The entire stone chamber was bathed in radiant light as Shi Hao sat cross-legged in silence, deeply immersed in his contemplation.
Finally, he let out a sigh. The second Dao Flower was full and robust, brimming with the essence of the Great Dao, as if fused with the heavens and earth, capable of channeling boundless power.
Yet, it was a pity—this flower had not birthed a living being.
Within the first flower, a hazy and indistinct figure sat at its center, seemingly belonging to a distant past, not of this era. Earlier, Shi Hao had speculated whether the second Dao Flower would also manifest a peculiar creature, but the result left him somewhat disappointed—nothing had appeared.
Rising to his feet, he sighed softly. Could his conjecture be wrong?
“No, it must simply be that the time isn’t right yet,” Shi Hao murmured. He recalled that when the first Dao Flower initially bloomed, no being had emerged either. It was only later, during the reopening of the Primordial Ancient Mine, that the figure had manifested.
“This time, the Phoenix Blood was insufficient—not enough for a full-body baptism. I only refined a portion of its essence with medicinal herbs, and the quantity was far from adequate,” he mused.
Even with twenty drops of true blood, it wouldn’t have been enough for a complete immersion.
Lü Tuo, Yao Yue, Xuan Kun, and others had directly entered the Phoenix Blood Pool, tempering themselves with its concentrated essence to achieve true Nirvana—far more than what he had used.
Fortunately, Shi Hao had undergone his own Nirvana in the Primordial Ancient Mine with the aid of the Longevity Liquid, ensuring he hadn’t fallen behind.
Still, this cultivation session had been immensely beneficial. The emergence of the second Dao Flower had undeniably elevated his strength by a significant margin!
Soon, he chuckled at himself. He was being greedy—feeling even the slightest disappointment over the absence of a being within the Dao Flower was unnecessary.
In truth, the indistinct humanoid figure seated atop the first Dao Flower had proven utterly useless in battle—unsummonable and inactive.
“You’ve emerged from seclusion?” Wang Xi appeared outside the cracked stone chamber.
Shi Hao had long since suppressed his aura. Pushing open the stone door, he stepped out with a faint smile. “When do we depart?”
“We must wait a little longer,” Wang Xi replied.
Recently, the Celestial Deity Institute had been making arrangements for this expedition. After all, entering the Immortal Battlefield was no trivial matter—a single misstep could turn it into a journey of annihilation. Thorough preparations were necessary.
Over the past few days, the institute’s strongest experts had emerged from seclusion, all having received the news.
Any master confident in their abilities could participate, and those selected for the Celestial Deity Institute were, without exception, the strongest of their respective domains.
Thus, many had eagerly signed up, with the majority joining the expedition.
“Aren’t they afraid of all perishing there?” Shi Hao muttered. If everyone were wiped out, the Celestial Deity Institute would suffer catastrophic losses.
“There should be countermeasures in place,” Wang Xi said, advising Shi Hao to consolidate his cultivation and remain ready for departure.
“Having just left seclusion, I won’t retreat again. These next few days are perfect for a few friendly matches,” he declared with anticipation.
“Friendly matches?” Wang Xi stared at him expressionlessly.
Shi Hao, thick-skinned as ever, remained utterly unperturbed, exuding the air of a transcendent master as he strode away with ease.
Before long, Su Lan and Chen Nuo found themselves harassed, both exasperated by this utterly unreliable individual who inspired no goodwill whatsoever.
“You’re asking about the Divine Herb Garden? What are you planning?!” Su Lan eyed him warily.
“Don’t be nervous. I just want to take a stroll, broaden my horizons,” Shi Hao said with an innocent, earnest expression.
Chen Nuo glared at him, refusing to divulge anything. This troublemaker had barely entered the institute before swindling others out of their Phoenix Blood—who knew what chaos he’d stir up next?
“The Divine Herb Garden is protected by an unparalleled grand formation. Even if you stood right before it, you wouldn’t glimpse a single herb inside,” Chen Nuo stated.
“So there’s no way in? What a shame,” Shi Hao sighed, shaking his head in frustration.
Su Lan and Chen Nuo exchanged exasperated glances. Was this guy seriously considering herb theft? Truly incorrigible!
“Ahem, just a joke. You didn’t take me seriously, did you?” Shi Hao said.
A joke? Not even remotely funny! The two rolled their eyes, refusing to engage further.
“Actually, I sought you out to learn a few things—to engage in some friendly sparring and exchange insights,” Shi Hao said humbly.
The two were baffled. Had he turned over a new leaf?
“What does your sparring have to do with us?” Su Lan asked.
“I was hoping you could provide some guidance—give me a list of who in the institute still has Phoenix Blood and who might be willing to spar with me,” Shi Hao said earnestly.
Su Lan and Chen Nuo were speechless, then furious. So much for reformation—he was just looking for more victims to swindle!
Clearly, having tasted the sweetness of his earlier schemes, he now sought to rope them into his ploy, extracting precise details to target others.
“Hey, why so silent? Where’s the youthful vigor? This won’t do,” Shi Hao chided.
The two were left dumbfounded. Initially unwilling to engage, they now felt thoroughly provoked, sternly warning him not to stir trouble or drag Wang Xi into his mess.
“I’m not her follower—I was invited as a fellow cultivator, free to act as I please. Rest assured, I truly only seek friendly exchanges,” Shi Hao said shamelessly.
“If you’re so pure, don’t bring up Phoenix Blood!” they retorted.
“Without stakes, where’s the excitement? Life is about chasing one colorful bubble after another. Goals drive progress!”
Shi Hao pontificated, turning the tables to lecture them.
“Unbearable! We won’t help you—find someone else!”
“That’s no good,” Shi Hao sighed. Then, after a pause, he added, “Fine, the sparring can wait. What was the name of that woman who framed me? Qi Lin, or something?”
He was referring to the woman whose shrill accusation—that he’d climbed into Wang Xi’s bed—had caused an uproar.
“Why seek her out? She’s Princess Yao Yue’s close friend—don’t you dare cause trouble!” Su Lan warned.
“Relax, I could become Princess Yao Yue’s ‘male confidant.’ Beating up her female friend shouldn’t be an issue,” Shi Hao declared brazenly.
“You—! Don’t stir up trouble! Princess Yao Yue is a peerless fairy who’s cultivated three strands of immortal energy, hailing from an eternal imperial dynasty. Stay away from Qi Lin!” Su Lan grew frantic.
“I know my limits. That woman’s mouth is too loose. If I weren’t strong enough, I’d have been challenged to death by now,” Shi Hao grumbled.
“Let it go,” Chen Nuo urged.
“Impossible! She slandered my reputation—I must defend my innocence!” Shi Hao proclaimed righteously.
*Pfft!*
The two couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
“What reputation? Our lady didn’t even pursue the matter, yet here you are, clinging to it. Look at your own actions—how much Phoenix Blood have you swindled? And you dare speak of defending honor?” they mocked.
“Separate issues. That woman did slander me. Had something actually happened between me and your lady, I’d let it slide. But nothing did! I won’t tolerate false accusations—this injustice must be rectified!” Shi Hao declared solemnly.
The two were stunned. This guy… was utterly shameless. His grievance wasn’t about the slander—it was regret that nothing had happened!
“You—!”
“If our lady heard this, she’d expel you on the spot!”
Shi Hao remained unruffled. “I’m not part of her faction.”
“I’ve never met someone so incorrigible!” Su Lan fumed, while Chen Nuo was at a loss for words.
Unfazed by their scolding, Shi Hao turned the tables again, speaking sagely, “Qi Lin slandered Wang Xi too. Your lady can’t act directly—it’s beneath her dignity. Don’t you see? Why do you think I want to act? It’s what Wang Xi desires!”
The two froze.
“Don’t spin tales—you’re just using her name!” Su Lan retorted.
“Hopeless disciples!” Shi Hao sighed. “Those who’ve cultivated three strands of immortal energy are rare geniuses. They can’t afford to act rashly. That’s where you come in—to pave the way, giving your lady a justified reason to intervene. It’s all about maintaining grace and wisdom!”
The two exchanged uncertain glances. Was this true?
“Lead the way. Once I’ve thrashed that fairy, you’ll understand everything,” Shi Hao said.
Su Lan and Chen Nuo hesitated, then… agreed. After all, if this troublemaker got caught, he’d deserve it!
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage