Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1928 Chapter 517: The Heavenly Dao Banner Stands, Incarnations Illuminate the Thousand Clans of the Southern Domain (Part 3)

"This is the Heavenly Dao Banner!"

Gripping the banner's staff, Li Hao's gaze swept towards the Heavenly Palace below. "To abandon the Southern Domain and assist the Outer Realm for a favorable reputation—how deceitful! Since that is the case, you abandoned souls shall enter this banner and spill your blood for the Southern Domain!"

He lifted his hand, brandishing the Heavenly Dao Banner, and behind him, the constellations of the All Heavens Stars materialized, immense immortal power surging through his grasp into the banner.

Concurrently, a colossal Dharma manifestation stood behind him, also holding a phantom form of the Heavenly Dao Banner, an artifact of the original domain. It mirrored Li Hao's movements, sweeping across the vast expanse of heaven and earth!

An overwhelming suction force erupted instantly, engulfing ten thousand mountain peaks and stunning everyone in the entire Heavenly Palace region.

"What is this?"

Faced with the towering, god-like Dharma manifestation, countless Heavenly Palace disciples were rendered speechless, observing with shock and utter disbelief.

At that moment, Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian also recovered their senses, witnessing Li Hao's actions. They were utterly astonished and incredulous at such a ruthless endeavor!

As the engulfing suction intensified, it shattered the protective seals on various peaks. Many Immortal Lords and True Persons found themselves incapable of resisting the Heavenly Dao Banner's pull. Despite attempting various immortal techniques to fend it off, their bodies were uncontrollably drawn into the artifact.

Some attempted to escape using the Piercing Ruins Secret Technique, but within this banner, fused with Li Hao's Endless Fishing Dao Realm, spatial distance became meaningless.

Witnessing numerous Heavenly Palace disciples being inexorably absorbed into the Heavenly Dao Banner from the mountain peaks, more than a dozen Immortal Kings positioned before Li Hao stood slack-jawed, never anticipating Li Hao's audacity in sacrificing the entire Heavenly Palace!

"Haotian, stop!"

From within the grand palace, two figures abruptly emerged, shattering the defensive formations outside and appearing before Li Hao and his company.

Li Hao looked down, recognizing two familiar elderly faces – Sword Heart and Ming Yue, the Supreme's direct disciples.

Both had now ascended to the ranks of Immortal Kings, residing at the fourth and third levels, respectively.

"Do you intend to refine them all? How does this differ from an Ancient Demon?" Ming Yue couldn't withhold her words.

Li Hao's eyes remained impassive. "Oh? You two are actually here and did not depart for the Other Domains? The difference? The difference is that if they fall into the hands of an Ancient Demon, they would merely become sustenance. With me, however, they will at least meet their end with dignity, having fought to protect the Southern Domain."

Ming Yue burned with anger, glaring at Li Hao, poised to retort, but Sword Heart gently pulled her back.

Sword Heart maintained his composure, fixing his gaze upon Li Hao. "Haotian, you are now a True King, and we are no match for you. If you wish to take our lives, proceed, but we choose to remain here, hoping to fight for the Southern Domain, for all the clans within it. We implore you not to harm the innocent."

Unswayed, Li Hao stated calmly, "Precisely because of that, you two can still stand here conversing with me. Were it otherwise, you would be like these incompetent Immortal Kings—possessing grand realms but lacking the spirit of an Immortal King, reduced to mere battle tools."

Their expressions flickered slightly. Though Li Hao's words were harsh, a subtle stirring occurred within their hearts as they realized Li Hao had instantly perceived their resolve to remain and defend the Southern Domain.

Their fellow disciples had abandoned the Southern Domain, even attempting to persuade them to leave, yet they had refused.

They had chosen to stay, despite knowing the potential for death in battle or even facing Li Hao's wrath should he uncover the truth.

Perhaps it was a stubborn pride that refused to yield, or perhaps it was the recurring image of the young man before them, compelling them not to be outdone by him in certain matters—and if death were to come, let it be honorable.

"You two, mobilize all available forces outside the Heavenly Palace."

Li Hao extended his hand, drawing in the void. Golden light swirled at his fingertips as he inscribed a talismanic decree.

"This is my True King Order. With this decree, you two shall lead the remaining forces of the Heavenly Palace to join the converging army. Specific assignments will be determined after I confer with the various tribes of the Southern Domain."

With a wave of his hand, the golden Divine Order flew towards the two of them.

Sword Heart stared at the character 'Hao' etched onto the token, a wave of surprise washing over him. He hadn't anticipated Li Hao entrusting them with such significant authority; they had remained, believing Li Hao wouldn't hold a grudge. Their initial plan was to defend the Southern Domain using their own strength and methods against the Ancient Demon. Now, a chance to command had been bestowed upon them.

"Understood!"

Taking a deep breath, Sword Heart tightly gripped the token, choosing to remain silent. He understood the Supreme had overstepped, deciding to abandon the Southern Domain and trap Li Hao. The only alternative for Li Hao would be to defy the emperors' decree and flee the Southern Domain, an act that would surely bring severe consequences upon his return.

At this pivotal moment, the Heavenly Dao Banner pulsed with divine radiance, drawing in countless Immortal Lords and True Immortals from the surrounding mountains. The overwhelming power thwarted any attempts at escape. Coupled with Li Hao's mastery over Time Dao and Space Dao, the seemingly expansive Heavenly Palace was compressed into a realm no larger than his palm.

This transformation occurred with breathtaking speed. In but a flash, amidst a cacophony of desperate cries, numerous individuals were ensnared within the Heavenly Dao Banner.

Li Hao brandished the Divine Banner, and the anguished voices faded into nothingness within its confines.

"Assemble your formations and prepare to welcome your respective clans to join the fight," Li Hao commanded.

Dao Qingyin observed the Heavenly Dao Banner held by Li Hao and recognized his decisive leadership, perfectly suited for commanding both the battlefield and the broader strategic landscape.

"I have already dispatched a message to my clan. Our clan's grand formation will facilitate the transmission, drawing upon the Dao Clan's immortal stones. Here, we merely need to establish a stable anchor point for the transmission," Dao Qingyin explained. She then addressed Sword Heart and Ming Yue below, acknowledging them as the direct disciples of the Southern Domain Venerable. "Bring forth your Heavenly Palace's immortal stones to lay the foundation for this anchor point here."