prompted exchanged looks among the rest, bringing silent sighs of relief. Luckily, despite the girl's bold temperament, she proved fair-minded. Their biggest worry had been a type who bottled up issues and stirred problems in secret.

Duan Yuan reverted to his dark-robed human shape, face drained of color. He cleaned the blood from his mouth's edge, shot Shi Miao a glare of resentment, but ultimately drew in a steadying breath and admitted, "I'm defeated, I yield—the eighth floor belongs to you."

"Not necessary, I'll take the second floor. I prefer being close to him."

Shi Miao answered coolly.

This revelation left Long Ying and the others at a loss for words. Clearly, her clash with Duan Yuan had been nothing more than blowing off steam.

Truly, women harbor a fierce grudge-holding streak.