127. Li Tiangang's Interrogation

Chapter 127: Li Tiangang's Interrogation

Li Hao immediately gathered his inner energy, gently moving his limbs. With the insights from the sixth level of Body Refining Path and the meticulous observation of a grandmaster, he easily gauged his current physical strength.

Approximately 400,000 jin.

Initially, it was 100,000 jin. Later, with the enhancement of the Body Refining Path and the completion of the fourth chapter of the Primordial Art, along with the improvement from various other techniques, it increased to over 300,000 jin.

Now, this perfected demon technique added another 100,000 jin to his strength.

Though the increase might not seem substantial compared to the millions of jin of true energy, the pure physical strength of powerful humans, including those at the Fourth Stage, rarely reached even 100,000 jin!

The stronger the physical body, the more it could withstand energy impacts.

For the same reverse energy flow, others might lose half their life, but Li Hao would merely spit out some clotted blood and recover.

With the mastery of the Five Internal Organs' Primordial Skill, besides the increase in physical strength, Li Hao felt his internal organs were like metal, providing immense support whether he was moving, sitting, or standing.

Li Hao didn't stop and proceeded to practice another technique, the "Bright Jade True Demon Skill."

This skill mainly focused on external refinement. As he practiced, the energy of heaven and earth gathered again, quickly pouring into his body.

This energy, like a black miasma, obscured the once clear night sky.

This technique primarily condensed miasma, and this battlefield was the area with the densest miasma.

Countless black miasma surrounded Li Hao. Enveloped in this miasma, he resembled a true demon, with his eyes emitting a faint crimson glow.

"Did he just master that technique… so quickly?"

In the dark, Li He stared blankly. Li Hao had switched to another technique, and its aura was even more terrifying than the previous one.

The previous technique, through Li Hao's repeated practice, went from unfamiliar to proficient, and then to perfection in just seven or eight attempts.

Is this the secret of this young master?

Not just Li He, but Li Hongzhuang in the distance was also shocked. She had seen prodigies, but none like this.

Even when her ninth brother was young, he needed a few days to master a technique.

While others might not even comprehend it overnight, her ninth brother would have already entered the technique by the next day, earning the envy and admiration of their siblings.

But Li Hao, this wasn't just mastering overnight; it was perfection overnight!

As the miasma gathered and continuously poured into his body, hammering every part, Li Hao's physique rapidly improved. His skin became as white as jade, resembling porcelain, containing fluid-like strength.

While absorbing the miasma, Li Hao continued to practice.

First round, second round...

With each performance, the miasma was absorbed like a storm.

In no time, by the eighth round, the "Bright Jade True Demon Skill" was perfected.

The surrounding miasma settled, revealing the starlit sky, illuminating the boy's body.

Li Hao exhaled softly, looking down at himself. His nails were white, but with slight exertion, a faint black miasma emerged from them.

This was originally a demonic technique, more suitable for demon physiques.

But through his Body Refining Path, he adapted it into a body refining technique suitable for humans.

However, the slight demonic and sinister essence in the technique couldn't be removed; it was its core.

Li Hao closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them, with a faint black aura passing through, making his vision sharper and brighter.

He saw a faint, blurry figure in the dark on the left, which was Li He hiding there.

He ignored it. By now, he no longer needed to hide or disguise anything, as this was not the Li residence.

After finishing his cultivation, Li Hao gauged his physical strength.

His pure physical strength increased to about 550,000 jin.

This demonic technique brought a more noticeable improvement than the Five Internal Organs' Primordial Skill.

But this still hadn't reached the limit of the Tongli stage.

Could it be a million jin... Li Hao wondered. Ordinary Tongli stage, even with divine blood, wouldn't exceed 10,000 jin, this was over a hundred times that...

He wondered how exaggerated the limits of other stages would be.

No wonder there were no records of the limits of each stage, even in the Rain Listening Pavilion. Without his panel, such limits would be unimaginable for ordinary people.

Gazing at the stars and moon, Li Hao thought for a moment and then entered a light sleep.

Li Hongzhuang glanced at the boy, holding back the urge to ask. Having killed Chihu Jun tonight, there was likely a fierce battle tomorrow, and she needed to adjust her state quickly.

Without the cover of city walls, the dawn light from outside the fortress shone like a warm hand, gently brushing their faces.

Li Hao woke from his light sleep. With the Stealth and Recuperation skill, he only needed one or two hours of light sleep to relieve fatigue.

But sleep wasn't just for relieving fatigue; it was also comfortable.

Unfortunately, the conditions outside the fortress didn't allow him to sleep in.

Li Hao searched the camp and found some more paper, immediately starting to write again.

Li Hongzhuang also woke up. The early winter morning was slightly foggy, and her breath turned white as she spoke:

"Writing techniques again?"

"Yes."

"There might be a fierce battle today."

"We'll deal with it when it comes."

Li Hao seemed nonchalant, as if he didn't care much.

Li Hongzhuang glanced at the techniques Li Hao was writing and said, "Even if you finish writing, there's no one to deliver them."

"Maybe this old gentleman can help."

Li Hao looked toward Li He hiding in the dark.

Li He was surprised that Li Hao had noticed his position. His expression changed slightly, but given the situation, he no longer needed to hide. He walked openly to the two of them and said, "I am here under your father's orders to protect you. Without his decree, I won't leave."

"Old sir, you better change your way of speaking and stop referring to 'your father' all the time."

Li Hao frowned, staring at him.

Li He was slightly startled, feeling a bit of chill.

He felt uncomfortable. Though he was temporarily transferred and had heard about the battle between father and son in Qingzhou City, he believed that no matter what, they were still father and son. How could they really sever ties?

"Young master, you're being a bit disrespectful," Li He said solemnly, his face serious.

"To you, or to whom?" Li Hao's eyes narrowed, black energy flickering dangerously.

Li He sensed it but remained upright, saying, "Naturally, to your father. I don't mind how you treat me…"

Before he could finish, the boy on the ground suddenly burst into action.

With a roar, a punch was thrown.

Li He was momentarily stunned but quickly raised a palm to block it.

With a loud bang, the two forces collided, and Li He was sent flying, retreating dozens of meters before stopping. His old face was filled with shock.

Watching Li Hao kill two Three Immortal-level demons the previous day, he had observed from the sidelines and didn't feel as strongly as he did now.

Li Hao's punch was something he could barely withstand.

"I'll overlook it since you're an elder, but if you don't learn to speak properly, I will make you shut up!"

Li Hao stood his ground, giving Li He a cold glance before not pursuing further.

Li He's face turned dark, wanting to speak but seeing the boy's genuine coldness, he held back.

If Li Hao attacked with full force as he did yesterday, he might not be able to withstand it. After all, he couldn't really fight the boy with all his might. His duty was to protect him.

"Hao'er!"

Li Hongzhuang frowned, calling out when she saw Li Hao actually strike.

Li Hao looked at her and said, "Aunt Hongzhuang, I hope that besides the hard work of slaying demons, I can have a pleasant mood. I hope you can act accordingly."

Hearing such distant words from Li Hao, her expression changed slightly, staring at him.

She didn't understand what had happened between father and son that made the boy so averse to even mentioning his father.

She sighed, saying nothing more.

Li Hao returned to his seat, continuing to write the techniques as if nothing had happened.

Li He stood with his hands behind his back, but the hand that blocked Li Hao's punch trembled slightly.

Fortunately, the recovery ability of the Three Immortals was strong, and the severed limb could regenerate. Soon, his arm's meridians were smooth again.

Li He looked deeply at the boy, feeling regret, wondering if the letter he sent to Qingzhou City had reached the General.

...

Qingzhou City, General's Mansion.

A green sparrow flew in from outside the window, landing on the inkstone on the desk.

Its palm-sized body suddenly swelled to the size of a head, its beak slightly open, spitting out a rolled-up letter.

The middle-aged man in brown clothes by the desk quickly picked up the letter, spreading it open to read carefully.

After reading, his anxious face darkened, and he crushed the letter.

"Duke, is it a letter from the young master?"

Outside the room, Yuxuan saw the green sparrow and walked in, his eyes showing concern.

After all, this was the heir of the family. With such talent, he could suppress the world's demons if he grew up.

"Hmph!"

Hearing Yuxuan's concern, Li Tiangang snorted, his eyes filled with anger: "It's a reply from Li He. I wondered why he had such a backbone. Turns out someone is backing him. Second Uncle and Fifth Uncle are really troublesome. Won't they stop until they ruin Hao'er?"

Yuxuan was stunned and asked, "Duke, what do you mean?"

Li Tiangang didn't feel like explaining further.

The matter in the letter reignited the anger he had managed to suppress over the past few days.

He had sent Li He to protect Li Hao in secret, but Li He noticed another powerful figure following Li Hao, possibly a top expert at the Fourth Stage.

A Fourth Stage expert was rare in the entire Daya. Why would such a person lower themselves to protect a child?

It could only be because of Second and Fifth Uncle's connections, asking their old friends for help.

This meant wasting a precious favor and having a Fourth Stage expert accompany a child was a significant waste.

With that kind of free time, they could have killed many demons!

More importantly, this went against his wishes.

He sent Li Hao to Tianmen Pass, to the border, to break his stubbornness, to let him experience the terror of life and death, to make him understand that the outside world wasn't as comfortable and warm as the General's Mansion.

Now, with a Fourth Stage expert secretly protecting him, what experience could he have?

In this case, would that boy really sever ties with him three years later?

With that stubborn nature, he would likely still hold a grudge.

The more Li Tiangang thought about it, the angrier he became, hoping that the Fourth Stage expert would lose patience with Li Hao soon.

After all, that boy's temperament wasn't pleasant, and the expert might not tolerate him for long.

But if Second and Fifth Uncle promised great favors, it might really mean three years of protection.

Thinking of this, he immediately set off to question them.

Just outside the room, snowflakes fell from the sky.

The first snow of early winter arrived.

Li Tiangang clearly didn't care about the snowflakes. He didn't even carry an umbrella, flying straight to the Rain Listening Pavilion.

At the Rain Listening Pavilion entrance, the guards saw Li Tiangang and immediately bowed.

Li Tiangang went straight to the seventh floor, scanning the area, but didn't see his second uncle, making him even angrier.

He returned downstairs and asked, "Where's the old master?"

"The old marquis seems to have gone fishing."

"Where?"

"I don't know."

Li Tiangang's anger surged. He had heard that his second uncle was easygoing and didn't get along well with his father and brothers, which seemed true.

His duty was to guard the Rain Listening Pavilion, yet he was nowhere to be found, and now, he couldn't even locate him.

The guard, seeing his furious expression, recalled something and quickly said, "Duke, I think I know a place where the old marquis might be."

"Where?"

"It was mentioned by the young master, Black Water Demon Lake, two thousand miles east of the city." The guard respectfully replied.

Li Tiangang immediately moved but paused, frowning, "Why did the boy mention it to you?"

"The young master mentioned it casually. He often sends pastries to the old marquis, and worried about the long journey and keeping the food warm…"

Li Tiangang's face darkened: "Not focusing on training, currying favor instead, no wonder Second Uncle spoils him so much!"

With a flick of his sleeve, he flew out of Qingzhou City.

Soon, Li Tiangang arrived at Black Water Demon Lake. The vast long lake stretched endlessly, its black waters surging.

He scanned the area, soon finding a figure by the lakeside.

Li Tiangang flew over, landing.

The figure by the lake turned at the sound, his smile fading upon seeing Li Tiangang's stern face, his eyes dimming.

"Second Uncle."

Though angry, Li Tiangang bowed first after landing, then approached, glancing at the lake, "You came here to fish?"

Fishing... Li Muxiu's face returned to its usual calm, his mouth twitching slightly. He was just here to sit quietly.

"How did you know I was here, and what do you want?"

Li Muxiu asked coldly.

Seeing this, Li Tiangang didn't bother with pleasantries and said directly, "Second Uncle, I know you care about the boy, but don't you think you're harming him?"

Li Muxiu turned to look at him, "How am I harming your son?"

"You had your friend look after Hao'er, secretly protecting him. Isn't this making him really cut ties with me?" Li Tiangang said angrily.

Li Muxiu paused, understanding.

The day Li Hao left, he noticed Feng Bo Ping in the shadows, who briefly explained that he would escort Li Hao away.

He had only thanked him but felt deeply conflicted.

Without Feng Bo Ping's support, the boy might not have crossed that threshold.

But Feng Bo Ping's willingness to support might have been due to seeing the boy's grievances before his father.

Even an outsider couldn't bear it, showing how much of a failure it was.

Thinking of this, seeing Li Tiangang's angry eyes, Li Muxiu couldn't help but sneer:

"Now you're afraid, afraid of losing Hao'er?"

"When you came back and slapped him, were you not afraid then?"

"And I've asked about the details. Hao'er slapped that girl because she was being arrogant and insulted Qingqing first."

"Hao'er was defending his mother, is that wrong?"

His previously calm emotions surged again, eyes filled with anger.

Li Tiangang's face changed, speechless.

He had investigated the matter, confirmed by Li Mingguang, Li Wushuang, and others present. It was indeed Li Rumo, Eighth Brother's daughter, who spoke ill of Qingqing first.

Eighth Brother himself slapped his daughter, had a huge fight with his wife, and their courtyard hadn't been peaceful since.

He couldn't blame anyone further, feeling some regret for that slap.

"Second Uncle, I know I'm not a good father, but my intention is to teach him. I regret not having raised him properly all these years."

Li Tiangang said, "But you saw his temperament, as stubborn as a rock. If your friend keeps protecting him, he'll never experience the harshness of the world."

Li Muxiu coldly looked at him:

"He's your son, not your enemy. Why must you make him experience the world's hardships?"

Li Tiangang was stunned.

"If I had a son, I'd hold him close and spoil him every day!"

Li Muxiu said coldly, "Children aren't born to endure the world's cruelty, but to feel their parents' love. I didn't marry or have children because I wasn't confident in being a good father. But it seems you're even less qualified!"

Li Tiangang fell silent for a moment, "Second Uncle, you've never been a father, so you don't understand my good intentions. I want to treat him well and make up for his loneliness over the years, but there's a limit to everything!"

"Many soldiers never return from the battlefield, buried forever. He's fortunate to see me return alive."

"But one day I will die. If he doesn't grow up, how will he carry the Li family forward? Should our ancestors leave it to him? Can he bear it?"

Li Muxiu sneered, "How do you know he can't if you don't try? Hao'er is not as weak as you think. You've never really cared about him!"

He raised his hand, catching a snowflake and showing it to Li Tiangang:

"Look."

Li Tiangang wanted to argue but was puzzled, "What?"

"It's snowing."

Li Muxiu said.

"I know." Li Tiangang replied.

"This is the second snow since that child left."

Li Muxiu said, "The first snow, you forced him out of the family. The second snow, you came to question me about protecting him. To an outsider, it would seem you're enemies, not father and son."

He looked into Li Tiangang's eyes and softly said, "When you saw the snow, did you think if the child was cold, if he could eat and dress warmly at the border?"

Li Tiangang's face changed, clenching his fist, "With your friend's protection, he must be comfortable. Fourth Stage demons don't dare invade, and with Li He and Hongzhuang, he's well taken care of."

"The boy is pampered by everyone. A little snow is nothing."

Li Muxiu looked at him coldly, "Your friend won't intervene unless it's a matter of life and death. Right?"

"Naturally."

Li Tiangang said, "Otherwise, how can he learn?"

Li Muxiu took a deep breath, not wanting to argue further, "Go back, don't bother me."

Li Tiangang immediately said, "If you call your friend back and stop spoiling him, I won't bother you."

Li Muxiu sneered, "Do you think my friend is protecting Hao'er for my sake?"

Li Tiangang raised an eyebrow, "Are you saying Hao'er made friends with him? That's a Fourth Stage expert, who would care about him?"

Li Muxiu felt angry but held back.

He couldn't reveal Feng Bo Ping's identity, fearing more trouble.

"Leave."

Li Muxiu said coldly, "Rest assured, my friend knows his limits and won't intervene unless a Fourth Stage demon crosses the line."

"Fourth Stage demons won't dare." Li Tiangang said.

"But what if they do?" Li Muxiu stared at him.

Li Tiangang's face changed, falling silent.

"That Liu Yue Rong's interrogation results should be out soon. Instead of questioning me, you should seek justice for your son. Do you think Hao'er lied about the divine blood?" Li Muxiu said coldly.

Li Tiangang thought of this, eyes flashing, said nothing, bowed, and flew away.

Watching him disappear, Li Muxiu's cold expression softened, sighing.

His gaze fell on the demon lake, then on a nearby depression.

The place where his son used to fish.

"Second Uncle, I caught another one!"

"Ha ha, Second Uncle, look, this one's big!"

"Second Uncle, it's ready, come eat!"

Li Muxiu's eyes reddened, knowing that with that child's nature, he might never return.

...

Great Yuzhou, Imperial Capital.

In the grand palace.

Civil and military officials stood on both sides of the long dragon skin carpet, having finished reporting on state affairs, now engaged in a heated debate.

"Your Majesty, it's the sixth day, you must decide!"

"That King of Martial Punishment just returned from the northern expedition, granted the title of Third Marquis. His son, arrogant and conceited, fought his father, violating the ethical norms!"

"If not severely punished, it will ruin our traditions. If people follow this example, where will filial piety and loyalty go?"

"Your Majesty, this matter requires investigation before passing judgment."

"I heard the boy is a prodigy, reaching the Heaven Man stage at fourteen, more talented than even Li's Ninth Lord. He might be arrogant but has already been punished by being sent to Tianmen Pass, which is severe enough!"

"That's just for show. I don't believe he didn't send someone to watch over him. If Tianmen Pass falls, I want to see if his son can bear the responsibility!"

"Entrusting such a crucial place to a child is foolish. If it falls, what about the millions in Liangzhou?"

"Disrespecting authority deserves death!"

The debate was fierce, with two main viewpoints: severe punishment and leniency with investigation, or letting the Li family handle it, seeing it as a private matter, not a state issue.

Both sides had valid points, leading to days of deadlock.

On the dragon throne, Emperor Yu gazed calmly, eyes like the sun and moon, intimidating to look at.

Hearing the noisy debate, his lips curled slightly, thinking of the scene by the willow lake…

"That stubborn boy…" Emperor Yu thought.

Scanning the room, he saw a group of silent scholars, curious:

"Scholars of the Hanlin Academy, what is your opinion?"

Hearing the Emperor, the others quieted, looking at the scholars, puzzled.

Usually, these scholars were the first to protest against such violations of tradition. Their sharp tongues even the military officials avoided.

They were warriors, not adept at verbal sparring, far from these pen-wielders.

But this time, they were silent, like spectators, seemingly oblivious.

Afraid of the General's Mansion? Afraid of the Li family?

Nonsense.

These scholars even criticized princes, not to mention the five great General Mansions. If not for their monumental achievements, they would have been denounced long ago.

Destroying traditions equals harming the people, their favorite rhetoric, causing headaches for those who disliked formalities.

Moreover, the Emperor highly valued the Hanlin Academy, giving scholars equal status to military officials, even favoring them more for their weakness.

Slaying demons was the military's duty, but governing the country was the scholars' task.

The world wasn't just threatened by demons; human hearts could topple a nation.

And scholars excelled at managing people! "Your Majesty, we believe that while Li Hao may be young and reckless, he's not a wanton wastrel. He has great ambitions and a patriotic heart. This conflict must have a reason. We ask Your Majesty to investigate and give the boy justice!"

The grand tutor of the Hanlin Academy stepped forward respectfully.

Hearing this, the officials were stunned.

Was this the Hanlin Academy they knew?

Was this the stubborn grand tutor they knew? Had he been bewitched?

"Grand Tutor, do you know what you're saying?"

Before the Emperor could speak, a Liangzhou military commander stood out, shouting: "Fighting his father, regardless of the reason, isn't pointing a sword at one's father wrong? That's his own father!"

"Yes, if this is tolerated, what else won't be?" another chimed in.

The Emperor's lips curled slightly but quickly returned to normal. No one noticed, as no one dared to stare at him. He said calmly:

"Love, you commend him. Why?"

"Your Majesty, we have evidence."

The grand tutor glanced at the Liangzhou commander with disdain. Though a scholar, he had the Emperor's backing, and these warriors wouldn't dare touch him.

Moreover, he knew why the commander was so adamant. It was because the King of Martial Punishment sent Li Hao to Tianmen Pass, fearing its fall and having to fight demons himself.

"Oh? What evidence?" The Emperor asked, intrigued.