Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1831 Chapter 482: True King (Part 2)

The fated clash from a hundred thousand years ago appears to have genuinely unfolded once more.

"Qinghuang, escort Xiao Wu and Miss Shi Miao to safety. Wushe and I will head over to check on Xiao Wu."

After a moment of surprise, Gu Mofan quickly composed himself and spoke in a solemn tone.

Zhan Qinghuang hesitated for a second but then declared firmly, "Are you planning to fight? Count me in—I'm joining you!"

Even though their master had instructed them solely to retrieve Li Hao, the sight unfolding before their eyes, combined with the knowledge that Long Qingge remained in the fray, stirred their urge to charge in and battle.

"Hold back—get Xiao Wu out of here first. If trouble strikes, we might flee, but he can't. Remember the master's command!"

Gu Mofan creased his brow as he warned them.

As the talented heir of the Zhan family, Zhan Qinghuang possessed an innate drive for warfare. Her forebears had once defied the Heavenly Dao, earning their family name "Zhan" through that seal. One could easily picture the intense passion for combat that burned in the Zhan bloodline, leaving her reluctant to withdraw.

"You realize it's the master's directive. Big brother, if you're set on retreating, then go ahead. I'm staying put."

Zhan Qinghuang stated with a resolute expression.

She refrained from urging the second brother at her side, aware that the Emperor Clan's pride ran even deeper, making retreat unthinkable for him.

"No one moves a muscle."

In the midst of their dispute, Shi Miao interjected.

The trio shifted their attention to Shi Miao, their brows knitting slightly.

Despite standing at merely the Fourth Level of the Immortal King Realm, Shi Miao faced Li Hao's three senior siblings without a trace of intimidation, delivering her words steadily: "Right now, just a single Emperor is locked in combat. Yet, considering the cunning nature of the Ancient Demons, they surely didn't dispatch only one Emperor for this assault. Additional Ancient Demon Emperors must be hidden nearby, poised to strike from the darkness. The most intense phase hasn't arrived yet. Should you leap into the fight and tip the scales, a second Emperor will probably enter the fray without delay!"

Her statement left the three momentarily speechless, as they exchanged glances, their faces growing somber while observing the chaos ahead.

Shi Miao's analysis rang true; it was improbable for only one Ancient Demon Emperor to be on site.

"If my memory serves, a teleportation array exists inside Ancestral Dragon City, linking straight to the Ancestor Dragon Court. The city's endurance probably stems from the endless stream of warriors being sent through to clash and perish. This skirmish serves merely as the opening act; true triumph or downfall won't emerge until at least three Ancient Demon Emperors commit fully!"

Shi Miao uttered gravely, resembling a veteran commander methodically evaluating the field.

"Each of you holds Quasi-Emperor Realm strength and ranks as prized pupils under the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor. Your top priority must be advancing swiftly to Emperor status and refining your Emperor Road, rather than throwing yourselves into peril here. A single wound, even if non-fatal, would demand ages to heal. How then would you achieve Emperorhood? Should the Ancient Demons overrun the Eastern Domain and surge through the whole True Realm, do you intend to confront them at your present cultivation stage?"

Shi Miao eyed the three steadily, her words measured and pointed.

Her own cultivation lagged behind theirs, yet in that instant, her voice carried the weight of a senior's wisdom: composed, authoritative, with a hint of severity.

From the sidelines, Li Hao observed in awe, witnessing Shi Miao's authoritative side and tactical acumen for the first time— a stark shift from her typical softness. She commanded the scene like a sovereign gazing from a fortified height, radiating control and icy logic.

Shi Miao's counsel stirred unease in Gu Mofan and his companions. They recognized her esteemed position and had never encountered this assertive demeanor from her. Her reminder aligned with their master's guidance, stressing the need to forge their Emperor Dao ahead of the looming disaster and ascend to Emperor rank.

Their eyes lifted to the conflict raging nearby, where scores of Quasi-Emperors gathered alongside hundreds at Immortal King Realm Perfection. In a campaign to seize the sprawling Eastern Domain, the Quasi-Emperors couldn't sway the outcome alone. Emperors alone wielded the power to shift the tide, albeit only nudging it, not dictating the end.

After all, no lone Emperor could dominate the Eastern Domain.

The True Realm housed the Ten Thousand Clans; even the stellar reaches of the Eastern Domain stretched beyond comprehension, defying any single Emperor's subjugation.

"Emperor Road..."

Di Wushe balled his hand into a fist. For twenty thousand years, his path to Emperor had stalled, failing to cross that ultimate barrier. Ascension sounded simple, but executing it proved arduous.

Across eras, myriad geniuses had faltered at that decisive hurdle, compelled to bow before Emperors, forever barred from unbound freedom.

By now, Gu Mofan had steadied his resolve. He drew in a steadying breath, looked toward Shi Miao, and declared, "Miss Shi Miao speaks wisely. Wushe, Qinghuang, see Xiao Wu to safety. I'll proceed to Ancestral Dragon City, link up with our fifth brother, and relay Extreme Dao Mountain's vow to support them. Rest easy—I won't engage in the fight."

"I..."

Di Wushe started to protest, but Gu Mofan silenced him with an upheld palm.

Hailing from the Emperor Clan, he chafed at arriving on this battlefield only to pull back.

"Junior Brother!"

Gu Mofan's firm call cut him off, his stare unwavering.

Under Gu Mofan's intense look, Di Wushe parted his lips as if to argue, but in the end, he held his tongue and responded gravely, "Watch yourself then; we'll retreat for now."

Zhan Qinghuang noted his yielding and could merely exhale a sigh, holding back further words.

With a gesture, Gu Mofan tore open a Chaos passage for them, connecting directly to the Primordial True Realm. Once they stepped through in turn, he pivoted and made for Ancestral Dragon City.

Soon after Li Hao and the rest departed, a sharp sword cry resounded across the starry void from the battle's far flank, paired with Su Jiuzhe's booming laugh. A massive surge of Demon Blood erupted from the black hole, and any formation it brushed against corroded instantly, melting away right there.