Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1919 Chapter 515: Selecting Generals, Setting Out! (Part 2)

"Indeed, it's still the master's secret skill..."

Di Wushe observed this scene, a wry smile touching his lips. He had initially believed Li Hao possessed other hidden trump cards, but it transpired he was relying on their master's ultimate technique once more.

He quickly found acceptance. What other trump card in existence could possibly rival the master's Infinite Emperor Skill?

Li Hao's rapid mastery of the Third Layer was already a terrifying feat.

He himself had cultivated diligently for tens of thousands of years, reaching merely the Fourth Layer. The master had once mentioned the Fifth Layer was a closely guarded secret, and its mastery incurred a terrible curse.

Belonging to the Emperor Clan, he had a faint inkling that this dreadful curse was intertwined with the secrets of the Immortal Emperor himself, possibly even connected to the Heavenly Dao. Even their master was helpless to avert it.

"Worthy of being the disciple of Dao Origin..."

Several ancestors from the Emperor Clan let out sighs, their smiles tinged with bitterness.

"The Emperor Skill of that ancient existence is even more overbearing and untamed than the Emperor Bone."

Others wore similarly somber expressions.

Many races among the Ten Thousand Clans, oblivious to the existence of the Infinite Emperor Skill, were now utterly stunned by Li Hao's formidable Divine Soul Power, their discussions becoming a cacophony of shock.

On the battle platform, witnessing Di Mingyuan's collapsed state, Li Hao opted not to press his advantage. Instead, he slowly withdrew the blazing power of his True God Blood.

The Immortal Emperor subsequently declared the victory, sending the entire arena into a frenzy of excited chatter.

Li Hao cast a glance at Di Mingyuan's slowly recuperating body, then turned to depart. As he descended from the platform, he spotted the Black Emperor, now reincarnated and clad in black, offering him a slight nod and a smile of approval.

Exchanging a look, Li Hao returned to Shi Miao's side. He understood that even expending all sixty thousand drops of True God Blood might not be enough to contend as equals with an Emperor. The gulf between an Immortal Emperor and a Quasi-Emperor was immense. Di Mingyuan's Emperor Bone, rather than being a true Emperor Bone, seemed more like a projection of an Emperor Bone bloodline. The sheer power held within just one projected segment hinted at the terrifying might of a true Immortal Emperor!

While other options existed, such as Creation, Fate Engraving, or even burning his soul's life force, they were... unnecessary.

"My Realm... cannot withstand the Emperor's Might..."

Li Hao's brow furrowed slightly, a sense of dissatisfaction, specifically with himself, creeping in.

If others were privy to Li Hao's inner thoughts, they would likely be rendered speechless, as his 'Realm', in the face of 'Emperor's Might', was ultimately as frail as a sheet of paper.

"No matter how perfectly woven the net, it cannot capture a falling stone..."

"It's not the framework... It's simply too fragile..."

Li Hao's eyes flickered, his mind replaying the moment his Realm was sundered by the Emperor Sword.

"My universe... is far too desolate."

...

Di Mingyuan's defeat extinguished the hopes of many for a top-three finish. The sheer power Li Hao displayed was intimidating, especially since even a formidable member of the Emperor Clan couldn't secure victory.

Once his body had recovered, Di Mingyuan shot a look at Li Hao. His expression was quite sour; he hadn't anticipated not only failing to become the first True King but also missing a spot in the top three, unable to break through even after deploying all his trump cards.

To be ranked fourth True King, as an heir of the Emperor Clan, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Despite his reluctance, he accepted the defeat with sincerity. He possessed the Emperor Bone, but his opponent wielded the Infinite Emperor Skill; he was simply outmatched.

"Are you alright?"

Shi Miao regarded Li Hao, concern evident in her eyes.

When the Emperor Bone manifested earlier, she had already resolved to intervene and teach that Emperor Clan member a lesson had Li Hao chosen not to use his trump card and faced defeat.

However, Li Hao had not presented her with such an opportunity.

"It's nothing."

Li Hao gave a slight shake of his head, his gaze sweeping towards the vortex leading to the Ten Thousand Clans. He knew that the revelation of his trump cards would almost certainly alert the Ancient Demon hidden among the Ten Thousand Clans, prompting them to prepare their defenses.

Fortunately, the 'Infinite' was not his ultimate trump card.

On the battle platform, subsequent matches unfolded, and as time marched on, the final rankings gradually solidified.

The top four positions remained unchanged. Di Mingyuan, having revealed his Emperor Bone, secured fourth place. Neither Venerate Cang nor Wan Jijun made a move to challenge him, perhaps unwilling to unveil their own trump cards or perhaps recognizing they couldn't guarantee a victory even if they did.

With the rankings on the verge of being finalized, Li Hao issued a challenge to Shi Miao, a move that left her bewildered. However, upon learning of Li Hao's intention to reclaim second place, Shi Miao ceased her objections. Once both were on the stage, Shi Miao chose to yield, thus fulfilling their unspoken agreement once more.

Witnessing the two treat the rankings as a mere game left the onlookers speechless. Nevertheless, the exceptional power displayed by both Shi Miao and Li Hao commanded respect, making the specific placement of second or third less significant to them.

"That Haotian actually wishes to retrieve the second position. I initially believed he would cede the second True King title to his beloved."

"Ultimately, power holds greater sway than affection."

Among the myriad of clans, numerous clan heiresses engaged in hushed discussions. Witnessing Li Hao's actions, their hope diminished, replaced by visible disappointment.

Previously, Li Hao's willingness to relinquish second place had significantly elevated their estimation of him. How many men in this world would readily bestow such a position upon their partner?

"What do you understand? He reclaimed second place knowing the immense burden it carries, unwilling for the Dao Saintess to shoulder it, thus taking the responsibility upon himself!"

An elder from within a prominent clan reprimanded them.

"Precisely! He swapped to third to shield against other contenders, and now reclaiming second is to embrace a greater duty. You genuinely believe he acted for personal gain? Preposterous! Utterly ridiculous!"

Many individuals from influential clans chuckled as they voiced their opinions.

Upon hearing these explanations, the clan heiresses who harbored resentment and disappointment towards Li Hao were momentarily taken aback. They then quickly came to their senses, realizing the true nature of the situation and feeling a sense of shame.

"Hmph!"

The Divine Venerable's gaze grew colder upon observing Shi Miao so readily concede second place to Li Hao.

"The True King selection... has concluded!"

A resounding bell chimed through the air. The Star Empress raised her hand, and instantly, time on the battle platform appeared to freeze. The intense combat ceased abruptly, with only thoughts allowed to flow unimpeded.