Inside the ruin, Li Hao retrieved a massive quantity of divine energy stones and supplied them to the little tree, allowing it to diffuse energy to aid everyone's cultivation.
Li Hao himself was reflecting on everything he had comprehended.
Transforming into a tree, growing alongside it.
The Willow Catkin Sword was gradually beginning to take on some flavor.
Yet he still lacked a clear thread for the wood force sword intent.
A fifth force was simply too difficult.
At this moment, Li Hao somewhat understood why his teacher had sought out sparring partners everywhere back then. Wandering from place to place, sparring without cease—perhaps only in such a manner could one continually advance one's force. Otherwise, relying on bitter, solitary cultivation made it nearly impossible to comprehend a fifth force.
After an unknown amount of time, a wave of energy suddenly pulsed from Li Hao's armor.
*Soldier Kong Jie requests communication.*
Kong Jie!
Li Hao had previously given him a suit of armor. At present, this place was less than a thousand li from White Moon City, so communication was indeed possible. However, while Li Hao could contact Kong Jie directly, Kong Jie needed Li Hao's permission to initiate contact.
After a moment's hesitation, Li Hao accepted the call.
"Director Kong, what is it?"
He had only left White Moon City not long ago. Had the White Shark Pirates launched an attack?
Surely not.
"News just came from the east. Five hours ago, the Bright Light Sword went mad and made a move at the Duke of Dingguo's Residence. She killed five generals of the Dingguo Army and seized the residence's heirloom treasure. Right now, she appears to still be alive and is fleeing northward..."
Li Hao was taken aback.
Only after a long moment did he ask, "Isn't she one of the Duke of Dingguo's people?"
"Silver Moon martial masters... who truly wants to bow and scrape to others? Silver Moon people can only be suppressed by other Silver Moon people—someone like your master, for instance. The Duke of Dingguo clearly doesn't fit that bill."
"Oh!"
Li Hao did not say much, only feeling puzzled. *Why are you telling me this?*
Fleeing northward...
Could it be...
Li Hao thought of something—specifically, what the Bright Light Sword had said that day. He suddenly chuckled. *She wouldn't be coming to find me, would she?*
It was entirely possible.
Back then, she had threatened him, making him promise to help suppress the riot in her body once. Judging by the timing, she had likely broken her locks and killed those people last night...
Yet five hours had already passed. Shouldn't she be dead by now?
Even if she were not dead, she would have turned into a super. That was fine; seeking him out would be useless anyway. After so much time, she was beyond saving.
Besides, the east was an enormous distance away.
Even for a top-tier powerhouse flying straight from east to north, it was nearly ten thousand li away, unlike traveling to the Central Region. Even if the Bright Light Sword went all out and flew three hundred li an hour, it would take her a day and a half to get here.
Kong Jie did not elaborate on that, continuing, "Last night, the Bright Light Sword slew five top-tier powerhouses with a single sword strike! Among them, four were late-stage Rising Light, and one was even near the Metamorphosis stage, yet all fell to her blade! A terrifying monster... Based on our assessment, she may have directly broken five supernatural locks."
A ruthless character!
Li Hao clicked his tongue in wonder. What a truly ruthless figure!
No wonder she was so ferocious, killing five generals in one blow. Even Hong Yitang, with one or two broken supernatural locks, could not instantly kill someone near the Metamorphosis stage. If he could have, the Four Great Demon Beasts of Mount Cang would have met a grim fate that day.
However, breaking five locks was another matter entirely.
Southern Fist had also remarked that once unsealed, the Bright Light Sword should be slightly stronger than him.
"As for the treasure she took... we cannot say for certain what it is. According to historical records, when the Xu family assisted the imperial household in rising to supremacy back then, they were renowned across the world for their speed... Thus, we speculate it may be the Liu family divine weapon recorded under the Liu Family Legs..."
Li Hao's eyes flickered.
Is that so?
Even so, Li Hao still did not grasp Kong Jie's intention in contacting him.
"Does the Director mean that Silver Moon is interested in this divine weapon?"
"Of course we are interested. Many people are, and quite a few will likely try to intercept her... News of the Bright Light Sword's death hasn't arrived, so she might still be alive. If so, she must be gravely injured, perhaps even on the brink of death. Upon receiving this intelligence, many will surely head in that direction..."
"Then why don't you go take a look, Director?"
"We cannot leave rashly..."
Kong Jie finally reached the main point: "Even if we left, our presence might not accomplish much. I recall that Southern Fist and the Earth-Overturning Sword both seemed to have broken their locks previously... and ended up unharmed. Furthermore, you obtained a drop of the Spring of Life in the ruin..."
*Soldier Kong Jie, your superior has terminated the transmission!*
Just as Kong Jie was speaking, that mechanical voice suddenly rang in his ear.
Kong Jie froze, utterly dumbfounded.
Then, he could not help cursing furiously, "Holy shit!"
*I wasn't even done talking!*
Li Hao had hung up on him just like that.
This kid's nerve, this... it really made a man want to beat him black and blue.
……
On the open clearing before the castle.
Li Hao was speechless.
*What were they thinking?*
He understood Kong Jie's meaning: they wanted him to rescue the Bright Light Sword, help suppress her five supernatural locks, and if that failed, use the Spring of Life to save her. What a joke.
To Li Hao right now, a single drop of the Spring of Life was worth ten thousand divine energy stones.
Suppressing a backlash from supernatural locks—and five of them at that! Last time, Southern Fist had only unsealed four locks, and they had not even completely snapped. Treatment had begun on the spot, and even then, it had consumed more than three thousand divine energy stones.
That had already plunged Southern Fist into heavy debt.
Li Hao would have to be out of his mind to rush off and save her. Besides, there was bad blood between them.
Li Hao was rather fond of Silver Moon martial masters, but... his enemies were not among that group.
Take Ying Hongyue, or the deceased Green Moon and the like. The Bright Light Sword had not struck him down only because she lacked the opportunity. That day, Southern Fist and the Earth-Overturning Sword were present, they were within the city, and the two golden warriors were there as well. Li Hao had not feared her in the slightest.
Therefore, toward someone who had threatened him, Li Hao had zero interest in taking the initiative to play the savior.
Naturally, if she actually made it here... having given his word, Li Hao would help her. But the prerequisite was that she pay for it herself. He had promised to help suppress the riot; he had never agreed to foot the bill.
The crux of the matter was that she could never make it here.
Li Hao smiled. By any reasonable estimation, even if she fled toward them like a madwoman, she could not reach Silver Moon in less than a day and a night. By then, she would long be dead.
"A weapon of the Eight Great Families?"
Now that was something Li Hao found intriguing. Director Wang had also told him to collect them.
These were crucial tokens and keys.
The Liu family's weapon was in the hands of the Xu family?
Li Hao fell into contemplation.
He glanced over at Liu Long, who was cultivating nearby. The captain was also surnamed Liu, belonging to a relatively prominent family of that name in Silver City, though it seemed to have little connection to the Liu family of the Eight Great Families.
As he pondered, the chime of an incoming communication sounded in Li Hao's ear again.
Kong Jie was still calling.
Situated in this place, only the armor's communication system functioned; anyone else would find it impossible to reach him.
Li Hao frowned. *What is Kong Jie thinking?*
He clearly knew there was bad blood between Li Hao and the Bright Light Sword.
After a moment's thought, Li Hao accepted the call. Kong Jie was straightforward: "Silver Moon needs the Bright Light Sword alive—ideally in pristine condition—and brought back to Silver Moon... It's not appropriate for us to intervene directly, and our intervention wouldn't accomplish much anyway. In the end, we'd still have to come to you for help. We can offer a fair price!"
"Not interested!"
Li Hao refused flatly. "She threatened me before. I don't have many friends, nor do I need them. I have no interest in turning enemies into friends."
"A sword stele!"
"What?"
Li Hao was taken aback. Kong Jie said directly, "A sword stele in exchange for you rescuing her. It was left behind by a top-tier swordsman, inscribed with his sword script. We excavated it from an ancient ruin; when it was unearthed, it still held residual sword qi that nearly killed a Rising Light expert. To you, it will be an invaluable treasure."
A sword stele.
Li Hao pondered for a moment. "Is there an inscription or signature?"
He wanted to know if it was left behind by one of the top swordsmen he knew of. If not... he had no interest.
"Yes!"
"Only a single character for the inscription... Li!"
At that point, Kong Jie chuckled. "It might have been left behind by an ancestor of your Li family."
For real?
Li Hao was somewhat skeptical.
Li was a common surname, shared by far too many people.
While Li Hao was still deliberating, Kong Jie added, "If you can save the Bright Light Sword, she will definitely repay you. With her strength, she can accomplish many things you cannot. Among the Silver Moon martial masters, she is one of the rare few with a relatively mild temperament. She cultivates the sword of bright light, and she acts decisively."
Li Hao declined politely: "Director, instead of saying all this, you should just take action yourselves. If you can bring her back and supply enough divine energy stones, I will step in to help suppress her condition."
He was genuinely puzzled. Since they wanted to save her, with the combined strength of their group, who could possibly stop them if they took action?
They could just go directly!
Why waste words on him?
He was only a martial master comparable to the mid-stage Rising Light. If there were terrifying experts present, wouldn't they just wipe him out?
Even in her burst of power, the Bright Light Sword was struggling to shake off her pursuers, so the enemies were certainly formidable. Was he supposed to march to his death?
Of course, if the person being hunted were Yuan Shuo, Li Hao would have set out immediately without anyone urging him. The problem was that this was the Bright Light Sword, someone with whom he had a frosty relationship. Naturally, he had no appetite for risking his neck.
Kong Jie sighed. "We can't do it. Our presence is too conspicuous. Put it this way: countless eyes are watching us. The moment we vanish for too long, we will be targeted immediately. Especially at such a delicate juncture—now that Old Hou has left, Silver Moon appears calm on the surface, but in reality, every pair of eyes is fixed upon us.
"You, on the other hand, hold no official rank and have no need to appear at formal functions, which allows you to move as you please..."
Reaching this point, Kong Jie said plainly, "Name your terms! We want to save the Bright Light Sword. Going forward... Silver Moon may undergo drastic upheavals, and a martial master of her caliber is precisely what we need! If you go, the danger won't actually be too great. Furthermore, if you can truly save her, suppress the internal riot, and avert the destruction of her five viscera, she will have ample strength of her own to handle any trouble..."
*Name my terms?*
Li Hao's heart stirred. Taking risks, exploring ruins, fighting pirates—wasn't all of it for the sake of increasing his strength?
Right now, an opportunity to advance lay before him.
However, his resource deficit was enormous.
"One hundred Origin God Armaments..."
"Li Hao, stop joking!"
"One hundred thousand divine energy stones!"
Li Hao spoke again. Comprehending the origin path once seemed to require an immense number of divine energy stones. The little tree had said it would take three times the amount needed to condense the Spring of Life—wouldn't that be thirty thousand?
One hundred thousand stones would grant him three sessions of comprehension. Perhaps then he could grasp the fifth force.
"Stop pulling my leg."
Kong Jie was on the verge of collapsing. *Are you messing with me?*
Li Hao paused, then said after a moment, "How about this: ten Origin God Armaments, all wood-attribute, any grade! As for divine energy stones... thirty thousand, all wood-attribute as well!"
"Li Hao! Where would we get so many resources? If we had that much, Silver Moon wouldn't be in its current state."
"In that case, Director, let's forget it."
Li Hao did not believe him. His disbelief stemmed from the certainty that these people had excavated numerous ruins across Silver Moon. They definitely possessed a wealth of good things, all kept hidden.
Or perhaps... Silver Moon secretly harbored a formidable army of martial masters.
Without a doubt!
This was Li Hao's suspicion. Since even Hou Xiaochen had raised the Martial Guard Army, he refused to believe the other figures had made no preparations or moves.
Silver Moon harbored ambitions of independence.
Did they dare seek independence based solely on a handful of top experts?
Powerful experts were formidable, but they were not omnipotent; they could not be in multiple places at once. Wouldn't garrisoning the various cities require manpower?
With just the handful of Three Suns from the Night Patrollers on the surface... they dared talk about independence?
What a joke!
These people were undoubtedly hiding forces. As for where, wasn't it obvious? Battle Heaven City, small castles—which of those places wasn't suited to concealing an army?
If Li Hao wished, dozens of men from the Martial Guard Army could hide here without anyone being the wiser.
Furthermore, when Yuan Shuo had led the Night Patrollers to excavate that batch of ruins back then, had there truly been no grand harvest?
Li Hao did not buy that either.
Therefore, these old figures of Silver Moon had to be frighteningly wealthy, merely playing poor.
With his own strength, merely leading the Martial Guard Army to kill a few enemies had brought nearly the entire company to the Hundred-Breaker culmination, even producing their first Thousand-Battler.
What about those old fellows?
Director Zhao and the others had been leaders of Silver Moon for decades.
And on their own home turf!
Who knew how many ruins they had excavated.
Exhausted, Kong Jie said, "Li Hao, why do you need so many resources? Even with the people under your command, you couldn't possibly use them all up..."
"Director, saving someone takes a massive toll. Last time we saved Southern Fist, we burned through over ten thousand divine energy stones—ask Senior Southern Fist if you don't believe me. This time, the Bright Light Sword's condition is far more severe, perhaps already beyond suppression. Do you really think triple the cost is too much? Furthermore, why must they be wood-attribute? Because only wood-attribute can save a life; it's not as if I'm taking them for my own cultivation. The wood-attribute Origin God Armaments are also for this purpose. Her condition is simply too critical; wood-attribute stones alone might not do the trick. Only through this can she be saved."
Kong Jie nursed a pounding headache. The demand was simply too steep.
So steep that he began weighing whether it was worth the cost.
Expending so much to save the Bright Light Sword... was an absolute extravagance!
Could they produce it?
Yes!
However, those were strategic reserves meant for wartime preparations, intended for major endeavors ahead, not to be squandered on saving a single person.
"Director, take your time considering it. Notify me once you've made up your mind."
Where was the time for leisurely consideration!
Kong Jie said in a heavy voice, "Head out toward that area first. I will discuss it with the others and give you an answer. But you can start moving now. If we can't reach an agreement... you can always turn back in time!"
"I'm busy!"
Li Hao cut off the communication once more. *I'm not an idiot; no way I'm doing that.*
Asking him to save the Bright Light Sword—they certainly had some nerve.
If that was the case, they would just have to bleed for it.
……
At that moment, Kong Jie looked toward the others with a slight headache. "He named his terms: ten wood-attribute Origin God Armaments, and thirty thousand divine energy stones, also wood-attribute... Whether it's for comprehending his wood sword force or saving her, it's hard to say. Saving her will definitely incur a heavy cost, that much is clear, but he's certainly taking the opportunity to extort us..."
Beside him, Huang Yu said in a deep voice, "Could we use Hong Yitang to persuade Li Hao?"
"Hong Yitang?"
Kong Jie's head throbbed. Director Zhao also spoke in an unhurried manner: "If Hong Yitang opens his mouth, his demands will be even higher. At least Li Hao only asks for some resources. In Hong Yitang's case, he wants independence. Are you willing to grant him independence within Silver Moon? If so, you can approach him."
"……"
That was no longer a matter of mere resources!
"Then..."
Kong Jie interrupted, "Forget 'this' and 'that.' Aside from Yuan Shuo, who do you think can persuade him? If we delay any longer, the Bright Light Sword will truly die. What we must consider now is whether the Bright Light Sword is worth paying this price. If she is... we do it. If not, we drop it!"
Was a single Bright Light Sword worth paying such a steep price?
Director Zhao said softly, "If the Bright Light Sword is willing to remain in Silver Moon... she is worth it! There aren't many such martial masters left. If she is unwilling, then she is not. It's a test of character. If it were Southern Fist, he wouldn't be worth it; his character is unreliable, prone to reneging on his word... But what do you think of the Bright Light Sword?"
Kong Jie added, "There is another point to consider. If a multitude of powerhouses are indeed intercepting her, will Li Hao even be able to reach her? Even if he finds her, will he have the opportunity to treat her injuries? Under such circumstances, Li Hao's treatment won't happen in an instant; they may need a quiet place to hide."
Director Zhao exhaled lightly. "Let's put that aside for now. The fact that Li Hao dared to accept implies he has the confidence, or at least the daring spirit. The divine energy stones can be provided, but as for Origin God Armaments... and wood-attribute at that, where would we find so many? Three weapons. Ask him if he is willing. If so, let him depart; if not... then forget it, and the Bright Light Sword can fend for herself!"
Three weapons!
Kong Jie nodded, saying no more, and reconnected with Li Hao through the black armor.
……
"Three weapons?"
Li Hao clicked his tongue in wonder. *They really are wealthy.* Three wood-attribute weapons, given without fuss—and more importantly, they hadn't even bargained over the divine energy stones!
Thirty thousand stones!
Back then in Battle Heaven City, when they obtained several dozen stones, Hao Lianchuan's smile had split from ear to ear. *Director Hao, just how pathetic are you to grin like an idiot over a few dozen divine energy stones?*
*Just listen to that!*
To save the Bright Light Sword, Silver Moon was willing to shell out thirty thousand stones!
Li Hao looked toward Hao Lianchuan, who was frantically absorbing energy nearby. Seeing his pitiful appearance, Li Hao suddenly felt reluctant to crush his spirits. But after careful thought, he decided to speak up anyway: "Director Hao, Silver Moon has offered three Origin God Armaments and thirty thousand divine energy stones for me to save the Bright Light Sword. What do you think?"
"What?"
Hao Lianchuan instantly opened his eyes and stared at Li Hao.
Li Hao repeated himself.
Hao Lianchuan's jaw dropped. After a long silence, he said dryly, "You're joking. Where would they get that kind of inventory? Three thousand, I might believe—after all, it's the entire province of Silver Moon. But thirty thousand..."
Li Hao chuckled. "Suit yourself if you don't believe me."
Hao Lianchuan opened his mouth, then closed his eyes, forcing himself not to dwell on it. A bitter, miserable ache seized his chest.
He felt it might actually be true.
By comparison... he was truly pathetic.
Were those old fellows in Silver Moon that filthy rich?
Thirty thousand stones!
What kind of concept was that?
In his entire life, he had never laid eyes on that many divine energy stones.
Having exchanged a few words with Hao Lianchuan, Li Hao was also pondering whether he should agree.
When he named his terms earlier, he had merely assumed Silver Moon might refuse.
Now that they had actually agreed... Li Hao felt a headache coming on.
Saving someone was an ordeal of immense difficulty.
There were bound to be people pursuing her.
And they were guaranteed to be formidable.
That was the first issue. Secondly, who knew where the Bright Light Sword had fled? Would he even be able to locate her?
However, the wood-attribute Origin God Armaments and divine energy stones truly tempted him.
Wasn't everything he did aimed at making himself stronger?
Along the way, he would also fulfill his prior promise to the Bright Light Sword. If she died beforehand, it would have nothing to do with him.
With that in mind, Li Hao wasted no time and spoke directly into the armor's communication channel: "Deal, I accept. But half must be paid upfront as a deposit; the remaining half upon completion of the mission! If she dies before I reach her, the deposit is non-refundable!"
"Li Hao, you are a member of the Night Patrollers after all..."
Li Hao retorted blunt and unyielding: "The Night Patrollers are responsible for defending Silver Moon. When I slaughtered pirates, I didn't ask for a single cent. This is an extra assignment; why shouldn't I charge a fee?"
*Trying to morally hijack me? Dream on.*
*I don't even know where my own moral baseline lies.*
Choked by his words, Kong Jie said quickly, "Fine! How will you get there..."
"Give me her approximate location; I'll head over on my own. Of course, it's best to hand over the goods first. I'm returning to White Moon City now. You can have someone bring them to meet me halfway to save some time."
"The Bright Light Sword is heading straight north from the eastern territory. As for her exact location, we don't have confirmation right now. We can only roughly determine that she will flee along the East Sea toward the North Sea..."
"That will do!"
"Huh?"
"That's all!"
A rough location was enough for Li Hao. With his eyes, he could simply scan as he went; wherever a massive cluster of light appeared, that was likely where the Bright Light Sword would be.
Still, with his current strength, this was genuinely a tall order.
Leaving Silver Moon stirred a trace of trepidation within him.
After a moment's contemplation, he looked toward the nearby sapling and suddenly said, "Senior Tree, I need to head outside to take on a rather dangerous mission, but the harvest will be immense. Those divine energy stones from before—a full thirty thousand of them! And three wood-attribute divine weapons!"
"You want me to accompany you?"
Li Hao nodded. "I do harbor that thought! If Senior is worried, you can seal this place first and come outside with me. Once we obtain the items, Senior should be able to recover a portion of your strength, right? It seems to me that Senior has consumed too much energy to sustain yourself, which is why you can only display Rising Light strength. If you obtain more treasures to replenish your energy, perhaps you can unleash even greater might."
Li Hao had set his sights on the ancient sapling.
The sapling considered it, yet its branches swayed in refusal: "No, I cannot leave at this time! The temporary palace still requires guarding, and... the outside world may not be friendly to beings like us..."
Seeing this, Li Hao did not force the issue. He let the matter drop.
Just as he was about to turn away, the sapling's mental wave suddenly pulsed again: "Are you willing to pay me a portion of the compensation?"
"Naturally!"
The sapling seemed to struggle internally. After a long pause, it said with difficulty, "I cannot accompany you outside, but... but I can sever a portion of my origin power for you... However, once you obtain the goods, you must compensate my loss!"
Li Hao was startled. *Sever a portion of origin power?*
"With the origin power I sever for you, you can comprehend the origin once on your own, or you can use it as a single-use talisman. It will be stronger, not weaker, than my full-powered strike right now. At the very least, killing you... is within its capabilities..."
In other words, it could either grant him one session of comprehension, or slay a mid-stage Rising Light expert?
"Does it incur a loss for you?"
"Naturally!"
"To beings like us, origin power is exceedingly precious. However, my expenditures far exceed my income, and I desperately need energy. Otherwise, no amount of such rubbish would ever induce me to sever my origin."
The sapling was helpless; it had no other choice.
Li Hao's eyes glinted. "Very well. I am willing to offer ten thousand divine energy stones and one Origin God Armament as the price of exchange. When I return, if I still haven't comprehended the wood sword force... I will hand over the rest to Senior to comprehend the origin power once more."
The sapling was undoubtedly inflating the price; a single session of comprehension could not possibly cost that much.
Nevertheless, Li Hao was willing to pay it.
In any case, the resources were coming to him for free.
Seeing his willingness, the sapling was equally decisive. Without another word, a crystalline root fell into Li Hao's hand a moment later, its aura entirely concealed.
"This is it. When you wish to use it, if for personal comprehension, merge your Dao into it to activate it. If used against an enemy, simply trigger it with mental power..."
Li Hao looked at the sapling; it appeared noticeably more withered.
It seemed the toll was indeed heavy.
"Many thanks, Senior!"
"A mutually beneficial arrangement, nothing more."
The sapling did not require his gratitude; it only hoped this human before it would deliver a sufficient return.
"Then my brothers will remain here. If all goes well, I will return as quickly as possible. If I cannot make it back... Senior need only let them leave!"
Having said that, Li Hao gave Liu Long a few instructions, then climbed directly out of the underground cavern.
……
Emerging from the cave, Li Hao took a deep breath. The sky remained dark, though a faint hint of dawn was beginning to show.
Without lingering, he took to the air, traveling at maximum speed.
Without the Demon Hunt Corps slowing him down, he moved far faster.
Martial masters could fly through the air, though it consumed tremendous energy. Yet Li Hao did not care; sword energy could sustain his consumption, keeping the drain relatively modest.
He had to collect the deposit first.
Speeding forward along the way, after an unknown amount of time, a voice sounded through the armor again: "Where are you?"
"Fifty li from you!"
"……"
Kong Jie was speechless. *How did you know?*
He glanced at the black armor he wore... and roughly understood. *This thing actually has a tracking function? That means the moment I came out, this kid knew?*
This piece of equipment was good, but it couldn't be worn carelessly.
Otherwise, one would remain under Li Hao's constant surveillance.
Fifty li was not far.
Both were moving at high speed, and before long, Li Hao spotted the light point representing Kong Jie—the black armor's tracking signal. As for Kong Jie himself, his aura was dazzling, though one had to draw close to see it.
Li Hao's silhouette flickered, and moments later, the two met.
Kong Jie looked at Li Hao and sighed. "You brat. If you had accepted directly without naming terms, I might have fought to secure an extraordinary opportunity for you!"
What a pity!
If Li Hao had agreed outright this time without demanding terms, Kong Jie felt he could have brought up the proposal of four parties jointly governing Silver Moon. Li Hao had missed a magnificent opportunity.
Because he had laid down conditions, Huang Yu and Director Zhao would both feel that he lacked a spirit of sacrifice, making them even less inclined to readily permit Li Hao to join them as one of the four provincial titans.
Li Hao smiled. "What opportunity? Worth more than this?"
"You... you just don't understand!"
Kong Jie shook his head. If Li Hao could rise to power, the benefits would far outstrip these resources. It represented many things—not merely status, but shared access to secrets and mutual assistance. It meant that whenever Li Hao faced trouble, the others would lend their aid; that was the baseline.
Yet now, Li Hao had cast it aside.
Li Hao, however, did not care. Nothing was more important than benefits firmly grasped in his own hands.
Thirty thousand divine energy stones and three wood-attribute Origin God Armaments might be enough for him to comprehend the Dao three times. Li Hao felt nearly certain he could succeed in manifesting the wood sword force. If the five forces merged... by then, even if he could not rival the Metamorphosis stage, matching a late-stage or peak Rising Light should pose little problem, right?
Strength was the only thing that truly belonged to oneself!
Hong Yitang could roam free and uninhibited because he possessed strength.
The Bright Light Sword was worth Silver Moon bleeding heavily because she possessed strength.
Lacking strength was the true tragedy.
*I don't have to use it, but I must possess it.*
"Director, where are the goods?"
Reluctant though he was, Kong Jie tossed a storage ring to Li Hao. "Ten thousand divine energy stones and two wood-attribute Origin God Armaments. The rest will only be paid once you complete the mission."
Having said that, he added, "Since you took the payment, there is one thing you must ensure... If you save the Bright Light Sword, you cannot do so in your personal capacity. You must state clearly that you provided aid on behalf of the Silver Moon authorities!"
Li Hao nodded. "Naturally. I wouldn't do something so distasteful!"
Li Hao smiled and continued, "However, let me make one thing clear as well: back then, she made me promise to help suppress a riot in her body once... If I save her this time, that debt is wiped clean too. I never agreed to travel out of my way to rescue her!"
"Do as you please regarding that!"
Kong Jie said no more; all they needed was for the Bright Light Sword to feel indebted to them.
"I have to return. I cannot remain outside for long; the timing is too sensitive..."
With that, he turned to leave.
Li Hao called out, "Director, people are watching you—don't you know how to strike back?"
"……"
Kong Jie felt helpless and replied offhandedly, "The time has not yet arrived!"
"……"
*Fine.*
Li Hao gave a faint scoff, saying nothing more.
*The time has not arrived?*
It was always that phrase.
*What qualifies as the right time?*
*Forget it, it has nothing to do with me. Let them scheme however they like.*
Li Hao soared into the air, heading straight for the North Sea. He took the money, so he would resolve the disaster.
Meanwhile, a black dog dashed swiftly across the ground below. Li Hao had originally not intended to bring Black Panther along; in truth, he had no desire to fight to the bitter end. If an opportunity presented itself, he would save her; if not, he would let it go.
He had explicitly stated that if there was no chance, the deposit would not be returned.
Yet Black Panther seemed uncomfortable remaining back there. The moment Li Hao left, the dog had quickly followed. Li Hao had no choice but to let it tag along; Black Panther was indeed formidable, and having it present offered an added layer of security.
Li Hao accelerated forward. One man and one dog soon entered the perimeter of the Moon Sea.
With a wave of Li Hao's hand, the Giant Kun Divine Boat manifested.
Man and dog boarded the vessel. The moment he stepped onto the deck, Li Hao brought out the crystalline root.
*Treat it as a single-use lethal talisman?*
*Only an idiot would do that!*
Taking advantage of this opportunity to comprehend the Dao once might allow him to condense the wood sword force. Why would he need an attack talisman comparable to a mid-to-late Rising Light strike?
In an instant, Li Hao's spirit intent poured into it.
At that moment, just as before, a faint pressure enveloped Li Hao. It was as though he had entered an entirely different universe, beginning to grow alongside the great tree.
At the very instant Li Hao was comprehending the origin power...
In the depths of the North Sea.
Deep beneath the ocean waves.
A magnificent, resplendent structure stood on the seabed. Within it, a great demon beast slumbering deep inside suddenly opened its eyes. Seeming to perceive that peculiar ripple, a flicker of doubt surfaced in its gaze.
After a long while, it murmured softly, "The power of origin... In this day and age, is there still an origin great demon alive, walking the North Sea?"
The great demon beast felt an urge to probe and investigate...
Yet it quickly dismissed the thought.
With a gentle sigh, it knew that right now, it could not probe lightly, nor could it easily leave. This world was no longer the same!
Those fellows in the ruins might believe everything remained unchanged, but it had long since sensed the difference.
……
Li Hao remained entirely oblivious to this.
He was fully immersed in that sensation.
Like a tree taking root and sprouting, its branches swaying and drifting with the wind.
One year, two years, three years...
In his memory, it seemed as though countless ages had passed.
Yet in reality, only a short moment had elapsed.
After an unknown duration, the origin power around Li Hao completely dissipated, and his eyes opened. The crystalline root in his hand had shattered entirely, dispersing into nothingness.
A trace of bewilderment and regret lingered in Li Hao's eyes.
*Just one more time... As long as I have one more session, I can definitely comprehend it!*
Yes, Li Hao knew he was just a sliver away.
That vibrant vitality, that restless stirring—at this moment, he was only missing a fraction. The shortcoming was that as he became the tree, he had failed to hold out until it comprehended the origin before the vision vanished.
Li Hao gritted his teeth slightly. What a pity!
No, perhaps the little tree had done it deliberately, offering only this much because once Li Hao comprehended it, there would be no next time.
"Just a sliver away..."
Li Hao took a deep breath, quickly composing himself.
Being just a sliver away did not necessarily require seeking out the little tree again.
Perhaps... he could find a formidable powerhouse and fight a life-and-death battle.
When his teacher comprehended the five forces back then, the conditions had been far worse, and his strength far lower, yet he had still succeeded—hammered out through battle after battle.
The Giant Kun Divine Boat sliced swiftly across the sea.
Black Panther lay at the bow, looking rather bored, seemingly using its tail to fish... Who knew what was going through this dog's head? Moving at such high speed, how could it possibly catch a fish?
Seeing Li Hao look over, Black Panther raised its tail. Skewered upon it was a large fish. Looking at Li Hao with a hint of inquiry, it seemed to ask: *Do you want to eat?*
"……"
Li Hao was speechless. *I thought you were fishing; turns out you were spearing fish!*
Seeing that Li Hao would not eat it, Black Panther flicked its tail and shook off the large fish. It didn't eat it either; a faint fragment of memory had simply surfaced earlier, recalling someone who loved eating fish and enjoyed fishing with their tail.
……
While Li Hao was speeding toward the North Sea, the North Sea itself was falling into turmoil.
The pirate leaders had all received word: the Bright Light Sword would soon cross the East Sea and was currently advancing toward the North Sea.
Among the White Shark Pirates.
Beside White Shark stood another figure, also wearing a mask, speaking in a low voice: "General White Shark, the higher-ups wish for us to intercept and kill the Bright Light Sword if possible, and seize the Wind-Chasing Boots she took! Of course, if we can take the Bright Light Sword herself... alive is even better."
White Shark frowned. "Five generals of the Dingguo Army were killed in an instant. Are you certain we can pull this off?"
"That was before; right now, the Bright Light Sword is merely clinging to her last breath... More importantly, many people are looking to fish in troubled waters. Don't forget, the North Sea is our domain..."
White Shark offered no commitment.
*Our domain?*
*You think too highly of us.*
Among the Eight Pirates of the North Sea, the White Shark Pirates were hardly the foremost.
Moreover, the second and third commanders had died not long ago, leaving their situation in disarray. To suddenly intercept the Bright Light Sword was hardly the right moment.
Yet this person came from the higher-ups.
Although White Shark was stronger and did not fear him, there was no need to fall out. After some thought, he said, "The Bright Light Sword is likely fleeing toward Silver Moon, placing her hopes on the Silver Moon martial masters to save her. We don't need to make a massive fuss... Waiting here might be enough to catch her."
"My fear is that she will die before reaching this place."
The masked man urged, "General White, it would be better to take the initiative and draw closer to the East Sea waters..."
"I will consider it!"
White Shark could not be bothered to indulge him. What a joke—that was someone else's territory; going there would be asking for trouble.
In truth, he hoped the Bright Light Sword would flee all the way to Silver Moon, so her pursuers might follow, throwing Silver Moon into chaos. That would create an opportunity—an opportunity to deal with Li Hao.
……
At the exact same time.
On the border between the East Sea and the North Sea.
The Bright Light Sword continuously coughed up blood, hacking out fragments of internal organs. Yet even now, she had not perished. A surge of light energy erupted and spread across her body, suppressing her injuries.
When she demanded that Li Hao help suppress her condition back then, she naturally had not been entirely without reliance.
Light-attribute energy was remarkably suited for healing.
Anyone else would have exploded long ago, yet she had fled all this way and remained alive.
A glimmer of hope still lingered in her eyes... though that hope was gradually fading.
Her pursuers followed relentlessly.
Crucially, the news had leaked too fast, and formidable experts had already begun surrounding and intercepting her. Evidently, seeing that the Duke of Dingguo's Residence had failed to capture her, several factions had grown greedy.
The Bright Light Sword gazed toward the North Sea ahead... She had to traverse the entire North Sea and enter the perimeter of the Moon Sea before she could be considered within Silver Moon territory. Yet from here, the distance was far more than a thousand li!
She likely could not hold out until then.
*I did my best...*
The Bright Light Sword whispered to herself. Yet there was no way out.
Even so, she would never die quietly like this!
Continuing her flight, the Bright Light Sword wanted to see who would be the first to jump out. Even if her five viscera shattered entirely, she would slay several powerhouses to let the world know that the Bright Light Sword was peerless and formidable!
Of the Seven Swords of Silver Moon from back then, as long as they lived, not a single one was useless trash!
Of course, the Jade Light Sword had pursued the ancient methods, which were incomplete and yielded slow progress; she simply disregarded her.
Time ticked away, second by second.
The fierce resolve in the Bright Light Sword's eyes grew steadily darker.
Too many people had come!
How long had it been?
She could already sense no fewer than ten Rising Light experts trailing behind her, all remarkably powerful, none of them novices.
And ahead, there might well be others lying in wait.
……
At this moment, Li Hao had fully entered the domain of the North Sea.
The boundless expanse of the ocean prompted Li Hao to step out of the cabin. This was his first time stepping outside the boundaries of Silver Moon; this place no longer belonged to Silver Moon territory. Previously, his battles had at least taken place within the Moon Sea.
The waves of the North Sea were far larger!
The rumbling roar of the breakers was deafening.
Yet Li Hao felt an expansive, refreshing sensation. The North Sea was truly magnificent!
A pity it did not belong to Silver Moon.
Black Panther wore an equally curious canine expression, looking around in all directions. What a vast sea, what a beautiful sea.
One man and one dog squatted at the prow. At this moment, there was no fear of danger, only the liberating exhilaration of witnessing a broader world. Perhaps, Li Hao thought to himself, he should have walked out alongside Hou Xiaochen that day.
Chapter 179