Star Gate

Chapter 575: What One Sees and Hears (II)

Li Hao had collected quite a few from killing a lot of people in recent times. The stones that he’d consumed over two days of rest and recovery were from Hong Yitang and Light Sword. He hadn’t had to dip into his stores for the two, just added his fee to his reserves.

A large mountain range came into view as he cultivated. It was like a line dividing the eastern and northern continents. This range was known as the Kui Mountains. [1] Li Hao didn’t know why it was called that. It was what the books told him, he didn’t pay it much heed.

There were major monster spirits in the Ash Mountain of Silver Moon. Given the dense concentration of mysterious power in the east, there might be the same in the Kui Mountains. Li Hao kept a sharp eye out and paid more attention to his surroundings.

“Be careful,” he cautioned. “Avoid any major monster spirits you run into. Your nose is keen, so you should be able to sniff them out!”

“Arf arf!” Panther nodded with some anticipation. It’d yet to see any major monster spirits. What were they like? Were there any dog spirits like him?

While Li Hao had met major monster spirits before, he only knew of one dog spirit.

......

The Kui Mountains sprawled like a long snake crawling through the underbrush. Twisting and turning, they wound through thousands of kilometers. It wasn’t majestic when viewed on a map, but facing the mountains in person made one peer into the distant sky for their peaks. They were imposing when compared to humans.

Panther jumped into the air, eschewing the usual paths. Mountain paths or not, everything was a road for a monster spirit of the dog’s level! It would cross right over the mountain!

There were people at the foot of the mountain, possibly nearby residents. A voice rang in Li Hao’s ear, “Daddy, there’s gods overhead!”

“What bullshit are you talking about...” A shrill cry rang out. “Run! It’s a monster spirit!”

“......” Li Hao was soul weary. If he really was a monster spirit, the scream would’ve drawn his attention and he would’ve eaten the humans.

He couldn’t be bothered with the reaction; in his current state, he wasn’t afraid of being seen by others. Of course, that was limited to only mundanes. Ordinary people would likely remain in one continent for the rest of their lives, never to travel to another.

......

At the same time.

A massive snake in the Kui Mountains opened its eyes. There were horns on its head as it was evolving toward a scaled-dragon. A ruthless glint shown out of its emotionless eyes. Its massive body threaded through the mountain and swiftly coiled in a certain direction. It proceeded at a very fast pace!

After it passed through a steep peak, it paused to wait. The giant snake eventually saw a dog running at top speed.

Panther!

Li Hao hadn’t noticed the monster spirit yet, he only did when he opened his eyes again later and looked into the distance. A keen light glittered out of them as he cursed under his breath. Panth you idiot! Is your nose malfunctioning??

There was a gigantic snake not too far from them, one bigger than the one in Ash Mountain. It was coiled off to the side like a small mountain itself. The young man had thought it was a small mountain peak at first and only noticed a piercing hue around it when he took a close look.

It was the same as the major monster spirits of Ash Mountain, one in metamorphosis!

Li Hao felt a headache setting in. How had they just barged straight into someone’s territory?

Panther seemed to see it as well and flicked a confused glance in the snake’s direction. So this was a monster spirit? This was its first time seeing one, how fascinating. It was so big! Panther found itself so much smaller in comparison. What Li Hao said about losing weight was all bullshit!

The dog was only curious and not afraid. Not only did it not retreat, but it ran in the snake’s direction.

“Arf arf arf!”

Li Hao was about to cuss at the dog when the giant snake suddenly shrank in on itself and looked at the two intruders. “The Kui Mountains are my territory. Which descendant of ancient monster spirits have barged into my domain?”

The young man jerked with shock! Da hell? What the heck is this, a monster spirit that says hello? The four in Ash Mountain didn’t even emit a fart, much less greet us, until Hong Yitang beat their faces in.

This major monster spirit had voluntarily addressed them!

“I’m just passing by! I’m headed to the eastern continent and do not mean to disturb!” Li Hao answered with a mental ripple that carried an ancient flair. He didn’t mean to do so, cross his heart, it was just that he was used to communicating with the little tree, Golden Armors, and Silver Armors with his mind. Hence, he’d developed a habit of mentally speaking with an ancient tone.

Shock colored the snake’s giant eyes. The dog really was a descendant of an ancient monster spirit! Then was the human from an ancient clan as well?

The snake looked at Li Hao, then at Panther. “What ancient clan might the esteemed visitor hail from? This minor spirit resides in Kui Mountain and possesses an incomplete heritage. I am now to shed my skin to become a dragon, but have no indication as to the proper method. Might the esteemed one advise a pointer or two?”

Li Hao blinked with complete surprise. A snake... had blocked his way... to ask... if he could help it become a dragon...

Wat.

You’re turning into a dragon? I’ve never seen dragons, how am I supposed to advise you? And, is it proper to ask me this as soon as you see me?

Li Hao looked strangely at the snake, which seemed to guess at some of the young man’s thoughts.

“Has this minor spirit given offense to the esteemed one? I do not mean to be impolite. Another esteemed one once bequeathed instructions to me and said that he did not know the method for draconic transformation. Only those with ancient monster spirit heritage or human clan inheritance would know it. He was not familiar with monster spirits and I see that you travel with the descendent of an ancient monster spirit...”

“How... many years ago did you meet that one?” Li Hao blinked.

“Many years ago!”

No shit, of course it’s many years ago. I’m just wondering how long ago that was since it’s only been twenty years after the appearance of the supernatural. It turns out that there were people who knew about ancient monster spirit heritage a long time ago.

The other part of being from an ancient clan was nonsense. It was true for Li Hao, but he was the only one left of the ancient Li clan. He himself was no clan and he had no inheritance, just a sword.

“I don’t know the draconic transformation method either!” The young man had to respond upon realizing that the snake didn’t possess more useful information. “My steed received pointers from a supreme expert in Battle Heaven that also helped activate its bloodline.”

“Battle Heaven?”

“One of the eight cities of the New Martial era, do you know of it?”

The snake simply found their conversation marvelous and uncommonly deep. It was a bit lost before responding, “I think I have heard of it. The esteemed one of yesteryear mentioned that eight cities stand in Silver Moon. Can it be...”

“You know of the eight cities?” Li Hao jerked to a standstill. “Who was that person?”

“This minor spirit does not know his name. Is Battle Heaven one of the eight cities?”

“That is correct!”

The big snake grew ever more respectful and looked enviously at Panther. “Bloodline activation for a descendant of ancient monster spirits... The strength of this bloodline is not something that those of my kind can measure up to. What a pity and how sad that my bloodline is so weak it probably cannot be activated...

“Esteemed one... can this minor spirit... visit... Battle Heaven?”

Li Hao was still reeling from the latest developments. He didn’t know why a snake had appeared out of nowhere, why it wanted to be taught as soon as it appeared, and how it was actually excited when he had no choice but to mention Battle Heaven.

What in the heavens was going on, and who had instructed the snake back in the day?

“You can... but not right now, it’s closed its gates!” Li Hao spoke rapidly. “I am a troop leader of Battle Heaven and I am on a mission. I’m afraid I am unable to assist Brother Monster Spirit as well. But I might be able to take you there once I have completed my mission.

“Of course, I can’t guarantee that you’ll receive help. The ancient city has sealed itself away and there is such a lack of energy that the powerhouses are barely managing to revive...”

“This minor spirit understands and is already very content with the esteemed one’s kind intentions. I will not delay your mission further. Is there any place in which this minor spirit can assist?”

Li Hao felt like he was living in a delusion! Why was this happening and how was this monster spirit wanting to help him?

“It’s fine, I’m carrying out a critical mission for the military. Those who are not of the city cannot participate!” The young man thought rapidly. “Of course, if Brother Monster Spirit is of a mind to, I might ask for your help after I complete my mission. Strong enemies may chase me back here, but you seem to be of the metamorphosis level. If you encounter strong enemies...”

“I will help with all that I can if you have the need!” The giant snake quickly responded with utmost politeness. “This is the Kui Mountains and I am not alone. There are several powerhouses among the viper spirits. Although we cannot compare to an ancient bloodline, we can still stop some people.”

“Then I must continue my mission.” Li Hao was starting to feel guilty, so he didn’t continue the conversation. “I thank you for your help and will discuss your matter further when I have finished my mission!”

“My deepest thanks to the esteemed one!” The snake even lowered its head to send off Li Hao and Panther. It looked in their direction with appreciation after the duo was out of sight. What a strong ancient monster spirit bloodline! The ancient civilization has awakened again! It’s just like the esteemed one before said, this world will be overturned sooner or later. But I am still a viper at the moment and have not completed my transformation. I need help from a strong ancient monster spirit if I’m to leap over the dragon gate.

To think that I’d gain so much after a quick nap! I ran into an ancient monster spirit and someone from an ancient clan who looks like they’re very young!

Battle Heaven... one of the eight cities... Is he from Silver Moon of the north?

It was said that powerhouses were as plentiful as the clouds in Silver Moon and heavily ostracized outsiders. The snake knew of Silver Moon, but had never dared to visit. What a surprise it was to meet an ancient heir from the province and such a friendly one at that...

The snake was overjoyed! Did it have hope of becoming a dragon?

1. Kui Xing (魁星), originally called 奎星 (also kuí xīng), is also known as "Great Master Kui" or "Great Kui the Star Lord". Its literal meaning is "Chief Star" and anciently referred to the \'spoon\' of the Big Dipper. Kui Xing\'s original name, 奎星, is the original name of the star in the Big Dipper located furthest from the ‘handle’. ☜