254

Chapter 254: Solving the Problem Along the Way

Following Xia Linglong out were other senior members of the Xia family, who stood by her side, curiously observing the young man.

This youth, who had emerged from the Qingzhou Tianyuan God General Mansion, was now being personally greeted by their family head at the Xia family's Zhenwei God General Mansion. Such an honor was unprecedented, even for the Imperial Envoy from the Emperor himself, who had only been invited into the mansion.

But at this moment, they didn't find it strange at all.

After all, this was a young man who had become a duke at fifteen and held the rank of Grand General Commander!

"Greetings, Senior Xia Linglong," Li Hao said, cupping his hands in respect.

Xia Linglong smiled gracefully, her luxurious attire accentuating her noble demeanor. She exhibited the majesty of a family head while maintaining a gentle and feminine warmth. She invited Li Hao into the mansion, treating him as an esteemed guest.

Along the way, apart from the two elder Xia family members, many prominent generals and noblewomen of Xia Linglong's generation followed, curiously eyeing the young man who was only fifteen and now walking alongside their family head.

"His aura is something we can't even see through."

The two Xia family elders were solemn. Rumors couldn't compare to meeting in person. Now they realized the boy's legend was not exaggerated.

Arriving at the Eastern Pavilion courtyard, Xia Linglong invited Li Hao to the guest of honor seat, ordering tea to be served, and began conversing with him.

"I heard that to save millions in Liangzhou, General Haotian lured the Taixu Realm Zhuhuo God away and got trapped in the Mohe River. When did you return?" Xia Linglong asked curiously.

The young man had appeared silently in Youzhou, while all states and the Emperor awaited news. She wondered if her intelligence network had become incompetent or corrupt.

Li Hao was surprised. It seemed even the Xia family head did not know that Mohe River had already been cleared.

So Li Xiaoran hadn't spread the news?

Li Hao's eyes flickered, indicating that the Li family had other intentions.

"Recently," Li Hao replied, without elaborating.

Seeing that Li Hao didn't want to discuss the Mohe River, Xia Linglong didn't press further. After all, intelligence about the Mohe River was extremely valuable, especially the kind involving the Ghost Capital.

"The Xia family thanks you on behalf of Liyang's people for the aid you provided to the city," Xia Linglong said sincerely, her smile fading to seriousness.

Favor is hard to repay, but she didn't intend to gloss over it.

"This is Youzhou. The Xia family must accept this debt, even if it were a fierce general sent by the Emperor."

"It's a small matter, no need for such formalities," Li Hao smiled. It was just a matter of convenience for him.

Summer Linglong then brought up the previous events in Liangzhou, praising the boy, hoping to ease the unfamiliarity between them.

However, seeing Li Hao's calm and modest demeanor despite his great achievements, Summer Linglong was slightly surprised. It was hard to remain composed with such a legendary track record.

As the conversation progressed, she sensed that this boy had a carefree, unrestrained character, akin to a chivalrous knight, with an air of elegance and mildness.

She couldn't help but compare him to the younger generation of the Xia family, finding that aside from cultivation, his calm and adaptable nature surpassed most of them.

She sighed inwardly. Despite being an ancient and solemn military family, the Li family had produced such a free-spirited and intelligent child. In contrast, the Xia family adhered strictly to rules and traditions, fostering competent generals but lacking vitality.

Besides her exceptional martial talent, Xia Linglong was adept at social interactions. When she invited Li Hao, she had gathered information about his interests and tailored her conversation accordingly, avoiding immediate requests for help against the Gluttony Valley Lord.

As the banquet continued, Xia Linglong shifted the topic to poetry, music, and painting, areas she had some knowledge of. She was amazed to find that Li Hao was not only interested but also deeply proficient.

She had prepared for this, inviting a retired scholar from the Hanlin Academy residing in Youzhou to join the banquet, hoping to keep Li Hao entertained.

To her surprise, upon learning Li Hao's identity, the scholar became excited, recalling many poems Li Hao had casually recited in a brothel, eagerly confirming if they were indeed his works.

Li Hao felt a bit embarrassed, as if caught plagiarizing, more nervous than facing a demon king...

"With one body, I've fought three thousand miles; with one sword, I've faced a million troops!"

The frail old scholar trembled with tears in his eyes. "Such verses could only be written by a general with such valor!"

At the banquet, Xia Linglong and others were moved by the scholar's recitation of Li Hao's poems. They felt a surge of hot blood, the wine in their throats like fire, igniting their fighting spirit, ready to charge into battle against demons!

Although they were military men, they could appreciate the quality and meaning of the poetry, now looking at the young man with renewed admiration and awe.

The iron-blooded spirit, the heroic pride, and the dominance in the verses, combined with Li Hao's exploits, filled their eyes with admiration and a hint of envy, wishing he were born in the Xia family.

Xia Linglong, too, was deeply moved. Some verses felt like her own sentiments on the battlefield.

Traveling rough roads without complaint, she swore to substitute rouge with the blood of her enemies.

As a woman on the battlefield, she used blood to color her cheeks.

While others embroidered silk handkerchiefs, she embroidered the mountains and rivers of Dayu.

Initially, she had seen the young man as a prodigy; now, she realized he was beyond ordinary.

Throughout the banquet, Xia Linglong and many Xia family members were captivated by Li Hao's erudition. Halfway through the meal, she noticed the scholar engaging in a lively conversation with Li Hao. She felt a pang of hesitation, unsure whether to mention the eastern front.

If given a few more years, this young man would undoubtedly protect all of Dayu. Asking him to risk his life now seemed unjust.

At the end of the banquet, Xia Linglong hadn't brought up the eastern front. Knowing the precarious situation in eastern Youzhou, Li Hao asked, "I heard the eastern part of Youzhou is in turmoil. Do you need my help?"

Xia Linglong's heart tightened. Seeing his sincere and bright eyes, she felt a sudden reluctance. Smiling, she shook her head, "There is turmoil, but the Xia family can handle it."

"Family Head," Elder Xia Yuanwu's face changed slightly, seeing her dodge the issue.

Although he admired the young man, Youzhou was in grave danger. His strength could be invaluable!

Other Xia family members also noticed and shared complex expressions. Their admiration made them hesitant, but the dire situation in the east weighed heavily on them.

Li Hao sensed something was amiss and said to Xia Linglong, "Senior Xia, please speak openly. Whether I can help or not is another matter."

Realizing their true purpose, Xia Linglong hesitated, feeling the pressure of Youzhou's people. She finally explained the situation.

"The Gluttony Valley Lord?" Li Hao's eyes narrowed.

This was a formidable demon king. Before Zhuhuo God revealed his power, they were equals.

But the Gluttony Valley lacked the depth of the Taixu Realm. It had grown ruthlessly, becoming a top demon force in just five hundred years, terrifying all.

Hearing tales of their savagery, even city guards would flee at night, fearing a hopeless fight.

"Is it just the Gluttony Valley?" Li Hao asked.

"Yes, the Holy Palace and Dragon Gate are attacking Qingzhou. Only Gluttony Valley is in Youzhou, possibly backed by others," Xia Linglong replied.

"Qingzhou is under siege?" Li Hao's heart sank.

With Liangzhou barely stabilized, Qingzhou was now besieged. He thought of familiar faces, the gluttonous woman, the elders, Madam, Yuan Zhao, and the students of Tan Palace Academy...

And the street vendors selling snacks.

His heart tightened.

Seeing his urgency, Xia Linglong was surprised. The young man didn't know about Qingzhou.

Realizing he had just emerged from the Mohe River, Xia Linglong felt a pang of disappointment. She detailed what she knew, "Qingzhou has mostly fallen. The Holy Palace and Dragon Gate leaders are attacking, having reached Qingzhou City. They are still fighting, but our information is limited due to the attack here."

Seeing his urgency, she added, "You still have time to aid Qingzhou. We can lend you our battle flag to bolster Qingzhou's defenses."

She offered to let Li Hao fly the Xia family flag, a significant gesture of support.

Li Hao appreciated the offer, a significant favor. He stood, saying, "Thank you. Let's head out immediately."

He remembered the topography; Youzhou's eastern front was along his route to Qingzhou.

"Then I wish you victory, General Haotian..." Xia Linglong and the others stood, their expressions complex. The young man was prioritizing his homeland, understandable, and they had no reason to stop him.

"What are you waiting for? Lead the way. We'll deal with Gluttony Valley along the way," Li Hao said, seeing them hesitating.

"What?" Xia Linglong was stunned.

"You want to help us attack Gluttony Valley first?" she asked, incredulous.

"It's on the way. Let's go," Li Hao said.

Elder Xia Yuanwu, skeptical, said, "General Haotian, the Gluttony Valley Lord is at the peak of the Absolute Learning Realm, nearly at the Path Realm. If you're serious, we can lure him to Minghe in Youzhou..."

"No need. I'll handle him."

Interrupting, Li Hao declared, "I can handle Path Realm too. No need to worry."

"!!" The Xia family was stunned, doubting his words.

Li Hao didn't waste time explaining. "Senior Xia Linglong, lead the way?"

Realizing the boy's implication, Xia Linglong hesitated, understanding his confidence.

"Alright, I'll lead!" she said decisively, summoning her spear.

"I'll go too," Xia Yuanwu said, grabbing his weapon.

Whether Li Hao was serious or not, he would assist.

"Keep up, I may move fast," Li Hao said, signaling Zhu Huoshen. In a flash, the fiery beast transformed, launching into the air.

Li Hao mounted, directing Xia Linglong.

Seeing the boy atop the demon, Xia Linglong felt a shiver. The beast's aura was terrifying, possibly stronger than hers!

"Go!" Li Hao commanded.

Awestruck, Xia Linglong and Xia Yuanwu flew at full speed to follow.

Half an hour later, guided by Xia Linglong, they reached Youzhou's eastern battlefield, the second defense line.

Traveling at such speed, only Zhu Huoshen could sustain it, nearly exhausting Xia Linglong and Xia Yuanwu.

Ahead, the battlefield roared with combat.

Li Hao's face darkened. It reminded him of chasing the old dragon to Liangzhou's front line.

Before them, a massive defense line stood against a flood of demons. The defenses were broken, humans and demons locked in battle.

Scanning the field, Li Hao sensed powerful demon auras, but none matched his level.

"Gluttony Valley Lord, show yourself!" Li Hao's voice echoed like thunder, reverberating across the battlefield.