Under the sunlight, the entire imperial palace was bathed in a faint golden radiance. Countless people arrived, as if on a pilgrimage, while the grand architectural complex towered beneath the heavens, vast and boundless.
Upon arriving, the gathered powerhouses officially stepped into the forbidden grounds of the Stone Kingdom, sensing an ancient and weathered aura—a testament to the ages, a magnificent crystallization of history’s long river.
Once, a peerless expert ignited divine flames, founding an ancient kingdom that ruled over endless lands. Now, after countless years, these majestic and imposing ruins recorded the glories of that era.
“Once one reaches a certain level of cultivation, sometimes a single manifestation can hold up the heavens and earth. Did the supreme powerhouses of the past build the palace this large just so they wouldn’t run out of space to place their feet?” Shi Hao mused randomly.
Indeed, it wasn’t just one building—every palace was unimaginably vast, resembling towering mountains. Standing before them made one feel utterly insignificant.
The sound of flowing water filled the air, not just from fountains but also from rivers running alongside the central avenue, weaving through the entire palace. The scenery was breathtaking, with fish, shrimp, and even flood dragons occasionally surfacing in the waters.
There were far more than just one flood dragon—ranging from dozens to hundreds of meters in length, their massive bodies adorned with shimmering scales, crystalline horns, and dragon whiskers, making them appear divine and mystical.
Everyone was stunned. While others kept ornamental fish in their waters, the Stone Kingdom’s imperial palace raised flood dragons—such a staggering difference, like heaven and earth.
“Ah! There’s even a white turtle! It’s said that when a turtle’s shell turns white, it’s an auspicious sign, representing astonishing longevity—a rare treasure of flesh and blood!”
People marveled at the rare creatures in the water. Apart from the flood dragons and the white turtle, they also spotted crimson lotuses, their entire bodies blazing red like fire, growing in clusters with blossoms exuding intoxicating fragrance.
“This… is too extravagant!” The crowd was left dumbfounded.
Those crimson lotuses were renowned spiritual herbs, yet here they grew in abundance as mere decorations, making many swallow their saliva in envy.
“This isn’t waste. The palace also harvests them for alchemy,” a noble explained, clearly familiar with the palace’s affairs.
In the sky, melodious cries echoed as colorful luan birds flew past, their long, vibrant feathers and radiant wings circling above the palace, filling the air with serenity.
The visitors were awestruck. Even a random sight in the palace was so magnificent—these were descendants of ancient species, yet they willingly resided here, showcasing the Stone Clan’s profound heritage and might.
Ancient trees, some thousands of years old or even older, stood within the palace grounds, their gnarled branches stretching toward the heavens like coiled dragons.
The crowd was vast, including sect leaders, nobles, powerful rogue cultivators, and even pure-blooded beings from the ancient divine mountains—all figures of great renown.
Passing through a colossal arched gate, they arrived before the central heavenly palace. Here, a layer of white mist swirled at knee height, marking the final destination where the emperor’s grand birthday celebration would take place.
Various extraordinary beings could be seen entering the heavenly palace, exuding terrifying auras—golden birds several meters long, giants over twenty meters tall—making onlookers shudder.
“Are those beings from the ancient divine mountains?” people whispered in awe. Only such esteemed guests could enter the central palace and sit with the Stone Emperor.
Others remained in the outer plaza, where jade tables and chairs were arranged amidst swirling white mist, making the place resemble the celestial realm.
The banquet wouldn’t begin yet—it was still too early.
Many gathered to exchange pleasantries, seizing the opportunity to network with influential figures. Though resting halls had been prepared, few chose to use them.
The area buzzed with activity as powerful figures laughed and conversed in small groups, discussing topics of mutual interest.
Shi Hao wandered around, unfamiliar with most, though many cast peculiar glances his way, whispering and pointing.
Undoubtedly, he was now a celebrity. After the battle in the imperial capital, he had drawn widespread attention.
Here, he also spotted familiar faces—members of the Martial Prince’s residence, nobles, and the talented youths he’d met in Green Wood Garden.
He greeted them warmly, without reservation. If he recognized someone, he’d strike up a conversation. For instance, upon seeing members of the Rain Clan, he clapped one on the shoulder, acting as if they were old friends, nearly draping an arm around them.
Yu Feng’s face turned ashen, but he dared not move. He had clashed with Shi Hao in the Sky-Suppressing Pavilion’s genius camp and was later slain by him in the Void God Realm, taking a long time to recover in the real world.
The onlookers found it bizarre—how could these two interact like this?
For Yu Feng, it was pure torment. Being shoulder-to-shoulder with this savage child was unbearable. If he had the strength, he’d have gladly crushed Shi Hao on the spot.
Finally, the holy terror spotted Shi Ziteng and abandoned Yu Feng, approaching his uncle with feigned concern, asking about his injuries.
Shi Ziteng remained expressionless and walked away without a word.
“Ah! Isn’t this the Tuoba Clan? You’re here too! How have you been? I’ve missed you dearly,” Shi Hao said cheerfully upon spotting them, engaging them in friendly chatter.
Their faces darkened. In the Void God Realm, their sacred land had been uprooted, their elders slain by soul-destroying needles—they bore deep grudges against this brat.
Wherever Shi Hao went, people’s expressions soured. Was he deliberately provoking old enemies?
“Ah! You must be the famed Crimson Cloud Young Master from the Void God Realm! We’ve met before. I think I accidentally wiped out a bunch of people back then—you weren’t hurt, were you?”
Striking where it hurt, Shi Hao ruthlessly prodded at old wounds. The Crimson Cloud Young Master, a prodigy from one of the four great clans, had naturally clashed with him before.
These were all sworn enemies with irreconcilable grudges, and Shi Hao had no intention of reconciling. They were already locked in a life-and-death struggle.
Since he had come to the imperial capital for a “grand event,” he didn’t mind provoking everyone before crushing them all.
The crowd seethed with anger but dared not act out—this was the Stone Kingdom’s imperial palace. Only this shameless brat would dare challenge everyone so openly.
Eventually, he moved on, spotting a true acquaintance.
At the arched gate, a crowd surrounded a young woman like stars encircling the moon. Taller than most, she wore a fiery red dress that accentuated her curves—her beautiful face, snow-white neck, full bosom, slender waist, and long legs combined into a flawless figure.
Palace attendants welcomed her, marking her as a guest of the highest honor.
“Princess Huoling of the Fire Kingdom, representing the Fire Emperor, extends wishes for the Stone Emperor’s immortality, eternal prosperity, and longevity rivaling the heavens!” a voice announced.
The crowd murmured in surprise—this was an envoy from another emperor.
“Fatty!” Shi Hao waved enthusiastically from afar.
Huoling had been basking in the attention, surrounded by admirers like a celestial goddess. But the familiar nickname made her freeze, then turn livid as she spotted Shi Hao approaching.
She gritted her teeth. After over two years apart, this brat still called her “fatty”! Unforgivable!
The young talents around her swiftly stepped aside, well aware of the savage boy’s prowess and unwilling to provoke him.
Seeing Huoling’s fury, Shi Hao quickly amended, “Junior Sister! It’s been over two years—you’ve grown even more beautiful! And the right places have gotten even plumper!”
The first half pleased her, but the second half—what kind of compliment was that?!
“Were you in the North Sea these past two years?” Huoling asked, veins throbbing on her forehead as she suppressed her anger.
“Thanks for your concern, Junior Sister! I was tricked by some unscrupulous folks into going there. Ate nothing but salted fish for over two years—drove me mad!” As he spoke, his gaze landed on a distant group, and he paused.
They had actually come—descendants of the ancient divine mountains.
“Are you alright?” Huoling asked with concern. She’d heard rumors of the brutal battles in the North Sea, where even Venerable Ones had fallen. For this brat to dare venture there was sheer audacity.
She’d even heard whispers that he’d slain the avatars of several Venerable Ones before perishing in the Kun Peng’s Nest. Though later reports claimed he’d survived, she’d still worried.
“Of course I’m fine! Sure, I ate a lot of salted fish, but I also got to taste some pure-blooded delicacies from the ancient divine mountains—absolutely delicious!”
The bystanders gaped. Had this guy really slain pure-blooded beings? That was staggering!
“See you later. I need to represent my father in offering birthday wishes first,” Huoling said, guided by palace attendants toward the central heavenly palace.
Just then, a small creature in her arms woke up with a yelp and leaped onto Shi Hao.
“You—!” Huoling fumed. After all these years, the young divine beast still remembered him! She left the little wolf with him and strode off.
“Not bad. I thought you’d forgotten me, you little ingrate,” Shi Hao chuckled, examining the wolf. It hadn’t grown, but its body now pulsed with immense divine power—yet no runes could be detected, puzzling him. What was wrong with this divine cub?
Nearby, a group of beings approached, drawing widespread attention. They were young, male and female alike, each extraordinary in their own way—some in resplendent robes, others in dazzling armor or radiant dresses, all strikingly handsome or beautiful.
“There are over a dozen of them—beings from the ancient divine mountains! These are terrifying youths. Barring accidents, they’ll dominate the wasteland region in the future,” even a noble muttered in awe.
“So you’re Shi Hao, the so-called ‘most savage youth’?” one of them asked coldly, stepping forward.
“That’s me. What do you want?” Shi Hao replied indifferently, his gaze sweeping over them before settling on a stunning purple-robed maiden—Yun Xi.
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