Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1810 Chapter 472: Gathering (Part 3)
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
Flanking the entrances to nine enormous cities stand a pair of sculpted statues honoring that legendary Great Emperor, positioned as grand sentinels safeguarding the portals, a tribute erected by every clan across the Eastern Domain.
"What a weighty air hangs here..."
Right then, within one such city, a duo of figures was guided inside, stepping into the residence of the local City Lord.
The first was clad in a verdant gown, radiating Immortal Qi, her features stunning beyond words, whereas the second donned a silvery robe encircled by flowing bands, decorated with intricate golden motifs, projecting a transcendent presence and a serene look, free from the world's grime.
"Miss Luo, the situation is just like this in our area—Jianlong Pass is soaked in endless bloodshed, rebuilt time and again. Beneath the very base of our city lie myriad remains and valiant souls."
A welcoming Immortal King explained, his face lit with a gentle smile.
Luo Ningshuang was the maiden in green, accompanied by Xue Consort at her side. Having come down from the peaks as companions, they discovered their destinations matched, thus journeying side by side.
"I've learned that of the Four Domains nowadays, the Eastern Domain clashes most often with the Ancient Demon Clan."
Xue Consort murmured gently.
Belonging to the Chaos Ancient Immortal Clan, she had ventured to the True Realm for tempering. Even though she, akin to her fellow Chaos Ancient Clans, held the True Realm's Ten Thousand Races in disdain, a mutual enmity toward the Ancient Demon Clan bound her.
In truth, the Ancient Demon Clan sought to eradicate not only the True Realm's Ten Thousand Races but the Chaos Ancient Clans as well, along with every creature across existence.
"That's correct, which is precisely why you'll often head into combat during your cultivation here."
The welcoming Immortal King affirmed with a nod, his countenance grave, before continuing: "This frontline warzone goes by the name 'Heaven's Pride Crushing Ground' too. Most who reach the Immortal King Realm stand out as exceptional figures, deemed prodigies among the upper echelons. Prodigies like yourselves rank as unmatched geniuses, yet in this place, you're no more than fleeting sparks. When fighting erupts, you'll realize that even at Quasi-Emperor level, dominating the whole field proves unattainable."
Many tales of this had reached Luo Ningshuang and Xue Consort's ears beforehand, leaving their faces grave. They were confident in duels against any foe, particularly after their recent advancements and king-sealing, with awakened innate abilities placing them at the pinnacle within the Immortal King Realm.
Yet battlefields know no codes of honor, nor isolated duels; the brighter you shine, the greater the swarm of assaults you'll draw.
"For prodigies of your caliber and rank to join the vanguard is truly praiseworthy."
The Immortal King let out a deep sigh.
"It's no big deal," Luo Ningshuang replied steadily. "Direct disciples of other Immortal Emperors likewise hone themselves in perilous zones post-king-sealing. Word is, beneath the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor serves a disciple from the Ancestor Dragon Court's prodigies, battling in this spot for a full millennium."
"You mean the Dragon Suppressing King, Long Qingge?"
Respect gleamed in the Immortal King's gaze as he grinned and added, "He's truly the glory of our Eastern Domain, having clashed here not simply for a thousand years, but close to three thousand!"
"Does he guard this pass as well?"
Xue Consort arched her eyebrow faintly.
"Indeed, he's the Commander of this outpost," the Immortal King confirmed.
"Oh?"
At these words, the pair shared a look, already grasping from prior briefings en route the significance of the Commander's role and the might it implied.
Still, they recognized this figure had cultivated for millennia ahead of them, making his ascent to Commander entirely expected.
"Is he the sole direct disciple of the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor present here?"
A sudden idea struck Luo Ningshuang, prompting her question.
The Immortal King paused in surprise before denying with a headshake, "We're uncertain on that front."
A touch of letdown washed over Luo Ningshuang, though she soon pivoted to inquire, "Has a remarkable prodigy by the name of Hao Tian shown up lately?"
"Hao Tian?"
The Immortal King pondered briefly, then negated again, "That name isn't common, though a few bear it—none strike as especially remarkable, however."
"So it can't be him."
Regret settled in Luo Ningshuang at the response. She realized that should that youth reach this place, he'd draw immense focus akin to theirs. She yearned to behold his prowess following king-sealing and gauge her standing against him.
With her Ancestor Emperor Power now roused, she reigned supreme in her realm, yet an intuition told her that soon enough, that youth would gradually close the distance.