Chapter 783: The Glorious Apocalypse

The mountains were serene, with Qi Daolin seated cross-legged on a large bluestone, his golden daoist robes fluttering in the wind, his hair and beard snow-white, exuding the aura of a transcendent sage.

But Shi Hao knew better—this old man could be downright shameless at times. Even he, as a disciple, had been “stolen” into the sect. Every time he thought about it, he couldn’t shake the feeling of being scammed.

“Great Dao Master, you’re so powerful, practically a ruler in your own right. Why not casually bestow upon me a few magical artifacts? I’m not asking for much—just some hand-me-downs, passable ones, a few trinkets you’ve used before,” Shi Hao said.

Qi Daolin chuckled warmly. “That’s nothing.”

Hearing this, Shi Hao quickly added, “Great Dao Master, don’t even think about giving me some measly Heavenly God artifacts. You’re a sect leader now—shouldn’t you at least gift me a treasure worthy of your status?”

Qi Daolin’s smile grew even more benevolent. “Those artifacts are too shabby.”

Shi Hao was taken aback but also sensed something amiss. Since when was the old man this generous?

“See this?” Qi Daolin spread his palm, his grin radiant, his golden robes glowing as his hand traced through the void, making the heavens tremble.

“An invisibility artifact?” Shi Hao squinted suspiciously at his palm, seeing nothing.

“Artifacts? Too small-minded. What I’m giving you is priceless, far beyond that,” Qi Daolin said calmly.

“What?” Shi Hao searched around.

“The entire world,” Qi Daolin declared proudly, pointing one hand to the sky and the other to the earth. “All of this is yours!”

Shi Hao: “…”

He should’ve known. The old man’s reputation wasn’t great—no, it was downright terrible. Given his character, he’d never hand over a real treasure. This was just another one of his grand deceptions.

Qi Daolin assumed a solemn, divine demeanor. “This vast world, boundless and infinite, is yours to roam—the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths await! Whatever you desire, seize it yourself!”

“Old man, cut the act. You’re giving me goosebumps,” Shi Hao muttered under his breath.

Qi Daolin struck him with a verbal blow. “Wretched disciple! Is this your attitude? Can’t you see my profound intentions? Others gift rare treasures, secret manuals, and bone scriptures—but I’ve given you the entire world! With it, you may strike the heavens above and plumb the depths below. As vast as the world is, so too shall be your heart, and so too shall be your future achievements!”

Shi Hao was speechless. The old man really knew how to spin a tale, especially with that sacred glow radiating from him, making him look like a proper charlatan.

But Shi Hao was no fool. The bone scriptures of the Primordial True Solution circulated within him, keeping him sharp and unaffected. He grumbled, “Honestly, I just want a single secret treasure. I’ll trade you this ‘entire world’ for it.”

“Wretched disciple! You infuriate me! Back in the day, your two senior brothers, after my stern teachings, immediately attained enlightenment, their hearts swelling with lofty ambitions, tears streaming as they vowed to conquer the world, to battle and rise as peerless heroes! And look at you—what disgrace! Your enlightenment is pitifully low!” Qi Daolin scolded.

“Enlightenment? Or were they just crying from frustration? Why did they never return after being beaten and chased off?” Shi Hao muttered.

“What did you say? How dare you! Questioning your Dao Master, doubting your senior brothers—are you planning to betray the sect?!” Qi Daolin bristled, his beard quivering. No matter how he spun it, this old shame was a sore spot—even the infamous Qi Daolin didn’t like bringing it up.

“Speaking of which, Great Dao Master, where did those two senior brothers go? Did you ever look for them?” Shi Hao asked, feigning curiosity.

“Shut your mouth! Mention this again, and I’ll purge you from the sect!” Qi Daolin glared.

“I’m just curious. With your level of power, how could your disciples be weak? Who could’ve beaten them so badly they abandoned the sect and never returned?”

“Boy, are you asking for a beating?!” Qi Daolin’s eyebrows twitched.

Though he knew the brat was deliberately provoking him, Qi Daolin still let slip a few details. “This time… you might just meet that person.”

“What? The guy who chased off my senior brothers is still alive? Great Dao Master, you’re slacking. If it were me, I’d crush him with a flick of my wrist!”

“You impudent, treasonous brat! I’ll cripple you!”

“Hold on, Great Dao Master! Where’s your grand vision? Weren’t you just saying ‘as vast as the heart, so too the world’?” Shi Hao taunted.

“I never bully the weak,” Qi Daolin gritted out.

Soon, Shi Hao learned that while a group had attacked the Supreme Dao Field, it was actually someone else who had secretly defeated his two senior brothers.

That person later participated in the Great Battle of the Three Thousand Provinces—and emerged as the undisputed champion of the world!

“An ancient monster, sealed away until now? You’re saying I’ll probably run into him?” Shi Hao rubbed his chin, clicking his tongue.

He realized this battle would be packed with powerhouses. Even with his undefeated record, he’d likely face unimaginable foes—bloodshed was inevitable.

“Great Dao Master, I’ve already shattered the Myth of Destiny. Now, estimate—where do I rank this time?” Shi Hao asked.

Qi Daolin sighed, unusually solemn. “I’ve learned some new details. Aim for the top twenty. If that’s too hard, fight for the top thirty.”

Shi Hao’s face fell. Last time, he’d been told to aim for the top ten, or at least the top twenty. Now, he was being downgraded another ten spots?

“Old man, what’s your problem? You’re seriously underestimating me!” he protested.

Qi Daolin sighed gravely. “Because I’ve uncovered some terrifying secrets.”

“What secrets?”

“Those bone scriptures I gave you—they recorded the attempts of ancient geniuses to forge unique paths in the Divine Flame Realm. You’ve read them, right?”

“Yes,” Shi Hao nodded. Those geniuses had all failed—some died, others were crippled. A tragic end for the most dazzling talents of history.

“Recently, I’ve learned that some of them didn’t die. They slumber in the ice caverns of forbidden lands,” Qi Daolin said gravely. “This means the ancient monsters have multiplied—and they’re horrifyingly strong!”

Shi Hao was stunned. While studying those bone scriptures, he’d lamented the premature deaths of those legendary geniuses, wishing he could’ve crossed blades with them.

And now he was hearing some might still be alive!

“I feel the pressure mounting. Great Dao Master, you’re not exaggerating, are you?” Shi Hao truly felt the battle growing harder—blood would be spilled.

And since his debut, he’d never once been defeated!

“To spare your confidence, I’ve been gentle. Don’t take it to heart. Life is long, and you’re still young. Those monsters have had time to grow. Survive now, rise later,” Qi Daolin said.

The more Shi Hao listened, the more annoyed he became. He shot the old man a sidelong glance. “Gentle? You might as well have stabbed me in the face.”

“Stars will blaze, and all the ancient monsters will emerge. Who will rise as the golden sun, outshining all others, reigning supreme in the heavens?” Qi Daolin mused.

“Me!” Shi Hao pointed at himself.

Qi Daolin shook his head. “I said top thirty. Don’t overthink it. Focus on solidifying your foundation and staying alive.”

At first, Shi Hao didn’t get the “thirty” reference. Then it hit him—the old man had just branded him with a nickname, capping his potential at thirtieth place.

“You think so little of me? Once I enter the battlefield, I’ll blast them all away! Any monster in my path—if it’s not humanoid, I’ll roast and eat it. If it is, I’ll suppress the males and capture the females to warm my bed!” Shi Hao boasted.

“Ambition is good. But once you enter the ‘Ancient Immortal Realm,’ wake from your dreams. Nothing matters more than survival,” Qi Daolin warned earnestly.

This was no joke or mockery—he truly believed it.

For this era would see the brightest stars—the strongest ancient monsters—all emerging at once.

“Why are they all crowding in now? Rushing to reincarnate?” Shi Hao cursed.

“This is the last chance. Only when the True Immortal Flower blooms can one enter the ‘Ancient Immortal Realm.’ It has bloomed and wilted nearly three thousand times. The final path is about to wither,” Qi Daolin explained.

Shi Hao was shocked. To enter the land of fortune, one had to wait for that flower’s final bloom—the last gateway.

After this, the flower would wilt forever. No more chances.

“Moreover, some have prophesied that with the True Immortal Flower’s last bloom, our era may also end. The age of immortality is coming—the apocalypse approaches,” Qi Daolin said calmly, gazing at the distant horizon.

“What? The apocalypse?” Shi Hao’s heart lurched.

“Perhaps not the end, but forbidden figures have joined forces, exhausting their power to divine the future—and found only darkness. Everyone must fight to transcend!”

Shi Hao was stunned into silence.

After a long pause, Qi Daolin smiled. “Scared?”

“Of what?” Shi Hao scoffed, chest puffed. “If time is short and the future bleak, then life should be lived boldly! Great Dao Master, with your strength, why don’t I go on a rampage, abducting holy maidens from every sect to build a grand harem? No problem, right?”

Qi Daolin’s smile froze. He raised a hand to smack him. “Wretched disciple! Is this your grand ambition? I expected fighting spirit, and you give me harems? You’ve gone too far!”

Shi Hao dodged, howling as blows rained down. “This is my noble life goal! Respect it! Since you’re no help, I’ll rely on myself—real men forge their own paths!”

Finally, after enduring enough punishment, Shi Hao relented. “Fine, fine! We’ll table my life goals for now. But there’s something else—guaranteed to interest you.”

Unmoved, Qi Daolin kept hitting him.

“Great Dao Master, don’t you want to know where your master went? Beg me, and I still won’t tell you!” Shi Hao yelled indignantly.

Qi Daolin froze, hand mid-air, eyes piercing Shi Hao with an intensity that made him shudder.

“Speak. What do you know?” Qi Daolin’s voice trembled, his body quivering slightly.

Seeing this, Shi Hao leisurely straightened his robes, cleared his throat—and earned another smack!

“Old man, hit me again, and I’ll take this secret to my grave!” he threatened.

“My dear disciple, this master was wrong. Speak,” Qi Daolin said soothingly.

Shi Hao shuddered. “Fine, I’ll talk. All for my life goals—to seize opportunities and grow stronger,” he consoled himself.

He met Qi Daolin’s gaze. “But don’t lose control. If you charge off recklessly, I might inherit your legacy sooner than expected—ascending as the new Dao Master of the Supreme Dao Field.”

“Brat, you’re cursing me!” Qi Daolin’s face darkened.

“Calm down. Stay calm,” Shi Hao said, dragging it out until another beating loomed. Then he revealed, “I saw the Three-World Bronze Coffin. Dragged by nine dragons, resting in an ancient land.”

“What?!” Qi Daolin erupted, countless runes bursting from his body, a terrifying aura splitting the sky and shaking the mountains.

“Calm down! Don’t do anything rash!” Shi Hao urged, fearing the old man might rush off to open the coffin.

“Explain! Now!” Qi Daolin demanded.

Shi Hao recounted everything—including his failed attempt to boil the nine dragons’ bones into marrow soup, cursing his rotten luck.

“Ow! That hurts!” Shi Hao yelped.

“You little brat! I’ll beat you dead! You dare cook and eat them?!”

Poor Shi Hao endured another thrashing, grumbling and threatening to withhold directions.

In the end, the eccentric master and disciple bickered their way to the Fire Province plains—to unlock the secrets of the Three-World Bronze Coffin.