Chapter 42

At the Starwind City Lord's residence, the guards were on high alert.

"The visit of Lord Wu is truly an honor for our Starwind City." The city lord's face was full of flattery. In front of him stood a tall, slender man in expensive formal attire, his face always wearing a gentle smile, making people feel as if they were basking in a warm breeze.

Indeed, he was worthy of being a noble from a major place; his every move exuded grace, making the Starwind City Lord feel inferior.

The Wu Clan of the Crow Constellation was a large clan.

Lord Wu smiled slightly, "Lord, you are too kind. With this stargate, it means a steady source of wealth. I should thank you! Starwind City is a great place; even the air is filled with the scent of money."

The city lord's eyes squinted with a smile, "Let's get rich together, let's get rich together!"

When Lord Wu came to see him, he didn't believe it. Unexpectedly, Lord Wu really found a stargate near Starwind City. According to the contract, the stargate would be jointly owned by both of them.

Each stargate was a gateway to wealth.

"When do we start exploring?" The city lord looked at Lord Wu with eager eyes.

"Of course, the sooner the better!" Lord Wu sipped a mouthful of clear tea.

"I'll start forming the guard team!" The city lord rubbed his hands together.

Lord Wu put down his teacup, "I have an idea. I heard that the Starwind Martial Competition in your city is about to begin."

The city lord was somewhat proud, "I didn't expect even Lord Wu to know about the Starwind Martial Competition. This competition has gained some influence now."

"What a great opportunity this is." Lord Wu smiled, "I think there are no more experts on Wu'an Star than at the Starwind Martial Competition."

"What do you mean, Lord Wu?" The city lord was somewhat hesitant.

"Why don't we let them test the waters first? It's such a waste to have so many experts just for a competition!" Lord Wu looked pained, "They can be the first wave of pioneers."

"That would be too dangerous," the city lord said hesitantly.

"As long as they don't go too deep, there won't be much danger. Their strength, to put it bluntly, is probably even better than your guard team." Lord Wu glanced at the city lord, "In the past, Starwind City had nothing worth coveting. Now, as your partner, I must remind you that a city with a stargate will make many people envious. Wealth always attracts desperate people. Controlling Starwind City is your top priority now."

The city lord's face was uncertain, but the other party's words hit the mark.

In the past, Starwind City was a city of academies, with no significant interests, and thus no disputes.

But now...

"Lord, after so many years of generosity, it's time for the harvest." Lord Wu smiled, "Great rewards bring forth brave men. If they are willing, they can get more rewards, which is good for them. I am willing to donate a bronze secret treasure, the Crow Wing Spear, on behalf of our Wu family for this martial competition."

The city lord's face relaxed, "Lord Wu is indeed generous. Good! If so, let's do it!"

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Tang Tian and Amoli disappeared into the crowd amidst Zhou Peng's screams.

"I will kill him! Kill him!"

Zhou Peng's out-of-control screams came from behind, and Tang Tian and Amoli burst into laughter.

"Basic Tang, I never thought you were such a despicable, cunning, and treacherous little man!" Amoli put on a serious face, but then he beamed, "Ha, but it feels great! You can use the Crane Qi Technique so deviously, truly a god-like man! Zhou Peng, that sissy, almost wet his pants!"

"Fly Cow, to be able to make such a disgusting person even more disgusting, you truly are a good comrade!" Tang Tian mimicked Amoli's serious tone.

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.

"That wooden guy by Zhou Peng seems pretty strong," Amoli said with a nostalgic look.

"Who cares, we can just have a fight if it comes to that." Tang Tian said nonchalantly, then looked at Amoli in surprise, "Fly Cow, are you afraid of him?"

"Afraid of him?" Amoli's eyes widened, and he raised his knife, raging, "Basic Tang, you are insulting a man who is determined to create his own martial path. Only a duel can wash away such a disgrace..."

Bang.

A fist hit Amoli on the head.

"Looks like you're in high spirits!" Old Wei appeared with a murderous look.

Amoli immediately shrank his neck.

"The situation has changed," Old Wei's expression became serious, and he lowered his voice, "This Starwind Martial Competition is different from before."

"Different?" Tang Tian and Amoli looked up in unison.

"A new stargate has been discovered near the competition city," Old Wei said solemnly.

"Ah! A stargate?" Tang Tian opened his mouth wide, looking dazed. After a moment, he reacted, "Where does the stargate lead?"

"Unknown." Old Wei shook his head, "So the city lord decided to send you to explore."

"Us?" Tang Tian and Amoli were stunned.

"Although you are rookies, you lack only practical experience. Your strength is still better than most ordinary experts outside. Moreover, most of the experts on Wu'an Star have come to the Starwind Martial Competition. The city lord had a brilliant idea." Old Wei's eyes flickered, "But as rookies, there will likely be many casualties. So the city lord requires that the teams be formed by schools. The top ten will get the first batch of passes. And regardless of the final ranking, all the gains from this competition will belong to the participants. This is a ruthless move."

Tang Tian and Amoli looked bewildered.

"Just know that the passes are very valuable," Old Wei muttered, "It seems I have to join in this time. Getting a pass will ensure that the Sachima Academy won't worry about food and drink for the next ten years!"

"Old man, are you going with us?" Tang Tian and Amoli were excited.

"Of course!" Old Wei said decisively.

"Wow!"

"Hurrah!"

The two raised their arms and cheered.

Old Wei, however, did not look excited, a faint worry flashing in his eyes.

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The sudden announcement of the stargate by the city lord immediately set Starwind City ablaze.

A new stargate meant a huge and steady income.

Where does the stargate lead? What is there?

Everyone was filled with curiosity, especially after the city lord announced the rules for the passes. Not only did no one withdraw, but countless people flocked to the city lord's residence, hoping to participate in the competition. Although exploration was dangerous, it often meant opportunities and wealth.

And the passes meant a share in the future development of the stargate.

This would be a long-term and stable benefit.

"The city lord is indeed skilled in management," Lord Wu looked at the frenzied crowd outside, his face full of admiration, "He got everyone to fight for it without spending a penny."

The city lord laughed, "It was Lord Wu who enlightened me. Since we own the stargate, why not let everyone develop it together? Although they will take some of the benefits, it means that anyone who tries to take it from us will be the enemy of all. It will also speed up the development process. Why not?"

"Your wisdom outshines the sun," Lord Wu flattered.

"Only this time, many people will likely die," the city lord sighed softly.

"Wealth always comes with blood, whether it's our own or others'," Lord Wu smiled, "Let others bleed, and we will make money."

The city lord clapped his hands and laughed, "Ha, what a great saying!"

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"This is an opportunity!" The senior clan elder's face was excited, "I never thought that our Starwind City still had an undiscovered stargate! Ha, it's truly a blessing for the Zhou family! This time, no matter what, we must get a pass."

Zhou Peng, with bandages on his hand, remained silent, his face dark.

"We have already reached an agreement with Ande Academy to work together," the head of the Zhou family said respectfully, "Once we get the pass, both sides will share the passage rights. We will use a total of six experts."

The senior clan elder nodded in satisfaction. His gaze fell on Zhou Peng, who looked gloomy, and he said coldly, "What is a little setback? You will soon have a chance for revenge."

Zhou Peng's eyes lit up, and he clenched his fists tightly.

"Good, you still have the fighting spirit," the senior elder nodded. He took out a silver card, "This is a fourth-stage silver Soul Spear card I obtained in my youth, made by the spear master Yang Yun. Unfortunately, our Zhou family has no descendants who practice spear techniques, so it can only be used to summon a soul general. This will ensure your safety for the next month."

The senior clan elder's finger trembled, and the silver card turned into a silver light, landing in Zhou Peng's hand.

The head of the Zhou family was overjoyed, "Thank you, Senior! Peng will continue to work hard and strive for greater heights."

The senior clan elder smiled, "Summon it and let me see. To be honest, I am also very curious about what Master Yang Yun's Soul Spear looks like."

Everyone's eyes focused on Zhou Peng. Yang Yun was a spear master from two hundred years ago, and his most famous technique was the Soul Spear.

Zhou Peng's face showed surprise. He bit his lip and ran his finger along the edge of the card. The thin card instantly cut his finger, and blood stained the soul general card.

Sss!

Strands of blood were suddenly drawn into the forehead of the soul general card.

Whoosh!

The temperature in the hall suddenly dropped. The soul general card shattered, turning into a gray mist that swirled and changed.

As the gray mist dissipated, a young man with a blank expression stood with his eyes closed, holding a spear. Although the young man looked lifelike, it was clear that he was different from a real person, with a cold, gray-glass-like appearance.

This was the soul general!

The soul general's feet were a foot off the ground, floating in the air.

The soul general suddenly opened his eyes.

Boom! A fierce and overwhelming aura radiated from the soul general, sweeping through every corner of the hall like a storm.

Everyone's faces changed!