Chapter 113: Chapter 94 Leisure Teaching [Fifth Update]
Gao Qingqing’s eyebrows shot up when she heard this, and she grabbed a handful of the soft flesh around his waist, gritting her teeth:
“Li Xuanli, what do you mean by that? Are you saying I can’t have children?”
Li Xuanli was taken aback, immediately realizing his slip of the tongue, and didn’t dare to resist with his power, pleading continuously:
“Madam, I was wrong—it was a slip of the tongue, a pure slip of the tongue.”
“I think you’ve just spoken your true thoughts!”
“Madam, how could you say that? I could never get enough of my own children. To me, those three are outstanding, incomparable to anyone!”
“Hmph!”
…
Within Shuihua Courtyard.
Upon learning the news from the steward, Liu Yue Rong’s face turned pale, and she nearly lost her balance.
How could this be?
Only fourteen years old, and he’s being made a count?
Even if he did save the entire city’s populace, it shouldn’t mean skipping directly over the rank of knight and baronet!
Just being a baronet is already remarkable enough, so why would he be made a count?!
Keep in mind, even He Jianlan’s children, who had joined the military years ago, are only counts now, and Li Hao is just fourteen this year!
Liu Yue Rong clenched her teeth in frustration, cursing the foolish monarch internally.
But outwardly, she dared not show any question or emotion, venting only within her heart.
There are only two months left, even if extended for another six months or even a year.
Where would her son Qianfeng find the kind of merit that amounts to a count’s?
Achieving merit relies not just on strength, but also on opportunity.
Go to the frontier?
That’s too dangerous!
After a while, Liu Yue Rong steadied her mind, thinking that it was a relief that merit was just a bonus, not the deciding factor.
Mount Wuliang had already sent back a message, telling her not to worry, that Qianfeng had been called back and would be helped to seize the True Dragon title.
Now, Liu Yue Rong could only place her hopes on the immense powers of the Infinite Buddha Lord.
…
…
Time flew by.
Since the announcement of the Li Family True Dragon decision, the outside world became greatly agitated.
After receiving the summons from his sect, the proud young Li Qianfeng had planned to return to his family to observe the situation but now had to return to his sect first.
Soon after he returned to his sect, he found out that his cousin, Li Hao, had been made a third-class count!
This completely shattered his pride, and his expression grew ugly.
The merit for slaying the Great Demon he had achieved earlier also resulted in an award, but it was only a first-class knighthood.
Normally, this would have already been extremely impressive, jumping over third-class and second-class knighthood.
But compared to Li Hao, there was still a difference of three entire ranks, a whole baronetcy!
Putting aside his identity as a cousin within the family, he would have to bow and respectfully address Li Hao as ‘Lord Count’ and bend over in salutation!
What a disgrace!
Under these blows, faced with his master’s help, Li Qianfeng had wanted to refuse, to rely on himself.
But now, he could only acquiesce.
He carried the hopes of too many people.
By the time Li Qianfeng returned to Mount Wuliang, many forces and gifts had also been delivered to the Kunxindian Hall of Mount Wuliang.
Similarly, even more gifts made their way to the Mountain and River Courtyard.
Many groups, sensing that the decision for the Li Family True Dragon would be between these two young masters, began to position themselves and make early connections.
When the previous generation of the Li family was younger, and their sharp edges not yet defined, it was not clear who would become the True Dragon, and to foster a relationship with the future True Dragon of the Li family, one would have to please them all, spreading efforts evenly, but this was too costly to sustain.
Now that the target has become clearer, investments can be more focused, and the more one invests, the more likely they are to establish a relationship.
In the early years, when Li Qianfeng had just started his apprenticeship at Mount Wuliang, many had begun making strategic gift-giving over a decade ago.
Facing the rise of Li Hao, it was too late to shift alliances; they could only follow through with their initial path.
…
While the storm brewed on all sides and undercurrents converged, Li Hao, one of the parties at the center of this maelstrom, leisurely rode on horseback to Tan Palace Academy.
He first visited Qiumo from the Water Qilin in the Cold Pool and drew two more paintings for her, also bringing her some crisp pastries.
Song Qiumo glanced at them and said she didn’t like such dry foods.
Li Hao, smiling, encouraged her to try them.
If you say try, I’ll try.
Song Qiumo, not wanting to spurn Li Hao’s kindness, took a taste. After that, she immediately asked Li Hao where she could buy these treats.
Seeing her enjoyment, Li Hao honestly admitted that he made them himself.
Upon hearing this, Song Qiumo looked at Li Hao with envy.
Li Hao didn’t wait for her to ask and offered that next time he would bring more.
At his words, Song Qiumo revealed a satisfied smile, and with a graceful gesture, a Seven-Leaf Purple Grass flew out from the Cold Pool.
This purple grass was deep violet all over, exuding a shimmering luster, quite lovely to behold.
She handed the grass over to Li Hao and said, “This is Thousand-Year Mysterious Dark Grass; absorbing it while refining medicine can ward off the invasion of frostbite and is of great assistance in cultivating frost-related Cultivation Techniques. Even if you do not practice this kind of technique, it will bolster your defenses against attacks from water Demons in the future!”
Li Hao looked at it and shook his head, “You should keep this precious medicine for yourself. I don’t need it.”
“Why?”
Song Qiumo was stunned. She immediately said, “I know that the Li family is wealthy, but this Thousand-Year Mysterious Dark Grass should also be a scarce treasure for you.”
Indeed, Li Hao knew this, but his circumstances were special.
Treasure though it may be, he could not absorb it, and it would be of no use to him.
Compared to the boosts from his abilities, he didn’t lack the effects of such treasures, for just entering a single Cultivation Technique into Ultimate Perfection could surpass it.
After all, the body has its limits, and once at that limit, no amount of medicine will help.
While he could use it for others, the item was precious, and it would have been effective for Song Qiumo, who probably planned to wait for it to age further before using it herself.
“Keep it for yourself to use, I’m not lacking anything,” Li Hao said with a smile.
Song Qiumo was astonished and stood there in disbelief.
To fulfill her promise and protect Tan Palace Academy, she had seen many Tan Palace disciples with ulterior motives attempt to cozy up to her over the years.
Seeing Li Hao coming to the Cold Pool to paint, as if he was intentionally getting close to her, she thought it was the same case, but to her surprise, when she offered him a treasure, she was rejected.
Besides this treasure, she didn’t have much else to offer.
Others came to form relationships of convenience.
But Li Hao didn’t seem to need this.
Being the son of the Divine General Mansion with monstrous talent, why would he go to such lengths to curry favor with a member of the Demon Race at the Four Stands Realm?
“Do you really not want it?” Song Qiumo hesitated.
Li Hao, with no choice, said, “If you have plenty of this stuff and insist on giving it to me, I’ll take it back and feed it to pigs.”
“You wish.”
Hearing this, Song Qiumo rolled her eyes. Feed pigs, what pig would be worthy of it?
In his heart, however, Li Hao was thinking it wouldn’t be bad to take it back for Li Yuanzhao…
Over at Alpha Academy of Tan Palace Academy, the unsuspecting Li Yuanzhao suddenly sneezed, looking around in bewilderment. Who is cursing me? Could it be that brat, Li Yun!
Elsewhere, Li Yun sneezed abruptly and spun around, locking eyes with Li Yuanzhao, instantly connecting.
In front of the Cold Pool, Song Qiumo gathered the medicinal treasure and placed it back into the pool to be nurtured. It was slightly wounded from being taken out just now, but being a treasure with vibrant life force, it would soon take root again and recover.
“Next time, bring more of the food you just had,” Song Qiumo winked at Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled and waved his hand: “Feeding you well is tough, but satisfying a craving should be doable.”
Saying this, he bid farewell and left.
Song Qiumo watched the young man’s receding figure for a long while, a smile gradually curving her lips.
Then she turned silently and dove back into the Cold Pool.
As for Li Hao, he made his way to the Black and White Hall.
He had previously notified Palace Master Song Yufeng that he wished to teach today.
Since he had taken on the role of a nominal instructor, he should fulfill his duties, especially since he was free at the moment.
When Li Hao arrived at the Black and White Hall, he suddenly heard a shouting voice coming from inside:
“Get out! Stand outside the door!”
“Day in and day out, what doggerel are you writing? Are you here to learn martial arts or to study?!”
“If it weren’t for the sake of your father’s face, and your father’s earnest pleading, with your talent, how could you possibly be admitted to the Black and White Hall?”
“It would be good enough if you could stay in the external Alpha Academy!”
Li Hao was startled and his expression turned a bit strange.
This speech, it seemed quite contrary to expectations.
It was as if he was saying, why are you studying books, this is PE class! PE class, do you hear me, go to the field!
Isn’t that a bit too refreshing?
However, this place is Tan Palace Academy, where literary studies are naturally disregarded.
Li Hao stepped inside.
The Black and White Hall consisted of two separate halls, the Black Hall and the White Hall.
The Black Hall for disciples in the Soul Succession Realm and the White Hall for those in the Divine Travel Realm.
Pall Master Song Yufeng had requested Li Hao to teach in the White Hall, which is what he was now facing, not far from the Black Hall, hence it was habitually referred to collectively.
Looking around, the interior of the White Hall was extremely spacious, yet there were only fifty seats, neatly organized, neither more nor less.
Inside, Li Hao saw a familiar figure, Song Yueyao.
She sat in the front, wearing the same White Hall uniform, yet stood out strikingly, like a beautiful scene.
In front of the students, a young man in his twenties with his head hanging, his face flushed with redness and embarrassment, was receiving a lecture.
The one scolding him was an old teacher with white hair, naturally the lecturer of the White Hall.
Li Hao was somewhat at a loss, this young man, though in the Divine Travel Realm, would be considered a formidable individual in his own right if thrown into the Jianghu outside the academy.
Yet here, he was being lectured like a primary school student.
“If I catch you bringing those useless books to class again, you might as well not come at all, don’t spoil the whole batch with one rotten apple!”
“Get out, stand outside!”
The elder’s temper was extremely volatile as he shouted in anger.
The young man’s face was beet red as he bit his teeth and walked out, but when he got to the door and saw Li Hao, he paused in his steps.
At this moment, the other students also noticed the newly arrived Li Hao.
“It’s him.”
Song Yueyao was surprised, then she remembered what her grandfather had said, her eyes lighting up. Was he here to give a lecture?
She didn’t believe Li Hao could teach anything profound; although he was advanced in the Fifteen Li Realm and above her in cultivation level, having a high cultivation level didn’t mean he could teach others, let alone that Li Hao was only fourteen years old, just a younger brother in her eyes.
“Eh, this person looks familiar.”
Lin Feifei, Song Yueyao’s close friend, said in surprise, feeling she might have seen him before somewhere.
Song Yueyao gave a wry smile; she hadn’t mentioned to Lin Feifei that Li Hao was the one who had passed through the Mo River that day.
It wasn’t surprising they didn’t recognize him. Who paid attention to what those men looked like on ordinary days?
They were just clumps of dirt and trees.
“Who is this guy?”
“He looks young, is he new here?”
The surrounding students whispered among themselves.
The young man who had bumped into Li Hao flushed again, not expecting to lose face in front of a newcomer. He was also somewhat surprised; this new fellow looked quite young. He must be some noble family’s young master.
“Still standing there for what, not scram to stand outside yet!”
Angry shouts came from behind, and the young man hurriedly walked out.
At that moment, the elderly teacher also noticed Li Hao, and immediately recognized him. He had been present when Li Hao was given special permission to enter the Black and White Hall previously.
In the past few days, Li Hao’s name was all over the city of Qingzhou, a fourteen-year-old earl, sensational to everyone.
“Li has arrived, are you here to exchange? Please, come in,” said the elder, Sun Hongdian, his fury vanishing and a smile appearing, treating Li Hao with utmost courtesy.
This stark contrast in attitude left the students below utterly astonished, their mouths agape.
When had they ever seen the old firecracker so submissive?
Probably only when the Palace Master occasionally appeared, right?
“Yeah, hello,” replied Li Hao with a smile, approaching for a handshake out of habit.
As they shook hands, his other hand covered the back of the other man’s hand and gave it a shake.
Chapter 114: Chapter 95: A Step into the Profound【Sixth Release】
Sun Hongdian was somewhat surprised, but he didn’t think too much of it, and as soon as he let go, he turned to the students below and said:
“Everyone, this is the new titular instructor at the academy, the young master of the Li Family, Li Hao!”
Whooosh!
As the name “Li Hao” was announced, the students who were initially bewildered, puzzled, and curious, suddenly erupted into an uproar.
In the past few days, the whole city had been talking about the owner of this name.
Tea houses, restaurants, and even brothels and inns were the same.
To be thrown among the world of heroes, it might only be like casting a small stone, causing ripples that had not yet spread far.
But within Qingzhou City, it was almost a household name.
A fourteen-year-old at the Fifteen Li Realm, a once-in-a-millennium prodigy!
Such a living legend was actually right before their eyes?
The crowd’s eyes widened as they looked at Li Hao as if he were a priceless treasure.
Li Hao was somewhat helpless but had anticipated such a reaction, so he could only get used to it.
“Next, Li will be teaching you. Li’s teaching opportunities are only three times a year, so listen carefully and cherish this chance. There must be no chaos or clamor!”
Sun Hongdian said loudly to everyone.
The students’ eyes shone brightly, This legendary youth was going to teach them?
What could he possibly teach, his own cultivation experience?
Many faces were full of anticipation, although they didn’t expect Li Hao to really teach them anything, they were curious to see how this youth expressed himself.
“Master Li, I leave this to you.”
Sun Hongdian turned to Li Hao with a smile.
Li Hao smiled and nodded. After watching the other man wave goodbye with a smile, he turned his attention to the quieting classroom.
“Since you all know about me, I’ll spare the self-introduction.”
Li Hao said with a smile, “What do you want to learn? Swordsmanship, fist techniques, movement techniques?”
“You are going to teach swordsmanship?”
Song Yueyao’s eyes brightened upon hearing Li Hao’s words, as most of them practiced swordsmanship.
Li Hao knew that swordsmen and knife users were like language and math, main subjects, broad categories. Most martial artists dedicated their studies to these two types.
The number of sword and knife manuals passed down from ancient times was also the greatest among all the cultivation techniques.
“If you want to learn, I’ll teach,” Li Hao said with a smile.
“Are you going to teach us the swordsmanship of the Listening Rain Tower?” a bold young man asked expectantly.
They were all from noble families with good backgrounds. After completing their academy studies, they would either make a name for themselves in Jianghu or return to take over family businesses.
With a cultivation level at the Divine Travel Realm, they could suppress many threats, being amongst the more formidable existences within their realm.
“Sorry, family secrets are not to be shared.”
Li Hao said with a smile, “I can teach you whatever swordsmanship you are practicing under Master Bai.”
“How can you teach if you haven’t learned it?”
Someone said in surprise, feeling that Li Hao’s statement was too casual, which immediately altered their impression of him.
“It’s not too late to learn now.”
Li Hao said with a smile, “Does anyone have a manual? Lend it to me for a moment.”
At these words, everyone was astonished and then some dissatisfaction began to surface. Li Hao’s declaration was seen as too arrogant, showing no regard for the lesson at hand.
Their initial expectations had suddenly deflated.
Song Yueyao frowned slightly, her opinion of Li Hao changing, believing him to be too arrogant.
“Li, we really want to learn.”
Someone well-meaning reminded him.
“If that is the case, let’s start quickly. Does anyone have a sword manual?” Li Hao asked.
Seeing that Li Hao continued to act on his own accord, the remaining few became disillusioned, frowning at his response.
Was casually pointing out a few things from a sword manual considered teaching?
Whether he taught well or not was one thing, but his attitude was appalling.
Disappointment was evident in Song Yueyao’s eyes—his prodigious talent was real, but so was his arrogance.
The students all wore expressions of dissatisfaction, but no one voiced their thoughts.
If he wasn’t going to teach, then forget it! What was the act for?
Was the young master from the Divine General Mansion that remarkable?
Of course, these thoughts remained unspoken, as nobody dared to offend him openly, nor were they foolish enough to try.
Li Hao glanced around, observing their expressions. He instantly knew what they were thinking and felt somewhat helpless. His gaze settled on Song Yueyao:
“Song, you have the sword manual, don’t you? Let me have a look.”
Song Yueyao, being singled out by Li Hao, looked a bit unnatural, especially under the scrutiny of those around her. She frowned and said:
“I didn’t bring the manual as my practice of that sword technique is nearly at perfection.”
“Then find me a manual,” Li Hao instructed.
Song Yueyao fell silent with a slight pout, reluctantly preparing to speak to her good sister Lin Feifei, when suddenly a young man said:
“Li, I have one here.”
With that, he quickly ran up and handed the sword manual to Li Hao, grinning at him:
“Li, my name is Ma Jing.”
He wore a somewhat ingratiating expression on his face.
Li Hao nodded.
As the young man returned to his place, soft sighs of disdain could be heard from below, clearly unimpressed by Ma Jing’s fawning behavior.
Ma Jing, however, did not care. Regardless of whether Li Hao looked down on them, this was an opportunity to curry favor—a fool would miss out.
“Please give me a moment.”
Li Hao picked up the sword manual and addressed the crowd.
He then began to flip through it. The characters and images on the pages were easily comprehensible with his understanding of swordsmanship. Halfway through, he could even infer the later moves in his mind.
This was a high-quality sword manual titled “Yin and Yang Reversal Sword.”
[You have mastered the basics. Would you like to record it?]
Record it.
Li Hao thought to himself.
Soon, a torrent of information flooded his mind, but with his current cultivation level, he could easily assimilate it. After briefly closing his eyes, he had absorbed it all.
He glanced at the panel again:
“Yin and Yang Inversion Sword (True State) · Yin and Yang Reversal.”
Yin and Yang Reversal is the essence of the swordsmanship, and with his understanding of the Tao Realm, he could grasp the essence of most Cultivation Techniques.
Such as the essence of the Falling Snow Sword Skill, Avalanche!
“The student standing outside the door, come in and join us,” he said.
Before beginning the lesson, Li Hao hadn’t forgotten to call in the young man who was being punished by standing at the door.
The young man, having heard about Li Hao’s identity from Sun Hongdian, had been eavesdropping and secretly watching from the doorway.
At this moment, seeing that Li Hao called out to him, he was somewhat surprised, never expecting that Li Hao would remember him, and his heart instantly felt joy and warmth.
As for Li Hao teaching swordsmanship, let alone that Li Hao had no intention of teaching seriously, even if he were to do so, the young man had no interest. He had disliked martial arts since he was a child, but being born into a martial family, he had no choice.
“Thank you, Li. My name is Zhou Zheng,” said the young man.
Li Hao nodded and said, “Take your seat.”
Once Zhou Zheng had returned to his seat, Li Hao then said, “I will first demonstrate the Falling Snow Sword Skill at perfection level for you all to try and perceive.”
What?
The already disinterested and even seat-leaving crowd was taken aback by Li Hao’s words, and soon someone covered their mouth, stifling their laughter.
To demonstrate a sword technique at the perfection level after just one look?
This was a high-quality swordsmanship practice, and even if you were a prodigy, you would need to study it for two to three months to achieve perfection, right?
Seeing Li Hao’s boast, the crowd already had the look of spectators at a spectacle, ready to enjoy the performance of this “legend.”
Song Yueyao furrowed her brows. Li Hao didn’t strike her as the type to be exaggerating, but today’s encounter had left her deeply disappointed.
However, she thought about their previous interaction in Cangyu City, realizing they hadn’t really spent much time together—it was just a brief meeting.
With a silent sigh, Song Yueyao turned her gaze away, no longer wishing to watch, finding it boring.
On the stage, after Li Hao finished speaking, he nonchalantly summoned a sword from the weapon rack.
The use of his power to command objects made some of the mockingly looking individuals rein in their scorn a bit, their eyes displaying a sense of gravity.
No matter what the temperament of this young master of the Li Family was like, at least his cultivation level was truly terrifying.
And Li Hao, gripping the sword hilt, still looked nonchalant and easygoing. He sent the sword manual floating back to a student named Ma Jing before he started to wield his sword.
The Yin and Yang Inversion Sword consisted of moves that were both feigned and real, with feints hidden in solid strikes and solid strikes within the feints, continuously changing in an extremely complex manner.
In terms of difficulty alone, it surpassed the Falling Snow Sword Skill by a good margin.
But at that moment, as Li Hao casually swung his sword, his figure was graceful like jade, his sword momentum like a rainbow. A set of exquisitely daunting Yin and Yang Inversion Sword moves unfolded before the eyes of the students.
In an instant, the laughter froze in the eyes of the students who had been smirking and looking forward to a show.
The smug upward curve at the corners of their mouths also disappeared unconsciously as they stared dumbfounded at the intricate and marvelous swordplay.
The sudden silence in the hall made Song Yueyao feel a bit of strangeness, and she was taken aback. She turned her head to look toward the front where Li Hao was expected to perform his juggling act.
But what she saw was a display of swordplay as splendid as a peacock spreading its feathers.
This was… the Yin and Yang Inversion Sword!
Song Yueyao was dumbstruck.
It was as if she had been struck by lightning, frozen in place.
She had practiced this sword technique close to perfection, but she definitely couldn’t perform the marvelous swordplay she was seeing before her eyes.
Which was feigned and which was real?
Or rather, were they all feints, or all real?
She could no longer distinguish the movements; it was as if ten thousand swords were brandishing before her eyes, dazzling her.
In the silent hall, after the end of Li Hao’s swordsmanship demonstration, it remained quiet for a long time.
Li Hao sheathed his sword, looked at the students, and after allowing them some time to digest what they had seen, he finally broke the silence, asking:
“Did you all learn it?”
“…”
“…”
As if awakening from a dream, the students then fell into a bout of speechlessness and silence.
Learn it?
Just from watching it once, you’re asking us if we learned it?!
We would like to learn it, but… we can’t remember it, we simply can’t remember at all!
“That… Li, Young Master Li, did you really just learn this swordsmanship?”
Someone couldn’t help but to ask.
Hearing this, the crowd suddenly realized the truth and their eyes widened in shock, staring at Li Hao as if they had seen a ghost.
Just flipped through the sword manual once, and learned it?
And not just the basics, but to a stage of perfection?!!
Song Yueyao was also stunned, her lips slightly parted, and her throat as if blocked, she found herself unable to speak for a moment.
Li Hao said helplessly, “Although the Li Family has compiled many cultivation techniques and secret manuals, those from Tan Palace Academy are strictly confidential and we are not brazen enough to steal them.”
Even if I had stolen them, I wouldn’t have the cheek to tell you… Li Hao silently added in his heart.
Hearing Li Hao’s words, the people looked at each other, knowing his statement was indeed true.
Each sect has its own peerless techniques and confidential cultivation methods. If someone rashly steals them, it’s considered a great taboo, likely to provoke confrontation and disdain from other martial arts sects.
“Then you…”
The audience was somewhat dumbfounded. If it wasn’t through stealing, could he really have mastered it on the spot?
Just from watching it once?
“Don’t dwell on these details anymore. Try to recall what you can. Once you’ve absorbed it, I will perform it again, more slowly,” Li Hao said.
Upon hearing Li Hao’s words, everyone immediately snapped to attention and began frantically recalling the sequence they had just witnessed.
The hall returned to silence once again.
With nothing else to do, Li Hao turned around and brought in the easel that had been left outside the door.
Then, he set up the easel in front of everyone and started to paint.
As for what to paint, Li Hao had an idea.
He decided to include all the students in the hall in his painting.
Although they were all at the Divine Travel Realm, not very high in stature, the large group could still provide him with plenty of experience.
Seeing Li Hao’s peculiar actions, some were puzzled, but no one asked questions, choosing instead to focus on their efforts to remember.
After a while, Li Hao completed the painting, estimating that about half an hour had passed.
Those who could absorb had likely done so sufficiently, and those who couldn’t were probably beginning to forget.
He cleared his throat and announced, “I will perform once more, watch closely this time.”
At his words, everyone’s spirits were lifted, and their gazes instantly locked onto Li Hao.
Li Hao picked up his sword and began the demonstration again without further ado, but this time his movements were much slower.
Chapter 115: Chapter 96 Li
Sword shadows were like dreams and illusions, and even after the practice was over, it seemed as if shadows of swords lingered before their eyes like fleeting light, leaving everyone unable to let go and forget.
However, the sword shadows were too complicated. Although they were remembered, they seemed unclear.
Seeing everyone immersed in contemplation, Li Hao didn’t delay any further and sat down to continue drawing.
+827, +789, +702…
Li Hao ground the ink and painted at a fast pace.
The paintings of these dozens of Divine Travel Realm masters each accumulated seven to eight hundred experiences, greatly accelerating his Painting Experience.
While Li Hao was painting, the others gradually regained their focus and, upon seeing the busy Li Hao, didn’t dare to disturb him but instead seized the time to comprehend and ponder.
After Li Hao finished the fourth painting, he looked at the crowd and said, “How does it feel?”
“Li, could you demonstrate to us once more?”
The request came from a youth with noble bearing after the crowd exchanged looks.
He was a talent in the White Hall who kept pace with Song Yueyao, now feeling somewhat embarrassed to speak these words.
After witnessing the demonstration twice, he still hadn’t thoroughly grasped it.
Li Hao glanced at the others, seeing expectant and reserved looks on their faces.
“Alright.”
Li Hao thought for a moment, realizing that repeating the practice like this wasn’t the solution.
Besides, since he had taken on the role of a teacher, he had to adopt the right attitude and try his best to ensure thorough learning; otherwise, just going through the motions with the people under him wouldn’t be meaningful.
He asked everyone once and learned that they all had a foundation of agility.
However, the level of agility varied, with some just reaching it and others nearing perfection.
“Since I am teaching, I hope you all can achieve something from it.”
Li Hao looked around the crowd and said, “I have three lessons this year, and I hope you can perfect this swordsmanship within these three lessons. If you accomplish this, I might consider fulfilling three wishes within my power for each of you!”
“Perfect level?”
“Three wishes?”
The crowd was astonished and taken aback by Li Hao’s ambition.
It wasn’t about granting them wishes; the young master was making a wish for himself!
To teach all of them up to the perfect level in just three lessons?
This wasn’t high hopes; it was sheer fantasy.
They didn’t dare to compare themselves with Li Hao, who could understand the manual and practice to perfection just by looking once.
Moreover, they harbored some doubts in their hearts, suspecting that Li Hao had prepared in advance.
Who ever heard of a teacher not preparing lessons?
It was simply a bluff.
“Li, isn’t this requirement a bit too difficult?” someone spoke up, unable to hold back.
“You’re not joking, are you, young master? I must admit it’s a bit amusing…” someone else remarked.
Song Yueyao looked puzzledly at Li Hao. She had reached the level of agility half a year ago and knew very well how difficult it was to progress from agility to perfection. Even with decent talent, it would take a mad year of intensive practice to make the sword maneuvers second nature and reach perfection.
Three short lessons were an impossible task.
But to the legendary young master of the Li Family before her, “impossible” seemed not so distant after all.
After all, everything he had shown so far seemed “impossible.”
Seeing the varied discussions among the crowd, Li Hao didn’t say much more and once again picked up the sword.
Merely practicing the swordsmanship at the perfect level and expecting them to imitate would indeed be difficult and a waste of time.
But understanding the essence of this swordsmanship, from deep to shallow, would be much easier.
“Silence!”
Li Hao’s gaze turned stern.
Just two words quieted the murmurs throughout the hall.
The crowd was inexplicably shaken, feeling the authority, and their gazes grew solemn.
“Feel with your heart.”
Li Hao spoke, his demeanor no longer casual but rather fixed on the sword.
Then, he raised his hand and unsheathed the sword.
Yin and Yang Reversing Sword, true form!
Indeed, surpassing the flawless zenith, Li Hao directly executed the true form of the swordsmanship!
The true form level of swordsmanship, returning to simplicity and transcending the common, could fully reveal the artistic conception and charm of this swordsmanship.
The sword light flickered, with black and white gleams alternating, representing the shift between light and shadow.
The sword wandered through the air, yet seemed to shuttle through another dimension.
The sword was real; the space was illusory.
As the sword light twisted and turned, the two black and white gleams kept alternating until they suddenly merged into one.
The sword move was complete.
The hall was utterly silent, everyone gazing mesmerized, their gazes and thoughts seemingly carried away by that one sword, immersed and unable to extricate themselves.
Even though Li Hao had already put the sword away, they still stared blankly, as if the sword shadow full of indescribable charm was still in front of them, still moving in their minds.
Li Hao kept quiet and simply waited.
Suddenly, someone snapped out of it, and then one by one, the rest of the people also came back to their senses.
“Is this, the Yin and Yang Reversing Sword?”
The crowd was shocked, looking at each other in disbelief.
“It seems completely different from what I practiced before! But, this seems real, what I practiced before is fake!”
“It’s not fake, it’s wrong!”
“This is the real Yin and Yang Reversing Sword; Mr Sun taught us the wrong way, no, even the manual is wrong!”
“A sword reverses Yin and Yang, a sword throws chaos into the void!”
The people became more and more excited as they spoke, their voices growing louder, their faces flushed, unable to control themselves.
Song Yueyao was in a daze, filtering out the discussions, and suddenly, she closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, she rushed to the weapons rack, swiftly drew a sword with a clang!
Then, she struck out.
The sword shadow shimmered like light, quivered like a snake, dazzling like a spectacle!
Just like a peacock spreading its feathers, the shadow of the sword perfectly manifested in that moment.
Her swordsmanship, which had stagnated for half a year, had reached a new level at that moment!
Chapter 116: Chapter 96 Li_2
Everyone noticed and was shocked as they watched her.
“Song has realized…”
“She actually achieved perfection, and she’s mastered this sword in less than a year!”
“It’s the perfect level, just like what Li just demonstrated!”
The crowd was extremely shocked, becoming excited. In their remarks, Li Hao’s title shifted from “Li” to “Li Master.”
From reverence to admiration!
Meanwhile, several others seemed to have realizations as well, rushing towards the weapon racks, drawing swords, and swinging.
The hall was spacious enough for their practice.
The others also snapped back to reality, no longer observing others, and hurried to engrave their recent insights using their swords.
Suddenly, everyone was rushing to the weapon racks, practicing with swords.
After completing her swordsmanship, Song Yueyao also came out of her trance, staring blankly at the sword in her hand, then looked towards the young man, seeing him give her a gentle smile with an expression of encouragement and admiration.
That smile was like a ray of sunshine, striking right at her heart.
Song Yueyao was slightly dazed, then her cheeks suddenly turned crimson, and she looked away.
Inside the hall, everyone was actively and excitedly immersed in their practice, continuously trying to capture and engrave the flavor that was fading from their minds.
During this period, several people shouted excitedly, “I’ve done it!”
These were the ones who had been stuck at a bottleneck, and now suddenly broke through.
Li Hao smiled.
When someone asked for guidance, he clapped his hands, indicating for everyone to watch again.
This was repeated four times.
By the time the sun set in the west, Li Hao had also ended this lesson.
Before class ended, seeing that a dozen people had reached the perfect level, Li Hao was quite gratified, feeling that hard work pays off for those who try.
“Li Master, the swordsmanship you demonstrated, what level is it?”
“I heard that beyond perfection is the Ultimate Perfection. Is that the level you’re at?”
Just as the class was about to end, someone couldn’t help but ask.
Li Hao smiled and said, “Beyond perfection is the Ultimate Perfection, and above that, there is the True State, which is the level I demonstrated to you.”
He felt there was no need to hide such a skill level.
Like Sword Saints and Saber Saints, these mighty ones who have immersed themselves in a particular path for decades, have already touched the True State.
They even have grasped some of the profound meanings of certain sword techniques.
Moreover, Li Hao felt that the True State was not the pinnacle; above it, there should be even higher levels.
However, with his current understanding of the Tao Realm, he was not able to reach it yet; perhaps when his State of Mind achieves Spiritual Awakening, stepping even higher, he might catch a glimpse of it.
“True State…”
Upon hearing Li Hao’s words, everyone was dumbfounded.
Song Yueyao’s pupils contracted slightly, looking at Li Hao in disbelief.
She had heard from her grandfather about the existence of the “True State,” but it’s extremely rare, requiring immense talent in the art and decades of dedicated practice to even touch upon it!
Undoubtedly, Li Hao is a genius in Sword Dao, but to master this sword technique to the True State, he’d need at least a decade of hard training, right?
But Li Hao is only fourteen years old now… Song Yueyao dared not think further, feeling her Taoist Heart might collapse.
She finally understood what those people, who complained about how hard it was to be around a genius, truly felt.
“Tonight, ponder it yourselves, the master leads the entrance, cultivation is up to the individual.”
Li Hao waved his hand in farewell, announcing the end of the class.
Back at the mansion, Li Fu found Li Hao, mentioning that the lord had sent a message, suggesting that Li Hao make some friends when possible. Although securing the True Dragon was almost a certainty, networking was a lifelong matter.
He hoped Li Hao could brilliantly secure the True Dragon without leaving any shortcomings for others to criticize.
Regarding this, Li Hao casually agreed.
The next day.
Li Hao prepared an extra portion of small pastries and walked to the edge of the cold pond, lightly kicking a small stone into the pond.
Soon, the massive figure of the Water Qilin surfaced, then transformed into a human form and stepped out of the water, her body clean and unblemished by any water stains.
Seeing the small pastries in Li Hao’s hands, Song Qiumo’s eyes gleamed with delight.
Li Hao smiled, handed her all the pastries, then waved goodbye without staying for long.
Watching Li Hao walk away, Song Qiumo bit into the sweet pastry in her hand, her eyes curving into crescent moons.
Meanwhile, Li Hao was on his way to his second lesson, having already arranged for a transfer.
Just as he reached the entrance of the White Hall, he heard an angry voice from inside:
“How can you, as a teacher, humiliate a child like this?”
“He may be less talented in martial arts, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lesser person!”
“You can discipline him, lash him harshly, treat him as strictly as you would treat any Martial Artist, but you can’t disgrace him as if he were a beast!”
The speaker seemed extremely angry, full of vigor in his voice.
Hearing this bellow, Li Hao paused, slowly walking towards the entrance.
He saw that the hall was already filled with people; his habit of sleeping in meant he had not arrived early.
At that moment, three individuals stood in front of the trainees, namely, Sun Hongdian and Zhou Zheng seen the day before.
Next to Zhou Zheng was a strapping middle-aged man dressed in plain clothes but with a rugged and upright bearing. His features bore some resemblance to Zhou Zheng, though Zhou appeared more delicate.
On the ground in front of them lay scattered book fragments, adding another person to the scene, eerily similar to yesterday.
“General, you can’t be unreasonable like this!”
Sun Hongdian, flushed with embarrassment, was scolding Zhou Zheng, who expected his father to come to visit and caught him in the act.
Ideally, just hearing it was enough, he felt that this General should be grateful for his strict education, helping him discipline his troublesome child.
Chapter 117: Chapter 96 Li_3
The other party charged in and immediately launched into a furious tirade, leaving him utterly dumbfounded on the spot.
“I’m unreasonable? In what way have I been unreasonable? Is it reasonable for you to insult my son?!”
Zhou Zheng’s father angrily said, “Although I am a martial artist, I still understand basic principles. I know my son is a person, a dignified and upright person—not a rat that spoils a pot of porridge!”
“Nor is he a decadent, dirty, and despicable worm!”
“He simply hasn’t succeeded in martial arts, not that he isn’t fit to be a person!!”
Zhou Zheng’s burly father’s voice was extremely angry, deafeningly saying, “Although my son doesn’t have high talent, his character is pure and good. Even if he’s only at the Power Passage Realm, he is my pride. What right do you have to insult him like this?”
Everyone below was silent.
No one mocked Zhou Zheng for needing his father’s protection; instead, they showed a hint of envy in their eyes.
Sun Hongdian angrily said, “I can’t reason with you. If this is how it’s going to be, then your son should just drop out!”
“If I come across a teacher like you, then so be it!” Zhou Zheng’s father also shouted angrily, as he started to pull his son away.
Zhou Zheng’s eyes were already red-rimmed. He bit his lip, holding back his tears so that they wouldn’t fall in front of so many people, and choked out in a low voice:
“Dad, I want to stay here. I want to learn properly. I also mastered swordsmanship yesterday!”
“If you want to learn, Dad will find you another master, there are plenty of famous teachers in the world!” Zhou Zheng’s father snorted angrily.
Sun Hongdian trembled with rage, saying, “If you walk out now, you’ll never be able to come back.”
“I never planned to come back anyway!”
Zhou Zheng’s father was furious, pulling his son to leave, but then they ran into Li Hao at the door.
Suddenly, everyone’s gaze also fell on Li Hao.
All the students stood up abruptly, bowing in unison as they said, “Greetings to Teacher Li!”
This uniform voice not only startled Sun Hongdian and Zhou Zheng’s father but also took Li Hao by surprise.
“Teacher Li?”
Sun Hongdian was stunned, looking at Li Hao in confusion.
Upon seeing Li Hao, the originally sour eyes of Zhou Zheng instantly lit up, and he quickly said to his father beside him:
“Dad, he is Li Hao, Teacher Li. Yesterday, in just one lesson, he made all of us perfect our high-grade swordsmanship from Spirit-level to flawless!”
“??”
Zhou Zheng’s father and Sun Hongdian both wore baffled expressions.
What was this child talking about?
Li Hao was also dumbfounded and slightly dazed.
What in the world, they all learned it in one lesson yesterday?
Weren’t there only a dozen people who could do it after class?
Wait a second, then why did I even come here today?
“Li Hao…” Zhou Zheng’s father looked at Li Hao in shock, then suddenly bent forward, dropping to one knee: “Zhou Liang, at your service, Mister Li Hao.”
This action left everyone stunned once again.
Li Hao quickly helped him up, saying, “General Zhou Liang?”
“Young Master, I once served under your father,” Zhou Liang said respectfully.
Li Hao suddenly understood, then smiled and said, “There’s no need for such formality when you see me.”
Mr. Sun beside them looked uncomfortable, frowning deeply.
“Dad, I want to stay here, I want to attend another class with Teacher Li,” Zhou Zheng said quickly to his father.
Zhou Liang, having not expected to find the recently famed Li Hao teaching here, thought for a while and then agreed after seeing his son’s earnestness.
After Zhou Liang gave his son a few words of advice and left, Sun Hongdian scoffed, “Zhou Zheng, you disrupted the class today. Tan Palace Academy isn’t a place where you can just come and go as you please.”
Zhou Zheng’s face changed slightly.
Li Hao smiled and said, “Mr. Sun, it was all a misunderstanding.”
Seeing Li Hao intercede, Mr. Sun’s expression softened and with a forced smile he said, “Li, you don’t know, this Zhou Liang is simply overbearing…”
Li Hao shook his head to cut him off, smiling and saying, “Mr. Sun, I understand you want to use harsh words to motivate the students. But perhaps they’re too harsh and might quash the spirit of a young soul, don’t you think?”
Mr. Sun was taken aback, his expression changed, and he said no more.
Li Hao didn’t say much more to him either, having no interest in associating with such a person. Once the class transfer was done, and Mr. Sun had left, Li Hao glanced around at everyone:
“Just now Zhou Zheng said that all of you have reached the perfect level?”
The atmosphere in the hall seemed to liven up quite a bit. Excitement flashed across the faces of everyone, their eyes gleaming. Ma Jing jumped in and said:
“Teacher Li, what Zhou Zheng said is correct. The swordsmanship you demonstrated yesterday is truly an entrance to the path. We caught that hint of the essence of the art, and that’s why we improved so quickly in just one day!”
Even if it was flattery, it had actually hit the mark.
Li Hao, resigned, said, “I was planning to use three lessons to teach you all. It seems I’ve come in vain today, as there’s nothing left to teach.”
The crowd burst into laughter, as having gained such a huge lesson in one class, they already felt extremely grateful and excited.
Someone said teasingly, “Teacher Li, have you forgotten something?”
“Hmm?”
“You said yesterday that once we all mastered it to perfection, you would grant us three wishes!”
Someone looked at Li Hao with excited anticipation.
Li Hao, speechless, had made that incentive off the cuff, never expecting they would all be so skilled. They truly deserved to be those who had entered White Hall; their talents were indeed not bad.
“Then go ahead and say it, but it must be within what I can reasonably do,” Li Hao said.
Upon hearing his words, everyone started chattering excitedly among themselves.
Some wished to visit Listening Rain Tower, others wanted a renowned sword, and some expressed their desire to learn another swordsmanship technique, and so on.
Among these more conventional wishes, there were also some raucous voices in the crowd: some said they wanted to be sworn brothers with Li Hao, and others wanted a tour of the pleasure district.
Li Hao chuckled, gestured for silence, and waited until the crowd quieted down before saying, “You all decide together and pick one.”
Upon hearing Li Hao’s words, the crowd reacted with both surprise and delight, not expecting Li Hao to take the offer seriously.
