Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1900 Chapter 509: Trial_4
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
"Oh?"
Confusion flickered across Li Hao's face, though he refrained from probing further. He couldn't predict his exact score, yet no matter the outcome, contentment filled him.
Soon enough, all participants emerged from the Illusion Realm.
The Immortal Emperor spoke with detached calm, "Results for this round are now available; each of you can verify your own."
A radiant golden roster materialized in the emptiness, displaying hundreds of names in orderly fashion.
Spotting his name in sixth place, Li Hao felt a twinge of astonishment. He hadn't joined the city's defense efforts, whether aligned with good or evil—he simply acted as his instincts guided.
Regarding Shi Miao... Li Hao cast a quick look her way and noted her position at the very end.
Position 92.
Shock gripped Li Hao as he turned to the bewildered Shi Miao next to him, inquiring, "What actions did you take inside the Illusion Realm?"
Shi Miao shot Li Hao a brief look and gave a faint shake of her head. She kept silent about the numerous dilemmas of acceptance or refusal she encountered there. Logic dictated her selections, yet alas... a certain presence appeared in that illusory world—it was Li Hao.
In order to shield him, she sacrificed it all.
Viewed through the lens of evaluation, she evidently fell short in this area.
"How come I'm stuck at 38th? I battled fiercely, cut down every attacking Ancient Demon, and pushed myself until utter depletion and demise—still only 38th?!"
"Perhaps the realm limits varied for each person in the Illusion Realm, or maybe my approach was off?"
Right then, murmurs filled the surroundings as participants debated; numerous had opted to clash against foes relentlessly, even offering their lives, convinced they'd poured out everything, only to discover their rankings fell short of expectations.
"True leadership demands foresight beyond the immediate. As I mentioned earlier, let your heart guide you, no need to speculate on this trial's judging standards."
The Star Empress's voice echoed with icy firmness, "These rankings stem from the collective verdict of the Ten Emperors. Any dissenters are free to exit the competition!"
At those words, the chattering assembly fell into abrupt hush.
"The concluding trial: command authority."
With no further comments arising, the Star Empress declared the next phase with chilling brevity.
Suddenly, as in prior instances, an accustomed force descended, drawing Li Hao back into a searing golden Illusion Realm that swallowed him whole.
On this occasion, the scene unfolded in the True Realm's South Domain, within the Dream Nine Abyss Sect.
Li Hao surveyed his surroundings, recognizing several known faces: Old Man Li, Yue Xi, Gu Yan, and more.
They positioned themselves atop the Sword Abyss's summit, their faces etched with grave intensity as they confronted him.
Li Hao realized he no longer embodied his own form; instead, he had become a robed middle-aged figure, serving as the Sword Abyss's Abyss Master.
"Abyss Master, Ancient Demons advance upon us—how shall the Dream Nine Abyss mount its defense?"
An Elder from the Sword Abyss inclined his head, his countenance weighed with gravity.
Regaining his composure, Li Hao swiftly assumed the character. This challenge gauged command prowess, demanding real strategic acumen.
"The Dream Nine Abyss comprises nine interconnected veins through its Nine Abyss. Facing an Ancient Demon assault... unity among the Nine Abyss is essential. This trial probes alliances with external powers, alongside skills in directing battles and leading troops."
Li Hao rapidly assessed the trial's challenges, remaining composed as he responded:
"Start by briefing me on the intelligence."
The Sword Abyss Elder promptly lowered himself and detailed the conflict's status.
Peril loomed large, with Ancient Demons closing in on the Dream Nine Abyss's territory.
Perceiving the crisis's intensity, Li Hao wasted no words and hastened toward the central peak to consult the Great Dream Master.
"Immortal Kings from mighty clans, accustomed to overseeing wars in their lineages, possess ample command expertise by default. Yet smaller clans struggle more, particularly in forging ties with other grand clans, where their efforts often prove inadequate."
From the void, the Ten Emperors' gazes mirrored the ordeals of the hundred Immortal Kings, observing how those from the Emperor Clan, Dao Clan, and similar prestigious groups orchestrated their battle directives with seamless precision.
In contrast, Immortal Kings from lesser clans, while directing their fields of combat, faltered in resolve and boldness during dealings with allied factions.
"Judging by the current display, these contenders for True King are holding up adequately."
The Ten Emperors observed closely, noting that candidates vying for True King status excelled in this segment, yielding commendable outcomes.
"That earlier female participant, who forsook all for her Dao companion within the Illusion Realm—setting that aside, her prowess in commanding battles stands as exceptional, easily placing in the top three."
One Emperor remarked, his vision piercing through the Illusion Realm to focus on Shi Miao.
"Unless my memory fails, she served as the Heavenly Calamity's direct heir from a hundred thousand years past, fighting in that era's grand calamity. Reborn now, her command skills remain formidable, though... when her Dao companion enters the equation, she appears set to abandon everything, posing a concern."
A different Emperor shook his head, letting out a sigh.
"It's of little consequence; should she claim a True King spot, simply keep them apart, ensuring no mutual hindrance."
Yet another Emperor opined, convinced that seats for True Kings ought to go to the deserving, without rejection over a single weak performance.
Based on the ongoing showings, even with a dismal mark in one area, her totals from the remaining three trials sufficed to position her within the top twenty.