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

The silence enveloped the abyss, leaving just a handful of silhouettes behind, their gazes shifting restlessly, laced with a detached chill.

Luo Ningshuang had anticipated this outcome long ago, so no shock came her way; instead, her forehead creased in thought. She had climbed to the 36th floor, marking special grade status, but that youth... 43 floors—might there exist a rank beyond special grade?

"Special grade status grants you the right to seek counsel from me and the Star Empress whenever you wish, plus the freedom to pick any five elite 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 elite treasures surpass what you can fathom, representing the zenith of every race's legacy, including vital heirlooms some clans dispatch to protect their very survival!"

"As all of you surely realize, the Realm Pill holds merely a mid-tier spot in this treasure ranking gathering, far from upper-tier, let alone the elite level!"

His declaration caused many eyes to bulge wide once more, filled with disbelief.

The Realm Pill could instantly boost a cultivator one full realm beneath the Ninth Level of Immortal King Realm, matching a millennium of dedicated practice!

Each Immortal King Realm expert gets just one such pill over their entire life, making it a supremely valuable asset for countless powerful families.

A prize like that only merits mid-tier standing?!

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

Fresh recipients of first-grade ratings saw their eyes gleam uncertainly, wondering if the substantial core cultivation aids they obtained contained any elite treasures.

"First grade secures a single elite treasure, alongside various upper-tier ones and a host of mid-tier selections."

The Immortal Immortal Emperor grasped the crowd's inner queries and explained deliberately: "Gaining more demands relentless effort and growth in power. The greater your strength, the richer your rewards, and the richer they are, the mightier you rise. That's the cycle of endless might—if you crave more, push yourself to seize it!"

"These Immortal Emperors mean business this round."

Shi Miao murmured softly next to Li Hao.

"Immortal Emperors?"

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

Shi Miao sent a mental note: "The Realm Pill counted as at least upper-tier back in wartime, but dropping to mid-tier now signals that numerous lineages are unveiling their finest holdings—yet for such shifts to unfold in the shadows, grave incidents must be brewing."

Stunned, Li Hao sensed a sudden iciness grip his core.

Truly, the world turns not on ideals of zeal and affection, but on unyielding strategies of iron.

Everyone grasps the ties of mutual dependence, yet these upheavals persist.

The lineages unveiling their prime possessions do so largely under duress, not by choice.

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

"Pre-battle unity requires trimming loose ends, an inevitable step."

Shi Miao feared Li Hao's budding sympathy and clarified the matter.

Li Hao gave a faint nod; viewing the wider canvas, he knew perfect equity never exists—where life endures, sacrifices follow.

Take the warriors charging the battle's vanguard: no choice of who charges ahead and who holds the rear line ever rings wholly just.

On the threads of destiny, perhaps it traces to some lazy afternoon long ago, when some slumbered while others honed their blade skills with fervor.

Certain souls enter life amid opulence, their forebears having toiled ceaselessly, building legacies that inspire envy yet lie beyond reach.

"The trial floors we discussed earlier align with Immortal King Realm standards. Surpassing the 100th floor to tackle Quasi-Emperor Realm stages marks second-grade potential!"

"Pushing past 105 floors earns first-grade!"

"Going beyond 110 floors achieves special grade!"

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

That individual stood as the peak challenger, conquering 125 floors—Di Mingyuan!

Even against their elevated benchmarks, his feat outstripped special grade by a wide margin, positioning him as already worthy of True King rank!

Drawing the focus of two Immortal Emperors, the Emperor Clan stirred, but all eyes converged on Di Mingyuan at their heart. Without question, only their supreme talent, the unbeaten force below Quasi-Emperor, could draw such imperial scrutiny.

Di Mingyuan stayed composed, offering the two Immortal Emperors a subtle bow of deference.

This round, he aimed not merely for True King status, but the foremost True King crown.

Only that would elevate him to Grand Commander, directing the Ten Thousand Clans under the Emperor Clan's banner!

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

This opening trial revealed stark disparities, prompting many to reassess their grand designs.

"The Emperor Clan holds its unchallenged supremacy."

Dao Qingyin's forehead tightened; the divide loomed too vast, making even True King pursuit a trial, let alone closing the further chasm.

For the Daoist sect's other flawless Immortal King Realm masters, while several earned second-grade potential and one snagged special-grade, they trailed Di Mingyuan by a considerable stretch.

"Catching up demands topping 110 floors, the threshold for True King candidacy!"

Dao Qingyin surveyed the field and pondered silently.

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

"Next up, 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 to highest grade.

From bottom tier to top, Li Hao and Shi Miao caught their placements, both landing in special grade.

And special grade tallied just 37 in total.

Remember, this assembly drew the True Realm Ten Thousand Clans' elite Immortal King Realm talents, pre-vetted for attendance, yet only 37 managed special grade by vanquishing foes three realms above their own!

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

The Immortal Immortal Emperor declared measuredly: "The rest mustn't lose heart; higher tiers remain within your grasp through determination."

His words ignited a pressing tension in many hearts.

"Now, from second grade to special grade, you may access any floor of the Heaven Tower and visit the Treasure House of Ten Thousand Races to claim your entitled selections."

The Immortal Immortal Emperor continued evenly: "Everyone else, keep testing the Heaven Tower or train within this Abyss Emperor Arena."

With a lifted palm, he summoned a sprawling landmass rising slowly from the abyss's gloom.

This land brimmed with potent immortal essence, threaded by Immortal Path Laws, radiating an overwhelming immortal aura akin to primal chaos and ancient stars.

"This is our training ground? The energy here is immense, dwarfing my clan's Holy Land by a hundredfold!"

"Practicing in this place, even average talent could forge an Immortal King; those Dao Laws appear in pure form, ripe for insight."

"Indeed, this stands as the ultimate boon; True King or not, everyone's cultivation will surge dramatically!"

Countless eyes lit up, sweeping away earlier gloom, replaced by surging thrill.

"Come on, we'll pick our treasures side by side."

Shi Miao suggested to Li Hao.

Concerned he might falter in choices, she aimed to steer him wisely.

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

His acquired Music Rhythm Realm ought to weave into the Sword Dao too.

Should he wield three elite domains at once, his battle prowess would leap forward!

Besides, he'd 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 as special-grade prospects, inquiring if they'd proceed to the Treasure House of Ten Thousand Races as a pair.

Shi Miao and Li Hao affirmed in unison, materializing amid a sea of gold.

Overhead, myriad bubble spheres drifted, each enclosing legendary marvels.

"Time Tree Juice!"

Shi Miao's gaze swept across, immediately latching onto one luminous sphere holding a vibrant, sealed liquid stream.

Shock rippled through her, awed by the splendor of these elite treasures, as the Ten Thousand Clans unveiled gems like Time Tree Juice—third in prestige among the True Realm Ten Thousand Races' wonders, a hallmark of the Taichu Clan.