The final day of November.
The thirtieth.
Nine Departments Avenue was bustling outside the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office.
Today was the inauguration!
From early morning, people had been coming and going along the avenue. Usually sparse with pedestrians, the street was packed to overflowing today.
Whether to offer congratulations, scout the situation, or pursue other motives... for many, attending cost nothing, but failing to show might get them marked.
Visitors had arrived not only from Heavenly Star City, but from all directions: hegemons of various provinces, local powers, figures from the Seven Sacred Mountains, and representatives from Superpower City.
Even members of the Three Great Organizations lurked about, both openly and in secret.
Along the wide avenue, the surrounding government compounds had thrown their main gates wide open. When Li Hao first moved in, some had shut their doors, but after only two days, every office on Criminal Law Department Avenue was open.
If you weren't afraid of dying and wanted to end up like that general of the Heaven's Punishment Army, you were welcome to keep your doors barred and see what happened.
Carriages and horses streamed past in an endless clamor.
At the end of the thoroughfare, the grand compound of the Department of Criminal Law had already replaced its plaque. The characters for "Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office" gleamed with brilliance.
On both sides of the long street, the Demon Hunting Army and the Night Patrollers conducted alternating patrols.
For the Night Patrollers, after today... they would no longer belong to the Inspectorate, but to the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office. Some were pleased, some troubled, and others resentful.
Yet... what could they change?
They could change nothing.
***
On the broad street.
At that moment, someone glanced toward the far end and sighed with emotion. "Who would have thought? He's only been in Heavenly Star City for a little over a month, yet he took down one of the Nine Departments and forced the other eight to back down without daring to retaliate. He truly carries the air of a gallant hero!"
"A gallant hero? Even if his teacher Yuan Shuo had come, it wouldn't have amounted to much. Did Yuan Shuo ever possess such capability?"
"True enough!"
Several old men on the street chuckled among themselves, laughing warmly at the mention of Yuan Shuo.
Yuan Shuo, the bellwether of the previous generation.
The reputation of the Five Animals Old Demon had once cowed the entire martial forest, but now... his era had drawn to a close. His disciple, on the other hand, had truly forged an illustrious name known to all under heaven.
The old men looked around, casting their eyes over the martial masters of the Demon Hunting Army.
They nodded slightly. "Full of vigor and spirit. A fine group of young men, worthy of being Silver Moon martial masters!"
"They can hardly be called Silver Moon martial masters anymore!" another old man said, shaking his head. "They've entered official service and eat from the imperial coffer now. Demon Sword isn't opening a martial arts school—he's founding a governor-general's office to hold sway over criminal justice across the world. In our day, fellows like that were called running dogs..."
"Old-fashioned thinking!"
"Stubborn old fossil!"
"I was just making an offhand remark... Why are you all jumping down my throat?"
The old men bantered back and forth with easygoing nonchalance.
Soon, someone noticed something and turned to look in a certain direction. The other elders followed his gaze. A moment later, one sneered, "Chen Zhongtian. That old bastard really knows how to stay alive!"
Not far away.
The former director of the Inspectorate was strolling over alongside his son.
He noticed the old men, recognized them after a brief glance, and offered a calm, breezy smile.
Beside him, Chen Yao also looked over, his brow knitting slightly. "Martial masters?"
A whole group of martial masters!
And... none of them felt weak.
The old director chuckled leisurely. "Aye, martial masters—veteran martial masters of Silver Moon's previous generation. The longest-lived among them aren't much younger than me. I didn't expect them to still be drawing breath. Twenty years ago, when superpowers rose, these fellows tried to storm Heavenly Star City, only to be crushed by the joint forces of the Nine Departments and the imperial family. A great many died back then."
Chen Yao pondered for a moment and nodded. He still remembered that.
However... he hadn't taken part.
He had been too weak back then, while the older powerhouses had joined the fray. The clash had taken place over the Heavenly Star Sea. That batch of old Silver Moon martial masters had seemingly tried to seize something, but he hadn't bothered to care at the time.
To think that after all these years, they had emerged from seclusion once more.
"What are they doing here?" Chen Yao asked in bewilderment. "At this stage, their presence won't accomplish much. Are they hoping to scavenge some benefits from Li Hao?"
"..."
The old director laughed aloud at his son's words.
"Can't they simply come to offer congratulations? Besides, if Li Hao and his people hadn't dealt with the formidable enemies ahead of time, today... you would have seen these old codgers battle the Nine Departments!"
Had the situation not been settled beforehand, these old masters would undoubtedly have joined the fight now that they were here.
Some among this older generation were far from weak.
Chen Yao said no more.
Today would most likely pass peacefully. The Nine Departments wouldn't look for trouble, nor would the imperial family. Who in Heavenly Star City would dare stir up trouble at a time like this?
Only a fool would.
***
At that moment, the main gates of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office swung wide open.
Behind the grand doors, an open courtyard had been arranged into a bustling venue.
All around, the Demon Hunting Army stood in neat ranks, adding a festive air to the vibrant gathering.
There was no banquet spread with wine and food, only rows of chairs. Toward the front, some chairs were paired with tables bearing tea and refreshments—seats reserved exclusively for the major factions.
Nameplates rested upon them.
The Eight Departments, the imperial family, the Seven Sacred Mountains, Superpower City, and the Three Great Organizations.
Twenty chairs in all!
Many caught their breath at the sight. How audacious! Li Hao had even placed nameplates for the Three Great Organizations. Was this a slap in their face, or was he genuinely inviting them to attend?
Behind these twenty factions were the names of various provinces, along with several prominent local superpower organizations of the current era. Rows of chairs stood side by side—somewhat plain, but the nameplates alone were enough to make hearts pound.
What was Li Hao trying to pull with this arrangement?
Was he taking attendance and marking down everyone who failed to show?
Furthermore, the mountain masters of Mount Futu and Heavenly Roc Mountain were dead. Would those factions really send anyone?
Both powers still had formidable experts, of course.
Yet they barely had time to enter seclusion and consolidate their positions; how could they possibly come to offer congratulations?
At the very front stood a row of long benches facing the courtyard below, serving as the main dais.
Names were arranged there as well.
When Chen Yao and his father arrived, they were the first among the Eight Departments. Shortly thereafter, representatives from the Department of Finance and the Department of Internal Affairs made their entrance.
And they were no ordinary emissaries—the heads of the departments had come in person.
While the older generation stayed behind, Mu Hai and Liu Yunqing arrived personally.
This sent a shiver through those who had arrived early. Three department heads attending in person was an immense show of respect. The Nine Departments were truly giving Li Hao immense face. Li Hao had slain so many of their powerhouses; sending an ordinary representative would already have been courteous enough. For the directors to come themselves... could another massive battle be brewing?
A sudden wave of anxiety swept through the crowd.
Just then, Yao Si arrived.
Without a word, Yao Si walked directly onto the front stage, took his seat, and exchanged smiles and glances with the various directors. Glancing toward the Inspectorate, he had not expected Chen Zhongtian to attend in person.
Now this was interesting!
A moment later, the representatives of the Department of Administration and the Military Law Department arrived side by side. Once again, it was the two sitting directors. From the Military Law Department came Qi Pingjiang's son, Qi Dinghai—one named "Pacifying the River" and the other "Calming the Sea," a true continuation of the family legacy.
Like Qi Pingjiang, the current director of the Military Law Department wore a stern, imposing expression.
He appeared somewhat younger than Qi Pingjiang, though not by much.
He was accompanied by several people, one of whom Yao Si recognized. Yao Si raised an eyebrow slightly. It was Yuan Xingwu, now a late Rising Light superpower, walking alongside Qi Dinghai. It was hard to tell what the Military Law Department intended.
As for the Department of Administration, its current director was an elegant, cultured man with a scholarly demeanor, appearing to be in his forties or fifties. He smiled toward Yao Si. This was Zhao Huaimin.
His father had named him with deep purpose: to cherish the common people under heaven. Decades ago, the elder director of the Department of Administration had indeed lived up to that ideal, though today... it had perhaps long been forgotten.
Yao Si observed the two men. Both had formidable fathers, and the sons were formidable in their own right.
On the surface, nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but... both were very likely three-element supernatural powerhouses.
Top figures of this caliber had generally risen through the path of martial masters.
Previously, many martial masters and even top experts in the Nine Departments had walked the martial path. Lately, however—perhaps feeling the mounting pressure, or believing that superpowers could be converted back, or for other reasons—they all seemed to have stepped into the supernatural realm.
Such powerhouses were inherently stronger than purely supernatural combatants.
With their arrival, almost all the powerhouses of the Eight Departments had gathered.
Six directors were present: five sitting heads and one retired director.
The Department of Merit Evaluation, Department of Rites and Foreign Affairs, and Department of Commerce had not sent director-level figures, dispatching three deputy directors instead. The sitting directors of Merit Evaluation and Rites and Foreign Affairs were dead, and the older generation would hardly show their faces now.
Over at the Department of Commerce, Qian Wanhao had been slain, so his son naturally wouldn't come.
That deputy directors were sent at all was the result of extensive deliberation, and only after the Military Law Department and Department of Administration had spoken up.
As for the imperial family, several figures arrived this time.
Of the nine imperial princes, two were dead, leaving seven.
This time, Prince Zhennan arrived in person, bringing several princes and princesses, including the Seventh Princess and the Ninth Prince.
The arrival of Prince Zhennan brought a flicker of surprise even to the Nine Departments.
Prince Zhennan was the sole remaining prince in the imperial family who commanded troops—a true military general who commanded six hundred thousand soldiers stationed along the southern sea border, locked in confrontation with the Duke of Wuguo in the south.
The dynasty had three founding dukes with surnames outside the imperial lineage: the Duke of Anguo in the west, the Duke of Dingguo in the east, and the Duke of Wuguo in the south. Among them, the southern Duke of Wuguo had earned the greatest military merits in the past. Moreover, the south was wealthy, making him a perpetual thorn in the dynasty's side.
Compared to the Duke of Dingguo, the Duke of Wuguo was far more overbearing. He had attempted to cross the sea and march north on several occasions. However, Prince Zhennan held the line, keeping the two forces at a stalemate for years. Even the Nine Departments had turned a blind eye, never daring to strip Prince Zhennan of his military authority.
Yet today, Prince Zhennan had returned.
Thoughts churned through everyone's minds. Had the Duke of Wuguo and Prince Zhennan reached some agreement, or was there another reason?
Otherwise, weren't they afraid that with Prince Zhennan away, the Duke of Wuguo would march north?
The very next moment... their confusion was dispelled.
Outside the main gates, a group strode in with tiger-like steps and dragon-like bearing. The man leading them was broad-shouldered and thick-waisted. Striding forward, his gaze swept over the venue as he remarked indifferently, "Do the estates of the Three Grand Dukes not warrant seats?"
"The Duke of Wuguo!"
Gasps of sheer astonishment rippled through the courtyard!
The Three Grand Dukes had not entered the capital for years, each reigning supreme over their respective territories. Now, the southern Duke of Wuguo had personally come to Heavenly Star City! No wonder!
No wonder Prince Zhennan had returned. With the Duke of Wuguo himself here, whether Prince Zhennan remained at the front no longer mattered.
Even as people murmured, another group walked in from outside. The leader was somewhat refined, slightly portly, and clad in a brocade robe. "Brother Wu has arrived as well?"
Without looking back, the Duke of Wuguo replied, "Duke of Anguo, we are hardly on such familiar terms."
"..."
The slightly plump man didn't mind. He chuckled and caught sight of Yang Shan nearby. Yang Shan seemed slightly intimidated at first, but quickly straightened his back and glared back at him with a haughty, defiant expression.
The Duke of Anguo smiled and nodded faintly, completely unbothered.
Yang Shan had once been an enshrinee of his ducal estate, only to... defect.
He had lived under assumed names with Qin Lian, leaving barely a trace.
Yet recently, Yang Shan had resurfaced, even participating in the ambush against the Four Seas Corporation, while his wife had taken part in the battle on the Heavenly Star Sea. Did this couple think that leaning on Li Hao granted them license to act without restraint?
The Duke of Anguo mused silently, the smile lingering on his face.
Meanwhile, many onlookers were taken aback.
Apart from the Duke of Dingguo's estate, which was currently in utter disarray, the other two ducal houses had both shown up—and the dukes themselves had come in person!
As everyone was pondering this, a figure stepped forward.
Deputy Director Zhou appeared.
With a smile, he said, "The Duke of Wuguo jests. We merely assumed that both dukes had traveled a great distance and would not make it in time, which led to this oversight. Men, quickly arrange seats for the two dukes!"
Swiftly, attendants brought forward two chairs and placed them... directly behind the imperial family.
They were not placed in the first row.
The Duke of Wuguo looked at Deputy Director Zhou and said indifferently, "Are the Three Grand Ducal Estates, the founding dukes of the realm, now inferior even to the three heretical energy organizations?"
Deputy Director Zhou remained unfazed and chuckled. "Your Grace jests. The three heretical energy organizations are lawless ruffians who refuse civilization, so they belong in the first row! Surely the two dukes would not sit alongside the imperial family—that would defy propriety!"
"Of course, if the Duke of Wuguo insists on sitting in the first row, that can be arranged... Men, move his seat to the front!"
The Duke of Wuguo gave him a long look and chuckled. "Forget it. You certainly understand your manners!"
As for the Eight Departments, the Three Great Organizations, and Superpower City... Deputy Director Zhou's words practically stopped just short of declaring that everyone in the front row was a rebel against the imperial crown. If the dukes wished to publicly declare themselves rebel kings today, they were welcome to sit in the first row as well.
The Duke of Wuguo scrutinized him, recognizing him as the deputy director from Silver Moon. Smiling faintly, he said no more and led his entourage to their seats.
The Duke of Anguo also smiled broadly, gave a slight nod, and walked over to take a seat beside the Duke of Wuguo.
In front of them, Prince Zhennan sat as steady as a mountain.
The Seventh Princess glanced back, feeling decidedly uneasy. The Three Grand Dukes had shown signs of rebellion years ago; the Duke of Wuguo had even confronted Prince Zhennan for years. Having them sit right behind them felt acutely uncomfortable, as if a strike could come from behind at any second.
Yet Prince Zhennan remained motionless. Though the two royal siblings felt awkward, neither spoke a word.
Today was the inauguration of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office. Whatever schemes these two dukes harbored, they wouldn't pick a fight right this moment—unless they were prepared to fight Li Hao to the death.
Meanwhile, the guests in the back took their seats one after another.
Representatives from the ninety-nine provinces were present. Those nearby had sent prominent figures, while distant provinces were represented by their Heavenly Star City liaison offices. Almost every province was accounted for; even where provincial leadership had sent no orders, liaisons had attended of their own accord.
Even if one didn't wish to cheer him on, there was no need to make an enemy.
None at all!
The hegemons of each province were no fools. Li Hao was currently waging war against the major powers; sticking one's neck into the crossfire was simply throwing one's life away.
Even Linjiang Province, which had bad blood with Li Hao, had sent an envoy. Though it was only a Three Suns cultivator, it still showed sufficient respect.
As the crowd conversed in low murmurs, more arrivals appeared.
In the blink of an eye, several figures tore through the air.
They touched down at the entrance, all of them young.
People from Superpower City!
Without a word, they walked straight toward the front, glanced around, quickly located their seats, and sat down with satisfaction upon seeing their placement alongside the other top powers.
Outside the gates, a crowd still lingered, watching the spectacle.
Those who dared spectate at a time like this were no ordinary folk.
Among them were the elderly Silver Moon martial masters.
There were also renowned figures of the martial forest, independent vagabonds who refused to enter the gates but watched from outside, eager to join the excitement—perhaps a brawl might even break out.
Dangerous though it was, there were always those unafraid of death.
Others clearly looked like scouts—perhaps from the Three Great Organizations, or perhaps from the Seven Sacred Mountains. No one bothered to pursue them, allowing them to probe freely.
Right then, a group of figures strode out from the inner courtyard of the governor-general's office.
***
Li Hao wore battle armor. His golden armor was usually eye-catching, but today he had changed its color to crimson for a celebratory touch... though to outsiders, it looked all the more bloodstained!
Flanked by Hong Yitang and several others, Li Hao walked to the front platform, and they took their seats.
Looking down at the crowd, Li Hao smiled. "Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. For so many to attend truly exceeds my expectations!"
With that, he frowned slightly. "The guests have arrived, so why is there no wine or food?"
Standing to the side, Deputy Director Zhou looked at Li Hao, then called out after a brief pause, "Bring out the wine and meat!"
At those words, many were caught off guard.
The next instant, several faces drained of color.
Right then, dozens of soldiers carried out the massive carcass of a great roc. Li Hao smiled. "A supernatural great demon—its flesh and blood are exceptionally nourishing! Men, carve it up! Eaten raw, it has better flavor and more chew! Let our guests have a taste of something fresh!"
Color drained from the faces of several attendees.
The mountain master of Heavenly Roc Mountain!
What a Li Hao—he had dragged out the corpse of the Heavenly Roc Mountain Master right before their eyes. What a ruthless brute!
Among the crowd below, some remained thoroughly composed.
As soldiers carved up the massive demon, slabs of flesh and blood were served to the tables. Those in the rear didn't even have tables and had to balance the meat on their laps, yet none dared voice a complaint.
Those in the front stared at the chilled, steaming meat... Some closed their eyes in silence, while others smiled, picked up their knives and forks, and began to eat!
"What, does it not suit everyone's palate?"
Li Hao smiled. "I've heard phoenix meat is even more fragrant. Perhaps next time I should offer you a different flavor?"
Before anyone else could answer, the Duke of Wuguo remarked with a faint smile, "Is Governor-General Li planning to slay the mountain master of Phoenix Mountain? I rather look forward to that. When you do, be sure to save a slice of meat for me!"
"Splendid boldness!"
Li Hao laughed. "Next time, without fail! Once I slaughter that beast, I'll share some with you. Ungrateful wretches—I arranged seats for them, yet they dared not show. Soon enough, I'll eradicate Phoenix Mountain!"
A chill ran through several hearts. The way this man spoke... he truly reeked of a martial lunatic. Even if Phoenix Mountain had sent someone, they likely would have suffered the same fate.
Of course, Phoenix Mountain was elusive and drifted unpredictably. It was said the sacred mountain was forged from divine weapons and could move at will. Whether Li Hao could truly eradicate it remained uncertain.
Perhaps it was mere boasting!
After laughing for a moment, Li Hao had a portion of meat placed before him as well... fully cooked!
Seeing this, several people cursed inwardly.
You make us eat it raw, yet you eat yours cooked!
Li Hao smiled and said, "This is my first time handling something like this, so I'm not very familiar with the formalities. An inauguration is just ceremonial talk... but since everyone has come, I have a few matters to announce, which will serve to mark the official opening of our office!"
"First, effective today, the Night Patrollers formally merge into the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office. Minister Yao Si will continue as minister while concurrently serving as deputy governor-general of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office!"
"Second, four regional governor-general's offices are established under our jurisdiction: Hou Xiaochen is appointed Northern Governor-General! Southern Fist He Yong is appointed Southern Governor-General! Bright Sword Hu Jiao is appointed Eastern Governor-General! Yang Shan is appointed Western Governor-General!"
The courtyard fell dead silent.
Li Hao continued, "Third, we establish the Heavenly Star Martial Arts Academy, with Earth-Overturning Sword Hong Yitang serving as dean!"
"Fourth, we establish the Administrative Bureau of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office, with Zhou Chuan serving as director of the Administrative Bureau!"
"Fifth, the Demon Hunting Army is reorganized, with Liu Long appointed supreme commander of the Demon Hunting Army!"
Li Hao stated calmly, "This is the structural framework of the Governor-General's Office moving forward. The four regional offices will oversee supernatural affairs in their respective territories, while the Administrative Bureau will oversee the formulation of laws under heaven. All civil and administrative affairs will be entrusted to the Administrative Bureau!"
"The Night Patrollers will be divided into five branches: headquarters and four regional offices."
"As for the Heavenly Star Martial Arts Academy... it will propagate martial arts and recruit commoners, granting ordinary people the opportunity to practice martial arts!"
Li Hao smiled. "What do you all think of my arrangements? I am young and inexperienced in these matters... so I could only divide the responsibilities roughly. Do any of you have better counsel?"
The crowd was still digesting the weight of these announcements.
Right then, the Duke of Anguo chuckled. "Governor-General Li's internal arrangements are naturally beyond question. However... Governor-General Li, I do have one small question..."
"Speak."
"This Yang Shan..."
The duke smiled faintly. "He was once an enshrinee of my ducal estate who stole a treasured heirloom and fled, remaining a fugitive to this day. During his escape, he slew several people. The governor-general claims to enforce the law strictly, yet here is Yang Shan—a man guilty of murder and theft—now brazenly appointed as the Western Governor-General under your office... I wonder if Governor-General Li has been deceived. How can a criminal like Yang Shan be qualified to enforce the law on behalf of the Governor-General's Office?"
Li Hao looked at Yang Shan. Yang Shan bowed deeply. "Allow me to report, Governor-General. When I fled back then, it was because the Duke of Anguo was colluding with pirates. Unwilling to join in their villainy, I struck down the pirate chief and executed those in the ducal estate who conspired with them. Pursued by the experts of the Duke of Anguo's estate, I had no choice but to conceal my name and live in hiding..."
The Duke of Anguo chuckled. "Colluding with pirates? Yang Shan, do you simply fabricate such tales without a shred of evidence? Do you know that falsely accusing a duke might mean little to me, but it damages the prestige of the Governor-General's Office? Governor-General Li has always held the law supreme, yet you act lawlessly, flinging wild accusations. If this continues, won't the reputation of the Governor-General's Office be ruined by your hand?"
"Your murders are fact, and your theft of treasure is fact. You have admitted as much yourself!"
He looked toward Li Hao. "Governor-General Li, even if this man is not severely punished, he certainly cannot be appointed Western Governor-General today. Otherwise... the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office will become a laughingstock on its very inauguration day!"
Li Hao watched him.
The Duke of Anguo.
While no one else had stirred up trouble, this man was the first to strike. Of course, his argument sounded well-reasoned and plausible. Forcibly suppressing him was an option... but doing so would turn the office's claim of strict legal enforcement into a farce.
This went to the core of their authority!
If the foundation was shaken, they would lose the trust of the outside world.
Even if the Duke of Anguo truly colluded with pirates, where was the proof?
Li Hao smiled and turned to Yang Shan. "Yang Shan, do you possess evidence? Without evidence... falsely accusing the Duke of Anguo is no trivial offense!"
With that, he added coldly, "If there is evidence, I will seize the Duke of Anguo on the spot and take his head as a warning to all, showing the world... that collusion with pirates is punishable by death without mercy!"
At these words, the Duke of Anguo's expression shifted slightly, though he quickly regained his composure.
Li Hao was arrogant as ever!
Yet... where could you possibly get evidence?
Laughable!
As for stepping forward to stick his neck out today, he naturally had his own calculations, which were not meant for outsiders to know.
He knew Li Hao and his group were difficult to handle, but he harbored no fear.
Yang Shan said in a deep voice, "I do! I possess a video recording of members of the Duke of Anguo's estate conferring with the pirate chief..."
The Duke of Anguo frowned slightly and said indifferently, "That proves nothing."
A video recording?
Such technology had long been banned. To think Yang Shan had kept such a card up his sleeve.
Ignoring him, Yang Shan continued, "My wife once served in the ducal estate managing affairs of the inner courtyard. She witnessed the pirate chief entering the estate for secret talks and recorded the entire encounter..."
The Duke of Anguo's brow furrowed. How could that be?
Qin Lian's defection had been an impulse; how could she have recorded such things so far in advance?
Was Yang Shan... bluffing?
Meanwhile, tension rose among the onlookers. Many couldn't fathom what the Duke of Anguo was trying to achieve. An inauguration was just an inauguration; why couldn't he simply sit and listen? Why travel all the way from the west to meddle and stick his neck out? Did he truly believe Li Hao wouldn't dare kill him?
Li Hao smiled. "Is that so? Then project the recording for all to see. If it is true, no matter how the Duke of Anguo denies it, he is a supernatural—even without direct evidence, we will seize him first, raid the ducal estate, and interrogate him thoroughly!"
He looked toward the Duke of Anguo with genuine curiosity.
Neither the Eight Departments nor the imperial family had uttered a peep. You, a mere Duke of Anguo, traveled all the way from the west to look for trouble... What were you thinking?
Did water get into your brain?
Or did you think sticking your neck out would earn you a bounty?
He truly couldn't fathom it!
Still, if someone volunteered to have their blood spilled as a sacrifice for the banner, Li Hao didn't mind in the slightest.
As for whether a recording existed... who knew?
Bluff first and see!
Indeed, Li Hao had no idea whether it was real. No one had anticipated the Duke of Anguo's sudden challenge. Li Hao hadn't even expected the Three Grand Ducal Estates to send anyone, let alone the dukes themselves.
Li Hao wasn't entirely clear on the motives behind the Duke of Wuguo and the others' arrival.
So when Yang Shan made that claim... Li Hao didn't know whether it was true, or if Yang Shan was simply trying to intimidate the man. The technology of video recording had long been outlawed by the imperial family and the Nine Departments. What a coincidence that you happened to carry one on you?
Even Li Hao suspected it was a bluff!
Without another word, Yang Shan whispered a few instructions. Soon, several soldiers hauled out a large display screen. Yang Shan produced an object from his storage ring. A few people recognized it—it really was a videotape.
At this, the Duke of Anguo's brow tightened!
He had assumed it was a fabrication, but now he realized an actual recording existed. His sudden challenge could not have been foreseen, so Yang Shan couldn't have prepared this in advance. The fact that he had it meant it was real!
His face darkened, and he said indifferently, "Such things can easily be faked! Seeing is not necessarily believing, especially with an ancient technology where altering footage is hardly difficult."
Yang Shan said heavily, "Then according to Your Grace... even this doesn't count as evidence? Everything hinges on your word alone? If Your Grace says I am guilty, then I am guilty? Does Your Grace think this is the Duke of Anguo's estate?"
He lifted his head and stared coldly at the duke. "In that case, if Your Grace claims I stole treasures and murdered people, produce your own evidence! Those I killed were pirates, and the treasures I seized were pirate loot, which has already been surrendered to the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office. What else does Your Grace have to say?"
With that, he glared at the duke, making no move to actually play the tape.
Inwardly, he was cursing up a storm. Looking for trouble, are you?
Thank heavens I had a tape on me!
Except... how could he dare play it?
What was recorded on that tape was... his bedroom antics with his wife... Well, he happened to harbor a rather peculiar hobby. If this were actually projected for the crowd, he would die of embarrassment.
He was gambling that the Duke of Anguo wouldn't let him play it!
In the shadows, Qin Lian stood rigid, drenched in cold sweat, cursing furiously in her heart. Once this day was over, see if she didn't hack this man to pieces! When Yang Shan pulled out that tape, she had nearly been scared out of her wits.
You actually dared take that out!
The Duke of Anguo smiled faintly. "Very well. Since you refuse to admit it... we can discuss this another time. Today is the inauguration of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office; I have no wish to spoil Governor-General Li's good spirits!"
If he could have pressed the issue and humiliated Li Hao, that would have been ideal.
If not... so be it. There was no need to force Li Hao into an immediate fallout.
Li Hao glanced at the duke, then back at Yang Shan. He desperately wanted to say: *Play the damn thing! Play it, and I'll butcher this bastard on the spot!*
Daring to cause trouble!
Tired of living!
Even if that fellow had brought an absolute peak demon today, Li Hao would have slaughtered him...
Yet Yang Shan refused to play it.
Glancing at Yang Shan and seeing sweat beading on his forehead, Li Hao realized something. He said calmly, "Yang Shan, let it go. The Duke of Anguo was merely indulging in some talk. Whether there is evidence or not can be investigated later. The wicked shall not escape, nor shall the innocent be wronged!"
Yang Shan bowed his head. "Understood!"
With a wave of his hand, soldiers removed the screen.
A few onlookers found the exchange rather fishy and glanced at Yang Shan, but since the Duke of Anguo himself had dropped the matter, none of them wanted to offend Li Hao by speaking up.
Yang Shan stowed the videotape back into his ring, breathing an internal sigh of relief. That nearly scared the life out of him.
Thank goodness for his little hobby. They never would have guessed he carried such tapes with him.
Yes, very good. This hobby had to be maintained.
Yang Shan congratulated himself on his quick wit. Otherwise, if the Duke of Anguo had seized the initiative and branded him a criminal before everyone's eyes... Li Hao's momentum would have suffered an immediate blow.
Li Hao didn't dwell on the matter, appearing unbothered.
He continued, "So much for those matters! There is one other point I must address. Moving forward, the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office will rectify the supernatural realm, establishing rules to be promulgated across the land. I hope all of you, as leaders of your factions, will abide by the law!"
At these words, Chen Yao of the Inspectorate spoke up indifferently. "May I ask what these supernatural laws generally entail?"
"Simple enough. There are no onerous restrictions. We are all supernaturals; we know how supernaturals think."
Li Hao smiled. "It boils down to a few points: do not disrupt the common folk, do not willfully destroy the property of the populace, and do not fly carelessly within city limits. All supernaturals must be registered on the rolls at their local Night Patroller branch. The world's supernaturals will be compiled into registries. Any supernatural not registered... shall be deemed a heretical power!"
The expressions of the crowd shifted.
Someone said coldly, "As far as I know, some supernaturals cultivate inside ancient ruins. Must they register as well? What about beings preserved from the ancient civilization—must they also register? If all are equal, does the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office intend to execute those who remain unregistered?"
Li Hao chuckled. "Is there anything inappropriate about that? It is merely registration; no restrictions are placed upon you. When you emerge, register at the first opportunity and report to the Night Patrollers. Is that so difficult? As for those who emerge, fail to register, and break the law, they will naturally be put to death! You need not worry on that account!"
The crowd sneered inwardly!
He truly took himself too seriously!
The representatives from Superpower City laughed softly without speaking. Clearly, registering all supernaturals was a matter of enormous consequence. If it were enforced, what faction would willingly comply?
If Li Hao truly pursued this doggedly... he would face massive backlash sooner or later!
Hidden powerhouses, reclusive masters—you expect them all to register?
What colossal arrogance!
To say nothing of others, even his own Silver Moon might not agree.
He risked alienating everyone around him!
Another person asked with a smile, "What about the demon factions? Powerful demons exist throughout the land. Does the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office intend to govern the demon race as well?"
Li Hao replied indifferently, "Why not? Heavenly Star is human territory. The demon race submitted to humanity long ago. Registering them, granting human protection, and living together in harmony and solidarity—that is the righteous path! Those who remain obstinate shall be slain! What, must dignified humans bow their heads and serve as beasts of burden for demons? Nowadays, some humans lose their backbone the moment they see a demon, obeying their every whim while treating fellow humans with utter cruelty, completely devoid of dignity and bottom lines!"
At these words, ninety-nine percent of those present shifted uncomfortably.
Demon plants were also considered part of the demon race.
Several people looked toward Li Hao with fluctuating expressions. Prince Zhennan, who had remained quiet all this while, suddenly spoke up. "Governor-General Li... has had no contact with demon plants?"
Li Hao smiled faintly. "I have, but I will never bow my head, grovel, or scrape. To trade for a drop of the Spring of Life from a demon plant, I require only three thousand divine energy stones. An exchange of equal value—mutual cooperation and shared benefit..."
Boom!
The courtyard erupted in shock, everyone's faces changing drastically. Was that true or false?
Three thousand?
Li Hao said calmly, "I never said we cannot cooperate with the demon race or show them respect. As long as everyone coexists peacefully and abides by the rules and laws, anything is permissible! Demons entering the human world are fine too, so long as they don't break the law!"
No one cared about that. Chen Yao couldn't hold back and pressed, "You said... to trade for a single drop of the Spring of Life, you need... how many divine energy stones?"
Li Hao frowned. "Three thousand!"
"Not cultivation energy stones?"
"Nonsense!"
Li Hao retorted bluntly, "Over these days, I have consumed nearly a thousand drops of the Spring of Life. If it were thirty thousand a drop, wouldn't that cost tens of millions? I don't have that kind of wealth to burn. As for the divine energy stones you dumped into Yuanping Martial Arts University... I didn't get a single one!"
The crowd exchanged glances. Li Hao turned to Liu Yunqing and remarked casually, "Director Liu is probably well aware, isn't he? A bunch of idiots carelessly threw divine energy stones onto the ground and ended up actively reviving a powerhouse... They deserved to die!"
Color drained from several faces as they turned to Liu Yunqing. Liu Yunqing remained expressionless and offered no reply.
Yet everyone knew... this man likely truly knew.
Damn it all!
Liu Yunqing found it difficult to say anything. Silence was best right now; the more he said, the more mistakes he would make.
Even so, everyone finally understood why those people, including the demon plant clone, had perished. Perhaps no ancient powerhouse had originally revived, but with all those divine energy stones dumped on the ground... absorbed entirely by the ruins, how could someone not awaken?
Over a hundred million stones!
Even a saint could have been revived!
The more they thought about it, the more suffocated they felt. So their previous failure had been caused by this?
It truly made one want to cough up blood!
Furthermore, trading three thousand stones for a single drop was enough to make their teeth ache. They paid fifty to sixty thousand at minimum—ten to twenty times Li Hao's rate!
They had known the demon plants skimmed off the top, but they hadn't imagined they skimmed so exorbitantly!
A chill ran through everyone. By that logic, those demon plants were likely far stronger than anticipated, secretly hoarding immense power.
They would have to be exceedingly cautious moving forward!
Chen Yao had lost interest in discussing anything else, asking eagerly, "Then... would Governor-General Li be interested in helping broker some trades for the Spring of Life?"
Li Hao smiled and nodded. "Certainly... provided you join the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office! Earn merits, and it will be three thousand stones per drop—never more, only less. Different ranks receive different quotas; that is only natural, isn't it?"
Chen Yao was rendered speechless.
Never mind, pretend I never asked.
Yet thoughts churned in everyone's minds: their dealings with the demon plants could not continue like this. What Li Hao used to obtain ten drops wasn't even enough for them to buy one. No wonder Li Hao advanced by leaps and bounds without ever lacking resources.
Fuck!
This was utterly unfair!
No matter what, they had to renegotiate terms with the demon plants. The demon plants were draining the pond to catch the fish, which harmed everyone.
Someone else asked, "Then is Governor-General Li willing to sell them?"
Li Hao chuckled. "Of course. Thirty thousand a drop—cheaper than what you pay to trade with them."
Silence descended.
Though it was cheaper, the thought that Li Hao would reap immense profit meant aiding the enemy... Forget it. Even if trading with the demon plants was more expensive, they couldn't enrich Li Hao. Yet some among the crowd were tempted.
Thirty thousand a drop... was actually feasible!
The imperial family sold them to outsiders for a hundred thousand, and people still bought them!
Whether Li Hao earned the profit or someone else did made no difference to third parties.
This realization sent another chill through the major factions.
This wouldn't do!
If people truly started buying from Li Hao, and Li Hao pocketed ninety percent of the profit, wouldn't he grow endlessly stronger?
Could they... sell at a loss to compete?
All at once, everyone felt an immense headache. Li Hao, that scoundrel, was doing this intentionally! Was he trying to force them to sell the Spring of Life at a loss for thirty thousand stones a drop?
Otherwise, not only would Li Hao rake in wealth, but he would also attract a host of powerhouses to serve him!
What a black-hearted fiend!
The Nine Departments and the imperial family had always suppressed the birth of independent powerhouses among the populace. Without the Spring of Life, those in the Metamorphosis stage could never step into the Supernatural realm. Yet Li Hao had opened a breach... Countless Metamorphosis cultivators and even peak martial masters might flock to his banner.
After all, his words practically implied that he had an infinite supply of the Spring of Life!
At that moment, the entire assembly fell silent, racking their brains for counter-strategies. The rules Li Hao had proclaimed earlier were forgotten; only this matter posed a genuine, looming crisis!
After a long silence, Mu Hai of the Department of Internal Affairs spoke up. "I care nothing for those matters. I only wish to know: when will there be a verdict regarding those Governor-General Li detained, including my daughter?"
Li Hao smiled. "Originally, I intended to execute them today. But... forget it. Doing so today would flatter them with too much importance. In a few days, those found guilty will be dragged out and beheaded. As for Director Mu's daughter, her offense is minor—she will merely be detained for two or three years!"
Mu Hai stared at him for a long time, then lowered his head in silence.
Li Hao truly intended to imprison his daughter!
The bastard!
At least he hadn't said she would be beheaded!
Li Hao chuckled and swept his gaze over the crowd, his smile radiant. Not bad—aside from the Duke of Anguo, who had dared to court death, no one else had stirred up trouble.
Things had gone relatively smoothly!
As for the Duke of Anguo, he would deal with him later.
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a booming laugh echoed across the square.
"The Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office inaugurates today, establishing rules for the supernatural. Truly a cause for celebration!"
"The mighty of antiquity remain unknown, yet the Wind and Cloud preserves their renown! In three days' time, the Wind and Cloud Pavilion shall release the Supernatural Roll and the Divine Master Roll, cataloging the renown of the mighty across the lands of Silver Moon! Consider this our congratulatory gift to the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office!"
"Hahaha!"
The laughter resonated through the air. The next instant, several figures floated into the sky. Divine radiance flickered in Li Hao's eyes as he scanned the surroundings, sneering, "Hiding your heads and playing the ghost! What pathetic excuse for a Wind and Cloud Pavilion dares compare itself to the Neo-Martial Wind and Cloud Roll?"
He was no ignoramus!
In that instant, he realized the mastermind behind the Divine Master Roll had appeared, aiming to stir up trouble!
During the ancient civilization, it was said that the release of the Wind and Cloud Roll had exposed countless powerhouses, swiftly triggering massive bloodbaths!
Yet at this moment, no one could spot the speaker.
The person seemed to have already vanished!
Li Hao's expression turned grim, though he kept silent.
The Wind and Cloud Pavilion... had deliberately seized this day, when he had gathered all the powers to lay down rules, to steal his thunder. Their intentions were thoroughly vile!
Originally, the Divine Master Roll was treated as little more than a novelty, with few top powerhouses paying it any heed.
Yet now, they intended to issue a Supernatural Roll!
To inscribe the names of all the mighty across Silver Moon... What sweeping arrogance!
At that moment, the faces of every powerhouse present darkened.
The Wind and Cloud Pavilion!
An unheard-of organization. Everyone knew of the Divine Master Roll and had investigated it, yet had never uncovered anything. They had long known a hidden faction lurked behind it, but they hadn't expected their strength to be so formidable!
Once this Wind and Cloud Roll was released... could it truly record the names of all the mighty?
They didn't believe it!
No single force could possess intelligence on every powerhouse across the realm.
Now, even Li Hao's inauguration and decree of rules had been relegated to secondary importance. On the eve of the secondary revival, all manner of monsters and demons were crawling out of the woodwork.
It seemed someone refused to let peace endure.
This roll was bound to unveil shocking changes and names.
"Damned bastards!"
Many cursed under their breath, hearts pounding with unease. If every powerhouse across all factions were truly laid bare, it could trigger an uncontrollable chain of catastrophes.
Whether the other party possessed such capability was something no one could say for certain.
Ancient texts recorded that in the era of the ancient civilization, someone had indeed published such a Wind and Cloud Roll, truly cataloging every hero under heaven—a terrifying existence indeed!
Chapter 254