The imperial capital of the Stone Kingdom was a bustling place, home to a myriad of people from all walks of life.
The grand city, reminiscent of the remnants of a divine or demonic era, was full of beautiful exotic young women, powerful magical beasts, and fearsome creatures. During this time, representatives from various sects were present.
Shi Hao had been in the capital for two days. He had settled in and had not gone to the Martial King’s residence because he had learned that his grandfather might have left.
This filled him with regret.
Although it was not entirely confirmed, various rumors had circulated, and it was no longer a secret in the capital. Moreover, the Great Demon God had not been seen in recent days.
Rumors said that a venerable from the Demon Spirit Lake had arrived in the capital to seek an explanation, and even had a battle with the royal family, forcing the Great Demon God to flee.
This news was indeed shocking, but no one could confirm it. No cultivator had witnessed that battle.
Another rumor suggested that the ancient demon spider had arrived with force, declaring its intent to target the Fifteenth Lord. However, the Human Emperor provided protection, and the Fifteenth Lord was said to still be in the capital, merely keeping a low profile.
Most people doubted this claim, finding it less convincing.
Another version of the story said that the Human Emperor had informed that Shi Ziling had left the capital, and the Fifteenth Lord had traveled through the night to seek his descendants, leaving the great city.
People found this version more believable.
"Grandfather."
Shi Hao clenched his fists. He was unsure if his grandfather was still here. Even if he were, meeting him now could pose significant problems.
Recently, the Fifteenth Lord had not appeared, indicating that he might have some reservations. Shi Hao recalled the scene he had seen in the void passage—a giant spider battling a person.
Where had that battle taken place? This thought made his heart sink. It seemed the ancient demon spider had indeed moved, but who was fighting it? Had the Human Emperor stopped it?
Shi Hao's suspicions remained unconfirmed.
He had returned to the capital, but the city was truly enormous. In two days, he had explored less than a quarter of it. For someone who grew up in the primitive forests, everything was new and fascinating.
Eventually, he passed by the Martial King’s residence, gazed at it from a distance, and did not go inside.
"Where is Grandfather?" Shi Hao sighed. He had come here full of hope but felt that he might have arrived too late. Had he missed the chance?
In the following days, the imperial capital of the Stone Kingdom became increasingly lively with all kinds of beings appearing, making the great city vibrant and bustling.
Shi Zitong had returned. While it might not have meant much to others, it was a significant shock to Shi Hao.
Soon, other major forces also showed interest. Shi Zitong had not come alone; he had brought several powerful individuals with him.
Two days later, the person with the green hair appeared. Entering through the city gates, he was extraordinarily imposing, and no one dared to approach him.
Another manifestation of the ancient demon spider descended upon the imperial capital, stronger than before, and in a complete form. This caused many to shiver.
This time, he had an excuse. He had come to celebrate the Human Emperor’s birthday, not to break the agreement and enter the capital without permission.
Then, rumors spread that powerful beings had also appeared in the sea regions, arriving at the Stone Kingdom. It was not just one or two groups, causing even more commotion.
"The Human Emperor has summoned Shi Zitong to the palace. I wonder what it is about. Could it be related to the conflict between the Great Demon God and Demon Spirit Lake? What stance will be taken this time?"
On this day, such news spread throughout the capital. Some even rumored that the Great Demon God was still in the capital, being detained. The outcome would depend on the Human Emperor's attitude.
With these rumors emerging, dark currents began to stir, and many discussed it privately.
Of course, major forces would never speak carelessly, as such words could anger the Human Emperor and lead to dire consequences.
Shi Hao felt heavy-hearted and anxious.
In fact, a confirmed piece of news soon emerged, increasing his worries. Shi Zitong had entered the palace to speak with the Human Emperor, and some words were transmitted.
"Uncle Fifteen has grown old, but I am still in my prime, and Yi’er is just beginning. The future brilliance is unpredictable."
People did not know what the Human Emperor had said. A palace maid overheard Shi Zitong's words, and his voice trembled with apparent excitement or suppression, which was heard by outsiders.
These words led to speculation about whether the Human Emperor was considering the heir issue or warning Shi Zitong.
Moreover, after meeting with the Human Emperor, Shi Zitong's statements caused a great stir, seemingly affecting the emotions of the Stone Kingdom’s Human Emperor.
"Right and wrong are no longer important. Regardless, Yi’er is the young supreme. This fact cannot be changed. After the repairs with the Heaven-Mending Technique, he will be flawless, without a single regret. His rise cannot be stopped by anyone. But what does Uncle Fifteen have? Where is his Hao'er? Among this generation, who can compete with Yi’er?"
Shi Zitong’s statements caused a commotion in the capital. Many major forces were shocked. Did this really involve the issue of legitimate succession?
Especially the Stone clan’s nobles, who were all cold-eyed. That day, every noble residence was restless. These words had a significant impact on them. Was it some sort of signal?
"If the wasteland is in turmoil, Yi’er will rise and become the guardian war god."
Subsequently, all of Shi Zitong’s statements were disseminated.
"Uncle Fifteen has nothing left. Even if his Hao’er is still alive, he cannot compare to Yi’er. I request the Human Emperor to take out the divine blood left by the sacrificial spirit to cleanse Yi’er’s body."
These words naturally caused a huge uproar. The Stone clan’s nobles privately speculated whether Shi Zitong's line might indeed become the inheritor of the throne.
Otherwise, why would he dare make such demands?
Everyone realized that the Human Emperor might be making a choice, with both the Fifteenth Lord and Shi Zitong being potential targets, along with possibly other princes.
The Great Demon God, at fifty or sixty years old, was certainly not old and was expected to have a long period of peak power. His offspring, Shi Ziling, was also strong and hailed as a prodigy.
Shi Zitong’s line had a person with a重瞳 (repeated pupil), said to be a natural divine being, which undoubtedly added to their strength.
"Stop guessing. No one can understand the Human Emperor’s thoughts," said an old noble.
However, the capital could not remain calm. In the following days, it was as if a storm had swept through, causing a great upheaval in the major noble residences.
Shi Hao clenched his fists. He had heard these messages and confirmed from outside sources that these words were indeed spoken by Shi Zitong, which made him extremely angry.
If such words reached his grandfather's ears, how would the old man feel? How heartbroken would he be? Was this implying that their line had no successor?
"Yi’er is the young supreme. His rise cannot be stopped by anyone. But what does Uncle Fifteen have? Where is his Hao’er? Among this generation, who can offer sacrifices to Yi’er?"
These words thundered in Shi Hao’s ears, making him stand up abruptly.
He did not want his grandfather to be heartbroken. He wanted his grandfather to know that he was still alive, still in this world, and had become strong, not weaker than anyone.
"I’m back."
"I want you to know that I am still alive, and I have returned. The name Shi Hao will no longer be a mere illusion but will be real and present in the world."
Shi Hao needed a way to let the world know he was still alive and reveal the truth about the Supreme Bone from years ago. His goals were twofold: first, to silence Shi Zitong and others; and second, to inform his grandfather and parents, so they would not be saddened.
Initially, he did not want to reveal himself so soon and had planned to wait several more years due to his insufficient strength. However, he feared his grandfather might suffer from excessive grief.
Of course, he wouldn’t act recklessly. If he simply jumped out, he might be immediately targeted and killed, as the capital was full of powerful figures. He needed to be prepared.
He had a backup plan but could not use it lightly. The most lethal trump card he had was the small tower. This crystal-clear bone tower, less than an inch high, was very mysterious, and he had one chance to use it.
“Let’s make a big commotion. If that ancient demon spider dares to show up, I will make it regret its actions and force it to pay for harming my grandfather and driving him away. I want an explanation.”
In fact, the ancient demon spider was not being discreet this time. Its demeanor was completely different from before—fierce and imposing. It had previously hinted that Shi Yi was favored by the Demon Spirit Lake.
“One chance to use the small tower is not enough. At least two chances are needed. If those big shots dare to show up, I will make them suffer,” Shi Hao vowed.
He began to take action. The capital was a place of great wonders, and there were bound to be rare treasures. For instance, the small tower had sensed a divine wall a few days ago, and he wanted to search for it and then exchange it with others.
As long as he found enough valuable materials, the small tower would be used.
“Little Tower, tell me, is there something you need in this capital?”
“Yes,” responded the ancient tower affirmatively.
The Bone Insect Auction House was a renowned establishment in the capital, known for its grand background and reputation. It housed treasures, and every auction featured rare items.
The building covered a vast area, with magnificent halls. While other places had stone beasts guarding the entrance, this one had two real flesh-and-blood beasts, both powerful ancient species.
They remained motionless, crouched there—one gleaming with gold and the other with silver, two dragons with a terrifying aura.
Although not of pure blood, having such ancient creatures guard the place was certainly not something ordinary people could achieve.
“Wow, these two dragons have become more formidable. They guard the treasure hall all day and have their cultivation accelerated by the numerous heavenly materials and treasures here.”
A young girl descended from a bronze carriage. With a slim waist, long legs, and lively demeanor, her fiery red hair and snowy white skin made her stand out. Accompanied by a group of strong figures, she entered the auction house.
“Indeed, the talents have returned. That seems to be the treasured daughter of the Purple Dawn Marquis.”
Several old men smiled as they approached and entered the auction house, clearly receiving great courtesy and a warm welcome.
Soon, the crowd stirred. Some nobles arrived, and not just one but several, with terrifying auras. They entered together.
In addition, some young men and women appeared and entered the auction house one after another. They seemed to be long-lost talents returning to the capital, all gathered here today for the treasures.
“No wonder the small tower pointed here. It seems there are indeed valuable items to be found,” Shi Hao muttered to himself.
The area outside the auction house was crowded with people, all waiting to enter.
Soon, an extraordinary man arrived. With jet-black hair and fair, jade-like skin, he caused an outcry from the crowd—he was Shi Zitong.
“He is Shi Zitong,” Shi Hao squinted. This was the first time he had seen this “uncle.”
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