Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1881 Chapter 503: Final Sprint (Part 3)
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
"Not yet. I'm caught up with the Ancient Demon Clan. If any of you have time, come over and lend a hand."
A deep, booming voice echoed forth—it was undoubtedly the Dragon Ancestor speaking.
The sound originated from the shadowy form of the Ancestor Dragon, twisting through the emptiness, its glow wavering, with flashes of golden scales appearing sporadically along its frame.
"Is the Dao Origin tied down too?"
With no reply forthcoming, the Chaos Immortal Emperor inquired.
Moments later, a dark sword silhouette uttered: "Yes."
Utterly concise, devoid of feeling, revealing zero details about the circumstances.
"Chaos, the remnants of my Eastern Domain are in your hands; safeguard them for me. I'm in your debt this round."
The Dragon Ancestor, noting the lack of volunteers, chose not to push further, just as they'd planned earlier. The Eastern Domain's downfall stemmed from their collective decision too. Those Emperors set to join had departed, while others schemed alternative plans.
Should every one of them show up in person, the Eastern Domain's ruin would still occur, possibly even swifter. After all, serving as the stage for this colossal disaster, it was bound to crumble into nothingness.
"No more talk of that. All of you get set for the fight; the moment arrives. The Ten Thousand Clans must unite for the retaliation. Start by wiping out the Ancient Demons from the remaining Three Domains, then surround the Eastern Domain!"
The Chaos Immortal Emperor proclaimed.
"My Emperor Clan stands fully gathered and primed for combat whenever needed."
A spectral figure with white hair, radiating a commanding presence, declared in a chilly tone.
Amid the array of specters, it drew the most focus, akin to the moon amid encircling stars.
He served as the Heavenly Emperor, founder of the Heavenly Emperor Clan.
"My clan too. Time to rally the Immortals and Stars; what's the status of your preparations? We need to pick the True Kings now!"
Yet another specter, resembling a vibrant streamer across the heavens, released a soft feminine tone laced with timeless Daoist allure, otherworldly and deep.
"Has the Four Domains Bridge been constructed?"
An elderly timbre resounded, from a senior specter whose features hid in shadow, and it was the Immortal Immortal Emperor.
Although their actual forms scattered far and wide, the Emperors' divine senses could convene, enabling talks even for fighters like the Dragon Ancestor locked in battle.
"It stands complete at present, yet for ongoing transfers, we continue infusing it with supreme Immortal Vein essences, given this war's projected span of a millennium. Full stability demands another thirty years!"
A senior specter, shimmering with celestial lights, responded, another Emperor among them.
"Have the rest of the clans mobilized?"
A crowned specter, beaming with silvery-white radiance, questioned in a grave bass—he was the Emperor of the Saint Clans.
A short hush descended over the cosmic expanse.
The Chaos Immortal Emperor scanned the assembly, spotting that several key clans lagged in readiness. He murmured softly:
"Given that both the Four Domains Bridge and the Ten Thousand Clans' assembly demand time, why not pick a deadline? What about a century from now? In a hundred years, after selecting the True Kings, the Three Domains—along with the Original Lands—shall split into ten zones, each led by a True King, gearing up for the reprisal!"
"A century provides just enough for some recovery."
The Heavenly Emperor scowled, clearly irritated, his eyes passing over the fellow Emperors, fully cognizant that the quiet ones hadn't prepared yet.
"Patience, Heavenly Emperor. Clans across the Three Domains are rallying as we speak. We require a touch more time."
One more Emperor replied deliberately.
"A hundred years it is, then!"
The words issued from a massive mountain-like specter.
Upon reflection, no further specters raised protests, silently endorsing the schedule.
"With Three Domains and the Original Lands forming ten zones, how ought we split them?"
An Emperor voiced thoughtfully, directing his look toward the other specters, a silver axe emblem on his brow—he was the Emperor of the War Clan.
"For governing my Original Lands, none but the mightiest will do. I propose the Three Domains divide into nine zones, leaving the Original Lands as a separate force, avoiding any clashes between them."
A specter entwined with myriad vines answered icily.
He ranked among the three Great Emperors of the Primordial True Realm, the Original Immortal Emperor.
On this occasion, the Original Lands found themselves drawn into the vast catastrophe. As the Immortal Emperor of the Chaos Ancient Clan, he resisted involvement, yet recognized that Chaos and the Dao Origin were deeply mired. Staying apart proved impossible for him alone.
Regarding any pact with the Ancient Demons, that was out of the question. He'd witnessed their savagery long ago. Plus, to the Ancient Demons, the Chaos Ancient Clan tempted more than other powers. No species could ally with its prey.
Unless,
it had feasted its fill.
"Original Lands as its own force... that works."
An Emperor remarked.
After a slight knit of brows, the remaining Emperors consented wordlessly, grasping the Chaos Ancient Clan's disposition. They despised the True Realm's Ten Thousand Races by nature, save for rare exceptions like the Heavenly Emperor Clan and the Dao Clan, viewed as peers by the Chaos Ancient Clan. The rest of the powers appeared as lesser lineages to them.
Should the Chaos Ancient Clan merge fully with the Three Domains' Ten Thousand Clans, it could spark conflicts harming the war effort.
"Three Domains crafting three armies apiece, plus the Original Lands as another; it makes sense."
The Heavenly Emperor inclined his head gradually, endorsing the arrangement.
Though he held innate contempt for the Chaos Ancient Clan, he conceded the Original Lands' vastness. As a unified army, it would surely emerge as a pivotal strength.
"To lead the Original Lands, solely the foremost True King qualifies. Lesser True Kings couldn't earn full loyalty."
The Original Immortal Emperor emphasized once more.
The rest appeared to foresee his statement and stayed mute.
The Chaos Immortal Emperor eyed the Heavenly Emperor. From his prior nod, it seemed he trusted his Emperor Clan's heir to claim the prime True King spot. Hence, if the Emperor Clan could steer the Original Lands' Chaos Ancient Clan via this strife, post-battle, the Heavenly Emperor Clan's sway might seep into the Original Lands, possibly forging one clan's dominion over ten thousand clans ahead!