Chapter 488: Departure (III)

“Then you hang onto it,” Li Hao said decisively. “But I am a troop leader of the Battle Heaven Army, so the only choice you have with that key is to join the army. You would be joining under my banner! It’s a stern hierarchy within the Battle Heaven Army and battle orders must be followed to the letter. If the director doesn’t mind, you can have Manager Yu join. I won’t set her any hard missions!

“As for refusing orders… it’s one thing if you leave the ruins. But if you stay in the city and defy orders, the entire army will hunt you down!”

Hou Xiaochen raised an eyebrow. So it looked like Li Hao had accomplished quite the achievements in Battle Heaven. The key wouldn’t be that useful if they kept it instead of giving it to him. Did they dare join the Battle Heaven Army?

Manager Yu would likely be a Black Armor, could a Black Armor refuse a troop leader’s commands? All new recruits would likely join Li Hao’s troop.

After some thought, Hou Xiaochen smiled. “Fine, give it to him!”

Manager Yu tossed the key to Li Hao without a word. The young man promptly gave it to Liu Long. He would only be a Black Armor, but at least his equipment would be activated armor. His defensive ability would be remarkable, to say nothing of anything else, and he would be able to conduct long distance communication.

Li Hao had inquired about the capabilities of the armor and learned that they had a large communication range. When the army used to conduct external missions, a troop leader’s equipment could reach at least five hundred kilometers. It was difficult to say if that was still the case, but there shouldn’t be that big of a difference.

The targets were eliminated and the mess cleaned up. Hou Xiaochen looked at Li Hao. “What are your plans?”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you intend on staying in Battle Heaven?” the man asked serenely. “You must leave at some point. I am heading out for the central region after this expedition, so what are your plans?”

“You’re really leaving, director?” Li Hao blinked with surprise.

“Of course!” Hou Xiaochen smiled. “All factions have suffered heavy losses in Silver Moon this time and probably won’t dare to enter Battle Heaven again. They may not dare try any place else either. This is not the right time for our other ruins to open, they know that.

“The central region houses the headquarters of the three great organizations, the nine ministries, seven divine mountains, powerhouses of the four seas, royal family, and three founding families. There are many, many heavyweights to be found there and some chosen children of the heavens.

“You should not underestimate the supernatural domain. Although there are many drawbacks to that path, that’s because most supernaturals cannot control their impulses or desires. True geniuses will not lose their composure even after abruptly gaining power. Are you not one of them, Li Hao?”

It’d been a very short period of time since Li Hao gained such prodigious strength.

“There are those among supernaturals who’ve broken the barrier beyond Nova. They are much stronger than us and at the very least, we do not dare easily cross our threshold. In the supernatural domain, breaking six locks places one above Nova. The ones of the four limbs are easy to open, opening one of the five organs grants an elemental attribute, opening a second poses a great difficulty—but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! There are still those who accomplish it.

“As for the five organs… everyone has their own way when it comes to their balance. Some even use the Water of Life to fix the problems so the organs won’t explode.”

Li Hao glanced sharply at Hou Xiaochen.

“You will only be able to passively respond to stuff if you continue to stay in Silver Moon,” the man continued. “Are you interested in traveling to the central region with me after we leave?”

Now this was wholly unexpected.

“It is true that Silver Moon is the center of this land, but that was a long time ago. Silver Moon now… unless you explore the ruins, it’s not much of a challenge to you! You can already kill those on the Divine Masters Ranking. Will more experts on the ranking come to you if you stay here? It’s quite interesting in the central region as all sides have a large number of active personnel there.

“They don’t come here because they want to grow stronger in the central region first! That is the key to everyone’s rise. Silver Moon is where the premier experts come for their final metamorphosis. You have not reached that step yet. There are many opportunities in the central region—mysterious power stones, Water of Life, and ancient ruins.”

Hou Xiaochen was inviting Li Hao to the central region with him! Based on his words, he was likely going to prepare for his metamorphosis as well.

“Your master may not be willing to return in the short term,” the man chuckled when Li Hao didn’t respond. “He’s well aware that it’s very difficult to swiftly develop to the same level as Earthturner Sword and the others if he stays in Silver Moon. Only in the central region does he stand a chance.

“It’s a very, very big world Li Hao! Silver Moon will take its place again sooner or later. But for now, let it be quiet for a while. With you here, it will be tough for the province to be at peace…”

“I…” Li Hao started with resignation.

“You’re the last known descendant of the eight families, after all,” Hou Xiaochen chuckled. “There will be endless trouble if you stay here. It’ll be better for you to be in the central region. The various factions are a counterbalance for each other! That actually gives more chances to the young—the older generation rarely attacks the youngsters of the Divine Masters Ranking. That’s because the various sides offset each other.”

The young man didn’t say anything. He wouldn’t have second thoughts if it was Hong Yitang issuing the invitation. But Hou Xiaochen… He might be eaten alive if he followed the man to the central region!

Indeed, Li Hao was still on his guard when it came to this one. He wouldn’t stay inside the city otherwise and refuse to go out.

“What are you afraid of?” Hou Xiaochen seemed to read his mind. “Li Hao, you should go see the world while you’re young. Silver Moon martial masters have an exaggerated view of their battle strength. People like me can be found throughout the central region. You’ll never know how wide the world is if you don’t go out of your comfort zone. There are some geniuses among the Night Watchers who are unparalleled, to speak of nothing else. Although they are supernatural, they are so strong that I may not be a match for them if I don’t unseal myself.

“And don’t think that the three great organizations are crippled after killing Green Moon and Yellow Moon either. You’re thinking too simplistically of the situation if you do that! Who’s Ying Hongyue? Apart from him, the rest of the Seven Moons is just his harem.”

Li Hao glanced at Manager Yu; the woman stared frostily back at him. What are you looking at me for? I left many years ago!

The young man coughed gently and swiftly looked away. “Does the director mean that there are still powerhouses among the Red Moon elders?”

“Of course!” Hou Xiaochen smiled. “Not only the elder council, but there’s another secret organization among Red Moon called the Ancient Guard! They rarely make an appearance as their only mission is to explore ruins! They’re very similar to our Skystar Guards, but they’re much stronger with a higher proportion of heavyweights…”

A blank look appeared in even Violet Moon’s eyes. She didn’t know about this…

“Some of the Ancient Guard are martial masters, another portion are Ying Hongyue’s experiments. There are also some Heaven’s Eyes that are quite formidable! Heaven’s Eyes are cultivators with their heavenly eye opened. Their mental strength is indomitable—you should know about that, it’s a bit different from our mind intent, but equally strong. All of the three great organizations and nine ministries have some of these people in their ranks!

“How will you get to know these people if you don't travel the world? If you keep waiting here, the only thing that will come to you is being completely left behind!”

“You can indeed visit the central region,” He Yong spoke up. “There are many powerhouses there in addition to the factions we know. Some of them obtained heritages from ancient ruins early on or excavated ancient secret arts like your master. There are also some old families of martial dao. While they’re not as mighty as Silver Moon martial masters after the rise of the supernatural, they are still a force to be reckoned with.”

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

“You should indeed consider it,” Hong Yitang also transmitted. “It’s good to experience the central region. I made a trip when I was young, as have most of the martial masters in Silver Moon. Whether it’s to build their reputation or to observe more powerhouses, one has the right to come back and dominate Silver Moon only after sweeping through the central region!”

“I’m just worried about Hou Xiaochen scheming against me…” Li Hao transmitted back in a forthright manner. “This one has too many plots and plans in mind.”

“Are you afraid of him?” He Yong’s transmission came with a laugh. “He won’t do anything to you straight off the bat, and who knows who will be scheming against who? As young as you are, you’ve improved rapidly, kid. I’ll protect you in the central region, what are you afraid of?”

“……” Pfft, it’s not like you can beat him!

“Fine, I’ll consider it!” Li Hao didn’t immediately refuse. “I’m going to head in and ask the generals for their opinion. Would you like to come for some tea, director?”

“……” Hou Xiaochen broke out into laughter. “That’s alright, you do as you wish.”

The little guy’s still on guard against me!

……

Li Hao swiftly left without further ado. Four humans and one dog entered the city. He needed to cement an identity for Liu Long. They would certainly leave the ruins at some point, they wouldn’t stay here forever. He had He Yong take Liu Long to the barracks while he headed straight for the city lord manor. Director General Wang was easier to speak to, so he would talk to that one first.

……

The city lord manor.

It was unknown if Director General Wang had observed any of the earlier fighting. He was still sitting in his chair.

“Report!”

“Enter!” The director general was surprised. The little guy was interesting, he’d learned some of the rules.

“General!” Li Hao cut straight to the chase. “I’d like to ask if I can enter again after I leave Battle Heaven?”

“You can. You are a member of Battle Heaven and can come and go at all so long as the Silver Armor is on you.”

Li Hao beamed, as he thought! A city of my own people won’t restrict its own!

“Will Battle Heaven continue to be open to the public? Can we refrain from the monthly three days?”

“Why should we? Are you worried someone will seize the city?”

“……” Ahem, well, that was indeed the case.