103. A Letter Silences the Hall

Chapter 103: A Letter Silences the Hall

Li Hao frowned slightly.

He remembered telling Xue'er not to bother inviting his master down the mountain to support him.

It was meaningless.

After an absence of eight years, Jian Wudao once again stepped into this mansion.

As he entered the Shanhe Courtyard, he saw the boy lounging in the sun on an old armchair, looking quite content.

He had thought that such a talented young man should be training all the time, but it turned out he was so relaxed.

Perhaps it was the last relaxation before the big battle, which was normal.

Following Jian Wudao were four of his disciples, three men and one woman, the highest among them having already entered the Three Immortals Realm.

The four of them were also sizing up Li Hao, their eyes filled with curiosity and surprise.

"Hao-ge."

Bian Ruxue ran over, her face lit up with a smile, "I invited my master and the others down the mountain."

Interrupting his peaceful nap, but faced with the girl's goodwill, Li Hao couldn't be harsh. He had to get up, tossing the poetry book aside, and looked at the approaching Sword Saint, sighing inwardly.

It was he who took away the little tail, but it was also he who let her go.

The one who truly parted ways with him was the little tail herself.

So, who could he blame? Li Hao blamed no one because he had already retracted the extra steps he had taken.

Thus, after a faint sigh, Li Hao put aside his distracting thoughts and greeted with a smile, "Sword Saint, it's been a long time."

"Hmm?"

Jian Wudao was slightly surprised, "You remember me?"

"How could I forget such a distinguished figure as the Sword Saint," Li Hao replied with a smile.

Jian Wudao raised his eyebrows slightly. He had thought that this extraordinarily talented boy would be either wildly arrogant or withdrawn and obsessed with cultivation.

But unexpectedly, he was like a gentle breeze, exuding a carefree aura of the countryside.

"Marshal Xingwu has a fine son, and the third generation of the Li family is about to soar again."

Jian Wudao said calmly.

Li Hao smiled, the pleasantries seemingly over.

Jian Wudao's gaze fell on the black sword box held by the girl dressed as a maid.

As he had said many years ago, a sword enthusiast could spot a sword among ten thousand weapons.

Naturally, as he entered the Shanhe Courtyard, he first noticed the black sword box before shifting his attention to the boy.

Seeing the sword box, a faint light flickered in his eyes, "Is that Yongye?"

"You've seen it before?"

"It had a brief moment of glory, but it's been dormant since."

Jian Wudao's gaze remained calm, "The name Yongye is somewhat undeserved. Eternal Night should be forever prominent, known by all under the heavens."

"Are you blaming my ninth uncle?" Li Hao said indifferently.

Jian Wudao indeed had such thoughts. Despite thinking it shouldn't be said, his respect for swords made him extremely displeased when he learned that this famous sword had been sealed.

He had once come to ask for it, willing to exchange promises.

But the old lady had driven him away.

Today, he was merely making a passing comment, as it had been many years. Bringing it up again was meaningless, especially to a junior.

"My ninth uncle wielded this sword for just three years, elevating it from obscurity to one of the famous swords in the world. How is that undeserved?"

Li Hao said calmly, "If my ninth uncle were still alive, everyone would know this sword. Of course, if the Sword Saint were willing to fight enemies and slay demons on the frontier instead of sitting in his sword hut, this sword would probably be the most famous in the world by now, wouldn't it?"

Hearing the sarcasm in Li Hao's words, Jian Wudao's face changed slightly.

The four disciples behind him were also stunned, their expressions quickly turning grim. The middle-aged man in the lead said in a deep voice,

"Young Master Li, please apologize to my master!"

Li Hao just glanced at him, chuckled, and said nothing.

This was the Shanhe Courtyard, not the sword hut.

Bian Ruxue hadn't expected her master and Li Hao to have a quarrel upon meeting, and she felt both nervous and anxious.

Jian Wudao stared at Li Hao, his gaze growing colder, and said indifferently,

"Li Jiulang was indeed exceptionally talented. Now that the sword has been passed on to you, can you live up to it?"

"This sword was forged from the finest materials gathered by the Li family. Whether I'm worthy or not is not for outsiders to say," Li Hao replied with a smile.

"Hao-ge."

Bian Ruxue couldn't help but call out.

Li Hao glanced at her, seeing her torn expression, and his smile faded slightly.

Many years ago, in this courtyard, perhaps in this very spot, the little girl had stood by his side without hesitation, speaking up for him.

When she heard she would be taken away, she cried, saying she didn't love the sword anymore, that she wouldn't practice anymore...

Those days were gone forever.

Like the fallen autumn leaves in this courtyard, once withered, they would never return to the trees.

Even if the spring breeze came again, new buds would sprout...

Just then, several figures hurried in from the inner courtyard. It was Li Tiangang, with Yuxuan and Li Fu on either side.

"Sword Saint!"

Li Tiangang called out from afar, then approached and cupped his hands slightly: "I didn't expect you to come to support my son. I'm honored."

Jian Wudao was a strong figure from his father's generation. When he was a child, Jian Wudao had visited and sparred with his father.

Although his father could defeat Jian Wudao in overall strength, he often lost in pure swordsmanship due to his lack of specialization.

"No need for support."

Jian Wudao said calmly, "I'm here for Xue'er's sake, just to join in the fun and have a drink. I hope the God General's mansion doesn't mind."

"Of course not."

Li Tiangang was slightly surprised, sensing a bit of edge in Jian Wudao's words. He glanced at Li Hao, immediately understanding that it must have been Li Hao's casual attitude.

He smiled and said, "Please follow me to the inner courtyard. Xue'er is fortunate to have such a talented master."

Seeing the marshal, who had led the army for many years, being so polite, Jian Wudao's face softened, and he followed him into the courtyard, no longer paying attention to Li Hao. After all, the difference in their status was too great; there was no need to argue with a junior.

The disciples behind Jian Wudao also realized it was meaningless to argue with Li Hao.

They had come to show goodwill, and it would be a waste to let it turn into a conflict.

However, in their hearts, they felt a bit of dislike for this famous young man of Qingzhou.

After they left, Bian Ruxue stood beside Li Hao, looking hesitant, and asked, "Hao-ge, are you angry?"

Li Hao sat back in his chair, smiling, "No, nothing to be angry about."

Bian Ruxue said, "My master is very serious about the sword and sometimes speaks harshly. Don't take it to heart."

Li Hao smiled, "Don't worry, I'm not angry."

Seeing he genuinely wasn't upset, Bian Ruxue felt relieved and said, "I saw that Li Qianfeng has invited a Bodhisattva from Wuliang Mountain to support him, so I invited my master."

"Thank you for your effort."

Li Hao understood her goodwill and smiled, "Go accompany your master. He's not familiar with the place. I'll continue to enjoy the sun."

"Okay."

Bian Ruxue nodded and left.

After she left, Li Hao opened the poetry book again, covering his face and continued to bask in the sun.

Beside him, Ren Qianqian, holding the sword box, kept glancing towards the inner courtyard.

Her heart had been in her throat just now. The Sword Saint's aura was overwhelming, making her feel like trembling.

This was the famous Sword Saint of the world! But the young man in front of her was calm and unafraid. She feared he might anger the Sword Saint, leading to a severe lesson.

But her fears were unfounded. In the God General's mansion, regardless of Li Hao's mistakes, Jian Wudao wouldn't dare act rashly. It wasn't just Li Hao but the entire mansion's honor at stake.

Meanwhile, the Shanhe Courtyard was relatively quiet, but the Shuihua Courtyard was bustling with noise.

The hall was full of guests, the inner courtyard was packed, and even the outer courtyard was crowded.

Maidservants and servants bustled around, busy serving the guests.

...

...

In the Tangan Academy.

Many disciples in the White Hall wanted to go down the mountain to the God General's mansion to support Li Hao and see how the Li family's True Dragon was chosen.

But they were stopped by a single decree from Song Yufeng.

Sun Hongdian, who was teaching, explained the reasons to the disciples.

There were two reasons.

First, with Li Hao's talent, he was bound to take the True Dragon position without needing support.

Second, Tangan Academy didn't need to meddle in this affair, avoiding unnecessary trouble.

A disciple immediately shouted, "But Zhou Zheng went!"

Sun Hongdian scolded, "He's accompanying his father, a former subordinate of Marshal Xingwu. Is your father?"

The disciple fell silent, clearly not.

At the edge of the cold pool cliff.

Two figures stood, looking at the distant bustling scene, sensing the gathering powerful auras.

"That boy drew so many pictures for you. Aren't you going to see him?"

Song Yufeng, hands behind his back, smiled at Song Qiumo beside him.

Song Qiumo glanced at him, "If I go, won't you be afraid of dragging Tangan into this?"

"Of course not."

Song Yufeng laughed, "The Li family isn't unreasonable. Besides, that kid is bound to win the True Dragon position. Why fear supporting him?"

Song Qiumo snorted, "If you're not afraid, why did you come to see me?"

"That little guy hasn't come up the mountain for days. I saw you waiting here every day, afraid you'd be bored," Song Yufeng laughed.

Song Qiumo rolled her eyes, "I'm waiting for him to bring the pastries."

"I didn't say what you're waiting for."

Song Yufeng smiled, "Besides, you can buy them yourself."

Song Qiumo retorted, "I promised your ancestor to guard here."

"Why bind yourself with a promise for life?"

Song Yufeng sighed, "You've guarded for nearly a thousand years. The Song family is grateful."

Song Qiumo was silent.

After a moment, she said, "He's also a teacher at your Tangan Academy. Why don't you go?"

Song Yufeng laughed, hands behind his back,

"I only bring aid in times of need, not add flowers to the brocade."

...

...

In the Shanhe Courtyard, besides the Sword Saint and his disciples, more people arrived.

Most were those Li Tiangang had visited recently, coming to support Li Hao.

The inner courtyard was full of guests. Li Tiangang sat in the main hall, laughing and chatting with them, occasionally causing bursts of laughter among the middle-aged men.

The few young people, not many in number, were in the inner courtyard, secretly watching the young master basking in the sun, curious but not daring to approach.

A fourteen-year-old at the Fifteen Mile Realm, his fame was intimidating.

"Master Li."

A voice sounded beside Li Hao, and he lifted the poetry book to see a familiar face.

Alone with Li Hao, Zhou Zheng looked slightly nervous, especially remembering the hundred poems in the brothel, both admiring and revering this peer.

"What brings you here?"

Li Hao was slightly surprised, scanning behind Zhou Zheng and seeing no other students, he relaxed.

With Tangan's status, there was no need to get involved. Being too close to the God General's mansion wasn't necessarily good.

A relationship kept at a distance was best, most enduring, and least likely to be destroyed.

"I came with my father," Zhou Zheng said respectfully.

Li Hao understood and nodded, inviting him to sit and relax.

They chatted casually about poetry. Many noticed Zhou Zheng talking to Li Hao and took note of the young man's appearance, to avoid offending him in the future.

By noon, Li Tiangang brought the guests, including Jian Wudao and others, to Chen Hefang's courtyard.

The place was already crowded.

Liu Yurong and others had arrived earlier, and the guests supporting Li Qianfeng were seated.

According to their status, they were arranged from the inner courtyard to the outer courtyard.

As Li Tiangang and the others arrived, the noise quieted slightly, and many eyes turned towards them.

Seeing Jian Wudao with Li Tiangang, many were visibly shocked and murmured.

No one had expected Li Tiangang to invite the Sword Saint to support his son.

After all, the Sword Saint was a top-tier Four Establishment Realm expert, known for his detachment from worldly affairs.

However, some knew that Li Hao's fiancée was the Sword Saint's disciple, so it wasn't surprising.

In the inner courtyard, the steward arranged the seats meticulously, based on official rank, status in the martial world, and cultivation level.

The Sword Saint and his disciples naturally entered the inner courtyard.

With their arrival, the guests supporting Liu Yurong's side quieted, their eyes wary.

The four disciples of the Sword Saint looked proud and glanced at the Li family scion not far away.

Remembering his earlier rudeness, they smiled coldly.

This is the respect my master brings you! "Sword Saint, long time no see."

Several figures approached, with the Bodhisattva of Wuliang Mountain in the lead.

The Bodhisattva had a fair face, appearing middle-aged, dressed in clean robes, with jet-black hair, smiling.

Jian Wudao's gaze sharpened. The Bodhisattvas of Wuliang Mountain were formidable adversaries.

"Didn't expect to meet you here, Jian Wudao."

Beside the Bodhisattva was another middle-aged man, exuding nobility, with a disdainful look.

Jian Wudao replied calmly, "The result of our sword and blade contest remains undecided. Let's try again sometime."

The man was a Northern Blade Saint, who had once sparred with Jian Wudao years ago without a conclusive outcome.

"Nice to meet you, Sword Saint. I've heard much about you," laughed another elderly man.

Short and wearing a green robe, his beard reached his abdomen.

Jian Wudao said calmly, "Shouldn't the Demon Subduing Division be subduing demons?"

"Just here for a drink, won't take long," the old man laughed.

The guests at other tables held their breath slightly.

It was rare to see such top figures, Four Establishment Realm experts, in one place.

The disciples behind Jian Wudao also had changed expressions. They had thought their master supporting Li Hao would at least be an even match, but the opponent had invited three.

After a brief exchange, the group returned to their seats.

Jian Wudao's expression was cold. He glanced at Li Tiangang and said, "If it's just me, I'm afraid I can't hold the fort."

Li Tiangang smiled wryly, having anticipated this. He said, "Another senior is on the way."

"Who?"

"The master of Tianjian Mountain."

Jian Wudao's eyes moved slightly, "So it's that guy, long time no see."

Li Tiangang sighed inwardly. Even with that master, it was still a bit inferior. However, the gap wouldn't be too significant.

He glanced at his son, Li Hao, who seemed indifferent, feeling helpless. The Sword Saint was invited by Xue'er, the master of Tianjian Mountain by himself. His son, though highly skilled, had no social connections.

As Li Tiangang sighed, a voice suddenly came from the inner courtyard: "Announcing—The Arhat of Wuliang Mountain visits!"

A middle-aged man in robes walked into the inner courtyard, smiling. Seeing the Bodhisattva seated, he bowed.

Then, glancing at the sparse guests on Li Tiangang's side, he seemed slightly surprised, and then stood in the center, saying: "By command of the Buddha, where is Qian Kun Jingang?"

Li Qianfeng was surprised, stepping forward, "Li Qianfeng is here. Greetings, Arhat."

"The Buddha has sent a string of prayer beads for Qian Kun Jingang," the Arhat smiled.

He and Li Qianfeng knew each other, and his loud announcement was to bolster his momentum.

Indeed, the guests were stunned, looking at the Arhat in shock.

The high Buddha of Wuliang Mountain was also supporting him? Jian Wudao and Li Tiangang's faces changed slightly, turning somber.

With the Buddha's support, even the master of Tianjian Mountain was irrelevant.

"If I had known, Xue'er wouldn't have needed to trouble herself."

Jian Wudao shook his head, his expression calm again. He wouldn't have come down the mountain if he had known.

Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, sighing. This was indeed hard to beat, though connections weren't the deciding factor.

"Thank you, Master."

Li Qianfeng, in front of everyone, received the prayer beads with respectful thanks.

The Arhat smiled, about to speak when another voice sounded: "Announcing!!"

"The Emperor of Yu's decree arrives, summoning Li family scion, Li Hao, to receive the decree!!"

Instantly, the courtyard fell silent.