A divine decree, as if a celestial deity descending from the heavens, swept across the vast desolate realm, radiating ten thousand golden rays. Upon it were countless characters, each brimming with profound and intricate truths of the Dao. Eventually, it descended upon the imperial capital of the Fire Kingdom like burning golden flames, its glowing symbols flickering as though sealing off heaven and earth.
The decree from Immortal Mountain had pierced through spatial barriers and entered the Desolate Realm! This happened many days ago, but news of it has spread widely, gradually rippling out to cause quite a stir across lands far and wide. The Immortal Mountain is indeed formidable—just one decree capable of traversing domain walls and arriving in another world so suddenly was enough to shake hearts profoundly; their foundation is deep beyond estimation.
“Have you heard? The Immortal Mountain has issued a decree summoning Shi Hao!”
“That’s right. He’s in big trouble now. That sect is an undying lineage. Who dares harm one of its ancient disciples without consequence?”
As cultivators travel, rumors spread to every city, sparking endless discussions. Many had vaguely heard whispers that the Immortal Mountain had sent down a decree due to Xiao Shi, piercing into the Desolate Realm demanding his audience—it was likely meant for execution. Thus, all sorts of speculations arose.
Yao Capital lay millions of li away, separated by endless mountains from the Fire Kingdom’s capital. Yet even there, uncertain murmurs about this event began reaching people’s ears.
Shi Hao felt both joy and concern. Joy because this miraculous insect displayed extraordinary power so early after birth—soon it would be able to fight alongside him. Concern, however, stemmed from how insatiably hungry the creature was. He had begged Yunxi for quite some time, asking her help in determining which ancient sacred mountain might suit raising the imperial butterfly larva. However, the purple-robed girl refused instantly without hesitation.
“One can never be too cautious,” she reasoned. “This creature is peculiar—if it secretly devoured all the spirit herbs unnoticed, even our Heaven God Mountain would suffer.”
“What do you mean? Can’t you at least point me in some direction? If not, I’ll just go directly to Heaven God Mountain!” Shi Hao threatened.
“If you dare, then proceed,” Yunxi replied smugly. She actually hoped he would, giving her the perfect excuse to capture and detain him.
“In that case, maybe I should just carry you off first,” Shi Hao retorted.
Yunxi flushed red with anger. Truth be told, she really couldn’t defeat the mischievous boy anymore—he used to only wrestle and roll around on the ground with her when they fought years ago, but now he could easily overpower her outright.
“Don’t quarrel amongst yourselves—something huge has happened!” cried the giant crimson bird interrupting them.
It had just returned from wandering around and overheard some rumors: the Immortal Mountain had indeed issued a decree summoning Xiao Shi. Some claimed they aimed to capture and kill him instead.
Shi Hao paused, somewhat taken aback. That colossal faction truly paid attention to him, moving so swiftly again.
“I’ll ignore it for now,” he shook his head dismissively. With all these rumors flying about, who knew what was true?
Several days later, more credible reports arrived confirming that the Immortal Mountain genuinely issued a summons for Shi Hao to appear before them—no further details given, leaving his fate uncertain.
Shi Hao grew annoyed. What exactly did the Immortal Mountain think they were? Did they truly believe themselves rulers of the mortal world, able to summon anyone at will? High and mighty? Forget it!
After several more days, new rumors surfaced: an older man holding the golden decree had stationed himself within the Fire Kingdom’s capital, issuing commands ordering someone to tell Xiao Shi to appear immediately.
Anger flared in Shi Hao. He half-wished to confront this arrogant envoy personally and give them a good thrashing—as long as no expert Sage intervened, he feared nothing.
“Big Red, I brought you along to learn skills. Since we’ve got free time now, why don’t you head straight to the ancestral grounds of the Fire Clan?” Shi Hao suggested.
Big Red showed interest yet hesitated slightly, replying, “But doesn’t it seem nice outside right now? Why rush into learning arts immediately? Maybe later?”
“Do it sooner rather than later!” Shi Hao retrieved a stone box containing a crimson feather sealed inside—it belonged to Little Red.
He sought Fire Ling’er’s assistance in delivering Big Red to those ancestral grounds under pretense of fulfilling a promise between the Fire Clan’s guardian spirit and itself—an apprenticeship offer.
“But I didn’t know about this agreement beforehand…” Fire Ling’er questioned curiously.
“Actually,” Shi Hao explained smoothly, “Little Red was eyeing a certain sacred treasure but couldn’t locate it lately. I worried he’d come looking for trouble otherwise, so sending Big Red ahead makes sense as an explanation.”
Ling’er pondered briefly before understanding dawned with amusement: “So Big Red definitely knows nothing about this—he’s just being randomly pawned off here—isn’t he essentially becoming a hostage?”
“Nonsense!” Shi Hao protested. “The guardian spirit can probe Big Red’s mind to confirm I truly haven’t obtained said treasure. Besides, Big Red genuinely wishes to apprentice under him. Isn’t this mutually beneficial?”
Fire Ling’er chuckled playfully. Given their bond, aiding such schemes came naturally. Knowing full well the temper of the guardian spirit—who might whisk Shi Hao away entirely if persistently ignored regarding the missing relic—it seemed prudent indeed to send an emissary forthwith.
Fortunately, thanks to her possession of Void Beast Hide enabling swift traversal across realms, Big Red departed toward Fire Clan ancestral lands filled with hopeful expectations—only to encounter the fleeing guardian spirit awaiting him there.
But before Ling’er even left…
She already heard Big Red’s pained cries echoing loudly—getting soundly beaten up!
“You dare call yourself ‘Big Red’!” roared the furious guardian spirit transformed into a tiny avian tempest. Remembering how that naughty child once nicknamed *him* ‘Little Red,’ having someone foolish enough to self-proclaim ‘Big Red’ appeared almost insulting—like trying to claim superiority or disrespect!
“Master, please stop beating me! How about calling myself ‘Tiny-Tiny-Tiny Red’ instead? Anything you say!” Big Red wailed tearfully.
“Who said YOU could call ME Master? Where is the sacred treasure?!” the enraged little bird demanded furiously.
“What sacred treasure?” Big Red asked bewildered.
In response, lightning bolts rained down mercilessly, nearly turning him into charred meat. He finally understood everything and screamed bitterly:
“That damned brat tricked me!”
Back home after witnessing the chaos…
“You’re absolutely heartless! You have no idea how terrible Big Red suffered—he was nearly roasted alive!” Ling’er scolded Shi Hao angrily.
Shi Hao simply chuckled awkwardly, replying, “You underestimate his resilience—I believe he’ll manage to turn things around and successfully become the guardian spirit’s disciple.”
Turning next towards Nine-Headed Lion and Fire Crow…
“My brothers, it’s time you returned home. Danger looms over the Desolate Realm soon; roaming freely outside will become perilous.”
“On the contrary, Shi Brother—you’re keeping secrets,” Fire Crow mused thoughtfully. “You must have plans of your own. First, you dispatched Big Red… Now urging us onward suggests you fear putting us in danger.”
Fire Ling’er and others widened their eyes comprehendingly—they suspected Shi Hao intended confrontation against the Immortal Mountain alone, hoping to protect them from getting entangled.
“Shi Hao, appear promptly or face dire consequences!” Days passed with Xiao Shi ignoring repeated demands until finally the envoy brandishing the golden decree from the Immortal Mountain exploded in fury, threatening retribution. This declaration stirred uproar—was this open hostility?
Previously circulated rumors hinted otherwise—that the Immortal Mountain initially wished reconciliation, even intending peaceful persuasion inviting Xiao Shi back into their fold.
“Some speculate,” speculated observers, “that Xiao Shi resents forced summons, refusing compliance, thereby provoking wrathful retaliation from decree-holding masters.”
Indeed, Shi Hao seethed inwardly. Even if familial ties existed—even if kinship bound them—ordering his appearance like obedient puppets grated heavily against his pride. Did they assume themselves deities above mortals?
“I am in Yao Capital—come visit ME,” Shi Hao defiantly proclaimed eventually, countering arrogance with equal boldness.
Stunned reactions rippled outward—the prodigal youth resurfaced challenging authority openly, daring the Immortal Mountain representatives to journey TO HIM. Such audacity impressed many!
Furious at being ignored for so long, the envoy guarding the decree burned with rage. Though suspicions arose about possible blood relations between Xiao Shi and the Immortal Mountain, none justified disobedience.
No envoys arrived at Yao Capital; instead, prominent locals took initiative visiting Shi Hao’s residence, creating massive waves.
That Xiao Shi remained hidden within Yao Capital shocked everyone—a stunning revelation attracting swarms eager to meet him. Regardless of past conflicts, Xiao Shi’s reputation spanned the Desolate Realm; future ascension likely marked him as invincible sovereign—one no one dared slight.
Arriving dignitaries flocked seeking favor. When high-ranking figures met Shi Hao, unease prickled them recalling near-conflict within the third barrier array of Divine Valley, where greed drove them toward coveted bronze fragments.
They wiped sweat nervously, relieved they hadn’t engaged him back then—otherwise likely slaughtered.
Smiling amiably, Shi Hao accepted gifts from these leaders post-identification—precisely the medicinal herbs he required—to compensate earlier tensions.
“At last, the divine insect has food—enough sustenance for days,” Shi Hao mused happily. Fortunately, feeding intervals stretched widely; daily consumption wasn’t necessary—else he’d consider devouring the creature himself!
Days slipped by without Immortal Mountain envoys appearing. Instead, Shi Hao received word: a letter from beyond realms reached Wu Wang Mansion in Stone Kingdom capital, subsequently transferred to Tianhou Mansion—or perhaps renamed Tianwang Mansion since Stone Emperor decreed changes.
Leaping upright, Shi Hao declared decisively: “Time to head to Stone Kingdom capital!”
Fire Ling’er, Nine-Headed Lion, Fire Crow hadn’t departed yet, startled by his sudden resolve urging caution.
Shi Hao shook his head calmly. Whether authentic or fake, he needed verification firsthand—his parents and grandfather ventured beyond realms. Fear held no place here.
“So what if the Immortal Mountain sends agents to Stone Kingdom capital? I won’t retreat!” Shi Hao sneered.
Secretly contacting Xiao Ta via mental transmission…
“The Rain Deity’s decree tasted good, didn’t it? Next, let’s try consuming the Immortal Mountain’s decree.”
“The last decree shattered—hope this time it’s complete and infused with divine power!” Xiao Ta eagerly anticipated feasting upon lingering spiritual imprints.
Laughing aloud, Shi Hao replied confidently: “Then let’s march straight into Stone Kingdom capital and see what they dare do! What can the Immortal Mountain do anyway?”
Unfazed, he welcomed confrontation—should genuine kinship exist rooted in sincerity, he reciprocated respectfully. But if arrogance and threats awaited, he wouldn’t hesitate engaging battle!
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