Chapter 544 - Using Oneself as Bait

Lu Ran replied to Death Gun and then blocked him. Squirrel God feared exposing its location, worried that the Space Demon God might come knocking. However, Lu Ran had no such concerns. This time, he had come to Stellar Moon with the intention of using himself as bait to lure out the three Beast Gods hiding in the metropolis.

Not only did Lu Ran plan to eliminate the three Beast Gods and erase potential threats, but he also aimed to establish connections with the Stellar Moon government and expand his business to the Stellar Moon Federation.

Crystal coins weren’t exclusive to Blue Planet. For Lu Ran, who could now directly purchase amplification cards, the more crystal coins he had, the better.

“Where to next?” Squirrel God asked.

Manager Ying said, “Isn’t it obvious? We’re definitely going to check on Daddy Divine Tree first. If the Divine Tree hasn’t recovered, knowing Lu Ran, even if he and the Tree Monarch have a 99% chance of defeating the three Beast Gods together, he still won’t make a move. After all, we don’t know how much the Chaos Dragon God has recovered.”

“Sis, you’re so steady. I love playing with you guys.” Squirrel God gave a thumbs-up, appreciating teammates who prioritized caution.

Lu Ran shrugged. “Let me correct you. Even if the Chaos Dragon God has fully recovered, I’d still dare to act. Don’t forget, I now have the highest teleportation privilege in Limitless City. I’m just worried that if I escape, Tree Monarch might be left behind. She’s someone I went through great lengths to revive.”

The cat and the squirrel exchanged silent glances.

Thanks on behalf of the Tree Monarch, huh.

“Alright, alright. Let’s go.” Lu Ran shook his head and looked at his two subordinates.

They stared back at him. One human, one cat, and one squirrel, all wide-eyed.

“Us?” Squirrel God mimicked a chick taking flight.

“Obviously. Did you think I’d make Baby Cloud do the transportation?” Lu Ran shrugged.

When there were others to exploit, he wouldn’t exploit his own beasts. In a way, he was a qualified beastmaster who treated his familiars well.

***

Two days later, Lu Ran’s arrival in Stellar Moon caused barely a ripple. It was known only to a select few. His meeting with the Tree Monarch near the Divine Tree was also conducted in secrecy. Only within the World’s Root Secret Realm could Lu Ran’s hearty laughter be heard.

With a final laugh, Lu Ran left the World’s Root and appeared on a remote island, far from human settlements. He wanted to avoid causing excessive destruction to the Stellar Moon Federation during the impending divine battle.

Though isolated, through #18, Lu Ran connected to Stellar Moon’s largest livestreaming platform and deactivated the Time Shield. Shortly after, beastmasters in Stellar Moon noticed Lu Ran’s livestream titled “Exploring Stellar Moon Cuisine.”

The first viewer to stumble upon the stream didn’t think much of it initially, assuming it was just another struggling food streamer. However, when he saw the stream’s cover photo, it was of Lu Ran’s face. His eyes widened, and he immediately clicked in.

The beastmaster was stunned. “Holy shit? Holy shit! It’s really him!”

While many in Stellar Moon knew Lu Ran had ways to travel between Blue Planet and Stellar Moon, the current situation in Stellar Moon was precarious. The three Beast Gods had occupied human cities, clashed with the federation, and were actively searching for Lu Ran.

Without a doubt, Stellar Moon was now a death trap for Lu Ran. Many analysts had concluded that the conflict between Lu Ran and the Beast Gods was irreconcilable. Yet, despite this, Lu Ran not only appeared in Stellar Moon but even boldly started a livestream to “explore cuisine.” The sheer audacity left viewers speechless.

***

On a small island, Lu Ran set up a grill. Beneath it, a Flame Spirit, shapeshifted into a Divine Phoenix, spewed flames to roast an enormous monkey carcass. The delicacy was something the livestream audience couldn’t quite appreciate.

“Roasted monkey?”

Judging by the ape’s size and ferocious appearance, this was no ordinary creature but a malevolent god.

└What the hell is he roasting?

└Is that really Pedestrian A?

└Pedestrian A, run! The Beast Gods are looking for you! Don’t stay in Stellar Moon!

Some in Stellar Moon blamed Lu Ran for the Beast Gods’ invasion, believing his conflict with the God of War had provoked their descent. Others who were aware of the Beast Gods’ long-standing oppression of humans saw Lu Ran’s defiance as a rare act of resistance and supported him.

The chat exploded with mixed reactions, but Lu Ran ignored them, calmly roasting the Zhu Yan. He wasn’t planning to eat it. The Zhu Yan’s body was like a divine weapon. A little fire treatment was similar to maintenance, like preventing rust.

Sudden Death King often underwent similar treatment. Although compared to fire, lightning training was more suitable for it. But now, even the lightning from a quasi-Legendary Lightning-attribute familiar couldn’t enhance its physique further. If he ever visited the Elemental Era, he might catch a few Lightning Elemental Gods to give Sudden Death King a proper “bath.”

***

Stellar Moon Federation Headquarters.

The Mechanical Leader, stationed here, was the first to learn of Lu Ran’s appearance.

His mechanical assistant floated before him and asked, “Master, what should we do now? With Pedestrian A’s appearance, the three Beast Gods will undoubtedly hunt him down. If a divine battle breaks out, should we assist Pedestrian A?”

The Mechanical Leader shook his head. “That guy wouldn’t show up without knowing the current situation in Stellar Moon. His appearance means he’s fully prepared, with trump cards to face the three Beast Gods. Though I don’t know what cards he holds, we shouldn’t intervene too early and disrupt the battle.

“Gather all Legendary beastmasters and prepare for a council. Lock onto Pedestrian A’s location and have the nearest cities activate their defenses.”

Meanwhile, as Lu Ran deactivated the Time Shield, the Wishful-Dream God, who had re-entered human territory, suddenly opened its eyes. It sensed a curse it had left on a certain lifeform.

The Wishful-Dream God was puzzled as it didn’t remember cursing anyone. After a brief analysis, it realized the curse had been left by the consciousness of the imperial seal, which it had destroyed. The current bearer must have obtained the seal from Limitless City.

“Someone acquired my imperial seal in a historical secret realm, destroyed its spirit, and replaced it!”

The Wishful-Dream God was furious and prepared to investigate. However, a visitor arrived at its temple.

The federation’s Epic-Legendary beastmaster, Divine Throne, said, “Lord Dream God, there's breaking news. Pedestrian A has appeared in Stellar Moon. A divine battle between him and the three Beast Gods is highly likely.”

The Wishful-Dream God was well aware of this individual, who had defeated its messenger, contracted the Six-Path Reincarnation Flower, and declared war on the Beast Gods.

Suddenly, it recalled something. “Pedestrian A? Didn’t he change his Limitless City ID to ‘Beastmaster King’ during his last visit?”

“Yes...” Divine Throne replied.

“And didn’t Master Merlin once prophesy that this ‘Beastmaster King’ was the emperor of the fallen Beastmaster Empire?”

“Correct.”

The Wishful-Dream God suppressed its anger. “I see.”

Lu Ran had two Intermediate-Legendary familiars. It was better not to confront him directly yet.

“

Hmph.

Limitless City is trying to escalate conflicts. I won’t fall for it. I refuse to acknowledge the ‘me’ fabricated by Limitless City.”

It decided to observe the Beast Gods’ reactions first. Compared to others, the three Beast Gods were far more focused on Lu Ran. Under their command were beasts skilled in divination and foresight, constantly tracking Lu Ran’s whereabouts.

***

In a temple built within a metropolis, a human beastmaster knelt trembling under the God of War’s oppressive aura, reporting that they had located Pedestrian A.

The God of War’s voice boomed like thunder before it scoffed. “A livestream? He showed himself willingly? Knowing we’re hunting him, yet he dares to appear. Bold indeed. Let’s see what gives him the confidence to show himself!”

Even though it sensed that something was off, the God of War felt no fear because the Chaos Dragon God had awoken from its slumber. Although not fully recovered, under the Dragon God’s lead, nothing in this world could threaten them.

Even if traces of wariness toward the Six-Path Reincarnation Flower lingered in its bloodline, the current Six-Path Flower was merely a reincarnated newborn god. Rather than fear, the God of War felt anticipation.

If it could personally destroy Six-Path Flower’s reincarnation, it might advance further, earning the Dragon God’s blessings and greater power. With this thought, the battle-crazed God of War didn’t even consult the Gods of Slaughter and Destruction. It set off alone to confront Lu Ran.

***

By now, the Stellar Moon Federation was also watching via satellite.

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Soon, above the island Lu Ran was on, a massive spatial rift tore open, forming a cross-shaped void. Terrifying divine energy swept across the sea.

As a giant head emerged from the rift, its enormous eyes locked onto Lu Ran below, who was roasting the Zhu Yan. Lu Ran finally looked up.

“Dumbass tiger,” Lu Ran cursed inwardly.

He still remembered how, in the ascension realm, this creature’s pressure had confined him to a wheelchair for a long time. But now, no matter how intense the God of War’s aura was, it had no effect on him.

└HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT, IT’S REALLY HERE!!!

└I’m scared! Good thing I paused the stream.

└People of Jinhai City, the God of War has left! Run! Now’s your chance!

The livestream, unaffected by the divine pressure, continued as #18 hovered in the air, ready to document the entire “hunt for Stellar Moon cuisine.”

This could be considered participation in the battle.

“You’re Pedestrian A?”

The Tiger Deity, revered as the God of War, fully emerged from the rift, its huge body blotting out the sky and towering into the clouds. Its appearance resembled a normal tiger, with the key difference being its metallic armor that was black, orange, and white, covering its body.

Its massive tiger eyes bore into Lu Ran with killing intent. However, Lu Ran ignored it. Instead, he stood up and sprinkled some magical sauce onto the Zhu Yan. Instantly, the aroma of the roasting Zhu Yan intensified, making even the God of War pause mid-glare.

Gulp.

The livestream clearly captured the sound of the God of War swallowing and its stomach growling. Perhaps to mask its embarrassment, the God of War erupted in fury, slamming its paw downward.

ROAR!

The island shattered, space collapsed, and towering waves surged like the apocalypse. The sudden attack marked the beginning of the divine battle, startling everyone.

However, just as viewers expected Lu Ran to summon Six-Path Flower or the Infinite Sword Beast, the roasted Zhu Yan suddenly opened its eyes. With a primal screech, it lashed its massive tail like a whip, striking the God of War’s paw.

Blood and flesh splattered as the God of War howled in pain. The Zhu Yan’s corpse, now brimming with vitality, saw its power surge from Low Legendary to near Intermediate Legendary. It was as if it were returning to its peak.

This was due to Six-Path Flower’s breakthrough to Superior Legendary, significantly enhancing the Beast Path’s power over puppets. Additionally, the Tree Monarch’s Time-Reversal Fruit had restored the Zhu Yan’s corpse to its prime.

BOOM!

No one expected the “ingredient” to suddenly attack. The Zhu Yan’s tail tore through space, mangling the God of War’s paw. Even though the tail was also battered, the Zhu Yan corpse contrasted sharply with the roaring, wounded God of War. The scene was surreal.

The food fought back!

“YOU... WILL DIE!”

Enraged, the God of War couldn’t believe a corpse could unleash such power that rivaled an Intermediate Legendary, and a combat-specialized one at that.

Is this Lu Ran’s trump card?

Before it could ponder further, the Zhu Yan leaped into the air, charging at the Tiger Deity. Meanwhile, Lu Ran caught the falling tiger flesh and placed it on the grill, replacing the Zhu Yan.

Sizzle...

The aroma of tiger meat filled the air.

Finally, Lu Ran spoke his first words. “Roasted meat from an Intermediate-Legendary God of War. Anyone want some? Drop a like, and I’ll give away a few free portions. Totally free. With this, raising a Superior Overlord will be a breeze.”

Lu Ran glanced in another direction, sensing the arrival of the other two Beast Gods. “Pre-orders are now open for the God of Slaughter’s dog meat and the God of Destruction’s beef!”

The viewers fell silent, then noticed Lu Ran’s ID: “Pre-Sale King.

”

The stream’s storefront had listed three Legendary culinary items.

This is what he meant by “exploring Stellar Moon cuisine”?