Chapter 108: Chapter 91: True Dragon Struggle [Second Update]_2
After all, most commoners occasionally become displaced, and after a long time, their family records are lost, leaving them no choice but to accept it as such.
Only those that could be called “noble families” retained fairly complete genealogies and heritages, with ancestors clearly and distinctly recorded.
“Tiangang, heard you were fighting demons in Northern Yan, how many did you kill?”
A light chuckle transmitted through the air.
Li Tiangang looked up and saw it was his third uncle Li Xuanyin.
His heroic spirit was still in the prime of youth, around thirty years old, handsome and as splendid as jade.
Li Tiangang’s gaze fluctuated slightly, as when he was younger, his third uncle was his favorite, but regrettably, his uncle died young.
The generation of his father was six brothers, yet three had died in battle, leaving only the second uncle, the fifth uncle, and the fourth uncle, who had been away for many years.
Both his father and sixth uncle had passed away.
And the heroic spirits of his father and sixth uncle had yet to return, trapped in the Mo River and unable to escape.
In the past century, frequent demonic calamities had occurred, and their defense of the frontier pass had been so sacrificial that they could not attempt a rescue.
And even if they had the spare strength, it would be difficult to achieve, because it was a ghostly level Mo River. To rescue them, one must clear the entire river.
Even for someone in the Four Stands Realm, this would be hard to achieve, unless several powerful individuals worked together.
“Nephew has seen third uncle.”
Li Tiangang first performed a salute, then said, “Those who crossed Yanzhou have been almost entirely wiped out.”
“Good!”
Li Xuanyin laughed heartily, as he held deep hatred for demons, his beloved had perished at the hands of one, leading him to loathe them intensely.
“Where’s Qingqing, why didn’t you bring her?” Li Xuanyin inquired.
Li Tiangang’s complexion changed subtly, and he replied softly, “She’s gone.”
Gone… Li Xuanyin paused momentarily, about to ask further when he noticed Li Hao beside him. He immediately stopped, and with fluctuating energy, he whispered:
“Did she leave?”
Li Tiangang, with an unchanged expression, whispered back, “Yes.”
Li Xuanyin couldn’t help but show a trace of regret on his face. He was quite pleased with that niece-in-law, whose status was also commendable. Indeed, he was the first to jump out in support back then.
“You rascal, are you going to reminisce endlessly? Wasn’t he supposed to discuss important matters?”
At this moment, a scolding voice came from above Li Xuanyin’s head.
Li Xuanyin’s neck shrank, and he turned his head to see his father, and couldn’t help but smile sheepishly, saying:
“Dad, Tiangang is still here, and his son too. Can’t you give me some face?”
“I think you’re asking for a beating. We deplete some energy each time we awaken. If you want to waste away, that’s your business, but to make all our ancestors deplete their energy as well, I damn well want to kick you!”
“Dad…” Li Xuanyin’s head drooped in an instant, looking a bit wronged.
Li Hao watched, dumbfounded.
The man who had just been acting like a senior, seemingly dignified and suave, was suddenly being scolded like a grandchild.
Oh, one should say like a son.
But then again, this great-grandfather seemed to have quite a temper.
“What are you shouting for? Xuanyin has only spoken a few words. What’s wrong with catching up? If it’s just a little energy, and you can’t afford it, you can roll back first!”
At that time, the scolding great-grandfather’s head bore the phantom of an elder with white hair and beard, who spoke displeasedly.
The recently enraged great-grandfather suddenly trembled and, turning his head reluctantly, said: “Dad, this kid just needs to be disciplined…”
“I think it is you who needs to be disciplined,” Gao replied with a cold snort.
“All you youngsters, shouting and making a fuss. Do you even resemble elders? Hurry up and get to the point, I want to go back to sleep,” another voice commanded.
Gao’s expression changed slightly; he quickly nodded while giving his son another stern look.
And his great-grandfather, somewhat helpless, turned his head and glared fiercely at Li Xuanyin.
Li Xuanyin wore an awkward expression, squeezed out a smile at Li Tian Gang, and dared not speak anymore.
Seeing this scene, Li Hao could hardly contain his amusement, and nearly laughed out loud.
Gathering hundreds of generations of ancestors together was truly a lively affair.
The ancestors of the Li Family had established merit and fortune alongside the founding emperor, establishing a thousand-year noble house. However, this noble house had not merely existed for a thousand years but had spanned over three thousand years already, and was one of the two oldest of the five Divine General Mansions.
The Dayu Dynasty had a history of over three thousand and five hundred years, which is why it was now approaching its twilight years.
What a pity that awakening these ancestral souls consumed energy; otherwise, someday, I’d have to introduce them to mahjong… Li Hao mused secretly.
Just the thought of it brought him joy.
“You scoundrel, dare you to cheat your grandfather?”
“A winning hand from heaven? You dare to draw a tile that was meant for your ancestor—I won’t let you live!”
“You dare to claim my tile? Somebody, whose brat is this? Come take care of him…”
Imagining these scenes, Li Hao found it hard to suppress the grin tugging at his lips.
“Alright, let’s discuss the matter at hand.”
A voice from an ancestor above spoke.
Li Tian Gang nodded respectfully, his expression grave as he said, “Tiangang presents himself today to request the decision of our ancestors regarding the True Dragon nomination.”
“First, tell us about the current generation,” said an ancestral soul.
Li Tian Gang nodded, and immediately relayed the information he had learnt from his sister-in-law over the past two days.
“So it seems this generation doesn’t have many qualified heirs. However, your son’s talents are indeed monstrous, stronger even than us in our youth, truly one in his own league,” remarked one of the ancestors.
“If there’s no doubt about it, there really isn’t any need to drag this out, especially since he has already started his cultivation.”
“But we can’t just hand it to him; we need to see his temperament, and others must be persuaded. The selection will proceed as usual, but we can schedule it a bit earlier, say, two months from now. That gives everyone else some time to prepare,” another suggested.
After a brief discussion, the ancestors quickly came to a decision.
Li Tian Gang nodded his head once more and respectfully kowtowed again.
Li Hao, seeing this, followed suit and kowtowed as well.
“Boy, keep a close eye on your son and don’t let him become the next Jun Ye,” an ancestor from many generations ago advised as they were leaving the ancestral hall.
Li Tian Gang quickly nodded in agreement.
The other ancestral Divine Souls also gradually faded into silence.
“Let’s go.”
Li Tian Gang said, ready to take Li Hao away.
Li Hao looked at Gao and asked, “Can I stay here and keep Gao company for a while?”
Li Tian Gang gave a slight start, frowned, and said, “Gao doesn’t have time to keep you company. The True Dragon nomination is in two months, and there’s still much you need to prepare for. Even though you’re top in natural talent, you can’t fall behind too much in other aspects, lest it gives rise to unnecessary gossip.”
Li Qingzheng smiled and said, “With Hao Er’s talents, who would dare to argue? Tiangang, you’re worrying too much. But I won’t hold Hao Er up; you’ve just come back, so you father and son spend some time together.”
Li Tian Gang nodded, gave a bow to him and took his leave.
Seeing this, Li Hao could only wave his hand and say, “Then Gao, I’ll come to keep you company next time.”
“Off you go,” Li Qingzheng said with a smile, waving his hand.
Then watched as the father and son duo walked away.
In the quiet ancestral hall now left in silence, there were only countless silent ancestral tablets and the solitary chessboard in front of Li Qingzheng, as well as himself sitting alone.
After some time, he slowly withdrew his gaze, looked at the chessboard before him, thought for a moment, then picked up a white piece and placed it on the board, murmuring,
“Your move.”
A moment later, he reached for a black piece from another chess kit and thoughtfully set it down.
Chapter 109: Chapter 92 Li Hao’s Needs [Additional for ‘Lone Star · Soul’ Alliance Hierarch]
The True Dragon competition will be held in two months.
Li Tian Gang passed this message to He Jianlan and also informed everyone in the mansion.
For a time, all the courtyards were abuzz.
However, they had already anticipated this. Since Li Wushuang had descended the mountain and rushed back, they knew he was coming for the True Dragon.
Only, the candidates who were originally in contention for the True Dragon were mainly from the Shuihua Courtyard, but now Li Hao of the Mountain and River Courtyard had suddenly emerged.
“Hmph, Liu Yue Rong must be fuming.”
In the Linglong Court, Xiao Yu Jing sneered coldly.
She herself was childless, with only an adopted son, Li Yuan Zhao, and although Li Yuan Zhao’s talent was that of an Eighth Layer Battle Body, it was ultimately lacking. A Ninth Layer Battle Body was merely the baseline for top talents.
Naturally, he found it difficult to compete for the True Dragon.
But now that Li Hao had revealed his edge and astonished the world overnight, Li Yuan Zhao, having the best relationship with Li Hao, could also benefit.
However, she wasn’t particularly concerned about these matters.
Within the Shuihua Courtyard.
Though Liu Yue Rong had anticipated it, she still clenched her teeth in rage.
She asked the old servant to prepare a letter. At this point, she could only seek help from Qianfeng’s master.
Perhaps that Buddha Lord, on par with the real person of Gan Tao Palace, would have a solution.
Although her own child was also of the Fifteen Li Realm, he was, after all, three years older.
…
…
Mount Wuliang.
Within the Brahma Pure Land Realm, in the boundless Spirit Realm of Mount Wuliang.
The rules of Mount Wuliang were strict; clothes, food, living, and movement were all determined by the Buddha hierarchy. For instance, Vajras could reside in the Vajra Heart Palace, where they could comprehend the Grandmaster’s heart and attain Arhat, while Arhats could stay in the Buddha Hall and enjoy offerings.
The Spirit Realm was supreme, the place where the Infinite Buddha Lord practiced and lived.
This place was shrouded in vast mist, like a realm of immortals outside the world.
“Amitabha, Buddha Lord, the message has been sent to Qiankun Vajra. He is on his way back. Additionally, we have just received a letter from the Divine General Mansion, sent by Qiankun Vajra’s mother, Liu.”
A Bodhisattva whispered the Buddha’s name and took out the letter, passing it through the air to the Buddha Lord above.
The Infinite Buddha Lord wore a kasaya, radiating Buddha light all over, with a blazing Buddha wheel behind him, spreading the light of universal salvation.
His body was huge, more than a dozen zhang tall, a result of special secret techniques with incredible might.
The Bodhisattva, who had reached the Four Stands Realm, was only of normal human size and looked like an ant beside him, able only to look up in reverence.
The letter flew towards him, but the Infinite Buddha Lord did not catch it. Instead, it stayed in front of his eyes for a moment before automatically turning to ash and dispersing, as he read its contents with insight.
“We have known about this matter for a while now, Liu is too hasty.”
The Infinite Buddha Lord spoke softly, “Tell her there is no need to be anxious. Talent is not determined solely by realm, but also by the foundation of each realm. Qiankun Vajra has practiced the top cultivation techniques of our Buddha gate, coupled with his Li Family’s unique skills, he can rank among the top five in the same realm.”
“When he returns, I will impart to him a Buddha’s vow, which will ensure his invincibility in his realm.”
The Bodhisattva sighed with relief and said, “Thank you, Buddha Lord.”
The Infinite Buddha Lord spoke softly, “For nearly a century, conflicts have been frequent, and Dayu’s fate has been waning. Our intervention in the Divine General Mansion’s competition for the True Dragon is a reluctant choice. When chaotic times approach, it will be time for us to descend the mountain and alleviate the suffering of all living beings.”
“Amitabha.”
The Bodhisattva’s expression was devout.
…
…
As news of the Li Family’s True Dragon competition spread, all parties received the message and began to move quietly.
“The True Dragon competition mainly looks at two aspects.”
Within the Mountain and River Courtyard, Li Tian Gang called Li Hao over and looked at his son, feeling both reassured and a little worried:
“First is the assessment of talent, and second is the assessment of character.”
“Beyond that are merits and connections, but these are secondary elements, merely icing on the cake.”
Li Hao nodded, having been told these things by his second uncle.
The Divine General Mansion is a top-tier major family, not simply focused on strength.
Talent is indeed important, but talent alone is not enough. If one’s character is extremely poor, they can’t go far.
For example, impetuousness, arrogance, and obstinacy, etc. If such a character were paired with top talent, entrusting the family to such a person would be like giving a madman the steering wheel, only leading to swifter ruin.
Steadiness, reserve, tact, and equanimity are signs of an excellent character.
Simply put, one must not only possess outstanding talent, but also have proper thoughts and morals; this is the demeanor expected of heirs in great families.
Regarding connections and merits, they are just bonus points.
Connections are also a reflection of one’s character. After all, without a tactful disposition, how can one have connections?
If one offends people the moment they open their mouth, no matter how powerful they are, taking up the role of family head will only make the entire family face enemies on all sides.
The selection of the Li Family’s True Dragon is not as rigorous as that of the royal Crown Prince, but it is still carefully chosen, unlike a small household where, perhaps, a side branch may receive some fortunate opportunity to rise suddenly and impress the main family, receiving their worship in the process.
But typically, the side branch soars to the sky, leaving the family far behind, merely acting as an absentee landlord.
The reason why top families stand unshaken is that the family head must carry the whole family, leading them forward together—that is the test of character.
Li Tian Gang looked at Li Hao and said, “I’m not worried about your talent, but I have neglected your upbringing over the years, causing you to become lax in character. If you had put in a little more effort, your achievements would not be limited to this.”
Having said this, he paused and looked at Li Hao.
He had said this before, and it seemed like he was repeating old words now.
And Li Hao’s previous response had been, so what?
Seeing Li Hao’s emotionless face at the moment, he sighed, “I know your mother and I were not by your side, we were negligent, but the countless people of Northern Yan needed us. If I were to neglect Northern Yan, not to mention what would happen to Dayu, just the people of Yanzhou would suffer terribly.”
Chapter 110: Chapter 92 Li Hao’s Request [Additional Update for ‘Lone Star · Soul’ Alliance Hierarch]_2
“As a scion of a military family, you should understand this point.”
“I understand!”
Li Hao spoke up, looking seriously at his father in front of him, “Concerning this point, I have never blamed you, never!”
“I can attest to that.”
Li Fu, who had been listening with hands down inside the pavilion, interjected.
He looked at Li Hao, with eyes full of pity and reluctance, and said to Li Tian Gang:
“My lord, when the young master suffered an assassination attempt, you sent me back to the mansion for protection. I asked the young master, but not only did he not blame you, he was also concerned whether you might be in danger in Northern Yan.”
“He… really never blamed you.”
Hearing Li Fu’s words, Yu Xuan, standing like a guard on the other side, was also stunned.
He looked towards the earnest and stubborn young man, and suddenly felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
He was an orphan; he could understand that feeling.
Abandoned at birth and raised in the military camp, at the age of four or five, every time he saw other children with parents to accompany them, playing and laughing, he felt bitter inside.
Envy, resentment, anger.
He had questioned the dark air countless times in the night, why were they so heartless to abandon me?
If you weren’t going to raise me, then why did you give birth to me?
This anger only faded as he grew older because he considered that perhaps those parents he had never met had some compelling difficulties.
And now, the boy before him, born and separated from the marshal and his wife, was at this age — where he thought he would also be full of resentment like himself — but was able to understand?
How old was he?
Looking at the young man’s slender figure, Yu Xuan felt as if something was flowing out of his heart.
He suddenly realized that this was the first time he truly understood the young master.
Hearing Li Fu’s words, Li Tian Gang was taken aback.
Looking at Li Hao’s particularly serious gaze, he knew Li Hao wasn’t lying, and with Li Fu’s testimony, he suddenly felt a twinge at the tip of his nose.
But he never cried easily. He took a deep breath and pushed down the sourness in his nose. He quickly thought of Li Hao’s earlier attitude and asked:
“Then, do you have any resentment in your heart?”
“Yes.”
Li Hao still answered seriously, not hiding anything.
All three were startled; they had just felt that Li Hao was not lying, but this statement immediately contradicted what came before.
Li Hao took a deep breath and gazed intently at him.
“My resentment isn’t that you didn’t come back, but that there have been many times when the military reports were sent back. I’ve counted, a total of twenty-four, nearly two every year!”
“But in these fourteen years, you only sent back seven letters!”
Li Hao, after all, was not of a mere boyish temperament. If he were just a simple fourteen-year-old boy, he might have kept these thoughts to himself and been a bit petulant.
But he chose to speak directly, perhaps only in this way there was a possibility of easing the relationship with this father:
“Every time the military reports were delivered to Eternal Spring Court, I would go to look. I was waiting, hoping that a family letter would be sent back with them, but I was disappointed seventeen times!”
“Those seventeen times, the matron fabricated seventeen letters to comfort me. She thought I didn’t know, but I could tell immediately.”
“I don’t need you to hurry back thousands of miles just to give me a fleeting glance, but I don’t understand, I can’t understand, why when you could clearly write letters back, you wouldn’t take the opportunity to send a family letter as well.”
“Aren’t you at all curious about how your own son is living? Whether he has learned how to brush his teeth, whether he’s been bullied, whether he’s been wronged, whether he’s unhappy?”
As Li Hao spoke to this point, the accumulation of resentment in his eyes involuntarily showed itself.
His body, after all, was carrying the blood of the man before him; he regarded him as his father.
Fourteen years of absence doesn’t necessarily mean a deep bond, but one will inevitably feel disappointment and loss.
As Li Hao finished speaking, each word by word, all three were stunned.
Li Fu watched Li Hao blankly, his body trembling slightly.
All these years, he had been by Li Hao’s side, and he could see the look in the first wife’s eyes and her complexion, naturally knowing it was made up on the spot.
But, he had never expected that Li Hao, at such a young age, would notice it, too.
Yet each time Li Hao listened, he would run back cheerfully.
Was it all an act?
Did he not want to let down the first wife’s good intentions?
Clamping his teeth slightly, this man, who galloped through battlefields shedding blood but not tears, now felt an urge to cry.
Li Tian Gang and Yu Xuan both stared at Li Hao dumbfounded, their eyes quickly filling with complexity. Li Tian Gang was at a loss for words; facing what Li Hao had said, he suddenly realized he couldn’t find any excuse.
He wanted to say the war at the Frontier Pass was urgent and incessant, leaving him no room for distraction.
But was that really an excuse?
He could no longer say it.
Was the situation so urgent that not even the time to write a letter home could be spared?
He could send military reports but couldn’t add a letter for his family?
The only reason he could think of was he truly neglected this son.
When did it start?
He could not recall; perhaps, after learning Li Hao couldn’t achieve Foundation Establishment and Blood Melting, his mind had gradually shifted entirely to the battleground.
Or, maybe the frequent warfare had indeed exhausted him so much that he couldn’t spare the attention.
Even at the bottom of his heart, another reason emerged: that he had so little interaction with this son and had left soon after Li Hao’s birth, to the extent that he did not accustomed himself to having this son.
But…could he really voice such thoughts, as a father, could he?
The most terrifying aspect was his vague recollection of those seven letters, which often seemed to require his wife’s reminder before he thought of them…
At this moment, Li Tian Gang’s face was somewhat pale and unsightly; for the first time, he realized how invincible he might be on the battlefield, yet, as a father, he had failed tremendously.
“Hao Er…”
Li Tian Gang looked at the youth before him; his eyes were clear yet serious.
Feeling a sourness in his heart and scarcely daring to meet his gaze, he pulled Li Hao into his embrace, his voice slightly hoarse, “I’m sorry, I’ve wronged you!”
Hearing his father’s murmurs next to his ear, Li Hao’s unfluctuating heart softened slightly.
He sighed silently. What good is an apology?
Some things are beyond repair.
Nevertheless, he inwardly consoled himself, let it be.
After all, many things go through a process.
He was willing to accept the apology, yet he would always feel a sense of regret. Perhaps that’s what life is?
Li Fu and Yu Xuan, witnessing this scene, remained speechless, their hearts aching for Li Hao’s cleverness and understanding, regretting that in addition to the countless soldiers who died or were injured in the conflicts of the borderlands, a child thousands of miles away was also hurt.
After a long while.
Li Tian Gang gradually composed himself and collected his emotions. Taking a deep breath, he said to Li Hao:
“I will compensate you for the fourteen years I missed!”
“From now on, whatever you want, I will see to it that you have it!”
Feeling a sense of relief, Li Hao responded immediately, “Then, I hope to have more freedom.”
Chapter 111: Chapter 93 Dazzling Brilliance [Fourth Update]
“Freedom?”
“For example, you can no longer demand that I practice martial arts, nor can you interfere with anything else I do,” Li Hao said.
Li Tian Gang was speechless.
Only then did he remember Li Hao’s usual habits, his neglect of diligent study, and the waste of his top-notch talent.
This was something he could not tolerate.
But… he had just promised Li Hao, and now he was to go back on his word?
A struggle flashed in his eyes, and he thought to himself, with Hao Er’s aptitude, even if he temporarily stopped cultivating and continued his past life, it wouldn’t have much impact.
When, in the future, he became a True Dragon, inherited the Li Family business, felt the weight on his shoulders, and sensed the eager anticipation of countless soldiers entrusting their lives and hopes to him, perhaps he would wholeheartedly devote himself to cultivation.
With these thoughts in mind, Li Tian Gang nodded at Li Hao and said with a smile, “Alright, I promise you!”
“Really?”
“Really!”
Li Hao couldn’t help but heave a sigh of relief, feeling as if a great weight had finally been lifted from his heart.
Judging by the severity of his father, he was probably the most old-fashioned in the Li Family, stricter than any of the aunts, and difficult to persuade without exposing his strengths.
His initial decision not to deliberately show his strength was also partly due to fear that the aunts would push him to cultivate just because they saw his talent.
It’s like someone who can make millions in minutes, but you see him lying there playing games.
How can that be acceptable?!
Only, his situation was special; he was akin to being able to make millions in minutes through playing games, but he couldn’t explain that, and even if he did, they wouldn’t understand.
“Then I’ll go play chess with Fifth Uncle,” Li Hao said.
He had been in the Tan Palace for some time, on top of an excursion to Cangyu City for training.
It had been a long time since he saw the old man; he must be rather lonely by now.
Li Tian Gang’s eyelid twitched, left speechless, he could only say, “You may go, but do not disturb the heroic spirits of our ancestors.”
“Don’t worry, I have experience,” Li Hao said.
Li Tian Gang nearly choked at his words.
Just as Li Hao was about to step away, Li Tian Gang quickly said,
“Wait, we haven’t finished talking about the matter just now. In two months, the determination for the True Dragon will take place. You need to prepare well for this period. I had your Uncle Yu Xuan inquire about it, and your biggest competitor should be the child of your second sister-in-law.”
As Liu Yue Rong was mentioned, a cold light flashed in Li Hao’s eyes.
He looked at his father before him, thought of the poisoned pill, wanted to speak, but then held back.
Should he tell his father now, it would surely startle the snake in the grass, and he was not yet sure how his father would handle it.
Li Tian Gang was not only a lord and general, but also the Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, overseeing the Dayu Penal Administration, so his personal guard was known as the Fazi Camp, and he himself was titled “Marquis of Penal Martial Law”!
But that woman bore the honorable title of a first-class national madame, and the Ministry of Punishment could only temporarily detain her, needing to report to the court, with multiple layers of appeals.
If they were to arrest her, it would surely alarm her son, frightening him away from returning to compete for the True Dragon, shying away to the sanctuary of Mount Wuliang, which would be quite difficult to handle.
Moreover, this was a highly probable scenario.
In Li Hao’s view, since his Fifteen Li Realm capabilities had already been exposed, and his talent was not in question, the other side didn’t have much chance of competing for the True Dragon seat, and retreating to ensure safety might be better.
But this was not the outcome he wanted.
If the other party holed up on Mount Wuliang, they truly wouldn’t know how to deal with him.
After all, that person was once a Direct Disciple of the Infinite Buddha Lord!
Over the years, Li Hao had made many detailed inquiries about Mount Wuliang.
The Great Yu Dynasty had three top-tier powers.
The first was Gan Tao Palace, the second Mount Wuliang, and the third Hanlin Hall.
The first power was undisputed, for it had the strongest person in Dayu, a real being, at its helm.
The second Mount Wuliang had the Infinite Buddha Lord, second only to the real being.
The third Hanlin Hall, though filled with literary men and scholars, with no martial strength, had the court behind them, that mysterious, omnipotent Emperor Yu.
In this world, literary men don’t create phrases that turn into attacking forces; they’re just simple clerks of laws and regulations, but these documents are the laws, they are the rules!
A decree to confiscate property, even the top sects wouldn’t dare to make a peep.
Rebel?
An immediate military campaign would follow, and not just property confiscation, even the eggs in the house would be shaken until their yolks were broken.
Therefore, although the Hanlin Hall had no martial strength, no one dared to provoke it, the power of law was on par with martial force, with martial arts protecting the way of letters, and that’s how Dayu remained stable for thousands of years.
Otherwise, if martial artists randomly slaughtered civil officials, disregarding the system with brute force, and the country was ruled by warriors, it would surely be a disaster, with the people leading miserable lives, destruction forthcoming.
Beneath these three top powers were the five major Divine General Mansions, considered semi-top tier.
Below them were various court departments, like the Monster Suppression Department, Mo River Authority, and so on.
They were also established by the court, their martial strength aside, their status prevailed, and no one dared to violate them, lest they face an unblockable sweep of the army.
After these came the Jianghu’s top forces like the Sword Pavilion, Qianji Mountain, and others.
If the Infinite Buddha Lord of Mount Wuliang decided to protect his Direct Disciple, even with the status of the Divine General Mansion, it would be difficult to shake them.
What’s more, strictly speaking, Liu Yue Rong’s child had not been involved and was innocent.
But in Li Hao’s eyes, the child had benefitted from maternal grace and enjoyed all the advantages, so naturally, he should pay back in kind.
That year, Liu Yue Rong poisoned him without any real enmity between them; her main goal was to clear the way for her child.
Li Hao’s goal was not merely to compete for the True Dragon seat but to make Liu Yue Rong witness with her own eyes her child being cast down into the abyss, with all prospects utterly ruined!
Chapter 112: Chapter 93 Dazzling Brilliance【Fourth Update】_2
The poisonous pill I swallowed thirteen years ago.
It was to truly unleash its vicious and cruel toxicity after these thirteen years!
At this time, Li Tian Gang continued to speak:
“Aside from the second sister-in-law’s child, the elder sister and the third sister’s children all have a chance to contend, but the third sister’s is a daughter, who I’ve heard has formed a bond in the military and has a marriage arrangement, therefore she automatically withdraws from the True Dragon seat.”
“As for the two children of the eldest sister, they are already in their thirties, have made achievements and established themselves, holding general titles in the military. If they were to compete, they’d be quite formidable contenders, though in terms of innate talent, they’re still a notch beneath you and the second sister-in-law’s child.”
“Moreover, the eldest sister said early on that she would not let her children participate in the struggle for the True Dragon seat, and I still trust her on that.”
Li Hao nodded; he was aware of these matters as well.
“Qianfeng, that child, may not have talent comparable to yours, but he has studied under the Buddha Lord, cultivated his character by the Buddha Lord’s side, and naturally has the proper disposition. He’s said to have reached the Fifteen Li Realm at the age of seventeen, which, leaving you out of the question, denotes quite impressive talent,” said Li Tian Gang.
He himself had reached the Fifteen Li Realm around the same time, then became a Grandmaster at nineteen, stepping into the Three Immortalities at twenty-three.
That was already incredibly exceptional, outpacing the top talents by a wide margin.
Of course, that’s provided he wasn’t compared to his ninth brother.
“In terms of connections, with the Buddha Lord behind him, he won’t fall short, and another plus point is his reputation and achievements,” Li Tian Gang added to Li Hao: “I’ve checked out his situation. He has already descended the mountain but hasn’t come back. He must be amassing achievements, which will be a bonus point for him.”
“As for you, who have mostly stayed within the residence without any military achievements to your name, it may slightly weaken your position, but it’s not an issue. I’m planning to arrange for you to go to the frontier within the next two months to behead a Great Demon and thus establish some military achievements.”
Upon hearing about military achievements, Li Hao smiled faintly.
Li Fu at his side could not help but also contain his mirth.
Li Tian Gang, noticing the odd expressions on their faces, frowned and asked, “Why? What is it?”
Li Hao did not speak, but Li Fu respectfully replied, “My lord, the young master’s military achievements should be considered quite substantial.”
“Hmm?”
Li Tian Gang and Xuan Yu both turned to look at him with puzzled expressions.
Li Fu’s face broke into a smile as he said, “Does my lord remember how I came to know of the young master’s realm? It was in Cangyu City, where he single-handedly saved the entire city from the calamity of demons!”
Hearing these words, Li Tian Gang and Xuan Yu were stunned and somewhat taken aback.
They glanced at Li Hao, saving an entire city? That was a tremendous feat!
As veterans of constant warfare, they were all too familiar with the calculation of merits.
“Hao Er, you actually…”
Li Tian Gang looked at Li Hao with immense surprise, his eyes revealing excitement and joy, his affection for his son rising significantly.
He had thought Li Hao was naturally lackadaisical, merely engaging in amusement, but who would have expected him to achieve such an enterprise so stealthily!
Xuan Yu, too, regarded Li Hao with admiration, his eyes reflecting approval. To rescue people from dire straits was indeed to make achievements and establish oneself!
“The rewards for the young master’s merits should be arriving in Qingzhou soon,” said Li Fu with a smile, also looking forward to it.
“Excellent, excellent, excellent!”
Li Tian Gang repeated the word thrice and burst into hearty laughter.
“With this, the True Dragon seat is as good as secured!”
Li Tian Gang was completely reassured.
With top-notch talent and such significant merits to his name, even if Li Hao’s disposition was somewhat frivolous and not the best, being capable of such an impressive achievement indicated strength in other aspects, which was more than enough.
Such a disparity would be difficult to bridge.
Even if the child of the second sister-in-law were to go and establish military achievements, in just two short months, coming across such an opportunity for merits would be unlikely.
Building achievements isn’t something that just arises. Even if one went to the frontier to gain them, the Li Family’s borders, except for Northern Yan, were mostly pacified and free of troubles.
Moving to other frontiers would complicate matters.
Moreover, earning recognition at the frontier isn’t easy. Amidst the tens of thousands, even millions, of demon beast tides, what would the Fifteen Li Realm amount to?
The leaders capable of commanding tens of thousands of demons are likely to be at the level of Tianren Grandmasters.
Li Hao, upon hearing this, said, “If that’s the case, does it mean there’s nothing left for me to do?”
Li Tian Gang had just finished laughing when he heard these words, he immediately felt helpless. This child had been left undisciplined for many years and really was too idle.
“If you’re not cultivating, what do you want to do?” Li Tian Gang asked.
“Do whatever comes to mind, like painting, playing the zither, or writing poetry,” Li Hao answered.
Li Tian Gang’s mouth twitched. None of these things appealed to him.
If Li Hao had said this earlier, he would have rejected all of it, but remembering his recent promise to Li Hao, he could only hold back and sigh, “Fine, as you wish, I will keep my word.”
“Good.”
Relieved to hear him say this, Li Hao was also relieved. The other person might not appreciate these activities, but he wasn’t seeking understanding anymore, just permission.
He then took his leave, intending to go play chess with Fifth Master.
Li Tian Gang did not stop him, and let Li Hao go.
Once Li Hao had left, Li Tian Gang turned to Xuan Yu and sighed, “I don’t know when this child will truly grow up.”
Li Fu smiled and said, “My lord, actually the young master is already much more intelligent and mature than other children of his age. Him going to find Uncle Five may not be just for play but for companionship.”
Li Tian Gang was taken aback, his thoughts turning to the lonely old man in the ancestral hall and his solitary chessboard.
His expression changed and he fell silent.
Several days later.
Li Hao’s reward was indeed granted.
In light of Li Hao’s meritorious defense of the city, protecting over a million inhabitants, he was bestowed the title of third-rank Earl!
A city was conferred as his fief!
Moreover, ten chests of jewels and gold.
A set of divine weapons and armor from the Fifteen Li Realm.
Compared to the weapons, armor, and title, these treasures were merely additional rewards.
Just like when Li Jun Ye perished, the rewards included Yu Dragon Token and ten bushels of gold; the gold was just an extra, not worth mentioning.
The real reward was the Yu Dragon Token; it was a life-saving talisman!
Three Yu Dragon Tokens meant three pardons from death, which showed the greatness of the merit!
After the conferment ceremony was over, Li Hao took the imperial edict and his reward from that “top student” from the court, bowed, and expressed his gratitude.
The news spread throughout the entire residence in an instant, and it also traveled beyond to Qingzhou.
The Li family’s young master, at just fourteen years of age, was conferred the title of Earl!
And he had his own fief!
Furthermore, Li Hao’s meritorious defense was known throughout the city, continuously praised and exalted by the populace, marveling at how he lived up to the Li family name!
Some still vaguely remembered the rumors from about ten years ago, alleging that the Li family’s young master was a martial arts cripple; looking at him now, it was clear those were merely misleading rumors and slander.
Li Hao’s name was now completely resonating throughout Qingzhou and even spreading to farther places!
Inside the residence.
The ladies of the various courts were struck dumb upon hearing this news.
He Jianlan was somewhat shocked; ever since Li Tian Gang’s return, the information that had exploded out about Li Hao was one thing after another, and she was almost overwhelmed.
Was this still the child she had been so worried about?
He was so dazzling that she could hardly look directly at him.
“That child… he…”
In the Piaoxue Courtyard, Gao Qingqing couldn’t quite believe the news; thinking back on the advice she had given to her own child years ago to keep their distance from Li Hao, she couldn’t help but feel regret.
Next to her, Li Xuan Li, having heard the news, was elated, clicking his tongue in admiration:
“Worthy of being Old Seven’s child, such a bearing, it really doesn’t fall short of Old Nine’s back in the day. No, at fourteen, Old Nine wasn’t as dazzling as he is!”
“Amazing, Old Seven truly has a gift for childbirth!”
