ALL NOVEL Chapter 52
Chapter 52: The Unrivaled Elegance of the Willow Branch!
“Bravo!”
Ning Chuan’s words resounded, met by enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience in the inn.
“See? This is who Shi Hao is! Resilient, unyielding, and unbeaten in the face of adversity!”
“Shi Hao is like the soaring Kun Peng, no matter how broken his wings are, he’ll be reborn and ascend towards the sun!”
“In just one day, the rock rises with the wind and soars ninety thousand miles!”
“Absolutely exhilarating!”
“Heavenly Pride is truly that—a pride of heaven. Even if buried under the rubble, they’ll rise like a phoenix, shining brilliantly!”
“Snow-covered branches hang low, though they don’t reach the mud, when the crimson sun rises, they’ll stand on par with the sky!”
“Why even compare Shi Yi to Shi Hao? I declare today that Shi Hao’s future accomplishments will surpass those of Shi Yi!”
“This brilliant narrative makes it clear!”
The audience erupted in joy, celebrating Shi Hao’s indomitable spirit. In Shi Hao’s journey, they saw reflections of their own struggles and victories. Amidst life’s adversities, Shi Hao’s unyielding nature resonated deeply.
…
At a window in the inn, Nan Yuexi reflected, “The greatest light doesn’t lie in never falling, but in rising each time it falls.”
“The world needs not someone who rides high on the winds of success but someone who, after facing defeat, possesses the courage to start anew.”
She gazed ahead, as if foreseeing Shi Hao’s future path. She was confident that Shi Hao would undoubtedly become the world’s most formidable contender.
…
In a corner of the inn’s southeast, Swordsman Jianzi engaged Yan Qingfei in conversation, “Brother Yan, it seems your bet from three days ago is about to turn against you.”
Yan Qingfei snorted, “Our bet stipulated that Shi Hao needed to defeat Shi Yi. However, Shi Hao has only started glimpsing his potential, whereas Shi Yi already possesses a Double Pupil and the Supreme Bone.”
“Indeed, Shi Hao’s present strength may not be enough to surpass Shi Yi,” Swordsman Jianzi replied, a knowing gleam in his eyes. He then closed his eyes again, indicating his readiness to continue listening.
…
“Ah! My dear Shi Hao is simply invincible!”
Upon hearing that Shi Hao had triumphed over the Heavenly Pride of the Embarrassed Village, Princess Huai Zhu nearly shouted in excitement. Quickly muffling her outburst, she lowered her head, fearful of attracting Prince Yan Ling’s attention.
Under the table, she clenched her fists, cheeks flushed with exhilaration. “Keep going, Little Shi Hao! You will always have my unwavering support!”
…
At a table where the Lord of Lin’an sat, Prince Yan Ling expressed his approval, “Indeed, The Legend of the Emperor of Heaven is truly captivating.”
“Absolutely, even I, not to mention others, found myself engrossed. Mr. Ning is undoubtedly a remarkable storyteller,” the Lord of Lin’an responded with genuine emotion.
Prince Yan Ling continued, “Yet, it’s a pity that innate talent often trumps acquired effort. It’s unlikely that Shi Hao will surpass Shi Yi in the future, given the vast chasm between their potential.”
“Oh?” The Lord of Lin’an raised an eyebrow, sensing Prince Yan Ling’s favor toward Shi Yi.
Prince Yan Ling glanced at the Lord of Lin’an, seemingly understanding the implications. He then offered an explanation with an impassive demeanor, “The world vilifies Shi Yi as selfish and heartless. Yet, I concur with his actions.”
“Throughout one’s journey, strength dictates respect, while the weak yield. Only the ruthless and unscrupulous can ascend to the summit and command a panoramic view.”
“As for right and wrong…”
A contemptuous smile curved Prince Yan Ling’s lips as he continued, “The weak bicker over morality, whereas the strong measure solely success and failure.”
“In the realm of victory, one reigns as king, while the defeated kneel as subjects. To ascend the throne, sacrifices are inevitable.”
“That’s the world we inhabit!”
“Speaking so resolutely, I suppose I’d be even more merciless than Shi Yi if I were in his position,” the Lord of Lin’an chuckled wryly, understanding that he couldn’t fully embrace Prince Yan Ling’s words.
…
Back on the high platform, Ning Chuan sipped his tea and resumed, “Following Shi Hao’s victory over the Heavenly Pride of Embarrassed Village, he endeared himself even more to Stone Village.”
“Unbeknownst to him, Shi Hao inadvertently replaced Shi Fei Jiao and others, becoming the village’s pillar.”
“The village elder, Shi Yunfeng, performed a baptism on Shi Hao. Utilizing the blood of mythical beasts, the fire horn of the Li species, the arm of a demon ape king, the black jiao wood, and other supreme treasures of the Great Wilderness, and employing ancient methods, Shi Yunfeng concocted a medicinal elixir to purify Shi Hao.”
“After the baptism, Shi Hao’s strength soared, allowing him to compete with young talents of aristocratic families outside the village.”
“On the day of the baptism, the village’s children found the medicine’s effects too agonizing to bear, and they leaped out of the cauldron. Only little Shi Hao endured till the end, absorbing all the elixirs and obtaining the Art of Mythical Beasts.”
“Emerging from the cauldron, Shi Hao’s power surged. At not even four years old, he could exert a force of 8,000 pounds through a mere arm movement.”
“At this juncture, top experts from Luo Fu Great Zephyr, Purple Mountain Clan, Golden Wolf Tribe, and other renowned clans brought their genius juniors to the Great Wilderness. Their aim: to vie for mountain treasures and incidentally showcase their talents.”
“As they journeyed, these clans indiscriminately annihilated village after village, ruthlessly slaughtering sacrificial spirits. Eventually, their focus shifted to Stone Village.”
“And thus, Stone Village encountered calamity!”
“In that confrontation, Shi Hao single-handedly triumphed over all the young talents from beyond the village.”
“Under the starlit sky, Shi Yunfeng, the village elder, personally vanquished oncoming enemies, embodying the spirit of the sacrificial willow deity.”
“Amid the battle’s conclusion, Shi Hao stood atop a mountain peak. The night breeze ruffled his clothing, stirring a tempest within his heart.”
“That day marked the beginning of Shi Hao’s realization—that he must cast aside his innocence.”
“And above the night sky, a gleaming willow branch, resembling a lightning bolt, tore through the limitless expanse!”
“Thunder and lightning receded, seas turned to dust!”
“The willow branch sliced through heaven and earth, cleaving through sun and moon, radiating peerless elegance!”
“Creatures in the wilderness gazed upward at the willow branch, their gazes awash with awe.”