The bronze treasure box opened, releasing swirling glyphs as Shi Hao stepped through the golden passage into this peculiar miniature world. Devoid of vegetation and sparse in spiritual energy, the space was furnished only with a stone table and two stone stools.
Seated upon one of the stools was the Lunar Grace Goddess, draped in pristine white robes, her lustrous black hair cascading like silk. Her eyes shimmered with wisdom, and her peerless beauty was accentuated by her flawless figure. She gazed at the small pagoda resting on the table, engaged in a hushed negotiation.
“I can offer you ten supreme divine materials for your consumption,” she murmured. “Bear in mind, these are treasures accumulated over centuries by the Heaven-Mending Sect—each one invaluable.”
“Let me consider it,” the pagoda replied, swaying slightly before lazily adding, “Twenty divine materials would be more appropriate.”
Shi Hao, witnessing this exchange upon his arrival, narrowed his eyes. *A trade?* His expression darkened as he glared at the pagoda. *This little traitor.*
“Ah, Shi Hao, you’re here,” the pagoda drawled, feigning nonchalance. “Someone just offered twenty divine materials to suppress you.” When Shi Hao remained silent, it continued, “The terms are quite generous—hard to refuse. What do you think? Should I decline?”
*Clang!*
Without hesitation, Shi Hao plucked the Divine-Slaying Stone from his hair and hurled it at the pagoda. The impact produced a crisp metallic ring. The pagoda trembled slightly, releasing a wisp of chaotic energy that sent the stone flying into a corner of the miniature world. A distant, agonized shriek echoed through the void.
This time, the Divine-Slaying Stone wasn’t faking—it was genuinely in pain. After a long moment, it groaned, “Brothers, this wasn’t my fault!”
“You show me little respect, boy,” the pagoda chided. Though only inches tall and crystalline white, its tone carried the weight of an ancient, formidable entity.
“Ungrateful wretch!” Shi Hao gritted his teeth. “After all the divine materials I’ve fed you, you’ve barely lifted a finger for me. And now you threaten me?”
He knew the pagoda was aware of his recent acquisition of the Stone Nation’s treasures—this was nothing but extortion, a ploy to intimidate him into yielding to the Lunar Grace Goddess’s temptations.
The Lunar Grace Goddess blinked, her porcelain skin flawless, her delicate features betraying surprise for the first time. She had long recognized the pagoda as an otherworldly artifact, but she hadn’t expected Shi Hao to treat it so casually.
Since her arrival, she had been subtly coaxing the enigmatic pagoda to her side, intending to use it against Shi Hao.
“You make this difficult,” the pagoda sighed. “Though we’re acquainted, she’s promised me unrestricted access to the Heaven-Mending Sect’s treasury. Put yourself in my place—what would you do?”
“Really? Hey, lady, how about bribing *me* instead?” the Divine-Slaying Stone piped up from afar. “Pile up some earth-attribute divine materials, and I’ll risk it all for you!”
*Crack!*
Shi Hao flicked a bolt of lightning, sending the stone hurtling into another corner with another yelp.
The Lunar Grace Goddess, lips sealed, watched the exchange with quiet intelligence. She knew the stone was merely jesting, but her interest in the pagoda was genuine. If possible, she was willing to offer an earth-shattering bargain—if only it would act.
“See that, boy?” the pagoda grumbled. “She’s offering me a mountain of divine materials. Don’t you have anything to counter?”
Shi Hao smirked. “How about I gift you the entire Heaven-Mending Sect’s treasury?”
“You? You’re not even part of the sect!” the pagoda retorted.
“Neither is she,” Shi Hao shot back, pointing at the Lunar Grace Goddess. “As my captive, *she* and her treasury belong to *me*.”
“Hmm. Fair point,” the pagoda mused. “But I don’t work on credit. Unless you can pay upfront, miss, your promises are empty.”
“A single decision could grant you endless divine materials,” the Lunar Grace Goddess murmured, her voice melodious as celestial music.
Shi Hao scoffed, striding forward and seizing her slender wrist. He proceeded to search her thoroughly, inspecting every inch.
“You—!” The Lunar Grace Goddess, her powers sealed, could only endure the indignity, her composure fracturing. Normally, as the Heaven-Mending Sect’s revered maiden, no one would dare disrespect her. Yet here she was, manhandled by a brash youth.
A dreamlike jade sword, several vials of precious elixirs, feminine garments, and other trinkets—these were all she carried. The jade sword, though priceless, held little immediate value to Shi Hao. After a moment, he returned everything to the stone table.
“Anything to say?” he asked coolly.
The Lunar Grace Goddess, her snow-white neck and willowy frame radiating ethereal beauty, had always been the center of attention, adored by countless elite suitors. Now, reduced to a prisoner, the contrast was unbearable.
“With your talent, remaining in the lower realm is a waste…” she began softly.
Shi Hao cut her off. “I asked *you* a question. Spare me your empty promises of the upper realm. If it’s so great, why were *you* sent down here?”
Both were sharp-minded; further words were unnecessary. The Lunar Grace Goddess fell silent, her serene beauty like a painting.
“Brother, what’s your plan for her?” the Divine-Slaying Stone chirped, scurrying back.
“Keep her as a maid, of course. I keep my word,” Shi Hao grinned.
The Lunar Grace Goddess’s brows furrowed. The thought of the Heaven-Mending Sect’s holy maiden serving as a servant was humiliating.
Shi Hao frowned too, muttering, “She’s so scheming. If she bears children, will they inherit her cunning?”
“Wait—are you taking a maid or a concubine?” the stone yelped.
“Is there a difference?” Shi Hao blinked.
“*Monster!*”
The Lunar Grace Goddess staggered, her celestial poise shattered. The idea of becoming either was unthinkable—her status in the upper realm would ensure catastrophic repercussions.
“Get used to the idea,” Shi Hao said airily. “Unless you hand over the Heaven-Mending Art or the True Dragon Technique, I might be too busy studying to keep you around.”
With that, he stepped back through the golden passage, leaving her trembling in outrage.
“He’s bluffing—just after my techniques,” she whispered, relieved.
Yet Shi Hao abruptly reappeared, as if reading her thoughts. “I wasn’t joking. No techniques, and you’re a maid. My clan head keeps nagging me about grandchildren. Refuse, and you can return to the upper realm *after* bearing one.”
This time, he truly left.
The Lunar Grace Goddess stood frozen, then stamped her foot in fury—a rare, undignified outburst.
“*Monster!*” the Divine-Slaying Stone howled.
—
In the imperial palace, Shi Hao emerged from the ancestral temple, discussing with the War King the restoration of the divine arrays. Having inventoried the treasury, they confirmed they had sufficient materials.
“The divine arrays are fearsome,” an elder guard fretted. “Even with blueprints, few can execute the repairs.”
“I’ll handle it,” Shi Hao declared.
The arrays *had* to be restored—a great battle loomed, and the palace’s defenses needed to be flawless.
Gripping the Imperial Seal, he sensed its profound mysteries. As he worked, the seal suddenly trembled, unleashing torrents of draconic energy that engulfed the palace.
“Such power!” Shi Hao marveled. The seal was *actively* repairing the arrays, guiding divine materials into place.
For three days, the palace brimmed with dense draconic mist as Shi Hao and the War King labored in secrecy.
“Perfect,” Shi Hao murmured, his eyes gleaming. The arrays were nearly restored, their terrifying potential palpable through the seal.
Four divine swords were positioned at the cardinal points, completing the formation.
“I hope the three sects send *plenty* of forces,” he mused, grinning. “It’d be a shame to waste such an array on too few.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage