Chapter 1828: King Shi

Wang Shi arrived, of medium stature, with delicate and handsome features, exuding youthful vigor.

A gentle smile graced his face, serene and unassuming, yet no one dared to naively believe him harmless—for he was a dormant dragon of ferocity.

Everyone knew of his overwhelming strength, the explosive power concealed within his crystalline flesh, rivaling that of a true dragon of the same rank.

Upon closer inspection, his skin was lustrous, firm, and dense—a testament to his body having been tempered to the pinnacle of perfection. It was likely he possessed an indestructible physique akin to diamond.

“The Wang Clan truly is extraordinary!” someone murmured in admiration.

From the moment they laid eyes on Wang Shi, true experts felt a shiver of dread, as if facing a humanoid dragon, a colossal presence watching them.

Ordinary folk sensed nothing amiss, perceiving only his tranquility and warmth, like an innocent youth untouched by the world’s harshness.

But those with deeper cultivation grew increasingly unsettled—within him slumbered a terrifying force, capable of shaking the heavens and causing stars to fall in droves should it erupt.

Shi Hao was also present, standing atop the Xumi Broken Mountain. He nodded inwardly—this Wang Shi was indeed no ordinary figure, a truly formidable individual.

Faintly, one could sense the Dao’s radiance within him, a staggering power that marked him as one favored by the heavens, naturally attuned to the Great Dao.

Wang Shi bore a striking resemblance to Wang Changsheng—both possessed refined, handsome features and peerless talent, unmatched in this era.

“Fellow Daoists, you are too kind. There’s no need for such courtesy,” Wang Shi said with a smile, clasping his hands in greeting as many approached. He appeared every bit the graceful, beautiful youth.

Behind him followed Wang Xi, still elegant and peerlessly beautiful, yet her brilliance dimmed somewhat in his presence.

Though her beauty could shame fish and geese, overshadow the moon and flowers, the world’s turmoil had shifted priorities—geniuses like Wang Shi now commanded the spotlight.

The lingering notes of Princess Yao Yue’s zither faded, yet divine birds still circled her.

Wang Shi clapped softly, sighing in admiration. “Such music, like an immortal melody, stirs the Dao heart. Princess Yao Yue’s skill is truly astounding.”

Others quickly echoed his praise, lauding the princess’s transcendent artistry.

“Greetings, fellow Daoists,” Wang Shi then said, cupping his fists toward the Ten Crown King, the Banished Immortal, and others nearby, his smile warm and manners impeccable.

Shi Hao’s first impression was of a man who was both formidable and effortlessly charismatic, effortlessly drawing all attention to himself.

Unquestionably, Wang Shi had become the focal point, surrounded by admirers.

“Brother Da Xu Tuo, have you decided which region of the Immortal Domain you’ll venture to?” Wang Shi asked, now seated, his tone light.

This gathering was, in a sense, a farewell—choices diverged, some bound for the Immortal Domain, others fated to remain.

“Not yet,” Da Xu Tuo replied tersely, sighing softly as he gazed upon the ancient land—the ruined mountain that was once the cradle of the ancient monks.

Wang Shi smiled, then turned to the Ten Crown King. “With your talent, no matter where in the Immortal Domain you go, you are destined to shine.”

His words, though lofty, were no exaggeration—the Ten Crown King’s brilliance was undeniable.

Thirty years had passed—how far had he progressed now?

The Ten Crown King remained composed. “Before I leave, I’d like to spar with you.”

The declaration sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd. A duel between these two legends? The very thought electrified the air.

Shi Hao finally grasped just how extraordinary Wang Shi was—if even the Ten Crown King sought a match, his prowess was beyond doubt.

Wang Shi, humble yet unyielding, replied, “You honor me, Brother. But I, too, would welcome the chance to exchange insights.”

“Why wait? Let us battle today,” the Ten Crown King proposed, his eyes blazing like twin suns.

The crowd stirred—a clash between these titans was imminent.

“Not today,” Wang Shi declined with a shake of his head. “Let us drink, discuss the Dao, and speak of our futures. Save the battle for another time.”

Then, with quiet dominance, he added, “Before we depart for the Immortal Domain, let us duel atop the Nine Heavens.”

“Agreed,” the Ten Crown King said without hesitation.

“A worthy opponent is rare. I look forward to it,” Wang Shi laughed.

From afar, the Lunar Jade Rabbit sighed, tugging at the ears of her “dog-rabbit” companion. “If only one more were here—with his talent, would Wang Shi dare act so arrogantly?”

Some nearby frowned in confusion, while others understood her meaning.

Thirty years had blurred many memories, but not for all.

Who had fought most valiantly in the Borderlands War? Undoubtedly, it was the one who had been crippled—the one who had slain multiple Imperial Clan beings.

Even the Ten Crown King and the Dual-Pupiled had paled in comparison to his feats.

“Brother Banished Immortal, your grace is peerless, like an immortal reborn. I’ve long hoped for a chance to spar with you,” Wang Shi said, his gaze fixed on the ethereal figure.

The Banished Immortal smiled faintly, revealing flawless teeth. “Anytime.”

Now, even those of lesser cultivation sensed Wang Shi’s latent dominance—his challenge to two of the era’s greatest was no mere courtesy.

Beneath his gentle exterior, the fangs of a beast were beginning to show.

More guests arrived.

“Jin Zhan is here.”

All eyes turned to the man—vigorous, his aura nearly overflowing, a testament to his immense power.

“Once a fierce warrior in the Borderlands War, he nearly died but emerged stronger,” someone remarked, glancing between Jin Zhan and Wang Xi.

“Did those two ever become Dao companions?” another whispered, recalling the once-scandalous betrothal talks between the Jin and Wang Clans.

“Back then, the Wang Clan regretted their missed chance with *Huang*—had they treated him better…”

“Ha! The Wangs tried to suppress him, even sought to make him a servant. They must rue that now!”

*Huang*—a name long forgotten since his crippling by the Crippled Immortal, yet now resurfacing.

“Silence. I won’t hear that name,” Jin Zhan snapped coldly.

The atmosphere tensed.

“What’s wrong? Can’t we mention my brother *Huang*? Who are you to dictate, Jin Zhan?” A golden-haired youth strode onto the mountain, his metallic frame radiating raw power—the Heavenly Horned Ant, a force unmatched below the Supreme level.

“Trouble in the Jin Clan, perhaps? Is that why you’re so irritable?” The Enchantress smirked, her beauty breathtaking. “Would you dare speak so if *Huang* were here?”

“Why not? Sadly, he’ll never return. By now, he’s likely a withered old man in the lower realm—powerless, destined to fade into dust,” Jin Zhan retorted.

“To hear of past legends is a pity—I never had the chance to meet him,” Wang Shi interjected.

Tuo Gu Yu Long, the Lunar Jade Rabbit, the surviving two of the Wei Clan’s Phoenixes, Qi Hong of the Five Spirit Chariot—all grew pensive, remembering their lost comrade.

The one who had dominated his generation, slaying Imperial Clan elites—what a waste, that *Huang* could never return.

Even Wang Xi’s expression flickered—too much history lay between them.

“Immortal Moon, or perhaps Qing Yi—it’s said you were close to *Huang*. Had he lived unhindered, how strong do you think he’d be now?” Wang Shi asked, smiling.

Some stiffened—the Heavenly Horned Ant, Chang Gong Yan—was this a provocation?

The merged Qing Yi and Yue Chan was an enigma—did she still favor *Huang*, or had Yue Chan’s opposition prevailed?

The white-robed beauty of the Heaven Mending Sect met Wang Shi’s gaze.

“If he were here, he’d be stronger than you.”

Her blunt words froze Wang Shi’s smile.

“Is that so? Then I truly wish he could appear before me one day,” he said calmly.