"Fifteen-Mile Realm?!"
Li Wushuang's pupils contracted, and she was stunned. Her mind buzzed, and she felt dazed.
She was completely immobilized, bound by an invisible force that even prevented her from rolling over.
This was a complete suppression in terms of cultivation.
She exclaimed in shock and anger, "You bastard, let me go!"
"That's what your younger brother used to say."
Li Wushuang had been seething with anger the previous day, but Li Hao was also ill-tempered. Seeing that she was still being impudent, he slapped her another dozen times.
If it weren't for the other party using their spirit control power to hold her up, these dozen slaps would have been enough to crack the ground.
Of course, for Li Wushuang, who was in the Divine Wanderment Realm, it was bearable, but it still hurt enough to make her bite her lips, and her eyes turned red.
"Let me go!" she struggled fiercely, her spirit flying out as she tried to break free from Li Hao. But her spirit was directly pressed back into her body by Li Hao's spirit, completely suppressing her.
"Still not convinced?"
"You bastard!"
Li Hao slapped her again.
Suddenly, he heard sniffling and sobbing coming from under his hand.
Li Hao paused, then looked down to see that the pampered young lady from yesterday now had red eyes and pearl-like tears streaming down her face. She had been reduced to crying.
The previous dignified and aloof aura was completely gone, as if a fairy who had gracefully walked out of the mist had suddenly stumbled and fallen into the mortal realm.
Li Hao stopped raising his palm and said indifferently, "Do you concede now?"
Li Wushuang lay sideways on the horse, biting her lip stubbornly and refusing to answer, but a few more tears fell.
Li Hao didn't fall for it. He sneered, "Cousin, if you still don't concede, do you think I'm joking about stripping you, blocking your power, and hanging you from that tree branch?"
"!!!"
Li Wushuang raised her head in shock, staring at Li Hao.
How could someone say such a thing?! I'm your elder cousin!!
Next to her, Li Yuanzhao was also stunned, but then his eyes lit up slightly.
(((o(▽)
o)
)
)
Li Hao had no improper thoughts towards Li Wushuang; he was merely trying to intimidate her. He coldly smiled, "I'm counting to three."
"You...you dare!" Li Wushuang's face turned pale, and she was both anxious and angry, with a hint of fear.
"Two!"
"You..."
"One!"
"I...I concede!" Li Wushuang hurriedly said. She didn't know this cousin well and couldn't figure out his character, so she felt a bit afraid.
Li Hao had expected this and coldly smiled. No matter how talented she was, she was still a 16-year-old girl, and this tactic was both convenient and effective.
With a casual flick of his hand, Li Hao threw her away.
He no longer used his spirit control power to bind her.
Li Wushuang felt her body regain its freedom and immediately flipped over, landing gracefully on the ground. She wiped away the tears on her face in mid-air and turned to glare at Li Hao angrily as soon as she landed.
"Cousin, it's best if you don't try to report me."
Li Hao sat astride the Crimson Blood Horse, looking down at her indifferently. "Also, don't come and provoke me again. If you continue to make a fuss, next time I will do as I say."
Li Wushuang clenched her teeth. She had never suffered such humiliation, even after apprenticing at the Qianji Sect. How could she have suffered such a loss?
But what was even more unacceptable to her was that the cousin in front of her, who was two years younger, had actually reached the Fifteen-Mile Realm?!
His cultivation was a whole realm higher than hers. How was this possible?!
Didn't her younger brother say that he used to have a martial arts disability and only started cultivating smoothly when he was eight or nine years old?
How many years had it been since he was eight or nine?
Li Wushuang's mind was in chaos. What had happened today was so unbelievable that it felt like she had seen a ghost.
"Cousin, Brother Hao is right. It was Li Yun who took the initiative to provoke him, and you were in the wrong. Besides, you can't beat Brother Hao anyway."
Li Yuanzhao tried to persuade her. Seeing Li Wushuang's slightly hunched back, as if she couldn't straighten up, he also felt a bit of sympathy.
After all, before yesterday, he had high expectations of this cousin and had always admired her since he was little, having heard that she had apprenticed under a famous master.
Li Wushuang gritted her teeth and glared at the little fatty, saying, "You're just rubbing salt in my wound!"
Li Yuanzhao was speechless. He was sincerely trying to advise her, but she thought he was being sarcastic.
However, it was clear that she was still angry, and even the branches of the trees by the road would get slapped if they touched her, so he didn't want to push his luck.
"So you've been hiding your strength all this time. Was it Grand-Uncle who taught you personally?"
Li Wushuang glared at Li Hao, her face filled with shame. Given their blood relationship, she didn't have any other thoughts, but she felt ashamed to have been beaten so badly.
"It's none of your business!"
Li Hao coldly hmphed, "Today it's me, but if it were someone else, you would have died long ago with your recklessness!"
Li Wushuang was so angry that she clenched her teeth. She had returned with the intention of vying for the True Dragon position.
The day before, she had secretly communicated with her mother at the family banquet. After all, among the third generation, the most likely contenders were her and Li Qianfeng.
And she had already made up her mind to follow in the footsteps of an ancestor and remain unmarried for life, taking control of the Li family.
But who would have thought that today, Li Hao would give her such a thorough beating.
"Don't bother me anymore; I don't have time for you."
Li Hao glanced at her and gently pulled on the horse's reins. The Crimson Blood Horse stepped lightly and gracefully passed by her side.
"You!"
Li Wushuang trembled with anger and wanted to make a move, but she held back. She had many other techniques and the Qianji Sect's secret skills, but...the gap between the Divine Wanderment Realm and the Fifteen-Mile Realm was just too big.
Just the spirit control power alone had immobilized her, rendering all her other skills useless.
Unless she also stepped into the Fifteen-Mile Realm, she wouldn't be qualified to fight Li Hao on equal terms and take back some face.
Staring at the two figures riding away, Li Wushuang's heart burned with anger. But suddenly, she thought of something.
He was only 14 years old but had reached the Fifteen-Mile Realm.
This...seemed to have broken Ninth Uncle's record!
Her pupils contracted slightly, and her mind felt like it had been struck by a bolt of lightning.
That invincible figure she had admired since childhood had actually...been surpassed?
Not long after she was stunned, the fiery pain in her buttocks brought her back to her senses, and she couldn't help but cover the area lightly with her hand. She noticed that there was even a slight trace of blood seeping through her skirt.
She bit her lower lip lightly, and for some unknown reason, she felt a sense of grievance, and her eyes turned even redder.
...
...
"Brother Hao, weren't you a bit too heavy-handed just now?"
After they had walked away, Li Yuanzhao asked Li Hao worriedly.
Although his eyes were small, as they rode past, he had caught a glimpse of a faint redness.
"She may have learned skills from the Qianji Sect, but all the adulation has gone to her head. It's best to correct her now while she's still young; otherwise, she'll face serious troubles in the future if she doesn't change her attitude."
Li Yuanzhao was taken aback, as he hadn't considered things as deeply as Li Hao. However, upon further reflection, he realized that Li Hao's words made a lot of sense, and he couldn't help but feel even more admiration for Li Hao.
"Brother Hao, I've noticed that your words and actions always seem to align with the perspective of my parents' generation," Li Yuanzhao remarked.
Li Hao glanced at him, and with the soul of someone who had lived two lives, his mental age was indeed similar to that of his Fifth Uncle. Thus, his actions earlier also carried a hint of a senior teaching a junior a lesson.
From start to finish, he had never viewed these third-generation members as his peers.
This wasn't arrogance on his part; it was simply a natural mindset for him.
...
...
As Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao headed to the Tan Palace Academy, the Divine General Mansion suddenly bustled with activity.
Li Wushuang had quietly returned to the mansion, changed into a new set of clothes, and found some medicinal powder she used to treat martial arts injuries when she was six or seven years old. She applied the medicine and wrapped her wounds with soft cloth.
Throughout this process, her resentment toward Li Hao deepened, but when she thought of his cultivation, her emotions became complicated.
She also began to realize that she might have been in the wrong.
After she had changed her dressings and put on new clothes, she heard a commotion outside and wondered if her mother and the others had learned about Li Hao's cultivation.
But before she could ask anyone, she stepped out of the side courtyard and inquired with a servant, only to find out that the fuss wasn't about Li Hao at all. Instead, it was about the return of Xing Wu Hou, the defender of Yanbei.
...
The news of Xing Wu Hou's return had shaken all of Qingzhou!
In Qingzhou, the Li family was undeniably the right-hand partner of the emperor, and their millennia of contributions were known to every citizen. Statues of the family members were scattered throughout the city, and there were four martial temples dedicated to them.
While the people within the inner city might not have felt such a deep connection to the Divine General Mansion, the people of Qingzhou held the Li family in high regard. They were well aware of the family's struggles and their greatness.
The loss of six of the Nine Sons was more than just a simple phrase.
And now, Xing Wu Hou had returned victorious from his fourteen-year campaign in Yanbei, having slain countless demons. Just the list of his achievements in demon-slaying filled three thick books!
As the triumphant procession approached the thirty-li official road outside the city, someone spread the news back to the city and to the Li family.
Upon hearing the news, the entire city was in an uproar, and many people spontaneously went to welcome the returning hero.
Some small vendors who were selling goods in the morning market also packed up their stalls or handed over their businesses to family members so that they could bring food and drinks to welcome the famous demon-slaying general.
More and more people gathered along the thirty-li official road, and the crowd continued to grow.
Some people even mistook the location and rushed to the wrong city gate.
Outside the east gate, people packed the roadside, eagerly awaiting the procession.
Soon, a battle flag fluttering in the wind came into view at the end of the official road, among the lush cypress trees.
The waiting crowd erupted in cheers, shouting the name that had become legendary:
"Xing Wu Hou has returned triumphant!"
"Long live the Divine General Mansion!"
"Xing Wu Hou has returned!"
"Long live the Divine General Mansion!"
The chorus of cheers echoed like waves, a testament to the Li family's prestige. Even passing adventurers and merchants from outside the city were left awe-struck by the scene.
Through conversations and inquiries, they learned the reason for the celebration—that for the past fourteen years of peace in the country, a valiant warrior had been fighting and slaying demons in Yanbei.
The returning procession wasn't very long; it was the personal guard unit of the Fa Zi Ying that Xing Wu Hou had led when he first set out on his campaign fourteen years ago.
However, of the originally robust five hundred soldiers, only a little over a hundred remained.
Some had missing limbs, while others had their heads wrapped in bandages—a clear sign that this was a wounded army.
Yet, the battle flag they carried still fluttered proudly, exuding an unmatched domineering aura!
Some of the citizens, upon seeing the wounded soldiers, had tears in their eyes. They offered the soldiers eggs from their baskets and dried meat from their homes, expressing their gratitude to the returning warriors.
The Li family was beloved by the people of Qingzhou, and their reputation in the city was impeccable, so the citizens felt no fear in approaching them.
This scene left outsiders from other cities dumbfounded.
While they had also witnessed victory parades before, they would only dare to watch from a distance, intimidated by the murderous aura of the returning soldiers.
But the Li family and the citizens of Qingzhou shared a deep bond, and their interactions were harmonious.
Meanwhile, Li Hao, who had just arrived at the Tan Palace Academy, received news of his parents' return. Shen Yunqing rushed to him, breathless:
"How are you here? Your father, Xing Wu Hou, has returned!"
Shen Yunqing's voice trembled with excitement. It was hard for anyone in Qingzhou City to remain unaffected by the Li family's influence.
Li Hao was taken aback.
His parents... were back?
Fragments of memories flashed through his mind, but they were too distant. Fourteen years was a long time, enough for him to grow from an infant to a teenager.
So much time had passed that many things had become blurry in his recollection.
He snapped out of his daze and quickly thanked Shen Yunqing before immediately taking to the skies and rushing back.
Shen Yunqing watched Li Hao's departing figure, his eyes widening slightly. He stroked his beard and sighed:
"This generation's True Dragon of the Li family is even more extraordinary than the last..."
Li Hao rushed out of the Tan Palace Academy and made his way down the mountain.
He kicked open the stable, leaped onto the back of the Crimson Blood Horse, and urged it forward with a crack of his whip.
The horse's hooves clattered on the city streets as the young man raced forward, with pedestrians quickly making way for him.
When they saw the Crimson Blood Horse, those who had been startled by the commotion relaxed, recognizing the steed.
Finally,
As Li Hao rode the Crimson Blood Horse at full speed to the end of the official road outside the city, he saw a procession approaching, led by a majestic figure seated on a mythical lion-dragon hybrid.
He quickly pulled on the reins, causing the horse to rear and neigh, its hooves gently touching down.
A lion-dragon and a horse, a father and a son.
In that moment, their gazes locked.
____________
A Crimson-blooded Horse!
Li Tiangang sat steadily atop the Flood Dragon Lion, his eyes fixed on the young man standing in the center of the official road at the end of his gaze.
He immediately recognized the war horse under the youth, and as he took in the boy's features, he noticed how strikingly handsome and clear-cut they were, especially the brows and eyes that bore a resemblance to the beloved etched in his heart.
Li Tiangang's heart trembled.
Li Hao was also staring intently at the sturdy and steady man.
The vague image in his memory seemed to clear at this moment, recalling the man who had ruffled his hair with his rough, large hand fourteen years ago.
Though it had been fourteen years since they last met, in this brief moment of eye contact, they had both recognized each other with astonishing speed.
Whoosh!
Li Tiangang suddenly leaped from the back of the Flood Dragon Lion, soaring through the air and landing in front of the youth's crimson-blooded horse.
The youth also swiftly dismounted, naturally not intending to converse with his father while still mounted.
"Hao'er?" Li Tiangang's voice trembled slightly.
Li Hao sensed the concern and deep emotion in his father's voice, and the initial strangeness he had felt vanished instantly.
Perhaps this was what it meant to be connected by blood?
"Father," Li Hao replied, his voice slightly hoarse and embarrassed, but he knew that the man before him was his father in this lifetime.
Li Tiangang, overcome with emotion, pulled Li Hao into his embrace.
After fourteen years, his child had grown so much! His heart swelled with emotion.
Li Hao immediately felt a tangible sense of security in his father's broad embrace and powerful arms.
At this moment, his heart seemed to find peace.
He gently wrapped his arms around his father's waist, but then his eyes darted around as if suddenly remembering something. "Where's Mother?" he asked.
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt the man hugging him stiffen slightly.
Li Hao's expression changed, and the blood in his veins seemed to freeze.
Li Tiangang slowly released Li Hao, and in his deep, dark eyes, a few bloodshot veins appeared, along with a look of pain. "Your mother... she's gone," he said.
Gone?
Li Hao's thoughts seemed to stutter.
The bright and caring eyes of the woman in his memory... were gone? It felt like a delicate painting shattering in the darkness.
Li Hao turned abruptly to look at the triumphant procession behind them, ignoring and blocking out the countless envious and concerned gazes and voices from the people lining the road. All he saw were the injured soldiers.
But among them, he did not find the beautiful figure that had held him in her arms fourteen years ago.
Li Hao's face darkened, and he asked, "How could this be? Wasn't Mother always by your side? Didn't you face life and death together?"
Li Tiangang's lips quivered, but he did not utter a word.
Li Hao turned to him, demanding, "When did Mother leave? Why didn't Eldest Aunt ever mention it?"
"Months ago," Li Tiangang replied quietly. "I blocked the news from spreading."
As he said this, he saw that Li Hao seemed about to say something more, so he placed his broad palm on his son's shoulder and said, "Let's go back first, and we'll talk later."
Li Hao, who had been overjoyed just moments ago, now looked dazed and lost.
The commoners by the roadside continued to cheer and celebrate the victorious Martial Marquis, singing praises of the Li family's glorious military achievements.
Only Li Hao, who was pulled by Li Tiangang onto the Flood Dragon Lion to ride alongside his father, knew that on this day, he had lost his mother.
...
Back at the Divine General Mansion.
He Jianlan, Liu Yuetong, and many other wives gathered together in the Courtyard of Mountains and Rivers, having already arrived to wait for their return.
Li Xuanli even ran to the mansion's entrance, pacing back and forth anxiously until Li Tiangang appeared, and only then did the brothers finally smile.
They embraced each other deeply.
Li Xuanli pounded his brother's chest armor and then ruffled Li Hao's hair affectionately before looking around and asking, "Where's my sister-in-law?"
Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly, and he shook his head. "We'll talk when we get back."
Li Xuanli froze, his face falling as he realized that Li Hao had remained still even as he ruffled his hair.
The smile faded from Li Xuanli's face, and he nodded slightly, accompanying them back to the mansion.
In the Courtyard of Mountains and Rivers.
Upon Li Tiangang's return, the place bustled with activity, but soon, they learned that the Seventh Wife, Ji Qingqing, had not returned.
Li Tiangang simply said two words: "She's gone."
The atmosphere in the courtyard immediately turned icy.
The people exchanged glances, their eyes revealing a hint of sorrow and lament. They had experienced such things many times before.
One by one, they stepped forward to comfort Li Tiangang and Li Hao.
Only He Jianlan stood at a distance, sighing softly without saying a word.
Li Wushuang, who had been soundly thrashed by Li Hao that morning, still felt a lingering pain in her backside. However, as she looked at the lonely figure of the youth standing silently by his father's side, she felt not schadenfreude but rather shock and sympathy, and the resentment in her heart suddenly vanished.
Although she had wanted to teach Li Hao a lesson and was angry at his humiliation of her, they were ultimately blood relatives, members of the Li family. She had never truly harbored thoughts of harming him.
The originally planned celebration ended up being a subdued affair, but the meal had to be eaten anyway. During the meal, the conversation was kept light as they inquired about Li Tiangang's experiences in Yanbei over the years.
Although major events were reported in military dispatches sent back to the family, there were still many details that couldn't be shared. Now, years of pent-up stories were finally being revealed.
Only then did Li Xuanli realize, feeling enlightened. Holding his wife's delicate hand, he secretly acknowledged his good fortune in having such a wise and virtuous wife. He then bid farewell to Li Tiangang and left with his wife and children.
Soon, the courtyard was left with only Li Tiangang, his personal attendants from Yanbei, Li Hao, Zhao Bo, and the other members of the courtyard.
During the meal, Li Hao listened to the inquiries of his aunts and learned about many things that had transpired in Yanbei.
Usually, military campaigns lasted only two to three years, and it was rare for a major battle to persist for seven or eight years. However, this stalemate had lasted for over a decade, mainly due to the influence of the Holy Palace of the Demon Race, who sought to tear apart Yanbei and gain a strategic advantage over the Great Yu Dynasty.
Through the conversation, Li Hao also learned that despite the prosperity of the Great Yu Dynasty, it did not mean peace along its borders.
In any dynasty, there were always troops stationed at the frontiers to guard against invaders, and the only variable was the number of intruders.
However, from this prolonged war, it seemed that the Great Yu Dynasty had not completely eradicated external threats. Or perhaps, the territories conquered and the myriad demons intimidated by the previous emperors of the Great Yu had, over the millennia, regained their strength and were now poised to strike back.
The Great Yu Dynasty resembled an aging lion, showing signs of decline even in its heyday.
The question remained: How many more centuries could this waning authority hold sway?
Li Hao wanted to ask about the details of his mother's demise, but as soon as he brought it up, Li Tiangang shook his head with a grim expression and said, "Hao'er, I failed your mother. From now on, it's just you and me in this courtyard."
Li Hao fell silent.
He suddenly realized that his mother's death had pained not only him but also his father.
Back then, she had rushed to the border with her husband, demonstrating the depth of their love.
Over the years, Li Hao had heard many interesting stories about his parents' youthful romance while growing up in the mansion.
He had only spent less than a hundred days with his mother, whereas his father had shared over a decade with her. The depth of their bond was likely something he couldn't match.
After a brief silence, Li Hao finally asked, "Then, has Mother's death been avenged?"
Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly before he nodded. "Yes."
Li Hao exhaled softly. "That's good."
Father and son looked at each other, both silent.
Li Hao had originally wanted to say a lot and ask many questions, but during the meal, he had already learned about the various events in Yanbei and the hardships of the war from his father's conversation with his aunts. The resentment that had lingered in his heart for years gradually dissipated.
At this moment, however, he found himself at a loss for words.
Perhaps it was a common trait among fathers and sons throughout the ages to often fall into silent contemplation.
It was during this silence that Li Tiangang spoke up, his voice soft. "Hao'er, I imagine these years without your mother and me by your side must have been difficult for you."
Li Hao shook his head gently and smiled. "Not at all. I had Zhao Bo to accompany me. Second Uncle taught me how to fish, Fifth Uncle played chess with me, First Aunt treated me well, and Ninth Aunt occasionally sent me delicious royal snacks..."
He recounted the interesting events of the past years to his father.
However, Li Hao didn't notice that while Li Tiangang had initially smiled at his stories, his brow gradually furrowed as he listened.
"So, after your meridians were unblocked, you didn't focus much on cultivation?" Li Tiangang asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern.
Li Hao was taken aback and scratched his head. "I did cultivate, but there's not much to tell about it."
Li Tiangang looked at him for a moment, then sighed softly and said, "It seems the hour is late. You should head back and rest for the night."
Seeing the fatigue on his father's face and considering his long journey back from Yanbei, Li Hao didn't say more. He simply nodded and got up to leave.
After Li Hao left, Li Tiangang summoned Zhao Bo.
"Where's Li Fu?"
"Li Fu is in Cangyu City. Young Master enrolled in the Tan Palace Academy, and Li Fu was secretly protecting him during a previous mission there. Unfortunately, he was injured and is currently recuperating. He sent a letter earlier, saying he's on his way back." Zhao Bo smiled respectfully as he spoke of the man who had grown up alongside Li Tiangang and was now a renowned general.
Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly. "Injured? Was Hao'er under attack?"
"No, he just asked me to take care of Young Master and said that there would be great news when he returns." Zhao Bo replied.
"Great news?" Li Tiangang was puzzled. How could there be good news when someone was injured? He thought for a moment, recalling that Cangyu City was in Qi State, under the jurisdiction of the Xia family. It wasn't too far from here, and a fast horse could cover the distance in a couple of days.
"Zhao Bo, tell me about Hao'er's situation these past years." Li Tiangang pointed to the cushion beside him.
Zhao Bo was slightly taken aback but sat down with a smile. "Master, why don't you ask Young Master directly? You two must have a lot to catch up on after so many years apart. Wouldn't this be a good opportunity to chat?"
Li Tiangang shook his head gently and sighed. "I noticed that Hao'er's speech and behavior lack some refinement, and he seems to have a bit of a wild streak. It seems like no one has been guiding him these years. So, please, tell me about it."
Chapter 87: Fury and Exposure
"You're too kind, Lord. Although the Young Master may be a bit carefree in nature, he's a good child at heart. He's kind to the servants and respectful to the elders of the mansion, never overstepping his bounds. He hasn't caused any trouble over the years, except for perhaps those odd concoctions he made in the kitchen a few years back..."
"Tell me about his cultivation situation," Li Tiangang interrupted with a wave of his hand.
Zhao Bo was taken aback and fell silent, thinking carefully.
Seeing Zhao Bo's hesitation, Li Tiangang's expression darkened.
"So, you're saying he hasn't cultivated at all?"
"Not entirely..."
As Zhao Bo stammered, Li Tiangang's face turned grim.
"Has he lost his motivation? After finally unblocking his meridians, what does it matter if he hasn't built his foundation yet? With my immortal bloodline, he can surpass his peers in the early stages even without it!
When the time comes for soul-merging and astral projection, with the assistance of the Listen to Rain Pavilion's techniques and the help of our ancestral hall's predecessors, he can still rank on the Qian Bang. At the very least, he'll have the power to protect himself. How could he be so decadent!"
Zhao Bo's face turned awkward, and he said, "The Young Master has been working hard..."
"Hard at playing?"
Li Tiangang glanced at him sharply, his eyes still carrying the residual sternness of the battlefield, causing Zhao Bo's heart to tremble slightly.
"It seems you've all been too indulgent of him, letting him become arrogant and spoiled. Don't you know that will only harm him?" Li Tiangang reprimanded sternly.
Zhao Bo couldn't remain seated any longer and stood up hastily. "My lord, it's my fault for not supervising him properly. I am to blame."
Li Tiangang paused, suddenly realizing that he had been too stern. The tense years on the battlefield had not yet accustomed him to relaxing.
Seeing the housekeeper, who had taken care of him since childhood, bowing apologetically, he felt a sense of guilt in his heart. He sighed and said, "This has nothing to do with you. It's because Hao'er has been too pampered."
Zhao Bo kept his head lowered, not daring to respond.
Li Tiangang suddenly lost interest and waved his hand. "You may take your leave now and get some rest."
Zhao Bo hesitated for a moment before lowering his head and retiring.
...
...
The next day.
Li Hao slept in.
Now that his father had returned, he wanted to spend more time with him, so he didn't need to go to the Tan Palace Academy for the next couple of days. Anyway, he didn't have much to do there except paint by the cold pond or play chess and drink with Old Shen.
Perhaps due to his thoughts before falling asleep, Li Hao vaguely dreamed of those eyes, holding him and gently lulling him to sleep. But suddenly, a horde of demons and monsters surrounded them.
"Young Master!"
Suddenly, a soft call reached his ears.
Li Hao jumped in surprise and woke up with a start. As he opened his eyes, he saw a young man standing by his bedside.
"When did you come in?" Li Hao blurted out.
He recognized the young man as one of his father's close attendants who had returned with him from the battle yesterday. He looked to be in his late twenties, with a slender build and sharp eyes.
"Young Master, your father asked me to come and call you. It's time to practice in the front courtyard," the young man named Yu Xuan said with a smile.
Li Hao sighed inwardly, realizing that his carefree days were over.
Recalling the pleasant dream that had been interrupted, he frowned and said, "From now on, no one is allowed to enter my room without my permission."
Yu Xuan nodded. "Yes."
Only then did Li Hao reluctantly get up and call for Qingzhi to help him change into clean clothes.
Seeing Li Hao's demeanor, Yu Xuan stood quietly by, his expression unperturbed.
However, Li Hao's actions were even slower than he had imagined. He stood there nonchalantly, letting the maid dress him at a leisurely pace. Yu Xuan couldn't help but prompt, "Young Master, your father is already waiting for you."
Li Hao was taken aback and quickly finished dressing himself. "Let's go."
The two left the room and made their way to the front courtyard.
As they passed by the main room, Li Hao glanced inside casually and suddenly froze, his face turning ashen. He rushed into the room.
All the paintings and calligraphy he had accumulated over the years were gone.
"Zhao Bo!"
Li Hao called out urgently.
Zhao Bo hurried over from the front courtyard. "Young Master."
"Where are my paintings?"
Li Hao's face showed anger towards Zhao Bo for the first time.
Zhao Bo's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated. "Your father saw these paintings this morning and had them all moved."
"Moved where?"
"To the firewood room..."
Upon hearing this, Li Hao felt a surge of rage. The firewood room? Was his father planning to burn all his paintings as if they were garbage?!
If they were just ordinary paintings, he wouldn't have minded, but among those paintings were the ones he had sketched of his mother, whose features were already blurry in his memory!
"Bring them all back immediately! Not a single one is to be touched!" Li Hao gritted his teeth and said through clenched teeth.
Zhao Bo had never seen Li Hao so furious in all these years and was stunned for a moment before hurrying to reassure him. "Young Master, please don't worry. I'll go get them right now."
But as he turned to leave, a hand stopped him.
Yu Xuan blocked Zhao Bo, his expression still calm. He turned to Li Hao and said, "Young Master, your father ordered the paintings to be moved. You should come with me to practice now."
Li Hao guessed as much. No one in the mansion besides his father, who had just returned yesterday, would dare to touch his paintings.
However, hearing Yu Xuan state it so directly, he felt a surge of anger that he couldn't suppress.
And it was the same here in the Mountain and River Courtyard.
Because that man, was the master of this place.
Li Hao clenched his fists, staring fiercely at Yu Xuan. "I'll say it one more time, scram!"
"Who do you want to scram?" Suddenly, a voice sounded from the side, and Li Tiangang walked over, his face somewhat gloomy.
Yu Xuan lowered his arm and bowed to Li Tiangang.
"Father, those paintings..." Li Hao began urgently.
Before he could finish, Li Tiangang shook his head, his face cold as he interrupted, "Apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan!"
Li Hao froze, then widened his eyes slightly, looking at his father in disbelief.
Zhao Bo's expression changed as well, and he quickly said, "Master, Young Master was just worried about those paintings. They are all the fruits of his labor over the years, and he was just acting on impulse out of momentary anger..."
"Shut up!" Li Tiangang rebuked him, a rare occurrence.
Zhao Bo was taken aback.
Li Tiangang's face was dark with displeasure. He had already been somewhat unhappy the night before, and now, seeing the room filled with paintings, calligraphy, chessboards, and fishing rods haphazardly placed on the racks next to the main hall, he was furious.
Just looking at these items, he knew that Li Hao had not only neglected his cultivation but had also indulged in idle pastimes!
Yet, the people in the mansion had spoiled him so.
He knew that Li Hao was his son and the young master of this place, and that his status was noble. Zhao Bo and the others dared not disobey him.
As for his wives, they probably didn't want to be too strict with him either.
But now that he was back, he had to turn this situation around and ensure that Li Hao walked a righteous path!
"Now, immediately, apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan!" Li Tiangang ordered, his face stern as he glared at Li Hao.
Li Hao stared at him, feeling a sense of strangeness, as if he were seeing him for the first time.
Just yesterday...
Suddenly, he felt a twinge of amusement.
Yes, they had only met yesterday, and how much did he really know about this father of his?
And how much did this father know about him?
Li Hao stared at the man before him and said, "Is it because you think I haven't been cultivating? If I tell you that I have been cultivating and have even reached a high realm, what would you say then?"
Li Tiangang's eyes did not waver, and he replied seriously and coldly, "I don't care how capable you are. Your Uncle Yu Xuan has followed me through life and death struggles over the years. Do you know how many demons he has slain, or how many people he has saved?"
"He is a Heavenly Man, a Grand Master!"
Li Tiangang continued, emphasizing each word, "A Grand Master must be respected. Even if you are my son, you must apologize to him today!"
Hearing these words, Li Hao couldn't help but feel like laughing, but his smile was tinged with sadness:
"Oh, so a Grand Master must be respected, huh? Then do you know that in those paintings of mine..."
Before he could finish, a figure suddenly rushed into the courtyard, and upon seeing Li Tiangang and Li Hao, he exclaimed excitedly, "Lord Marquis, Young Master!"
The two turned to see Li Fu, his face beaming with excitement.
Li Fu had rushed back from Cangyu City, and when he was still dozens of miles away from Qingzhou City, he had heard travelers at a roadside tea stall talking about how the Martial Marquis Li had returned.
Upon hearing this news, Li Fu was overjoyed and immediately rushed back.
"Li Fu," Li Tiangang acknowledged him, his face softening slightly. But then he noticed Li Fu's rash and careless manner as he burst in, which was unlike his usual disciplined and composed self from their time together in the army.
After not seeing him for a few years, he had become so undisciplined.
Li Hao's expression didn't change much at the sight of Li Fu, as they had only parted ways recently.
"It's been a few years, and now you've forgotten your discipline as well?" Li Tiangang frowned slightly.
Li Fu paused, then realized his mistake and quickly bowed in greeting.
He then looked at Li Hao, his face filled with joy, and said, "Lord Marquis, I sent you a letter. Did you receive it?"
"Letter?" Li Tiangang asked, "Was it sent to Yanbei? When did you send it? I didn't receive it."
Li Fu understood that he must have sent the letter after his father had already left for Qingzhou.
While recuperating from his injuries, Li Fu had inquired about the battle of Cangyu City and, upon learning the details, found it hard to believe.
He had questioned the city defender, Yue Shuhong, who confirmed the story, and only then did he believe it.
As soon as he received this news, he didn't send a letter back to the mansion first. Instead, he sent it to Yanbei, as he wanted to share this incredible news with Li Hao's parents first, as they were the most trustworthy people.
As for sending a letter to the mansion, that was secondary. He intended to return and tell his Uncle Zhao and the others in person, and also ask if they had known about Li Hao's situation all along.
"It doesn't matter if you didn't receive it. Since you're back, Lord Marquis, I can tell you in person anyway." Li Fu smiled broadly, glancing at Li Hao, his voice trembling with excitement. "Young Master has reached the realm of Fifteen Li!"
___________
As Li Fu's words fell, the courtyard seemed to fall into a quiet silence.
Zhao Bo slowly opened his wrinkled eyes wide, looking at Li Fu in disbelief, then turning to look at Li Hao.
Young Master Hao... is at the fifteen-li realm?!
Li Tiangang and Yu Xuan, who was next to him, were both stunned, their faces filled with shock.
Seeing Li Fu's excitement, Li Tiangang knew that with Li Fu's meticulous personality, he would never make baseless claims. Still, this news was too joyous and astonishing for him.
"Is it true? Hao'er didn't fail to build his foundation and didn't have blood decay?" Li Tiangang couldn't help but ask excitedly.
Li Fu nodded vigorously, his face lit up with joy. "It's true! Absolutely true! I don't know the reason, only Young Master Hao knows, and I suspect Second Uncle secretly helped him."
Second Uncle...
Li Tiangang's heart trembled.
Second Uncle was at the Four Establishments Realm, and those at this realm possessed an ability that countless martial artists envied.
It was the ability to Defy Heaven and Rewrite Fate!
With this ability, one could help another person alter their destiny, even if they were born as a waste or a beggar. Their fate could be reversed, and they could become an unparalleled genius, a dragon among men!
Thus, a family with someone at the Four Establishments Realm could always be propped up, even if they were declining.
Of course, this was only possible if the decline wasn't too severe.
The ability to Defy Heaven and Rewrite Fate could only be used once and for a single person!
With this thought, Li Tiangang's heart was filled with gratitude, and his eyes reddened. What had his son done to deserve such affection from his second uncle?
"Good, good, this is wonderful news!"
Li Tiangang exclaimed 'good' three times, his voice shaking with emotion before he calmed himself. He took a deep breath and looked gently at the young man before him. "With such joyous news, why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Li Hao looked at his father's excited expression, but his own heart remained calm, only stirring with a slight emotion. "I wanted to tell you yesterday, but you asked me to rest early."
Li Tiangang suddenly remembered their conversation from the night before. He had found Li Hao's tales of his unproductive hobbies unbearable and had asked him to retire for the night.
"Never mind, let's not dwell on the past."
Li Tiangang smiled and said, "When did you reach the fifteen-li realm? Why didn't you write to me these past years to inform me? Was it because Second Uncle didn't allow you to tell me?"
Li Hao asked in return, "If I had told you, what could you have done? Would you have come back?"
Li Tiangang paused, seeing the calm, dark eyes of the young man before him, and his heart twinged.
But then, a hint of anger rose within him. "At least, if your mother and I had known, we would have been happy for you, and we could have asked your aunt to help find a famous teacher to instruct you!"
Li Hao said, "A famous teacher? Isn't Second Uncle's teaching enough? Are you still not satisfied with my current cultivation?"
Li Tiangang was taken aback, at a loss for words.
Indeed, Second Uncle was at the Four Establishments Realm, and his guidance was more than enough.
But for the Li family's descendants to pay homage to famous teachers was not just for cultivation but also for networking and building connections.
Generation after generation, the thousand-year-old legacy was built on these connections, and they formed a crucial foundation.
These connections might not be used often, but they could provide immense assistance in critical moments.
"You're taking too much for granted," Li Tiangang shook his head, feeling that Li Hao was still too young and naive. He didn't press the matter further.
Li Hao replied in his heart, 'You're the one who's taking things for granted.'
Li Fu looked at the father and son, sensing something amiss. It seemed like there was a distance and a gap between Lord Hou and Young Master.
"You're only fourteen this year, and to have reached the fifteen-li realm is an extraordinary feat. This record even surpasses that of your Ninth Uncle in his youth!"
Thinking of Li Hao's cultivation realm, Li Tiangang felt his mood lift. Smiling at Li Hao, he said, "Now that I'm back, there's no reason for Second Uncle to keep you hidden anymore. Zhao Bo, go notify your mistress at once. Inform the entire manor that I, the Martial Marquis, will proclaim to the world that my son is an unparalleled genius!"
"I will let everyone know that my son's talent is the best in a thousand years!"
He spoke with great enthusiasm, as if he were finally releasing a burden that had been weighing on his heart for years. His face was filled with joy.
Zhao Bo was also extremely excited at this moment; his lips trembled slightly.
Over the years, he had seen Li Hao's maturity and cleverness, and his intelligence had often made him secretly shed tears, lamenting the unfairness of heaven. Why hadn't heaven bestowed upon Li Hao the talent for cultivation?
But now, even this last shortcoming had been made whole.
Young Master Hao, unparalleled in talent and intelligence!
With this thought, Zhao Bo's entire body trembled with emotion, and he eagerly agreed, wiping away the tears that had formed in the corners of his eyes.
"I'll go now."
Zhao Bo was taken aback but quickly nodded in agreement. "Yes!"
Li Tiangang snapped out of his daze, his brows furrowing as he recalled the earlier incident. His expression turned grim as he said, "Hao'er, now that you've revealed such astonishing talent, do you still intend to indulge in these meaningless pursuits? If you had dedicated yourself fully to cultivation and followed Second Uncle's teachings these past years, you might have even reached the peak of martial arts by now!"
"How do you know I haven't been cultivating diligently?" Li Hao retorted, knowing that his unique circumstances were impossible to explain to others. He saw no need to justify himself, so he asked, "If I had focused solely on cultivation as you suggested, what then?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Li Tiangang replied, "Then you would truly astonish the world. People might not believe it at first, but the other Divine Generals would know that our Li family has produced an unparalleled genius, the best in a thousand years!"
Li Hao fixed his gaze on him and asked, "What if I am that unparalleled genius? What then?"
Li Tiangang was taken aback, sensing something amiss in Li Hao's words. He furrowed his brows and asked, "What do you mean by that? What are you trying to say? Do you know how vast the Great Yu Dynasty is and how many geniuses there are?"
"The Great Yu Dynasty spans ten states, each with hundreds of cities, tens of thousands of towns, and countless citizens," Li Hao began to explain. "There are too many geniuses to count, like carp crossing the river. While top-tier geniuses are rare, each state can still produce dozens of them. Only those who make it onto the Qiankun Ranking can truly be considered famous."
"With your current talent, you would be ranked low on the Qiankun Ranking. Your Ninth Uncle entered the Three Unyielding Realm at the age of nineteen, which was already an achievement unmatched for a thousand years. If you were to reach the Mastery Realm at fourteen, you would also be hailed as the best in a thousand years!"
Li Hao continued, "Advancing in cultivation becomes increasingly difficult. For example, Li Junye became famous throughout the land at seventeen when he reached the Mastery Realm, but his fame paled in comparison to the shockwaves caused by your Ninth Uncle entering the Three Unyielding Realm at nineteen."
"After all, a genius's momentum can falter."
Li Hao went on to explain, "Most Nine-Grade Battle Bodies can reach the Divine Travel Realm by the age of fifteen, but that doesn't guarantee they will enter the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm by twenty. Some geniuses who reached the Divine Travel Realm at fifteen may take until they are thirty to attain the Mastery Realm."
"As for challenging the Three Unyielding Realm, the gap between cultivators only widens."
Li Tiangang was well aware of what Li Hao was saying, but he couldn't help but feel disappointed by his son's nonchalant attitude. He glared at Li Hao and asked, "Are you done questioning me? Do you know how many people are in the Great Yu Dynasty and how many geniuses there are?"
"The Ten States of Yu encompass countless cities, towns, and citizens," Li Hao acknowledged. "There are too many geniuses to count. While the very best are rare, each state can still produce dozens of top-tier geniuses. Only those who make it onto the Qiankun Ranking can be considered true luminaries."
"With your current talent, ranking on the Qiankun Ranking would be a low bar. Your Ninth Uncle entered the Three Unyielding Realm at nineteen, an achievement that has been unmatched for a thousand years. If you were to reach the Mastery Realm at fourteen, you would also be hailed as the best talent in a thousand years!"
Li Hao continued, his gaze unwavering, "However, advancing in cultivation becomes more challenging as one progresses. For instance, Li Junye became famous throughout the land at the age of seventeen when he reached the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm, but his fame paled in comparison to the shockwaves caused by your Ninth Uncle, who entered the Three Unyielding Realm at nineteen."
"After all," Li Hao added, "the momentum of a genius can falter. Most Nine-Grade Battle Bodies can reach the Divine Travel Realm by the age of fifteen, but that doesn't guarantee they will enter the Unity of Heaven and Man Realm by twenty. Some geniuses who reached the Divine Travel Realm at a young age may take much longer to attain the Mastery Realm."
"As for challenging the Three Unyielding Realm," he concluded, "the gap between cultivators only widens, and the path becomes even more arduous."
Li Tiangang understood what Li Hao was implying, but he couldn't help but feel disappointed by his son's lack of ambition. He glared at Li Hao and asked, "Are you done questioning me?"
Li Hao turned his head and said to Zhao Bo, "Thank you for your trouble, Zhao Bo."
"It's no trouble at all," Zhao Bo replied hastily.
Li Tiangang's expression darkened as he realized that Li Hao was clearly not taking his words to heart. In Yanbei, his words were akin to military orders, and military orders were as heavy as mountains!
Each word was like a spear, piercing the ground.
"Don't go!" Li Tiangang barked at Zhao Bo, then turned to Li Hao and said, "As long as I'm here, you are not to touch those meaningless things again! Furthermore, I don't care about your cultivation level or your realm. Even if your talent surpasses that of your Ninth Uncle, you still have to apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan!"
Beside them, Yu Xuan's expression changed slightly, and he bowed his head to Li Tiangang. "Lord Hou, please don't mind him. Hao'er is young and ignorant, and I don't blame him."
"It's not something that can be overlooked!" Li Tiangang roared.
His gaze swept across Zhao Bo and Li Fu, and then rested on his son, who was looking at him coldly. "It's because you've been too indulgent that he dares to be so reckless! So what if he has talent? Our Li family has no shortage of geniuses! If he has no respect for his elders, what future will he have, no matter how high his cultivation is?!"
Zhao Bo and Li Fu were shocked by Li Tiangang's seriousness.
After his initial surprise, Li Fu was left feeling dazed. He had never expected that bringing such wonderful news would result in this kind of scene.
"Lord Hou," Li Fu began, "the young master has always been like this since he was a child. Besides, although he engages in those activities, it doesn't seem to have affected his cultivation..."
Li Fu opened his mouth to plead for Li Hao, as he knew Yu Xuan as well. He was unsure what mistake Li Hao had made to warrant an apology to Yu Xuan.
However, based on his understanding of Li Hao's character, it was likely just a slip of the tongue and not a serious offense. There was no need to make such a big deal out of it.
"Shut up!" Li Tiangang rarely raised his voice at Li Fu.
One of the things he hated the most was when people pleaded for leniency during punishments in the army, especially when it involved nepotism.
Li Fu's expression changed slightly, and he quickly lowered his head. He realized that at this moment, Li Tiangang was not the brother he usually interacted with; he was the Martial Marquis, the undefeated commander of the army.
Zhao Bo wanted to speak up as well, but when he saw Li Tiangang's stern gaze, he closed his mouth. He could only look at Li Hao with a worried expression.
But why couldn't he bring himself to be happy about it now?
He had been so cheerful and content just yesterday.
Li Hao took a deep breath, his youthful temperament unable to suppress the unspoken disappointment in his heart. He stared at the man and said, "I shouldn't have lost my temper at him because he didn't do anything wrong. He was just following your orders."
Beside him, Yu Xuan was slightly taken aback and looked at Li Hao with a hint of surprise.
The anger in Li Tiangang's eyes had just subsided when it surged again, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light that could intimidate anyone. "Are you trying to say that I am to blame? Are you going to yell at me to get lost again?"
As he spoke, he felt like he was being provoked to the point of laughter.
This was outrageous!
Li Hao's fists clenched slightly before relaxing again. He suddenly felt like turning his head away, and his gaze landed casually on the weeds growing by the steps of the courtyard.
He suddenly felt a strange connection to those weeds.
He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, a bitter smile curving his lips as he mockingly said, "Have you ever seen my paintings? I'm sure you haven't. You said Mother left, and to be honest, I can't remember her clearly either. So, when I still had some memories of her, I drew a portrait of her."
The boy's clear voice echoed, causing the faces of those present to change.
Li Tiangang was stunned, his entire body shaking.
Those paintings... Were they of Qingqing?
He had never thought to unfold those tattered scrolls, but he never expected this.
"However, by the time I learned how to paint, I had already forgotten what Mother looked like. All I could remember were her eyes."
Li Hao's gaze rested on the weeds rustling in the gentle breeze, his eyes unfocused as if his thoughts had wandered far away. He continued in a self-reflective tone, "So, I could only paint vague images of her. I had intended to paint a proper portrait when Mother returned, but she never did..."
The boy's words left everyone in silence. Li Tiangang's breathing became slightly heavier, and the hand hidden within his wide sleeves clenched into a tight fist.
At that moment, Li Hao's thoughts seemed to return from afar, back to the courtyard, and back to his own frail body.
He turned to look at his father and smiled faintly. "You said that a Grand Master should not be humiliated. Yes, but I wonder if my mother should have been humiliated."
It was both a statement and a question.
These words were like a sharp dagger, making Li Tiangang feel suffocated. His usually steady body trembled slightly.
Next to him, Yu Xuan's expression turned ugly. He hadn't expected that among those paintings were portraits of his wife. No wonder the boy had been so agitated earlier.
Thinking of his own actions, he fell silent.
Li Fu and Zhao Bo's eyes reddened as they looked at Li Tiangang.
The boy didn't say anything further. He turned and walked away, simply saying, "As for those paintings, do whatever you want with them."
Watching his son's departing back, Li Tiangang couldn't help but angrily shout, "Stop right there!"
But the boy's footsteps didn't falter, and he walked away without looking back.
Li Tiangang was momentarily stunned. This was the first time someone had dared to disobey him.
And that person was his own son.
If it had been anyone else, he would have already taken action, breaking their legs. He had never allowed anyone to be insolent in front of him, but Li Hao's words had left him speechless, and his anger quickly dissipated, leaving only a dark expression on his face.
"Lord..."
Zhao Bo began, seeing his master's anger, but Li Tiangang waved his hand, stopping him from continuing. He took a deep breath and calmed himself. Then, with a cold and stern expression, he said, "Immediately gather all the paintings and find the cleanest room to display them properly. If there is any damage to even a single one, everyone will be punished according to military law!"
Zhao Bo was relieved to hear this and quickly agreed.
Li Tiangang turned to Li Fu and said, "Go and inform your aunt. Tell her about Hao'er's fifteen-li realm achievement. I want to hold a family banquet, and I will let the world know about it!"
Li Fu was also secretly relieved to see that his master had shifted his focus. He quickly bowed and said, "I will go at once."
____________
After Zhao Bo and Li Fu left, Yu Xuan hesitated as he looked at Li Tiangang and asked, "Marshal, you just returned yesterday, and now there's this conflict and misunderstanding with Young Master. It's inevitable that it will affect your father-son relationship. Do you want to go and comfort the Young Master?"
Li Tiangang glanced in the direction of Li Hao's departure and realized that his attitude had been a bit harsh earlier. But then he thought of Li Hao's cold gaze, and a nameless anger rose within him.
He patted Yu Xuan's shoulder and said, "Today, that young man gave you a hard time."
Yu Xuan quickly bowed and said, "Marshal, you're too kind. I'm fine, but it's the Young Master... "
"I'll go see him later," Li Tiangang sighed and said, "Even if I was wrong, this child has been spoiled and willful for many years, and his temper is too big. He even said that the painting is up to us to dispose of. Since it's Qingqing, his mother, in the painting, he's just going to give her up because of this little matter? He deserves a spanking!"
Yu Xuan slightly opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but stopped, not knowing how to persuade him.
After all, he didn't understand such matters, and he was an orphan of war. Moreover, with strict discipline and laws, he didn't dare to say much.
At this moment, a figure suddenly flew over from the sky.
Li Tiangang looked up and saw that it was his Second Uncle, a smile immediately appeared on his face.
"Second Uncle!"
He greeted him and quickly walked out of the corridor to meet him, "How do you have time to come over? I was just about to go and thank you."
LiMuxiu landed in the courtyard and looked at Li Tiangang's sturdy appearance. He sighed, "You kid, after more than ten years of border hardships, you've become much tougher. How's Qingqing?"
Li Tiangang was stunned and said in a low voice, "She's gone."
"She's gone?"
LiMuxiu frowned and stared at him, "Is she coming back?"
Li Tiangang was surprised and looked at his second uncle.
"I'm asking you a question," LiMuxiu said impatiently.
Li Tiangang hesitated, "Second Uncle, do you know about Qingqing...?"
"Hmph, do you really think you can hide it from everyone? Who didn't know back then? Your father knew, and your mother knew too!"
LiMuxiu said impatiently, "Otherwise, how could they let you get married?"
"Father and Mother knew..." Li Tiangang was struck as if by lightning, and it took him a long time to recover. The man's eyes were even a little moist.
LiMuxiu casually released a burst of energy to block off the surrounding area and stared at him, "Tell me honestly, is she coming back?"
Li Tiangang clenched his fists and slowly shook his head, "She's not coming back."
"She's not coming back..." LiMuxiu took a deep breath and immediately thought of something. He asked, "I wasn't at home yesterday, and I heard that you returned yesterday. What about the others? Do you know what's going on? What about Hao'er? Does he know?"
Facing his continuous questioning, Li Tiangang shook his head again, "I didn't go into detail. Everyone thinks that Qingqing is..."
"Does Hao'er not know?"
LiMuxiu asked immediately.
Li Tiangang nodded slightly.
LiMuxiu paused and then sighed.
He nodded and said, "You did the right thing. It's good that Hao'er doesn't know. Since Qingqing is not coming back, there's no need to let Hao'er know. Let's just pretend she's dead!"
Hearing this, Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, but in the end, he clenched his fists and remained silent.
"Could it be that you were able to end the Yanbei War because of Qingqing?" LiMuxiu suddenly asked.
Li Tiangang shook his head slightly and said, "Only partly. The main reason is that after these years of slaughter, the Holy Palace has weakened."
LiMuxiu coldly snorted, "Those monsters, after this time when Hao'er inherits the true dragon seat and the family has an heir, I'll personally pay them a visit and deal with those immortal monster kings!"
"Second Uncle, the family still needs you to guard it," Li Tiangang said with a bitter smile, knowing the temperament of this Second Uncle. He changed the subject, "Speaking of Hao'er, I was just about to thank you, Second Uncle."
"Thank me for what? Taking care of Hao'er is what I should do. He's the only one among these nephews and grandsons that I can look up to. He's different from the others with their wooden heads, including your brothers, who are also wooden-headed." LiMuxiu said bluntly.
Li Tiangang felt a bit helpless that he was included in the criticism but didn't retort.
When they were young, their nine brothers were mostly despised by the Second Uncle, except for a few.
He didn't expect that Li Hao would be so favored by the eccentric Second Uncle. He smiled and said, "If it weren't for Second Uncle changing Hao'er's fate against the heavens, Hao'er wouldn't have achieved what he has today. This gratitude will be remembered forever!"
"What?"
LiMuxiu was stunned, "What do you mean by changing Hao'er's fate against the heavens? Me, for Hao'er?"
Li Tiangang looked at him in confusion.
The young man, Yu Xuan, standing beside him, also looked at the Li family's pillar with a puzzled expression.
"Second Uncle, Hao'er is only fourteen years old this year, and he has already cultivated to the fifteen-li realm. If it weren't for you..."
Li Tiangang was interrupted before he could finish his sentence.
"Are you mistaken?"
LiMuxiu suddenly realized what he was thinking and couldn't help but say impatiently, "Because of my love for Hao'er, I did want to change his fate against the heavens. But the opportunity I had was used up long ago by someone else. Where would I get another chance?"
"Moreover, Hao'er has peerless talent, shocking the ancients and dazzling the modern world. He's even more exaggerated than your ninth brother. Where's the need to change his fate against the heavens? It would be more like changing him into a waste.
"Not Second Uncle?"
Could Hao'er have achieved this level of cultivation all on his own, relying solely on his own innate talent?
Yuxuan was equally stunned, his eyes wide with shock as he looked at the old man.
LiMuxiu, seeing Li Tiangang's astonished expression, couldn't help but smile, understanding his reaction.
After all, Li Hao's talent was exceptional, even among the Li family, who were renowned for producing prodigies.
"Hao'er is exceptionally bright, surpassing the imagination of ordinary people. He's far beyond the scope of a typical genius," LiMuxiu said with a smile.
Li Tiangang snapped back to attention, puzzled, "But wasn't it said that Hao'er had blocked meridians?"
As Hao'er's biological father, any information that reached his ears couldn't possibly be false. There was no need to hide anything from him.
Moreover, Hao'er had his mother's bloodline, so this situation wasn't entirely out of the question.
"Indeed, his meridians were blocked," LiMuxiu sighed. "That's why it's terrifying. According to Hao'er, he suddenly broke through the blockage in his sleep. I've looked into this, and it turns out to be a pseudo-meridian blockage, not completely sealed shut. This kind of anomaly is a million times rarer than pure meridian blockage, as a significant number of children from ordinary families have blocked meridians due to generations of accumulated stagnant blood."
"He cleared his meridians when he was already six or seven years old."
Meridian blockages were not uncommon among ordinary folk, but within the Shenjiang Fu, they were quite unusual.
Li Tiangang's eyes widened in surprise.
Having witnessed countless bloody battles, he rarely flinched, but at this moment, he was left speechless.
Did this mean that Li Hao had only started cultivating at the age of six or seven? Without any foundation-building or blood-melting, how had he reached the fifteen-li realm in just seven years? And from what he understood, Li Hao was usually playful and rarely focused on proper cultivation...
No wonder even Second Uncle referred to him as "terrifying"! Li Tiangang had thought that his ninth brother was the most monstrous genius he'd ever seen, but now he realized that his son surpassed even that.
This was his son!
Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, unable to conceal his excitement.
Yuxuan was equally dumbfounded, his mouth agape.
The lazy young master they had just seen was actually this formidable?
LiMuxiu, seeing their reactions, wore a proud smile, enjoying their shocked expressions.
"Where's Hao'er?" LiMuxiu looked around.
Li Tiangang, still emotional, replied, "Hao'er should be in his courtyard."
LiMuxiu nodded and said with a smile, "The reason for my visit is twofold. First, I wanted to see how you were doing, and second, I have some business to attend to. Now that you're back, I can attend to it with a peace of mind. Take good care of Hao'er for me."
"With Hao'er's current cultivation, he can already roam the jianghu freely. There's no need for me to look after him," Li Tiangang said with a smile.
LiMuxiu's smile faded slightly as he glanced at Li Tiangang, his expression carrying a hint of profound meaning. "As strong as he is, he's still just a fourteen-year-old child."
"When I say 'take care of him,' I don't mean protecting him from others. I mean having someone to keep him company, do you understand?" LiMuxiu explained.
Li Tiangang was taken aback, his smile slowly fading into silence.
Was it about companionship?
Suddenly, he recalled the questions Li Hao had asked him earlier.
"If I were to devote myself entirely to pursuing the path of a Grandmaster, as you suspect, what then?"
"What if I were the millennium's first genius?"
Li Tiangang took a deep breath, his expression shifting.
So that was what the child had been trying to say—if he displayed exceptional talent, what would he gain from it? Parental praise or companionship? Thinking of his own fourteen years away at war, Li Tiangang sighed inwardly, feeling a sense of guilt for his neglect as a father.
He turned to LiMuxiu and said, "Second Uncle, I understand. I'll take good care of Hao'er and make up for the lost years."
A smile appeared on LiMuxiu's face. "Alright, I won't keep you any longer. I'll just go and see Hao'er before I leave."
"Second Uncle, may I ask what business you have to attend to?" Li Tiangang asked hastily.
"I have an appointment with an old friend to discuss the rain," LiMuxiu replied with a smile. With a wave of his hand, he turned and left with a carefree air.
...
...
Li Hao returned to his courtyard.
As soon as he entered, the white fox, Xiaorou, darted out from somewhere and jumped into Li Hao's arms.
Li Hao snapped out of his thoughts and smiled, hugging the fox and ruffling the fur on its head. "Where did you run off to earlier? I didn't see you around."
The white fox looked at him plaintively, unable to speak, and buried its head in Li Hao's embrace.
Li Hao didn't think much of it and sat down at his desk, holding the fox. He idly picked up a chess piece from the chess box, rolling it between his fingers as he leaned back in his chair, appearing bored and gazing out the window.
Suddenly, a figure leaped into view outside the window, startling Li Hao.
"You little rascal, what are you doing here? Didn't Old Fifth come to play chess with you?"
It was none other than LiMuxiu.
Li Hao was momentarily stunned before he smiled and replied, "Second Uncle, are you free? Come, let's go dragon fishing."
He Jianlan stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. Li Fu was a soldier, so he certainly wouldn't lie about such a matter, especially since it was Lord Li Tiangang's personal order.
But had Li Hao truly reached the Fifteen-Li Realm?
Suddenly, countless thoughts flashed through her mind, and she felt as if she had suddenly understood everything.
Had everything been an act all these years?
Not only could Li Hao cultivate, but his talent far exceeded her imagination!
That despicable old seventh brother! Had he not trusted her and kept this matter from her as well?!
She felt a mix of joy, anger, and indignation, but ultimately, her heart was filled with indescribable joy.
"Hao'er has reached the Fifteen-Li Realm... He's only fourteen years old."
She murmured to herself, still in disbelief.
The entire hall fell silent, and the maids, servants, and her personal attendants all stared at Li Fu, trying to process this earth-shattering news.
Over the years, Li Hao had frequently visited the Water Painting Courtyard, and they were all too familiar with this young master's situation.
Who would have thought that he would suddenly reveal his terrifying cultivation talent and shake their very foundations?
Snow, the attendant standing quietly by her side, had a bewildered look on her face. She had a deep impression of the young master, as she had accompanied him to the Listening to Rain Pavilion on his first visit. At the time, she thought he was just a playful child, and she had reluctantly obeyed the order to keep him company.
But had he already been secretly cultivating back then?
How old was he at the time? How had he managed to hide it so perfectly? His composure and wisdom were truly chilling!
"I understand. You may go now. Tell Lord Li that I will settle the score with him later."
He Jianlan snapped back to her senses and glared at Li Fu, thinking that he had known about this all along. She had even admired his earnest and well-meaning attempts to persuade Li Hao in front of her.
Li Fu, Li Fu, what an "honest man" you are!
...
The news of another banquet quickly spread from the Water Painting Courtyard to the kitchen and the various other courtyards.
He Jianlan did not hide the reason and instructed the maids and attendants to explicitly state the purpose of the banquet.
Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen-Li Realm!
This news alone caused an uproar in the Li Manor!
In the training field, among the nine courtyards, the news reached an elderly instructor from the military, leaving him stunned. He was familiar with this direct young master, as he had introduced the young master's fiancee to the Sword Saint's sect.
But... was the same young master who had been ruthlessly rejected by the Sword Saint now in the Fifteen-Li Realm?!
Was this a joke? His fiancee, who had bowed to the Sword Saint, was probably still at the Divine Travel Realm!
At this moment, the news not only shocked the elderly instructor but also the numerous Li family's illegitimate children training in the field.
Fourteen years old and already in the Fifteen-Li Realm!
These words were like sharp spears that pierced their brains, completely overturning their previous understanding.
Was this the terror of a direct descendant's talent?!
In the Water Willow Courtyard, Liu Yuerong was in her room, dressing up in front of a bronze mirror.
The mirror reflected her beautiful face, and despite being in her forties, she looked like she was in her early thirties.
Her figure was curvaceous, and her every move exuded a mature charm. Her eyebrows and eyes carried an inherent elegance, and her hair was pinned up, making her look like a stunning painting.
As her personal attendant fixed her hair ornament, a maid quietly entered the room, bowed, and whispered the news she had been instructed to deliver from the head attendant of the Water Painting Courtyard.
Liu Yuerong glanced at her indifferently and instructed the maid to bring the head attendant to her.
Soon, the head attendant entered the room, paid her respects, and informed her about the banquet.
"What?!"
Liu Yuerong, who had been admiring her reflection in the mirror, suddenly froze and spun around.
The jewels hanging from her hair ornament swayed and knocked against her forehead.
"Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen-Li Realm? Li Hao?!!"
"Yes."
The head attendant bowed gracefully.
Liu Yuerong stared at her, her mind reeling.
He Jianlan felt waves of dizziness wash over her, as if she hadn't slept well the night before, and her vision darkened momentarily.
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through her mind, and she felt as if she had suddenly understood everything.
Had it all been an act these past years?
Not only could Li Hao cultivate, but his talent far exceeded her imagination!
That despicable Old Seventh Brother! Had he not trusted her and kept this from her as well?!
She felt a mix of emotions—joy, anger, and indignation—but ultimately, her heart was filled with indescribable joy.
"Hao'er has reached the Fifteen-Li Realm... He's only fourteen years old."
She murmured to herself, still in disbelief.
The entire hall fell silent, and the maids, servants, and her personal attendants stared at Li Fu, trying to process this shocking news.
Over the years, Li Hao had frequently visited the Water Painting Courtyard, and they were all too familiar with this young master's situation.
Who would have thought that he would suddenly reveal his terrifying cultivation talent and shake the very foundations of their beliefs?
Snow, the attendant standing quietly by He Jianlan's side, wore a bewildered expression. She had a deep impression of the young master, as she had accompanied him to the Listening to Rain Pavilion on his first visit. At the time, she thought he was just a playful child and had reluctantly obeyed the order to keep him company.
But had he already been secretly cultivating back then?
How old was he at the time? How had he managed to hide it so perfectly? His composure and wisdom were truly chilling!
"I understand. You may go now. Tell Lord Li that I will settle the score with him later."
He Jianlan snapped back to her senses and glared at Li Fu, realizing that he had known about this all along. She had even admired his earnest and well-meaning attempts to persuade Li Hao in front of her.
Li Fu, oh Li Fu, what an "honest man" you are!
...
News of another banquet quickly spread from the Water Painting Courtyard to the kitchen and the various other courtyards.
He Jianlan did not hide the reason and instructed the maids and attendants to explicitly state the purpose of the banquet—to celebrate Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen-Li Realm!
This news alone caused an uproar in the Li Manor!
In the training field, among the nine courtyards, the news reached an elderly military instructor, leaving him stunned. He was familiar with this direct young master, as he had introduced the young master's fiancee to the Sword Saint's sect.
But... was the same young master who had been ruthlessly rejected by the Sword Saint now in the Fifteen-Li Realm?!
Was this a joke? His fiancee, who had bowed to the Sword Saint, was probably still at the Divine Travel Realm!
At this moment, the news not only shocked the elderly instructor but also the numerous illegitimate children of the Li family who were training in the field.
Fourteen years old and already in the Fifteen-Li Realm!
These words were like sharp spears that pierced their brains, completely overturning their previous understanding of the young master's talent.
In the Water Willow Courtyard, Liu Yuerong was in her room, dressing up in front of a bronze mirror.
The mirror reflected her beautiful face, and despite being in her forties, she looked like she was in her early thirties.
Her figure was curvaceous, and her every move exuded a mature charm. Her eyebrows and eyes carried an inherent elegance, and her hair was pinned up, making her look like a stunning painting.
As her personal attendant fixed her hair ornament, a maid quietly entered the room, bowed, and whispered the news she had been instructed to deliver from the head attendant of the Water Painting Courtyard.
Liu Yuerong glanced at her indifferently and instructed the maid to bring the head attendant to her.
Soon, the head attendant entered the room, paid her respects, and informed her about the banquet.
"What?!"
Liu Yuerong, who had been admiring her reflection in the mirror, suddenly froze, and her eyes widened in disbelief.
The jewels hanging from her hair ornament swayed and knocked against her forehead.
"Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen-Li Realm? Li Hao?!!"
"Yes."
The head attendant bowed gracefully.
Liu Yuerong stared at her, her mind reeling as she tried to process this unexpected news.
The longstanding enmity between the Human and Demon races, should they learn of a Great Demon giving birth to an exceedingly talented offspring, would also lead them to dispatch assassins.
Yet despite such a threatening alternative name, the glory of the Qiankun List still attracted countless individuals.
After all, many geniuses possess pride and valor, and who could consider themselves brave if they hid in fear of assassination?
In this world, countless Martial Artists train hard, all for one thing.
Fame.
____________
The family banquet was held at Shanhe Court.
The wives from the various courts arrived one after another to congratulate Li Tiangang.
Outside the court, there were also numerous other concubines and children from secondary wives who had rushed over, peering into the courtyard, their eyes wide as they tried to catch a glimpse of the young man with talents unparalleled in the history of the Li family. They wondered what kind of extraordinary person he was.
The name Li Hao had spread throughout Li Manor. The servants and maids from each court, including the cooks in the kitchens, were all talking about this miraculous and formidable young master of the Li family as they chopped wood and cooked.
Hidden for fourteen years, he now shakes the world.
The news spread not only within the Li Manor but also beyond the walls of this noble mansion, flying over the roofs of countless houses and reaching the ears of the intelligence agents of some powerful forces stationed in Qingzhou City.
Soon, this information was swiftly and secretly transmitted like silken threads on a spider web to various places.
In every corner and among those keeping a close eye on Qingzhou, the news spread like wildfire, and everyone was shocked.
The fallen true dragon of the Li family from fourteen years ago seemed to have risen again after all this time, stronger and more formidable than ever!
Amidst the rapid spread of his fame and during the joyous family banquet in the courtyard, Li Hao, guided by Zhao Bo, arrived at a quiet and cold house deep within the inner court.
He pushed open the door and saw the scrolls neatly arranged inside.
A sweep of his divine sense confirmed that none were missing.
"Young Master, don't be angry with your father. Ah Xu has followed your father for many years and has experienced life and death on the battlefield with him. Plus, being an orphan himself, it's only natural that your father would protect him so strongly. He doesn't truly intend to be angry with you."
Zhao Bo stood behind Li Hao and sighed softly as he spoke.
An orphan... Li Hao murmured to himself.
Even though he had parents, wasn't he also like an orphan?
He sighed softly in his heart and told himself not to think too much about it.
After all, he was the one who had waited fourteen years, the father of this lifetime.
He didn't acknowledge him.
He simply let it go.
"Young Master, now that you've revealed your cultivation, everyone will know your name, and no one will dare to look down on you again."
Seeing the gloomy atmosphere, Zhao Bo changed the subject to the happy event of the day, and thinking of Li Hao's cultivation, he couldn't help but feel a little excited and heated as well.
Li Hao smiled and said, "Didn't everyone in the world know my name when I was born?"
Zhao Bo was taken aback, then he thought about it and realized that Li Hao was the fallen true dragon of the Li family. When he was born, the Yu Emperor himself had bestowed a name, and with that imperial decree, the world had been informed.
"But after so many years..." Zhao Bo smiled awkwardly, besides, he was just an infant back then, and who would have paid attention? All eyes were on that peerlessly talented Ninth Young Master of the Li family.
"So, everything will pass."
"In the vast expanse of time, even saints are but a mere speck of dust in the flow of time."
Li Hao turned and walked out of the room, gazing at the empty courtyard as the starlight and moonlight filled the sky, contrasting sharply with the brilliant lights of the front court:
"Let's go, let's join in on the festivities."
"Yes, Young Master."
Zhao Bo heaved a sigh of relief. He had come to persuade Li Hao to attend the family banquet.
...
At the banquet, the atmosphere became even more lively with Li Hao's arrival.
Li Wushuang and her siblings, as well as the children of the eight wives, Li Jiangying, Li Rumeng, and others from the three generations of the main family, sat at one table.
Most of the children of the other wives were not present.
Their gazes immediately fell on Li Hao, their expressions varied.
"Brother Hao is amazing!"
The most excited one was Li Yuanzhao. He had known about Li Hao's strength in Cangyu City, and had been looking forward to this moment. Now, seeing the shocked reactions of the others, he felt as refreshed as if he had eaten winter ice in the hottest days of summer.
He glanced at Li Yun beside him, his eyes filled with pride.
However, Li Yun and his sister Li Zhining were too overwhelmed to pay attention to Li Yuanzhao, their tablemate. Their expressions were incredibly complex, as this scene was so similar to when their eldest sister had returned the other day, and she had been showered with attention just like this.
But today's scene was even more lively and shocking.
"Hmph, so what if it's the fifteen-mile realm? What's so great about that? Only stepping into the Grandmaster realm counts as real skill."
At another part of the table, Li Rumeng suddenly snorted.
Li Yuanzhao was surprised. He hadn't expected to hear such a discordant voice, and when he turned to look, he saw that it was the precious son and daughter of the eighth wife.
He had seen this pair of siblings when he went to the First Wife's court to pay his respects early in the morning, but they were not at all familiar with each other.
Because after their greetings were over, they wouldn't even bother to say a few more words to him and Li Yun, acting very arrogantly.
They didn't come out to play with them during the day, and at the martial arts field, they wouldn't chat much either, acting as if they were keeping their distance and treating them like children of concubines.
This pair of siblings always ate and practiced martial arts together, almost forming their own little world, and rarely interacted with outsiders.
And the eighth wife doted on these two children incredibly, spoiling them endlessly. When Li Yuanzhao was little, he had seen a concubine's son accidentally injure Li Jiangying during a spar at the martial arts field.
It was just a small sword mark, and with the Li family's precious medicine, it would have healed with just a little powder the next day.
However, the eighth wife rushed to the martial arts field and ordered her people to drag out the concubine's son, breaking one of his arms.
I heard that the concubine's son had quite a bit of talent, but he ended up developing a shadow over this incident and soon withdrew from the martial arts field.
His mother even cried and begged for forgiveness in the eighth wife's court, causing quite a stir at the time. It had given them, as little ones, quite a show to watch. I heard that it was only after the First Wife stepped in to soothe things over that the matter was settled.
The eighth wife, whose maiden name was Wang, came from a prominent background.
Having married into the Li family from afar, her temperament was one that was not easily provoked among the various aunties.
However, upon hearing Li Rumeng's mocking words, Li Yuanzhao couldn't sit still anymore. He coldly smiled and said,
"Not that great? Then may I ask, what realm are you and your brother in, with you at sixteen and him at fifteen?"
Li Rumeng was already feeling jealous, and hearing Li Yuanzhao's mockery, she was stunned for a moment before flying into a rage, "We didn't stick to Second Father like he did, and he was able to cultivate so quickly. It must be because Second Father is biased towards him!"
Li Yuanzhao became even more angry and said, "Then why isn't Second Father biased towards you?"
"Of course, it's because he's crafty and knows how to sweet-talk!" Li Rumeng coldly smiled.
Li Yuanzhao's face turned red with anger as he glared at her.
Li Yun and his sister frowned and glanced at Li Rumeng, although they were distant from Li Hao, they disliked and avoided the eighth wife's children.
Li Tiangang was left with a headache, feeling that the roar of thousands of troops on the battlefield was nothing compared to the chattering of these seven or eight women.
But he still smiled and responded to each question.
However, he originally thought it was Second Uncle who helped, but later found out it wasn't, and now that he was asked to explain, he couldn't explain it either, so he could only say that Li Hao had such talent.
Who would believe this explanation, although no one said anything, but everyone had their guesses.
Li Hao was so close to Second Uncle and Fifth Uncle, but suddenly he was able to cultivate, and he was so monstrously talented, it was hard not to speculate that they had altered Li Hao's destiny.
When Li Hao walked over, the aunties immediately surrounded him, enthusiastically asking questions. The older ones couldn't get any information out of him, so they started asking about his childhood, but Li Hao's lips were tighter than Li Tiangang's.
Liu Yuetron couldn't get anything out of him, and she was so angry that she gritted her teeth, hating this pair of uncles and nephews.
.....
.....
Nine thousand miles away in the south, in the Sword Lodge.
"Master!"
Three or four figures flew into the grass lodge and reported the news they had just received to their master, who was studying a sword manual.
"The fifteen-mile realm?"
Upon hearing his disciples' report, Jian Wudao was stunned.
Was it that young man who was going to marry his disciple Xue'er? Slowly, some of his sealed memories opened up, and he vaguely remembered.
Eight years ago, when he went down the mountain, in that bustling human city, in that bustling and spacious courtyard, there was a child with a mature demeanor.
Fourteen years old... only a few months older than Xue'er.
And Xue'er, seemed to have just entered the Divine Travel realm last month.
A full realm ahead! Jian Wudao's expression turned solemn, as he realized the extent of this young man's talent.
Such talent was far superior to his own in his youth, and even the previous true dragon of the Li family could not compare.
"The Li family is about to produce another true dragon!"
"With such talent, if he becomes the next successor, the true dragons of the other Divine General Mansions will probably be unable to sit still."
"Indeed, the Li family has been blessed by Heaven in this century."
The disciples discussed and marveled, each proud of their own genius, but when they first heard this news, they were shocked speechless.
"Master, I heard that you once considered taking this Li family's kirin as your disciple and bringing him into our sect. We almost ended up with such a monster as our fellow disciple." One of the young disciples said.
Jian Wudao immediately thought back to the day he took on disciples, and he shook his head slightly:
"Back then, it was rumored that this child had a wasted body for martial arts. Now it seems that either the Li family deliberately concealed it, or those old fellows of the Li family altered his destiny."
"However, even if he has heavenly talent, he will not enter my sect."
"Master, why is that?"
The disciples asked.
"He is not a cultivator of the Sword Dao, he is not of the same path as us." Jian Wudao said.
Everyone suddenly realized.
A genius is indeed a genius, but not a sword cultivator.
"It's a pity, otherwise, it would have been quite stimulating to have such a monster as a fellow disciple." Someone smiled.
"Indeed, fourteen years old and already in the fifteen-mile realm, it's terrifying." Someone nodded.
Jian Wudao glanced at them and said, "I have always said that there is always someone better, and now you know it. Although you have good talent, if you want to suppress everyone for a whole life, you still have a long way to go. Now, all of you go and practice your swordsmanship!"
The disciples couldn't help but smile bitterly. There were countless heroes in the world, who could suppress the world for a whole life?
"Has Xue'er gone down the mountain?"
Jian Wudao suddenly thought of something and asked.
A handsome young man among them smiled and said, "After little junior sister broke through to the Divine Travel realm, the first thing she said was that she wanted to go back to the mansion. She has already set off."
Jian Wudao frowned slightly, and finally sighed:
"After all, she has received the Li family's kindness. I hope that on this trip, she will be able to make a clean break. One can only choose between the Sword Dao and the mortal world."