92. Li Hao's Request
Chapter 92: Li Hao's Request
The True Dragon contest would be held in two months.
Li Tiangang conveyed this news to He Jianlan and informed everyone in the mansion.
For a time, each courtyard was abuzz with the news.
However, this was expected. When Li Wushuang returned from the mountain, everyone knew it was for the True Dragon title.
But this time, there was a new contender from Shanhe Courtyard—Li Hao, who had emerged unexpectedly.
"Hmph, Liu Yurong must be fuming."
In Linglong Courtyard, Xiao Yujing sneered.
She had no biological children, only an adopted son, Li Yuanzhao. Despite his eighth-tier battle physique, it was still not enough. The ninth-tier battle physique was only the basic line for top talents.
Naturally, he couldn't compete for the True Dragon title.
However, with Li Hao making a stunning debut and shaking the world, Li Yuanzhao, who had the best relationship with Li Hao, might benefit from it.
But she wasn't particularly concerned about these matters.
In Shuihua Courtyard.
Liu Yurong, though she had anticipated it, still gritted her teeth.
She instructed the old woman to prepare a letter. At this point, she could only seek help from Qianfeng's master.
Perhaps the Buddha, who rivaled the Daoist of Qiandao Palace, would have a solution.
Although her child was also at the fifteenth-mile boundary, he was three years older.
...
...
Mount Wuliang.
In the realm of Pure Land, within the Boundless Spiritual Territory.
Mount Wuliang had strict rules, with living conditions determined by the Buddhist hierarchy. Vajras could live in the Vajra Heart Hall to comprehend the heart of a master and attain the Arhat stage, while Arhats could reside in the Buddha Hall and enjoy offerings.
As for the Spiritual Territory, it was supreme, the place where the Boundless Buddha practiced and resided.
Here, spiritual smoke lingered like a paradise outside the world.
"Amitabha, Buddha, the message has been sent to Qianfeng Vajra. He is on his way back. We also received a letter from the God General's Mansion, sent by Qianfeng Vajra's mother, the Lady Liu."
A Bodhisattva softly recited the Buddha's name and handed the letter to the Buddha above.
The Boundless Buddha, clad in a kasaya, radiated Buddhist light, with a blazing Buddha wheel behind him, emitting a light of universal salvation.
His body was colossal, over ten meters tall, a result of a special cultivation method that granted extraordinary power.
In contrast, the Bodhisattva, despite being at the Four Standing Realms, appeared human-sized, like an ant beside him, only able to look up.
The letter flew over, but the Boundless Buddha did not take it. Instead, it hovered before him for a moment before turning to ashes, its contents comprehended.
"We were already aware of this matter. Lady Liu is too anxious."
The Boundless Buddha spoke softly: "Tell her not to worry. Talent is not solely determined by realm but also by the foundation in each stage. Qianfeng Vajra has been practicing the finest Buddhist techniques and the unique skills of his Li family. Among his peers, he ranks in the top five."
"When he returns, I will bestow upon him a Buddha's vow to ensure his invincibility among his peers."
The Bodhisattva sighed in relief: "Thank you, Buddha."
The Boundless Buddha gently said, "In the past century, conflicts have been frequent, and the fate of Dayu is waning. Intervening in the True Dragon contest of the God General's Mansion is a reluctant choice. When chaos descends, it will be our time to descend the mountain and save the people."
"Amitabha."
The Bodhisattva's face was devout.
...
...
As the news of the upcoming selection of the Li family's True Dragon spread, various factions received the message and began to take action.
"The True Dragon contest focuses on two main aspects."
In Shanhe Courtyard, Li Tiangang summoned Li Hao and, looking at his son, felt both comfort and a bit of worry:
"First is talent, and second is character."
"In addition, there are merits, connections, and so on, but these are secondary and merely the icing on the cake."
Li Hao nodded. His second uncle had mentioned this before.
The God General's Mansion was a top-tier noble family, not solely focused on strength.
While talent was crucial, it was not enough. If one's character was extremely flawed, they wouldn't go far.
For instance, being impatient, arrogant, or obstinate. If such a personality were paired with top-tier talent, entrusting the family to such a person would be like letting a madman take the wheel, leading to quicker destruction.
Qualities like steadiness, humility, resourcefulness, and composure were considered good character traits.
In simple terms, one needed not only outstanding talent but also proper moral qualities to be a noble family heir.
Connections and merits were additional points.
Connections were also a reflection of character. Without resourcefulness in dealing with people, how could one have connections?
Someone who offends everyone they speak to, no matter how powerful, would make the family enemies if they became the head.
The selection of the Li family's True Dragon, though not as stringent as the imperial crown prince, was meticulous. Unlike small households where an illegitimate child might rise with some opportunity and make everyone bow, in a top-tier family, the heir had to elevate the whole family.
Li Tiangang glanced at Li Hao, saying, "I'm not worried about your talent, but I've neglected your upbringing, making your character somewhat lax. If you worked harder, your achievements would be even greater."
He paused and looked at Li Hao.
He had said this before, and Li Hao's response had been indifferent.
Seeing Li Hao's blank expression now, he sighed, "I know your mother and I haven't been around, and that's our failing. But millions of people in Yanbei needed us. If I abandoned them, who knows what would happen to Dayu? The people of Yanzhou would suffer terribly."
"As the child of a martial family, you should understand this."
"I understand!"
Li Hao said seriously, looking directly at his father: "I never blamed you for that. Never!"
"I can vouch for that."
Li Fu, who had been listening quietly, interjected. He looked at Li Hao with affection and pity, saying to Li Tiangang: "Marquis, when the young master was attacked, and you sent me back to protect him, I asked him. But instead of blaming you, he worried about your safety in Yanbei."
"He… never blamed you."
Hearing Li Fu's words, the guard Yu Xuan was stunned.
He looked at the determined and serious young man and felt a surge of emotion.
As an orphan, he understood that feeling.
Abandoned at birth and growing up in the military camp, he had always envied and resented the other kids with parents.
Countless times, he had questioned the darkness, asking why they had abandoned him so heartlessly.
That anger faded as he grew older, thinking perhaps his unknown parents had unavoidable reasons.
But this boy, separated from his parents since birth, understood? At his age?
Watching the thin figure, Yu Xuan felt something inside him soften.
For the first time, he felt he understood this young master.
Li Tiangang, hearing Li Fu's words, was also stunned.
Seeing the sincere look in Li Hao's eyes and Li Fu's confirmation, he felt a sting in his nose.
But he rarely shed tears. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the feeling, quickly recalling Li Hao's previous attitude, and asked: "Then have you ever had resentment in your heart?"
"Yes."
Li Hao answered seriously, without hiding anything.
The three were taken aback. They had just thought Li Hao wasn't lying, but now this seemed contradictory.
Li Hao took a deep breath, looking intently at his father.
"My resentment isn't about your absence, but the lack of letters. I counted, there were twenty-four military reports sent back, nearly two per year!"
"But in these fourteen years, there were only seven family letters!"
Li Hao, though young, chose to speak directly, believing it might improve their relationship: "Every time I saw a military report delivered to Changchun Courtyard, I would check. I was waiting, hoping for a family letter, but I was disappointed seventeen times!"
"Each time, my aunt fabricated a letter to comfort me. She thought I didn't know, but I could tell immediately."
"I don't need you to rush back thousands of miles to see me, but I don't understand why you couldn't write a letter when you could send military reports."
"Don't you wonder how your son is living, whether he's learned to brush his teeth, if he's been bullied, or if he's unhappy?"
Li Hao's eyes showed his long-held resentment.
Though not deeply emotional after fourteen years, there was still a sense of disappointment.
After Li Hao finished, the three were stunned.
Li Fu, who had accompanied Li Hao for years, trembled slightly.
He had noticed the fabricated letters but hadn't realized Li Hao had seen through them.
Yet, each time, Li Hao would return happily.
Was he pretending? Not wanting to disappoint his aunt's efforts?
Li Fu, usually a stoic warrior, felt like crying.
Li Tiangang and Yu Xuan, staring at Li Hao, felt their emotions grow complex. Li Tiangang found himself speechless, unable to find any excuses.
He wanted to say the constant battles left him no time.
But was that a reason? He couldn't say it.
No time to write a letter?
He realized he had indeed neglected his son.
Since when?
Maybe when he learned Li Hao couldn't establish a foundation, he shifted all his focus to the battlefield.
Or maybe the relentless battles drained him.
Perhaps he hadn't gotten used to having a son after leaving right after Li Hao's birth.
But could he say this as a father? Worse, he barely remembered the seven letters, often written only after his wife's reminder...
At this moment, Li Tiangang's face paled. For the first time, he realized his failure as a father despite his battlefield prowess.
"Hao'er..."
Li Tiangang, looking at his son, felt his heart ache. He embraced Li Hao, his voice slightly hoarse: "I've failed you!"
Hearing his father's whisper, Li Hao's heart softened slightly.
He sighed inwardly. Apologies might not fix everything.
Some things couldn't be mended.
But he decided to accept the apology, though feeling a bit of regret. Perhaps that's life?
Li Fu and Yu Xuan, watching, felt for Li Hao's maturity and regretted the distant conflicts that had hurt this child.
After a long while, Li Tiangang calmed down, took a deep breath, and told Li Hao:
"I'll make up for your lost fourteen years!"
"Whatever you want, I'll fulfill it!"
Li Hao sighed in relief and said: "I want more freedom."