Shi Zi Teng appeared in person, arriving at the scene. However, Shi Hao decisively rejected his demands, causing the atmosphere to instantly freeze, thick with tension.
“Truly, each generation brings forth its own talents,” Shi Zi Teng remarked, his voice devoid of emotion, remaining eerily calm. His demeanor was ethereal, almost transcendent, with flowing black hair and skin as pale and luminous as jade. His striking handsomeness bordered on the supernatural, making him seem less like a human and more like an otherworldly being—an impression that was hard to forget.
Shi Hao met his gaze with equal composure. If he could capture Shi Zi Teng, he suspected the true ancient demon spider would reveal itself. But Shi Zi Teng was no ordinary man. From their brief exchange, Shi Hao could already tell he was a powerhouse at the Marquis level—a formidable opponent. Only by unleashing the full potential of his Indestructible Golden Body could he stand a chance, though it might damage the black figure within him. Otherwise, he stood no chance against this man.
Yet Shi Hao feared nothing. He was even prepared to use the little pagoda for a “grand move”—if his enemies came for him, he would crush them all without mercy. But if pushed to the brink, he wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate even a single foe.
“Young man, do you not know that the hardest steel shatters first?” A middle-aged man stepped forward from behind Shi Zi Teng, his expression dark, his words deliberate yet laced with threat. “In this world of right and wrong, one must know when to yield, to leave some room for retreat. Otherwise, even the heavens will turn against you. Too many prodigies have met early ends.”
“Many middle-aged men have fallen as well,” Shi Hao retorted without fear, meeting the challenge head-on.
“Will you release our people or not?” a young man snapped. These were the elite warriors of the Martial Prince’s Mansion—either Shi Zi Teng’s cousins or nephews—naturally standing by his side, here to intimidate.
“I have no people to release, only a spider. And no, I won’t let it go.” Shi Hao held up a small bowl, wisps of auspicious mist swirling around its rim, encasing the emerald-green spider within.
“I truly don’t understand. How could the prestigious Martial Prince’s Mansion stoop so low as to worship a giant spider, willingly serving it, groveling like slaves? Have you no pride left? Have you forgotten the royal blood in your veins—that you share the same surname as the Human Emperor? Don’t disgrace yourselves further.”
These were piercing words, striking at their very hearts by exposing their subservience to the Demon Spirit Lake lineage. The group’s expressions darkened, their eyes icy.
“Young man, you are exceptional. I’m curious—which sect do you hail from? Speak, and perhaps we share deep ties,” Shi Zi Teng finally interjected, stopping his enraged companions. His faint smile never wavered, his serenity a rare trait that outshone the others, earning the admiration of onlookers.
“I come from—the Supreme Hall,” Shi Hao declared, revealing his supposed origins.
The crowd stirred at the name, its grandeur undeniable—yet none had heard of it. Even the pure-blooded creatures present were skeptical. Did such a place truly exist?
Shi Zi Teng chuckled. “A domineering name, but forgive my ignorance—I’ve never heard of it.”
“I have.” The Heavenly Fox Maiden glided forward, her figure enchanting, her beauty captivating all. Her snow-white skin and lively eyes made hearts flutter.
“The Supreme Hall produces only one disciple per generation. Each who emerges is a supreme being. They do not belong to this domain,” the Enchantress explained.
Gasps filled the air as the crowd regarded Shi Hao with newfound awe. Could he truly have such an extraordinary background? No wonder he was so unyielding. Initially overlooked, he now stood revealed—a superhuman talent from beyond this realm, alongside the two peerless maidens.
Shi Hao was speechless. Was the Enchantress helping him? The fabricated “Supreme Hall” was certainly intimidating.
But then, to his surprise, the Lunar Grace Maiden also approached, gazing at him intently. “I, too, have heard of the Supreme Hall—an ancient and supreme sanctuary.”
Even the skeptics were stunned. Could it be real? After all, the Lunar Grace Maiden and the Enchantress were sworn enemies—they would never collaborate. If both acknowledged its existence, it must be true.
Shi Zi Teng remained unshaken, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. “Indeed, a remarkable lineage.”
“In the ancient war, the last disciple of the Supreme Hall fell battling gods and demons. Since then, no supreme being has emerged, lost to the ages—a tragedy,” the Lunar Grace Maiden sighed.
The revelation sent ripples through the crowd. Had this ancient legacy been severed? Was this youth a descendant, reviving its glory—or an imposter?
Shi Hao was surprised. Did such a place truly exist? The Lunar Grace Maiden wouldn’t lie. If it did, what a coincidence.
Shi Zi Teng smiled. “Remarkable. Regardless, you are a prodigy of your generation, unmatched in skill.”
Shi Hao was taken aback. Despite everything, Shi Zi Teng remained unshaken, his demeanor unruffled, exuding an air of transcendence.
Just as the crowd marveled, Shi Zi Teng’s expression turned solemn. “If your sect’s disciples were captured, would you not rescue them? Even if you hail from the Supreme Hall, with your illustrious status, I fear nothing. I will act to save my nephew.”
He stepped forward resolutely, his words calm yet carrying an unspoken threat.
Shi Hao sneered. His uncle was cunning—not only deflecting the shame of the Martial Prince’s Mansion’s reliance on Demon Spirit Lake but also avoiding accusations of bullying the young. He framed himself as the reluctant defender, seemingly the underdog against the mighty Supreme Hall.
With a few words, Shi Zi Teng had shifted perceptions, positioning himself as a fearless challenger to a terrifying legacy.
In truth, Shi Hao doubted his uncle believed a word of it. This was merely an excuse to act, to assert dominance.
“Old man, why bother with such schemes? If you want to fight, just come at me,” Shi Hao taunted silently.
Some words were better left unsaid—direct provocation was more satisfying.
Shi Zi Teng, with his jade-like skin and thick black hair, appeared no older than twenty-seven or twenty-eight. Being called an “old man” didn’t faze him. He chuckled inwardly. “You overthink. But even if you are a young supreme, so is my Yi’er. A prodigy should remain humble—arrogance leads to early demise.”
He advanced, pressing forward.
“Actually, I came to the capital to fight your Yi’er,” Shi Hao declared aloud this time. “Are you worried? Trying to eliminate me beforehand?”
The crowd erupted.
Who didn’t know Shi Yi? A legendary genius of the Stone Country, born with double-pupiled eyes, a figure of mythic stature. That this youth had come specifically for him was shocking, sparking endless speculation.
“Could it be… him?” Some in the shadows grew wary, scrutinizing Shi Hao intently.
“If that is your wish, I welcome it. Yi’er could use a worthy opponent to temper himself,” Shi Zi Teng replied, his tone unchanged. “Today, release my nephew, and I will spare you, granting you the chance to face Yi’er.”
Though his words were measured, an icy pressure emanated from him, forcing Shi Hao to submit—to surrender the spider or face death.
If Shi Hao yielded, it would be a blow to his pride as a young supreme. Shi Zi Teng’s seemingly benign advice was, in truth, a ruthless strike at his confidence.
“If you want a fight, you’ll get one. Come at me, and then I’ll face your Yi’er,” Shi Hao declared, his gaze unwavering as he pointed at Shi Zi Teng.
The crowd was stunned. Shi Zi Teng was a known terror, trained in Demon Spirit Lake, his strength unfathomable—even daring to challenge the Great Demonic God. Though Shi Hao was a prodigy, he was still young. Was this arrogance or confidence?
For the first time, Shi Zi Teng’s smile faded, his eyelids twitching. The audacity of this youth, pointing at him so brazenly, ignited a fury within him. Did this boy truly believe he could stand against him?
A cautious man by nature, Shi Zi Teng suppressed his anger, studying Shi Hao coldly.
His cousins and nephews, however, lacked his restraint. They erupted in rage, two middle-aged men stepping forward menacingly.
“You seek death!” one snarled, his face dark.
“Come and die, then,” Shi Hao shot back, his tone even fiercer, leaving the Sixteenth Princess and the Thunder Clan’s young mistress wide-eyed at his boldness.
“No one can save you now!” the man retorted, advancing.
The Heavenly Fox Maiden giggled, her voice melodious. “What if the Interception Sect intervenes?”
Her words sent shockwaves through the crowd. The Martial Prince’s Mansion’s members stiffened—they knew the Enchantress’s terrifying origins, hailing from a supreme sect beyond this realm.
The name “Interception Sect” was new to many, stirring awe and fear.
Shi Hao sighed inwardly. The Enchantress meant well, but he didn’t need her protection—he wanted chaos, hoping to draw out the ancient demon spider.
He understood her intent: this was an open recruitment. By opposing the Martial Prince’s Mansion and Demon Spirit Lake, she was showing the Interception Sect’s might, forcing him into her debt.
The Martial Prince’s Mansion was one thing, but Demon Spirit Lake was a domain rivaling the Divine Mountains, possibly housing demonic gods. To challenge them was no small gesture.
This fight likely wouldn’t happen now. Shi Zi Teng was no fool—he wouldn’t be provoked into a reckless battle. Even the Human Emperor treated the Enchantress with respect, proof of her sect’s terrifying influence.
But how would Shi Zi Teng retreat without losing face?
At that moment, the Lunar Grace Maiden approached, her beauty transcendent, untouched by worldly dust, her white robes pristine, forever out of reach.
“Senior, when will your son return? Will he grace the capital for the Human Emperor’s birthday?” she inquired, drawing everyone’s attention.
Her question sent ripples through the crowd. Shi Yi—who didn’t know of him? His potential was the stuff of legends.
While the Enchantress’s Interception Sect had chosen to shield the mysterious youth, was the Lunar Grace Maiden aligning with the double-pupiled Shi Yi? Was this another clash of titans? What was the name of her supreme sect?
Silence fell, the tension thickening as all eyes remained fixed on the unfolding drama.
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