Chapter 521: The Demon Emperor

“Let’s go and see what he’s up to,” Hong Feng said, referring naturally to Shi Hao.

“The First Generation… such a person, truly unexpected and astonishing! If he goes to the Upper World, those people there likely won’t be lonely anymore!” Bi Gu said.

When he said this, many people showed expressions of surprise. Could he really be another “First Generation”? It seemed necessary to investigate thoroughly—this young Shi was too strange, his power beyond comprehension.

“Hmm, I look forward to him entering the Upper World. That vast land brimming with talents, where the First Generation rises. Would he vanish into that crowd?” Ying Ying murmured softly, her beautiful eyes sparkling with extraordinary brilliance.

“Oh, Shuiyue, aren’t you betrothed already? Is it a similar situation?” Lan Yu asked.

“Rubbish!” Shuiyue denied immediately.

This was a region of low mountains, rolling hills, with wisps of chaotic energy dispersing. Xiao Ta had set up such a formation here, one even a sect master from the Upper World would struggle to destroy.

Shi Hao felt safe and relaxed; his parents were definitely in no danger. Still, he was slightly frustrated. This powerful formation prevented even him from entering, meaning he’d just have to wait for Xiao Ta’s return.

“Ta Ye is truly impressive! I’ve run calculations hundreds of times already yet still can’t understand the structure of this formation,” Da Shen Shi commented in amazement—an unusual moment of modesty for him.

Shi Hao calmly sat among the hills, peacefully cultivating. He was in a great mood—having found his parents and having gained much from the ancient treasure land of Tai Gu.

As it turned out, he didn’t have to wait long before Xiao Ta actually appeared, tearing straight through spatial boundaries. Cloaked in hazy chaotic energy and radiating a precious glow, he arrived.

Shi Hao was delighted and rushed forward immediately.

“What happened out there?” Xiao Ta asked solemnly, inquiring of Shi Hao. He had long since ventured deep into the chaotic sea, chasing the gate together with Liu Shen, when he sensed a strange presence.

“A major event occurred, unfortunately neither you nor Liu Shen were around. Such a great chance was wasted!” Shi Hao lamented, proceeding to recount the recent events in detail.

“Ouch! This hurts!” Xiao Ta cried in pain, tumbling from the void.

“Ta Ye, what’s wrong?” Da Shen Shi was startled.

“My world-mountain, my divine materials, my chaotic hall… they all ran off! My heart! It’s breaking!” Xiao Ta was rolling on the ground, wailing bitterly.

It was hard to imagine that this chaotic artifact was now completely lacking dignity, crying out in the most heartbreaking manner imaginable.

Shi Hao frowned, and upon seeing Xiao Ta’s pained expression, had already guessed the cause—his usual disdain evident.

“Youngster, what’s that look in your eyes? You would be the same in my place!” Xiao Ta snapped angrily.

Shi Hao blushed slightly. Wasn’t he sometimes just like this? He couldn’t help but feel sorrow at seeing enemy treasures destroyed. In a way, he and Xiao Ta really were alike.

“Ta Ye, are you going back to the chaotic sea?” Da Shen Shi asked.

“No. I’ll just wait quietly for the outcome,” Xiao Ta replied irritably. The chaotic sea was endless—if he left now, tracking that Primordial Gate again would be nearly impossible.

“Forget that already—quick, dismantle the formation,” Shi Hao urged.

Glowing radiance poured outward as Xiao Ta retrieved the magical banners, absorbed the chaotic energy, and dissolved the formation that had surrounded the hills.

“Father, Mother!” Shi Hao called, rushing forward.

“My child!” both parents exclaimed joyfully.

Within the array, the area was very safe—no fierce beasts or deadly traps. Lush greenery covered the terrain, together with a spiritual lake, its essence bubbling forth.

During these days, the couple, Shi Zi Ling and Qin Yi Ning, had been deeply anxious and frightened. They’d greatly feared an accident for Shi Hao, especially since their enemies were so powerful.

“My child, you’re safe!” The family reunited, Qin Yi Ning tightly embraced Shi Hao, while Shi Zi Ling placed a large hand on his shoulder.

Time had left few marks on them—Shi Zi Ling remained heroic, and Qin Yi Ning still beautiful. Yet years of worry had etched lines of melancholy into their brows.

They missed Shi Hao terribly; the memory of the past remained vivid, and they could not let go of this emotional burden.

“Mother, Father, I’m fine, and I’ve even gained some blessings!” Shi Hao was overjoyed, feeling a warm tenderness as the family reunited—no further words necessary.

Qin Hao stood silently nearby, clad in silver divine armor glowing faintly. Qin Yi Ning pulled him forward gently, encouraging, “Quickly, call your brother.”

There was a long silence, followed by stillness.

Shi Hao smiled, commenting, “We’ve only met a couple of times. He’s probably not used to it. It’s okay—we’ll grow closer soon.”

“You brat,” Shi Zi Ling said deeply, his sharp eyes gleaming as he looked at Qin Hao.

“Brother!” The two words slipped reluctantly from Qin Hao’s lips—it seemed to take great effort. Glancing at the tiny glowing tower nestled in Shi Hao’s hair, he fell silent again.

“A brother should never be without a gift,” Shi Hao said with a bright smile, pulling out a jade tripod and presenting it: “This is for you.”

Qin Hao did not accept it, standing motionless instead.

“Your brother is speaking to you, offering you a gift. Why won’t you take it?” Qin Yi Ning frowned slightly, already knowing his second son’s inner conflict.

“He killed Master Qin Fa,” Qin Hao said bluntly. That was the elder who had taught him to read.

“It was unavoidable. If he hadn’t killed them, how could he have rescued us?” Shi Zi Ling explained.

“I didn’t ask for his rescue! I was doing fine in Bulaoshan. But he destroyed it and killed Master Qin Fa and others!” Qin Hao retorted.

“Your brother did this for us. Take the gift,” Qin Yi Ning reasoned. She knew this wouldn’t resolve the issue quickly—her second son had developed a strong emotional connection to Master Qin Fa.

“It may be a gift, but I won’t accept a godly liquid he took from someone else!” Qin Hao declared.

“Ahh—what is this?” Shi Zi Ling sniffed a faint fragrance as he opened a white, one-foot-high cauldron, peering inside in astonishment.

Three drops of golden elixir, each as large as a dragon’s eye and like tiny suns, shone brilliantly. Their potent, sweet aroma was intoxicating.

“This is divine essence!” Qin Yi Ning gasped.

“I retrieved these three drops from the ancient Sun Tree,” Shi Hao explained, recounting his recent adventures.

The couple listened in horror, deeply anxious. Their eldest son had fought many elders alone—these three golden drops were won through sheer will and at great risk.

“I still won’t accept it!” Qin Hao declared.

“Enough!” Shi Zi Ling couldn’t help but slap him lightly: “You simply will not understand—this is your second time acting thus!”

Qin Hao stubbornly turned his head away, saying nothing.

“My child, you mustn’t act like this. Your brother has suffered outside, without us by his side. All these years he’s carved his way alone, finally reaching this stage,” Qin Yi Ning persuaded earnestly: “He came to Bulaoshan to find us. He had no choice—it was either fight or die.”

At this, her eyes reddened, tears slipping down involuntarily. These many years she’d not watched over Shi Hao, yet he had come searching for them himself, even bringing his younger brother divine elixir. Thinking of this made her heart ache painfully.

Shi Zi Ling also felt moisture in his eyes, his chest heavy with emotion. He hadn’t obtained holy medicine for his eldest son, yet the boy had brought divine elixir for his younger brother.

“At the very least, you grew up with us. He’s always been away, facing far more hardship than you. Now he’s brought you a gift, yet you reject it?” Shi Zi Ling fixed him with a stern stare.

Shi Hao hurried to stop any further argument, changing the topic, deciding not to dwell on the matter. He knew Qin Hao had resentment against him—it would take time to change that.

As an older brother, he would simply do what was right.

Shi Hao didn’t force him—he no longer insisted that Qin Hao accept the gift personally, but instead handed it over to his parents, hoping they might use it themselves.

The couple insisted they would not take it, feeling guilty toward their eldest son. How could they accept such an opportunity earned by his very lifeblood? These drops were miraculous indeed, both for cultivation and saving a life—equivalent to three extra chances at survival.

Yet this time, Shi Hao firmly insisted on giving them away.

“Fine, we will accept one,” at last the couple yielded, lest Shi Hao grow anxious. They took just one of the drops.

They then prepared to leave the ancient treasure world.

“Ah, who are those three?” the prodigies and noble ladies of the Upper World had just arrived, witnessing the scene.

Shi Hao naturally saw them too and nodded slightly.

“Are these your friends?” his mother seemed to perceive something.

“Just met them recently. They are from the Upper World,” Shi Hao replied.

Lan Yu and others approached, greeting them warmly. In the ancient Palaceof chaos, they had encountered each other—those who died were rivals, not enemies, so no great hatred existed.

At the same time, these people admired Shi Hao greatly, hoping to recruit him into their sect, so they acted especially friendly.

When they finally exited the ancient treasure world, everyone encountered people from Xuan Domain. With the sudden appearance of such an ancient world, a massive sensation spread—many people rushed in, seeking opportunities.

However, when Shi Hao appeared, people from the Xuan Domain, upon seeing him, were even more shocked than by the discovery of the ancient treasure world. Many gazed at him like they were seeing a ghost, panic-stricken, exuding fear.

“Shi… Hao!”

“The Devil Emperor!”

Some people’s voices trembled in fear, shuddering involuntarily.

“Why are you all so afraid of him?” Xuan Ming, Shuiyue, and others looked puzzled. Was Xiao Shi really like a demon king in the Lower World, where wherever he went, even the strongest heroes fled in terror?

Curious and wanting to understand, Lan Yu and the others secretly went to investigate.

“He is the Devil Emperor… no, I must have made a mistake—he is actually Shi Guo’s Human Emperor, the youngest sovereign,” someone stuttered in fear, speaking incoherently.

“What happened?” Shi Hao asked. He had disappeared for only a few days, so why had he seemingly gained the title of “Devil Emperor”?

Even more intrigued, Lan Yu, Hong Feng, Shuiyue, and others asked more questions. Eventually, they were stunned speechless.

“He is the Human Emperor! Now many call him the Devil Emperor… he single-handedly attacked Bulaoshan and destroyed it!?” Hong Feng shrieked in disbelief, as though someone had stepped on her tail.

“Impossible!” Bi Gu shouted as well. He knew well that the Bulaoshan Heaven Lord’s treasure seal was anchored in the Lower Realm—how could anyone shake it? That was a chaotic artifact!

There was no doubt; it was absolutely true, the people being questioned thought to themselves while growing extremely nervous and confused. Did these people walking with Xiao Shi really not know what he had done?

Stunned, Lan Yu, Bi Gu, Shuiyue, Ying Ying, and others were completely speechless. They already knew Shi Hao was a “First Generation,” yet none imagined his power could be this extreme.

They felt dizzy, recalling their own experiences in the ancient Palaceof Chaos. Cold sweat covered them as they silently thanked the heavens, having not acted like Zhao Qi and Zhuo Yun, opposing the young hero. This boy was simply too mighty, having actually overturned the Bulaoshan Heaven Lord’s realm, earning him the title of Devil Emperor—an incredible, shocking feat.

After repeated confirmation and multiple sources, Hong Feng, Shuiyue, Xuan Ming, and others accepted reality—it was indeed all true!

“This… this is too surreal!” Xuan Ming murmured, recalling how he had once looked down on Xiao Shi, even trying to entice him to become a battle servant for a journey to the Upper World. Now… he could only use that one phrase to describe his feelings.

“Incredible!” The group from the Upper Realm exchanged strange glances—it was a complete shock.

Half a month later, Shi Hao returned to the DesolateDomain, back to the Stone Capital Imperial Palace. It would’ve been faster, had Xiao Ta not been lazy.

“My child has become the Stone Emperor?” Shi Zi Ling stood before the central palace, overwhelmed by memories, recalling so much as he returned once again to Stone City.

“Your Majesty, that MagicGirl is here again, waiting for you for days,” Peng Jiu greeted promptly.

Shi Hao saw the MagicGirl again. She remained as mischievous as ever, possessing a peerless beauty, a flawless figure, with a lively and cunning charm that made her difficult to predict.

“Devil Emperor Your Majesty, I bring you good news—your Moon Chan is doomed, hehe!”