Chapter 248: The Holy War

The sun rose from the sea, casting golden rays that turned the azure waters into a shimmering expanse of pale gold, waves undulating in a dazzling display. “Let’s go, off to the Holy War!” The two companions packed up and set off across the sea toward the horizon. The youth was strikingly handsome, like an immortal descended to the mortal realm. The maiden’s sleeves fluttered in the wind, dancing with the morning glow, enveloped in golden radiance, exuding an ethereal and sacred aura. They looked like a pair of celestial beings, walking upon the waves under the rosy dawn, a scene of indescribable serenity and beauty.

Yet, their conversation was anything but harmonious—brimming with violent intent, discussing banditry as naturally as breathing.

“Let’s deal with the Sea God’s descendant first. That trident in his hand looks promising—probably a sealed ancient artifact.”

“That thing won’t be easy to snatch. Maybe we should consider something else. The Firefin Fish Clan has divine flame essence in their bodies, invaluable for forging sacred weapons. That’s worth looting.”

They swam through the azure sea, approaching the Kun Peng’s Nest, where most of the powerful had gathered. Along the way, their eyes darted around, searching for easy prey.

Near the island reef stood an altar, rising from the sea. A young man stood proudly atop it, gripping a golden war halberd, motionless, his gaze fixed on the Kun Peng’s Nest.

“Huh, he’s gotten stronger. The Sea God can rest easy knowing he has such a descendant,” the maiden murmured.

At some point, the sea creatures had erected a grand altar, towering above the water, facing the Kun Peng’s island with an imposing presence. Bathed in the morning light, the altar pulsed with energy, like a slumbering behemoth.

This was the Sea God’s symbol—a divine altar built to empower the youth, allowing him to enter deep meditation and comprehend the Kun Peng’s techniques.

Clearly, Shi Hao wasn’t the only one who had uncovered this secret. Others had also noticed the divine runes emerging from the nest.

“So that’s how it is,” the maiden mused, resting her chin on her hand, her large eyes flickering with thought after hearing Shi Hao’s explanation.

“Forget stealing his golden halberd. I want the Kun Peng technique he’s obtained,” she suddenly declared.

Shi Hao was stunned. “That’s his personal insight, imprinted in his mind. How could you possibly take it?”

“I have an ancient method to glimpse his thoughts in an instant. Of course, it’s difficult to execute, and the opportunity is fleeting—but we can try.”

Shi Hao shuddered, backing away. *This girl is terrifying!* If she turned that ability on him, he’d be in trouble.

“Don’t worry. This technique is troublesome to use. Knocking him unconscious first would make it easier. Relax, I won’t use it on you—for now.” She smiled brilliantly, her hair gleaming gold in the morning light, her beauty breathtaking.

Still, Shi Hao kept his distance. *She’s dangerous. If she hits me, I’ll have no secrets left.*

Knocking out the Sea God’s descendant was no easy task. The sea creatures guarded him fiercely, and he himself was monstrously strong—unrivaled in the Spirit Transformation Realm.

“Wait… that little stone in your hair looks familiar. Could it be… the Divine Smiting Stone?” The maiden’s eyes sparkled as she stared at the faintly glowing pebble.

“Nope, you’re mistaken,” the stone piped up before Shi Hao could respond, darting behind his head.

“It *is* that treasure! With this, we can pummel that guy senseless!” she cheered.

“How did you recognize it?” Shi Hao asked. Even ancient sages revered this stone—rare beyond measure, capable of forging sacred weapons.

“My… family has one, refined into a supreme treasure. I’ve handled it before. Yours is still unpolished, but the aura is unmistakable. Oh, I *really* want to steal it now.” Her eyes gleamed with greed, her celestial beauty clashing with her covetousness.

“You’re mistaken! Stay away! I’ll never be polished—I’m perfect as I am!” the Divine Smiting Stone protested.

Shi Hao was wary too. If he lent it to her, he might never get it back.

“I’ll teach you an incantation to control the stone, boosting its power. It won’t match a true treasure, but it’ll be enough to disorient that sea brat.” She whispered the chant to Shi Hao.

“Nooo!” The stone wailed, trying to flee, but the incantation subdued it instantly.

“Let’s fatten the sheep first. We’ll strike once he’s nearly finished comprehending on the altar,” the maiden said.

Days later, when the Sea God’s descendant was deep in meditation, they sprang into action.

“You there! Help build the altar higher!” a sea creature barked at Shi Hao.

Lately, they’d enslaved many beings to expand the altar—not just for enlightenment, but as a war platform for future battles.

Shi Hao rubbed his nose and complied, blending in until he reached the altar.

“Doesn’t he look familiar?” someone muttered. Months ago, Shi Hao had clashed with them, slaying one of their warriors.

*Boom!*

Without hesitation, Shi Hao chanted the incantation and hurled the Divine Smiting Stone.

Atop the altar, the Sea God’s descendant stood like a deity, golden halberd in hand, his aura blazing. Sensing the attack, he whirled—confident in his invincibility.

But this time, he miscalculated. The stone zigzagged through his defenses, striking his forehead with a *thud!* Blood sprayed as he staggered, dazed.

The enhanced stone’s impact would’ve shattered a lesser cultivator’s skull. Even he reeled, vision swimming.

Roaring, he slashed his halberd, golden light surging. But the maiden had already struck—her luminous attack briefly overwhelming him before she retreated.

Chaos erupted. The enraged descendant slaughtered intruders, but by the time he regained full awareness, his treasures were gone.

Far away, Shi Hao and the maiden examined their loot—a fragment of Kun Peng bone and a scale, invaluable for entering the nest.

“He was too strong to extract knowledge from, but we snatched these while he was dazed,” she said, pocketing them. “I need these—my true self isn’t here.”

“Wait, you’re not even real? What *are* you?” Shi Hao gaped.

“Ever heard of ‘Nurtured Spirit’? This is just a spiritual avatar. My true form’s stuck dealing with an annoyance.”

Shi Hao was floored. *No wonder she’s so strong!*

“And yet you eat so much!”

“You’ll understand when you reach this level,” she retorted.

Furious, the Sea God’s descendant rampaged, but the thieves were long gone.

In the following days, two notorious bandits terrorized the region, ambushing elites with the Divine Smitting Stone. Many suffered in silence, too humiliated to admit being robbed.

Their boldest heist? A gray-scaled elder flood dragon—so powerful they nearly failed. Later, they realized: *It was a spiritual avatar of the Flood Dragon Sovereign!*

Shi Hao whooped with glee, but the maiden remained unfazed.

“I must leave. The Kun Peng’s treasure eludes me, and my true self is in danger,” she finally said, dissolving into light.

Despite their mischief, Shi Hao felt a pang of loss.

“See you again someday!” she laughed, vanishing.

“Let’s plunder the Divine Mountains and Sea God Island together!” he called after her.

And so… two years passed in a blink.