Chapter 116 - 120: Friends. Your Son is Already Dead. A World Without Li Hao No More. Henceforth, Only Seek Pleasure. The Dragon Pass.

 Chapter 116: Friends

Liu Yuerong was also left speechless.

The child's prodigious talent shattered all her arguments.

She knew that no matter what she said, it would be futile, and she felt resentful.

"If Haoer has such cultivation, isn't it because of you, Second Uncle, and Fifth Uncle, changing his destiny against the heavens?" Liu Yuerong gritted out.

Li muxiu laughed angrily, "My chance to change destiny has long been used up. Jian Lan knows about this, and He Fang also knows. As for Old Five's opportunity, he has always kept it unused. It's for insurance, to be used when no one in the Li family can be of great use anymore."

"For the benefit of Haoer? Haoer doesn't need this opportunity!"

Everyone stared at Liu Yuerong, knowing that although this Second Uncle had a rather eccentric personality, he didn't lie.

Feeling the weight of everyone's gaze, Liu Yuerong suddenly understood how Li Hao must have felt under their scrutiny. She couldn't help but feel a bitter smile at the irony of the situation.

Perhaps only she could truly empathize with the child's feelings of despair at this moment.

However, she would not admit it. "Second Uncle, all this talk is just hearsay. Our Li family is so large, and even our enforcers must rely on evidence, right?"

Li Muxiu coldly replied, "I've heard of the poison Haoer mentioned before. Once consumed, it's undetectable unless an immediate inspection is conducted. This poison has been lost for many years. Long ago, the five great divine generals joined forces to eradicate it, and many ancient aristocratic families participated too. Not only were the elixir formulas destroyed, but the very earth where they were created was turned to ashes."

"I never expected this thing to still be preserved."

The older the family, the more they feared the poison elixir that could destroy divine blood. Even the royal family was wary of it.

After all, only the birth of an immortal powerhouse within a family would make them a target for such a sinister plot.

As for the other aristocratic families, they didn't even have immortals, so how could they dream of destroying their own divine blood?

"Haoer is smart, and he hasn't been able to find any evidence over the years. There's no way to leave any traces of this poison unless you admit it yourself or we pay a visit to Mount Wuliang and search the Buddha's seat."

"If you dared to poison him, you must have prepared for the worst-case scenario, right?"

Li Muxiu's cold smile as he looked at her was unnerving.

The worst-case scenario was exposure, but even then, there would be no evidence.

Liu Yuerong's heart trembled at his words, but her expression remained unchanged. "Second Uncle, you hold a high position, but you still need evidence. I've never heard of what you're accusing me of."

"Then tell me, why would Haoer wrongfully accuse you and not someone else?"

"You'll have to ask Haoer about that. I can't understand why he would feel wronged by me either."

"Good! Very good!"

Li Muxiu was enraged to the point of laughter, but since the other party refused to admit it and he had no evidence, there was little he could do.

Unless they went to Mount Wuliang.

That was the only place the culprit could have obtained the poison, and the only place where the Buddha could have hidden it for so many years without anyone finding out.

"It's laughable that the Buddha is said to enlighten all living beings. Is it enlightenment to inflict catastrophe and then offer salvation?"

Li Muxiu sneered, "To dare to plot against my Li family's true dragon is blasphemous. Starting today, your son, Li Qianfeng, will either live in Mount Wuliang and never set foot in the family home again, or he can stay in the family and never return to Mount Wuliang. Choose one of these two options!"

Liu Yuerong's face paled at his words. "Second Uncle, you can't make such a decision without any basis, let alone the fact that you're not the true dragon of the Li family. Although you are of a higher generation, do you intend to oppress us, a widow and orphan, with your seniority? How can Feng Ping's spirit rest in peace if you do this?"

"Shut up!"

Li Muxiu roared, "I disagreed with Feng Ping's choice to marry into your Liu family in the first place. Your family has held positions in the imperial court for many years, and you have no shortage of schemes and tricks. I've had my eye on you for a long time!"

"Second brother," Chen Hefang's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Today we only discuss family matters. Let's not involve too many outsiders."

Li Muxiu's face flashed with anger, but he restrained himself.

Indeed, if his words were made public, they would offend both Mount Wuliang and the literary officials in the imperial court.

It was best to keep these thoughts within the family.

However, he had to vent his anger somehow!

But given his status, a few words wouldn't cause much trouble as long as they weren't spread far and wide.

"It's useless even if you deny it," Li Muxiu said angrily. "I will definitely get to the bottom of Haoer's matter. Until then, your son won't be allowed to step out of the family!"

Liu Yuerong's voice trembled as she asked, "Second Uncle, are you bullying us, a widow and orphan? What if you never find out the truth in your lifetime and never let Qianfeng leave to cultivate?"

Li Muxiu coldly humphed, "If you're afraid, then confess and save everyone's time."

"How can I admit to something I didn't do?" Liu Yuerong asked sadly.

Seeing her attitude, Li Muxiu didn't bother to waste more words on her. He turned his gaze to Li Tiangang, who had been sitting silently, and said, "And you, Tiangang. As Haoer's father, you've never taken care of him since he was young. Has Haoer ever complained about you?"

"But now that something big has happened, you're standing against Haoer. How can you call yourself a father?"

At this moment, Li Tiangang was as silent as a stone. After a moment, he said, "Second Uncle, Haoer has a rebellious nature. I disciplined him, not because I completely distrusted him, but because he was too disrespectful to his elders!"

Looking at Li Muxiu, he continued, "If he had discussed it with me properly, I would have stood up for him. But he directly attacked me. Do you think that's right?"

Li Muxiu angrily retorted, "With your attitude and temper, don't you think Haoer could see right through you? Talking to you is useless!"

"You say you want to stand up for him. How would you do that? Show me how you would do it now!"

Li Tiangang heard the ridicule in his words but kept his expression neutral as he said, "Naturally, we would conduct a thorough investigation. If Second Aunt is truly guilty, we would punish her according to the crime and then seal her cultivation with the family law."

Li Muxiu coldly smiled, "This venomous woman is a command princess, a first-rank imperial concubine, with a status equal to Jian Lan's. How long do you think it would take to go through the proper procedures and investigate her?"

"In that case, she would still be living a life of wealth and honor within the Divine General's Mansion. How could Haoer possibly swallow this grudge?" Li Tiangang added.

"So, he has to break the law and kill them?" Li Muxiu turned to Li Tiangang, his eyes narrowing. "Are you suggesting that I stand idly by and watch as they, a widowed mother and her child, are murdered by him?"

"You!" Li Tiangang exclaimed, his anger rising. "You're usually quite clever when it comes to military strategies, but in this matter, you're being foolish. Whether it's punishment or death, all you need to do is let Haoer have his way. Is that so difficult?"

"That unfilial son even dared to raise his hand against me. His temper is too fiery, and I can't just let it go," Li Tiangang retorted coldly.

"Second Uncle," Li Muxiu said with a sneer, "I will get to the bottom of Haoer's situation, and I will give you all an explanation. Our Li family will never tolerate or condone any wrongdoing!"

Although he didn't explicitly state it, his implication was clear—as the true dragon presiding over the family, he was the one who held the real power in this generation! While Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng had higher statuses, within the family, their seniority was only worthy of respect and did not supersede that of the clan head.

It was akin to an emperor's uncle being the national uncle; he might hold a high position, but trying to advise or correct the emperor was another matter entirely.

Li Muxiu's expression darkened as he heard this, knowing that he couldn't go against Li Tiangang's assertion of his role.

Otherwise, the older generation would always have the final say, rendering the position of clan head a mere joke.

After all, whoever lived the longest would eventually assume control, creating a vicious cycle. Everyone feared death, and no one would willingly rush to the front lines, let alone uphold the legacy of the aristocratic family!

"If your father were still alive, he would be disappointed in you," Li Muxiu said before turning to leave, his final words hanging in the air.

Even he was helpless in the face of Liu Yuerong's situation. The Divine General's Mansion had to abide by the law, and with her holding the mandate of the Empress, the process through the imperial court would be lengthy.

As for severe punishment under family law, it was feasible, but it required Li Tiangang's consent, which he was currently withholding.

"Yuerong, it's best to be truthful about this matter. That way, Qianfeng will still have a place in the mansion," Chen Hefang said to Liu Yuerong after Li Muxiu had left.

"Mother, don't you trust me either?" Liu Yuerong asked bitterly, her eyes fixed on her mother.

Chen Hefang gazed back at her daughter, and after a long silence, she heaved a deep sigh.

...

...

News of the fierce battle between the father and son of the Li family quickly spread throughout Qingzhou.

The fight had affected the entire city, and many had witnessed it firsthand, making it impossible to keep the incident under wraps.

Speculation ran rampant in teahouses and taverns, fueled by the presence of numerous guests during the true dragon's judgment, and various details had leaked out.

Some of the information was true, while others were false or exaggerated.

One rumor claimed that Li Hao had seized control of the true dragon and intended to kill his brother and father to unify the Li family.

Another story suggested that the young master of the Li family had drunk too much at the gathering and spoken nonsense, sparking the conflict.

There was also a tale that Li Hao resented his father for guarding the border and not returning home for over a decade, leading to his angry outburst.

Even more fantastical was the rumor that Li Tiangang had fathered an illegitimate child during his fourteen years in Yanbei, and when Li Hao discovered this, it triggered the explosive father-son clash.

Regardless of the variation, each story seemed to have a ring of truth to it, making it difficult to discern fact from fiction, and the tales only grew more elaborate with each retelling.

However, amidst all the speculation, one question remained on everyone's minds: What punishment would Li Hao ultimately receive? Some elders opined that even if his father had brought home an illegitimate child, Li Hao should not have drawn his sword against his own father, as it violated the principles of filial piety and was an act of extreme unfilial behavior.

Others argued that the child was still young and could be forgiven for his transgressions.

Time marched on, and two days later, as the city buzzed with endless gossip, countless eyes turned toward the Divine General's Mansion, its tall walls seeming to ward off prying eyes.

For two days, the mansion remained eerily silent, as if it had transformed into a desolate, lifeless place.

Then, a new rumor emerged, claiming that the Martial Marquis was severely punishing his son.

...

...

At the Cold Pond within the Tan Palace Academy, Song Yufeng appeared, clad in a white robe, his demeanor reminiscent of a Taoist immortal.

He looked at the woman standing by the pond and gave a bitter laugh before approaching her. "You've heard everything, haven't you?"

"I didn't just hear about it. This city is as small as a palm, and I saw it all with my own eyes that day. The way the Demon Slayer struck his own son was truly ruthless!" Song Qiuemo replied, her face cold.

Song Yufeng sighed softly, acknowledging the truth of her words. Indeed, for someone at the Four Establishments Realm, the entire Qingzhou City was laid bare before them.

And on that day, he, too, had witnessed the events firsthand.

Letting out a sigh, Song Yufeng said, "Such a gifted child, favored by heaven. Even if he made a mistake, the punishment shouldn't be so severe. I wonder what the Martial Marquis experienced on the border that changed him so drastically."

"I don't care what he experienced. I just want him to come out alive," Song Qiuemo said, her voice cold and determined.

The two "him" in her sentence referred to different people, but they were both clear in Song Yufeng's mind.

"A tiger may be fierce, but it won't devour its own cub. You're overthinking this," Song Yufeng said with a bitter smile.

"Hmph, it's not impossible," Song Qiuemo retorted, glancing at him. "Did you come here to stop me?"

"No, of course not," Song Yufeng quickly assured her. "He is, after all, my registered disciple at Tan Palace. It's only natural that I would come to see him and, at the same time, persuade him to return to his classes. That's reasonable, isn't it?"

Song Qiuemo rolled her eyes at him, but her expression softened slightly. "Since that's the case, let's not delay any further. We should go there as soon as possible."

"Going there is fine, but you have to promise that we're only there to persuade him. We mustn't take any action, as this is ultimately their family matter," Song Yufeng hastily added.

"You keep saying that, and it seems like you still don't trust me," Song Qiuemo said, a hint of displeasure in her voice.

"That's not what I meant..." Song Yufeng began to explain.

"If he's your registered disciple, why didn't you go see him earlier?" Song Qiuemo interrupted.

"I've said it before—I prefer to provide help when it's snowing, not when things are going well," Song Yufeng replied, quoting his earlier words. 

 Chapter 117: Your Son is Already Dead (Backfill 625)

Within the Divine General Mansion, in the Mountains and Rivers Court.

In an extravagant and luxurious chamber, a young man slowly awoke on a soft bed.

Li Hao had a dream where his body felt weightless as he soared through the heavens and the earth.

He leaped over grasslands, rivers, and lakes, flying alongside birds and roaming through the grand landscapes.

Countless streams converged, gradually forming an ancient character.

This character was his name.

Then Li Hao woke up. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a concerned elderly face hovering before him.

"Hao'er!"

LiMuxiu exclaimed in surprise and quickly asked, "You're finally awake. Are you feeling better?"

Over the past two days, Li Hao's body had been cleaned and bathed by the attendant Qingzhi, removing all traces of blood. He had also been changed into clean clothes, and his broken flesh and ruptured ribs were slowly healing under LiMuxiu and the divine doctor's periodic examinations.

It was indeed a miraculous 'Immortal Realm' ability of the Three Immortals that such severe injuries could heal on their own. And yet, Li Hao, who had not attained this level, possessed this unique constitution.

"Where is this place...?"

Li Hao's confused gaze gradually focused, and soon his expression changed as he recognized his own room.

So, he was still in the Divine General Mansion?

He quickly sat up in bed, but as he moved, the unhealed ribs in his chest sent stabbing pains through his body, and the wounds slightly reopened, oozing fresh blood.

The pristine white clothes he had changed into were soon stained red.

"Hao'er, rest first," LiMuxiu hurriedly said.

But Li Hao had already sat up. He took a moment to catch his breath and looked at the anxious Second Master, his gaze sweeping the room. Besides the Second Master, there was only Qingzhi, and no one else.

Noticing Li Hao's gaze, LiMuxiu said, "Your Fifth Master is still guarding the ancestral hall, but he can sense any disturbances here."

Li Hao smiled slightly and nodded. Then, he released his spirit, which emerged from his body and roamed through the Mountains and Rivers Court. In the courtyard, he saw Li Yuanzhao, who looked apprehensive and anxious, as well as Bian Ruxue.

In addition, he also spotted Li Wushuang pacing outside, along with his sister, Li Zhining.

And in a corner, Li Hao finally saw Little White Fox's figure. It was hiding among some flowers and grasses, and its wounds seemed to have healed.

Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief and retracted his spirit back into his body. Smiling, he said, "Thank you, Second Master, for saving my life."

LiMuxiu's face twitched, and he said in a low voice, "Hao'er, your father didn't really intend to kill you. He was just momentarily insane. You are father and son, and..."

He suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

He had wanted to say, "Please try to understand him."

Ultimately, LiMuxiu hoped for harmony between this father and son.

However, facing a pale-faced and severely injured child and asking him to empathize with such an obstinate father felt cruel.

But Li Hao had already guessed the Second Master's intention from his words. He smiled faintly and said to Qingzhi on the side, "Help me get my outer clothes."

Qingzhi's face lit up with joy at seeing Li Hao awake, and the traces of exhaustion on her face faded as she quickly nodded.

"Hao'er, what are you doing? Your injuries haven't fully healed yet. Rest first," LiMuxiu hurriedly said.

Li Hao shook his head slightly and suddenly remembered something. He asked, "Second Master, do you know about my mother? She's from the Great Wilderness Heaven, isn't she?"

LiMuxiu was taken aback. "Who told you about this? Was it Li Tiangang?"

Hearing those two words, Li Hao's eyebrows instinctively furrowed, and he shook his head. "Second Master, please tell me about it."

Assuming that Li Hao already knew everything, LiMuxiu sighed. "Your mother's identity is complicated. Indeed, she is from the Great Wilderness Heaven, and it was an accident that brought her together with your father. At the time, everyone disapproved of their marriage, but in the end, no one wanted to separate this pair of star-crossed lovers."

Li Hao's lips twitched, but he remained silent.

"You're not thinking of going to look for your mother, are you?" LiMuxiu blurted out.

Li Hao was startled. "Didn't my mother die?"

"Hmm?"

LiMuxiu was also stunned and immediately realized his slip of the tongue. He fell silent, embarrassed.

Noticing the change in LiMuxiu's expression, Li Hao asked anxiously, "Second Master, you know something, don't you? Please tell me!"

LiMuxiu looked into his eyes and sighed after a moment. "It's true that you have a right to know. Your father didn't tell you, and he was right. After all, she returned to the Great Wilderness Heaven, and it's unlikely that she'll ever come out again, especially since she has been pregnant."

Li Hao's heart trembled. Was his mother still alive?

"Although your mother is alive, you two are probably destined never to meet again," LiMuxiu said to Li Hao. "Don't even think about trying to find her. The Great Wilderness Heaven is vast and boundless, and even a cultivator at the Four Establishments Realm would face extreme danger there."

LiMuxiu continued, "With your current cultivation level, entering the Great Wilderness Heaven would be a sure path to death. Moreover, even if you went, you might not be able to find her. I don't even know the location of their clan or tribe..."

Li Hao paused, then came back to his senses.

He smiled faintly and nodded. "Second Master, don't worry. I won't take any risks. Even if I wanted to go, I would at least wait until I have the ability to roam the Great Wilderness Heaven freely."

He wasn't just saying this to appease LiMuxiu; he truly meant it.

When he had first met Li Tiangang, Li Hao might have had the impulsiveness to embark on such an adventure, but now, he just wanted to live his life peacefully.

"Tiangang!" Li Muxiu exclaimed as he saw Li Tiangang approaching, accompanied by Yu Xuan, Li Fu, and Zhao Bo. Anger rose on his face as he demanded, "What's with that attitude? Can't you speak nicely to Hao'er?"

Li Tiangang's face was dark and brooding. He had also been recovering from his injuries these past two days and had regained much of his strength. With several of his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law by his side, along with the Fifth Master and Eighth Master's attempts at mediation, he had intended to ease the tension between father and son. However, seeing that Li Hao's first action upon waking was not to come see him but instead to wander around the courtyard before deciding to leave, his anger ignited once more.

"You've barely recovered, and you're already acting up again?" Li Tiangang said coldly.

Li Hao's lips curled up slightly as he turned around and gazed calmly at the man before him. "So, do you want to fight again?"

As he spoke, his aura began to stir.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Li Tiangang's face flushed with rage, but this time, he managed to restrain himself. After all, he had just gone against his heart's oath and suffered serious injuries. To engage in another fight and worsen his wounds would be foolish, especially since he had never suffered such injuries during his fourteen years in Yanbei.

"Indeed, now that you've stepped into the Heaven-Man Realm, I can no longer discipline you!" Li Tiangang's eyes were piercing as he spoke in a chilling tone.

Li Hao looked at him calmly, his heart unperturbed. "From this day forward, you no longer have the qualifications to discipline me. I am no longer your son. As I've said, your son was stabbed to death long ago."

"What do you mean?!" Li Tiangang demanded in a frigid tone.

Li Hao looked at him silently for a moment before speaking softly, "Have you forgotten? Let me remind you, then. Do you remember why Fu Bo returned?"

At these words, everyone present paused, taken aback.

Of course, Li Fu had returned because, when Li Hao was six years old, he had been attacked and enslaved by a Demon Clan. A Human Clan assassin at the Zhou Tian Realm had infiltrated the mansion and attempted to kill him.

"Your son should have died when he was six," Li Hao said flatly. "It was because of you two being stationed at the border."

"Do you think there was a high-level expert protecting me? That assassin was killed by my own hands!" Li Hao continued, his expression indifferent. "Before he died, he said that I was your weakest point. Heh, the Demon Clan thought that by trying to assassinate me, they could cause your heart to waver. Now it seems that they overestimated their abilities."

Hearing these words, everyone's eyes widened in shock, their pupils contracting as they stared at Li Hao in astonishment. 

 Chapter 118: A World Without Li Hao No More (Guaranteed Double Chapter) (Part 1)

...

Li Tiangang and the others had thought that it was due to the secret protection of elders like Li Moxiu that Li Hao had survived the assassination attempt.

Unfathomably, it was Li Hao himself who had averted the crisis?

But, at six years old?

Ordinary children only begin their cultivation journey at this age, yet Li Hao had effortlessly killed a Zhou Tian assassin.

It must be known that an assassin's surprise attack could be fatal, even for those at the same cultivation realm.

This meant that six-year-old Li Hao already possessed the strength to counter a Zhou Tian cultivator!

But... he was only six!

The group stared at Li Hao, dumbfounded and a little dazed. They had repeatedly marveled at the child's talent for cultivation, but it seemed they had still greatly underestimated him.

His monstrous talent might even surpass that of the saint son of Qiandao Palace!

Li Tiangang fell silent for a moment. Though he disliked Li Hao's personality, he had to admit that the boy's talent was unparalleled.

Li Fu suddenly recalled something and said to Li Hao, "Young Master Hao, when I secretly protected you on the way to Cangyu City for your mission, there were also those two flood dragon demons..."

"I killed them too."

Li Hao replied calmly.

Li Fu's pupils constricted, and he was stunned. During his absence, he had gone to Piaoxue Court to thank Gao Qingqing, who had looked confused, and he had wondered about it. Now he realized the problem lay elsewhere.

He had intended to protect Li Hao, but it was Li Hao who had protected him!

Li Fu sighed inwardly, feeling ashamed. He should have realized this earlier. Li Hao had revealed his fifteen-li realm cultivation in Cangyu City and had single-handedly slain a horde of demons. Those two great demons needed no assistance.

"There's more?"

Li Tiangang frowned and looked at Li Fu.

Li Fu quickly recounted the events to him, and Li Tiangang's eyes glinted with cold light. "Those demons were desperately struggling. By then, the Saint Palace had already planned to retreat, yet they still dared to attempt a last-ditch effort. How ridiculous!"

"So that's when Young Master Hao went to slay the great demons," Li Yuanzhao said, recalling the incident at the tea stall.

While they had been leisurely drinking tea and eating snacks, Li Hao had disappeared for a moment to slay two flood dragons, without making a sound.

Zhao Bo's expression was complex as he said, "In other words, if not for Young Master's strong life force and formidable strength, he would have died in those two assassination attempts."

Hearing Zhao Bo's words, Li Fu's expression changed, and Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed, his face darkening.

Normally, sending a powerful warrior like Li Fu, who had reached the Shen You realm, would have been sufficient protection.

Who would have expected the demons to be so ruthless?

Facing a six-year-old child, they had sent a Zhou Tian cultivator instead of a Tong Li cultivator, giving their target no chance at all.

Now they had sent two flood dragons to assassinate him, being extremely cautious to ensure success.

Yet Li Hao had thwarted their plans by himself.

Li Tiangang took a deep breath and said to Li Hao, "It's true that I was negligent in your protection. I didn't anticipate the demons' madness. I assumed that with the royal guards, the other concubines, and the formation arrays in the General's Mansion, the demons wouldn't be able to get close to you. I never expected you to still be in such grave danger."

Li Hao's expression was calm as he said, "It wasn't just grave danger. I would have undoubtedly died."

Hearing this, Li Tiangang's eyebrows furrowed, and he said angrily, "Are you blaming me? What do you mean by 'undoubtedly died'? You didn't die, did you?"

"You fool!"

Li Moxiu couldn't help but rebuke him. "How dare you speak like that, wishing for Hao'er's death?!"

Although Li Hao's heart had already calmed, when he heard these words, he still looked up at Li Moxiu.

But when he saw his furious expression, he felt a sense of fatigue and said indifferently, "Whether I live or die has nothing to do with you. It was my good fortune and my strength that saved me."

If not for his reincarnation and the boost from the system, Li Hao knew he would have undoubtedly died.

Although the system's issues prevented him from cultivating normally, his realm advancement speed was not affected.

After all, over the years, he had diligently gained experience, leveled up his system, and played enthusiastically, resulting in faster advancement.

According to the usual situation of the direct descendants of the Li family, even those with the poorest talent could rely on resources to reach the seventh-rank battle body.

As for those with exceptional talent, like Ninth Uncle Li Junye, they could become the millennium's first.

But what then?

Even Ninth Uncle had just begun his cultivation journey at six and couldn't have defeated a Zhou Tian cultivator!

Facing Li Moxiu's roar, Li Tiangang slightly restrained his anger, his eyes cold as he said, "Do you think you're strong enough and that you resolved the situation by yourself? How laughable!"

"You've hidden your cultivation progress even from me. I don't know who taught you!"

Although his eyes didn't look at Li Moxiu when he said this, Li Moxiu's face turned red with anger. The implication of these words was clear, and there was no need to spell it out. But when Li Hao was six years old, he hadn't even met this kid!

"You're arrogant and self-righteous, but in reality, you're foolish!"

"If you had revealed your talent earlier and not hidden it, I would have sent Yu Xuan back to protect you long ago!"

Li Tiangang said coldly, "In that case, no matter if you were six years old or on a mission in Cangyu City, Yu Xuan, as a master of the Heavenly Man Sect, could have protected you!"

"Moreover, if you had revealed your talent, you wouldn't have gone to Tan Palace. You could have become a disciple of a famous teacher and accumulated your connections, gaining the status of an heir to a major power!"

"Instead, look at you now, so carefree and unrestrained. I don't know how His Majesty saw you, but if not for the Emperor Yu's edict, you would have lost that day just based on connections. That would have been a huge joke!"

"As a genius with unparalleled talent and the number one in talent, your connections are inferior to Li Qianfeng. What would people think? Aren't you being too arrogant and reclusive?"

Li Hao narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "What others think has nothing to do with me."

"Also, if I had revealed my talent, do you think the demons would have only sent a Zhou Tian cultivator to assassinate me? If they knew that Yu Xuan was here to protect me, wouldn't they have sent an Undying cultivator instead?"

"If I had revealed my talent, wouldn't it have been reasonable for them to send an Undying cultivator, given my cultivation progress?"

Li Tiangang was slightly taken aback, and his expression changed slightly. Indeed, when it came to talent, that was true.

Given the madness of the demons, there was nothing they wouldn't do.

Moreover, they had sent a Zhou Tian cultivator to deal with a six-year-old waste child. If they had known about Li Hao's outrageous talent, the first assassination attempt might have involved a Heavenly Man or even an Undying cultivator! An assassination by an Undying cultivator would have undoubtedly succeeded unless the elders of the Li family had secretly protected him.

"In the True Dragon Competition, connections are just a sideshow. There's no need to care about them.

"There is some truth to what you say about the assassination attempts. But as members of a military family, every child of the Li family must face such dangers." Li Tiangang frowned and continued, "Tell me, which of the Li scions hasn't faced assassination attempts? Ask your Second Uncle. The demons view us as thorns in their eyes. I've even heard that some children of the older generation died soon after their birth, secretly attacked by demons lurking among the crowds while out on the streets!"

"The fact that you're still alive now is already fortunate."

A stoic expression remained on Li Hao's face as he replied, "Then being born into the Li family is truly my good fortune."

"As a scion of the Li family, is this your level of awareness?" Li Tiangang asked, his face cold.

Li Hao felt like laughing, but looking at the other man's expression, he couldn't bring himself to do so. Instead, he calmly said, "The reason I said those things is not to blame or complain, nor am I feeling aggrieved or seeking your sympathy."

"I just want to say that your son is indeed dead, and from now on, I am no longer a member of the Li family. Please step aside and stop blocking my way."

"How dare you speak to me like that?" Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed, and a chilling light radiated from them as he glared at Li Hao.

"At such a young age, the only thing you've learned is how to run away from home?"

"Run away?" Li Hao scoffed. "This is not my home. I'm just a tenant who has rented here for fourteen years. I will compensate you for all the food and drinks I've consumed during this time."

Li Moxiu glared angrily at Li Tiangang but couldn't reprimand him at the moment. Instead, he looked at Li Hao with concern and said, "Hao'er, don't be impulsive. If you don't like staying in Shanhe Manor, you can live with me in the Tingyu Pavilion from now on."

"There, no one will bother you, and no one can force you to do anything."

"With me there, I will never let you suffer any grievances again."

Li Tiangang angrily retorted, "The Tingyu Pavilion also belongs to the Li family, and the cultivation techniques within are collected by our ancestors. If he didn't rely on pills, do you think he wouldn't rely on those techniques?"

"Li Tiangang!!!" Li Moxiu roared in anger. "Are you trying to drive Hao'er away and push him to his death?!"

Li Tiangang was taken aback by his outburst but didn't back down. Instead, he angrily said, "Second Uncle, don't spoil him anymore. Does he really think that he gained this power all by himself?"

"The blood flowing in his veins is mine and Qingqing's!"

"If not for our union, would he have such monstrous talent that defies common sense?!"

"If not for the Li family's collection of cultivation techniques from all over the world, would he have such prowess?!"

"If he didn't bear the Li surname, would Emperor Yu even care about or favor him, a mere mortal?!"

As he spoke, his voice grew louder and angrier. "All the glory and honor he has achieved are because he carries the Li surname!!!"

"You... You're despicable!" Li Moxiu was so angry that he couldn't find the words to express his fury. He had never been talked back to like this by anyone, let alone this young man.

Over the years, Li Tiangang had killed countless demons on the border, and he had matured from a young man to a middle-aged one. His temper seemed to have mellowed as well.

"Uncle!" Bian Rushue and Li Yuanzhao wore worried expressions, their faces grim as they looked at Li Tiangang. However, they dared not speak up due to the overwhelming aura and dignity he exuded, which made them tremble.

"Hao'er!" Li Moxiu's eyes flashed with intense anger and disappointment as he glanced at Li Tiangang before chasing after Li Hao and blocking his path.

"Hao'er, don't be impulsive. Listen to your Second Uncle..."

"Second Uncle, let me go," Li Hao said as he raised his head, his voice calm.

Looking into the young man's eyes, Li Moxiu's heart twitched, and the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat.

Li Hao had already walked past him.

...

...

Outside the Divine General Mansion.

Aside from the curious onlookers from Qingzhou City who had gathered in this area in recent days, there was now a large group of people standing on the street outside the mansion. They exuded extraordinary auras and seemed to have come from various states.

They wore different outfits, indicating their diverse origins.

However, they all shared the same identity—disciples of the White Hall of the Tan Palace Academy, one of the top academies in the Ten States.

Only those with exceptional talent could enter the White Hall, and even though their talent might not match those of the top hereditary families, they were still considered the cream of the crop.

At this moment, they were not wearing their academy uniforms but their original clothes.

"We request an audience with Young Master Li Hao!"

"We've heard of Young Master Li Hao's peerless talent and have come to pay our respects!"

"Please allow us to enter the mansion to meet with him!"

The group continued to shout their requests outside the mansion.

They claimed to be visiting, but in reality, they were here to intercede for Li Hao.

Such a large gathering of geniuses outside the mansion attracted the attention of many onlookers, and the buzzing discussions also startled the people inside the various courtyards of the mansion.

Sitting in the Qinglian Courtyard, Chen Hefang heard the news and, with the support of the elderly housekeeper, walked out, leaning on her cane.

When the old lady appeared, the other wives from the different courtyards quickly gathered, curious to find out what was happening.

Soon, both inside and outside the mansion were filled with people.

"That's the young master of the Yu family from Qizhou."

"That's Zhao's young lady from Youzhou!"

"The Bai family from Qingzhou is here too."

"Isn't that the son of General Zhou?"

Someone in the crowd recognized the identities of these geniuses, and the wives from the various courtyards, being well-versed in such matters, were also able to discern their identities from the embroidery on their sleeves, the jade pendants at their waists, and other distinctive features.

Although the backgrounds of these geniuses were not as prominent as the Divine General's Mansion, most of them still came from well-known and influential families in their respective states.

Now, they had all come to seek Li Hao.

Previously, during the True Dragon Competition, there hadn't been nearly as many people showing up.

"Could these fellows have heard some rumors and come to plead for Li Hao?" Gao Qingqing wondered aloud.

Liu Yuerong's eyes darkened as she thought about the audit procedure that Li Tiangang had already submitted to the emperor. She knew that to avoid any suspicion of favoritism, it had been specially assigned to the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Punishment to lead the investigation team, and they were currently on their way.

Normally, the team should have arrived by now, but out of respect for her status as the Empress' sister, the Deputy Minister was taking his time, not wanting to rush the journey.

After all, this matter involved the Divine General's Mansion, and he was treading carefully, probably receiving numerous messages from the Liu family's civil officials, causing him no small amount of headache.

"Hao'er has made so many good friends, but why didn't they come visit earlier?"

"Could it be that they didn't know him before?"

Everyone was puzzled, but this possibility seemed low. After all, Li Hao's talent had already been revealed, and his name was known throughout Qingzhou. If they wanted to curry favor, they should have seized the opportunity during the True Dragon Banquet when Li Hao was at the peak of his fame, rather than now, after the father-son battle that had tarnished his reputation.

He had been the subject of much criticism lately.

After all, a battle between father and son was frowned upon, regardless of the era or the values of loyalty and filial piety.

But these people had chosen this moment to show up.

Chen Hefang tapped her cane, remaining silent, but her eyes revealed a hint of sadness. 

 She had realized that most of these young geniuses were probably true friends of that child.

Compared to those who associated with him solely for their interests, this genuine friendship was much more precious!

Just then, two figures descended from the sky and landed right outside the mansion's gate.

Looking at the magnificent and awe-inspiring Divine General's Mansion, Song Yufeng and Song Qiumo both narrowed their eyes slightly.

Then, they noticed the group of Tan Palace Academy disciples gathered outside, and Song Qiumo glanced at Song Yufeng.

Song Yufeng gave a wry smile and said, "These fellows are really causing me trouble, but at least they didn't wear the Tan Palace uniform, so they're not completely foolish."

At this moment, these geniuses were dressed in their own clothes, and some even wore jade pendants symbolizing their family identities. This made Song Yufeng feel both relieved and amused.

Song Qiumo shot him a sideways glance before turning her gaze to the mansion, her eyes gleaming with a bluish light. In her vision, the magnificent walls of the mansion were inscribed with shimmering divine light and intricate enchantments.

There were several types of enchantments, one of which was specifically designed to counter demonic beings.

If she were to step into the mansion, she would immediately trigger these enchantments, activating the formation arrays of the Divine General's Mansion!

"Greetings, Madam Chen. It's been many years since we last met."

Song Yufeng smiled at the old lady from the mansion.

His voice was not loud, but it carried clearly to everyone inside the mansion.

Upon seeing the master of Tan Palace, the wives from the various courtyards all had subtle changes in their expressions, especially when they noticed Song Qiumo by his side.

They were no strangers to this guardian beast of Tan Palace Academy.

The arrival of these two Fourth Establishment Realm powerhouses naturally drew everyone's attention.

"Song Yufeng, what brings you here with the guardian beast of Tan Palace?" Chen Hefang asked, her eyes narrowing.

Song Yufeng smiled slightly and replied, "I heard that the young master of the Divine General's Mansion, Li Hao, possesses unparalleled talent, so I wanted to come and see for myself. I hope you can grant us an audience."

Upon hearing this, the wives from the various courtyards all had slight changes in their expressions, feeling a mix of surprise and shock.

They hadn't expected these two to come for Li Hao as well.

However, remembering that Li Hao had recently enrolled in Tan Palace Academy, they quickly understood the reason for their visit.

But still, how had that child managed to gain such favor from the master of Tan Palace in such a short time? they wondered.

Was it because of his talent? they mused.

"Hao'er is resting at the moment, but if you wish to see him, you may," Chen Hefang said. She had initially wanted to say that Hao'er was recovering from his injuries but then realized that mentioning his injuries in front of so many people would only invite more gossip about the father-son battle that had brought shame to the Divine General's Mansion.

Hearing the old lady's response, Song Yufeng was slightly surprised. He had expected to have to do some persuading, but it turned out to be much easier than he anticipated.

He quickly expressed his thanks and was about to enter the mansion when a slight commotion came from inside.

The wives from the various courtyards turned to see a young figure walking towards them.

The boy's hands were empty, and at the collar of his outer garment, a faint hint of dark red could still be seen.

By his side was a familiar white-furred fox.

"Hao'er?"

Chen Hefang turned and saw Li Hao, her eyes filling with a mix of complexity and tenderness. One was her beloved son, and the other was her grandson, whom she had come to adore after meeting him not long ago. She felt pain for both of them.

"Why are you here?" she asked gently, her face full of kindness.

Li Hao glanced at the woman he considered his grandmother and, seeing the tenderness in her eyes, he sighed inwardly before calmly saying, "Grandmother, your grandson is here to bid you farewell."

"Hm?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Hefang was taken aback, and the other wives also looked at him in surprise.

A gleam appeared in Liu Yuerong's eyes as she fixed her gaze on Li Hao.

"I'm leaving, and I won't be coming back from now on," Li Hao said, bowing slightly to the old lady.

"Hao'er, are you leaving the Li family?" Chen Hefang asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

Li Hao nodded, his gaze sweeping across the other wives, and when he met Liu Yuerong's eyes, a deep murderous intent flashed in his eyes, but it quickly faded.

Li Hao raised his head and looked directly at him, his gaze unwavering. "Then what do you want?"

"If you want to leave, then return what you owe to the Li family!" Li Tiangang demanded.

"How do you intend to repay?" Li Hao asked, his voice calm.

"How do you plan to repay?" Li Tiangang sneered. "The cultivation techniques you learned from the Li family, how do you plan to give those back?"

"The precious pills used to build your foundation and refine your blood, how do you plan to compensate for those?"

"And the blood flowing in your veins, how do you plan to repay for that?" Li Tiangang questioned, his words filled with icy contempt.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment before replying, "As for the cultivation techniques, I can choose to never use them again. I will gift the same number of techniques to the Listen to the Rain Tower."

"As for the precious pills, I will find a way to repay them in the future, and I will also repay the debt of the three-thousand-year-old demon's blood that I took."

"As for this body and the blood that flows within it..." Li Hao lifted his head and met Li Tiangang's gaze, his voice steady. "I've already said, your son is dead. This life I have now is mine."

Having reached the Heavenly Man Realm, Li Hao could create his own cultivation techniques, so even if he never used the Li family's techniques again, it wouldn't affect him much.

Li Tiangang's anger turned to mocking laughter. "Very well, very well! Now that you've reached the Heavenly Man Realm, you think you can just fly away. Fine, let's not talk about the cultivation techniques for now. How did you manage to slay a three-thousand-year-old demon?

"Do you know what kind of cultivation level a three-thousand-year-old demon has? They are at least in the middle or even the peak of the Undying Realm!"

"Do you think that just because you've reached the Heavenly Man Realm, you will definitely become an Undying cultivator in the future?" Li Tiangang's face was filled with scorn. "After the Heavenly Man Realm, each step forward is a hurdle. Even with unparalleled talent, there is no guarantee that you will become an exceptional cultivator!"

"There was once a genius who reached the Mastery Realm at the age of nineteen, but it still took him a hundred years to reach the third level of Undying!"

"If you want to stall for time, I can't afford to wait!" Li Tiangang's eyes also turned cold. "So, how do you plan to repay?"

Li Tiangang's gaze burned with rage as he stared at Li Hao. "Fine, if that's what you want, then so be it! I'll give you three years!"

"In these three years, you must return the same number of cultivation techniques that you learned from the Li family!"

"Within these three years, you must bring me the head of a three-thousand-year-old demon!"

"As for the blood and talent you inherited from the Li family, don't even think about wasting it. Go to the Heaven's Gate Pass and take up the duty of guarding that place for the family. I won't ask you to guard it forever, just three years, and I will consider the debt repaid!"

"Li Tiangang, have you gone mad?" Li Moxiu exclaimed, his face filled with shock and anger. "Do you know what you're saying? Are you trying to kill your own son?"

The others also looked disturbed, as this demand was extremely harsh.

The rest could still be managed, but guarding the Heaven's Gate Pass was a different matter.

It was one of the most dangerous locations guarded by the Li family. Located deep within the Great Yu Dynasty's border, it protruded like a sharp thorn, surrounded by the lands of demons on both sides. Just a few tens of thousands of miles away was the Great Wilderness, a realm of chaos and monsters.

Additionally, nearby was a vassal state that belonged to the Great Yu Dynasty. While they paid tribute to the dynasty every year and maintained a peaceful facade, they had long been colluding with the demons, frequently attacking the Heaven's Gate Pass.

Even with a Four Establishments Realm expert holding down the fort, they could only barely maintain control!

The mortality rate there was extremely high. In the past, Li Jia's third and sixth sons had both guarded that place, only to end up buried there, their weapons broken and their bodies left to rot!

Now, they were actually going to send a youth like Li Hao there?

Even a Heavenly Man Realm cultivator would only amount to a pile of yellow soil there!

However, they could all see that Li Tiangang was merely trying to pressure Li Hao and not allowing him to leave.

Looking at the furious face before him, Li Hao stared deeply into his eyes and nodded, "Fine."

Li Tiangang's face changed as he never expected Li Hao to actually dare to agree. He was so angry that he wanted to laugh, "Good, good, good! Indeed, you're fearless and ignorant. Do you know what kind of place Heaven's Gate Pass is? Three years? Let's see if you can even survive three years, and if you do, what will you become by then?"

He sneered angrily, "You want to guard that Heaven's Gate Pass? I'll withdraw all the Li family soldiers and generals stationed there, and I won't send a single reinforcement. Since you want to leave the Li family, you can try to rely on yourself!"

"Try to see what you amount to without the protection of the Li family and so many soldiers!"

"Your comfort and arrogance are bought with the blood of countless people. Soon, you'll realize that your talent and abilities are worthless in the face of mountains of corpses and seas of blood!"

Hearing these words, Li Moxiu was thoroughly enraged, "Do you want to kill Hao'er? Why don't you just say it!"

"If Hao'er goes, I'll go with him!"

"Second Uncle!"

Li Tiangang's face turned pale with anger, "As your elder, I've tolerated you time and again. I hope you understand that this is our family matter!"

"How much longer do you intend to indulge Hao'er? If you continue to meddle, don't blame me for using the name of the True Dragon to confine you to the Listen to the Rain Tower!"

Upon hearing this, Li Moxiu trembled with anger, his eyes wide and round.

"You want to confine me? Is this how you handle the affairs of the Li family?"

At this moment, Li Hao fell silent.

He had heard about Heaven's Gate Pass from Second Uncle before.

Whenever it was mentioned, it was always with a sense of lament.

It was the most dangerous place guarded by the Li family for the Yu Emperor.

However, according to Second Uncle, the Li family had suffered heavy casualties there over the years, and the Accelerated Extinction River was constantly extending outward, with unrest and chaos spreading from outside. It seemed that the Yu Emperor had already intended to give up that place.

He planned to withdraw the troops and reinforce the defense.

Most likely, Li Tiangang was also aware of this information, which was why he dared to say that he would withdraw the Li family soldiers.

Even if he failed to hold the pass, the Li family would only face some blame and punishment, but not severe consequences. After all, the Yu Emperor already had this intention.

Seeing Li Hao's silence, Li Tiangang sneered, "What now? Is this all the backbone you have?"

Li Hao raised his head and looked directly at him, his gaze unwavering. "Fine. Since these are your terms, I'll agree to them. In three years, I'll guard Heaven's Gate Pass for the Li family. After three years, all the food and drink I've consumed over the years, including the blood that flows in my veins, will no longer be a debt I owe."

Upon hearing Li Hao's agreement, Li Moxiu hurriedly said, "Hao'er, what nonsense are you spouting? You don't need to repay with your life for the food and drink you've consumed!"

Li Hao's lips twitched slightly. Indeed, why would he need to repay with his life?

Who would have thought that the small favors from the past would now require a thousandfold repayment?

However, he was truly tired and no longer wanted any entanglements.

"You dare to agree?" Li Tiangang exploded in rage. "Do you know what you're saying? What qualifications do you have to guard it? Are you relying solely on your Heavenly Man Realm cultivation? You might not even make it to Heaven's Gate Pass alive!"

Li Hao remained indifferent, "I'd rather die out there than stay here."

"You..." Li Tiangang was so angry that he was left speechless.

"I've already agreed. Now, step aside," Li Hao said coldly without any further explanation.

Li Tiangang stood there, momentarily at a loss for words.

However, Li Hao simply walked past him, and despite the shocked cries and calls from the crowd, he stepped over the threshold.

He had crossed the threshold that countless people had wanted to cross.

With this step, Li Hao no longer existed in this world.

Everyone stood there, not knowing what to say or do.

The young man's back was resolute and decisive.

They never expected that both father and son would be so stubborn and unyielding.

"Hao'er..."

"Brother Hao!"

The crowd couldn't help but call out, but the young man's back did not hesitate for a moment as he continued down the steps of the Divine General Mansion.

Li Tiangang turned abruptly, his eyes fixed on the departing figure, his face grim, "You'll regret this!"

The young man did not react to these words.

Li Moxiu stared, feeling that this might be the last time he would see the young man.

It was as if the boy would never return once he left.

As if he would no longer carry the prestigious Li surname.

He was leaving in this winter.

Outside the Divine General Mansion, Song Yufeng, Song Qiumo, and the many disciples of the White Hall were stunned as they witnessed Li Hao's departure.

They had come to plead for Li Hao, but they never expected that the Divine General Mansion's most outstanding genius in centuries would leave the mansion on this day.

They wanted to persuade him, but they didn't know what to say.

The conversation between father and son had left them feeling chilled.

A figure stepped forward from the crowd and said to Li Hao, "Brother Li Hao, farewell."

Li Hao looked over and saw that it was Prince Jiang Hanxing.

The prince was dressed simply, without any of the luxurious attire associated with royalty, and he had been mingling with the crowd earlier.

However, he had now revealed himself, and if anyone paid attention, they would surely recognize his face and identity.

Given his status, it was not a good thing for him to get involved in the affairs of the Divine General Mansion.

But he had still chosen to do so.

Their eyes met, and Li Hao knew that the prince was willing to take this risk.

However, Li Hao only nodded slightly, appearing indifferent as if they were not close. After all, his current identity was not something to be proud of.

Prince Jiang Hanxing watched Li Hao's departing figure and suddenly said loudly, "Brother Li Hao, do you still remember the poem you recited in the brothel?"

"No need to worry about having no friends on the path ahead!"

"In this world, who doesn't know of you!" 

 Chapter 119: Henceforth, Only Seek Pleasure (Additional Chapter 725)

Hearing the boy's loud recitation of poetry, everyone in the Divine General Mansion turned slightly pale.

Who in the world doesn't know of you!

What overwhelming confidence, yet so true.

A 14-year-old Heavenly Human Sect Master, unparalleled in history, had left their Li family.

"Tian Gang, can't you talk to Li Hao nicely and be a little gentler?"

He Jianlan's heart ached as she thought of the well-behaved child who had come to greet her that morning, and she couldn't help but say to Li Tian Gang.

Li Tiangang came back to his senses, but remained expressionless and said nothing.

"Li Tiangang, you drove Hao'er away. You drove away our Li family's most astonishing genius in a thousand years."

At this moment, Li muxiu seemed to have lost his anger. His face was a bit bleak, and he looked at Li Tiangang deeply and said,

"You will regret the words you said today."

Li Tiangang's mouth twitched slightly. The child's talent was indeed shocking, and he had seen it with his own eyes. He also felt the pain in his heart.

But, no regrets?

He thought of what had happened in recent days. Finally, he took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I won't regret it. It's him who will regret it. I can't change his stubbornness, but those demons will!"

"In less than three years, he will definitely come crying and begging to come back. He will know that what he gave up today is something that countless people in this world dream of. He's still young and doesn't know how blessed he is!"

Speaking of this, he turned to look at Li Muxiu and the people present, and said slowly:

"I am here to warn you by order of the Li family's true dragon. No one is allowed to help him privately, or else you will be severely punished according to the family rules!"

After finishing speaking, his face turned cold again, and he said,

"If you help him, you will only harm him. Don't interfere with me. I will bring him back!"

Everyone's faces changed slightly, never expecting his heart to be so determined.

"Old Seventh." Li Xuanli wanted to say something but stopped.

Li muxiu's lips trembled slightly, and he said, "Do you know that his injuries have not healed yet? Now that he's left, how many people in the world will be targeting him?"

"Our Li family is a thorn in the flesh of the demons. How many demons will ambush and assassinate him along the way as he leaves Qingzhou and this place?"

"The thousand-year grudge between the Li family and the demons may all fall on that child's head!"

Everyone's pupils constricted slightly as they immediately sensed the danger that the boy was about to face.

Li Tiangang said expressionlessly, "Second Uncle, after all, Hao'er is my child. You can think of these things, and I have naturally thought of them too. I will send people to watch over him secretly and help him when there is danger."

He looked at Li Muxiu seriously and said, "I'm giving him three years, not out of anger, but to let him temper his character. These three years are for his sake, and I will ask my ancestors to wait three years before the true dragon makes a decision. If he can correct his ways by then, the position will still be his."

Li Muxiu's face twitched, and he looked at the boy's gradually disappearing figure, feeling bitter.

This child has never cared about being the true dragon. After three years... he probably won't care at all.

Moreover, with the boy's talent, if he cultivates diligently, he might be able to reach the Three Immortals in three years...

At this moment, a figure suddenly ran over, passing through the crowd and quickly chasing after the boy.

It was Ren Qianqian, whom Li Hao had recruited to the Divine General's Mansion not long ago, and she was his Sword Servant.

She had not yet practiced the Rain Listening Tower's techniques, and although her registration was in the Divine General's Mansion, no one stopped her from following the boy at this moment.

However, the young girl set out alone, without carrying the black sword case.

Chen Hefang saw this, came to her senses, and hurriedly said, "Muxiu, Hao'er didn't bring his sword. How can this be? Bring him the Eternal Night!"

Li Muxiu was also stunned. He immediately released his perception and soon found the black sword case in the Mountain and River Court. He immediately captured it and brought it with him as he chased after Li Hao.

"Hao'er, you forgot to bring your sword."

Li Muxiu looked at the child in front of him, wanting to say something but stopping. Finally, he said with a painful expression, "Second Grandpa, don't be sad. I don't want this sword. Thank Grandma for me and give it to someone else."

"Aside from you, who else in the Li family deserves this sword?" Li Muxiu blurted out.

Li Hao's gaze fell on the black sword case, and he remained silent for a moment before slowly saying,

"Just leave it as it was originally. In any case, I won't take anything from the Li family anymore."

After finishing speaking, he turned and continued walking.

"Hao'er..."

"Second Grandpa, please go back."

The boy didn't turn his head, but waved his hand and said.

Li Muxiu's eyes were complicated as he lowered his head to look at the black sword case in his hand, feeling bitter.

Two generations of masters had abandoned it.

Eternal Night, Eternal Night, it was likely to sleep forever in the night.

Following the street, Li Hao walked forward, feeling as if his body became lighter and more relaxed with every step.

He saw Song Yufeng and Song Qiumo at the entrance of the Divine General's Mansion, but he only nodded slightly and didn't say much, appearing to be unfamiliar with them.

He didn't want to involve Dan Palace Academy.

Footsteps sounded from behind, chasing after him and then slowing down.

Li Hao didn't turn his head, but said, "I'm not the young master of the Li family anymore. Why are you still following me? You haven't gone to the Rain Listening Tower yet. Go and tell Zhao Uncle, and he will release you from the maid contract."

Ren Qianqian shook her head, hugging her sword and saying, "I haven't learned the techniques of the Rain Listening Tower yet. I can learn other techniques from you."

"My techniques may not be suitable for you."

Li Hao said, "Moreover, going to Tianmen Pass this time, it's unknown whether we can survive."

"Then let's slay demons together." Ren Qianqian said.

Li Hao's footsteps paused slightly, then continued forward, his voice calm as he said, "Then let's travel together."

Ren Qianqian's face lit up, and she nodded, quickly catching up.

The snow fell like goose feathers, accompanied by a cold mist like frost.

The noble boy walked in the wind and snow, with only a white fox, a sword servant, and nothing but the wind in his sleeves.

As he entered the martial arts world for the first time, he had forgotten to bring his sword.

The young boy suddenly sang out loud, letting out a carefree, hearty laugh.

In front of the Divine General Mansion.

Song Yufeng and Song Qiumo stood staring at the departing figure of the young boy, silent and speechless.

They never expected that after the intense battle between father and son, things would turn out so rigidly, resulting in this extraordinarily talented young man leaving home and severing ties with the Li family.

Countless people in this world yearn to step into that illustrious Divine General Mansion and associate themselves with the Li family in some way.

Yet, this young man had cast it aside like an old shoe.

"Who says the heavens are not hospitable, as the snow-filled skies send off this lone traveler."

Song Yufeng murmured to himself.

Standing at the entrance of the mansion, Li Yuanzhao stared blankly at the spot where Li Hao's figure had disappeared, and he muttered:

"From this day on, has Brother Hao lost his father?"

As soon as these mumbled words left his mouth, his mother, Xiao Yujing, glared at him fiercely and then glanced at Li Tiangang, whose face was as expressionless as an iron plate. She frowned.

However, Bei Ruoxue, who was standing next to Li Yuanzhao, trembled as if she had been struck by lightning, her eyes widening in shock.

Images flashed through her mind of years ago when she had walked and cried all the way, following that Uncle Lin to this illustrious Divine General Mansion.

In that unfamiliar environment, it was the boy with eyes like stars who had told her that her father was in heaven.

On that day, she had found new solace and comfort from the pain of losing her father.

And now, years later, the boy who had once consoled and accompanied her was now, under her watchful gaze, losing his father as well.

However, he had simply left, and she had not only failed to stand by his side but had also been unable to offer him any words of comfort.

Thinking of this, her heart suddenly felt a surge of sorrow, as if it had been pricked by a sharp thorn, a heart-wrenching feeling.

Her figure quickly chased after him, but with the heavy snow and wind, there was no trace of him to be found.

...

...

Tianmen Pass is located north of the border of Liangzhou.

Liangzhou is a sparsely populated place with harsh winters and hot summers. The land is barren and desolate, but rich in mineral resources. The people here prefer animal husbandry and commerce to farming, and most of their grain is purchased and transported from other states.

At this moment, the night sky was filled with stars.

The cold moonlight shone down on the earth.

In a clearing within a lush forest on the border of Liangzhou, a bonfire was burning, with two people and a fox sitting around it.

On the fire, several skewers of tiger meat were roasting, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. The amount of food prepared seemed to exceed what these two people could consume.

"It's almost ready, just a little longer."

Li Hao patted the little white fox on his knee and smiled.

It had been five days since they left Qingzhou. Thanks to Ren Qianqian's money, they had been able to rent a carriage and make their way to Liangzhou.

After returning the carriage at the post station, they had no choice but to continue the rest of the journey to the borderlands on foot.

Fortunately, after five days, Li Hao's injuries had already healed.

In his free time, he contemplated the various cultivation techniques he knew, merging them and even creating a unique cultivation method of his own.

Previously, when he had first stepped into the Heavenly Human Realm, the temporarily blended powers had not allowed him to display the full might of a Grandmaster realm cultivator. Now, after further exploration, if he were to fight that battle again, he was confident he could easily defeat his past self.

As for whether he could defeat that person, Li Hao temporarily didn't bother to think about it.

"Wind Senior, it's almost ready."

Li Hao looked up and called out to the forest.

Earlier, in the Divine General Mansion, it was Wind Senior who had secretly communicated with him, and he had agreed to come to Tianmen Pass.

Otherwise, even if he wanted to cut ties with the Li family, he wouldn't have risked his life by coming here alone, which would have been akin to seeking death.

The forest was silent, with no response.

Li Hao was already used to this and didn't mind at all.

Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves came from not far away in the forest.

Li Hao looked up and saw a familiar figure pushing through the grass and walking towards him.

Before long, Bei Ruoxue appeared through the firelight and approached the bonfire.

Seeing Li Hao, her face lit up, and she said happily, "Great! I finally caught up with you!"

"How did you get here?" Li Hao asked in surprise, frowning. "This journey is very dangerous."

"I didn't encounter any demons along the way," Bei Ruoxue said.

Looking at the young man sitting by the fire, she couldn't hold back the emotions she had been suppressing for the past few days, and her eyes reddened slightly.

"Back then, you accompanied me. Now, I'll accompany you."

Li Hao looked at her in surprise and asked, "Aren't you pursuing the sword path?"

Bei Ruoxue paused, then remained silent for a moment before answering, "I won't give up on the sword, but I want to stay by your side. Otherwise, I won't be able to rest easy."

Li Hao suddenly understood that she felt guilty.

He smiled casually and said, "Silly girl, don't worry about me. I'm not as fragile as you think. I won't cry like you used to."

Bei Ruoxue blushed slightly as she recalled her childhood self, often waking up from nightmares. She said, "Let's not talk about the past. Back then, when my father wasn't around, you were there for me. Now, I want to be there for you."

"Are you trying to repay that debt of gratitude this way?" Li Hao asked with a smile.

Bei Ruoxue bit her lip lightly, not denying it.

"Since you've chosen the path of the sword, don't be half-hearted about it. Otherwise, with your current mindset, you won't even get close to the peak, let alone reach it."

Li Hao continued, "As for that debt of gratitude, I don't care about it. I accompanied you, and you accompanied me too, so let's call it even."

Bei Ruoxue hesitated, her eyes clouded with uncertainty as she looked at the young man's carefree smile. She asked, "Really?"

"Really."

Li Hao smiled gently.

The bonfire's flames danced in the cold night wind.

The warm yellow light illuminated Li Hao's face as he sat by the fire, smiling at the young girl and saying, "You should go back. I'll be waiting for you to reach the peak of the sword path, and then you can come back and tell me what you saw up there." 

 Chapter 120: The Dragon Pass

Bian Ruxue tilted her head slightly upwards, her gaze falling upon the boy before the campfire. His smile was warm and gentle. Yet, she felt as if a vast distance now separated them, despite his unchanged expression.

But this feeling quickly vanished, like an illusion.

Her thoughts turned to the sword.

The unease in her heart, like a floating duckweed, seemed to have found a place to settle.

She thought of the pinnacle of the Sword Dao and the ultimate legendary sword art.

"Brother Hao, you have better natural talent than I do. Perhaps you will reach that realm faster than me," she said softly.

"That's not necessarily true," Li Hao replied, spreading his hands. "You saw that I don't even have a sword."

"..."

Bian Ruxue was taken aback, then let out a bitter laugh.

To be a swordsman and yet not carry a sword—that was no swordsman at all.

But she couldn't forget the exquisite and peerless sword technique he had displayed during his battle with Li Tiangang.

Why was it that the person before her, with such profound sword skills and majestic sword intent, seemed to care nothing for the sword?

It was as if he had always been this way since he was young.

What did Brother Hao truly care about?

At that moment, a figure descended silently from the treetops, landing on the ground by the campfire, interrupting Bian Ruxue's train of thought. The doubt in her eyes cleared, and she quickly turned to look.

She saw an old man in a green robe, his hair and beard snowy white. His hair was casually tied at the top of his head, secured with a simple wooden hairpin.

At that moment, the old man sat down nonchalantly on a log by the campfire, fanning the aroma of the roasted tiger meat towards his nose. "Without any seasoning, you still managed to make such a delicious dish. It's a waste that you didn't become a chef!"

"I wanted to, but I never had the chance," Li Hao replied with a smile.

"Is it cooked?"

"It's ready to eat."

Upon hearing this, Feng Boping didn't stand on ceremony. He picked up one of the barbecued tiger paws and blew on it.

The tiger paw had been slashed open with cracks, seasoned with salt and some fragrant wild herbs that Li Hao had gathered along the way. The herbs had been crushed and rubbed into the meat, and now, with the barbecuing process, the flavors had fully permeated the meat.

Feng Boping ate with no regard for manners, juices dripping from his mouth.

Li Hao smiled and drew out Ren Qianqian's sword, using it as a meat cleaver.

He cut off a few pieces, then gestured to gather some leaves to use as a platter, which he offered to Ren Qianqian.

"Thank you, young master," Ren Qianqian said with a slight smile, accepting the meat with both hands.

Li Hao repeated the process, cutting meat from the other tiger paw and placing it on a large mulberry leaf, which he then offered to Bian Ruxue.

Bian Ruxue had been traveling and pursuing them for days without proper rest or meals. The enticing aroma filled her hungry stomach, and she walked over, drawn by the scent.

She took the mulberry leaf without hesitation and, using a broken branch as chopsticks, began to eat the meat.

"This... This is delicious!"

As soon as the tiger meat touched her tongue, Bian Ruxue's eyes widened slightly in surprise. The taste was truly amazing.

In the Sword Sect, she had rarely enjoyed such delicacies. According to her master, indulging in pleasures would corrupt one's sword heart. How could there be room for the sword in a heart filled with indulgences? Thus, the meals in the Sword Sect were always simple and plain.

"If it tastes good, eat more," Li Hao said with a smile.

He picked up one of the tiger paws himself, cut off a chunk, and tossed it to Xiao Baihu.

Then he blew on the remaining meat and began to chew on it.

"Who is this senior?" Bian Ruxue asked curiously during a break from eating, wondering when Li Hao had befriended such a profound-looking elder.

"It's better that you don't know my name," Feng Boping said with a light laugh, not bothering to acknowledge her further as he continued to eat and drink.

He had his own supply of liquor, which he drank before passing the flask to Li Hao.

Li Hao didn't stand on ceremony either. He ate the meat and drank the liquor, eventually swallowing both with a satisfied exclamation.

Seeing Li Hao drink like that, Bian Ruxue was a little dazed. Drinking was something associated with rough men. Although most men enjoyed alcohol, Li Hao was still very young.

"Brother Hao, drink less..." Bian Ruxue couldn't help but say.

Feng Boping burst out laughing. "Little mouse, your future husband isn't even married to you yet, and you're already bossing him around!"

Li Hao merely smiled faintly and didn't respond to Feng Boping's words. He continued to eat and drink at his own pace.

Bian Ruxue's cheeks reddened slightly, but seeing that Li Hao wouldn't be persuaded, she stopped trying to dissuade him. Instead, she lowered her head and continued eating her meat gracefully.

In the pitch-black forest, the flickering campfire cast dancing shadows.

The night was quiet and still.

After everyone had eaten their fill, they settled down to rest.

Li Hao lay comfortably by the campfire, his expression peaceful and relaxed, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Bian Ruxue sat by the fire, occasionally adding a log to keep it burning. From time to time, she glanced at the boy, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Despite emerging from the Divine General's Mansion, despite the severity of his injuries, and despite the rift with his father... why did he seem to sleep so peacefully?

What did he dream about? And who was in his dreams?

The girl didn't know, and she slowly averted her gaze, lost in thought as she stared at the dancing flames...

As the morning light gradually illuminated the forest, birds took to the skies.

The campfire had long since gone out.

A new day had arrived.

At the edge of the forest, on the Liuzhou National Highway, Li Hao bid farewell to Bian Ruxue, assuring her that she didn't need to worry and could return home.

Bian Ruxue had said all she could and no longer insisted on staying. Carrying her sword, she turned back three times, only to see that the boy had already left his original spot. With a resolute heart, she, too, turned away and began her journey back, following the path they had come.

Deep down, she felt a sense of relief.

Since Li Hao didn't need her company, she could now focus all her attention on pursuing her own Sword Dao.

"Brother Hao, I will definitely reach the pinnacle of the Sword Dao, and then I'll tell you what I've seen..."

The girl spoke to herself, her gaze steadying.

...

...

As they continued along the official road, the cypress trees gradually thinned out, and in some places, they had been clearly destroyed and crushed, but no one had bothered to replant them.

The Dragon Pass branched off from the border road, piercing straight through for thousands of miles, all the way to Tianmenguan, where the Li family's troops were stationed at Cangya City.

The Dragon Pass was the only route to Tianmenguan, and it was a long journey, even by horseback, taking a full day. It was said that this road was forged thousands of years ago by the Great Yu Emperor as he led the ancestors of the Li family in their conquests and expansion.

With this road, the Great Yu Emperor's armies could march directly to the very gates of Tianmenguan and into the northern lands of Beirin.

Beirin was one of the six surrounding countries conquered by the Great Yu Emperor, becoming a vassal state. But now, with the Great Yu Dynasty in decline, these once-subservient states were showing signs of restlessness.

Li Hao gazed into the distance, faintly making out a massive white road stretching straight ahead.

"We're almost there," Li Hao remarked, quickening his pace.

Not long after, they came upon an elderly man and his young grandson carrying baskets of medicinal herbs on their backs as they trudged along the road ahead.

Despite Li Hao and Ren Qianqian's casual stroll, their pace was faster, and they soon caught up and overtook the pair.

The old man and the boy had noticed them from a distance, their eyes betraying a wariness and tension that seemed out of place on the deserted road. They instinctively moved to the side, giving Li Hao and his companions a wide berth.

Only when they saw that Li Hao paid them no heed did they relax.

They lingered far behind, careful not to draw attention to themselves, but their behavior was peculiar enough to catch Li Hao's attention. The locals seemed unusually cautious and fearful of strangers.

"Young man, are you planning to go further?" a frail voice called out from behind.

Li Hao turned, a hint of surprise on his face as he recognized the elderly man from earlier. "Can't I go further?"

The old man, his basket laden with herbs, studied Li Hao and Ren Qianqian, concluding that they were probably scions of a noble family out on a training journey rather than demons. He sighed inwardly and said, "Young man, ahead lies the Dragon Pass."

"Oh?" Li Hao asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

The old man, seeing that Li Hao didn't quite understand, continued with a sigh, "Beyond the Dragon Pass, you cannot go further. That place is infested with demons and monsters!"

"Demons?" Li Hao exclaimed, exchanging a glance with Ren Qianqian. "But isn't the Dragon Pass still within the borders of the Great Yu Empire? I thought the demons were beyond Tianmenguan."

"Tianmenguan?" The old man was taken aback for a moment before shaking his head. "There is no more Tianmenguan, only mountains of corpses and seas of blood, only the stench of death and slaughter."

He glanced at the sky, realizing the lateness of the hour, and added, "Young man, if you seek to slay demons and right wrongs, your passion is admirable, but this is no place for you. I urge you to leave while you still can. Once night falls, even this road becomes unsafe..."

With that, he tugged at his grandson's hand and continued on his way, his basket of herbs bouncing on his back.

Only the young boy, carrying a smaller basket, kept glancing back.

A thousand meters down the road, the boy whispered, "Grandfather, I think they went in."

"What?" The old man spun around, his eyes searching the road, but the young man and woman were nowhere to be seen.

He sighed heavily. "Fools who refuse to heed good advice."

...

Li Hao and Ren Qianqian continued their leisurely walk along the Dragon Pass.

Before long, Li Hao's expression shifted slightly, and he came to a halt, his eyes fixed on the direction the old man and his grandson had taken.

"Young Master?" Ren Qianqian asked, puzzled.

Without a word, Li Hao scanned their surroundings and spotted a wooden stick lying on the ground. He bent down, picked it up, and with a casual flick of his wrist, sent a burst of sword energy slicing through the air!

The sword energy was as silent as a gentle breeze, yet it raced forward with incredible speed. It swept past the old man and his grandson, causing their hair to stir as if caressed by a soft wind, and continued on for over twenty miles.

There, a crocodile-like demon lay in wait by the roadside.

As the gentle breeze reached it, the demon's eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss. Just as it was about to move, its body stiffened, and from its forehead to its tail, it split open, spilling blood and entrails onto the ground...

...

Li Hao smiled faintly and tossed the stick aside. He clapped his hands together and continued on his way.

Ren Qianqian was baffled by his actions, but she had grown accustomed to his strange behavior during their journey and didn't press him for answers.

As they ventured deeper into the Dragon Pass, Li Hao noticed the remains of decayed demon bones, picked clean, littering the path. No one had bothered to dispose of them.

Along the way, he also encountered demons napping on the very road that was once feared by their kind, turning it into their cozy bed.

Li Hao showed no mercy to these demons, effortlessly dispatching them without Feng Boping's assistance.

As they traveled, Li Hao's expression grew solemn. He was beginning to understand why the old man had tried to dissuade them from continuing.

The Dragon Pass, forged thousands of years ago, now lay in a state of disrepair.

Logically, the Li family should have maintained a presence here, so how did it come to this?

After a series of stops and starts, Li Hao, Ren Qianqian, and Xiao Baihu finally reached the end of the Dragon Pass.