Yun Xi’s delicate face flushed slightly as she tried to free her arm from Shi Hao’s grasp. Her fair, radiant skin tinged with a rosy hue made her even more enchanting. Her lustrous hair cascaded softly, her flawless skin glowed with vitality, and her graceful figure exuded an ethereal charm, making her an unparalleled beauty. Yet, Shi Hao tightened his grip, preventing her from pulling away. “You want to come back to the village with me, but there’s no need to be in such a hurry, is there?” he teased.
Nearby, several pure-blooded creatures wore grim expressions, watching as the most renowned goddess of the ancient divine mountains now stood too close to Shi Hao. Each of them felt a surge of frustration.
“My clan’s divine artifact—where is it?” Yun Xi, clad in violet robes, asked with visible agitation, clearly hinting at deeper implications.
Shi Hao was taken aback. Why was she demanding the treasure again the moment they met? There was no way he would return it, especially after the warning from the bald man.
“Please return it to me. I can offer something else in exchange,” Yun Xi pleaded. After a year and a half apart, she was both excited and anxious to see him again, fearing another refusal.
“I thought you wanted to come back to the village with me, but it’s still about this matter? Then there’s nothing more to say,” Shi Hao dismissed her request.
“What will it take for you to return it?” Yun Xi pressed, her voice tinged with frustration.
“Yun Xi, what exactly does he owe you? Speak up so everyone can judge fairly,” interjected a golden-haired youth who had just arrived. His golden eyes gleamed, and though his expression was neutral, a sharp glint flickered in his gaze.
“This is a young prodigy from the Great Peng Clan,” murmured some older cultivators nearby, recognizing his origins with awe. The Golden-Winged Great Pengs were among the most formidable races, known for devouring deities and reigning supreme since ancient times.
“You must be the renowned Young Supreme, Brother Shi. I’ve long admired your reputation,” the youth greeted with a respectful bow.
Shi Hao nodded slightly, unimpressed. In this era where strength ruled, his indifference was justified. The golden-haired youth’s eyes flashed with displeasure—he was a genius in his own right, yet Shi Hao barely acknowledged him.
“Brother Shi, whatever you took from Yun Xi, please return it,” he insisted.
“You don’t even know what I supposedly took, yet you demand I return it? Are you certain I owe her anything?” Shi Hao replied coolly.
“Yun Xi said you owe her a divine artifact. How could she be wrong?” the youth countered, his golden eyes unwavering.
Shi Hao’s reputation was fearsome—even elders hesitated to provoke him. Yet here stood a Golden-Winged Great Peng, bold enough to challenge him.
“If I claimed a sacred herb was left with your clan, would you return it just because I asked?” the Crimson Bird interjected mockingly.
The crowd stirred—was this a direct confrontation?
“Brother Shi, it’s unbecoming of your status to withhold what belongs to another,” the golden-haired youth pressed.
Shi Hao’s gaze sharpened. “You speak out of turn. One more word, and I won’t hesitate to cut you down.”
The sheer pressure in his voice forced the youth back, his confidence wavering.
“I’m no outsider—Yun Xi is to be my sister-in-law!” the youth declared defiantly.
“You lie! I have no ties to your clan!” Yun Xi retorted.
Whispers spread—rumors had long circulated about the Golden-Winged Great Pengs seeking Yun Xi’s hand in marriage.
“My brother has returned from his training beyond the realms,” the youth announced proudly.
A ripple of energy signaled the arrival of another figure—tall, golden-haired, and exuding an aura of dominance.
“Yun Xi, it’s been a while,” the newcomer greeted warmly.
“I have nothing to do with you,” Yun Xi replied coldly, clinging tighter to Shi Hao’s arm.
Realizing she was using him as a shield, Shi Hao frowned but then smirked. Recalling their past in the Hundred Shattered Mountains, he suddenly pulled her close and playfully nipped her delicate ear.
The crowd gasped. The Golden-Winged Great Peng’s expression darkened. The tension in the air was palpable—a storm was brewing.
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