Chapter 1059: Confrontation

“Familiar faces, and some unfamiliar ones too,” Shi Hao remarked, gazing at the crowd gathered before the ancient city.

For some reason, none of them had entered the city. Instead, they sat cross-legged atop massive bluestones, each occupying their own space, forming alliances and factions.

“Heh…” He chuckled at the golden-haired man before shifting his gaze to Ning Chuan and the others, scrutinizing each of their faces in turn.

“Quite composed, aren’t you?” the golden-haired man said without restraint, his pupils flickering like twin golden flames, exuding an intimidating aura.

From his words, it was clear he hailed from one of the Nine Heavens, though which one remained unknown. His strength was undeniably extraordinary—otherwise, he wouldn’t be so arrogant, looking down upon the gathered elites with such disdain.

Shi Hao had never seen him before; he wasn’t among those who had accompanied Lin Tian.

Behind the golden-haired man stood others, some of whom were truly unfathomable—so much so that even Shi Hao narrowed his eyes, studying them carefully.

Shi Hao paid him no mind. Unless directly provoked, he remained indifferent. But if crossed, he wouldn’t hesitate to act.

This was confidence—the kind born from cultivating three strands of immortal energy. Whether it was him, the Ten Crown King, or any other prodigy from the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, they all possessed such boldness.

“Fairy, please, this way,” the golden-haired man addressed the enchantress, nodding with a radiant smile as he invited her over.

“Boundless Heaven is a sacred land for cultivation among the Nine Heavens. We sincerely invite you to join us for a discussion. The Celestial Deity Academy will likely be established there,” another added with a smile.

They openly admired the enchantress’s beauty and recognized her extraordinary talent, having cultivated immortal energy. Their invitation was genuine.

Indeed, the enchantress was a vision—tall and graceful, her skin like flawless jade, her raven-black hair cascading to her waist, her bright eyes and pearly teeth making her an unparalleled beauty. Wherever she went, she commanded attention.

The enchantress stood poised, her dark gem-like eyes gleaming with mischief as she smiled faintly. “I’ve always longed to visit the sacred lands of the Nine Heavens. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to explore them all. Thank you for your kindness.”

She wasn’t one to shy away from socializing. With a single smile, she could light up the ancient land.

Shi Hao glanced at her. “Why is there such a difference between people? I’m a powerhouse too, yet no one’s inviting me.”

“Personality flaw!” the enchantress teased, shooting him a sidelong glance.

Someone sneered. “We’ve heard you’re quite formidable—injuring Lin Tian and boasting about suppressing all enemies, sweeping through the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. How could we dare invite you recklessly?”

Shi Hao blinked. “I defeated Lin Tian, but I never said anything like that.”

“Really? Didn’t you claim you’d suppress all men and abduct fairies to warm your bed? Sister Lan Ling mentioned it—she wouldn’t lie,” a young woman beside the golden-haired man retorted, pursing her lips.

Shi Hao realized the issue—his playful banter with Lan Tong and the icy maiden had reached their ears, stirring trouble.

“So this is the lecher? The one who said he’d only marry—no, only accept—descendants of true immortals?” another girl glared at him.

The enchantress burst into laughter, her eyes dancing with amusement and a hint of mockery.

“That was just banter to lighten the mood. Don’t take it seriously,” Shi Hao explained.

“Some people aren’t to be trifled with—you lack the qualifications!” the golden-haired man snapped coldly.

Shi Hao’s expression darkened. If the other party lacked goodwill, he wouldn’t grovel. “Hmph. If anyone’s unqualified here, it’s you. Go cool off somewhere else.”

The crowd gasped. No one expected such bluntness—disregarding the golden-haired man’s status and power.

“Are you so impatient to fight me the moment you arrive?” the golden-haired man growled, his eyes blazing as he stepped forward.

“Who are you? If you want a fight, bring it. Otherwise, scram!” Shi Hao shot back, leaving no room for courtesy.

Everyone was stunned. This was sheer audacity—no explanations, just a direct challenge.

Many from the Three Thousand Dao Provinces—Ning Chuan, Three-Stone Heavenly Monarch, Lone Sword Cloud—watched with surprise. This wasn’t the Shi Hao they knew.

“You dare speak to me like this, opposing the heroes of Boundless Heaven?” the golden-haired man thundered, rising from the bluestone to hover mid-air, his aura oppressive.

“What makes you think you represent Boundless Heaven or those behind you?” Shi Hao countered coolly, eyeing the group, especially the women.

**Boom!**

Golden light erupted as the man unleashed his blood energy, shaking the surroundings.

This was a bustling market, and many turned to watch the commotion.

Shi Hao looked up, his voice icy. “My only goal is to enter the Celestial Deity Academy and grow stronger. I’ve no patience for fools like you. If I don’t suppress a few now, more will crawl out later to avenge Lin Tian. Since you’re volunteering, I’ll oblige.”

His bluntness left no room for misunderstanding.

Some grasped his intent—even if Shi Hao softened his stance, those with grudges wouldn’t relent. Better to remain unyielding.

Not only did his opponents react, but even the Three Thousand Provinces’ cultivators watched intently. None dared underestimate Shi Hao now.

“Face my palm!” the golden-haired man prepared to strike.

“Enough! No duels before the city gates!” A aged voice boomed from within the city, shaking souls.

Though not the Imperial City, this was still a grand metropolis with formidable guardians—descendants of legendary experts.

The golden-haired man, already mid-strike, hesitated before redirecting his attack skyward. The golden light exploded, tearing through the void.

The crowd paled—his casual strike revealed terrifying prowess.

Shi Hao said nothing, merely waving a hand like a passing cloud. The shattered void mended instantly, restoring calm.

Gasps echoed—this display of control was even more impressive than destruction.

“Why the hostility? This gathering isn’t for bloodshed. Fellow cultivators from the Three Thousand Dao Provinces and Boundless Heaven, please cease your conflict,” an elder emerged from the gates, mediating.

A sect master-level figure—no one dared disrespect him.

“I’ve been tasked to tally arrivals. Please maintain peace,” the purple-robed, white-haired elder said.

None objected. Offending him risked jeopardizing their chances at the Celestial Deity Academy.

Only then did Shi Hao retract his killing intent, which had been palpable moments ago.

As tensions eased, a young woman from Boundless Heaven smiled at the enchantress. “Sister, you’re truly stunning. You must be from the Interception Sect? Come, let’s talk. Long ago, your sect shared deep ties with Boundless Heaven.”

Several young men added warmly, “Fairy, please join us.”

This was blatant division—pulling the enchantress away to isolate Shi Hao.

“Oh? My sect has ties to Boundless Heaven? I’d love to hear more,” the enchantress replied playfully.

“Come, sister,” they persisted.

Then, the Banished Immortal opened his eyes, their depths swirling with profound runes. “You’ve inherited part of that legacy, making you my junior sister. Join me.”

The crowd stirred, especially those from the Three Thousand Provinces. The Banished Immortal’s origins were shrouded in mystery, yet he spoke of shared heritage.

This wasn’t about the Interception Sect. The enchantress had another, hidden inheritance—one she’d never revealed.

Moon Fairy’s serene face flickered with unease before settling into a faint smile. She watched the drama unfold silently.

The enchantress glanced between the Banished Immortal and the Boundless Heaven group, murmuring, “So it’s you.”

With graceful steps, she moved to stand beside the Banished Immortal.

“Hey, enchantress, is this the man you mentioned back in the lower realm?” Shi Hao teased via mental transmission.

“None of your business!” She shot him a glare.

Back then, she’d jested about a destined, peerless man waiting for her.

Now, Shi Hao stood alone, the picture of solitude.

He scanned the crowd beyond the gates and spotted a familiar face—Demon God Ge Qian.

“Hey, brother blessed by dragon dung! Fancy seeing you here!” Shi Hao called cheerfully.

Ge Qian grimaced. He’d been avoiding Shi Hao, only to be spotted.

Laughter erupted as Long Bow Stride approached, clapping Shi Hao’s shoulder. The Dragon Maiden appeared too—only the strongest had gathered here.

“Don’t forget me!” The chubby Cao Yusheng waved, trotting over with a beaming grin.

“It seems the candidates for the Celestial Deity Academy are nearly decided,” a resonant voice announced as a middle-aged supreme being materialized in the sky.