Chapter 327: The Ancient Hall

The declaration of war by the Marquis of Desolate Heaven, challenging Shi Yi to a duel, sent shockwaves through the imperial capital! The news was astonishing, yet not entirely unexpected, for it was widely known that these two supreme prodigies were destined to clash—an inevitable confrontation. Between them lay grievances too deep to resolve.

The tale was nothing short of miraculous. One had been born a natural supreme, only to have his bones torn out, his body withered and drained, left to perish and fade into oblivion. Yet, over a decade later, he reemerged, rising like a phoenix from the ashes. As for Shi Yi, none were unfamiliar with his legend. Upon learning the hidden truths, all were shaken—he was not only a possessor of dual-pupils but also bore an unmanifested supreme bone. It was clear he was destined to ascend to incomprehensible heights.

But would the battle truly come to pass? Doubts lingered. Shi Yi had entered the Ancient Sage’s Courtyard, and none knew when he would emerge. Though speculation swirled that his return was imminent, there had been no sign of him yet.

“Shi Yi, do you dare fight?!” Alas, no answer came, for the dual-pupiled prodigy had yet to appear, his return date unknown.

Within the Martial Prince’s Mansion, a group of men wore grim expressions, fists clenched. “One day, Yi’er will return and crush him!” one growled, voice thick with frustration and pain. “I believe Yi’er will stand unrivaled under the heavens, his might destined to shake the ages!” whispered another. Most who remained were Shi Yi’s kin—those who had made their choice, a path from which there was no turning back.

Days passed. Shi Hao waited half a month, but no word came. With a sigh, he departed. “I stand ready for battle—return when you will!” These were his parting words before he set off.

Yet, as he prepared to leave, unrest stirred within the Stone Nation, particularly near the imperial capital. Dark undercurrents surged, and formidable cultivators moved in the shadows. Some had hired assassins, willing to gamble everything.

In that battle, Shi Hao slew two Venerables. Many speculated—this was not his own power. He had trump cards, but none believed they could be used indefinitely. Thus, powerful factions sought to test him.

A young marquis so mighty unsettled many. Add to that the hostility of the Rain Clan, the Tuoba Noble Clan, and the ancient divine mountains, and it was clear—bloodshed loomed.

Yet, these schemers were doomed to disappointment. Shi Hao vanished without a trace, slipping away even before the Thunder Clan and the Marquis of Mixed Heavens could bid him farewell.

For a time, figures prowled the capital’s outskirts and key routes, searching—but they found nothing. Shi Hao was gone, utterly and silently. None knew his destination. He did not linger for the emperor’s rewards or further cultivation resources. His decisiveness left many speechless—he had stepped away from the storm, rendering their schemes void.

—

This was a grand palace, embedded with mystical stones that pulsed with divine energy, resembling a starry sky—the longer one gazed, the more one’s spirit was drawn in.

Suddenly, a ripple disturbed the air. A massive ancient beast hide tore through the void, materializing abruptly within the hall. Seated atop it, Shi Hao opened his eyes, surveying the ancient hall with surprise.

Light as a feather, he stepped off the hide and stood within the chamber, gazing upward as if facing a sea of stars. “This must be a crucial site of the Fire Nation,” he murmured.

This time, he had relied on Huo Ling’er’s aid. Riding the Void Beast Hide, he traversed boundless space via coordinates, arriving here directly. The Fire Emperor, fearing for his daughter’s safety, had inscribed several coordinates on the hide—no manual control was needed; activating them would transport one to predetermined destinations.

Before departure, Huo Ling’er had personally activated it, sending Shi Hao on his way. She remained in the Stone Nation’s capital for unfinished business, ensuring none would learn of Shi Hao’s entry into the Fire Nation.

Now, as a ten-cauldron prodigy, Shi Hao was under intense scrutiny. Neither he nor Huo Ling’er wished for word to spread. Even her elderly servant had arranged this in utmost secrecy.

Thus, his departure went unnoticed.

Within the Fire Nation’s ancient hall, silence reigned. Shi Hao walked alone, his footsteps echoing in the vast emptiness.

Finally, he stepped outside—into a desolate expanse of desert, where only this grand hall stood, solitary and imposing.

“You’re from which prince’s mansion? Why so late? The others have already entered,” an elderly man appeared, expressionless but displeased.

Shi Hao was puzzled—had some misunderstanding occurred?

Nearby, a young man clad in fiery-red battle armor emerged, wreathed in flames, his aura formidable. “You’re not of the Fire Nation’s bloodline?”

Shi Hao shook his head. “No.”

The elder frowned. “Then your talent must be extraordinary to earn such an opportunity.”

The crimson-armored youth, pale-skinned amidst the flames, demanded, “Who sent you here?”

“Princess Huo Ling’er,” Shi Hao answered truthfully.

The youth smirked. “Ah, my dear little sister.” His flames flared slightly, exuding hostility.

“Go in quickly. Since the princess chose you, don’t disappoint her. Avoid conflict with those from beyond our realm—survival comes first,” the elder advised.

Shi Hao hesitated—this misunderstanding seemed significant.

“My sister has always been Father’s favorite. Let’s hope her choice isn’t a weakling who’ll embarrass us,” the youth sneered, eyes blazing with cold mockery.

Shi Hao remained calm. After all he’d endured, such provocations meant little. The youth’s jealousy toward his sister was palpable.

A flash of light—two women materialized within the hall, emerging from a mysterious passage. This hall was clearly a teleportation array.

“Ling’er’s pick? So young—doesn’t seem impressive. Hope he doesn’t get slaughtered by foreign prodigies and shame our Fire Nation.”

“Pretty face, but will he last?”

Clearly, these were rival princesses, their words laced with disdain.

“Go ahead,” the elder urged.

Shi Hao frowned but nodded. Whether Huo Ling’er had orchestrated this or not, she had aided him. He would see this through.

Without another word, he turned and strode into the desert, his figure shrinking into the horizon.

“He just walked straight in? No detours? Is he truly powerful or just suicidal?” the crimson-armored youth muttered coldly.

“Perhaps he’ll bulldoze his way through,” a princess chuckled.

“Ridiculous,” the youth scoffed.

Suddenly, a blazing sun erupted—a crimson orb, radiant yet blood-hued.

“Third Elder!” The royals bowed.

“A youth just entered?” the sun’s voice, ancient and indistinct, inquired.

“Yes, sent by Ling’er.”

“I’ve heard rumors… there may be a misunderstanding,” the elder murmured, energy rippling intensely.

“What’s wrong, Third Elder?”

“The outsiders may suffer heavy casualties,” the elder mused before vanishing, the sun streaking across the sky.

“What did he mean?”

“Once our group gathers, we’ll enter. Danger awaits, but so do opportunities,” a princess said.

—

The desert stretched endlessly. Within mere miles, Shi Hao sensed the ground growing hotter beneath his feet.

Meanwhile, at the ruins of the Sky-Suppressing Sect, a rift split the void, leaking wisps of chaotic energy—as if someone strained to break free.

But the rift sealed swiftly, only for another to form elsewhere. The space here was unstable, a gateway threatening to open into that ancient pocket realm.

“Not long now. Yi’er is nearly ready.”

Had Shi Hao been present, he would’ve been stunned—for lurking in the ruins was a colossal golden spider, its aura terrifying, ancient as fossilized divinity.

Legends spoke of the Demon Spirit Lake’s ancestor—a golden spider who ascended to godhood. This was not that deity, time having eroded much.

This was the master of Demon Spirit Lake, Shi Zi Teng’s grandmaster, who had once guarded Shi Yi’s breakthrough.

Even after learning of the Azure Demon Black-Pupiled Spider Venerable’s death, it remained here, unwavering.

For a dual-pupiled, supreme-boned prodigy, even the master of Demon Spirit Lake would humble itself, ensuring Shi Yi’s safe emergence.