The evening glow lingered, staining the sky crimson like blood, a sight both tragic and beautiful. The imperial palace stood tall and solemn, bathed in a faint golden radiance. In such a short span of time, five great Venerable Ones had fallen one after another—from their entry to their demise, the sun had not yet fully set. The disciples left behind stood frozen, not daring to move a muscle, each chilled to the bone from head to toe. How could they possibly contend with Shi Hao? Who could stand against him?
*Clang!*
Shi Hao sheathed his sword, slung the Divine Halberd of the Nation over his back, and turned away without sparing them another glance, striding toward the Central Heavenly Palace.
“Are we… spared?” A disciple snapped out of his daze, overwhelmed with relief. To be ignored yet feel such joy was unimaginable under normal circumstances. These individuals, who had always held themselves above others, basked in adoration and reverence wherever they went, now trembled in terror.
“Survive by following me and answering some questions,” Peng Jiu appeared, flanked by a contingent of soldiers and generals, his expression stern as he regarded them.
Some among them began to scheme. With Shi Hao gone, could mere guards stop them? If they forced their way out, they might escape. In an instant, one made his decision, summoning a treasure artifact and darting into the sky. Others followed suit, and in moments, auspicious lights filled the air.
*Whoosh!*
A piercing sound tore through the heavens, freezing the hearts of those fleeing. The old guards, faces expressionless, activated the palace’s formation arrays. Countless runes surged into the sky.
In the blink of an eye, a group was struck, their bodies igniting mid-air like falling stars, transforming into a dazzling blaze. The remaining dozen or so stood rooted in place, as if plunged into an icy abyss, and were swiftly escorted away without resistance.
This battle had claimed the lives of all five Venerable Ones and their disciples—not a single one escaped. The feat shook the world, striking fear into the hearts of those with ill intentions.
“Advance!”
At the forefront of the Central Heavenly Palace, Shi Hao donned golden battle armor, raising his sword high as he issued the command. As dusk fell, he led a vast army of generals, riding the royal golden chariots that crushed the heavens, initiating a purge.
Beyond the five Venerable Ones, the three sects still had many members lurking in the city, awaiting news. The golden chariots rumbled across the sky, descending upon them with relentless force. Shi Hao was ruthless—slaying some, capturing others—utterly crushing the remaining experts of the three sects.
This was a bloody dusk. The Stone Capital trembled, and all factions fell silent in awe. The new emperor’s overwhelming might had swept away the three sects in a single stroke, leaving every cultivator stunned.
As for the common folk, upon learning of the events, they cheered the emperor’s name. Unaware of the immortal legacies beyond their borders, they knew only that their new ruler was peerless in strength.
This battle shook the world.
News spread like wildfire, igniting fervor in all directions.
Inside the imperial treasury, Shi Hao strolled leisurely, discussing formation arrangements with the Divine Striking Stone while casually selecting treasures, occasionally tossing it a piece of earth-element material.
“Brother, you are peerless, unrivaled under the heavens, a sovereign among sovereigns, unmatched in all realms…” The Divine Striking Stone showered him with flattery, swearing that its runic formations were flawless.
The Little Pagoda, unable to stay silent any longer, finally spoke up after days of restraint. Seeing the Divine Striking Stone gorge on treasures, it scolded Shi Hao for his wasteful extravagance.
“Better than giving them to you,” Shi Hao retorted. “A single divine material only buys one strike from you, but formations can annihilate entire waves of enemies.”
“Such a waste! These treasures could craft peerless killing arrays if given to me,” the Little Pagoda grumbled, though its tone carried a hint of temptation.
“Let’s make a grand bargain,” Shi Hao proposed, offering all the divine materials in the treasury.
“What do you want from me?” The Little Pagoda was undeniably eager.
“Become the Stone Nation’s Guardian Spirit.”
The Little Pagoda fell silent. It had always avoided exposure, wary of certain forces. Yet Shi Hao’s persuasive words stirred something within it.
“It’s nothing major. Just protect the nation as a Guardian Spirit should. When calamity strikes, you can hide. Don’t you want to restore yourself to full power?” Shi Hao promised not only the treasures of the palace but also the nation’s resources to aid its recovery.
The Little Pagoda hesitated. It craved divine materials for its restoration, yet feared the consequences of involvement. The balance of the world demanded payment for gains—a truth it had learned the hard way.
But Shi Hao’s words struck a chord. The resources of an entire nation were staggering. Even beings from the Upper Realm sought such support.
“If you don’t seize this chance, when will you ever rise again?” Shi Hao pressed. “Calamity is not just destruction—it’s opportunity. A time of great contention. You must fight for it!”
The Little Pagoda wavered. The treasures here could ease its immediate needs, and the formations could be dismantled for even rarer materials—accumulated since ancient times.
“You’re more afraid than I am,” Shi Hao taunted. “You fear exposure, but without risk, how will you ever reclaim your true form?”
“Fine,” the Little Pagoda snapped, as if provoked. “But I won’t guard some petty nation. If you ascend to the Upper Realm and become the Heavenly Emperor, then I’ll consider it.”
Shi Hao scoffed. “By then, I won’t need a Guardian Spirit.”
The Little Pagoda snorted. “You know nothing. The higher you rise, the greater the dangers.”
In the end, it agreed to consider, admitting Shi Hao had stirred its resolve. It would return to Stone Village—if the Willow Deity also acted, it would take the plunge.
Shi Hao was overjoyed. With the Willow Deity’s aid, he would fear nothing, rising through the tides of fate to conquer the heavens.
For several days, the palace remained tranquil while the outside world buzzed with upheaval. Shi Hao set aside all concerns, focusing on his cultivation and mastering the Suan Ni Technique—a supreme ancient beast’s divine ability, the Stone Clan’s national treasure, famed for its unrivaled lightning strikes.
Then, he emerged from seclusion as Peng Jiu and the War King sought an audience.
They raised a delicate matter: as emperor, he lacked a consort, which was unbefitting his status. The harem could not remain empty.
Shi Hao chuckled and shook his head. “No need for concern. A single maidservant suffices for now.”
A bronze fragment shimmered, opening a golden passage. A peerless beauty emerged—her features like a painting, skin flawless as jade, an ethereal aura about her.
“Yue Chan, serve tea.”
The War King and Peng Jiu gaped. This was none other than the Fairy Yue Chan of the Heaven Mending Sect—a figure of terrifying status, now reduced to a servant?
“Your Majesty, this is…”
Shi Hao waved them off. “I’ve slain two of her sect’s Venerable Ones. What’s wrong with keeping their Holy Maiden as a maid?”
At that moment, a streak of light flashed—the Little Pagoda returned, shrouded in misty chaos.
“It’s settled. The Willow Deity is willing. I’ll serve as the Stone Nation’s Guardian Spirit—for now.”
Shi Hao laughed heartily, his worries dispelled. To the War King and Peng Jiu, he said, “Rest easy. I won’t flaunt her presence—she’ll remain my personal attendant, unknown to outsiders.”
Then, teasingly, he turned to Yue Chan. “I’ve been preoccupied with cultivation and the three sects. Neglecting you was rude.”
Yue Chan’s brows arched slightly. Never in her life had anyone dared to jest with her so brazenly.
“Tea. Or shall I regale you with tales of the Ten Ancient Torments?”
Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she remained silent. Those “torments” were no jest—especially for a woman.
Shi Hao smirked. “We’ll take it slow. Habits form with time—serving tea, tending to my needs…”
The War King and Peng Jiu exchanged glances and discreetly withdrew.
No sooner had they left than a visitor was announced—an old acquaintance awaited at the palace gates.
To Shi Hao’s surprise, it was the Heavenly Fox Fairy—the mischievous enchantress herself.
Grinning slyly, she sauntered into the hall. “Rumor has it you’ve caught Yue Chan. Why not summon her for a visit?”
“Nonsense. I’ve captured no one.”
“I sensed her aura. She was here moments ago.” The fox fairy’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Don’t worry—I won’t breathe a word.”
After a pause, Shi Hao released Yue Chan.
The fox fairy’s grin widened. “Oh, sister! Married without inviting me? Congratulations! May your union be fruitful!”
Yue Chan, ever composed, flushed faintly before regaining her poise.
The fox fairy circled her, feigning admiration. “So serene! Marriage suits you.” With a sudden move, she pinched Yue Chan’s rear, laughing impishly.
“You—!” Yue Chan recoiled, her composure shattered.
The fox fairy cackled. “Oh, how you’ve changed!”
Shi Hao watched, amused, as the two most revered women of their generation clashed—one cool as jade, the other fiery as a fox.
The palace walls might have trembled had they known the storm brewing within.
But for now, the world outside remained oblivious—unaware that the threads of fate had begun to weave a tapestry far grander than any could imagine.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage