An Immortal Decree descended from beyond the heavens, empowered by the might of the World Tree, arriving from the ancient realm’s edge!
Whoosh!
The World Tree towered with overwhelming majesty, its presence shaking the ages. As its leaves rustled, stars rolled and the sun and moon rumbled, shaking the very fabric of the world.
Few dared to provoke the World Tree—unless a great event unfolded!
It was the guardian tree of the foreign realm!
The decree descended from the sky, radiant and resplendent, covered in shimmering script, its strokes sharp as silver hooks, exuding an oppressive aura.
This was the power of the Immortals. Though they had not descended in person, a trace of their essence had been infused into the decree!
The supreme beings present all wore solemn expressions, paying their respects with deep reverence as they received the decree with utmost seriousness.
Even the supreme beings of the Imperial Clans appeared grave, not daring to be careless, obeying the decree in strict accordance with the rigid hierarchy.
For though they were mighty, they might never attain immortality. While their clans boasted peak-level experts in the human realm, few could ever take that final step.
In truth, it was nearly impossible to cross that threshold!
In this vast world, despite its immense population and boundless territories, true Immortals were exceedingly rare!
It could be said that if a single Immortal emerged within a clan, they would instantly be elevated to the status of a Royal Clan!
Even if that Immortal later perished, the clan would retain its royal status for an incredibly long time—unless it utterly collapsed, with no hope of resurgence.
Even the mighty Imperial Clans, after countless eons of accumulation, could count their Immortals on one hand—some had only one or two at most.
Thus, the rarity of Immortals was evident, and the path to that realm was unimaginably arduous!
When the decree landed, the expressions of those present shifted dramatically!
Before even reading its contents, they glimpsed the signatures—multiple Immortals had jointly issued this urgent decree.
“This is… a pardon for Huang!”
Even as supreme cultivators just below the Eternal Realm, they were stunned. A clear decision had been made regarding Huang’s fate. The Immortals had decreed that no harm must come to him—any who dared act against him in secret would face retribution!
This was a definitive ruling, unlike the ambiguity of previous days, which had led to a series of incidents.
Why this sudden change?
Soon, they received their answer.
As they journeyed onward, passing through great cities, the supreme beings of the Imperial Clans learned the truth through their connections.
The Immortal Kings had not yet returned—they remained in the Burial Grounds.
However, an old servant had emerged, vaguely hinting that Huang must not be harmed—he was to be kept intact!
This servant was no ordinary being—he was the guardian beast of An Lan’s abode, an ancient wolf-god. Though a servant, his status was sensitive.
None could approach An Lan’s secluded retreat—not even his descendants. Only this old wolf stood guard outside the ancient cave, awaiting orders.
The old servant revealed that An Lan had once mused that the youth who stole the rotten wooden box was intriguing—if caught, he should be thoroughly examined.
This had been said long ago, just after their failure in the Heavenly Beast Forest, when the box was taken.
Now, as events unfolded, the Imperial Pass had indeed handed over Huang!
When the Immortals sought guidance, the old wolf emerged, repeating An Lan’s words—sparking a great upheaval.
Multiple Immortals immediately drafted a joint decree, transmitting it through the World Tree to deliver their will without delay.
They feared something might happen to Huang. Though recent undercurrents had calmed, and efforts seemed to be aiding him, they could not risk any mishap.
“Young man, you are safe now,” a supreme being said.
Yet when they looked at Shi Hao, their gazes were complex, with a hint of pity deep within.
Being remembered by an Immortal King was no blessing!
That day, many great clans learned that Huang must not be killed—no further action could be taken against him.
Of course, these so-called great clans were those who had desperately sought his death—either because he had slain their geniuses or killed their senior experts in the Dunyi Realm.
Shi Hao was surprised—his crisis had been resolved just like that.
The decree was severe, warning that any who defied it would bring “clan-wide calamity” upon themselves!
It was not just an individual’s responsibility—harming Huang would doom an entire lineage.
Shi Hao was not sent to the Blackwater Prison, for he could no longer be tortured.
Nor was he sent to the War God Academy, as targeting him further would endanger others.
Not long ago, he had already caused a great upheaval, claiming the lives of over a hundred young elites—he was an ill omen!
He was granted freedom!
None had expected that Huang would be allowed to roam freely across this ancient land.
Of course, at least six marks had been placed upon him—fragments of the decree, embedded in his flesh, ensuring that no matter where he went, the mighty would sense him.
These were not spiritual imprints but decree fragments, impossible to remove.
“Young friend, what are your plans?” a supreme being asked amiably—a stark contrast to his cold demeanor days prior.
“This ancient realm is vast, with countless hidden lands. I wish to witness its majestic mountains and rivers, its royal ruins,” Shi Hao replied calmly.
And so, Shi Hao set out alone.
When news spread, it caused an uproar.
None had anticipated this outcome, and many hostile beings seethed with resentment.
A black, malevolent river surged across hundreds of thousands of miles, its breadth awe-inspiring.
At times, the river flowed silently, oppressive and heavy. At others, it roared like a thunderous dragon as it cut through steep terrain.
Most terrifyingly, whether calm or turbulent, its banks were always encased in black ice.
This was a River of Extreme Yin, its frigid power so potent it froze everything nearby!
That day, a small boat drifted upon the river, carrying a lone youth downstream.
“This brat is truly carefree—a prisoner with the leisure to sightsee.”
“Who wouldn’t be, now that he’s free?” another mocked.
“It’s temporary. His end will be grim!”
Many beings watched Shi Hao, some even trailing him with murderous intent.
But remembering the Immortal Decree, none dared act rashly—Huang could not be killed now!
Eight or nine days passed, and Shi Hao remained calm, appearing utterly at ease as he journeyed through royal lands, admiring the scenery.
He truly seemed like a traveler.
Eventually, some beings stopped hiding, openly following him.
Yet Shi Hao ignored them all, indifferent to their hostility and threats.
What did it matter if half-step supreme beings followed? They dared not strike.
In the end, many sighed and left, leaving only the curious to trail him, wondering what he would do next.
Upon the black river, Shi Hao sat fishing, unfazed by the cold.
With a splash, he hauled up a black-scaled beast—a flood dragon with a fish’s body, its maw gaping wide to bite him.
Soon after, flames rose from the boat as Shi Hao gutted and roasted the beast.
“Damn, this guy’s got nerves of steel. His life’s hanging by a thread, and he’s still feasting?”
Many were dumbfounded, watching him relax and enjoy his meal.
Only when Shi Hao prepared to leave the river did terror strike—black waves surged skyward, and a monstrous Kunpeng emerged, transforming into a colossal black fish swimming through the dark waters.
Shi Hao departed the River of Extreme Yin and entered the Valley of the Setting Sun, said to be the resting place of an Immortal who had failed to ascend to Immortal Kinghood.
This being had possessed traces of Golden Crow bloodline, and at death, his light had scorched the heavens, flames engulfing the skies.
The valley had since become a wasteland, devoid of life, its scorched earth saturated with fire-attribute energy.
Shi Hao stood there for a long time, motionless as a statue, deep in contemplation.
Two days later, his body erupted with blinding radiance as he began forming seals, practicing techniques.
“Is this guy… comprehending the Dao? Roaming our lands to refine his own path?”
Even in such circumstances, was Huang still cultivating, unconcerned for his own fate?
Leaving the valley, Shi Hao traveled west, entering a land thick with Immortal Qi—a place long silent, where none dared tread.
“Is this… that one’s seclusion ground?”
“Yes—Chi Wang’s hermitage!”
The followers halted, exchanging uneasy glances.
Chi Wang—the one who had slain a True Immortal King with his weapon, his infamy unmatched in this realm!
Yet after the ancient war, he had vanished, plagued by unknown afflictions. Some said he was healing; others believed him dead.
And now… Huang had come here. Did he mean to enter?
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