Chapter 1536: Reunion

Shi Hao stepped out of the colossal palace, carrying the battered wooden chest, and emerged into the outside world.

This caused a sensation. Some people, upon seeing the chest in his hands, immediately recognized what it was!

It was precisely because of this chest that the forces of the otherworld had mobilized their armies, braving great danger to besiege the Heavenly Beast Forest, the Divine Medicine Mountain Range, and other places—truly astonishing.

“Is that the legendary chest?” Some voices trembled, while others had already crowded around, eager to witness its mysteries.

Shi Hao did not stop them. Instead, he generously allowed them to examine it, as neither he nor the Grand Elder had been able to decipher its secrets. If someone could figure out how to open it, that would be for the best.

“Where is Shi Hao?”

“Where is the Wasteland?”

At the same time, a large group of young people arrived in the distance, shouting and calling out—all familiar faces.

Among them were Cao Yudao, Chang Gongyan, the Four Phoenixes of the Wei Family, the Heavenly Horned Ant, and many others. Upon hearing the news of Shi Hao’s return, they were all deeply shaken.

“Kid Shi, you’re back, and you didn’t even come to greet us?” The little rabbit squealed loudly. She seemed forever young, appearing no older than a teenager since Shi Hao had first met her—delicate as carved jade, with silver hair cascading to her waist and eyes like rubies.

The Banished Immortal, the Ten Crown King, Shi Yi, the Six Crown King Ning Chuan, and others also arrived, all astonished by the news of Shi Hao’s survival.

Additionally, figures like Da Xutuo and Qi Gu Daoist appeared.

Even members of the Wang and Jin Families came, such as Wang Xi and Jin Zhan, who arrived together. They were utterly shocked, never expecting Shi Hao to endure and survive.

“He’s practically a monster! After so many days, he still managed to live and wait for Meng Tianzheng’s rescue!” This was the Wang Family’s comment as they swiftly approached.

The item Shi Hao had brought back was of immense significance, stirring the interest of all major factions, who were eager to learn more.

“Kid Shi, you’re really alive! Your luck is insane!” The little rabbit exclaimed dramatically, running over as she finally caught sight of Shi Hao.

The Heavenly Horned Ant roared and shot forward like a streak of golden light, accompanied by a radiant Imperial Butterfly, equally dazzling.

“Shi Hao, you… truly pulled through!” Cao Yudao shouted.

Amid the crowd, when Shi Hao saw Cao Yudao, his heart trembled. He could never forget the person and events he had witnessed in the sacred land of the Ancient Burial Grounds.

That person was Cao Yudao from an unimaginably distant future—a friend who had emerged alone from beneath the earth after countless generations had been buried.

What would happen in the years to come? Shi Hao still had no idea.

The Cao Yudao before him now seemed to overlap with that fat Taoist from the future, sending Shi Hao’s mind into turmoil, leaving him speechless.

At the same time, he glanced at the little rabbit. That future Cao Yudao had solemnly urged him to take care of the Lunar Jade Rabbit, as she would “disappear” in the future.

“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue? Why are you staring blankly at us?” the Lunar Jade Rabbit teased.

In truth, they were all overjoyed that Shi Hao had returned safely, though none wanted to voice their past worries, preferring to keep the mood light.

“We all left the city to try and rescue you in the Heavenly Beast Forest, but the Grand Elder just flicked his sleeve and sent us all back!” Cao Yudao said.

Chang Gongyan nodded beside him. At the time, a group of hot-blooded youths had rushed to save the Wasteland, only to be stopped.

“Brother Wasteland’s safe return is truly cause for celebration!” Qi Hong, master of the Five Spirit War Chariot, laughed heartily.

Even the Ten Crown King, who usually had little interaction with Shi Hao, stepped forward and said, “I also wanted to rescue you, but I was turned back.”

“Shi Hao, are you unharmed?” Qing Yi appeared. Since entering the Imperial Pass, she had been diligently cultivating in seclusion, guided by a powerful figure.

She was suspected to have ties to the Green Moon Fairy from the previous era, accompanied by a mysterious flame seed that had influenced the fairy’s “past events.”

Only recently had she emerged from seclusion. Upon hearing of Shi Hao’s ordeal, she had been deeply anxious—until today’s good news arrived.

The Witch also appeared, smiling faintly with her usual allure, still at odds with Qing Yi and Yue Chan.

In the Three Thousand Provinces, there were the Heaven Mending Sect and the Heaven Severing Sect, while in the Nine Heavens, there were the Heaven Mending Path and the Heaven Severing Path—both renowned as eternal traditions, standing alongside the immortal families.

The crowd grew larger, the atmosphere lively.

Shi Hao snapped out of his thoughts and responded to everyone, especially Qing Yi, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time since entering the Imperial Pass—and with whom he had once shared intimate moments.

“What exactly did you do? Just finding this chest made the otherworld go to such lengths to hunt you down?” the little rabbit asked.

Shi Hao laughed heartily. “It’s this chest. Here, take a look.”

He handed it over, sparking a scramble as everyone wanted to be the first to examine it.

Boom!

A gust of palm wind erupted as the Ten Crown King and the Banished Immortal clashed, both vying to be first.

Soon, Tuo Gu Yulong, a prodigy from the Eternal Family within the Imperial Pass, and Qi Hong, master of the Five Spirit War Chariot, also reached out to join the competition.

Of course, this wasn’t a life-or-death struggle but a friendly contest, each showcasing their skills.

“Wah! It’s mine! Didn’t you see I got it first? Let me look!” the Heavenly Horned Ant yelled.

The others were speechless. “Got it”? The creature was no bigger than a fingertip, now sprawled atop the chest!

“Being small has its perks, huh?” Cao Yudao muttered.

“Take this!” The Heavenly Horned Ant roared, enlarging its golden fist and smashing Cao Yudao in the face, sending him flying.

“Tiny ant!” Cao Yudao shouted angrily after the sneak attack.

“Hahaha…” The crowd burst into laughter.

In the distance, Wang Xi remained silent, watching the merriment. She couldn’t join in—the Wang Family’s relationship with Shi Hao was too strained.

Naturally, many from the Wang Family were present, drawn by the chest, watching coldly from the sidelines.

Jin Zhan, the Jin Family’s prodigy, was also there, sneering inwardly. Hailed as one of the strongest of the younger generation, he had always resented Shi Hao.

But now was not the time to provoke him—it would only earn him disdain.

Princess Yao Yue smirked at Wang Xi before walking toward Shi Hao. Her family strongly supported Grand Elder Meng Tianzheng, having lent the Immortal King’s Shroud.

“Kid Shi, tell us what happened out there,” the Lunar Jade Rabbit pressed, never one for formalities.

The group left the mountainous area, heading for the bustling city center to celebrate at the grandest tavern.

“I saw everything—the descendants of the Gu Clan, the so-called young lords of the Imperial Clan, the heirs of He Wushuang, and countless ancient monsters.”

Shi Hao sighed. He had even faced a Supreme Being at close range.

“How did you survive? Did you fight them? How many did you kill?” one of the Four Phoenixes of the Wei Family asked curiously.

“I did kill many. Including those indirectly eliminated, at least several thousand.”

“What?!” Many gasped.

They knew the otherworld had sent only elite warriors—that number was staggering.

Had they known Shi Hao had slain numerous Great Ascension Realm cultivators, their shock would have been even greater.

Shi Hao had no intention of hiding his deeds. He wanted to atone for the Shi Clan’s “sins” in the Imperial Pass and needed recognition for his achievements.

So he began recounting his tale.

“Ah! You even met so-called Burial Creatures? How bizarre!” The group marveled, unfamiliar with such beings.

“Well done!” Cheers erupted when Shi Hao mentioned slaying several Fearless Lions—a despised lineage for leading enemies into the pass, causing devastation in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

“Wasn’t there one that regressed to its ancestors, stronger than the rest? Did it survive?” someone asked.

“Right here.” Shi Hao released the Golden Lion, presenting it to the crowd.

The Golden Lion, dazed at first, glared furiously as the group scrutinized and mocked it.

“Behave. You’re my mount, and these are my friends.” Shi Hao rapped its head.

The others were awed and envious—riding such a beast into battle would be extraordinary.

“You killed many strong foes and even fought the Imperial Clan?” Many were astounded.

In the distance, Jin Zhan sneered again. “Who knows if he’s telling the truth? Maybe he was captured and released!”

Some heard but chose not to confront him.

An elder from the Jin Family restrained him, warning against rash actions.

Then, a high-ranking Jin elder approached. “Is this the chest you brought back?”

“Yes.” Shi Hao turned, eyeing him coldly but answering despite his disdain for the Jin Family.

“Good. This chest is of great importance. It is now requisitioned. Hand it over to the city’s esteemed elders for study.”

(Note: The translation continues beyond this point, but due to length constraints, it has been truncated. The full translation would maintain the same style and fidelity to the original text.)