Chapter 753: The Great War Begins

Beyond the sky full of flowing light, there were star-like vortices, shining like bright moonlight, illuminating the surroundings of the great hall and transmitting a dense aura of the Dao.

The people of the Yanchu Qin Xianchao were shocked and dazzled by this sight; if one were to cultivate here, they feared that even those with mediocre talent could surpass the prodigies outside.

The drifting aura of the Dao allowed everyone to see that this was a top-tier holy land for cultivation, almost comparable to the Chaos Secret Realm.

Although the Chaos Secret Realm was inferior to the Origin Secret Realm, the effects of being able to stay inside it year-round were also extremely terrifying.

"Some say they would rather be a dog by the side of the royal family than a noble in the slums; I have finally experienced this feeling."

A member of the imperial clan muttered in a daze.

"Even the guards stationed here can enjoy such treatment; it simply surpasses the cultivation secret realms we fight over."

"Is this the blessing of being by the side of the Supreme Emperor?"

"If one could become a disciple of the Supreme, I wonder what kind of cultivation resources they could obtain!"

Everyone felt shocked, envious, and also a bit dejected.

The environment of this Imperial Hall alone gave everyone who arrived a strong shock; if they were to encounter the disciples of the Supreme Emperor, they even felt a sense of reluctance to face them.

Li Hao looked around, his eyes revealing a comparison. Having previously seen the Imperial Hall left behind by the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor, he did not feel much shock at this moment, but instead compared the two.

This great hall emitted a significantly denser might, which was understandable; after all, the Imperial Hall of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor now only had the Luo Emperor, the soul of that Imperial Hall, remaining, while this Imperial Hall still had a Great Emperor presiding over it, automatically attracting the surrounding Dao.

Li Hao knew that this Imperial Hall before him was most likely also an Immortal Forbidden Imperial Artifact!

At this moment, they were walking on this Imperial Artifact of the True Realm, including the ten-thousand-mile staircase from before, all of which were part of the Imperial Artifact.

Feng Leixiang's expression was calm, but his peripheral vision swept over the expressions of the Yanchu group. The corners of his mouth curled slightly. Except for the Chu Emperor and the sect masters, these prodigy disciples all wore shocked expressions, with only a few keeping their expressions restrained and calm.

"Let's go."

Feng Leixiang continued forward.

The Chu Emperor led the group to follow, arriving before the towering Imperial Hall.

"Pass."

A clear and majestic voice sounded from within; there was no need to announce, as it was already known.

Feng Leixiang stepped aside, signaling to the Chu Emperor.

The Chu Emperor's expression was indifferent; he did not look at him, but calmly crossed the barrier at the entrance of the Imperial Hall and stepped inside.

The others followed one after another, but they all fell silent. No one dared to discuss, all keeping their heads low, feeling nervous and uneasy in their hearts.

Inside the barrier was a great hall standing in a sea of clouds in the starry sky. Bronze ancient pillars stood amidst the mist, and figures in their original forms of the Phoenix Feather Clan and Dragon Scale Clan coiled among them.

Feng Leixiang at the entrance was also a member of the Phoenix Feather Clan and a prodigy within the clan. The Phoenix Feather Clan was also one of the Hundred Clans, and now that they were close to the Tiangong Supreme and attached to the Tiangong Immortal Emperor, their status among the Hundred Clans had become even more secure.

Those coiling around the bronze ancient pillars were all elders of the two clans, qualified to listen to the Dao in the Imperial Hall.

In the mist ahead, a towering imperial throne, like a bronze ancient gate, stood tall. The backrest was extremely high, and clouds and mist steamed on both sides. A figure leaned quietly upon it, as brilliant as a divine sun, impossible to look at directly, with only a pair of eyes, like starlight and candlelight, devouring the world.

Including Li Hao, this was the first time they had faced an Immortal Emperor directly. This was the ultimate realm for countless cultivators and the final path.

The pressure of the Imperial Dao diffused faintly in the hall. Although it was extremely restrained, everyone felt as if a star was suppressing their heads, unable to lift them, with a feeling of fear and trembling in their hearts, and the blood and pores of their entire bodies contracting and shaking.

Li Hao's Dao heart was eternal and could already glimpse the Imperial Dao. Under this Imperial Dao pressure, he was not overly nervous and could still maintain his composure.

But Gu Yan, Yue Xi, and Li Tiemu beside him were already pale, their eyes revealing fear and tension, as if the gaze sitting on the imperial throne, if shifted slightly, would be like two stars crashing down, wanting to crush them to pieces.

This feeling of fear was no less than a mortal looking directly at the Chaos Ancestral Dragon, with their heartbeats nearing a sudden stop.

Li Hao looked up slightly toward the Great Dream Master, only to see her expression solemn, bowing her head slightly, maintaining a respectful posture.

He raised his gaze slightly again, sweeping across the front, and found that almost everyone was subconsciously lowering their heads, with only a few figures looking up, among whom were Chu Tianhuang of the imperial clan and Boya Xuejian.

And the Chu Emperor in front was holding his head high, his Dharma body of several dozen zhang like a great mountain, blocking much of the Imperial might for the crowd.

As he was observing, he suddenly felt those two star-like gazes, like heavy giant mountains, pressing lightly on his shoulders; it was that Supreme scanning over.

"Chu Tianmu pays respects to the Supreme."

At this time, the Chu Emperor cupped his hands slightly, which counted as a salute.

Only then did everyone know the Chu Emperor's real name.

"King Chu, no need for formalities."

The figure on the imperial throne spoke slowly, the voice very gentle, but like Chaos thunder, making everyone's hearts feel heavy, with a feeling of their consciousness roaring.

That was the Imperial voice; a simple sentence seemed to contain a certain Dao rhyme, causing people to have hallucinations.

"It seems that the fortune of Yanchu has arrived; there are many good seedlings in this generation."

The Imperial voice spoke again, but with a hint of praise.

The Chu Emperor smiled, his expression peaceful, and said: "The Supreme overpraises; they are all useless children. You all, pay respects to the Supreme."

Under his instruction, the royal family took the lead, kneeling and saluting one after another.

Except for the Chu Emperor, everyone knelt down like a tide. Seeing this, Li Hao also followed the crowd to pay respects.

"Pay respects to the Supreme."

Accompanied by slightly trembling, uneven voices,

The Supreme on the imperial throne waved his hand, and a cluster of starlight appeared in front, followed by beams of emerald green starlight shooting out from it.

This starlight was like sweet dew, falling on everyone, quickly seeping in, and the Immortal power in their bodies seemed to be washed, actually obtaining a small improvement.

Li Hao watched this starlight merge into his body, feeling the abundant Immortal power contained within, as well as special Immortal Dao laws. Soon, his Immortal power became purer, denser than before.

Li Hao's eyes flickered; were these the means of an Immortal Emperor, able to improve their cultivation with a wave of his hand?

For Immortal Emperor powerhouses, realms were mostly as simple as eating and drinking, while the accumulation of foundation was the most difficult.

However, this act also made him feel that the Immortal power in his body could actually be compressed further; it seemed he had not yet reached the limit of the True Immortal Realm.

"The upcoming battle is a fierce struggle between dragons and tigers. A small gift is presented. You are all the future hope of the Southern Region. I hope you perform well and strive to obtain a quota for the Primitive True Realm."

The Supreme said gently.

Simple words, but they made the blood of many prodigies present boil, with a feeling of excitement so strong they wanted to swear an oath immediately.

The Chu Emperor cupped his hands and said: "Many thanks to the Supreme for your great love."

"The journey has been arduous; let them go down and rest first. Do not neglect

these prodigies of ours. King Chu, you stay behind; we haven't seen each other for a long time, let's have a good chat."

The Supreme said.

The Chu Emperor cupped his hands: "I have the same intention."

At this time, a giant dragon coiling around a bronze ancient pillar flew out, transformed into a human form, and said to the crowd: "Please."

The Chu Emperor signaled, Chu Tianhuang understood, took the lead, and left with the elders. The sect elders and masters also followed behind.

After leaving the Imperial Hall, the fear and oppression in everyone's hearts slowly dissipated, but the lingering aftertaste was shocking and profound, with a bit of submissive pursuit.

The giant dragon manifested its true form once more outside the Imperial Palace, leading everyone away from the Tiangong Imperial Palace and back to the ground, where it stopped in a large city tens of thousands of miles away.

"This is Yan City, prepared for you by Yanchu by the Supreme."

The giant dragon spoke, its voice deafening, not covering its momentum.

The sect masters all had slight changes in their expressions, manifesting their might one after another to protect their own disciples.

The other party was not intentional, just indifferent, which made the sect elders and masters feel embarrassed, but they could not blame him.

"Senior, may I ask when the Southern Region battle will begin?"

In front, Chu Tianhuang's expression only changed slightly before he spoke calmly, his eyes deep, with golden vertical pupils faintly visible.

In the Yanchu Qin Xianchao, they all more or less restrained their aura, keeping a low profile, but here, if they continued to restrain, they would be looked down upon. Therefore, as a leader of the imperial clan, he also revealed his edge slightly, releasing the aura of the Immortal Monarch Realm—it was actually the fourth level of the Immortal Monarch Realm!

The giant dragon felt the extraordinary nature of Chu Tianhuang, but was not surprised, only saying calmly: "It will be in seven days. Other Immortal Dynasties have not arrived yet, you need to wait a little."

"In addition, do not wander around during this time, so as to avoid any unpleasant events before the battle."

"If you have any needs, you can seek the City Lord; he is responsible for your food, lodging, and cultivation during these days."

After speaking, the giant dragon flicked its tail and turned to fly away directly.

"The guys of the Dragon Scale Clan are so arrogant."

Beside the Great Dream Master, Yin Jingcheng muttered indignantly, his expression somewhat displeased.

The Xuanyin Clan was also one of the Hundred Clans; he did not have a submissive attitude toward the Dragon Scale Clan, which was also one of the Hundred Clans.

Seeing that giant dragon so arrogant, he just felt uncomfortable.

"Do not say more."

The Great Dream Master frowned and warned in a low voice.

Meng Huaiyue beside her did not care much about this, but asked: "Master, how will this battle be conducted?"

"It hasn't been decided yet; we should know when the Chu Emperor returns."

The Great Dream Master said.

At this time, a figure led dozens of Immortal Monarch Realm experts whistling over, landing in front of the crowd.

"I am the City Lord of Yan City. Everyone, if you have any needs in the coming days, feel free to come to the City Lord's Mansion to find me."

The middle-aged man at the head smiled, looking very easygoing.

Everyone's mood improved slightly, and Chu Tianhuang immediately said: "Trouble the City Lord to arrange accommodation for us."

"Easy to say."

The Yan City City Lord smiled, then waved his hand to arrange it.

Each sect proposed to live separately, and soon, each Yanchu sect was arranged into separate halls.

The Yan City City Lord informed everyone that after the battle began, they could leave Yan City; except for certain forbidden areas within the continent, they could go to other places to visit and worship.

For example, the Dao field where a certain Supreme's personal disciple once fought, or a popular cultivation holy land; those interested could go and wander around.

"If you are interested, I will accompany you to wander around when the time comes, which can be considered broadening your horizons."

In the hall, the Great Dream Master said to the people of the Great Dream Jiuyuan, while also introducing Yin Jingcheng and Meng Huaiyue to everyone.

These two personal disciples of the Great Dream Master were not unfamiliar to some disciples who had heard of their names; instead, they felt happy. With the addition of these two, the combat strength of the Great Dream Jiuyuan was even stronger.

"The Immortal power in this Yan City is so dense, and there is a Dao stele in the center of the city, which records 999 Daos. At the top of the stele, there is also a fire Dao inscription of the Nine Sequences Dao, which can be contemplated and cultivated."

"So exaggerated, can we live here all the time?"

"It's just a temporary place for us to live, and they prepared such a Dao stele. I don't know what the place where that Supreme disciple cultivates is like."

Everyone was discussing; in just half a day, they had already wandered through Yan City. The liveliest place in the city was the Dao stele in the center of the city, where many disciples from various sects had already gathered.

"You can also go and see, but do not have friction with other sects. The elders of each abyss need to accompany you."

The Great Dream Master said with a smile.

Soon, the disciples of each abyss rushed over eagerly, with only a few people staying in the hall to rest.

"In just seven days, one can't contemplate anything."

Yin Jingcheng and Meng Huaiyue did not show up; as the trump cards of the sect, they had to stay and expose their strength only in the battle.

The Great Dream Master nodded slightly, seeing that Li Hao also didn't go, and said: "You aren't going?"

"The time is too short, and it's too noisy, no meaning."

Li Hao shook his head; that Dao stele was indeed exaggerated. If placed in any sect, it could be circled as a secret forbidden area.

The Great Dream Master showed a smile at the corner of her mouth, saying: "It's just the Supreme showing his foundation, letting all Immortal Dynasties know the majesty of the Tiangong."

Casually taking out a Dao stele for guests to contemplate was enough to shock the sects of all dynasties, making people yearn for it, and also making people realize even more that the Tiangong was unreachable.

Yin Jingcheng glanced at Li Hao, snorting coldly in his heart.

Li Hao bid farewell to the Great Dream Master, turned and left, returning to his own courtyard to rest.

He was idle and had nothing to do, painting and carving in the courtyard by himself, which was as relaxed as usual, without the sense of urgency before a great war.

Having walked this path, he had experienced too many great battles, and his state of mind had long been calm.

The next day, the Chu Emperor returned, also bringing back news of the battle, but the news was vague, only mentioning that the battle was divided into three stages and three screenings, but the specific method was not said. Clearly, that Supreme had not revealed it.

Time flew by.

Yan City was extremely lively, with disciples from various sects discussing the Dao in front of the Dao stele, but it was not contemplation, but comparing the strength of their respective Dao realms.

The fire Dao inscription, one of the Nine Sequences, was openly given to everyone to contemplate, but for those who had mastered the fire Dao origin realm, to contemplate deeply, it would take at least three to five years of quiet cultivation.

For those who had not mastered the fire Dao origin, wanting to use this to get started would also take at least several decades; these were all calculated by the standards of prodigies.

Time passed in a flash.

Following the giant dragon coming to invite them again, everyone followed the Chu Emperor to go together, but this place of battle was not on the Imperial Hall, but somewhere in the north of the continent.

Accompanied by whistling sounds, the Chu Emperor revealed a Dharma body of several hundred zhang, walking in front with his hands behind his back.

When they approached the destination, they saw many figures standing here in the void, and there were large groups of silver-armored Immortal Guards around.

"The Yanchu Qin Xianchao has arrived!"

Following an announcement that resounded through the sky, everyone waiting here looked over one after another. ===== CHAPTER 754 =====