The four nations could not be destroyed, the traitorous ancient city could not be defeated, and if Li Hao grew too strong in his cultivation, it would easily trigger the stabilization of heaven and earth's Great Dao, raising the world's tolerance limit.
What could be fought could not be struck; what he wished to cultivate was fraught with endless misgivings.
At this moment, everyone could appreciate Li Hao's helplessness.
When Qian Wuliang suggested attacking one of the remaining ancient cities, everyone knew this was likely Li Hao's own thought... yet the dangers involved were immense.
Ancient cities inevitably housed Saints.
Even if they were not fully revived, within their ancient cities they could exert their full might. Moreover, the ancient cities might possess extraordinarily potent arrays and preparations; with Li Hao and company's current combat prowess, they might not be able to contend with an ancient city.
Against a few Immortals, or even peak Immortals, so long as they were not fully awakened, Li Hao and his allies could manage. But... a Saint?
To date, Li Hao and his companions had only killed two Saints. One was the giant white tree of Fengyun Pavilion, but it had been utterly battered and broken, ultimately slain by the means left behind in the City Lord Seal.
The second was the Saint in Heavenly Star Town. That one had been exceedingly formidable, and it was primarily Zhang An who had slain him; Li Hao and the others had essentially been mere bystanders.
As for Thorny Rose and Deputy Commander Sun Xin in Heavenly Star Town, though they had reached the Saint rank, they fell far short of ancient Saints. They, too, had been handled by Zhang An and had nothing to do with Li Hao and his circle.
Therefore, when Zhang An kept silent, everyone knew this path... was far too difficult.
Yet Li Hao was not asking for Zhang An's reinforcement. Seeing Zhang An's silence, Li Hao gave a light laugh. "So... Senior Zhang, do you think moving against these ancient cities might bring about complications? Such as hostility from the other ancient cities?"
Indeed, that was all he wanted to know: that dealing with a single ancient city would not draw a siege from all the others.
Zhang An fell silent for a moment before speaking slowly. "The eight ancient cities are bound by blood and breath! Of course, the situation is currently murky, and you are the heir to the Li family. If half of the ancient cities consider your decision justified... then naturally there won't be any problem."
Half the ancient cities.
Li Hao chuckled. "The Li family's Sword City has no objections."
"..."
No one uttered a sound.
At this moment, two Guardians of Battle Heaven City were also present. The Old Turtle remained silent for a long time before suddenly speaking: "Actually, Battle Heaven City... when you have need of it, can draw upon the energy dispersing throughout heaven and earth..."
It had spoken after all.
"We can help you slow the progress of the second resurgence." It looked toward Li Hao. "You don't necessarily have to move against the other main cities..."
Li Hao remained silent.
To the side, Qian Wuliang had no choice but to speak up again: "It isn't merely a matter of the second resurgence! It is that the ancient cities remain an eternal uncertainty. The Governor-General has extended goodwill time and again, and the agreements signed previously with the other ancient cities were lenient to the absolute extreme!
"We all know the ancient Human King was peerlessly domineering. Had it been the ancient Human King, he would have breached their gates and exterminated their clans long ago!"
Qian Wuliang said gravely, "Yet now, the Neo-Martials take advantage of the Governor-General's benevolence! The Governor-General offered exceptionally generous terms: promising to help Neo-Martial open the Star Gate, promising non-aggression, mutual alliance, requiring no troops from them, only asking for ten thousand suits of armor in exchange for divine energy stones for their revival... Even under such conditions, they refused to agree! Respected seniors, as Neo-Martials, perhaps you find this inconsequential!
"But as Silver Moon people, as the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office that aspires to unify the realm... can such a response truly set our minds at ease?"
Was it purely about siphoning energy?
No!
What was more critical was that even under these circumstances, these ancient cities refused to take a stance. That was practically declaring their attitude: no cooperation, meaning enemies!
Perhaps it was arrogance, or perhaps they felt that after the second resurgence, there would be no need to compromise with Li Hao and his peers. Perhaps the Neo-Martial powerhouses saw it as trivial, viewing Li Hao merely as a junior. But in the eyes of the Heavenly Star Governor-General's Office... this was a blatant manifestation of hostility.
Qian Wuliang continued, "As for Guardian Turtle saying Battle Heaven City could help us draw upon heaven and earth's energy..."
Qian Wuliang paused, then said slowly, "This junior would like to ask a few questions."
The Old Turtle pondered for a moment. "Speak."
At this moment, this man might very well represent Li Hao's will.
Qian Wuliang seemed to grow bolder: "After drawing the energy and reviving Battle Heaven City, can the Guardians have Battle Heaven City fight for us? Including those experts who haven't yet awakened?"
The Old Turtle furrowed its brows.
Qian Wuliang pressed on: "Can the equipment, machinery, weapons, and armor in the city be supplied to us without restriction?
"Are the demon plant seniors in the city willing to continuously provide us with the Spring of Life?
"If we encounter hostile ancient city factions, are you willing to pilot the ancient city into battle for us?
"If none of these can be done... then it would be better to take a risk, crush an ancient city, and make the decisions ourselves without putting Battle Heaven City in an awkward position!"
Qian Wuliang spoke with utmost sincerity: "Battle Heaven City is our Governor-General's Office's finest ally. But if you were to turn against other ancient cities on our behalf... that would be unfair to you seniors as well. Therefore... I believe this battle must be fought, and perhaps... it can only be fought by ourselves!"
As soon as these words were spoken, even Li Hao glanced at him.
Qian Wuliang looked toward Li Hao as well. Whether he had guessed Li Hao's mind or acted on his own initiative, he said softly, "Governor-General, if we wish to deal with a hostile ancient city... we needn't trouble the seniors. They all hail from the same era and cannot determine who the traitors are. That being the case... we can only face it ourselves!"
He had his own considerations.
Perhaps borrowing the power of the ancients to deal with an ancient city seemed fine.
Yet... that could easily cause complications.
Better to take action themselves!
Of course, the difficulty and peril involved exceeded all imagination.
Immortals could be dealt with, but Saints... even for the current Li Hao, it would be exceedingly arduous.
Perhaps even insurmountable!
Li Hao fell into deep thought.
The Old Turtle could not help but say, "You? You cannot do it!"
Though it was speaking the blunt truth, at this moment, it stung their pride.
The others frowned, none of them speaking.
*We cannot do it?*
In terms of strength... there certainly might be a gap, but having it stated so bluntly only stirred their defiance.
Even Director Zhao let out a faint laugh. "Dealing with an ancient city is difficult... yet not entirely hopeless! Compared to other factions with their countless constraints, inside a ruin, we can at least fight unreservedly! Furthermore, not all ancient cities have revived to a great extent.
"Governor-General..."
He also looked toward Li Hao and sighed. "If our hands and feet are bound against other factions, why not take the gamble? If we win, not only will a portion of the ancient city problem be resolved, but we will also be able to unleash our full force against the four nations!
"As long as we shatter an ancient city, we can freely deal with the four nations, shattering their fantasies of precipitating the second resurgence, upending all their plans, and winning precious time for Heavenly Star's development!"
Had Li Hao not brought it up, that would have been that. Now that it was voiced, Director Zhao considered it and felt that perhaps... this truly was a viable path.
It was just excessively perilous.
Truly perilous beyond measure!
A single misstep in choosing the ancient city—picking the one entirely composed of traitors—meant certain death. Because they possessed ample energy and had maintained peak condition, stepping inside meant total annihilation!
That was a one-in-three chance of doom.
And even if they chose correctly, what followed would be a bitter, desperate struggle!
At this point, Lin Hongyu, who had remained quiet all this while, spoke up: "Governor-General, since there is no other way... and crushing an ancient city resolves all our troubles... then let us take the gamble! Once an ancient city is shattered, the threat of the four nations will vanish, and the resurgence of heaven and earth will be fully within our control. All the ancient cities pin their hopes on an early second resurgence... so we will deny them their wish!"
"Right! Otherwise, continuing to suppress ourselves like this is no solution. We can only react defensively, unable to take the initiative!"
"If the Governor-General had explained this sooner, we would have gone and struck them long ago!"
"..."
One powerhouse after another voiced their support. Since there was no way out, they would... take the gamble!
They had only just learned that the four nations could not be destroyed.
Yet they could not simply watch them invade, only reacting defensively each time, hesitant even to strike back with their hands tied.
Li Hao looked at the Neo-Martial powerhouses. After a long silence, he said slowly, "Then let that be our upcoming strategic objective... We will discuss it further upon our return. First, let us look at the south. Once we have seen it, we will make our decision."
Hearing this, no one spoke further.
At this moment, the Neo-Martial powerhouses exchanged glances, feeling rather conflicted.
If it were to deal with a city of traitors, none of them would object.
However...
From their perspective, this was not ideal. Yet from Li Hao's standpoint, this might be the only way.
Although the Old Turtle had offered to let Battle Heaven City siphon energy if necessary, doing so would amount to offending every other Neo-Martial. Everyone wished for the second resurgence to begin, yet they would be siphoning the energy of heaven and earth, disrupting the world's stabilization... Would that not mean completely breaking ties with the Neo-Martial faction?
At this moment, everyone maintained their silence.
...
The warship continued cleaving through the sky.
Heading south all the way.
Traversing the void took considerable time, carrying them from the east to the south.
At the terminus of the southern continent lay a complex expanse blending marshes and vast waters.
The Shuiyun Kingdom had likely received word already.
When the warship materialized, countless naval vessels stretched endlessly before them. At the forefront was an immense warship, vast as an island, practically boundless.
The Shuiyun Kingdom was renowned for its formidable navy.
Yet Shuiyun possessed none of the backing found in the other three nations: no wild desolation beasts, no gods, no Early Martial gods—nothing at all.
The Emperor of Shuiyun was said to be only a few years old.
At present, the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun held absolute authority.
It was said this Empress Dowager was not old, yet she kept the civilian and military officials thoroughly obedient, to the point where they willingly followed her orders to invade the Central Plains.
...
Upon the colossal warship.
A woman wearing a phoenix coronet and a veil over her face stood at the prow of the flagship.
She exuded an air of mystery.
As Li Hao's warship emerged, a gentle, melodious female voice drifted across the expanse: "The honored Governor-General Li graces us with his presence; pardon our lack of a proper welcome."
Li Hao said nothing. He stepped off his warship, treading upon empty air.
At this moment, with a treasured sword at his waist and draped in scholar's robes, Li Hao appeared remarkably refined. Walking forward, he looked toward the front of the flagship. Beside the Empress Dowager stood a child of five or six years, gazing at Li Hao with a timid expression.
Behind them stood the civil and military officials.
A black-robed powerhouse was present here as well.
Seeing Li Hao, the veiled Empress Dowager showed no sign of nervousness. She merely spoke with a tender, mournful cadence: "The Governor-General has come here—surely you won't treat us like the Great Desolation, showering us with countless superpower shells right from the start? That would be far too wasteful, and far too overbearing.
"Shuiyun Kingdom entering the territory of the southern continent this time... was truly an act of utter necessity."
Without waiting for Li Hao to speak, she sighed softly. "Heaven and earth have revived, the world has stabilized, and water-attribute energy surges violently. Our southern Shuiyun is entirely composed of waterways, and now, several islands have been obliterated by monstrous waves... Southern Shuiyun is no longer fit for habitation... This humble concubine was left with no choice; for the sake of Shuiyun's hundreds of millions of citizens, we had to migrate north..."
Around the warship, numerous aquatic great demons could be seen lingering in the waters.
Li Hao merely listened in silence, showing no displeasure. He simply asked, "Is the disaster truly that severe?"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun froze slightly, then quickly sighed. "Extremely severe... Currently, many of the islands suitable for habitation have been swept away."
"How tragic."
Li Hao sighed. "The people have no way to live and are forced to seek a way out; it truly deserves compassion! The common folk of this world all lead bitter lives. How about this: disband your army, use the soldiers as laborers, and incorporate them into infrastructure construction teams. I will forge new islands across the four seas to disperse the people of Shuiyun. Land, mountains, and oceans can all receive migrants!
"Furthermore, now that ancient cities are reviving, if we can seize one, an ancient city can house tens of millions of residents... As long as we unite as one, work diligently, and weather the immediate crisis, we will soon deliver Shuiyun's hundreds of millions from their sea of bitterness."
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun was momentarily taken aback.
Behind her, the civil and military officials exchanged bewildered looks.
*We were merely using an excuse... This is the first time we've met someone like Li Hao who actually treats it as real. Is he... doing this deliberately?*
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun was also stunned for an instant, but quickly sighed. "The Governor-General's intentions are noble, but migrating hundreds of millions of people..."
"Did you not enter the southern continent precisely to migrate?"
Li Hao asked, puzzled. "Is there any difficulty? If there was before, only your Shuiyun Kingdom was expending effort. Now, Heavenly Star is willing to provide both people and resources. I can even supply the basic necessities of life for Shuiyun's citizens... It will be a bit arduous, but so long as we overcome this present hurdle, a new life will soon dawn."
"..."
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun was rendered completely speechless.
At this moment, the black robe suddenly sneered: "Li Hao, you had better look after yourself first!"
If Li Hao were allowed to keep talking, the excuse the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun thought was so clever would soon become the very justification Li Hao used to back them into a corner.
Li Hao looked toward the black robe and sighed. "Ah, you rebels know nothing of the people's hardships. I am discussing livelihoods with the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun; what do you understand? Are hundreds of millions of common folk not more important than killing and fighting?"
The black robe said coldly, "Then what of Shuiyun's civil and military officials?"
"Heavenly Star lacks talented personnel. As long as they are willing, they can take up posts at any time... I would not deliberately hinder them."
Li Hao revealed a bright smile. "The young emperor is so adorable; if he proves capable in the future, what is to stop him from becoming the ruler of Heavenly Star? If the Empress Dowager is virtuous and talented, even as a woman, ascending the imperial throne is not out of the question... Is that what you wished to say?"
Li Hao laughed candidly. "If Shuiyun is willing to lay down the butcher's blade and join Heavenly Star, we people of Heavenly Star will naturally treat you with absolute sincerity!"
Silence fell over the surroundings.
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun said softly, "The Governor-General must be joking. This humble concubine harbors no such ambitions."
"Even if you did, what of it?"
Li Hao's smile remained radiant. "Inclusivity is our creed; the realm does not belong to a single family! Southern Shuiyun has not yet had any major conflicts with Heavenly Star, and our Heavenly Star navy happens to be somewhat frail. If we can strengthen our navy, station them across the four seas, eliminate pirates, and safeguard peace, Shuiyun's integration is most welcome! The realm currently has ninety-nine provinces; what harm is there in adding a Shuiyun Province?"
They had truly been put on the spot!
From among the officials, an elderly man with a weathered countenance stepped forward and said solemnly, "We never imagined the Governor-General possessed such righteousness. However, water disasters are rife in the south, making migration arduous. If the army is disbanded now, I fear no one will protect Shuiyun's people..."
"I can dispatch troops to protect them!"
"The Governor-General is unaware of the perils of floodwaters. If strangers enter Shuiyun, they will find it difficult to survive..."
Li Hao sighed. "No matter, I can dispatch aquatic great demons to assist, and rally the realm's water-attribute superpower users to help."
"..."
At this point, a military general could no longer endure it and said in a low growl, "We want a piece of territory that belongs entirely to us!"
"That can be arranged."
Li Hao smiled. "It is merely inconvenient to displace others right now. I can reclaim land from the sea. What does the general think?"
"..."
Now, everyone was utterly silenced.
To push further would be openly admitting: *We insist on conquering the realm.*
That would reduce the Empress Dowager's earlier words to a total farce.
They had all assumed that Li Hao had a fiery temper—after all, news had come from the Great Desolation, and Li Hao had broadcast his battle against the western God Nation, striking hard the moment they met.
Thus, they had conferred and decided to position themselves as the weaker party, feigning pitiful distress to elicit sympathy.
Yet... Li Hao had taken their distress completely seriously. What were they to do now?
Everyone had a splitting headache.
For a time, they did not want an outright rupture, yet if they did not break ties, were they truly supposed to obey Li Hao's words?
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun could only sigh softly. "We appreciate the Governor-General's good intentions, but at present, the Governor-General faces numerous troubles of his own. Dali, the Great Desolation, and the God Nation all watch with covetous eyes; how could we allow Shuiyun's affairs to delay the Governor-General's grand undertaking?"
Pausing, she added, "The environment here is somewhat better than Shuiyun's, yet we haven't truly crossed beyond the southern continent. Governor-General Li, may we borrow this land for a few months to make brief adjustments?"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow. "How could that do? This place is impoverished, nothing but wetlands, and there's no way to disembark from your ships... Outside my Heavenly Star City lies the Heavenly Star Sea! If the Empress Dowager does not mind, your million-strong naval force may enter the Heavenly Star Sea to garrison. Heavenly Star City is prosperous, with a population in the tens of millions, possessing everything one could desire! Heavenly Star City is willing to provide rations and every daily necessity for all your soldiers each day... Once the realm is pacified, we will all be one family."
"..."
The Li Hao before them seemed like an entirely different person—no longer domineering, appearing extraordinarily gentle and thoroughly refined.
Yet... it made everyone from Shuiyun intensely uncomfortable.
Some of the hot-tempered soldiers were already squirming with frustration, and one general gritted his teeth: "Since the Governor-General is so generous... why not... lend us the southern continent to reside in temporarily!"
Li Hao sighed. "You see, I agreed to your requests, yet you insist on pushing your luck! Human desire is insatiable. I offered to help you migrate, give you a garrison, establish a province, and let you station in the Heavenly Star Sea... I consented to all of it, yet you remain unsatisfied! So, you see, an invasion is an invasion; why bother putting gold on your faces?"
Having reached this point, the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun said no more, merely remarking with emotion, "The Governor-General truly is... never mind! Has the Governor-General come today to force our retreat? If so... we shall withdraw our troops."
Li Hao chuckled. "No rush. The other three factions each possess their own reliance and thus stubbornly refuse to retreat. Only Shuiyun puzzles me. I have exhausted all gentle words; does Shuiyun also harbor the ambition to conquer the realm? If so, I would like to know... where does your confidence lie?"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun looked up at Li Hao and laughed softly. "The ancient cities are willing to lend us a hand... Does the Governor-General consider that sufficient?"
"Not enough."
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun ignored his reply, turning instead toward the black robe and sighing lightly: "Venerable, Shuiyun is frail. Today Governor-General Li arrives in person... There are no generals in our kingdom capable of matching him. We ask the Venerable to display his might and drive them off; otherwise... Shuiyun will find it difficult to hold out."
The black robe cursed inwardly!
His counterparts in the other three nations had faced nothing like this.
Here, the Shuiyun Kingdom bluntly stated they were weak and needed ancient city support; if none was provided... they couldn't win, so they would withdraw.
He didn't believe for a second that Shuiyun had no trump cards at all.
Yet now, all of Shuiyun was staring at him. If he refused to step forward, wouldn't it make the ancient city look pathetic?
However... he knew he was merely a clone, clearly no match for Li Hao.
For a moment, he was caught in an agonizing dilemma.
If he fought, he would be annihilated by Li Hao with ninety-nine percent certainty.
If he didn't fight... wouldn't the ancient city appear completely incompetent?
He felt a surge of envy toward the envoys to the other nations. How comfortable they had it: in the west, the Queen led her gods straight into battle; in the east, the Great Desolation's desolation beasts appeared; in Dali, even though a batch of people had died, the King of Dali and the High Priest personally marched out.
Only on his end... was he supposed to march out alongside a five-year-old child emperor?
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun bowed once more: "Venerable, Shuiyun dispatched troops this time solely to bolster your faction's prestige... Now, Governor-General Li is pressing us relentlessly. We ask the Venerable to display his divine might!"
Behind her, the civil and military officials spoke in unison: "We ask the Venerable to display his divine might and slay the formidable foe!"
The black robe considered it. He possessed at least Peak Realm combat strength.
Though it was merely the current Peak Realm, he was far stronger than ordinary seven- or eight-element powerhouses. Comparing himself to modern martial arts, he... could barely be counted as Sun and Moon, couldn't he?
Though Li Hao had appeared formidable earlier... perhaps... perhaps he could put up a fight?
The crux was that if he didn't fight and Shuiyun truly fled, he could not bear the responsibility.
If he died in battle, it was only a clone anyway.
With that thought, he said no more. His aura abruptly surged. Steeling his resolve, he gathered all the clone's origin essence, determined that even if outmatched, he would show them that even as a clone... he could still stall Li Hao for a time.
There was no need to fear!
"This seat is merely a clone... My combat power is not a tenth of my true body's, and not a hundredth of what it was in the Neo-Martial era..."
He laid the groundwork for himself so that losing shortly wouldn't be too humiliating.
With those words, he soared forward.
Just as he flew out, heaven and earth suddenly shifted. The void inverted, and overwhelming force bore down.
A sword intent of terrifying proportions erupted from the void!
A sword thrust forth, soundless and breathless.
The black robe was horrified. Roaring furiously, his phantom silhouette turned crimson as formidable mental energy erupted—only to be instantly obliterated by the sword!
The next instant, Li Hao struck with another sword!
*Pfft!*
As if piercing a water balloon, a dull pop echoed as the figure burst apart. Li Hao reached out and gathered all the origin essence, condensing it into a sphere and tossing it to Director Zhou behind him: "Director Zhou, take this to nourish your body."
"..."
Silence fell over all four directions.
Across from them, every powerhouse of the Shuiyun Kingdom stood dumbfounded.
The mighty black-robed Venerable... Everyone had known he was likely no match for Li Hao and had merely intended to test the waters. Yet... with a single sword strike, the man was gone?
Even if he was merely a clone... he had still been tremendously powerful.
At this moment, terror surfaced on several faces.
Could Shuiyun truly contend against someone as formidable as Li Hao?
In a nation like Shuiyun, experts existed, but according to current classifications, the strongest reached the ninth layer of Mountain and Sea at most, including several grand generals.
The kingdom's reputedly strongest naval commander was likely... barely comparable to a cultivator at the first layer of Sun and Moon.
At best, he was on par with that black robe.
How could such high-end combat power stand against Li Hao and his followers?
Panic seized everyone instantly!
They had no gods, no desolation beasts, and no Early Martial gods. Shuiyun was the only one among the four nations without any religious faith.
Their hearts were in total disarray.
At this moment, the Empress Dowager looked at Li Hao. Seeming to discern the coldness in his eyes, she sighed softly. "The Governor-General is indeed peerless in strength... Yet the four nations are all advancing into the Central Plains. As a frail, small nation, Shuiyun cannot afford to offend the other three nations, nor can we afford to offend these ancient powerhouses... and still less can we afford to offend the Governor-General! The Governor-General's true threat is not Shuiyun; would you permit our Shuiyun to garrison here for a brief period?"
"On what grounds?"
Li Hao looked at her.
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun took a step forward, walking through the air, and said softly, "On the grounds that the Governor-General... is not an unreasonable man!"
With a wave of her sleeve, water mist suddenly enveloped the surroundings.
In an instant, only the two of them seemed to remain between heaven and earth.
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun said softly, "Shuiyun is weak and cannot provoke any side... In truth, Shuiyun harbors no desire to invade Heavenly Star. However... staying idle now would make us the target of all!"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow. "You wish to exchange moves with me?"
"A helpless measure. If by sheer luck I can best the Governor-General by a single move, I ask that the Governor-General temporarily lend this land to Shuiyun for a time."
"Are you certain?"
Li Hao smiled. Was she... truly certain?
"Naturally!"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun said softly, "If I lose, I will lead the army back... or... submit entirely to the Governor-General's disposal!"
Such confidence!
Li Hao's thoughts stirred. Shuiyun had virtually no hidden cards; could it be... their trump card was this Empress Dowager herself?
"Please!"
"I have heard the Governor-General excels in swordsmanship... This concubine also happens to know a bit of swordcraft, unworthy of refined circles. Today... I shall make a fool of myself!"
With that, a sword pierced the sky!
Like a cascading waterfall, like a meandering stream.
Li Hao unleashed a sword strike of his own. *Boom!*
The two sword intents clashed, yet in that instant, her sword intent wrapped layer upon layer around Li Hao's, like flowing water encircling a stone.
"The Longevity Sword Venerable's sword intent is indeed formidable!"
"Ever since the Neo-Martial era, it was hailed as the world's foremost offensive sword!"
Though clearly lacking the enhancement of Heaven's Will, the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun's strike erupted with staggering power. For a moment, Li Hao could not fathom how this was possible.
Breaking the world's limit—how could that be?
Leaving aside the King of Dali and the Queen, even native gods would be sliced apart by the world's constraints if they exceeded the limit.
Why was this Empress Dowager exempt?
Li Hao's strike had carried the might of at least the fourth layer of Sun and Moon, an exertion equivalent to opening roughly twenty meridians, yet... it had been parried.
Incredible!
In this Shuiyun Kingdom, the strongest among the others opened around ten meridians at most, even now.
Yet she surpassed everyone. Why?
Surprised, Li Hao struck with another sword!
She, too, brought her sword gliding down, speaking softly: "Is the Governor-General wondering why I can break the limit of heaven and earth?"
"A little."
Though her face was veiled, one could sense she was smiling. "Because... even though Silver Moon was severed from the main world, it ultimately originated from the main world. And in the main world, there were two World Masters: the Human King and the Emperor!
"Aside from these two World Masters, the main world actually possessed another whose status was exceedingly exalted..."
"The Supreme?"
Li Hao asked. The Empress Dowager laughed. "The Supreme's status was naturally exalted, but the Supreme is the Supreme. Where there is a Human King... there is a Human Queen. Thus, the Human Queen can be considered half a World Master!"
Li Hao froze, a realization dawning on him: "You mean to say... you inherited the Human Queen's lineage? And therefore, even heaven and earth dare not restrict you?"
"The Human King was the master of the world, and the Human Queen was half a master... I merely know some superficial techniques. This world's Heaven's Will does not dare oppose the Human Queen's lineage for now, though once it grows stronger, it will disregard such things... It is merely that I currently hold an early advantage!"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun chuckled softly. "My Shuiyun is small and weak, our kingdom's experts are scarce, and we possess no other foundation. This concubine was fortunate enough to obtain a portion of the Human Queen's heritage... In truth, I harbor no desire for supremacy, nor do I have the power for it. How could one person contend for the realm? It was merely... to follow the crowd. I ask the Governor-General to grant Shuiyun a way to live!"
Li Hao was still astonished!
The Human Queen's heritage!
Moreover, this Empress Dowager had cultivated to such a realm, and Heaven's Will did not dare suppress her... One had to remember, even the Supreme's grandson was suppressed just the same. Why didn't it dare suppress the Human Queen's lineage?
Was the Human King far more terrifying than the Supreme?
It was merely the Human Queen's sword technique, not the person herself, yet Heaven's Will dared not suppress it... This Heaven's Will truly bullied the weak and feared the strong.
At this moment, Li Hao's power surged again.
A sword slashed out!
The Empress Dowager countered with her sword once more, though not in attack, but in defense: "The Governor-General is very strong... Even if I go all out, I might not match you... Yet the Governor-General surely does not wish for Shuiyun's destruction, does he?
"Those ancient city powerhouses came... commanding our four nations to mobilize. I fear their ambition is not to conquer the realm, but to create endless slaughter."
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun seemed to have deduced this as well, speaking softly: "Even if the Governor-General kills me, it will change nothing... Slay me, and Shuiyun will descend into chaotic upheaval. Does the Governor-General intend to slaughter Shuiyun's hundreds of millions of subjects? You have neither the energy nor the attention to quell Shuiyun's turmoil right now... If too many die, it will hardly be a good thing for the Governor-General."
Li Hao let out a faint laugh. "Since you see things so clearly, why insist on persisting?"
"This concubine simply does not wish... to be the sole sober one left out! Otherwise, if that ancient city sends dozens of clones to butcher my Shuiyun, tell me, Governor-General, where should Shuiyun turn?
"In my kingdom, only I possess the strength to resist. The others... could never hold out. Nor can I guard every corner indefinitely. If we don't send troops, Shuiyun might face annihilation!
"Shuiyun has no Early Martial gods, no mighty deities, no desolation beasts... Small and weak, we can only drift with the current!"
Though she spoke mournfully, Li Hao felt not a shred of pity. "Then invading my Heavenly Star and slaughtering Heavenly Star's citizens is justified?"
"The Governor-General misunderstands... It was merely to put the ancient city at ease temporarily!"
As they spoke, hundreds of sword clashes rang out between them.
Sword intents collided, forcing the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun to retreat steadily.
Though strong... Li Hao could tell her strength hovered around twenty meridians. That was her limit, still a notch below Li Hao.
The Empress Dowager defended without attacking, sighing once more: "Governor-General... why must you push things to the bitter end? At present, Shuiyun's desires align with the Governor-General's: to destroy those ancient city powerhouses... so as to avoid ultimate calamity! The Governor-General suppresses all four directions, yet refuses to exert full force against any one side to extinguish their nation. Is that not to prevent the second resurgence from arriving prematurely?"
"Sleeping beside my bed!"
Li Hao struck again, his sword tearing away her veil, revealing her true countenance. To call her a breathtaking beauty would be no exaggeration, yet his expression remained entirely unmoved, cool and composed: "Shuiyun is weak. If there is only you... I shall slay you today. At most, I will imprison your kingdom's soldiers. What could you do to me?"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun showed a touch of sorrow. "Why must the Governor-General be so cruel... My kingdom has buried a thousand city-destroying superpower bombs. Once I die, our nation will fall, Shuiyun will be wiped out, countless will perish, heaven and earth will revive, the second resurgence will begin, and ancient powerhouses will emerge... That will be true devastation for all living beings!"
Li Hao's gaze flickered slightly. "You are ruthless indeed!"
"No... this is merely... a helpless measure!"
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun said softly, "In bygone years, when the Human King was besieged by powerhouses, he could only survive through such means... and I... can only survive this way! It is the sorrow of the weak, not this concubine's cruelty!"
With a crisp *crack*, her phoenix coronet shattered!
A streak of blood ran down from her forehead, staining her cheek crimson. Yet she continued looking at Li Hao, even sheathing her sword and halting the battle. She sighed: "If the Governor-General kills me today, Shuiyun can only perish... Hundreds of millions of living souls—the Governor-General... would not wish to see that either, would you?"
Li Hao chuckled. "I have seen people issue threats before, but this is the first time someone has used their own nation and their own people to threaten the leader of an enemy nation. Truly... laughable!"
"The sorrow of the weak!"
Her face covered in blood, the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun appeared frail and delicate. "If I possessed the Governor-General's might, backed by Silver Moon martial masters, I would not wish for this either...
"No one wants to resort to such methods to seek a way out."
Li Hao sneered, "Ridiculous!"
Then he suddenly said, "If you want me to spare your life, that can be done. However... you must do me a favor."
"Please speak, Governor-General."
"Fight one battle for me! Do that, and I will permit you to remain stationed here."
The Empress Dowager of Shuiyun's heart stirred. "The enemy is..."
"No need to ask! Are you willing or not? If you refuse... I don't necessarily have to kill you; I only need to cripple you. I imagine... that might lead to some very interesting developments!"
With those words, Li Hao's aura surged violently. "Perhaps you have hidden some strength, but it matters not. No matter how strong you are, you cannot withstand a Saint—and near me, there is still a Saint who can take action!"
At this point, Li Hao smiled. "You wield the Human Queen's sword technique; many people ought to recognize it. Those who fear the Human King will likely fear it as well, won't they?"
The Empress Dowager's heart jolted. Who would fear the Human King?
Neo-Martials, of course!
Did Li Hao intend to deal with Neo-Martials?
An ancient city?
Or experts within some ruins?
Thoughts raced through her mind. Shuiyun was weak; though she was strong, her solitary strength could not withstand the various factions. Today, Li Hao was held back by certain constraints and could not destroy them, but... what if he truly crippled her?
As thought after thought surfaced, she said meekly, "The Governor-General won't deliberately send me to my death, will you?"
"How could I? If you die, won't the city-destroying bombs detonate? Why would I do such a thing?"
"Then..."
Li Hao's expression suddenly turned cold. "If you are unwilling... so be it!"
The Empress Dowager hurriedly smiled. "Of course I am not unwilling!"
Li Hao smiled as well, then suddenly asked, "How could an ancient heritage be cultivated to such a realm? Modern experts cultivating ancient inheritances find it hard to progress once they reach the limit of the golden body. Why were you able to break the limit? Do not tell me it is because the Human Queen's lineage is extraordinary; I doubt the inheritances of Sovereigns are any weaker, yet why can't they?"
Even if heaven and earth did not restrict her, how could this woman cultivate to the level of twenty meridians?
Her physical body had likely been converted into an ancient body like Director Zhou's.
Yet... where did she get the indestructible substance? Where did she get the origin power?
At his words, the Empress Dowager's expression changed slightly. "It was all a stroke of serendipity..."
"Make up your lie more carefully!"
The longsword in Li Hao's hand began to glow with radiant light. Seeing this, the Empress Dowager of Shuiyun sighed softly. "Because... I possess the Human Queen's sword. Her true sword!"
Li Hao froze, frowning. "The Human Queen should still be alive, and she never came to Silver Moon... Even if she did, why would she leave her own sword behind?"
Unless she had died, or like the Eight Great Families, the weapon served as a key and was deliberately left behind.
Otherwise, who would leave their own sword behind?
"That, this concubine does not know... But precisely because this sword contained a vast amount of origin power and indestructible substance, I was able to walk to where I am today."
"Where is the sword?"
"It has already been refined by this concubine."
Li Hao's mind stirred. Looking at her, he said, "If you wield that sword, it seems... you can unleash even greater power, correct?"
The Empress Dowager said softly, "Even so, I would be no match for the Governor-General."
Li Hao sneered, which quickly softened into a gentle smile. "Very well. That is even better! In a few days... I will come looking for you again!"
With that, a sword pierced the vault of heaven!
The surrounding water mist dispersed. Everyone looked toward them, and the powerhouses of Shuiyun Kingdom were visibly shaken: the Empress Dowager's phoenix coronet was shattered, and blood covered her face... Had she been defeated?
Though defeat was expected...
If she had lost, did that not mean they had to withdraw?
At this moment, Li Hao spoke: "The Empress Dowager's strength is formidable, having obtained a Neo-Martial inheritance. I, Li Hao, respect Neo-Martial... Today, I will not pursue the matter further. However... if Shuiyun dares step half a pace into Heavenly Star, utter annihilation awaits!"
With those words, he turned and returned to the warship. The vessel rose into the sky, vanishing in an instant.
Zhang An looked somewhat puzzled and suddenly said, "Just now... I sensed a unique aura... rather familiar..."
"Yes. She claims it is the Human Queen's heritage."
Zhang An froze, taking a long moment before saying, "How is that possible?"
He was utterly bewildered: "The Human Queen... has never set foot in Silver Moon!"
Li Hao shook his head; that was beyond his knowledge.
Zhang An remained at a loss. When had that exalted lady ever visited Silver Moon?
And left behind an inheritance?
Just... what was going on?
He could not make sense of it.
The others gathered around curiously to gossip: "Was that woman very strong?"
"Tremendously strong, at least at the fourth layer of Sun and Moon!"
Everyone was startled, drawing in a sharp breath. That was formidable indeed!
The King of Dali was likely only around this level.
Perhaps even slightly inferior!
"No wonder you didn't press further... But... you could have beaten her, couldn't you?"
Li Hao nodded, then added, "Yet she holds the Human Queen's heritage. The Human King is a figure I respect; some face had to be given!"
The others scoffed inwardly—he was clearly just saying that.
To comfort Zhang An and the others!
Who would actually believe that?
Yet it had to be said, with Li Hao putting it this way, the ancient powerhouses felt rather awkward. Soon, Zhang An sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Thank you... Although... an inheritance is no great matter, still... thank you."
Li Hao smiled. "As it should be!"
Zhang An felt uncomfortable and said nothing more.
The Human Queen's heritage... truthfully wasn't considered all that remarkable among Sovereign heritages.
Yet Li Hao had claimed he was giving face to everyone, giving face to Neo-Martial, and giving face to the Human King... How could they not accept it?
Only, this felt like an unprompted favor owed to him, which was truly exasperating!
Zhang An surmised that Li Hao likely had his own plans and motives.
Perhaps... for the upcoming move against the ancient city?
Very likely!
If the Human Queen's inheritance... suddenly appeared within an ancient city, would some people believe Neo-Martial had returned, causing them to panic and dare not resist?
After all, even Zhang An had been thrown off balance for a moment, finding it inconceivable.
He glanced at Li Hao once more. Li Hao's smile was innocent, looking unlike someone who would scheme such things. But on second thought... this fellow was precisely that kind of person!
He smiled innocently, but in truth... he was thoroughly shameless to the core!
Chapter 329