The imperial capital of the Stone Kingdom was a place teeming with life, where people from all walks of life and various backgrounds gathered, making it an extraordinarily bustling city. The grand metropolis resembled a relic from the age of gods and demons, where beautiful exotic maidens, powerful demonic birds, and ferocious beasts were not uncommon sights—especially during this period when figures from various sects had emerged.
Shi Hao had been in the capital for two days, settling in without visiting the Martial King Mansion. He had learned some unsettling news—his grandfather might have already left. This filled him with regret. Though unconfirmed, whispers had spread throughout the capital, and the absence of the Great Demonic God in recent days only fueled the rumors.
One tale claimed that a venerable figure from the Demon Spirit Lake had arrived in the capital, demanding an explanation and even clashing with the imperial family, forcing the Great Demonic God to flee. Though shocking, no one could verify it, as no cultivator had witnessed the battle.
Another rumor suggested that an ancient demonic spider had descended with threats against the Fifteenth Master, but the Human Emperor intervened, forcing the spider to lie low. Some believed the Fifteenth Master was still in the capital, though most doubted this.
Yet another version claimed that the Human Emperor had revealed Shi Ziling’s whereabouts, prompting the Fifteenth Master to depart in haste to find his son. Many considered this the most plausible.
“Grandfather!” Shi Hao clenched his fists. He didn’t know if his grandfather was still here—and if he was, meeting him now might bring trouble. The Fifteenth Master’s absence suggested caution. Had that demonic spider truly come?
He recalled the vision from the spatial tunnel—a mountain-sized spider battling a human. Where had that been? A chill ran through him. The ancient demonic spider had indeed made its move, but who had fought it? Had the Human Emperor stood in its way?
Shi Hao couldn’t be sure. Though he had returned to the capital, the city was vast, and in two days, he had barely explored a quarter of it. For a boy raised in the wild mountains, everything was new.
Eventually, he passed the Martial King Mansion, gazing at it from afar before turning away.
“Where are you, Grandfather?” Shi Hao sighed. He had come with hope, only to be too late. Had he missed his chance?
In the following days, the capital grew even livelier as all manner of beings appeared, filling the city with vitality.
Shi Zi Teng’s return sent shockwaves through Shi Hao. Others might not have cared, but for him, it was a seismic event. Soon, other major factions took notice—Shi Zi Teng hadn’t come alone. Several powerful figures accompanied him.
Two days later, the green-haired man arrived, entering the city gates with an imposing aura that kept others at bay. Another incarnation of the ancient demonic spider had descended upon the capital, stronger than before, sending shivers through the crowd.
This time, it claimed to be there for the Human Emperor’s birthday, not violating any agreements.
Rumors spread that powerful beings from the seas had also arrived, not just one or two groups, further stirring the city.
“The Human Emperor has summoned Shi Zi Teng to the palace. What for? Is it about the conflict between the Great Demonic God and the Demon Spirit Lake? What stance will he take?”
That day, whispers circulated that the Great Demonic God might still be in the capital, detained. His fate hinged on the Human Emperor’s decision.
The undercurrents grew turbulent as people speculated in hushed tones. Major factions, however, dared not speak recklessly—such words could provoke the Human Emperor’s wrath.
Shi Hao’s heart grew heavy with unease. Soon, confirmed news deepened his worries. Shi Zi Teng had spoken in the palace, and his words spread.
“The Fifteenth Uncle is old, but I am still in my prime. And Yi’er is just beginning—his future glory is unimaginable!”
No one knew the Human Emperor’s response, but a palace maid overheard Shi Zi Teng’s trembling voice, filled with suppressed emotion.
The words sparked speculation—was the Human Emperor considering succession, or was this a warning to Shi Zi Teng?
Further statements from Shi Zi Teng caused an uproar, seemingly stirring even the Human Emperor’s emotions.
“Right or wrong no longer matters. Yi’er is a young supreme being, flawless after the Heaven-Mending Art. His rise is unstoppable. But what does the Fifteenth Uncle have? Where is his Hao’er? Who in this generation can defeat Yi’er?”
The capital erupted in shock. Did this concern the imperial succession?
Stone Clan nobles grew cold-eyed, their mansions restless. Were these words a signal?
“If the Barren Domain falls into chaos, Yi’er will rise as the nation’s guardian deity.”
Shi Zi Teng’s subsequent words spread like wildfire.
“The Fifteenth Uncle has nothing left. Even if his Hao’er lives, he cannot compare to Yi’er. I ask the Human Emperor to grant the divine blood left by the sacrificial spirit to cleanse Yi’er’s flesh.”
The Stone Clan nobles speculated—was Shi Zi Teng’s lineage being groomed for succession?
The Human Emperor seemed to be making a choice—between the Fifteenth Master, Shi Zi Teng, and other princes.
The Great Demonic God, in his fifties or sixties, was far from old, still in his prime. His son, Shi Ziling, was a prodigy.
Shi Zi Teng’s line boasted a dual-pupiled genius, a natural deity.
“Don’t speculate. No one can fathom the Human Emperor’s mind,” an old noble warned.
But the capital was anything but calm. In these days, stormy undercurrents surged through noble mansions.
Shi Hao clenched his fists, hearing the confirmed words of Shi Zi Teng. Anger burned within him.
If his grandfather heard these words, how would he feel? Was this mocking their lineage for lacking successors?
“Yi’er is a young supreme being. His rise is unstoppable. But what does the Fifteenth Uncle have? Where is his Hao’er? Who in this generation can surpass Yi’er?”
The words echoed like thunder in Shi Hao’s ears, making him rise abruptly.
He wouldn’t let his grandfather grieve. He would prove he was alive, strong, and unmatched!
“I have returned!”
“I will make you all know—I live! The name Shi Hao is no illusion. I am flesh and blood, still in this world!”
He would announce his survival, expose the truth of the Supreme Bone, silence Shi Zi Teng, and comfort his grandfather and parents.
Originally, he hadn’t planned to reveal himself so soon. He wasn’t strong enough yet. But he feared his grandfather’s sorrow.
Still, he wouldn’t act recklessly. Revealing himself outright could mean instant death—the capital was full of powerhouses.
He had a trump card—the mysterious inch-tall crystalline pagoda, usable once.
“Come then. If chaos is to come, let it be grand. If that ancient demonic spider dares show itself, it will regret harming my grandfather and forcing him to flee!”
This time, the demonic spider wasn’t subtle. It exuded dominance, hinting that Shi Yi had the Demon Spirit Lake’s favor.
“One use of the pagoda isn’t enough. I need at least two. If those big shots dare interfere, they’ll suffer!”
Shi Hao vowed.
He began to act. The capital surely held treasures. Days ago, the pagoda had sensed a divine slab. He would seek it and trade for what he needed.
With enough materials, the pagoda would strike.
“Little Pagoda, does this capital have what you need?”
“Yes,” the ancient tower affirmed.
The Bone Gu Auction House, a prestigious establishment with deep backing, housed rare treasures in its grand halls. Unlike others with stone guardian beasts, this one had two living ancient hybrids—gold and silver flood dragons—exuding terrifying auras.
“Wow, these flood dragons grow stronger daily, nourished by the treasures here,” a lively red-haired girl remarked, stepping from a bronze carriage.
“Geniuses have returned. That must be the daughter of Marquis Purple Sky,” murmured onlookers as elders and nobles entered.
Soon, a transcendent figure arrived—black-haired, jade-skinned. Gasps arose.
Shi Zi Teng.
“So, that’s him?” Shi Hao narrowed his eyes. This was his first glimpse of his so-called “uncle.”
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