Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1849 - 490: True King Seed (2)

The silence enveloped the abyss, leaving just a handful of silhouettes behind, their gazes shifting restlessly while a detached chill lingered in the air.

Luo Ningshuang had anticipated this outcome long ago, so it didn't catch her off guard; instead, her eyebrows knitted together in thought. She had climbed to the 36th floor, marking special grade, but that youth... 43 floors—could there exist a rank beyond special grade?

"With a special grade rating, you gain the privilege to seek counsel from me and the Star Empress whenever you wish, and you may pick any five supreme treasures from the core resources offered by the Ten Thousand Clans, such as domain artifacts, Divine Medicine, and extraordinary rarities."

His gaze held profound depths as he spoke with layers of implication: "These supreme treasures surpass what you can fathom, representing the ultimate legacies of various races, including vital heirlooms that protect entire lineages from some clans!"

"As everyone surely knows, the Realm Pill holds only a mid-tier position in this treasure ranking event, far from upper tier, let alone the supreme level!"

His declaration caused numerous eyes to widen once more, filled with disbelief.

The Realm Pill could instantly boost a cultivator by an entire realm up to the Ninth Level of the Immortal King Realm, matching a millennium of dedicated practice!

Each Immortal King Realm powerhouse is limited to taking just one such pill over their lifetime, making it a invaluable asset cherished by countless great families.

Yet a treasure like this only sits at mid-tier?!

"Special grade lets you claim five supreme treasures..."

Those who had just earned first-grade ratings saw their eyes gleam with uncertainty, wondering if the substantial core cultivation resources granted to them contained any supreme treasures.

"First grade grants access to a single supreme treasure, alongside plenty of upper-tier ones and a host of mid-tier items."

Grasping the doubts swirling in most minds, the Immortal Immortal Emperor explained deliberately: "For greater rewards, push yourself harder and grow in power. The mightier you become, the richer your gains, and those gains will fuel even greater strength. This cycle of endless might is the unyielding rule—if you seek more, then rise to seize it!"

"Looks like these Immortal Emperors mean business this round."

Shi Miao murmured softly next to Li Hao.

"Immortal Emperor?"

Li Hao felt confused; hadn't these resources come from the True Realm Ten Thousand Races?

Through a private transmission, Shi Miao clarified: "Back in wartime, the Realm Pill rated at least upper tier, but now it's dropped to mid-tier, signaling that many clans are unleashing their finest reserves. For such shifts to brew in the shadows, some brutal developments must be unfolding."

A shock rippled through Li Hao, sending a sudden icy shiver through his core.

In truth, the world operates not on ideals of fervor and affection, but on iron-hard strategies.

Everyone grasps the ties of mutual benefit, yet these harsh realities persist.

The clans offering their prime assets do so mostly under duress, not by choice.

Some may fall short in contributions, risking isolation, fierce assaults, or outright banishment from the "Ten Thousand Races Alliance."

"Pre-war preparations demand trimming loose ends, an inevitable step."

Concerned Li Hao might stir with pity, Shi Miao offered this insight.

With a subtle nod, Li Hao acknowledged the wider truth: perfect equity never exists, and where life endures, sacrifices follow.

Much like the warriors thrust to the battle's forefront, the choice of who charges ahead and who holds the rear lines remains forever imperfect.

Tracing back to origins, perhaps it stems from a single lazy afternoon in the past, where some slumbered while others honed their blade skills with fervor.

Certain souls enter life amid riches, built on forebears' tireless labors and passed-down legacies—admirable yet forever out of reach for others.

"The trial floors we discussed earlier align with the Immortal King Realm. Surpassing the 100th floor and stepping into Quasi-Emperor Realm challenges marks second-grade potential!"

"Pushing past 105 floors earns first-grade!"

"Going beyond 110 floors secures special grade!"

The Immortal Immortal Emperor's eyes roamed over the Emperor Clan, locking onto a majestic form amid their noble assembly that radiated an unmatched aura.

That individual held the peak trial record, conquering 125 floors—Di Mingyuan!

Even against their elevated benchmarks, his feat far outstripped special grade, positioning him as already worthy of True King recognition!

As the two Immortal Emperors turned their focus, the Emperor Clan stirred in response, but all eyes converged on Di Mingyuan at their heart. Without question, only their clan's jewel, the unbeatable force beneath Quasi-Emperor, could draw such imperial scrutiny.

Di Mingyuan stayed composed, offering a faint nod of deference to the two Immortal Emperors.

This trial, he aimed not merely for True King status, but to claim the foremost True King honor.

Only that would elevate him to Grand Commander, wielding the Emperor Clan's authority over the Ten Thousand Clans!

Meanwhile, stares from rival great clans fixed on Di Mingyuan, some creasing their foreheads under mounting strain.

This opening trial exposed glaring disparities, prompting many to reassess their bold dreams.

"The Emperor Clan holds its unchallenged supremacy."

Dao Qingyin's forehead wrinkled; the divide loomed too vast, making even True King pursuit a grueling fight, let alone closing the further gap.

For the Daoist sect's other flawless Immortal King Realm experts, while several snagged second-grade potential and one touched special-grade, they trailed Di Mingyuan by a wide margin.

"Catching up demands breaching over 110 floors, the threshold for True King eligibility!"

Dao Qingyin surveyed the field in silent calculation.

Right now, seven had topped 110 floors, with more hovering near, so she must redouble her efforts!

"Now, the rankings for every grade will be revealed."

The Star Empress announced.

As the Heaven Tower quivered, the familiar voice from within resonated for all, proclaiming the standings from lowest grade upward.

Through the grades from bottom to top, Li Hao and Shi Miao caught their placements, both landing in special grade.

Special grade tallied only 37 in total.

Remember, this assembly gathered the True Realm Ten Thousand Clans' elite Immortal King Realm talents, pre-vetted for attendance, yet merely 37 overcame foes three realms above to claim special grade!

"This serves as the starting evaluation; those with first or special grade must avoid complacency—ratings can decline, reassessed every century. Lagging behind may lower your standing!"

The Immortal Immortal Emperor declared measuredly: "The rest need not lose heart; keep striving, and higher tiers await."

His words ignited a pressing tension in many hearts.

"At this point, everyone from second grade up to special grade may step into any floor of the Heaven Tower and visit the Treasure House of Ten Thousand Races to claim the rewards fitting your level."

The Immortal Immortal Emperor continued evenly: "The remainder may keep testing the Heaven Tower or train within this Abyss Emperor Arena."

With a lift of his palm, an immense landmass slowly ascended from the abyss's shadowy depths.

This land brimmed with immortal essence, laced with Immortal Path Laws, radiating a potent immortal aura akin to primal chaos and ancient stars.

"This is our cultivation ground? The energy here is overwhelming, a hundredfold denser than my clan's sacred site!"

"Practicing in such a place, even average talent could forge an Immortal King; the Dao Laws manifest in pure form, ripe for insight."

"This stands as the true boon; True King or not, one's cultivation will surge ahead remarkably!"

Eyes lit up across the crowd, washing away earlier gloom, replaced by surging thrill.

"Come on, let's pick our rewards side by side."

Shi Miao suggested to Li Hao.

She feared he might falter in choices, ready to lend her wisdom.

Li Hao agreed with a nod, intending to tackle the Heaven Tower post-selection of supreme treasures, harnessing its looping nature to grasp his Emperor Road.

His earlier grasp of the Music Rhythm Realm ought to weave into the Sword Dao too.

Mastering three supreme domains at once would dramatically boost his battle prowess!

Besides, it would shore up his current shortfall in striking techniques.

Mulling these plans, Li Hao trailed Shi Miao toward the Heaven Tower, picked a floor at random, and stepped inside together.

Moments later, the Heaven Tower recognized them both as special-grade prospects, querying if they'd access the Treasure House of Ten Thousand Races as a pair.

In unison, Shi Miao and Li Hao affirmed, materializing amid a sea of golden light.

Overhead, myriad bubble-like spheres drifted, each cradling legendary treasures.

"Time Tree Juice!"

Shi Miao's gaze swept across, locking instantly on a glowing orb that sealed a vibrant, swirling liquid.

She trembled inwardly, awed by the splendor of these supreme treasures, marveling that the Ten Thousand Clans had unveiled something like Time Tree Juice—third in prestige among the True Realm Ten Thousand Races' marvels, a prized possession of the Taichu Clan.