Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1668 Chapter 422: The Seventh Personal Disciple, Chaos Law_2

"It is time to depart."

The Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul spoke, "The master has been expecting your arrival at the peak."

Dao Origin Immortal Emperor? The image of the transcendent figure who had pulled him from the depths of hopelessness flashed through Li Hao’s mind. Filled with a sudden rush of fervor, he couldn't help but tighten his grip.

Had it not been for that man, his twenty-year existence in the Northern Domain would never have happened.

Furthermore, he would never have had the opportunity to await Shi Miao's return to consciousness.

Following the path, the Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul escorted Li Hao upward. On both sides of the Taoist grounds, numerous disciples had been stirred from their meditation by the low murmurs of the colossal black turtle, 'Yuanming Ancestor.' They now watched Li Hao’s ascent along the ancient trail, led by the Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul, their eyes widening in astonishment.

"Who could that be?"

"Is that an Emperor’s Weapon leading him?"

"To be guided by an Emperor’s Weapon... is he some prodigy from a Great Noble House, or perhaps even an Emperor Clan?!"

Shocked whispers and wild theories spread through the crowd.

Sensing the weight of many gazes and Divine Thoughts pressing upon him, Li Hao turned his head naturally, casting a casual look over the disciples gathered in the Taoist grounds.

He spotted True Immortals and Immortal Lords, though the latter clearly made up the majority, with True Immortals being quite rare in this area.

Furthermore, he sensed a few individuals possessing profound, heavy auras—undoubtedly experts of the Immortal King Realm. Yet, even they practiced with humility alongside the other disciples in the grounds.

"These individuals were sent by various powerful clans to study as apprentices. However, because they lacked sufficient aptitude, they were denied entry into the inner Sect. They are merely Outer Disciples under the master’s guidance," the Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul explained nonchalantly.

The Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul continued his briefing: "Conversely, the Direct Disciples live at the mountain peak and hold noble status. Should these Outer Disciples ever cross you, you have the authority to banish them as you see fit. Of course, once they realize you are a Direct Disciple, they wouldn't dare show any disrespect."

Li Hao observed the disciples in the grounds. Dressed in opulent robes and radiating extraordinary presence, their supposed 'lack of aptitude' was clearly relative to the world's greatest geniuses. To any ordinary observer, these people were clearly remarkable talents within their respective realms.

"Does that include those in the Immortal King Realm?" Li Hao inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed," the Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul confirmed with a nod.

"In this place, your identity matters more than your cultivation realm. The status of a Direct Disciple is paramount. When they see you, they are required to address you respectfully as Senior Brother!"

"Senior Brother..."

Li Hao felt a bit uneasy. Having lived only a century across his soul's life and being a newcomer to the Sect, shouldn't he be the Junior Brother?

"Among the other Direct Disciples, you are indeed the Junior Brother. However, in their presence, you are naturally the Senior Brother. What right do they have to call you Junior? Even being allowed to call you Senior Brother is a privilege for them!"

The Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul seemed to read Li Hao’s hesitation, speaking with a casual yet profound arrogance.

Li Hao remained silent, unsure of how to respond to such a bold statement.

As they climbed higher, more disciples in the Taoist grounds noticed them. Some recognized the true nature of the Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul.

A stir went through the crowd as they watched Li Hao head straight for the summit. To reach the very peak meant one possessed either world-shaking talent or an incredible pedigree.

For anyone else, even those facing capital punishment for grave crimes, there was no path to the top; their fates would be settled at the mountain’s base.

Before long, Li Hao arrived at the summit, greeted by a breathtaking vista. From this height, the ten golden suns seemed to glow with even greater intensity, yet the scorching heat they radiated was held back by an invisible barrier, unable to reach the ground.

Standing before him was a majestic palace, ancient and imposing. Nearby stood seven or eight other grand halls, some shimmering with gold and jade, their eaves constructed from rare Immortal Treasure materials.

The Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul guided Li Hao toward the central, grand palace.

"Go on, boy. Begin your apprenticeship."

The Mystic Turtle Emperor Soul sent a mental transmission to Li Hao, its tone losing its previous casualness and becoming more solemn.

Upon entering the hall, Li Hao discovered a silver-haired young man with a strikingly handsome face. He sat with a dignified air, focused on a game of chess laid out before him, completely absorbed in his own moves.

His black-and-gold robes looked relaxed yet carried an aura of supreme authority. Every thread seemed to pulse with a noble Qi that commanded respect and forbade any offense.

Seeing the savior of the Southern Domain again, Li Hao’s heart swelled with emotion. He started to speak but held back, unwilling to disturb the man's concentration.

Instead, he stood quietly in the center of the hall, hands at his sides, waiting patiently.

After a short while, the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor placed his final stone. He looked up, a faint, peaceful smile touching his lips.

"So, you were willing to come?"

Li Hao’s face colored slightly as he bowed. "Senior, the debt of gratitude for saving the Southern Domain is something this junior can never truly repay!"

"That is not true; you will find your opportunity," the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor replied with a gentle smile.

"If you can carve out your own Emperor Road in this era while staying true to your original path, that will be repayment enough for me."

These words ignited a fire in Li Hao’s heart. He felt a sudden, intense desire to begin Cultivation immediately, to break through and crown himself a king, and eventually reach for the pinnacle of the Emperor Realm.

"In just twenty years apart, you have managed to surprise me once more."

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor’s gaze swept over Li Hao, seemingly peering through his very flesh. Despite having watched over the Primordial True Realm for eons, a flicker of genuine astonishment appeared in his eyes.

He saw an extraordinary Immortal Body unlike any he had seen before, and hundreds of drops of True God Blood—a truly extreme foundation.

To achieve this in such a short window... He masked his surprise, looking deeply at Li Hao. He understood that every cultivator has their own destiny and chose not to pry. He was simply glad such fortune had found this child, who would surely put it to good use.

With a calm expression, he said, "You are a disciple of Heavenly Calamity. By rights, I shouldn't interfere with his legacy. However, it is no matter. I witnessed everything Heavenly Calamity sacrificed for the Southern Domain. You shall remain his disciple. I will take you as a direct disciple to teach you the Dao and the ways of Cultivation, but there is no requirement for you to call me Master."