Chapter Forty-One: The Star Gate Appears

Starwind City’s Lord’s Mansion was heavily guarded.

“It is truly our city’s honor to have Lord Wu grace us with his presence.” The city lord’s face was full of obsequiousness. Before him stood a tall, slender man in an expensive formal suit, his face always adorned with a gentle, dignified smile that made others feel as though bathed in spring sunlight.

He was indeed worthy of being a noble from a great land; his every gesture and movement radiated a bearing that made the city lord of Starwind feel inferior.

The Wu family of Raven Seat was a powerful clan.

Lord Wu smiled faintly. “You are too courteous, city lord. With this Star Gate, it means a stable source of wealth. I should be thanking you! Starwind City is a wonderful place—even the air carries the scent of money.”

The city lord’s smile grew so broad his eyes nearly closed. “Let’s prosper together!”

When Lord Wu had come to him, he could hardly believe it. Yet, Lord Wu had indeed discovered a Star Gate near Starwind City. By contract, the Star Gate would be co-owned by him and Lord Wu.

Every Star Gate was a gateway to riches.

“So, when shall we begin our exploration?” The city lord looked at Lord Wu with eager eyes.

“The sooner, the better!” Lord Wu took a delicate sip of his tea.

“Then I’ll start assembling the guard squad!” The city lord rubbed his hands in anticipation.

Lord Wu set down his teacup. “I have an idea. I hear your city’s Starwind Martial Tournament is about to begin.”

The city lord looked somewhat proud. “I didn’t expect even Lord Wu to know of the Starwind Martial Tournament. The competition has gained a bit of renown nowadays.”

“What a perfect opportunity,” Lord Wu smiled. “I believe there is nowhere on Wu’an Star with more experts than at the Starwind Martial Tournament.”

“What do you mean, Lord Wu?” The city lord hesitated.

“Why not let them test the waters first? So many experts, only to perform in a tournament—it’s such a waste!” Lord Wu’s face showed deep regret. “They could be the first wave of pioneers.”

“That might be too dangerous,” the city lord wavered.

“As long as they don’t go too far in, the danger is minimal. To be frank, their skills likely surpass your own guards.” Lord Wu glanced at the city lord. “Starwind City used to hold nothing of interest, but now, as your partner, I must remind you: possessing a Star Gate will make many jealous. Wealth always attracts reckless souls like moths to flame. Holding Starwind City is now your highest priority.”

The city lord’s expression flickered; Lord Wu’s words struck a chord. In the past, Starwind City was an academy city, with little profit and few conflicts.

But now…

“After so many years of generosity, city lord, it’s time for you to reap the rewards.” Lord Wu smiled. “With great rewards come brave men. They’ll willingly seek greater compensation; it’s good for them, too. On behalf of the Wu family, I’m willing to donate a bronze secret treasure—the Raven Wing Spear—for this tournament.”

The city lord’s face brightened. “Lord Wu, you are indeed generous! So be it, then!”

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Tang Tian and Amory vanished into the crowd, accompanied by Zhou Peng’s shrieking.

“I’ll kill him! Kill him!” Zhou Peng’s uncontrolled screams echoed behind them, while Tang Tian and Amory laughed heartily.

“Basic Tang, I never expected you to be such a despicable, cunning, and sly fellow!” Amory put on a stern face and spoke solemnly, but then broke into a bright grin. “Haha, but it felt so good! You used the Crane Qi Technique in such a sneaky way—truly a man like a god! Zhou Peng, that mama’s boy, nearly soiled himself!”

“Fly-cow, to make such a disgusting person even more disgusting in words, you really are my best comrade!” Tang Tian mimicked Amory’s serious tone.

The two exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

“The wooden man beside Zhou Peng seemed pretty formidable,” Amory recalled.

“Who cares, worst case, we’ll just fight him,” Tang Tian said nonchalantly, then looked at Amory in surprise. “Fly-cow, are you afraid of him?”

“Afraid?” Amory’s bull eyes widened, and he suddenly raised his knife, jumping with anger. “Basic Tang, you insult a man striving to pioneer his own martial path! Only a duel can wash away such disgrace…”

Bang.

A fist landed atop Amory’s head.

“Seems your spirits are high!” Old Wei appeared suddenly, exuding murderous intent.

Amory shrank his neck.

“There’s been a development,” Old Wei’s expression grew serious, his voice lowered. “This Starwind Martial Tournament is different from before.”

“Different?” Tang Tian and Amory looked up in unison.

“A new Star Gate was found near the tournament city,” Old Wei said gravely.

“What! A Star Gate?” Tang Tian’s mouth hung open, stunned, before he finally reacted. “Where does the Star Gate lead?”

“The unknown,” Old Wei shook his head. “That’s why the city lord decided to let you all pioneer it.”

“Us?” Tang Tian and Amory were dumbfounded.

“Though you’re rookies, you only lack combat experience. Your strength is above most outside experts. Plus, most of Wu’an Star’s experts are here for the tournament. The city lord has come up with a brilliant plan.” Old Wei’s eyes gleamed. “But since you’re rookies, casualties may be high. So the city lord requires teams by academy. The top ten will receive the first batch of passes. Furthermore, regardless of final ranking, all gains from this tournament belong to the participants. It’s a ruthless move.”

Tang Tian and Amory listened, bewildered.

“As long as you know how valuable the passes are,” Old Wei muttered. “Looks like I’ll have to roll up my sleeves this time. If I snag a pass, Shaqima Academy won’t have to worry about food and drink for the next ten years!”

“Old man, you’re joining us?” Tang Tian and Amory asked excitedly.

“I’m in!” Old Wei replied resolutely.

“Whoa!”

“Hooray!”

The two raised their arms in celebration.

Yet Old Wei showed no excitement, his eyes flickering with faint concern.

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The city lord’s sudden announcement about the Star Gate sent Starwind City into a frenzy.

A brand new Star Gate meant immense and stable income.

Where did the Star Gate lead? What was there?

Everyone was filled with curiosity, especially after the city lord announced the pass regulations. Not only did no one withdraw, but countless people flocked to the lord’s mansion, eager to join the tournament. Pioneering was dangerous, but it often meant opportunity and wealth.

Moreover, a pass meant a share in the future development of the Star Gate.

It promised long-term, stable returns.

“The city lord is truly a master at management,” Lord Wu watched the frenzied crowd outside, full of admiration. “Without spending a thing, he’s got everyone scrambling.”

The city lord laughed heartily. “It was you who enlightened me, Lord Wu. Since we hold the rights to the Star Gate, why not let everyone help develop it? They’ll take a share, but this way, anyone who tries to wrest it from us will face everyone as their enemy. It’ll also speed up development—why not?”

“Your wisdom eclipses the very sun,” Lord Wu flattered.

“But this time, I fear many will die,” the city lord sighed softly.

“Wealth always comes with blood—if not ours, then someone else’s,” Lord Wu smiled. “Let others bleed, and we profit.”

The city lord clapped and laughed. “Haha, beautifully said!”

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“This is an opportunity!” The Grand Elder’s face was flushed with excitement. “Who would have thought there was an undiscovered Star Gate in our Starwind City! Haha, heaven favors the Zhou family! This time, no matter what, we must secure a pass.”

Zhou Peng’s hand was wrapped in bandages; he remained silent, his expression dark.

“We’ve reached an agreement with Ander Academy to join forces,” the Zhou family head said respectfully. “Once a pass is secured, both sides will share access. We’re deploying six experts.”

The Grand Elder nodded in satisfaction, his gaze landing on the gloomy Zhou Peng. He spoke coldly, “This setback is nothing. Soon, you’ll have your chance for revenge.”

A spark lit Zhou Peng’s eyes; he clenched his fists tightly.

“Good, you still have fight in you.” The Grand Elder nodded, producing a silver card. “This fourth-tier silver Soul-Seeker Spear soul general card was obtained in my youth, crafted by the legendary spear master Yang Yun. Unfortunately, no one in our family has trained in spear arts, so it can only be used to summon a soul general. It will keep you safe for the next month.”

With a flick of the Grand Elder’s hand, the silver card turned to a streak of light and landed in Zhou Peng’s hand.

The family head was overjoyed. “Thank you, Grand Elder! Peng will continue to strive for greater heights.”

The Grand Elder smiled. “Summon it—honestly, I’m curious what Yang Yun’s Soul-Seeker Spear looks like.”

Everyone’s eyes focused on Zhou Peng. Yang Yun, two centuries ago, was a master of spear arts, famed for the Soul-Seeker Spear.

Zhou Peng’s face showed delight. He gritted his teeth, slid his finger along the card’s edge. The thin card instantly cut his finger, blood staining the soul general card.

Hiss!

Threads of blood were drawn in, absorbed into the forehead depicted on the card.

Whoosh!

The air in the hall suddenly cooled; the soul general card shattered with a sharp sound, dissolving into a mass of gray mist that churned and shifted.

When the mist dissipated, a youth stood with expressionless face, eyes closed, spear in hand. Though lifelike, it was clear he was not quite human—his demeanor indifferent, his skin and clothing like gray glass.

This was a soul general!

The soul general floated a foot above the ground.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes.

Boom! A ferocious aura swept out from the soul general, like a storm, engulfing every corner of the hall.

Everyone changed color.

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PS: I recommend the book “Iron-Blooded Evil God” by Red Eyes.