The Celestial City, vast and magnificent.
Shi Hao walked along the bluestone streets, first passing through a bustling market district, then traversing a region of spiritual mountain caves, gradually approaching the renowned martial arena.
The news had spread like wildfire—the clan’s peerless beauty was to be wed!
Many in the Celestial Clan already knew that a prodigy had arrived in the city, likely to form a Daoist partnership with their treasured pearl. This caused an uproar, shaking the younger generation.
The young elites were stunned. It was too sudden, leaving them unprepared and struggling to accept the outcome. How could renowned beauties like Manjusaka and Fuqu suddenly be married off?
The city was in turmoil, with many youths voicing their discontent.
“Who is this person? We demand to see him!”
“What right does he have to form a Daoist partnership with our clan’s jewel? There wasn’t even a whisper of this before—how is this fair? Is some imperial clan pressuring us?”
Many young Celestials of powerful bloodlines emerged from seclusion, gathering together.
Clearly, the leak of this news was no accident. After a period of calm, it had erupted now—someone had orchestrated it deliberately.
Just as Shi Hao had anticipated, the two peerless beauties had mobilized their connections, using “shadow forces” to stir the pot, opposing the clan’s arrangements in their own way.
The Celestial City was anything but peaceful!
As Shi Hao walked, he initially paid little attention, but upon hearing the clamor, he listened carefully and couldn’t help but smile.
Though this situation was dangerous and might backfire, judging from the initial developments, Manjusaka and Fuqu had “acted,” and there was a real chance they might “expel” him from the great city.
He wanted to leave—this might be his opportunity.
However, Shi Hao’s hopes were soon dashed. True Gods intervened, warning the younger generation against causing chaos in the city. The uproar immediately quieted.
Yet the crowd lingered, unwilling to disperse.
“Don’t tell me he intends to form a Daoist partnership with both of our clan’s jewels at once.”
“According to rumors, that’s exactly the case!”
Word of what had happened by the azure lake spread, leaving many astonished. Upon learning the details, most were dumbfounded.
People didn’t know whether to be furious or burst into laughter.
“What arrogance! Who is this guy? I really want to see what he looks like!”
“Someone like this exists? Let’s go to the martial arena and see just what kind of divine being dares to boast about lifting the Flying Immortal Stone. I want to watch him get crushed, bones broken and blood spat out!”
The area near the martial arena was packed, buzzing with noise.
What had started as a simple bet between Shi Hao and the two girls had spiraled into a major commotion, drawing countless young spectators. Peace was no longer an option.
Shi Hao arrived and tried to push through the crowd three times, but to no avail—the place was packed, especially at the entrance, making it impossible to enter.
As for the skies above, it was a no-fly zone—no trespassing allowed.
“Brother, mind making some room? Let me through?” Shi Hao negotiated with someone.
“Who are you? Can’t you see I’m waiting too? Get in line and enter in order,” the man retorted, rolling his eyes.
“Why are there so many people?” Shi Hao muttered.
“Obviously, everyone’s here to see the madman—to witness what this guy actually looks like. Isn’t that why you’re here too?”
“I come with a devout heart. Anyone who dares lift the Flying Immortal Stone must be a heaven-sent prodigy,” Shi Hao said.
“What kind of attitude is that? Shame on you as a Celestial clansman! You should stand united against outsiders,” a Celestial in his twenties lectured him.
The Celestials closely resembled humans—without careful scrutiny, it was hard to tell them apart.
“Don’t you think that would be a heroic feat? Only a true warrior would dare such a thing!” Shi Hao argued.
This provoked the crowd, who began mocking him, engaging in a war of words.
Shi Hao “stood his ground,” debating with the group, creating an amusing scene where he single-handedly argued against a mob.
For a while, the place was lively, with verbal sparring back and forth. Many joined in, condemning this “traitor” who sided with an outsider.
“Hey, what’s wrong with you? Why are you defending an outsider?” Even some young girls couldn’t stand it, chastising Shi Hao.
“Truth knows no race or borders. We should have broad and tolerant hearts—how can life be so narrow-minded?” Shi Hao declared righteously.
Blocked at the entrance, he couldn’t enter and instead became addicted to the debate, endlessly praising the one who dared lift the Flying Immortal Stone, standing alone against the crowd.
“I refuse to believe you’d remain indifferent if Manjusaka formed a Daoist partnership with someone else, still preaching about broad-mindedness!” someone retorted.
“In fact, my heart is as vast as the sea, my eyes as deep as the starry sky. As they say, great love knows no bounds, and my heart is open and sincere,” Shi Hao said with utmost seriousness.
“What nonsense is this? What are you trying to say?” a young elite demanded, his expression darkening.
“Loving someone doesn’t mean possessing them. If she’s happy, you can silently bless her from afar. If she finds joy, learn to let go…” Shi Hao rambled, though his face remained solemn.
“Who are you? What rubbish are you spouting?!” someone snapped.
Yet some youths felt ashamed, realizing they lacked his apparent magnanimity.
“Do you really believe that?” young girls asked dreamily, their eyes sparkling as they engaged him in discussion. The crowd grew livelier.
More and more people gathered, and Shi Hao’s endless debate formed a circle of its own.
“Wait, why do you keep defending that guy? He’s so arrogant, daring to lift the Flying Immortal Stone—clearly doesn’t know his limits.”
“Wrong. That’s the mark of a true hero,” Shi Hao corrected.
“Hold on, aren’t you overdoing the praise?”
Just then, a voice from the martial arena called out, asking if Mo Xi had arrived—why hadn’t he shown up? Was he chickening out?
Shi Hao coughed. “Make way, everyone. I should go in now.”
“What do you mean?” After such a long debate, many in the crowd had grown hostile—they weren’t about to let him through.
“They’re calling for me inside. If I don’t show up soon, I’ll be late,” Shi Hao explained.
“You… who are you?” The crowd sensed something amiss.
“I’m Mo Xi,” Shi Hao said, pushing forward and stepping through the gate.
Outside the martial arena, the crowd froze.
A sea of stunned faces gaped, jaws dropping.
Finally, someone broke the silence with a shout.
“It’s that madman!”
“How shameless!”
“No wonder he kept defending the ‘outsider’—he was praising himself! The narcissism knows no bounds!”
The crowd erupted. Never had they seen someone so thick-skinned. His so-called righteous debate had just been self-admiration.
As Shi Hao strode in, calm and composed, many eyes followed him.
Soon, word of what had happened outside spread inside, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Was this guy for real?
“Ridiculous!”
The martial arena buzzed with outrage upon learning how he’d been praising himself outside—public fury nearly erupted.
“Utterly shameless!”
The crowd boiled over.
“You actually dared to come!” Manjusaka’s crimson hair cascaded, lustrous and smooth, her fair, delicate face icy and beautiful.
Had she and Fuqu not stepped in to calm the crowd, many would have rushed Shi Hao, likely sparking a brawl.
“Why wouldn’t I come? This is destiny—you and I are fated to become Daoist partners, leaving behind a legendary tale,” Shi Hao said.
“Shut up!” Manjusaka didn’t want to speak to him anymore, fearing she’d lose control and fight him right then.
Fuqu, clad in white, ethereal and graceful, glanced at the dozen or so figures nearby.
Shi Hao’s heart stirred—these youths were exceptional. Aside from a few Celestial prodigies, there were outsiders, all extraordinarily powerful.
Among them were Primordial Geniuses!
This surprised him. Did Manjusaka and Fuqu have such influence to summon these protectors?
But something felt off—among them was a silver-haired woman and a blue-robed girl, both stunningly beautiful. Since they were female, they shouldn’t have been “summoned.”
“These are friends visiting our Celestial Clan,” Fuqu said lightly, offering no further explanation.
Shi Hao understood. The Celestial Clan’s battle with the War Clan was major news. Over the past two days, other great clans had come to investigate. Clearly, these young elites hailed from ancient sects.
“Heard you want to lift the Flying Immortal Stone. How brave,” someone mocked.
The fact that Mo Xi had slain a War King hadn’t been disclosed by the two girls. Most didn’t know, and only a few Celestials were aware of Mo Xi’s “background.”
“It’s just a rock. What’s there to fear?” Shi Hao said dismissively.
“Arrogant fool. Even Primordial Geniuses struggle to lift it—no one at the Venerable One realm has ever succeeded. Do you think you’ll make history?” someone jeered.
“You don’t look like much. How dare you even attempt the Flying Immortal Stone? Asking for trouble.”
The group clearly looked down on him, not just out of hostility but also to provoke him into risking injury by attempting the impossible.
Facing their taunts, Shi Hao remained unruffled. “What right do you have to criticize? Do any of you dare try?”
“At the very least, if we exerted ourselves, we could move it. What about you? What can you do?” a man sneered.
Another, a Primordial Genius, added, “Rumor has it that if you fail, you’ll leave the Celestial City. Will you keep your word?”
“Of course,” Shi Hao said.
Manjusaka and Fuqu smiled. They knew victory was assured—soon, they’d witness this guy’s humiliating defeat, forced to slink away in disgrace.
“Be careful not to hurt yourself too badly. You might need to be carried out of the city,” someone laughed.
“If you’re real men, why not try lifting it yourselves? Don’t just talk—dare to act,” Shi Hao challenged, eyeing the dozen young elites.
Silence fell.
“Prove your manhood—lift it. Or are none of you up to the task?” Shi Hao pressed.
“You…” The group’s expressions darkened. This guy’s mouth was downright infuriating, twisting words to mock them.
“If we tried, we could at least move it—clearly better than you.”
“Enough talk. Let’s compete—all of you, come down and try,” Shi Hao issued the challenge.
To everyone’s surprise, it became a battle of pride. Some young elites actually stepped forward, warming up to take on the challenge.
“Lift!”
One roared, body glowing as he embraced the Flying Immortal Stone, trying to raise it.
“Pathetic. You didn’t even budge it,” Shi Hao taunted.
“Nonsense!” The man was furious. With his divine strength and talent, he had indeed moved the stone, shocking many.
Next, a Primordial Genius managed to lift it half a foot off the ground—but no further. His face flushed crimson.
“That’s it? Weak,” Shi Hao said, nearly making the Primordial Genius vomit blood. As he set the stone down, a trickle of blood escaped his lips, his insides churning violently.
“Your turn,” Manjusaka said challengingly.
“Fine. If I fail, I’ll leave the Celestial City,” Shi Hao agreed.
“Looking forward to your grand display,” Fuqu added, her serene elegance giving way to mockery. She’d been thoroughly provoked earlier.
All eyes were on Shi Hao as he stepped forward.
“Hope I don’t accidentally use too much force and actually lift it,” Shi Hao muttered—his genuine thought, but overheard by many.
The audacity!
No one took it as sincerity, interpreting it as sheer arrogance.
“If you’re so capable, lift it. I’m watching,” Manjusaka said, her flawless face etched with anger. She didn’t believe he could succeed—she awaited his humiliating failure.
Fuqu smirked, anticipating his downfall.
The crowd’s gaze fixed solely on him.
Shi Hao reached the center, embracing the Flying Immortal Stone with a light push.
The moment he touched it, he shuddered. Though the stone appeared dull, his flesh and blood resonated with it, glowing brilliantly!
Some rule within the stone sent tremors through his heart.
“He… he lifted it! Three feet off the ground!” The crowd gasped.
“I didn’t even exert myself yet,” Shi Hao blurted out in shock—which only sounded like peak arrogance to the crowd.
“Could I actually lift it by accident?” Shi Hao was stunned. He hadn’t even tried, yet the stone seemed glued to his hands, floating up on its own!
Manjusaka and Fuqu fumed. Was this guy mocking them? Could he actually pull off this impossible feat?
But Shi Hao soon ignored everything else—he was too stunned. The Flying Immortal Stone’s mysterious power was awakening a hidden force within him!
Chaotic runes flickered deep in his flesh, gradually manifesting.
“This is…” His heart trembled in disbelief.
As an infant, he’d lost his Supreme Bone, which had contained primordial runes and an invincible treasure technique—stolen by Shi Yi.
Yet now, the impossible was happening. These runes, this power—it felt familiar, eerily similar to what Shi Yi wielded!
This was the treasure technique from his first Supreme Bone, now resurfacing from the depths of his flesh, its symbols mysteriously reappearing!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage