On the ground, there were many people, most from the Immortal Academy and the Sacred Academy, while the true disciples of the Celestial Academy were few and had been ostracized earlier.
At this moment, Shi Hao emerged from the surface with a tiny ant in tow, instantly drawing the attention of the crowd. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the exit of the muddy pond, watching them closely.
**Huang had come out!**
What had he obtained in the underground cave abode? This was the question on everyone’s mind. Moreover, why had he emerged so early? Where were the others?
*”Huang is the first to come out. Did he gain something significant, or did something unexpected happen? Are the others in danger?”*
Many were nervous, whispering among themselves. Even the old monsters from the three great academies wore grave expressions. Though a few fossil-level figures had descended earlier, none had yet resurfaced.
*”Hmm? He’s carrying a living creature!”* An elder from the Immortal Academy narrowed his eyes, focusing on Shi Hao’s shoulder, where a tiny golden speck was barely noticeable.
But for those of their cultivation level, it was unmistakable—this creature, though less than an inch long, contained terrifying blood energy. If unleashed, it would be astonishing.
*”An ant…”* muttered a Celestial Academy elder, his face twisting in shock as he suddenly recalled the Grand Elder.
Years ago, the Grand Elder had sat here daily, baiting a creature to lure it out. Could this be that very being?
*”Incredible. That creature is an ant?”* the elder murmured.
But to the others, these words struck like thunder.
The Grand Elder had long guarded this place, occasionally fishing—a fact known to many. The underground immortal abode housed a living being.
In an instant, imaginations ran wild!
Those gathered here were all geniuses—how else could they have entered the Immortal or Sacred Academies? None were foolish, and immediately, startling connections formed in their minds.
*”A Heavenly Horned Ant!”*
Finally, someone uttered those three words, sending shockwaves through the crowd like a meteor crashing into the sea.
Indeed, many had already guessed. What emerged from the Immortal King’s cave abode couldn’t be ordinary!
Throughout history, only one race matched the form of an ant while possessing unrivaled combat prowess—the Heavenly Horned Ants!
*”Heavens!”*
At this moment, people nearly suffocated, unable to suppress their exclamations. What earth-shattering news was this?
A true descendant of one of the strongest races of the Immortal Ancient Era—a direct bloodline of the Ten Calamities, not some diluted lineage—had appeared!
This was a storm that shook every soul present.
Instantly, Shi Hao and the tiny ant on his shoulder became the center of attention. Every gaze burned with intensity—this was undoubtedly the greatest harvest from the underground immortal abode. No wonder Huang had emerged so quickly!
Because he had obtained this ant—more precious than anything else!
At this moment, even the old monsters from the Immortal and Sacred Academies stared at the young Heavenly Horned Ant with terrifying intensity.
No one understood its value better than they did.
In truth, everyone knew—this tiny ant was a treasure trove. Its innate divine abilities were peerless!
Moreover, its blood was an inexhaustible resource, renowned in the mortal world as the *Blood of Ultimate Strength*. Using it for body refinement would yield unimaginable results!
Which young supreme from the Immortal Academy hadn’t undergone baptism with precious liquids?
As for the Sacred Academy, it went without saying—True Dragon’s heartblood and the Heavenly Horned Ant’s *Blood of Ultimate Strength* were their signature treasures!
It was precisely because of these supreme bloodlines that the Sacred Academy could push practitioners of the *Present World Law* to ever greater heights, allowing them to shed their mortal shells repeatedly.
And now, Huang had captured a true Heavenly Horned Ant—still young. If nurtured properly, wouldn’t its blood be an endless supply?
In the next moment, everyone’s eyes turned red!
Not just the youths—even some old monsters breathed heavily. For their descendants, for their academies, they had every reason to seize the Heavenly Horned Ant!
*”Is this truly a Heavenly Horned Ant?”* Finally, an elder from the Immortal Academy spoke first, addressing Shi Hao.
*”Indeed, it is this king!”* Before Shi Hao could respond, the golden ant raised its head, clasping its tiny hands behind its back, imitating the demeanor of a mature being.
*”Truly… a descendant of the Ten Calamities?”* A Sacred Academy elder’s voice trembled slightly—this was too thrilling.
An elder from the Immortal Academy, with sparse hair but a ruddy complexion, possessed a third eye on his forehead. He turned to a Celestial Academy elder and said, *”Fellow Daoist, this is a Heavenly Horned Ant—a matter of utmost importance. It should be sent to our Immortal Academy.”*
In the distance, Shi Hao had been silently observing since emerging. Now, his expression turned cold. This elder was far too brazen, openly coveting the ant.
Moreover, this three-eyed elder hadn’t even consulted him or the ant—directly demanding it from the Celestial Academy elder.
This was sheer arrogance, treating him, a junior, as insignificant!
*”If this is indeed a Heavenly Horned Ant, it is not for us to decide. We have no right to interfere. You should ask Shi Hao and the ant if they are willing to go with you.”*
At this moment, the Celestial Academy’s second-in-command, the Second Elder, spoke calmly.
*”Young man, would you join our Immortal Academy?”* The three-eyed elder asked, his tone now amiable as he realized his earlier bluntness had overlooked Shi Hao’s feelings.
*”No.”* Shi Hao refused bluntly.
At the same time, the Sacred Academy spoke up, fearing the Immortal Academy might steal their chance.
*”No! If he joins anyone, it should be our Sacred Academy!”* A purple-haired elder from the Sacred Academy declared. Though aged, her hair remained lustrous, her eyes brimming with the weight of time.
*”Likewise, I refuse.”* Shi Hao was just as direct, without hesitation.
The crowd fell silent.
Huang had rejected them outright.
Many found the elders’ sudden enthusiasm laughably transparent.
Back then, neither academy had wanted Shi Hao—one denied him a Perfect Seed, the other claimed the *Blood of Ultimate Strength* was already allocated.
Now, they were politely inviting him to join.
And Shi Hao’s blunt refusal was a slap in their faces—a loud, resounding one.
Huang had returned with a vengeance, defeating their young supremes and now bringing back a Heavenly Horned Ant, igniting envy in all.
*”Huang, you are a prodigy. Consider joining our Immortal Academy—it will elevate your path, open new horizons!”* The three-eyed elder smiled warmly.
*”Unnecessary. My path is my own. These three years prove I need no one’s help.”* Shi Hao shook his head.
Even Immortal Academy disciples felt secondhand embarrassment for their elder. Such shamelessness!
*”Huang, your physique is peerless—perfect for the *Present World Law*. Join our Sacred Academy. We possess the *Sovereign Scripture*, the pinnacle of this path. Study it, and you’ll soar like a dragon!”* The purple-haired elder pressed.
*”Thank you, but my current path is unfinished. I cannot divert my focus.”* Shi Hao declined.
Sacred Academy disciples flushed with embarrassment. Though polite, the rejection stung just as much.
*”How annoying. These people are too eager—begging others to join. Boring!”* The golden ant muttered, oblivious to the tension.
*”Hehe, little Heavenly Horned Ant, would you join our Sacred Academy?”* The elder smiled.
*”No! The Moon Jade Rabbit already brought the Qilin cub to you. The Heavenly Horned Ant belongs with us!”* The three-eyed elder interjected.
*”That Qilin…”* The elder sighed. They had wanted to study it, but its body held terrifying seals—untouchable.
*”Let’s go. These people are tedious.”* The ant urged Shi Hao, its tiny voice grating on the crowd.
*”No! The Heavenly Horned Ant is too significant—a descendant of the Ten Calamities. It must be protected, not left to Huang’s recklessness!”*
A voice from a long-life family cut in.
Shi Hao’s gaze sharpened—it was a member of Wang Xi’s family, old enemies. Clearly, they feared him gaining the ant’s blood and abilities.
*”I agree. The Heavenly Horned Ants are nearly extinct. This one must be safeguarded—perhaps by a long-life family.”* A tall, imposing man spoke—Yuan Qing, the Supreme, now younger-looking.
Shi Hao’s eyes turned icy. This man had nearly gotten him killed in the Primordial Ancient Mine, blocking his entry to the Celestial Academy.
His greatest foe in the Nine Heavens.
Though Shi Hao had slain Yuan Qing’s grandson in the Immortal Battlefield, vengeance was far from complete.
*”Indeed, the ant’s safety is paramount. It should remain here.”* Another elder spoke—from the Feng Clan.
Shi Hao’s gaze darkened. This family had orchestrated Yuan Qing’s actions.
Perhaps they held some ancient grudge against the Shi Clan, tied to the so-called *Sinful Bloodline*.
*”Hmph!”*
The Celestial Academy’s Second Elder snorted, scanning them coldly. *”You overstep. Huang and the ant’s safety are our concern.”*
*”We mean well. This is too important.”*
*”Yes, caution is necessary.”*
The Feng and Wang families—two long-life behemoths—spoke with weight. Their ancestors had achieved immortality, their words carrying immense authority.
In the Nine Heavens, long-life families wielded terrifying influence.
*”Scram! Dare extend your claws into our Celestial Academy, and we’ll chop them off!”* A thunderous voice boomed from the heavens, domineering and unyielding.
Who dared insult long-life families so brazenly?
*”Who?!”* The Wang family seethed.
*”Boom!”*
A figure descended like a pillar of heaven, clad in gray robes, exuding overwhelming might.
*”Grand Elder!”* The Celestial Academy erupted in joy. After three years, their formidable leader had returned—a man who feared no one in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths!
*”Haha! The Grand Elder’s return is joyous. I support the ant staying with the Celestial Academy!”* A crowned man laughed—the father of Princess Yao Yue, from an immortal dynasty.
Many echoed him, showing deep respect for the Grand Elder—some even from long-life families!
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