The mystical Ancient Immortal Garden was filled with divine herbs and even elixirs of immortality!
Shi Hao’s eyes immediately lit up like two miniature suns, brimming with longing.
However, the next words from the Void Sky Divine Vine instantly dampened his spirits. It clearly informed him that the ancient garden was incredibly difficult to locate, drifting through the void. Even if found, entry was forbidden—any Heavenly Deity who set foot inside would perish.
Shi Hao sighed. He desperately needed immortal herbs now, or else his path forward would be perilous, likely ending in death and the dissipation of his cultivation.
It seemed he had to strengthen himself further. He realized he would likely remain in the Ancient Immortal Realm for a long time, waiting for an opportunity.
At the same time, another thought crossed his mind. “Are there many Heavenly Deities here?”
“In certain special regions, yes. But within the areas you can explore, encounters are rare,” the Void Sky Divine Vine replied.
The Ancient Immortal Realm was vast and unfathomable.
“How long have we been here?” Shi Hao asked the Divine Striking Stone. He had been immersed in cultivation, losing track of time.
“One and a half years,” the Divine Striking Stone answered precisely.
“That’s shorter than I expected. I thought years had passed,” Shi Hao mused. He glanced at the Imperial Butterfly, which had formed a golden cocoon.
Ever since consuming the sacred herb resembling red coral, the butterfly had entered a deep slumber within its cocoon, showing no signs of awakening.
It was still a larva, yet it had devoured an entire sacred herb—an astonishing feat. Even legendary divine beasts in their infancy couldn’t match such ferocity.
“By the time we meet again, it should have emerged as a true butterfly,” Shi Hao said with anticipation.
Previously, the Imperial Butterfly had wing-like structures, but those were merely crystallized divine energy, not true wings. It had always been a plump, golden larva, resembling a silkworm.
“Let’s go. We’ll tour the minor realms and see how our old friends are doing,” Shi Hao declared, invigorated. His cultivation had reached the mid-stage of the Divine Flame Realm, and he felt brimming with energy.
They arrived at the location where the Void Sky Divine Vine had been discovered. Shi Hao had once agreed to meet Lan Yichen and Luo Dao here, but his seclusion had delayed him.
In a hidden corner, a message was left—an address: Radiant City.
Clearly, it was in another minor realm, likely well-known, given the brevity of the note.
The minor realms were numerous, interconnected like bubbles, forming the vast Ancient Immortal Realm.
Shi Hao soon encountered several beings from the outside world, now ascended to divinity, and inquired about Radiant City.
The strangers were wary, fearing ambush, and kept their distance. Even among outsiders, conflict was common.
“That city is famous in the Radiant Realm. Many Divine Flame cultivators gather there to trade rare treasures.”
Shi Hao nodded in thanks and followed their directions to another minor realm.
A year and a half had passed. Most of the geniuses who entered the Ancient Immortal Realm had ignited their divine flames, growing powerful and seeking their fortunes.
The land was rich in spiritual herbs, and stumbling upon sacred herbs wasn’t uncommon. With extraordinary luck, one might even find the legendary Heavenly Deity Fruit, propelling them to the heavens in a single step.
With millions of cultivators inside, trade flourished—exchanging artifacts, herbs, and even secrets of hidden abodes.
Radiant City thrived on this foundation.
In truth, it was an ancient city, existing long before. Each time the Ancient Immortal Realm opened, it bustled as a major trading hub.
Some weaker geniuses, unwilling to risk adventure, settled here as merchants, amassing treasures rivaling those of explorers.
“The Radiant Realm is vast indeed,” Shi Hao remarked. After days of travel, they finally spotted a city on the horizon.
From afar, its walls weren’t towering, but its expanse was immense. Countless auras of power emanated from within—proof of the strong gathered there.
“Similar cities exist across a hundred minor realms, but Radiant City ranks among the top ten,” a fellow traveler explained.
Along the way, discussions buzzed about recent events.
“Not long ago, someone traded three divine fruits, causing a sensation.”
Shi Hao’s interest was piqued.
“Silver fruits from the Sinful Dragon Tree. Consuming one instantly elevates one to the True One Realm,” someone said.
“That’s incredible!” Shi Hao exclaimed. A single fruit could create a True God—utterly miraculous.
“Naturally, even rarer treasures exist, but none are traded,” another added.
“Who bought the Sinful Dragon Fruits?” Shi Hao asked.
“Best not to inquire. No one can afford them, and you might lose your own treasures in the attempt,” a cautious voice warned.
“Why?”
“They were practically gifted to ancient freaks under pressure. Do you think you can outbid them?”
Shi Hao frowned. Had the ancient freaks emerged?
Not yet, it seemed. The stronger they were, the longer they remained in seclusion, striving to surpass legendary limits.
“How does one surpass the extreme?” Shi Hao wondered.
“Ancient freaks like the Six-Time Champion don’t ascend like us. They forge unique paths. Once they emerge, a single one could sweep through us all, invincible!”
“Nonsense,” Shi Hao scoffed.
“Don’t doubt it. They’ve spent lifetimes refining their methods, only stepping forth when certain of success.”
Shi Hao nodded, impressed. Such accumulated wisdom surely led to unparalleled paths.
These freaks remained secluded, but their followers scoured the realms for treasures to aid their ascension.
Thus, the city’s most powerful factions were tied to ancient freaks.
“Of course, contemporary prodigies like the Immortal Palace’s heir and the Dark Divine Son are no weaker, with their own formidable followers.”
This was the current state—those figures were not to be trifled with.
Finally, Radiant City loomed ahead, its golden stone walls gleaming, justifying its name.
Before entering, Shi Hao asked about city rules.
“No fighting within. Settle disputes outside, or face collective wrath.”
This ensured peace for trade.
“Also, don’t provoke the natives,” another warned.
Shi Hao, unfamiliar with the minor realms, sought clarification and was startled.
Natives were of two kinds: the original, dangerous beings dwelling in mysterious lands, and descendants of stranded outsiders, strong but neutral.
They too came to trade.
“How powerful are the elder natives?” Shi Hao asked.
“The first kind, unknown. The second, formidable but not invincible. Past a certain realm, they inexplicably die or go mad.”
This shocked Shi Hao.
“Some say the original beings are responsible,” a whisper suggested.
“Unlikely. They remain hidden in special zones.”
Entering the city, they parted ways to pursue their trades.
The city was magnificent, bathed in golden light, serene yet bustling like a celestial capital descended to earth.
“Dragonsblood Grass, fifty-thousand-year maturity, don’t miss it!”
“Sacred Herb, priceless. Trade for a treasured technique!”
The streets teemed with stalls, grand shops, and towering auction houses.
“Phoenix Feather Silver Essence, forges Heavenly Deity artifacts. One piece only, highest bidder wins!”
“Discovered an ancient cave, possibly an immortal’s legacy. Pricey secrets await!”
Even Divine Flame cultivators hawked wares like commoners, all equals here.
“Dark Divine Son’s followers acquired a Three-Legged Golden Toad—a rare medicinal catalyst!”
“An ancient freak’s follower brought back a Soul-Guiding Lotus, capable of mending shattered souls!”
“Tempted to steal it?”
“Madness! They can plunder outside, but you’d die trying.”
Shi Hao quickly grasped the city’s nature.
“Has anyone seen Lan Yichen or Luo Dao?” he asked casually, drawing curious glances.
A stall-owner’s eyes gleamed. “You know them?”
“I’m their elder brother. Seen them?”
“Step outside the gates. News might find you,” the vendor smirked.
Shi Hao obliged, knowing trouble lurked.
The vendor chuckled, expecting his demise.
Yet, Shi Hao returned, still inquiring.
The vendor gaped. “You… survived?”
“The dozen outside told me those two found a priceless treasure and fled. Know where?”
“Try leaving again. Someone might know,” the vendor taunted.
Shi Hao did, trailed by twenty this time.
“Immortal Palace’s men, Dark Divine Son’s followers, ancient freak’s lackeys—you’re dead,” the vendor sneered.
Half an hour later, Shi Hao reappeared, gnawing a golden drumstick.
The vendor nearly fainted. That was no chicken—it was a Golden Luan, one of the pursuers!
“Mercy! I meant no harm!” the vendor begged, drenched in sweat.
Shi Hao picked up a sacred herb from the stall. “Rare find.”
“Take it! Just spare me!”
“Thanks. Now, where are they?”
“Many seek them. They found… an Eight Treasures Qilin.”
“What?! The supreme delicacy?!” Shi Hao roared.
The vendor blinked. This reaction was… off.
The Qilin’s true value lay not in taste but in amplifying medicinal effects manifold.
“Who dares covet my delicacy?!” Shi Hao fumed.
The vendor sighed. This guy was a glutton.
“Dark Divine Son’s faction, Immortal Palace, ancient freaks’ followers—all want it.”
“They’re dead!” Shi Hao declared.
“The two said the Qilin had an owner, coming soon. But the factions vowed…”
“What?”
“To beat that owner’s head into a dog’s.”
“I’m hungry,” Shi Hao said.
The vendor shuddered, realizing the implication.
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