Chapter 644: The Center of Attention

Undoubtedly, when Shi Zi Ling and his wife passed by together with Qin Hao, all eyes were upon them. Many people shouted loudly, their gazes locked on this extraordinary group, making them the absolute center of attention.

The crowd surged forward like a tide, eager to catch a glimpse of the young prodigy blessed with two Celestial Bones, desperate to discover what made him so extraordinary.

Qin Hao was a figure of peerless grace, his appearance as radiant as jade, dressed in a robe shimmering with silver light, dazzling like a young Heavenly Sovereign reborn, exuding an extraordinary aura.

“This is Qin Hao, a Born Supreme (born Sovereign), destined to rise in this grand contest and become one of the most powerful geniuses of this era!”

He stood dazzling atop his divine chariot, gliding past the crowd, sparking endless discussions. Some young maidens even screamed in excitement, pushing forward to get a closer look.

“What a magnificent young Sovereign! His demeanor is calm yet commanding, exuding an aura of unmatched confidence and superiority.”

Many praised him, for one who possessed two Celestial Bones, though yet to display any feats, was destined for unparalleled glory in this lifetime.

All along the route, people stood on tiptoe, eyes fixed on the youth atop the chariot, for he was truly unique, drawing every gaze like a magnet.

Even Shi Zi Ling and his wife became the focus of attention. To have a son of such extraordinary talent, unrivaled across ten provinces, naturally made them the talk of the town.

The divine chariot shimmered with mysterious glyphs, and Qin Hao stood atop it, radiant and resplendent.

Shi Zi Ling and his wife gazed at Qin Hao, their faces filled with indulgent affection and gentle smiles. Their second son was indeed extraordinary, drawing the admiration of all, which brought them great joy.

“I can’t wait to see the power of the two Celestial Bones—just how mighty will he be?”

“It will be revealed soon. In this battle of the chosen, the most dazzling sparks are destined to ignite!”

As the radiant chariot disappeared into the distance, the crowd’s murmurs still lingered.

Behind, Shi Hao stood silently, watching from a corner, unnoticed and ignored, searching for his grandfather among the throng.

Though he had seen his parents, he knew he could not approach them. If even the Immortal Palace or Heavenly Court would not hesitate to strike, then the Undying Mountain would certainly act in secret to end his life.

“Grandfather, where are you?” Shi Hao whispered softly, scanning the crowd with searching eyes.

He knew his grandfather might have truly come, for the old man was deeply emotional, yearning to see his descendants and the last remaining family in the Upper Realm.

Shi Hao was deeply worried, fearing that his grandfather might reveal himself and be discovered.

He wandered through the crowd with a troubled heart, believing that his grandfather was likely watching silently from a corner, just like him.

However, the ancient city was packed with people, bustling and chaotic, even the skies filled with circling divine beasts and fierce creatures, making it difficult to spot anyone.

This was a grand gathering, and many renowned sects had received invitations, all of them great powers revered across entire provinces. Many extraordinary figures had arrived.

The city was incredibly lively, streets filled with creatures of all kinds, all cheering and discussing excitedly as the young elites and prodigies descended from the heavens, causing continuous waves of excitement.

“Ah, this must be the young Sovereign of the Golden Feng Clan! His figure is majestic, his golden glyphs forming armor around him, his phoenix-like eyes shining with electric brilliance. Truly formidable!”

“Yang Zi from the Yin-Yang Academy has arrived too. As the legends say, he possesses the Supreme Yang Body, his yang energy piercing the heavens. Truly extraordinary!”

…

One after another, these dazzling figures emerged, each drawing the crowd’s undivided attention. Each young Sovereign was destined for unparalleled glory.

Shi Hao stood among the crowd, watching one after another of these blessed The Holy Child (Holy Sons), First Generation (Firstborn), and Goddess (Divine Daughters), his gaze calm, unmoved like the common folk who were overwhelmed with excitement.

Unfortunately, he could not find any trace of his grandfather, nor any clue.

Shi Hao didn’t know whether to feel relieved or disappointed. Not seeing his grandfather meant the Heavenly Court’s hunters could not find him either, but under these circumstances, when would they reunite?

“Grandfather must be here. His heart must be heavy now. I must find him!” Shi Hao murmured to himself, refusing to give up, continuing his search throughout the great city.

Five days later, nearly all the expected guests had arrived, an assembly of geniuses from across the lands, each uniquely brilliant and from different great provinces.

At this time, the opening of the Yuan Tian Secret Realm was also drawing near, and everything was being arranged in haste. The grand event was about to begin.

In these days, even inns and teahouses were packed with too many cultivators, and the great city was no longer sufficient to house them all.

Near the city, even remote towns were filled with people, all eager to witness this grand spectacle.

Moreover, many were eager and ready to participate, not merely as spectators, but to enter the secret realm and strive for their own destiny.

Of course, obtaining the qualification to enter the Yuan Tian Secret Realm was no easy feat.

Though this was a sparring contest, hailed as a small-scale grand event, the invitees were all the elite youths of each province. It was not easy for ordinary people to participate.

To make this contest more lively, the Undying Mountain did not close the gates completely. It was rumored that besides the invited guests, an additional four hundred (or five hundred, depending on the source) outsiders would be allowed entry.

After all, entering the Yuan Tian Secret Realm meant the possibility of obtaining ancient Supreme True Blood (True Blood of the Primordial Sovereign), Divine Elixir (Divine Herbs), and Inheritance (Inheriting legacies), so it could not be opened to too many outsiders.

This secret realm belonged to the Five Elements Province, and only the great sects of this province could send large numbers of disciples inside.

In these days, the sects were negotiating how many people would be allowed in and had established rules and trials. Only those who met the criteria would have the chance.

“I must enter! Obtaining Elixir of Divinity (Holy Herbs) and other treasures is secondary; my main goal is to witness the legendary battles between the chosen ones. I cannot miss this opportunity,” said a young expert, filled with excitement, believing it to be a rare chance.

Others shook their heads, saying, “Do you really think it’s some peaceful paradise in there? This is the ruins of an ancient Supreme’s failed Nirvana (Nirvana), and it’s bound to be extremely dangerous. Although there are special laws restricting the entry of Holy Emperor-level experts, it’s still terrifying inside. They say there are Ferocious Beast (ferocious beasts) and Raptor (ferocious birds) capable of igniting Divine Flame (Divine Flame).”

The secret realm was a small world filled with various powerful lifeforms.

Some murmured to themselves, “I’m going in for the ancient true blood and the forbidden Inheritance. If I can obtain them, I will soar to the heavens.”

Such thoughts were common among many. The Yuan Tian Secret Realm held countless opportunities, and obtaining even one could change one’s fate entirely.

However, people also knew that competing for such divine treasures would be extremely dangerous, even life-threatening.

At the very least, those young Sovereigns and Divine Daughters were all determined to claim them. If one were to cross paths with them and overestimate one’s abilities, death would be inevitable.

“At that time, we’ll just avoid them. There’s no need to provoke conflict. If they feast, we’ll be content with just a sip of the broth,” some comforted themselves with this thought.

Of course, there were still many ambitious individuals, carrying supreme artifacts, ready to gamble everything. If they stumbled upon a world-shaking opportunity, even risking their lives would be worth it!

In these days, the city buzzed with discussions, excitement, and even quarrels.

Shi Hao continued his search, hoping to find his grandfather, but there was still no trace or clue, causing him great worry.

Since he had spread the rumors about the Undying Mountain’s disgrace, many people were already talking. He believed his grandfather must have become alert, and it was likely because of this that he had not appeared.

“Ah, there’s a clue!”

As Shi Hao wandered through the great city, he secretly activated his Double pupils (Heavy Pupil) and spotted the Light Angel, sending a chill down his spine. This hunter was a dangerous figure.

“Eliminate him!”

That was Shi Hao’s decision, wanting to teach the Heavenly Court a bloody lesson.

However, he dared not act rashly, for this was Yuan Tian City, filled with many powerful figures. If he made a move, it might draw the intervention of Holy Emperor-level experts.

The Royal Butterfly fluttered gracefully, emitting a faint glow and sending out divine consciousness waves, eventually attracting several ordinary butterflies and bees.

Soon, several common insects entered the residence, indistinguishable from the many found in any flower garden.

Half a day later, several insects flew out again.

“Light Angel did not find my grandfather. His expression was gloomy. He is now urging a pair of extremely powerful young talents from the Heavenly Court to enter the secret realm.” Shi Hao was surprised.

He did not act hastily, temporarily withdrawing. In fact, the fact that Light Angel had not found the Fifteenth Elder was itself good news.

“Good news! This time, the Undying Mountain and the sects have decided to allow outsiders to compete for entry into the secret realm, and the quota has been increased to a full three thousand!”

The moment this news spread, it caused an uproar, an unprecedented sensation.

No one could believe their ears—it was far beyond expectations, leaving people speechless.

“Actually offering so many spots? It’s unbelievable! How generous!”

“I bet the Undying Mountain must have paid a heavy price to convince the sects of the Five Elements Province. No wonder they are called an immortal sect—they truly act with great magnanimity.”

Many praised joyfully, for each additional spot meant another opportunity, and many young experts were eager to enter.

But there were also those who scoffed, unimpressed.

“You’re too naive. You don’t understand the real situation. The Qin Clan is certainly not some benevolent savior. Why would they be so selfless? The secret realm is filled with danger—divine insects, fierce birds, and many deadly zones. Letting in so many people is just a way to divert the attention of those deadly spirits inside.”

“To put it bluntly, they’re offering up more sacrifices, more blood offerings. With so many people entering, how can they possibly compete with the chosen ones for treasures? They won’t stand a chance.”

A few whispered such thoughts cautiously, afraid to speak too loudly, lest they provoke the Undying Mountain and suffer dire consequences.

Soon, the selection and trials would begin, determining who would earn the right to enter. Many young experts clenched their fists in excitement, eyes burning with ambition.

The chosen ones and the elite youths from various clans did not need to go through this trial. They were already the dazzling stars of their provinces, warmly invited by the Undying Mountain as honored guests, granted direct entry.

Moreover, some great sects from the Five Elements Province, including the Qin Clan itself, held a portion of the spots. As the rightful owners of the Yuan Tian Secret Realm, they could send their disciples inside without trials.

Clearly, this group was especially privileged!

Though the three thousand spots for outsiders seemed generous, competition would still be fierce, for the number of people who had gathered was simply too great, from all races and regions.

On an open ground outside the city stood a high platform, where several powerful figures stood, gazing down at the crowd below, their voices rumbling like thunder.

“The battle of the chosen, the clash of the elites—who will emerge as the true number one? The time for proving oneself is now. Step forward, all who dare!”

Finally, for the outsiders, the trials had begun—to determine who among them would earn the three thousand spots!

Shi Hao stood among the crowd, watching calmly.

“Ah!” Suddenly, he spotted someone. For reasons unknown, a strange feeling stirred within him, and with a trembling voice, he whispered, “Is that… Grandfather? Is he… going into the secret realm!”