“I still remember what Lord Wuzhong looked like, vaguely recalling the visage of the Six Paths Reincarnation King, as well as the master of the Great Scarlet Heaven… but I was so young back then. The passage of time has been too long, and many memories have blurred.” The young White Qilin whimpered softly, its large eyes shedding crystal-clear tears, filled with sorrow and melancholy.
Those were figures from an unimaginably distant past, now shrouded in mystery, once supreme beings of the Immortal Ancient Era.
Yet this young beast had been fortunate enough to see them—though it had only just been born then, too young to learn their secrets, and those figures would never have confided in it.
“There were so many others, prodigies of every clan… I can barely remember their faces now.”
Shi Hao had always wondered: since the creatures of the Foreign Realm had already defeated all the beings of this world, slaughtering countless, why had they retreated in the end?
After such a vast stretch of time, why were they now returning? What was the reason? Was there some hidden calamity in this ancient land, making it impossible to stay for long, or was there some other secret?
This was a question he desperately wanted answered.
“My knowledge was limited back then. I don’t know the details, but there seemed to be a reason. Yet those great figures avoided speaking of it, even when questioned.” The young White Qilin said.
“Dwelling on the past is useless. Those people have all returned to dust. We must look forward.”
The place was lively, with people discussing ancient and modern affairs, exchanging insights on the Dao, speculating on when the great changes in the world would arrive. They also spoke of the Sacred Academy, the Immortal Academy, and more.
Ning Chuan was also within these mountains, but he had yet to emerge from seclusion—neither during the clashes between the cultivators of the Nine Heavens and those of the Three Thousand Provinces, nor before.
“He actually chose the Path of the Present Era.” Shi Hao revealed a look of surprise.
“Shi Yi is the same. Since entering seclusion, he has never reappeared.” Cao Yusheng added.
Long ago, someone had once seen Shi Yi, who had declared that the Path of the Present Era was the foundation, the origin, the very root of his Dao. “Born in this era, how could I not cultivate the Path of the Present?”
“Soon, the people from the Sacred Academy and the Immortal Academy will return. At that time, they will select the most outstanding to enter both academies.”
Someone raised this topic, and all were eager in anticipation.
Because, whether it was Jin Yun, Lan Meng, Wang Yang, or others—despite their apparent strength—they were nothing compared to those from the two academies.
For example, the Ultimate Path of the Present Era was derived from incomplete manuscripts that had leaked from the Sacred Academy. The people here were merely following the footsteps of those who had come before.
In truth, the gap was immense. Even the fragmented records of their insights and experiences were already this profound—imagine how terrifying the true members of the Sacred Academy must be.
There, all cultivators aimed to break through the limits of every major realm!
“Brother Shi, if you go to the two academies, you might encounter some trouble. Yuan Qing came from there and knows many people.” Chang Gongyan warned.
This matter had long been known—Yuan Qing’s origins were extraordinary. In his time, he had been a dazzling genius, though his later performance was lackluster, leading to his abandonment.
Once this became widely known, the prestige of the two academies soared like thunder, shaking the hearts of all.
Yuan Qing, a terrifying powerhouse, was now considered a major figure, with rumors that he had half-stepped into the Sovereign Realm.
Yet even such a formidable man had been cast aside by the two academies—it was unimaginable how terrifying the people there must be.
“Indeed, I’ve heard as well. Though Yuan Qing left, he still has many connections. If I go, complications may arise.” Shi Hao frowned.
“But without entering the two academies, it’s impossible to truly comprehend the paths they’ve forged. Individual wisdom and strength are ultimately limited. Generation after generation, they’ve researched countless methods, all optimal for breaking through the limits of the Dao. It’s worth going.” Cao Yusheng argued.
As for the Immortal Ancient techniques, Shi Hao wasn’t too concerned—he possessed the Jade Scripture, obtained from the Immortal Ancient ruins in the Three Thousand Dao Provinces.
But the Path of the Present Era was frustrating. Aside from the two academies, there were likely no ancient texts to reference—it was a path forged by the people of this era.
“Yuan Qing is just a discarded disciple. How much influence could he possibly have over the cultivators of the two academies? And which academy did he come from—the Sacred Academy or the Immortal Academy?” Feng Wu asked.
“Rumors say he was originally from the Sacred Academy, but his potential waned, and he was abandoned. However, one of his masters sent him to the Immortal Academy, hoping to compensate by letting him walk another path. Yet in the end, he left the Immortal Academy as well.” At that moment, an elder arrived and shared this news.
Everyone was shocked. Yuan Qing was indeed no ordinary figure—having entered both academies, he must have known many people.
“Especially in the Sacred Academy. Aside from his master, he had a senior brother who has now become a major figure, holding a prestigious position among the academy’s elders.” The elder added.
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but inhale sharply—this was not good news.
Shi Hao’s eyes gleamed as he asked the elder, “Are there any members of the Feng Clan in the two academies?”
“Naturally. Over the long ages, many heaven-defying talents have emerged. But no matter how the world changes, the long-lived clans remain colossal entities, and some of their prodigies have undoubtedly been secretly recruited into the two academies.” The elder from the Heavenly Deity Institution explained.
Shi Hao’s heart sank. This was far from good news. He suspected that certain individuals from the Feng Clan had easily enlisted Yuan Qing’s help precisely because they had connections with him in the two academies.
He hesitated—should he still enter the two academies?
He didn’t want to be inexplicably targeted. Though the academies housed peerless experts and unimaginable old monsters worth learning from, some posed a danger to him. If they wished to harm him, it would be all too easy.
In fact, trouble arrived swiftly. Only a few days later, someone came to the Heavenly Deity Institution, seeking Shi Hao.
These past few days, Shi Hao had been at leisure. After mastering a million runes, he had been consolidating his foundation, preparing to enter the “Realm Tomb” in search of an Immortal Seed. Once obtained, he could finally study the Jade Scripture.
But today, someone came for him.
“Shi Hao, you should avoid this. I’ve heard it’s Yuan Qing’s descendant, coming to interrogate you.” Feng Wu said gravely.
“Trouble approaches—be careful!” Cao Yusheng also warned.
These days, Shi Hao had remained in the mountains, consolidating his cultivation while occasionally gathering with them to share divine wine.
Shi Hao’s eyes flashed. He knew why they had come—undoubtedly because of Yuan Feng’s death in the Immortal’s Dao Field, which had enraged Yuan Qing.
“Why hasn’t Yuan Qing come himself?” Shi Hao asked.
“He likely doesn’t dare act too brazenly. This is, after all, the Heavenly Deity Institution. If he dares to make a move here, he might provoke the Great Elder, who would crush him without hesitation!” Chang Gongyan said.
Shi Hao nodded. The Great Elder was no ordinary figure—he was one of the most formidable experts across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths. Even the old monsters of the two academies wouldn’t dare offend him lightly.
“Where is Shi Hao? A distinguished elder of the Yuan Clan summons you.” A messenger arrived, his expression odd.
Once the news spread, discussions erupted across the mountains. Many understood the situation, and those who had suffered at Shi Hao’s hands gloated, eager to see the drama unfold.
“Why should I see him? No!” Shi Hao refused outright.
“You—that’s an envoy sent by Sovereign Yuan Qing! You refuse to meet him?” The messenger paled.
“What envoy? What does that have to do with me? I have no interest in the Yuan Clan!” Shi Hao’s expression darkened. “As I recall, Yuan Qing is only a half-step Sovereign, not yet fully ascended. What kind of sovereign is that?”
This wasn’t just a refusal—it was a sharp rebuke, directly challenging Yuan Qing’s authority.
Many cultivators had followed the messenger, curious to see Shi Hao’s reaction. Some had hoped for a spectacle, but now they were stunned.
“Are some of you gloating, thinking the Yuan Clan will act against me?” Shi Hao’s gaze swept over them, and those who met his eyes quickly lowered their heads, not daring to provoke this ruthless figure.
“Brother Shi, this envoy was sent by Sovereign Yuan Qing. You should at least receive him.” The messenger pressed.
“Receive him? Get lost!” Shi Hao snapped. Anger burned in his chest—this was beyond insulting. Yuan Qing had already attacked him, seeking to suppress him for ten years, and later attempted to kill him by exiling him into the Primordial Ancient Mine. Now, he dared to send an envoy with such arrogance?
“This… isn’t appropriate. Sovereign Yuan Qing lost a descendant, and rumors say it’s related to you. Shouldn’t you explain?”
*Bam!*
Shi Hao kicked him away, sending him crashing into a mountainside.
“Yuan Qing struck first, trying to sever my path to the Dao. Now he has the gall to send someone to question me?” Shi Hao said coldly.
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