Chapter 1896: Ao Qian

Inside the Peach Orchard, many were astonished as cultivators from various clans turned their gazes toward this area.

Huang had confronted Ao Qian, the young prodigy of the Ao Clan, and a battle seemed imminent!

In the Human Dao realm, how many dared to challenge Ao Qian? Over the years, he had dominated all opponents below the True Immortal level, unmatched and unrivaled.

“Hah, bold and fearless. I’ve heard of you,” Ao Qian said, his hands clasped behind his back, composed and unruffled, a faint smile playing on his lips. Facing the challenge, he remained utterly calm.

Clad in pale golden armor, he stood like a War Emperor, exuding an aura of divine might!

“However, you’re also a bit too arrogant. Do you know where this is? The Pan King’s estate! How dare you speak to me like this? Believe me, with a single command, I can have your head rolling!”

Ao Qian’s words were icy, laced with a faint killing intent.

“Do you think this is the Ao Clan’s territory? Just because you have an Immortal King ancestor, you think you can order the world around?” Shi Hao retorted sharply.

Though his face was youthful and refined, the solemnity in his expression now carried an imperial majesty—the bearing of an invincible Supreme Being.

“You dare?!” Ao Qian roared.

His physique was tall and robust, his features handsome, his long hair cascading freely. His deep-set eyes radiated extraordinary charisma, and his unshakable conviction was palpable.

“You’re courting death!” Shi Hao shot back.

An inexplicable force field surged between them, stirring a tempest that sent the falling peach blossoms swirling into the air, filling the sky with their fragrant petals.

Though beautiful, the scene was perilous—the distorted space around them had turned into a storm zone. Any living being reckless enough to step in would be crushed to dust!

For now, they were locked in a delicate balance. Once broken, disaster would strike. The surrounding cultivators paled and hastily retreated.

Countless eyes were fixed on them, and the area fell into silence.

Bai Ze and Zi Kun hesitated, not daring to intervene, wary of Ao Qian’s presence. They had originally been sent by their True Immortal elders to escort Shi Hao.

But then, the Pan Clan had gotten involved.

“Release Qing Yi. Let her come to me!” Ao Qian commanded, his gaze sharp as twin immortal swords, emitting a chilling sword light.

Indeed, sword radiance flickered within his pupils.

“Who do you think you are to order me?” Shi Hao glared coldly.

Qing Yi stood beside Shi Hao, her gaze tender as she studied his profile. After a thousand years apart, seeing him again stirred turbulent emotions within her.

Then, she looked forward and spoke, “Ao—”

Ao Qian’s expression softened when he looked at her, entirely different from his demeanor toward Shi Hao. He gently interrupted her, “No need to explain. Wait a moment.”

His gaze sharpened again as he locked onto Shi Hao. “This is between you and me. Don’t involve Qing Yi!”

“Enough talk. If you’re not convinced, then fight!” Shi Hao remained unyielding.

The onlookers gasped—first at Huang’s audacity to challenge Ao Qian, and second at the relationship between them.

Many turned their attention to Qing Yi. What was so extraordinary about this woman to have captured the heart of Ao Qian, the young prodigy of the Ao Clan?

Most nodded in agreement—her beauty was undeniable, peerless and ethereal, a rare sight in the world.

But few knew the truth.

Rumors said this woman, Qing Yi, was no ordinary cultivator. She was suspected to be the reincarnation of an ancient True Immortal—none other than the legendary Qing Yue.

This was astonishing. Until now, there had been no proof that reincarnation existed. Death was final—how could there be an afterlife?

But Qing Yue was different. Before her death, she had vowed to return to the mortal world, to be reborn.

Qing Yi’s appearance made this legend reality. A green moon hovered behind her head, exuding the same aura as that ancient True Immortal.

An ancient True Immortal from the Ao Clan, who had lived through that era and met Qing Yue, confirmed that the green moon was identical to the one from the past.

This sent shockwaves through the Ao Clan. Could one truly reincarnate after complete annihilation?

To an Immortal King’s lineage, Qing Yi’s value was immeasurable.

In the past, Qing Yue had been a top-tier True Immortal, on the verge of the Immortal King realm. If she had truly returned, the implications were unimaginable.

Some believed that if she defied the heavens, she would surely attain the Immortal King throne in this life!

The greatest value lay in the possibility of unlocking the secrets of reincarnation—a breakthrough that would shake the entire cultivation world and rewrite history!

Ao Qian, who would normally disdain ordinary people, was captivated by the mystery shrouding Qing Yi.

He was determined to unveil the truth himself!

“My lord, he is unworthy of facing you. Let us handle this!”

A man and a woman stepped forward from behind Ao Qian—both striking in appearance and formidable in aura, his loyal followers.

“Are battles permitted here?” Shi Hao asked the Pan Clan.

“Consider it entertainment, a display of divine abilities,” Pan Yi said with a hearty laugh.

Without him, no one else in the Pan Clan would have dared to agree.

“Wait for me,” Shi Hao said to Qing Yi, stepping forward alone to face Ao Qian and his two followers. “Come at me together.”

Gasps erupted. Huang’s arrogance knew no bounds—he was deliberately provoking Ao Qian.

Even in the True Immortal area, some noticed the commotion and inquired about the situation.

“Arrogant fool, prepare to be subdued!” The man and woman beside Ao Qian shouted in unison, stepping forward to strike.

“Fine, both of you at once!” Shi Hao’s eyes gleamed sharply as he raised his hand, summoning stars and thunderbolts around his fingers.

He recognized their strength—those who followed Ao Qian were no ordinary cultivators. These two were top-tier Supreme Beings with hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation, their power terrifying.

Boom!

As expected, their attacks shook the heavens, unleashing boundless might.

But Shi Hao intended to make an example of them. In a single move, he condensed his full power, pushing his cultivation to the limit.

This strike was no different from a thousand exchanges—it would decide victory or defeat in an instant.

Thud!

The void shattered, but the Pan King’s estate remained unscathed. The peach trees stood firm, petals swirling, as the entire manor was a treasure forged by an Immortal King, impervious to damage.

In that instant, thunder surged like an ocean, transforming into stars and galaxies.

Most terrifying of all, a Kun Peng spread its wings within the thunderous cosmos, while a colossal willow tree took root at its center, manifesting supreme techniques.

“Wait—the Thunder Emperor’s legacy, the Kun Peng’s divine ability, and… the ancestral sacrificial spirit’s technique from that realm!” someone exclaimed.

Many were stunned. These three legacies were anything but ordinary—each was profound and formidable.

A single move, fusing three supreme techniques, erupted in a cataclysmic storm.

Pfft!

The man and woman’s secret arts were obliterated. Their bodies convulsed violently, their protective runes shattered.

Blood gushed from their mouths as they were sent flying, their bones cracking, nearly reduced to pulp.

“This is the Peach Banquet. No killing. Consider yourselves spared,” Shi Hao said coolly.

Chaos erupted. Many were shocked—Huang, from the lower realm, was this powerful? Even Ao Qian’s followers were no match for him.

“Young Master Ao, thank you for accompanying me,” Qing Yi said softly, cutting off Ao Qian before he could speak. “Please do not trouble Huang. He is the one I’ve been waiting for.”

The crowd erupted in uproar.

This was Ao Qian, the prodigy of the Ao Sheng Immortal King’s lineage—a dazzling genius unrivaled in the Human Dao realm!

And yet, this woman had rejected him for Huang, a cultivator from the lower realm?

No matter how strong Huang was, how could he compare to Ao Qian? With True Immortals and an Immortal King in his lineage, Ao Qian’s path to immortality was assured.

He was a potential Immortal King, radiant and revered, sought after by countless immortal families for marriage alliances.

Yet, this woman had refused him outright.

The commotion had drawn the attention of higher powers. True Immortals began to intervene—after all, several Immortal Kings were present today, and no disturbances were permitted.

“If you’re a man, don’t hide behind a woman’s words. If you can withstand three moves from me, I’ll acknowledge your right to challenge me,” Ao Qian declared.

He advanced step by step, ready to act. Time was short—interference from above was imminent.

“Spare me the nonsense. I’ve already made my move!” Shi Hao retorted, glancing at the two fallen figures.

Soon, the man and woman were carried away, their injuries severe, their souls fractured. Recovery would not be easy.

“Three moves. Let’s see if you can endure them!” Ao Qian said coldly, raising a hand.

“Such a dilemma. What if I accidentally kill you?” Shi Hao taunted further.

The onlookers tensed. These two were about to unleash their full power in three decisive exchanges.

“Die!”

Ao Qian roared, his raised hand shifting unpredictably, emitting chaotic light that drowned the area.

Shi Hao countered with a fist seal, clashing head-on. In an instant, the heavens trembled as chaotic light and immortal energy engulfed them.

The violent surge of power tore through space, the laws distorting reality. None could see through the maelstrom.

Even fellow Supreme Beings shuddered in fear.

The oppressive aura crushed souls, compelling submission.

Bang!

The ground trembled slightly as the two separated, the chaotic light and immortal energy dispersing to reveal their figures.

Ao Qian turned away, sneering, “Consider yourself lucky. You’ve earned the right to challenge me.”

The crowd was stunned. Was Huang truly that formidable?

“Stop the bravado. Don’t hold back—spit out that blood, or you’ll suffer internal injuries!” Shi Hao said icily.

Horror swept through the spectators. Could it be true?

In a flash, Pan Yi appeared beside Ao Qian like a ghost, reaching out to pat his back.

“What are you doing? Seeking a fight with me too?” Ao Qian snapped, whirling around.

“Just checking for blood. Helping you verify!” Pan Yi said with a grin.