Chapter 278: Return from Overseas

The battle had come to an end—the demonic spider had fallen!

Fifteenth Grandfather stood tall, drenched in blood, his aura oppressive like a demon god. Holding the massive, millstone-sized head of the spider, he exuded an overwhelming presence that silenced the surroundings. The corpse of the emerald-eyed black demon spider, ten zhang long, lay sprawled on the ground, its steel-like green bristles stained with blood—a horrifying sight. The outcome had defied all expectations.

Showers of light erupted as the colossal corpse and the severed head in Fifteenth Grandfather’s grasp began to dissolve like melting snow, rapidly dispersing into nothingness. This had been the spiritual avatar of the ancient demonic spider, not its true form. Upon death, it reverted to its primal divine essence, vanishing into the void.

High above, the bronze pagoda glowed brilliantly, resonating with a furious will—the imprint left behind by the ancient demon spider.

**”You dare slay my avatar…”**

**”This battle is over. All is concluded,”** declared the Human Emperor, his form wreathed in blinding radiance, his majesty absolute. He stood as if within a golden sun, his true visage obscured.

At this moment, the crowd was struck with awe and unease. Had the Human Emperor foreseen this outcome? Was that why he had permitted the battle under strict conditions?

A cold snort echoed as the bronze pagoda trembled, opening a silver passage before vanishing in an instant.

That day, the imperial capital was shaken to its core. The Great Demon God had returned, striking down the Martial King, defeating the Rain King, and ultimately beheading the ancient emerald-eyed black demon spider—his divine might shaking the world!

The city erupted in uproar. A man believed dead had reappeared, stronger than ever. Soon after, the Human Emperor summoned the Great Demon God to the palace. Rumors spread that the emperor intended to bestow upon him the title of Demon God King, establishing a new domain of unparalleled power.

That night, the great clans trembled, their hearts restless. Many found sleep impossible, their minds roiling with the implications.

—

**Dawn, North Sea.**

The sun leaped from the horizon, crimson at first before blazing into golden brilliance, scattering its light like shattered gold upon the waves.

A ghost ship drifted steadily toward the shore. On deck, a mischievous young boy stretched lazily, rubbing his large eyes as he peered toward the distant land.

**”Land should be close now.”**

Beside him, a fist-sized, round golden creature darted to the ship’s edge, deftly casting a fishing line into the depths.

This was Shi Hao and his companion, Mao Qiu. Some time had passed since the battle at the Kun Peng’s Nest, and they had been leisurely making their way back. Though he had spent over two years at sea, most of it had been spent in cultivation and battle, leaving little time to explore. Now, he took in the sights, investigating ruins on scattered islands.

Mao Qiu, meanwhile, spent most of his time sleeping—when awake, he ate. His diet of seafood had made him even rounder, allowing him to roll across the deck effortlessly.

**”Squeak!”** Mao Qiu suddenly yanked the fishing line.

**”A giant lobster!”** Shi Hao exclaimed. The creature was ten meters long, its head tinged with gold, exuding an aura akin to a flood dragon. Without hesitation, he stored it in his Qiankun Bag to bring back to Stone Village.

Mao Qiu protested but soon resumed fishing, hoping for an even greater catch. Moments later, he shrieked, abandoning the line to scramble atop the ship’s mast.

In the distance, a dark mass of sea beasts surged through the water.

**”Hmm… Could there be a Dragon Palace beneath?”** Shi Hao’s eyes gleamed.

Legends spoke of mighty Dragon Palaces, rivaling the ancient divine mountains—forbidden realms akin to the Sea God’s Island. Smaller ones existed too, though many lacked even a true flood dragon, instead ruled by sea beasts.

**”I’d love to see a Dragon Palace before leaving the North Sea,”** Shi Hao mused.

Mao Qiu chattered in agreement, eager to sneak a peek.

**”Then let’s take a look—from a safe distance.”**

Stowing the ghost ship, they plunged into the ocean, descending into the abyss. The waters darkened until all light vanished. After thousands of meters, they reached a trench, following the sea beasts into a deep chasm.

Gradually, light emerged.

At the ocean’s depths, radiance burst forth in dazzling hues, dispelling the darkness.

A city of crystal and pearl rose before them, dreamlike and resplendent. Shi Hao gaped—rare gems and precious materials formed its very foundations. Enormous pearls, some as large as millstones, adorned towering structures, casting an ethereal glow.

**”That’s a pearl?!”** Shi Hao stared at one wreathed in flame-like light. **”And that one’s even bigger—several meters across! What kind of ancient clam produced that?”**

Mao Qiu’s eyes darted greedily. The city overflowed with treasures unseen on land, brimming with spiritual energy.

**”A Blood Essence Pearl!”** Shi Hao’s gaze locked onto a crimson orb, pulsing with vitality. Such pearls were formed when ancient clams poured their life essence into them upon death—priceless for alchemy and cultivation.

**”And that’s Sea Blue Marrow!”** He pointed to a radiant blue crystal used as a building plaque. **”A rare material for forging divine artifacts!”**

Before long, they were discovered—countless sea creatures lurked in the sand. Yet instead of hostility, they were welcomed warmly.

This underwater palace belonged not to dragons but to the mermaid clan.

A stunning figure emerged—her lower body a shimmering silver tail, her upper form human, adorned with seashells, her blue hair cascading like silk.

**”Thank you for saving me,”** she said.

During the battle at Kun Peng’s Nest, Shi Hao had inadvertently rescued her from Mo Shang, the Sea God’s descendant. Now, she led him into the luminous city with gratitude.

**”Do you need any assistance?”** she asked.

**”I wish to return to land. Do you have a teleportation array?”** Shi Hao inquired.

She nodded, following his covetous gaze toward the treasures. **”I’ll gift you some.”**

**”Really?!”** His eyes sparkled with delight.

Soon, he amassed a trove of rare materials—Blood Essence Pearls, Sea Blue Marrow, Flood Dragon Pills—all priceless on land.

For two days, he explored the city, marveling at its fairy-tale splendor. At its heart stood an altar, where the mermaid elders activated a teleportation array.

Shi Hao stepped into the glowing passage, vanishing from the North Sea.

—

**Stone Village.**

Emerging in the western wilderness, Shi Hao trekked through three hundred thousand miles of primal forest before finally spotting a familiar emerald glow in the distance.

**”Is that… Liu Shen?”**

The willow tree had grown taller, its scorched trunk shedding its blackened bark, now vibrant with life. Fifty crystalline branches cascaded like a waterfall of jade, radiating auspicious energy.

**”Little Rascal—no, Shi Hao is back!”**

Villagers rushed to greet him, their joy overwhelming. Even Liu Shen stirred, communicating through divine will.

**”Liu Shen, I’ve obtained the complete Kun Peng’s Divine Ability,”** Shi Hao whispered secretly.

A rare tremor passed through Liu Shen’s presence. **”Good.”**

Then, solemnly, Liu Shen added, **”You may have to leave again soon.”**

**”Why?”** Shi Hao frowned. He had just returned, laden with gifts and eager to celebrate.

**”Your grandfather has appeared.”**

**”What?!”** Shi Hao’s body trembled violently.