Chapter 829: Chapter 829: Successful Acquisition

“Swoosh!”

A streak of blue light soared into the sky, attempting to escape.

However, Shi Hao was faster. First, he stomped down fiercely, causing the silver-robed Primordial Luo Dao to cough up blood violently, unable to move. Then, he ascended into the sky to give chase.

Swish!

A flash of light erupted as Shi Hao employed Kun Peng’s extreme speed alongside the Ground Shrinking Technique, leaping ahead and cutting off the escape route. He blocked Lan Yichen’s path and stared coldly.

“Submit, or die.” His voice was not loud, yet to the crowd, it sounded thunderous, as though shaking the heavens. To demand the submission of two Primordial beings as battle servants–such was the magnitude of his audacity.

Below, the Divine Striking Stone gleamed and instantly enlarged to the size of a mountain, suppressing the silver-robed Primordial, pinning him down firmly.

In the sky above, Lan Yichen’s face was clouded with gloom. As a proud Primordial, how could he submit? Yet he realized he was likely no match for Shi Hao. If he fought recklessly, he might fall.

“Boom!”

Shi Hao gave him no time to contemplate, attacking directly with boundless dominance and an overwhelming brilliance that caused the void to collapse.

For Shi Hao, refusal to submit meant death–he hesitated not, unleashing his full might!

Lan Yichen’s expression shifted drastically. He activated a precious symbol technique to counter the attack. A stream of blue metallic light erupted, forming countless Divine Swords aimed at Shi Hao.

Born from refined metal, Lan Yichen’s body carried the aura of metallic slaughter, capable of taking innumerable forms and unleashing untold armaments.

“Clang! Clang!”

But what astonished Lan Yichen was Shi Hao’s hands, which snapped each of his formidable Divine Swords, causing sparks to fly.

Lan Yichen retreated, opening his mouth to let out a long roar. Intense metallic liquid emerged as he summoned the metals within the mountains and rivers. Like an erupting volcano, it surged upward from the ground.

The sight was astonishing–scarlet molten liquid transformed into all kinds of weapons, accompanied by countless characters, filling the sky like an endless deluge.

The crowd was horrified by such daunting methods. Lan Yichen could command the earthly metals to manifest Bone Text characters, forming an army of weapons to obliterate his enemies.

A never-ending supply, the domain of worldly metals obeyed his will, erupting as an infinite arsenal bathed in murderous intent.

Shi Hao was intrigued, examining closely. To master an element to such a degree and wield such techniques truly astonished him.

Yet he feared not. Each punch of his shattered the molten metal into sprays, even as scalding liquid failed to harm his body. He seemed invincible, standing tall like a Battle Immortal descended to the world.

“Boom!”

A crimson tide rose to the heavens, as if magma erupting from the earth surged skyward.

In truth, these were the molten metals, charged with powerful characters, resembling rivers and oceans surging to encircle Shi Hao.

Amid the chaos, Lan Yichen merged into the metallic liquid, vanishing to strike from the shadows. Aware he was outmatched, escape seemed his best resort.

Witnessing the combat, the onlookers were awestruck and mesmerized.

“Is this all you’ve got?” Shi Hao asked calmly. Sparks of electricity began to emerge on his body, crackling loudly, followed by a cascade of thunderous lightning descending from the heavens.

In an instant, it resembled the Milky Way crashing from the ninth level of heaven–a web of arcs danced wildly, plunging into the metallic liquid, shaking the entangled domain violently!

Lightning erupted within the metals, violently devastating.

Lan Yichen groaned, struck forcefully and sent flying. His face turned grim; such overwhelming thunder techniques countered his metallic essence completely.

The world fell silent. Lan Yichen ceased summoning metals and chose instead to charge at Shi Hao, engaging in close combat.

Though he knew he was likely outmatched, he refused to surrender, unleashing his strongest abilities–relying on his metallic body in melee combat.

“Clang!”

The world rang like a smithy hammering metal, the clash deafening, akin to Divine Thunder splitting the heavens.

Their fists met violently; Shi Hao’s hands emerged unscathed, emitting divine radiance, a breathtakingly disconcerting sight.

Lan Yichen trembled in shock, disbelief clouding his face. Just how robust was this youth’s body? His metallic Divine Physique contorted under the blows, sending waves of agony through him.

“Kill!” He roared in fury, unwilling to believe Shi Hao’s flesh outmatched his metallic form, and fought relentlessly.

“Clang, clang…”

Metallic sounds echoed repeatedly, thunderous and piercing, leaving ears raw from the impact. Their aerial clashes sent ripples outward each time.

These shockwaves spread, hitting distant mountain peaks, instantly leveling their summits and obliterating them.

Their power was unimaginable!

The crowd was dumbfounded, overwhelmed with awe.

Lan Yichen’s fingers were entirely deformed. His arms, shoulders, torso–all caved inward from the impacts, rendered nearly unrecognizable.

“Bang!”

When their legs collided, Lan Yichen abandoned his melee offensive. His once straight right leg was now twisted and contorted from Shi Hao’s devastating sweep.

“This…” His heart quivered in fear. To lose in his area of expertise so completely left him thoroughly defeated.

He realized that if his opponent were a being of flesh and blood, they’d already have been reduced to broken remains. Yet despite his metallic body, its durability faltered under Shi Hao’s relentless power.

In terms of techniques, he suffered greater disadvantages. The thunder techniques countered him overwhelmingly.

Giving a long sigh, Lan Yichen admitted to himself that he could match any Primordial, exceeding Luo Dao in strength. Yet before this youth, he was rendered powerless.

“Bang!”

A massive bolt of lightning struck him and knocked him down, his figure crashing onto the ground, lying beside Luo Dao.

“I’ll ask one last time. Submit or die–have you decided?” Shi Hao said, looking down from above.

He considered their strength formidable. If they assisted him during his secluded cultivation by searching for Divine Medicine and Immortal Divine Springs, it could save him substantial time.

In the distance, a group of powerful cultivators shuddered and backed away, visibly terrified. Shi Hao was ruthlessly dominant–even the mighty Primordials, rulers of realms, were subdued, their fates rendered as battle servants.

Outside, cultivators from various schools were shaken, their expressions changed dramatically.

Primordials represented exceptional transcendence, yet now they’d been effortlessly defeated by Shi Hao, destined to become his servants!

“How ruthless!” Many people could not help but exclaim.

The ones in the toughest dilemma were undoubtedly the forces from Blue Gold Ridge and Chi State’s Luo Family. Their strongest youths, their revered Primordials, were captured.

“Submit or die?” The families’ faces darkened, their hearts racing anxiously.

They were unwilling to see their most promising heirs become servants but equally unwilling to witness their death–the loss would be devastating either way.

For a moment, they were caught in an impasse, their faces ashen with anguish.

“This ruthless star!” Members of the two clans grew utterly fearful, terrified that Shi Hao might unleash his fatal strike and reduce their treasured heirs to dust.

Now, they suddenly felt that submission might be a better outcome–so long as they survived, there remained hope for the future.

“Don’t act rashly! Endure, you must survive!” Some individuals muttered helplessly to themselves, drawing curious stares from other cultivators.

Within the Immortal Ancient Minor Thousand World.

“Can you tell me who you are?” Lan Yichen asked.

“Desolate, Descendant of Sinful Blood, Shi Hao.” Shi Hao revealed three titles.

Lan Yichen’s body trembled violently; he stared at Shi Hao in shock and murmured, “I knew it…I’ve hit a wall.” His tone carried dismay. The title of Desolate alone was enough to make him sigh heavily. Among thunder techniques, the Thunder Emperor’s Treasure Art countered him relentlessly.

Being a Descendant of Sinful Blood was equally formidable!

Shi Hao spoke no more, wary of utterly crushing his opponent’s confidence.

Luo Dao’s expression was similarly complex. He never expected to encounter such a devil king, whose menacing reputation stunned the higher realms. Even the Second Body of the Immortal Hall’s successor had been eliminated by him. Knowing his true identity, how could anyone dare seize his Divine Medicine in passing?

Meanwhile, the others in the area trembled, whether at Desolate or the Descendant of Sinful Blood. Such figures were beyond reckoning, leading everyone to scatter hastily in fear.

Desolate was far too famous among the current generation. Back during the Primordial Heaven Secret Realm, he had cooked and eaten a Primordial. Let alone his battles against the Celestials Clan thereafter.

Unless faced with another Primordial or a family Supreme, no one dared provoke him. Thus, the crowd fled en masse.

“How many identities do you have?” Hong Huang stammered out, wide-eyed with astonishment. Shi Hao seemed to unveil layer upon layer of stature, revealing that he had long ascended into the higher realms, building a reputation that shook the heavens.

Down below, the two Primordials hung their heads. Lan Yichen spoke softly, “You don’t intend on enslaving us for life, do you? If so, I would rather die!”

Shi Hao understood that their resistance had been worn down–they had started to falter internally.

“Once we leave the Immortal Ancient, we’ll go our separate paths, owe each other nothing. For now, I won’t enslave you but merely ask for your assistance–help me seek Divine Medicines, Immortal Divine Springs, and similar treasures while chasing your own fortunes. I am in dire need of such objects for my cultivation,” Shi Hao explained.

Both of them remained silent. Such pleasant words hardly disguised the reality–they were still being treated as subordinates.

“I’m being truthful,” Shi Hao assured, smiling. “You’re not servants but fellow cultivators. I’ll not seize your fortunes. I only require life-sustaining herbs and materials.”

The two sighed inwardly. Did fellow cultivators treat one another by brawling until mangled, their bones nearly crushed? Did fellow cultivators stomp on each other while demanding submission?

In the end, they were released, lowering their heads and begrudgingly agreeing to this so-called “mutual aid.”

In the distance, a few lingering cultivators who hadn’t completely fled witnessed the scene and were dumbstruck–two Primordials had truly submitted? This was a monumental event!

“To subjugate Primordials–this is unprecedented!” They were shaken to the core. This occurrence was certain to stir upheaval.

Outside, countless cultivators also trembled, their eyelids twitching furiously.

The forces of Blue Gold Ridge and the Luo Family exhaled a collective sigh of relief. Though their family prodigies had been captured and made into subordinates, they were at least alive.

“Primordials, after all. Worth keeping an eye on,” Shi Hao murmured.

“Use the ‘Seed Array Technique,'” suggested the Divine Striking Stone.

This technique revolved around forming a formation like planting seeds within the body, rooting control over one’s life and death.

The two Primordials turned ashen upon hearing this.

“Alright,” Shi Hao decided after learning the specifics.

“You…” Luo Dao and Lan Yichen stepped back involuntarily, their expressions grim.

“For now, we’re unfamiliar with each other, so just bear with this initial arrangement. Once trust is built, I’ll release you from it,” Shi Hao explained smilingly.

His gaze lingered upon them.

Unfortunately for him, one was inherently metallic and cooked inedible, while the other, despite possessing Vermilion Bird Bloodline, appeared too human to attempt cannibalism.

“Killing them wouldn’t yield sustenance; it’d be a terrible waste.”

If anyone knew his thoughts, they would be utterly stunned. Such a mentality was…peculiar beyond belief. Lan Yichen and Luo Dao, too, might cough blood in fury upon learning of it.

“The formation has been breached–please assist in retrieving the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine,” Shi Hao requested.

The two sighed, having no other option. Under his command, obedience seemed the only path to survival.

“Swoosh!”

As the two ventured inside, a sharp burst of Sword Qi suddenly erupted, severing Lan Yichen in two. The formation roared ominously, unleashing devastating power.

“You plotted against us?!” The Divine Striking Stone fumed.

Clearly, the breached formation had transformed unexpectedly. The Illusory Heaven Divine Vine had enticed them to a blood sacrifice, triggering its renewed power.

The Divine Striking Stone had anticipated such a possibility–after the blood sacrifice, the formation would either disintegrate or become greatly strengthened. Evidently, the latter had occurred.

Lan Yichen emerged rolling from the chaos, while Luo Dao’s face paled.

“What’s happening?!” They bellowed, furious, nearly succumbing to death.

“Just a minor hiccup; it will be resolved soon,” said the Divine Striking Stone.

Lan Yichen’s severed halves quickly fused, molten metallic liquid welding the breaks before solidifying. Soon, he was whole again.

Such resilience startled Shi Hao–it was monstrous, reminiscent of an Immortal Body. A Primordial held truly remarkable abilities.

“This drains Primal Qi tremendously,” Lan Yichen said, noticing Shi Hao’s sparkling gaze, uneasy that he might be forced to exhaust himself breaking the formation.

Shi Hao nodded silently. Observing through his Dual Pupils, he confirmed that by shattering Lan Yichen’s Primordial Spirit, the Immortal Body would lose its efficacy.

“Boom!”

The formation shone intensely, emitting layers of enigmatic characters and horrifying energy.

Its intricacy astounded the group–this Divine Medicine had clearly matured into sentience. It even manipulated the formation using the sacrificial power.

“You dare challenge me? You’re too inexperienced. I’ll tear out your root and consume your vine. Let’s see how you keep struggling,” the Divine Striking Stone threatened viciously.

Within the medicinal field lay an illuminating creature scuttling among the glowing soil.

The vine measured over a meter in length, its stem white and translucent, radiating intense vitality with an intoxicating fragrance. Brilliant silver light emanated from it as it resembled a small dragon adorned with leaves, alive and vivid.

Despite its audacious struggle, its quivering leaves betrayed its fear.

“Stop fighting–you cannot escape. Behave, and I promise to spare your root and let you live,” Shi Hao addressed it. Such an unparalleled and priceless Divine Medicine was not something he intended to eradicate. He merely wanted the stem.

Shockingly, the snow-white Illusory Heaven Divine Vine nodded its stem in response, swaying as if acknowledging his words.

Consequently, the Divine Striking Stone effortlessly cleared the last obstacle.

“Come out willingly,” Shi Hao commanded, leading the group to wait outside.

The Divine Vine’s transparent roots glimmered softly, nearly dreamlike in their luster. Emerging gradually, its tendrils resembled a dragon weaving across the ground, hastening toward Shi Hao.

Obediently, it navigated the breach in the formation, making its way to Shi Hao.

“Swoosh!”

Suddenly, the Divine Vine dove underground, attempting Earth Escape to flee.

Though it lacked the maturity to fly freely, its mastery of Earth Escape was unparalleled, vanishing instantly without trace.

“What a shame!”

Even Lan Yichen and Luo Dao felt regret upon seeing such a treasure escape–missing out was indeed disheartening.

Those with grievances against Shi Hao sighed as well. To lose such a medicine, no matter the circumstances, evoked pangs of sorrow and loss.

Of course, many others rejoiced maliciously, pleased that Shi Hao had suffered this setback rather than them.

“Whoosh!”

All of a sudden, a flash of white light appeared–the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine reemerged, bursting from the ground and fleeing toward the formation again.

With a crash, it slammed into a barrier of light, unable to enter further.

“Gotcha. I knew you wouldn’t submit. Both underground and above, I’ve laid formations–you’re trapped,” boasted the Divine Striking Stone gleefully.

This foresight stemmed from Shi Hao’s understanding of the Divine Medicine’s special traits–a precaution instructed for safeguarding its capture.

In a swift motion, Shi Hao reached out a hand, moving faster than lightning, grasping hold of the vine. Its body was immaculate, whiter than pristine jade, ethereal in its translucence. The fragrance saturated the air so heavily it seemed to elevate Shi Hao’s spirit to an almost transcendental state.

Every pore felt rejuvenated, absorbing the nourishing glow–the divine substance was invigorating beyond measure.

At last, Shi Hao could exhale in relief. Despite its slippery nature, he’d managed to secure the vine–a task that might’ve otherwise eluded him.

“It’s…caught?” Luo Dao muttered, swallowing hard. To witness the seizure of such supreme medicine firsthand felt surreal.

Within the higher realms’ Three Thousand States, few major schools could boast possession of such treasures. Most sects only held inferior substitutes–Pseudo-Divine Medicines. The emergence of an Illusory Heaven Divine Vine would send ancient dao traditions into frenzies.

Outside, a commotion erupted among onlookers. Celestial Gods, True Gods–even Sect Hierarchs radiated intimidating auras, their gazes profound and fixed.

Were it not unattainable, some might have risked war to claim the prize outright!

“Unreal…to think a supreme medicine has been trapped,” Hong Huang’s stunning eyes sparkled with disbelief. The event felt too fantastical.

A meter-long Illusory Heaven Divine Vine now coiled around Shi Hao’s arm, dazzlingly white, exuding sacred rays like a large sun orbiting it. For anyone else, this radiance would feel like bathing in Divine Substance within fantasy itself.

“My path is bright!” Shi Hao’s heart raced with fullness and vigor–this surmounting gain held endless significance.

Producing a cauldron, he gathered the sacred soil from the medicinal field and transplanted the vine into it before safeguarding it. As far as sharing was concerned, Shi Hao wouldn’t hesitate–this was solely for his cultivation during seclusion.

“I’ll join Blue Rain and Yingying,” said Hong Huang, bidding farewell.

Soon after, Shi Hao gathered insight about the situation inside Immortal Ancient through questioning Lan Yichen and Luo Dao.

“The Dark Child, Immortal Hall successor, and others entered the deepest worlds of Immortal Ancient–none have returned yet. Those dormant ancient prodigies remain inactive too.”

“Someone uncovered what might be the nest of one of the Ten Fierce Beasts in Immortal Ancient’s depths–many have rushed there.”

These pieces were noteworthy. Shi Hao nodded quietly, opting not to delve further into the matter.

Soon after, Lan Yichen and Luo Dao departed.

Shi Hao had made arrangements with them for specified times and locations, ensuring delivery of sacred medicines periodically–if there were extras, they’d keep them.

“Let’s go,” Shi Hao announced, departing alongside the Divine Striking Stone and Emperor Butterfly. They navigated swiftly, circumventing onlookers, and eventually looped back quietly to reach the bluestone path.

“Heaven as the furnace, myriad paths as the fire, refining the body, igniting the Primordial Spirit, forging the True Self.” Shi Hao murmured, seating himself there. He decided to enter seclusion to strengthen his abilities further. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile readers, please visit m.wuxiaworld.site for content.)