Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1900 Chapter 509: Trial_4

"Oh?"

Confusion flickered in Li Hao's eyes, though he held back from inquiring further. He had no clear idea of his eventual score, yet either way, he felt content.

Soon enough, the rest emerged from the Illusion Realm.

With an indifferent tone, the Immortal Immortal Emperor announced, "Results for this round are now available; each of you may view your own."

A radiant golden list materialized in the empty space, displaying hundreds of names in order.

Spotting his name in sixth place, Li Hao felt a surge of surprise. After all, he hadn't joined the city defense efforts, whether for good or ill—he simply acted as his instincts guided him.

Regarding Shi Miao... Li Hao cast a quick look her way and noticed her position near the very end.

Position 92.

Stunned, Li Hao turned to the bewildered Shi Miao next to him and questioned, "What exactly happened for you inside the Illusion Realm?"

Shi Miao shot Li Hao a brief look and gave a faint shake of her head. She kept silent about the numerous dilemmas of acceptance or refusal she encountered there. Logic dictated her best choices, yet regrettably... a certain presence appeared in that Illusion Realm—it was Li Hao himself.

In order to shield him, she sacrificed it all.

Judged from that angle, it was evident she fell far short in this area.

"How come I'm stuck at 38th? I battled fiercely, cut down every single invading Ancient Demon, and pushed myself until utter collapse and demise—still only 38th?!"

"Was it perhaps that realm limitations varied for each person in the Illusion Realm, or did I go about it the wrong way?"

Right then, murmurs filled the surroundings as participants chatted; plenty had opted to clash against foes relentlessly, even offering their lives, convinced they'd poured out everything, only to discover their rankings fell below expectations.

"Leading demands a focus on the broader strategy. As I mentioned earlier, you all ought to trust your inner guidance instead of trying to predict this trial's evaluation standards."

The Star Empress's voice echoed with icy clarity: "The Ten Emperors have jointly determined these scores; should anyone dispute them, feel free to exit the competition!"

At those words, the previously buzzing group fell into immediate hush.

"The concluding trial: command authority."

With no further voices raised, the Star Empress declared in a frosty manner without delay.

Suddenly, just as previously, that well-known force wrapped around them, and Li Hao once more plunged into a searing golden Illusion Realm that engulfed his surroundings.

On this occasion, the scene unfolded in the True Realm's South Domain, right at the Dream Nine Abyss Sect.

Li Hao surveyed his environment and recognized several known faces: Old Man Li, Yue Xi, Gu Yan, and more.

Right now, they positioned themselves atop the Sword Abyss peak, gazing at him with grave and dignified looks.

Li Hao realized too that his identity had shifted—he was no longer himself but a white-robed middle-aged figure, serving as the Sword Abyss's Abyss Master.

"Abyss Master, Ancient Demons invade—how shall the Dream Nine Abyss mount its defense?"

An Elder from the Sword Abyss inclined his head respectfully, his face etched with gravity and weight.

Snapping out of his daze, Li Hao swiftly adapted to the character. This challenge gauged command prowess, demanding true command expertise.

"In the Dream Nine Abyss, nine abysses form nine distinct lineages. Facing an Ancient Demon assault... the nine abysses must unite their efforts. This trial probes alliances with external powers, alongside skills in directing battles and leading troops."

Li Hao rapidly pondered the challenges of this examination, yet anxiety evaded him as he stated:

"Start by briefing me on the intelligence."

The Sword Abyss Elder bowed at once and detailed the ongoing conflict.

Dire peril loomed, with Ancient Demons drawing perilously close to the Dream Nine Abyss's territory.

Perceiving the crisis's intensity, Li Hao wasted no words and headed straight to the primary summit to seek the Great Dream Master.

"Immortal Kings from mighty clans, accustomed to overseeing battles in their own groups, surely possess strong command over warfare, whereas those from lesser clans struggle more, particularly in forging ties with major allied clans, where they often come up short."

Within the void, the Ten Emperors' gazes mirrored the ordeals of the hundred Immortal Kings, observing how those from the Emperor Clan, Dao Clan, and similar grand lineages managed their battlefield directives with seamless efficiency.

In contrast, Immortal Kings from minor clans, while directing their own fights, tended to falter in resolve and boldness during dealings with partner forces.

"Judging by the current display, these contenders for True King are holding up adequately."

As the Ten Emperors observed closely, they noted that aspirants for True King spots typically excelled here, yielding acceptable outcomes.

"That earlier female participant, who forsook all to safeguard her Dao companion within the Illusion Realm—setting that moment apart, her talent for orchestrating battles ranks exceptionally high, easily placing in the top three at minimum."

One Emperor remarked, his sight piercing through the Illusion Realm to focus on Shi Miao.

"Unless my memory fails, she served as the Heavenly Calamity's personal disciple over a hundred thousand years past, fighting in the colossal calamity conflict of that era. Reborn now, her command expertise remains sharp, though... any scenario touching on her Dao companion prompts her to abandon all else, posing a certain issue."

A different Emperor nodded slowly while lamenting softly.

"It's of little consequence; should she claim a True King role, simply keep them apart, and mutual disruption ends."

Yet another Emperor commented, convinced the True King thrones belonged to the worthy, not to be forfeited over a single weak showing.

Based on the ongoing exhibitions alone, even a dismal mark in one area couldn't drag her overall from the top twenty, thanks to her strong results in the remaining three.