So that’s what it was—an ancient treasure cauldron! Shi Hao suddenly realized. He was all too familiar with that black cauldron, as it had practically been his personal medicine cauldron, soaking him since childhood and granting him immense benefits. Especially when refining the blood of the Lion-Dragon and the holy terror’s true blood, the cauldron had once awakened, resonating with ancient sacrificial chants and revealing traces of primordial ancestors and celestial realms. Adorned with suns, moons, and stars, ferocious beasts and divine birds soared through the skies, alongside flowers, birds, fish, and insects, towering mountains and cascading waterfalls—a truly magnificent spectacle, an absolute marvel.
“That cauldron is extraordinary indeed. It’s said that even ordinary spiritual herbs placed within it can enhance their medicinal properties, elevating them to something remarkable. That ancient cauldron is a rare treasure,” remarked the old prince of the Fire Nation. As fellow ancient nations, they had deep knowledge of the Shi Clan’s legendary treasures from the past. The ancestors of the Shi Clan were conservative—or perhaps one could say they had a strong sense of vigilance—for after establishing their nation, they immediately hid their precious ancient artifacts alongside another major lineage’s inheritance.
Shi Hao understood more clearly now. That cauldron was no ordinary object. Although it hadn’t used any miraculous spiritual herbs when refining him, its influence had still amplified the effects of common herbs. Of course, the cauldron hadn’t granted him any overwhelmingly divine benefits, as he had only used ordinary herbs back then—not a single spiritual herb. At its core, his achievements today were primarily due to his own efforts, just as the Willow God had said: “Withered grass flourishes anew.” He had lost his Supreme Bone in infancy but ultimately endured through his own strength, emerging even stronger with vastly greater potential.
“Young friend, with such talent, if you were to go to the imperial capital of the Stone Country, I believe the Human Emperor would surely select you as his successor. The four inherited pill formulas would undoubtedly fall into your hands,” said one of the kings.
The Fire Crow King of the Blazing Fire Cavern sighed, “The world is unpredictable. Young friend, you should consider this carefully.”
Shi Hao nodded. In that moment, countless thoughts flashed through his mind. Things were different now—he wasn’t just facing the wrath of the Demon Spirit Lake. The Immortal Mountain and the Heaven Mending Sect were now his enemies, and this would bring about many unforeseen complications. Fortunately, he didn’t need to go to the Stone Country’s capital—the complete pill formulas were already in Stone Village. Why should he beg others?
Later, they sat together discussing the Dao, their conversation harmonious. Though Shi Hao was a junior, no one dared to underestimate him. Every word he spoke struck at the heart of the matter. His astonishing talent in cultivation left the old kings deeply impressed, further convinced that his future achievements would be boundless.
“Young friend, with your talent, you are destined for astonishing accomplishments. However, human hearts are hard to fathom—some matters require caution,” said the Nine Spirits King, a formidable old king whose terrifying cultivation hinted at the potential to become a true Venerable. He wasn’t from the ancient divine mountains, merely a descendant of a remnant bloodline, yet his achievements were nothing short of astounding.
Shi Hao remained silent, understanding the Nine Spirits King’s well-meaning advice—a subtle warning to endure and avoid direct confrontation with the Immortal Mountain and the Heaven Mending Sect.
“Young friend, you will undoubtedly forge a divine embryo in the future. For now, why not seek a quiet place to meditate for a few decades? The time to dominate the world will come,” suggested the Fire Nation’s old prince, nearing two hundred years of age.
“Thank you for your guidance and kindness, esteemed seniors!” Shi Hao nodded, comprehending their intentions. Yet he knew that secluding himself for decades of bitter cultivation didn’t align with his nature. No matter how mature a youth might be, he couldn’t completely detach from the world. Moreover, his Dao heart wasn’t about withdrawal—forcing himself into seclusion would contradict his temperament and yield little.
Since leaving Stone Village, he had always charged forward, facing storms and adversity head-on, tempering himself along the way. Shi Hao knew his path and how to walk it. He wouldn’t recklessly endanger himself, nor would he cower in a corner for survival. His Dao required personal validation.
This discussion with the old kings had enriched Shi Hao greatly. After all, these were cultivators who had stood at the Array Formation Realm for years, their experience invaluable. Most importantly, these elders knew many secrets and shared anecdotes that proved helpful—like the old Fire Crow’s mention of a Flame Mountain in the far west of the Desolate Wasteland.
There, a rare herb grew, a treasure that could serve as the main ingredient in a pill formula, aiding one in becoming a Venerable. Yet it was perilous—entering those mountains meant a near-certain death, and few had ever harvested that herb throughout history.
Other secrets surfaced as well. The Nine Spirits King told Shi Hao of a golden land in the Desolate Wasteland where even the stones shimmered with gold, possessing an immortal divinity that could temper the body. But it was also a forbidden zone—one misstep, and the terrifying golden rules would shred an intruder instantly.
…
Shi Hao rose. Knowing he was still a junior with limited topics to discuss with these elders, he bid farewell after gaining what he needed and left the courtyard.
“Brother Shi, it seems you’ve gained much,” said the Five-Colored Luan Bird.
At that moment, they were deep in conversation. The Big Red Bird, having drunk too much, was boasting wildly, claiming to have seen a heavenly deity—a willow tree brimming with divine Dao charm, shrouded in chaotic energy.
Shi Hao slapped it awake. “Stop spouting nonsense,” he scolded.
Everyone laughed, naturally dismissing its words. The Big Red Bird, embarrassed, quickly changed the subject. “Do you know where the Fire Nation’s Guardian Spirit resides?” It wanted to become the Vermilion Bird’s disciple.
“When Princess Huo Ling’er arrives, you can ask her directly,” said the Nine-Headed Lion. But then its expression froze as it looked into the distance, tense.
Shi Hao sensed something and turned to see a white tiger passing by the courtyard with a fleeting glance.
“The White Tiger King of the Western Tomb Beast Mountain!” the Nine-Headed Lion exclaimed.
The Western Tomb Beast Mountain was a terrifying place, a burial ground for ancient ferocious beasts. Over time, the remnant bloodlines guarding the tombs had grown into a formidable force, renowned across the Desolate Wasteland. Many had ventured there seeking treasures, and in ancient times, some had unearthed sacred relics. Yet only a handful succeeded, for parts of the tomb were shrouded in heavy yin energy, with black mist occasionally surging forth, bringing calamity. Over time, the most sinister areas were abandoned.
But the rest of the ancient burial grounds were rich in spiritual energy, strengthening the Western Tomb Beast Mountain’s influence.
“That old white tiger sensed something. Does it know we killed its grandson in the Hundred Shattered Mountains?” the Nine-Headed Lion muttered.
A glint flashed in Shi Hao’s eyes. His grudge with the Western Tomb Beast Mountain ran deeper—they, along with the ancient Tuoba Clan, had attacked during the Heaven Mending Pavilion’s fall.
“Don’t worry. If it dares to act, it’ll have to go through me first,” Shi Hao said. His reputation now ensured that anyone seeking trouble would have to deal with him before targeting others.
Next, Shi Hao inquired about various spiritual herbs and their habitats. He knew all five pill formulas from Stone Village, having grown up beside the old chief and bathed in medicinal concoctions since childhood. To break through swiftly, he needed to start gathering ingredients—each formula required dozens to hundreds of rare herbs, beast blood, and even exotic creatures like Silver Sky Centipedes and Golden Scorpions.
“The Yellow Spring Bamboo—this eerie spiritual wood is rumored to have appeared in the Western Tomb Beast Mountain,” said the Purple Marten.
“Indeed, I’ve heard of it too,” the Fire Crow agreed.
Among Shi Hao’s listed main ingredients, the Yellow Spring Bamboo was indispensable, with no substitutes. To his surprise, a lead emerged immediately.
“It seems I’ll have to visit the Western Tomb Beast Mountain after all,” Shi Hao murmured.
“Brother Shi, there might be tombs of ancient mighty beings there—maybe even the Ten Fiends’. With luck, you could dig up some primordial treasure bones. Why not let us accompany you?” The Five-Colored Luan Bird’s eyes gleamed.
“We’ll see,” Shi Hao replied, unwilling to commit due to the unknown dangers.
Then he stood. “Let’s explore and see what precious herbs we can trade for in the gardens.”
Previously unaware of his needs, he now paid close attention. This gathering wasn’t just for discussion—it was also for exchanging treasures. Earlier, he’d obtained a Sun Stone and ignored the herbs. Now, returning to the gardens, he scrutinized them carefully and found many useful treasures.
They split up to help Shi Hao gather herbs.
“Look, pure-blooded creatures from the ancient divine mountains have arrived,” someone remarked. Several powerful auras had entered the gardens. These beings had arrived late, bringing rare herbs seldom seen in the outside world—priced exorbitantly.
“I’ve made an exception to bring these herbs outside, but I’ll only trade for the rarest forging materials. Stay away if you lack them,” declared a young pure-blooded creature.
Shi Hao was surprised to spot a familiar face—the purple-clad maiden Yun Xi. When she saw him, she rushed over with uncharacteristic excitement, her gaze blazing. This was unimaginable, given their past—Shi Hao had once wrestled her, even biting her delicate ear, earning her hatred. Though she’d later let go of vengeance, such enthusiasm was unexpected.
“Hey, what are you planning? Don’t get too close, or I might just carry you off!” Shi Hao warned.
To everyone’s shock, the peerlessly beautiful Yun Xi grabbed his arm and held on tightly.
In the distance, several pure-blooded creatures paled. Yun Xi, a goddess in the hearts of many from the divine mountains, was publicly clinging to this youth’s arm—a sight that left them reeling.
“So, you’ve decided to let me carry you off and guard my village?” Shi Hao teased.
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