Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1914 Chapter 514: Battle Against Di Mingyuan

Li Hao turned his head, scrutinized the youth in black robes with a profound gaze, remained silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

Seeking to be first undoubtedly brings greater power and benefits, but it also carries a heavier burden of responsibility, even if such responsibilities are not directly imposed by the Emperors. As the Supreme Commander... this impending catastrophe directly concerns the very survival of the entire True Realm!

While Li Hao was willing to march onto the battlefield, he harbored deep doubts about his capacity to bear the responsibility for the lives of the myriad races across the Four Domains!

Moreover, if he were to assume the position of Supreme Commander, individuals like Feng, under his protection, would also be compelled to join the fray, placing them in even greater peril.

"You intend to yield?"

Observing Li Hao's actions, the Star Empress maintained a placid expression, betraying no hint of surprise.

"Yes."

Li Hao affirmed with a nod, his decision made, and offered no further words.

The Star Empress’s gaze sharpened momentarily as she studied him, before finally nodding and remarking, "In this, you demonstrate wisdom in knowing when to advance and when to retreat."

Her pronouncement sent ripples of shock through the assembled crowd, all eyes turning toward the youth in black robes.

Despite their awareness of the reborn Emperor's formidable strength, Li Hao's preceding display had been nothing short of terrifying, hinting at still untapped trump cards. Yet, judging by the Star Empress's tone, even a direct challenge from Li Hao would have ultimately ended in defeat.

"Could this Reborn Emperor truly possess unimaginable capabilities?"

Many pondered this question inwardly.

"Is it as our family's Quasi-Emperor transmitted, that this Reborn Emperor possesses the ability for a temporary return to Emperor-level power?"

Amidst the throng, Di Mingyuan's eyes darted with thought. The Star Empress's reaction solidified the intelligence provided by his family. It was thus unsurprising that the young man opted against issuing a further challenge.

This coveted position of the first True King indisputably belonged to his adversary.

And given the critical importance of the first True King's position to the survival of the entire True Realm, it was plausible that a grand strategy was already in motion. The emergence of the Reborn Emperor at this precise juncture strongly suggested a meticulously planned stratagem orchestrated by the Emperors themselves!

With this realization dawning, Di Mingyuan cast another glance at Li Hao. If the Reborn Emperor was indeed part of the Emperors' scheme, then who was the power operating behind this ascendant youth...?

"He actually ceased his challenge, so then who has secured the top rank?"

"I heard it is the Reborn Emperor, formerly known as the Black Emperor!"

"The Black Emperor? The Reborn Emperor? I recall hearing long ago that the Black Emperor ventured into the abyss's forbidden depths and met his demise, but to unexpectedly..."

"No wonder Haotian refrained from challenging; a Reborn Emperor, having cultivated to the absolute peak of the Immortal King realm, could potentially unleash Quasi-Emperor level power at any moment, perhaps even suppressing a true Quasi-Emperor!"

"It’s a shame; I had eagerly anticipated witnessing their clash. I suspect Haotian might not have been entirely outmatched. Even in defeat, it would have been a spectacle, revealing the true terrifying might of this Reborn Emperor."

"What are you contemplating? We, among the Ten Thousand Clans, are merely observers. There’s no guarantee that Ancient Demons aren't watching, or that their spies aren't present. Revealing too many of our ultimate moves might prove disadvantageous."

"If the Ancient Demons can indeed watch, why would the Emperors permit such an event? This matter could have been resolved simply by awaiting the challenge results."

"The machinations of the Emperors lie beyond our comprehension. In my estimation, one reason is to unify the Ten Thousand Clans, another is to instill fear in the Ancient Demons, but beyond these, there must be further underlying motives!"

Across the diverse regions of the True Realm's Ten Thousand Clans, fervent discussions erupted. Although they had not witnessed the decisive battle between Li Hao and the black-robed youth, this absence only amplified the enigma surrounding the latter, intensifying everyone's excitement.

After all, forcing an individual as formidable as Li Hao to step back and concede must signify an unparalleled, invincible presence!

"Hmph, that brat, with his ever-arrogant demeanor, actually chose not to fight and willingly accepted second place. Truly cunning!"

From within the crowd, Divine Venerable watched the unfolding scene with a cold expression, his eyes blazing with indignation.

He was certain Li Hao could not match the Reborn Black Emperor, yet he had hoped Li Hao would overextend himself and challenge, thereby revealing the hidden trump cards he possessed.

"He actually conceded."

Wan Jijun witnessed this turn of events and felt a pang of disappointment, having yearned to see that ultimate confrontation and ascertain the boundaries of the Immortal King Realm.

While the top ten contenders inwardly harbored regret, they could comprehend Li Hao's ultimate decision. The Reborn Black Emperor, now at the pinnacle of Immortal King cultivation, had undoubtedly regained all memories from his past life, mastered numerous laws, and likely attained the Final Realm!

With the Emperor's consciousness under his command and mastery, he was virtually invincible within the same cultivation realm.

"It's a shame you're unwilling to reveal your trump cards. If I had known earlier, I would have challenged that reborn Black Emperor first to experience the Emperor's power!"

Venerate Cang observed Li Hao stopping his challenge and couldn't help but furrow his brows, a look of regret upon his face.

Currently ranked third, if he wished to issue a challenge, he had to overcome Li Hao first. He lacked the very qualification to even contend with the reborn Black Emperor.

"Your decision is sound. Within your current realm, there remains ample room for your Dao to grow. May you attain enlightenment in the Emperor Dao amidst this tribulation, and then, together, we shall charge into the battlefield of the Exotic Realm Emperor Venerates!"

The Black Emperor sent this message directly to Li Hao.

Li Hao's gaze shifted as he processed the words, "Exotic Realm Emperor Venerate battlefield?"

To bring an end to this great tribulation, the ultimate triumph or downfall still rested on the shoulders of the Emperor Venerates.

Even if they managed to pacify the chaos within the True Realm's Ten Thousand Clans, a defeat on the Otherworldly Emperor Venerate battlefield would inevitably lead to absolute ruin.

This realization weighed heavily on Li Hao's heart, instilling a growing sense of urgency.

Fame, the title of the first True King – before the final outcome of this catastrophe, all these were but transient illusions.

And that Emperor Dao... Li Hao pondered Venerate Cang's words from their earlier encounter, sensing that they held the missing piece to his final step.

While Li Hao was lost in contemplation, the battles on the other platforms continued to rage with increasing intensity.

In particular, the contest for the tenth position was fierce. Alongside this, Shi Miao had already ascended to fifth place, having defeated Wan Jijun.

Curiously, even with Shi Miao demonstrating few techniques thus far, no one had managed to halt her advance.