Eternal Heavenly Emperor

Chu Hao and Su Wanyue chatted for a long time. Most of the time, it was Su Wanyue who was speaking, introducing him to the situation of the Gu Clan.

After an hour, Su Wanyue took her leave, but she left behind a lingering image in Chu Hao's mind, so deeply imprinted that he couldn't erase it no matter what.

Had he fallen for her?

Chu Hao asked himself. Initially, he was definitely attracted by Su Wanyue's unparalleled beauty, which was only natural. When a man meets a woman, appearance is the first impression. However, now he was more captivated by her temperament and speech.

"Having someone to love isn't bad, at least it gives you a goal to pursue." He smiled, thinking if he liked her, he should pursue her. How else would he know what he truly wanted?

Afterwards, Feng Yezi and Wang Hong became even busier. Crafting the Xuanyin Sword had reached a critical point, and even Wang Hong had no time to guide Chu Hao, spending all day in the workshop in the backyard.

Instead, An Feifei had visited a few times, inviting Chu Hao to the Sky Heart Sect to relax, but Chu Hao had turned her down, citing that he needed to practice forging techniques.

About half a month before the new year, Chu Hao finally made his first Treasure Artifact.

It was a short knife. To save time, everything was simplified, and it was only inlaid with a ferocious beast's inner core—most Treasure Artifacts are inlaid with inner cores, but there are a few exceptions. For example, Su Wanyue's still unfinished Xuanyin Sword was to be inlaid with the Heart of the Mountain Range.

But comparatively, the Heart of the Mountain Range was obviously more difficult to obtain.

He picked up the short blade and gently shook it. With a hum, a black brilliance emanated from the blade.

The inner core inlaid in this short knife was of the gold attribute, which, when activated, instantly enhanced the sharpness of the blade to a higher level. Different attribute inner cores have different effects. For instance, earth attribute inner cores can form defensive or gravitational effects, while water attribute ones can produce Ice Frost Power or toxicity effects.

Moreover, if there are more inlay holes, multiple effects can be combined. But the more holes, the harder it becomes to inlay, and the different Star Forces are harder to harmonize.

Even a master like Feng Yezi could only inlay up to eight holes with three different attribute inner cores at most. Any more would end in failure, no matter how skilled he was.

Chu Hao played with the short knife with great satisfaction. It was his first creation, and he cherished it greatly.

He certainly wouldn't sell this knife. He would keep it as a memento.

Calculating the time, there were only half a month left until the end of the year. Though he had three Snow Toad Pills, they were lifesavers for critical moments. If he didn't have to use them, he preferred not to.

So, he planned to return to the Yunliu Sect to get the next year's antidote first.

He didn't even go looking for Feng Yezi but overheard unexpected news—Jin Yunlin had made a breakthrough.

Among the Four Talented of Tianhe, someone had finally broken the balance and became the first to step into the Martial Sect Realm.

Undoubtedly the first.

This news was so shocking that even the cleaning servants in Bingyuan Pavilion were discussing it, making it hard for Chu Hao not to hear.

However, Chu Hao just smiled and didn't take it to heart. He firmly believed he could also break through to the Martial Sect Realm soon and wouldn't be inferior to Jin Yunlin.

Since Feng Yezi was in seclusion forging the artifact and couldn't be disturbed, and Chu Hao felt it would be too impolite to leave without a word, he decided to wait a few days. Even without riding the Flame Horse, it would only take him seven or eight days to return. Ten days would be more than enough.

The next day, An Feifei arrived gracefully.

"Brother Chu." She greeted him. Even Master Feng referred to Chu Hao as "Little Friend," so how could she be disrespectful? Otherwise, wouldn't Master Feng be furious? Oh, I've been so courteous, do you think you're of higher status than me and can treat Chu Hao this way?

"Miss An." Chu Hao also returned the greeting.

"Tonight, our sect is hosting a celebration for Senior Brother Jin. It will be a grand occasion. Why don't you join us for some fun, Brother Chu?" An Feifei invited.

A few days ago, she had repeatedly invited Chu Hao to visit the Sky Heart Sect, but he had turned her down. Having refused so many times, he felt a bit embarrassed. Thinking he had nothing to do anyway, he nodded and said, "Sure."

An Feifei smiled sweetly and said, "Then I'll be waiting for you, Brother Chu."

After speaking, she gracefully left.

Chu Hao thought for a moment and decided to find Su Wanyue. During the days of forging the Xuanyin Sword, she had been staying at Bingyuan Pavilion. However, she kept to herself so much that, except for a few people, no one knew that such a heavenly beauty resided there.

His soul came from Earth, so his thoughts were straightforward—if you liked someone, ask them out.

Fortunately, Su Wanyue was in.

He knocked and entered. After exchanging a few words, he asked, "Miss Su, Jin Yunlin of the Sky Heart Sect has broken through to the Martial Sect Realm. There will be a banquet tonight. If you're free, shall we go together?"

Su Wanyue pondered for a moment, then nodded. She figured being alone for too long could be boring, especially being young.

Chu Hao happily said, "Then I'll come find you later."

"Okay."

By evening, Chu Hao changed into a clean outfit. Appearance was still quite important, especially when attending a banquet with such an exceptional beauty as Su Wanyue.

He went to find Su Wanyue. When the door opened, Su Wanyue appeared before him, her face covered with a white veil. Her graceful figure was wrapped in a snow-white dress, looking as pristine as an immortal, stirring his soul.

Her snow-white skin melded with her white attire, only her lush black hair stood out, flowing down like a waterfall, tied in a simple band. Though simply adorned, her unparalleled charm made it breathtaking.

"So beautiful." Chu Hao blurted out.

Su Wanyue let out a soft "ah". She had thought covering her face would make her less noticeable, but it had no effect. After some thought, she took out a large cloak from her ring crest mustard seed and draped it over herself, concealing her figure and appearance.

Chu Hao regretfully shook his head, feeling it was a waste to hide such a pearl. But then he thought, only he knew what kind of breathtaking beauty lay beneath this disguise, which made him happy again.

"We can go now," Su Wanyue said.

"Let's go."

The two left Bingyuan Pavilion, walking quickly until they reached the foot of the Sky Heart Sect's mountain.

"Brother Chu." An Feifei welcomed them from afar.

"Miss An." Chu Hao greeted back, smiling, "I brought a companion. I'm sorry if it's a bit abrupt."

An Feifei glanced at Su Wanyue, then nonchalantly moved her gaze away, saying, "Of course not. I was worried Brother Chu might feel lonely. With a companion, it won't be dull."

She just wanted to recruit Chu Hao under her wing, not a husband. So, she didn't mind if he brought a female companion.

"That's good." Chu Hao smiled.

"What should I call this young lady?" An Feifei asked Su Wanyue.

"Su," Su Wanyue said flatly.

Instantly, An Feifei felt a pang of displeasure. Who was she? A core disciple of the Sky Heart Sect, one of the top three sects in all of Tianhe County. She was being so polite, yet the other was still so cold and haughty. Who did she think she was? Beautiful as a heavenly immortal or as powerful as a deacon or elder?

—She was spot on. Su Wanyue was indeed an unparalleled beauty and a War General-level expert. Even the Sky Heart Sect's Sect Master wasn't qualified to make her humble herself.

Out of respect for Chu Hao, An Feifei restrained herself. Being the leader of the An Sect, she naturally had such poise. She put away her smile and said, "Brother Chu, Miss Su, please follow me."

Under An Feifei's guidance, they passed through the mountain gate unimpeded. Today was significant for the Sky Heart Sect, attracting many guests. From the foot of the mountain to the top, the path was lined with people in festive attire.

Soon, they reached the top, where a large stone hall stood, used by the Sky Heart Sect for celebrations. Although the breakthrough was by a Martial Sect Realm member, not a Warrior or War General—even if Jin Yunlin was very young.

Therefore, the guests today were primarily young people. The Sky Heart Sect would have liked to invite big figures from other sects, but they hesitated.

After talking with Chu Hao for a while, An Feifei excused herself, as her status didn't allow her to merely accompany Chu Hao and Su Wanyue. As a core disciple of the Sky Heart Sect and a leading figure of her generation in the An Family, she had many pressing matters to attend to.

Chu Hao and Su Wanyue found a corner to sit, where the table was filled with various fruits which they began to eat.

The celebration formally began at seven o'clock.

The protagonist of the evening, Jin Yunlin, made a grand entrance. Dressed in festive robes, he emerged from the previously closed stone doors. Instantly, drums and bells rang out in joyous celebration.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Jin Yunlin said loudly. Having just entered the Martial Sect Realm, he now possessed an authoritative presence that naturally commanded even martial masters to quiet down.

"Thank you all for coming. I'd like to toast you all with three cups." He picked up a cup, downing it in one gulp. A maid refilled his cup, and he drank again, and a third time, downing three cups in succession.

"To Senior Brother Jin." Sky Heart Sect disciples stood up to toast him.

Other non-Sky Heart Sect disciples followed suit, standing up and drinking the fine wine.

"Hey, what do you two mean by this? Senior Brother Jin has offered a toast; why are you not drinking?" someone nearby noticed that Chu Hao and Su Wanyue not only didn't stand up but hadn't even touched their cups, growing angry.

How disrespectful.

Chu Hao smiled lightly and said, "I don't like drinking."

Su Wanyue completely ignored the commotion. A member of the ancient Gu Clan, a War General herself, why would she need to respect a newly advanced Martial Sect Realm junior?

"How dare you," the Sky Heart Sect disciple exploded in rage.