Coughs echoed continuously through the enormous conference room.
First one person coughed, then another, leaving Hu Qingfeng and his companions feeling distinctly irritated.
The upper echelon of Silver Moon was nothing but a bunch of sickly invalids.
If it wasn't one of them ailing, it was another.
Just then, Deputy Director Zhou suddenly chimed in, interrupting the chorus of coughing. "Pardon the interruption, everyone, but in addition to today's agenda, we must add one more item."
"Reinforcements!"
Deputy Director Zhou did not speak loudly, but his tone was grave. "A crisis has struck the three northern provinces. With General Kou's death, turmoil is inevitable in those three provinces—there is simply no other possibility. Within them, the Three Great Organizations are active, as are numerous ambitious schemers. Furthermore, the North Sea Navy, which has never been completely eradicated despite repeated suppression campaigns, is stirring at sea, launching sporadic raids against Beihai Province...
"The Central Region is far away, so deploying troops from there will be slow. Moreover, with the rise of supernaturals, the rebel forces boast numerous experts and have recruited vast numbers of unaligned supernaturals. Years ago, under Commander Yu's leadership, Silver Moon wiped out the bandits, but we earned their deep-seated hatred in doing so. Since they weren't thoroughly eliminated back then, they will seek vengeance sooner or later!
"Therefore, even before orders arrive from the Central Region, we must prepare to send aid. Both the military and our supernaturals must be ready!"
At these words, everyone nodded.
The solemn Commander Yu now displayed his full authority, his voice deep and resonant. "Without orders from Heavenly Star City, I cannot deploy troops on my own initiative. However, regarding the Tiger Wing Army, Dingfang can lead fifty thousand troops to support the northern three provinces. The Tiger Wing Army has always operated as a mobile force. As long as they do not cross the North Sea, it will not be a major issue."
Beside him, Hu Dingfang spoke immediately. "If Commander Yu commands it, I will give my utmost!"
The old man said nothing more.
The northern three provinces were about to become the epicenter of a turbulent era. Heading there now was actually a good thing—a very good thing indeed.
It was chaotic, but it also offered opportunities.
The upheaval would be contained within the three northern provinces, which would become the primary battlefield of the northern territories in the days to come.
Soon, countless powerhouses would emerge from that crucible.
There were many reasons why the Central Region had so many experts, but much of it was tied to constant warfare; only troubled times forged powerhouses rapidly.
The turmoil in the northern three provinces would inevitably draw experts from every direction—not just the nineteen northern provinces, but other regions as well. Those who could no longer survive in the Central Region, those from the other three borders who dared not join the chaotic battles in the center... all of them would converge in the north!
"As for my side, once the Three Great Organizations are wiped out, I will have Hao Lianchuan lead a team to provide support."
Hao Lianchuan's face fell even further. *Why is it me again?*
Hou Xiaochen's expression remained utterly calm. *Of course it's you.*
*I'm giving you an opportunity, so don't fail to appreciate it.*
Then he added, "If possible, the Silver Moon Martial Guard can also be deployed to the northern battlefield."
Hearing this, Hu Qingfeng acted as if he had caught him red-handed, blurting out, "The Silver Moon Martial Guard? Director Hou, what kind of army is that? Why isn't it on the official register?"
He felt a surge of excitement.
After several days here, he had finally found some evidence—and from Hou Xiaochen's own mouth, no less.
Of course, he didn't want to completely fall out with Hou Xiaochen right now... but Hou Xiaochen probably wouldn't turn on him at this moment either. All he needed to do was follow Hou Xiaochen's lead and pry deeper, uncovering even more secrets!
The northern three provinces were in chaos, and right now, he desperately wanted to return to the Central Region immediately. But going back like this would cause him no small amount of trouble.
Yu Xiao and Huang Jie were dead; he had to secure some merit before he could return.
Hou Xiaochen remained composed, letting out a light cough. "Who said it isn't on the register? The Silver Moon Martial Guard was formed from the remnants of the disbanded Heavenly Star Martial Guard! This army does not belong to the Inspectorate system, so naturally the Night Watchers have no record of it. However, this army belongs under the imperial family and has always been registered there. You can verify it yourself once you return. Although the imperial family no longer allocates resources to it, the unit designation still exists."
Hu Qingfeng froze slightly.
Under the imperial family?
The imperial family rarely showed its face nowadays.
He cast a suspicious glance at Hou Xiaochen. Beside them, Commander Yu remarked casually, "That is indeed the case. It was registered with the imperial family, and the unit designation remains. The Martial Guard isn't large; from what I know, it's merely a thousand men or so."
Hu Qingfeng felt a twinge of disappointment.
*Is that how it is?*
Granted, this still posed a minor inconvenience for Hou Xiaochen. After all, the imperial family and the Nine Departments were at odds, and maintaining a Martial Guard unit in the imperial family's name might draw displeasure from certain people in the Nine Departments.
However... it was inconsequential!
A trivial matter, nothing more!
Hoping to topple Hou Xiaochen over something so minor was an absolute joke.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
Hou Xiaochen coughed again, derailing Hu Qingfeng's train of thought. He spoke softly. "Furthermore, once Special Commissioner Hu has finished his duties here, you had best prepare to make a trip to the northern three provinces. The Night Watchers have only just received the news, and they might not have time to send personnel over."
Hu Qingfeng frowned and kept silent.
He had no desire to go there!
His only fear was that the expert who killed General Kou might still be lurking around.
How dangerous would that be!
Rather than answering, he shifted the topic. "Director Hou, there is no rush on that matter. What concerns me now is whether Silver Moon will still have the strength to commit forces over there once war breaks out with the Three Great Organizations. Moreover, the Battle Heaven City ruins pose immense danger. Is it really a good idea to fall out with the Three Great Organizations at this juncture? It was originally agreed that we would explore it together and share the risks. But now, if we turn hostile against them, all the risks will fall solely on Silver Moon..."
Did that make sense?
To some degree, yes.
During the previous exploration, if the Three Great Organizations and the Night Watchers hadn't joined forces, the Night Watchers probably wouldn't have even made it into the inner city and would have suffered catastrophic losses.
Thus, even as enemies, exploring the ruins together meant sharing the burden of risk.
Hou Xiaochen chuckled. "Are we incapable of getting by without the Three Great Organizations? There is no rush on that matter; the ruins are right there and won't run away! My thought is to strike first, beating the Three Great Organizations until they realize whose territory this is. Once we beat them until they understand their mistake, we can negotiate at our leisure. By then, we will hold the initiative."
"However, as far as I know, Lanyue, Banshan, and Equality King are all at the Rising Light stage. Right now, the Three Great Organizations have three whole Rising Light experts present! Director Hou claims to be injured and unwilling to fight... Though I am also at Rising Light, I'm afraid my strength falls short of my intentions..."
He felt that these people were trying to use him as a blade.
That was definitely not an outcome he desired.
If he truly did that, he would be in grave danger.
Facing multiple Rising Light experts, along with peak Three Sols figures like Ziyue and the Wheel-Turning King, not to mention the Origin God Armaments they possessed, how could Hu Qingfeng dare to openly turn against them?
"Cough, cough... No matter!"
Hou Xiaochen smiled. "Deputy Director Hao will carry my Fire Phoenix Spear. Though he is no match for a Rising Light expert, he can still provide some support. Besides, Silver Moon is not entirely devoid of powerhouses; there are also Thousand-Battlers within the Martial Guard. While they may not be overwhelmingly strong, once the Martial Guard forms a battle array, they are capable of holding their own..."
In short, he was determined to force Hu Qingfeng to take action.
Hu Qingfeng kept quiet.
He cursed inwardly. *Dream on. There's no way in hell I'm doing it. Even if you've already agreed among yourselves, I won't lift a finger. At worst, I'll flick my sleeves and head straight back to the Central Region!*
*If I go back, the worst I'll face is some reprimand.*
He felt the atmosphere in Silver Moon was thoroughly bizarre and difficult to navigate.
Before coming, he had envisioned things far too optimistically. Hou Xiaochen's single spear strike had shattered many of his plans; otherwise, the situation would never have turned out like this.
***
While they argued, Li Hao gradually regained his focus. No longer paying attention to their squabbling, he cautiously looked around the room.
On the military's side, among the three commanders, Hu Dingfang was in the late Three Sols stage—this, Li Hao already knew.
The other commander, who led the White Dragon Army, appeared to be around fifty years old, slightly younger than Commander Yu but older than Hu Dingfang. He was also a supernatural; judging by his sphere of light, he seemed to possess the strength of a peak Three Sols expert.
Thus, Hu Dingfang was actually the weakest among them, though he was also the youngest.
On the Inspectorate's side, not many had come. One was the burly Kong Jie, whose inner light was glaringly bright. Li Hao did not look at him for long, focusing instead on the few companions he had brought. Hao Lianchuan had not really introduced them because none of them were particularly famous.
Aside from Kong Jie, there were only three people.
Two men and one woman. One of the men had dark skin, and as if sensing Li Hao's gaze, he offered a friendly smile.
Li Hao felt a bit bewildered. *Who is this guy? I don't know him at all.*
Beside him, Hao Lianchuan, who had been cursing under his breath, noticed this exchange and sent a voice transmission to introduce him. "Don't recognize that dark egg?"
Li Hao was speechless, though he figured that man probably couldn't detect the transmission, so it didn't really matter.
"You ought to know him!"
Hao Lianchuan transmitted, "He was the previous director of your Silver City Inspectorate. Later he was transferred to White Moon City and now serves as the director of the White Moon City Inspectorate... Not that it's of much use. In this place, headquarters reigns supreme. White Moon City is the provincial capital, so as the capital city's director, he has zero real authority—it was far better to enjoy life freely back in Silver City."
*Three lifetimes of misfortune makes a county magistrate attached to a prefecture; three lifetimes of evil deeds attaches him to a provincial capital.*
Serving as an official in a provincial capital—especially in a position like the White Moon City director—was pure misery. That was why the Night Watchers simply chose not to establish a branch in White Moon City, maintaining only a single headquarters to avoid unnecessary complications. Of course, it was also related to the scarcity of supernaturals here.
Once Hao Lianchuan explained, Li Hao immediately recognized who he was.
The previous director was quite renowned. Liu Long had once introduced him to Li Hao: the former director was a martial master who cultivated the Iron Cloth divine art, rendering him invulnerable to blades and spears.
In the Silver Moon martial forest of the past, there had also been a legendary practitioner of the Iron Cloth who was as famous as Brow-Height Staff and the others, but Yuan Shuo had ultimately shattered his physical body. Once his body broke, the Iron Cloth was destroyed, and he naturally perished.
However, the Iron Cloth secret technique was not exclusive; many people knew it, and it was considered one of the more widespread martial arts secret techniques in the jianghu.
"Wang Henggang!"
Li Hao recalled his name. Back at the Silver City Inspectorate, a portrait of him still hung on the wall, though he hadn't looked nearly this dark back then. Moving to White Moon City had turned him this dark.
Previously, someone had mentioned that he advanced to become a supernatural, and Li Hao had assumed he had joined the Night Watchers. He hadn't expected him to join the Inspectorate instead.
Yet his cultivation... was not weak at all!
Late Three Sols?
After observing for a moment, Li Hao made a rough assessment: he truly was in the late Three Sols stage, which was no small feat.
When had he advanced?
Li Hao thought back. Mu Sen hadn't been with the Inspectorate for very long—perhaps... a little over three years?
Roughly that long!
In other words, this man had only advanced to supernatural status a little over three years ago.
In three-odd years, if he had broken through from Hundred-Breaker, that meant starting at Solar Luminary. To go from a new Solar Luminary to the late Three Sols stage in just over three years was a startling speed of progression.
Moreover, he kept an extraordinarily low profile.
Hardly anyone in White Moon City probably knew him, whereas Silver City still remembered this former Inspectorate director, having clearer memories of him than of the current Mu Sen.
Besides Wang Henggang, the other man and woman were also in the Three Sols realm. Judging by their strength, both hovered between the late and peak Three Sols stages. Damn it, the Inspectorate actually had several Three Sols experts—even more than the Night Watchers!
Li Hao was utterly speechless!
Yet thinking of their boss, Kong Jie, he felt it made sense after all.
Strictly speaking, the Night Watchers were still stronger. Setting Three Sols aside, Chief Steward Yu was at Rising Light, which was worth three of them by herself. It was just that Hao Lianchuan was somewhat embarrassing; as the first deputy director, among those present, only Director Zhou—who had no noticeable light sphere—was weaker than him.
How pitiful!
Among the people present, Commander Yu, Director Zhao, Kong Jie, and Hou Xiaochen were all dazzlingly bright. Those at Rising Light also included Chief Steward Yu and Hu Qingfeng.
In addition, Hu Qingfeng's entourage included one peak Three Sols and one late Three Sols expert.
Aside from Director Zhou, the weakest individuals in the room were Hao Lianchuan and Li Hao himself.
Li Hao felt that he could still handle Hao Lianchuan in the middle Three Sols stage, so...
*Mm.* He glanced at Hao Lianchuan once more. Old Hao really was the weakest.
Fortunately, he had broken through to the middle stage; had he still been in the early stage, Li Hao felt the man wouldn't even have the face to see anyone.
Just as he was pondering these things, his name suddenly reached his ears.
Li Hao started. *In an occasion of this scale, they can still bring me up?*
He snapped back to reality instantly, adopting an expression of respectful attentiveness.
The one speaking about him was not Hou Xiaochen, but Kong Jie.
The head of the Inspectorate spoke in a booming voice. "Yuan Shuo has recently been active in Linjiang Province and has likely entered the northern three provinces by now. Knowing his temperament, he will probably linger there for some time.
"Yuan Shuo's Spirit Nourishing technique is different from the martial master enhancement methods of the Central Region. It feels more like the next stage of martial mastery. The Central Region also has exceptionally powerful martial masters—take He Yong, for instance, who has transformed his blood three times and rivals a Three Sols expert!
"Yet compared to Yuan Shuo's Spirit Nourishing method, I believe he still falls short...
"Right now, quite a few eyes are fixed on Yuan Shuo. Since Li Hao is Yuan Shuo's final disciple, I was wondering whether we should send Li Hao to the northern three provinces. Perhaps he could meet with Yuan Shuo and discuss the specific details of the Spirit Nourishing method. The Silver Moon martial forest once dominated the realm, and even now, a number of veteran martial masters remain within Silver Moon's borders. Not only that, but as far as I know, the Silver Moon Martial Guard also has several Thousand-Battlers... Could the Spirit Nourishing method be made fully public, and its finer details discussed, in order to enhance the combat strength of martial masters...?"
In an instant, many eyes turned toward Li Hao.
A trace of nervousness appeared on his face, but inside, he was somewhat exasperated. *Is that really necessary?*
*Even if my teacher were here, he wouldn't be able to beat you all!*
*These people are truly wicked at heart.*
Naturally, Li Hao spoke up quickly. "Is my teacher in the northern three provinces? If needed, I will follow orders and arrangements at any time. I am sure my teacher would not hold back the Spirit Nourishing method either!"
If they truly sent him to the northern three provinces, that didn't sound so bad.
If he actually met his teacher... should they just run away together?
The world was vast; they could surely make a living out there.
As for Silver Moon, he had previously thought he could get by here, but now he realized how difficult it was. Every single one of these figures hid their depth deeper than the last. Given the current state of affairs, Li Hao would never believe for a second that they had no intention of rebelling!
Fleeing early might well be for the best.
Hou Xiaochen spoke up at this moment, smiling faintly. "There is no rush on this matter. Yuan Shuo himself hasn't fully walked this path to completion; it is merely a beginning. Let us wait and see! Besides, a man like Yuan Shuo can only travel further and act without restraint once you unchain his shackles. If we keep him bound, it will only restrict him."
Kong Jie thought it over, nodded, and said nothing further.
At this point, Director Zhao spoke up. "We can set Yuan Shuo's matter aside for now. Director Hou, let us return to discussing your situation. Before you arrived, Deputy Director Hao couldn't give us any clear answers."
Hao Lianchuan grew even more gloomy.
*This old man is truly annoying!*
Hou Xiaochen smiled. "Please speak, Director."
Director Zhao said solemnly, "The Central Region has issued repeated transfer orders summoning you to take up an appointment there. Time and time again, you have refused, using your injuries as an excuse to avoid taking up the post. Now, you have slain Red Hair with a single spear strike—a powerhouse at the Rising Light level. Director Hou, today you must give us some explanation and an answer. What is your true intention?"
The atmosphere in the room suddenly turned tense.
Hu Qingfeng grew nervous as well. *Why is this old man being so direct?*
Yes, this meeting had been convened for precisely this purpose, but... no one asked you to be so blunt!
Hou Xiaochen sighed, looking somewhat helpless. "I am indeed injured; those were no false words. Furthermore, the Three Great Organizations in Silver Moon were previously powerful, causing endless unrest and constant trouble. Aside from myself, the Night Watchers lacked the strength to suppress them... Even if the Central Region might send experts over, I worried they wouldn't understand the local situation..."
Director Zhao said calmly, "So that gives you the right to refuse a transfer order?"
"I wouldn't dare!"
Hou Xiaochen replied softly, "I explained the difficulties involved, and certain individuals in the Night Watchers agreed. Of course, if Heavenly Star City truly cannot do without me... then they need only issue another transfer order, and I will gladly head to the Central Region to assume the post!"
Hearing this, Hu Qingfeng was stunned.
*You... are willing to go?*
Hou Xiaochen added, "However, before I leave, there is one thing I must accomplish."
"What is it?"
"Retrieve the Origin God Armament from Battle Heaven City to add a layer of protection to White Moon City."
Hou Xiaochen took on a solemn expression. "The next time the ruins open, I will enter personally! If I succeed, I will depart for the Central Region once I emerge. If I fail and perish inside Battle Heaven City... then there will be no need for further words."
Hu Qingfeng could not help but ask, "Director Hou, you intend to enter the ruins?"
"Is there any reason I shouldn't?" Hou Xiaochen looked at him, his gaze utterly calm. "White Moon City is the heart of Silver Moon. Once I depart, petty schemers might harbor other ambitions. Over the years, this has been my constant concern. If I can secure the Origin God Armament that protects the entire city, I will gladly accept a transfer anywhere without a single complaint."
Hu Qingfeng was at a loss for words, but since things had reached this point, he dropped all pretense of politeness. "May I boldly ask just how far Director Hou has progressed? Please do not misunderstand, Director Hou; I am merely curious..."
"I have barely stepped into Rising Light. Slaying Red Hair was only possible because he was off-guard, coupled with the power of the Fire Phoenix Spear, which allowed for a fatal blow in a single strike. It was not nearly as exaggerated as everyone imagines!"
Director Zhao lightly tapped the table, cutting off Hu Qingfeng from speaking further, and said, "In other words, once you obtain that Origin God Armament, you will obey the transfer order, correct?"
"Correct!"
"How long will it take?"
"Let us see next month. If the ruins open next month and can be entered, and if the trouble with the Three Great Organizations is resolved, then I will enter! All in all, it will take no more than three days."
In other words, if all went smoothly, Hou Xiaochen would be willing to leave in about a month at most.
Director Zhao nodded and looked toward Hu Qingfeng. "Special Commissioner Hu, what do you think?"
Hu Qingfeng cursed inwardly. *Why are you asking me?*
*How the hell would I know!*
Now that Hou Xiaochen had suddenly agreed to obey orders, things had become tricky. Since he was compliant and willing to go to the Central Region, the authorities there would have no excuse to act against him.
Previously, it was only because Hou Xiaochen acted like a local warlord, stubbornly refusing to budge.
Once he arrived in the Central Region, even a dragon would have to coil up!
After thinking it over, Hu Qingfeng felt that this outcome might actually be quite favorable; it counted as an achievement on his part. The only question was whether the Origin God Armament could actually be retrieved from the ruins.
Also, should he go in with them?
Zhang Ting had died inside previously. If he went in and this fellow murdered him, he wouldn't even know how to protect himself.
*I must notify the higher-ups. Unless reinforcements arrive... there is no way I'm going in!*
Having made up his mind, he noticed Director Zhao looking at him and nodded. "I have no objections. It all depends on Director Hou himself. If Director Hou truly goes to the Central Region, he might become my superior in the future. Congratulations in advance!"
He offered a smile.
Hou Xiaochen didn't look at him, returning to silence after speaking his piece.
"Does anyone else have anything to say?"
Director Zhao looked around the room, inquiring once more.
No one spoke.
With Hou Xiaochen showing obedience, all other matters ceased to be issues.
"Then the meeting is adjourned!"
Director Zhao sounded somewhat weary. "Resolve the trouble with the three evil supernatural organizations as quickly as possible. If it proves impossible, wait a little longer. At a critical juncture, request reinforcements from above."
Having said this, his gaze finally settled on Li Hao. "Li Hao, you possess the bloodline of one of the Eight Great Families of Silver City. We know very little about the Eight Great Families. Red Moon is intensely interested in you, and we will continue investigating this matter!
"However, after leafing through some ancient Silver Moon records, we have gleaned a few scattered details."
Li Hao instantly perked up. For this man to suddenly mention him at this juncture, he did not believe Director Zhao would waste words on trivialities.
It had to be important!
Of course, why he chose to say it in front of so many people was something Li Hao didn't understand.
Seeing Li Hao look at him expectantly, Director Zhao offered a slight smile. "I do not know too much myself. I had Old Zhou comb through numerous ancient texts, and one record contained a single passage: 'When the eight guardians gather and open the sealed gate, it will be time to set out on an expedition once more!'
"This passage might be related to the Eight Families of Silver City. Perhaps the Eight Families were guarding something. Or perhaps they guarded a long-sealed gateway leading to an unknown place. As for whom they set out to battle, no records remain.
"Moreover, so much time has passed that you may simply treat it as a legend."
Having said this, Director Zhao panted slightly and added, "Ying Hongyue might know something. Among the Three Great Organizations, Red Moon rose the fastest. If an opportunity arises, you could try speaking with Ying Hongyue..."
*What kind of advice is that?*
*Speak about what?*
*Wouldn't meeting him mean my death?*
Li Hao remained silent, simply committing the words to memory.
Eight guardians?
A sealed gate?
Was it referring to that stone gate?
Or the Eight Trigrams diagram?
Li Hao sank into deep thought, unable to make sense of it for the moment. As for the expedition... he vaguely understood a little. In ancient times, humanity seemed to have been led by a Human King who took numerous experts on an expedition to wage war somewhere.
The Battle Heaven Army was merely a garrison left behind.
Yet after setting out, those people seemed never to have returned, and even Battle Heaven City had been abandoned.
Where had they gone?
To the Central Region?
Or... into the boundless starry sky?
In the past, the starry sky would never have entered Li Hao's considerations. But with the emergence of supernaturals and powerhouses soaring through the skies, Li Hao had begun to wonder whether other living beings existed beyond this earth.
He had seen a powerhouse slaughtering enemies in the cosmic starry sky, slaying an expert known as the Heavenly Emperor.
Was that Heavenly Emperor the enemy?
Yet that person was already dead!
Perhaps the Human King's expedition had been meant to face powerhouses even stronger than the Heavenly Emperor.
Had they all died in the end?
Who could tell?
Li Hao pushed the thoughts aside and said solemnly, "Thank you for your guidance, Director!"
"No need to be polite. Meeting adjourned!"
With that, he rose, tottering shakily toward the rear where another corridor led out.
Hou Xiaochen also stood up, his face placid, and turned to walk outside.
Li Hao and the others hurried to follow.
***
"Director!"
Hao Lianchuan sounded rather nervous now. "Are you truly leaving?"
Hou Xiaochen spoke as he walked. "If I keep refusing to leave after killing a Rising Light expert, the Central Region will brand me a rebel before long. The moment I made that strike, I had already prepared to depart."
Hao Lianchuan said with a throbbing headache, "But if you leave, what... what about us?"
*If you leave, Silver Moon will be in massive trouble!*
If a new director arrived, a purge would inevitably follow.
"It's not as if I'm leaving right this second!"
Hou Xiaochen smiled and soon stepped into the car. This time, Li Hao had learned his lesson; moving a step ahead, he slipped directly into the passenger seat.
Hao Lianchuan rolled his eyes. *This little rascal!*
Conveniently, he also had things to discuss with Hou Xiaochen, so he didn't say anything further and slid into the back seat alongside him, frowning. "Director, just use the old excuse. Claim that your injuries have flared up and you cannot travel far."
"Rather than wishing for me to stay, you'd do better to grow stronger sooner!"
Hou Xiaochen glanced at him and said indifferently, "You've been in Three Sols for quite a few years now. Recently, your luck turned and you stepped into the middle Three Sols stage, but at your current speed, how many years will it take for you to reach Rising Light?"
Hao Lianchuan sighed helplessly. "My talent is lacking. I've only discovered four supernatural locks and haven't managed to find the fifth to this day. Even if I reach peak Three Sols, there's no hope of entering Rising Light."
Supernaturals advanced quickly; with sufficient mysterious energy, progress was exceptionally swift—provided one could find their supernatural locks.
Even if one couldn't unlock them all at once, someone like Hao Lianchuan, upon finding the fifth supernatural lock, could gradually grind it down. Each partial break would grant a vast amount of mysterious energy to strengthen himself.
Reaching peak Three Sols would be swift.
Unfortunately, he lacked the ability.
Having broken four supernatural locks, he had entered the Three Sols realm, but once there, he lost his sense of direction. Left with no other choice, he could only absorb mysterious energy bit by bit to strengthen himself incrementally.
It was just like being a martial master—grinding slowly forward, much like a Thousand-Battler with no path ahead, grinding until the fifth supernatural lock finally appeared.
Hou Xiaochen frowned slightly. "How many supernatural locks one can perceive does not necessarily define their supernatural talent! Moreover, whether for martial masters or supernaturals, breaking supernatural locks is not inherently a good thing!"
"Yet without breaking them, advancement is impossible..."
Hao Lianchuan gave a bitter laugh. "The main issue is that I can't find the fifth supernatural lock. Otherwise, I feel I could reach Rising Light too. For now, forget it; I'll grind my way to peak Three Sols first."
Hou Xiaochen frowned.
After thinking for a moment, he said, "Actually, there is a way to find supernatural locks you cannot perceive."
Hao Lianchuan froze slightly. *How?*
Hou Xiaochen sank into thought again, then said a moment later, "Ask Li Hao!"
"..."
In the front seat, Li Hao wore a look of utter bewilderment.
*Ask me?*
*How would I know!*
*Is Hou Xiaochen deliberately looking to make trouble for me?*
Hao Lianchuan was equally shocked. "Ask him? How could he possibly know? Everyone's supernatural locks aren't necessarily in the same positions. Even if they are, if I can't find it in that spot, I still can't break it!"
Even if supernatural locks were in similar locations—everyone knew they existed in the four limbs—so what?
Could you see it?
Could you discover where it was?
If you couldn't find it, how could you talk about breaking it?
Hou Xiaochen, however, remained nonchalant. "He can nourish the spirit. Spirit Nourishing locks force; naturally, he can also locate supernatural locks..."
Li Hao's heart gave a violent jolt. *Locking force!!*
That was a secret of Spirit Nourishing he had never revealed, yet the director actually knew.
Hou Xiaochen seemed entirely unbothered, paying no heed to whatever Li Hao might be thinking, and continued, "I don't know what method he used to rapidly strengthen his five viscera and cause the supernatural locks to manifest, locking away the intangible force! However, since he could achieve this and his teacher could as well, it means he has a way to rapidly strengthen a person's supernatural locks until they manifest. Your supernatural lock might simply be too faint—faint to the point where you cannot perceive it yourself.
"Force is ethereal and intangible; under normal circumstances, it is impossible to lock it within the five viscera. His ability to lock it means a new development and application of supernatural locks has been discovered... Ask him. If he has no way, then neither do I."
Surprised, Hao Lianchuan looked toward Li Hao.
Without turning his head, Li Hao pondered briefly before saying, "Well... my teacher and I can indeed achieve this, which likely has to do with us being martial masters. As for others... I cannot say for certain. Deputy Director Hao is not a martial master; if your supernatural lock is faint, it must be strengthened. Perhaps consuming a Blood God Seed could resolve the issue."
"A Blood God Seed?"
Hao Lianchuan said hurriedly, "I've consumed them before; the effect was negligible."
"Then the Blood God Seed wasn't strong enough!"
After a moment's thought, Li Hao added, "Consuming one from a Rising Light expert might work to make Deputy Director's fifth supernatural lock manifest."
This was indeed a viable approach!
Whether it worked or not would only be known after trying.
As for why he and his teacher could rapidly strengthen themselves—his teacher was already immensely powerful to begin with, while Li Hao relied on sword energy and the extracted five elements. There was no need to reveal all of that.
If that truly failed, other methods could be considered.
At this moment, Hao Lianchuan seemed to have found a direction, his eyes flickering with anticipation. *Red Moon!*
Previously, his desire regarding Red Moon had simply been to eradicate them, without any particular personal motive.
Yet if it were truly as Li Hao said... he would have to pay much closer attention to Red Moon.
Meanwhile, Hou Xiaochen ignored the topic, continuing, "Li Hao, you are a martial master. Staying with a bunch of supernaturals won't bring you much improvement. Tomorrow, have Little Yu accompany you on a trip to the Martial Guard. It is time for the Martial Guard to step onto the public stage. After a few days of coordination, you will depart the city to strike against the Three Great Organizations. Beat them into submission, or beat them until they summon even more experts here, before discussing the ruins with them. Otherwise, our current numbers are simply not enough!"
Why weren't they enough?
Li Hao understood a little: Hou Xiaochen probably felt there weren't enough people to die inside the ruins!
In moving against the Three Great Organizations, this man wasn't merely aiming to kill and establish dominance; more than that, he seemed to hope the other side would mobilize more experts to help him explore the ruins. *What a sinister heart!*
As for the Martial Guard, Li Hao didn't have much interest.
Even if they were strong, they couldn't possibly be that formidable.
Of course, after having his eyes opened today, Li Hao dared not be overly careless either.
***
At the same time.
Outside White Moon City.
Within a lavishly decorated grand manor, surrounded by numerous villas that served as vacation retreats for the wealthy of White Moon City.
Several powerhouses had gathered.
Lanyue wore a displeased expression. "Anyone with eyes can see it was a frame-up! Even if we wanted to capture Li Hao, we wouldn't have chosen that moment, much less sent a Three Sols expert to capture him. So close to Hou Xiaochen—was he courting death?"
"It was merely an excuse for them to move against us!"
At this point, Lanyue said coldly, "Hou Xiaochen clearly intends to wipe us out completely. Since he made the first move, he can't blame us for being ruthless!"
He looked toward the cloaked figure opposite him. "Banshan, what are Feitian's thoughts on this?"
From beneath the cloak, Banshan's voice came chillingly. "As long as Red Moon is willing to hand over a Blood God Seed at the Rising Light level, I will consider it!"
Lanyue stared at him coldly.
Banshan remained completely unmoved.
After a moment, Lanyue said in a deep voice, "That is not entirely out of the question, on one condition... that we manage to slay Hou Xiaochen. If we succeed, it will naturally be yours!"
This was painting a rosy promise.
If Hou Xiaochen was dead, a single Blood God Seed truly wouldn't matter much; if they failed to kill him, there would naturally be no need to pay.
After considering it for a moment, Banshan actually chuckled. "Deal!"
Lanyue was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected the man to agree.
Yet he had agreed!
That was what made it so bizarre!
Lanyue looked toward Equality King, who sat not far away. "Equality, what are your thoughts?"
Equality King frowned. "Let's wait and see. Furthermore, the governor-general of the three provinces was killed not far from Silver Moon. Could that disrupt our plans here?"
At those words, everyone frowned slightly.
Who on earth had killed that man?
Truth be told, being able to slay him signified terrifying, transcendent strength.
Moreover, the three provinces were right next door. Even though they were separated by several thousand li, any turmoil sparked there would inevitably spill over into this region.
Lanyue took a deep breath. "No idea. Regardless, we must resolve the trouble in Silver Moon first! As for the rest, it can wait."
The others said nothing more. If Hou Xiaochen was not eliminated, they would have no foothold in Silver Moon.
And Silver Moon was a place they could not afford to abandon.
Otherwise, with so many Three Sols experts dead, they could simply abandon this place at worst. It was merely a frontier province; across the vast expanse of ninety-nine provinces, why should they care about this one?
Chapter 117