Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1922 Chapter 515: Selecting Generals, Setting Out!
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
The Immortal Emperor addressed Li Hao and the others.
The reincarnated Black Emperor found himself without a choice, his assignment automatic: all Chaos Ancient Clans of the Primordial True Realm were to obey his command.
While the other nine would defend the Three Domains, he alone was tasked with safeguarding the Primordial True Realm.
This division brought a sense of relief to Li Hao, thankful he hadn't contended for such a role, otherwise, he might not have had the opportunity to protect Feng and the others.
"Deputy..."
Observing Li Hao's intention to select a deputy, those who had not succeeded in the election within the Heaven Tower watched with eager eyes, and numerous individuals extended invitations to him.
As Li Hao surveyed the surroundings, he quickly detected an inheritor from the Dao Clan extending an offer his way.
"My name is Dao Qingyin, the current inheritor of the Dao Clan. I am willing to serve as your deputy and lead my Dao Clan in conquest for you!"
Dao Qingyin spoke in a sweet tone to Li Hao, her expression graced by a friendly and charming smile.
Li Hao considered this for a moment and promptly accepted. The Dao Clan, being the most powerful after the Emperor Clan, was an offer that could not reasonably be declined.
Furthermore, Dao Qingyin had secured the 12th position in the election, possessing formidable combat prowess.
"There remains one more vacancy..."
Li Hao's gaze moved across the assembly, observing the members of the Emperor Clan avert their heads, as if apprehensive of being chosen by him.
With such an unspoken sentiment, Li Hao did not press the matter, understanding that from a broader strategic standpoint, it would be more advantageous to have Di Mingyuan command the Emperor Clan, maximizing their potential.
Beyond them, other formidable clans ranked within the top ten were present, including the Chaos Clan, the Saint Clans, and the Taichu Clan.
Mingled within the throng, Li Hao discerned a familiar presence: the Su Family from the Northern Domain.
While the Su Family's ranking among the various clans was not particularly high, their extended invitation stirred memories within Li Hao of his time in the Northern Domain.
He recalled the Peach Garden, where Su Jiuzhe, the elder of the Su Family, had shared drinks with him...
Li Hao cast a glance, a silent sigh escaping him.
Shi Miao perceived Li Hao's internal conflict and conveyed through telepathy, "It is alright. If you prefer not to select the Su Family, I can do so and offer them some measure of protection."
She understood Li Hao's character; despite his past disputes with the younger generation of the Su Family, he had been treated well by their elders.
Upon hearing her words, Li Hao felt a deep surge of emotion, recognizing her profound understanding of his heart.
"Very well."
He turned his attention to a figure within the crowd and declared, "For the second deputy, I select the Ancestor Dragon Clan."
Presently, with the fall of the Eastern Domain, the Zulong Clan found themselves without a homeland, their combat strength significantly diminished, making them a low priority for selection by others. However, as the clan of his fifth senior brother, Li Hao could not bear to see them abandoned, scattered amongst various True King armies.
Upon hearing Li Hao's declaration, the Immortal King of the Zulong Clan, Long Zhan Tian, stood momentarily stunned, his gaze fixed upon Li Hao in disbelief.
As the first individual chosen, he had never anticipated that Li Hao would select their Zulong Clan.
From a distance, other contenders registered disappointment, some murmuring regretfully.
The faint spark of hope in Su Wanyi's eyes was instantly extinguished, leaving only a shadow of sadness and self-derision.
Indeed, how could the Su Family possibly contend with the prestige of the Dao Clan and the Ancestor Dragon Clan?
Back in the Northern Domain, at the Su Family estate.
Su Zhenyuan and his kin, having overheard Li Hao's decision, felt their hearts, which had been clinging to a sliver of hope, turn frigid.
Yet, there was no trace of anger or animosity; they understood that Li Hao possessed an abundance of superior choices. The Holy Spirit Clan, the Emperor Clan, the Taichu Clan — all were powerful factions; it was unrealistic to expect their Su Family to be considered.
The slight past connection, in the grand scheme of things, held minimal significance.
"If only back then..."
Madam Su's lips parted slightly, her eyes clouded with a hint of bitterness and regret, contemplating whether the circumstances might have unfolded differently had the young man been brought into their family by marriage.
Or perhaps, if she had been willing to offer him support and guidance to her daughter earlier, would they have managed to circumvent such regrettable outcomes?
"He did not choose us..."
Su Muqing's face paled as she observed the swirling spectacle within the Heaven Tower, her gaze fixed upon the youth radiating an aura of boundless brilliance.
She recollected his initial arrival in the Northern Domain, seeking refuge from the Venerable of the Southern Domain, yet how she had turned him away, neglecting his plea...
Su Wanqing remained in quiet contemplation, her expression devoid of either joy or sorrow.
"Let it be..."
Su Zhenyuan exhaled a sigh, acknowledging that Li Hao's decision was sound and that, given the present critical juncture, he could not be faulted.
...
Within the confines of the Heaven Tower.
Once Li Hao concluded his choices, Shi Miao swiftly nominated two deputies. The Taichu Clan put forth their eleventh-ranked inheritor, the female Immortal King named Supreme Heartless. The second deputy was from the Su Family. Upon hearing Shi Miao’s selection, Su Wanyi, who had been standing somberly and looking quite pale within the crowd, found it difficult to process at first. The sudden attention of numerous gazes jolted her back to reality, causing her to lift her head in surprise. As her eyes met those rainbow-hued ones, she became rigid, as if the culmination of all cause and effect dawned upon her instantly. Her heart, which had been heavy and sinking, now surged with elation, her blood thrumming with excitement, and tears of joy cascaded down her face. She understood that the young man had not forsaken the Northern Domain, nor had he forgotten the Su Family! Simultaneously, in the boundless void far away, a figure perched upon an immense, ancient demon corpse took his final draught of wine. At his feet rested a sword, the Spring Slash Emperor Sword. A smile graced his lips as he realized the youth had not forgotten their meeting concerning the Su Family, nor the wine he had shared. "Kid, this debt is now settled," Su Jiuzhe murmured with a soft chuckle, his gaze drifting towards the distant, shadowed Heavenly Domain. The expanse below him was a tapestry of endless mountain ranges formed from corpses and vast seas of blood, all belonging to ancient demons.