Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1927 Chapter 517: The Establishment of the Heavenly Dao Banner, the Incarnations Reflecting the Thousand Clans of the Southern Domain(Part 2)...

The Dao Clan, second only to the Heavenly Emperor Clan, with an Emperor's presence, boasts profound foundations that far surpass what a lone individual like Li Hao could ever contend with.

"This..."

The Immortal King faltered, then softly revealed, "There are ten layers of Immortal Kings, totaling seven hundred and thirty-two. Seven hundred have already been dispatched. The remaining thirty-two, along with another eighteen, are presently stationed at the Sky Eye City of each Immortal Dynasty, overseeing the realms to the four cardinal directions..."

Such crucial information could not be withheld, compelling him to offer an honest account.

Upon hearing this, Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian's pupils constricted, their hearts chilling.

Of the over seven hundred, merely a handful remained!

Furthermore, a substantial contingent of Immortal Lords and True Immortals had also been withdrawn. This Heavenly Palace, the foremost power in the Southern Domain, comparable to the Ancestor Dragon Court in the Eastern Domain, now possessed less might than a second-rate force!

Li Hao and Shi Miao also adopted grave expressions. Although initial speculations hinted at the truth, it was now unequivocally confirmed: this was a calculated diversion. The underlying purpose was plain, intending to cast them into the jaws of peril, even if it meant ceding the entire Southern Domain to the Ancient Demons.

The Supreme Emperor's Heart—truly ruthless and utterly devoid of compassion!

"With the Ancient Demons currently invading and the world teetering on the brink, you deliberately orchestrated this!"

Dao Qingyin clenched her teeth, ire blazing within her eyes.

The Immortal King, having foreseen the reaction from Li Hao and the others, steeled himself and declared, "These directives come from the Supreme. Our Heavenly Palace adheres to benevolence and compassion as its core tenets..."

Before he could complete his sentence, Li Hao raised his hand, swiftly unleashing a golden beam that pierced his forehead.

The Immortal King's pupils contracted violently as he immediately felt an immense and potent Divine Soul Power breach his Sea of Consciousness. Fury surged within him; his explanation had been impeccable, yet this individual acted with uncharacteristic irrationality and without justification!

"I, I am an Immortal King of the Heavenly Palace, a general serving the Heavenly Palace, a True King! What is it you intend?"

He ground his teeth, his voice trembling with interrogation.

The boundless divine sense instantly coalesced into an intricate formation of runes, ensnaring his Divine Soul. The overwhelming, piercing agony subsided accordingly.

Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian both turned their gazes towards Li Hao. While brimming with indignation, they recognized the Heavenly Palace as the domain of that Supreme. Should they resort to reckless actions without cause, any potential return of the Supreme would undoubtedly lead to significant repercussions.

Moreover, they also had to consider the possibility of their own Emperor's safe return; if he did not, the situation would become extraordinarily complex.

All manner of unfavorable outcomes occupied their thoughts.

After all, as inheritors of their respective clans, beyond mere combat prowess, they were obligated to consider the broader strategic landscape and the welfare of their lineages.

"This is my Divine Soul Painting Lock. With the Ancient Demons launching their assault, and given your professed "benevolence and compassion," I shall entrust the frontline battlefield to you."

Li Hao's eyes were like chips of ice. "Do not even contemplate fleeing. Should you abscond without engaging the enemy, or worse, betray us, your souls shall be instantly annihilated, irrespective of your location. You are welcome to test this assertion if you harbor disbelief."

"What!"

The Immortal King's countenance underwent a dramatic shift upon hearing these pronouncements. He fixed Li Hao with a glare of shocked fury, "How dare you treat me in such a manner! Though I may not have received his personal tutelage, I am nonetheless a recognized disciple of the Supreme..."

Li Hao flicked his sleeve, cutting off his words. A golden light flashed within his eyes, his Divine Soul Power surging forth once more, engulfing the other four individuals present.

"Not merely you, but your entire Heavenly Palace!"

Li Hao's gaze was frigid. "At this very moment, borders may be under siege, and with every word I exchange with you, lives might be forfeit in defense of the Southern Domain. I possess neither the time nor the inclination for petty bickering, nor the need to justify my actions. I shall bear the solitary burden of all accusations and slanders this world may cast upon me!"

As he spoke, the Divine Soul Power contained within five thousand drops of True God Blood exerted its overwhelming might, subduing the other four and imprinting their souls.

"You, you are utterly unreasonable!"

"Does being a True King grant you license for such unreasonableness? We shall lodge a report with the Emperor!"

"This is the Heavenly Palace, and yet you act with such impunity! You are nothing but a tyrant, and our Heavenly Palace shall not bow to your dictates!"

They were simultaneously dumbfounded and incensed, never anticipating Li Hao would resort to such tyrannical measures.

Both Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian were taken aback. Though their interactions with Li Hao had been minimal, his prior demeanor was one of refinement and gentility. Yet, his current appearance was drastically different, exhibiting an unexpected level of dominance.

His actions, while somewhat coarse, inexplicably stirred a sense of shared exhilaration and pleasure within them.

"Summon all the other Immortal Kings here," Li Hao commanded to the two individuals beside him, "I shall deal with them all at once."

Dao Qingyin offered a slight nod and then informed Long Zhan Tian, "You need not intervene."

As she spoke, a dozen figures materialized behind her, swiftly dispersing in various directions. In the blink of an eye, they returned, bringing with them another dozen Immortal Kings, whom they unceremoniously deposited before Li Hao.

Without further words, Li Hao unleashed his Soul Power, imprinting them as well.

Disregarding their expressions of confusion and anger, he raised his hand, conjuring swirling black evil Qi at his fingertips as he painted in the air.

"Using the order of heaven and earth as my brush, and the world's grievances and suffering as my ink, let the banner rise!"

Li Hao's gaze, sharp and cold, fixed ahead as a golden Divine Banner materialized in the void, gradually taking on a tangible form.

This Divine Banner embodied Li Hao's Artistic Path, his Carving Arts, and other powers from the Original Dao Realm. Transitioning from formless to real, it had already become a supreme Domain Artifact!

While Li Hao might not possess mastery in Artifact Refining, his Artistic Path, coupled with the Carving Arts, granted him not only refining capabilities but also expertise in Alchemy and Medicine Making. Truly, anything could be drawn and carved!

"What is this?"

A palpable and potent Domain Artifact power emanated from the Divine Banner, leaving both Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian in a state of shock. They had not witnessed any artifact refining process; Li Hao had seemingly conjured a Domain Artifact out of thin air with a simple gesture!

Despite their mastery over countless paths and nearing perfection in the Nine Orders, they still struggled to comprehend Li Hao's extraordinary methods.