Chapter 1569: Loss and Gain (V)

Li Hao invested heavily into his idea. Apart from the sixth rank’s corpse—or rather, the energy within the body—he divested himself of all other gains. He didn’t keep a single drop of energy for himself!

𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Only when one was willing to give up something might they receive something in return. How would he convince everyone of the story he was spinning if it wasn’t convincing enough?

In this way, Red Moon would have to think twice if they wished to move against New Martial again. They would need to consider what might happen to them if they really chose to ignore Skyward, yet a ninth rank opportunity appeared during this time and was seized by the master of Light or Skycloud.

A ninth rank would absolutely dominate an eighth rank. The Red Moon master’s war with New Martial would become a complete joke.

These eighth rank worlds acted as checks and balances on each other. It was due to the lack of an unquestionable overlord that they were able to live so freely.

......

As Li Hao set up his plans, two parties converged upon Skyward. One of them was comprised of only one person—the Exalted Fog Mountain Emperor from Skycloud.

Being a seventh rank, he was a bonafide high rank exalted emperor. An aloof expression hung on his face—he was clearly put out by Crimson Cloud’s death.

That was a direct provocation of the major world’s authority!

The other party was a group of mid ranks, nearly twenty in number! They were a noticeable sight and led by four sixth ranks. Of them, the leader of Dragon Observatory stood at the front. They regarded their return solemnly.

They’d been on their way to intercepting Celestial Pole when they learned of certain information through special means. Something had developed on Skyward. While no one was certain of the specifics, it appeared that Skyward’s dao universe had appeared.

Not only that, but some changes had occurred at Dragon Observatory Region as well. The Exalted Crimson Cloud Emperor that’d been sent as a stand-in... might be dead.

This was absolutely unbelievable and unheard of!

Sixth ranks were the strongest entities beneath high ranks. Apart from New Martial killing some of them lately, almost no exalted emperor of this level had ever died before. New Martial and Red Moon were fighting, but it was Skyward that first saw a death of a sixth rank from a major world!

The leader of Dragon Observatory wore a pained expression on his face. Dragon Observatory was his base of operations. If a sixth rank had died, what of the rest?

There was also a Light crown prince back at his base. It was one thing if Dragon Observatory had gone up in flames, that was fine. His only concern was that Void might be behind it. If the man was, that meant war was imminent between Light and Skycloud—two eighth rank major worlds.

War of this level was an exceedingly terrifying concept. Once high ranks were in the battlefield, they wouldn’t confine themselves to the guerrilla warfare that Red Moon and New Martial were undertaking. They would represent enormous major worlds that were very prominent presences in the chaos.

Direct confrontation would be the result. Clashes between high ranks might affect all of Skyward Region.

The Dragon Observatory leader’s concerns were echoed by the other exalted emperors. Worries cast a dark shadow over them.

“Is it real or not that Skyward’s dao universe has appeared?” someone asked. “Don’t they say that it would take the ascension of a sixth rank to seventh rank, and one that does not currently belong to a dao universe, to have a hope of summoning the Skyward dao universe? Or has someone progressed to seventh rank?”

“Who knows? We’re only getting bits and pieces of the complete picture. It’s hard enough for them to send word to us. We’ll have to get back to Skyward before we can see things with our own eyes.”

“Can it be a conspiracy? One from New Martial? They know we’re heading for the Sword Sovereign, so they’re trying to lure us back?”

“Are you stupid? Bringing forth the dao universe from Skyward... if it really is New Martial behind it, that means their seventh ranks are probably involved. It means that their Human King or or Sun God are part of the effort. If they have the effort to spare for that, why don’t they just kill us? It’s easier for them that way.”

Those words made sense. If New Martial could somehow drag the real Skyward dao universe into the conflict, that would indicate the work of seventh ranks. As opposed to spending the time and effort on a conspiracy, it would be much faster for the seventh ranks to just kill their weaker targets.

Since there were only a few sixth ranks here and numerous mid ranks, it might be difficult for high ranks to kill them in one go. But after one or two of the sixth ranks fell, none of the rest would be getting away alive.

That was the might of a high rank. One of them alone was sufficient to exterminate everyone. Li Hao’s previous strength of seventh rank had made him only a fake seventh rank.

While the Dragon Observatory group didn’t know if the news was real or fake, they wanted to go back for a look. It was true that the Sword Sovereign, winning a mid world, and joining a dao universe were tempting and wonderful notions, but they were nothing compared to entering seventh rank and taking control of Skyward’s dao universe.

The group was eager to verify these rumors and very excited by the prospects. If the information was real... then they had to go back, no matter what. How could being a mercenary measure up to wielding a dao universe?

Even a fool would know how to decide.

Despite the uncertainty, one would rather be sure than miss out on this opportunity. The leader of Dragon Observatory wouldn’t be in such a hurry to return, otherwise. Everyone would choose to abandon the group even if he didn’t. No one would stay with him to hunt down New Martial powerhouses.

......

Red Moon major world, inside the massive hall.

Although they were situated very far away, the Red Moon master had received some word as well. All factions had informants installed on Skyward major world. Under normal circumstances, all high rank major worlds would have certain arrangements in place on a ninth rank major world. It was inevitable that they would have spies and plants.

The Red Moon master received reports not long after the situation changed at Skyward, including details that the Skyward dao universe had appeared. It seemed to be on fire and something had happened to Crimson Cloud of Skycloud... The Red Moon master learned of all this.

An unrivaled figure, the Red Moon master sank into deep thought. What a damned coincidence! He was preparing to inflict fatal damage on New Martial to weaken it, and was even of a mind to hunt down its supreme. But now something was developing at Skyward?

Should he get involved or not?

No plans would be delayed if he sent over some weak exalted emperors for a look. The key was that once the real Skyward great dao appeared, a seventh rank would not be up to the task. The seventh ranks could only be used as scouts. If it really was the dao universe, then he would head to Skyward, as would the masters of Skycloud and Light.

All of the eighth ranks would go. Even most of the seventh ranks would rush over.

Anyone who was late might have their opportunity yanked away right before their eyes.

“Skyward has been silent for millions of years... but has rippled with change on two occasions in recent times,” the Red Moon master said softly. There were very few people in the hall at the moment, but they were all exceedingly strong.

“Great one, is there a conspiracy afoot?” asked an immensely powerful high rank with a beguiling voice. “This timing is so specific—just as we’re about to engage with New Martial. Is someone trying to fish in troubled waters, or is it possibly even New Martial that’s done something to divert us to Skyward instead? This will clear the way for them to attack our world.”

It was too much of a coincidence! They had to consider the possibility that it was all fabricated.

Otherwise, once the Red Moon master left, the rest of the world would not be able to withstand the formidable Human King and Ash Emperor. Their combined force was beyond the capability of those below eighth rank.

“That is not outside the realm of possibility,” the Red Moon master inclined his head. “But we cannot view this as strictly a conspiracy either. Otherwise, if it turns out to be real and Skycloud or Light occupy the first mover advantage, we’ll be in greater trouble then!

“I cannot determine its veracity at the moment. That the Skyward dao universe has appeared on two occasions... means that these events are not necessarily fake! How about this, Siren, head to Skyward first and make an investigation. Return with a report if it really is the dao universe revitalizing!”

The female exalted emperor who’d spoken before greeted the command with difficulty. “My liege, if this is a conspiracy, then I am concerned about a New Martial ambush halfway. This is exactly the kind of response they would be looking for! The Human King’s whereabouts are unknown. If I meet with an unfortunate encounter, that could spell my doom.”

That was equally true; the Red Moon master weighed up potential courses of action.

There were five high ranks on Red Moon. Apart from him, there were four more seventh ranks. Other than Siren, one of the remaining three was negotiating with some masters of major worlds and yet to return.

Another sat in residence at Red Moon along with the world master, just in case unexpected contingencies cropped up and one of them needed to leave Red Moon to address it. A high rank must remain in place at all times.

The other high rank was currently outside, hunting Celestial Pole and the others.

By now, Celestial Pole was just small fry. The big fish wasn’t those two minnows, but those such as the Sword Sovereign or Exalted Blood Emperor. The Silver Moon king might also be headed to them, and that was someone who could erupt with fifth or sixth rank strength at critical moments.

Those were the big fish in the Red Moon master’s eyes. The Sword Sovereign was so formidable that it would take a seventh rank to capture him. So who should the Red Moon master send out now?

It had to be at least two seventh ranks together to ensure safety in numbers. Even if they encountered the New Martial Human King, they would be two against one. No matter how fearsome the Human King was, he’d have to go to some effort to kill two seventh ranks.

That would buy enough time for the Red Moon master to arrive.

“Then have Red Velarium go with you!” The man knocked gently on his throne.[1] “Velarium, go with Siren! Nether Void is better employed keeping an eye on those two New Martial minnows. They might bring in a big fish.

“If we can capture the Silver Moon king and take Silver Moon world, we’ll be able to use it to deduce the location of Yin and Yang. That would be an extreme tactical advantage for us!”

Thus, the one hunting Celestial Pole and the Pagoda King could not be easily recalled.

Next to the Red Moon master, an extremely young man nodded in agreement. “I understand, my liege. Then I shall go with Siren. If the dao universe really has returned to Skyward, then Light and Skycloud will not let it be. If conflict arises...”

“So what of an additional battlefield if we can seize a ninth rank dao universe and study the Skyward master’s spatial dao?” the Red Moon master said calmly. “No one will relinquish the opportunity, so let us fight!”

No one would just give it up!

The two had no other opinions after their world master had spoken. If a conflict really did develop, then it would be outright war. There was no need to consider anything else when the profit was high enough.

“The caveat is that Skyward’s dao universe is real and not a trap,” reminded the Red Moon master. “It must also be on the verge of revitalization and not completely silent. The latter is hard to swiftly occupy and a prolonged war would ruin us.”

The two high ranks nodded without a word. They worked extremely efficiently and were on their way after a quick discussion.

“New Martial...” murmured the Red Moon master when his people were gone. Was this a trap?

Not necessarily!

New Martial didn’t have this kind of energy to spare.

While the Red Moon master was unaware of the Human King’s exact position, he knew that it was within Red Moon Region. He would sense the departure of a premier exalted emperor close to eighth rank.

On the contrary, the Red Moon master could sense that the guy was still circling nearby. He also vaguely knew where the Sun God and Ash Emperor were. He kept close tabs on these high ranks all this time. It hadn’t been that long ago that someone discovered the Ash Emperor’s traces in another direction.

“So if it’s not New Martial, can it be Skycloud or Light? But both of these sides would want nothing more for us to go to war with New Martial. They won’t set up a trap at this time to divert our attention. So... this means the news is real?”

Skycloud or Light wouldn’t be behind this because Red Moon was fighting New Martial. Undertaking such action would not benefit the other two major worlds.

The Red Moon master couldn’t make sense of it. The only conclusion seemed to be that Skyward’s dao universe really had revitalized. So... was this good or bad for him? He and New Martial were locked in conflict and situated further away from Skyward. There may not be any advantage he could occupy if he vied with Skycloud and Light.

1. Velarium is an awning or canopy used in ancient Rome to cover amphitheaters. I just didn’t want to name the guy Red Roof... ☜