The Willow God spoke, its domineering tone resounding across the world. Who would dare provoke it lightly?
Thus, everyone now stood in awe, their hearts trembling. That young man was worth such a monumental intervention? Anyone who dared act against him would have to consider how to face the Willow God’s wrath!
With this battle concluded, the storm subsided.
This stretch of the Forbidden Lands was crowded with cultivators—sect masters from various factions and geniuses who had returned from the Immortal Ancient Ruins, their figures flickering in the distance.
They would undoubtedly spread the news, and it was certain to cause an uproar.
Many were unwilling to accept this, especially those from the Sword Valley and the Dragon Path Sect, whose sect masters had perished. They burned with hatred, wishing to incinerate that willow tree and slay Shi Hao to avenge their fallen.
Yet, they could only suppress their fury. The slightest hint of killing intent would invite merciless obliteration—the Willow God was transcendent, standing far above even the Upper Realm!
Some were bitter, others despondent, while a few rejoiced, their faces alight with smiles.
Chang Gong Yan and Cao Yusheng rushed over immediately to congratulate Shi Hao. With such a master, who would dare bully him lightly? His backing was simply too formidable.
From this day forth, barring unforeseen circumstances, the hunted prodigy known as “Huang” could roam freely across the three thousand provinces without fear.
“Ahaha, what an unexpected twist! A complete reversal of fate!” The little rabbit hopped over excitedly. “I thought you’d be running for your life, cornered with no escape. I even summoned my grandpa to lend you a hand at the critical moment. Never imagined you’d turn into a privileged young master!”
“Watch your words!” Shi Hao glared at her.
He felt neither complacent nor overconfident, for this was not the Willow God’s true form—merely a battle imprint. If others learned of this, he would be in mortal danger.
From afar, Xue Lin nodded in acknowledgment, a silver-haired elder standing beside her, his eyes narrowed as he observed the scene with a faint smile.
Many were now fixated on Shi Hao. Under the Willow God’s protection, he could grow unimpeded. With three strands of immortal qi, given time, he was destined to shake the Upper Realm!
Soon, the Dragon Maiden, Luo Dao, and others approached, engaging Shi Hao in conversation—though Qing Yi was notably absent.
Meanwhile, the Willow God was surrounded by figures like the nine sect masters from the Immortal Ancient Ruins and Qi Daolin. The Peacock Divine Lord rushed forward, boldly addressing it as “Master.”
The onlookers were stunned. The Peacock Clan was nearly on par with imperial bloodlines—how could their leader be the Willow God’s disciple?
Clearly, Huang had gained another senior brother, complicating matters further.
Qi Daolin chuckled awkwardly. Compared to the Willow God, his status as a master paled. Yet Shi Hao remained deeply grateful, treating him with even greater respect, addressing him as “Master.”
This time, Qi Daolin had risked his life to save Shi Hao—such devotion deserved reverence.
“Little junior brother, seek me out if you ever need aid,” the Peacock Divine Lord privately transmitted. Shi Hao nodded earnestly.
However, the Willow God denied any master-disciple bond, stating it had merely offered assistance once, not formal tutelage.
Undeterred, the Peacock Divine Lord insisted on treating it as his master.
Gazing at the Kun Sect’s leader, Shi Hao sighed inwardly—this was the Indestructible Being’s secondary body. Approaching, he bowed in gratitude.
The Witch arrived, grinning mischievously. “You’ve stolen the spotlight, transforming from a hunted rat into the disciple of a supreme figure. Haha!”
“Hey, watch your mouth,” Shi Hao shot back, then turned to the Heavenly Slaughter Sect’s master in the distance. “Greetings, Elder.”
He made efforts to foster goodwill with all sect masters who had shown him kindness earlier.
The Heavenly Slaughter Sect’s master nodded. Though he hadn’t intervened, his reputation was peerless, his form shrouded in mystery.
“By the way, what’s this messy relationship with the Heaven Mending Sect’s Holy Maiden? Is she really with child?” The Witch whispered provocatively, her breath fragrant against Shi Hao’s ear.
Given the audience’s keen senses, her words were heard by all—clearly intentional, meant to provoke Yue Chan and mock the Heaven Mending Sect.
Many cast curious glances toward the Heaven Mending Sect’s contingent.
Yue Chan’s jade-like cheeks flushed faintly, her eyes sharp as sparks seemed to fly between the two natural rivals.
“Hmm, she’s upset. Could she be jealous? But there’s nothing between us,” the Witch teased further, blowing softly into Shi Hao’s ear.
Shi Hao tilted his head slightly, his ear brushing her lips. The Witch recoiled, glaring—she was certain he’d done it on purpose.
“I find this reasonable. Sect Master, consider having Huang marry into our Heaven Mending Sect,” Yue Chan’s uncle transmitted privately.
Alas, he forgot that many present could intercept such messages—some even amplified it, making his words audible to all.
Yue Chan’s face burned crimson as she glared at her uncle in fury.
The Witch giggled, thoroughly enjoying her rival’s discomfort.
In the distance, the Everlasting Immortal appeared alongside Qin Hao and Shi Ziling’s family.
Spotting them, Shi Hao dashed over.
“My child!” Qin Yining cried, rushing forward with tear-streaked cheeks. This reunion felt like a dream.
“Mother!” Shi Hao embraced her.
Shi Ziling joined them, holding his eldest son tightly. The family’s hearts swelled with emotion.
“Let me look at you properly,” Qin Yining wept.
In the Lower Realm, she had watched helplessly as Shi Hao was buried, guarding his grave in despair.
In the Upper Realm, she had drowned in regret and sorrow. Now, seeing him again, her heart overflowed with joy.
Even Shi Ziling’s eyes glistened. His son had risen alone, dominating his generation across three thousand provinces—a feat that filled him with pride.
“Brother!” Qin Hao called out.
The Everlasting Immortal observed Shi Hao with quiet awe. This youth had stirred monumental waves, shaking the Upper Realm single-handedly.
Earlier, Qin Yining had begged the Everlasting Immortal to intervene, but he hesitated—his past battles with the Willow God in the Lower Realm made their reunion awkward.
Only when Shi Hao approached did his expression flicker.
“Your mother is of the Qin Clan. Our doors are always open to you,” the Everlasting Immortal declared, extending an olive branch.
Behind him, some Qin clansmen shifted uncomfortably, recalling their past hostility.
Shi Hao nodded, promising to visit his parents, but he would never join the Qin Clan. His strength was his own.
Yet, he remained wary—the Everlasting Immortal had implanted an immortal bone into Qin Hao. Though harmless now, it left him uneasy.
“The Qin Clan has my brother. If needed, I will aid them,” Shi Hao stated, implying his family’s safety was non-negotiable.
“Must you leave us again?” Qin Yining wept.
“My master awaits. It may take me on a journey,” Shi Hao said, glancing at the Willow God.
“A child must forge his own path, soaring like the roc,” Shi Ziling said, believing Shi Hao thrived beyond the Qin Clan’s confines.
“There was a girl who cared for me in my youth. I heard she’s in the Qin Clan. I wish her safety and happiness,” Shi Hao declared solemnly.
This was no request but a demand—his first public insistence before his parents, the Qin Clan, and the Everlasting Immortal.
“Her name is A’Man. She came to the Upper Realm with my grandfather but was separated from us. Find her!”
The message was clear.
“We will locate her and bring her to you,” a Qin clansman pledged.
“As long as she’s safe. I must see the Willow God now. I’ll retrieve her myself later,” Shi Hao said.
“Shi Hao, have you heard? Outsiders have invaded, trampling our Upper Realm’s Heavenly Gods, mocking our cultivators. This cannot stand!” Cao Yusheng exclaimed.
The little rabbit raged in agreement.
“I’m not from the Upper Realm. Why should I care?” Shi Hao shrugged.
“They’ll come for you. Rumor has it, the ancient realms are merging to form sacred academies. If you wish to enter, you’ll have to fight,” the Witch warned.
“If challenged, I’ll fight as a Lower Realm native,” Shi Hao replied, unperturbed.
At that moment, the Willow God beckoned. A verdant light enveloped Shi Hao, lifting him skyward.
The Indestructible Being and Qi Daolin followed, vanishing together.
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