Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1824 Chapter 479: Defend to the Death

"Is the Master heading there too?"

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor's statement left Gu Mofan and his two companions stunned, their faces filled with surprise.

For many years, the Master had stayed out of sight in the Primordial True Realm.

His latest involvement was a special case to save that young disciple. Rumors spoke of some conflict with the Southern Domain Venerable, but the Master dispatched only an avatar, not his actual body.

After all, the Southern Domain Venerable belonged to the Human Race in the end, so a deadly clash with the Master seemed unlikely. Things stood differently against the Ancient Demon Clan; any action there would demand the Master's true form. An avatar alone wouldn't suffice to command respect—those Ancient Demon Emperors could easily spot the difference between a projection and the real presence.

"A catastrophe looms ahead. It brings both peril and chance. In the midst of this dire crisis, you might carve out the path to Emperor. Or perhaps you'll stumble right before that imperial gate; everything hinges on fate."

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor spoke these words with measured calm.

A weight settled heavily in the hearts of Gu Mofan and the other two.

Their family elders had warned that this turmoil in the Eastern Domain might ignite the second Great War against the Ancient Demons, prompting clans to unleash hidden treasures without restraint and to push numerous disciples on the verge of breakthroughs forward.

Those hovering at the peak of Immortal Monarch Realm or at Immortal King Realm perfection—mere steps from the next stage—now ranked as prime focuses for intense cultivation efforts.

"Depart."

With a casual wave, the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor issued the order.

"Understood."

The trio acknowledged the directive, shared a quick look, and promptly sent their true bodies rushing toward the Eastern Domain.

...

Deep in the Eastern Domain, along the frontline spanning a hundred cities, inside Dragon Gate City.

While Li Hao pondered staying or fleeing, a piercing bell rang out alongside a thunderous dragon's cry echoing through the city.

This marked the alert for an incoming assault. From the myriad ancient structures in Dragon Gate City, only a handful of figures dashed forth, their eyes wide with alarm as they gazed beyond the walls.

There, thick black clouds amassed, birthing a Yan Ghost Array that lashed out with its limbs, hammering the protective shield around the city and sending waves of dragon motifs shimmering over the glowing golden dome.

On the seventh level of Dragon Shield Tower, Long Ying, Duan Yuan, and their group jolted in alarm, hurrying to materialize high in the skies outside the structure, peering intently into the horizon.

Li Hao and Shi Miao sped out as well, their expressions shifting dramatically. At present, the bulk of the city's guardians had shifted to Ancestral Dragon City, leaving defenses here perilously thin. What reason could the Ancient Demons have for striking this spot?

"Didn't reports say every Ancient Demon force had converged on Ancestral Dragon City, gearing up for a brutal onslaught? If that stronghold crumbles, the backup line would shatter next!"

"So why target this place with Ancient Demons?"

Shock and doubt gripped Long Ying and the rest.

All other Dragon Shield Towers from the Mystic Armor Department had bolstered Ancestral Dragon City. Theirs alone remained stationed here, largely because of Li Hao and Shi Miao—these two prodigies were undergoing trials and thus spared the utmost peril of Ancestral Dragon City.

In truth, casualties in Ancestral Dragon City likely piled up by the tens of thousands each passing minute right now!

"Hurry, bolster the city's barriers!"

Long Ying grasped the gravity and yelled urgently.

With such scant defenders on hand, they needed to fight with everything they had.

This instant transcended mere immortal arts; it demanded a stand to safeguard the Eastern Domain and Dragon Gate City at any cost!

Should the city collapse, doom awaited them all!

Fleeing? To where? The lands behind held their kin—could they really slink back home to cower?

Li Hao and Shi Miao saw the truth clearly. At Long Ying's call, Shi Miao turned to Li Hao, her eyes hinting at her thoughts, and he grasped it right away, sending a mental reply:

"We hold Dragon Gate City first!"

Fifth senior brother battles relentlessly in Ancestral Dragon City, so this somewhat safer Dragon Gate City falls to us for our trials. How could I desert it and run when danger strikes?

Li Hao's response drew a quiet sigh from Shi Miao, as if she'd anticipated it. She knew his nature all too well, after all.

No further words passed between them, no added pleas to sway him. A surge of immortal energy burst from her entire frame. This time, she held nothing back. Even if it drained this vessel's every drop, even if it meant igniting her True God Blood, she would shield Li Hao and ensure his survival!

Her stare burned with unyielding resolve, shining like forged steel.

At her back, Li Hao's gaze matched that fire, his mind set firm. Should the worst descend, he would give up this form to buy Shi Miao's escape.

Three drops of Divine Blood remained safe with Master, enough for rebirth via Divine Blood—unless some peak Immortal King sealed or utterly erased him with rare methods.

"We battle on—a true powerhouse fights not from assured triumph, but dives into the fray where win or loss hangs in the balance!"

Li Hao unsheathed his blade, surging forward with Long Ying and the group.

Upon the ramparts, they beheld countless Yan Ghost Arrays battering the shield from without, interspersed with flickers of Ghost Witch Formations that weaved nimbly, guarding the Yan Ghost Arrays against strikes from the city's Dragon Blade Formation.

Glancing over the defenses, Li Hao saw the fighters present numbered far less than in the last clash—barely a tenth of the prior force!

Empty stretches marred the scene, lending an air of eerie abandonment.

Weighing the horde of Yan Ghost Arrays beyond, a chill gripped Li Hao's chest; the overwhelming odds in numbers already doomed the balance!

The barrier cleaved the opposing sides, laying bare the lopsided count.

"Assemble!"

Long Ying and the others paled, yet they clenched their jaws and advanced.

The Six Harmonies Dragon Scale Array sprang to life, manifesting as a colossal dragon perched atop the walls, glaring down at the foes outside.

Within the city, troops unleashed a barrage of immortal techniques through the shield to strike back, and nearby on the battlements from Li Hao's group, two formidable presences materialized—the City Lord Long Potian and his Deputy.