Chapter 116: Gathering Storm

In the city of Duankong, the gray-brown city walls were grand and towering. Despite being an ancient city, it still radiated vitality.

Recently, it had become increasingly lively, with top-tier sects and many ancient families sending their prodigies here in preparation for entering the Hundred Breaks Mountains.

These young geniuses were all astonishing, ranking at the top of their respective clans, and would likely become the masters of this land in the future, overseeing the myriad sects.

“Look over there, there’s a strange snake with one head and two bodies,” Little Bag tugged at a senior brother’s sleeve, signaling him to look ahead.

The strange snake was bright red all over, with its body splitting into two below the head. It had six legs, four wings, and a scaly armor, looking bizarre and menacing.

Pedestrians on the street avoided it, unwilling to get close.

The geniuses from the Bu Tian Pavilion gasped in surprise and pulled Little Bag aside, warning him quietly not to speak carelessly. This was an ancient species known as a Fat Yi.

“So this is a Fat Yi,” Little Bag widened his eyes. He had read the Great Wilderness Chronicles, which described various beings, but he hadn’t expected it to look like this.

When a Fat Yi appeared, it was always a sign of a severe drought, because it mastered the art of fire, making it a formidable entity. An adult Fat Yi could destroy a large tribe with its own strength.

“Don’t provoke it. Even though this one is just a young one, few human prodigies can match it,” a senior sister from the Bu Tian Pavilion warned, her face solemn.

The young Fat Yi, only a few meters long, crawled leisurely, and all the beings on the street made way for it. Little Bag curiously watched, wondering if it was easy to control in battle with one head and two bodies.

The red snake gave him a cold, scornful glance. Its tail suddenly lashed out like a streak of red lightning, cracking the ground and raising a cloud of dust.

If Little Bag hadn’t reacted quickly, he would have been struck.

“You dare to challenge me, you fat worm?” Little Bag shouted, about to charge forward. The disciples from the Bu Tian Pavilion immediately changed their expressions and rushed to hold him back.

However, their physical strength couldn’t compare to Little Bag’s. A soft-spoken female disciple intervened, saying, “Senior Tao Ye said not to cause trouble in the city. You can do whatever you want once we enter the Hundred Breaks Mountains.”

“You’re lucky. Next time you see me, go the other way and don’t provoke me,” Little Bag pointed at the Fat Yi, speaking angrily.

The entire street fell silent. Who was this child to be so audacious as to warn an ancient species? It would be more plausible if the situation were reversed.

“I feel like he’s a true humanoid ancient beast. Otherwise, how could he dare to say such things?” someone whispered, showing fear.

The Fat Yi stopped, its red body gleaming like it was made of divine gold, radiating a cold light and an aura of power. It stared at Little Bag, hissing and flicking its red tongue.

“He’s just a child, don’t worry about him,” the disciples from the Bu Tian Pavilion said to the Fat Yi, quickly pulling Little Bag away and blending into the crowd.

The Fat Yi did not pursue. It watched them leave, its body flowing with a blood-colored radiance. Just as Little Bag was about to charge, the Fat Yi sensed a fierce aura similar to its own.

“A human prodigy so terrifying. We’ll meet in the Hundred Breaks Mountains,” the Fat Yi looked at their retreating figures, its gaze growing colder.

A butterfly fluttered gracefully, shimmering with radiant light, making people step back. It was over a meter long, its wings spreading out and emitting auspicious light, appearing extremely magnificent.

People on the street moved away. This was also a powerful creature, though only one appeared, it was intimidating. Its entire body was covered in natural runes, swirling with mysterious profundities.

“The Rift Sky Demon Butterfly, known for its ability to tear through the sky with a flap of its wings, as recorded in ancient books,” someone whispered, showing a look of fear.

Of course, the ancient texts described pure-blooded demon butterflies from the ancient era, and this young butterfly’s bloodline could not be that pure.

As they continued their journey, Little Bag felt his eyes were not enough. He saw humanoid metal beings, talking stones, and terrifying plant spirits rooted in the void, each one more mysterious and powerful than the last.

Human prodigies were numerous, while other races had individually powerful beings. The city was filled with strange and fearsome creatures of all kinds.

There were also many races close to humans, some with a single horn, others with two heads, or human heads with serpent bodies, all exuding divine light and appearing exceptionally strong.

“There are so many beings here. There are even more cultivators than the native population. Will the Hundred Breaks Mountains be able to accommodate them all?” Little Bag questioned.

“The Hundred Breaks Mountains, despite its name, is actually a small world. Once you enter, you’ll understand how extraordinary it is,” a senior sister from the Bu Tian Pavilion explained.

“I see, I’m really looking forward to it,” Little Bag said with joy. It was better than a desolate broken mountain; he still wanted to find some treasures.

Soon, they had toured most of the city, encountering various races and learning many secrets.

The only thing that made Little Bag unhappy was that his bounty had doubled. His head was worth even more, with people offering rare treasures, bone books, and spiritual herbs in exchange.

Hearing this news, Little Bag’s face darkened.

Then another, worse piece of news spread. Someone made an accurate deduction that the troublesome kid was most likely among the Bu Tian Pavilion’s group. As long as they were watched, his whereabouts would be discovered. The exact person remained unknown.

This news was widely accepted since the Bu Tian Pavilion was an ancient sanctuary with a long history and many experts. With the time that had passed, it was unlikely that they hadn’t noticed the troublesome kid’s presence.

“Junior brother, why does your face look so dark?” a beautiful senior sister asked.

“It’s too sunny, I got sunburned,” Little Bag grumbled.

“I feel like, with the five of us together with you, it’s only a matter of time before we get into trouble,” another male disciple said with a strange look. After hearing the rumors, they naturally felt uneasy.

“Could it really be you? If it is, let me give you a spanking first,” another pretty senior sister said through gritted teeth. The trouble caused by the kid in the Bu Tian Pavilion made everyone in the sanctuary want to give him a beating.

“Hey, you lecher, dare to touch me?” the beautiful senior sister exclaimed, her face turning red. Little Bag had actually slapped her on the buttocks first.

“In a battle, it’s crucial to strike first; those who act later suffer. Come on, senior sister, I’m ready for a showdown,” Little Bag said earnestly, speaking with conviction.

The three male and two female geniuses were dumbfounded. This hot-headed kid was indeed quite irritating. His behavior clearly marked him as a troublemaker.

“Beat him!” the five of them pursued.

Little Bag sprinted away, shouting, “Don’t hit me. If someone finds out we’re from the Bu Tian Pavilion, you’ll all be in trouble too.”

Although the five wanted to beat him up, it was not convenient to pursue and suppress him in the city. Exposing their identities could drag them all into trouble.

In the city was an altar that most visitors came to pay their respects. It was said to be a relic left by the ancient saints and had once been stained with holy blood.

When the disciples of the Bu Tian Pavilion arrived, the place was already crowded with people. The altar was in ruins, with only some black stones remaining. The inscriptions left by the saints had long since faded.

Here, there were not only humans but also many special beings that made people reluctant to get too close, as their aura was too intimidating.

“A human prodigy has made quite a name for himself in the Void Realm recently. It’s been the talk of the town, how boring,” said a treant.

“Is he really that famous? Why not capture him and make him a servant? I already have four beautiful maidservants and twelve strong guards, all exceptional among humans and known as prodigies,” said a being with a human body but a golden horn, with purple hair and a face resembling a normal human, though with a pair of snow-white tusks, looking fierce.

“No one should compete with me. I haven’t taken a single servant yet. Since humans say he’s impressive, I’ll choose him.”

Just then, a sound like the booming of a divine bell echoed, causing everyone’s ears to buzz. A lion, entirely golden and dazzling, with nine heads, appeared—extremely mighty, domineering, and terrifying.

“This lion is too powerful. Even as a juvenile, having nine heads already shows its bloodline is remarkably pure, not very mixed. Its future achievements will be extraordinary,” an old man passing by marveled. He was the old patriarch of an ancient family.

“Roar!” At this moment, the nine-headed lion roared, its entire body glowing with golden light, overwhelming the aura fluctuations of those nearby. It declared, “Everyone says he’s great. I’ve already reserved this human. Don’t fight me for him. Only a powerful prodigy like him deserves to be my servant and stay by my side. He’ll have the chance to shake the vast land in the future.”

The roar of the nine-headed golden lion was like thunder, shaking the ancient altar and causing everyone to tremble and remain silent.

There had been precedents in the past where human experts followed ancient beasts and later returned to become kings of vast territories.

“The golden lion must be delicious. I love braised lion head,” Little Bag said from a distance, grinding his teeth with a dark face and shining little tiger teeth.

“Don’t be reckless. This nine-headed golden lion is not far from pure blood. Don’t provoke it. Aside from a few like Shi Yi, I doubt there are many human prodigies who can match it,” a senior sister from the Bu Tian Pavilion pulled him back.

“Good dishes should be cooked slowly. Let’s talk about it after we enter the Hundred Breaks Mountains,” Little Bag said, wiping his saliva.

The five geniuses from the Bu Tian Pavilion were speechless.

Eighty thousand miles away, in the capital of the Stone Kingdom, at the Rain Clan’s residence.

This was a magnificent architectural area, with palaces and halls in abundance, towering and exuding a heavy atmosphere.

In a treasure hall, runes flickered and auspicious air filled the space. Many important figures of the Rain Clan were seated, and a letter lay on a table.

“Feng’er has sent news from the Bu Tian Pavilion. We’ve confirmed the identity of the child from the Void Realm. His name is Haotian, and he has now arrived in Duankong City. He will definitely enter the Hundred Breaks Mountains.”

“The name Haotian is reminiscent of that child from back then. His age is similar, and upon closer inspection, his eyes and eyebrows bear a slight resemblance to Shi Ziling from back then. Isn’t that a bit too coincidental?”

At this, the hall fell into a heavy silence.

“That child has already been ruined and cannot survive. However, the Haotian of the Bu Tian Pavilion has an extraordinary physique and is not much worse than Yi’er, so he is worth noting.”

“Hm, I once read an ancient text with a hypothesis. If a naturally supreme being loses its bones, if it survives, it will undergo a rebirth, becoming even more powerful and terrifying. What do you think about this child named Haotian?”

Upon hearing this hypothesis, everyone gasped in shock.

“No matter what, this child is extremely formidable. Our clan’s prodigies and adopted talents have already been instructed to closely monitor him once we enter the Hundred Breaks Mountains. If there is an opportunity, do not hesitate.”

Seven days have passed. It’s been very tiring, and it’s getting late, but I believe I need to make the seventh day count. I’ll continue writing the third chapter. Thanks to Qidian and all the readers on forums and other platforms for your support. I see everyone’s strong support and am very grateful.