Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1805 Chapter 471: Array Painting

"Exactly, we're part of both the Mystic Armor Department and the Dragon Shield Tower, handling defenses across the battlefield. A flaw in this area would create gaps in the formation, allowing the Ancient Demon to strike easily and cause massive casualties."

A woman with dark eyes murmured softly too, her gaze filled with apology as it turned toward Li Hao.

Offending Li Hao, the Immortal Emperor's disciple, was the last thing they wanted, yet traveling alongside him risked their own safety.

After all, the Eastern Domain battlefield was a deadly zone where even Quasi-Emperor Realm experts could perish.

"I'll handle his responsibilities myself; you all just focus on your duties."

Unable to watch Li Hao face such embarrassment, Shi Miao spoke coldly, her eyes like frozen shards as they swept across the seven, radiating the pressure of the Fourth Level of the Immortal King Realm.

At Shi Miao's declaration, the seven turned their stares to her, and the black-robed young man arched a brow, letting out a mocking snort.

"Bold claims indeed—if you possess such ability, why bother coming to us at all."

Shi Miao's expression shifted, anger flaring on the verge of outburst, yet Qingxuan lifted a hand to halt the dispute, his voice steady and composed.

"Summoning you to protect him means the Dragon Shield Tower will offer fitting rewards. With Haotian joining you, every fight you join will count as twice the celestial merits—does that appeal?"

His statement left the seven momentarily dazed, exchanging shocked looks among themselves.

Their eyes shifted back to Li Hao, now grasping the immense privilege of being the Immortal Emperor's disciple.

"Vice City Lord Qing, can we take your word on this?"

The jade-like elegant youth fixed his gaze on Qingxuan.

Qingxuan replied coolly, "In the ranks of the army, words carry weight without exception."

The noble youth consulted the other six with quick glances, and while one or two hesitated visibly, the rest shone with eager interest.

"Very well."

The noble youth inclined his head, a grin spreading as he added, "Under these terms, we'll certainly look after the Immortal Emperor's disciple properly."

With his agreement voiced, the black-robed youth swallowed his objections and stayed quiet.

The allure of doubled celestial merits proved irresistible; this young lad could serve as their lucky charm.

On the battlefield, peril always hides opportunity for glory!

Though risks abounded, victories promised lavish gains.

Even if the Immortal Emperor's disciple posed a potential liability, the doubled celestial merits were a sure boon, letting them amass points swiftly and outpace rival Mystic Armor Departments.

One should remember that celestial merits unlocked endless rare treasures, redeemable from the Ancestor Dragon Court's vault for extraordinary resources like supreme immortal physiques, loyal immortal companions, and more.

"Hmph!"

Witnessing the seven's consent, Long Qingge let out a frosty huff, recognizing once again how benefits swayed loyalties.

"But hear this clearly: should any harm befall Brother Haotian, you'll forfeit those celestial merits and suffer severe repercussions!"

Qingxuan warned in a chilling tone.

Expecting such a caveat, the noble youth dipped his head, replying, "Of course."

"Brother Haotian, you'll reside here in the Dragon Shield Tower for the time being. In a few centuries, I foresee you leading it."

Qingxuan faced Li Hao with a warm smile.

Noting his familiar address, the seven grew inwardly cautious; for someone of Vice City Lord Qing's stature to call this youth "brother" signaled vast potential ahead.

Thinking back to the fox-eared beauty's earlier remarks, they realized this boy was bound to eclipse them soon, making alliance with him a wise choice.

"Master?"

Catching Qingxuan's words, Li Hao scanned the surroundings, assuming the noble youth held that role since he had arrived from above first, and the others deferred to him subtly.

"Yes, given Brother Haotian's talent, in three to five hundred years, you'll likely assume my role."

The noble youth addressed Li Hao amiably, his eyes brimming with sincere regard.

The rest observed Li Hao more intently now, aware that leading the Mystic Armor Department required Fifth Level of Immortal King Realm strength; achieving it in mere centuries marked him as a prodigy of legends.

"My dear junior disciple, if misfortune strikes you here, whoever's at fault will face unrelenting justice!"

In that instant, Long Qingge declared firmly, her stare piercing like frost, golden eyes layered with four depths, unleashing the mighty Ancestor Dragon presence.

Awe rippled across the seven's faces, primal shudders stirring in their blood, urging them to kneel in submission.

Yet as seasoned fighters, they quelled the ancestral dread buried in their veins, though unease lingered on their features.

"Junior disciple, endure this place for now; if it ever displeases you, just say the word, and I'll arrange something better."

Long Qingge softened her voice toward Li Hao.

Smiling, Li Hao nodded. "This spot feels pretty good."

With Li Hao's easy response, Long Qingge held her peace, giving a nod. "Then I'll head back to Jianlong Pass. Reach out if anything comes up."

Sensing her haste to depart, Li Hao inferred the Eastern Domain's turmoil ran deep and refrained from delaying her, merely wishing, "Stay safe."

"Will do."

"Junior disciple, my wife and I must go as well."

Feng Qiqi informed the pair.

Li Hao and Shi Miao acknowledged with nods, waving goodbye to the duo.

"Settle in first, and report any issues to me whenever."

Qingxuan passed his command token to Li Hao, grinning as he said.

Li Hao took the token gratefully, nodding in return.

Once everyone had departed, only Li Hao and Shi Miao remained before the Dragon Shield Tower, facing the seven.

As Long Qingge's figure receded, the seven exhaled in relief, their bodies easing fully; hailing from Eastern Domain lineages, they harbored profound awe and terror for the Ancestor Dragon blood, and she was plainly an elite scion of that clan, close enough to the Immortal Emperor's disciple to call him junior, implying her own discipleship under the Immortal Emperor.