138. The General's Mansion Has Lost Him

Chapter 138: The General's Mansion Has Lost Him

"One move," Li Hao thought for a moment and said objectively.

Ren Qianqian's eyes lit up, trusting Li Hao's words without doubt, given his vastly superior swordsmanship. She had barely managed to exchange a few moves with her opponent.

"What about the Tenth Level of Soul Fusion?" she asked.

"One move."

"And a newcomer to the Divine Wandering Realm?"

"One move."

"..."

Seeing Ren Qianqian's stunned expression, Li Hao chuckled and turned, saying, "Let's go, we've had enough fun. Time to rest."

Ren Qianqian snapped out of her daze and quickly followed him, asking, "Master, are you serious? All with just swordsmanship?"

Li Hao tapped her on the head, "Don't compare yourself to me."

His Dazhou realm's opened meridians and internal energy methods were top-tier, supporting him in cross-realm battles. Coupled with his Heaven and Earth Soul Fusion, it was hard to replicate his feats. Even at the first level of Soul Fusion, his condensed soul essence matched that of a fifth-level practitioner. Paired with his Yin-Yang dual meridians, he could defeat a newly entered Divine Wandering Realm warrior in one move.

Using his swordsmanship would complicate things.

Ren Qianqian, holding her sword and rubbing her head, felt a bit wronged but knew Li Hao was right. Comparing herself to him could break her spirit.

"Follow your own path of the sword, no need to compare with others," Li Hao advised.

Ren Qianqian was shaken by his words. Following her own sword path without comparison... Was that what he did too?

As the two left, at the Divine Wandering Realm stage, a group gathered, and a woman paused in her steps.

"What's wrong, Yueyao?" Lin Feifei asked, surprised.

"I thought I saw Master Li," Song Yueyao stopped, looking in another direction.

"Isn't that the Soul Fusion stage?" Lin Feifei followed her gaze, puzzled.

Song Yueyao saw the moving figures and frowned slightly before shaking her head, "I must have been mistaken."

Given his level, why would he be at the Soul Fusion stage?

Refocusing, she said, "Let's experience the prowess of the Divine Wandering Realm from various regions."

"Mm." Lin Feifei's eyes lit up, eager for competition.

Time flew by.

Li Hao and Ren Qianqian found an inn to stay in the city. They spent their days eating, drinking, and exploring, with three days passing quickly.

In those three days, Ren Qianqian continued to challenge and spar at the Soul Fusion stage, achieving decent rankings but not making the top ten. Her realm was too low, having just entered Soul Fusion and lacking time to properly cultivate soul techniques. She had the realm but not the strength. The top contenders were often those at the peak of Soul Fusion, taught by renowned masters or lucky geniuses who had found opportunities.

Li Hao, after initially accompanying her, spent his time wandering the city, searching for famous paintings and chess manuals.

To his delight, he found two famous paintings in a wealthy household, though one was a counterfeit. The genuine painting by a master artist was titled "A Thousand Sails Across the River."

The wealthy man, who collected art for pleasure, didn't need money. To obtain the painting, Li Hao had to offer something valuable in exchange. Using his martial prowess, he impressed the household's martial instructors and the man's son, Han Wu, who agreed to exchange the painting if Li Hao could find him a famous teacher.

So, on the day of the master gathering, Li Hao was accompanied by Han Wu, the wealthy man's son, who was around Li Hao's age.

"That's the master forum over there, but without an invitation, we can't enter," Han Wu, knowledgeable about the event's rules, explained. He admired and respected the masters inside.

"No problem, we can get in," Li Hao said confidently, heading towards the entrance.

Though lacking an invitation, he could enter as a Heavenly Master.

At the gate, two identical young men from the Tianji Tower blocked their way politely, asking for invitations. They assumed Li Hao and his companions were young nobles or students seeking to study under a master.

Without an invitation, Li Hao lightly tapped the dragon-patterned drum beside the gate. The drum, covered in dragon scales and demon skin, had intricate mechanisms that only a Heavenly Master could vibrate. Even a peak Soul Fusion warrior using brute force would struggle to make it sound.

As the drum resonated with a deep thud, the twin guards were stunned, realizing Li Hao's level. Han Wu, too, was shocked, having believed Li Hao to be a Divine Wandering Realm warrior.

"You... are you..."

The twin guards, recovering from their shock, stared at Li Hao in awe.

There were no other fourteen-year-old Heavenly Masters besides the legendary one from Qingzhou.

"Can we go in now?" Li Hao asked.

The twin guards, recognizing the significance, stepped aside immediately.

Ren Qianqian, familiar with Li Hao's realm, smiled. Han Wu, regaining his composure, followed eagerly, overwhelmed by excitement.

As they entered, a distant figure in a robe noticed and narrowed his eyes.

...

The master forum was not in the city center but by the riverside, connected to the city moat. The famous Long River, spanning 7,000 miles and crossing half of Liangzhou, flowed past, connecting many cities.

Now, the river surged, churning muddy waters. The grand forum stood by the river, occasionally splashed by waves. Such a majestic and perilous location evoked a sense of grandeur and heroic spirit.

Masters contending with the world found resonance in this environment, perfect for harmonizing with their mindset.

In the inner forum, reserved for masters and their entourages, the crowd was vibrant. Despite the exclusivity, the gathering of masters and their guests made it lively. Familiar masters greeted each other, introducing their disciples or young nobles brought in by wealthy families.

Li Hao observed the martial atmosphere intertwined with worldly interests.

Ren Qianqian and Han Wu, nervous and excited, found themselves among powerful figures. The three immortals level was nearly transcendent, with one foot in legend.

"Let's find a place to sit," Li Hao suggested, leading them to an empty table with refreshments. He sampled a pastry, finding it mediocre, and didn't take another.

"Master, are you really the fifth on the Qianlong list from the General's Mansion..." Han Wu, overwhelmed, whispered to Li Hao.

Li Hao shook his head slightly, "You're overthinking."

You can't fool me... Han Wu thought, convinced otherwise. He might be called a fool by his father, but he believed himself wise. In a world overrun by demons, wealth was secondary to power.

He dreamed of transforming his wealthy family into a martial clan, and this was his chance.

"Master, will you take me as your disciple?" Han Wu, trying to kneel, was lifted by a force. Li Hao chuckled, sensing the boy's cunning.

"I don't take disciples," Li Hao said.

"I can endure hardships, I'm kind-hearted, and willing to do anything..."

Han Wu, eager to prove himself, was interrupted by Li Hao, "I don't have time to teach. Even if you became my disciple, it wouldn't help."

He found teaching martial arts boring, unlike teaching chess or painting. Only Ren Qianqian, having followed him from Qingzhou, received his guidance.

"Master..."

Han Wu, saddened, tried to elicit sympathy, "I lost my mother at a young age..."

Li Hao, amused, wondered if the boy wanted to sing.

"Hmm? How did you get in?" a familiar voice interrupted.

Li Hao looked up to see Zhou Haitang and his disciples approaching.

Zhou Ling'er, seeing Ren Qianqian, flushed with shame. Being defeated by a peer was humiliating. She tried to avoid eye contact, feeling resentful.

"Master Zhou," Li Hao greeted, remaining seated out of respect.

Zhou Haitang, assuming Li Hao resented his earlier indifference, frowned but let it go. "The person you're looking for, Bai Chunhai, is over there," he said, pointing to a gray-robed old man.

"Thank you," Li Hao nodded.

Zhou Haitang left, feeling the debt repaid.

In the martial world, debts and favors were significant, often involving life and death.

Seeing their master leave, Xu Wan'er nodded to Li Hao and followed. Zhou Ling'er glared at Li Hao before leaving, venting her frustration.

Returning to his seat, Li Hao approached Bai Chunhai, who was in conversation with others.

"Master Bai?" Li Hao inquired.

The old man turned, seeing a refined youth. "Who are you?"

Li Hao smiled, "I heard you have a famous painting. I'm interested in purchasing it. What are your terms?"

"Hmm?" Bai Chunhai frowned, valuing his art collection highly.

"You should just ask to be his disciple," a burly middle-aged man advised.

The other disciples, assuming Li Hao was seeking apprenticeship, laughed.

"I'm not here to apprentice, just to buy the painting," Li Hao clarified.

The burly man, annoyed, said, "Are you here to cause trouble?"

Bai Chunhai, stopping his disciple, told Li Hao, "I don't sell my paintings. Please leave."

Li Hao knew money wouldn't sway the master, so he offered, "What about a trade? Skills, weapons?"

Bai Chunhai, intrigued by the youth's persistence, said, "I lack nothing. Please leave."

Li Hao, frustrated, realized he had no choice but to resort to stealth.

Returning to his seat, he heard a familiar voice call out, "Master Li?"

He turned to see Song Yueyao and other white palace disciples approaching, along with their teachers Shen Yunqing, Zhao Zongyuan, and Su Yehua.

"It's really you," Shen Yunqing laughed, surprised.

"Master Li!" the disciples greeted respectfully.

Song Yueyao's eyes sparkled, recognizing Li Hao.

"You all came too," Li Hao said, welcoming them warmly.

"We couldn't miss this event," Zhao Zongyuan said.

"Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at Tianmen Pass?" Su Yehua asked.

"No demons there for now, so I'm here to explore," Li Hao replied.

Shen Yunqing, concerned, advised, "If it gets too tough, don't hesitate to apologize to your father. It's not shameful."

Li Hao, understanding, patted his shoulder, "Let's not talk about the past."

Shen Yunqing sighed, knowing they didn't want Li Hao in danger.

"Need anything at Tianmen Pass? I know people in Liangzhou who can help," Su Yehua offered.

"Thanks, let's sit first," Li Hao said, inviting them to join.

Han Wu, excited, recognized the elite students from the academy he once wanted to attend. His father had prevented him, fearing the journey's dangers.

"Master Li, we'll come to Tianmen Pass after graduation," Zhou Zheng promised.

"Indeed," Song Yueyao agreed.

Shen Yunqing, stern, warned, "That place is dangerous. Don't burden him."

Understanding, Li Hao laughed, "Got it."

"Most white palace students came, but some didn't get selected and had to rely on family connections," Shen Yunqing explained. "They should arrive soon."

As they spoke, more voices called out, "Teacher Su! Master Li?"

More students arrived, filling the space with joy. Despite the brief separation, it felt like a reunion.

Their chatter drew attention, including from Bai Chunhai's table, where the masters recognized the students and learned Li Hao's identity.

"That child is the genius from Qingzhou?"

Stunned, they realized the boy who had approached them was the legendary young master.

"A fourteen-year-old Heavenly Master!"

"He is Li Hao!"

Bai Chunhai's disciple, shocked and trembling, regretted his earlier rudeness. No wonder the boy had ignored him.

"He is Li Hao?"

"Unbelievable! A fourteen-year-old master!"

"He's here? I wonder how he broke through the Heavenly Gate!"

The news spread, drawing more attention to Li Hao.

Even other renowned young talents paled in comparison to his recent fame.

"What?"

Zhou Haitang, chatting with old friends, overheard the commotion. Recognizing the name, he looked at the boy he had dismissed, realizing the truth.

Nearby, Zhou Ling'er and Xu Wan'er heard too, astonished by the revelation.

"He is that genius?"

Zhou Ling'er, awestruck, remembered her earlier interaction. No wonder he was so skilled.

"He is the young master..." Xu Wan'er, intrigued, watched him closely.

Elsewhere, Li Wushuang was surrounded by masters, seeking connections with the General's Mansion. Hearing the noise, she and her attendants turned to see the cause.

"He's here too?"

Standing abruptly, she sent her spirit to confirm, seeing the boy's familiar smile.

Rushing over, she called, "Li Hao!"

Li Hao, talking with the students, turned to see her, surprised.

"You came too," he said, recognizing her level.

"Are you okay?" she asked, suppressing her urge to ask more.

"I'm fine."

Li Hao, recalling their past, responded kindly to her concern.