The imperial capital was vast and majestic, its streets crisscrossing in a grand network. Each main thoroughfare was paved with bluestone, wide enough for multiple bronze beast-drawn carriages to travel side by side. The streets echoed with the roars of ferocious beasts as they thundered past, pulling carriages that rumbled with an imposing presence. The citizens had long grown accustomed to such sights—when nobles or aristocratic youths traveled, it was always with fierce beasts clearing the way and resplendent carriages gleaming with brilliance.
Conversations often revolved around whose bronze carriage was the most magnificent or whose beasts were the most fearsome, topics that filled idle chatter. Of course, wealthy merchants and prosperous families could also afford bronze carriages, though ordinary folk could only harness common livestock, unable to sustain the upkeep of savage beasts.
Today, the streets were unusually clamorous as one war chariot after another rumbled past. The beasts pulling them were exceptionally massive, exuding terrifying auras of bloodlust and dominance. Pedestrians hurriedly stepped aside, knowing better than to provoke these nobles.
One particular street was the busiest, with bronze and even golden war chariots racing past, their beasts roaring, scales glinting, all heading in the same direction.
“What’s happening? Why so many carriages? They look like they belong to the noble houses. Could something major be afoot? This concentration of vehicles is unusual—what are they planning?”
“Don’t you know? The prodigies from the great noble houses and renowned aristocratic families have returned to celebrate the Human Emperor’s birthday. They’re gathering for a prelude feast.”
“Many of these talents have been away from the capital for years. Some share deep bonds, while others simply revel in excitement. After so long apart, a reunion is inevitable.”
“Not just that—some families and prodigies have rivalries. Gatherings like this are bound to spark comparisons, even outright clashes. It’ll be quite the spectacle.”
Many watched enviously as the war chariots surged forward, radiating treasure light, their surfaces densely inscribed with glyphs, resembling unstoppable torrents.
“What a grand display!”
Shi Hao naturally joined the procession, heading toward the gathering. Along the way, he witnessed countless bronze chariots speeding past, stirring gales of energy, glyphs flashing—each one a testament to the power and prestige of their riders. Most were scions of noble houses, prodigious talents, or even princes and princesses, all exuding an air of grandeur.
In contrast, guests like him, traveling on foot, were rare—somewhat of an anomaly. Of course, since he was still en route, no one yet knew he was attending.
The Azure Forest Garden lay in the northwest corner of the capital, sprawling across vast grounds. Beyond its towering palaces and grand pavilions, lush gardens thrived, teeming with life and verdant foliage. In a city where land was worth its weight in gold, such a massive estate—complete with ancient trees, lakes, and even several hills—was a rarity. It was a favored spot for grand gatherings and scenic admiration.
Now, before the garden’s imposing stone gates, guests arrived in an endless stream, their bronze chariots flaunting their status.
Shi Hao grumbled—the journey was far too long, a consequence of the capital’s sheer size. Having set out from his inn without using treasure techniques or bone inscriptions, he had wasted considerable time. Even now, he still had a stretch ahead.
**”Rumble!”**
A war chariot surged forward, drawn by six savage beasts—powerful remnant species, towering and muscular, their scales glinting as they crushed the ground beneath them.
At the same time, a silver chariot raced alongside, its beasts roaring deafeningly.
**”Hmph!”**
A cold snort sounded as the two chariots suddenly veered toward each other, colliding in a thunderous explosion of glyphs and light. The silver chariot buckled, its axle damaged, glyphs shattered, veering sideways. The bronze chariot, however, remained unscathed, its radiant glow slowly fading as it continued forward.
“The Purple Majesty Marquis’ chariots are lacking. They could use some repairs.”
“Don’t get cocky. We’ll settle this in the Azure Forest Garden!” came the retort from the silver chariot.
Clearly, there was bad blood between them, and this clash was just the beginning. Such confrontations were common today—many attendees bore grudges and rivalries.
And this was mild compared to the wreckage of several chariots in the distance, blood staining the ground from earlier skirmishes.
Shi Hao was astonished. He turned to a passerby. “They act so recklessly—does no one stop them?”
The man shook his head, eyeing him. “You must be new here. These are either noble scions or young powerhouses—each more arrogant than the last. Who’d bow to whom? This is normal. No one interferes.”
The Stone Kingdom was built on martial prowess, and its culture had always favored boldness. Even the Human Emperor encouraged his descendants to be strong, never weak.
Especially at gatherings like this—openly competitive—bloodshed was expected, even tolerated. It was tradition.
**”I like it!”**
Shi Hao grinned. Having grown up in the wilderness, he despised restraint and rigid etiquette. To him, this kind of unrestrained, rough-and-tumble gathering was perfect. If there were grievances, they could be settled head-on.
“Hey, little brother, where are you headed? Don’t take the wrong path—that leads to the Azure Forest Garden,” someone warned.
That road was dangerous today, nearly devoid of ordinary pedestrians. Only prodigies and noble scions traveled it, their chariots roaring past in terrifying formations.
“I’m attending the gathering,” Shi Hao replied.
The bystanders gaped. Without a chariot, he’d be a laughingstock—those prodigies valued appearances above all.
Sure enough, as more chariots passed, their occupants cast him odd looks. Barefoot attendees weren’t unheard of, but they were certainly rare.
“Sister, look—another one trying to stand out. Does he think he’s the Lingbo Young Marquis? That guy’s genuinely strong and never rides chariots. This one’s just copying.”
A silver chariot rolled by, its curtains parting to reveal two beautiful faces whispering to each other.
Shi Hao sighed. Couldn’t a man just be simple?
Chariot after chariot passed, their occupants eyeing him strangely. He was starting to feel like a spectacle.
**”Hehe…”**
A melodious laugh drifted over, intoxicating to the bone. A crystalline carriage approached, drawn by auspicious beasts, shrouded in mist—ethereal yet formidable.
“Trying to catch girls’ attention by walking? That’s so last season. People have moved on,” a little fox-girl on the carriage teased.
The carriage halted, and the fox maiden peeked out, her beauty breathtaking, eyes shimmering like water. “Hop in, little brother. I’ll give you a ride.”
“No thanks, I’ll walk,” Shi Hao declined instantly. His instincts screamed that this fox was dangerous—irresistibly charming but deadly.
“Miss, you wouldn’t believe how shameless he is! When I offered to sell him a pure fairy, he demanded you as a bonus!” the little fox tattled.
“Oh? Then let’s tell that fairy at the garden that someone didn’t even want her alone,” the fox maiden giggled.
Shi Hao’s head throbbed. This vixen was trouble. Riding with her would only drag him into her schemes—best to steer clear.
“Last chance. We’re leaving,” the fox called, her lithe form swaying hypnotically.
As the carriage vanished, Shi Hao rubbed his nose. That woman was a walking disaster.
**”Move!”**
A thunderous shout came from behind. Eight savage beasts pulled a war chariot, charging with terrifying momentum.
Shi Hao frowned. He was already on the roadside—why the hostility? He stepped further back, but the chariot swerved toward him, its beasts snarling.
One beast reared, its massive hoof aiming straight for his face.
**”You’ve got to be kidding me!”**
Shi Hao dodged, landing a distance away. The chariot screeched to a halt.
The driver glared. “My master asks—why did the fox maiden’s carriage stop for you? What did she say?”
“None of your master’s damn business,” Shi Hao shot back.
“Insolent! Do you know who you’re speaking to?!” the driver barked.
Shi Hao scoffed. Clearly, the chariot’s owner had some obsession with the fox maiden—whether romantic or otherwise.
**”Answer the question!”** the driver demanded.
**”You people need therapy!”** Shi Hao retorted.
**”You’re dead!”**
The driver lashed out with a whip, its tip crackling with glyphs.
Shi Hao—the infamous “Little Rascal”—wasn’t one to take insults lying down. He leaped, snapping the whip mid-air, then planted his foot squarely on the driver’s face, sending him flying. Teeth scattered as the man howled, rolling in agony.
**”You dare touch my man?!”**
A youth burst from the chariot.
**”Just giving him treatment!”**
Shi Hao struck, his palm morphing into a black tortoise’s shadow, slamming the youth to the ground.
**”You—!”**
More youths charged out, only to be blasted by violet lightning, collapsing in smoking heaps.
Shi Hao kicked each off the chariot.
**”This ride’s mine now.”**
And with that, he seized the chariot and sped away.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage