153. Arrangements

Chapter 153: Arrangements

With a loud bang, the demonic hand was incinerated by the blazing sun, and the demonic energy evaporated, causing the void to tremble.

The dazzling sun did not wane; instead, it continued to emit a radiant golden light, enveloping Li Hao and the other two.

"Sacred Heart Talisman!"

Seeing the shining talisman, the Wanshan Demon King's expression changed slightly. He had not expected Li Hao to possess such a precious item.

But considering the God General's Mansion behind him, it wasn't surprising.

"It's just buying a bit more time."

He realized that this was not an attack-type Sacred Heart Talisman, feeling somewhat relieved. If it were an attack-type talisman, the higher the quality, the more terrifying the attack, potentially equating to a strike from an Absolute Skill level expert, which they couldn't withstand.

But such talismans were rare in the entire Great Yu Dynasty.

"Attack, tear that talisman apart!"

The Wanshan Demon King immediately called the Dragon Lord and the silver-robed youth to attack together.

Demonic energy churned in the void, the aura of the three demon kings in full display, causing the numerous masters and reinforcements on the battlefield to feel their hearts race.

Previously, those below the Heavenly Realm had thought these three demons were merely Third Immortal Realm. But now, the demonic pressure made their hearts feel like they were going to burst.

Some masters' faces turned pale, their blood boiling over was doused, and they felt the urge to retreat.

Everyone had different thoughts; some were willing to follow to the death for a favor, while others cherished their lives more.

They had expected the Wanshan Demon King to attack, but not to this extent, inviting two other demon kings.

If it were only the Wanshan Demon King, they thought they might have a chance with Li Hao's backing from the God General's Mansion, his near Four-fold Realm combat power, and their cooperation.

But the current situation at Tianmen Pass was far worse than expected.

There was no city, no people, only dense demon tides and the despair-inducing presence of the three demon kings!

Except for a few, most masters recognized the identities of the three demon kings upon arrival. Shocked, they realized it was too late to flee and prepared to fight to the death.

That's why some had shouted for Li Hao to leave.

At least save Li Hao, so someone could avenge them, and their bodies could be retrieved.

"Feng Lao, you go first."

Seeing the three demon kings attack, Li Hao handed the burning Sacred Heart Talisman to Feng Lao. The talisman could withstand attacks from the Four-fold Realm but only served as a last-resort life-saving measure. Escaping was hard, especially against three demon kings.

Someone had to stay behind.

Currently, the most suitable person to hold off the demon kings was himself.

Any of the three could die if left behind, so it might as well be him.

At least, if he fought to the death and reached the extreme of immortality, he might have a chance to counter-kill them in the moment of body dissolution.

"Don't be foolish!"

Feng Boping roared, not taking the talisman.

Li Hao's immortal energy was already being released, forcing Feng Lao and the others to retreat.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind rushed in, followed by a loud bell toll.

The bell rang like Brahma's chant, like a drum at dusk, reverberating in everyone's hearts.

The demon energy of many demons outside the pass fluctuated, and those with lower realms had their demonic power dissipate on the spot.

The three demon kings, hit by the bell toll, had their faces change. The Dragon Lord let out a low dragon roar, which grew louder and filled the battlefield with anger.

A white-robed figure floated down, blocking Li Hao and the other two.

"Master of Tianji Tower!"

Seeing the figure, Song Qiumo's eyes narrowed.

Feng Boping's expression turned complex as he exchanged a brief glance with the man.

Decades ago, Feng Boping had stolen something from Tianji Tower, making him an old acquaintance of this master, but not in the friendly way like with Li Muxiu—it was more the type where they fought upon meeting.

He hadn't expected that at a moment of life and death, this man would come to their aid.

"How dare you!"

The white-robed master of Tianji Tower, with a tall and upright figure looking like a middle-aged man but actually several centuries old, stared coldly at the three demons.

"Given you a place outside the pass, yet you dare invade! Do you not want peace?"

"Talk about peace, the Eastern Wilderness isn't owned by the Jiang family. Why should we be confined to such a small area!"

The Wanshan Demon King's face turned livid, realizing that today's situation wasn't favorable.

"The land of Great Yu was carved out by the first emperor bit by bit. Do you think you can take it? Can you even swallow it?"

The master of Tianji Tower, Lu Chunsheng, snorted coldly.

"Ants like you can live in such a tiny place. How dare you occupy such a vast territory! Aren't you afraid of choking?"

The Wanshan Demon King growled in hatred, giving up pretense and speaking his mind.

Realizing he couldn't silence them and couldn't avenge his son and brother, and would soon be hunted by the Great Yu Dynasty, he was filled with hatred.

They despised the Great Yu Dynasty and the humans who occupied the land.

Ants who could be crushed underfoot yet had powerful protectors, making their lives hell.

They could only watch as the powerful humans protected the weak, living openly under their noses.

It was infuriating but unavoidable. Facing the patrolling imperial enforcers, they had to greet them with forced smiles.

"Let's go, no point arguing."

The Dragon Lord's face darkened, and the silver-robed youth's gaze was heavy, knowing they wouldn't gain anything today. With the master of Tianji Tower here, who knew if more Four-fold Realm experts would come.

The Wanshan Demon King suppressed his fury and retreated with the other two.

As for their subordinates in the distance, the Wanshan Demon King couldn't care less. With them now being wanted, staying outside the pass was risky. They would have to flee farther or seek protection from other powerful demon factions.

Having these subordinates would be inconvenient, better to leave them to buy time.

Of course, these were his thoughts. The demon tide continued fighting, unaware of their leader's plans.

"Humph, leaving so easily?"

Lu Chunsheng snorted coldly, activating his ancient dark silver bell, shooting it towards the Wanshan Demon King.

The Dragon Lord spat a sword aura, hitting the bell's side, blocking it.

The silver-robed youth released a silver light, accelerating their escape, almost disappearing on the horizon.

But then, a shadow appeared ghostly in their path, punching out.

Whoosh!

The world seemed to stir with a storm, and the previous noise became silent.

A fierce collision sounded, and the Wanshan Demon King's body glowed black, then yellow, both breaking apart.

His body was blasted like a cannonball, hitting the distant mountainside, creating a deep pit.

The sudden change shocked the silver-robed youth and the Dragon Lord, making them back off and head towards the Wanshan Demon King.

"This old guy finally came."

Feng Boping was stunned, then overjoyed, laughing heartily.

Li Hao recognized the man instantly—it was Second Master Li Muxiu.

Such an impressive punch could only belong to one man in the Great Yu Dynasty.

A punch saint unlike any sword saint, only one punch saint existed.

And that was Li Muxiu!

"Hao'er…"

Li Muxiu, having punched the Wanshan Demon King away, didn't even glance at him, his eyes quickly scanning the camp.

Seeing Li Hao's bloodied figure, he was stunned, his mind buzzing.

Was this still the boy who used to laugh and sit by the lake every day?

"Hao'er!!"

Li Muxiu roared, like ten thousand thunders, shaking the entire battlefield!

His roar reverberated, and he noticed the severely injured Feng Boping nearby. His breathing quickened, fists clenched tightly, and he glared at the three demon kings.

Whoosh!

He stepped forward, leaving a deep footprint on the ground below, his speed at its peak, chasing the three demon kings.

He raised his hand, unleashing his ultimate skill, Half-Step Invincible Fist!

This punch made the world lose its color, covering the sun's light, gathering all brilliance and power.

The space before his fist twisted like a distorted cloth, the terrifying power making the three demons' hearts race. The Wanshan Demon King, already hit once, had his pupils contract in fear.

He had two defensive talismans, both broken in one punch.

Now, facing this furious punch, he felt pinned by its power, unable to escape.

I will die!

The Wanshan Demon King roared in terror and anger, gathering all his demonic energy into his palms, igniting divine demonic flames in a desperate strike.

Dharma Flowing Light Palm!

This palm, emitting immense demonic energy with hidden Buddha light, combined yin and yang, good and evil, exuding a strange aura.

The fist and palm clashed instantly, not with a loud boom but a shattering sound. The fist's power, like a mountain, crushed down.

Demonic energy scattered, golden light exploded, and the punch, guided by Daoist principles, pressed down straight.

The silver-robed youth and the Dragon Lord, beside the Wanshan Demon King, were horrified. This punch covered them too. The old man from the Li family intended to kill them all with one punch!

"Run!"

The silver-robed youth threw a silver light, enveloping the three, then released another purple flag, shooting it out.

The flag emitted immense demonic energy, growing in the wind to shield the punch.

But the flag tore like cloth upon touching the punch, its runes twisting and breaking with little resistance.

In that moment, the silver light carried them like a beam, shooting towards the sky.

"Don't run!"

Li Muxiu roared, his power surging, forming a massive hand in the distant sky, slapping down.

The three demon kings, encased in the silver light, were horrified. Can he even do that?

The Dragon Lord spat true dragon sword aura, hitting the giant hand to slow it.

In that brief moment, the silver light shot out, grazing the hand.

All three spat blood, their eyes filled with fear. Was this the power of an Absolute Skill Realm expert?

The silver light, dimming, flew out of sight.

"Sage Palace!!"

Li Muxiu, recognizing the silver-robed youth and his escape talisman, almost spat fire.

Li Tiangang had guarded Yanbei for years, mainly because of Sage Palace.

Now seeing another Sage Palace elder, he was infuriated.

If not for the heavy losses in Li Tiangang's generation and the younger ones not yet ready to hold the God General's Mansion, he would have stormed Sage Palace himself!

Hearing the demonic tide still roaring, Li Muxiu, still angry, punched out.

The punch, like a blazing sun, pressed down on the demonic tide with the force of a falling mountain.

In an instant, a huge empty space appeared in the demon tide, filled with blood and shattered demon corpses, some completely annihilated.

Like a punch killing a swarm of mosquitoes!

The remaining demons were terrified, trembling.

Everyone present was stunned, witnessing the terrifying power of this elder from the Li family.

This was the strongest force currently in the God General's Mansion?!

Li Muxiu, furious, did not chase the three demon kings. He scanned the camp, spotting another large demon king's corpse, his eyes narrowing. This small Tianmen Pass had four demon kings attacking simultaneously!

No wonder Feng Boping was so severely injured, and Li Hao was in such a miserable state!

Li Muxiu returned, landing in front of Li Hao, seeing his bloodied figure, and his eyes, unused to tears in years of battle, grew moist.

The last time he felt this angry was when his eldest brother died.

"Hurry, take the medicine."

Li Muxiu quickly pulled out numerous medicines from his sleeve, many falling to the ground, all priceless treasures.

Li Hao felt reassured. When the master of Tianji Tower arrived, he knew he could survive. Seeing his second uncle, he smiled and said, "You worried too much."

"Don't say such foolish things."

Li Muxiu almost choked, "I'm the one who's late."

"You are indeed late, why only now?"

Feng Boping, feeling the relief of survival, smiled and teased.

Li Muxiu glanced at his wound, giving him some medicine. "Say less, don't waste your breath."

"Don't curse me. We agreed to die together. If you don't die, how can I?"

Feng Boping smiled, taking a bottle and swallowing it.

Ignoring him, Li Muxiu gave some to Song Qiumo, saying quietly, "My family owes you."

Song Qiumo smiled, though pale and weak, the battle was over, and she relaxed, her energy healing herself.

"This favor is not for your family, but for him."

She laughed.

Li Muxiu was taken aback, realizing the worth of the Li family's favor, but seeing the Palace demon king choose Li Hao's favor.

However, he understood it was a jest, not a serious claim of favor.

Otherwise, why stay and fight to this extent?

No favor could outweigh one's life.

Li Muxiu turned, giving Li Hao a deep look, seeing the deep bond between the Palace demon king and Li Hao.

Feeling both pleased and bitter, he sighed.

"Eat, why aren't you taking it?"

Li Muxiu urged as Li Hao held the medicine without taking it.

Li Hao shook his head, handing it to Feng Lao. For him, it was a waste.

Now, with the demon kings driven off, their lives safe, he could heal with his innate abilities, though it would take time.

Seeing this, Li Muxiu's face changed, remembering Li Hao's words when he left the mansion, feeling bitter.

"Won't you even take what I give you?"

Li Hao quickly explained, "You misunderstand, it's wasteful for me to use these. I can heal myself."

"Wasteful? No amount of medicine is wasteful for you!" Li Muxiu retorted.

Feeling his uncle's concern, Li Hao smiled, "Don't worry, I have my ways to recover."

About to speak, Feng Boping interrupted, "Why so late? Was that kid stopping you?"

Li Muxiu's face changed, looking at him and then at Li Hao.

"Hongzhuang went home for help, gathering troops. I went to the Xia family and just returned to learn the news. Tiangang sent me to protect you."

Feng Boping raised an eyebrow, then fell silent, asking, "Why go to the Xia family?"

"That's the God General's Mansion business," Li Muxiu glared.

Feng Boping smirked but said no more, turning to the white-robed master, "Can I leave?"

Lu Chunsheng, coldly staring, replied, "Since you fought the demons and defended the border, I'll spare you this time. Next time, I won't show mercy!"

"Thanks," Feng Boping mockingly replied, then bowed and left, disappearing.

Lu Chunsheng looked at Li Muxiu, hearing their conversation and realizing the Li family's old punch saint was friends with the master thief.

The news, if spread, would tarnish the Li family's name.

But he had no interest in exposing it, though it would be added to Tianji Tower's secret files.

"Don't listen to that old fool. Tiangang has a temper, but he wouldn't mess this up..." Li Muxiu tried to explain.

"Second Uncle!"

Li Hao interrupted, smiling, "I'm glad you came. I owe you."

Li Muxiu's face changed, realizing Li Hao considered his help a "favor," not just familial aid.

Mentioning "that person" had made the child draw boundaries.

Feeling bitter, Li Muxiu sighed, "Will you really guard here for three years?"

"Hmm."

Li Hao nodded, "Today, I almost died, nearly forced to break my promise."

Li Muxiu's face changed, realizing the promise would only be broken if near death.

Li Hao turned to the master of Tianji Tower, bowing, "Thank you for your help."

Lu Chunsheng smiled, "Tianmen Pass is part of Liangzhou, Great Yu's territory. I'm not just helping you; defending the border is our duty!"

Li Hao smiled, "So you're helping the emperor too."

Lu Chunsheng's eyes narrowed, understanding the boy's insight.

His arrival was no coincidence, nor was the gathering of masters and warriors, guided by Tianji Tower under the emperor's command.

Few knew this, but the boy did, possibly from the Li family elders.

Seeing the masters and warriors, and his own presence, it was clear: it was all arranged.

The emperor's arrangement.

After the boy's feats, the emperor couldn't ignore him but couldn't overtly intervene, especially over the Li family.

But after the battle in Qingzhou City, the boy's potential was undeniable.

No longer seen as a childish rebellion, the boy proved capable of holding his own.

Who could say the boy wouldn't overshadow the God General's Mansion's glory one day?

The emperor didn't push the Li family to help, instead using Tianji Tower to gather warriors to aid the boy. This could mean several things.

Depending on how you looked at it.

"Regardless, I owe you," Li Hao sincerely thanked Lu Chunsheng.

Lu Chunsheng, realizing the boy's insight, admired his intelligence and humility.

No wonder the emperor valued him, even interfering in the Li family's disputes, awarding him, and granting him a sword.

The boy's talent was undeniable, but his wisdom was remarkable for a fourteen-year-old.

Respectful and humble, yet insightful and composed.

Lu Chunsheng wondered what the Li family duke was thinking, letting such a treasure nearly die.

Perhaps the Li family's legacy was too strong, needing a reduction?

Lu Chunsheng shook his head, the Li family's feuds too deep to ponder, turning to the boy, "I heard you won the master's debate. Tianji Tower owes you a reward. When will you visit?"

"When I heal," Li Hao smiled.

"Good, I'll prepare tea," Lu Chunsheng replied, not showing superiority.

Given time, the boy could reach the Four-fold Realm, potentially dominating, like the current Buddha.

Li Hao smiled, thanking him again.

Li Muxiu, listening, realized the emperor's involvement but saw no reconciliation efforts, puzzling him.

Did the emperor know Li Hao wasn't destined for the Li family shrine?

Or was he fostering a sixth God General's Mansion?

Or just liked the boy, not wanting him wronged?

The last seemed unlikely, worrying Li Muxiu.

He cared deeply for Li Hao but feared him becoming a pawn.

If only things hadn't happened, and the boy still painted, fished by the lake, how wonderful… Li Muxiu sighed, feeling sad.