So soon, the cultivators of the Three Teachings have reappeared, instantly shaking the imperial capital. Everyone knew that a great battle was inevitable! Little Stone, how formidable he was—last time, he single-handedly turned the tide and drove away the Three Teachings’ cultivators. This time, it certainly wouldn’t end peacefully. A storm of unprecedented scale was brewing.
Contrary to many expectations, after entering the city, they did not immediately provoke conflict. Instead, they settled down, appearing calm and peaceful. The imperial generals, under orders, also refrained from attacking, for Shi Hao knew that those who had come were no ordinary figures. He didn’t want his military elites to act rashly.
When power breaks free from restraint and transcends the mundane world, these mighty cultivators would not hesitate to act. Once they struck, rivers of blood would flow, and countless lives would be lost. Clearly, the Three Teachings’ cultivators were here to investigate. The last great battle had left many unanswered questions—how could Little Stone alone be so overwhelmingly powerful? These were true experts who had crossed domains to see for themselves.
Two days later, Zhang Liu reappeared, standing outside the imperial palace. His body radiated a golden hue, a sign of his profound mastery of the Indestructible Vajra Body. He requested an audience with Shi Hao. However, a general on the palace walls coldly rebuffed him: “The Human Emperor’s status is supreme. Who dares demand his presence?” Even worse, troops began mobilizing, with several powerful generals preparing to arrest him.
Zhang Liu fell silent. Little Stone’s authority was now undeniable—Shi Hao could no longer be treated as just a cultivator. The dignity of the Human Emperor was absolute, and he would not deign to acknowledge a mere envoy. Even if the strongest disciples of the Three Teachings came, the new emperor would not grant them any special treatment.
“Is that so? He’s here?” Shi Hao, upon receiving the report, nodded in approval of his general’s response. Then, with a wave of his hand, he summoned a massive palm formed of imperial dragon energy, intending to suppress Zhang Liu.
Zhang Liu, a powerhouse in his own right, sensed the danger immediately and retreated at lightning speed. Before leaving, he left behind a letter. Shi Hao did not pursue him but read the letter carefully before flicking it into dust.
The Three Teachings were not united. The Western Sect, through its strongest disciple, had sent a message proposing an alliance, offering full support in exchange for Shi Kingdom’s aid in searching for something in these lands.
“Still trying to use my strength?” Shi Hao sneered. He ordered an investigation into the Three Teachings’ forces. It soon became clear that while many had entered the city, the true powerhouses remained outside, observing the ancient capital from afar.
“Originally, I planned to crush them all. But since the big fish haven’t entered the net, I’ll wait a little longer,” Shi Hao murmured. Some guards nearby shivered, then grew excited. Though they feared the Three Teachings, seeing their emperor’s confidence bolstered their spirits.
“Your Majesty, these people are making contact with some princes and princesses,” Peng Jiu reported.
Shi Hao remained silent. Peng Jiu sighed. The previous emperor had been unyielding, daring to defy the great calamity. Yet some of his descendants, desperate for the throne, were willing to collude with foreign sects. Of course, others remained steadfast, refusing to participate in the power struggle.
“I gave them chances. If they make their own choices, then they have only themselves to blame,” Shi Hao said calmly.
That evening, a middle-aged man arrived at the palace gates, introducing himself humbly and requesting an audience. He claimed to be from Mount Immortal.
“Unexpected. I thought the Three Teachings would attack immediately. Instead, they all have their own agendas,” Shi Hao mused.
“Because Your Majesty is strong enough to suppress all challengers. They seek a ruler who can truly mobilize the nation’s power for their purposes,” Peng Jiu explained.
“Then they’ve miscalculated,” Shi Hao said coldly.
The man from Mount Immortal, named Qin Ling, entered the central palace. Seeing Shi Hao seated high above, he couldn’t help but marvel—Little Stone had indeed grown into an emperor, exuding imperial majesty.
“Human Emperor, you share a deep connection with Mount Immortal. Your blood carries our lineage,” Qin Ling said bluntly.
Shi Hao remained silent, his gaze oppressive. Qin Ling, a mighty marquis himself, felt an inexplicable fear under that stare.
“Your parents are currently at Mount Immortal,” Qin Ling added hastily.
At this, Shi Hao’s expression finally shifted.
“Raising a son like Little Stone is the aspiration of many elders at Mount Immortal,” Qin Ling said, attempting flattery.
“Insolence! How dare you speak so disrespectfully before the Human Emperor?” Peng Jiu rebuked.
Qin Ling felt humiliated. He was a distinguished figure of Mount Immortal, yet here he was, trembling under a young emperor’s gaze and scolded by an old guard.
Shi Hao waved Peng Jiu aside. “My parents are at Mount Immortal—why haven’t they returned to see me?” His voice was calm, but his heart churned.
“Due to special circumstances, they cannot leave yet. But if you wish, you may visit them,” Qin Ling said carefully.
“Has Mount Immortal imprisoned them?!” Shi Hao’s voice turned icy, his eyes like blades.
Qin Ling shuddered. “No, I swear! They are under protection. Rumor says they may ascend to the Upper Realm soon.”
Shi Hao fell silent again.
“Your Majesty, if you miss them, you may visit. Also… you now have a younger brother, equally gifted,” Qin Ling revealed.
The words struck Shi Hao like thunder. A brother? He remained motionless for a long time.
“Is my grandfather also at Mount Immortal?” he suddenly asked.
“I… I don’t know,” Qin Ling stammered.
“What *do* you know? Speak!” Shi Hao demanded.
“I was only told this much. If you seek answers, you must go to Mount Immortal,” Qin Ling said, sweating.
“Useless!” Shi Hao roared.
Qin Ling staggered, nearly collapsing. Half an hour later, he stumbled out of the palace, drenched in sweat, his face pale with terror.
That night, Shi Hao sat alone in the central palace until dawn.
The next morning, a report came—a beautiful yet formidable Daoist nun had arrived, demanding Shi Hao’s presence.
Shi Hao stepped out, gazing toward the city gates.
“My Heavenly Mending Sect has endured for millennia, surpassing mere mortal dynasties. As its representative, I demand an audience with the Stone Emperor!” the nun declared arrogantly.
“His Majesty has summoned you. You may enter,” a general replied, though nervous—she might be a Venerable!
“Even the previous emperor would have greeted me. Tell that child to come out!” she sneered.
“Your Heavenly Mending Sect first disrupted our kingdom, and now you dare show such arrogance? Do you think Stone Country has no one left?” a general retorted angrily.
“You dare disrespect me?!” the nun hissed.
“You dare disrespect *me*?!” Shi Hao’s voice thundered across the palace grounds.
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