Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1931 Chapter 517: Heavenly Dao Banner Raised, Manifestation Reflects the Thousand Clans of the Southern Domain (Part 6)
Previously on Follow the path of Dao from infancy...
"They intend to withdraw at the last moment, all gathered within this banner," Li Hao stated succinctly, his words a direct indictment of those individuals.
"This..." Chi Li and Chu Beiming, among others, were taken aback. Gazing at the Divine Banner held by Li Hao, they could faintly discern the immense power contained within. Could it be that those individuals had all been refined?
"Sword Heart, the Southern Domain is vast. When your Heavenly Palace was stationed here previously, how did you manage to transmit orders to all factions without delay?" Li Hao inquired of Sword Heart.
Sword Heart immediately grasped Li Hao's intention and responded, "Within the Southern Domain, we of the Heavenly Palace established miniature Heavenly Courts in all the clans and the Immortal Dynasty. Inside these courts, we constructed a Heaven-Reaching Array. This array, after expending a specific quantity of Immortal Stones, allows for the instantaneous transmission of messages back to the Heavenly Palace, thus preventing any delays in military operations. However, to relay messages from the Heavenly Palace to every one of these miniature Heavenly Courts, my master's Heavenly Emperor Order is required." As he articulated this, he turned his palm over, revealing a token radiating a silver luminescence.
"This is the Heavenly Emperor Order," Sword Heart confirmed.
Li Hao exhaled a breath of relief. Perhaps the opposing side had either departed in haste or were concerned with maintaining appearances, choosing not to destroy this crucial communication line. Otherwise, contacting each one individually would have demanded considerable effort from him.
"Excellent. Immediately dispatch orders to all clans in the Southern Domain, informing them of our arrival. Muster your war forces with all haste and await my command. Those who defy these orders shall face execution!" Li Hao commanded.
"As you command." Sword Heart offered a slight nod of acknowledgment before turning and entering the Heavenly Palace to activate the Heavenly Emperor Order and establish contact with all parties.
Meanwhile, Li Hao addressed Dao Qingyin and Long Zhan Tian nearby, stating, "First, escort the two clans here. As for the Immortal Stones required for the transmission, Dao Qingyin, your Dao Clan will cover the majority for now. After we vanquish the Ancient Demon, your clan will be compensated with the spoils of victory."
Dao Qingyin shook her head, replying, "Who could have anticipated such brazen actions from the Heavenly Palace? At this juncture, this is the best we can do. As for compensation, let us not even speak of it. We are united as one, and my Dao Clan must contribute its utmost!"
Her words brought a measure of comfort to Li Hao. He then collaborated with Dao Qingyin to erect a Transmission Anchor Point nearby. Once the anchor point was established, Dao Qingyin contacted her Dao Clan, initiating the transmission process.
Elsewhere, Su Wanyi sought and received permission from Shi Miao to depart and collect her family. Shi Miao expressed concern for Su Wanyi's safety during the journey and offered to accompany her. However, Li Hao declined her offer, instead assigning ten other Immortal Kings, each at the perfection stage of the Immortal King Realm, to escort Su Wanyi.
"Heavenly King Hao Tian, we have concluded our discussions. Does this strategy meet your approval?" At this moment, the various Immortal Kings who had been deliberating on defense strategies presented their findings, with Immortal King Guan Xing respectfully posing the question to Li Hao.
Li Hao surveyed the numerous defensive lines meticulously etched onto the Southern Domain's Geomantic Chart, noting the marked ambush points and the various strategic modifications. His eyes glinted slightly. These arrangements surpassed even his own initial concepts. Indeed, through collaborative brainstorming, the world teemed with talented individuals, and one should never underestimate the potential of others.
"Very well. This plan shall be adopted for the time being." Li Hao affirmed with a nod, then felt a surge of potent energy. Suddenly, large sections of white light emanated from the adjacent Teleportation Array, and a multitude of Immortal Kings emerged.
These Immortal Kings bore similar adornments, all intricately inscribed with Dao patterns, signifying their status as powerful figures hailing from the Dao Clan. Upon seeing Dao Qingyin positioned beside the formation, a collective salute was offered by numerous Dao Clan Immortal Kings.
Dao Qingyin did not dare to slight them; many of these Immortal Kings were esteemed elders of her Dao Clan, with some having personally witnessed her growth. She then guided them forward to meet Li Hao.
Before she could formally introduce them, these Dao Clan Immortal Kings had already prostrated themselves before Li Hao in respectful greeting.
Despite his previous confinement within the Abyss during the True King selection, the world had long since acknowledged his reign.
Upon hearing the Dao Clan Immortal Kings' words of commendation, Li Hao gave a slight wave of his hand, stating, "With war looming, elaborate formalities are unnecessary. Dao Qingyin, please brief them on the current situation within the Southern Domain."
Dao Qingyin understood Li Hao's unspoken directive and proceeded to elucidate the prevailing circumstances in the Southern Domain to the assembled Dao Clan Immortal Kings, detailing the treacherous machinations of the Heavenly Palace.
Following Dao Qingyin's explanation, the many Immortal Kings of the Dao Clan experienced profound shock. As they observed the deserted peaks of the Heavenly Palace, a mixture of disbelief and indignation swept through them.
"This Venerable of the Southern Domain is truly beyond shameless!"
"Seven hundred Immortal Kings were dispatched to assist an Outer Realm, abandoning their own Southern Domain. What kind of noble cause is this?"
"There were whispers of a past conflict between the Southern Domain Venerable and Heavenly King Hao Tian. I never imagined this animosity would persist! How petty and callous can an Emperor be, holding onto such a grudge?"
Some among the Dao Clan's Immortal Kings had indeed heard tales of the Southern Domain's earlier Pride of Heaven Battle. The event was significant enough to warrant the attention of the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor. Though their Dao Clan wasn't situated within the Southern Domain, news of the incident had reached them.
"So that's how it is."
Long Zhan Tian's expression shifted to one of sudden comprehension upon hearing the details. He had been in deep secluded cultivation within the clan, oblivious to this particular piece of gossip. Now, his indignation only grew stronger. It was already egregious enough for an Emperor of such high standing to target a junior in the True Immortal Realm; to resort to such ignoble tactics was utterly disgraceful.
"Is it not said that an Emperor ought to possess an immaculate Tao Heart? How could they stoop to such pettiness? It's a stain upon the very title of Emperor!"
Another Immortal King from the Dao Clan voiced his outrage.
Their own Dao Clan stood as the second most powerful entity in the True Realm, boasting three Emperors. They held no fear of the Southern Domain Venerable, short of all three of their Emperors falling in battle and the Southern Domain Venerable somehow surviving and returning. Yet, the likelihood of such a scenario was exceedingly slim.
"Let us cease dwelling on this matter. The Southern Domain Heavenly Palace is now but an empty shell. War, however, requires a substantial amount of Immortal Stones. Elders, can we arrange for the transport of our Dao Clan's Immortal Stones and Divine Veins to this location?"
Dao Qingyin inquired.
Upon hearing Dao Qingyin's proposition, the assembled Dao Clan Immortal Kings exchanged silent glances for a brief moment.
Then, an elder with flowing white hair stroked his beard and declared, "We must spare no expense in holding the Southern Domain. Should the Southern Domain fall and this calamity spread to other great domains, triggering a chain reaction that troubles the True Realm and even causes the decline of the Primordial True Realm, the consequences would be far more detrimental to our interests. All expenditures and outcomes of this conflict will be deliberated upon once the war concludes. I place my faith in Heavenly King Hao Tian, that he will not mistreat our Dao Clan, and that justice still prevails in this world!"