Chapter 1162: Misleading

The emotions were too complex. The corners of everyone’s mouths twitched slightly as they opened their mouths to speak, only to close them again in the end—because this was just too disheartening.

The Great Elder of the Celestial Academy, hailed as a peerless master across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, had issued a decree inviting Shi Hao to become a disciple of the academy. Yet, this young man was still hesitating, still considering whether to join.

“How can the gap between people be so vast?” Finally, one cultivator couldn’t help but mutter under his breath.

Back then, he had fought tooth and nail, battling endlessly for the chance to join the academy, nearly dying in the process. Only after countless hardships had he finally succeeded.

“I want… to beat him up!” A young woman gritted her teeth. She was stunningly beautiful, having cultivated immortal energy, yet even she had endured grueling trials and suffered severe injuries to earn her place in the Celestial Academy.

Many were indignant. To qualify as a member of the Celestial Academy, they had all paid an enormous price. The moment they succeeded, their hearts had surged with excitement, and many had even shed tears of joy.

But now, this young man before them had been personally invited by the Great Elder without lifting a finger—and yet, he was still picky and reluctant. How could they not feel resentful? Their hearts were utterly unbalanced.

This was simply too demoralizing. The gazes of the young men and women around were far from friendly—filled with envy, jealousy, and speechless frustration.

As for those from the academy’s affiliated factions, such as the Wang Clan and other experts, their expressions were grave and solemn. This was no trivial matter!

The Great Elder had spoken, inviting Shi Hao to join the Celestial Academy—how could this not shake everyone?

All had no choice but to take this seriously. Even the Wang Clan fell silent, scrutinizing Shi Hao again and again, reassessing him. This young man was far too abnormal.

Some narrowed their eyes, realizing that this youth was no ordinary figure.

In an instant, Shi Hao became the center of attention. After a brief silence, murmurs broke out.

The Wang Clan was the most aggrieved. A mere servant who had donned their clan’s Vajra Bracelet had stirred up such a commotion, even involving the Great Elder of the Celestial Academy. This was no small matter.

Those from the Wang Clan who had earlier targeted Shi Hao were at a loss for words. Just moments ago, they had been berating him, but now their expressions flickered between dark and uncertain.

“Elder, no matter who he is, wrongdoing must be punished!” An elder from the Wang Clan spoke, turning to the Celestial Academy’s elder.

Clearly, they were no longer as domineering as before, but they had no choice but to press the issue. If they simply dropped their grievances because the Celestial Academy favored this youth, it would make them appear utterly incompetent.

After all, they hailed from an Eternal Clan, with deep and formidable foundations of their own.

“How is Wang Xi? Where is she?” the Celestial Academy’s elder asked.

This was also the Wang Clan’s greatest concern. The rumors outside were too disgraceful, gnawing at their hearts. They were practically itching to kill Shi Hao.

They, too, wanted to know what had truly happened.

“She’s fine, still asleep,” Shi Hao replied.

The moment these words fell, the atmosphere turned icy. No one spoke, all eyes fixed on the cave entrance.

Even Princess Yueya widened her eyes in shock—had this guy really dared to go that far?

A brief silence ensued as the crowd’s emotions surged, utterly stunned and deeply provoked.

The phrasing was ambiguous, leaving too much room for imagination. The keyword “asleep” was like a dagger to the hearts of the Wang Clan’s experts.

“You little beast! How dare you insult my Wang Clan? Do you have a death wish?!” A Wang Clan elder roared, lunging forward to kill Shi Hao.

This was a matter of grave importance. Wang Xi had been designated by the clan to marry a peerless genius. If anything untoward had happened, it would be absolutely intolerable.

“Seeking death! Kill him now!” The most hot-tempered middle-aged man bellowed, charging forward as well.

Everyone was dumbfounded. No one had expected things to escalate like this.

Many students of the Celestial Academy felt deeply wounded, especially those who had harbored feelings for Wang Xi and had been watching over her. Their resentment burned fiercely.

“This guy is really… decisive. Is he trying to make it a done deal? What a scoundrel!” someone muttered under their breath.

“Have you all lost your minds?” Shi Hao shouted, swiftly dodging.

The Celestial Academy elder snapped back to reality and intervened once more, blocking the Wang Clan members. He couldn’t just stand by and watch Shi Hao be killed—not after the Great Elder’s decree.

**Boom!**

A violent collision erupted, sending plumes of radiant mist soaring into the sky as dazzling runes intertwined in the air.

“Elder, how can you shield this madman after such an outrageous act?” The Wang Clan members seethed, their killing intent thick, eyes gleaming with malice.

The Celestial Academy elder was also at a loss for words, glaring at Shi Hao with displeasure. This troublemaker had stirred up too much chaos—how could this be resolved?

“Given what’s happened, how do you propose we settle this?” the Celestial Academy elder demanded, pointing at Shi Hao.

“How else? Flay him alive and feed his corpse to the dogs!” The Wang Clan members laughed bitterly, their hatred palpable.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Shi Hao shook his head, feigning ignorance. His calm demeanor only infuriated the Wang Clan further.

Acting as if nothing had happened after taking advantage? The Wang Clan’s eyes burned red with murderous intent.

“You still dare to act so arrogantly? Let’s see how the Celestial Academy protects you now! Who can shield a villain like you?” The eldest Wang Clan elder spoke coldly.

Though furious, he hadn’t lost his composure. He wasn’t in a hurry to strike—because now, he wasn’t afraid of escalating the situation. If the Celestial Academy truly shielded Shi Hao, they wouldn’t hesitate to summon their patriarch and turn this into a full-blown conflict.

“What nonsense are you spouting? I don’t understand,” Shi Hao shrugged.

Everyone was speechless. This guy’s mental fortitude was too strong—even now, he remained utterly unruffled.

“Where is Wang Xi? Xi’er, come out!” the Wang Clan members transmitted their voices.

“Stop shouting. You might disturb her sweet dreams,” Shi Hao said.

The Celestial Academy elder sensed something amiss. This guy was far too composed—not at all like someone who had just committed a grave offense. What was going on?

Cautiously, he asked, “Where is Wang Xi? What exactly happened between you two?”

Hearing this, the Wang Clan and the other cultivators also paused, turning their attention to Shi Hao.

“We have a close relationship. We cultivated together. I woke up first, while she’s still asleep,” Shi Hao replied.

The Wang Clan’s expressions darkened, but they restrained themselves from speaking immediately. The Celestial Academy elder pressed further, “What kind of cultivation did you two engage in? What technique was it?”

“Naturally, an extraordinary method suited for dual cultivation. It was truly remarkable,” Shi Hao answered.

The Wang Clan could no longer remain seated. His words were far too suggestive—male and female cultivating together? He might as well have said “dual cultivation” outright.

“Ah—!” A Wang Clan member screamed, utterly provoked.

“Speak! What really happened?” the Celestial Academy elder barked, scrutinizing Shi Hao. As an outsider, he had caught the fleeting glint of mischief in Shi Hao’s eyes—this kid was clearly playing them.

“We just cultivated together. Nothing else happened. What more can I say?” Shi Hao replied, his tone innocent and unbothered.

By now, not just the Celestial Academy elder, but everyone else could see through him. This guy was definitely up to something—otherwise, how could he remain so calm?

The Celestial Academy elder vanished in a flash, reappearing moments later with Wang Xi in tow. She was indeed asleep, peaceful and serene.

“Xi’er!” a Wang Clan elder cried out.

The Celestial Academy elder tapped her forehead, and Wang Xi awoke instantly, rising swiftly in confusion.

“Wang Xi, what exactly happened?” a Wang Clan elder demanded.

“Nothing much. I obtained the *Heart Dream Ancient Scripture* from the Immortal Battlefield. I needed to enter a dream state to comprehend the Dao, and the initial chapter required another person to assist in the dream…” Wang Xi explained.

The crowd’s expressions shifted as they stared at Shi Hao. This bastard had spun such a tale, nearly giving the Wang Clan a collective heart attack—when all he’d done was help her cultivate? Many felt he was utterly shameless, too wicked for words. The Wang Clan must still be fuming.

“Rumors outside claimed you were ambushed and subdued by him. We came to rescue you,” the Wang Clan members said awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

“Baseless rumors,” Wang Xi shook her head, offering no further explanation.

“I’m magnanimous. I won’t hold it against you,” Shi Hao said, waving his hand dismissively.

Not just the Wang Clan, but everyone else felt their faces stiffen. Could he be any thicker-skinned? This was practically a death sentence for their patience.

“Enough. Let this matter rest—it was just a misunderstanding,” the Celestial Academy elder mediated, delivering another crucial message.

“And that’s it?!” The Wang Clan refused to let it go. After a brief silence, their expressions turned icy with laughter.

“Our clan’s jewel’s reputation has been tarnished in this affair. How will you compensate?” a Wang Clan member demanded.

“Simple. If you’re so concerned, just marry Wang Xi to this young man,” the Great Elder’s voice suddenly echoed from the Celestial Academy.

The crowd was stunned. The Wang Clan was caught between acceptance and refusal, utterly speechless.