Chapter 56: Born a Supreme Being

This was a majestic complex of structures, suffused with spiritual energy and shimmering with hidden treasures. Palaces stood in clusters, like celestial abodes descended upon the mortal realm, with auspicious beasts crouching and roaring as they guarded the grand entrance.

“Father shot and killed a cub of an exceptionally pure-blooded Pixiu… This… is a disaster!” A strikingly handsome young man paced restlessly within the grand halls, his expression fraught with unease.

The estate of the noble family was enveloped in swirling mists of light, while rare birds soared above the palace towers, their cries trailing dazzling streaks of radiance. Within the estate, crystalline lakes stretched across interconnected waterways, stone mountains stood imposingly, and lush groves of fine trees adorned vast gardens—a paradise where divine essence overflowed.

“I hope Father can withdraw from the Hundred Clans Battlefield soon,” a beautiful woman murmured, cradling a small infant in her arms, her delicate brows furrowed with worry.

“It’s too late for that now. The news has already reached the imperial capital. The killing of the Pixiu cub must have happened days ago—whatever was meant to unfold has likely already occurred.” The young man clenched his fists, his sword-like brows furrowing as lightning flickered in his eyes, causing thunder to rumble within the chamber.

The sleeping infant stirred, opening his pure, innocent eyes in confusion.

“Don’t frighten the child,” the beautiful woman chided softly.

“These past few days have been unbearable—I’ve neglected Hao’er. Why does he sleep so much? And why do I sense traces of runes within his body?” The young man turned abruptly.

“Ah, you noticed it too? I thought it was just my imagination. How could such a young child have runes manifesting within him?” The young woman’s voice was laced with bewilderment.

“Could it be…?” The nobleman’s eyes widened abruptly, two streaks of lightning shooting out the window, startling a flock of auspicious birds into panicked flight.

“What are you thinking?” the woman, whose beauty rivaled the moon and flowers, asked.

“Among the true pinnacle human warriors, some are born with sacred bones—manifesting their own primal imprints, their own unique primal treasure techniques!” The man’s voice was firm, then surged with excitement. “And a rare few are born with primal treasure bones from the very beginning, like the Golden-Winged Roc or the True Hou! The techniques they manifest are peerless, unrivaled in the world. They are worthy of being called… Supreme Bones!”

The beautiful woman gasped in shock, her eyes widening with disbelief as she gazed at the adorable infant in her arms, her hands trembling with nervous energy.

“Let me examine him properly!” The young man strode forward decisively.

The infant blinked curiously, unaware of their intentions, stretching out his tiny arms happily, wanting to be held.

After a thorough examination, the man’s fingers trembled, his usually composed demeanor shattered. “Supreme Bones… born with them!”

What did this mean? This child would one day rival even the mightiest of ancient dire beasts, standing toe-to-toe with pure-blooded Golden-Winged Rocs and True Hous. His unique primal treasure technique would shake the heavens and be etched into human history.

The woman cradled the baby, gently kissing his rosy cheeks, her eyes shimmering with radiant joy. “Whether he has Supreme Bones or not, he is our child. We must let him grow up happy.”

Days later, news arrived from the Hundred Clans Battlefield—the adult Pixiu had rampaged through the battlefield, unstoppable in its blood-soaked fury. Even with countless experts by his side, the Fifteenth Grandfather had been pursued for tens of thousands of miles, losing an arm and suffering near-fatal injuries.

In the end, with the help of allies, he had barely escaped by using several precious bones of an ancient remnant beast to set up a divine formation. But now, his whereabouts were unknown. His injuries were severe—whether he would survive was uncertain.

“I must go find Father!” The young man stood abruptly upon hearing the news, resolved to journey south.

“The clan has already dispatched many experts, and the emperor has issued decrees for all nobles to search and assist. What more can you do?” The young woman feared her husband’s impulsiveness would lead him into danger.

“Father’s fate is unknown—I must do everything I can to find him!” The man was resolute.

Knowing her husband’s stubbornness, the woman sighed. “Then I’ll go with you. There are treasure techniques that require our combined power to unleash their full might.”

“No, you must stay and care for Hao’er!”

“How can I let you go alone?” She shook her head gently. “The clan has many hands—they can look after Xiao Hao. Unless an ancient dire beast breaches the imperial capital, who would dare cause trouble in our estate?”

After some thought, the man relented.

The matter of Shi Hao’s Supreme Bones had been secretly reported to the clan’s two elder patriarchs. They would surely guard him like a priceless treasure.

This secret was classified as absolute—too significant to reveal. Shi Yi, with his innate double pupils, was already a known prodigy. But Shi Hao’s Supreme Bones were undetectable unless examined closely by those most intimate with him.

“Eleventh Brother, Sister-in-law, must you really go? The clan has sent its best—they’ll surely bring the Fifteenth Grandfather back.”

“Indeed, there’s no need to worry. Fortune favors the virtuous—he’ll be fine!” Clan members urged them to stay, but the couple remained firm.

“Eleventh Brother, don’t worry. I’ll take care of Hao’er. Let him grow close to Yi’er—they’ll conquer the world together in the future,” a graceful woman said with a smile. She was Shi Yi’s mother, her status elevated by her prodigious son.

“Thank you, Sister-in-law. But the elders can manage—we wouldn’t want to trouble you.”

“Don’t be so formal. We’re family.”

And so, the couple departed the ancient kingdom, heading for the Hundred Clans Battlefield.

“Yi’er, you must grow close to Xiao Hao. His potential is extraordinary—he’ll be your right hand in the future,” Shi Yi’s mother instructed her son upon returning to her palace.

The three-year-old boy nodded calmly, his demeanor far beyond his years.

The clan collectively cared for Shi Hao, with numerous servants ensuring his well-being. After the initial days of missing his parents, he settled in comfortably.

Days later, Shi Yi’s mother brought Shi Hao to her residence. Noticing her son’s intense gaze fixed on the infant, she asked, “Yi’er, why do you keep staring at your brother?”

“He’s extraordinary. There’s a bone in his body, covered in intricate runes—profound and unfathomable.”

Shi Yi’s mother froze, recalling an ancient legend. “You mean… a bone inscribed with primal runes?”

“Yes.”

“Born with… Supreme Bones!” She trembled, her expression shifting between greed and fear.

After a long silence, she turned to her son. “Tell no one.”

The boy nodded silently.

Months passed, and little Shi Hao grew ever more adorable. By eight or nine months, he could walk and speak—his large, bright eyes and porcelain-like features made everyone want to pinch his cheeks.

During this time, Shi Yi’s mother treated Shi Hao as her own, eventually moving him into her residence alongside Shi Yi.

“Auntie, can we see the Crimson-Feathered Crane? Ah Man says it’s beautiful, red as fire, and sings beautifully,” the little one chirped, his voice sweet and innocent.

“Ah Man? That servant girl? Don’t listen to her nonsense. I’ll take you to see the Divine Phoenix and the Five-Colored Peacock King.”

“But Ah Man is kind and tells me stories. She’s nice!”

“Fine, we’ll see the crane after dinner. Later, I’ll show you the phoenix and peacock.”

“Auntie is the best!” The child beamed, clasping his tiny hands in excitement.

Turning to Shi Yi, he asked, “Big Brother, want to play in the backyard with the other kids?”

“No.” Shi Yi remained seated, meditating despite his tender age.

“Okay, I’ll go then!” The little one scampered off, laughing joyfully with the servants’ children.

Beloved by all for his kindness and beauty, Shi Hao was adored throughout the estate.

Days later, Shi Yi’s mother took both boys to a manor to see descendants of divine birds like the phoenix and peacock.

“Auntie, where’s the phoenix?” Shi Hao asked innocently as they entered an underground chamber.

“You’ll see soon.”

In a sealed room, the woman pressed a glowing rune to Shi Hao’s body—but his Supreme Bone radiated light, resisting the spell.

“Truly a Supreme Bone!” Her eyes burned with desire.

A shadowy figure emerged, seizing the child and strapping him to a cold table.

“Auntie, what’s happening?” The innocent child, barely nine months old, trembled in confusion.

A silver blade flashed, slicing open his chest. Blood poured forth as a radiant glow—a swirling mass of divine runes—pulsed within.

“It hurts!” Shi Hao screamed, his eyes wide with terror.

“Annoying—he won’t faint,” the woman muttered coldly.

Beside her, Shi Yi watched silently, his demeanor chillingly mature.

Blood pooled as the child’s face paled, his cries weakening.

“Don’t mess this up! Ancient texts confirm this transplant can work. My son, with his double pupils, is destined to reign supreme!”

“Auntie…” Shi Hao reached out weakly, tears streaming.

Ignoring him, the woman barked orders to the shadowy figure.

“Done!” The figure growled, extracting a luminous mass from Shi Hao’s chest—a pulsating source of divine power, radiating boundless mystery.

“Yi’er, it’s your turn. Endure it!”

The boy lay on a jade bed as the blade cut into his chest.

“Be careful! Not a single mistake!” the woman snapped, her heart aching for her son.

On the other table, Shi Hao lay frail and broken, tears spilling as he whispered, “Mother…”

In his darkest moment, he called for his true family.

The woman spared him not a glance, her gaze fixed on Shi Yi. “Hold on, my son. This world will be yours—for you… are the true born Supreme!”

Beside them, the discarded child, robbed of his destiny, slipped into unconsciousness, his tiny hand twitching feebly.