Shi Hao was stunned. This graceful and stunning goddess, revered by the younger generation of the ancient divine mountains, was actually tugging at his ear so boldly and playfully?
Yun Xi’s lustrous purple hair cascaded like a waterfall, her long lashes fluttering slightly. Her large, lively eyes sparkled, and her delicate, jade-like cheeks flushed with a rosy hue—her own audacity surprising even herself.
Shi Hao reacted swiftly and naturally, wrapping an arm around her slender waist and pulling her soft body close. The intoxicating fragrance of her skin made his heart race. His movements were smooth, almost practiced, as he held the peerless beauty, tilting her chin up to meet her gaze with feigned intensity.
Yun Xi’s face burned crimson, her divine elegance now tinged with embarrassment and indignation. She couldn’t help but think—this guy looked every bit the rogue about to tease an innocent maiden.
Yet, she knew she was partly to blame. Her own actions had sent a flirtatious signal, almost inviting his boldness.
But this guy was too quick, too smooth—no hesitation, just effortless confidence as his warm, strong arm coiled around her delicate waist.
Shi Hao held her chin, adopting an exaggerated air of depth and maturity. “Thank the heavens for bringing us together. This must be fate.”
Yun Xi nearly fainted. *What nonsense is this?!*
She realized her mistake—this wasn’t *him*. She’d let her imagination run wild, and now this shameless, grinning rogue was taking full advantage.
This was clearly an attempt to “seduce” her. His practiced moves screamed *not a good guy*, making her both flustered and regretful.
*Slap!*
Yun Xi swiftly knocked away his hand from her chin. She refused to be toyed with—this kind of intimacy was far too brazen.
Even if he *had* saved her life, that didn’t give him the right to act so freely!
“Don’t doubt it. Our meeting on the Bloody Plains was destined,” Shi Hao murmured, still holding her slender, alluring form, savoring her softness and the intoxicating scent of youth—utterly shameless.
“I mistook you for someone else!” Yun Xi snapped, struggling fiercely and slapping at his arm to break free.
Her beauty was breathtaking—her violet hair like silk, her eyes clear as autumn water. The way she wrinkled her nose in frustration only added to her charm, leaving onlookers spellbound.
Shi Hao didn’t relent. One arm remained around her waist while the other slipped into her hair, lightly brushing her delicate ear.
Yun Xi gasped. *This guy is too bold!* She jerked away, but—
*Zap!*
Her body trembled, nearly convulsing, as the scoundrel *pinched* her earlobe, rolling it between his fingers before giving it a playful tug. Shock, fury, and a blush burned across her face, her body reacting like she’d been electrocuted.
*BOOM!*
Enough was enough. Even if he *was* her savior, this was unacceptable! She unleashed a surge of runes, intending to blast him away.
But—
Nothing happened.
Her powerful glyphs and radiant symbols struck him… and dissolved into nothingness.
Yun Xi froze, then realized—*damn it, his magic immunity!*
At the worst possible moment, his unique ability activated, nullifying her spells. The timing couldn’t have been more infuriating.
She felt utterly ridiculous—and mortified.
“Let go!” she hissed, her face pink with fury.
Shi Hao blinked, still holding her waist. “Why?”
Yun Xi wanted to scream. *Why?!* He *had* to be doing this on purpose. But then again… she *had* initiated the flirtation.
“You misunderstood!” she said, her divine aura flaring, her flawless skin glowing with an untouchable radiance—like a goddess descended to earth.
Shi Hao grinned, undeterred, giving her earlobe one last tug before releasing her. “Fine. A beautiful misunderstanding. May the next one be even more dazzling.”
*Next time?!* Yun Xi had the sudden urge to bite him.
“I mistook you for someone I once knew,” she explained, smoothing her hair and stepping back—well out of grabbing range.
“Where is he? A rival? Tell him to bring it—I’ll flatten him with one hand!” Shi Hao boasted.
Yun Xi sighed. Her first impression of him had been so favorable… until she realized just how *unbearable* he could be.
“He died. In the lower realm.”
“A tragedy. But don’t you think our meeting is far more… colorful?” Shi Hao smirked.
Yun Xi turned away. If not for his status as her savior, she’d have taught him a lesson.
“I think we—”
“We should *go*,” Yun Xi cut in, grinding her teeth.
“Ah, what sorrow.” Shi Hao sighed, picking up a roasted Golden Crow wing and taking a massive bite. Divine essence dripped from his lips, the rich aroma filling the air.
He gestured for her to join him.
“You’re so powerful… yet such a *glutton*?!” Yun Xi blurted.
But the sight of the golden, crispy wing was too tempting. *A deity’s wing, roasted like common game… outrageous.*
Unable to resist, she took a small bite. The tender meat melted in her mouth, bursting with flavor and radiant energy—a true delicacy of the gods.
“Hey, you’ve stared long enough. Got something to say?” Shi Hao spoke between bites, glaring at a young warrior from the War Clan.
“I…” The youth hesitated, at a loss for words. *This guy flirts with the Heavenly Maiden, fails, and now turns on me? Shameless!*
Shi Hao uncorked a wine jar, offering it to Yun Xi.
“I don’t drink,” she refused.
“Such sorrow,” he lamented, downing the wine himself before devouring more Golden Crow meat. Soon, his body blazed with radiant light—the excess primal essence surging through him.
He sat cross-legged, refining the energy to heal his wounds and restore his peak condition. His body gleamed like divine jade, flawless and transcendent.
“Let’s go.” Rising, he gestured for Yun Xi to follow.
“I’m sorry. I truly mistook you earlier,” she said.
“Don’t you think this encounter was brilliant? Don’t let it slip away,” Shi Hao said earnestly.
“You’re impossible!” Yun Xi huffed.
“Fine. Onward!” With that, he turned—and with a single finger, executed the War Clan youth. Then he strode deeper into the battlefield, his demeanor shifting to one of ruthless decisiveness.
Yun Xi paused, sensing something odd. Was that… a sigh of regret?
Shi Hao marched forward, lost in thought. He considered revealing his identity but held back.
Yun Xi’s status was now extraordinary—fused with the Heaven Mandate Stone, destined to ascend to godhood. The Heavenly Clan would guard her fiercely, leaving no room for secrets.
If he revealed himself, even unintentionally, the clan’s supreme elders—especially the ancient patriarch—would uncover everything.
He had no ill intent, but the world was complicated. His forbidden techniques made him a target.
For both their sakes, he stayed silent.
*If only I were stronger—an immortal, unshackled by fear!*
Yun Xi glanced at him, puzzled by his sudden solemnity.
“Yun Xi, what are the Heavenly Clan’s requirements for a son-in-law?” Shi Hao abruptly grinned, mischief returning.
Yun Xi blinked. *What is he plotting now?*
“What do you mean?” She took a step back.
“Think they’d accept me? I’d prefer not to marry into the family, but for you, I might consider it,” he teased.
“Stop talking nonsense!” Yun Xi’s face burned as she glared. *This guy is insufferable!*
“Come travel the world with me. Locking yourself away in cultivation is dull. True strength is forged in battle,” he urged.
Yun Xi shook her head. *Is he seriously trying to lure me away?*
“The greatest expert of all time stands before you. Don’t waste this chance,” he declared.
Yun Xi laughed. “Would *you* join the Heavenly Clan? With your talent, an immortal mentor could elevate you beyond limits.”
“Immortals are nothing,” Shi Hao scoffed. “I’d cause an uproar. Your whole clan would turn on me.”
“You’re *so* full of yourself,” Yun Xi rolled her eyes.
“The so-called Ten Great Clans are relics of the past. The man before you is destined to rise—a one-man imperial lineage, a sovereign revered as the Heavenly Emperor. Don’t miss your chance!” he joked.
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