Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1808 Chapter 472: Gathering

Following a quick introduction among themselves, Long Ying himself guided Li Hao and Shi Miao toward the initial and subsequent levels.

Rather than matching the tower's exterior appearance, these levels evoked a hidden paradise, a vast and idyllic vista. Broad mountains and flowing rivers sprawled throughout, adorned with unusual blooms and precious plants, while an immortal formation drew in celestial energy, allowing cultivation progress to vastly outpace that of the outer realms.

"The vistas within this hidden paradise can be shaped by you all."

Long Ying explained, "After you get accustomed to it all, we'll hold a parting feast tomorrow to build stronger bonds and share deeper tales of Dragon Gate City, helping you grasp it better."

"Sure."

Li Hao gave a nod.

With Li Hao showing no resistance, Shi Miao followed suit without any qualms.

Once Long Ying departed, Shi Miao joined Li Hao for a tour of the hidden paradise on his level, before heading back to her own.

Yet shortly after, she came back from her spot and told Li Hao, "Why not join me on my level? The immortal formation there pulls in celestial energy more potently."

Li Hao felt a touch of surprise, yet it soon clicked; without perks, the level rankings in the trial would lack purpose, and mere height for better views would hold no value.

"Then why not head to the eighth level yourself?"

Li Hao proposed.

Shi Miao declined with a shake of her head, "I prefer being nearer to you, ready to act fast if trouble arises. This immortal formation offers a minor boost, but the gap isn't huge for someone like me."

Li Hao realized she cherished moments beside him, and he grinned right away, "Fine, stick to the second level then; this immortal formation's benefits are just so-so for me too."

His cultivation hinged on grasping artistic insights, and he'd arrived at this frontier warzone for real battles, now ripe for gains and returns.

Even mighty lineages like the Ancestor Dragon Clan, after their geniuses hit the Immortal King Realm, dispatched them for hands-on tasks rather than endless pampering.

Geniuses represent tomorrow's strength, yet they can't linger indefinitely in safety, hoarding elite treasures.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Shi Miao stopped pushing back. She and Li Hao both favored directness over pretense, and their bond forged through time-space journeys left no room for politeness.

As Shi Miao settled on the second level, Li Hao shifted to the immortal formation. Positioned atop a lofty peak and encircled by rare flora and herbs, it featured a summit spring basin. Entering it, Li Hao sensed a unique force infiltrating his form, revitalizing his celestial physique, while his cultivation stage seemed to gain subtle support, steadying the circulation of myriad Dao principles.

Had they not divided the formation's celestial energy, Li Hao might have urged Shi Miao to remain and practice alongside him.

Fresh from his recent advancement, Li Hao already sensed the grueling nature of progress in the Immortal King Realm. A prodigy like Shi Miao, who'd spent three centuries with him at Extreme Dao Mountain, had only climbed to the Fourth Tier of the Immortal King Realm.

That's one tier every century!

And challenges mount higher with each step; hitting the Immortal King Realm's peak in under two millennia counts as remarkable.

"Time drags on..."

Immersed in the spring, Li Hao murmured with a sigh. Gazing into the distance, a wave of temporal weariness washed over him.

Back at Extreme Dao Mountain, he'd poured his focus into training, taking over a century to master a single mindset up to the thirteenth layer.

"Luckily, here on this frontier, I can pursue Ancient Demons and gather True God Blood; hitting ten thousand drops signals completion, and with the True God enduring, even a Quasi-Emperor's hold might not trap me..."

Li Hao's gaze sparked with excitement. In the True God Realm, only a Great Emperor's direct strike could truly end him—he'd be nearly indestructible!

During his inheritance from the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor, he'd met a Venerable God in the God Tower, bodiless from a massive conflict, but whose True God essence lingered on.

"Without Ancient Demon remains, forming True God Blood purely from one's own efforts would demand a decade per drop; impossibly slow!"

Li Hao pondered quietly.

Amassing ten thousand drops that way would span a hundred millennia!

Countless Quasi-Emperors enter the True God Realm yet never reach full completion!

Only rare Divine Medicines could hasten True God Blood formation, but such elixirs spark fierce bids from every power when they surface.

"Next, I'll keep delving into the Musical Rhythm Dao—I've already glimpsed its essence and crossed the entry point, needing just one more nudge..."

"Once done, I'll weave it into the Sword Dao, pushing Sword Dao to the thirteenth layer."

"Still, then I'll face the puzzle of harmonizing these three realms without them clashing..."

Li Hao furrowed his brow, aware his path to emperorship stretched vast and demanding. Elevating a mindset to the thirteenth layer proved tough enough, and each new realm's integration demanded fresh ways to prevent them from devouring one another. This road to the throne was brutally demanding.

At least he could prioritize mindset exploration first, embedding it only when assured, buying himself some leeway.

"Musical rhythm..."

Li Hao recalled the Endless Heavenly Domain, the faint Dao murmurs from the Heavenly Ascension Road, echoing like arcane Tao Realm sources—as if grasping them would instantly unlock the Great Dao Origin's ten perfect layers.

He lifted his palm, stirring liquid waves, and gentle aqueous tones filled the air.

Breezes swept by, stirring a feeling of isolation.

Li Hao surveyed the nearby landscape, his eyes holding a newfound sharpness.

Every element of sky and land appeared to resonate with noise.

To this realm, sound carried profound significance.

As Li Hao's form channeled energies, drawing ambient celestial power to refine his practice and fortify inner immortal channels, he sank deep into reflection and insight.

...

Within Dragon Gate City's City Lord's Residence.

Qingxuan had barely stepped back into the estate when a reliable subordinate relayed a summons from the City Lord.

Without delay, he hurried straight to the City Lord's assembly chamber.

Stepping inside, Qingxuan spotted four commanders already there, their faces etched with gravity.