The setting sun blazed like blood, painting the sky with fiery clouds. Yet, this crimson glow cast upon the imperial palace felt sacred, as if gilding the vast halls with golden edges, exuding an aura of serene tranquility. It resembled the dwelling of a secluded immortal deep within ancient mountains—a bizarre sensation, for this was the heart of a nation’s capital, yet it now radiated an otherworldly grace, transcendent and peaceful.
The towering imperial city shimmered with golden radiance under the sunset, dreamlike and magnificent, as if the sovereign of the divine realm had descended to dwell within.
**”Boom!”**
The tranquility shattered as the earth trembled faintly. In the distance, dozens of figures approached, their leaders wreathed in divine halos, their bodies bathed in radiant light, like deities descending upon the mortal realm. The tremor came from the leading figure’s single step, shaking the twilight-kissed imperial city—a sight both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
The cultivators of the Heaven Mending Sect, Western Sect, and Immortal Mountain had arrived together, led by five Venerables. Each was immaculate, their bodies crystalline, enveloped in dazzling divine light. They halted before the city walls, gazing at the palace within, their eyes flickering with ancient wisdom and an oppressive killing intent.
The mere presence of five Venerables sent shockwaves through heaven and earth, their overwhelming aura shaking the souls of all who witnessed it. Upon the walls, soldiers and generals alike trembled—not from cowardice, but from the instinctive suppression of their very beings, making them feel as insignificant as ants gazing up at gods.
The gap in power was insurmountable. A Venerable’s presence was incomparable, their wrath capable of altering the heavens, shattering mountains, and drying rivers. Such beings rarely walked the mortal world, preferring secluded cultivation. Yet today, five had descended upon the imperial palace—an event as cataclysmic as the sky itself collapsing.
Who could stop them? Resistance was futile. Even Shi Hao, who had once repelled a Venerable, stood no chance against five.
**”Open the gates.”**
The command came from an elder of the Western Sect, his short, steel-like hair standing on end, his bronze skin pulsing with divine light. His casual words alone nearly caused the defenders to vomit blood from the sheer pressure.
**”Activate the formations!”** A general roared.
The imperial city, home to the Human Emperor, was inscribed with countless mystical arrays. Symbols flared to life along the walls, weaving a radiant barrier to shield the inner sanctum.
**”A petty trick.”**
The Western Sect’s Venerable raised a finger, unleashing a streak of white light that struck the gate tower like wildfire, suppressing all runes and dimming their glow.
**”A broken divine formation, lacking the materials for repair, dares to bar our path?”** A youth sneered from behind.
The soldiers, unable to wield the incomplete divine array, were powerless before the Venerables.
**”Reinforce the formation!”** The general bellowed again.
The walls blazed anew with divine energy, the ancient power of gods reawakening, transforming the defenses into an impenetrable fortress.
**”You cannot stop us.”**
The Western Sect’s Venerable produced a black alms bowl, which glowed with auspicious light.
**”A divine artifact!”**
The defenders paled as the bowl expanded, shifting from black to gold, crashing down upon the gate tower with a deafening roar. The formation shattered, the protective barrier collapsing. Soldiers crumpled under the overwhelming pressure, their bodies weak as insects before a god’s might.
Even the generals, their legs giving way, collapsed in spasms. A Venerable’s power was absolute—unstoppable by mortal means, capable of annihilating entire cities with a thought.
**”It seems the Little Stone has exhausted his tricks. How can he defend when even his gates are broken? We walk through as if unopposed.”**
**”Elders, this is the forbidden ground of the Shi Imperial Clan. Halt your advance!”** A general forced out through gritted teeth, his face ashen.
**”A Venerable goes where they please. Even an imperial palace is no exception. Summon the Little Stone.”**
The soldiers seethed with indignation, their pride wounded by this brazen invasion.
**”Open the gates!”** commanded a Venerable from the Immortal Mountain, his voice calm yet carrying unshakable authority.
**”Never!”** A soldier shouted defiantly.
**”Then I shall do it myself.”**
The Western Sect’s Venerable formed a hand seal, conjuring a golden lion that crashed into the gates. The earth quaked, the city trembling as if struck by disaster. The imperial walls cracked, the massive doors collapsing under the assault.
**”How dare you?!”** The generals roared in fury.
A single cold glance from the Venerables sent them coughing blood, collapsing once more.
**”Stay in your place, lest you throw away your lives needlessly.”**
With that, the five Venerables strode into the palace, their disciples following, mocking the defenders with disdainful laughter.
**”The Shi Imperial City is but flat ground before Venerables. What can mere mortals do?”**
**”Even the imperial family is nothing before us!”**
The soldiers burned with rage, but their generals held them back. They had received secret orders—to feign resistance, then allow the Venerables entry.
**”Little Stone, have you fled?”**
The Heaven Mending Sect’s Venerable’s voice thundered across the capital, a deliberate show of dominance.
**”This Emperor stands here. Your insolence ends now!”**
A voice like thunder answered, shaking the city.
At the heart of the palace, bathed in golden light, stood a youth clad in divine armor, wielding a sacred sword, his gaze piercing like lightning.
**”You seek death.”**
His words carried an indomitable authority, as if the Heavenly Emperor himself had descended.
The five Venerables stiffened momentarily, sensing the overwhelming presence. But they quickly dismissed it—what could one boy do against five?
**”Little Stone, your arrogance blinds you. You are unfit to rule. Surrender the throne.”**
**”For you, I have but one answer.”** Shi Hao’s battle aura surged as he stood before the Central Heavenly Palace, his voice icy.
**”Total annihilation.”**
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