Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1916 Chapter 514: Battle Against Di Mingyuan (Part 3)

"Is it already over?"

"That's incredible; Shi Miao defeats anyone she faces in a single strike!"

"It feels like even Haotian might not stand a chance against her!"

"Could she possibly challenge the reincarnation of the Emperor?"

The myriad clans were stunned by the spectacle and engaged in hushed discussions.

Venerate Cang, who had displayed numerous Ultimate Realm Powers and reached the zenith of the Immortal King Realm, was nevertheless defeated, utterly crushed.

"Shi Miao has already become one with the river of time. In a direct clash, she is peerless below the Emperor realm; only a select few at the pinnacle of the Quasi-Emperor realm could even wound her."

Esteemed elders from several prominent clans wore somber expressions.

A renowned king from the True Realm ten millennia ago has returned, even more formidable after his ten thousand years of absence. While not yet an Emperor, she remains undefeated within her current level. Once she ascends to the Quasi-Emperor realm, it is highly improbable that any other Quasi-Emperor could defeat her, unless they wield an Immortal Forbidden Emperor Weapon!

"It appears she possesses a nascent form of her Emperor Dao. Should she manage to attain the Emperor realm... she could prove to be an invaluable asset."

The Star Empress and her companions observed Shi Miao, contemplating her immense potential. If she were to achieve emperorship, her influence on the ongoing war could surpass that of even other reigning Emperors.

It is unfortunate that the final step hinges entirely on destiny. Even if they harbored the desire to provide assistance, it would be futile—countless prodigies throughout history have faltered at that crucial juncture, ultimately resigned to remaining Quasi-Emperors, their progress stagnant and their spirits discontent.

"Shall the challenge proceed?"

The Immortal Immortal Emperor fixed his gaze upon Shi Miao, his eyes narrowed in contemplation. His own Emperor Dao shared certain affinities with Shi Miao's nascent Emperor Dao. He mused that if he could integrate her understanding of the Emperor Dao with his own, he might achieve true invincibility, remaining unvanquished even if the entire True Realm were to crumble into oblivion.

The assembled crowd held their breath, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as they watched Shi Miao.

Shi Miao turned her gaze towards Li Hao, their eyes meeting, and her voice resonated within his mind:

"Would you like me to gauge the might of the Black Emperor for you?"

"There is no need."

Li Hao subtly shook his head. Even if Shi Miao could truly command the power to succeed the First True King, he would prefer she not vie for that position. The mantle of the First True King carries an immense burden, inevitably drawing relentless assaults from the Ancient Demons—ambushes, assassinations, and a myriad of covert tactics would be employed against them.

He did not wish for Shi Miao to face such perilous risks; even with her formidable survival capabilities, should that vessel be utterly destroyed, even a True God would cease to exist, possibly destined to slumber once more within the currents of time.

"Do you truly not desire it?"

Shi Miao regarded Li Hao, seeking confirmation once more.

Perceiving the slight nod from Li Hao, she instantly grasped his unspoken reasoning and, in agreement, informed the Immortal Immortal Emperor:

"No, third place is acceptable."

"..."

The Immortal Immortal Emperor found himself speechless, casting a glance at Li Hao. Over his eight hundred years of cultivation within the Abyss, he had long ago surmised their romantic connection. Yet, he was taken aback that they would exhibit such deference when presented with the opportunity to contend for a True King sequence.

"Hold on a moment."

Abruptly, Li Hao intervened, halting the Immortal Immortal Emperor in his tracks.

"Hmm?"

The Immortal Immortal Emperor turned to Li Hao, a question in his eyes.

"Challenge me."

Li Hao addressed Shi Miao directly.

Shi Miao blinked in surprise, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. However, observing the earnestness in Li Hao's expression, she inferred that he had reconsidered his stance, perhaps wanting her to test the abilities of the reincarnated Black Emperor after all. She promptly assented:

"Very well, I await your command."

Once more, the Immortal Immortal Emperor was left without words—what exactly did these two perceive this True King competition to be?

Nevertheless, if Shi Miao wished to continue the challenge, he had no choice but to acquiesce.

Swiftly, the pair were transported to a vast arena.

The onlookers, who were still reeling from Shi Miao's earlier refusal, found the turn of events utterly unexpected. Amidst their bewilderment, they erupted in enthusiastic cheers, eager to witness the clash between Li Hao and Shi Miao.

Yet, before the crescendo of cheers could fully mount, from the center of the arena, Li Hao raised a hand and declared:

"I concede."

"Hmm?"

"???"

A wave of questioning murmurs and perplexed gazes swept over Li Hao and Shi Miao; why concede immediately after entering the arena, what was transpiring?

Shi Miao appeared slightly taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure, her surprise minimal.

As she drew a deep breath, preparing to challenge the reincarnated Black Emperor for the second position, a voice from Li Hao echoed in her mind:

"You need not contend with the Black Emperor; accept the second position. I shall take third, and should anyone below that rank issue a challenge, I will defend my position."

On hearing this, Shi Miao's body stiffened, at that moment grasping Li Hao's sudden shift in decision—he intended to shield her from the onslaught of others...

"You two..."

The Immortal Emperor's countenance was odd, casting a look at Li Hao, taken aback by the young cultivator's ingenuity in employing his companion to test the trump card of the reincarnated Black Emperor.

However, with one party eager to attack and the other willing to bear it, he uttered no further words and inquired of Shi Miao: "Do you still desire to proceed with the challenge?"

Shi Miao cast a sideways glance at Li Hao and gave a slight shake of her head.

The Immortal Emperor paused once more, bewilderment clouding his gaze.

Li Hao offered no elaboration, ushering Shi Miao away from the stage and yielding the combat arena.

"Perhaps she did not wish to fall behind her partner, and thus acted in this manner."

The Star Empress discerned Li Hao's reasoning, softly murmuring.

The Immortal Emperor was left somewhat speechless and rolled his eyes, "Young people are truly so nonsensical!"

The assembled crowd, who had been anticipating an epic confrontation, were left somewhat perplexed by the abrupt concession and their subsequent departure.

Li Hao and Shi Miao paid no heed to the external murmurs, standing in quiet proximity, observing the ongoing duels of others.

Time flowed by unnoticed, and the stir caused by Li Hao and Shi Miao rapidly subsided. Witnessing the pair's evident closeness, the spectators understood the depth of their connection and ceased their idle chatter.

As the challenges escalated with the deadline approaching, an increasing number of participants unveiled their ultimate techniques. The Ancient God Clan, previously holding the tenth position, was now relegated to eleventh.