107. Accusation

Chapter 107: Accusation

"Lin Wujing!"

An angry shout resounded, followed by Li Qingzheng in a white robe appearing like a flash, standing in front of Li Hao.

His usually gentle eyes now shot out cold electricity, making the temperature in the courtyard seem to drop abruptly.

He didn't address Lin Wujing by his Buddhist title "Great Sage Bodhisattva of the Divine Order" but called him by his given name, which was extremely impolite!

Lin Wujing, however, turned and looked at him coldly: "The competition for the Li family's True Dragon involves deadly attacks. If I hadn't intervened in time, Qianfeng would already be dead. Are you blaming me for this?"

Li Qingzheng was momentarily speechless. He was angry because the other had interfered in the Li family's True Dragon selection. But if he were to blame Lin Wujing now, it would imply that he condoned Li Hao killing Li Qianfeng.

Of course, he couldn't do that.

If Lin Wujing hadn't intervened just now, he would have.

With his Four Establishments level of cultivation, even half-awake, he could have intervened in time.

"This is the Li family's True Dragon competition. Hao'er knows his limits. Bodhisattva, please have some respect!"

Ultimately, Li Qingzheng managed to find a way to save face while also exonerating Li Hao. He was also speaking to everyone else, providing a justification for Li Hao.

In that moment, how could he not see that Li Hao had intended to kill?

Having killed countless demons in the borderlands, his sensitivity to killing intent was extremely acute.

However, besides Li Hao, he also sensed that Li Qianfeng had killing intent! The relationship between these two juniors was not as harmonious as other cousins, far from the joyful camaraderie of their fathers' generation, the Nine Sons of the Li family.

Though they were blood relatives, there was still a layer of separation.

Li Qingzheng couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Throughout the Li family's thousand-year history, such bloody struggles were inevitable, even among the imperial lineage.

This is why the Li family values tests of character, and the principle of universal love is a family precept.

"Hmph!"

Lin Wujing knew Li Qingzheng was being stubborn, so he coldly snorted and said: "Qianfeng's eye needs immediate treatment. If it affects his brain, he might become an idiot. Are you Li family still going to care or not?!"

"Qianfeng!"

Hearing this, Liu Yuerong was scared out of her wits. The once elegant Miss Liu hurriedly rushed over, displaying her fifteen-mile stage cultivation.

Most of the Li family daughters-in-law were martial artists, few were weak scholars, especially with the countless treasures and secret medicines of the Li family. Even with ordinary talents, one could reach the fifteen-mile stage through sheer resources.

Because below the Grandmaster level, relying on resources and physical talent, one could ascend rapidly! This is the initial acceleration effect brought by the foundation of a great power.

Liu Yuerong rushed to Lin Wujing, looking at her son with a chopstick embedded in his eye socket and blood flowing, her heart aching to the point of tears.

She trembled, wanting to touch him but not daring to. Thinking of something, she suddenly turned and glared at Li Hao:

"You little bastard, he is your cousin, and you actually struck such a deadly blow!"

Li Hao's eyes only held regret for not being able to kill the opponent outright.

Hearing her words, he couldn't help but sneer. Cousin? And you're still my dear second aunt, but what have you done? In the front, Chen Hefang, seeing the sudden change, was pale, nearly breaking her Buddhist prayer beads.

The loss of her sixth son made her feel dizzy at the sight of blood from the younger generation, but she quickly regained her composure and said: "It's getting late. Now that the Li family's True Dragon has been chosen, everyone should leave."

She spoke politely, but everyone knew that the old lady didn't want anyone staying to watch the drama.

Many were secretly disappointed. The grudges hidden behind the brutal actions of these two juniors were undoubtedly interesting.

He Jianlan quickly stood up and arranged for the guests to be escorted out of the mansion.

Li Tiangang's face was grim, but now was not the time to scold Li Hao. Suppressing his anger, he personally escorted Jian Wudao and Chu Jiuyue out of the courtyard.

The two knew the Li family was facing an awkward situation and didn't stay long.

While surprised by Li Hao's ruthlessness, they weren't too shocked.

Noble children inevitably had unknown grievances.

Moreover, concerning the True Dragon competition, tensions ran high. The previous generation of the Li family's Nine Sons didn't erupt into bloody conflict mainly because Li Junlang was too dazzling, and being siblings of the same mother, their relationship was close.

Compared to Li Hao's ruthlessness, they were more astonished by the formidable strength he displayed in that moment.

This had far exceeded what they had seen at the fifteen-mile stage.

The immense power Li Qianfeng exploded with at the critical moment was either some secret technique or an external force.

His master being the Buddha, having such a trump card wasn't surprising. But to be crushed by Li Hao before even revealing it fully, almost killed.

This generation's Li family's True Dragon is not to be underestimated!

"That kid's swordsmanship reached such a level, how is that possible..."

Jian Wudao glanced at the boy standing in the field before leaving, his shock subsiding, but his eyes still filled with doubt.

Years ago, that child's eyes held no passion for swords, as indifferent as looking at a twig.

How could someone with such a temperament develop such a domineering and ruthless sword intent? "Hurry, save my son!"

As the guests left, Liu Yuerong anxiously addressed Lin Wujing and the old lady.

Chen Hefang knew there was no time to lose and quickly led the way, allowing Lin Wujing to take Li Qianfeng to the back courtyard of Qinglian, and also sent for the family's divine healer.

Liu Yuerong followed closely, and the other wives, seeing this, also followed to check on Li Qianfeng's injuries, as saving him was the priority.

After seeing off Jian Wudao and others, Li Tiangang returned to the courtyard.

He walked briskly to Li Hao, glaring at him.

With no guests around, Li Tiangang glared at Li Hao and said:

"I haven't disciplined you, but you're too presumptuous!"

Li Hao was about to speak of the poison pill but responded instead: "Didn't you hear what that woman just called me?"

"You!"

Li Tiangang was furious. He heard it, but thought it was Second Sister-in-law's unchecked outburst out of concern for Qianfeng's life: "I'll go check on Qianfeng first, then deal with you!"

With that, he stormed off like a gust of wind.

His son had hurt the other so badly, he had to check, or how could they remain relatives?

Li Qingzheng turned to look at Li Hao, his gaze complex, and said: "Hao'er, why were you so impulsive?"

Li Hao remained expressionless, silent. Hearing Li Qingzheng's words, he slowly forced a smile: "Fifth Uncle, that woman owes me."

Li Qingzheng was puzzled, looking at him.

Li Hao didn't elaborate but turned to the back courtyard. By now, the past should be revealed.

Li Qingzheng watched Li Hao's back, his eyes flickering. Over the years, he had gotten to know Li Hao quite well. Uninterested in fame and fortune, for the True Dragon competition alone, this child had no reason to be so ruthless.

What was the reason?

He took a deep breath and decided to head to the back courtyard to check on Li Qianfeng's injuries.

With a flicker, Li Qingzheng disappeared.

In the courtyard, Li Mingguang, Li Sibai, and the other third-generation Li family members were all shocked, watching Li Hao.

Everything had changed so quickly, they hadn't fully processed it.

Among them, Li Yuanzhao stood with his mouth agape, feeling a strange unfamiliarity with the Hao-ge he had always followed.

Suddenly, Li Mingguang moved, standing in front of Li Hao: "Where are you going?"

Li Mingguang's gaze was stern, his face angry, staring at Li Hao.

As the eldest of the third-generation cousins, he was extremely shocked and angry at Li Hao's actions! He and Li Sibai had given up competing for the True Dragon partly out of respect for these two cousins. Seeing this cousin's anger, Li Hao's emotions subsided. He had no ill feelings towards Li Mingguang; in fact, he had a good impression of him.

"I'm going to check on him."

Li Hao smiled.

"Don't pretend. You struck deliberately!" Li Mingguang said angrily.

Li Hao's smile faded slightly, looking at him: "Yes, it was deliberate."

"You!"

Li Mingguang hadn't expected Li Hao to admit so easily, his pupils shrinking in anger, his whole body exuding a terrifying aura.

But he didn't act because he was bound to the soul of the Li family's ancestor. Attacking Li Hao would break his oath.

"I thought you were a peerless talent, seeing a shadow of Ninth Uncle in you. But your character is like this, disappointing His Majesty who values you so much..."

Li Mingguang gritted his teeth in anger.

"Do you think winning the True Dragon position means you can act recklessly?"

Li Sibai stood beside his brother, eyes coldly fixed on Li Hao.

Li Hao glanced at them, then said: "I have my reasons. If you want to know, follow me to the back courtyard."

"What reason justifies harming your kin?!"

Li Mingguang shouted angrily.

"Mingguang-ge, maybe Hao-ge really has a reason?" Li Yuanzhao said cautiously.

Hearing the little fatty, Li Hao looked at him, warmth filling his heart, and smiled.

Seeing Li Hao's smile, Li Yuanzhao felt that unfamiliar feeling dissipate, the familiar sense of Hao-ge returning.

He felt reassured, thinking he might have said the right thing, so he gained more courage, about to speak again, when Li Sibai coldly said: "Shut up, you're too young to meddle in this!"

Li Yuanzhao opened his mouth but hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Li Wushuang and Li Yun, among the siblings, also approached, their eyes complex as they looked at Li Hao.

Li Wushuang, remembering the slap Li Hao had given her, felt a mix of shame and anger, along with confusion.

Despite Li Hao's heavy hand that day, making her avoid sitting, she felt he was only disciplining her, without killing intent, unlike today.

She had offended Li Hao, but he didn't intend to kill her, showing he wasn't bloodthirsty.

Or, as Brother Mingguang suggested, having won the True Dragon position, he now exposed his violent nature, acting recklessly?

Li Yun, timidly looking at Li Hao, felt even more fearful without his elder sister nearby.

"My mother was right. His mother is from the Wild Heaven, inherently violent, like mother, like son!"

Li Jiangying and Li Rumeng approached, sneering at Li Hao.

Both were jealous of Li Hao taking the True Dragon position. Li Rumeng felt that if her father had allowed her to participate, she might have made a mark too.

Hearing this, Li Hao's eyes turned cold, catching a clue. Wild Heaven? Wasn't his mother from a small clan, how could she be from Wild Heaven? Living in the Li family, often chatting with his uncles and elders, Li Hao had top-notch information, more than these third-generation youngsters.

And Wild Heaven wasn't too obscure.

Outside the Eastern Huang Continent, guarded by the Great Yu, beyond human reach, in a world teeming with demons, was the Wild Heaven.

It was said that the demons in Wild Heaven were far more ferocious than those around the Great Yu.

The demons around the Great Yu were merely weak ones driven to the outskirts, unable to survive in Wild Heaven.

In the depths of Wild Heaven, ancient ferocious beasts roamed, extremely terrifying, even the Four Establishments wouldn't venture lightly.

To the people of this world, Wild Heaven was like the mysterious, dangerous, boundless ocean of the pre-technological age! "You know about my mother?" Li Hao stared at him.

Li Rumeng raised an eyebrow: "What, your father didn't tell you? Oh, right, you and your father were never together, and he probably couldn't say it, after all, she was a barbarian savage..."

Slap.

Li Hao suddenly slapped, leaving five red marks on Li Rumeng's face, blood oozing, and a tooth flying.

"Li Hao!!"

Beside him, Li Jiangying, realizing his sister was hit, glared angrily at Li Hao, his soul form appearing.

But his inherited soul wasn't from the Li family but from the Wang family!

Thus, attacking Li Hao wouldn't break his oath.

However, his anger was forced back by Li Hao's cold eyes, his body stopping in its tracks.

Thinking about how this fierce man almost killed Li Qianfeng in public, ignoring his identity as a disciple of the Infinite Buddha, he knew he wouldn't fare well if he attacked.

And there were no elders here to back him up; they were all in the back courtyard.

"You!"

Li Mingguang, seeing Li Hao's sudden action, was caught off guard. Li Hao's slap was unexpectedly fast, faster than his attack on Li Qianfeng. Shocked, he didn't react in time.

Realizing it, his eyes reddened with anger: "Do you think I won't hit you? If I'd known, I wouldn't have listened to Mother and competed for the True Dragon position myself!"

Li Hao, uninterested, coldly said: "If you wanted to compete, you should have, don't act like you gave it to me!" Li Mingguang was momentarily speechless.

Li Hao coldly stared at Li Rumeng: "Insult my mother again, and you'll regret it for life!"

Seeing Li Hao's terrifying gaze, the once pampered Li Rumeng was scared, both angry and frightened, covering her face.

Li Hao didn't bother questioning about his mother, knowing she heard it from her mother, Wang Shi. He could ask his father later, or his uncles, and get the truth.

His previous knowledge was probably false.

Anger swelled within him. Why should he, as a son, be the last to know his mother's origins while outsiders knew? His eyes cold, he headed to Qinglian Courtyard.

To cure Li Qianfeng, even if he recovered, he would expose the poison pill, crippling him publicly.

He wanted his second aunt to see her carefully nurtured son destroyed!

Seeing Li Hao's aura, no one dared stop him.

They initially came to question him, expecting explanations or remorse, but he directly confronted them, leaving them speechless.

"Hao-ge..."

Bian Ruxue stood at the table, looking at his back, feeling unfamiliar.

Whether defying her master or acting ruthlessly, he seemed different from the warm figure she remembered.

That figure never took anything to heart, treating everyone gently.

Why...

Watching Li Hao leave, Ren Qianqian hurriedly followed with the black sword case.

Still confused, her heart raced, but holding the sword case, she remembered she was Li Hao's sword maid.

A sword maid shouldn't leave her master's side.

...

...

In Qinglian Courtyard.

The Li family divine healer, an old man, was of Li Qingzheng's generation, but a collateral descendant with average cultivation talent.

However, his lineage specialized in medicine, producing many doctors, giving him a high status in the mansion despite being a collateral.

At this moment, everyone surrounded Li Qianfeng and the divine healer.

Liu Yuerong, nervously clutching her handkerchief, was sweating profusely, afraid to make a sound.

He Jianlan and other wives watched, concerned, silently.

The quiet treatment finally ended.

With Lin Wujing's help and medicine from the Li family treasure house, the injured eye stopped bleeding, avoiding brain damage.

To fully recover, Li Qianfeng would need to reach the Three Immortals level to regenerate the nerves in his eye.

Though risky, the outcome was good. Once the eye was bandaged, everyone sighed in relief.

The divine healer bowed and left, not asking further.

As the healer exited the courtyard, he met Li Hao and said: "Is he healed?"

The old healer, seeing Li Hao, knowing he was a direct descendant, respectfully smiled: "Temporarily stabilized, the wound will scab in two days."

Li Hao nodded, knowing the Buddha's quick intervention prevented deeper injury. The wound, though serious, was manageable for Li Qianfeng.

Though one eye was crippled, affecting his vision, with his talent, he could likely reach the Three Immortals level and regenerate.

Inside the courtyard.

After his wound healed, Liu Yuerong anxiously inquired.

"Does it hurt, can you see clearly, are there other injuries?" A mother's love was evident, genuine and heartfelt.

Li Tiangang stood by, looking grim.

Li Qianfeng, physically stable but weakened by the temporary activation of his major meridians, looked pale.

He told his mother weakly: "Mother, I'm fine."

Hearing this, Liu Yuerong couldn't hold back her tears any longer, large drops falling.

But she quickly wiped them with a handkerchief and turned angrily to Li Tiangang.

"Li Tiangang!"

Liu Yuerong, usually addressing him affectionately as "Old Seventh" or "Lord," now called him by name, showing her fury: "You taught your son well, really well!"

"A wolf-hearted boy, ungrateful for my care, a white-eyed wolf!!"

Her angry words echoed in the courtyard, silencing everyone.

"Qianfeng went to the mountain at six, never returning home. I visited him. They only met once, and he struck so hard!"

"Is the True Dragon position worth so much, Li Tiangang? If you wanted it, I would have given it to your son, why incite him against my son!"

Li Tiangang, grim-faced, speechless.

Though he hadn't incited or taught this.

But, An undisciplined son is the father's fault! Li Hao's fault was his to bear.

"Second Sister-in-law, I will give you and Second Brother an explanation!" Li Tiangang said, eyes stormy with anger.

He Jianlan's face changed, saying: "Old Seventh, Hao'er was impulsive, inexperienced in battle, perhaps he misjudged, be gentler..."

Liu Yuerong, hearing this, didn't wait for He Jianlan to finish, looking at her with teary eyes: "Elder Sister-in-law, have I wronged you? Should my son's near-death be dismissed as impulsive, an accident?!"

He Jianlan's face changed, avoiding her angry, tearful gaze, not answering.

"Elder Sister-in-law!"

Li Tiangang spoke, his gaze dark and ominous: "Hao'er's achievements are my fault, my absence from his upbringing, causing your indulgence!"

"Your indulgence, your protection, I understand!"

"But since you can't discipline him, I will!"

He turned, walking out of the courtyard.

At that moment, Li Hao entered.

Father and son locked eyes.

"Unfilial son!!"

Li Tiangang's anger surged, shouting: "Kneel and apologize to your aunt!"

Li Hao raised an eyebrow. He knew others awaited his explanation.

He came for this.

But didn't expect such anger from his father.

"Have Aunt come out, let Uncle, Grandma, and others witness." Li Hao said coldly.

Li Tiangang, thinking he was remorseful, slightly eased his anger.

No need to notify; others had gathered in the courtyard.

Li Mingguang, Bian Ruxue, and others followed, standing behind Li Hao.

The courtyard was filled with Li family wives and direct descendants.

Fifth Uncle Li Xuanli and Eighth Uncle Li Fenghua watched Li Hao with complex eyes.

They saw Li Junye's shadow in him, feeling a kind of kinship.

But Li Junye wouldn't strike his kin.

Seeing everyone gathered, Li Hao looked at the mother and son, the usually pretentious smiling Second Aunt, now fully revealed in anger and hatred.

But no one found her anger and hatred unreasonable.

Li Hao coldly smiled: "Second Aunt, the sins you committed then, you reap today. Does it taste good?"

Liu Yuerong's face, full of anger and hatred, froze, her heart stabbed, trembling.

Everyone was stunned, looking at Liu Yuerong.

Liu Yuerong, full of anger, said: "I don't understand, are you still trying to argue after harming Qianfeng, your cousin?!"

Li Hao, tired of her act, coldly said: "When I was a year and a half, you brought me to your courtyard, fed me poison, crippling my divine blood. Do you forget?!"

Everyone was shocked, looking at Liu Yuerong.

Liu Yuerong was terrified, cold sweat breaking out, especially under Li Hao's angry gaze, her mind blank.

She remembered, even thinking of it at night.

But how did this child know? "What nonsense!"

Though her mind buzzed, she quickly recovered, years of scheming and a meticulous mind, she angrily said: "You can't awaken your divine blood, what's that to do with me?"

Since Li Hao revealed his cultivation, everyone knew his situation. Li Tiangang had mentioned Li Hao likely had divine blood, asking everyone to help him on his path.

But they learned Li Hao hadn't awakened it.

Their first thought was Li Hao's mother, the woman from Wild Heaven.

With her strange bloodline, suppressing Li Hao's divine blood was possible.

Moreover, Li Hao's formidable cultivation surpassed other top prodigies, likely due to that bloodline.

Everyone thought so, as it seemed reasonable.

"You sought secret medicine from Wuliang Mountain to cripple my divine blood, paving the way for your son, plotting for over a decade, you thought no one knew?"

Li Hao coldly watched her act: "There's a saying, 'If you don't want people to know, don't do it.'"

Liu Yuerong's heart trembled, but she maintained her angry facade, quickly thinking, saying: "Do you think winning the True Dragon position lets you slander? Do you have proof?"

"Indeed."

Lin Wujing spoke coldly: "Originally, this was your family's matter, I wouldn't interfere, but since it involves Wuliang Mountain, I must speak."

"Wuliang Mountain has no such secret medicine. Li family young master, as the True Dragon, though not yet fully inheriting, you must be responsible for your words!"

"Slandering Wuliang Mountain, slandering the Buddha, even the Divine General Mansion must explain!"

Hearing this, Li Hao laughed:

"A good Wuliang Mountain, a good Bodhisattva, how much do you know of Wuliang Mountain, every detail? Even today, backing this kid, were you involved back then?"

Lin Wujing's expression changed, staring coldly at Li Hao:

"Good, Li family True Dragon, baseless accusations!"

Li Hao stopped laughing, saying: "Dare I speak today, I have proof!"

He looked at Liu Yuerong, sneering: "Second Aunt, you thought I was young and forgetful, but I remember everything!"

Liu Yuerong paled.

Li Hao looked at the other wives, scanning their faces:

"I remember at one, Ninth Aunt embroidered a pouch for me!"

"I remember at one, I was nursed by Fifth Aunt!"

Li Wushuang and her siblings looked at their mother in surprise.

Gao Qingqing was stunned, blushing in embarrassment, glaring at Li Hao, shocked he remembered events from when he was one.

They knew of Li Hao's early wisdom, not impossible.

Li Hao recounted events from his first year.

Everyone was taken aback.

These distant memories, some even faint in their minds, but hearing Li Hao, they recalled.

This child really remembered his first year!