Shi Hao was truly nonchalant, remaining utterly relaxed even in the presence of beings from the ancient divine mountains, which soured the expressions of some young men. Of course, others remained indifferent, showing no significant change in demeanor. These individuals were all formidable, hailing from illustrious lineages with noble bloodlines. In the ancient era, their ancestors were revered as gods and demons, dominating the heavens and earth. In contrast, humanity had always been at a disadvantage, treating the beings of the ancient divine mountains with reverence akin to deities—a tradition that had persisted since time immemorial.
On ordinary days, these young men were surrounded by crowds wherever they went, greeted by countless humans with fear, respect, and subservience. Never had they encountered someone as brazen as Shi Hao. A few of them grew visibly displeased, their expressions turning cold, their gazes frosty. One of them spoke up, “We are speaking to you, yet your mind wanders, paying us no heed. What is the meaning of this?”
Shi Hao glanced at him and replied, “Who are you to me? You come here with a condescending tone, trying to lecture me, and expect me to bow in reverence? Do you want me to eat you instead?!”
The group was stunned—this was far too direct, immediately exposing his savage nature. Though they had heard rumors, it was still hard to stomach.
“You—”
“What ‘you’? Go find somewhere cooler to stand and stop being an eyesore!” Shi Hao glared.
The disciples from the divine mountains exchanged silent glances, while those who had been scolded turned pale with fury. This guy was far too arrogant! Normally, they were the ones reprimanding others, yet today the tables had turned completely.
“Are you challenging the dignity of our divine mountain?” a youth asked darkly.
“Are *you* challenging *my* dignity?” Shi Hao retorted icily.
The words were similar, but their meanings were worlds apart—one invoked the divine mountain, while the other stood on his own authority. The contrast was stark, revealing the difference in their bearings.
“We’ve long heard of your arrogance, but never imagined it surpassed the rumors. Don’t think yourself invincible!” another youth hissed threateningly.
“Are you testing my patience? Don’t bring ruin upon yourself!” Shi Hao was blunt, sparing no courtesy.
The atmosphere instantly chilled, leaving the others humiliated. Their youthful pride flared, and killing intent seeped through.
“Are you all here to oppose me?” Shi Hao asked.
“Brother, you misunderstand. We merely wished to meet you, having long admired your reputation but never had the chance until today,” one youth said with a smile.
Soon, the group split—eight or nine stood aside, remaining neutral and composed, while the others grew even more hostile.
In recent years, the infamous “holy terror” of the Netherworld had spread far and wide. Even the youths of the ancient divine mountains had to temper their arrogance when facing a human who had opened ten heavenly passages. Thus, some remained restrained, unwilling to provoke him.
But a few, raised in the divine mountains with an innate sense of superiority, were infuriated by his disregard.
“Yun Xi, last time you tricked me into eating nothing but salted fish in the North Sea for two years, nearly costing me my life. Now you’ve brought people to deal with me again?” Shi Hao asked.
The purple-robed girl Yun Xi, standing at the rear, frowned. “This has nothing to do with me.”
Her feelings toward Shi Hao were complicated. In the Hundred Broken Mountains, they had been like fire and water—she found him utterly detestable, especially after he dared to bite her ear. Among the divine mountains, she was revered as a goddess, yet this boy had defied all norms.
Later, after witnessing his terrifying potential, she realized that if left unchecked, even the divine mountains might not be able to suppress him.
“In the North Sea, you devoured one of our companions. Why do you still hold such hostility toward us?” muttered a silver-haired girl beside her—Yin Xue.
“I only know that I was deceived. Some among you wanted me dead.”
“But it wasn’t us!” Yin Xue protested.
“You invited me to sea, yet someone among you tried to kill me. That’s chilling,” Shi Hao said, shaking his head.
“Hey, the one who wanted you dead—Qing Yun—was eaten by you! Do you expect us to apologize or be eaten next?” Yin Xue snapped.
Yun Xi stood silently nearby, flawless as ivory, her beauty untouched by the exchange.
“Of course, you owe me compensation,” Shi Hao said shamelessly.
“What do you want?” Yin Xue asked, though she had no intention of giving in.
“You two can guard my village,” Shi Hao suggested, his tone almost negotiable.
“You—go to hell!” Yun Xi finally erupted, recalling the humiliation in the Hundred Broken Mountains when this brat had threatened to capture her like a wild beast to guard some worthless village.
“Hey, what are you all standing around for? Get lost,” Shi Hao said to the sullen youths.
The confrontation had drawn the attention of everyone nearby. Many were astonished—they had heard of the holy terror’s ferocity, but never imagined he would be so brazen, berating a group of pure-blooded beings, the future strongest of the wasteland, without hesitation.
Many human youths watched in awe, admiration surging like a tidal wave. Even noble ladies found his audacity thrilling.
Meanwhile, the divine mountain youths were fuming. One stepped forward. “Qing Yun was our friend, yet you slaughtered and devoured him. How do you intend to repay this debt?”
Shi Hao remained unruffled. “Just say so from the start if you’re here for revenge. No need for all this trouble.”
Eight or nine youths, including Yun Xi and Yin Xue, distanced themselves, signaling neutrality. Only four remained, their expressions icy.
“What, you want a lesson? Come at me together,” Shi Hao taunted, utterly unfazed.
The human youths clenched their fists, electrified by his defiance.
“He… isn’t afraid of the divine mountains’ retaliation?” a noble girl whispered, her cheeks flushed.
“Hasn’t he done enough outrageous things already? Dubbed ‘scourge of gods and men,’ yet he’s still alive. He must have backing,” another girl murmured.
The divine mountain youths seethed. They had come to assert dominance, only to be repeatedly humiliated by a mere human.
“I challenge you!” one growled.
“Fine. But shouldn’t we sign a contract? If I accidentally kill you, can I take you away for a barbecue?”
“Enough! Let’s settle this elsewhere!” The youths couldn’t endure his taunts any longer.
Shi Hao feigned surprise. “The Human Emperor’s birthday banquet allows duels?”
“Indeed, as part of the celebration,” an elderly palace guard confirmed, having observed the scene.
Adjacent to the heavenly palace lay a vast martial arena, built for royal combat. By the time they arrived, others were already fighting.
The palace had anticipated such clashes and permitted them—a testament to the martial culture of the Shi Clan, where strength was revered even among royalty.
After murmuring among themselves, one gray-haired youth with chilling gray eyes stepped forward to face Shi Hao.
While noble lords dueled elsewhere, all eyes were drawn here. The arena, vast and reinforced with powerful runes, could withstand even the mightiest blows.
“Legends mean nothing. If I kill you, they’ll be void,” the gray-haired youth sneered.
*Boom!*
A radiant light erupted, howling as it descended upon Shi Hao with crushing force, shaking the reinforced arena.
“An ancient sacred artifact!” Shi Hao’s eyes narrowed.
This was a flawless relic, activated to its full might—enough to obliterate him instantly.
He considered his broken sword but hesitated. Then he thought of the small pagoda but deemed it unworthy. Finally, he raised his left arm.
The gale howled, the shockwaves staggering the onlookers. To deploy such a treasure in a duel was unthinkable.
Shi Hao’s heart chilled—this was premeditated murder, sanctioned by a divine mountain elder.
As he braced for impact, he added another name to his list of grudges: the elder behind this plot.
*Besides that giant spider, another divine mountain elder has earned my wrath.*
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