Chapter 124: Barbecuing a Divine Being

A crowd screamed in horror. They had spent countless efforts, exerting all their strength the entire night under life-threatening circumstances, only to see the golden divine egg they finally acquired being snatched away by Little Rascal and cradled in his arms as he ran off intending to eat it. How could they not panic? Everyone grew furious and pursued him without hesitation—if he escaped, surely their fury would drive them insane.

“Stop!” the crowd shouted wildly, but the wolf pack was endless, and little Shi Hao had long vanished from sight.

“Pursue him! I dropped a few drops of elixir orchid onto the divine egg,” one dark-robed figure proposed, “He can’t possibly disappear. We’ll follow the trail!”

“Woooo…” howls of wolves never ceased. All charged forward in unison. By now, many giant wolves already abandoned Princess Fire Kingdom, redirecting their attack toward little Shi Hao, inadvertently pointing their pursuers in his direction.

All throughout that night, the great prairie roared in chaos. No creature found peace, as haunting howls filled the air; pairs of emerald eyes flickered like ghost fires amidst tall grasses. Terrifying silhouettes cried toward the moon, making the whole earth tremble. Packs of wolves were boiling with rage, displaying dazzling ivory fangs while sprinting frantically across this vast land.

“Frightening! Infinite wolves are rushing to steal the golden divine egg!” little Shi Hao gasped in surprise. This was his first encounter with such a mass rebellion, resembling a roaring floodstorm. Behind him, dust and grass filled the skies as trampled grounds bore testament to their stampede.

From among the chasing beasts rose: colossal silver wolves, blue alpha wolves, black demonic wolves, crimson unicorns—wolves beyond every imaginable sort—all flooding skyward with suffocating, killing intent trailing behind them.

Shi Hao slashed through bloodshed using his golden bone shears. He had originally fled past the blockade far away. But these damned wolves had incredibly sharp noses, sniffing along persistently, re-encircling him yet again.

Without beginning or end, the sea of wolves extended endlessly. Their brilliant ivory teeth shone menacingly amid darkness. Eyes glowing like green lightning pierced through night’s veil. Every savage beast across the boundless plains rushed forth here, united to trap and annihilate him.

Crackling sounds resonated continually—”Ci Ci”—from behind. Dozens of Wolf Kings wielded potent sacred arts simultaneously. Not a single weakling emerged amidst the attackers swarming little Shi Hao en masse, waves of magical lights smashing nearby rocks into collapse.

“I’ll flee!” Shi Hao stood on a sparkling bone mirror, summoning his soul essence with full might to ascend three feet above ground flying at blinding speeds—but such intensity came at heavy tolls.

Still, nothing more could be done. Fleeing alone kept wolves’ jaws off him lest he face being torn and swallowed alive.

“I’m dead tired!” At last, he landed exhausted before mountainous terrains spreading wide, sprawling himself out motionlessly starfished against the earth.

“Woo…” Yet after resting half an hour, distant howls once again shook mountains and rivers echoing across the land trembling in reply.

“Plunk!” Forced by desperation, Shi Hao leapt into the river abandoning dry ground because the relentless predators traced scent unfailingly impossible to ditch. Wide and rapid flowed this stream carrying Shi Hao up and down its currents unknown exactly for how long until finally resurfacing between lush banks, greenery bordering tranquil waters gently swaying willows within hills landscape.

“Perhaps I’ve shaken them free?”

Cradling the golden orb Shi Hao surged ashore emerging beside bankside’s dawn glow—a pale hue lighting eastern horizon. Within this pocket-sized world no authentic sun existed; legend claimed the rising ember-red orb instead embodied corpse of some ancient Golden Crow (Jin Wu). Daily cycles persisted—ascending/descending blazingly radiating intense heat despite having died millennia ago. Truly a mighty celestial bird; fearsome still even in death.

Many coveted that body but faced doom attempting its plunder.

“This egg—what actually is it? Could truly belong to some wolf?” Curious thoughts stirred Shi Hao examining it while drying clothes within hills terrain post-river bath.

About pot size appeared this golden oval seemingly crafted wholly from solid gold exhibiting curious patterns etched naturally upon exterior shell glowing mystically with rhythmic pulses—waves of hidden powers humming mysteriously.

“This isn’t ordinary offspring… perhaps indeed descendent divinity itself?! Would mean matching ferocity of ancient god-beasts: Tao Tie, Taotie, Zhen Hou…”

Joy flooded him—he entered this miniature universe mainly yearning capture young progeny true mythical beast back Stone Village albeit chances slim yet always hope remained alive. And behold—it seemed fate granted him realization!

“If hatching proves feasible I’d likely unlock supreme arcane art unequaled worldwide.”

Excitement flaring in Shi Hao’s eyes sparkled with brilliance briefly. But moments later dejection settled as frustration followed abruptly casting the massive egg aside to plonk butt down hard atop said egg pouting gloomily.

Propping chin, he mused glumly, “Ancient mini-realm it must’ve endured eons untold. That this golden egg never hatched since earliest epochs suggests spoilage rather than delay. Should’ve birthed celestial bestial progeny ages ago otherwise…”

Depression overwhelmed. Only shortly before did he rejoice greatly, arriving conclusion so bitter tasted sour reality denied dreams sweet promises.

“Forget it—I’ll just hunt my own divine hatchling later saving incubation time anyway.” Ever cheerily disposed he shrugged spirits lifting momentarily. Glittering eyed, admiring gilded object hungrily swallowing hard…

“But hey—it must taste amazing regardless whether divine spirit inside expired or persists. Regardless still rich nutrient remains evident judging persistent glow aura emitted.”

Swift resolve seized mind—decision enacted immediately without hesitation nor doubt.

Already fire crackled over hillside terrain where steaming iron pot set waiting cooking commencement.

Grumbling quietly aloud contemplations echoed, “What way consume breakfast meal ideally suited boiled eggs maybe? Perfect.”

Morning brightened overhead. Light spilled forth from Jin Wu Celestial crowning horizons with colorful clouds. Heavy dew cloaked hillsides shimmering vibrantly kissed rainbow rays dancing reflections off moisture laden surfaces.

Finding sharpened stone edge tools he began striking shell repeatedly creating shower sparks akin forging metallic clangor vibrating through valleys echoing loud.

Meanwhile pursuit party consisting of Fire Spirit Girl, Argent Blood Colossus King Feathers alongside other exhausted individuals cursed bitterly their journey winding directions twisted numerous times mid-chase leading them round trip back original starting point barely ten li downstream along same river.

This boy lacks directional sense entirely!! Their tempers flared wanting murder cursing repeated circling around grassland completely encircling full rotation only to return exact origin site alarmingly close geographic distance overlooked initially shocking realization left audience speechless, stunned breathless pulsing forehead temples bulging angrily swelling veins.

They’d traversed miles nonstop fleeing all previous night leaving limbs sore twisting calves muscles thin wasting ankle joints swollen agonizing from continuous chase draining energies entirely wasted effort running circles.

Yet solitary relief retained—reliability orchid tracking properties ensured temporary fragrance trace persisted allowing indefinite navigation capability.

“Found him!! He’s over there!!” someone yelled startled.

As they drew near, fury erupted anew observing him casually messing around kitchen wares red-hot pan set preparing feast golden orb centerstage juggling pans like stir-frying delicacy dish preparation ongoing oblivious diners enraged observers.

“It’s about to be done quick split open please hurry already hungry!” muttering prayers wishing food ready quicker grinning expectant hunger driving motivations solely culinary interest forefront priorities overshadowing prior concerns utterly forgotten.

“Heaven damned you give that thing back right now!!” several ominous dark cloaked figures accompanying Fire Spirit princess unleashed fury near psychotic screaming nearly bursting from wrath watching prized possession reaching consumable stages.

“You’re overreacting aren’t ya? Told ya weren’t exclusive dinner plans! Later I’ll treat everyone boil your very own gourmet snacks. Roasting proving slow moving.” Nonchalantly eyeing irate crowd Shi Hao responded flipping ingredients airborne scooped scorching contents into adjacent copper cauldron mid sentence shrugging unconcernedly tossing item easily carefree.

“No!!! NOOOO!!” Screams erupted violently wrenching pain twisted facial muscles almost tearing eyeballs from sockets heartbroken anguish coursing deeply threatening collective cardiac arrests amongst traumatized onlookers witnessing utter disregard historical relic priceless artifact submerged vigorously churning steam issuing bubbly hisses heralded cooking commenced final stages underway irreversible processes proceeding unabated.

“I shall annihilate thee!!” shrieked Fire Spirit girl, trembling furiously quaking physically shaking slender silhouette agitated beautiful eyes blazing fiery infernos radiant flesh glowing with glyphs prepared unleashing martial force vengeful retribution sought merciless retaliation demanded immediate action instigated.

“This desecration! Divine progeny reduced to soup base!! Horrified we are at sacrilege unfolding!!” Joined Silver Blood Giant together Feather Wing monarch vociferously bellowing curses hopping about incandescent temper tantrums.

Chaos erupted instantly. Entire mob lunged forward launching countless techniques illuminating atmosphere densely bombarding space with magic strikes raining upon target.

But little hero undeterred countered equal vigor summoning formidable treasures—the Lion Bone Shear combined With Regal Mirror Radiance emitting rolling thunderclaps challenging multitudes valiant defense unrelenting spirit emboldened defiant words,

“Don’t play games guys. Shared meal concept totally viable. First come first serve basis generous portioning promised.”

Sought who wished claim bite theirs?? None desired devour consumption objective centered rebirth nurturing eventual Godhood aspirations extinguished grief overwhelming lamentation palpable present mournfully voiced!

Fatigue hung heavily though numerical advantage existed against sleeplessness & physical drain following exhaustive battle preceding marathon pursuit rendered initial attacks insufficient subduing spry nimble opponent youthful vitality abundant.

Just then, aid arrived unexpectedly. The Five Prodigies descended from Heaven-Support Pavilion joining fray aiding junior brother against frenzied throng previously battling unified alliance. Tremendous talents clashed unleashing chaotic spectacles—blazing light show exploding multidirectional devastation leveling surrounding hills reducing landscape drastically altered battleground escalating dangerously fierce.

“Cease warfare!! Dish nearing completion aroma wafts clearly enticing,” interrupted chef-prioritized warrior interrupting hostilities lifting lid steaming aromatics delight confirmed readiness imminent serving anticipated gustatory pleasures.

Yet he hurled recovered contents directly frying pan reigniting thermal intensity utilizing elemental flame conjured by Fire Spirit girl herself turning culinary tactics employing pounding vigorously metal ladle desperate attempt crack casing resistance stubborn outer barrier proved surprisingly resilient difficult cracking demanding heavier alternatives unavailable.

“Magnificently thick crust resisting damage severely frustrating without Wool Ball assistance. Teeth hardest sharpest capable penetration guaranteed…” Grumbled Chef-Marauder reminiscing absent familiar pet Wool Ball left behind pavilion earlier expeditionary departure precluded company attending current gastronomical escapade requiring assistance sorely missed moment dire.

In absence conventional means available Shi Hao ingeniously repurposed divine specimen defensive shield interdicting spells incoming deflecting infernal blaze lightning volleys redirected purposefully reflecting energy augment additional broiling pressure further advancing cook process efficiently.

Then – crack!!

Sudden brittle snap issued audible notification emanating unmistakably from spherical containment. Hairline fissure spread emitting swirl luminous vapor exuding mystic potency vibrant emissions palpable tangible response.

“Egg cracked!! Halt attacks now!! You destroyed precious life!” Alerted Shi Hao astonished joyful revelation exclaimed triumphantly attracting general attention suddenly arrested offensive actions ceasing abrupt universal redirection focus singular phenomena occurring central participant hands cradled fractured ovum awaiting further developments eagerly observed crowd converging urgently pressing closer anxious curiosity contagious excitement mounting collectively.

“Damn child heavenly forsaken curse thy reckless acts ruinous consequence grave tragedy unparalleled!!!!” Rekindled anger renewed assault wave launched aggressive retribution seeking deserved justice for crime grievous slaying divine infant lost opportunity lamentations drowned amidst violent retaliatory spellcraft aimed recklessly attacking perceived guilty party culpability absolute.

“You’re deluded!! Clearly overheating led cracking outcome!! Murder accusation misplaced!!” Protestations fell upon deaf ears as renewed verbal accusations met equally passionate rebuttals both factions locked debate midst mutual recriminations amidst intensifying combat exchanges accelerating spiral deterioration battlefield chaos deepened exponentially.

Another audible fracture occurred second hairline expanded outward enhancing emission output intensified luminescent display increased magnitude unveiling increasing promise hidden mystery contained secrets soon unveiled tantalizingly revealed truths slowly manifesting revelations imminent arrival revelation awaited breath-held anticipation.

Suspiciously puzzled expressions registered amongst assembly members including our protagonist whose instinct compelled caution stepping backward defensively positioning self advantageous location proclaiming territorial ownership verbally emphasized possessiveness insisting equitable sharing policy prevail distribution protocol honored enforced if necessary coercion considered acceptable measure required preventing disputes ensuring peaceful consumption experience maintained cooperative harmony upheld ideal situation wishful thinking improbable given participants involved nature contentious dispute history precedent established zero chance reasonable resolution foreseeable eventuality grim odds predicting continued conflictual engagement ongoing duration undefined parameters.

Everyone restrained themselves holding their breath approaching silently circling gathering closely surrounding core epicenter miraculous hatching miracle about unfold witnessed unprecedented emergence deity embryonic stage newborn divinity presence awe inspiring realization dawning gradual appreciation monumental significance fully realized shared understanding silent recognition unanimous agreement conveyed expression mutual astonishment reverent reverence filling airspace solemnity settling atmosphere pregnant pause building climax imminence unbearable.

Emerging small curled fragile tiny creature resting gently cupped within palm diminutive proportions belied intrinsic cosmic magnitude latent omnipotence dormant divinity sleeping nascent potential limitless possibilities infinite futures coalescing destiny thread woven fabric existence altered trajectory shifted fundamental balance cosmic scales tipped irrevocable transformation enacted spontaneous genesis completed spontaneous creation affirmed reality redefined perception realigned comprehension revolutionized consciousness evolved enlightenment ascended transcendence achieved instantaneous metamorphosis accomplished effortlessly miraculous blessed miracle witnessed firsthand exclamatory celebration spontaneous eruption joy ecstatic proclamation:

“A Deity Hatched Alive!! A Real Living Divinity Being Emerged Fully Realized!!”

Voices merged shouting simultaneous declarations unified message conveyed overwhelming astonishment joy blended with insatiable covetous desire possessive greed underlying overtone explicit clear intentions obvious unmistakable motivations transparent motive materializing instantaneously impulse irresistible surge towards grabbing seizing acquisition instinct kicking primal impulses overriding rational judgment sound reasoning discarded discarded sensible caution cast aside common sense obliterated amidst collective mad scramble scrambling surging forwards engulf swarm crushing compact mass collision impact explosion convergence point singular objective unanimous agreement total consensus complete unity purpose channeling through singular focus unified singular ambition manifested collective motion unstoppable force irresistible movement inertia impossibility altering course futile inevitable momentum built unstoppable conclusion inevitable result foregone certainty unavoidable certainty impending outcome inexorable reality soon unfolding dramatically decisively permanently changed fate destinies rewritten forever aftermath unthinkable consequences unimaginable impact unfathomable changes forthcoming profound implications reverberating throughout all existence reverberations echoes rippling eternity reshaping cosmos everlasting legacy eternal remembrance moment immortalized mythos legend lore forevermore