“Lead the way.”
The officer, upon seeing this, immediately took to the air and increased speed.
Li Tian Gang followed him at full speed to the city center, where there was an open area that seemed to be the lord’s mansion.
The surrounding buildings were all neat and imposing, but in contrast, that open area was a humble fenced courtyard, which looked extremely simple, yet the presence of patrolling officers lent it a certain majesty.
“Is that where he lives?”
Li Tian Gang frowned, “They have the time to build civilian homes, how come they don’t build a more decent lord’s mansion.”
“Replying to the Marshal, General Haotian said that his old friend likes this little yard, so he kept it as is,” the officer responded.
Li Tian Gang slightly raised his eyebrows, thinking of the child’s capricious nature, he secretly sighed; surely even here at the Frontier Pass, that nature hadn’t changed.
It is said that if a youth is not disciplined, they are unlikely to change for life. He knew that the other party’s character was probably already set and afraid it could no longer be changed.
However, thinking of Li Hao’s current reputation, as well as all that he had done in Liangzhou, he felt there was no point dwelling on this issue anymore.
Soon, both of them landed in front of the fenced courtyard.
“Who is this?”
The two guards at the gate, both from the Haotian Army, were formed from the warriors and grandmasters from various states, only familiar with some military rules, but their grasp of other military affairs was rather shallow.
Therefore, when they saw Li Tian Gang’s attire, although they found it impressive, they did not immediately recognize him.
“This is the Great Public of Punitive Military, Marshal of Punitive Military!”
The leading officer immediately said.
Li Tian Gang frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased. He had just thought that it was unnecessary to delve into Li Hao’s loose disposition, but now it seemed that this disposition had also spread to the soldiers under his command.
Not even recognizing his own identity, if he encountered another Divine General Mansion, he might inadvertently offend.
And who knows what such disorganized soldiers would be like on the battlefield.
Although he knew Li Hao was very strong in himself, he surely couldn’t expect to handle everything alone, especially if he was to inherit the mantle of True Dragon.
If everything depended on the True Dragon, then ten lives wouldn’t be enough.
The two guards jumped in fright upon the introduction.
Even though they had not recognized Li Tian Gang, the great name of the Marshal of Punitive Military had been famous in Northern Yan for over a decade. They instantly knew that the middle-aged man before them was Li Hao’s father.
The pair quickly paid their respects, and their appearance made Li Tian Gang’s brows furrow even deeper. Glowering, he said:
“Hasn’t he trained you at all? You have no discipline. If you all went to battle like this, what kind of discipline would you have? A rabble!”
The two lowered their heads nervously, and one of them muttered:
“General Haotian said that with him around, we wouldn’t need to go to battle, and that we have undergone strict training. Usually, we won’t make mistakes unless it’s an accident…”
Li Tian Gang couldn’t help but scoff, “What a grand tone, if he handles everything, then what’s the use of you? Who does he think he is? How many lives does he have?”
Seeing the two shivering with their heads down, he didn’t bother to scold them further, and said, “Open the gate.”
“Marshal, please wait a moment, I’ll go inform General Haotian…”
One of the guards said in desperation, turning and running into the yard.
Li Tian Gang’s expression changed slightly.
The other guard hurriedly explained to Li Tian Gang, “Please calm your anger, Marshal. Our general told us to report to him no matter who comes, otherwise it would spoil his mood.”
A stern light flickered in Li Tian Gang’s eyes as he said, “Mood? What mood?”
This guard was also a grandmaster who had been famous for many years, surely able to tell that the Marshal was already angry, so he quickly tried to offer an apologetic smile:
“General Haotian usually likes to take a nap during the day, or play chess, paint; if he is rudely disturbed…”
Li Tian Gang’s expression turned sour; he hadn’t expected Li Hao to still be indulging in such leisure activities without restraint at the Frontier Pass!
He had thought that Li Hao’s startling cultivational progress and strength were due to his own inspiration, culled from rigorous cultivation at Heavenly Gate Pass.
Yet, he seemed to be enjoying himself just as always.
He hadn’t changed, not at all!
Li Tian Gang took a deep breath, thinking of the previous defense line and the battle achievements of Li Hao, as well as the current state of Liangzhou, he felt the anger rising in his heart slowly dissipate.
He sighed inwardly. Although the other party hadn’t changed, his talent was indeed extraordinary. Even amidst comfort and enjoyment, he still possessed that astonishing combat power and had also saved countless lives in Liangzhou.
With such distinguished merits, he found it hard to rebuke.
And he knew that the kid was stubborn, and he had come here this time to try and ease the father-son relationship.
At this moment, the courtyard gate opened again, and the guard came out, appearing nervous and uneasy.
He glanced at Li Tian Gang, and as Li Tian Gang noticed his expression, his own face turned stormy.
“Um…”
The guard said nervously: “General Haotian said he does not wish to receive guests, asking you to go back.”
“Insolent child!”
Li Tian Gang was enraged. As a father who had personally come to visit, he had already lowered himself to Li Hao, and to be turned away?
Where was the slightest respect for the father?
“Did he personally say that? Tell him to come out and see me himself!”
Li Tian Gang’s face chilled, considering that it might be Li Hao’s clone, which might not retain much of the main body’s consciousness, he held back his anger.
“General Haotian is painting.”
“Painting what, for goodness’ sake? As a general, does he think he can create a world-renowned masterpiece?!”
Li Tian Gang had no patience for further words and pushed past the guard in front of him. The guard attempted to block him, but Li Tian Gang glared with both eyes, emitting the aura of the Four Stands Realm.
The awe-inspiring deterrence made the two guards horrified, leaving them stiff and immobile.
He kicked open the courtyard door and walked inside.
Inside, he saw two figures leisurely seated, one cross-legged with a sword laid across his thighs, eyes closed in contemplation.
The other was painting, brushstrokes sweeping over paper.
At that moment, both were startled by the sound of the breaking courtyard door and looked towards Li Tian Gang.
Ren Qianqian immediately recognized Li Tian Gang’s appearance, was startled, and hastily stood up, saying, “Uncle.”
The Li Hao of the shadow sat in front of his painting, frowning slightly. The memories he had inherited were few, most of the time spent painting or playing chess in an old and empty courtyard, gazing up at the stars in solitude.
Occasional glimpses of some faces were those of women clad in fine silk brocade.
He found the face before him somewhat unfamiliar, yet it stirred a sense of recognition. Still, instinctively, he felt a profound repulsion.
“This is the General’s residence, who allowed you to intrude!”
The Li Hao of the shadow’s expression grew colder as he set aside his brush, stood up, and assumed a battle-ready stance.
The command left by Li Hao to his shadow copy was to defend Cangya City to the death.
“Such leisure indeed!”
Li Tian Gang, upon seeing Li Hao’s division painting, couldn’t help but feel an urge to laugh. Even his division had the same temperament?
“Do you know who I am?” he asked with an icy face.
“Whoever you are, you need to follow my rules in this place!” the Li Hao of the shadow declared in a cold voice.
“Does the division really have no memory?”
Li Tian Gang furrowed his brow. The Martial Tao Division Skill was rare indeed, and he had some understanding of it. It was an external incarnation, very difficult to condense and control, but the final result was rather ordinary.
After all, if a division could inherit just one-tenth of the original’s power, that was already quite good.
And if you cultivated other cultivation techniques with the same difficulty, your power could increase by one-third, which is several times more efficient than relying on a division!
The only benefit of a division was that it could help with some minor tasks. However, for the powerful, there was no shortage of servants to order about unless it was to handle some private matters. When it came to fighting, a division was rather insignificant.
If Li Hao was still by his side, he would never approve of him wasting time on such a cultivation technique.
But he was already accustomed to Li Hao’s character. He couldn’t even control him in chess or painting, let alone what cultivation technique he practiced.
“You followed Hao Er here. Do you know if there’s a life-and-death connection between his division and the original?” Li Tian Gang asked Ren Qianqian standing beside him.
Ren Qianqian looked anxious and said, “I’m not very clear about the young master’s affairs.”
“Aren’t you his personal maid?” Li Tian Gang frowned.
“…But I never inquire into the young master’s affairs.” Ren Qianqian said, looking down.
Li Tian Gang huffed coldly in annoyance and then addressed the Li Hao division before him, “Your original is trapped in the Mo River. Do you know that? Can you sense it? Is there a life-and-death connection between you and the original?”
“This is my business, there’s no need to answer you. Please leave, or don’t blame me for being impolite!”
the shadow aspect of Li Hao said.
Li Tian Gang wanted to laugh in annoyance, “I’m the Marshal of Liangzhou, Heavenly Gate Pass is under my jurisdiction, I make the calls here. You’re telling me to leave?”
“You can be in the city, but not in this courtyard.”
the shadow aspect of Li Hao said, frowning.
Li Tian Gang’s eyes flashed with cold anger, “I’ve come to fetch you, to see if you can inquire into your original’s situation, and you want to send me away?”
“Qianqian, see the guest out.”
the shadow aspect of Li Hao said with a chilly face.
Ren Qianqian hesitated and looked at Li Tian Gang with uncertainty, “Uncle, why don’t you wait for the young master to return before discussing this?”
“Where do you get off speaking here!”
Li Tian Gang gave her a cold glance.
This glance pierced like a sword, causing Ren Qianqian to turn deathly pale, stumbling backwards.
The expression of the shadow aspect of Li Hao changed abruptly, with cold light overflowing in his eyes. With a gesture of his hand, the Dragon Soar Sword, previously sheathed where Ren Qianqian had been seated cross-legged, unsheathed with a roar, emitting a golden dragon’s cry.
The Divine Sword gathered its might and slashed down without hesitation.
Li Tian Gang’s eyes flashed with anger, and he slapped out his hand, shattering the golden light on the sword, but his own face suddenly changed color.
The might of this sword far exceeded his expectations, much stronger than he had imagined.
He took two steps back and had to stop himself with a deep breath.
“Are you the original or a division?!”
Li Tian Gang raised his head, looking at Li Hao before him with a mix of shock and doubt.
The gaze of the shadow aspect of Li Hao was cold, with the golden light of the sword standing horizontally before him, he said, “If you linger further, I will treat you as an intruder!”
Li Tian Gang’s face turned ugly upon hearing those uncompromising, icy words.
“I’d like to see how you plan to deal with your father!”
Li Tian Gang clenched his fists, his aura becoming visible.
Just then, a figure like a gentle breeze suddenly descended, appearing between Li Tian Gang and Li Hao as if by teleportation.
“Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”
The voice that carried was sharp and cold as Feng Boping stared at Li Tian Gang with icy eyes.
Feng Boping had sensed Li Tian Gang’s arrival from the beginning and had moved from the courtyard to the clouds, trying to conceal his presence.
But seeing him clash with Li Hao’s division, he could no longer remain seated.
“Hao Er is currently trapped in the Mo River, a level of nether river where life and death are uncertain. Do you really intend to kill his division here?!”
Feng Boping said in a chilled tone.
“You are…”
Li Tian Gang’s gaze sharpened as he saw Feng Boping appear so suddenly. He had long been aware that there was a Four Stands Realm expert assisting Li Hao, allowing Hao to stand his ground upon his arrival at Heavenly Gate Pass.
It must be the person before him.
He scrutinized the newcomer, and his expression suddenly changed, exclaiming angrily,
“You’re the Thief Saint?!”
Feng Boping had originally avoided revealing himself by staying away from the courtyard, as the only people in the vast Li Family he was related to were no more than Li Hao and Li Muxiu.
Stepping forward now was a reluctant move, but since he had decided to show himself, he was prepared for his identity to be exposed.
“It’s me.”
“So it’s you who has been following Hao Er in secret?!”
Li Tian Gang was somewhat shocked, his eyes wide with anger, “What are your intentions? What are you planning?”
Feng Boping replied with a cold laugh, “Without me, your son wouldn’t even have made it to Heavenly Gate Pass. Do you know, the moment he stepped out of the Li house, how many pairs of demon eyes were viciously fixed on him? You pushed a fourteen-year-old child out the door; do you know what he’s carrying?!”
“He’s bearing the wrath of all the demons your Li Family has provoked over the past thousand years!”
“He’s carrying that hatred for your Li Family; without me, your son would have been dead long ago!!”
“You ask what my intentions are? My intention is to keep him alive, to let him live with his spine straight!”
Li Tian Gang retorted angrily, “But if not for you, Hao Er wouldn’t even have dared to leave the Divine General Mansion. It’s your protection that made him so bold, enabled him to defy me like this!”
Feng Boping was provoked to laughter, saying, “Even if he chose to remain in the Divine General Mansion just to scrounge by and save his own life, so what? Would he listen to you? During your decade-plus absence in Northern Yan, has your son ever lost to anyone else by half a point?!”
“Does he need your teaching? Does he?! “
Li Tian Gang, hearing these angry, almost roaring words, couldn’t help but pause. Indeed, the separation of over a decade in Northern Yan made him feel guilty about Li Hao.
In terms of innate talent, the boy truly wasn’t inferior to anyone.
But precisely because of that, he needed to be guided onto the right path.
“You, a thief, naturally wouldn’t understand the ethics of our traditions, matters of sovereign and subject, of filial piety!”
Li Tian Gang stared coldly at Feng Boping, saying, “Do you think that those who achieve great things can convince the masses with ability alone? Even as an officer or a general, relying on power to suppress your subordinates might work, but on the battlefield, you might just get a knife in your back!”
“The government may be stronger than the people, but the government is like a boat, and the people like water. Although water appears weak, it can overturn the boat!”
“Even the current Emperor must adhere to rituals and virtue, balance kindness and severity. What counts sheer bravery?!”
Feng Boping laughed, but it was a cold laugh, “Are you talking about yourself? Can’t you see, whose banners now flutter uncertainly all over Liangzhou?”
“Whose valor is being praised by countless commoners?!”
“Is it yours, Li Tian Gang? Is it the Li Family’s?!”
“Isn’t it all achieved by Hao Er on his own?!”
Li Tian Gang exploded with rage, “This is why I came here. Whose battle standard is it? Surely it can’t be yours!”
Feng Boping sneered, “Whose name is on the battle standard, that’s who made it. Isn’t that obvious? Or do you still think there’s some other hermit or grand master involved? Even if there were such a person, why would they help Hao Er? Have you thought about that?!”
Li Tian Gang was momentarily stunned, a multitude of thoughts flashing through his mind. For a moment, he found himself at a loss for words.
Seeing him speechless, Feng Boping sneered,
“Even if there is such a grand master, do you think he would help Hao Er for the sake of the Li Family? If your Li Family had such influence, then why, having lost six out of nine sons in battle, has there never been such a grand master to offer help?!”
Li Tian Gang’s complexion turned unsightly, but he also realized that what the other party said was not entirely unreasonable.
“Really? Hao Er made it himself?”
Li Tian Gang stared at him, suppressing his anger as he asked.
Feng Boping let out two cold laughs, but did not answer.
Li Tian Gang, seeing his reaction, took no offense but instead felt a stir of surprise and excitement in his heart.
If it was truly crafted by his own son, no matter how he came to possess such a secret technique, just having that ability meant what was there to worry about the demons at the frontier passes of the various states in the future?
If they could mass-produce such standards, with the Li Family’s reputation, it would surely be enough to defend the entire Dayu Divine Dynasty!
“Is it really your own work?”
Li Tian Gang’s gaze shifted past Feng Boping to look at Li Hao’s split form.
The shadowy Li Hao spoke with a cold gaze, “It’s none of your business, get out!”
Although he knew the person before him was only Li Hao’s split form, and didn’t recognize him, seeing someone with his own son’s face talk so rudely still ignited a spark of resentment in Li Tian Gang’s heart.
Feng Boping’s eyes were cold as he said, “What’s the point of these questions? With Hao Er’s life in question, even if he did create it, what of it?”
“If he’s dead, everything is gone!”
Li Tian Gang’s face paled slightly, his voice cold, “The heritage of the Li Family is beyond your comprehension. With my fourth uncle there, he knows the Dragon City Mo River not just like the back of his hand, but is also quite familiar with it. Hao’s own combat ability is not lacking, so being careful, he won’t encounter trouble. I’ve already stationed hundreds of thousands of troops outside Dragon City Mo River, just waiting for them to emerge, then we will escort them back!”
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“You, a thief, a vagrant person, what do you know about connections, about heritage?!”
Feng Boping’s lips trembled slightly with anger, but he held back any rebuttal at the tip of his tongue.
He too hoped that the foundation of the Divine General Mansion was indeed as Li Tian Gang claimed, powerful enough, so that Hao would return safely.
“Hopefully your Divine General Mansion truly lives up to its renown.”
Feng Boping snorted coldly and flicked his sleeve, “I can’t be bothered to argue with a junior like you. Just mind yourself. If you want to fight, this old man will accompany you, but don’t even think about hurting Hao Er again!”
“Back then, outside the Divine General Mansion, I didn’t show myself because I didn’t want to smear the Li Family’s name. Now, here, it’s no longer your turn to be rampant!”
“So, I should thank you, should I?”
Li Tian Gang sneered and said, “You, a thief who commits evil everywhere, who instructed you, who gave you benefits to meddle in the affairs of the Li Family? It was you who led Hao Er astray, wasn’t it?!”
“Haha…”
Feng Boping was so angered he laughed, saying, “Hao and I hit it off from the first meeting—you say I’m the one instigating?!”
“Isn’t it? If not for you, Hao Er would still be in the Divine General Mansion by now. When he left the city and encountered the demon attack, he would have been brought back by Li He!”
Li Tian Gang’s cold voice said, “You keep saying it’s for Hao Er, but that’s a matter between father and son. When did it become your place to intervene?”
“What standing do you have to get involved in the affairs of the Divine General Mansion? And Hao Er is also the Li Family’s next True Dragon—what are you plotting?!”
Feng Boping’s cheek twitched slightly, wanting to rage, but the words “When did it become your place to intervene” extinguished the retort that had come to his throat.
Thinking of his life wandering without roots, he couldn’t help but laugh at himself.
“No matter what you think, the infamy I carry in this life is more than just this; it’s nothing more than the chirping of noisy insects.”
Feng Boping’s expression calmed down, just quietly staring at Li Tian Gang:
“But today, as long as I’m here, you won’t even think about harming Hao Er!”
“Do you really think you can compete with me?”
Li Tian Gang narrowed his eyes and said, “I’m not unreasonable. If it weren’t for the fact that you did indeed protect Hao Er, I would have arrested you and sent you to the imperial prison long ago!”
“Is that so? Then try it. That would be a great achievement, at least enough to have your peerage raised from a third-grade duke to a second-grade one.”
Feng Boping’s mouth curved up slightly, saying derisively, “I’ve long wanted to experience the Li Family True Dragon’s methods!”
Hum!
All of a sudden, the Dragon Soar Sword vibrated and floated in front of Feng Boping.
The hilt faced Feng Boping, but the tip pointed towards Li Tian Gang.
Dark Li Hao, sensing the escalating power between the two, took a step to stand beside Feng Boping, coldly saying, “Trespassers will be killed without mercy!”
Li Tian Gang’s face changed instantly upon seeing the floating Divine Sword, and seeing Li Hao stand by Feng Boping in defense, his expression turned ugly, a surge of blood fury flashing in his eyes:
“Say that again?!”
Feng Boping, aware of the power Dark Li Hao was summoning, glanced again at the Divine Sword floating before him, a trace of satisfaction flashing in his eyes, but he quickly subdued it and said in a low voice:
“Hao Er, just stand guard here for me. I’ll personally find out and show him if the so-called thief can shake the Li Family’s True Dragon!”
Taking a step forward, he addressed Li Tian Gang, “Li Tian Gang, do you dare to step outside and put yourself to the test with me?”
“Hmph, a sneaky rogue thief also dares to talk to me like that.”
Li Tian Gang’s eyes were fixed on him, and in the next moment, the silhouettes of the two men disappeared from the courtyard in an instant.
“Feng!”
Ren Qianqian saw Feng Boping and Li Tian Gang disappear, her face changing instantly, unable to help herself from calling out anxiously.
But the heavens and earth were silent without a trace of them, only a surging sound coming from a far distance.
Both intended to avoid Cangya City and in the blink of an eye had sped off countless miles away.
Swoosh! Dark Li Hao took a step and chased after them.
“Young Master!”
Ren Qianqian was anxious, but could only see the Dragon Soar Sword turn into a beam of golden light following Li Hao’s figure, disappearing into the sky.
…
…
Outside Liangzhou Territory, by the Dragon City Mo River.
As Li Hao’s body tore apart and vanished, he felt his consciousness being ripped to shreds as well, merging into the universe, then melting away bit by bit like accumulated snow.
The more he melted, the weaker his consciousness became.
The feeling was extremely peculiar, and terrifying, as if something was slowly eating away at him.
Darkness, coldness, dampness, silence.
All sorts of unsettling sensations closed in, and Li Hao tried to struggle, but he was like a salted fish nailed to a chopping board, utterly powerless to move.
His world became blurry, the light dim.
In his vanishing vision, Li Hao saw Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran’s anguished roars, but it seemed they couldn’t see him; their gazes did not focus on his consciousness, but rather mourned to the vast cosmos.
Li Hao wanted to say goodbye with a smile, but he had no body left.
The darkness closed like a shut window, engulfing the last streak of light.
Li Hao felt his consciousness disintegrating, as if plummeting into an endless abyss.
My superfluous life ends here, does it?
But at least in dying, I seem to have done one last good deed, marking a fitting end.
Li Hao thought to himself, feeling a chill envelop him in the darkness, while the sound of the river’s clear flow seemed close at hand.
At the same time, a voice seemed to rise from the depths of his heart:
“Don’t you want to go home?”
It was less of a voice and more like a thought that emerged from within.
Home…
Li Hao’s thoughts drifted, floating to that grand, empty courtyard, then out from the courtyard, over countless mountains and rivers.
Floating toward Heavenly Gate Pass, to the small fenced courtyard, then down Dragon Pass Road, past blossoming flowers along the way.
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This journey was filled with snowstorms and clear skies; the landscapes changed, but the laughter and cheer that accompanied him did not.
He had no home, but he had friends.
Li Hao sighed softly in his heart, feeling regret and guilt.
He could no longer accompany Feng to fish, nor had he managed to help Qianqian refine her swordsmanship to step into the realm of Grandmaster. That young girl had followed him through thick and thin, enduring much hardship.
And the little white fox, that little guy would have to find his own food from now on.
Erye, Daye… Yuan Zhao…
Li Hao sighed softly again, feeling the chill in the darkness disappear, his consciousness growing weaker and weaker.
Was it because he was about to die that he could no longer feel anything?
Li Hao’s consciousness kept sinking.
But as he fell deeper and deeper, suddenly, there seemed to be a warm sensation emerging from his “chest.”
Li Hao, whose consciousness was about to fade into slumber, gradually became alert again.
Looking down, he saw a crimson light emanating from his chest, growing brighter and stronger, as intense as thick blood plasma, illuminating the darkness, enveloping his consciousness.
Following that, Li Hao saw the darkness gradually dissipate bit by bit.
When the darkness faded, he found himself in front of a thatched hut.
Next to the hut, an old man in tattered robes, turned away from him, was busily doing something in front of him, piling something up.
Li Hao looked up to see a mountain before the thatched hut.
The old man was moving a mountain!
Or rather, he was building a mountain!
Li Hao froze, where was this, and what was the situation before him?
As Li Hao puzzled, the old man seemed to sense something, his moving hands suddenly stopped.
Then, the towering mountain before his eyes began to tremble slightly, and promptly, it cracked open to reveal a massive gap, before collapsing with a thunderous roar!
Li Hao instinctively wanted to dodge, but the falling rocks plummeted straight down, as if opening a bottomless pit beneath the mountain, swallowing the entire mountain!
Li Hao was stunned, staring at the old man, a stranger’s face, who was also staring indifferently back at him, expressionless.
“Don’t you want to go home?”
After a long while, the old man finally spoke slowly.
Li Hao was slightly startled, looking around, he could only see the bright moon, feeling astonished in his heart, vaguely sensing that this place was still within the Mo River.
“I consider heaven and earth my home, senior, are you also trapped by this Mo River?” Li Hao asked, suspecting that the old man before him was also a soul imprisoned within the Mo River.
The old man looked at Li Hao for a moment, then suddenly broke into a smile: “No wonder I can’t keep you trapped with the Mo River. I never expected to encounter someone like you…”
Having said that, Li Hao’s face suddenly changed. Control the Mo River?
The old man before him could actually manipulate the Mo River?
Li Hao suddenly thought of something and quickly called out to the Mo River in his mind.
He saw golden characters emerge before him, coalescing into several messages:
Mo River clearance progress: 99%.
Main mission: Defend Dragon City (completed)
Side mission: Growth (completed)
…
Li Hao froze, clearance progress, not reaching perfection.
Even such difficult main missions had been completed.
Could it be that completing the main missions was not enough to clear the game?
As if reading Li Hao’s thoughts, the old man seemed to be in a very good mood and said:
“The so-called main missions you completed can only let you leave this Mo River, to detach from Li Tianzong’s obsessions. But to truly clear it, you’re thinking too simply.”
Li Hao was somewhat speechless.
The main mission was tough enough, and it still wasn’t enough to clear the game, just how difficult was this ghost-level Mo River!
“However, now you only need to do one more thing to truly clear it.”
The old man said with a smile: “Originally, this Mo River was at the underworld level, but because my soul wandered here and merged with it, it became ghost-level. Now, the power of the river and my obsessions have been broken by you. There’s only one last thing left, if you manage to do it, you’ll truly clear it.”
Li Hao’s eyes flickered as he asked, “What is it?”
“Take me home.”
The old man said, “The souls attracted and detained by this Mo River, because of me, all have deep obsessions with going home. The deeper the obsession, the harder it is to break free. Likewise, people with the same obsession cannot truly clear this Mo River!”
“Even if you complete what you call the mission, if you can’t see through this point, if you can’t let go of your heart’s obsession with ‘home,’ you won’t be able to break through here.”
He turned, looking at the mountain behind him that had turned to dust, his eyes reflecting a touch of melancholy:
“My fusion with the Mo River deepened my obsession. For years I’ve been building this mountain, trying to establish the home in my heart here. Over the years, my obsession caused the Mo River to absorb more and more souls, strengthening its power.”
“The stronger the Mo River, the deeper my obsession became, creating a cycle, trapping me for eternity.”
Saying this, he chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes: “Now, the obsession I built has been broken by you. As long as I return to my homeland, I’ll be able to rest. The power of the Mo River will completely disappear then.”
Li Hao listened to his detailed explanation, his eyes darting about, yet he was skeptical in his heart.
Was the old man before him really the source of the Mo River’s obsession?
By that count, he was sort of the final boss?
But he seemed rather friendly, far from malevolent.
“You don’t have to be wary. The Mo River is already collapsing, and the souls are scrambling to escape. In a moment, I’ll let your consciousness return to your body, back outside the Mo River. I will shrink myself and take refuge within your body.”
The elder said, “Once you take me back to my ancestral home, I will dissipate completely, otherwise, I will take root in you. As time passes, the power of the Mo River will grow stronger again, and it will return to its current state. Therefore, you don’t have much time left.”
Hearing this, Li Hao began to believe what the other party said. Return to the outside of the Mo River?
If he could return to his body, everything could be verified.
Moreover, if it was an illusion or something, he could test it through his physical body panel.
Thinking about these things, Li Hao said, “Then you send me away first.”
Suddenly thinking of something, he quickly added, “Wait, can you also send out the one who came in with me?”
The elder said with a smile, “Of course, he has been here many times, but his obsession is too deep. He will never be able to pass this place, even if he truly comprehends the path, it would be impossible for him to get through.”
“Additionally, I will also send out the soul of Li Tianzong, but don’t think that by passing through the Mo River he will be truly freed. You are thinking too simply,” the elder added.
“This is a ghostly-level Mo River, the souls here have long been corroded. Even if they pass through, they will dissipate,” he continued.
The elder said, “But I am able to use the remaining tiny bit of power from the Mo River to let him temporarily maintain his form, at least, to let him truly return home for a glance.”
Li Hao was stunned. So, that grandfather, even if he returns to the ancestral shrine, can’t stay forever?
Just… to be able to take a look back home?
Li Hao’s expression turned somewhat ugly, but he knew it was something he was powerless to change for now.
“If you are ready, I will take you both out of here,” the elder said quietly.
Li Hao nodded slightly.
In an instant, Li Hao felt the scenery around him shift as if the stars were moving, countless mountains and rivers flowed past, his vision became blurry, and he finally plunged into darkness.
When he opened his eyes again, bursts of light appeared.
At the same time, an odd scent of trees and grass wafted over.
When Li Hao opened his eyes, he saw towering ancient trees, as colossal as steep mountains, which would take hundreds of people to wrap their arms around one.
Where is this?
Li Hao was puzzled; this did not seem to be the strange rock-filled mountain valley outside the Dragon City Mo River.
“Hao, Hao Er?!”
Just then, two astonished and joyful voices, mixed with disbelief, rang out beside Li Hao.
Li Hao turned to look and saw Li Xiaoran standing dumbfounded beside him.
Next to him, a shadowy figure floated, it was Li Tianzong, who also looked utterly astonished.
“You’re still alive!”
Li Xiaoran, upon seeing Li Hao, rushed over excitedly and embraced him tightly, as if feeling the reality of Li Hao’s physical presence.
Afterward, he grabbed Li Hao’s shoulders and looked him up and down. Upon seeing a cluster of red light on Li Hao’s chest, he quickly asked, “Are you okay? What’s this?”
Li Hao looked down and saw the strange red light emanating from his chest within the Mo River. Even Li Hao was wondering what it was, and now, on looking down, he saw his clothes were stained red.
He opened his clothing to look and saw two broken jade pieces glowing with a bloody light wrapped in his clothes.
“It’s Dragon Blood Jade!”
Li Tianzong’s valorous soul, seeing this, lightly gasped, a hint of surprise on his face: “Was this bestowed by Emperor Yu?”
Li Hao was also stunned; he hadn’t expected the thing emitting the red light to be the precious jade he’d worn since childhood, given to him by that emperor shortly after his birth.
“This?”
Li Hao dumbfoundedly picked up the two broken pieces of jade.
Li Tianzong gazed at them for a long while, then sighed deeply and said, “The Li Family has received Emperor Yu’s grace. Little Nine died unexpectedly in battle, but fortunately, Emperor Yu preserved the True Dragon bloodline of the next generation for our family. Hao Er, you must always remember this kindness from Emperor Yu!”
Li Hao was startled, “This Dragon Blood Jade saved me?”
Ever since he was awarded the jade, he had worn it since childhood. It simply felt warm and provided heat, warding off the cold and slowly nourishing his body. Compared to these effects, it usually symbolized one’s identity more.
“Yes, not many know the secret of this jade. It was made by a true sage of the Gan Tao Palace. There are rumors that it has the rebellious power of a Defying Fate Realm strongman sealed within. This jade has the effect of reversing life for a person; in a desperate situation, it’s akin to a second life!” Li Tianzong explained.
Li Hao was astonished.
The rebellious power of the Defying Fate Realm was sealed within?
What kind of method was this?
A Defying Fate Realm strongman, upon sensing life and death, could defy the heavens and change fate, and if encountering an instant kill, it would also trigger automatically to defy death for oneself!
He had never heard of a method that could plunder the power of defiance from a Defying Fate strongman!
This was terrifying. Was this the power of the strongest being of the Dayu Divine Dynasty?
And moreover.
No one had ever told him how precious this item was!
He had almost lost it several times!
“It’s just misleading fate,” said a detached voice at this moment, startling the three of them.
Li Hao looked to see that the specter of the Mo River’s source of obsession had also appeared nearby, casually addressing them:
“Even without this jade piece, he wouldn’t have died. This young man had already broken the power of the Mo River at the very brink of life and death, with the vigor from his own body flowing in. It’s just that the jade detected his fading consciousness and triggered itself.”
“Who are you?”
Li Tianzong’s face changed slightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of oppression emanating from this stranger, a sensation that made him shudder, as if at any moment, a mere thought from the stranger could doom him beyond redemption.
Li Xiaoran also felt the special aura emanating from the elder but didn’t experience the same oppressive sensation as Li Tianzong, merely fixating his gaze intently.
“You people from beyond the Great Wilderness, even if I told you my name, you wouldn’t recognize it.” The elder spoke indifferently, obviously not holding Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran in high regard.
Li Tianzong was slightly taken aback, this familiar address made him think of something.
“Senior, where is this place?”
Li Hao asked, having already determined that the towering wild trees around them were not where they had entered the Mo River previously.
“This is the source of the Mo River.”
The elder said calmly, “The place you entered before was just an opening to the Mo River. As I said, I wanted you to take me back, naturally I would lead you to the source. This place is closer to my hometown…”
As he spoke, he looked toward a certain direction in the distance, a hint of nostalgia and expectation in his eyes, as well as a faint sense of urgency.
Li Xiaoran’s expression changed slightly, and he looked at Li Hao, saying, “Did you promise him something?”
“Yes, he is the source of obsession within the Mo River; I have to take him back, or the Mo River will revive.” Li Hao said.
Moreover, he had already completed 99% of the task, just one step shy of the final threshold.
“Where must he be taken?” Li Tianzong asked eagerly.
Li Hao also looked at the elder, now feeling certain that this was indeed beyond the illusion. If that was the case, then the elder’s words were probably true.
However, such miraculous events were somewhat beyond his understanding.
The Mo River could actually be moved, and its source was in fact on a soul of the dead.
“Great Wasteland Heavenly Realm, Ancient the Ji Family from the Great Wilderness Heaven!”
The elder stated indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Li Hao and the others all shuddered.
Li Hao suddenly recalled what Li Rumeng had whispered in his ear about the True Dragon contention, “The Great Wilderness Heaven, where my mother resides, and she is surnamed Ji!”
Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran both contracted their pupils. They were present when Ji Qingqing married into the Li Family, and they were aware of the woman’s origin since then…
The elder before them, his hometown was where Li Hao’s mother’s family was located?
“You, you’re a member of the Ancient the Ji Family from the Great Wilderness Heaven?” Li Tianzong couldn’t help but ask.
If that was the case, it seemed they could be considered relatives?!
But the elder before them clearly did not recognize them.
“You know of us?” The elder looked at him with some surprise upon hearing this.
It seemed he did not expect these outsiders from the Great Wilderness to know of the Ji Family’s name. Could it be that their Ji Family’s reputation had spread beyond the heavens of the Great Wilderness?
Li Tianzong was taken aback for a moment, about to speak but hesitated, finally asking, “I don’t know what your relation is to the Ji Family, but do you know of Ji Qingqing?”
“You know of Qingqing?”
The elder was taken aback, looking at him with slight surprise. Then, as if realizing something, he raised an eyebrow and said:
“Considering the time, that little girl should have grown up by now. What, did she come to play in Dayu? Heh, with the talent she showed, she probably could easily sweep through the younger generation of the Dayu Divine Dynasty, right?”
Saying this, he curled his lip, seemingly a bit proud.
Li Tianzong was speechless; they did not know the level of Ji Qingqing’s Cultivation Realm, only that it was not bad.
It seemed she had not really shown her full abilities.
They had privately learned of her identity at the time of the marriage, and not many knew this secret.
After all, many families of the Dayu Divine Dynasty, including other Divine General Mansions, harbored fear and aversion towards the residents of the Great Wasteland Heavenly Realm.
Li Tianzong glanced at Li Hao, wanting to say something, but eventually did not speak.
He knew the rules of the Ji Family. When Ji Qingqing married Li Tiangang, it was her own decision. If it weren’t for seeing their deep affection and righteousness, he as a father would not have agreed.
With a silent sigh, Li Tianzong did not say more, but transmitted to Li Hao:
“Hao Er, do you also know of your mother’s identity? Later, we will accompany him back together, but we must not stay long in the Ji Family, and you must not let anyone know that your mother is Ji Qingqing. I worry they might harm you.”
Li Hao was taken aback. During his time at Heavenly Gate Pass, he had idly asked Feng about the Great Wilderness Heaven. Although Feng knew little, he did understand that the families of the Great Wilderness Heaven had extremely superior bloodlines, and thus rarely intermarried with outsiders.
The union of Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing was a mutual striving of both parties, and with the protection of the Divine General Mansion’s influence, hiding the information about his mother Ji Qingqing had allowed for peace over the years.
This was also why after his mother revealed her identity in Northern Yan, she could frighten off the Holy Palace, and why she then left.
Li Hao fell silent.
To go to the Ji Family but not be able to recognize his own mother?
He vaguely recalled the affectionate and loving gaze of the gentle and beautiful woman looking down at him when he was in his swaddling clothes.
“Let’s go, it’s time to depart.”
The elder urged.
“We’re coming too,” Li Xiaoran stood up and said.
Li Hao snapped back to reality, looking at the two ready to depart with him, and quickly said, “Fourth Uncle…” He turned to call Li Tianzong, but the words stalled on his lips, uncertain how to address him.
If he called him “Grandfather,” wouldn’t that imply he still acknowledged that identity?
But, if he did not address him as such, wouldn’t it sadden the man if he knew of his current situation?
With the thought of the elder saying he only had enough time to visit home one last time, Li Hao felt a pang of sorrow.
After the battle at Dragon City, he knew how strong the elder’s desire to return home was.
“You go back first. The power of the Mo River has infiltrated grandfather’s body; I’m afraid he won’t last much longer.” Li Hao said.
This final journey, he intended not to let the old man suffer any further.
Li Xiaoran was startled, involuntarily looking at Li Tianzong.
Li Tianzong, however, changed complexion, also aware of his own abnormal state but had not realized it was so serious.
