Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1921 Chapter 515: Selecting Generals, Setting Out!

"This impending disaster approaches, Master, you will follow the emperors to the Exotic Battlefield, and that young man chooses to guard our Southern Domain. Could it be intentional revenge?"

Within the Heavenly Palace, inside the Supreme Hall, several figures stood beneath the steps, each emanating a profound and mighty aura.

Sword Heart and Ming Yue were positioned behind them.

The two had now returned from the Primordial True Realm. While the True Realm was engulfed in the smoke of battle, as disciples of the Heavenly Palace Supreme, they had both ascended to the Immortal King Realm. Though only at the initial stage, they understood they had to bear their responsibilities. As their master had stated, this was both a catastrophe and a chance. Their ability to rise and dominate the heavens would depend entirely on navigating this disaster.

Observing the young man within the vortex of the Heaven Tower, Sword Heart and Ming Yue felt a complex swirl of emotions. The gap that had opened between them and that young man seemed as vast as worlds apart in the blink of an eye.

Even with the Supreme's personal tutelage, the time allotted for their growth had been tragically short. Yet, that young man, having trod a shorter path, had already left them far behind.

"Hmph, if he dares to retaliate, we shall demonstrate that our Heavenly Palace is not to be humiliated so easily."

Another young man, his hair a fiery red, a Quasi-Emperor, let out a cold snort, his eyes blazing like embers. He hailed from the Qiong Fire Clan, one of the Hundred Races, and had become a pillar of support, comparable to his clan's ancestors, after being taken as a disciple by the Supreme.

"Junior Brother, speak not rashly. We too shall accompany the Master to the Exotic Battlefield. At that juncture, the Ten Great True Kings will govern the True Realm, wielding the ultimate combat power. If that brat truly harbors intentions of revenge..."

A woman with emerald green eyes whispered, her gaze then lifting towards their master.

During the selection of heavenly talents, she had been in seclusion and only learned of it afterward. She felt a degree of discontent with her master's decision but kept it concealed.

Now that the young man had reached this stage, the direness of the situation suggested that the master's choice from years ago had been a miscalculation.

"Indeed, if that brat truly seeks revenge, no one can halt him. Setting aside his personal strength, the sheer combat capability of the tribes he commands is beyond the Heavenly Palace's capacity to defend."

An elder, previously clad in gray robes, spoke.

Nearby, an old man holding a fishing rod and wearing a wide-brimmed hat sat serenely by a pillar, a mocking smile playing at the corner of his lips as he silently absorbed the discussions among his peers.

Should Li Hao have been present, he would have recognized this old man, with whom he had once shared a fishing trip.

"No matter, as long as we return successfully from the Exotic Battlefield and vanquish the Ancient Demon Emperor, we can address these matters afterwards."

"But shall the vast territories established by our Heavenly Palace be surrendered to that brat's trampling?"

"I have devised a plan. That brat selected the Southern Domain; we can concentrate our forces there, leaving only a handful of peripheral disciples. This brat will inevitably be compelled to push our Heavenly Palace to the forefront. If he perceives that our Heavenly Palace's outer defenses are vulnerable, let us see how he defends the Southern Domain. Should the Southern Domain fall, his transgressions will be immeasurable, and the emperors will surely not spare him!"

Sword Heart and Ming Yue listened to their senior brothers and sisters deliberate, their expressions shifting subtly.

"But if the Southern Domain falls, the populace will suffer, the tribes will be impacted, and countless lives will be devastated!"

Sword Heart could not refrain from whispering his concern.

He and Ming Yue, being the most junior disciples, had entered the sect last and were naturally the weakest in cultivation.

Even with their exceptional talents, one had to question the cultivation level of any who managed to become direct disciples under the Supreme.

"Calamity descends, and those who do not survive are unable to overcome this ordeal; it is their destiny."

"Precisely! If blame is to be assigned, it is that brat's fault for choosing the Southern Domain, thus accumulating his sins!"

Several other Quasi-Emperors responded with cold indifference.

Sword Heart fell silent, his fingers slowly clenching.

Beside him, Ming Yue stood stunned, gazing at the senior disciples who had once shown him care, now feeling a profound sense of unfamiliarity.

"This scheme should not be taken too far, lest the emperors deduce our involvement, leading to inevitable censure."

The green-eyed woman frowned.

"Rest assured, Sister Qingli. Upon our return from the Exotic Battlefield, having slain the Ancient Demon Emperor, the catastrophe will have concluded. Even if other emperors seek retribution, we will be recognized as contributors!"

"Indeed, should we face defeat within the Exotic Battlefield, there's even less justification for concern. Let that brat perish alongside us!"

The others unanimously agreed.

Amidst this heated discussion, the Heavenly Palace Supreme, seated high above, cast his gaze downward, his thoughts shrouded in mystery.

"It is unnecessary to bring them into the Exotic Battlefield; if the True Realm itself is annihilated, our very presence in the Exotic Battlefield will be jeopardized."

After a brief silence, the Supreme's voice, slow and measured, commanded attention from all:

"The warriors of the Heavenly Palace shall proceed to other great domains, offering aid to clans in the Outer Realms. This will serve a dual purpose: contributing to the eradication of the Ancient Demon and lending assistance to other clans, thereby silencing any potential criticism from rival emperors."

Upon hearing these words, the Quasi-Emperors who had been fervently arguing were initially taken aback, but their eyes soon gleamed with understanding.

Truly, it was a strategic maneuver yielding threefold benefits.

That brat was tasked with guarding the Southern Domain, while they would dispatch the elite forces of the Heavenly Palace, leaving the brat with an empty dominion to oversee. This would allow them to hoist the Heavenly Palace's banner of renown during the ensuing catastrophe.

...

Within the confines of the Heaven Tower.

Once Li Hao had made his selection of a territory, Shi Miao swiftly followed, choosing the Southern Domain for himself.

Next to make his choice was Di Mingyuan, ranked fourth, who selected the Western Regions, the domain of the formidable Emperor Clan and the Heavenly Emperor Clan itself – recognized as the most powerful amongst the Four Domains.

Cang Venerate, Saint Master, and the others also opted for the Western Regions. Observing Li Hao and Shi Miao's mutual support, they chose not to enter the fray in the Southern Domain. Instead, they decided to ally with the Emperor Clan, ensuring a secure defense of the Western Regions.

The remaining four, in a silent accord, chose the Northern Domain. As for the Eastern Domain, it had already fallen, and consequently, no one laid claim to it.

"Select your lieutenants and your primary clans; this is a simultaneous selection process, and each of you is granted three opportunities for a forced selection."