Poaching

Both men were rather surprised that Li Hao personally knew a demon plant. That demon plants were greedy was common knowledge. In truth, it wasn't so much greed as sheer necessity. No matter how many divine energy stones you gave one, it could absorb every last bit. For countless years, many demon plants had survived on a mere thread of breath. If they clung to life, it was solely thanks to their extraordinary longevity. In such a state, the moment they caught a glimpse of energy, they would be desperate to swallow it down in an instant. If one were willing to spit out a single drop of the Spring of Life for you, it was sheer luck. Otherwise, just look at General Huai—Li Hao had previously stuffed a million stones into him, and in return hadn't received a single hair. What could anyone do about that? As for Li Hao's plan to take in refugees, the two directors hesitated. This would be no easy feat. It wasn't merely a matter of food. An influx of that many refugees would bring endless problems: massive infrastructure deficits, sanitation, housing, food, and immense expenditures of manpower and material resources. It wasn't something Li Hao could solve by simply declaring that everyone would be put to work. The complexity was beyond imagination. Director Zhao fell silent for a long while before finally speaking. "Your intention in taking in a portion of the refugees is noble. But you must understand that the human heart can be insatiable. Once their bellies are full and their thirst is quenched, they will start yearning for more—for greater benefits. "And when the time comes that you cannot satisfy them..." Li Hao replied coldly, "I know. But this is also an era where power is concentrated in the hands of the strong! I genuinely want to do something good, but if their greed takes over and they aren't satisfied with what they're given, then I will strike down hard! They know full well what conditions are like in the Three Northern Provinces and Linjiang. If they still refuse to be content, then I won't allow them to be content!" Director Zhao sighed. "You understand that, but even so, you will be doing good only to end up shouldering infamy and curses in the end!" He shook his head with a sigh. These days, being a good person was never easy. Li Hao shrugged indifferently. "Silver Moon never had a good reputation anyway." "..." The remark almost choked the two men. How could he say such a thing? Li Hao chuckled. "It's the truth. In the eyes of outsiders, we're just northern barbarians from a wild, uncivilized land! Honestly, anyone willing to flee to Silver Moon is someone who has nowhere else to run. Of course, I know how much effort and sacrifice this will require. I can say it with a flick of my tongue, but the two of you might pull all your hair out over it... Still, I feel that doing something for Silver Moon is better than doing nothing at all. I will do everything in my power to meet your needs..." He knew how difficult it would be. It was easy to boast that his crops could feed a hundred million people, but was eating all there was to it? Hardly. Director Zhao sank into deep thought. After a long while, he said, "We will consider it, but we cannot give you an immediate answer." Li Hao pressed no further. Offering to consider it was already giving him immense face. To push any harder would be overbearing. Deputy Director Zhou, who had remained silent the entire time, stroked his small mustache and spoke slowly. "Li Hao, whatever you do, you must have perseverance. Our greater concern is that this is merely a fleeting impulse on your part—acting on a whim without a clear objective. Sometimes... hesitation and wandering aimlessly are your greatest enemies!" He continued in a steady voice, "Today you think of rebellion, tomorrow of saving people, and the day after, you decide there's no hope and give up entirely. You have to consider the consequences of that approach. Silver Moon can lend you some support, but we lack the confidence and the desire to plunge recklessly into the dark with you to the bitter end. Strictly speaking, you inspire no confidence in us at all!" He looked at Li Hao, unconcerned about offending him, and offered a gentle reminder: "In truth, Silver Moon lacks a driven figure to step forward. But what we need is not someone who gives up halfway. What is your ultimate goal? What are you willing to sacrifice for it? Every time you open your mouth, you talk about following your own heart and pleasing yourself. Can following your heart put food on the table? "Silver Moon has remained quiet for two hundred years. Merely to indulge your whims, you might drag the entire province into a quagmire." Looking at Li Hao, he shook his head. "This won't do! What path do you intend to walk? You must be clear about it yourself! If you charge ahead with indomitable will, refusing to turn back even in death, we can offer you our support. But you cannot go on like this—wanting to kill today and striking out, then deciding tomorrow that you don't feel like killing anymore and walking away to wander the martial world..." Li Hao was stunned. Deputy Director Zhou looked at him calmly. "Throughout history, anyone who achieved great things possessed steadfast perseverance! If you cannot even give those beside you sufficient confidence, how can you expect outsiders to support you? What kind of support? Risking their lives to play games with you? Has your identity as a descendant of the Eight Great Families made you lose your way? Or do you truly believe you are omnipotent? Your battle in Heavenly Star City was indeed well fought. But... what have you done since?" Li Hao said in a heavy voice, "I'm securing my footing... taking things step by step..." "No, no, no!" Deputy Director Zhou shook his head. "Not at all! You are merely flailing about without method or direction, jumping from Silver Moon to Heavenly Star and back again. That will never work! You must understand that if you wish to accomplish great deeds, you are no longer just a martial master of the jianghu. You are a true leader... Does a leader act like this?" He disapproved of many of Li Hao's actions and ideas. He felt that a Li Hao like this would never achieve anything great. Acting aimlessly might well turn good intentions into disastrous blunders. Li Hao frowned. Deputy Director Zhou smiled faintly. "Unconvinced?" "A little." Deputy Director Zhou chuckled. "Then let me ask you: you want Silver Moon to take in refugees, and your heart is in the right place. But have you stopped to consider whether the people of Silver Moon will agree? If we give so much, what do we stand to gain? As a leader, you must consider not only the work itself, but the harvest. Yes, the harvest—it is a pragmatic truth! We are not your subordinates. For us, what is there to gain? "Even an empty promise would be better than saying nothing at all. You might think the returns will come in the future, but... why should we believe you? "You might feel that grand, empty talk is pointless. But the reality is that if you say nothing, people will only feel that you have nothing to offer—that you can't even paint a pie in the sky!" Li Hao stared blankly. "What do you mean, Deputy Director Zhou?" "Even if it's just lip service! Say that if we succeed, what will happen—promotions, renown, or what you might achieve for us in the distant future. Anything would be better than what you're doing now!" Deputy Director Zhou sighed. "Martial masters always love acting on raw impulse! Relying purely on brotherhood and passion is the way of common outlaws. When have you ever seen common outlaws conquer the world and govern it? "Even if the ancient Human King was known only for slaughter, he still knew how to recognize and employ talent, how to grant people hope, and how to give them something to look forward to. He would declare, 'I will lead humanity toward prosperity!' Whether you believed it or not, as long as some did, that was enough! And what about you?" He looked at Li Hao and smiled faintly. "What can you bring us? Devastation and ruin? Or... dying along the way, leaving behind nothing? Li Hao, be realistic. No one is going to pay the bill for your private dream unless... it is a dream shared by all!" Li Hao sank into deep contemplation. Director Zhao gave a dry cough. "Old Zhou, he is still young..." Deputy Director Zhou laughed. "No, no, no, I am merely reminding him. He needs encouragement, but he also needs pragmatic advice. Pattering him with constant praise will only make him lose himself! "There must be plenty of people singing his praises in Heavenly Star City right now. Once someone grows accustomed to sweet words, they cannot bear the sting of honest advice. But the future of Silver Moon is at stake here; we cannot gamble it away just to suit his whims." Li Hao remained silent for a while before asking, "Then in your view, Deputy Director Zhou, what should I do to give people hope?" Deputy Director Zhou smiled. "Simple. Stop thinking purely about hiding, lying low, and maintaining a discreet profile. You are no longer in a position to stay low-key! The best approach is to set a clear objective and rally everyone to strive and fight for it. Today you strike the Nine Departments, tomorrow the Three Great Organizations, the day after you target the Imperial family, and then you want to take on Linjiang and the pirates... Li Hao, do you take yourself for a god?" Deputy Director Zhou shook his head helplessly. "You cannot do this! Acting like this will only breed panic and make people feel hopeless and disillusioned. It makes everyone feel as though the entire world is your enemy, and that is disastrous! Aren't you fighting for revenge? Then declare single-mindedly that your purpose is vengeance. Announce that your goal is to wipe out Red Moon. If you do that, everyone else will choose to sit on the sidelines and watch the tigers fight, rather than viewing you as an unpredictable rogue element that everyone wants eradicated! "Even your vengeance can be wrapped in a grand banner. For instance, declare that Red Moon's goal is to destroy the world, and that you are exterminating them to bring about world peace! Even if it is a hollow manifesto, it is far better than your current posture!" He sighed deeply with exasperation. "If you want to move against the Nine Departments, then state it plainly. Declare that you are targeting only the Nine Departments, state your reasons, define your objective, and explain what everyone stands to gain once you succeed! Only then will people be willing to lay down their lives for you!" Li Hao listened in a daze. *Is that how it works?* *Set a target!* *A clear goal, announced to all, showing that I am striving and fighting toward that singular aim...* *Is that really the way?* He reflected on it, and it made complete sense! Otherwise, he was trying to strike here and strike there, yet lacked the strength to finish any of them. In the end, he would only get surrounded and beaten to death by everyone! "The Inspectorate may be an opportunistic organization, but what is wrong with opportunists?" Deputy Director Zhou continued. "Whether contending for hegemony or seeking revenge, opportunists are precisely what you need! Why reject them? Why tear down all pretense and make enemies of them? Do you think pressing them under your thumb makes you feel superior? Why couldn't you swallow your pride, seek them out, and hold deeper talks? Win over enough opportunists, and in the end, they will all become your followers! "Must you turn opportunists into enemies before you're satisfied?" "Cough, cough, cough!" Director Zhao coughed again, but Deputy Director Zhou paid him no heed and pressed on: "Director Zhao, I have no desire to erase his accomplishments or dismiss everything he has done. I simply lament that the battle in Heavenly Star City yielded tremendous results and an illustrious reputation, yet this young man failed to cherish it, letting a magnificent opportunity go to waste! Hou Xiaochen isn't suited for this either; his thinking doesn't run that broad or deep. After battering the Nine Departments and forcing back the Three Great Organizations, the Nine Departments clearly had no appetite to fight further. At that point, the Department of Finance, having suffered the fewest losses, was likely mocking the others, while the opportunists in the Inspectorate were thinking they had lost nothing. Li Hao had every chance to rope them in and form a new defensive alliance! "Over at the Military Law Department, your eldest senior brother is there. Don't tell me he left your sect ages ago—did your master ever formally expel him? No! That makes him your senior brother still. You could have approached him to see if common ground could be reached with the Military Law Department. As for whom you purge or settle scores with down the line, that is a matter for the future. "Then there is the Department of Administration. They don't yet view you as a mortal enemy; their true foe remains the Imperial family. Why couldn't some issues be resolved through negotiation? "Furthermore, in the east, people previously aided you—like the Marquis of Dongji and Yu Qiao from Huoming Province. Now that you've slain three generations of the Duke of Dingguo's lineage, the Xu family is on the verge of collapse. And you just walk away? You could easily dispatch people eastward to negotiate with the Marquis of Dongji and Yu Qiao. Even if you don't form an alliance, you should claim the spoils of your victory! You were the one who killed the Duke of Dingguo—why abandon the gains? "And what of the City of Supernaturals? You killed their Heavenly Eye practitioner, and then asked nothing more about them? Only crude martial artists act like that! Even if it were merely a token gesture, you could have sent someone to intimidate them or negotiate a compromise. How could you simply leave it alone? "The same goes for every supernatural faction whose members you killed that day: the Starlight Pirate Crew of the North Sea and their dozen-odd dukes. Even if you don't wish to cooperate with them, you could contact rival pirate crews, letting them exterminate them and divide the spoils while you provide moral support! The Starlight Pirate Crew might have ceased to exist, rather than lingering to seek vengeance against you later!" The more he spoke, the more disappointed and frustrated he sounded. "Li Hao, you might make a fine martial arts alliance leader, but you are truly unfit to be a political leader! I have watched and observed, and I've realized you are cut from the very same cloth as your master! Your master was just like this in his day. He believed that once he defeated someone, they could never rise again, so why bother caring about them? "And what happened? Ying Hongyue, the Flying Sword Immortal, Yama, Futu, Haotian... all of them rose to prominence one after another! To this day, your master lives a miserable, tragic life, and you are growing more like him by the day! "What about you? Will you surpass your master? No, you will end up the same! You think that with the North Sea King dead, the Starlight Pirate Crew is nothing? You think that with the Duke of Dingguo and his son dead, the Xu family is harmless? You think that because the master of Futu Mountain was severely wounded and reduced to a supernatural, he poses no threat? You think the City of Supernaturals, a metropolis home to hundreds of thousands or even a million supernaturals, amounts to nothing, and that killing one of their Divine Power experts settles the matter?" "..." At that moment, Li Hao was left dazed. He reflected on his past actions and engaged in silent self-criticism. After a long while, he nodded without a word. Deputy Director Zhou's words were harsh. Yet... they struck straight to the heart of the matter. These were things Li Hao had lacked the inclination and energy to consider. In fact, some of them had never even crossed his mind. *A martial arts alliance leader...* Li Hao listened in silence. *Just like Teacher?* Teacher had left behind countless enemies. At times, Li Hao had even grumbled to himself: why hadn't Teacher eliminated evil at the root? Today... he finally understood! It wasn't that Teacher hadn't wanted to wipe them out, but that he simply hadn't cared enough at the time. Just like himself, assuming the Xu family and the North Sea pirates were no longer threats, and that dealing with them would be a waste of time and energy. Yet... years down the road, if his own growth stalled, what would become of him? He would be just like his teacher—surrounded by enemies on all sides! When that day came, people would say, just as they did now: in his prime, the Demon Sword roamed untamed across the world, but today his plight is wretched, living worse than a stray dog. At that thought, Li Hao's eyes suddenly lit up. "Deputy Director Zhou, how about coming to Heavenly Star City with me?" "..." Silence fell over the room. Director Zhao gave a dry cough. "Li Hao..." "Director Zhao!" Li Hao's expression turned dead serious. "Silver Moon only needs you! Keeping Deputy Director Zhou here is a waste of his talents! Heavenly Star City is the true stage for his abilities! I don't understand statecraft, but that doesn't matter!" Far from feeling discouraged, Li Hao was brimming with excitement. "Someone once told me that it's fine if you don't know how to do something, as long as you know how to use people and dare to use them! "No one is omnipotent, certainly not me! Besides, I'm young, inexperienced, and ignorant of so many things... None of that matters! I can learn, even if it takes a long time. As long as I know how to employ the right people, it won't be a problem!" He turned to Deputy Director Zhou, his tone growing animated. "Didn't the Imperial family appoint me Heavenly Star Viceroy? If you come with me, Deputy Director Zhou, I'll name you Deputy Viceroy! The Imperial family won't object, and you will have full authority to act on my behalf! You can be the Deputy Viceroy, Martial Uncle Hong Yitang can head the academy, and Director Hou can oversee the Night Patrol... As for me, I will be in charge of striking down our formidable foes!" Li Hao waved his hand, his voice firm and decisive! "As for what confidence I possess, and what makes me worth your expectations..." He paused to think, then listed his points immediately: "First, the Starry Sky Sword and my status as a descendant of the Eight Great Families! Second, I've advanced—I am now a division commander in the Battle Heaven Army..." Golden armor flashed across his body! The two directors froze. *Golden armor?* *A division commander?* Li Hao was putting his new knowledge to use on the spot. Bluffing or not, what real difference was there between an enhanced regiment commander and a division commander? "Third, I can unite the Silver Moon martial arts world. At the very least, many people and martial masters believe that I, Li Hao, am someone worth befriending, while the government cannot be trusted! "Fourth, I have a clear direction for my next breakthrough; my strength will not stagnate! "Fifth, I personally know a demon plant—one who is easy to talk to and even willing to fight on my behalf! "Sixth, Battle Heaven City may revive very soon, and I have already established close ties with them. They are willing to support me with everything they have, and some of their dormant top-tier powerhouses will awaken before long..." "Seventh, Ying Hongyue, arguably the strongest figure right now, does not dare act against me yet, because he hasn't successfully merged the seven bloodlines..." He laid out each point one by one to demonstrate his worth. Finally, he looked at Deputy Director Zhou. "So, Deputy Director Zhou, you might think I am green and lack understanding in many matters. But I am no saint, nor was I born omniscient. I am just an ordinary person who has forged his path step by step. It hasn't been long since I walked out of Silver City. Is all this enough? "If it isn't, I will continue to build my foundation. I believe I can!" Director Zhao was thoroughly dumbfounded. Deputy Director Zhou studied him for a long moment, then broke into a sudden smile. "You... are getting interesting!" Li Hao grinned. "Deputy Director Zhou, come with me!" Deputy Director Zhou chuckled. "I was merely pointing out your flaws..." "I'll give you a bonus—a hundred drops of the Spring of Life!" "..." Deputy Director Zhou froze. Director Zhao coughed. "Li Hao..." "Two hundred drops!" Li Hao pumped his fist and gritted his teeth. "And not just that—once I have more resources, I'll give you even more! Your task will be simple: go to Heavenly Star City, help me patch up these flaws, and handle everything! Negotiate, recruit, speak truth to friends and sweet talk to snakes!" Deputy Director Zhou glanced at Director Zhao. Director Zhao felt a sudden urge to roll his eyes. He muttered, "Old Zhou, you and I have worked together for forty years..." "Yes, but he's offering two hundred drops of the Spring of Life..." Deputy Director Zhou looked back at him. The young man was simply offering too much! Director Zhao nearly spat blood. *What in the world?* *Poaching my man right in front of my face—is that appropriate?* "Li Hao, where did you get so many..." "I have them!" Li Hao answered resolutely. "Of course I do! The demon plant I found supplies me with the Spring of Life at twenty thousand stones per drop. I seized over seven million stones earlier and exchanged them for more than three hundred drops... I'll give you the lion's share, Deputy Director Zhou!" "..." *Twenty thousand stones?* *Per drop?* Director Zhao sank into thought, then asked slowly, "Where... is this demon plant?" "Huh?" "No..." Director Zhao coughed lightly. "I mean, could this demon plant affect Silver Moon? Is it over by Cathead Mountain?" Li Hao instantly grew wary. *What's this? Trying to poach my contact?* "Don't even think about it, Director. That is a guardian demon plant, and I am the only one who can interact with it. Anyone else who approaches will be killed! It has already recovered to the peak of its might, capable of tearing through the void—immensely powerful!" "..." Director Zhao sighed. What a pity! Li Hao turned back to Deputy Director Zhou once more. "Deputy Director Zhou, if you can identify the problems and articulate them, you can solve them! As the saying goes, a fine bird chooses a worthy branch. I'm sure Director Zhao won't mind or stand in the way of your prospects... Here in Silver Moon, nothing major will happen before the second revival, nor will there be any great use for your skills. Would you really let your talents go to waste?" "..." Deputy Director Zhou stroked his mustache and looked back at Director Zhao. Director Zhao laughed out of exasperation and glared at Li Hao. "Li Hao, are you mocking me?" "Not at all!" Li Hao said earnestly, "I truly feel that I need an advisor, a strategist. Martial Uncle Hong is a fine mentor and friend, Bright Light Sword possesses only raw martial prowess, and while Director Hou may be skilled in strategy, his attention is stretched thin by too many matters right now... Besides, Director Hou is better suited for combat, so I don't want to burden him further." Director Zhao was about to speak, but Deputy Director Zhou raised a hand to stop him. Looking at Li Hao, he smiled faintly. "You want me to go to Heavenly Star City? What if I tell you to bow your head to Ying Hongyue? He is a supreme powerhouse and your sworn enemy. If I tell you to bear thorny brambles on your back and plead for his forgiveness, will you listen?" "Yes!" Li Hao remained entirely calm. "No problem, as long as he's willing to accept it! I would even kneel before him and beg him not to target me, provided it works. What does pride matter?" "..." Deputy Director Zhou paused, staring at Li Hao. "And what if he demands the Starry Sky Sword?" "That is off the table. It is my trump card. Bowing my head is fine, but throwing away my trump cards is out of the question... That would be courting disaster." Deputy Director Zhou smiled. "And what if he demands you hand over the Silver Moon martial masters?" "Then he has no genuine intention of accepting my peace offering. He is a Silver Moon martial master himself and understands our nature. I would never do that, and if I did, he wouldn't believe my sincerity anyway." Deputy Director Zhou fell silent for a moment, weighing his words, before asking once more: "One final question! Do you wish to become the Heavenly Star King?" Li Hao's tone remained placid. "I don't care either way. I can take the throne, or I can leave it. But if no one else steps up, what harm is there in me taking it? Incompetent as I may be, I still believe... I would do a far better job than the current Heavenly Star King!" "..." What audacious arrogance! Yet Deputy Director Zhou burst into laughter. He studied Li Hao intently for a long time before finally smiling. "Very well... This old man has nothing better to do anyway. Going to Heavenly Star City to look around and catch up with old acquaintances wouldn't hurt. Are those two hundred drops of the Spring of Life for real?" "My word is my bond!" "Then we have a deal!" Director Zhao began coughing so violently it sounded as though he were coughing up his lungs. "Cough, cough, cough..." "Old Zhou... at your age, such a strenuous journey..." "Nonsense, the Spring of Life will keep me hale and hearty!" "Wait... there are so many affairs to handle in Silver Moon right now, and Li Hao just mentioned taking in refugees..." "Trifles!" Director Zhao couldn't hold it in any longer. "Old Zhou, you and I have worked together for forty years! You're just going to walk out over a few words? What are you thinking? Heavenly Star City is a den of wolves..." "He offers too much!" Deputy Director Zhou pointed at Li Hao. "Two hundred drops. Give me two hundred drops, and I'll stay!" *To hell with that!* *Where would I get that much?* Director Zhao felt utterly exhausted. He glanced at Li Hao, then back at Deputy Director Zhou, and finally let out a cold snort. "Go on, then. Both of you, get out! Li Hao, don't think you've gotten a bargain. Anyone can speak pretty words; execution is what truly counts! I know Old Zhou far too well—he is great at scheming, but terrible at making decisive calls! His tongue can talk a man to death, but when it comes to getting things done, nine out of ten tasks fail." "Old Zhao, is that really how you've viewed me all these years?" "Do you disagree?" "Not at all... In that case, there's nothing more to say between us!" "..." Deputy Director Zhou said no more. He gathered a stack of documents and dumped them onto Director Zhao's desk. "Handover complete. You've seen everything I handle with your own eyes, so you can take it over yourself! Working with you for forty years has grown rather dull anyway. A change of scenery might do me good." "Old Zhou, that wasn't what I meant..." "Old Zhao, Li Hao is right. Nothing major will happen in Silver Moon anytime soon. Once the second revival arrives, I will return." "..." Director Zhao was truly speechless. This hadn't been planned in advance—honestly. They weren't putting on a coordinated show! Old Zhou had never breathed a word about this before. *Damn it!* *What is going on here?* *You decide to run off just like that? Did you spare a single thought for me?* He glanced back at Li Hao, feeling that the kid was truly impossible. After a moment's thought, he still cautioned, "Pouring too much energy into Heavenly Star City isn't cost-effective. Silver Moon is your true base..." Li Hao grinned. "I know, Director Zhao, but shouldn't one destroy the enemy outside our borders? Haven't you heard that saying?" "I..." "Deputy Director Zhou, I'll come find you in a couple of days... I'm taking my leave!" With that, Li Hao vanished on the spot. Director Zhao was left speechless. Once Li Hao was gone, he turned to Deputy Director Zhou. "What are you playing at?" Deputy Director Zhou continued stroking his mustache, smiling faintly. "Nothing in particular. I was simply bored and wanted to go out and see the world. Don't you find this intriguing?" Director Zhao frowned slightly. "You know what state Silver Moon is in—how could you be bored? After the second revival, heaven and earth may turn upside down!" "Aren't you here to handle it?" "Tell me the truth. What are your real thoughts?" Deputy Director Zhou chuckled. "I truly didn't think too much about it. I only thought that after I scolded him, he might storm off in anger, or perhaps reflect deeply, or give up, or maybe rise to the occasion... I never expected him to invite me along! So I thought to myself... why not? And so I agreed. Besides, two hundred drops of the Spring of Life is an exceptional offer. It can help nourish my old body." Director Zhao felt drained. The ship of friendship had capsized just like that. "Do as you please!" "Even if you didn't let me, it wouldn't make a difference." "I... Get out, get out!" Director Zhao felt thoroughly irritated. The old bastard was truly leaving. Forty years inseparable, and he was ditching him just like that? How infuriating! "Then I'll head back and pack my things... We can have a drink later as a farewell." "Farewell to your ancestors! Get lost!" Chuckling, Deputy Director Zhou strolled out. Once he was gone, Director Zhao let out a helpless sigh, shaking his head. "To grow so old... only to chase after novel trends. Is the bloodline of the Eight Great Families truly so enticing?" *** Meanwhile, Li Hao stepped out of the General Administration Bureau. His initial delight gave way to a twinge of heartache. Two hundred drops... was it worth it? Could Deputy Director Zhou truly bring in such massive returns? Director Zhao had said it himself: the man was great at scheming, and while he had pointed out numerous problems, the key was solving them! If they couldn't be resolved, pointing them out was useless. *I was a bit rash!* Li Hao thought to himself. Then he gritted his teeth. *Forget it, consider it money spent to buy peace of mind!* Deputy Director Zhou was likely a formidable martial master. Even if he proved useless as an advisor, he would make an excellent bodyguard. After all, Li Hao had never managed to see through him, which meant he couldn't be weak. *Two hundred drops, two million divine energy stones... what of it!* Li Hao consoled himself. It was fine—money couldn't buy happiness, and right now, he was happy! Besides, even if the man only excelled at rhetoric, being able to identify problems was better than being blind to them. Forty years of officialdom truly made a difference; none of the people around him had ever raised such points. Having rationalized it, Li Hao felt much more at ease. *So be it!* *** Next, instead of returning to the Night Patrol, Li Hao headed straight out of White Moon City. He needed to return to Silver City first, consume the Blood God Seeds, and see if he could witness that sword strike once more. Even though the sword intent was currently dormant, that didn't matter. If he delayed any longer, he feared that once his strength grew even further, Blood God Seeds from peak Rising Light cultivators at the Transmutation stage would no longer be effective, and where would he find stronger ones then? *** Silver City. Li Hao didn't greet anyone. Upon reaching Silver City, he made a beeline for the mine, slipping into the underground ruins. Then, he swallowed all three potent Blood God Seeds in one gulp, fearing that fewer wouldn't suffice. Only by taking all three into his belly might he catch sight of the Eight Trigrams diagram again. As the three Blood God Seeds entered his stomach, his blood surged and rushed violently. The next instant, a change came over Li Hao's eyes. He looked up, and in that split second, an immense Eight Trigrams diagram manifested before him. Compared to before, he saw even more this time. A starry sky! Yes, he seemed to behold a starry sky. Last time, he had seen the Eight Trigrams diagram and what appeared to be figures standing at its center. This time, however, he saw none of that—only an endless starry sky. And deep within that starry expanse stood what looked like a solitary gateway. Vaguely, near the gateway, something seemed to dwell. Li Hao felt momentarily dazed. Even in his trance, he remembered his purpose. The next instant, he followed the crimson thread above his head, extending his consciousness deeper within. A moment later, his vision blurred. An illusory figure emerged. This time was different from the last. He saw it far more clearly: an old man with disheveled hair, holding a long sword. Suddenly, a blinding sword light illuminated heaven and earth! *The Lifeless Sword!* A sword intent of annihilation seemed poised to destroy everything. With one strike, all was reduced to nothingness! It felt far more powerful than before. Last time, with the sword that severed the self, the blade struck, the enemy was destroyed, and he himself seemed to perish alongside them. This time was different. This time, it wasn't just himself and the enemy dying—the entire world and everything within it were reduced to absolute nothingness, ceasing to exist. *All things extinguished...* The thought surfaced in Li Hao's mind. He murmured, "All things fall silent!" What a terrifying sword strike! When the old man unleashed that blow, nothing remained—only chaos and darkness. Was this the pinnacle of swordsmanship? The next moment, Li Hao hastily withdrew his consciousness. A faint trace of sword intent seemed to follow him back. Instantly, Li Hao's arm shattered into dust! But he suspended the Starry Sky Sword in midair, and sure enough, a wisp of the sword intent burrowed straight into the blade. The Starry Sky Sword shuddered. Li Hao quickly swallowed several drops of the Spring of Life. His arm grew back, only to shatter again, then regrow once more... He continued to consume the Spring of Life. He had known before that this sword intent was terrifying... but only today did he realize it was far more horrifying than he had imagined! Despite having stepped into the Divine Power Realm, he was still utterly powerless before it. And this was merely observing the strike—a strike from a different time and space, perhaps nothing more than an imprint left behind countless ages ago. He took seven or eight drops in succession until the Starry Sky Sword completely devoured all of the sword qi. Only then did his arm stop shattering. Li Hao opened his eyes, a destructive aura seeming to spill from his gaze. Within his five viscera, the five kinds of force stirred restlessly. The general principles of sword intent seemed to undergo a subtle transformation at this moment. Even the bridge connecting his five viscera began to twist faintly into the shape of a sword. Li Hao looked up at the sky, but everything had vanished. "The starry sky, the gateway, the Eight Trigrams diagram, the seal..." Li Hao murmured under his breath. What was hidden in Silver City? Having witnessed these visions this time, he had no idea when he would be able to see them again. Nevertheless, he had accomplished nearly all of his objectives for this return. Li Hao clambered up from the rubble and glanced at the stone door not far away. It remained silent and still. He didn't linger; word had it that beyond the door lay a legacy ground. With only the Wind-Chasing Boots and the Starry Sky Sword in his possession, he did not meet its requirements. It was likely the legacy ground for the Hong family's warhammer. *** At the same time. Red Moon Headquarters. Ying Hongyue gazed toward the north. His blood vitality churned as if he vaguely sensed something, and he furrowed his brow slightly. "Li Hao..." He murmured softly. Had that boy returned to Silver City again? As expected, the legacy of the Sword Venerable was truly extraordinary. Unyielding through a hundred battles, not even a host of Divine Power experts had managed to kill him. What a pity... what a pity that he himself... He closed his eyes. The only way forward was to merge all seven bloodlines. Li Hao was growing too fast—astonishingly fast. That the Li family stood supreme among the Eight Great Families was, it seemed, no exaggeration.