Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1824 Chapter 479: Defend to the Death

"Is the Master going too?"

Gu Mofan and the other two felt stunned upon catching the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor's words, their surprise evident.

For years now, the Master hadn't made an appearance in the Primordial True Realm.

His latest involvement had been a special case to save that young disciple. Rumors spoke of some conflict with the Southern Domain Venerable, but the Master had merely dispatched an avatar, not his actual body.

In the end, the Southern Domain Venerable belonged to the Human Race and wouldn't likely clash to the death with the Master. Things stood differently against the Ancient Demon Clan, though; if action came, it would mean the true body stepping in. An avatar alone wouldn't suffice to command respect—those Ancient Demon Emperors could easily tell the difference between clone and original.

"A calamity looms over us. It brings both ruin and chance. In this dire crisis of the catastrophe, you might just carve out the Emperor Road. Or perhaps you'll stumble right before that Emperor's gate; everything hinges on fate."

The Dao Origin Immortal Emperor spoke these words unhurriedly.

A weight settled heavily in the hearts of Gu Mofan and his two companions.

Their family elders had warned that this turmoil in the Eastern Domain might ignite the second Ancient Demon Great War, prompting the clans to unleash hidden treasures without restraint and push forward the growth of disciples teetering on breakthroughs.

Figures at the peak of the Immortal Monarch Realm or the full Immortal King Realm counted among the prime focuses for nurturing right now, needing only one more push to ascend further.

"Depart."

With a wave of his hand, the Dao Origin Immortal Emperor commanded.

"Understood."

The trio acknowledged the order, shared a quick look, and promptly sent their true bodies rushing toward the Eastern Domain.

...

Deep in the Eastern Domain, along the frontline of the hundred cities, inside Dragon Gate City.

While Li Hao pondered staying or fleeing, a abrupt bell rang out alongside a mighty dragon's cry echoing through the city.

That sound marked an enemy assault. From the myriad ancient structures in Dragon Gate City, only a handful of people dashed forth, gazing in alarm beyond the walls.

There, thick black clouds amassed, birthing a Yan Ghost Array that lashed out with its limbs, hammering the protective shield around the city and sending waves of dragon motifs shimmering over the glowing golden dome.

On the seventh level of Dragon Shield Tower, Long Ying, Duan Yuan, and their group jolted in alarm, hurrying to materialize high above the tower and peer into the far-off horizon.

Li Hao and Shi Miao sped out as well, their expressions shifting with concern. At this point, nearly all the city's guard units had shifted to Ancestral Dragon City, leaving defenses here perilously thin. Why target this spot with Ancient Demons?

"Didn't they say every Ancient Demon had massed at Ancestral Dragon City, gearing up for a brutal push? If Ancestral Dragon City crumbles, the backup line would shatter next!"

"What makes them strike here now?"

Shock and doubt gripped Long Ying and the rest.

The other Mystic Armor Department's Dragon Shield Towers had all bolstered Ancestral Dragon City. Theirs alone remained behind. They figured it owed much to Li Hao and Shi Miao, since these two prodigies were stationed for training and thus spared the utmost peril of Ancestral Dragon City.

Right now in Ancestral Dragon City, deaths likely piled up by the thousands each passing minute!

"Hurry, bolster the city's barriers!"

Long Ying snapped to the gravity of it all, calling out in haste.

With such scant forces on hand, they needed to fight with everything they had.

This instant called not for flashy immortal arts, but for a desperate stand to safeguard the Eastern Domain and Dragon Gate City!

Should the city topple, doom awaited them all!

Fleeing? To where? The lands behind held their kin—could they really slink home to cower?

Li Hao and Shi Miao grasped the stakes too. As Long Ying's command rang out, Shi Miao turned to Li Hao with eyes hinting at her thoughts, and he picked up on it right away, sending a mental reply:

"We hold Dragon Gate City first!"

Fifth senior brother battles relentlessly in Ancestral Dragon City, so he left this somewhat secure Dragon Gate City for our trial. How could I ditch the place and run when danger strikes?

Shi Miao let out a quiet inner sigh at Li Hao's response, as if she'd anticipated it. She knew his nature all too well, after all.

No further words escaped her, no extra pleas to sway him; a surge of potent immortal energy burst from her form. This round, she planned no concealment. Even if it drained every ounce from this vessel, even if it meant igniting her True God Blood, she'd shield Li Hao and ensure his survival!

Determination burned in her eyes, shining with unyielding resolve.

At her back, Li Hao's gaze hardened too, his mind set. Should the worst truly descend, he'd give up this body to buy Shi Miao's getaway.

He had three drops of Divine Blood safeguarded with Master, enough for revival via Divine Blood—barring an elite Immortal King Realm expert who might seal or erase him with unique methods.

"We battle on—a true powerhouse doesn't charge in assured of triumph, but dives into the fray no matter the outcome!"

Li Hao unsheathed his blade and surged forward with Long Ying and the group.

Upon hitting the ramparts, they spotted hordes of Yan Ghost Arrays battering the shield from without, interspersed with flickers of Ghost Witch Formations that moved nimbly, blocking the city's Dragon Blade Formation strikes aimed at the Yan Ghosts.

Scanning the defenses, Li Hao saw the fighters present numbered far less than in the last clash—barely a tenth of the prior force!

Vast stretches lay empty, lending an air of eerie abandonment.

Weighing the swarm of Yan Ghost Arrays beyond, a grim pressure weighed on Li Hao's chest; the overwhelming count alone spelled trouble!

The barrier divided the sides, laying bare the lopsided numbers.

"Assemble!"

Though their faces paled, Long Ying and the others clenched their jaws and advanced.

The Six Harmonies Dragon Scale Array took shape swiftly, manifesting as a colossal dragon perched atop the walls, glaring down at the foes outside.

Within the city, troops unleashed a barrage of immortal techniques via the shield to strike out, and close by Li Hao and his allies on the battlements, two formidable presences emerged—the very City Lord Long Potian and his Deputy.