Chapter 400: The Overwhelming Tyrant

Who is this youth, and what is his background? He stunned many on the spot—it was downright outrageous. A mere bird on his shoulder sent a powerhouse from the Fire Ox Clan flying with a single slap.

“Moo—” A long, mournful bellow echoed as the expert, who had been slapped out of the palace gates onto the jade steps, revealed his true form—a massive crimson ox, its body blazing like blood, flames flickering across its hide as it charged back into the hall. Its enormous horns, crimson and translucent, razor-sharp, aimed straight for Shi Hao. Though it was the wretched bird that had struck it, the ox blamed Shi Hao, believing him to be the true mastermind.

“This ox is truly thick-headed, bawling and charging at me like this. Trying to give me a change of taste? My mouth’s been so bland lately, I might as well feast on some fatty beef to replenish my strength,” the Scarlet Bird squawked.

With a *whoosh*, it shot forward, its pitch-black body diving like a dark sun, its talons rapidly expanding—another minor divine ability it had learned from the Bald Monk.

*Clang!*

Sparks flew as the Scarlet Bird’s claw struck the ox’s horn, the impact ringing like metal. A cluster of runes flared at the point of contact, while its other claw, shimmering with five-colored divine light, aimed straight for the ox’s skull.

Brilliant symbols erupted, the talons nearly piercing the ox’s skull. The Fire Ox trembled in terror, immediately dropping to the ground. This bird was terrifying! Despite sensing that its opponent’s divine power wasn’t overwhelmingly deep, the ox couldn’t evade—whether it was the wings or the claws, every strike carried an eerie precision, landing unerringly on its body.

“Phoenix Talon!”

From afar, a young powerhouse of the Winged Tribe, infused with imperial blood, narrowed his eyes, his aura surging as he fixed his gaze on the Scarlet Bird with a strange intensity.

“What? That’s the Phoenix’s divine ability—Phoenix Talon?” someone nearby gasped.

Many were astonished. Any technique related to true dragons or divine phoenixes, no matter how fragmented, was bound to be extraordinary, possessing terrifying power. Even the most incomplete remnants of the Ten Calamities’ divine arts from the ancient era could elevate an entire sect to prominence.

The Phoenix Talon was undoubtedly one such lost treasure, a divine technique passed down from the divine phoenix, though it had vanished since antiquity, leaving no known successors.

“It’s extremely fragmented, barely a minor divine ability, but there are a few profound variations within it worth studying,” another murmured.

“Listen here, little calf. Remember this—behave yourself, stay in line, or I’ll eat you,” the Scarlet Bird declared before releasing the creature and fluttering back to Shi Hao’s shoulder.

The crowd was speechless. This bird was audacious beyond measure—its arrogance was unmatched.

Shi Hao said nothing, continuing his stride toward Princess Qianqian, unfazed by the earlier scuffle. The foreign powerhouses in the hall watched with growing alarm, realizing this youth was no ordinary figure. If his bird was this formidable, its master must be even more extraordinary.

“Hold it!” A cultivator from the Black Cloud Clan stepped forward, blocking their path. “Is that truly the Phoenix Talon?”

“Do I owe you an explanation?” the Scarlet Bird retorted, slanting its eyes at him.

Many watched silently. Even a fragmented Phoenix Talon contained invaluable runic transformations—if extracted, its worth would be immense.

The Black Cloud Clan expert’s face darkened. He had intended to address Shi Hao directly—after all, the Scarlet Bird was merely a pet. Speaking to it would demean his status.

“Friend, you’re being disrespectful. I’m speaking to *you*,” the Black Cloud Clan cultivator growled, his gaze hostile as he stared at Shi Hao.

Shi Hao ignored him entirely. Earlier, he had overheard members of the Black Cloud Clan attempting to locate him through Huo Ling’er, claiming their clan wished to summon him. Such arrogance was intolerable.

“Daring to ignore me? Looks like you need a good slap too,” the Scarlet Bird hissed, its eyes gleaming with malice. It was no saint—in fact, it was far from a virtuous creature.

“Friend, the Phoenix Talon is deeply connected to my clan. It was once a divine ability mastered by our ancestors. I must ask—how did your bird obtain it?” The Black Cloud Clan cultivator pressed forward.

“How shameless! A soot-covered wretch like you dares claim this divine art belongs to your clan? Trying to steal it with such a flimsy excuse?” the Scarlet Bird mocked.

The Black Cloud Clan expert snorted. Seeing Shi Hao still ignoring him, he unleashed a divine technique—a billowing cloud of smoke descended.

The Scarlet Bird’s eyes flashed with crimson light as it swiftly beat its wings, attempting to disperse the black mist. Yet the smoke clung stubbornly, surging forward.

“You think a scrap of the Phoenix’s divine art makes you invincible? Pathetic!” the Black Cloud Clan expert sneered as the dark fog thickened, aiming to envelop not just the Scarlet Bird but also suppress Shi Hao.

Suddenly, flames erupted—not just Vermilion Bird fire, but another hue of divine light, also taught by the Bald Monk. The Scarlet Bird spat it out, instantly igniting the black mist with a sizzling hiss.

“Ah—!” The Black Cloud Clan expert staggered back, half his body ablaze.

*Whack!*

The Scarlet Bird’s wing lashed out, delivering another resounding slap that sent him flying onto the jade steps outside the hall.

“Friend, you’re far too arrogant. Using a vicious bird to attack others—do you scorn us all?” Several Black Cloud Clan experts rose, advancing menacingly.

The crowd tensed. This clan was notoriously ruthless, having produced legendary figures. Eons ago, one of their ancestors had battled the Western Heaven Sect’s leader, wielding a fragment of the Phoenix’s divine art with world-shaking might.

*Boom!*

The Scarlet Bird’s body erupted with light, its inky feathers radiating blinding crimson radiance, like a blazing sun capable of incinerating the heavens.

Even Shi Hao was startled. The Bald Monk’s origins must be extraordinary—the minor divine abilities he had imparted to the Scarlet Bird were anything but ordinary.

The Black Cloud Clan members recoiled, faces pale. This was humiliation—from start to finish, the youth hadn’t uttered a word, yet his bird alone had repelled them.

“Don’t test me. Push your luck, and I’ll slaughter you all,” the Scarlet Bird warned.

By then, Shi Hao had already reached Princess Qianqian, greeting her with a cultivator’s courtesy. The Xuan Region natives had initially regarded him with hostility, but after witnessing the “crow’s” might, they hesitated, not daring to act.

Yet discomfort lingered. Princess Qianqian was one of Xuan Region’s Ten Great Beauties, renowned among the younger generation. For a youth from the Desolate Region to approach their jewel so boldly felt like a provocation to her self-proclaimed protectors.

“Might I ask your name, brother?” Princess Qianqian inquired, her jade-like face adorned with a gentle smile, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“I know! He’s—the Bird Lord from the Void God Realm, close friends with Little Stone!” someone suddenly exclaimed, as if struck by realization.

“What? That shameless duo?” another gasped before shaking his head. “But the Bird Lord and the Essence Stone Elder couldn’t possibly be this young.”

“It’s definitely him. Even the bird on his shoulder is the same. As for age, the Void God Realm can mask such things,” someone speculated.

Shi Hao neither confirmed nor denied, his lips curving into a faint smile.

“I’ve long heard of the princess’s peerless beauty, a celestial moon gracing Xuan Region. Seeing you today, the rumors pale in comparison to reality,” Shi Hao flattered.

Sweet words pleased anyone, especially a beautiful woman. Yet Princess Qianqian merely smiled faintly. “You flatter me, brother. I dare not claim such praise.”

“I’ve always admired Xuan Region, with its ancient mountains and temples, where immortals walk among mortals. I’ve longed to make a pilgrimage…” Shi Hao steered the conversation, probing for information about Xuan Region’s major factions.

Princess Qianqian, unsure of his intentions, remained courteous. “Xuan Region is indeed a divine land, having birthed countless legends. The Western Heaven Sect’s roots lie there, alongside remnants of the Ten Calamities and the Everlasting Mountain. Should you seek trials, countless divine relics await.”

Their exchange was amicable, laughter flowing freely.

Then—*boom!*—the palace doors burst open. Several young cultivators strode in, their leader exuding an imposing aura, his violet hair cascading over his shoulders, his eyes gleaming with cold lightning.

His powerful frame pulsed with explosive energy, wild and untamed. “Who are *you* to sit beside the princess? Scram!”

The crowd gasped. Such audacity!

Even Shi Hao’s eyes turned icy. Since his debut, no one had dared speak to him like this—this man’s arrogance knew no bounds.

The Scarlet Bird gaped. *Threatening the Bear Child?* In the past, those who dared act so recklessly ended up as meals—let alone someone this brazen.

Only the Xuan Region natives understood the gravity. This man’s background was terrifying—even Princess Qianqian’s infamous “Madman” cousin tread carefully around his faction.

Rumors claimed he was a descendant of a high-ranking figure from the Everlasting Mountain, a sect rivaling the Western Heaven Sect in prestige. Its members rarely ventured into the world, yet their influence loomed over countless sects across regions.

This young man had long pursued Princess Qianqian. Seeing a youth chatting amiably with her, he discarded all pretense, demanding Shi Hao leave.

“Are you deaf?!” one of his lackeys barked.

“You’re done for,” the Scarlet Bird declared.

Shi Hao’s eyes flashed. A violent aura erupted from him—in an instant, the group staggered back, blood spurting from their mouths. Only their leader remained standing.

The crowd was stunned. The crow’s master was indeed formidable!

“You’re finished!” the violet-haired youth roared.

Shi Hao snorted, extending a palm shimmering with runes. With a thunderous crash, he seized the youth and delivered a series of brutal slaps.

The Xuan Region cultivators paled. This youth had just provoked a calamity—striking that man’s face risked dragging the entire hall into disaster.

The Everlasting Mountain was notoriously protective of its own. Though few in number, each was a peerless expert. This youth’s arrogance stemmed from the fact that none dared oppose him.

“You—!” the youth snarled.

Shi Hao pressed a finger to his brow, delving into his memories. In moments, realization dawned—he understood the source of this arrogance.

“So, you’re from the Everlasting Mountain—a small but ancient sect rivaling the Heaven Mending Sect and Western Heaven Sect,” Shi Hao mused coldly.

Then, his heart jolted. He uncovered crucial news—his grandfather, the Great Demonic God, had entered Xuan Region and ultimately ventured into the Everlasting Mountain.

*What?!*

Shi Hao’s mind reeled. The Everlasting Mountain might be tied to his mother. Delving deeper, his expression darkened—this arrogant youth might even share distant blood ties with him.

This was an unexpected windfall. His earlier probing of Princess Qianqian had been to uncover clues about his parents. Now, this brash youth had delivered vital leads.

“You dare attack me—” the youth seethed, eyes blazing with fury.

“What are *you*? I’m teaching you manners on behalf of your parents!” Shi Hao retorted, dragging him closer and delivering another round of deafening slaps.

The crowd was dumbstruck. Had this youth gone mad, provoking the Everlasting Mountain’s wrath?!