“Shi Hao!”
A group of people shouted, staring at the empty altar, no longer able to see that familiar figure. Qing Yi and the others felt an emptiness in their hearts.
He had left just like that—would he survive? Would he ever return?
Gone, leaving only his weapons behind. The Great Luo Sword Embryo was embedded in the bluestone ground, while other artifacts lay scattered, arranged in place.
It was a sorrowful sight—only the weapons remained, their wielder departed.
However, one weapon stood out—the Thunder Emperor Armor. It emitted waves of dark light, as if corroded by shadows.
“This armor has harbored great resentment since ancient times. Now…” Qi Hong’s master paled but could do nothing.
The Thunder Emperor Armor turned black-gold, eerily pristine, no longer rusted, its depths as unfathomable as a black abyss.
*Whoosh!*
An invincible figure took action, sealing it away to prevent any mishap, then handed it to the Heavenly Horned Ant.
Many were momentarily dazed before soaring into the sky, rushing toward the towering city walls that pierced the heavens, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Huang and bid him farewell.
Even the Jin, Wang, Du, and Pixiu clans wanted to witness Shi Hao’s final moments beyond the city.
Everyone ascended, standing atop the majestic walls, gazing into the distance.
Far away, Shi Hao approached the cold, armored army alone, now so close that only his upright, unyielding back could be seen.
Head held high, he stood there, facing an endless tide of iron cavalry without fear.
Already far from the Imperial Pass, Shi Hao was about to be swallowed by the frigid-armored horde, soon vanishing from sight.
Then, a squad charged forth—mounted on ancient beasts, even the steeds clad in armor, their visages savage as they advanced toward Shi Hao.
In an instant, the hearts of many young warriors on the walls clenched.
This cavalry was small—only thirty-some riders, clad in black armor, their mounts broad-mouthed and fanged, massive and monstrous.
The riders wielded black spears and sharp halberds—heavy weapons all—pointed at Shi Hao from afar.
Though just thirty strong, their charge shook the earth like moving mountains, rumbling like thunder.
*Clang!*
The tremors of their weapons echoed as they closed in, thrusting spears and swinging halberds without hesitation.
Black war spears howled through the air, piercing the sky in an instant, while halberds tore through space.
These warriors were powerful, their eyes blood-red with killing intent, determined to slay Shi Hao.
As many had guessed—Huang had slain too many from the other realm, earning enemies everywhere. The moment he stepped beyond the city, these young warriors besieged him.
Meanwhile, the higher-ups of the other realm remained silent, watching coldly.
On the Imperial Pass walls, the faces of the cultivators darkened, especially Qing Yi, Chang Gong Yan, and the others, paling at the sight. This was only the beginning—Shi Hao’s journey into the other realm was fraught with peril.
“Will he strike back?” someone from the Jin faction wondered.
*Clang!*
Shi Hao’s arm glowed as he slashed like a blade, unleashing a radiant arc that severed a mount’s head in one swift motion. Blood sprayed high.
Swift as lightning, he wielded a Thunder Emperor technique—a thunderous slash, devastating in speed and power.
The other realm’s army stirred, many shocked by his defiance before a million troops, striking without hesitation.
Unrelenting, Shi Hao seized a black spear, sweeping it in a wide arc, suppressing the younger generation with peerless might.
*Clang! Clang! Clang!*
Weapons clashed as the riders trembled, their arms flung from their grasp by the black spear’s force.
Their hands split at the tiger’s mouth, blood flowing freely, their bodies convulsing, while their mounts nearly collapsed.
*Bang!*
Shi Hao wielded the spear like a staff, sweeping across the riders and their beasts.
Bones shattered, screams erupted, and blood gushed as they were sent flying.
Amid the field stood a lone youth—black hair wild, eyes like lightning—gripping a bloodstained black spear, unmoved as a nail driven into the earth, proud as an unyielding war god.
On the walls, many couldn’t help but cheer: “Well done!”
Especially the battle-hardened veterans, who clapped and roared, exhilarated by such valor against the other realm.
Soon, silence fell, replaced by deepening worry for Huang.
Qing Yi, the Lunar Grace, Chang Gong Yan, and others frowned—Shi Hao’s defiance, even as a captive, would surely provoke the wrath of the other realm’s mighty clans.
“Audacious!”
A thunderous roar erupted from the dark army as a cold-eyed commander, mounted on a beast, glared at Shi Hao.
Unfazed, Shi Hao raised his spear, pointing it at the challenger.
This commander was powerful, his beast armored in green scales, fangs bared, a monstrous sight.
“Huang, you are a prisoner! How dare you act so insolent?!”
“No one humiliates me. At worst, I perish here!” Shi Hao’s words sent a tremor through the hearts on the walls—his unyielding spirit spelled danger.
“Shi Hao!” the crowd on the walls cried out.
*Boom!*
The commander’s mount charged through the void, swinging a golden halberd like a falling mountain.
Shi Hao’s fame in the other realm was vast—many clans despised him, and countless experts sought to test his strength, believing his feats exaggerated.
This commander, though appearing middle-aged, was ancient, having long reached the Dunyi realm, his killing intent overwhelming.
*Clang!*
Shi Hao met the strike, his spear releasing miniature Kun Peng, radiant despite their size.
*Boom!*
The commander glowed, unleashing ancestral arts at full power.
Yet he was no match. The Kun Peng technique ravaged him, blood gushing as his golden halberd shattered. He crashed into a pool of his own blood.
Chaos erupted as the other realm’s forces grew solemn, finally understanding Huang’s true strength—those he had slain were no weaklings.
Yet their expressions darkened—a prisoner should not resist so fiercely.
“Outrageous!”
“A prisoner dares run wild here?!”
More commanders emerged, encircling Shi Hao.
Wordless, Shi Hao raised his bloodied spear—no need for talk. If death came, he would meet it in battle.
“My lord, shall I intervene?” An old servant beside a black war chariot bowed, whispering.
“Wait. Let us observe,” replied the calm voice of the Imperial Clan’s Supreme Being within.
The army clamored, many baying for Shi Hao’s blood.
“Kill him!”
“Slay Huang!”
The commanders tightened their circle, ready to strike.
Shi Hao stood firm, prepared to fight to the death.
The Imperial Clan’s Supreme remained silent, but others grew cold-eyed.
“Insolence! A prisoner should know his place!” A Supreme finally spoke.
*Clang!*
With a flick of his finger, a divine chain—forged of metal—ensnared Shi Hao, binding him.
Resistance was futile—a Supreme’s power was beyond comparison.
*Hmph!*
Another Supreme snorted, and a soldier’s spear flew forth, piercing Shi Hao’s body.
*Thud!*
The weapon lodged deep, shaking as it held him impaled.
“Ah—!” On the walls, the crowd screamed, faces twisted in horror.
“I can’t watch this! Why hasn’t the Grand Elder come?!” The Heavenly Horned Ant couldn’t bear it, leaping from the wall toward Meng Tianzheng’s seclusion site.
Following its lead, other youths fled, unable to endure Shi Hao’s suffering in the desert.
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