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“Yes,” said the young general who had spoken earlier, “let’s stop hoping for outsiders to save us and figure out how to lure out one of those Immortal Demon Kings from the Three Immortal Realms. We’ll try to send it into the Array with an Array Command and give it a sound beating while it’s down.”
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged advisor sighed inwardly, knowing that the honor of the Xia Family was held in such high esteem and considered so sacred by these young members of the family, that it led to such an impulsive rejection.
In fact, he felt that it would have some effect, and with a bit of luck, it could even break through a weak spot and bring hope.
As they were discussing the matter again, a sudden trembling noise arose.
The people in the council hall were startled, and several generals rushed out immediately.
They saw outside Liyang City, where the Array had emerged, golden runes flashing. In the sky above the city, a middle-aged figure was wielding scythe-like arms, pounding on the Array.
“Stop!”
A young general from the Xia Family soared up into the air, shouting angrily.
“I thought you all were asleep; just a little wake-up call for you.”
The middle-aged figure just laughed lightly, without stopping the assault but instead intensified the attack on the Array, “Don’t let your guard down, we could attack at any moment.”
His nonchalant demeanor infuriated the young general, turning his face red with rage. He knew the enemy was forcing them to remain constantly on edge, not allowing them any respite or relaxation.
They could still adjust and adapt, but the large army within the city was inevitably in a state of panic, lacking the stamina and mentality to cope.
“You’ll pay for provoking the Xia Family, Gluttonous Valley will pay for this sooner or later!”
The young general said angrily.
“Oh? What price? I’m right here, why don’t you come out and show me?” sneered the middle-aged figure.
The other generals also flew over, advising the young general not to be rash. One of the veteran generals stepped forward, his body exuding the aura of the Three Immortal Realms.
Seeing this, the middle-aged figure immediately ceased his assault and retreated hundreds of meters, saying with a sneer, “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
With those words, he turned to leave.
Yet the veteran general charged forth, shouting, “This is not a place where you can come and go as you please!”
He burst out of the Array and surged forward with his power to attack.
The middle-aged figure rapidly retreated, and they chased for over a thousand meters. However, when the veteran general saw a dense crowd of Demons ahead, he was forced to stop his pursuit, understanding that he would fall into an ambush if he continued.
“Heh.”
Seeing the other party hadn’t fallen for the trap, the middle-aged figure scoffed, laughing lightly. He then signaled to the distant Demon Army, preparing to retreat.
But just then, along the distant official road, a figure on horseback approached.
The crisp sound of the horse’s hooves struck the official road, advancing slowly.
“Hmm?”
“There is yet another one who is not afraid to die, daring to travel this road. Seeking to slay Demons for fame and glory, perhaps?”
The middle-aged figure glanced at the youth riding towards him, his gaze slightly lifted, but he paid it no heed. Such young lords from human families were foolish indeed, and there had already been many who died in this place recently.
He turned and flew away straight, but after only a few hundred meters, he abruptly stopped.
This was because he sensed that the life force of the Demon Tide positioned along both sides of the official road behind him was rapidly diminishing.
He turned around abruptly and witnessed an eerie scene.
The youth on horseback approached slowly, his horse’s hooves not hastening, yet where they trod, the Demons on the official road who had been ready to ambush and devour him, collapsed in droves like a withering field of wheat, lifeless.
As the middle-aged figure turned to look, the youth also lifted his head slightly, noticing him.
In that instant of eye contact, the middle-aged figure felt a sharp contraction of his heart. Following that, an indescribable aura suddenly enveloped him.
Thump.
His body burst open mid-air.
The Xia Family’s old general, just as he was about to return, suddenly heard the sound of bones and blood bursting, and couldn’t help but be stunned, turning his head to look. What he saw was a horrifying scene.
The Great Demon, who had just been arrogant with a relaxed face, now had a body that seemed to have been exploded by something, and had not even revealed its original form. In the exploding flesh and blood, a figure struggled to break free, but as soon as it flew out, it was subjected to extreme pressure and vanished in a wail, with both body and soul destroyed.
The pitiful and tragic scream before death caused many of the Xia Family’s soldiers on the city walls to be shocked and watch this eerie scene in bewilderment.
On the official road below the city wall, a young man rode his horse lightly toward the tightly closed city gate and looked up, saying,
“Old sir, could you have them open the city gate?”
The young man’s call in front of the city gate brought the Xia Family’s old general, floating midair, back to his senses. He looked down and was immediately horrified.
The young man sat on his horse with a calm and breezy demeanor, dressed in simple coarse hemp clothes. Yet, his handsome features were as exquisite as flowing clouds in a painting, his unique aura unforgettable, giving people a feeling of tranquility and leisure.
His gaze extended to behind the young man, where he instantly saw that the official road, already soaked with the blood of noble family descendants, and the demons lurking on both sides of the road had all fallen, lifeless.
“You…”
The Xia Family’s old general’s pupils constricted, shocked as he looked toward the young man, who appeared more terrifying than the demons.
Meanwhile, atop the city wall, as the Great Demon of the Three Immortal Realms mysteriously perished, the other few generals of the Xia Family were also horrified and rushed to the Array. Once they saw the situation outside the city and found only a young man on horseback,
“Was it you who killed that demon?”
The Xia Family’s old general did not dare to fly, quickly landing in front of the young man. If this young man had killed the Great Demon, his strength must be horrifying, surely of the Four Stands Realm.
And being so young yet comparable to the Four Stands Realm, he could only think of one name.
The one from Liangzhou.
“Yes.”
Li Hao nodded slightly. There was no need to hide such a minor matter:
“I heard the Xia family was in trouble and just happened to be passing by, so I helped resolve it.”
Hearing the young man admit it, the Xia Family’s old general’s pupils narrowed, and he tremulously said, “You, you are General Haotian?!”
His face filled with bewildered shock, soon turning into excitement.
The deeds from Liangzhou had already spread everywhere. Although it was not under the Xia family’s jurisdiction, the young man’s reputation was known across the armies of the Nineteen Provinces.
Single-handedly vanquishing demons, rescuing the completely fallen borders of Liangzhou, this act was like that of the young man who guarded Cangzhou decades ago, emerging like a dazzling star.
Furthermore, the young man had the capability to slay the Demon King, and now appearing here, Liyang City was saved!
Seeing Li Hao’s smiling demeanor, the Xia Family’s old general suddenly came to his senses, realizing he had been rude and quickly bowed deeply:
“I’ve seen Duke Haotian!”
Before, they had always referred to him as “Junior General,” purely out of habit from listening to rumors.
But since Liangzhou had turned from peril to safety, and after long debates in the court, his honors had already been bestowed.
After all, it had been two months since that great battle.
The honor had been delivered to Qingzhou, to that prominent Divine General Mansion, and was received on his behalf, while the bestowed title was proclaimed from the Imperial City to the whole world.
Promoted to a Duke of the third rank!
Directly leapfrogging from Earl to Duke Dayu, merely his title alone placed him above countless power-holders, his status requiring even princes to treat him carefully.
Besides promotion in title, from the position of Junior General, he had also been promoted to the Commander-in-Chief of Liangzhou, a tangible official position ranked as a First Grade Official.
Almost equal to the Prime Minister, within the entire Divine Dynasty, except for a few existences, no one currently in office could surpass this young man by official rank.
And his noble title was one that only elders in the five major Divine General Mansions could barely reach. Find exclusive stories on empire
“Duke?”
Li Hao was somewhat surprised, knowing he would be honored, but he had not expected to directly skip the rank of Marquis.
Back then, “Uncle Jiu,” who rescued Cangzhou, had merits no less than his, only the demonic forces plaguing Cangzhou then were not as numerous or strong, but there were manipulations by vassal states behind it, hence he had pursued them out to the Royal Court, which also led to his own demise.
“Please, rise.”
Seeing the other continuously bowing deeply, Li Hao immediately said.
The Xia Family’s old general raised his head, excitedly saying, “Duke, with your arrival here, the people of Liyang City are saved. Thank you for your assistance; on behalf of the people of Liyang City, I thank Duke for your great kindness!”
After speaking, he was about to kneel.
Before, Liyang City had been besieged for many days, and the city was panic-stricken, with everyone already sensing the smell of a demon-led massacre. But now, it was like clearing the clouds to see the sun, suddenly dispelling all the gloom.
Li Hao raised his hand to support him, saying, “It was just a convenient act; there’s no need for such courtesy. If you really want to thank me, see if there are any famous paintings or chess manuals in your city, and collect some for me.”
The Xia Family’s old general was surprised, but he had also heard that the young man, apart from Martial Arts, seemed to excel in all aspects of the arts and was thoroughly accomplished in both literary and military skills. Feeling deeply moved, he quickly smiled and said:
“Of course, we have them all. I will have them search for them right away.”
So saying, he ordered the city gates to be opened and invited Li Hao inside.
Simultaneously, several other young generals raced over.
The Xia Family’s old general quickly informed them of the slaying of the demons outside the city by this young man, and upon learning Li Hao’s identity, they were all stunned, shocked as they looked at the young man.
“Is it really him?”
Among the young generals, a female general stared blankly at the young man, her thoughts abruptly shifting to the official road of Qi State two years ago.
Back then, the young man seated in the carriage had left a deep impression on her, a fourteen-year-old defending a city.
Soon after, she heard news of that young man again, his name shaking Qingzhou.
Later, at fifteen, he rescued Liangzhou and his fame spread far and wide.
“This lady is Xia Qingshuang, the pride of our Xia Family.”
“This is Xia Yucheng…”
The veteran general of the Xia Family quickly introduced several young Xia Family generals to Li Hao, hoping to use this opportunity to connect them with Li Hao’s network.
Although they were all aware of Li Hao’s defection from the Li Family, the young man’s current reputation and achievements no longer required the Divine General Mansion to establish his fame; he was a legend in his own right.
The young duke, not yet sixteen, held a high position among the emperor’s subjects and was capable of slaying a Demon King, making him someone no one wished to offend.
While the Xia Family’s veteran general was making the introductions, these young Xia Family generals felt compelled to bow and pay their respects due to Li Hao’s title and office. While they were excited and shocked, they also felt a slight embarrassment.
After all, they were the chosen heirs of the Xia Family, yet the young man before them came from the Li Family; they belonged to the same generation, but they were seven or eight, or even more than a dozen years older than he was. Now, having to bow to him felt as though the glory of the Xia Family that they carried on their backs was bending as well.
However, the ranks and titles of the five great Divine General Mansions were unified by the dynasty. Li Hao’s status would make him a distinguished guest wherever he went. They dare not show disrespect, otherwise, it was not just Li Hao they were offending, but His Majesty himself.
Li Hao, mounted on his horse, simply nodded slightly to greet them.
The crowd exchanged polite pleasantries and escorted Li Hao into the City Lord’s Mansion.
Inside the mansion, two young generals exchanged glances, both with awkward looks in their eyes.
Earlier in the council hall, they had been strongly against draping over the young man the tiger-skin coat adorned with his War Banner, questioning its deterrent power and fearing it would bring shame to the Xia Family. Now that the person in question had suddenly arrived and was right before them, they couldn’t help but feel somewhat guilty.
“Haotian General, how did you kill that Great Demon of the Three Immortal Realms? We didn’t see you make a move…”
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Xia Yuanming asked, curious.
He had been the one most opposed to using Li Hao’s War Banner previously, but now faced with the man himself, he felt somewhat intimidated. The young man’s deeds of slaying seven Demon Kings were witnessed by all and could not be fabricated.
Hearing his question, Xia Qingshuang also fixed her gaze on Li Hao.
She remembered that when she was defending Qi State, there were rumors that the young man had reached the Fifteen Li Realm.
Only two short years had passed…
“Your realm is not high enough; you wouldn’t understand even if I explained it to you.”
Li Hao said to the young man, his tone calm and devoid of any mockery.
On hearing this, Xia Yuanming felt somewhat embarrassed and a bit chagrined, but considering that the young man had saved Liyang City, he didn’t take it to heart and simply refrained from further flattery.
The veteran general of the Xia Family, however, felt that Li Hao’s answer was quite normal and gave Xia Yuanming a disapproving look. Martial techniques were secrets of Martial Arts; it was somewhat presumptuous to ask such a question.
“General, there were rumors that you were being hunted by a Great Demon of the Great Void Realm, did you just manage to escape?”
He changed the subject, asking with curiosity.
In recent times, countless people had their attention fixed on the Mo River outside Liangzhou Territory, but there had been no activity there. Unexpectedly, the person they were waiting for had suddenly appeared in Youzhou.
“Something like that.”
Li Hao responded, then immediately began to inquire about the situation in Liangzhou.
Even though he had learned some information from the inn’s attendant earlier, the person before him was a general of the Xia Family, and the intelligence he possessed was bound to be different.
After he had grasped the situation, Li Hao fully relaxed, assured that the Liangzhou Territory had indeed become peaceful.
However, despite the peace in Liangzhou, other states within Dayu had erupted into war.
The Xia Family Veteran General touched upon the matter of Youzhou, which was surrounded by enemies on all sides. They had entered into war with the Gluttonous Valley, one of the top forces amongst the Demons. If not for Li Hao’s arrival today, it wouldn’t take long before the northwestern direction would likely be breached by the Demons.
Yet Liyang City was not the main battlefield of Youzhou.
In the Eastern Territory, war reports were coming in thick and fast, and the main forces of the Xia Family were also concentrated there.
After the Xia Family Veteran General had finished speaking, he suddenly knelt on one knee before Li Hao, earnestly begging for his assistance to lend the Xia Family a helping hand.
The other young Xia Family officers were stunned, having never expected this clan uncle to pay such a great homage to Li Hao.
Li Hao helped the other to his feet and slightly furrowed his brows, contemplating, “This matter, I must not act rashly. You had better consult with the head of your Xia Family.”
Hearing what Li Hao had to say, the Xia Family Veteran General immediately understood that the young man’s wisdom was far from ordinary. His personal plea was evidently not significant enough.
“I will report to the head of the family, and I hope you can stay in Liyang City for a few more days,” The Xia Family Veteran General hastily said.
Li Hao nodded slightly, “That can be arranged. However, I am still waiting to return to Liangzhou and cannot stay for long, just three days.”
“Three days…”
The Xia Family Veteran General immediately tensed up and agreed.
Afterward, he immediately dispatched someone to arrange accommodation for Li Hao.
But Li Hao did not stay in the mansion but had them find him a quiet courtyard within the city.
After Li Hao had left, the Xia Family Veteran General quickly dispatched a messenger to send a letter urgently to the clan, traveling thousands of miles.
When Li Hao entered the city, a Bird Demon that was on high-altitude lookout in the skies of Liyang City witnessed everything.
Seeing the strangely dead Demons on the official road, as well as the fallen Great Demon of the Three Immortal Realms, its initially relaxed expression instantly turned into shock, nearly causing it to lose its feathers in fright.
Afterward, it saw the young horseman being respectfully invited into the city by the Xia Family Veteran and without a doubt, all this was the work of that young man.
So easily able to kill a Great Demon and also a young man, putting the two together, there was only one identity.
The young man who was said to be trapped in the Youdu Level Mo River had returned!
Upon this realization, the Bird Demon quickly took flight in panic, flying over a hundred li away from Liyang City where the Demon Tide had stationed its massive army, including two Great Demons of the Three Immortal Realms.
At this moment atop a hill, two Great Demons were indulging in a drinking spree. One of them, with a concealed aura was tearing at a human leg while sipping wine, seeming thoroughly relaxed and comfortable.
The Tianji Palace Bird Demon flew in hurriedly and frantically, rushing to convey the intelligence.
“What?!”
“That guy from Liangzhou, he’s come here?”
“Wasn’t he supposed to be in the Mo River?”
Both Great Demons were suddenly pale with shock and confirmation was sought from the Bird Demon. In the end, with panic and fear, orders were promptly issued for the Demons to retreat, for the time being.
The massive tide of assembled Demons then rapidly receded like a tide in sight of the Xia Family’s secret scouts emerging from the city.
At the same time, the Bird Demon sent this news back to Tianji Palace, which was then quickly circulated from the Youzhou branch of Tianji Palace to the frontlines of Youzhou’s battlefield.
Almost simultaneously as the Xia Family in Youzhou City received the news, on the hill where the Valley Master of Gluttonous Valley was stationed within the battlefield of the Demon Warfare, news from Tianji Temple arrived as well.
The young General from Liangzhou, he had arrived in Youzhou!
Youzhou City, the Xia Family’s Divine General Mansion.
Inside the eastern pavilion courtyard, a distinguished lady sat poised in the main hall.
She appeared to be around forty years old, but her skin was as creamy as a young girl’s, even more delicate than that of a maiden. Set against her sumptuous attire, she seemed like a charming beauty stepping out of a painting, with an air both dignified and noble.
She was not just the lady of the house but also the current Family Head of the Xia Family, Xia Linglong, and the True Dragon of the previous generation.
Because she had vowed to remain unmarried for life, she had been eligible to compete for the title of True Dragon. Coupled with her exceptional talent, rumors had it that she was the most gifted individual in the Xia Family in centuries.
At twenty, she had entered the Three Immortal Realms, and although she had not achieved immortality at nineteen like that prodigious talent from the Li Family, she too had her moments of great glory, her name known throughout the world.
When she took over the Xia Family’s leadership, various demonic forces, mocking her for being a woman, laughed at the Xia Family’s decline, considering them weak and easily bullied. They caused chaos throughout other great states under the Xia Family’s jurisdiction, and the people suffered immensely.
However, once Xia Linglong assumed power, she quickly struck like thunderbolts, slaughtering and driving back those demons.
In many battles, she personally led the troops into combat, clad in iron armor, her hands stained with the blood of countless demons. And when she returned home, she would wear light elegant dresses and apply makeup, enjoying flowers and tea like those ladies of the state.
But while those ladies of the state would peruse books like “Discussion on Women” and “the Learning of Assisting the Husband,” the volumes in her hands were military manuals, art of war, Map of the Demonic Territories.
Half a month ago, the Gluttonous Valley, which had besieged the outskirts of the Mo River in Liangzhou Territory, suddenly shifted its assault towards their Xia Family’s Youzhou. This attack caught them completely by surprise, and with the Elder of Gluttonous Valley personally leading the charge, the eastern front line was breached and now half of the eastern part of Youzhou had fallen.
The death toll and the number of cities burned stood at more than thirty.
In each city and the nearby towns and villages, the populace numbered at least four to five million, some even as many as ten million.
The severe damage suffered in their home territory, which they were charged with protecting, had caused her many sleepless nights. Not long ago, the Gluttonous Valley Master had brazenly launched a surprise attack on the Divine General Mansion but was repelled by a joint effort of several uncles at the Ultimate Study Realm.
Yet, this battle made her realize that the strength of the Gluttonous Valley Master was not to be underestimated. Although he was not in the Tao Realm, he had few rivals within the Ultimate Study Realm. His flesh and blood were so refined that they could be compared to the finest Divine Weapon, and the ultimate techniques of the Ultimate Study Realm were significantly less effective against him.
Fortunately, the Gluttonous Valley Master was not old enough to be in the Great Void Realm; he was a Great Demon King who had risen to prominence just five hundred years ago and had not yet stepped into the Tao Realm.
Otherwise, the Xia Family would truly face a calamity and would have to mobilize their strongest resources just to withstand him!
Even so, for the Xia Family at present, the situation was dire.
“The eastern battlefront reports are in. Xia Changkong says the second defensive line is about to fall, and they must retreat to the area near the Ming River to activate the third line of defense,” an old man stated lowly within the hall.
He was an elder of the Xia Family and was already dressed in armor, ready to go to war at a moment’s notice.
His gaze rested on Xia Linglong, who, despite looking like a noble lady, commanded immense respect and awe from everyone in the Xia Family.
“Family Head, please allow me to head into battle to stand with Changkong in defense!”
The elder volunteered eagerly; his eyes, sharp as an eagle’s, announced: “If the third defensive line falls, I will fight a bloody battle against Gluttonous Valley to the end!”
The others showed a change in expression, wanting to speak but hesitating, wanting to stop him but not knowing what to say. As part of the Divine General Mansion, bearing such a mission was their destiny, especially now when countless soldiers had already fallen on the frontline, with many of them losing their own kinsmen.
“A bloody battle is a last resort, but it is not the goal,” Xia Linglong spoke. Her eyes, devoid of their usual tenderness, were now filled with coldness:
“If the Gluttonous Valley Master makes a move, even the third defensive line might not hold. The disparity in strength between both sides is too vast, especially at the pinnacle of power. Furthermore, we must guard against other demonic forces that may take advantage of the chaos to strike. We cannot afford to gamble recklessly until the situation becomes clear.”
The elder’s countenance changed subtly, as he looked intently at her, not questioning but waiting for her to continue.
After a brief pause, Xia Linglong continued with a determined and solemn tone: Continue your journey on empire
“Feign defense at the third line, lure the Gluttonous Valley Master into the Cangling Mountains, where our Xia Family ancestors have buried arrays. With the power of the arrays, we can lock down the Gluttonous Valley Master. Afterwards, we will rush to the front lines, eradicate all the demons, and then engage the Gluttonous Valley Master in a decisive battle. This time, I am prepared to invoke our ancestral Sacred Treasure!”
Upon hearing her words, the elder’s face showed a subtle change; the pupils of everyone else contracted.
They all felt the immense determination of their Family Head.
“But with this plan, if the third defensive line is breached, we will lose a dozen more cities…” the elder couldn’t help saying.
Xia Linglong gazed steadily at him and said, “I have already sent Uncle Seven with a hundred thousand troops to evacuate the residents of those cities, leaving only a minimal defensive force behind. The cities can be lost, but as long as the people survive, it’s fine. Once the war subsides, our Xia Family will send troops to help them rebuild.”
“Have all been evacuated?” the elder couldn’t help asking.
Xia Linglong fell silent for a moment before replying, “Not all, but we must amputate timely to save more lives. We have no choice.”
Everyone was silent, and so was the elder. He knew his niece was astute and adept at strategic planning. If she could not devise a better plan, it meant that there truly was no better option.
“Reinforcement requests have been sent to Dayu State, but outside the Imperial City, there are rumors of demons lurking. Since the battle in Liangzhou, no, it should be said that during the past several decades of frequent demonic stealth attacks, specifically aimed at the Li Family Town’s defenses, that nearly disrupted the Li Family’s lineage, I have sensed that these demons are plotting something major…”
Xia Linglong took a deep breath, her eyes icy, and said,
“The battle of Liangzhou was just the beginning, and fortunately it was defended by that youth, otherwise given the terrain of Liangzhou, once taken by demons, the next would be a direct route to Youzhou, plus the attacks through the rivers on other states, it would be both offensive and defensive, causing a major disaster!”
“They failed their sudden attack, losing momentum mid-way, and could only relocate, trying to tear a hole from our Youzhou. This is just the beginning. His Majesty must have sensed it too, but has yet to send reinforcements. If I’m not mistaken, the demons’ real plan might not be Youzhou, but the Imperial City…”
“Right now, it’s about who acts first, who can’t hold back any longer.”
“So, we can only rely on ourselves!”
On hearing her words, everybody’s face grew solemn, aware that the millennia of peace within the Dayu Divine Dynasty had been shattered.
As members of the Divine General Mansion, constantly receiving war reports from the border, they had long anticipated this and noticed that the Dayu Divine Dynasty’s deterrent effect on these demons was weakening year by year.
And the demons were growing more rampant; this battle was inevitable, just that no one expected it to come this soon.
“Heroes emerge in chaotic times, and that young hero emerged, clearly indicating that tumultuous times have arrived…”
Someone sighed softly.
“Then I’ll head to the Cang Ling area first, to set up defense in advance,” the elder said to Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong nodded and said, “Thank you, Fourth Uncle.”
“There’s no need for thanks in demon-slaying, you must not disgrace me,” the elder replied coldly.
Xia Linglong’s icy gaze suddenly softened, and she said, “I was wrong.”
The elder waved his hand and was about to stand up when suddenly, a light as swift as an arrow sped toward the Divine General Mansion.
The elder sensed it immediately, his face faintly changed, and he gestured to capture the urgent message sent through the Xia Family’s secret technique.
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“Liyang?”
Seeing the word on the letter, the elder’s face changed slightly.
Xia Linglong also looked stern, “Liyang is under threat already?”
The elder pushed the letter towards her face.
Xia Linglong quickly read through it, her originally solemn expression slightly stunned.
“Liyang has fallen?”
“Is it a loss, or are they calling for help?”
Everyone else, knowing the message was about Liyang, also showed a change in expression, as if another loss in the northwest would mean demons attacking Youzhou from two sides.
After reading the letter, Xia Linglong couldn’t help but look up at the elder.
The elder’s eyes conveyed an inquiry.
In Xia Linglong’s eyes, however, a brilliant light gradually burst forth, “Liyang is safe!”
“They won?”
“They were cut off from supplies previously, those demons were probably planning a siege strategy. They should have delayed for some time.”
Everyone was surprised, then their faces filled with joy.
Finally, some good news amidst the continuous war reports.
“Could it be my son, Xia Yuanming, who made a breakthrough in the battle?”
“Your son is not as clever as Qing Shuang. It must have been her, but she only recently entered the Heavenly Human Realm, she shouldn’t have had the capacity to decide a battlefield yet?”
Hearing the good news, everyone looked much happier, even joking with each other.
Xia Linglong didn’t keep them in suspense and said, “You all remember that young duke, the general, right? He has come to our Youzhou!”
“What?”
“What!”
Everyone paused, then it clicked; the duke, that young general, was the only one in the whole Dayu Divine Dynasty who had defended Xialiang Zhou.
They were certainly familiar with him, and when the tales of his deeds spread across the states, each city started to create some war banners inscribed with the word ‘Haotian’ to be hung in times of chaos during demonic sieges.
The deterrent effect of that war banner spread far and wide, turning it into a strategic asset.
Perhaps one day when the Dayu Divine Dynasty faced widespread danger, cities everywhere would raise the banners of that youth, along with the mythical reputation that came with them!
About this phenomenon, although the members of the Divine General Mansion were envious of the youth’s fame, they also understood that only he could achieve this because of the unique nature of his war banner, which had even surpassed the traditional banners of the five great ancestors of the Divine General Mansion.
“Are you talking about the Haotian General?”
“Wasn’t he by the Mo River outside Liangzhou? How did he come to Youzhou, specifically for reinforcements?”
“Liangzhou is not far from Youzhou; could he have heard the news? But there was no news about him leaving the Mo River. Though the demons outside Mo River had retreated and attacked Qingzhou some time ago, there are no more demons outside there. Maybe after he left, no big battle erupted, so we didn’t know?”
“Could there be a mix-up with the news? Qingzhou is almost fallen, and he didn’t go there but came to our Youzhou instead?”
“Could he not know about Qingzhou?”
Everyone looked doubtfully at Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong also realized, indeed, if the youth had come out, he should have gone to assist Qingzhou first. Could there be a mistake in the message?
But immediately, she thought of some things about the youth, her eyes flickered, and she instantly understood the reason.
It seemed the father-son battle in Qingzhou had indeed had a tremendous impact. The youth had really chosen to break away from the Li Family, cutting ties completely!
“The military letter shows no signs of being opened, and the secret runes on it are unbroken, the message is real, unless the demons have already invaded Liyang, forcing them to write this message.”
Xia Linglong spoke, but her words also suggested to everyone that the message was absolutely true, beyond doubt.
Because the sons of the Xia Family there could never betray their family.
Everyone understood the subtext of her words, and someone, their face lighting up with joy, said,
“Regardless, his willingness to come to our aid is a kindness. Since Liyang City has been defended and it is said that he can slay the Demon King and has the power to rival the Ultimate Study Realm, why not invite him over to discuss a joint campaign against the Gluttonous Valley Master?”
“Exactly, if he’s willing, we could ask the old madam to send him a chick,” added another.
Xia Linglong nodded slightly; she shared the same thought.
That ‘chick’ the old madam raised was no ordinary chick, but a Great Demon.
The cultivation techniques of the Xia Family lean towards Object Control and Refine the Spirit, therefore they are also adept at taming demons and warhorses.
The very best warhorses in the Dayu Divine Dynasty come from the Xia Family, as do the Flood Dragons used by the Imperial Family, which the Xia Family also rears and tames for them. They hold a position within the Imperial Court called the Dragon Tamer, a role traditionally filled by the Xia Family.
Many of the mixed-blood mounts of the Divine Dynasty’s high officials, like the Dragon Lions of Qingzhou, come from the Dragon Tamer’s office.
“With such a strong ally, no price is too great,” the elder said to Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong nodded and immediately ordered someone to write a letter and send it back to Liyang.
…
Liyang City.
The sentry outside the city returned, reporting to the Xia Family’s old generals that the entire demonic army had withdrawn from outside the city.
Hearing this news, everyone was astonished; they had not expected the demon tide that had kept the people in the city in fear and unrest to retreat so easily and silently.
All because of the arrival of one young man.
A single person entered the city and scared away millions of demons outside it!
Was this the reputation of the young man?
Previously, they had only heard of the young man’s various deeds from all sides, feeling shock and envy, and even some jealousy, but at this moment, they truly realized the deterrent power the young man had among the demons!
All the disputes and rumors became tangible in that instant.
The young man merely rode into the city without speaking a word to the demons, and that alone proved more effective than their exhausted cries and desperate resistance!
This was the gap.
Several young generals of the Xia Family had complicated expressions. They were the young generation of the Xia Family, aiming to match the young generation of the Li Family, yet they had been utterly defeated.
Tying them up together, they were still no match for that young man, a fact that saddened them.
Li Hao did not stay in Liyang City for more than two days before receiving a reply from the Xia Family. The family head, Xia Linglong herself, had personally written a letter inviting him to the Divine General Mansion as a show of gratitude.
Li Hao was slightly surprised; he had planned to leave Liyang City after his stay was over, as it was time to return to Liangzhou. However, a personal and formal invitation from the head of the Xia Family was difficult to decline without excuse.
Fortunately, the journey from Liyang City to Youzhou City took less than half a day, so there was no significant delay.
What disappointed him was that the old general of the Xia Family had gathered some famous paintings and chess manuals for him, but none met the requirements to be considered “masterpieces” and be included in his collection.
Liyang City was a border fortress, constantly at war, and the supplies of bows, arrows, and food far surpassed literary treasures; they did not have what he was looking for.
“Perhaps it might not be a bad idea to have the Xia Family help look for such items when I meet with them.”
Li Hao thought to himself, mounted his horse, and received a travel pass from the old general of the Xia Family.
The old general wanted to accompany Li Hao to Youzhou, but Li Hao declined because the Candle Flame God did not agree to carry anyone.
With the travel pass, Li Hao no longer needed to disguise himself and let the Candle Flame God fly at full speed.
In an instant, the Candle Flame God took to the skies, revealing a body like that of a Fire Lion Dragon Tail, and quickly disappeared from sight within Liyang City.
“Is that… a demon mount?”
The old general of the Xia Family and Xia Qingshuang, among others, were shocked. They had dealt with demons their entire lives but had not recognized that Li Hao’s horse was a Great Demon in disguise!
Moreover, the aura emanating from that demon instilled fear in them; it was no ordinary Great Demon.
Youzhou City, Divine General Mansion.
Li Hao rode the Candle Flame God, and as he neared the city, he dismounted, allowing the Candle Flame God to transform into the likeness of a young man, following him into the city.
The city was bustling and lively. Li Hao wasn’t in a hurry, letting Xiyan, on his wrist, take in the sights along the way. Previously, in the small town, he had spent an evening with her at a play, which had made her happy for days.
The streets were lined with shops selling lanterns, paper umbrellas, and small stalls of rouge.
Li Hao bought a string of candied haws and held it in his hand, as Xiyan occasionally stretched out a tuft of Little Red-whisker to quietly dip in and steal a bite.
“So sweet~”
Xiyan secretly licked at the candied haws, her Little Red-whisker very agile, clearly enjoying herself: “Though it’s not very nutritious, it’s so tasty.”
Li Hao smiled, “I haven’t had much of a chance to cook for you, but one day, I’ll let you taste my culinary skills.”
“Sure!”
Xiyan agreed without hesitation.
Li Hao smiled faintly and strolled through the streets with her for a while before leisurely making his way to the Xia Family’s Divine General Mansion.
When the news of Li Hao’s arrival reached the mansion, the Xia Family was startled—they hadn’t expected Li Hao to arrive so quickly.
Upon hearing the news, Xia Linglong immediately set down her teacup, hurried out of the east courtyard, and went to the entrance of the mansion to greet him. Find your next read on empire
Upon seeing the young man and the teenager standing outside the mansion, Xia Linglong’s gaze immediately fell on Li Hao. She had never seen the transformed human form of the Candle Flame God; it had been in seclusion for too many years, and though it had appeared in Liangzhou before, it was enveloped by divine might, quite different from its current reserved demeanor. Besides, those who had seen it previously couldn’t describe its appearance to others.
“Haotian General, welcome to our Xia Family’s mansion.”
Xia Linglong said with a smile.
Accompanying Xia Linglong, there were also other direct and collateral elders of the Xia Family, standing by her side, all with faces full of curiosity as they stealthily sized up the young man.
The young man who had stepped out from the Heavenly Origin Divine General Mansion in Qingzhou was now in their Xia Family’s imposing Divine General Mansion, receiving a personal welcome from their Family Head. Such an honor was not even bestowed upon Chu, the eunuch from Emperor Yu’s side, who was sent on imperial orders and was merely invited inside the mansion, greeted at the courtyard.
Yet, at this moment, they found nothing strange.
After all this was the fifteen-year-old who had become a Duke and was officially appointed as a Grand Commander!
“Met Xia Linglong before.”
Li Hao clasped his hands in greeting, which sufficed as a formal introduction.
Xia Linglong greeted him with a pleasant smile, her attire revealing her nobility, possessing both the dignified composure of a Family Head and the gentle warmth of a woman. She invited the young man into the mansion as a distinguished guest.
Along the way, aside from the two elders of the Xia Family, others of Xia Linglong’s generation, including famous generals and Lady Shu, followed closely behind, curious about the fifteen-year-old who already walked side by side with the Family Head.
“His aura, we simply cannot see through.”
The two Xia Family elders also wore solemn expressions. Rumors did not compare to meeting in person, and in person, they could feel that the rumors about the young man had not been exaggerated.
Arriving at the Eastern Pavilion Courtyard, Xia Linglong invited Li Hao to take the seat for honored guests and ordered tea to be served as a gesture of respect, striking up a conversation with him.
“Previously heard that General Haotian bravely led away the God from the Great Void Realm to protect the millions of people of Liangzhou, causing it to fall deep into the Youdu-Level Mo River. May I ask when General Haotian returned?”
Xia Linglong asked curiously.
The young man’s appearance had been silent; while everyone in various states and the emperor himself eagerly anticipated his whereabouts, he appeared from Youzhou. She wondered if the Xia Family’s intelligence network was paralyzed or had become so decayed from a lack of overhaul that too many corrupt elements had grown within.
Li Hao was a bit surprised, understanding from the Xia Family Head’s words that she seemed unaware that the Mo River had already been cleared.
Did this mean that Li Xiaoran had not spread the news?
Li Hao’s gaze flickered, interpreting that the Li Family must have other intentions with this move.
“Recently,” Li Hao stated, not going into detail.
Xia Linglong realized that Li Hao did not wish to delve into the subject of the Mo River and did not pursue it further. After all, with the Merit Treasure Vault now open, intelligence on the Mo River was extremely valuable, especially a Youdu-Level Mo River.
“For what happened in Liyang City, my Xia Family thanks General Haotian on behalf of the people of Liyang.”
Xia Linglong’s smile faded as she spoke earnestly.
Favors are difficult to repay, but she did not gloss over the matter lightly.
Here was Youzhou, and the Xia Family ultimately had to acknowledge this favor, even if it was a warrior sent by the emperor himself, they would need to mindfully note down such a profound debt.
“It’s a minor matter, Senior need not worry about it.”
Li Hao chuckled lightly, genuinely not considering it a big deal; it was simply an effort made along the way.
It was unrelated to fame or human sentiment; as a member of the Human Race, when faced with demons slaughtering innocents, one simply could not sit idly by.
Xia Linglong then brought up the past deeds in Liangzhou, taking the opportunity to sing the praises of the young man, aiming to ease the unfamiliar atmosphere between them. However, seeing that Li Hao responded modestly with no trace of boastfulness or pride, Xia Linglong couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised. Beneath such extravagant achievements, it was rare for one to maintain such composure.
As the conversation progressed, she began to perceive that the young man had a free-spirited nature, unbothered by trivial formalities, similar to a Jianghu knight — he possessed a knightly spirit as well as scholarly gentleness.
She could not help but inwardly compare him to the younger generation of the Xia Family. Setting aside cultivation, this young man’s adaptive and easygoing nature already surpassed many of the younger relatives.
She sighed in her heart. Both ancient and solemn martial families, yet why was the Li Family capable of nurturing such a bright and free-spirited child?
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Whereas their Xia Family was all behaving by the book, rigid and proper. This approach could indeed systematically produce famous generals, but for a Divine General Mansion that was prestigious on the surface yet already declining with age, it inevitably lacked vitality.
Xia Linglong, besides having exceptional martial arts talent, was also very shrewd in social interactions. When she had written to invite Li Hao, she had already gathered intelligence about him. During their conversation, she carefully catered to his preferences, not coming straight out with an invitation for Li Hao to take a risk on behalf of the Xia Family.
After all, to outright ask someone to help in battling the Gluttonous Valley Master would be quite an imposition.
As the banquet proceeded, and food and drink were served, Xia Linglong engaged Li Hao in discussions about poetry and literature, as well as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, areas where she had a basic understanding. Now, talking with Li Hao, she discovered that his interest was not merely superficial but rather profound.
She was greatly impressed, finding it hard to believe that a young man with such exceptional martial prowess could also invest time in studying other pursuits, truly as the rumors suggested, adept in both martial and literary arts.
Fortunately, she came prepared; having invited a retired scholar from Hanlin Hall living in Youzhou to the mansion ahead of time, hoping to keep Li Hao entertained during his stay with the Xia Family.
However, when the scholar was introduced during the meal, upon realizing Li Hao’s identity, he immediately became excited. Taking Li Hao’s hand, he recited the poetry that Li Hao had casually composed at the brothel.
With each line, he inquired excitedly to Li Hao, “Did you write this too?”
Li Hao unexpectedly felt a touch of embarrassment, akin to being caught plagiarizing a text, a feeling he had never experienced even in the presence of the Demon King…
“Having fought across three thousand miles, a single sword once led a million troops!”
The scholarly gentleman, trembling with righteous fervor, tears in his eyes, said, “Such poetry could only be penned with the grandeur befitting a general!”
At the table, Xia Linglong and others were awestruck by the recitation of Li Hao’s poetry. They felt a surge of passion, and the fiery liquor they drank seemed to ignite the valiance in their veins, leaving them longing to grab their swords and rush to the battlefield to fight to the death against demons!
