Star Gate-Chapter 1494: Demon Summit (II)

“Silver Moon is very closely tied to New Martial,” the world master said calmly. “It bears great potential, quickly produced exalted emperors, and opened the sealed Star Gate. Added to that the Sword Sovereign being in residence for many years means that there is a chance for it to birth a dao universe.

“This can also be your chance! If there really is a dao universe present, you will have a hope of entering seventh rank. As for whether the dao universe at Skyward can be revived, even if it can... there are too many fighting over it. Even a portion of the seventh ranks have their eyes on it, so your chances will be very small.

“In that case, you’re better off setting your sights elsewhere before anyone else realizes. It would be a tremendous opportunity for you if a dao universe has appeared at Silver Moon!”

The Dragon Observatory leader’s expression shifted slightly. Really? Could Silver Moon have produced a new dao universe? He would dismiss these words if they came from anyone other than the powerful and mighty world master. But when they did, then... these notions were very likely to be true.

“World master, do you mean that if this Hao Moon really is the new king of Silver Moon, he might be in control of the dao universe and that this dao universe is newly born? If I can seize it, will I have a chance of reaching seventh rank?”

“Correct. The caveat is that you are able to further develop the dao universe. Being newly born, it can’t be that strong. On the other hand, this represents another opportunity! Dragon Observatory has gathered many exalted emperors. If all of them can join the dao universe, then it will swiftly mature. It won’t be difficult for you to reach seventh rank then!”

Seventh rank!

That was the level of a world master! Not all world masters were seventh rank either. A portion of the weaker ones were still sixth rank. But even so, sixth ranks with a world of their own were stronger than those lacking a dao universe.

“Then... how can I determine if this person has a dao universe or not?” the Dragon Observatory leader couldn’t help but ask while a variety of thoughts ran through his mind.

“The Silver Moon dao universe shouldn’t be that strong yet. If it exists, it is sure to be in the hands of that one. No one would relinquish a dao universe! Demon Summit is a fine place. If you isolate the dao foundation site when he reaches peak strength inside and see a corresponding decline in strength, that means you have cut him off from his source of power—the dao universe. If there is no change in his strength, then he does not possess a dao universe.”

Which would mean Hao Moon wasn’t necessarily the new king of Silver Moon.

The world master had already determined that there was very likely to exist a new dao universe at Silver Moon. Otherwise, its king would neither have verified its dao so quickly nor killed the Red Moon exalted emperor.

“I understand!” replied the Dragon Observatory leader. “So all I need to do is to cut off Demon Summit from the outside world when he brings his full strength to bear. If he becomes weaker as a result, then we can be certain of his identity.”

“Correct,” the world master said slowly. “You can take him down as soon as you confirm his identity! There is no need to be concerned about Void, even if he’s that one from Light major world. I will take a stand if his father wishes to intervene!”

The Dragon Observatory leader was at ease with this response.

Light major world!

That was a formidable major world. The chaos was vast and each region was named after the strongest major world in the area, such as Red Moon Region, Skyward Region, and Light Region!

Under normal circumstances, the overlords of the regions were at least eighth rank. Of course, not all of them were at such a level. If the master of the strongest world in a region was a seventh rank, then the seventh rank would be the overlord.

The Dragon Observatory only suspected Void, but he’d also sensed another powerhouse’s presence on multiple occasions. Although it had been quite obscured, the leader retained his suspicions.

But since they were uncertain hunches, he was unwilling to speak more of them.

“I understand, my thanks to the world master for your guidance!”

“There is no need for such gratitude, all of this is your own accomplishment. Continue to keep an eye on Skyward! There is both opportunity and danger here. If everything we see now is purely on the surface, then the real treasure has not yet been excavated from the depths!” the world master intoned solemnly. “A ninth rank exalted emperor and a master of spatial dao... may have very well hidden another world in Skyward. I don’t know if there truly is one or not, but there are certain to be more secrets at hand! I hope you can bring me some surprises one day.”

“I will not disappoint the world master!”

The image flickered out of the mirror and the treasure returned to quiet. The leader of Dragon Observatory quietly stood on the spot for a while. Hao Moon, Silver Moon, the dao universe... Was this truly the case?

He looked in the direction of Void’s hall. The Exalted Hao Moon Emperor was over there.

“Have Big Claw come and see me!” he said after a long moment.

“Understood!” Someone quickly ran off to fetch Big Claw. Although they were curious why the leader was looking for someone who wasn’t an exalted emperor, Big Claw had to answer the summons no matter where he was.

......

“The dao of darkness at Demon Summit is an interesting one.”

Currently, within Void’s hall.

“I entered the dao foundation site one hundred years ago and found certain dao remnants lingering within,” Void chuckled. “The owner’s dao is slightly unique and contains many hints of other similar daos.

“The owner of the site was the dark envoy of Skyward many years ago. His name was the Exalted Night Yin Emperor! Records say that this person destroyed a major world at his peak. He was incredibly domineering and reaped lives from the shadows. No one knew what was happening until the world collapsed. That was how dominating he was!”

Li Hao nodded. Being able to engineer the downfall of a world was strong indeed. An eighth rank... One had to know that only the Human King and his companions seemed to have destroyed a major world thus far. There were no rumors of anyone else doing so.

“Dragon Observatory is an interesting region. Many Skyward powerhouses are gathered here,” Void continued. “It contains the southern gate of the major world... Typically speaking, a world’s heavyweights are usually scattered all over.

“However, there is a large number gathered in the south. Apart from the dao foundation sites of Coiled Dragon Well, the volcano, and Demon Summit, there are some other zones of dao foundation that high ranks might congregate at.”

Why were they all in the south?

Li Hao sank into deep thought.

“It’s even said that the master of Skyward cultivated in the south as well. No one’s discovered his dao foundation yet. Additionally, the south faces Red Moon Region!” Void hummed with thought. “I don’t know if there’s a connection between the two. Or perhaps there’s a connection to New Martial?”

These were two eras that were not associated with each other. Skyward had stood for many years; New Martial had not even existed then. The period of the nine emperors and four sovereigns had only lasted less than two hundred thousand years, and that was relevant to Silver Moon.

It was even shorter when compared to the flow of time in the chaos—just one hundred thousand years or so.

Skyward’s powerhouses had disappeared more than one hundred thousand years ago. The two civilizations had absolutely nothing to do with each other. But for some reason, Void felt there might be a connection. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

He smiled when he saw Li Hao looked over. “It’s just speculation, but perhaps... they foresaw the future?”

Void didn’t say more in this vein as it truly was very speculative. “Setting all that aside, Demon Summit is still worth a look regardless! Additionally, the faction leader’s attitude today was a bit unusual. Be careful when you enter Demon Summit tomorrow! Dragon Observatory has been in charge of Demon Summit for many years, he might wish to test you.”

“A bit unusual?” Li Hao repeated. He wasn’t familiar with this person. What was unusual about his attitude?

“Given his strong diplomatic skills, he would’ve sent an exalted emperor to welcome you today, no matter what was taking place. Dragon Observatory has sufficient exalted emperors to spare one!” explained Void. “He should not have ignored you. You know how Dragon Observatory treats exalted emperors—they show respect no matter if they can strike up a relationship or not!

“But today, knowing full well that you were coming and that you have my support, and being the one to raise the request of your visit... He sensed your presence. Could he not even divert a first rank from the duties of receiving the Utmost Dark exalted emperors?”

Li Hao’s eyebrows rose. That was true! The Dragon Observatory leader was all things to all men. It was the young man’s first time in Skyward, but he’d already formed a good opinion of the faction. Why was that?

Because of Big Claw.

His guide was enthusiastic, provided his services for free, offered treasures for free, and did this and that. This was at complete odds with how he’d been ignored for the Utmost Dark exalted emperors today.

It was normal that the Exalted Skyriver Emperor had ignored Li Hao to dance attendance on the third rank Scintillating. But today, a fifth rank stood behind the young man! And yet the Dragon Observatory leader had ignored him!

Something was very wrong with this picture!

Void had been part of Dragon Observatory for one hundred years. Surely he was more valued than a few Utmost Dark exalted emperors?

“So you’re saying that he did this on purpose?” Li Hao pondered. “That he knew we would be over?”

“It’s possible.” Void nodded. “Or he didn’t aim his actions at me, but you! He could’ve changed the time since you and Utmost Dark were arriving on the same day. The Utmost Dark welcome ceremony could be held at any time, why today?

“Your whereabouts were uncertain. Only Big Claw could be pinned down. Few are the matters that escape the leader’s attention in Dragon Observatory territory. Since Utmost Dark has just fallen to New Martial... he must suspect your identity.”

Suspect my identity? This actually makes sense.

“Just roll with the punches!” Void wasn’t too concerned. “Don’t be too worried, the leader is a very cautious guy. He won’t do anything to you without being sufficiently confident enough. He has held his position for so many years due to his vigilance.”

“I understand. Thank you for your warning, fellow daoist,” Li Hao sighed. “Being a newcomer, I don’t know anything. It’s proving hard to take a single step because of it!”

“It’ll get better,” Void laughed. “Don’t worry too much, take action when you should. There’s no need to hide too much! Geniuses are everywhere, you will not stand out because of it. All will be well so long as you do not expose your identity as the king of Silver Moon!

“Being a fifth rank, I will deter others to a certain degree. But if your identity is revealed, then not even me being a fifth rank will be of any use.”

Nothing was important so long as Li Hao’s identity remained a secret. The young man nodded and said nothing more.

The two chatted idly before Void left. Li Hao was going to venture into Demon Summit tomorrow and needed to make his preparations. The young man was left alone in the hall with his thoughts.