In a deep lake, two thousand li west of the border of Liangzhou, shadows slowly rose and fell beneath the water's surface, like immense beasts lurking in the abyss, exuding a terrifying aura.
Suddenly, a red bird flew by at great speed.
As it neared the lake, it transformed into a young girl in a red skirt.
She hovered in the air above the deep lake and bowed, saying, "Red Cloud of the Celestial Plate, greets the elders of the Dragon Gate."
A shadow suddenly appeared on the calm lake surface, followed by a rapid contraction as it took the form of an old man.
"What brings you here?" The old man asked, gazing at the girl in the long skirt, his voice calm.
"I just received news that the minor general of Tianmenguan, Li Hao, has just emerged from seclusion and seems to be heading to the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, temporarily leaving Liangzhou. My temple believes that now is a good opportunity to attack Liangzhou," Red Cloud respectfully replied.
Although their factions were different, the Celestial Plate treated these powerful demons and demon kings with utmost courtesy.
"Is it that Li brat from the Heavenly Gate Pass?"
The old man raised his eyebrows slightly, having already heard about the exploits of Tianmenguan from the demons outside Liangzhou. It was known that the Heavenly Gate Pass was not to be approached.
According to intelligence obtained from Feng Shanjun, who had joined the Saint Palace, the young man indeed possessed the ability to slay demon kings. The Ten Caves Ghost Daughter had fallen to his hand, making him exceedingly ruthless.
Whoosh!
The water suddenly rippled, and a hideous dragon head emerged, covered in golden light. It transformed into a calm and unperturbed elderly Taoist priest—none other than the wanted Dragon Master.
He had joined the Dragon Gate and was now one of its elders.
"Have you seen this with your own eyes?" The Dragon Master immediately asked, fixing his gaze on Red Cloud.
"I have not seen it with my own eyes, but according to our intelligence, there is a 90% probability that this is the case," Red Cloud respectfully replied.
"Do you want to go and assassinate that young man?"
The elder beside him saw through the Dragon Master's thoughts; his eyes turned cold as he spoke:
"Don't even think about it. According to previous intelligence, it would take at least the combined efforts of three demon kings to kill that young man. Put your personal grudge aside for now; joining the Dragon Gate means putting the interests of the Dragon Gate first."
The Dragon Master's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and his face darkened as he said, "It's not about my personal grudge. This is a rare opportunity. That young man's growth rate far exceeds your imagination. I fear that if we don't kill him now, the Great Yu Divine Dynasty will have another True Man!"
"You're overthinking this."
The old man shook his head. "Do you really think we would let him grow unchecked? Even if he's extraordinarily talented, what could he do in ten years? Be more outrageous, five years? Hmph, I say he won't even have five months!"
"Once the Great Elder emerges from seclusion, he will be dealt with. No one can stop that!"
The Dragon Master's expression shifted slightly, and he nodded, "In that case, I won't say more."
Red Cloud cautiously asked, "Are you going to wait for the Great Elder to emerge from seclusion before attacking Liangzhou?"
"We will consider this matter. Thank you, Miss Red Cloud, for the intelligence."
The old man smiled.
Red Cloud immediately understood that she was being dismissed.
She cursed inwardly, but on the surface, she smiled and exchanged a few pleasantries. Seeing that the other party responded indifferently, she didn't stay any longer and turned to leave.
"Hmph, wanting to gain information without offering anything in return."
Once she left, the old man's faint smile faded, and he said to the Dragon Master, "The Great Elder will emerge from seclusion ahead of schedule, probably within the next few days. Whether that brat is in Liangzhou or not will be irrelevant then. Go and notify the various halls of the Dragon Gate; it's time to assemble!"
"Are we finally going to attack?"
The Dragon Master took a deep breath, his face, like that of a celestial immortal, revealing a fervent look. A bloodthirsty intent flashed in the depths of his eyes.
...
...
The main tower of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets was located in Yongzhou, adjacent to Liangzhou.
Unlike Liangzhou, which was vast and sparsely populated, Yongzhou was close to the south and enjoyed a spring-like climate all year round. It was a land of abundant resources, where the lord of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets resided and where the He Lian family, one of the five great divine generals, heavily guarded.
For three hundred years, no demon had breached Yongzhou's walls.
The people lived and worked in peace, and this tranquility attracted many aristocratic families to relocate here. Over time, numerous prominent century-old families emerged.
It took six days to travel by horse from Tianmenguan in Liangzhou to the main tower of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets in Yongzhou.
However, with Li Hao and the immortal guide, a master of the Three Perpetuals realm, it only took two days to make the round trip by flying through the sky.
If Li Hao were to travel at full speed on his own, he could make the journey in just one day.
This immortal guide was the same Heavenly Secret Sect Master who had presided over the recent Dao Discussion Assembly. Having witnessed Li Hao's slaying of the little demon king at the assembly, he was now very polite to Li Hao and did not put on airs of being a senior.
Unlike scholars, warriors valued strength above all else.
Scholars liked to say that the capable should be the teacher, but in practice, they often adhered to the idea of respecting the teacher and valuing the way, always putting elders first.
Even a young zhuangyuan (top scholar)
would be criticized if he dared to refute an ignorant elder, and some sharp-tongued people would disparage him to the point of wanting him to hang himself.
Moreover, due to the current emperor's favoritism towards scholars, many military officials and martial artists in the court had also become more scholarly, valuing hierarchy and seniority.
"The Chief of the Main Tower said that if General Haotian wants to come and gain insight, he is welcome to stay as long as he likes." The Heavenly Secret Sect Master smiled at Li Hao.
"If that's the case, I might just stay here indefinitely," Li Hao said with a smile.
"That would be our honor," the Heavenly Secret Sect Master laughed heartily.
Li Hao's three-year tenure at Tianmenguan was no secret to the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets, so they naturally understood that Li Hao wouldn't stay at the pavilion for long.
Not long after, the two arrived in the heart of Yongzhou, in a city called Heavenly Secret City.
In the distance, a majestic tower loomed.
Li Hao's gaze swept over the city, taking in the bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere.
Along the way, he sensed the unique charm of Yongzhou, which was slightly different from the other states. There were more elegantly dressed young men riding horses in the wilderness, and on many hills, he could see groups of young men slaying demons.
Li Hao could sense the tranquility and prosperity of this place.
Only in such a peaceful and prosperous era would there be so many well-fed young men seeking fame by slaying demons.
Soon, the two arrived at the main tower of the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets.
There were seven towers of Heavenly Secrets, each guarded by seven tower lords.
Although Tianji Shanren was also a tower lord, he belonged to the "floor" tower.
To be more precise, he should be considered a floor master.
Each Heavenly Secret Tower had nine floors, with three tower masters like Tianji Shanren and one true sub-tower master who oversaw them, making them extremely formidable.
This was also one of the reasons why the Heavenly Secret Tower could hold its ground in Yongzhou, and few demons dared to invade.
At this moment, Li Hao was led to the main tower.
On the martial arts field outside the main tower, numerous disciples of the Heavenly Secret Tower were cultivating. In the distance, there were also towering waterfalls, deep pools, and abyss-like ravines, with misty clouds that made the place look like a fairyland sanctuary.
As soon as Li Hao's figure landed, he looked up at the plaque of the Heavenly Secret Tower and heard a voice drifting into his ears:
"General Li, the tea is ready. Please come up."
It was the voice of Lu Chunsheng, the master of the main tower.
Li Hao looked up and saw a figure in white standing at the top of the tower, smiling at him.
"The master of the main tower is waiting for you."
Tianji Shanren smiled.
Only those at the Four Establishments realm would receive such treatment, where even the royal princes of the imperial family rarely received such attention. The young man before him was an exception.
"Thank you for showing me the way."
Li Hao smiled and bid him farewell before flying towards the top of the tower and entering from the outside.
The roof of the tower was surprisingly spacious, resembling a study with a long table, burning incense, and a guqin placed horizontally, with the fragrance of tea lingering in the air.
"Please."
Lu Chunsheng, dressed in white, looked elegant and gentle as he gestured to Li Hao with a slight lift of his hand.
Li Hao sat down on the meditation cushion next to the tea seat and smiled, "Thank you, Master Lu, for your invitation."
"That's just the reward you deserve."
Lu Chunsheng smiled, appraising Li Hao, his eyes narrowing slightly before returning to a smile, "It seems the rumors are true, General Li. Could it be that you've already attained the Three Immortals realm?"
Li Hao was only fifteen years old, and such a question would sound absurd and crazy if asked of other teenagers his age, but when directed at Li Hao, it didn't seem so far-fetched.
"Mhm."
Having already exposed his abilities at the demon-slaying beyond the border, Li Hao saw no point in hiding the truth.
Although Lu Chunsheng was prepared for this answer, his eyes still narrowed slightly, and the tea cup he held rippled with a gentle ripple.
"General Li is indeed a rare talent in a thousand years."
Lu Chunsheng smiled and spoke with a hint of admiration.
Even with his extensive knowledge and exceptional talent, he was still astonished, and his admiration for the insightful emperor grew.
Li Hao smiled and took a sip of tea, "Good tea."
"Made with the spring dew of March, slightly sweet." Lu Chunsheng smiled and said casually, but his words conveyed his satisfaction.
Seeing this, Li Hao didn't hold back and drank a few more cups, then looked at the guqin, "Does Master Lu also play the guqin?"
"Just a bit."
Lu Chunsheng smiled, "I heard that General Li has a wide range of interests and is knowledgeable in many fields. How about playing a tune?"
"Why don't Master Lu play first and give me, your junior, a treat for my ears?" Li Hao politely declined.
Upon hearing this, Lu Chunsheng smiled and didn't insist, politely declining instead. He got up and went to the zither.
He sat down with a dignified posture and, with a slight movement of his hand, began to play the guqin.
The melodious sound of the guqin filled the air around the tower.
Li Hao listened quietly, then frowned slightly, thinking that the other party's claim of "just a bit" was an understatement... Seeing Master Lu so immersed in his playing, Li Hao picked up his tea cup and continued to sip his tea.
The tea was indeed exquisite.
In Li Hao's estimation, Lu Chunsheng's skill was around the intermediate level.
For those with talent, it was the level one could achieve after seven or eight years of practice.
For those without talent, it was the level one could reach after two or three decades of practice.
Soon, the piece came to an end, and Lu Chunsheng opened his eyes, smiling at Li Hao, "Forgive my clumsy playing."
Indeed... Li Hao thought to himself, but he smiled and said, "Not at all, Master Lu. Your guqin skills are remarkable. You must have been practicing for a long time."
"About half a Jiazi." Lu Chunsheng smiled lightly.
"You played beautifully."
Next time, please don't play again... Li Hao praised with a smile.
"Why doesn't General Li play a tune as well?" Lu Chunsheng's smile widened, and his gaze at Li Hao became more friendly.
Li Hao shook his head, "My skills on the guqin are rudimentary, so I won't embarrass myself."
"General Li is still young, and it's admirable that you can devote time to the guqin amidst your cultivation and duties. There's no need to mention embarrassment." Lu Chunsheng quickly comforted, feeling a twinge of regret for being too engrossed in his playing earlier, which might have dampened Li Hao's confidence.
Li Hao shook his head slightly, "Master Lu, I have to return to my post at Tianmen Pass soon. May I take a look at the cultivation techniques now?"
Hearing this, Lu Chunsheng sighed inwardly with regret but agreed, "Alright, please follow me, General Li."
He led Li Hao downstairs and said, "Feel free to browse the secret manuals here, and if you see one that catches your eye, I can gift it to you."
Li Hao looked at the array of secret manuals, feeling as if he had stepped into a library.
All the manuals were meticulously cleaned and well-maintained.
Li Hao turned and asked, "How long can I browse?"
"As long as you like." Lu Chunsheng smiled.
Li Hao smiled back, "Then I appreciate your generosity, Master Lu."
Lu Chunsheng smiled and explained to Li Hao the classification of the secret manuals before leaving him to browse while he returned upstairs.
Since Li Hao had not yet reached the Four Establishments realm, Lu Chunsheng didn't need to worry about him stealing the manuals to his spatial world, and besides, he had records of all the manuals, so he wasn't concerned about theft.