Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1930 Chapter 517: The Heavenly Dao Banner Stands, Incarnations Reflect the Thousand Clans of the Southern Domain (Part 5)

Li Hao's brow furrowed, and he inquired, "Is there no assistance from the Heavenly Palace?"

"The Heavenly Palace..."

A round of glances was exchanged among them. Aid from the Heavenly Palace was indeed available, but its effectiveness on the battlefield was minimal. The Supreme Ruler's intention was to erode the foundational strength of their Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties. As their father had explained, the goal was to seize control of all Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties during the ensuing chaos and unify the Southern Domain. Consequently, unless the nation faced imminent destruction, seeking aid from the Heavenly Palace would prove fruitless.

Observing their expressions, Li Hao understood that further discussion would be futile. He drew a deep breath and asked, "Do you possess the Geomantic Chart?"

"With the True King's arrival, the Geomantic Chart is, naturally, to be presented."

A middle-aged man from the Tianzhao Immortal Dynasty seized this opportune moment, speaking hastily in an attempt to curry favor with this unfamiliar True King.

With a flick of his finger, a golden beam shot forth, unfurling a scroll-like Geomantic Chart that spread out like a vast landscape painting.

For an Ancient Immortal Dynasty, the Geomantic Chart within their territory was a closely guarded secret. Even the Heavenly Palace could not demand to view it without the Emperor's personal decree. However, such an action would incite unified resistance from the Seven Immortal Dynasties, possibly even prompting their relocation from the Southern Domain. Therefore, the Supreme Ruler had not aggressively pressed the matter.

But now that hostilities had commenced, contributing this Geomantic Chart was unavoidable. Failure to do so, being excluded from battlefield efforts, and offending True King Li Hao would inevitably lead to severe repercussions.

Furthermore, compared to the Supreme Ruler, the Seven Immortal Dynasties harbored profound resentment, whereas they held no animosity towards Li Hao.

"We have also brought ours,"

Others chimed in consecutively. This Geomantic Chart detailed the numerous sects, both large and small, within the Immortal Dynasty's domain, including certain hidden locations, as well as Immortal Veins, Divine Ores, and patches of rare herbs.

Typically, the Emperor of an Immortal Dynasty relied on the Geomantic Chart and the fortune-telling divinations of the Astronomical Observatory to gather intelligence from various regions. In times of crisis, entrusting tasks related to it, even to Princes, would not grant them the opportunity to view it.

"Heavenly King Hao Tian, I possess the Geomantic Chart for the major regions of the Southern Domain."

At this juncture, a voice called out from below, and Sword Heart looked up at Li Hao.

Noticing Li Hao's gaze, Sword Heart quickly elaborated, "However, the Geomantic Chart of the Southern Domain's major regions does not encompass the territories of the Seven Immortal Dynasties. It only details the conditions within other smaller nations, omitting certain secret areas. Nevertheless, it still provides an overall view of the Southern Domain's general situation, including the distribution and status of various ethnic boundaries."

"Present it,"

Li Hao commanded.

Ming Yue couldn't help but cast a glance at Sword Heart. Sword Heart subtly shook his head at her, conveying:

"Having made our decision, defending the Southern Domain necessitates our contribution. Our Master secured the true Geomantic Chart. I requested Fifth Senior Sister to painstakingly replicate this one, which, in a way, demonstrates our commitment."

Among their fellow disciples, there was a Fifth Senior Sister who shared a close bond with them. She was a person of upright character and possessed Quasi-Emperor Cultivation. She had already departed for the Exotic Battlefield alongside their Master.

"If our Master returns and reprimands us, I will bear the punishment alongside you!"

Ming Yue declared through gritted teeth.

"Let us first focus on surviving this catastrophe," Sword Heart advised, shaking his head slightly, unburdened by further concerns of reprimand. He was prepared to accept expulsion from the Sect.

The three-foot Qing Feng within his heart would not, for this momentous occasion, be shrouded in dust!

As the Geomantic Chart of the Southern Domain, presented by Sword Heart, was unfurled, the vast expanse of the Southern Domain materialized in the sky before everyone's eyes.

The territories of various ethnic groups, both large and small, were meticulously marked, along with numerous Immortal Veins, Divine Ores, treacherous locales, and forbidden zones.

However, the territories of the Seven Ancient Immortal Dynasties appeared as an area of gray fog.

Upon observing this, Li Hao noted that near the Southern Domain's border, several black regions were indicated, signifying areas corrupted by the Ancient Demon.

Surveying the entirety of the major domain, Li Hao's thoughts swirled, and he posed the question, "Gentlemen, do any of you have effective strategies for defense?"

He had no intention of acting alone. Despite his experience fighting on the mortal realm's frontiers, the Immortal Kings present were skilled warriors and strategists, making collective wisdom beneficial for any plan.

A hush fell over the crowd as they exchanged glances, no one speaking for a spell.

"What's the matter? Is there no wise individual among you?"

Li Hao frowned, surveying the assembly. He quickly grasped their apprehension and clarified, "With the Southern Domain facing dire straits, there's no need for excessive worry. My cultivation journey is relatively short, and while I grasp combat fundamentals, I don't profess to be an unparalleled strategist. Your insights and planning are still crucial."

Upon hearing Li Hao’s humble words, many Immortal Kings in the throng let out quiet sighs of relief. They closely observed his demeanor, noting the sincere humility rather than false modesty, which immediately emboldened them.

"Heavenly King Hao Tian, I, Guan Xing Immortal King, have a few modest suggestions. I'm uncertain if it would be appropriate to voice them,"

An Immortal King stepped forward, offering a respectful clasp of his hands.

"Please, speak freely," Li Hao replied.

"Our Southern Domain is immense. Now, with many Emperors having departed, taking the Ancient Demon Emperor with them, I surmise the Ancient Demon is already aware and has devised countermeasures. Therefore, to preserve the Southern Domain, we must concede the interests of the outlying tribes, pull back our defense lines, consolidate our strength, and establish nine layered defense lines, guarding meticulously..."

Guan Xing Immortal King articulated slowly. Noticing Li Hao’s lack of objection, his words tumbled out with the fluency of an opened container, eloquent and clear.

Following his lead, other Immortal Kings also began to offer their strategies, using replicas of the Geomantic Chart to illustrate their ideas, proposing defensive strongholds, placement for defense lines, and strategic arrangements concerning the Southern Domain.

Throughout the discussions and debates, the majority remained quiet, clearly not possessing strong skills in strategy and placement.

"Heavenly King Hao Tian, why did we not encounter any disciples from the Heavenly Palace on our journey here?"

At this juncture, Chi Li, the leader of the Red Border Immortal Dynasty, who had not participated in the layout discussions, inquired with curiosity.

Followers from other significant clans couldn't help but fix their gaze upon the Golden Divine Banner in Li Hao's hand, their expressions turning grave and watchful.