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Chapter 265: The Child is Dead

Those two terrifying enemies had been slain, killed by the young man alone!

He had slain Long Jueshen and Feng Lingxiao, then consecutively killed two Dao Comprehension Realm beings, sweeping across Qingzhou City with a single sword, pacifying the demon horde.

All of this had happened in a short span of time. After the young man's arrival, the terrifying gloom that had enveloped Qingzhou City for days had simply vanished.

It was as if a divine hand had reached down from heaven and swept away the dark clouds overhead.

At this moment, the dawn's light still shone upon Qingzhou City, bathing every household in its radiance. But the light was no longer cold as before. It seemed to shimmer with rainbow hues, making everyone feel the warmth of summer, their blood seeming to warm and boil with excitement and joy.

"We're saved?"

"Who is that? Is it General Haotian?"

"I heard the demons calling him that. He's General Haotian!"

The citizens within the city, along with the soldiers guarding the walls, couldn't see the young man's face, which was bathed in golden light. But at this moment, only that figure stood in the world, radiating a brilliant power like a condensed golden divine light in the heavens.

Around him, there were no more demon roars or figures soaring through the air. Everything was silent.

"Dao Comprehension Realm, they were actually killed like that..."

"Was that truly Dao Comprehension Realm? Doesn't that mean this young man can kill the True Person of the Qian Dao Palace?"

"Ninefold Dao Domain, how did he do it? Our ancestors, it's said, only reached the third level before they perished."

The numerous Li Family ancestor souls were stunned.

They had burned their souls and fought valiantly, prepared for their residual souls to be extinguished and vanish completely. But this desperate situation had been overturned and suppressed by the young man with a flick of his wrist!

The two Great Peace Dao Realm demon leaders were like children in front of Li Hao, completely unable to resist. Even Dao Comprehension Realm beings were slain!

"He can actually kill Dao Comprehension Realm beings..."

In the Divine General's Mansion, at the ancestral temple, three golden residual souls soared into the air. They hadn't rushed to the battlefield immediately, staying behind to assist ancestor Li Tianyuan.

But now, they saw that the battlefield had been pacified.

"That wasn't Dao Comprehension Realm, it was an avatar."

Li Tianyuan's soul also flew out from the golden body within the ancestral temple, standing in the air above the Divine General's Mansion, gazing into the distance.

Since Li Hao's appearance had reversed the situation in the entire city, they had paused their actions of sacrificing Li Family bloodlines to forge physical bodies, closely observing the battlefield.

"Avatar?"

The three golden residual souls looked at their ancestor in disbelief.

Li Tianyuan was a Great Peace Dao Realm Divine General, who had fought in dozens of states alongside the previous emperor, expanding the empire's territory. He had seen a lot and knew a lot.

"The Dao Comprehension Realm beings I've seen were more terrifying than this. They were beings who truly touched the 'Dao'. Their Dao power was indestructible, impervious to divine weapons, possessing incredible powers like summoning wind and rain. They weren't at this level."

Li Tianyuan's eyes were solemn as he stared at the golden young man on the edge of the city,

"But to be able to kill a Dao Comprehension Realm avatar is already incredibly terrifying. That young man... is invincible below the Dao Comprehension Realm!"

Hearing their ancestor's words, the three golden residual souls were stunned.

Although they were also Li Family ancestors, they had missed their ancestor's glorious era. They had seen Dao Comprehension Realm beings, but they hadn't witnessed them unleash their full power. So, they didn't know how terrifying Dao Comprehension Realm beings truly were.

But the power displayed by the two Dao Comprehension Realm avatars earlier was enough to shock them.

After all, the two Great Peace Dao Realm demon leaders, even those at the same realm, didn't even have the qualifications to fight against the young man. But those two Dao Comprehension Realm avatars had forced the young man to unleash his Ninefold Dao Domain.

"That young man doesn't seem to have used his full strength. He's still so young. If he's given more time, he'll definitely step into the Dao Comprehension Realm. At that time, who in the Great Yu Empire will dare to invade?"

"The Immortal Gate opened earlier, taking away many prodigies, causing the Great Yu Empire's fortune to decline. Now, it seems we're about to enter a new peak, even surpassing the time before the Immortal Gate!"

"I wonder which family that young man comes from. It's a pity he's not from our Li Family. Alas, alas!"

As the Li Family ancestor souls exchanged thoughts, many people in the city who knew Li Hao, after coming to their senses, rushed towards him excitedly.

"Hao'er!"

"Hao Ge!!"

He Jianlan, Li Hongzhuang, and others rushed towards Li Hao.

The others, who were slightly slower to react, including Li Xuanli, Gao Qingqing, and others, came to their senses after a brief moment of bewilderment. They were excited and quickly rushed over.

Li Yuanzhao shouted at the top of his lungs, borrowing the power of his ancestor, and rushed towards Li Hao.

"You actually know him?"

The Li Family ancestor who had enveloped Li Yuanzhao was slightly stunned. He hadn't expected this little fatty to actually know the monstrous young man.

Seeing his tear-filled eyes and the hot tears rolling down his cheeks, it couldn't be fake. And it seemed like their relationship was very deep.

The other Li Family ancestor souls also noticed the reactions of these Li Family bloodlines. When they saw that they seemed to have genuine affection for the young man, they were surprised and then filled with joy.

The young man had come to help, but he could also have been sent here or come as a fellow human. But now it seemed that he had come with a close relationship to their Li Family.

"Hao'er?"

From afar, Ji Qingqing heard He Jianlan and the others' excited shouts. Her initially puzzled expression turned to shock.

Then, her heart felt as if it were being squeezed.

The image of the young man falling into the abyss, his expression dazed, flashed through her mind.

Her blood seemed to surge, then turn icy cold to her feet, her entire body trembling slightly.

Could, could it be... him?

Tears welled up in Ji Qingqing's eyes. She looked at the young man who stood tall and imposing, like a war god, the dazzling figure that everyone was looking at. Was that... her child?

Her body trembled, and finally, she couldn't control herself. She joined the others and flew towards the young man, faster and faster. The closer she got, the clearer she saw the young man's face, his sharp expression, slightly different from the young man who had fallen into the abyss...

And his aura was also different.

Her speed slowed again. She felt a sense of fear and timidity, as if she had touched a dream, real and unreal, not daring to approach, yet wanting to approach, not daring to touch, yet wanting to touch.

Soon, He Jianlan and the others reached the edge of the city. Looking at the young man whose divine light had retracted and become subdued, gazing at his slightly unfamiliar face, they were momentarily stunned, but then tears welled up in their eyes.

Although his aura had changed, his face had changed, they still recognized him. It was that child, the one who occasionally brought them the food he had cooked, the one who had a unique style in the Divine General's Mansion.

He was still so unique, so distinct. But unlike in the Divine General's Mansion, the child who used to laugh and play, unworried about the world, now stood before them, radiating brilliance, like a young deity. His face had lost some of its laziness, and his brows were now more sharp.

The only thing that remained unchanged were his eyes, still clear and gentle, bright and transparent like glass.

He Jianlan couldn't help but cover her mouth, tears streaming down her face. The images of the child greeting her in the morning, accompanying her to eat breakfast, and chatting and laughing together were still vivid in her mind.

But the past seemed so distant.

He was now stained with blood. When no one held an umbrella for him, he held an umbrella for himself, shielding him from the wind and snow.

"Hao Ge!"

Li Yuanzhao and Li Wushuang and the others also rushed over. Seeing Li Hao, the others seemed hesitant, not daring to acknowledge him. But Li Yuanzhao directly called out excitedly.

Li Hao looked at the little guy, the sharpness between his brows softening slightly. He smiled and said, "You're both at the Divine Wandering Realm now. It seems you haven't been slacking off."

Hearing Li Hao's words, tears welled up in Li Yuanzhao's small eyes. He threw himself into Li Hao's arms:

"Hao Ge, it's great that you're okay, it's great that you're okay!"

Li Hao was slightly stunned, then he smiled. Seeing the little guy rubbing his head against his chest, he quickly pushed him away:

"You little guy, don't wipe your snot all over me."

Li Yuanzhao quickly wiped it with his sleeve, but then blew a snot bubble out of his nose:

"Hao Ge, I'll wash it for you later."

"Go, go."

Li Hao said impatiently.

Li Wushuang, Li Zhining, and others stood aside, including Li Jianming and Li Sibei, who were He Jianlan's children. They had some misunderstandings and grievances when they tried to kill Li Qianfeng after the True Dragon Contest. They had intervened to stop them.

But later, when the matter of Liu Yue'rong was investigated, they all knew they had wrongly accused the young man.

Now, seeing the young man again, they felt a mixture of guilt, excitement, and joy.

Seeing Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao chatting casually, Li Jianming, Li Wushuang, and others who were the same age as Li Hao felt a sense of indescribable envy. They were a little jealous of the little fatty, but at the same time, they felt a sense of sadness.

They were all in the Divine General's Mansion, but their relationship with Li Hao was much shallower. They could only be considered nodding acquaintances.

"Hao'er, do you still remember your aunt?"

He Jianlan looked at Li Hao, who seemed unchanged except for his appearance. Her eyes were red as she spoke.

Li Hao heard this and looked at the noblewoman who had taken care of him since he was a child. His eyes softened as he said, "I dare not forget Aunt's kindness."

"Just kindness? That was just simple food and drink. How can that be considered kindness?" He Jianlan's eyes turned even redder.

Li Hao was slightly stunned. He paused for a moment and said, "I remember everything. I said before, I remember everything from childhood to now."

Hearing Li Hao's words, everyone's faces changed slightly. Their thoughts seemed to be pulled back to two years ago, when the True Dragon Contest ended, and the events that had happened in that courtyard.

For a moment, many people looked down in sorrow.

At that time, the young man had recounted their childhood interactions, things they had long forgotten, with such detail that they were both shocked and terrified. Looking back now, they felt sorrow and sadness.

"You really are, Hao'er?"

As everyone fell silent in sorrow, an excited yet nervous and fearful voice came.

Ji Qingqing pushed through the crowd and came before Li Hao. Her eyes were filled with tears, rolling down her cheeks, "Am I mistaken? You really are Hao'er?"

Li Hao looked up at her. Her lively yet tear-streaked face was right before him.

It was as real as when he looked up at her as an infant, decades ago.

And it was as distant as when he looked at her for the last time before the abyss.

But his expression returned to calmness, just like his heart now. He simply shook his head and said,

"You're mistaken. I am me. I'm not your son."

Hearing Li Hao's words, Ji Qingqing froze. The others, including He Jianlan, who was excited and sorrowful, and Li Xiaoran, Li Qingzheng, and others who had rushed over, were all stunned. Then, their faces turned grim, but their eyes were filled not with anger but with sorrow.

Ji Qingqing listened to Li Hao's calm tone, and her heart trembled. It was as if a sharp knife had pierced her heart.

Her tears flowed even more freely. She said sorrowfully, "Don't you want to acknowledge me? It's my fault, Mother's fault. I even wanted to die for you, but Mother really had no choice. If I could exchange my life for yours, I would do it willingly. Do you know that?"

She cried uncontrollably. The ancestor soul attached to her body detached itself at this moment, looking at the scene with astonishment and confusion, its expression gradually becoming solemn.

The other Li Family ancestors also gathered, hearing their conversation, all stunned.

No matter how they listened, it sounded like they were talking about this child, who was their Li Family member.

But the child didn't have a single trace of the Li Family's aura.

Could it be... that he was wearing a hat?

Some ancestor souls looked at each other in disbelief.

Li Hao listened quietly to the woman's sorrowful cries, his expression unchanged. He simply said calmly,

"Those things are in the past. The moment you made your choice, everything was settled. Your child is already dead. It has nothing to do with whether you were right or wrong. Whether you feel guilty or sad, it's your business. You don't need to tell me, and I won't care."

He knew that Ji Qingqing had no choice in her situation, but she didn't truly have no choice. She simply didn't choose him.

Li Hao had already come to terms with it.

He no longer cared, nor did he hold any grudges. His past with the couple had been severed. The already shallow kindness had been completely severed, and they had no further ties.

Li Hao had protected the small body he had borrowed for his transmigration until he was fifteen years old. He could no longer use that body to go further.

It was their couple who had severed the connection, and he was content with that.

Otherwise, in the assassination attempt when he was six years old, even someone as talented as Li Junye wouldn't have been able to withstand the assassination of a Heavenly Cycle Realm cultivator.

Enough, it was enough...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 266: Severing the Threads of Affection

From a distance, a figure roared through the air, rushing towards them. It was Li Tiangang.

He had naturally heard Li Hao's roar, which had shaken the entire city. When he shifted his attention to observe, he saw the ensuing battle.

The sacrificial formation he was arranging was naturally halted. After all, the demons had been slain, and there was no need to summon the ancestors anymore.

As his soul soared through the air, he saw Li Hao protecting Li Muxiu in front of the two demon leaders, and he heard He Jianlan and the others calling out. His heart trembled. Was that young man truly his child, the one who had fallen into the abyss?

At this moment, his emotions surged, and he stepped on the flames, flying towards them at full speed.

In front of Li Hao, Ji Qingqing heard his words and felt like each word was a needle, piercing her heart. She couldn't help but say,

"It was Mother's fault. But you've come back now, haven't you? What do you want Mother to do to earn your forgiveness?"

Li Hao's initially calm eyes suddenly flashed with a cold light. He said,

"I'm back, but your child is forever dead in that abyss. I came back on my own strength. I relied on myself, not on you or anyone else!"

Ji Qingqing froze, looking at the young man who had been calm just moments ago but now had a cold expression. She realized she had spoken out of turn, and tears slowly streamed down her face.

"But you were born from me. Can't you give Mother a chance to make things right?"

Hearing her choked words, Li Hao looked at her and said,

"A chance to make things right? Did I go to the Ji family to seek death? Did I go to the Sky-Imprisoning Island to explore the abyss?"

Two rhetorical questions, like heavy hammers, struck Ji Qingqing's heart. She felt as if the warmth in her entire body had been drained away, leaving her trembling with cold. Yes, the child had gone through countless hardships, braving the Great Wilderness Heaven alone, just to see her.

She suddenly realized that she didn't deserve to say such things. Make things right? Letting go of him a decade ago, and letting go of him again a decade later, twice putting her child in danger, could she really make things right?

Her tears flowed like a dam breaking, her heart aching so much she could barely breathe.

"Qingqing!"

Li Tiangang flew towards them, landing outside. Li Wushuang and the others, seeing the head of the family, stepped aside.

Li Tiangang quickly walked forward, glancing at Li Hao's cold gaze, then at his wife, who was now sobbing uncontrollably. His heart ached.

"You can't talk to your mother like that!"

Li Tiangang's eyes reddened slightly. He said to Li Hao, "It was my fault before. I was too harsh on you. I was stubborn and didn't investigate carefully, allowing you to be wronged. You can do whatever you want to me, but you can't talk to your mother like that. She endured so much to give birth to you."

Li Hao frowned. His previously tranquil heart now felt an indescribable annoyance and weariness.

He said indifferently, "Don't call her Mother anymore. You don't need to apologize to me. I've let bygones be bygones. From the moment I stepped out of the General's Mansion, I've had nothing to do with you. I've repaid you for all the food, clothing, and other things I received over the years. I even returned the demon blood you sent back from Yanbei, doubled. Now, I have nothing to do with you. Can't you feel that my bloodline no longer contains yours?"

As he spoke, Li Hao didn't deliberately conceal his aura, and he had temporarily removed the Myriad Transformations Attribute.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang was startled. He looked at him in shock, and Ji Qingqing also froze, forgetting her tears and sobs. She hurriedly probed Li Hao's aura.

He Jianlan and the others were stunned. Li Hao's aura was too strong, and they hadn't noticed it. But now, hearing his words, they quickly released their aura to probe Li Hao's body.

"Hao'er!"

Beside them, Li Muxiu, who was healing his body on Candlelight God's back, suddenly sat up, coughing up a mouthful of blood. One of his arms had healed, and his wrinkled old face was filled with panic as he looked at Li Hao.

He knew Li Hao wouldn't lie easily. At this moment, he didn't care about being disrespectful. He quickly probed Li Hao, but he couldn't detect any trace of the Li family bloodline within him.

His body, like a flickering candle, swayed slightly, and he seemed to be in a daze.

Li Xiaoran and Li Qingzheng also turned pale, quickly probing. Then, they were all stunned, simply staring at the young man.

The numerous Li family ancestral spirits surrounding them frowned, seemingly realizing what was happening. They were deceased spirits, and they had a natural sensitivity to the Li family bloodline. They had long since noticed that Li Hao didn't have a single trace of the Li family's blood within him.

But judging from what these people were saying, this stunningly brilliant prodigy, seemingly, was from their Li family, their bloodline!

But… how was this possible?

"Child, were you once a member of our Li family?" One ancestral spirit couldn't help but ask, his gentle eyes filled with confusion.

Li Hao glanced at him, his expression calm and indifferent. He said,

"I am me. There was once a child in your Li family who was similar to me, but that child is dead."

Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang's aura fluctuated violently. He roared, "Impossible. I don't believe it! You're definitely not him. Who are you?!"

"Tiangang!"

Li Muxiu, his face as white as paper, suddenly roared, his Dao Realm power reverberating, causing Li Tiangang's head to feel as if it were exploding. He froze.

"How much longer do you want to be wrong?!"

Li Muxiu's eyes seemed to be bloodshot as he stared intently at him.

Li Tiangang stood there, then slowly raised his head to look at Li Hao. His eyes were filled with sadness.

"You've severed your bloodline from the Li family. How can you be so heartless?"

Li Hao raised an eyebrow and glanced at him. But facing that sorrowful face, he felt a sense of helplessness and a desire to laugh.

He didn't bother to say more. He said, "Heartless, so be it. No matter what, we have nothing to do with each other anymore. Don't come to bother me again. I've let bygones be bygones, but I might not in the future!"

Having said that, he turned to Li Muxiu. Seeing the other man looking at him with a sorrowful expression, his eyes seemingly shattered, Li Hao couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He said,

"Old man, though I'm no longer a member of the Li family, if you ever need a fishing buddy, just give me a call. I'm always available."

Li Muxiu looked at Li Hao, knowing that the child had completely severed his past. He couldn't help but feel both pain and regret. He had severed his bloodline, yet he had still come, just because of their past relationship?

That sword that could cleave through millions of demons couldn't sever the child's affection.

But he had severed his affection for his parents!

What kind of disappointment was that?

Such a brilliant, flawless child, yet the Li family had completely lost him.

Li Muxiu was filled with sadness, but eventually, it turned into a low, mournful laugh, both painful and ironic. But after laughing for a while, his eyes gradually became focused and gentle.

"You said it yourself. I'll have to see if your fishing skills have gotten rusty."

At this moment, amidst the pain and sorrow, Li Muxiu realized that leaving the Li family wouldn't affect the child much.

The ones who would be hurt and suffer were them.

But at least the child wouldn't be hurt anymore.

So, wasn't it for the best?

The Li family had lost this glory, but it didn't affect the entire Dayu Divine Kingdom.

Even though he wasn't a member of the Li family, the child had still come. Even though he no longer carried the Li family's blood, he had still saved Liangzhou and now Qingzhou City.

He was still him. He had never felt burdened by his birth into the General's Mansion.

He simply had a pure heart, a heart that belonged to the human race, and he was doing what he could for this world.

Thinking about this, Li Muxiu's tears flowed even more freely. It was a laugh of relief for Li Hao, and a painful, ironic realization of Li Tiangang's previous doubts about Li Hao's character.

"Yes."

Seeing Li Muxiu's expression, Li Hao felt slightly reassured. Then, he glanced around and looked at He Jianlan, the eldest wife who was wearing armor:

"If I have the chance in the future, I'll let you try my cooking."

He Jianlan, hearing Li Hao's address, suppressed her sadness, but her tears flowed like rain. She felt that the child had come to Qingzhou to bid farewell, to bid farewell to his past identity in front of them.

She was no longer his aunt…

"Child, can you really not come back?" He Jianlan asked, suppressing her sorrow.

Li Hao shook his head slightly, "I can't go back to that identity, but if you don't mind, this feeling remains."

He Jianlan felt even more sorrow, but she held back her tears and didn't try to persuade him anymore. She knew that Li Hao had always been determined, and it was difficult to change his mind once he had made a decision.

Besides, the Li family might be a burden to him now. Perhaps Li Hao could live well on his own, and that would be enough.

Li Hao's gaze swept over Li Xiaoran, Li Qingzheng, and the others, his eyes gentle.

"Both of you, old men, thank you for your care in the past. If you don't mind, I'm also looking for chess partners."

"Child…"

Li Qingzheng's lips trembled slightly, but he didn't say anything more. He knew that the situation was settled.

Like a chess piece leaving the hand, there was no turning back.

Li Xiaoran clenched his fist. At this moment, he thought of his elder brother and his last words before his soul dissipated, but they hadn't been able to fulfill them.

A wave of sadness washed over him. He clenched the blade in his hand, the veins on the back of his hand bulging. When his gaze swept over Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing, a flash of killing intent flickered in his eyes, but he ultimately suppressed it, leaving only sorrow.

Li Hao glanced around and then said, "Since I'm rarely in Qingzhou, I'll host a banquet at the Yunxia Tower in the city tonight. We can all gather and chat then."

Having said that, he saw Li Yuanzhao looking dazed. He smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't space out. Go to the Yunxia Tower later and tell the madam to have all the signature dishes prepared in advance."

Li Yuanzhao swayed as he was patted. It was as if his soul had been knocked back into his body. His eyes welled up.

Li Hao smiled and then looked towards Song Yufeng and the Tan Palace disciples, as well as the transformed sapphire-blue figure.

"You can't leave!"

Li Tiangang seemed to snap out of his daze. He suddenly stood in front of Li Hao, his face filled with anger, "Even if I…"

"Even if what?"

Li Hao paused slightly, quietly looking at Li Tiangang standing in front of him. Just a glance from those calm eyes suddenly seemed to extinguish all the blood and fire in Li Tiangang's body, like a bucket of cold water.

He froze in place, suddenly realizing that this wasn't two years ago.

Back then, even if he had beaten Li Hao to a pulp, he could have tied him up and taken him back. But he couldn't do that now.

He was slightly dazed, but he quickly recovered. He gritted his teeth and said, "I'm now demanding you, as a Duke, to stay. You must remain in Qingzhou City!"

Li Hao calmly glanced at him and said, "Speaking of which, you've reminded me. If I'm not mistaken, when I pacified Liangzhou, His Majesty also granted me the title of Duke. You're a Duke, and I'm a Duke. You're a Second-Rank Duke, and I'm a Third-Rank Duke. Though I'm one rank lower than you, we're both Dukes. You have no right to order me around."

"Also, please return His Majesty's decree of appointment to me. I'll inform His Majesty later. I have nothing to do with the Li family anymore. If there are any further rewards or decrees, you can send them directly to my territory."

When he was fourteen, he was granted the title of Earl and a territory when he defended Cangyu City. He had never visited it, but it didn't matter. The territory was still there.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang trembled even more violently. A Duke under sixteen, the only one in the entire Dayu Divine Kingdom. He was confused. What had he done wrong? Why had things come to this?

Li Hao said, stepping directly over Li Tiangang and reaching Song Yufeng and the others. He chatted and reminisced with them.

Song Yufeng, hearing all this, could only sigh inwardly with regret. He avoided these topics when reminiscing with Li Hao.

After a brief chat, they agreed to meet again that night.

Li Hao looked at Song Qiumei. The woman stood in the air like a stream of autumn water, clear and lofty, exuding an aura of unapproachability, but her eyes were like the softest water, gazing at Li Hao.

The two of them exchanged glances, as if countless words were exchanged in that one look.

They both smiled.

…

…

Back in Qingzhou City, as the Li family soldiers were ordered to clean up the demon corpses on the city walls, Li Hao and Song Qiumei walked through the city together.

Behind them, Candlelight God, in his human form, followed silently.

Xiyan had returned to Li Hao's wrist. After Li Muxiu, the old man, had stabilized his injuries, he could slowly heal himself with the Li family's divine medicines. There was no need for her to continue treating him.

"So that's how it is…"

Song Qiumei chatted with Li Hao as they walked, accompanying him on a tour of his old haunts. Naturally, she asked about the news of his death.

Li Hao learned that the Li family had already held a funeral for him. Everyone thought he was dead.

He smiled slightly, thinking that it was for the best. That child had indeed died, forever buried in the abyss. The funeral wasn't in vain.

Song Qiumei learned that Li Hao had narrowly escaped death in the Demon Saint's mouth. Though Li Hao didn't go into detail, she understood that he had faced unimaginable danger. It was no wonder the Li family had assumed he was dead.

She sighed inwardly, unable to imagine what Li Hao had been through in this period.

"You're so much stronger than me now."

Song Qiumei said with a smile.

Li Hao also smiled, "Cultivation, it's only useful when slaying demons. Rather than praising my cultivation, I'd rather you praise my paintings."

Song Qiumei's eyes blinked slightly, and she couldn't help but laugh.

This young man was still as unconventional and unique as ever.

"Uncle Liu!"

Li Hao suddenly called out, beckoning towards a small shop on the street.

The small shop opened a small door, and someone inside peeked out, seemingly unsure if the demons had been completely eliminated.

Hearing Li Hao's call, the middle-aged couple inside the shop were startled. They looked at Li Hao with confusion.

"Make me two Cotton Jade Fragrant Cakes." Li Hao said with a smile.

The middle-aged couple were stunned. They looked at Li Hao uncertainly, but remembering the news from the Li family, they didn't dare to ask. Besides the young master, the young men and women who came to buy their food were all addressed like this.

"We're not setting up our stall today."

The middle-aged man said.

Li Hao was disappointed, "Alright then."

Song Qiumei's eyes flickered slightly, but she didn't say anything.

But the middle-aged couple seemed to suddenly hear something. They tensed up, their eyes becoming a little panicked. They glanced at Li Hao, looking somewhat timid.

"Well, it's not like we can't make them. Please wait a moment."

The middle-aged man, Uncle Liu, hurriedly said, then quickly retreated into the shop.

His wife smiled apologetically at Li Hao, "Yes, yes, we'll have them ready soon. It won't be long."

Seeing this, Li Hao smiled and nodded, "Thank you."

The couple immediately retreated into the shop and busied themselves. They hadn't planned to set up their stall today, and they hadn't prepared the dough in advance. Everything had to be made fresh.

Li Hao looked at Song Qiumei beside him and sighed, "Uncle Liu is a good man. Don't scare them."

Song Qiumei looked innocent, "What?"

Li Hao, seeing her like this, couldn't help but smile. Though her voice transmission was subtle, how could it escape his current perception?

Immediately, the two of them stood at the entrance of the shop, waiting quietly.

Soon, several Cotton Jade Fragrant Cakes were ready.

Li Hao took one and handed it to Song Qiumei, then gave one to Candlelight God, who had transformed into a human form, and one to Xiyan:

"Try some. It's a human delicacy."

Xiyan was curious. She curled up her crimson tendrils and burrowed into the oil paper wrapping the cake.

"Hmm, so crispy, so fragrant. Is this what you humans eat?"

Xiyan immediately transmitted a sound of delight and satisfaction, along with the crunching sound of eating.

"If you like it, eat more."

Li Hao smiled and said to Uncle Liu, "Can you make a few more?"

The middle-aged couple nodded immediately and continued making them.

After getting a bag with four or five cakes, Li Hao followed Song Qiumei, continuing to stroll leisurely through the old streets of his old haunts, eating as they walked.

"This is truly delicious."

"Of course. Back then, Qingzhi couldn't find them, so Uncle Liu moved his stall to the foot of the Tan Palace Academy, and that's how I ended up there. I went to study as well."

"You're really something."

Song Qiumei was speechless. Who would have thought that the Tan Palace Academy would receive such a peerless disciple because of the charm of a simple street vendor?

When they reached the Yunxia Tower, Li Hao was familiar with the place. He reserved a private room on the top floor.

Then, he asked the Yunxia Tower to send invitations on his behalf to various places.

Night fell. The demon corpses outside the city piled up like mountains, but the soldiers were cleaning them up. Within the city, notices were posted, and Li family soldiers on horseback announced throughout the city that the demons outside had been eliminated and that Qingzhou City was safe!

This announcement continued from afternoon to evening. At night, countless lights flickered on in the city.

Many bold citizens ventured out to stroll through the streets, attracting more people to leave their homes. The streets gradually became bustling again.

Various restaurants, teahouses, and other establishments quickly reopened for business. Those with a little money went to these lively places to gather and chat, catching up on the news.

Those without money gathered in alleys and courtyards, enjoying the cool evening air, chatting in groups of three or five, occasionally swatting away mosquitoes with their banana leaf fans.

And everyone's conversation revolved around the call that had shaken the entire city, the scale of the demon invasion, and the names of the Demon Kings who had been slain.

"Did you hear? Those demons were calling for Haotian. Do you know who Haotian is? That's right, the one from Liangzhou, the brilliant general who single-handedly pacified the entire demon chaos in Liangzhou!"

"Truly, Heaven blesses our Dayu. A brilliant star descended to earth, appearing out of nowhere. It's a pity I haven't seen his true form."

"He must be sixteen now, a Duke, a Grand Marshal. Tsk tsk, his fame will probably never be surpassed for centuries to come!"

"Is that Haotian General the one from the Li family?"

"Haotian General is Haotian General. The one from the Li family, isn't he dead?"

"That's right. The Li family held a funeral not long ago. It was a low-key affair, but I saw the Li Mansion draped in white with my own eyes."

"Really? Then I must have been mistaken. It's a pity that the Li family's prodigy was also a dragon among men."

"Aren't they the same person? Did the Li family make a mistake?"

"Are you kidding? How could the General's Mansion make a mistake?"

"But I've never heard of that Haotian General's background…"

People were discussing this everywhere on the streets and in the restaurants. Some older people could still remember certain things, but most of the younger generation's knowledge of these famous figures was fragmented. They had their own chores to do and didn't have time to pay attention to such things every day. Therefore, much of the information was mixed up. Gradually, when talking about Haotian General, they would also mention Liangzhou.

The Li family was mentioned less and less.

In the Yunxia Tower, Li Hao sat there, quietly waiting for his old friends who had received invitations to arrive. He had exceptional hearing and naturally heard the discussions around him. But now, many people seemed to have forgotten his former surname.

The river of time seemed to bury everything, smoothing everything out.

Li Hao poured himself a drink and looked out at the countless lights in the windows. The night was beautiful.

Meanwhile, in the Tan Palace Academy and the various courtyards of the General's Mansion, invitations were delivered. He Jianlan and the others received them. They sighed inwardly once more, but their emotions had calmed down considerably. They took the invitations and headed to the banquet.

As the people in various courtyards gradually left, leaving only the Mountain River Courtyard brightly lit.

Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing looked at the table laden with food, but they had no appetite.

Both were lost in thought.

When they heard the sounds outside the courtyard, their senses extended outward. They discovered that carriages were leaving the General's Mansion.

The auras within those carriages belonged to He Jianlan and the other wives from various courtyards.

Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing's faces turned ugly. They kept glancing at the entrance, but no one came in, and no one announced their arrival.

Except for Wang Xiangru from the Flying Cloud Courtyard, everyone else had received invitations. And now, only they hadn't received one.

The child clearly didn't intend to invite them.

At the entrance, Steward Zhao, hunched over, watched their frequent glances towards the outside. His eyes were dim, and he sighed deeply.

If only they had known… He lowered his head, looking at his toes, feeling that his shoes were a bit worn.

The cold moonlight shifted, and the night became even more tranquil.

The sounds of carriages outside also disappeared. Clearly, everyone who was supposed to be invited had been invited, and the banquet had probably already begun.

Li Tiangang's face turned ugly. He picked up the chopsticks on the table and forcefully scraped the food in front of him, saying,

"Eat. Don't wait. Everyone else is gone. Finish eating, and you go check on the demon cleanup outside. I'll go visit the ancestors. I also need to deal with the situation in other cities. We can't fall!"

Ji Qingqing, however, stared blankly at the food, seemingly lost in thought, not moving a muscle.

Li Tiangang ate a few bites, but he couldn't stomach it anymore. He slammed his bowl and chopsticks on the table, gritting his teeth, "He severed his bloodline, but he doesn't know that without the changes brought about by the collision of our bloodlines, his talent will be greatly diminished. He's strong now, but because of this decision, he will never be able to reach the Dao Realm. Even if he somehow manages to reach it, he'll be stuck at the peak."

"He had the potential to become a Saint, someone who could reach the Saint Realm and remain eternally unfading. He's thrown away his incredible talent. He's so careless!"

Ji Qingqing's eyes trembled slightly, and she said dejectedly, "Even so, he's still incredibly talented. And it's because of us that he…"

Hearing this, Li Tiangang's face twitched. He knew this was true.

But he was filled with grief and anger, with nowhere to vent it.

"He's gone too far. He'll regret it one day!"

He clenched his fist and said, then got up and left the hall.

Night crept onto the treetops.

The moon was full.

And in the Yunxia Tower, Li Hao was drinking with everyone, laughter filling the air.

He Jianlan, Li Muxiu, and the others, who had come to the banquet, had given up trying to persuade Li Hao. They simply ate, drank, and chatted together.

When the conversation turned to heartfelt feelings, they couldn't help but try to persuade him a few times, but Li Hao interrupted them with a smile.

Clearly, it would take time for everyone to adjust to the fact that Li Hao had completely severed ties with the General's Mansion.

During the banquet, the disciples of the Tan Palace Academy came to Li Hao and took turns toasting him and expressing their gratitude. Li Hao noticed that the two princes weren't there. He asked, and he learned that they had finished their studies and had been taken back to the imperial capital.

Clearly, as everyone had guessed, the two princes had come to the Tan Palace Academy simply to make connections and build up their capital.

Li Hao still remembered the prince who loved poetry and had given him a farewell gift. He hadn't seen him this time, and he felt a little regret.

Amidst the laughter and drinks, the night wore on, and the banquet finally ended.

Li Hao found an inn and rested for the night.

The next day.

He had a rare night of comfortable sleep, and his spirits were high. Last night, at the banquet, he had heard Li Muxiu say that the Li family had sent people with his war flag and the heads of the Demon Kings, carried by elite light cavalry, to reinforce the various cities in Qingzhou.

The rest of the army would follow.

Without the pressure of the demon tide outside Qingzhou City, the large number of troops stationed within the city could now attack with all their might and head to the battlefield.

And the Li family members who had returned through the ancestral blood summoning were also heading to various battlefields, joining the Li family army to reclaim the lost territories of Qingzhou.

Li Hao shook his head. He had drunk too much last night and hadn't deliberately purified the alcohol from his body. He felt a slight headache.

But he quickly regained his clarity.

His strength had increased. It seemed he wasn't as easily drunk anymore.

Unless, it was some kind of special brew.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 267: Stripped of the True Dragon Title

Li Hao stood up, tidied himself briefly, and then, accompanied by Candle Flame God and Xi Yan, headed towards the Li Family's Divine General's Mansion.

He was here to retrieve his official appointment decree, seal, and other belongings.

He had heard from the old man that the couple refused to give them to him. If that was the case, he would have to come and get them himself.

Standing once again before the grand and majestic Divine General's Mansion, Li Hao slightly raised his head, gazing at the large, gilded characters. Memories of the past flashed through his mind, but ultimately, they all slowly settled in his heart.

Upon hearing the news of Li Hao's arrival, the Divine General's Mansion was thrown into a frenzy. 贺剑兰 and the others personally came to greet him at the entrance.

Li Hao explained his reason, and the slight tension and anticipation that had risen in the hearts of 贺剑兰 and the others quickly dissipated, leaving them dejected.

贺剑兰 invited Li Hao to the Long Spring Courtyard, treating him like a distinguished guest. With her snow-white, delicate hands, she personally brewed tea for Li Hao. Then, she ordered someone to inform Li Tiangang in the Mountain River Courtyard to bring Li Hao's belongings.

And upon hearing that Li Hao had arrived, the other ladies in the mansion rushed over. They knew that this was a farewell visit, and they might not see the young man again for a long time, perhaps even for many years…

The usually tranquil Long Spring Courtyard instantly became lively.

The message reached the Mountain River Courtyard. Li Tiangang, who had been kneeling in the ancestral shrine all night, had just returned to the Mountain River Courtyard.

Last night, he had planned to visit the ancestors and then check on the military situation in Qingzhou. But after entering the ancestral shrine, he hadn't stepped out.

He didn't make excuses for himself, but simply gave an objective account. He also knew that he had indeed made a mistake in this matter, and as he explained, his face was filled with grief and regret.

The many ancestral souls of the Li Family, upon hearing this, were shocked, enraged, and ultimately, filled with sorrow.

They couldn't believe that such a monstrous prodigy of the Li Family had been driven out by his own parents.

On the dark night, angry roars were blocked outside the ancestral shrine.

The curses and lamentations of grief and anger were all concealed under the cover of night.

Only Li Qingzheng, sitting outside the ancestral shrine, heard them. He leaned against a peach tree that had just bloomed in the ancestral shrine square. A few petals fell to the ground beside him, along with several jars of wine brought back from the Cloud Mist Tower.

He drank alone.

He could hear the curses of the ancestors inside the ancestral shrine, but he didn't feel any satisfaction. His heart was still, like a dead lake.

He simply gazed at the moon, at the lights of the various courtyards in the Divine General's Mansion illuminated by the moon. The warm lights formed a stark contrast with the darkness.

Ten thousand lights, but one precious light was missing.

The wine flowed into his mouth, but slowly seeped out from his eyes.

At this moment, Li Tiangang, who had just returned to the Mountain River Courtyard with a weary body, saw his wife still sitting in the hall, seemingly not having slept all night, her expression haggard. His heart ached again.

But before he could sit down, he received a message from the Long Spring Courtyard.

Upon learning that Li Hao had arrived, he felt a surge of joy. But when he learned that the young man had come to retrieve his seal and decree, the joy that had just risen in his heart was extinguished like cold water, torn apart by a wave of grief.

He went directly to the Long Spring Courtyard.

And Ji Qingqing, upon hearing the news, her numb and hollow eyes, as if startled, came back to life. Tears welled up in her already dry eyes.

She quickly stood up and flew towards the Long Spring Courtyard.

In the Long Spring Courtyard, Li Yuanzhao, Li Wushuang, and the others rushed over after hearing the news. They looked at the young man surrounded by the elders. The scene seemed the same as usual, only more fervent.

Li Hao chatted and laughed with 贺剑兰 and the others. They asked him about his future plans.

Li Hao simply smiled and said that he planned to travel around, see the world, see the mountains and rivers, and see the scenery of various places.

Since he was in this world, he naturally had to look around and see if it met his expectations.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Xiaoran, sitting on the eaves outside the hall, felt a slight bitterness in his mouth.

If the young man were still a member of the Li Family, he would feel nostalgic when he heard these words, nostalgic for the time when he was young and full of spirit, hiding his name, wandering the mountains and rivers, defeating and subduing various martial arts sects.

But he had a return date. After traveling through the mountains and rivers, he would eventually return home.

But the young man, wherever he landed, that would be his home.

The soft whispers in the hall were quickly broken by two whistling sounds. Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing arrived one after another, landing in the courtyard.

Li Xiaoran, on the eaves, suppressed the bitter smile on his lips.

The soft whispers in the hall seemed to quiet down. Everyone's eyes fell on Li Tiangang. 贺剑兰 lowered her gaze slightly. Seeing that Li Tiangang's hands were empty, her face changed slightly.

"Tiangang, where are Hao'er's things?"

Li Tiangang seemed not to hear her. He walked straight into the hall, his eyes seemingly only on the seated young man.

The grief in his chest, like a raging fire, a carving knife, burned and pierced his heart. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and said, "What do you want, to make you forgive me and your mother?"

Li Hao frowned slightly and said, "I've told you, we have nothing to do with each other. Don't call yourselves my parents anymore. Please respect yourself."

"Your mother had no choice. Do you want me to give you my life now?!"

Li Tiangang gritted his teeth.

Li Hao's brow furrowed even deeper, and his eyes turned colder. "I told you, the past is the past. From now on, the mountains are mountains, the seas are seas. You are you, I am me. Is that not clear enough?"

"Do you know how agonizing these days have been for us? Your mother has been crying every day, filled with regret. We're suffering too!"

Li Tiangang's eyes were red-rimmed, and beneath his thick brows, his sorrowful gaze turned to anger.

"..."

Li Hao quietly looked at him for a moment, realizing again that the man remained unchanged. Even with regret and sorrow, he had never truly listened to his words.

But thankfully, he was now unfazed.

Since he wouldn't listen, there was no need to say more. He picked up his teacup and took a sip.

贺剑兰 saw that the atmosphere was tense again. She was a little agitated and stood up, "Tiangang, what are you doing here saying these things? Even if you're suffering, can you compare to Hao'er's pain? He almost died several times!"

Li Tiangang's face changed, his eyes filled with sadness, "But what can we do?"

贺剑兰 gritted her teeth, "Isn't Hao'er clear enough? He has nothing to do with you anymore. He's here to claim what belongs to him, the glory he earned in Liangzhou. Did you bring it?"

Hearing her elder sister-in-law's sharp words, Li Tiangang's heart trembled, and the sorrow in his eyes deepened.

He looked up at 贺剑兰, then at Li Hao, who was sitting there drinking tea and no longer speaking. He gritted his teeth and said, "Since you've cut off your bloodline and let go of the past, why are you still here?"

Li Hao put down his teacup, his expression calm as water. "Because I've let go, that's why I came."

These words pierced the hearts of 贺剑兰 and the others. They knew that the young man had truly let go.

But it also made them feel even more distant from him.

Li Tiangang's face was grim. "Do you want me to beg you? I'm begging you now. Please come back, alright?"

贺剑兰's face changed. She angrily said, "Is that how you beg someone?"

Li Hao shook his head slightly, signaling 贺剑兰 not to be angry. He turned to Li Tiangang and said seriously, "Stop this. Aren't you a law-abiding citizen? I have no connection to the Li Family anymore. What do you mean by keeping my seal and decree?"

Li Tiangang's face was grim. His emotions were extremely complex. He could analyze every detail of the battlefield, but these family matters were a tangled mess for him.

He only knew in his heart that if he gave those things to Li Hao, it would be completely severed.

"Child…"

Ji Qingqing stepped forward, her face covered in tears. She also wanted to plead.

But seeing her tearful appearance, Li Hao frowned, stood up, and said, "Alright, if you won't give them, then I won't take them."

With that, he turned to 贺剑兰 and the others, glanced around, then bowed deeply, "Junior Haotian, farewell to all of you seniors. Thank you for your care in the past. May we meet again in the future."

After speaking, he bowed deeply to 贺剑兰 again, then bypassed Li Tiangang and his wife in the hall and walked towards the outside.

"Stop!"

Li Tiangang hurriedly said.

"Hao'er!"

Ji Qingqing chased after him in grief, but was blocked by a force. It was Li Hao's Dao domain.

Li Hao didn't stop. He only paused when he saw a hunched figure at the entrance.

The slight coldness on his face instantly softened, and he whispered, "Uncle Zhao, why didn't you come last night? I was waiting to toast you."

Hearing this, the old housekeeper at the entrance lowered his head and wiped away a tear, forcing a smile, "Young Master, this old servant is busy with many things. I didn't attend the banquet. Please forgive me."

Li Hao guessed the reason and didn't blame him. He simply smiled, "I'm not the young master of the Mountain River Courtyard anymore. Just call me kid from now on."

The old housekeeper slowly shook his head, "You'll always be my Young Master."

Li Hao's lips moved slightly. Seeing the genuine affection in his eyes, he didn't correct him. He raised his hand and took out a demon king's heart from his Heavenly Sphere space, "This demon heart is medicinal. It has the effect of prolonging life and strengthening the body. Take it."

"Young Master, you mustn't. This old servant is a lowly life. I don't deserve such a treasure…" The old housekeeper hurriedly declined.

But Li Hao directly handed it to him, "It's not a treasure. I find it too smelly to use for cooking. I have plenty. If you need more, I'll just kill a few more."

The old housekeeper choked up. The child hadn't changed. He always treated things that others chased after as insignificant, but he cherished ordinary things deeply.

"Child…"

Li Hao patted Uncle Zhao's shoulder. Thinking of Li Fu, who had died in Liangzhou, he couldn't help but sigh. He didn't say anything more.

As he walked out the door, he saw Li Xiaoran on the eaves across from him. He nodded at him and gave him a slight smile.

He bid farewell to the old man who had fought alongside him in the River of Oblivion.

Li Xiaoran simply nodded, his thoughts concealed, his face unreadable.

As Li Hao reached the steps, Li Yuanzhao, Li Jianming, and the others rushed to greet him. But before they could speak, a stream of golden light came rushing from a distance.

These golden lights were the many Li Family ancestors, rushing from the direction of the ancestral shrine.

The leading golden light, tall and slender, his soul even larger than the other souls, was the Li Family ancestor, Li Tianyuan.

Seeing these ancestors arrive, everyone in the courtyard was stunned. Then, they hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed.

The servants and maids who surrounded the courtyard, hearing the shouts of the young masters and ladies, were also stunned and hurriedly knelt down and bowed their heads.

"Ancestors?"

贺剑兰 and the others in the hall heard the news and hurriedly rushed out. When they saw Li Tianyuan actually appear, they were shocked and hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects.

Ji Qingqing and Li Tiangang in the house also saw them. Their faces changed, and they quickly knelt down.

In an instant, only one figure remained standing – Li Hao.

Facing the dozens of Li Family ancestral souls in the sky, Li Hao was slightly surprised.

"Child."

Li Tianyuan looked at Li Hao, his eyes gentle. He softly said, "I've heard about your situation. Your parents are to blame. Although we've disciplined them, we can't replace them to make up for you. But could you, for the sake of the rest of our Li Family, stay with the Li Family?"

Li Hao's expression was calm, his face as serene as the wind. "The elders of the Li Family have treated me well, and I haven't forgotten. The mountains and rivers stretch for thousands of miles. We can meet and gather wherever we are. There's no need to be confined to the Li Family. I hope you understand."

Hearing this, Li Tianyuan and the other ancestral souls' faces changed. Some looked sad, some sighed. They knew that the child had severed his bloodline, and it couldn't be persuaded back with a few words.

They had come here to make a last-ditch effort.

"Your father has made a mistake. Although he has achieved great feats outside, he is domineering and arbitrary, lacking in balance. From this day forward, he is stripped of his True Dragon title."

Li Tianyuan said softly.

As soon as these words were spoken, the courtyard fell silent. Everyone was shocked. They hadn't expected Li Tiangang's True Dragon title to be personally revoked by the ancestors.

In the past, only those who had committed grave errors and crimes would be personally punished by the ancestors, stripping them of their True Dragon title. And Li Tiangang had successively fought in Yanbei and defended Liangzhou, achieving great feats. Yet, he was stripped of his True Dragon title.

But everyone understood that as the ancestor had said, while he had achieved great feats outside, compared to these achievements, driving Li Hao out of the Divine General's Mansion was a stain on his life, an indelible blemish.

Inside the hall, Ji Qingqing was stunned. She looked at her husband beside her.

Li Tiangang, however, looked sad, but not shocked. It seemed he had already known.

At the foot of the steps outside the hall, Li Hao's expression remained calm, unchanged.

As he had said, he had let go, which was why he had come.

Therefore, the Li Family's decision didn't matter to him.

"Although you don't have the Li Family bloodline, if you're willing, I can declare an exception and make you the True Dragon of my Li Family. My Li Family will devote all its resources to help you cultivate further, to strive for the Dao Comprehension Realm!"

Li Tianyuan looked at Li Hao with a serious expression.

The other Li Family ancestors had already learned of the ancestor's decision. They looked at the solitary young man with hope in their eyes.

Inside the hall, 贺剑兰, Gao Qingqing, Li Xuanli, and the others were all shocked. They were only surprised by the ancestor's stripping of Li Tiangang's True Dragon title, but they could understand. But to make an exception and let Li Hao, who no longer had the Li Family bloodline, become the True Dragon of the Li Family, that was breaking a thousand-year-old precedent!

For a moment, they all looked at Li Hao, their eyes filled with hope and expectation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 268: A Friend From Afar

Li Tiangang also looked at the young man's back with a complex expression, his fingers clenching slightly. He was nervous, expectant, and a little bewildered and sad.

He had argued with the young man in the past, and the young man had abandoned the Li Clan's surname and left this glorious Divine General Manor.

Who would have thought that today, his ancestors would personally invite him back?

He couldn't help but ask himself, was he truly wrong? But was he really that wrong?

He had established his Dao heart with the Laws of All Things, but now, his Dao heart was wavering.

Li Hao also hadn't expected that the Li Clan's ancestors would go to such lengths for him. He was surprised and a little regretful.

His regret wasn't remorse, but the fact that he had to hurt their hearts.

The moon has its waxing and waning, and things are rarely perfect.

Since he had severed his bloodline in the abyss, there was no turning back. Many things he had missed or done wrong were ultimately regrets. Even if a broken mirror was glued back together, the cracks would still be there, reflecting only a fragmented image.

"I appreciate your kindness, Senior."

Li Hao bowed slightly, "It's not worth breaking the rules for me. The thousand years of glory that your ancestors have accumulated through fighting on the battlefield, slaying demons, shouldn't be broken for me. The family has its traditions and rules. Otherwise, one generation will be brilliant, and ten thousand generations will be extinguished."

"I no longer have the Li Clan's bloodline. Even if I were a True Dragon, I wouldn't be able to convince everyone. Besides, I've made up my mind. I can't bear the burden of the Divine General Manor."

With that, he bowed respectfully, expressing his gratitude.

Hearing Li Hao's words, the blood drained from He Jianlan and the others' faces. The hopeful light in their eyes, like extinguished fireflies, dimmed.

Li Tiangang, who was kneeling on the ground, was also stunned. Then, his face twitched and trembled.

He had told the young man to be well-behaved, proper, and law-abiding, but the young man had always been lazy and carefree.

Now, he was using family traditions and rules as an excuse to sever ties with the Li Clan.

He had cut everything off with the same attitude he had used to demand things from him.

"You..."

Li Tianyuan was slightly stunned. He hadn't expected Li Hao to refuse so decisively.

He remained silent for a moment, then said, "Child, even if you don't become a True Dragon, it's fine. The Li Clan owes you. We old guys will make up for it. The Li Clan's True Dragon can be bestowed with a soul image condensed by our soul power. Even if you're not, let us condense one for you!"

Li Hao immediately thought of the scene in the Dragon City Nether River. There, he had inherited the True Dragon, donned the clothes of his ancestor, and fought in battles.

But that was Li Tianzong's memory.

He didn't know if the old man would be comforted by this before he dissipated.

Li Hao sighed inwardly and said to the Li Clan ancestor in front of him,

"Senior, your kindness is too much for me to bear. Condensing a soul for you would be too much of a drain. You don't have to do that. The Li Clan doesn't owe me anything. We're even."

In the Dragon City Nether River, the Li Clan ancestors had condensed a soul for him, helping him break through the bottleneck of 360 soul condensations. But Li Hao felt that he could break through on his own if he just collected a few more soul condensation techniques. There was no need to waste the soul power of these heroic spirits.

After all, these heroic spirits in front of him were human heroes who had fought and slain demons on the battlefield. They were also heroes from his own era. It would be wrong for him to accept their sacrifice and shorten their remaining time as souls.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tianyuan fell silent again.

He wanted to gather the power of many heroic spirits, both to repay Li Hao for his help and to hope that Li Hao would remember them, so that if the Li Clan was in trouble in the future, he would lend a helping hand again.

But the young man in front of him didn't seem to be moved by this.

For martial artists, this was an extremely precious thing, greatly enhancing their strength. But the young man in front of him treated it as insignificant.

"Child..."

Li Tianyuan frowned, looking at Li Hao, wanting to say something else.

"Senior."

Li Hao quickly interrupted, smiling, "We can't be blood relatives, but if you want to be friends with me, I welcome it."

"A friend from afar, how delightful."

"I understand your intentions. Please don't try to keep me."

With that, he bowed slightly as a gesture of respect, then his gaze fell on Li Yuanzhao in the courtyard. He smiled slightly, "If you have time, you can come and play at my place."

"Mm!"

Li Yuanzhao's eyes were filled with sadness. He nodded vigorously, his eyes full of reluctance.

Li Tianyuan and the other Li Clan ancestral heroic spirits heard Li Hao's words and fell silent. They knew that the young man had made up his mind and couldn't be persuaded.

Li Tianyuan's expression became slightly gloomy. He said to Li Xuanli in the hall, "The Li Clan's True Dragon, you will be in charge for now."

With that, he nodded slightly to Li Hao, then turned and flew away.

Seeing this, the other ancestors' expressions varied, but they were all dejected or sorrowful. They nodded to Li Hao in gratitude, then flew back to the ancestral temple one after another.

Li Hao had helped them by rescuing Qingzhou City. This kindness was hard to repay.

But the young man didn't seem to care, which made them feel a little uncomfortable.

Li Hao walked towards the courtyard. Li Yuanzhao and the others quickly followed. Li Wushuang wanted to say something, to try and keep him, but thinking that even the ancestors couldn't stop the young man's steps, let alone her, she couldn't help but feel dejected.

Li Mingjian, Li Zhining, and the others all had complex expressions. No one in the Li Clan had ever received such attention, not even their fathers or grandfathers.

But in their generation, a truly outstanding figure had emerged.

But this person, like a dragon emerging from a shallow pool, was soaring through the sky, no longer staying with them.

But who in the world could say that the Li Clan of the Divine General Manor was a shallow pool?

It was just that the young man's world was too vast.

Or perhaps, the bond had been severed...

"Oh, right, where is the noble lady who poisoned me?"

Li Hao, who had reached the courtyard, suddenly asked.

Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Li Xuanli had just been personally designated as the True Dragon by the ancestor. Although there hadn't been a ceremony yet, he was now considered to be shouldering the responsibility of the True Dragon clan leader.

He was slightly stunned, but after his wife, Gao Qingqing, nudged him, he reacted. He quickly said, "She's in her courtyard. Do you want to see her? I'll take you. With your current status... it's only right."

He suddenly felt that he had to consider and think about more things. He instantly flashed through his mind, what if Li Hao killed Liu Yue Rong? What about the impact on the Divine General Manor's reputation?

But he quickly suppressed these thoughts. With Li Hao's current status as a duke, it was definitely a crime to poison a duke. Although it was a scandal for the Divine General Manor, if Li Hao really killed her, as long as he smoothed things over, it wouldn't be considered a violation of the law.

After all, if the Liu Clan retaliated later, they would have to weigh their options when facing Li Hao.

Perhaps they would even send people to offer their apologies with gifts.

For a large family, the rise and fall of the family was more important than a moment of anger, and more important than the honor of one branch.

With these thoughts in mind, Li Xuanli caught up to Li Hao.

"Then I'll trouble you."

Li Hao nodded slightly.

Hearing this, the others couldn't help but follow. Li Hao had severed ties with the Li Clan because Liu Yue Rong had poisoned him.

This scandal had been suppressed by the Divine General Manor, and not much was known outside, but everyone within the Divine General Manor knew about it.

Now, was the young man going to take revenge personally?

Li Tiangang's face turned grim. He immediately thought of his second brother, who had protected him, taking care of him since childhood, and entrusting his wife and children to him before his death. But now...

He felt sad, but now, he had no reason to stop him.

Besides, he had also hated Liu Yue Rong in his heart. But hatred was one thing, and he couldn't forget his brotherly love. That was why he had protected her earlier.

Ji Qingqing, however, quickly got up and chased after him, her face filled with grief. She couldn't believe that the child had left so decisively.

...

In front of the Water Splendor Courtyard.

Li Xuanli opened the courtyard gate for Li Hao and glanced at his former nephew. He sighed inwardly and said softly, "She's in there. After the investigation was clear, she was... imprisoned."

"Is this imprisonment?"

Li Hao looked into the courtyard. Except for the servants who were usually there, the courtyard was desolate. Fallen leaves were piled up on the pond, as if it had become stagnant water.

But it was still a luxurious courtyard, nothing like imprisonment.

Li Xuanli's expression changed slightly when he heard Li Hao's words. He simply said, "We'll wait for you outside."

This was also a hint to Li Hao, indicating that he could do whatever he wanted if he was dissatisfied.

Li Hao didn't say anything. He simply walked into the courtyard and followed the bluestone path until he saw the figure of a beautiful woman leaning against the pavilion.

But now, she was clearly not as radiant as before. The hairpins on her head, which had been adorned with pearls and jade, were missing, leaving only a round pearl hairpin.

Hearing the noise, Liu Yue Rong turned around. When she saw Li Hao, her eyes widened slightly, but she wasn't too surprised. She stared at Li Hao, and after a moment, she said,

"It's been less than two years. How has your appearance changed so much?"

"You've changed quite a bit too."

Li Hao smiled, but he didn't have the hateful and angry expression that outsiders expected when enemies met.

As he spoke, he walked into the pavilion and looked at the fruit plate on the table. The fruit was a bit wilted and not fresh.

"Now that you've achieved fame and fortune, have you come to seek revenge for what happened back then?"

Liu Yue Rong stared at Li Hao, but she sneered slightly, her face devoid of fear. "Kill me if you want. I'm living here, and it's no different from being dead. The only hope I have is to watch my son surpass you."

"But even if I don't see it, I believe it will happen sooner or later."

With that, she sneered, her eyes sharp as she stared directly at Li Hao.

Li Hao heard this, but he didn't get angry. He still smiled, and the curve of his lips rose even higher.

"You really dare to think that way."

"Humph, you're indeed a monster, but so what? I've seen many monsters like you. Your ninth uncle, although not as good as you, was also brilliant when he was young. Everyone thought he would lead the Li Clan to greater heights. But what happened?"

"He was too sharp, and he died before he was twenty. Heh, that's what happens when heaven is jealous of talent!"

Liu Yue Rong sneered, "You're strong now, but who knows if you won't suffer the same fate?"

Li Hao nodded, "You're right. So before that happens, I'm going to give your son a little accident."

Liu Yue Rong was stunned, her expression changing. She said angrily, "What are you trying to do?"

Li Hao said slowly, "Do you think I'm here to kill you? No, on the contrary, I've already stopped hating you for what happened back then, after I left the Li Clan. And I want to thank you."

Liu Yue Rong was stunned.

"That bit of divine blood might be a great help to ordinary people, but it's insignificant to me."

Li Hao said, "You once said that a parent who loves their child will plan for their future. You're indeed a good mother. So I'm here to tell you that I'll let you see with your own eyes how your son is crippled by me. This is my repayment."

"You, you dare!"

Liu Yue Rong suddenly stood up and looked at Li Hao angrily, "Do you really think you're above the law? My son is with the Buddha. You won't succeed."

"Are you saying that your son will be tied to the Buddha's pants for the rest of his life?"

Li Hao laughed.

Liu Yue Rong trembled, her face turning grim. Being targeted by a Four Pillars Realm expert was enough to make anyone sleep with one eye open. Besides, she had already heard about the situation in Qingzhou City from the old servants. The young man in front of her was now a top-tier expert, and even the Buddha might not be able to suppress him.

"I'm wrong, I'm wrong. Kill me, I'll atone for my sins!"

Liu Yue Rong suddenly knelt down and kowtowed to Li Hao, begging him.

Li Hao didn't stop her or say anything. Before he was poisoned, he had a good impression of this second wife. After all, she had often shown concern and sincerity. But who knew that it was all a facade.

Later, she had repeatedly tested him, forcing him to learn to be cautious.

"Death is not enough atonement. Your son has set his sights on the True Dragon. He must pay the price."

Li Hao stood up, "You're living too comfortably. Since you're a prisoner, you should look like one. You'll wait in prison. I'll bring your son to you, beaten like a dog."

Liu Yue Rong was stunned, her face turning pale. She quickly tried to grab Li Hao's legs, but a force stopped her.

She quickly begged, "I'm wrong. Please, for the sake of the fact that I once held you in my arms, Qianfeng is innocent. He doesn't know anything. Even for the sake of his father..."

"You wanted to take away my power, so I'll take away your son's power. That's even."

Li Hao said softly, "I don't plan to kill him. Unless he seeks death himself, that's another matter."

With that, he turned and left.

Inside the courtyard, cries of anguish echoed, begging him to stop. But the young man left resolutely.

When the courtyard gate closed again, the cries turned into curses, then into curses, and finally into sobs.

Then, Liu Yue Rong thought of writing a letter, of sending this news to her son. She would never come down the mountain unless he cultivated to the Tranquil Peace Realm.

Only then could she be safe for life.

...

Outside the courtyard, Li Hao walked out, the cries and pleas from inside being shut out by the closed gate.

Everyone was surprised, wondering what Li Hao had said.

Li Hao simply said to Li Xuanli that criminals should be in their place.

Li Xuanli understood Li Hao's intentions. He was somewhat relieved that Li Hao hadn't directly killed Liu Yue Rong. After all, she was still his brother's wife.

He sighed inwardly and joined the others in seeing Li Hao off.

"You can't leave!"

Li Tiangang stood in front of the Divine General Manor, looking at Li Hao, who was walking towards him, his face resolute.

Li Hao frowned slightly, but he didn't say anything. He simply covered him with his Dao Domain, suppressing him, then stepped past him and walked out of the Divine General Manor.

On the other side, Ji Qingqing, who had been chasing after him, shouted, "Hao'er!"

Li Hao didn't turn back. He walked away, disappearing from sight in front of everyone in the Divine General Manor.

He Jianlan and the others' faces turned pale, their eyes complex. This was the second time they had seen the young man leave the Divine General Manor.

And this time, it was a complete farewell.

"Birds fly in the sky. They only land on a tree when they're tired. Besides, he's not a bird, he's a phoenix."

Li Xiaoran looked into the distance and murmured softly. These words were for Li Tiangang, telling him not to make futile attempts to hold him back. It was also his own feeling at the moment. After saying this, he turned and left.

Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing trembled when they heard these words. They knew that if the child was a bird, then they were a cage to him.

Now, they couldn't hold him back anymore.

...

...

Mount Wuliang, within the Pure Heaven Realm of the Buddhist Paradise.

Li Qianfeng, wearing a white kasaya, came before the Spiritual Realm Buddha.

"Master, when will my mother be brought here? Our Li Clan..."

Li Qianfeng knelt on the ground, looking up with a pleading expression.

The Buddha sat on a high golden lotus platform, looking at his sorrowful and urgent expression. He sighed softly, knowing that his previous attempts to enlighten him had been in vain. The other party hadn't truly understood.

"The calamity in Qingzhou City has been quelled. You don't have to worry about your mother. You'll have to wait for the Universal Compassionate Bodhisattva to return..."

The Buddha said softly.

Li Qianfeng was stunned. He widened his eyes and said, "Qingzhou City has been pacified?"

It was only a few tens of thousands of miles from here to Qingzhou City. Mount Wuliang was considered to be relatively close to the Li Clan in Qingzhou City. If a Four Pillars Realm expert traveled at full speed, it would take less than a day to reach there.

Unlike Youzhou, although it was considered to be relatively close to Qingzhou, it was actually tens of thousands of miles away.

The Buddha said, "You can rest assured."

"Thank you, Master!" Li Qianfeng kowtowed excitedly.

The Buddha told Li Qianfeng to step back and cultivate. Then, he turned to Lin Wujing, who was beside him, and asked,

"That thief hasn't confessed yet. Where is the stolen holy artifact?"

(End of Chapter)