The Mountain of Enlightenment stood like a fortress forged from metal, its surface unyielding and exceptionally sturdy, with the summit gleaming with a metallic sheen.
It was in such a place that a divine herb had taken root!
Shi Hao ascended the mountain step by step, while those around him retreated, unwilling to walk alongside him. Everyone knew a storm was brewing.
Killing a royal consort and provoking an imperial clan—this matter would not be resolved peacefully.
The stone steps were ancient, worn down by countless footsteps over the ages, many of them concave and uneven from constant use.
An elderly woman followed behind, accompanied not only by her granddaughter but also by several trembling children—those who had nearly become food. Seeing the so-called royal consort slain, the old woman had taken the children from the jade platter in the pavilion and kept them close.
All creatures shied away, avoiding the old woman and the children as if they were venomous snakes, unwilling to be involved.
The summit was vast, unlike the limited space of other peaks. Even a hundred thousand cultivators could practice here without issue.
Shi Hao arrived, stepping onto the metallic-glowing ground, about to enter the highest region—the true apex of the Mountain of Enlightenment.
Strange boulders dotted the peak, resembling divine swords thrust into the earth, while ancient trees stretched their branches toward the heavens, their roots gripping the cliffs and reaching beyond the mountain’s edge.
A faint immortal aura drifted through the air, mingling with wisps of white mist, creating an ethereal, transcendent atmosphere.
But what truly invigorated the spirit was the faint yet soul-cleansing fragrance, clearing the mind and inspiring enlightenment.
This was all due to the divine herb at the summit.
Yet, the area was shrouded in haze, guarded by a group of powerful beings seated in meditation, each wielding secret treasures that formed a luminous barrier, obscuring the herb from view.
“Shi Hao, you dare to be so insolent!”
The moment Shi Hao reached the summit, a thunderous roar shook the air, causing many to stagger, their ears ringing, nearly tumbling down the mountain.
The summit was crowded with formidable beings—none weak—yet those who had just ascended stood at the outermost edge, unable to approach the true peak.
To advance, one had to compete—conflict was inevitable.
The true summit was the exclusive domain of the strongest from each clan.
The one who had shouted at Shi Hao stood ahead, blocking the path to the highest point.
Most who reached this point could go no further, unable to secure a place at the peak.
The man wore a blue robe, appearing to be in his thirties, his hands clasped behind his back as he stood atop the stone steps, looking down at Shi Hao.
He was immensely powerful, wisps of chaotic energy swirling around him, his physique so formidable it distorted the very air.
Though not physically imposing, his presence was overwhelming, like a terrifying beast standing in defiance.
“Scram.”
Shi Hao’s response was simple and direct, devoid of further argument.
He feared nothing—not offending imperial clans, not killing a royal consort, not even slaying Chi Meng Hong himself.
Since being cast out of Imperial Pass, Shi Hao had accepted the possibility of death. Even now, as a free man, he knew it was only because the Undying Kings had yet to return. Once they emerged from the Burial Grounds, they would surely come for him.
To Shi Hao, death was but a possibility—nothing to fear. He cared little for the clans, unafraid to provoke them, ready to face his fate.
Silence fell. Shi Hao’s single word—”Scram”—stunned all present. Such audacity, to dismiss a supreme expert of the Dunyi Realm so casually!
“Impudent! How dare you address my master so disrespectfully!” A voice rang out from behind the blue-robed man—a human, no less.
Clearly, this human was a servant, a slave to the blue-robed man.
Shi Hao’s gaze turned icy, sending a chill down the young man’s spine.
“Shi Hao, your arrogance knows no bounds. You dare act so brazenly on the Mountain of Enlightenment? Do you think the decree of the Undying Ones shields you from consequence?” the blue-robed man said coldly.
He was strong—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been the first to block Shi Hao’s path.
“One of the Ten Great Experts of the previous generation’s royal clan?”
Some recognized him, murmurs of realization spreading.
This man, seemingly in his thirties, was far older—a former elite of the royal clan, renowned in his time.
“I’ve never cared for the decree of the Undying Ones,” Shi Hao replied flatly.
The crowd’s expressions darkened with anger.
The Undying Ones stood above all, their decrees carrying immense authority, obeyed by all clans. Yet here was a youth, openly scorning their word.
Shi Hao spoke the truth. He knew his freedom was temporary—once the Undying Kings returned, his fate would be sealed.
With limited time left, he feared no clan, no consequence.
“Shi Hao, you are strong, but killing a royal consort and slaying our realm’s young elites is a grave crime. You will pay,” the blue-robed man said coldly.
“Unjust killing? If you say so, then so be it,” Shi Hao replied indifferently.
“Have you no defense?” the man asked icily.
“What defense is needed? They slaughtered my kin—I acted. No words are necessary,” Shi Hao said, his voice turning dangerous.
“To offend an imperial clan over a few children—foolish. You court death,” the man sneered. “Did you never consider aligning with our realm, befriending the royal consort?”
“Those who feast on human flesh are eternal enemies. The so-called royal consort’s clan—I will kill them all on sight,” Shi Hao declared, his voice resounding.
The crowd stirred. Shi Hao’s boldness was staggering—even after killing a royal consort, he remained unyielding.
The human servant spoke again, emboldened by his master’s presence.
“Shi Hao, do you realize your crime? The royal consort may have opposed you, but he hadn’t acted. And so what if he ate a few children? You’ve caused chaos over nothing! You should surrender and await judgment!”
Shi Hao’s gaze turned murderous. This was a human, yet he spoke such words.
“Men are born of men, demons of demons—what abomination spawned you? You think like a beast, not a man!” Shi Hao roared, his fury boiling.
Had an otherworldly creature spoken thus, he might have ignored it. But this was a human, betraying his own kind, siding with their oppressors.
Such a traitor deserved no mercy.
“Am I wrong?” the servant retorted, hiding behind his master, smug in his safety.
“Those who feast on my kin are enemies to the death. And you—you’ve forfeited your right to live. You’ve abandoned humanity, embracing the thoughts of beasts. Die!”
Shi Hao struck.
“You dare!” The blue-robed man intervened, his body erupting with blue light, shrouded in chaotic energy, his form indomitable.
The clash was thunderous, shaking the heavens, beams of light tearing through the sky.
All watched in awe. This was a former elite of the royal clan, unseen in centuries—his power had surely grown.
Many believed in his strength, for Shi Hao had only recently battled the younger generation’s top experts, like Martial Heaven King.
This man, centuries older, should suppress Shi Hao.
Especially with his chaotic aura—proof of his profound cultivation.
Yet, after fifty exchanges, blood sprayed. Shi Hao shattered the chaos, closing in and tearing the man in half!
“What? A former Ten Great Expert, now at the late Dunyi Realm—slain so easily?”
The crowd was stunned, horrified.
In the same instant, Shi Hao stepped forward, his foot expanding like a mountain, crushing the human servant into pulp.
Then, he continued his ascent, nearing the summit’s heart.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage