Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1929 Chapter 517: The Heavenly Dao Banner Stands, Incarnations Shine Upon the Thousand Clans of the Southern Domain (Part 4)

Sword Heart and Ming Yue exchanged apprehensive glances, their expressions turning grave. "Before the Supreme departed, he plundered the treasury bare, including all the Immortal Stones…"

"What is this?"

Long Zhan Tian’s eyes widened, his fury barely contained; for a Supreme to act so shamelessly was astounding!

Dao Qingyin hesitated for a moment, deciphering the Southern Domain Venerable's intentions. She couldn't fathom his actions—did the Supreme truly hold such disregard for the True Realm, unconcerned by the prospect of an eternal curse?

"The Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty arrives to present our respects!"

Just then, a resounding voice echoed from the distance.

Li Hao and his companions subtly turned their heads, their Divine Sense instantly probing outward, detecting a vast assembly of Immortal King figures converging near the Heavenly Palace Territory's periphery. Approximately a hundred individuals were present, though the majority resided below the Fifth Level of the Immortal King Realm.

"The Tianzhao Immortal Dynasty pledges allegiance to the True King!"

"The Red Border Immortal Dynasty offers greetings to the True King!!"

"The Yuanzun Immortal Dynasty bows before the True King!!"

Following the contingent from the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, numerous Immortal King figures from other directions materialized, swiftly traversing the aerial expanse.

Li Hao surveyed the approaching forces, recognizing them as the Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties of the Southern Domain. He recalled encounters with their arrogant scions during past competitions within the Southern Domain. However, the current arrivals were seasoned Immortal Kings from each respective dynasty.

"I’ve heard tell that the Southern Domain's Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties command immense territories, establishing them as first-class powers, second only to the Heavenly Palace. Their Immortal Emperors are beings at the Quasi-Emperor level."

Dao Qingyin’s gaze swept over the newcomers, a silent sigh of relief escaping her. Unlike the scattering of the Heavenly Palace, these dynasties maintained their coherence, which was crucial, otherwise, the Southern Domain would surely crumble, placing an unbearable burden upon the Dao Clan and the Ancestor Dragon Clan.

Amidst the multitude of Immortal King figures from the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, Li Hao identified several familiar countenances. These were the very individuals who had once overseen the selection of prodigies within Yan Chu Imperial City – Prince Chu Xiangtian, and others like Chu Tianhuang, who had contested against him in the Pride of Heaven Battle. Now, they too had ascended to the Immortal King Realm, albeit at lower cultivation levels, merely the Third Level.

It seemed their foundations in the Primordial True Realm's Immortal Monarch Realm had been insufficient, compelling an earlier breakthrough.

After all, with the impending cataclysm looming, persisting with foundation refinement at the Immortal Monarch stage made one exceedingly vulnerable amidst the chaos of battle.

"Why does the Heavenly Palace appear so desolate?"

Upon entering the Heavenly Palace Territory, the members of the various Immortal Dynasties observed the grand peaks and rolling hills, noting the presence of structures but an utter lack of inhabitants, their surprise evident.

However, when their Divine Sense registered Li Hao and the others, a sense of reassurance washed over them. The prior displays by Li Hao and Shi Miao during the True King selection had instilled significant confidence.

"Beside Heavenly King Hao Tian stands the inheritor of the Dao Clan, and the Ancestor Dragon Clan!"

"With the backing of these two formidable clans, our Southern Domain is assuredly saved."

"Furthermore, other major clans are present, seven of whom rank within the top fifty."

The Immortal Dynasty members observed Long Zhan Tian and Dao Qingyin standing alongside Li Hao. Beyond them, a coalition of other powerful clans had pledged their allegiance, choosing to stand with Li Hao in defending the Southern Domain.

Some of these clans were indigenous to the Southern Domain, while others recognized that aligning with Li Hao promised greater prospects for advancement. The sight of the abandoned Heavenly Palace, however, dampened the spirits of many, kindling resentment towards the departed Supreme.

"What brings you to this place?"

Li Hao directed his query towards the vanguard of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, his gaze encompassing their ranks. The leader was not Chu Xiangtian, but rather a tall youth with gentle eyes, whose restrained aura exuded an uncommon power, signifying his position at the pinnacle of the Immortal King Realm.

"Chu Beiming offers his greetings to Heavenly King Hao Tian."

The youth raised a hand, conveying a profound respect towards Li Hao.

Despite his own standing at the pinnacle of the Immortal King Realm, considered invincible amongst his peers, even individuals like Long Zhan Tian, standing beside Li Hao, could effortlessly vanquish him.

Compared to the perfection-level might displayed by the elite Immortal Kings from the great clans, he could only be regarded as second-rate.

"The Ancient Demons have launched an invasion. Aware that the True King would undoubtedly arrive to render aid and stand guard here, we surmised you might be within the Heavenly Palace. Thus, we specifically journeyed to await your command."

Chu Beiming elaborated.

Li Hao offered a slight nod. "Have your father and the other Quasi-Emperors from Yan Chu departed? What is the current situation at the border?"

"My father has journeyed to the Exotic Battlefield alongside the other emperors, entrusting the Immortal Dynasty's stewardship to my hands. Yan Chu diligently executes all commands issued by the True King."

A somber expression settled on Chu Beiming's face. "Throughout the years, the borderlands have been plagued by frequent incursions from the Ancient Demons. My father had spoken of the emperors' efforts to select a True King for a decisive counterattack, which has allowed us to maintain a precarious hold, though numerous territories have already succumbed. With the True King now revealed, I am certain the Ancient Demons will be alerted and will undoubtedly launch assaults across various regions. Consequently, I have established covert outposts to ensure immediate notification of any developments."

"The border has already fallen?"

Li Hao was taken aback slightly. Having spent centuries cultivating within the Abyss, he was, admittedly, out of touch with the affairs of the outside world.

While he was aware that the Ancient Demons would target other domains, the news of the border's collapse and the subsequent loss of territory was undeniably dire.

It was no wonder the emperors had been so fervent in their pursuit of selecting the True King; the time purchased in the external realm had evidently run out.

At this juncture, delegates from the Red Border and Yuanzun Immortal Dynasties made their arrival.

"We pay our respects to Heavenly King Hao Tian; the Red Border Immortal Dynasty is here to heed your command."

The Red Border Immortal Dynasty was represented by a remarkably beautiful woman, clad in a black robe with resplendent crimson-gold edging. Intricate phoenix motifs adorned her sleeves, projecting an aura of nobility and resolve comparable to any man.

The other Immortal Dynasties also offered their salutations to Li Hao, displaying profound reverence.

Li Hao surveyed them, a faint recollection surfacing of the Southern Domain's Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties. He noted the presence of only six dynasties and inquired, "Where is the Jinyun Immortal Dynasty?"

"The Jinyun Immortal Dynasty..."

Chi Li, the leader of the Red Border delegation, responded with subtly furrowed brows, "Reporting to Heavenly King Hao Tian, the Jinyun Immortal Dynasty is situated on the northwestern frontier of the Southern Domain, an area subjected to the most intense invasions by the Ancient Demons, lying closest to the passage leading to the Eastern Domain. For centuries, it has borne the brunt of the Ancient Demons' warfare, with half of its territory already lost. Currently, it struggles to maintain its footing and is likely unable to spare the resources or attention for greetings."