Star Gate

Chapter 733: Return to Skystar (IV)

The big snake’s heart quailed with what it heard. Don’t transform into a dragon? I am too weak? Dragons and snakes aren’t of the same race...

These words emblazoned themselves into the snake’s mind, throwing it into a daze. And yet, these were pointers from a supreme powerhouse. It had to commit them to memory! A peculiar strength surged into its body the next second—the snake immediately sensed how it was different!

Its blood frothed as the monster spirit agitated. Li Hao continuously directed sword energy into the snake while he transmitted, “After crossing into the Arcanus level, you will be a premier monster spirit in the modern age. Of the seven divine mountains, the Sky Roc and Phoenix Mountains are all established by flight monster spirits. Why doesn’t the snake king establish a Kui Mountain sacred land to accept the monster spirits of the land and even sea?”

“Revered One...” the big snake responded with astonishment.

“Your mountain range bisects the eastern and northern continents. Silver Moon lies in the north and will conquer the world sooner or later, then revitalize the glories of New Martial! We may need to subjugate the east in our quest of world domination, which will require the snake king’s aid!

“In addition, as a whole, the monster spirits are a scattered race in these times. Some of them randomly kill innocents and eat humans. You were enlightened early, so you know of the glories of the human race. Once the monster spirits rampage wildly, that will only lead to your own kind’s immense losses. The heaven and earth shake in these times—you should rise with the wind. There were supreme powerhouses among the monster spirits in the ancient civilization. Why can there not be a new king among you in modern times?”

The snake king’s heart shook; it didn’t dare make a sound. Its blood frothed more furiously as it absorbed more sword energy, considering what Li Hao had said. Did this one wish to dominate the world? Should the Kui Mountain establish a sacred land for monster spirits and take in monster spirits from all corners? Should they go to war for this human and conquer the eastern continent?

Various thoughts rose in the snake king’s mind as it transmitted cautiously, “Revered One, the monster spirits of Kui Mountain lack sufficient strength. Even if I break through to Arcanus, there are only a few Novas among us...”

They were strong enough, but still lacked some foundation compared to the seven divine mountains. They had very few metamorphoses...

“That is fine! So long as you are strong enough to give me a hand, I can use the energy of the divine sword to purify your branch’s bloodline. It is only a matter of time before you ascend to a stronger level!

“The second awakening is about to begin. There will be no chances available to you if you do not work hard to seize the advantage! Once the ancient monster spirits awaken and ancient plant spirits take their place in the world, you modern spirits will be their vassals!”

The big snake shook from the implications.

“It is almost time for the second awakening, so do not miss this last chance!”

“The Revered One speaks truly!” quickly responded the snake king as certain thoughts began to form in its mind.

“Additionally, the snake race can also enter the sea. I may need your help with the North Sea. I killed the North Sea King a while ago and he had many dukes under his banner. The North Sea is a chaotic mess these days, which is an opportunity for you!”

“This humble snake understands!” The big snake didn’t say much else. The strength of its bloodline had only lacked a slight push before setting foot into Arcanus. Thanks to Li Hao’s help, it quickly purified its bloodline. Rays of golden light emanated from its body before long!

Water mist rose in the surroundings; the sound of a large river flowing coursed through the area. This was the power of the bloodline! The big snake reared its head and slammed its tail down on the sea surface. Vast waves reared toward the sky!

BOOM!

Loud impacts reverberated in the four directions and a humongous snake appeared a second later, blotting out the sky and exuding hints of aureate light.

Deputy Zhou was also shocked by what he saw. The bloodline purification effects from sword energy were fantastic! This big snake really had easily set foot over the hurdle and entered the Arcanus level!

Panther was also envious and stared at the snake. This easy ascension was the result of many years of accumulation, it hadn’t broken through simply due to Li Hao’s favor. It’d only lacked a catalyst; the sword energy was that catalyst.

Excitement and gratitude filled the big snake’s giant eyes.

“Many thanks to the Revered One’s favor!” It was overcome with the fact that it’d ascended without needing to transform into a dragon. Indeed, the ancient experts were right. That course of action seemed to be a reach beyond its grasp. Purifying its own bloodline instead of seeking to become a dragon... perhaps that was the correct path.

The snake’s body was so exceedingly strong that Li Hao marveled at it. No wonder the monster spirits could establish two divine mountains. This guy didn’t show the slightest burden on its body after setting foot into Arcanus! That meant its cultivation level was very stable, unlike other Arcanus who needed to stabilize their five organs. After successfully making the breakthrough, this placed the big snake on par with Hu Xiao!

“You’re being too polite, I said I’d do this for you!” Li Hao laughed. “I would request that the snake king remember that whether it is humans or monster spirits, each has their own dao. Eating humans... is not the proper way!”

“This humble snake will commit that to memory!” The snake prostrated itself on the ground and didn’t dare say anything else.

“Then do as you will, I am heading to the central region...”

“Permit this humble snake to lead the way for the Revered One...” The snake king shot forward without another word, opening a vast waterway through the sea that the great ship took. There were no monster spirits or pirate ships that dared approach the waterway. Just one look at the snake’s body was indication enough of how strong it was!

Some people saw the scene from far away and were stunned speechless! Demon Sword truly did have a few tricks up his sleeve.

......

Deputy Zhou stroked his mustache with a smile and transmitted to Li Hao, “Not bad, it’s good to foster our own men in the monster spirits from early on. I see that big snake is rather fearful of you.”

“It’s fearful because it knows much. Someone’s taught this snake before!”

Deputy Zhou nodded and responded without a change in expression, “That’s normal. There are a lot of eccentrics in the world, so don’t underestimate anyone!”

There seemed to be a double meaning in his words. Li Hao also nodded, but didn’t ask further. He sat down cross-legged to continue cultivation. Endless mysterious power surged into his body and hummed within, stimulating his supernatural locks. He had a lot to accomplish on this return to Skystar City. All of that would be a joke if he lacked sufficient strength.

Deputy Zhou glanced at the young man, then at those cultivating inside the ship’s hold. Was it to these people’s good fortune or misfortune that they’d run into Li Hao? Their rate of improvement would be quick if there was sufficient sword energy, but the stronger they were, the more dangerous their circumstances would be.

Also, has that kid forgotten about the two hundred drops of Water of Life? Why hasn’t he given it to me yet?

......

Skystar City.

Everyone was aware of Li Hao traveling back from Silver Moon as he did so with great fanfare. As for the one thousand soldiers he came with, no one cared about them. Only the royal family viewed the development with more expectation. Since Li Hao had brought even regular soldiers with him, that meant he was truly planning on putting down roots in Skystar City. That was good! Each day he was present in this world meant another day of pain and anguish for the nine ministries.

Therefore, currently inside the palace.

“The Skystar Marquis is about to return. Little Nine, you will head to the northern city quadrant to welcome him and demonstrate royal favor!”

“Yes, royal father!” A young man bowed within a massive hall as he accepted his orders. When he exited the hall, he passed several gardens before finding someone in a small sparring ground. He smiled at the person he was looking for. “Master He, the Skystar Marquis is about to return. Royal father sent me over to welcome him. I need Master He’s help in making some introductions.”

He Yong turned around to look at the prince addressing him. Thinking it over, he nodded merrily. “Alright!

Southern Fist’s good treatment in the royal family these years had much to do with this ninth prince who was gradually assuming power. This prince’s potential was less than obvious in the early years and his strength weak. His branch of the royal family wasn’t prominent either, so no one paid attention to him in the palace.

He Yong had been bored and wanted to watch a good show, so he secretly taught this prince martial dao. To think that his martial dao potential was good enough that he gradually grew stronger over the years! As more supernaturals advanced in this world, the more that absolute strength was valued.

These days, the ninth prince was a prime candidate for crown prince. One hadn’t been determined yet because the nine ministries held sway over too much.

“You guys continue training.” He Yong turned to address the practicing royal scions and related. “I’ll be back soon. If there’s a chance to, I’ll bring Demon Sword to the palace to meet everyone...”

That excited quite a few in the sparring grounds. Granted, He Yong was just mouthing a pleasantry.

......

Moments later, He Yong started walking with the ninth prince. The ninth prince appeared mild-mannered, cultured, and even a bit feeble. In reality, his cultivation level was very high.

“Master He.” He was as placid and humble as ever. I’ve only ever heard of the marquis’ affairs, but never come in contact with him. Is there anything I should be careful of?”

“Nothing in particular,” He Yong chuckled. “If you are of the mind to, you can give him some treasures. That will delight him more than anything.”

The ninth prince laughed with surprise.

“I’m not joking,” He Yong continued seriously. “We Silver Moon martial masters are poor and have a slightly unfortunate habit of fixating on any treasure we see!”

The ninth prince started and fell into a contemplative silence, breaking it only to ask, “Does Master He think that the Skystar Marquis will continue his previous line of work upon his return, or will he be satisfied with the status quo and consolidate his footing in the city with peace of mind...”

“That’s hard to say!” He Yong shook his head. “Although I’ve partnered with him multiple times, Li Hao is young and takes action on whatever he thinks of. Sometimes he does so out of pure interest, sometimes he does so out of momentary anger. It’s very hard to speculate his next course of action.”

The ninth prince didn’t know if He Yong didn’t want to say so or if the situation truly was thus. Regardless, he asked nothing further. All would be revealed once he met Li Hao. The entire world knew of the royal family’s desire to build close relations with Li Hao, so there was no need to hide anything.