No one expected the supreme being of the imperial clan within that black war chariot to hold Shi Hao in such high regard, indirectly offering such a promise.
For a single individual to be recognized as royalty, even surpassing it—to stand as equals with the imperial clan without bowing—what transcendent status was this?
It must be known that in history, only beings like the Gu Clan or the Fallen Blood Phoenix, whose power defied the heavens and could sway the tides of war, had ever been revered in such a manner.
“Little Shi, why aren’t you saying anything?” the Lunar Grace Goddess asked, her voice filled with indignation, her heart chilled on Shi Hao’s behalf.
Had the Holy Terror not been sworn enemies with the foreign realm, bearing the grudge of slain kin, it might have even urged Shi Hao to defect. The words of Golden Matriarch had ignited such fury and resentment.
Shi Hao had achieved such monumental feats, yet the moment he returned, he was to be bartered away like a bargaining chip—how tragic was that?
Anyone else might have rebelled under such pressure, pushed beyond endurance.
Many present had spoken in Shi Hao’s defense—not just the younger generation, but also the older warriors who had spent their lives resisting the foreign realm.
Especially those battle-hardened cultivators, tempered in blood and fire, who now raged on Shi Hao’s behalf, decrying the injustice. They loathed the creatures of the foreign realm, having fought them for years, and their resolve was unshakable.
Yet, Golden Matriarch was simply too powerful. As a supreme being who claimed to have found a path to safeguard the Imperial Pass, many could only sigh in resignation.
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. You’ve done all you could—follow your heart in this decision!” Qing Yi spoke, her snow-white robes fluttering, her delicate features radiating an ethereal beauty. But her words now carried steel, unlike her usual gentleness.
Her declaration sent a ripple through the crowd, particularly among the veteran warriors—the middle-aged expert astride the Devouring Beast, the great knight standing atop the massive Silver Howler, and the commanders of various clans. Many nodded in silent agreement.
In a way, this was a reflection of human nature and sentiment.
The hardened warriors, the staunch warmongers who had faced the foreign realm in the bloodiest battles, all leaned toward Shi Hao, aggrieved on his behalf.
To think that after such contributions, he would face such unfair treatment—who wouldn’t feel their hearts grow cold?
Of course, not all shared this sentiment. Some were tense, even displeased, their gazes fixed on Shi Hao—those who longed for an end to the bloodshed, eager to trade for a period of peace.
The Imperial Pass housed a vast population, a multitude of races, and naturally, opinions varied. For every supporter of Shi Hao, there were detractors.
Especially among clans that had long been at odds with him—like the Wang and Jin families and their followers—who wished nothing more than to cast him into the foreign realm.
“Golden Matriarch’s noble virtue is beyond reproach. She is a true paragon, worthy of our utmost admiration. To protect the Imperial Pass and its people, she spares no effort, even at the cost of criticism. Such is the bearing of a supreme being!”
A member of the Du Clan spoke. Though not an eternal lineage, they were among the top-tier powers of the Nine Heavens, second only to the true immortal dynasties.
“Indeed, Golden Matriarch’s virtue is peerless. She once declared that if the foreign realm demanded her descendants—even the brightest like Jin Zhan—she would send them without hesitation. Such is the magnanimity of a supreme!” another flattered, this time the commander of the Pi Xiu Clan.
Voices rose in support of Golden Matriarch, following those who had stood with Shi Hao.
“Brother Jin Zhan is also remarkable. When questioned earlier, knowing death awaited, he agreed without hesitation. Such courage befits a peerless genius of our generation!” another added.
Of course, these were Jin Clan followers. Others could hardly bring themselves to say such things, given that Jin Zhan’s scenario was hypothetical, not an actual choice.
Then, they glanced pointedly at Shi Hao, a silent prompt for him to declare his stance, as all eyes were upon him.
“Shut your mouth!” the Holy Terror snapped, its fury boiling over as it glared toward the Jin Clan. “If you’re so noble, then when Shi Hao steps beyond the pass, let Jin Zhan follow. Actions speak louder than grand words.”
The crowd turned, and the Jin Clan’s expressions darkened.
“Brother Shi, whatever decision you make, I stand with you!” Cao Yusheng declared solemnly, his voice firm.
At this point, the hot-blooded youths were seething with anger. To hand over the Wild—how humiliating would that be?
Not only did it enrage them, but it would shame the entire Imperial Pass. To the warmongers, peace was never won through compromise, but through battle.
Such disgrace was worse than ceding land or surrendering scriptures—what difference did it make?
“Fellow Daoist Jin, this is hardly appropriate,” another invincible being spoke, voicing dissent.
Golden Matriarch surveyed the crowd, then fixed her gaze on Shi Hao. “Young friend, you’ve remained silent. I wish to hear your thoughts.”
All eyes turned to Shi Hao.
“You’re cornering him!” the Lunar Grace Goddess accused.
Many nodded inwardly. Earlier, Golden Matriarch had claimed she’d send Jin Zhan without hesitation if chosen. Now, her question to Shi Hao felt like coercion.
“Wild One, why not join our realm? You’ll receive the respect you deserve!” laughter rang from beyond the walls.
“You’re sowing discord!” someone on the ramparts roared, recognizing the foreign realm’s ploy to divide them.
Shi Hao’s distant gaze refocused, his lonely figure straightening as his eyes sharpened like lightning.
“I never imagined that after a life-and-death battle with the foreign realm, upon returning to the Imperial Pass, I’d be meeting them again so soon,” he said.
“This outcome is unexpected. Within the pass, I’ve become a bargaining chip. Beyond it, I might be an honored guest—perhaps even granted the transcendent status of a one-man clan.” His tone was self-mocking.
His words stung many, for while they were true, they were also a bitter irony.
A peerless youth of unmatched merit, yet within the Imperial Pass, he was denied due respect, while the enemy lauded him—what greater mockery could there be?
“The border wars have always been cruel and merciless. Countless have fallen since ancient times. If peace demands sacrifice, so be it. Young man, you are exceptional. Posterity will remember you,” Golden Matriarch intoned.
Was this her final verdict, sealing his fate to be sent away? The crowd shuddered.
“Elder, I must ask—is Golden Matriarch’s plan feasible? If we buy enough time, will reinforcements truly arrive to secure the pass?” Shi Hao turned to an invincible being.
The invincible one frowned, glancing at Golden Matriarch for confirmation.
“There is evidence. I’ve shared it with a few. It is credible!” Golden Matriarch replied, then added to Shi Hao, “You are not yet at that level. Some matters cannot be disclosed to you.”
“Is that so?” Shi Hao sighed. “If this truly can alter our fate, then my death beyond the pass is a small price. I’ll go willingly.”
But then his gaze blazed. “Yet, I fear this may be a futile sacrifice, bringing only calamity.”
“Wild One, are you afraid?” an old woman beside Golden Matriarch taunted.
“Silence! While I bled on the border, you lounged in comfort within these walls. Had I feared death, would I have brought back that chest?” Shi Hao’s voice was icy, his stare piercing.
The old woman, despite her high cultivation, felt a chill under his gaze, nearly stepping back.
She was stunned—how could a youth’s glare unnerve her? Was this the aura of righteousness, awe-inspiring and commanding respect?
“Shut your mouth, hag! One more word, and we’ll toss you to the pigs!” the Holy Terror roared, others joining in.
The old woman wanted to glare back but faltered.
Then, an invincible being’s cold gaze swept over. “Another word out of turn, and I’ll execute you, regardless of whose servant you are!”
Golden Matriarch motioned for silence, and her retinue dared not speak further.
“So, you agree to go?” Golden Matriarch asked.
“If my death can buy peace for the pass and turn the tide of war, I’ll go without hesitation,” Shi Hao said. Then he paused. “But if, after five hundred years, no aid comes, what then? How many hearts will grow cold? The pass may fall without a fight—a true catastrophe.”
He spoke calmly, laying bare the grim possibility.
“Rest assured, that won’t happen. Our allies will come,” Golden Matriarch stated flatly, her eyes unfathomable.
“Then I’ll go,” Shi Hao nodded.
The Du Clan praised him for his sacrifice, calling it a great service.
The Pi Xiu Clan echoed, lauding his integrity.
Other clans smiled, feigning goodwill, as if seeing him off to a noble end. To them, one life for peace was a fair trade.
Shi Hao remained silent. Some smiles were too false, others barely masking their malice—like the Jin Clan and their followers, their hostility thinly veiled.
Softly, he mused, “Now I understand why there are forbidden zones in the Nine Heavens. If I survive the foreign realm, in what guise shall I return?”
“What… do you mean?” a Jin follower asked.
“I wonder, if I do not die, how shall I face the Nine Heavens upon my return?” Shi Hao’s voice was melancholic, his gaze distant. “I think of the Seven Kings of the Border—how tragic.”
He sighed. “Perhaps the best outcome, should I return, is to carve out my own forbidden zone, guarding those I must.”
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