Chapter 501: Reunion

After many years of separation, they finally reunited. Though sadness lingered, joy overwhelmed them. Shi Hao felt fulfilled in his heart, his face marked with tears and smiles, experiencing the warmth of deep familial bonds.

“Do not blame your younger brother…” Clearly, the couple had witnessed through the fissure in the void the confrontation, even the clash, between the two brothers.

They opened their mouths, countless words on their tongues, yet they could not begin. They wished for their two children to get along harmoniously.

Shi Hao understood and nodded vigorously, saying, “We are brothers, and I will always be there for him.”

“Really, do not blame him…” Qin Yin Ning wept.

Back then, after returning from that blood-soaked barren land stretching ten thousand li, the couple was utterly devastated. Their sorrow was profound, filled with grief and pain for that infant with a tragic fate.

They could not let go, nor could they forget. The young Shi Hao had been so adorable and strong, born with Supreme Overlord bone, yet someone had stolen it, leaving him weak and frail, ultimately abandoned in the village near death.

For a long time, the couple remained immersed in sorrow.

What finally helped them out of the shadows was the birth of their second child. Watching him, just as tender and bright-eyed as before, filled them with comfort and hope.

Thus, they named their second son Hao, continuing the name of the firstborn, calling him Shi Hao again, holding onto their yearning, a memory impossible to erase.

Unfortunately, bound by the restrictions of Immortal Mountain, many things could not be changed. Their second child received special attention from the Qin family, who placed high hopes upon him, and renamed him Qin Hao.

From childhood, the second son received the Qins’ education. His extraordinary talents were awakened early, proving remarkably terrifyingly powerful, and he received much favor.

Shi Zi Ling and his wife could not prevent the Qins from altering their second son’s name, so they simply called him Hao Er, enduring their early grief. They poured all their love into their second child, hoping he would grow up carefree and healthy.

In any case, the Qin family trained him diligently, providing this child with sufficient resources; the couple would not interfere.

The parents’ love for their child was beyond doubt. They cherished their second son dearly, no matter how much shorter was the time he had spent with them compared to the Qin family.

One day, certain people from the Qin clan, either intentionally or unintentionally, told the child that his birth was an effort to save another child his parents had once had.

“Why?” Young Qin Hao could not help but cry out in confusion.

He was told that his birth carried strong intentions, meant for rescuing a former child.

They further informed him that should he aid in saving that elder brother, for years he might remain quite weak. His vital blood would be required for nourishment, his essence serving as medicine.

That day, Qin Hao wept bitterly, rushing to his parents and crying, asking over and over whether he was merely a substitute, whether there truly existed an elder brother because of whom he was born.

Shi Zi Ling and his wife felt sorrow deep within, yet gently they told him that yes, there indeed had been an elder brother, but he had passed away and could never be seen again. He was not a substitute.

Perhaps initially, they had wished for this child to come into the world to save their first son. However, their love was never meant to harm; they could never harm their own flesh and blood.

As Shi Hao passed away, the couple concentrated all their love onto their second son.

In truth, how could any parent not love their own child? Especially having lost their first, they cherished their second son even more dearly.

Yet Qin Hao always remembered that there had been an older brother. The elders of the Qin family had told him that his birth served his parents’ desire to rescue that elder sibling.

Shi Zi Ling deeply resented the Qin clan for such teachings, planting such seeds of resentment in a child’s heart. Some griefs should fade with time; why must a child bear such burdens?

Yet, no matter what they did, the couple could not change this reality.

“Really, don’t blame your younger brother. He is just a child with inner conflicts, always feeling that he cannot match your place in our hearts…” Qin Yin Ning said once again.

Shi Hao could feel how much his parents loved his younger brother. Their constant explanations stemmed only from fear of discord between the siblings.

“Father, mother, I understand. No matter what, he will always be my beloved little brother, the dearest person to me,” Shi Hao murmured gently, urging them not to say more.

They nodded, holding his hands, whispering their endless words of love.

Two years ago, the clash between the two Shi youths erupted suddenly, shaking all regions. Qin Hao unexpectedly learned his elder brother still lived, feeling a strange sense of rivalry.

So mighty his elder brother proved, emerging powerfully. If he returned, would he evoke all his parents’ lingering attachments? Since childhood, a desire to outshine his brother had grown within him.

Long after the battle between the two Shi youths, Shi Zi Ling and his wife learned by chance that their elder son, long presumed dead, still lived, and was incredibly outstanding, surpassing all his contemporaries. Overjoyed beyond measure, they wept tears of joy in each other’s embrace.

From that day on, they sensed some subtle jealousy in their second son.

“Child, you don’t know how happy we were to learn you were still alive. All our regrets vanished instantly!” Qin Yin Ning, motherly and emotional, spoke with tears and laughter.

The battle from two years ago shook all realms, spreading the reputation of Xiao Shi far and wide, even reaching the Xuan Domain. The couple felt both remorse and immense pride; their child had risen independently, without reliance on others, already commanding fame throughout the world!

Unfortunately, Xiao Shi disappeared immediately after that battle, hiding in seclusion for nearly two years before reappearing.

“I despise Immortal Mountain,” Shi Zi Ling said with a frown.

Because, as he knew, Shi Yi’s growth had shadows of Immortal Mountain behind it. Secretly influencing the Demon Spirit Lake, they provided resources only to harvest the treasure bones once maturity was reached.

Regrettably, unforeseen events occurred. The two youths’ clash occurred within the Spirit Realm; even the Qin clan members who went there were no match for these two boys.

Yet they knew where Shi Yi truly resided: hidden within the Demon Spirit Lake. Hence, upon his demise, the Qin clan swiftly mobilized to seize the corpse.

To their frustration and trepidation, the ancient undefeated legend, the gray-robed woman, reappeared, invincible in her might. She claimed Shi Yi’s body, foiling their schemes to harvest the rare medicinal resources, and they dared not confront her again.

Shi Hao frowned. Now he understood why the Qin family both sought to win his favor and felt fear and a hint of apprehension toward him. Behind it all were numerous hidden truths: first, members from his mother’s lineage had been defeated in the Upper Realm, imprisoned here; second, when he lay near death, the Qin clan had shown cold indifference, brutally declaring they would not waste holy medicines on him. Third, they had even assisted Shi Yi’s growth solely for the purpose of harvesting the treasure bone medicine. Given these stark contrasts, of course, Immortal Mountain would be concerned, fearing he might reunite with his parents and learn the whole truth.

“There’s something strange here…” the Small Pagoda murmured, staring continuously at the altar before them, clearly sensing Supreme Overlord-level energy.

“Could this be the first step in artificially creating a teenage Supreme Overlord?” it murmured in doubt.

The Qin family had a Supreme Overlord Rebirth plan; what did it mean to realize such a scheme? It would likely require youths like Qin Hao and Shi Hao to assist. He had heard whispers of such things before.

Its voice interrupted the family of three.

Shi Hao immediately thought of his grandfather, his heart yearning to uncover the truth. He deeply worried over all his grandfather had sacrificed for him.

Mentioning the Fifteenth Master caused Shi Zi Ling and his wife’s anger to flare again.

The old man had brought A Man to Immortal Mountain and, upon expressing his intent, had been led inside. Upon discovering his children were imprisoned in the Spirit Valley, he had been furious.

He had tried to rescue them but ultimately could not match the experts there, beaten to the point of spitting copious blood. Though the Great Demon God had lived a heroic life, here he was humiliated, continuously coughing up blood.

“Qin Clan! Immortal Mountain!” roared Shi Hao, filled with rage, despite having already slain Qin Zhan, a deep unrest still boiled within him.

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s take everything from their treasure vaults soon—don’t leave even a single item behind—to compensate. We can head up to the Upper Realm afterward,” the Small Pagoda encouraged.

“Did my grandfather and A Man truly reach the Upper Realm?” Shi Hao asked, unease rising in his heart.

Shi Zi Ling nodded solemnly. During that time, he had summoned Qin Hao. Regardless of circumstances, the younger son, deeply cherished by many elders of Immortal Mountain, could accomplish much.

On that day, Shi Zi Ling had given his second son countless warnings, instructing Qin Hao that the Great Demon God was indeed his beloved grandfather, and he must find a way to rescue him, sending both him and A Man through the transmission array to escape their peril.

Qin Hao had ultimately succeeded, though unexpected mishaps occurred. When the ancient formation was activated, it sent them straight to the Upper Realm.

“This…” Shi Hao was momentarily speechless.

“Child, since learning you are still alive, this is the happiest moment we have ever had, unparalleled in joy!” said Qin Yin Ning, her face wet with tears and a beaming smile.

“My child, even though you lost your Supreme Overlord bone, you still rose to dominate the world, defying all heroes. Truly, your brilliance has no equal throughout history!” Shi Zi Ling proudly declared, giving Shi Hao’s shoulder a firm pat.

Nearby, a youth stood watching them, clad in silver battle armor emanating divine essence, holding a silver spear silently.

“Child, come quickly. This is your elder brother, your own flesh and blood!” Qin Yin Ning noticed her younger son, wiped her tears, and waved him over.

“Child, come quickly. At last, our family has reunited!” Shi Zi Ling called as well.

Qin Hao approached. His bright silver-white battle gear accentuated his extraordinary presence. Though his face was young, he seemed like a divine prince, his entire being glowing with might.

Yet he remained quiet, gazing at Shi Hao, then at their parents, clearly having overheard their earlier conversation.

Shi Hao had endured many hardships, his mind mature beyond his years. Seeing his brother’s demeanor, he understood—Qin Hao was still a child, somewhat naive and insecure, feeling as though Shi Hao had stolen his place in their parents’ hearts.

“Brother, no matter what, we will always be the dearest to each other. No matter what happens in the future, you and I remain blood brothers—I shall protect you well,” Shi Hao said emotionally.

“I don’t need it. I will become the strongest being in heaven and earth!” Qin Hao declared.

“Good. Then when my brother becomes the mightiest, he can protect his big brother,” Shi Hao laughed gently.

Were others to witness this, seeing the usually dominant Shi Hao, the proud Xiao Shi who defied all heroes, speaking so softly, they would surely be stunned, unable to believe their eyes.

“Hey, something’s wrong! A powerful presence approaches—what formidable being is this?!” the Small Pagoda suddenly exclaimed, shocked.

From the distance, an undying being unfurled golden wings stretching as far as the sky, radiating dazzling golden light that engulfed the vast realm. He appeared like a peerless demon sovereign.

The Five Elements Mountain pressed repeatedly, yet could not reseal him again.

At this very moment, a mighty aura suddenly surged, terrifying in its might, shaking Immortal Mountain, reverberating across the entire Xuan Domain. An unimaginable existence was about to manifest.

“Immortal Heaven Sovereign, are you forcing your way into this world? Getting desperate, are you?” the Small Pagoda exclaimed, astonished beyond measure.