Chapter 1185: Coveting

Huang, he’s not dead?!

The mountain region was abuzz with noise, filled with murmurs and discussions. Shi Hao’s reappearance had stunned many.

People stared at him, their eyes fixed on the luminous barrier surrounding his body—his *Unique Heavenly Passage*, resembling a divine disk, standing taller than a man, enveloping him completely. It rendered him impervious to all techniques, invincible by nature.

“He has cultivated three strands of immortal energy and has pushed the modern path to its forefront. In the Heavenly Passage Realm, he stands unparalleled, truly transcending all predecessors!”

Many gazed at him with fervent eyes, their hearts pounding. To them, he was a trailblazer, a foundational figure. Those who sought transcendence through the Heavenly Passage Realm were practically salivating, itching to rush forward.

Yet, they dared not, fearing they might provoke the young man. If they angered him, their joy could swiftly turn to sorrow.

To the crowd, he was a living legend. Gaining insight from Shi Hao would be infinitely more valuable than any ancient manual left behind by predecessors.

After all, no matter how strong the elites of the Sacred Academy were, they had merely reached the same level. But to have this very man personally impart his knowledge—what an unparalleled opportunity!

At the very least, in the Heavenly Passage Realm, he was invincible!

Given this, how could Yuan Teng still think of challenging him? He felt nothing short of reverence. The further one walked this path, the more one realized how difficult transcendence truly was. For this youth to have reached such heights was nothing short of miraculous—both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

“May I… follow by your side?” Yuan Teng asked, his tone uncharacteristically awkward, a far cry from his usual demeanor.

“It’s better not. You have your own path—the Sacred Academy is your best choice,” Shi Hao replied.

Yuan Teng was disappointed. He genuinely sought guidance, even if it meant treating Shi Hao as a half-mentor.

“Of course, if you have any questions recently, you may come to me. We can discuss them together,” Shi Hao said with a smile.

Yuan Teng was overjoyed. What discussion? He hadn’t reached that level—this was Shi Hao offering guidance in disguise. He understood and was deeply grateful, immediately bowing in respect.

At this moment, the pine forest regained its tranquility. Many had overheard their conversation, and quite a few now looked at Shi Hao with hope, eager to seek his wisdom.

“Take her away. I don’t wish to see her again,” Shi Hao pointed at Jin Yun.

The stone mountain had split apart, and Jin Yun lay at its base, blood trickling from her lips, her silver robes in tatters, her hair disheveled—utterly wretched. She had suffered grievous injuries this time, and the cost of recovery would be immense. With her Dao injuries, she might even perish.

Her expression was complex. Had she known this was Huang, she would have avoided him at all costs, never daring to engage him in battle.

For he was undoubtedly a killing star—cultivating three strands of immortal energy, who could rival him? Moreover, he had mastered the *Unique Heavenly Passage*, a feat of legend.

In both ancient and modern cultivation paths, this man stood at the absolute pinnacle!

Looking back, Jin Yun felt a chill run down her spine. She had actually dared to challenge him, to strike at him—had she grown tired of living?

Even the onlookers shared the same thought, their gazes shifting to Jin Yun, who flushed crimson with shame. Fighting this youth was akin to courting death.

Yuan Teng helped Jin Yun up and glanced at Shi Hao, preparing to bid farewell before leaving with her.

The clearing was silent, many eyes flickering between Shi Hao and Jin Yun. The oppressive quiet made Jin Yun feel unbearably humiliated.

Suddenly, two sharp whistles cut through the air—a surge of scorching yang energy descended like a falling sun, followed by a streak of eerie blue radiance.

Two figures landed—both young men.

One was bare-chested, his skin gleaming like cast bronze, exuding raw power. His long, thick hair cascaded freely, radiating overwhelming masculinity.

“Wang Yang!” someone gasped, surprised to see him emerge from seclusion at this moment.

The other wore blue robes, refined and handsome, his demeanor transcendent yet intimidating, carrying the aura of divinity.

“Lan Meng!” someone whispered, their tone laced with wariness. This man was terrifying—his strength at least matched, if not surpassed, Wang Yang’s.

The two had arrived together, their spirits brimming with vitality, as if freshly emerged from cultivation. Bathed in divine radiance, they appeared otherworldly, commanding reverence.

Wang Yang’s gaze immediately locked onto the Immortal Gold Arrow embedded in a boulder not far from Shi Hao. It shimmered with seven-colored light, wreathed in immortal mist—sacred and flawless.

Such a treasure was impossible to overlook, its dreamlike luster captivating all who beheld it. Both the arrowhead and shaft were forged from immortal gold, dazzling beyond compare.

Lan Meng’s eyes likewise gleamed with avarice. Faced with such a treasure, who wouldn’t be tempted? Yet both masked their desires well.

Their attention soon shifted from the arrow to the youth before them, then to the battered Jin Yun being helped up nearby. Their expressions flickered with surprise.

Even Jin Yun had been defeated? This youth was no ordinary figure.

The clearing remained silent, the atmosphere growing increasingly tense with the newcomers’ arrival.

“Impressive skill, to have bested Jin Yun. Do you intend to claim the Seven-Colored Immortal Gold Arrow for yourself?” Lan Meng spoke first.

He coveted the arrow deeply, especially seeing it lodged in the rock like an unclaimed prize—a perfect pretext for intervention.

The crowd exchanged glances. Was Lan Meng planning to seize the arrow?

“Don’t set your sights on it. It doesn’t belong to you,” Shi Hao replied calmly.

“Not mine? Then is it yours? I recall this was Jin Yun’s weapon. Her defeat doesn’t grant you ownership,” Lan Meng retorted.

“It isn’t mine—it belongs to Feng Wu. I’m merely returning it to its rightful owner,” Shi Hao said coldly, shooting him a sidelong glance.

“Feng Wu? That woman from the lower realm?” Lan Meng’s expression shifted slightly, though he seemed unimpressed. He scrutinized Shi Hao. “Are you also from the lower realm, here to avenge her?”

At the same time, he mentally sifted through known powerhouses. The Ten Crown King and the Banished Immortal weren’t from the three thousand provinces, and Ning Chuan didn’t match this appearance.

After eliminating the strongest contenders, he saw no one who could stand in his way. Even if this youth surpassed Jin Yun, he couldn’t possibly defeat *him*. The lower realm had no truly “exceptional” figures!

“Correct. I hail from the lower realm and came to settle Feng Wu’s grievance. Hence, the earlier battle. Do you take issue with that?” Shi Hao asked flatly.

He had already discerned the greed in Lan Meng’s eyes. This man coveted the treasure and harbored no goodwill.

“From the lower realm?” Lan Meng lifted his chin, his tone condescending. “Ascending to the upper realm is no small feat. You should cherish the opportunity instead of making enemies.”

Shi Hao nearly laughed. Was this man lecturing him? Clearly, he was flaunting his superiority.

The urge to sneer rose within him. This fool had no idea who he was dealing with. Had Lan Meng known he was *Huang*, he wouldn’t dare speak so recklessly.

Lan Meng turned to Jin Yun. “Young Lady Jin, did he wrong you? As fellow denizens of the Nine Heavens, we cannot stand idly by. Allow us to reclaim justice—such an immortal treasure must not fall into his hands!”

His motive was transparent: he wanted the Seven-Colored Immortal Gold Arrow.

The crowd exchanged meaningful glances. Was Lan Meng seriously planning to snatch the arrow from *Huang*? Did he have a death wish?

They acknowledged his strength, but compared to *Huang*? In both modern and ancient cultivation paths, that youth stood at the pinnacle of the Divine Academy—an unbeatable existence!

Jin Yun’s face remained impassive. “Do as you wish. If you defeat him, the arrow is yours. I relinquish my claim.”

Many were stunned. Jin Yun was ruthless—was she setting Lan Meng up? Though she didn’t outright urge him to challenge Shi Hao, her words were practically encouragement.

Some had considered warning Lan Meng, but seeing Jin Yun’s demeanor, they wisely held their tongues.

In fact, a few grew excited, eager to see Lan Meng provoke *Huang* and witness the ensuing spectacle.

After all, they too had chosen the modern path—competitors vying for the Sacred Academy’s limited slots. If Lan Meng suffered grievous injuries here, their chances would soar.

Lan Meng chuckled. “As fellow cultivators of the Nine Heavens, we must support one another. Rest assured, I shall intervene. This treasure shall not be taken to the lower realm!”

His words elicited a myriad of expressions from the crowd. Though none voiced their concerns, they all pitied his impending fate.

Jin Yun offered a thin, forced smile but couldn’t hide her unease. She stole a glance at Shi Hao, only to meet his gaze directly. A shiver ran down her spine.

“Yuan Teng, I must say—when our fellow disciples of the Nine Heavens are wronged, shouldn’t you step forward to defend them?” Lan Meng chided.

Yuan Teng’s face remained blank. He had no intention of getting involved. Whether Lan Meng lived or died was none of his concern.

“You seem confident in defeating me, as if the Immortal Gold Arrow is already yours,” Shi Hao remarked.

Lan Meng smirked. “The Nine Heavens are not a place where just anyone can act recklessly. You may have defeated a few experts, but ancient lineages abound here. This isn’t a realm where you can run amok.”

“Oh? So you intend to suppress me?” Shi Hao asked.

“Precisely.” Lan Meng nodded, then glanced at Wang Yang. “Brother, watch my back.”

Wang Yang agreed. “The Immortal Gold Arrow cannot leave with him. Make your move. I’ll stand guard. If he tries to flee, I’ll intervene.”

Shi Hao’s voice turned icy. “Bare-chested and brimming with vitality—I thought you were straightforward. Yet you too covet this treasure. Appearances deceive. Very well, both of you attack together. If either so much as scratches me, the Seven-Colored Immortal Gold Arrow is yours!”

“Arrogant fool!” Lan Meng lunged forward, striking first.

Wang Yang’s blood energy erupted, poised to join the assault.

The spectators were speechless—though inwardly thrilled, eager for the spectacle to unfold.