Star Gate

Chapter 481: Judgment (III)

“We’re old acquaintances and well familiar with each other,” He Yong said dismissively. “That guy is Sickly—he was the most calculating out of the three commanders, which was why he was born with a feeble constitution. Even the heavens found him too evil and penalized him in other ways.”

“Didn’t you say that there aren’t many bad guys who know the spear?”

“Yes, and he’s one of those few!” He Yong chuckled. “He deserves to cough everyday!”

“That’s enough, cut the nonsense and rumormongering,” Hong Yitang said gruffly. “It doesn’t matter whether or not he’s evil. The Broken Will Spear that he practices contains such a strong mind intent that his body cannot support it. That’s why his health has lagged ever since he started martial dao.

“That mind intent turned even more unbearable when he started strengthening his organs. He actually ran the risk of becoming supernatural before as he broke his lock, which later healed by itself. I will probably be no match for him if he truly unsealed himself. He’s terrifying!

“He Yong is nothing compared to him. Although He Yong sent him flying with one punch, Hou Xiaochen would run him through with one jab if he did that again!”

He Yong curled his lip. Who are you looking down on? One jab? Of course not! It’ll take three to five!

Startled, Li Hao stared at the two. “Are you saying that he’s... stronger than you guys?”

“Stronger than me, at least,” He Yong had to grumble despite his reluctance. “He’s not necessarily stronger than Ole Hong though. They might be the same. Kong Jie is slightly weaker, but that bastard is a hair stronger than me. However, I dare unseal myself, do they? So if it really comes down to it and our lives are on the line—I’ll die, but they won’t be any better off for it!”

Li Hao looked at He Yong. So... you’re the weakest!

“What about Light Sword?”

“Her?” He Yong mused for a bit before replying. “She’s not bad, generally on par with Kong Jie. She cultivated very quickly, but there’s drawbacks as well—ones that are much more obvious than ours. You can tell from her current appearance. Other than those four, it’s me, Yu Luocha, then Golden Spear. Berserk Blade... is a bit weaker.”

“Yu Luocha isn’t weak, I think she’s converted back.” Hong Yitang gave a half smile.

“Pfft!” He Yong snorted. “Yu Luocha should find her own path first. What’s so impressive about relying on Hou Xiaochen! Have her unseal her strength and see if she’s as strong as me. I’ll kill her in three punches!”

He was very willing to admit someone was stronger than him. But if someone was weaker, he would never speak well of their capabilities. He didn’t think much of Yu Luocha since she depended on Hou Xiaochen. Granted, she was strong in her own right.

From this, Li Hao drew the conclusion that the manager was probably weaker than Southern Fist. Or they matched each other at best. Otherwise, He Yong wouldn’t speak in such firm tones. Even so, she was very strong. Perhaps she could unseal her strength like the others. If that was the case, then she was not to be underestimated.

“Can Golden Spear and the others not unseal themselves?” Li Hao asked.

“What do you think?” He Yong half rolled his eyes. “Not all martial masters can unseal themselves. Golden Spear has yet to reach the limit of his path—he needs to attain the peak of a certain aspect, whether it’s blood qi, the physical body, or mind intent. A martial master strengthens his supernatural locks only when he is no longer able to improve himself. The locks need to be at a certain level before they can be undone.

“Otherwise, it’s not an unsealing, but a direct crossover to the supernatural. If Golden Spear breaks his, he’ll be a supernatural. He won’t bring out more battle strength from himself!”

“You need to reach a certain level and a certain strength of supernatural lock before you can unseal it.” Hong Yitang inclined his head. “Golden Spear is a little below that level. But if he breaks Hou Xiaochen’s mind intent, then the possibility is there!”

“Him? I say zero possibility.” He Yong shook his head. “It happened too early—his thoughts were affected so many years ago. He might have some hope otherwise, or he can imitate Yu Luocha and fully abandon his own system. He can just follow Hou Xiaochen in everything—he might have a chance then. This guy is stubborn and keeps flip-flopping between wanting to make his own way or putting his hopes in Hou Xiaochen. Even his concentration is a bit inferior to the rest.”

Li Hao knew a little of what they spoke of, but not really. It seemed that Golden Spear and Berserk Blade were unable to unseal their strength, more was the pity.

“So do you two mean that they wish to work together to eliminate the three great organizations?”

“Yes!”

“That’s good then!” Li Hao laughed. “From my observations, it seems that the three great organizations don’t lack for Novas and Solars. Just us or the official authorities alone won’t be able to take them. Together, however, there shouldn’t be a problem!”

He looked at the three Silver Armors with contemplation. “Then Director Hou probably means for us to attack with the three troop leaders and director general of Security. If the two martial uncles and me are included, that should grant us an easy victory!”

“It is somewhat difficult for the three Silver Armors to face Novas if they do not reawaken,” Hong Yitang chuckled. “They probably hope for you to convince the Gold Armor. Hou Xiaochen doesn’t wish to unseal himself as he’s afraid of complications arising. Otherwise, he would do it himself.”

Li Hao understood the situation and jumped off the city walls instead of saying anything else.

“Where are you going?”

“To ask Director General Wang for help!”

“We’re just guessing, you...”

Li Hao didn’t care; he ran toward the city lord manor. Just a guess was enough. His own logic resulted in these conclusions as well. It wasn’t just the director general,but he was also prepared to look for the commander!

Indeed, the commander who’d punched him.

The Gold Armor’s purpose would be straightforward and easy—stay in hiding to guard against Hou Xiaochen and the others! Such were Li Hao’s thoughts. Who knew what Hou Xiaochen and the others thought? Perhaps they would turn their eyes toward Battle Heaven after eliminating the three great organizations. If the Gold Armor made its move then, even the province’s highest authorities would be captured!

No one knew that there was another Gold Armor inside the city. It would be quite a shock when it appeared! Although He Yong had said to do whatever he wanted, Li Hao had to keep something back if he needed to.

......

Half an hour later.

A satisfied Li Hao walked out of the manor. The director general hadn’t had any other opinions. If it wasn’t for the fact that he couldn’t leave the city, he’d want to eradicate the outsiders himself. Since that opportunity was on the table, there was nothing to refuse.

......

The military barracks.

Li Hao entered that office again with the Red Armor in the lead. The commander seemed to be busy with work; what kind of work was there to be had when the soldier was dead? The young man didn’t know whether to play it cool or not. This Gold Armor didn’t seem as friendly as the director general.

“Speak!” barked the commander in cold tones.

After Li Hao explained himself, the soldier raised his eyes for a look at Li Hao. “You mean for me to hide and take action only when those people show signs of attacking?” His voice was exceedingly calm.

“Yes.”

“Then why don’t we make the first move? Why must we wait?”

Li Hao blinked before saying, “They are Silver Moon... officials of the province that I currently serve in. Silver Moon is a decent place and their Director Hou has saved me before. I cannot break with him before he betrays me.”

That had been his mindset all along. So long as Hou Xiaochen treated him in a friendly way, so would Li Hao show him the same courtesy back. The young man was abruptly confused when questioned—was this a good way of thinking?

The commander contemplated as Li Hao thought. “Alright then, that is indeed the case! I would like to not take action if I can help it. Me and the one inside the city lord manor expends a great deal of the city’s energy whenever we engage in battle. Compared to killing people, decreasing our consumption is more important.”

“Oh, thank you commander!”

“You need to correct this bad habit!” the commander snapped. “Next time you say understood! Or order received! This means you’ve heard it and understand your orders. Do not be so cavalier in front of your superiors, understood?”

“Got it!”

“...get out of here!” The Gold Armor waved him off and couldn’t be bothered with him.

Li Hao blinked, then quickly realized. “Understood!” He left with a neat turn of his heel. This guy’s got such a huge temper! Director General Wang is much better. That was just a subconscious response because I was still processing. He’s so mean!

The commander thought for a moment and pulled out a sheet of paper—the one discussing Li Hao’s condition. He added a line after some thought. “Possesses an intuitive discernment of right and wrong. Adequate potential. Intelligence... remains to be seen!”

He thought for a moment longer and added a final line. “Impudent of regulation, disorderly without clarity. He must undergo training when the New Recruit Hall recovers function!”

Li Hao was plainly oblivious of what had just taken place and knew even less that the commander had added some additional lines of assessment. He’d clearly written that Li Hao must undergo new recruit training to understand what true rule and regulation were.

If he knew, he would probably regret ever going to this guy. Right now, he was in good spirits. Agreement from both Gold Armors meant he was highly confident of the operation to come. He would earn a round of merits too. Would they be doubled again this time?

He returned to the city walls and looked into the distance, ready to await the next happenings.