The central city of the Zhao family was named the Martial Arts Alliance.
It was a distinctive name for a central city.
Long ago, the Zhao family ancestor had served as the Alliance Chief of the martial arts world. In the early days of the Neo-Martial era, the martial world was relatively weak, yet the Zhao ancestor unified the various sects and schools, gradually integrating them into the Neo-Martial fold. Later, when the Sword Venerable relocated to the small world, the Zhao family chose to migrate as well in hopes of rebuilding the martial world.
Among the Eight Great Families of Silver Moon, the Li family stood as the head, while the remaining seven were comparable in strength. Even though no Sovereign stood behind the Zhao family, their ancestor's combat prowess at his peak had rivaled that of a Sovereign.
Over the years, Director Zhao had primarily maintained contact with the Zhao family. However, while they communicated often, Director Zhao had provided few resources, and the Zhao family had reciprocated in kind. As a result, their cooperation had remained strictly superficial, never deepening.
In the folk rhymes of the Eight Great Families, the Zhao family was famous for its fist arts.
"Li family sword, Zhang family saber, Zhao family fist..." Ranked in that order, the Zhao family fist stood near the very top.
The Zhao family ancient city lay near White Moon City, roughly a hundred li away. Because of the short distance, Director Zhao's visits had always been swift.
***
On this day...
The ancient city of the Zhao family, normally dead and silent, was unusually bustling.
Zhao Shuguang, who had not visited for days, stepped into the city.
At the colossal city gates, a warrior clad in golden armor materialized in an instant.
Director Zhao smiled and cupped his hands. "Good morning, Seventh Elder!"
The Zhao ancient city differed somewhat from the others. It bore a heavy sect and clan atmosphere. Aside from the military structure adhering to Neo-Martial standards, the administration below the city master was not staffed by typical civil officials, but by elders—a lingering hallmark of the old Martial Arts Alliance.
The Seventh Elder held an official military rank as well, but within the Martial Arts Alliance, he preferred to be addressed as Seventh Elder. He was one of the ancient experts Zhao Shuguang interacted with most. Supposedly, he had wielded peak Immortal Realm strength in his prime, nearing the Saint Path. As to whether that was truly the case, Director Zhao never pried.
The Seventh Elder's armor clanked as he let out a hearty laugh. "Little Zhao, haven't seen you in days. You look quite well! It seems Dali didn't cause you too much trouble after all."
Director Zhao smiled. "With Governor-General Li present, formidable though the King of Dali may be, he could achieve nothing!" He then cut straight to the point: "I have come today on important business. Governor-General Li is currently waiting outside the Martial Arts Alliance, wishing to speak with our Zhao family seniors."
The moment he spoke, several more figures coalesced in the surrounding space.
One voice rang out coldly: "Is there any need to talk?"
Director Zhao's brows knitted slightly in puzzlement, though he held his tongue. Having dealt with the Zhao family for years, he knew they could be difficult, but they rarely displayed baseless hostility. Yet now, with Li Hao's return, the Zhao family's reaction was undeniably strange.
The Seventh Elder, however, was less aloof. He smiled and said, "The Li family heir has arrived. In principle, we ought to meet him, especially since he is now the master of this land." Pausing, he sighed softly. "However, there are questions we cannot resolve. The most crucial one is... what exactly is happening with the Li family's Sword City? The Li family is in complete disarray itself. How can you expect us to engage with another Li?"
Director Zhao was somewhat surprised. "Seniors, are you saying your reluctance to meet Governor-General Li is because the Neo-Martial Li family is too chaotic, and the Zhao family refuses to get involved?"
The Seventh Elder pondered before nodding. "It's not just us. Right now, none of the central cities are likely to meet him. It isn't merely because he isn't from our era, but primarily because certain matters defy explanation, making it unwise for us to intervene." He added in a lower voice, "Of course, it also has to do with how he never displayed any real strength until recently. He showed his prowess yesterday, yes, but... the things he said about Li Daoheng only make us hesitate further."
He sighed again. "Another point is equally critical. This Li Hao shattered the Hong family's divine hammer and the Liu family's Wind-Chasing Boots. This is... deeply inappropriate! To our eyes—and to the eyes of many—Li Hao destroying those weapons effectively severed our hope of opening the Star Gate! Our feelings toward him are complicated, and we cannot help but wonder if he is linked to the ancient traitors. Perhaps they are merely putting on a show together. After all, the traitors would hardly want the Star Gate opened right now..."
Director Zhao went still.
Only now did he begin to understand.
The ancient cities were ignoring Li Hao not merely due to the internal turmoil of the Li family, but largely because he had shattered the divine weapons of the Eight Great Families, putting them on edge. In fact, Li Hao hadn't stopped at those two; he had shattered the Zhang family's saber as well. To the Zhang, Hong, and Liu families, such actions were nothing short of humiliation, provocation, and outright hostility.
After a moment's thought, Director Zhao pressed on: "Seniors, are you truly unwilling to meet him? Wouldn't it be better to talk things through? At the very least, the Wang family has consistently supported Governor-General Li. Better communication could benefit everyone." He paused, then added, "Not just the Wang family, but Yuanping Martial Arts University supports the governor-general as well..."
Before the Seventh Elder could reply, a voice echoed from within the city: "Old Seven, go out and speak with him."
The Seventh Elder glanced back. It was the Second Elder speaking.
He was the strongest expert currently awakened in the Martial Arts Alliance. The First Elder had left with the city master in the ancient past, leaving the Second Elder as the strongest presence in the city, second only to the guardian monster plant.
The Seventh Elder had not intended to go out, but since the Second Elder had spoken, he nodded slightly. "Then I shall go meet this Governor-General Li. Since this world cannot yet accommodate my true body, I will go as an origin clone. I trust no one minds?"
"Second Elder, I'm going too!"
"I want to hear what he has to say as well, and take a look at the arrogant fellow who dared shatter the divine weapons of our families!"
Several other experts chimed in. Some were encased in armor, while others hovered directly above their divine weapons.
The Seventh Elder said nothing more. Soon, a strand of origin energy separated from his body, taking the form of a dignified middle-aged man without any armor concealing his face.
"Little Zhao, lead the way!"
This was the first time Director Zhao had ever seen the Seventh Elder's true appearance. He glanced at him, said nothing, and led the way out, followed silently by several others.
***
Outside the ancient city.
The entrance to the Martial Arts Alliance was concealed behind a cascading waterfall, the rushing water roaring loudly.
Li Hao had brought few people, accompanied only by Director Wang.
Director Wang was currently transmitting his voice to Li Hao: "The city master of the Martial Arts Alliance is not the old Alliance Chief Zhao, but his son, who presumably passed through the Star Gate alongside the Sword Venerable. Below the city master, the Zhao family established nine elders. They do not all belong to the Zhao bloodline; they come from various factions, including members of the old martial arts world..."
"The Zhao family's army bears the designation of the Xingwu Army, named after the Zhao ancestor's personal name."
Li Hao nodded slightly.
Director Wang continued, "The Zhao family originally specialized in saber arts."
Li Hao paused and looked at him. Saber arts?
Director Wang nodded. "That was the Zhao ancestor. Later generations favored fist techniques, which gave rise to the reputation of the Zhao family fist."
Li Hao nodded once more.
As they spoke, the waterfall rippled in the distance, and Director Zhao emerged, followed by several figures.
Their bodies appeared slightly ethereal, but their facial features were clear. Unlike the denizens of the traitorous ancient city, their faces were not obscured.
Li Hao rose and bowed slightly. "Junior Li Hao greets our seniors."
The dignified Seventh Elder did not put on airs either, cupping his hands in return. "Hu Sikai, Commander of the Seventh Army of the Martial Arts Alliance's Xingwu Army!"
His surname was not Zhao.
Li Hao was somewhat surprised. An army commander held significant status. In the Battle Heaven Army, Li Hao had yet to meet a single army commander. Most had likely departed, though it was said the reserve guard army commander remained asleep—whether true or not, Li Hao had never asked.
"Commander Hu, please, have a seat!"
Li Hao smiled. A stone table and stools stood nearby. In the supernatural era, a casual wave from an expert of Li Hao's caliber could shape stone from nature effortlessly.
The middle-aged man sat across from Li Hao without hesitation. The others took their seats without introducing themselves. Some observed Li Hao with curiosity, while others cast unfriendly glares.
The Seventh Elder got straight to the point: "Let me make something clear first. I do not represent the Martial Arts Alliance as a whole. This city belongs to no single clan; decisions are made through the council of elders. Several elders have awakened now. I will relay whatever Governor-General Li says, but I cannot give any definitive answers today."
Before Li Hao could speak, Director Wang voiced his displeasure: "Hu Sikai, who are you trying to fool!"
The Seventh Elder looked at him suspiciously.
Seeing his confusion, Director Wang sighed helplessly. "It's me, Wang Ye!"
"Wang Ye?" The Seventh Elder was startled. "You..."
"I severed my origin path and cultivate the new Dao."
The Seventh Elder instantly frowned. Beside him, someone scoffed coldly, "Traitor!"
Wang Ye snapped back furiously, "Severing the origin path makes me a traitor? Do you dare say that to the Human King's face? Do you dare say that to the Supreme? To the Sword Venerable? Plenty of people severed their origin paths! The new Dao is flourishing now; does severing the origin path make me a traitor? The origin path was pioneered by the Heavenly Emperor and the Nine Emperors, not Neo-Martial! Does cultivating the origin path make you a traitor too?"
Against Division Commander Nine, Wang Ye was accustomed to eating humble pie, but facing these people, he held nothing back. "Before you brand me a traitor, take a good look in the mirror! Don't throw that word around just because you learned how to say it!"
"You..."
"You what?" Wang Ye barked. "The Martial Arts Alliance awakened earlier than Battle Heaven City, and what have you achieved all these years? Nothing at all! If Alliance Chief Zhao were still here, he would have cleaved every single one of you in half with his saber! A bunch of useless wastes! I risked death to switch paths and step outside to forge a way forward for Neo-Martial. What right do you have to curse me? Blabber any more nonsense and I'll rip your mouths apart!"
"..."
Even Li Hao was surprised. Old Wang had a remarkably sharp tongue—he hadn't seen this side of him before.
The Seventh Elder frowned slightly. "Enough, Wang Ye. He misspoke. People of the Martial Arts Alliance speak bluntly; there is no need to make a scene."
Wang Ye curled his lip and said no more, thoroughly satisfied after venting his anger.
Li Hao smiled, choosing not to delve into the bickering. "Since seniors speak plainly, I, Li Hao, shall speak plainly as well. As a junior, if I say anything out of line, please forgive me."
Li Hao maintained his bright smile. "Silver Moon—whether the Silver Moon realm or the Silver Moon Province—is where I was born and raised. It is my homeland, my home. I want Silver Moon to thrive.
"In the past, this was also the core territory of Neo-Martial... though it may not necessarily be the ancestral home of everyone here.
"Of course, none of that matters now."
Li Hao continued softly, "The world is currently in turmoil. Silver Moon has fared reasonably well, but its greatest danger lies in the vast number of experts slumbering in ruins and ancient cities. Some have awakened; some have not. Once the second resurgence begins, a flood of powerful figures will inevitably emerge. When that happens, Silver Moon could become an apocalyptic battlefield.
"As far as I know, the remaining Neo-Martial experts fall into four camps. First, the traitors. Second, the official Neo-Martial faction. Third, those who believe Neo-Martial is gone and wish to establish their own dominion. Fourth... external entities, though I am not entirely clear on who they are.
"Therefore, once the second resurgence begins, peace will be an illusion."
Li Hao sighed. "If Neo-Martial remained stable, I would gladly welcome everyone awakening and stepping out into the world. Living in harmony, developing Silver Moon together, or seeking a way to open the Star Gate would be ideal outcomes.
"Yet now, the situation in Silver Moon is far from simple. It is no longer just a matter of Neo-Martial people and modern Silver Moon people."
The Seventh Elder frowned slightly, interrupting, "This fourth faction you mentioned... what specifically do you mean?"
"I cannot say for certain. Perhaps beings similar to the red shadows? Or entities with exceptionally strong mental power... though distinct from ordinary spiritual cultivators?" Li Hao explained. "The reason I suspect a fourth faction exists is that unusual conditions surround the Star Gate. Some powerful entity seems to be sealed there. It is merely my speculation; I lack conclusive evidence."
The Seventh Elder fell into thought before remarking slowly, "It... might truly exist." He added, "I cannot be certain either, but I recall the day the Sword Venerable and the others departed. I was stationed in the city overseeing security, and I caught a faint glimpse of a red shadow. At the time, I assumed it was an expert cultivating a unique technique, so I paid it little heed..."
Li Hao's words had jogged an old memory.
Li Hao nodded thoughtfully. "We can set them aside for now. But one thing is certain: once seniors are able to leave the ruins, you will not remain quietly in the shadows, will you?"
The Seventh Elder was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Of course! Whether to eliminate the ancient traitors or to open the Star Gate, we must fight for our future. How could we remain idle?"
Li Hao smiled lightly. "In that case, contact between our sides is inevitable. Commander Hu might say that you will go your way and we will go ours, but... when supreme experts clash, heaven and earth tremble, and society shatters. The billions of people across Heavenly Star belong to the new era after all."
The Seventh Elder's brow furrowed. "Then what is your intention, Governor-General Li? Speak plainly."
Li Hao sighed. "It is not about what I want, but about what the central cities think of modern Silver Moon people—and what you think of me. If you wish to open the Star Gate, you cannot bypass Li Hao."
He continued in an even tone: "There are essentially two paths. First, cooperate with me, and we work together to open it. Second... kill me, seize the Starry Sky Sword, and contact others to see if it can be opened—or reach out to Ying Hongyue. He has fused seven bloodlines, perhaps even all eight by now.
"So for the ancient cities, a choice exists. Since opening the Star Gate directly with the eight divine weapons is no longer possible, it must be done through the Starry Sky Sword. I can open it, and Ying Hongyue... might be able to as well. Does he possess Li family blood?"
Li Hao smiled. "Perhaps he is not of the Li family, but that doesn't matter. He dug up my parents' graves. He assassinated my father back then. The Li family, after all, carries Li blood. My parents' corpses vanished, and even the remains of my ancestors are gone... Under such circumstances, why couldn't Ying Hongyue extract Li blood?"
Everyone's expressions shifted.
No one had known that Ying Hongyue had desecrated the Li family ancestral graves; only Li Hao was aware of the full truth.
The Seventh Elder's face flickered as he scrutinized Li Hao.
This young man spoke of his ancestral graves being plundered and his parents' corpses being stolen and refined as if discussing the weather. Was he truly so detached, did he not care, or was it something else? Put in his shoes, anyone else would have been driven mad with fury, consumed by uncontrollable rage.
Yet this young man... showed no emotional turbulence whatsoever. He even spoke with a smile.
Li Hao continued, "Therefore, I came here simply to ask for clarity. The Star Gate cannot be avoided. You must either cooperate with me or cooperate with Ying Hongyue... I see no third option." He sighed softly. "So... if you do not cooperate with me, you can only choose Ying Hongyue. It is a binary choice. Commander Hu, can the ancient cities give me a clear answer?"
The Seventh Elder knew of Ying Hongyue. Through his information exchanges with Director Zhao, he was naturally familiar with the leader of the Red Moon organization, the head of the Three Great Organizations. The man was likely a descendant of one of the Eight Great Families, though which one remained uncertain.
Li Hao asked casually, directly.
Before the Seventh Elder could fully process it, Director Zhao's eyes flickered.
Choosing Li Hao or choosing Ying Hongyue...
To the ancient cities, the difference was minimal. If their goal was opening the Star Gate, they cared little about who helped them achieve it. As for Ying Hongyue having killed countless people... Li Hao had killed plenty as well. Through the lens of Neo-Martial, distinguishing good from evil was difficult; history was written by the victors.
Granted, Ying Hongyue had slaughtered descendants of the Eight Great Families to steal their bloodlines. But how many ages had passed? Could anyone guarantee that none of the people Li Hao had killed were descendants of the Eight Great Families?
Hardly!
Yet Director Zhao understood something very clearly: if the ancient cities delayed their answer indefinitely, Li Hao might conclude that they stood with Ying Hongyue.
And Ying Hongyue... was a man bound to Li Hao by blood debts of catastrophic proportions, yet he still roamed free.
He had murdered Li Hao's parents, desecrated his ancestral tombs, killed his closest friend, and relentlessly hunted Li Hao himself...
Had Li Hao truly let it all go? Was he truly indifferent?
He was the Demon Sword!
Ever since leaving Silver Moon, Li Hao had dialed back his focus on the Three Great Organizations, shedding the wild ferocity he had displayed back then when his sole obsession was killing Ying Hongyue.
Yet... had he truly changed?
Storms raged through Director Zhao's mind. Why had Li Hao insisted on meeting the Zhao family today?
The Seventh Elder broke the silence: "If we choose to cooperate with Governor-General Li, what must we give, and what will we receive?"
Li Hao's smile widened slightly. "You need not give much. Provide me with ten thousand sets of Xingwu Army armor, some essence blood from a direct descendant of the Zhao family, the method to control the Zhao divine weapon, and a technique to track its location.
"In return, I will provide fifty million divine energy stones and three true bodies of immortal wood."
Li Hao's tone was exceptionally mild. "Neither side loses or gains an unfair advantage. It is simply a gesture, a statement of stance. Naturally, I will make this agreement public, allowing the other families to see my sincerity and goodwill!"
Fifty million divine energy stones, plus three true bodies of immortal wood.
In exchange for merely ten thousand sets of standard armor.
While the armor was valuable, countless soldiers had fallen over the ages, leaving vast reserves sitting idle in military storehouses. Trading ten thousand unused suits of armor for resources capable of reviving a top-tier powerhouse was an incredible bargain.
Li Hao wasn't demanding troops or origin clones. To Director Zhao and Director Wang, the offer was overflowing with sincerity.
Director Wang even felt a prickle of jealousy; Li Hao hadn't treated Battle Heaven City half this well! And Battle Heaven City had deployed ten thousand soldiers for him!
The Seventh Elder pondered, frowning slightly. "A trade of this nature is not out of the question, but... the essence blood of a Zhao descendant? Our true bodies are gone; where are we to find essence blood..."
Li Hao chuckled. "With three true bodies of immortal wood, as long as a direct descendant of the Zhao family survives, restoring them slightly to condense a few drops of essence blood should be simple enough, shouldn't it?"
"That..." The Seventh Elder thought it over. "I must consult the others inside. But what you ask for... does not seem unreasonable." He looked puzzled. "Are these truly all your terms? You don't require us to dispatch troops to assist you, or sever origin clones to fight alongside you like Battle Heaven City did?"
"No need," Li Hao said, shaking his head with a smile. "Everyone has their own path, and I force no one. Battle Heaven City deployed troops and experts, expending effort, so they will naturally reap corresponding rewards. If you do not deploy troops or men, that is fine as well. I will never compel anyone!"
This surpassed their expectations.
Li Hao truly only wanted a gesture—a stance.
Ten thousand suits of armor were negligible. At their peak, each central city had garrisoned a million troops, with hundreds of thousands of spare sets of armor. Handing over ten thousand meant nothing.
Of course, Li Hao's other requests were aimed at locating the Zhao family's divine weapon... perhaps to seize it. The Seventh Elder hesitated before asking, "You don't intend to seize our divine weapon just to shatter and devour it, do you?"
Li Hao smiled. "The Zhao family divine weapon is currently in Ying Hongyue's hands. If I can slay him, there may be no need to shatter and devour it. Once he is dead, if the Zhao family wishes to have it back, I will naturally return it."
The Seventh Elder could not help but ask, "Truly no other conditions?"
"None."
The Seventh Elder was somewhat dazed. He glanced at Director Zhao; these conditions were far easier than expected. He had anticipated Li Hao demanding dozens of origin clones right off the bat to fight on his behalf.
Yet there was none of that.
Why did he seem even easier to satisfy than Zhao Shuguang? Was his appetite truly so small?
Puzzled though he was, he said promptly, "Then I shall return to discuss this with the Second Elder. Personally, I believe your terms can be accepted. However, the Martial Arts Alliance is not mine to command alone..."
"Understood!" Li Hao nodded.
The experts behind the Seventh Elder wore strange expressions, glancing at Director Zhao. One could not resist snapping, "You aren't trying to placate us just like Zhao Shuguang does, only to turn around and plot against us later, are you?"
"..."
Director Zhao was thoroughly embarrassed. "Seniors... could there be some misunderstanding?"
*What kind of accusation is that? When have I ever plotted against you? You're far too powerful for that!*
The experts sneered.
Zhao Shuguang had never played straight. Though a descendant of the Zhao family, generations of separation meant he had consistently suppressed the revival of their central city. Had it not been for him, the Zhao central city would have awakened earlier than Battle Heaven City. Yet even now, their guardian monster plant had barely regained partial consciousness.
They didn't bother saying more, quickly trailing the Seventh Elder back into the ruins to confer.
Once they were gone, Director Wang could not help but blurt out, "That's it? Just ten thousand sets of armor? You came all this way just for that? If that's what you wanted, Battle Heaven City has plenty! Give us fifty million divine energy stones and three true bodies of immortal wood, and Battle Heaven City will give you ten thousand sets!"
*What is this kid thinking?*
Li Hao laughed. "The attitude is what matters. A good attitude is enough. Director Wang, we belong to different eras now. Toward veteran martial artists and Neo-Martial seniors, I still maintain awe and respect. As long as both sides find it acceptable without one dominating the other, no one will accuse me of being overbearing or impossible to deal with.
"Besides, with the Zhao family's backing alongside Battle Heaven City, two of the eight central cities have stated their position. Once I spread the word, the others might be willing to talk as well."
Li Hao added, "From what I know of Neo-Martial, as long as a city hasn't turned traitor, they won't easily go back on their word once an agreement is reached, will they?"
Director Wang rubbed his chin. "That... shouldn't happen."
Li Hao smiled. "Then isn't that enough?"
Director Wang remained somewhat bewildered. "Still, your demands on Battle Heaven City weren't low at all..."
"Were they?" Li Hao laughed. "When I was weak, I naturally had to fight for help and benefits. But later, didn't I agree to the terms Division Commander Nine proposed? I treated Yuanping Martial Arts University the same way. When I was weak and in dire need of assistance, I asked for more. But now that I can hold my own, I haven't demanded much from Yuanping, have I?"
Director Wang thought about it and realized it was true. He said no more, though he couldn't shake the feeling that Li Hao had become far more lenient than before... yes, lenient.
Toward Neo-Martial, toward enemies, even toward the King of Dali, he seemed remarkably forgiving. As long as it didn't cross a line of principle, Li Hao could tolerate it.
He couldn't help but think of the Human King. If the Human King were here today, the Zhao central city would have had only two choices: surrender and assimilate, or be wiped off the map if the Human King had the strength to do so. There was no third path! Merely stating a stance would never have sufficed.
*Is this kid truly trying to walk the path of a sage?*
Director Wang thought to himself. Even Supreme Zhang had never shown such leniency toward third parties or enemies. Why was Li Hao acting like a saint?
He kept his thoughts to himself.
Meanwhile, Director Zhao remained deep in thought. While waiting, he asked, "Governor-General, will you take this approach with the other ancient cities as well?"
Li Hao nodded. "Broadly speaking, yes... Of course, to make it binding, they may need to stamp the agreement with their city master's seal, treating today's pact as an alliance between Neo-Martial and Silver Moon! It must be formal... Otherwise, I have few demands.
"As long as they still honor Neo-Martial, once the city master's seal is stamped, I don't believe they will renege."
Li Hao chuckled. "Once I possess sufficient strength, I will naturally help them open the Star Gate... Whether they stay or go will be entirely up to them."
"And... what if someone goes back on their word?"
Li Hao smiled, simply looking at him without speaking.
Understanding dawned on Director Zhao.
"And... what if someone refuses even these terms?" Director Zhao looked at Li Hao. "Ten thousand sets of armor is negligible, but some might refuse to engage with you on equal footing, or trade with you as an equal..."
Li Hao looked at him again.
Director Zhao's eyes flickered, and he transmitted his voice: "The Governor-General means... But the central cities are not easy to provoke."
Li Hao smiled. "As long as it isn't the traitorous city, the others... aren't necessarily untouchable! Without sufficient energy to revive, even Saints have only awakened a sliver of their power right now. Would it truly be that difficult?"
Director Zhao's heart trembled, and he said no more.
At this moment, he understood Li Hao's mind completely.
All Li Hao wanted was a stance—from the eight central cities and all other ruins. Acknowledge the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office, stamp the seal, sign the pact, and form an alliance. His demands were modest. But those who refused to acknowledge him or take a stance would fall squarely within the scope of his ultimate purge!
Yet... could it truly be that simple?
Director Zhao remained silent, and Li Hao said nothing further, quietly running calculations in his mind.
Among the eight central cities, at least one harbored treachery. Even if they agreed, it would merely be superficial, and uncovering them would not be easy.
Furthermore, Ying Hongyue had fled to Dali, refusing to cooperate with the ancient cities or the red shadows... He likely had plans of his own.
Then there was the Forbidden Sea...
Li Hao rarely mentioned it now, but he knew that tributaries had appeared in Mount Cang, meaning the Forbidden Sea might already extend into Dali—or perhaps originated from Dali altogether.
*Ying Hongyue... isn't under enough pressure. Without sufficient pressure, how can he be forced to collude further with those behind him?*
Thoughts raced through Li Hao's mind.
He needed to apply more pressure to Ying Hongyue; otherwise, the man might sever his ties with the entities lurking behind him entirely.
Li Hao looked up into the distance toward Silver City.
Above Silver City hung the Bagua diagram, bound by eight red threads. Ying Hongyue was linked to seven of them, though several had grown faint, likely due to the destruction of the divine weapons.
Could he... sever a few more connections to make Ying Hongyue even more desperate?
As he pondered, the Seventh Elder emerged once more.
This time, the Seventh Elder was notably more polite: "Governor-General Li, the Martial Arts Alliance is willing to reach an agreement with you. Naturally... provided you demand nothing further. If our agreement is limited to today's terms, the Martial Arts Alliance will gladly count you as a friend!"
When he had returned to report the terms, even the Second Elder had found it unbelievable.
It defied his expectations.
In truth, the people of Neo-Martial believed that the representative of the Heavenly Dao in this generation would never coexist with them so easily—the Neo-Martial Human King had set that precedent, and they were accustomed to his absolute dominance. Against Li Hao... to be frank, agreeing to such modest terms made the Martial Arts Alliance feel somewhat uneasy.
Was this young man scheming something far larger?
Yet since he had made the offer, they could hardly turn hostile merely on suspicion. They would have to wait and see!
Li Hao smiled brightly. "Then matters are simple!"
He added, "Since that is the case... I hope to have the Heavenly Dao bear witness!"
With a sweep of his hand, divine characters gathered into text.
A sheet of golden parchment materialized, instantly inscribing the terms they had just negotiated. In the next moment, his "Dao" divine character condensed into a grand seal, shimmering with the radiance of myriad Daos.
Li Hao stamped it down!
No superfluous titles were used—only two bold characters: Li Hao!
The entire parchment seemed to transform into a tome of the Heavenly Dao.
The Seventh Elder's expression shifted slightly. Li Hao said, "I hear that the city master's seal of each central city carries characters personally inscribed by Supreme Zhang. If Senior Hu has no objections... please take this document back into the city and affix the city master's seal of the Martial Arts Alliance!"
The Seventh Elder's gaze flickered. "If the seal is affixed, will there be any special consequences?"
Li Hao smiled gently. "Nothing particularly drastic. However... if the Martial Arts Alliance supports Ying Hongyue in the future, unless you are blessed by Heavenly Will, you might find things slightly uncomfortable in the Silver Moon world... experiencing a measure of rejection. Naturally, if I die, that rejection will cease to exist."
The Seventh Elder's face paled. "You... control the Heavenly Will?"
"No, not at all. I merely... act in accordance with heaven!"
The Seventh Elder drew a deep breath. Li Hao made it sound effortless, but being targeted by Heavenly Will could carry horrifying consequences.
He fell silent.
Li Hao spoke again: "As long as the pact is not broken, nothing will happen. If it is broken—even if I am the one who breaks it—one might suffer the retribution of Supreme Zhang's divine abilities. This binds both parties, not just the Martial Arts Alliance."
"I... shall take it back for the Second Elder to examine!"
The Seventh Elder departed once more. Director Wang, bewildered, transmitted his voice: "Will they truly be targeted by Heavenly Will?"
"No."
Director Wang was speechless. *Then why are you lying? To scare him?*
Li Hao smiled faintly. "They will be rejected by the Bright Star Dao!"
Director Wang froze. "What does that mean?"
"Any martial master cultivating the Bright Star Dao who encounters someone who has broken this pact will, as long as my Dao character endures... become their eternal enemy!"
Li Hao remained calm.
He had affixed his "Dao" divine character. As long as that character remained unbroken, the pact held. Should the other party violate it, once the "Dao" character became the cosmic beacon of the Bright Star Realm, every martial master cultivating the Bright Star Dao for generations to come would share an inherited blood feud with those oathbreakers.
Hatred born of the Great Dao!
Of course, there was no need to explain this in detail. Furthermore, the "Dao" divine character had yet to become the Great Dao beacon of the Bright Star Realm. Just as Li Hao said, if they killed him and shattered his character, the threat would dissipate.
*Eternal enemies!*
Director Wang's heart shook violently.
To imprint vengeance—the hatred of a broken covenant—into the Great Dao itself, into the fabric of the Bright Star Realm!
As long as the divine character endured, every modern and future cultivator of the Bright Star Dao would harbor an instinctual, inherited hatred toward those oathbreakers... passed down through eternity without end!
This was ruthless beyond measure!
Of course, as Li Hao had admitted, if he died before his divine character became the beacon of the Great Dao universe, the effect would dissolve.
Director Wang felt deeply conflicted.
Li Hao was extraordinarily lenient on one hand, yet terrifyingly merciless on the other. Once an agreement was struck, he demanded strict adherence. If the Martial Arts Alliance betrayed the pact... unless the people of Silver Moon were wiped out, or the cultivation of the new Dao was severed, the hatred would span generations!
It was chilling!
This time, the wait was longer.
Inside the city, internal struggle seemed underway. While they might not grasp the full mechanics, the imprint of Li Hao's "Dao" divine character was profoundly mysterious. Any expert could tell it carried karmic weight.
Roughly half an hour passed before the Seventh Elder walked out again.
Looking at Li Hao with a complex gaze, he presented the golden document with both hands. "The Second Elder instructed me to deliver this to the Governor-General... The Zhao family will not support Ying Hongyue. However, our support for the Governor-General will not exceed the terms agreed upon today. As for the future... that will be left for future discussions!"
Li Hao took the document. It was astonishingly heavy!
A grand seal had been stamped upon it, pressing down with immense weight. Golden light flashed in his eyes as he inspected it, and a smile broke across his face. "Then I thank Senior for your understanding. I will have Director Zhao deliver the promised resources. May both our sides enjoy peace and friendship for ten thousand generations!"
Without putting the document away, Li Hao waved his hand, sending it drifting into the sky. Suddenly, a long sword slashed through the void, and the document slipped into the spatial rift, seemingly entering another universe entirely.
The Seventh Elder's face drained of color again. Li Hao smiled. "Let the Bright Star Dao bear witness! This covenant shall circulate within the universe of the new Dao. Li Hao takes his leave!"
With a wave of his sleeve, the three figures vanished in an instant.
Once they were gone, the Seventh Elder drew a sharp breath and turned back toward the city. Looking at a figure standing outside the gates, he said in a low voice, "He sent the document into the universe of the new Dao!"
Outside the gates, the Second Elder remained silent for a long while before speaking: "It merely binds us from supporting Ying Hongyue; it is of little consequence. His demands were not excessive. Though I do not know the precise repercussions... we need only honor our word!"
He might not know the exact consequences, but he knew that when the city master's seal was applied, Supreme Zhang's inscribed characters had shone with brilliant light, intertwining with Li Hao's writing.
At that moment, the Second Elder had been thoroughly shaken.
Who was Supreme Zhang?
And what was Li Hao's level of cultivation?
Yet in that instant, it felt as though the two were communicating across eras, reaching an accord. If the covenant were broken, retribution might descend from both sides!
It was a terrifying prospect.
Chapter 319