In the city, the streets were broad and paved with blue stone. Rows of buildings lined both sides, interspersed with ethereal spirit mountains wreathed in mist and radiant clouds—a peculiar yet harmonious sight.
Two women glided effortlessly through the air, their feet never touching the ground, swiftly approaching the azure lake where Shi Hao resided, near the bamboo grove’s elegant retreat.
“Hmm, someone’s coming. A unique fragrance—I think it’s two young ladies,” Shi Hao remarked.
True God Qixia shot him an exasperated look, momentarily abandoning the solemnity befitting a deity to express her emotions. She couldn’t help but feel this youth was utterly unreliable.
In the gentle breeze, the emerald bamboo grove shimmered. Through the swaying branches, two young women could be seen approaching rapidly, their robes fluttering as they skimmed across the lake.
“Fairy maidens treading the waves,” Shi Hao murmured, his eyes widening at the breathtaking sight. Two peerless beauties glided over the azure lake, their dark tresses dancing, their eyes like clear water—as if celestial beings had descended to the mortal realm.
“Elder, are these the two you mentioned? I… absolutely have no objections!” Shi Hao declared without hesitation.
The old woman immediately bristled. She had objections—very strong ones!
The two young women were strikingly beautiful, yet their temperaments were entirely different.
One wore a sweeping crimson gown, as vibrant and bewitching as the red spider lily, exuding an air of mystery. Her long scarlet hair cascaded over her snow-white neck.
The other was clad in pristine white, her green tresses fluttering like the first bloom of a lotus. Her jade-like feet barely touched the lake’s surface, sending ripples of blue light outward as she approached with ethereal grace.
Neither wore a smile. Though their beauty was radiant, their expressions were cold as they entered the bamboo grove. After offering a perfunctory bow to the old woman, they seated themselves without a word.
They didn’t spare Shi Hao a single glance. Word had reached them of a certain “shameless” individual who had taken an interest in them, prompting their hasty arrival.
The two were deeply displeased. They had always held the reins in matters of courtship, never subjected to arranged marriages. Yet recently, their clan had hinted that it was time to choose a partner.
And clearly, the candidate was this very person before them.
Over the years, countless young prodigies and distinguished talents from various clans had come bearing lavish gifts, only to be rejected. How could they now be treated so casually?
Ignoring Shi Hao entirely, they conversed with Qixia, sipping fragrant tea and discussing celestial insights, not even deigning to glance his way.
Unfazed by the awkward atmosphere, Shi Hao studied the two stunning beauties with keen interest. He said nothing, simply observing them—their delicate features, silken hair, snow-white necks, slender waists, and long, graceful legs—his gaze roaming freely.
Finally, the two young women could bear it no longer. His invasive stare felt like insects crawling over their skin, and they turned furious glares upon him.
“What are you staring at, you lecher?” the crimson-clad girl snapped, her eyes blazing with indignation.
“May I ask your names?” Shi Hao smiled.
The scarlet-haired woman frowned. Was this man’s skin truly so thick? Even after being glared at, he still had the audacity to ask for her name? Her displeasure only deepened.
“She is one of the three brightest pearls of our Celestial Clan—Manjusaka,” True God Qixia interjected.
Shi Hao blinked. The name… was fitting. When not angered, she was as dazzling and enchanting as a demonic flower in full bloom.
“I was admiring the Manjusaka,” Shi Hao replied with a grin, answering her earlier challenge.
Manjusaka glared at him, convinced now that this man was utterly shameless and no good.
“And this is…?” To her further irritation, the same man who had just been ogling her now turned his attention to the white-robed maiden.
“She is called Fu Qu, another of our clan’s treasured pearls,” True God Qixia introduced.
Shi Hao paused. Both named after flowers—yet it suited her perfectly. Elegant and transcendent, beautiful without being ostentatious.
“From afar, she shines like the sun rising through morning clouds; up close, she glows like a lotus emerging from clear waves,” Shi Hao recited, showering her with praise before adding, “Unsoiled by the mud yet untainted by vanity.”
Fu Qu offered a faint smile, though it carried a distant chill. She remained aloof, offering no warmth in return.
“What do you mean by that?” Manjusaka demanded, narrowing her eyes. “Are you mocking me for being seductive?”
“Not at all. Why would I mock my future partner?” Shi Hao said breezily.
The statement nearly made several jaws drop.
Manjusaka shot to her feet, trembling with rage. Even if her clan had arranged this, how could he be so brazen?
Shi Hao feigned confusion, turning to the old woman. “Elder, wasn’t this your arrangement? Aren’t these two meant to be my partners?”
With a swish, even the serene Fu Qu stood, her hair and robes fluttering. This man’s audacity knew no bounds!
Manjusaka was beyond words, her cheeks puffing in fury. Her crimson robes billowed as scarlet light radiated from her body, her fair face contorted with anger.
“You dare suggest taking both of us as your partners?!” she nearly shrieked, barely restraining herself. The sheer greed of this boy—to covet two peerless beauties at once!
“Isn’t that the case, Elder? Did I misunderstand?” Shi Hao sighed, looking helplessly at True God Qixia.
The old woman’s face darkened to the extreme. This boy’s appetite was outrageous! Did he have no fear of divine retribution? She was tempted to throw him out on the spot.
“Well… if I must choose just one,” Shi Hao muttered, as if making a great sacrifice. He scrutinized the two girls, feigning indecision.
“You—!” Both Manjusaka and Fu Qu were livid.
Nearby, two maids nearly burst into laughter. This man was absurdly greedy—was he some kind of battle maniac, utterly clueless about a maiden’s heart?
“It’s too hard to decide. How about you two discuss it among yourselves—who’s willing to…” Before he could finish, both beauties erupted in fury.
“Go die!”
With that, the two peerless maidens stormed off, sleeves flaring, their anger palpable. They had never met someone so infuriating!
In recent years, as their beauty blossomed, suitors had flocked to them—all refined, distinguished young talents. Yet today, they had encountered this scoundrel, ruining their mood entirely.
“Even if he’s stronger than a Prodigy, he’s utterly detestable!” the two fumed as they left.
“Hey, we agreed on this partnership. Running off like this—what kind of behavior is that?” Shi Hao called after them.
“Die! Die! Die!” Their piercing shrieks echoed, infused with Runes, causing ripples across the azure lake.
“At least give me a condition or something,” Shi Hao grumbled.
“No conditions!” Fu Qu snapped.
“Wait—there is one,” Manjusaka whirled around. “If you can lift the Flying Immortal Stone, then fine!”
Her eyes gleamed with hidden malice. That stone was infamous—no one in the Venerable One realm had ever lifted it. Some prodigies had even broken their arms or coughed blood trying. One genius had suffered lasting damage to his foundation, taking decades to recover.
The Flying Immortal Stone was shrouded in mystery, even cursed with a strange, damaging rule.
“So if I lift it, both of you become my partners?” Shi Hao grinned.
“You—!” The two were tempted to beat him senseless.
“Fine. If you succeed, we’ll comply. But if you fail?” Fu Qu demanded.
“Then I’ll just pick one,” Shi Hao said airily.
“You—unbelievable!” Even the composed Fu Qu was incensed.
“If you fail, you leave Sky City—forever!” Manjusaka declared icily.
“That’s… a bit harsh, no?” Shi Hao pretended reluctance.
“Be a man and commit,” they taunted.
“Fine. If I fail, I’ll leave. If I succeed, we become partners—a legendary tale.”
“Remember your words!” They turned away, unwilling to stay another second.
“Wait—if I succeed, shouldn’t the third pearl be included too?” Shi Hao added loudly.
The maids nearby twitched, barely suppressing laughter. What kind of person was this?
Ahead, Manjusaka and Fu Qu stumbled mid-air, their flawless composure shattered.
Gritting their teeth, they forced out a single word: “Fine!”
Then they vanished, unable to endure another moment.
“You brat… may lightning strike you!” True God Qixia stormed off as well.
To her, this boy might be a martial genius, but his character was abysmal.
Of course, she suspected another possibility—perhaps he had a scheme. Knowing how many suitors these two had rejected, he might be trying a reverse tactic to leave a lasting impression. But this was going too far.
“Young master, the ladies said you have one hour to meet at the training grounds to lift the stone,” a maid whispered.
“Understood.” Shi Hao waved them off, his demeanor shifting to calm clarity.
“My reputation is ruined,” he lamented.
But he had no choice. He needed to leave—every extra day here was a risk.
He had no intention of lifting the stone. Being expelled was the ideal outcome.
Yet he knew that if the Celestial Deity wanted him to stay, even this ruse might fail. Still, he had to try.
These two maidens came from exalted backgrounds—their clans likely had Celestial Deity backing them. If they were furious enough, perhaps they could pull strings to have him “escorted” out.
“I just hope they use their influence to throw me out of Sky City. Once I’m beyond the grand formation, I’ll have a chance.”
Then he muttered, “But what if I actually lift that damned stone? That’d be a problem…”
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