Star Gate

Chapter 658: Martial Masters Cultivate the Heart (II)

The next who comes against me will certainly be an Arcanus!

Li Hao was well aware that nearly all of his trump cards had been exposed after he killed a dozen Novas, broken an Arcanus talisman, and swallowed energy bombs. It would be an Arcanus sent after him next.

While their cultivation levels may be unstable, the masters of those major factions would just stabilize it with Water of Life! Throwing enough Water of Life at a supernatural would eventually produce a stable Arcanus. If one drop wasn’t enough, then ten. These guys might’ve also discovered the existence of plant spirits and even reached agreements with them. Otherwise, would those ruins really hold so much in reserve?

Li Hao had realized that nearly every powerhouse in the world had a few drops. Almost all major factions had stores to draw from.

Various thoughts floated through his mind before a knock rang on the door.

“Enter.”

Yang Shan and Qin Lian walked through the door. Although Yang Shan was a metamorphosis now, he was still very polite to Li Hao.

“Commander Li, everyone’s been arranged for,” he reported with a wide grin. “Ole He says that the royal family has summoned him, so he’s gone back for now and will come find you when he’s free.”

Li Hao inclined his head.

“Commander Li, ah... do you have further instructions for us two?” Yang Shan asked sheepishly, even more polite than before. After all, he addressed a powerhouse in their own right!

Li Hao was not the weakling of their imagination after he killed Wu Yong and suppressed Liu Sha. Rather, he was much stronger than rumor made him out to be. An existence like him, and being young to boot, able to help people improve, and possessing of a major backer...

Li Hao was an excellent thigh for Yang Shan. As a metamorphosis, the man could go out in the world to form his own faction. But then what?

Wait for someone to recruit him or establish something incredible himself?

Whoever thought that would be joking! How was he to fight the three great organizations, nine ministries, and royal family without any trump cards or foundations? Yang Shan was no idiot. Not to mention, his opportunity to become an Arcanus might be found with Li Hao.

The young man glanced at him and smiled. “Don’t be so polite, Senior Yang...” he said slowly.

“No no no, there’s nothing senior about me!” Yang Shan smiled radiantly. “Aren’t we part of the Skystar Commander Office? Just call me Ole Yang or Inspector Yang. It would be too alienating to call me senior.”

“Don’t bend at the waist for something close at hand,” Li Hao said softly after a long look. “It’s hard to straighten up again. Not to mention, the situation may be more complicated than you think and much more dangerous. Today was just a beginning.”

As crude and brash as Yang Shan looked, he was actually a very shrewd character. “Oh no, not at all!” He offered a quick smile. “Who doesn’t bend at the waist these days unless they’re truly invincible? Someone as strong as Director Hou also has to bow his head too! Danger is danger, but opportunities also truly exist. People like us have no way to back out after proceeding down this path! Not to mention, only you would be willing to be hostile toward a preeminent duke on our behalf.”

“Can I really?” Li Hao grinned.

“The situation cannot be changed at this step of the process, so there’s no need to worry!” Yang Shan was wreathed with smiles. “You’re not afraid of the nine ministries, three great organizations, or the seven divine mountains... So how can our Commander Li be afraid of a Tranquil Duke?”

“You’re an interesting one, Senior Yang,” Li Hao burst out laughing. “I see why you’re good friends with Senior Southern Fist!”

Yang Shan beamed radiantly in response.

“Then I will trouble Inspector Yang to accomplish a matter for me.” Li Hao nodded smilingly.

“Please go ahead, commander!” Yang Shan was overjoyed—this meant that Li Hao had agreed to his offer of service! This was wonderful! I can strut around in borrowed glory in the future—ahem, I mean I can openly appear in public and throw hands with the Tranquil Duke! Come beat me, why don’t you! I’ve found a patron!

I had to run and hide everywhere before, now I ain’t afraid of shit! I’ve got a new guy in my corner, someone who dares wage war with the nine ministries! Are you better than the Steadfast Duke, huh?

“I’d like for Inspector Yang to visit the North Sea while there’s still time...”

Yang Shan’s expression shifted slightly.

“Go to the North Sea and find the North Sea King of the Starlight Pirates,” Li Hao explained softly. “Tell him that I have his grandson. Of course, perhaps he knows that already and thinks that a grandson is no one terribly important. Maybe he thinks none of this is important. But we can still try to have him do something for me.”

“Please go ahead, commander,” Yang Shan said nervously.

“I want White Shark’s head!” Li Hao concluded calmly. “I will release his grandson if he delivers White Shark’s head. I’ll also throw in a Nova for free.”

“That’s easy,” Yang Shan heaved a sigh of relief. “It’s no loss to him. White Shark is one of the eight pirate factions of the North Sea and the Starlight Pirates have wanted to absorb them for a while. Killing White Shark is probably already part of their plans!”

Li Hao’s proposed condition wasn’t out of line. As for why he wanted White Shark’s head... There seemed to be bad blood between the two. Yang Shan didn’t care about that. He was deathly afraid that Li Hao would send him to claim the North Sea King’s head instead.

That one was at least a metamorphosis expert, as was Red Beard of the East Sea. Not to mention, North Sea pirates were formidable! They had to be, if they wanted to establish their footing in the north. The north was a more savage region, whereas only the duke’s say-so was needed in the East Sea. One had to slowly carve out their territory in the north.

“Mmhmm, that’s all. Additionally, go to Liu Long of Silver Moon after you finish with the North Sea King.” Li Hao tossed a storage ring to Yang Shan. “Give this to Troop Leader Liu Long and have him get some things for me. He knows what I need, just mention the words ‘imperial palace’ to him.”

Yang Shan was rather curious what the storage ring contained.

“One million mysterious power stones and twenty origin weapons,” Li Hao remarked offhandedly. “Senior Yang can also take Senior Qin Lian with you.”

Yang Shan swallowed hard. What?! One million mysterious power stones?? Twenty origin weapons?! His scalp ran numb and his heart quailed. He stammered his words out with difficulty. “This... commander... do you... want to switch... this mission... to someone else?”

This was an astronomical figure for anyone! He couldn’t imagine how Li Hao had just given this to him after one day of acquaintance. It was terrifying!

It was so shocking that he felt the young man might be testing him. Grave problems might arise if he accepted this mission.

“If a mere million mysterious power stones are enough to tempt you into running away with the goods, then why should I think you would risk your life for me?” Li Hao looked calmly at him. “If you think nothing of this, how much will someone have to pay you in days to come if they wish for you to take my life? Who would be willing to pay so much to bribe you? Is killing me more dangerous or is absconding with my goods more dangerous?

“You can be the judge of that, senior. So in the meantime, just take the ring. I’m not threatening you—you can leave with Senior Qin Lian.”

“Surely you just, commander!” Qin Lian answered abruptly. “You lack personnel at the moment and I am a dark supernatural. I can complete a task for two for the commander. There’s not much use in Yang Shan staying as we aren’t at war. He won’t be able to accomplish anything if he remains here!” She looked at her husband. “Go complete the important mission that the commander has given you!”

Yang Shan looked at his wife, set his jaw, and nodded. “Don’t worry, commander,” he said in a muffled voice. “Yang Shan will complete the mission. Nothing will be missing from the storage ring unless I die!”

He was still apprehensive as he held one million mysterious power stones and twenty origin weapons in his hands... Li Hao was such a frightening fellow.

Indeed, Yang Shan was fearful of the youngster. They’d only known each other for a day, but Li Hao either truly didn’t care or was testing him with this mission. Yang Shan struggled with himself, but set aside all delusions after a moment. He could not be tempted.

His wife had already betrayed the Tranquil Duke for him. If he offended Li Hao now, it was a great unknown whether or not they’d be able to elude the resulting chase. It also wasn’t a simple matter of mysterious power stones and origin weapons if he wished to become an Arcanus. What good were all the mysterious power stones in the world?

Yang Shan breathed out when his thoughts traveled here, exhaling his greed. That’s right, it’s not like I'll make it to Arcanus just because I’ve absorbed sufficient energy. It is inferior to the sword energy that Li Hao gives us.

“Then go on and come back soon. I might need people at any time.”

“Alright!” Yang Shan quickly left without a word. He didn’t even have time to say goodbye to his wife.

“Does the commander have other instructions?” Qin Lian asked gently.

“Ask around for me where there are Red Moon powerhouses—the premier kind. It’s best if they’re metamorphosis. Those should exist in the elder’s council or Ancient Guard. If you can’t find anything, then see where Green Moon and Orange Moon are.”

Those two might not have scarlet shadows, but that was fine. They could be traded for ransom!

Would Ying Hongyue buy them back?

He would!

He was a very arrogant, pompous individual who considered himself devoutly loyal. He would save his women if they were captured. The man would likely hand over a metamorphosis scarlet shadow if Li Hao wanted one.

“Understood!” Qin Lian sped out.

As for whether or not she was actually running away with Yang Shan... Li Hao really didn’t care. Yes, it was a very valuable storage ring. But if they took it, then they took it. His gains were enormous after recent operations and the two would be done in the world if they stole it. It would also save him the trouble of constantly having to stay on his guard against them. He was a hyper vigilant person to begin with—he didn’t easily believe that someone would lay down their lives for him.

But if they didn’t take it... then just as he said, others would have to pay an even higher price if they wanted to buy the couple. It would have to be far in excess of this since the two wouldn’t be easily tempted.

Who would offer such high payment for the services of Yang Shan?