Star Gate

Chapter 552: Wood Sword Aura (II)

“It’s said that Silver Moon martial masters are strange, that they beat each other black and blue at home, but are very united when outside. Silver Moon ranks first when it's a matter of hot-bloodedness always ready for a good fight. We’re really learning something new today. Who would’ve thought that Earthturner Sword would come when no one else dared...”

Many eyes were drawn to the new arrival, whereas Light Sword looked around with a complicated gaze. Her feelings grew more complex when she didn’t see Li Hao. Earthturner Sword may be here, but he wouldn’t necessarily be of use. She wanted to see Li Hao more.

Sadly, she knew that waiting for her in Silver Moon was the limit of what the young man could do. Someone like Li Hao would not take the risk of coming to save her after she threatened him. As for Earthturner Sword coming, she was surprised and not surprised by his presence.

Silver Moon martial masters were sometimes a very stubborn group. They could fight to the death with no holds barred, but would just as soon present their backs to each other and fight together if someone interfered. After they killed whoever was so rude as to show their face, they would continue the first fight.

These people put the words of “Silver Moon" in front of “martial master”, which set them apart from martial masters of other territories. It represented their pride as people and martial masters. They were Silver Moon martial masters!

That was likely their faith, that they were number one in the world.

“Hong Yitang...” Light Sword coughed continuously. Blood streamed out of her body. “Where’s He Yong?”

“Back to the central region,” Hong Yitang chuckled. “It can’t be helped, I’m the only one here. We’ve either lost contact with the others or they can’t leave. You, though, you’re in really poor shape!”

“I’m alright.” Light Sword smiled, not a smile of brilliance, but one that showed her age. It was then that a wave churned through the sea and exploded in front of Hong Yitang!

The man didn’t even look at the spray of water. He simply waved his sword to settle the water surface and looked at the one who’d attacked him. “You don’t think I’m just a Solar, am I?” he snorted. “If you think you can kill me with a wave that can kill Solars... You’d be thinking much too little of me!”

“Hong Yitang, no matter how much strength you’ve hidden, even if you’re as strong as Light Sword, you will not be walking off with her today! The price you must pay for that might be more than you can endure!” someone sneered.

Various powerhouses flared their presences. Even if Hong Yitang rivaled Light Sword, he would not be saving the woman on the brink of death. Not unless he wanted to leave himself here as well.

“Earthturner Sword, does Silver Moon wish to protect someone who’s betrayed their master?” Xu Zhen frowned at the man. “Silver Moon martial masters were indeed strong back in the day and their powerhouses are still active, but keep in mind that she’s turned on the Steadfast Duke! Don’t forget, our army trampled over Silver Moon when the Skystar Dynasty conquered the world...”

Was that supposed to be a threat?

“Don’t even mention the Steadfast Duke’s army,” Hong Yitang chortled. “The royal family’s Black Armaturas might be worth a mention. The first generation Steadfast Duke did lead his army into the province, but he was almost wiped out on his expedition. He would have been, if not reinforcements from the Black Armaturas. That was also two hundred years ago, how is that a point of pride? Does your family history not record your humiliation and defeats?”

Xu Zhen frowned. Bullshit! Of course the family records noted various events, but it only spoke of triumphs such as suppressing Silver Moon. The family’s army had been an important portion of the dynasty’s battle strength.

Of course, history was written by the victors. Only those involved knew the truth of the matter. Even Hong Yitang knew only what the older generation spoke of.

Those on the scene weren’t that willing to take action after Earthturner Sword’s arrival. He might actually be quite strong. Delaying battle brought them no drawbacks. Light Sword’s condition would only continue to deteriorate. As time dragged on, she would cripple herself.

......

At the same time, within the sea.

Li Hao proceeded soundlessly through the waters. Earthturner’s appearance had drawn everyone’s attention. He was approaching the water late Nova from behind. They could keep talking up there! He didn’t mind commencing another ambush.

He could reconvene with Light Sword after disposing of this late Nova. If he supplied her with some sword energy then, he might be able to help her recover some.

Li Hao soundlessly drew closer to his target. Late Nova would not be easy to kill, but he had experience. If the dog coordinated with him perfectly, they might be able to eliminate their target in a split second.

The young man steadily approached; he was closer now. He didn’t see the supernatural, just a massive ball of light. Perhaps the supernatural was hiding with a special method. Whatever it was, it was useless in Li Hao’s eyes.

He stopped walking when he was thirty meters away. Light Sword was right above him. She seemed to have sensed something and, at the very least, knew that there was someone beneath her. That was why she’d refused to go into the water again, but now... another person seems to have come?

Who?

It didn’t feel like a supernatural, more like... a martial master!

......

Within the waters.

Li Hao stayed still for a while. Earthturner Sword was still talking to the others, they seemed to be casually chatting. No one was in a hurry—the only one was Light Sword. A small sword appeared in Li Hao’s hand. He wasn’t making much progress when it came to nurturing his sword, but he persevered. Four kinds of sword intent brewed in the small sword; they didn’t need to be recombined again.

The young man closed his eyes, reviewing that awe-inspiring stroke he’d seen. The stronger he was, the more he could understand just how strong that stroke was.

A faint sword intent emanated from the weapon. At the same time, a vast and magnificent sword intent exuded from Hong Yitang. It percolated in the four directions, causing many to stir with shock and apprehension.

The water supernatural in the sea also felt the chilling prickle of sword intent. Hong Yitang is so strong! His sword intent could still seep into the depths from such a distance, and it came with such a piercing cold. Was this guy another Light Sword?

One had to say, Li Hao and Hong Yitang were coordinating their actions perfectly! Sword intent wafted through the area. Ordinary people could not discern the difference. Only Light Sword looked around alertly. There... seemed to be more than one sword intent present!

As a fellow sword user, a premier swordswoman, she could sense something different. There was another sword intent spreading beneath her feet. Was it... Li Hao?

Demon Sword? The thought had just appeared in her mind when Hong Yitang struck in the distance.

“Get out of my way!” he roared, overturning the skies and seas with an all-encompassing blow!

......

Under the water.

Li Hao struck! Fast, exceedingly fast! Not only that, but he deployed the Incantation of the Blade of Blood without the slightest hesitation. It ripped through water currents and shot at the ball of light.

He didn’t pause to determine anything in his line of sight before attacking the ball of light. I don’t care how much smoke and mirrors you create!

The water Nova had been marveling over Hong Yitang’s strength when his expression shifted drastically. He hastily fled through the water, running from the scene like he was a water current himself.

BAM!

An explosion detonated in the water and overhead. The water Nova almost somersaulted through the water, but thankfully evaded the attack. There was... another swordsman close at hand!

Li Hao struck again as he grappled with surprise. Waves churned under the water! KABOOM!

Detonations rang out, nine in succession! The young man shot toward his target; the late Nova watched with narrowed eyes. What a strong swordsman! What a pity he hadn’t discovered his attacker’s presence earlier. Now that he had, he noted that the swordsman wasn’t much stronger than him.

He summoned countless waves toward Li Hao with a wave of his hand, sealing off a portion of the bottom of the sea. But when he wanted to follow up on that attack, his eyes widened and he quickly darted away.

He wasn’t fast enough to escape a dog’s claws. Razor-sharp claws pierced right through his arm—they’d been aimed at his heart. A water supernatural’s perception was very sensitive in the water. He was able to sense enough to protect his vitals, but was shocked all the same.

Damn it! How was there another one? And a major monster spirit!

Panth was quite disgruntled. This was its first failed ambush, it’d brought shame upon all dogs! Meanwhile, Li Hao’s longsword was already descending!

There was only one thought on the water supernatural’s mind—run! He would be in great trouble if this continued.

At this moment, upon the sea.

Light Sword’s eyes danced around and she suddenly stomped her foot, summoning a tidal wave with an eruption of sword intent. It barreled into the depths!

The water supernatural about to get away jerked to a halt. A black dog came for him from the left, Li Hao slashed at him from the right, and there was a surge of sword intent above him.

BOOM!

His way was cut off. It took only a second for Li Hao to stab into his target’s chest. The water supernatural roared with fury, but his voice didn’t have the time to travel before Panther brought down what felt like one thousand kilograms of water with its paw and nearly smashed the supernatural to a pulp!

Li Hao stirred a circle with his sword, erupting with sword light and raising wave upon wave as he bisected the supernatural.

Li Hao, Panther, Light Sword, Earthturner Sword... Three sword wielders and one major monster spirit coordinated their efforts perfectly, despite not discussing a plan of attack beforehand. A late Nova adept at water combat died on the spot.

The young man immediately stored the body in a storage ring. At this time, the supernaturals testing Hong Yitang seemed to sense something, but failed to grasp anything concrete. They looked at Light Sword.

Next to Xu Zhen, the old man with white hair quietly took in the surroundings. His expression suddenly shifted!

“There’s someone in the water!”

BOOM!

Sword qi raced to the heavens. A supernatural encircling Light Sword hastily dodged. Sword qi exploded and the waves turned into arrows, spewing in all directions. Blood flowed freely as a dozen rays of sword marks appeared on the supernatural’s legs.

Li Hao emerged from the water, stunning those present. Where did this swordsman come from? Or was it the Silver Moon Eight Swords instead?

Light Sword had already demonstrated her prowess, they’d yet to get anything out of Earthturner Sword, and here came another swordsman! There was some red bubbling up in the water, causing some expressions to shift. There’d been a supernatural down below. Were they... dead?