At the mountain peak, the atmosphere instantly shifted—the true critical moment had arrived, the great decisive battle was about to begin!
For this was the most thrilling moment of every grand gathering. So many Enlightenment Tea leaves—even if only a small portion was ultimately distributed, it would still amount to over a thousand leaves.
Who would give up such an opportunity for enlightenment? A single leaf represented a chance for sudden enlightenment, a heavenly fortune. Forget other races—even the youths of the Imperial Clans would covet it.
In an instant, killing intent filled the air. Every clan was prepared!
Even those who had remained silent earlier were now gathering their strength, ready to join forces to seize a share of this divine opportunity, no matter the cost.
The Mountain of Enlightenment was vast and imposing. The soil and rocks at its summit bore a dull metallic sheen, incredibly sturdy, for they were reinforced by an unparalleled grand formation to prevent destruction during the fierce battles.
Now, one after another, glowing patterns lit up, like molten iron flowing through trenches—scorching and awe-inspiring. The grand formation was awakening!
The lush green grass was no longer a place for meditation. Even the Imperial Clans, such as the unruly Chi Meng Hong, descendant of the Red King, had risen to their feet, their pupils burning like miniature suns, their spirits focused.
The Enlightenment Tree stood bare, not a single leaf remaining, yet it still pulsed with boundless vitality. Wisps of immortal mist swirled among its ancient, gnarled branches.
Its trunk was massive, its bark rough and cracked, resembling a coiled ancient dragon covered in scales.
Beneath the tree, atop an earthen altar, rows of jade jars emitted a hazy radiance, suffused with immortal energy that stirred the soul.
Shi Hao tensed his legs, his body slightly crouched like a coiled humanoid dragon, ready to burst forth at any moment. He, too, valued these Enlightenment Tea leaves highly.
“Go wait at the foot of the mountain,” Shi Hao turned and spoke to the rescued grandfather and granddaughter.
“Alright, big brother, be careful!” The little girl blinked her large eyes and obediently replied before the elderly woman led the children away, their faces tense with fear as they hurried down the peak.
“Begin!”
An elder beneath the ancient tree announced.
Whoosh!
Immediately, figures shot forward like lightning, racing to seize the immortal tea leaves. One of them, a member of the Imperial Clan, left only a blur as he struck the altar with immense power.
Shi Hao was surprised—why attack the altar?
He was fast, but his delay had cost him the lead. Initially, he had planned to grab the jars directly, but he quickly realized something was amiss—every other clan was attacking the altar.
Soon, he understood—this was the only way!
The altar shimmered with a faint glow. Though the earthen structure appeared humble, it radiated an inexplicable power, blocking all who approached.
A protective barrier!
The ancient altar was inscribed with countless mystical symbols, shielding the area and preventing direct access to the tea leaves.
Shi Hao swiftly adapted his approach.
“In the past, even the Immortal Kings once gathered here, treating this altar as a tea table, sitting around it to savor the immortal brew. What a grand spectacle that must have been—will such a scene ever be repeated?” an elder mused wistfully.
Time flowed like an eternal river, carrying away countless lives and events, leaving only memories behind.
“So tough?” Shi Hao frowned. The barrier was far sturdier than he had anticipated, sending a numbing shock through his arm. It wouldn’t be easy to break through.
He took a deep breath. Without unleashing his true strength, he wouldn’t gain anything. His right hand began to glow as he slowly traced a pattern in the air. In an instant, a Thunder Pool materialized, clinging to his palm—a terrifying sight, as if his hand had become an ocean of lightning.
Though his palm was small, it seemed capable of grasping the sun and moon, crushing mountains and rivers—as if all creation lay within his grasp.
Boom!
Shi Hao struck, the Thunder Pool on his fingers unleashing a vortex of lightning, a force of pure yang that could shatter anything.
Crack!
The barrier around the altar split under his blow, torn open by his strength.
Gasps echoed around him. This “Desolate” was terrifyingly powerful! Only those who had tried knew just how unyielding that barrier was.
Many Noble Clans had joined forces, striking over a dozen times without making a dent.
Suddenly, several hands shot toward the gap Shi Hao had created—manifestations of divine power, embodiments of the Dao.
They were trying to steal his opportunity.
Shi Hao’s expression turned cold. Among them was an old servant of Chi Meng Hong and a few bold members of other Noble Clans.
He knew their goal wasn’t necessarily to steal but to provoke and disrupt him.
With a light press of his right hand, the Thunder Pool trembled, releasing a flood of crystalline liquid—liquid lightning—that exploded violently in the air!
This was no ordinary water. It was a sea of thunder, erupting like a miniature heavenly tribulation!
The hands in the air were instantly ensnared by the lightning, chains of energy wrapping around them before detonating. Blood sprayed as the hands were obliterated, reduced to mangled flesh and exposed bone.
Though these were merely manifestations of power, the backlash still made their owners groan, blood trickling from their lips as their bodies convulsed.
Bang!
Shi Hao wasted no time. Before the gap could close, he reached through the barrier, his fingers closing around one of the jade jars.
To his surprise, he could only take one—the others wouldn’t budge.
He soon realized the rule: only one leaf per attempt. Even the Imperial Clans followed this, withdrawing after taking a single leaf before striking the barrier again.
As Shi Hao retreated, the gap swiftly sealed itself.
Was this altar’s barrier a test? A trial set by the Immortals?
Boom!
Shi Hao struck again, the Thunder Pool tearing open another gap—smaller this time, requiring more effort.
“Hmm?” He frowned. The same technique was becoming less effective.
By the fifth jar, the resistance had intensified. The altar seemed to adapt, resisting familiar techniques.
Watching others switch tactics, Shi Hao saw their renewed success.
He decided to bide his time. He had other methods—this was just a matter of patience.
His gaze turned to the other competitors, assessing their gains.
Some clans had teamed up, succeeding where they had previously failed. One Noble Clan had even secured a jar.
His eyes locked onto one such clan—and the servants of Chi Meng Hong who had interfered earlier.
Shi Hao’s body erupted with light, symbols forming an armor around him as he charged toward the Noble Clan.
“You—Desolate!” one of them cried out.
They had been on edge, knowing their interference would provoke the infamous killer.
And now, he had come!
This was all due to the Imperial Clan’s orders—they had no choice but to act. Now, the demon was upon them, sending them into panic.
They had only just obtained one jar—they wouldn’t surrender it.
But Shi Hao was too fast. With a single flap of his Kun Peng wings, he could traverse thousands of miles—escaping was impossible.
Boom!
As the wings descended, the clan’s experts were sent flying, bloodied and broken.
The other clans watched in shock—such overwhelming power!
These were experts at the peak of the Dao-Fleeing Realm, elites who had cultivated for millennia. Yet, a single strike from Shi Hao had nearly obliterated them.
The jade jar tumbled through the air, but none dared reach for it—none would steal from the tiger’s jaws.
With a firm grip, Shi Hao claimed it.
“I hope you’ll keep interfering. I’d be happy to collect more interest later,” he said coolly.
He didn’t press further—he wanted them to gather more leaves first, so he could take those too.
“Desolate, don’t push it!” someone growled.
The summit was tense. Everyone was wary, guarding their gains.
In the past, battles erupted only after the altar’s supply was exhausted. But today, was Shi Hao starting early?
With a glance, he shot toward another target—Chi Meng Hong’s servants.
“You dare?!” Chi Meng Hong’s pupils contracted as Shi Hao descended upon his retainers.
Ignoring him, Shi Hao’s Kun Peng wings blotted out the sky, crushing three old servants who had managed to claim a leaf.
“Die!” Chi Meng Hong lashed out, trying to intercept.
The crowd held their breath—were these two supreme geniuses about to clash so soon?
Boom!
The impact was brutal. The three servants were sent flying, bones shattered, blood gushing from their mouths. The jade jar changed hands, seized by Shi Hao.
As Chi Meng Hong attacked, Shi Hao responded with shocking audacity—lifting his leg and kicking straight at his face!
The onlookers were stunned. Shi Hao was beyond bold—he was outright ruthless!
To kick Chi Meng Hong in the face—was there no limit to his arrogance?
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage