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Chapter 522: The Great Battle Begins
Chapter 522: The Great Battle Begins
Beyond the sky filled with flowing light, there were swirling vortices like star spirals, radiating a lustrous Moon Essence that illuminated the grand hall, exuding a profound aura of the Great Dao.
The people of the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty were stunned and mesmerized by the sight. Cultivating here, even those with mediocre talent could surpass the prodigies outside.
The pervasive aura of the Great Dao made it clear to everyone that this was a top-tier Cultivation Holy Land, almost on par with the Chaos Secret Realm.
While the Chaos Secret Realm might not match the Origin Secret Realm, staying there for an extended period would still yield extraordinary results.
"Someone once said they'd rather be a dog in the Imperial Family than a noble in the slums. I finally understand that feeling."
An imperial clan member muttered dazedly within the Imperial Clan.
"Even the guards here enjoy such treatment, far surpassing the Cultivation secret realms we fight over."
"Is this the blessing of being close to the Supreme Emperor?"
"If we could become supreme disciples, I wonder what kind of cultivation resources we would receive!"
Everyone felt a mix of shock, envy, and a sense of disorientation.
Just the environment of this Imperial Hall gave them a strong sense of awe. If they were to encounter a disciple of the Supreme Emperor, they might even feel reluctant to face them.
Li Hao surveyed his surroundings, his eyes revealing a comparative gaze. He had previously seen the Imperial Hall left by the Heavenly Catastrophe Immortal Emperor, and now, he was comparing the two.
This Imperial Hall emitted a much more potent aura, which was understandable. After all, the Imperial Hall of the Heavenly Catastrophe Immortal Emperor now only had Emperor Luo, the imperial palace soul, while this Imperial Hall still had an Emperor presiding over it, automatically attracting the Great Dao.
Li Hao knew that this Imperial Hall was likely also an Imperial Forbidden Immortal Artifact!
At this moment, they were walking on this True World Imperial Artifact, including the ten-thousand-mile steps they had previously traversed, which were part of the Imperial Artifact.
Feng Leixiang's expression was calm, but his peripheral vision caught the reactions of the Yan Chu group, and a slight smile curved his lips. Apart from Emperor Chu and the various patriarchs, these prodigy disciples all wore expressions of shock, with only a few maintaining a composed and calm demeanor.
"Let's go."
Feng Leixiang continued forward.
Emperor Chu led the group in following, approaching the majestic Imperial Hall.
"Admit them."
A clear and authoritative voice sounded from inside, already aware without needing to be informed.
Feng Leixiang stepped aside, gesturing to Emperor Chu.
Emperor Chu's expression was indifferent, and he did not look at Feng Leixiang. He calmly crossed the Barrier at the entrance of the Imperial Hall and stepped inside.
The others followed in single file, but they were silent, no one daring to speak, all with heads lowered, nervous and apprehensive.
Inside the Barrier, the grand hall stood in a starry sky cloud sea, surrounded by ancient bronze pillars rising through the mist. The original forms of the Phoenix Feather Clan and Dragon Scale Clan members coiled around them.
Feng Leixiang, standing at the entrance, was also a member of the Phoenix Feather Clan and a prodigy within the clan. The Phoenix Feather Clan was one of the Hundred Clans and had grown closer to the Heavenly Palace Supreme, aligning with the Heavenly Palace Immortal Emperor, thus solidifying their position among the Hundred Clans.
These figures coiling around the bronze pillars were all elders of the two clans, with the privilege to listen to the Dao within the Imperial Hall.
In the mist ahead, a towering imperial throne, resembling an ancient bronze gate, stood tall. Its backrest was extremely high, with clouds swirling on either side. A figure, as brilliant as divine yang, rested upon it, too radiant to behold directly. Only its eyes, like stars and moonlight, seemed to consume the world.
Li Hao, along with everyone else, was facing the Immortal Emperor for the first time. This was the ultimate realm of countless cultivators, the final path.
Imperial Dao pressure faintly permeated the hall, though highly restrained. Despite this, everyone felt as if a mountain of stars pressed down on their heads, making it impossible to lift their gaze. They were filled with fear and trembling, their blood and pores contracting and quivering.
Li Hao’s Dao Heart was eternal, and he had already glimpsed the Imperial Dao. Under this imperial Dao pressure, he remained relatively calm and composed.
However, Gu Yan, Yue Xi, and Li Tiemu, who were beside him, were pale-faced, their eyes filled with fear and tension. It seemed that even the slightest shift of the gaze from the figure on the imperial throne would bring down two stars to crush them.
This fear was no less than what a mortal would feel when facing the Chaos Ancestral Dragon, their hearts nearly stopping.
Li Hao slightly raised his head and looked at the Great Dream Master. She appeared solemn, her head bowed slightly in respect.
His gaze then lifted a bit more, sweeping over the crowd. He noticed that almost everyone instinctively lowered their heads, with only a few figures daring to look up. Among them were Chu Tianhuang and Boya Xuejian from the Imperial Clan.
Emperor Chu, however, stood tall and proud, his Dharma Image, towering like a mountain, shielding many from the imperial might.
As Li Hao observed, he suddenly felt those star-like eyes, heavy as a mountain, gently press on his shoulders. It was the Supreme Sage’s gaze sweeping over him.
"Chu Tianmu pays respects to the Supreme Sage."
At that moment, Emperor Chu slightly bowed, completing his greeting.
Only then did everyone learn Emperor Chu’s true name.
"King Chu, there’s no need for such formality."
The figure on the imperial throne spoke slowly, his voice gentle but resonant like Chaos Thunder, making everyone’s hearts heavy and their consciousnesses echo.
This was the voice of an emperor, each word seemingly carrying a Dao resonance, creating illusions in their minds.
"It seems Yan Chu’s fate has arrived, and this generation has many promising talents."
The imperial voice spoke again, this time with a hint of praise.
Emperor Chu smiled, his expression calm. "Supreme Sage, you flatter us. They are merely unworthy children. Please accept their respects."
At his command, the Imperial Family took the lead, bowing and paying their respects.
Except for Emperor Chu, everyone else knelt like a wave, and Li Hao followed the crowd.
"Pay respects to the Supreme Sage."
With a slight tremble, the voices of the gathered cultivators, though uneven, echoed in unison. The Supreme Sage waved his hand, and a ball of starlight appeared before them. From it, beams of emerald starlight shot out.
This starlight, like nectar, fell upon everyone, quickly seeping into their bodies. Their Immortal Power, as if cleansed, received a slight boost.
Li Hao watched as the starlight entered his body, feeling the rich Immortal Power and special Immortal Dao Law it contained. Soon, his Immortal Power became purer, denser than before.
Li Hao’s eyes sparkled. This was the power of the Immortal Emperor, capable of enhancing their cultivation with a mere gesture.
For an Immortal Emperor, reaching the realm was as simple as eating or drinking, but accumulating the necessary foundation was the hardest part.
However, this act also revealed to him that his Immortal Power could still be compressed, indicating he had not yet reached the limit of the True Immortal Realm.
"The upcoming great battle will be a fierce competition. This small gift is for you all, the future hope of the Southern Domain. I hope you perform well and strive to secure a spot in the Primordial True Realm."
The Supreme Sage spoke warmly.
His simple words ignited a surge of passion in many of the prodigies, making them feel eager to pledge their loyalty immediately.
Emperor Chu clasped his hands and said, "Thank you, Supreme Sage, for your generosity."
"Travel has been arduous; let them rest first. We must not neglect our Prodigies. King Chu, stay behind. We haven't seen each other in a long time, so let's have a good chat."
Supreme Sage said.
Emperor Chu clasped his hands in response, "That was my intention."
At that moment, a giant dragon coiled around an ancient bronze pillar soared into the air, transforming into a Human Race form. It addressed the group, "Please follow me."
Emperor Chu gestured, and Chu Tianhuang understood, leading the elders away. The elders and patriarchs from various sects followed closely behind.
Once they left the Imperial Hall, the fear and oppression that had weighed on their hearts slowly dissipated, but the lingering impact was profound and awe-inspiring, with a hint of servile reverence.
The dragon reappeared in its True Form outside the Imperial Hall, leading the group away from the Heavenly Palace Imperial Hall and back to the ground, stopping at a large city several thousand miles away.
"This is the Yan City that Supreme Sage has prepared for Yan Chu."
The dragon's voice was thunderous, unapologetically powerful.
The faces of the various sect patriarchs changed slightly, and they each displayed their own might to protect their disciples.
The dragon was not being deliberately intimidating; it was simply indifferent. This made the elders and patriarchs feel somewhat embarrassed, but they could not blame the dragon.
"Senior, when will the Southern Domain Battle begin?"
Chu Tianhuang, who was at the front, spoke calmly after a slight change in expression. His eyes were deep, with a faint golden vertical glow in them.
In the Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty, they had all more or less concealed their auras, maintaining a low profile. However, here, continuing to do so would have made them seem weak. As the leader of the Imperial Clan, he now revealed a sharp edge, his Immortal Lord Realm aura manifesting, clearly at the Fourth Rank of the Immortal Lord Realm!
The dragon sensed Chu Tianhuang's extraordinary presence but was not surprised. It simply replied calmly, "In seven days. There are still other Immortal Dynasties that haven't arrived, so you'll need to wait a bit."
"Also, don't wander around aimlessly during this time to avoid any unpleasant incidents before the great battle."
"If you have any needs, you can seek out the City Lord. He is responsible for your accommodations, meals, and cultivation matters during your stay."
With that, the dragon flicked its tail and turned to soar away.
"That Dragon Scale Clan fellow is so arrogant", Yin Jingcheng muttered discontentedly, his face slightly displeased.
The Xuan Yin Clan was also one of the Hundred Clans, and he did not have a mindset of reverence towards the Dragon Scale Clan.
Seeing the dragon's arrogance made him feel uncomfortable.
"Don't say too much", Great Dream Master frowned and warned in a low voice.
Meng Huaiyue, standing nearby, was not too bothered by this and asked, "Master, how will this great battle be conducted?"
"It hasn't been decided yet. We should know once Emperor Chu returns", Great Dream Master replied.
At that moment, a figure leading dozens of Immortal Lord Realm beings swooped down and landed in front of the group.
"I am the City Lord of Yan City. If you have any needs during your stay, feel free to visit the City Lord's Mansion."
The middle-aged man leading them smiled, appearing very approachable.
The group's mood improved slightly, and Chu Tianhuang immediately said, "Please arrange accommodations for us, City Lord."
"Of course."
The Yan City City Lord smiled and waved, instructing his subordinates to make the necessary arrangements.
Each sect requested separate lodgings, and soon, the various sects of Yan Chu were all accommodated in separate halls.
The Yan City City Lord informed them that once the great battle began, they would be free to leave Yan City, except for certain Prohibited Zones within the continent. They could visit other places for sightseeing and cultivation.
For example, the training grounds where a Supreme Sage's Personal Disciple once fought, or popular cultivation holy lands. If they were interested, they could visit these places.
"If you are interested, I can accompany you to explore and broaden your horizons."
In the hall, Great Dream Master addressed the members of the Nine Depths of the Great Dream, simultaneously introducing Yin Jingcheng and Meng Huaiyue to everyone.
These two personal disciples of Great Dream Master were not entirely unfamiliar to some of the disciples, who had heard of their names. Their arrival brought a sense of joy, as it would strengthen the Nine Depths of the Great Dream’s combat capabilities.
"The Immortal Power in this Yan City is incredibly dense. At the city center, there is a dao stele that records nine hundred and ninety-nine Great Dao principles. On top of the stele, there is a Fire Dao inscription of the Nine Sequences Great Dao, which can be comprehended for cultivation."
"Wow, can we stay here permanently?"
"Just a temporary residence for us, and they’ve already prepared such a dao stele. I wonder what the supreme disciple’s cultivation place must be like."
Everyone discussed, and within half a day, they had already explored Yan City thoroughly. The busiest spot in the city was the central dao stele, which had already gathered many disciples from various sects.
"You can also go and take a look, but do not cause any friction with other sects. Each elder from the depths must accompany you."
Great Dream Master said with a smile.
Soon, the disciples from the various depths eagerly headed out, with only a few remaining in the hall to rest.
"Only seven days isn’t enough to comprehend anything."
Yin Jingcheng and Meng Huaiyue did not show themselves. As the sect’s trump cards, they would only reveal their strength during the great battle.
Great Dream Master nodded slightly, noticing that Li Hao hadn’t gone either. "You’re not going?"
"The time is too short, and it’s too noisy. It’s not worth it."
Li Hao shook his head. The dao stele was indeed impressive; if placed in any sect, it would be cordoned off as a secret realm or forbidden area.
Great Dream Master’s lips curled into a smile. "It’s just the Supreme Sage showing off his profound heritage, letting all the Immortal Dynasties know the majesty of Heavenly Palace."
To casually offer a dao stele for guests to comprehend was enough to shock the sects of various dynasties, making them yearn and realize the unattainable height of Heavenly Palace.
Yin Jingcheng glanced at Li Hao, inwardly sneering.
Li Hao bid farewell to Great Dream Master, turned, and left, returning to his courtyard to rest.
With nothing to do, he spent his time sculpting in the courtyard, feeling as relaxed as usual, without the usual pre-battle tension.
Throughout his journey, he had experienced too many great battles, and his mindset was already composed.
The next day, Emperor Chu returned, bringing news of the great battle. However, the information was vague, mentioning only that the great battle would be divided into three stages and three rounds of selection, without specifying the methods. Clearly, the Supreme Sage had not revealed them.
Time flew by.
Yan City was bustling with activity, with disciples from various sects gathered before the dao stele, not to comprehend but to compete in the strength of their Dao realms.
The Fire Dao inscription of one of the Nine Sequences was openly available for comprehension. However, for those who had mastered the Fire Dao origin realm, it would take at least three to five years of quiet cultivation to deeply comprehend it. For those who hadn’t grasped the Fire Dao origin, it would take several decades, even by the standards of prodigies.
Time passed quickly.
When the great dragon came to invite them again, everyone followed Emperor Chu to the great battle’s location, which was not in the Imperial Hall but somewhere in the northern part of the continent.
With a roar, Emperor Chu revealed his hundreds-of-zhang dharma body and walked ahead with his hands behind his back.
As they approached the destination, they saw many figures standing in the air, surrounded by a large number of silver-helmeted immortal guards.
"Yan Chu Immortal Dynasty has arrived!"
A loud announcement echoed through the sky, and those waiting there turned to look.
(End of Chapter)
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