Silver Moon martial masters set out across the lands to impart the cultivation art.
Meanwhile, Li Hao embarked on a new endeavor: opening ruins.
The Lu Zhen Research Institute.
The Yun family had long hoped Li Hao would open it, but Li Hao had previously been uneasy and dissatisfied with the spiritual resurrection method within the institute, which was why he had been putting it off.
With techniques like spiritual resurrection—take Yuming of the Yun family, for example—there was a tendency for ancient and modern spirits to blur together, showing signs that verged on possession.
This was an outcome Li Hao was unwilling to see.
Even though Zhang An had claimed that Neo-Martial people looked down on the mortal bodies of this era's human race, Li Hao had still not been entirely reassured.
Even so, now that today had arrived, Li Hao finally decided to open it.
There were not enough sky screens. Although Heavenly Star City was now manufacturing them as well, production was terribly slow. Blanket coverage of even the Central Region was difficult, not to mention their mediocre quality and image resolution. It was said that the ancients' sky screens could clearly project even tiny freckles on one's face, whereas modern makes simply could not compare.
The technological disparity made it difficult for people of the present era to overcome these bottlenecks.
Sky screens were one factor, and the second was the Neo-Martial era's Blood Qi Pills, another bottleneck. In this new era, medicinal pills were hardly prevalent; at best, there were crude concoctions mixing pure energy, with very vague gradations.
Li Hao needed support in all of these areas.
Thus, the Lu Zhen Research Institute was a place of paramount importance.
***
Outside Heavenly Star City, near a small hill.
At this moment, Li Hao, Yuming, Yun Yao, and Yuqi—the three members of the Yun family—had all followed along. In addition, Yuan Shuo had come as well in his capacity as an archaeology expert.
Aside from them, Li Hao had brought one more person: Director Wang.
Director Wang was preparing to reconstruct a physical body, but he was still in the preparatory stages and had not yet succeeded. Dao meridians were not easy to establish unless through possession, which he was unwilling to do. Therefore, his visit to the Lu Zhen Research Institute this time was partly motivated by the desire to seek an opportunity.
Of course, Director Wang's presence was also a precaution.
Though the Yun family insisted there were no formidable entities inside and that it was merely a research institute, with Li Hao personally entering, everyone still wanted a guarantee of safety.
With Director Wang, an Immortal, present, his combat power at least currently surpassed Li Hao's.
For Li Hao to truly match Director Wang's combat power, he would most likely need to reach the ninth tier of the Sun-Moon realm and open more than thirty Dao meridians. And that was in the modern era; in the ancient past, when Director Wang had his origin path intact, Li Hao might not have been his match even with thirty-six meridians opened.
Right now, Yuming, half-grown youth that he was, wore a rather complicated expression.
Yun Yao was as quiet as ever.
Ever since she personally killed the Seventh Princess, she had quietly spent these days carrying out missions in the Demon Hunting Army or cultivating. She had now stepped into the Three Suns level, far behind Li Hao and the others, left a considerable distance in their wake.
Yet Yun Yao remained unruffled by either favor or disgrace, calm and detached.
Li Hao genuinely admired this disposition.
After all, not everyone could become a top-tier powerhouse. Maintaining a healthy mindset was vital. He could not look after everyone, so if one could not keep pace on the martial path, having a serene disposition was best.
Very few people could actually manage this; most would easily fall into mental imbalance.
At such times, one had to adjust on their own.
Presently, Yuqi was her usual self, chattering away: "Yuming, is it here? How do you know it's here? Don't lead Governor-General Li the wrong way..."
Yuming glanced at his older sister. Ever since she learned the Yun family's vendetta had been avenged, she had been in very high spirits.
However, there was something Yuming did not dare say—for instance... he did not even know whether he was truly Yuming or that man from the Neo-Martial era.
Yet his sister was wonderful to him. Five years ago, when she was barely grown herself, Yuqi had brought him to Heavenly Star City to survive. Despite their abject poverty, she had scraped by using every means at her disposal to ensure Yuming was fed and warm, occasionally even saving a few spare coins to buy him books or let him help others.
Back in the slums, all the children in the courtyard had actually been taken in by Yuming, but it was Yuqi who supported them.
Even though those children would go out to find odd jobs to support themselves, throughout these five years, Yuming felt his sister doted on him above all else. He dared not admit that he had acquired memories of an ancient person.
Hearing his sister speak, Yuming smiled. "Sis, this is the place. I won't lead us astray!"
"Mm-mm, that's good then."
Yuqi did not dwell on it. She simply felt life was wonderful now: her aunt was still alive, her younger brother was naturally brilliant and now entrusted with great responsibilities by the Governor-General, reportedly even becoming a member of the Governor-General's sky screen team, traveling around with veteran scholars from the academy to install sky screens.
Those old scholars had all been her grandfather's colleagues, and they took great care of her brother and held him in high esteem.
She felt that this sort of life was very good.
As for herself, she lacked grand ambitions. Assigned no specific duties at the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office, she simply handled whatever minor tasks were within her capabilities, feeling quite content.
Learning that they were going to open the Yun family's ruins, she had deliberately tagged along.
After all, she had been the one who sought out Li Hao back then, asking him to avenge the Yun family in exchange for the ruins. Yuqi knew at least one thing: a promise made must be kept; otherwise, the Yun family's reputation would be ruined.
Now that the Nine Departments and the imperial family were gone, most of the nobles who had slaughtered the Yun family had been executed, while the few implicated had either been exiled or imprisoned... Yuqi was very satisfied.
As for vindicating the Yun family's name, that was not necessary.
Even in death, no stigma had attached to the Yun family's name; the deed had merely been framed on the Three Great Organizations without accusing the Yuns of colluding with them. Since that was so, formal rehabilitation was unneeded.
"Governor-General, once these ruins are opened, what I promised you back then will be fulfilled!" Yuqi said joyfully, a glint of slyness hidden in her eyes.
If there were no gains... that would have nothing to do with her.
She had only said she would hand over the ruins, never promising there would definitely be treasures inside. In her view, the Yun family had been so weak back then, whereas the Governor-General now commanded the realm; he might not even care for what was inside.
If the harvest was small, she couldn't be blamed.
Li Hao smiled and nodded. "Mm. Once we enter the ruins, the agreement we reached back then will be considered complete!"
With that, he looked at Yuming. "Will you wait outside, or come in with us?"
Before Yuming could speak, Yuqi chimed in: "Let's go in together! Otherwise, if there's any danger, people might think our Yun family set a trap for the Governor-General. I remember Grandfather saying there's no danger in these ruins."
"Sis..."
Just as Yuming began to speak, Yun Yao said calmly, "Let's go in together. Yuming, you know a bit about this place. There shouldn't be any danger, right?"
Yun Yao glanced at Yuming; she knew some inside details.
Yuming might have inherited some of an ancient person's memories.
If he intended to harm Li Hao, this was the best opportunity.
If that were the case... the Yun family would have no face left to show. If real danger arose, though she and Yuqi lacked strength, perishing alongside him in the ruins would at least show Li Hao that the Yun family harbored no malice toward him.
Li Hao genuinely did not care about this; it made no difference to him.
The two of them were indeed very weak, and entering might bring danger.
Thinking of this, Li Hao said, "You two stay behind. Yuming knows the situation here; he can just accompany us inside."
"Governor-General..."
Yun Yao began to say something, but Li Hao smiled. "It's fine. If we haven't come out after a day, you can notify the others. For now, just keep watch outside."
Yun Yao considered this and said nothing more.
Beside them, Yuming was thoroughly depressed and kept quiet. Evidently, no one felt entirely at ease with him.
Li Hao said no more. The ground parted on its own as he channeled earth supernatural power. The split ground revealed a passage ending at a gate that required a key to open—a key Yun Yao had given to Li Hao long ago.
The group of four strode inside. This time, even the hound hadn't come, busy searching for its own Dao meridians.
As an archaeology expert, Yuan Shuo glanced along both sides of the path and remarked, "Excavated by the Yun family themselves. The ancient ruins lie at the very end."
Upon arriving before the gate, he inspected it and added, "This is an isolation gate from an old military security perimeter."
Li Hao nodded.
Director Wang glanced at Yuan Shuo. This fellow knew quite a bit; clearly, he had excavated plenty of graves belonging to Director Wang's generation.
Li Hao retrieved the key and inserted it into a slot on the gate.
Turning the key, the iron gate opened automatically.
Instantly, brilliant light blazed like fire.
"An automated sensor system!" Yuming immediately explained, "The research institute has an automated sensor system. It was non-functional before, but now that heaven and earth are reviving and there is some energy, it has rebooted."
Past the gate lay a long corridor, blazing with light!
Seeing Li Hao about to step in, the other three shouted simultaneously: "Halt!"
Li Hao stopped instantly in his tracks.
Yuming quickly said, "Back when this place was completely dead, walking through was harmless. But now that some energy has returned, the corridor is lined in every direction with energy mini-cannons meant to deal with intruders. It could be somewhat dangerous."
Director Wang nodded as well, evidently aware of this.
Yuan Shuo's reaction stemmed purely from experience.
Only Li Hao appeared rather green. He had not explored many ruins, and those he had were usually overseen by monster plants, devoid of such mechanical contraptions.
"Use a main city's City Lord Seal!"
Yuming looked toward Director Wang, who nodded and revealed the Black Tortoise Seal at the entrance of the passage. Promptly, a mechanical voice emitted from the screen at the entryway: "Arrival of the Battle Heaven City Lord detected. Conducting facial recognition... Recognition error. Identity of visitor: Wang Ye, Director of the Battle Heaven City Security Bureau..."
"Conducting origin scan... Scan error. Not the Battle Heaven City Lord!"
"Connecting to network for search... Network failure... Scanning for master seal delegation... Delegation confirmed. Wang Ye serving as Acting City Lord, holding Level 2 clearance. Entry permitted!"
Li Hao listened in stunned amazement.
Director Wang explained, "In the past, there was a universal information network that instantly transmitted messages everywhere. Nine major base stations operated it. Later, the nine base stations lost connection—one of which is where Redwood was stationed... Now the network connection is severed, leaving no way to communicate with other regions."
Li Hao nodded, feeling curious. "Then if the nine major base stations are restored... could it be achieved again?"
"Presumably, yes," Director Wang said with a nod. "Last time I asked Redwood, I learned the locations of the other eight base stations. Most likely, they are all still alive. If we can secure them and reboot the nine base stations, we should be able to restore network coverage. In that case, the sky screen system could be perfected much better; otherwise, problems will easily arise. The base stations Yuming is currently setting up are rudimentary and easily sabotaged."
Yuming also nodded. "Without the nine main base stations, it really is a hassle."
During their conversation, something along the long passage seemed to deactivate, and the subtle sense of lurking danger dissipated.
Just as they prepared to proceed, Li Hao stepped before the screen, thought for a moment, and displayed the Starry Sky Sword.
A scanning pulse washed over it. Soon, the machine chimed:
"Fluctuation of Starry Sky Sword detected... Sword Venerable has not arrived... Successor of the Sword Venerable has arrived at the research institute... Granting Level 1 research institute clearance..."
Li Hao's heart stirred, while Director Wang felt a bit helpless. "Well, would you look at that..."
Treating people according to status!
The Sword Venerable hadn't even come in person—it was merely a wave of energy from the Starry Sky Sword.
Yuming explained, "The research institute has three clearance levels in total. Ordinary researchers hold Level 3 clearance and can enter and exit independently. Certain department heads hold Level 2 clearance and can activate specialized equipment. The director holds Level 1 clearance and can control most machines and warehouse stores in the institute. The Sword Venerable holds Special clearance and can take total control of the facility."
Special clearance was clearly above these three levels.
Li Hao nodded. Just now, it had been a spur-of-the-moment whim because he recalled Red Moon circulating rumors that the Starry Sky Sword could command many ruins, though he had never tested it before.
Judging by this, gaining absolute command was probably difficult, but it certainly commanded plenty of respect.
Right now, the Starry Sky Sword fluctuated slightly as well.
Li Hao glanced at it with a smile. Ever since he opened the Bright Star Realm, this object seemed to have revived significantly and become much more compliant. Before that, Li Hao had only been able to activate it through the Five Animals Breathing Art.
Now... that was no longer necessary.
Backed by Li Hao and Director Wang's clearances, the two led Yuming and Yuan Shuo down the corridor. Yuming began his introduction: "This is the entrance corridor. The research institute has eight experimental departments in total. The branch here in Silver Moon was primarily responsible for eight research directions:
"Specifically, spiritual transference in the Silver Moon region, research into native deities, differences between the primary and secondary worlds, the projection range of the origin path, construction of cosmic passageways, hermetic sealing of the Star Gate, void signal transmission, and the impacts of a sub-world's detachment."
Li Hao was dumbfounded. The topics studied in this place sounded remarkably lofty.
Wasn't this just a minor branch?
Director Wang also seemed somewhat surprised. "Did the branch institute mainly research these things? I assumed you developed next-generation armor and the like."
"That was the weapons research institute's task; we were not responsible for that."
The moment those words left his mouth, the others instantly looked at Yuming.
Yuming said helplessly, "Stop staring at me. Coming here triggered even more of my memories, so I slip into its perspective easily and said 'we.' Right now, I'm identifying with that senior."
Li Hao frowned slightly. "That isn't good!"
Yuming sighed and offered no defense.
It was only natural that Li Hao felt averse to it.
An ancient possessing the body of a modern human... While not possession in the strict sense, the continuous revival of the ancient's memories was eclipsing most of Yuming's own, causing him to drift ever closer toward becoming that ancient figure.
Yet nothing could be done about it.
"Does your current condition relate to the spiritual transference method?"
Yuming nodded. "In the primary world, existence was divided into the Yin and Yang Realms. That was achieved later by the Human King after opening the boundary between heaven and earth and governing the world. Within the Human King's inner world, transformation along this path was possible, but Silver Moon lacks that capacity... Therefore, we wanted to attempt it here in Silver Moon."
"I know someone who did something similar," Li Hao remarked. "Hong Tu of Fengyun Pavilion."
Yuming thought it over and said, "What he did... was probably still modeled on the Yin-Yang transference method of the primary world. It has many flaws; memories remain segregated, meaning one is not truly the same person. It's like watching someone else's memories like a movie—it doesn't mean you can fully merge into them or embody them! The drawbacks are immense; one could even say they are not the same person anymore. The institute's transference method, on the other hand, was meant to achieve complete memory fusion, where you are me and I am you, completely indistinguishable."
He continued, "However, the institute's method also faced predicaments and flaws because this world... is incomplete. Its Dao of Life and Death is imperfect, making such an inversion exceedingly difficult."
He explained, "The flaw is... exactly what I am experiencing now. It must latch onto the spiritual power of someone from this world as a host—what the Governor-General calls possession. True transference, however, requires no such thing. Reversing life and death, inverting yin and yang, consumes only energy—a specialized energy—rather than resorting to this crude method of possession."
"So you admit it's possession?"
Li Hao scoffed. Yuming replied helplessly, "If the Governor-General sees it that way, I can only put it in those terms. In truth... I didn't want this either. My spiritual power lingered inside the research institute, quite freely in fact. But then Yun Haoran—my grandfather—insisted on drawing my spiritual power into this body, triggering an irreversible transference process. I had no say in the matter."
Li Hao said no more and continued forward. Past the corridor, an area of buildings appeared before them, illuminated as bright as day.
Unlike other ruins, this place was not shrouded in gloom.
"Are there any other powerful figures existing here in spiritual form?"
"I don't know," Yuming shook his head. "Back then, this institute had one director, three deputy directors, eight department heads, two to three hundred researchers, and over a thousand guards. Later, when the Sword Venerable embarked on his campaign, the director and two deputy directors accompanied him. Several of the eight department heads left as well, and two-thirds of the guards were withdrawn... The remaining personnel were tasked with keeping the institute operational. I was previously in charge of the spiritual transference method..."
"You were one of the eight department heads?" Li Hao asked.
Yuming thought for a moment before nodding. "Yes. The weaker ones... their spirits have long since dispersed! If anyone has survived to this day, they must be at the department head level. As for the guards, if any remain, they would be like the guards in other cities, reduced to mere lingering remnants."
Wang Ye suddenly interjected, "One of the eight department heads... How come I don't recognize you?"
Yuming said speechlessly, "Aside from our director, did you know anyone here, Director Wang?"
Wang Ye felt a bit sheepish but persisted, "I did! One of your deputy directors—I knew Deputy Director Liu Pinghao!"
Yuming thought for a moment and said helplessly, "We had no such deputy director. Director Wang, really... police officers lay traps at every turn! Liu Pinghao, let me think... was probably a vice commander in the local garrison back then."
Li Hao glanced at Wang Ye, who bared his teeth in an embarrassed grin. "Ahem, my mistake then. My apologies!"
Yuming was thoroughly exasperated.
Without dwelling on it, Yuming continued, "The basic items the Governor-General is looking for, such as sky screens and Blood Qi Pills, are all stored in Warehouse One. It holds miscellaneous items, so they should still be there. Those were low-level research projects; people just dabbled in basic improvements during their spare time to relax..."
Fine then!
Li Hao was speechless as well. So the things they valued so highly were considered completely trivial here.
At this point, Li Hao took an interest in the eight research directions. "Among your eight departments, there's also a research department for gods?"
"Correct." Yuming nodded. "When the sub-world was first formed, several native deities were born. A portion were slain back then; some dispersed entirely, while others left corpses behind. There is a deity's corpse here, and we have been studying these native gods all along."
"What kind of god?"
"The God of Earth!" Yuming explained, "He governed the power of the earth, and his physical body was incomparably robust, which is why a corpse remained after his death. When he was slain, his combat strength was formidable, reaching peak Saint realm! Bear in mind, the origin path could still project here at that time, so he was a genuine peak Saint, not like the Saints of today who lack the origin path..."
"He won't revive, will he?" Li Hao asked suddenly. "The resurgence of heaven and earth might cause some deceased gods to awaken."
Old gods dying did not mean they could never revive. If heaven and earth revived, these old gods might awaken, which would spell enormous trouble.
Although modern Saints were inferior to those of ancient times, the present Wang Ye was not the Wang Ye of old either; even if he were, there was still a massive disparity in cultivation realms between them.
Yuming shook his head. "He won't. He was personally slain by the Sword Venerable. As long as the Sword Venerable's sword intent endures, he cannot revive. Even if a new god is born, it won't be this one. Do not underestimate the power of Neo-Martial Sovereigns. For any expert slain by them to resurrect... unless this world grows powerful enough to rival the primary world, no one can achieve it!"
Fair enough.
As they spoke, the group entered the institute grounds.
Eight large buildings were distributed throughout the campus.
The eight departments operated independently without interfering with one another.
Yuming glanced around with some wistfulness. "Back then, everyone conducted research here. When catastrophe struck, the institute was sealed, and in the end, everyone was trapped and perished here."
Li Hao frowned. "Knowing certain death awaited, did no one attempt to flee to seek a way out?"
"They couldn't get out," Yuming explained. "Once the research institute was sealed, no one except the director could open it. Unlike the main cities where people could venture out to explore, we couldn't even leave."
Li Hao nodded and turned to Director Wang. "Back when death was certain, didn't your group venture out to take a chance either?"
"Some did—didn't the main branch go out? But a portion had to stay behind," Director Wang smiled. "Having chosen to stand guard, one couldn't run off recklessly. Otherwise, if a crisis arose without strong experts to hold the fort, that would be troublesome too."
Pedantic!
Li Hao felt that in their shoes, he would definitely have chosen to venture out; even if it meant a nine-in-ten chance of dying, a glimmer of hope remained. Yet people like Director Wang had still chosen to remain at their posts.
Of course, one could call it devotion to duty.
Perhaps one had to be a Neo-Martial person to truly understand that sentiment.
The eight buildings were all brightly lit at this moment.
Yet there was not a soul.
Dead silence!
Li Hao looked at Yuming. "Call out. Maybe an old friend is still around? Better to avoid misunderstandings. Otherwise... if a few people pop up later trying to possess us, we won't show any mercy."
Yuming thought about it and found it reasonable. Although he had never noticed anyone else alive before, he still shouted at the top of his lungs: "Are any colleagues still alive? I am Hu Xiao of the Spiritual Transference Department! If anyone is here, come out and show yourself!"
Silence.
It remained just as quiet.
Director Wang looked around as well. "There weren't many powerful figures in the research institute; they have probably all perished completely. Let's go check Warehouse One first and take what we need... We can investigate the rest of this place slowly later!"
The others nodded. Led by Yuming, they walked toward several low-rise buildings.
Soon, a low-rise building came into view.
A massive gate blocked their path.
"Governor-General Li can open it himself!"
Li Hao possessed the clearance.
Without wasting words, Li Hao drew the Starry Sky Sword and presented it toward the screen beside the door. The gate opened automatically, high-tech indeed.
Stepping into the warehouse, it was not the chaotic clutter one might typically expect.
Instead, it was neatly categorized and clearly organized, with various small storage compartments labeled with their contents and inventories.
Scanning around, Li Hao soon stopped before a small room.
"Sky screen projectors: remaining inventory, 13,260 units."
Yuming beamed and hurried over. "This is it! I didn't expect over ten thousand to remain; I thought there would only be a few thousand left..."
Li Hao smiled as well. "Over ten thousand units... The Heavenly Star Dynasty has over three thousand cities. On average, that's several units per city. Not bad at all—we won't need to push mass production so aggressively..."
Yuming shook his head. "These things are easily damaged, so the more, the better. Besides, three per city is far too few! At the very least, every small town, or even every village, should have one for basic coverage! To achieve comprehensive coverage, every household would need one to use like a television—only then would it count as complete coverage!"
Li Hao clicked his tongue. Forget it.
That would require billions of units.
Even at one per household of three, that would be three billion units; the dynasty could never afford that alone.
Of course, that could serve as a future goal.
For now... having them in every city was already quite good.
He glanced at the other small rooms, feeling his interest piqued.
"Blood Qi Pills, Bone Tempering Pills, Bone Strengthening Pills, Viscera Forging Pills... formulas. 127 formulas preserved."
Li Hao was amazed. So many medicinal pills?
Did the ancients love popping pills that much?
At that moment, Yuming retrieved a small screen from an unknown corner, carried it over, and laughed. "It still works! This is used for warehouse inventory records. Whatever the Governor-General wants to find, it's all recorded here..."
Li Hao leaned in curiously, but he couldn't make heads or tails of most entries; even knowing their names, he had no idea what they were used for.
Yuan Shuo poked his head in as well. Glancing at it, he suddenly exclaimed, "Now this is good stuff!"
He pointed with a finger. "Level 1 Energy Locomotive blueprints! I read about this in an ancient text—an incredible vehicle with speeds of up to 1,000 li per hour! If a line were laid across the Silver Moon lands, the journey from White Moon City to Heavenly Star City—twenty-two thousand li—could be completed in twenty-two hours!
"This machine can pull thirty carriages, each easily holding fifty people. A single trip could transport around two thousand passengers, traveling from the north to Heavenly Star City in a single day!"
Li Hao's eyes flickered. "That fast?"
Yuming hadn't paid it much mind, but seeing Li Hao's interest, he nodded. "A thousand li an hour—five hundred kilometers per hour. In terms of energy propulsion, it isn't actually that fast. For ordinary mortals, it's very fast, but for powerful experts, that speed... is of little use. If a battle breaks out and takes twenty-two hours to arrive, everything would already be over! Of course, it's useful for mortal transit. As for why the blueprints are here... let me think, they were probably left behind when tracks like these were planned for Silver Moon back then, but the project never came to fruition."
Director Wang nodded. "I know about that. Later, many suggested constructing teleportation gates directly, so research in this area was temporarily shelved."
Li Hao took a keen interest. "A fine thing! We have many supernaturals now and could easily construct tracks spanning the continent and the four seas. If we build transportation like this, traveling from the four outlying continents to the Central Region would take just one day! Then the entire Heavenly Star Dynasty could achieve full human mobility and integration..."
Just one day—astonishingly fast.
Even when Li Hao flew, if he didn't accelerate at full power, he wasn't much faster. Before this, even rushing at top speed, reaching Heavenly Star City took at least a week.
If walking on foot... one would drop dead from exhaustion.
Over twenty thousand li: taking a full year was not an exaggeration even for an iron-legged traveler; ordinary mortals couldn't manage it in a year.
Li Hao was in high spirits. "Locate the blueprints. Let's see if we can manufacture it with modern technology. Even if we can't, substituting some machinery or techniques with supernatural abilities should give us hope."
The benefits of supernaturals were evident here.
For example, if metal wasn't hard enough, metal supernaturals could step in to reinforce it. Failing standards? Nonexistent—as long as you required that strength, a sufficiently powerful user could produce it.
Where technology fell short, supernatural power bridged the gap.
Even the Neo-Martial era did not possess such a wide variety of bizarre methods as today's supernaturals. In that era, the physical body, spirit, and blood qi were mainstream; they didn't have all these assorted superpowers.
Yuan Shuo nodded along. As his eyes fell on several other items in succession, he beamed with joy. "This place is a treasure trove! We should have come sooner! Once we clear this place out, many technical problems can be resolved..."
With the support of these items, he believed many of Li Hao's ideas would swiftly become reality.
Yuan Shuo was overjoyed.
Amidst his delight, he also felt a touch of regret. "A pity Neo-Martial's investment in Silver Moon back then wasn't all that extensive. Many things existed only on paper and were probably never formally rolled out."
Director Wang shook his head. "It wasn't that nothing was done, but that time was short. We had only been stationed in Silver Moon for a few years. That is one reason; the second is that this place was considered the Sword Venerable's fief. The Sword Venerable believed in governing through inaction. After all, everyone migrated here from the primary world, and none who could make the journey were weak. Even ordinary civilians had strength, so certain things were deemed unnecessary."
Li Hao looked around and smiled. "Leaving these warehouse goods here is a waste. Move them all back! They're all treasures!"
Seeing his bandit-like demeanor, Yuming didn't object.
Take them out if you will!
"We can move them later. For now... does the Governor-General wish to visit the Spiritual Transference Department?" Yuming asked. "There are specialized apparatuses there capable of performing spiritual transference."
Li Hao pondered for a moment and nodded. Since they were already here, checking it out wouldn't hurt.
The group did not linger in the warehouse. Exiting shortly after, they headed toward one of the large buildings.
The doors of that building were also tightly shut.
Once again, Li Hao opened them with the Starry Sky Sword. Yuming stepped inside briskly with a look of nostalgia. "This is the Spiritual Transference Department. It once had thirty-four members; now... probably none remain.
"The most vital part of the department is the transference chamber on the top floor, dedicated to spiritual transference... I'll take everyone up to see."
None of the others were familiar with the layout, but all were intrigued, especially Director Wang. The group stepped into an elevator and rode it to the top floor.
***
Top floor.
The elevator doors opened.
The instant they parted, Yuming's expression shifted drastically. Li Hao frowned slightly, while Director Wang's countenance changed instantly as he lunged and grabbed Yuming beside him!
Yuming cried out in a panic, "It has nothing to do with me!"
Director Wang was in no mood to listen and seized him in a flash!
For good reason!
At that exact moment, in the cavernous hall, a figure sat up from a machine. Its aura was dense and overpoweringly formidable.
Like a god, golden light gleamed in its eyes.
Looking toward the arrivals, its voice sounded majestic, laced with a hint of cold detachment: "Isn't it rather impolite to barge into someone else's domain without permission?"
Yuming's face paled repeatedly. Though pinned by Director Wang, he did not resist, merely staring at the figure with a transformed expression: "You... who are you? Damn you, you occupied that god's body! You used the spiritual transference method to possess its corpse! You aren't from my Spiritual Transference Department!"
Li Hao frowned as well.
Possessing a god's corpse?
So this god was the slain deity's body, yet someone had possessed it via the spiritual transference method?
The earthen-yellow expert with golden light gleaming in his eyes glanced at Yuming, falling silent for a moment before speaking: "Who... are you?"
Yuming could restrain himself no longer and roared, "I'm Hu Xiao! Who the hell are you? Who gave you permission to come to my Spiritual Transference Department? How did you get in? When I left this place five years ago, it was sealed! How did you get in?"
Li Hao said nothing. Inside him, divine characters circulated as chains of supernatural locks manifested.
Yuming had claimed with utter certainty that no one remained here.
Yet a god had suddenly emerged.
In this being's presence, Li Hao sensed something extraordinary. It was as though the figure contained an overwhelmingly powerful Earth Force. The "Earth" divine character inside him vibrated; moreover, his Earth Force—the manifestation of a towering peak—trembled violently.
The God of Earth?
This caused Li Hao's brows to furrow. Were gods truly like this?
Merely standing before him severely affected his earth supernatural abilities.
Fortunately, the "Dao" divine character within him radiated light, dispelling these influences and gradually restoring his earth supernatural power.
The "Dao" divine character had been bestowed by heaven and earth—a reward for Li Hao's achievement in unifying the Great Dao.
It was not subject to the sway of these deities.
Gods... the western God Nation.
Li Hao grew solemn. It was not merely the issue of encountering a god right now, but rather that no one knew how many gods had revived in the west. If all possessed this ability to manipulate supernatural abilities... then for Li Hao and his allies, supernatural experts would face severe suppression!
For those possessing a single supernatural ability, running into the corresponding deity would mean catastrophic trouble.
Naturally, the thirty-six Dao meridians would remain unaffected.
Because they were non-elemental!
That, at least, was a blessing in disguise.
At this moment, the earthen-yellow expert said nothing further, stepping down from the machine. He looked at Yuming and said after a long pause, "Hu Xiao? You possessed someone from the outside world? I merely took over a useless corpse that was lying around serving no purpose... and you dare lecture me?"
Yuming flared up. "I didn't possess anyone! It was an accident! I was in charge of the Spiritual Transference Department... while the deity's corpse was overseen by the Deities Department. Who on earth are you to brazenly seize institute property?"
Director Wang kept silent, observing in secret as he tried to gauge the other party's strength.
A god's body... back then, it was a Saint-level entity.
He was not a cultivator of the origin path, but belonged to the Silver Moon world's unique lineage. Now that the Silver Moon world was cut off, this entity might retain full peak strength—making him a genuine Saint!
Against an Immortal stripped of his origin path like Director Wang... it would practically be an overwhelming crush.
Director Wang inwardly regretted not bringing Martial Uncle along.
The main reason was that this research institute had lacked top-tier experts in the past. Even the institute's director had only been at the peak of the Immortal Realm back then. Deprived of origin power, as a scholarly researcher, Director Wang would not have feared him even here.
Yet now... someone who had possessed a god's body had appeared.
Meanwhile, Li Hao observed the other party closely.
The earth energy was extraordinarily dense.
His physical form showed no golden glow, differing from Neo-Martial powerhouses; evidently, he had not cultivated the Neo-Martial golden body method.
Occupying a god's corpse and then utilizing the spiritual transference method to merge one's spirit with the body... was actually a decent approach, ensuring minimal loss in strength.
However, it was said that the spiritual transference method weakened the spirit, so the man might not be able to fully command such potent earth power.
At this juncture, an earthen-colored suit of armor manifested over the figure's body. Looking at the group, then back at Yuming, he said calmly, "Enough, Director Hu. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Occupying a deity's corpse does violate institute regulations, but after so many years had passed and you had vanished, I had no choice..."
With that, he said slowly, "I am Qi Yun!"
Yuming froze, staring at him. After a long moment, he stammered, "Director Qi? You're still alive?"
"Even you are alive, so why should my survival be a surprise?"
Yuming hurriedly said to Li Hao and the others, "He's the only deputy director who stayed behind at our institute—Qi Yun!"
Director Wang raised an eyebrow; he was not familiar with this person.
Belonging to different departments, he couldn't possibly know everyone.
Li Hao observed him for a moment before speaking: "Director Qi... it is an honor! This is Wang Ye, Director of the Battle Heaven City Security Bureau and Acting City Lord. I am the successor of the Li family, wielder of the Starry Sky Sword, and also Commander of the Eleventh Division of the Battle Heaven City Reserve Guard."
At this point, Li Hao said, "To prevent unnecessary conflict, under wartime regulations, I must ask Director Qi to accept military jurisdiction!"
Pausing briefly, Li Hao added, "Please temporarily withdraw your spiritual power from the god's body and relinquish control over it!"
Qi Yun raised his eyebrows slightly. "Isn't that improper? Your identities cannot be verified right now. The research institute is a vital location; we cannot simply lay down our arms and allow enemies to infiltrate easily..."
Li Hao smiled as the Starry Sky Sword hovered before him. "Does Director Qi recognize the Starry Sky Sword? Is this insufficient to prove our identity? Or does Director Qi believe that because Neo-Martial has long passed, these regulations are obsolete?"
Suddenly running into a powerhouse here who had occupied a god's body was unexpected.
However, since the other was a Neo-Martial expert, no one wished to provoke a major clash unless absolutely necessary.
Director Wang barked, "Director Qi, in wartime, everything falls under military administration! All experts hold military ranks. Your rank should only be at the field grade, whereas Division Commander Li of the Eleventh Division holds a general's rank. You need only obey orders!"
Yuming also spoke up: "Director Qi, given that so many years have passed, occupying the deity's corpse is understandable... But right now... you should temporarily relinquish control over it. The spiritual transference method is far from perfect; rashly fusing your spirit into a god's corpse can easily lead to catastrophic side effects."
The other fell silent for a time.
No one knew what he was thinking.
Moments later, seeing the City Lord Seal appear over Director Wang, its base inscription gleaming with light, he sighed: "I had no intention of disobeying military orders. It was merely that you just arrived, with identities unverified..."
With that, a surge of spiritual power drifted forth, quickly condensing into a human figure, albeit somewhat ethereal.
The god's body lost some of its luster.
Qi Yun's ethereal form trembled slightly. "I have now relinquished control of the god's body. I wonder how you gentlemen intend to deal with me?"
Director Wang found himself in an awkward position, but Li Hao did not.
Transmitting a mental message, Li Hao signaled Director Wang to immediately lock onto Qi Yun's spirit, while Li Hao stepped forward and approached the god's corpse.
Reaching out to touch it, Director Qi initially paid him no mind, but the next moment, he froze and turned his head.
A divine character had emerged over Li Hao—specifically, "Dao."
As Li Hao inspected it, he was filled with shock.
This god's body... was extraordinarily formidable, for one. And secondly, within this body, there were no chaotic supernatural locks at all; instead, there was only a single, colossal Dao meridian running through the entire body.
An Earth Dao meridian!
Saying nothing, Li Hao merged the "Dao" divine character directly into the meridian. Radiance poured from him as a unique force welled up. In the blink of an eye, beneath Director Qi's shocked gaze, Li Hao severed the thick Dao meridian's connection to the Bright Star Realm.
Using the "Dao" divine character, Li Hao sealed off the entrance to the Bright Star Realm.
Instantly, the aura of the god's body plummeted.
Only now did Li Hao let out a faint breath of relief, smiling at him.
No matter what this man had been scheming earlier... he could attempt nothing now.
Encountering him was an accident.
Yet it was also good fortune.
A god's body!
Moreover, the man was the deputy director of the research institute. Li Hao had many questions, and this man might be able to answer them.
As for Yuming, his memories were not very lucid, and he had only overseen the Spiritual Transference Department. He might not know as much as this deputy director, who had ultimately held interim command of the entire facility.
Director Qi was beyond astonished. "How did you do that? The power inside a god's body is boundless and impossible to seal, constantly absorbing energy from unknown origins... How could you seal it off?"
Li Hao smiled. "Director Qi will find out in time! Aside from yourself, are there any other living souls here?"
"None," Director Qi shook his head. "Among the researchers back then, very few were in the Immortal Realm. Those below Immortal... have long decayed over the ages. Hu Xiao's survival is already an anomaly; his spiritual power was likely somewhat stronger than the others'. I only had a chance to survive because I had stepped into the Immortal Realm back then, yet my consciousness only revived in recent years.
"Finding everyone dead while the god's body remained intact and unweakened—or rather, showing signs of revival in recent years—I chose to occupy this husk."
"Revival?"
Li Hao's heart stirred. "When did it begin?"
"A few years ago," Director Qi said. "I'm not clear on the exact time. When I awakened, the corpse was already showing signs of coming back to life. To suppress its revival, I opted for spiritual transference and occupied the body just in case."
Li Hao's thoughts raced. If that were the case, the deities in the western nations might truly be in the process of reviving.
That was hardly good news!
Furthermore, the secondary revival had not yet begun, meaning ancient civilization powerhouses could not emerge—but what about the gods?
Perhaps... they could!
Because they were an innate part of heaven and earth. While others struggled to appear, they might be able to.
Li Hao felt a headache coming on. What a pain!
Still, it was also good luck.
Securing a god's corpse here meant they could study it thoroughly. This could prove immensely helpful for developing Dao meridians.
"Let's head out first and return to Heavenly Star Town!"
Li Hao said no more. Director Qi hesitated. "We cannot leave..."
"I can bring you out. Rest assured, that's how Director Wang came along."
Director Qi gave him a thoughtful look, then nodded. "Very well."
Li Hao did not dwell on anything else. This man... would be handed over to Zhang An to keep watch over. As for whether he was good or evil... Li Hao couldn't be bothered to judge right now. Perhaps Qi Yun's capitulation had been a stopgap measure, or perhaps he had hoped to catch them off guard...
None of that mattered. Having severed its connection to the Bright Star Realm, the power of this god's body was under control.
Even if Qi Yun harbored ulterior motives, they would be of no avail.
Besides, Li Hao was astounded that a god possessed only a single Dao meridian. A single Dao meridian capable of Saint-level combat strength... that was momentous news!
This god's body might very well be the greatest harvest of this venture.
Chapter 303