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Chapter 273: News from Elder Feng

As Li Hao caught sight of the other party, the other party also saw him. From beneath a cascade of loose hair, a pair of deep, restrained eyes swept over, their gaze calm yet imbued with a sharp, lethal aura.

Absolute Mastery Realm… Li Hao took a closer look. Though the other's eyes were sharp, there seemed to be no killing intent.

He glanced around. The courtyard was undamaged, which eased his mind.

"Who might you be, senior?"

Li Hao approached the man, settling onto a cushion typically reserved for guests. He casually picked up a cup of already brewed tea and took a sip.

"Surname Jiang, Jiang Lichun."

The elder's eyes were cold, unfazed by Li Hao's actions. His gaze remained fixed on Li Hao's face:

"You've kept me waiting quite a while!"

Surname Jiang… Li Hao paused, surprised. That was the surname of the Imperial Family. Was this elder a member of the royal lineage?

However, with his current Duke status, even if he encountered royalty, he didn't need to perform a grand bow.

"Did Your Highness have something to discuss with me?" Li Hao asked, glancing at the elder's attire, which resembled a beggar's. This prince seemed rather unconventional.

"I waited outside the River of Death to receive you, but you vanished without a trace and ended up in Youzhou. I tracked you to Youzhou, but you disappeared to Qingzhou. When I followed you to Qingzhou, you returned here…"

The more Jiang Lichun spoke, the more anger crept into his voice. Never in his life had he been so thoroughly evaded.

"..."

Li Hao was speechless. He hadn't realized that his travels had been followed by a tail, and a rather persistent one at that.

He could only offer an awkward smile and say, "When I have the time, I will personally thank His Majesty."

"Humph, whether you thank him or not is none of my concern. Besides, I didn't even manage to receive you, so what's there to be thankful for? You're his general; it's his duty to send someone to receive you."

Jiang Lichun scoffed, "My overly-concerned brother has misjudged the situation. Look at you now, you don't need anyone to receive you. At such a young age, you've reached the Eternal Peace Dao Realm. Remarkable!"

"It was merely a fortunate coincidence,"

Li Hao quickly humbled himself.

"Though you've played us, causing me a great deal of trouble, it's also thanks to you that I was able to escape. Let's consider that a wash!"

Jiang Lichun unilaterally declared this bizarre exchange of resentment and fortune settled, as if simply uttering it absolved him of any karmic entanglement. Whether it truly balanced out was entirely up to him.

Then, he stared at Li Hao, his gaze lingering on his hands:

"I hear you also wield a sword?"

"Hm?"

Li Hao was slightly surprised. He nodded, "I have a basic understanding."

"Humph, outside Qingzhou City, you slaughtered the demons, and the lingering sword energy remains. I saw it. It was decent, I'll admit."

Jiang Lichun didn't take Li Hao's modesty seriously. He spoke plainly and without reservation:

"Looking at your hands, they don't seem like they've held a sword much. But you're not the only sword prodigy in the world. When I was six, I first practiced swordsmanship and immediately executed a perfect-level sword technique. Back then, my hands were also smooth and uncalloused, yet I far surpassed those hardened commoners who had spent years honing their skills!"

"You've cultivated to the Eternal Peace Dao Realm at such a young age, clearly you're intelligent. Let me see the depth of your swordsmanship!"

As he spoke, he looked into Li Hao's eyes, his entire body suddenly radiating a powerful aura.

Li Hao was taken aback. The aura emanating from the elder now contained a killing intent.

Just now, they were having a civil conversation, and suddenly, it seemed like he was about to draw his sword.

"Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?" Li Hao frowned.

"Draw your sword, let me see your blade!"

Jiang Lichun's eyes were fixed on him.

"Sparring? But you can't defeat me," Li Hao shook his head.

"Is it just the Dao Realm? My swordsmanship can shatter Dao Realms! I pursue the ultimate in swordsmanship. Even without a Dao Realm, I can shatter one. Even without comprehending the Dao, I can cleave the Dao with my sword!"

Jiang Lichun's eyes shone brightly, his words slightly alarming, bordering on madness.

Li Hao was stunned, but he didn't laugh. Instead, he seriously met the elder's gaze.

Despite the seemingly insane idea, the elder's eyes held not arrogance, but determination, belief, and an intense, fervent pursuit.

This feeling was deeper than entering the Spiritual Realm through the mind.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment, then nodded, "Very well, but this isn't the place to fight. Please follow me, Your Highness."

"Do we need to choose a place? Anywhere will do."

Jiang Lichun was ready to fight, but upon hearing Li Hao's words, his expression changed slightly, and he restrained himself.

"I'll wait for you!"

With that, Jiang Lichun suddenly soared into the air and sped away.

Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief. He instructed Ren Qianqian to wait safely here and followed in pursuit.

Soon, the two arrived at a mountain outside the city.

"Where's your sword?"

Jiang Lichun looked at Li Hao's empty hands.

"Every blade of grass, every tree, can be a sword."

Li Hao casually snapped off an old, withered branch and held it.

Jiang Lichun burst into laughter, "Good! I used to think the same way, that everything could be a sword. But that's not the case anymore. A sword is a sword. It's not anything else. A sword can only be a sword!"

As he spoke, a black, seemingly damaged long sword from his waist suddenly flew into his hand.

The sword had no scabbard, as it needed no concealment. As it landed in his hand, a series of sharp, ringing sounds echoed, like a fierce dragon letting out a proud roar.

"Come, show me your Dao Realm. Don't worry, any Dao Realm, I can shatter it with a single strike!!"

Jiang Lichun's loose hair whipped around him, his entire being exuding a rebellious aura. He seemed to have transformed into a sharp blade, standing tall between heaven and earth.

Hearing this, Li Hao didn't hesitate. A layer of Dao Realm instantly spread out.

Intimidation!

The Dao Realm's laws enveloped Jiang Lichun, instantly trapping him within.

The pressure of intimidation could prevent one from releasing their power outside their body.

But at this moment, Jiang Lichun's eyes exploded with excited and intense fighting spirit. His acupoints erupted with energy, which shot out like sword qi. He had condensed the energy he absorbed into countless sword qi, hidden within the major meridians of his body.

Li Hao had stored a mouthful of immortal energy in his abdomen, while Jiang Lichun had countless sword qi stored in his heart. Under the Dao Realm's rules, he still erupted with powerful force, resisting the erosion of the rules and suddenly swung his sword.

Whoosh!

Brilliant, silver-moon-like exploding light, seemingly containing a certain Dao intent, instantly slashed across.

Li Hao was momentarily stunned, then realized that his Dao Realm was being torn apart by an incredibly sharp force, directly breaking through!

He immediately wanted to layer a second Dao Realm, but the thought was abandoned as soon as it arose.

A hint of fighting spirit arose within him. He swung the withered branch, and with his strength, a sword qi slashed horizontally.

With a loud bang, the Reincarnation Sword Light collided with Jiang Lichun's sword qi. Under the Dao Realm's rules, they fought to a stalemate.

"Your sword, it's not pure enough!"

Jiang Lichun glared, roaring, "Is this your strongest sword technique? It's not enough!"

As he spoke, he unleashed a second strike, which once again shattered the Dao Realm. The intensely condensed sword light, like an aurora from beyond the heavens, arrived in an instant.

Li Hao also raised the withered branch and fiercely chopped down.

The sword lights extinguished, neither gaining an advantage.

But the withered branch in Li Hao's hand snapped.

Moreover, Li Hao knew that if it weren't for the Dao Realm's rules, he would have already lost in pure swordsmanship.

"Your swordsmanship is only at the half-Sword Saint level."

Jiang Lichun's aura erupted, and he stood unharmed within the Dao Realm. His eyes were cold, tinged with regret, "But for your age, it's not bad. Perhaps in ten years, you can challenge me again."

Li Hao nodded slightly, not denying it.

His sixth-level swordsmanship comprehension was insufficient. He hadn't entered the Spiritual Realm, and his swordsmanship hadn't transcended the mundane. The elder's understanding of swordsmanship was likely at the seventh or eighth level.

Shattering a Dao Realm with pure swordsmanship, the sword had become divine, nearing the point of comprehending the Dao.

"Is that your full power, or do you have other methods? Let me witness your true strength, see if it can sharpen my sword even further!"

Jiang Lichun's eyes were fixed on Li Hao.

Li Hao, seeing the elder's unwavering determination, nodded, "Very well."

As he spoke, he released the remaining half of the withered branch, which fell to the ground below.

But at the same time, four Dao Realms suddenly enveloped him.

The sudden, terrifying aura caused Jiang Lichun's sharp eyes to narrow in shock, but a moment later, they erupted with even brighter light, filled with excitement and fanaticism. He laughed loudly, "Excellent!"

He erupted with sky-piercing sword light. His spine became translucent and radiant, like a sword itself.

He soared into the air, his entire body unleashing a vast aura, condensing into a single strike, attempting to cleave through.

But the next moment, another Dao Realm descended.

Six Dao Realms instantly enveloped him. With a loud bang, it was like a pair of giant hands seizing Jiang Lichun's light, extinguishing it, forcing it back into his body. Then, as if frozen in time, he was unable to move within the Dao Realm.

Li Hao hadn't unleashed the full power of the Dao Realm's rules, otherwise, it would have torn him apart in an instant.

"You…"

Jiang Lichun's eyeballs struggled to move, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.

Li Hao slowly dissipated his power and retracted the Dao Realm.

Jiang Lichun's light instantly erupted, but his sword-holding posture remained frozen in mid-air. He simply stared blankly at Li Hao.

After a long moment, he suddenly rushed towards Li Hao, "Six Dao Realms? Is that your limit?"

Li Hao shook his head slightly.

Jiang Lichun was momentarily lost, but soon, he burst into laughter again, "Good, good, good! I thought my sword was sharp enough, but now I see it's far from it!"

"When I can cleave your Dao Realm, that will be the moment I comprehend the Dao!"

Li Hao's mind stirred, and he asked, "Your Highness, are you familiar with the Dao Comprehension Realm?"

"Familiar, not really. Are you curious, kid?"

Jiang Lichun saw Li Hao's thoughts and chuckled, not hiding anything, "Even with your background from the Divine General's Mansion, unless the ancestor of your Li family personally tells you, this kind of true secret is never recorded in books. Some old geezers are like that, they'd rather take secrets to their graves than let them out."

He then brought the conversation back to the main topic, "The Dao Comprehension Realm also has levels. The first level is the True Person Realm, and the second level is the Dao Law Realm!"

"The True Person from the Qian Dao Palace is at the True Person Realm. They need to break through the Dao Realm's rules and touch the true Dao, separating the genuine from the false. Transitioning from technique to Dao is the True Person Realm of Dao Comprehension!"

He continued, "The Dao Law Realm is even more mysterious and powerful. They use the Dao Realm's rules, their words become law, they can summon wind and rain, and glimpse the Dao of Heaven and Earth. They no longer cling to techniques but to laws!"

"Technique is the appearance, Dao is the bone, and law is the flesh!"

Jiang Lichun looked at Li Hao, "All cultivation techniques, secret arts, and even Absolute Mastery techniques are still stuck at the surface level. Even Absolute Mastery techniques only barely touch a sliver of the true meaning, but they're still outside the threshold of the Dao."

"Only when you cross that threshold can you truly enter the Dao, then use the Dao to leverage the laws. With a single effort, you can unleash a hundredfold power!"

Li Hao was slightly stunned. He'd only asked casually, but the elder's knowledge of the Dao Comprehension Realm was surprisingly detailed.

True Person Realm, Dao Law Realm.

Dao Law could make words become reality. Wasn't that practically like a god?

Li Hao's eyes flickered. Suddenly, he understood why the two avatars of the Desolate Gods were so difficult to kill. Even at the True Person Realm, they had condensed Dao power, and Dao power was indestructible. True Person Dao power forged their bodies, and the Dao Realm's influence on them was likely minimal.

The difference between these realms was like heaven and earth.

"You have a brilliant talent. If you can let go of fame and glory and cultivate peacefully here, you will surely achieve great things in the future."

Seeing Li Hao's contemplation, Jiang Lichun said, "Don't listen to my brother, running around, saving those commoners. What if all the people in the world die? The common people are fools, born to be stepping stones for others. Dying early, for them, is a good thing, as they can be reborn and enter a wealthy family, better than struggling for a hundred and eighty years. It's a good thing."

Li Hao was speechless.

It was hard to imagine these words coming from a prince. It felt more like a demon's words.

"Furthermore, the waters of Great Yu are deeper than you imagine. Even if you hadn't gone to Youzhou or Qingzhou, at most, some people would have died. When these demons touch the bottom line, someone will inevitably step forward and kill them."

Jiang Lichun sneered, a glint in his eyes, "Great Yu may be in decline, but there are still things we can use to scare people. The state capitals where the five Divine General's Mansions are located, do you think those divine formations are just there to protect the people? Ha, just stay here and cultivate peacefully."

With that, he turned and flew back to the city.

Li Hao was stunned and followed him back to the courtyard.

Seeing the elder return to his previous spot and sit down, Li Hao was speechless. It seemed like he was planning to stay.

"Your Highness, you said something about the divine formations?"

Li Hao asked in confusion.

Jiang Lichun waved his hand slightly, "Don't think too much. The less you know, the better. The fewer distractions, the clearer your mind."

Li Hao smiled wryly. Seeing that he wouldn't elaborate, he said, "Your Highness, I have many affairs to attend to here, and this is a border city. Perhaps you should go elsewhere."

"I won't leave until I've broken through your Dao Realm."

Jiang Lichun snorted softly, ignoring Li Hao. His gaze fell upon Ren Qianqian, who was holding her sword. He paused on the sword, scoffed, and then ignored her.

Ren Qianqian was relieved to see Li Hao return safely. Then, she noticed the elder's disdainful glance and felt a strange mix of surprise and confusion.

Even if her cultivation was low, he was an elder of high standing. Surely, he wouldn't look down on her?

Seeing that the elder was truly staying, Li Hao was speechless. But the other party was a prince, so he couldn't forcefully evict him. He could only say,

"As you wish, just don't disturb me."

"You mind your own business, I'll mind mine."

Jiang Lichun said.

Seeing this, Li Hao didn't say anything more.

Time passed.

Soldiers entered and exited the courtyard, reporting on the search for Elder Feng, all to no avail.

Furthermore, news came from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion that they hadn't found him either. Not only Elder Feng, but the little white fox had also disappeared without a trace. Li Hao had also asked the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion to help investigate, and they were to inform him immediately if they found any clues, but they hadn't found any trace.

According to Qianqian, the little white fox had suddenly disappeared one day. Initially, they thought it was playing somewhere. When it didn't return by nightfall, they realized it was gone.

When they sent people out of the city to search, they found nothing, no signs of a battle. Tracking the fallen fur, they followed it halfway and then the trail simply vanished.

"That little thing, I hope it hasn't been harmed…"

Li Hao frowned slightly, sighing inwardly.

"You're looking for someone?"

Jiang Lichun, who was comprehending the Dao of the sword in the courtyard, heard the reports of the soldiers coming and going. He raised an eyebrow, glanced at Li Hao, and said,

"When I came to receive you at the River of Death, I saw no commotion there, so I came here to take a look. Then I saw someone fighting in the distance outside the city. Could it be the person you're looking for?"

Li Hao was startled, a battle outside the city?

"Did Your Highness see who it was?"

"I didn't pay much attention, but one of them seemed to have excellent footwork. Unfortunately, he encountered someone at the Eternal Peace Dao Realm. No matter how good his footwork, it was useless."

Li Hao felt a jolt in his heart, excellent footwork?

"When did this happen?"

Li Hao couldn't help but ask. If the other party was at the Eternal Peace Dao Realm, it couldn't have been Elder Feng and Li Tiangang's fight, it must have been another battle.

Jiang Lichun thought back for a moment, "About half a month ago."

"Half a month ago…" Li Hao was stunned. This was after Elder Feng and Li Tiangang's fight.

Could it be that after the fight with Li Tiangang, Elder Feng wasn't forced to leave, but was secretly protecting Cangya City for him?

And then encountered another battle?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 274: Mount Wuliang

Li Hao pondered further, finding it increasingly plausible. Given Elder Feng's nature, even if he were to leave, he wouldn't do so without a word, unless an unforeseen circumstance arose.

"Your Highness, do you know who the Taiping Daoist involved in the conflict was?"

Li Hao immediately inquired.

"It should be Mo Luo," Jiang Lichun replied. "Though I didn't examine closely, the overwhelming demonic aura at the time couldn't be mistaken. So, your friend, in all likelihood, is no more."

"Mo Luo?"

Li Hao was taken aback.

"You don't know?" Jiang Lichun glanced at him, then realized that the young man before him was, after all, only a teenager. Aside from cultivation and sword practice, how much time could he have to learn about these top-tier powerhouses?

"Eight hundred years ago, Mo Luo emerged from obscurity, wreaking havoc everywhere. Buddhist masters were dispatched to subdue him, but were instead slain. He broke through the ranks of numerous Buddhist masters and vanished for over two hundred years. When he reappeared, he was already a Taiping Daoist, causing chaos once more..."

Jiang Lichun continued, "Five hundred years ago, the Buddha himself intervened, but Mo Luo had anticipated his move and escaped. That battle was earth-shattering. Though they failed to kill Mo Luo, it allowed the world to witness the Buddha's terrifying power. I don't know if your Divine General's Mansion has records of it, but the Dao Domain the Buddha displayed in that battle was fivefold!"

Jiang Lichun looked at Li Hao. "Slightly weaker than yours now, but the Buddha was once a peerless genius five hundred years ago. Over such a long time, he would only have become more formidable, a top-tier existence even among Taiping Daoists."

"Three hundred years ago, a Bodhisattva was publicly slain by Mo Luo. The Buddha issued a decree to all Buddhist disciples, to eternally hunt down Mo Luo."

"Since then, Mo Luo has rarely appeared. Occasionally, rumors of him surface in various parts of the world, but their authenticity is questionable. Some are merely demons or individuals who have fallen into demonic paths, using Mo Luo's name to intimidate others."

"If you want to find Mo Luo, you won't be able to on your own. Our Great Yu Dynasty has been pursuing him for years, yet haven't seen a trace. Frankly, for such a powerful individual, being wanted holds little meaning."

"If you wish to find Mo Luo, you could try asking on Mount Wuliang. They have experience engaging with him and, it's said, have been secretly investigating for years. But I doubt it will yield much."

Jiang Lichun finished in one breath. Li Hao's face darkened. Mo Luo?

Elder Feng had no connection with Mo Luo. Why would he attack him?

Could it be that they simply encountered each other, and Mo Luo acted out of malice?

At that moment, another soldier rushed into the courtyard, bowing respectfully to Li Hao before reporting:

"General Haotian, we have news of the individual you're pursuing!"

"What?"

Li Hao, still dwelling on Jiang Lichun's words, was startled by the soldier's words. He immediately turned to the soldier:

"Where?!"

"On Mount Wuliang."

The soldier, startled, hurriedly said, "Mount Wuliang just announced that they've apprehended the notorious thief Feng Boping, who has been stealing for years. They will execute him at noon tomorrow, atop the sacred peak of Mount Wuliang!"

Li Hao's pupils constricted, his mind buzzing slightly. Soon, he felt his blood surging as if it were on fire.

Execute Elder Feng?

Wait, Mo Luo, Mount Wuliang?

Li Hao couldn't help but look at Jiang Lichun, saying, "Your Highness, are you certain you weren't mistaken earlier?"

Jiang Lichun was also filled with surprise. He now knew that Feng Boping was the person Li Hao was searching for.

"Strange, could it be that Mo Luo delivered the man to Mount Wuliang? But they are sworn enemies..."

Jiang Lichun muttered to himself. Suddenly, as if he had thought of something, his expression changed slightly. "So that's how it is. No wonder he said that..."

"What?"

Li Hao couldn't help but ask, while an unbelievable thought also popped into his mind.

But considering Candlelight God and Yin Madam, it didn't seem so unbelievable.

Jiang Lichun looked at Li Hao, remaining silent, but their eyes met, and they seemed to understand each other's thoughts.

Li Hao's face grew grim. Suddenly, he recalled something Elder Feng had casually mentioned years ago while fishing by the lake.

He had once, during the Buddha's seclusion, taken a treasure from Mount Wuliang and used it to suppress the Mo River.

It was a sacred artifact, said to possess the aura of a saint, used to seal a dangerous stretch of the Mo River, preventing its further expansion.

This incident had led to the Buddha's discovery and subsequent furious pursuit of Feng Boping.

But Feng Boping was elusive, never caught by the Buddhist sect for years.

Yet now, he had been apprehended.

Li Hao felt a pang of sadness. Elder Feng had no fixed abode, wandering aimlessly, which is why no one could capture him.

And now, his actions from Qingzhou to Liangzhou, and then to Tianguan Pass, had exposed his whereabouts, allowing the Buddhist sect to learn of his location and capture him.

Having no roots, he had found roots, and it had exposed his weakness.

The boy from the past was the weakness of the couple in Yanbei, targeted and assassinated by demons. He had grown into the hardest stone.

And now, he, Li Hao, had become Elder Feng's weakness, causing him to be bound here.

Li Hao gently covered his chest, feeling a slight tearing sensation. Elder Feng must have known he was exposed, that he was in danger, but he still secretly protected Cangya City, fulfilling their promise.

Such affection transcended all words.

"Let's go, take me to Mount Wuliang!"

Li Hao said to Candlelight God through gritted teeth.

Jiang Lichun was stunned, looking at Li Hao and saying:

"You're going to snatch him back? If I'm not mistaken, you're a Duke now. At your age, with two more major achievements, you could become a First-Rank Duke, or even ascend to the rank of Divine General, enjoying the incense offerings for eternity. You have the potential to reach the Saint Realm in the future. Are you sure you want to risk it all for a thief?"

"What are fame and glory compared to sharing a drink with a friend?"

Li Hao's eyes were cold as he looked at Candlelight God, who had revealed his true form, and sat on its back. "What does it matter if a million people despise me? In life, a few true friends are enough."

Seeing Ren Qianqian, who had anxiously taken a few steps forward, the coldness in Li Hao's eyes softened slightly. He whispered, "Wait for me here, and cultivate diligently."

Jiang Lichun, hearing Li Hao's words, was momentarily stunned. He had initially thought that this young man, like other young people he had seen, would chase after fame and fortune, yearning for eternal glory. But he suddenly realized that this was not the case.

His imperial brothers, including his younger generations, fought openly and secretly, and what they sought was nothing more than "fame".

"A few true friends are enough, what a profound statement..."

Jiang Lichun murmured, then burst into laughter. "Boy, I approve of you. I'll accompany you on this journey. That Buddha is no simple character. If necessary, I'll draw my sword alongside you!"

"Your Highness, you are of the royal family, you shouldn't get involved. This is my personal matter."

Li Hao said, signaling Candlelight God to depart.

Candlelight God immediately took off, soaring into the air.

Jiang Lichun, however, laughed loudly. "Where I go is my own business. What are royal families and nobles? I am I, I am the God of the Sword, Jiang Lichun!!"

As he spoke, he also rose into the air, following Li Hao's figure, taking mystical steps, close behind.

In the blink of an eye, the two of them, one after the other, rushed out of Tianguan Pass.

Li Hao looked at Jiang Lichun, who was closely following behind, and didn't expect him to actually come along. This Duke seemed different from other Dukes, a bit eccentric.

"The Buddhist sect is a force that the royal family supports. If you go like this, it might cause trouble, right?" Li Hao frowned.

Jiang Lichun's speed increased, catching up with Candlelight God, not falling behind much. He laughed loudly, "What trouble? Will the Buddha go to my cunning older brother afterwards? It's fine if he does. Let him fret and worry. Causing trouble for him is my favorite thing to do!"

Li Hao's eyes narrowed slightly. The person he was referring to was clearly the Emperor Yu.

It seemed that the two brothers were not on good terms.

But Emperor Yu had asked him to come and receive him...

"Earlier you said that it was thanks to me that you were able to escape. His Majesty asked you to receive me in exchange for your release, were you originally imprisoned?" Li Hao glanced at the shackles and chains on the other's hands.

Jiang Lichun laughed loudly, "That's right. He also promised me that after receiving you safely and ensuring your well-being, he would allow me to strike him with a sword. After this matter is settled, I will return to the imperial capital and take back that sword strike!"

Li Hao was stunned. He recalled the kind old man playing chess under the willow tree, and suddenly felt a pang of sadness. The Emperor's investment in him seemed a bit excessive.

He took a deep breath, putting these thoughts aside, and told Candlelight God to increase its speed.

At the same time, the news of Mount Wuliang's public execution of the legendary thief Feng Boping spread among various forces.

Many forces that had been targeted by Feng Boping were overjoyed to hear that the thief had been caught.

Some forces closer to Mount Wuliang, upon hearing the news, immediately set off for Mount Wuliang, hoping to learn from Feng Boping's mouth before his execution where the treasures he had stolen were hidden.

This news also reached the Divine General's Mansion in Qingzhou.

When Li Mu Xiu heard the news, he was stunned, then his face drained of all color.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 275: Having Seen Me, Why Don't You Kneel?

"Old Windstorm."

Li Mu Xiu sat listlessly in the courtyard, his mind buzzing, a sense of bewilderment washing over him.

He never imagined that his old friend, who had roamed the rivers and lakes with such carefree swagger, would actually fall into the clutches of the Buddhist sect.

His "Boundless Trace" technique was unmatched, even he himself couldn't hope to catch up with its speed.

His "Divine Concealment and Breath-Stilling Art" allowed him to transform into the very essence of nature, whether amidst bustling marketplaces or secluded mountains, he was like a fish in the sea, impossible to find.

Even the Imperial Palace, guarded by a million elite soldiers, was a place he could enter and exit freely, without a trace.

Yet, now, he had been captured by the Buddhist sect.

The news came from a bastard son of a disciple from Mount Wuliang, and it was undeniable, leaving Li Mu Xiu no choice but to believe it.

Old Windstorm, how could you fall?

Li Mu Xiu slowly clenched his fists, his eyes welling up. A profound pain, like a creeping vine, began to spread through his chest, threatening to tear him apart.

He sat alone for half a stick of incense, then rose and walked out of the courtyard.

He first went to the ancestral shrine, where he saw his fifth brother, Li Qing Zheng, seated alone before a chessboard outside.

Li Qing Zheng, who was absorbed in his game, looked up at Li Mu Xiu.

The two exchanged glances, a hint of sadness fleeting across their eyes before they quickly composed themselves.

In the past, whenever they met, there was usually a cheerful young boy beside them, but now, he was gone.

"Second Brother, what brings you here?" Li Qing Zheng forced a smile.

Li Mu Xiu's face was grim. "I came to see our ancestors, to beg their forgiveness."

"Forgiveness?" Li Qing Zheng's gaze sharpened.

Li Mu Xiu slowly walked towards the ancestral shrine, his steps heavy and deliberate. When he reached the threshold, he paused for a moment, but ultimately, he crossed it.

Li Qing Zheng remained silent, his eyes fixed on his brother. He seemed to sense that his second brother, who had once been rebellious and disliked by their father, was about to do something extraordinary.

"Unworthy descendant, I pay my respects to the ancestors of all generations."

Li Mu Xiu knelt before the golden ancestral tablets, bowing his head in a gentle kowtow.

The tablets trembled slightly, but no ancestor appeared. Manifesting required a significant expenditure of residual soul energy, and it only happened in cases of urgent matters.

"What is it?"

A stern voice echoed, unclear which ancestor it belonged to.

During the battle of Qingzhou City, many ancestors had burned their souls, some dissipating completely, others withering and falling into a deep slumber. Only a few powerful souls remained awake.

Li Mu Xiu's face twitched slightly, but he finally revealed his intentions.

"You wish to leave the Li Family?"

The ancestor was shocked by Li Mu Xiu's words.

Li Qing Zheng, hearing this, was also stunned, his gaze fixed on Li Mu Xiu in disbelief.

"You scoundrel, what are you saying?!"

From within the tablets, another golden residual soul manifested, a burly figure with a furious expression:

"Haven't you caused enough trouble in your youth? You've only been the pillar of the Li Family for a few years, and you're starting to act up again! Do you want me to discipline you in front of our ancestors?!"

"Father."

Li Qing Zheng, upon seeing this residual soul, quickly shifted from a seated to a kneeling position. A rare look of trepidation flickered in his aged eyes.

Even at over eighty years old, he still felt the same fear and awe in his father's presence, a deep-rooted respect ingrained in his bones.

Li Mu Xiu heard his father's angry voice, and it was as if a cold wind suddenly blew through him, reminiscent of a snowy night long ago. He knelt in the courtyard, then on the steps of the main hall, listening to his father's furious reprimands and his mother's pleas, as well as the requests of his other siblings on his behalf.

At that time, he had been arrogant and defiant, filled with resentment.

But years later, he had long since forgiven himself, for he knew he had also been at fault.

On that night, his elder brother, whom he had envied in his childhood, had secretly brought him a bowl of steaming braised pork noodles after leaving the dinner table with their father.

Even now, years later, it remained one of the most delicious meals he had ever tasted.

The other two were the lake boy's grilled fish and the soup that a young woman had made for him when he was injured while slaying demons.

Flavors he could never forget.

Thinking of that snowy night, he recalled the fading image of his elder brother from beyond the border, and Li Mu Xiu's eyes welled up again. He bent his body as far as it could go, pressing his forehead against the ground. He inhaled the dust, a strong earthy smell filling his nostrils.

"Father, I must do this. I promised my old friend, and I cannot betray him…"

"But he's a thief!"

The golden residual soul roared, "Haven't you had enough of associating with those rabble-rousers in your youth? They used your connections, borrowed the prestige of our Divine General's Mansion to wreak havoc and amass wealth. Haven't you suffered enough from their actions?!"

"That was when I was young and foolish, I didn't understand people's hearts. But this time is different, he's not like them. Although he's a thief, he never used the Divine General's Mansion's name to cause trouble or gain personal benefits. He's different…"

"But he's a thief!"

The golden residual soul raged, "If he were truly good-natured, how could he become a thief? Stealing the hard-earned possessions of others, can that be considered good?"

Li Mu Xiu raised his head, tears streaming down his face, but his eyes met the furious, yet sorrowful figure:

"Father, there are eight million ways to live in this world, half righteous and half wicked. Although he chose a path different from ours, he never harmed the common people, never bullied the weak, and never hurt me."

"Some opulent nobles and families, they demolish and rebuild, forcing the people to run around, using righteous methods to collect the people's wealth, causing them to wander and suffer their whole lives. Their actions are no better than outright theft and robbery."

"Are you defending a thief? I think you're about to become one yourself!"

Li Mu Xiu felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Suddenly, he recalled something his old friend had once said. He whispered,

"Those who steal the Way of Heaven are saints, those who steal people's hearts are emperors, those who steal great nations are marquises, those who steal hooks and beads are thieves… He has his own principles, he's different."

"You, you haven't changed a bit! The Divine General's Mansion has just suffered a calamity, demons are rampant, the Wild God suffered a defeat and will surely return. You're leaving the Divine General's Mansion at this time, do you have any regard for your brothers, for your mother?!"

Li Mu Xiu closed his eyes in pain, and bowed his head once more:

"I want to rescue him, but I don't want to involve the Divine General's Mansion. If the Divine General's Mansion is ever in danger, I will be the first to step forward, the first to fall!"

His forehead remained firmly pressed against the ground.

The golden residual soul was furious, about to speak again, but another voice interrupted him.

"Let him go."

"Father!"

The golden residual soul turned his head, stunned.

"The children have carried too much. Don't deprive them of the right to make friends. To be able to not betray a friend, to be loyal to a close friend, isn't that also a rare virtue?"

The other blurred golden residual soul spoke in a gentle tone.

Li Mu Xiu heard these words, and the ground before him became damp.

He gritted his teeth, knocked his head three times with force, then looked up at the majestic golden residual soul, whose expression was a mixture of grief and sorrow.

"Since your grandfather has spoken, then go. Don't say any foolish things about leaving the Divine General's Mansion. Once you're done, come back. If things go wrong, I'll risk my life to clean up your mess!" The golden residual soul said through gritted teeth.

Li Mu Xiu was shaken, bowing his head and saying, "This son will surely return to atone for his sins."

He bowed deeply once more, then quickly rushed out of the ancestral shrine, unable to linger, fearing that his guilt would hinder his steps.

"Second Brother, you must come back alive."

Li Qing Zheng transmitted his voice.

Li Mu Xiu heard it, but didn't stop. He took a black iron mask from his spatial storage and put it on.

The mask was a divine weapon, capable of concealing his aura, revealing only a pair of bloodshot, wet red eyes. The sadness in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a sharp, ferocious killing intent.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a pang of regret. Why hadn't he been so decisive two years ago when that young boy left home? Why hadn't he stood up for him then and sought justice?

The ties to the Divine General's Mansion had ultimately held him back.

…

…

Mount Wuliang, located on the border of Qingzhou.

But this border region was actually within the territory of Qingzhou. Although it was the junction of two states, it was prosperous and thriving.

The continuous mountain ranges formed ridges, peaks rising in layers, shrouded in misty clouds.

On each towering peak, Buddhist bells tolled, emitting a far-reaching and resonant sound.

Stone paths snaked across the mountains like white dragons, extending from various peaks and converging, forming a spiderweb-like network that stretched out in all directions.

This extended area was known as the Pure Land of Brahma.

Pilgrims from all over came in a constant stream, their carriages rumbling from muddy and dusty roads onto well-maintained stone paths. This stark contrast fostered a sense of goodwill in the hearts of the distinguished guests. The closer they got to the peaks and the more they listened to the Buddhist chants emanating from them, the more they felt like they were entering a pure land, their worldly thoughts fading away.

Patches of golden Buddhist light flickered through the clouds from some of the main peaks, the radiant glow of Buddhist divine weapons.

The news of Mount Wuliang had only recently spread, and people from all over were still on their way.

But in the sky above Qingzhou, a crimson figure, enveloped in raging flames, roared and sped towards the mountain.

Soon, the fiery figure swept into this land of Buddhist teachings.

The nearby cities and towns were dotted with Buddhist temples.

When the demons had invaded Qingzhou, this area had remained untouched. The demons, while targeting the Divine General's Mansion, had not dared to provoke Mount Wuliang, one of the top forces in the Great Yu Dynasty.

This had led to an even greater increase in the number of Buddhist believers in the surrounding hundreds of miles, grateful for the Buddha's protection.

Whoosh!

Li Hao and Candle Flame God flew past the outer gate, a divine formation appearing to block their path.

But Candle Flame God, using his Dao Domain to conceal his aura, simply passed through the formation without being repelled.

Li Hao, in turn, used his Dao Domain to cover Xi Yan, allowing them to enter the formation easily.

Upon passing through the formation, they found themselves amidst vast mountain ranges, shrouded in mist. In the distance, a towering, colossal peak stood amidst the surrounding peaks.

That was the Divine Spirit Mountain, where the Buddha resided.

Candle Flame God's hooves blazed as he galloped forward.

At the same time, within the Divine Spirit Mountain's spiritual realm, the Buddha, seated on a purple-gold lotus platform, surrounded by golden Buddhist scriptures, suddenly paused.

His eyes slowly opened, gazing beyond the spiritual realm's Buddhist hall, seemingly piercing through layers of obstacles to see the uninvited guests.

"Guests have arrived. Go and greet them."

The Buddha's eyes spun with golden wheels, a serene smile on his face.

The three Bodhisattvas beside him were slightly startled, chanting Buddhist sutras in response. They then flew out of the spiritual realm's Buddhist hall, their souls soaring into the air. Immediately, they sensed the powerful aura rapidly approaching from afar.

"Candle Flame God!"

"It's that boy."

"He actually came."

The three Bodhisattvas exchanged glances. Lin Wu Jing's eyes widened in surprise, but quickly turned into a smile.

He hadn't expected the boy to actually come for a thief. The Buddha had indeed predicted it correctly.

The three figures instantly vanished from the divine mountain.

Meanwhile, Li Hao, seated on Candle Flame God's back, soared over numerous peaks, rushing towards the divine mountain.

"Halt!"

Suddenly, three figures appeared out of nowhere, blocking Candle Flame God's path.

Li Hao's eyes narrowed, recognizing the three Four-Realm experts, the Bodhisattvas of Mount Wuliang.

He had heard that besides the Buddha, Mount Wuliang had five Bodhisattvas, all at the Four-Realm level.

"Who are you?"

Lin Wu Jing pretended not to recognize him, asking with a smile.

Li Hao looked at the Bodhisattva who had sided with Li Qian Feng at the True Dragon Banquet and said coldly, "Qingzhou has suffered such a devastating demonic invasion, not far from your Mount Wuliang, and you don't recognize me?"

Lin Wu Jing's face changed, feigning realization. "So it's Heavenly General Hao. No wonder you look familiar. What brings you to Mount Wuliang?"

"Go to hell!"

Li Hao, seeing the other party's feigned ignorance, cursed directly, "Don't play dumb. Stop blocking the way, where's the Buddha?"

The three Bodhisattvas' faces all changed. They hadn't expected this boy to be so hot-tempered, not even bothering with basic courtesies. Anyone else would have at least said a few pleasantries.

"Could it be that Heavenly General Hao isn't here to witness the thief's execution, but to plead for him?"

Lin Wu Jing narrowed his eyes. "Heavenly General, your status is different now. Don't lose yourself."

Li Hao stared at him, "When you took him away from Tianmen Pass, didn't you know my relationship with him? What are you pretending for?"

"Heavenly General, please watch your words. This is the pure land of our Buddhist sect. Don't be so rude." A Bodhisattva beside him said with a cold face.

"Scram!"

Li Hao glared at him, his Dao Domain pressing down, sending the other party flying back hundreds of meters, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"When dealing with friends, I drink and compose poetry, treating them with respect. When dealing with you bald donkeys, even insulting you is too good for you!"

"Heavenly General, don't forget your identity. Do you want to cause trouble for a thief?"

"Then let's see if you're worthy of being the cause of trouble!"

Li Hao's eyes turned cold, a powerful aura radiating out. With a loud bang, including Lin Wu Jing, the three of them turned pale, feeling an unimaginable pressure bearing down on them, as if they were about to kneel down.

Their hearts were filled with horror. Although they knew this boy was incredibly powerful and beyond their ability to stop, they only truly understood the extent of the gap between them after experiencing it firsthand.

Moreover, the boy was ferocious and violent, not bothering with any politeness, acting as if he owned the place.

With a single glance, he repelled the three Bodhisattvas. Li Hao didn't waste any more words, riding Candle Flame God towards the Divine Spirit Mountain's spiritual realm.

The Supreme Buddhist Hall was magnificent and resplendent, exuding an aura of grandeur and solemnity.

Li Hao's eyes were icy. He could sense a vast, restrained aura within, as deep as an abyss, emitting a pure and masculine energy.

"Halt, this is the pure land of our Buddhist sect. Even if you are a court general…"

At the entrance of the Buddhist hall, four guardian figures saw Li Hao descend from the sky, his aura fierce, and quickly stepped forward to stop him, shouting loudly.

"Since you know my identity, you dare to obstruct me? Get lost!"

Li Hao's eyes narrowed, taking a step forward. His aura surged, pushing the four guardians against the wall of the Supreme Buddhist Hall, as if a strong wind had pressed them down, rendering them immobile.

Then, Li Hao swept up the fallen leaves on the ground and stepped into the Buddhist hall.

The moment he stood at the entrance, it was as if he blocked all the light that had been illuminating the hall.

And he saw the Buddha, seated on a purple-gold lotus platform, his body large and imposing.

Their eyes met, one pure and gentle, showing no emotion, seemingly eternally calm, while the other was sharp and unrestrained, making no attempt to hide his current mood.

"Heavenly General Hao."

The Buddha spoke in a soft voice, smiling.

"Buddha, I am a Duke of the court. Having seen me, why don't you kneel?!"

Li Hao's eyes were cold.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 276: He's Not a Thief, He's a Grand Thief!

Hearing Li Hao's imposing voice, the Buddha's expression remained unchanged, a gentle smile still gracing his lips.

"Though the Heavenly Duke Haotian holds the esteemed rank of a Duke, our Buddhist order resides outside the halls of the court, unbound by its intricate protocols. Moreover, centuries ago, I rendered great service in vanquishing demons, earning the Imperial Demon-Subduing Medallion bestowed by His Majesty the Yu Emperor himself. Even when appearing before the Imperial Court, I am not obligated to kneel and pay homage."

Li Hao's eyes narrowed, a cold sneer playing on his lips.

"A fine Imperial Demon-Subduing Medallion, and a fine feat of demon subjugation!"

"Heavenly Duke, it seems you harbor some misunderstanding towards me,"

The Buddha's voice was soft and gentle. "You've arrived here in a fit of rage. What is the purpose of your visit? Could it be that you seek to exonerate that petty thief?"

The killing intent in Li Hao's eyes surged, turning icy cold. "He is not a petty thief, he is a Grand Thief!"

"A thief is a thief. To bestow upon him the title of 'Grand' is an insult to the very concept of sanctity."

The Buddha smiled faintly. "Heavenly Duke, you must carefully consider your words. To speak in defense of a notorious villain, even with your monumental achievements in saving Liangzhou and rescuing Qingzhou, will surely earn you a share of public scorn. While it may not lead to your demotion or stripping of your command, the eyes of the common people are sharp. To consort with a thief brings no good fortune."

"I had hoped you would at least possess a semblance of composure, but your hypocrisy knows no bounds."

Li Hao took measured steps forward, his aura rising with each stride. His gaze was sharp and unforgiving.

"When you captured him, were you unaware of my connection to him? If he hadn't been guarding the Heavenly Gate Pass for me, how could you possibly have apprehended him?"

"You've publicly decreed his execution. Did you not anticipate my arrival? Why these false pretenses now? Be forthright. Is this a personal vendetta against me, or do you have ulterior motives? I'll gladly comply with your wishes. Is it fame you crave? I'll relinquish it without hesitation. Even if I were to abandon my dukedom and military command, would it truly be your right to claim it? If you desire it, then fight for it!"

At this moment, the three Bodhisattvas, Lin Wu Jing and the others, arrived, having pursued Li Hao. Hearing him confront the Buddha within the Buddhist hall, their faces contorted with shock.

Lin Wu Jing couldn't help but interject, "Heavenly Duke, choose your words more carefully. The Buddha possesses immeasurable merit. Our Buddhist order has saved countless lives, a feat far beyond your mere rescue of two provinces. Do not overstep your bounds..."

"Begone!"

Before he could finish, Li Hao's low, furious rebuke cut him short. Without turning, he took another step forward.

A wave of immense power erupted from behind him, striking like a heavy blow, sending the three arriving Bodhisattvas flying backward, spewing blood once more.

Witnessing his Bodhisattvas injured before his eyes, the Buddha's expression finally lost some of its gentle composure. He spoke calmly,

"I had believed you merely utilized this thief, but it seems you are in league with him. You now bask in glory and wealth. Do not forget the Emperor's favor upon you. You come here to denounce our Buddhist order on behalf of a thief, intruding upon our sacred hall. Have you shown any gratitude for the Emperor's benevolence, for the respect and trust the people have placed in you?"

"If I hadn't come, that would have been a betrayal of the Emperor's trust. To ignore the life or death of a friend, how can one then protect the common people?"

"Aside from your Buddhist bald heads, there's no one else here. What's the point of this charade?"

Li Hao said coldly, "Or perhaps your Bodhisattvas are oblivious to the situation? Is this performance for their benefit?"

"Heavenly Duke, your transgression against our Buddhist order is profound. Even as a Duke, you cannot escape accountability. I shall personally report your actions to His Majesty!" the Buddha declared firmly.

"Go ahead. I came here to see my friend. Where is he?"

Li Hao stared at him. If it weren't for Feng Lao being held captive by the other party, he would have already made his move.

The Buddha said calmly, "It seems you are truly lost in delusion, determined to wage war against my Buddhist order for the sake of a petty thief, against all the people of the world?"

"Don't keep dragging the common people into this. Does your Buddhist order deserve such a claim? Every city in a province, hundreds of cities, each with a Buddhist temple, but in the towns and villages outside the city walls, how many of your temples are there?! If you truly possessed immeasurable merit, that would be one thing, but you sit upon this high platform, witnessing the suffering and calamities of the world. When Liangzhou was attacked, where were you?"

"When Qingzhou was attacked, where were you?! You say Liangzhou is too far, but Qingzhou is right at your doorstep. Where were you then?!"

Li Hao roared in anger.

"As you say, when Liangzhou was attacked, where was His Majesty? When Qingzhou was attacked, where was His Majesty?"

The Buddha said calmly, "We sit upon this high platform, observing the world. We are engaged in a struggle against the hidden demons. If a border province faces hardship, must all the soldiers of the nineteen provinces rush to its aid to be considered brave? Everyone has their responsibilities. Wu Liang Mountain protects the surrounding five hundred miles, keeping demons at bay. Is that not because I hold this position?"

Li Hao scoffed, "Don't try to evade the issue. What you say seems reasonable, but whether you've fulfilled your duty, you know best. Words can deceive others, but they cannot deceive one's own heart! You, the esteemed leader of the Taiping Dao Realm, even claimed to be the strongest within the Taiping Dao Realm below the Dao, yet you couldn't deter those two major demon forces?"

"Wu Liang Mountain is on the border of Qingzhou, and Qingzhou also has the Divine General's Mansion. Yet, the Dragon Gate and the Sacred Palace dared to launch a full-scale attack, sweeping through the border and onwards, leaving their rear undefended. Were they not worried about Wu Liang Mountain intervening?"

"As you've seen, they had the support of the Wasteland Gods, so they naturally didn't need to worry about defense." The Buddha said indifferently.

Li Hao sneered, "But those Wasteland Gods were extremely reluctant to intervene. They never intended to expose themselves in Qingzhou. So, are you saying you foresaw the arrival of the two Wasteland God avatars and therefore dared not act? Did you warn the Li family?"

"Naturally, I sent people to warn them. But by the time I realized the situation, Qingzhou had already fallen. The battle was complex, and the disciples I sent seemed to have become entangled with the demons and disappeared without a trace."

The Buddha stated.

Li Hao wanted to laugh. "Deceiving the common people is one thing, but is there a need to continue this charade here? Do you think I'm a child to be coaxed? Do you think I'm as foolish as your disciples?"

"The world's emperors, nobles, and commoners are divided into three classes. Everyone knows this. Just like merchants, their primary purpose is to buy and sell, to make a profit, to earn a margin. They sell something that costs a penny for a dollar. Those who are ruthless cannot be merchants, but at least they clearly mark their prices, and people can choose to buy or not. It's a form of honesty!"

"You have people believe in you, deceive them, and give them some psychological comfort, that's fine. But ultimately, you seek nothing but fame! Since it's for fame, then admit it openly. Don't pretend to be compassionate. Only those with the most basic understanding of morality care about good and evil."

The Buddha said calmly, "You are too biased. Though you possess exceptional talent, you are still young, and your understanding of the world is still shallow. You have never listened to the truth of our Buddhist teachings, nor do you understand the myriad sufferings of the world. The sea of suffering is difficult to navigate, but only our Buddha, with the truth as the hull of the ship, can carry people across the sea of suffering and reach the other shore."

"Before the Buddha, all beings in the world are equal. There are no emperors, ministers, or commoners. All are born as humans, and all have the right to board the ship and transcend."

Li Hao said, "Don't give me that. Bring Feng Bo Ping out immediately, or I won't mind making your Buddhist order transcend as well!"

"Heavenly Duke, are you truly determined to sink into the sea of suffering and never turn back? Once today's events are known, do you understand how the world will view you?" The Buddha gazed at Li Hao intently.

However, Li Hao saw a hint of hidden indifference in the Buddha's calm eyes, an indifference that almost resembled mockery, as if his actions had already fulfilled the Buddha's desires.

He knew that once he took this step, all the achievements he had earned might be tainted, but he didn't care.

He just didn't understand why this Buddha cared so much, why he tried to tarnish his reputation through Feng Lao.

"Let the world judge. Time will reveal the truth in a thousand years. What does it matter if you get your way? Release him!"

Li Hao's eyes were icy cold. "Stop spouting your nonsense, or I'll smash your lotus platform and overturn your Buddhist hall!"

The Buddha looked at him quietly, then nodded slightly, and said in a loud voice:

"Pujie Bodhisattva, go and bring that little thief here. Let all the nobles see how tyrannical the Heavenly Duke is, how he seeks to free this little thief."

"Yes."

A Buddhist chant echoed from outside the hall, and one of the Bodhisattvas' aura vanished rapidly.

Hearing the Buddha's words, Li Hao's eyes turned cold. The Buddha's actions were indeed aimed at him. He had even anticipated that Li Hao would rush here upon learning the news. Li Hao had arrived quickly, but the presence of nobles here indicated that they had been invited beforehand, before the news was released.

"What do you seek by ruining my reputation?"

If this Buddha wanted to gain fame, Li Hao hadn't stood in his way. Why go through such elaborate measures? It made Li Hao feel a sense of curiosity.

The Buddha said calmly, "If I had known earlier that you possessed such talent, I would have had the Puxian Bodhisattva bring you to the mountain and take you as a disciple. Unfortunately, you were too clever from a young age and hid it too well."

Li Hao sneered, "Stop with the nonsense. If you hadn't disguised it well, your Buddhist order would have sent someone to assassinate me under the guise of a visit, wouldn't they?"

"Besides, when you were less than two years old, you gave that poisonous woman the hidden waste god blood poison pill. You had already chosen your target. Perhaps that foolish woman only had some thoughts, but under your guidance, she did such a foolish thing. What were you plotting? Was it to have Li Qianfeng inherit the Li family's true dragon bloodline and control the Li family through him?"

With Li Hao's current perspective and vision, looking back, he felt the sinister nature of Wu Liang Mountain even more.

The poison pill came from Wu Liang Mountain, and Li Qianfeng also became a disciple of Wu Liang Mountain. The Buddha's intentions were clear.

"It's just the trend of the world. Controlling it is not the point, but to borrow some power from the Li family. But now it's the same. Although you are exceptionally talented, if you leave the Li family, no one in the Li family can stop him from becoming the true dragon now." The Buddha said indifferently, his face no longer bearing the previous gentle compassion, as if he no longer bothered to conceal it.

Li Hao sneered inwardly. He wanted Li Qianfeng to ascend, and he had anticipated this step.

"I just have one question. Why did you choose to poison me instead of others? Was it because I was easier to manipulate, and the others had their parents to look after them? Or did you confirm that the others did not have god blood and were not an obstacle?"

Li Hao asked.

"Naturally, it's because only you possess god blood. Among the other sons, except for those who have died in battle, none of them are as talented as your father, Li Tian Gang. Although he hid this information, it couldn't escape my eyes."

The Buddha looked down at Li Hao calmly.

Li Hao immediately understood the meaning of this expression. Everything behind it was orchestrated by the Buddha before him.

He informed Liu Yue Rong that Li Hao possessed god blood, which was a threat to her son.

He used the poison pill to lure her into action. She was just a pawn.

Killing intent filled Li Hao's eyes, but he restrained himself. He stared at the Buddha, Feng Lao was the bait that lured him here, and now the Buddha was openly revealing his intentions, as if deliberately provoking him to act.

What would be the consequences of acting?

The Buddhist order was a force in the martial world, but it also had ties to the court. With Li Hao's current status, if he acted rashly, he would undoubtedly face consequences.

Did he want to use the power of the court to pursue Li Hao, or did he want to use this to create a rift between Li Hao and the Great Yu Dynasty?

If it were a rift...

Demons, Buddhist order... Li Hao's eyes turned cold as he stared at the Buddha. The Buddha's calm eyes met Li Hao's without flinching.

Their gazes seemed to pierce through each other's hearts.

(End of Chapter)