165-168
Chapter 165: Demons and Monsters Fear His Name
The Demon King Falls!
As Li Hao cleaved through the body of the Myriad Cave Ghost Mother, extinguishing her life force, both the Phoenix Mountain Lord and the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor felt a chill run down their spines.
The Phoenix Mountain Lord, in particular, was left with no second chance at life.
The Ghost Mother's death was too bizarre. The Phoenix Mountain Lord couldn't discern how Li Hao had delivered the fatal blow; the method was completely beyond its comprehension.
In the distance, the White God Lord, who had just engaged Feng Boping in combat, also noticed the sudden turn of events. His pupils constricted, his heart filled with dread.
That boy had actually slain a Demon King!
This scene also fell upon the eyes of the red-dressed girl in the distance. Her previously sneering, beautiful face was now frozen in shock, then replaced with an expression of disbelief as she stared at Li Hao.
How could this fourteen-year-old boy possess such terrifying power?
While everyone was stunned, Li Hao had already launched his next attack, sword in hand.
He raised his arm and slashed, his sword Qi splitting like cracking ice, transforming into a surging wave that swept forward.
It was the same move as before.
But this time, both the Phoenix Mountain Lord and the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor reacted swiftly, refusing to take the attack head-on like the Myriad Cave Ghost Mother. They sensed a hidden, deadly technique within the attack, one they couldn't decipher at the moment. Their only option was to avoid getting caught in its path.
Whoosh!
Flames erupted skyward as the Phoenix Mountain Lord unleashed a sea of fire. The True Phoenix Flames blazed, instantly distorting and deforming the incoming wave of sword Qi.
Simultaneously, the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor unleashed its demonic power. Demonic Qi, like a dark cloud, enveloped Li Hao's body.
Its true form unfurled, revealing a colossal serpent, hundreds of feet long. Its flesh bulged, its scales stood on end like razor blades, and it roared, spitting out a demonic blade that flew towards Li Hao.
The demonic blade, like a black rainbow, contained a terrifying martial extremity, shattering the sword Qi and slashing towards Li Hao.
Li Hao's eyes blazed with divine light. He channeled a surge of Immortal Qi into his Dragon Soaring Sword, drawing a galactic arc of sword light that illuminated the void.
Bang!
The two divine weapons collided with a deafening roar, sending tidal waves of energy rippling outwards.
Li Hao's body trembled momentarily before he ascended once more, his second sword strike suppressing the void and conjuring a blizzard of snowflakes.
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor's heart trembled. Li Hao's strength was unexpectedly on par with its own. It was a Destiny Defying realm expert, its physical strength long transformed into Great Dao True Power, a formidable force born from the refinement of the Dao Heart.
A single strand of True Power was worth thousands of units of ordinary strength.
This was the reason why Fourth Stage experts could easily suppress those in the Three Immortals realm. The disparity in power was immense. Yet, this boy's strength seemed to be no less formidable!
Bang!
Enraged, it manipulated the demonic blade, hacking at Li Hao relentlessly. Countless blade shadows filled the sky, clashing with the myriad snowflakes. Blade Qi flowed like a river, threatening to engulf and shred Li Hao.
Li Hao didn't dodge. Instead, he leaped into the heart of the blade storm. He activated his Dragon Cicada Vacuum Body, his flesh clanging against the onslaught of blade Qi. The countless strikes rained down upon him, yet they failed to leave a single scratch.
A faint white light enveloped his body. It was the Dragon Cicada Golden Body, a divine armor. Even the Dragon Soaring Sword couldn't harm him in this state.
It was important to note that after reaching the seventh stage of Body Refinement, Li Hao had not only elevated his top-tier body refining techniques to new heights but had also cultivated dozens of other techniques to the high-grade level, further tempering and strengthening his physique.
In terms of pure physical defense, even the demon before him was inferior!
His terrifying physique rendered Li Hao fearless as he strode towards the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor.
His footsteps echoed through the void with sonic booms, like a young, ferocious beast. The destructive aura of the Samsara Sword Art condensed on his blade, poised to strike the Demon Ancestor.
"Damn it!"
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor was horrified. Even a True Dragon wouldn't possess such terrifying defensive capabilities. Li Hao had carved a path through the Demonic Sky Blade Light and the True Phoenix Fire Sea, emerging unscathed. It was truly dreadful.
It roared and lashed out with its serpentine tail, aiming a vicious strike at Li Hao.
Li Hao's Celestial Manifestation suddenly materialized behind him. Facing the colossal serpent tail, the gigantic manifestation showed no fear. It raised its hand and firmly grasped the tail.
Roar!!
The manifestation seemed to unleash a silent roar. Despite the lack of sound, a wave of concussive force rippled outwards.
Li Hao channeled the power of heaven and earth, pouring it into his Celestial Manifestation. Golden light erupted from the manifestation, unleashing a force capable of moving mountains and filling seas. It actually managed to swing the serpent's tail around.
Bang!
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor's body was lifted and slammed against a nearby mountain peak.
The Celestial Manifestation roared again, dragging the demon's body up and smashing it against the ground with brutal force.
The earth trembled violently. The surrounding mountains, even the ground hundreds of miles away, felt the impact of the powerful shockwaves.
Even the demons and monsters in the sky seemed to sense the tremors, their hearts pounding in their chests, speechless with fear.
"You dare ignore me!"
The Phoenix Mountain Lord roared in fury, charging towards Li Hao. It ignited its True Phoenix bloodline, flames swirling around its body like divine runes. It became a blazing meteor, hurtling towards Li Hao at incredible speed.
Guided by the Dao Rhyme, Li Hao sensed the incoming attack's trajectory. There was no escape.
But he hadn't intended to dodge. Instead, he took a step forward, clenched his fist, and roared as he unleashed a devastating punch!
This punch combined his understanding of the Half-Step Invincible Fist and the Heaven and Earth Penetrating Fist, merging into the Invincible Penetrating Fist!
Blinding flames engulfed the young man's body, but the flames suddenly exploded outwards. A world-shaking fist force erupted, accompanied by the mournful cry of a hundred birds. The fiery figure was sent flying backwards, spewing golden demon blood.
Li Hao stood amidst the dissipating flames, his body glowing with a golden light, like a divine being descending from the heavens.
The totem behind him manifested, the Mountain Range Diagram transforming into the illusory shadow of a colossal mountain, anchoring his body firmly in place, unmoved by the impact.
The demons and monsters were stunned into silence, awestruck by the boy's invincible aura.
Meanwhile, the Celestial Manifestation continued to pummel the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor, slamming it against the ground repeatedly. Deep trenches were carved into the earth, the ground cracking under the immense force.
Nearby mountain peaks crumbled under the impact, scales were ripped from the Demon Ancestor's head, its flesh torn and bloodied.
It roared in frustration and rage. Suddenly, countless scales shot out from its tail, slicing through the Celestial Manifestation's hand. Then, with a violent twist, its tail broke free.
Divine light surged within the Celestial Manifestation, healing the wounds on its hand.
Li Hao watched as the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor struggled to escape and gave chase, sword in hand.
"Damn it! Do you really think you're invincible?!"
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor roared, its regal demeanor shattered. Fury turned its eyes crimson as it charged towards Li Hao, refusing to retreat.
As it closed in, a ferocious glint appeared in its eyes. It suddenly opened its massive jaws, revealing not only two long fangs but also rows of razor-sharp teeth.
It unleashed its most powerful technique, the Heaven Devouring Demonic Art!
A vortex-like suction force suddenly enveloped Li Hao. At such close range, it was confident that Li Hao couldn't escape!
"Hao'er!"
Feng Boping, witnessing the scene from afar, paled in alarm. He was about to rush to Li Hao's aid when the White God Lord, sensing his intention, roared and transformed into a white tiger, pouncing towards him.
Li Hao saw the gaping maw of the serpent rushing towards him. Though he had anticipated it, the sudden suction force left him with no time to react.
His eyes narrowed. Gripping his Dragon Soaring Sword, he realized that struggling was futile. He erupted with speed, charging directly into the demon's mouth.
Whoosh!
In the blink of an eye, Li Hao was swallowed by the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor.
A bloodthirsty glint appeared in its eyes. "Boy, I've even devoured True Dragons. You..."
Before it could finish its sentence, its expression changed drastically. It opened its mouth wide, spewing a mouthful of black demon blood.
Simultaneously, a vortex of sword Qi erupted from within its body, countless sword beams shooting outwards.
One of the sword beams pierced through its body, radiating a strange light.
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor was about to struggle and expel Li Hao when the strange sword Qi struck. Its body convulsed, as if its spine had been ripped out.
A shadow of death loomed over it.
"No!"
The Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor instantly recalled the bizarre death of the Myriad Cave Ghost Mother. Its pupils constricted in terror.
As its life force rapidly faded, it desperately activated its Destiny Defying ability.
Its body suddenly split open. From the massive wound on its back, a smaller demonic form emerged, only four to five zhang in length, significantly smaller than its original form.
The miniature demonic form flew out, escaping into the distance.
The colossal body of the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor plummeted towards the ground.
Just before it crashed, a golden dragon-shaped light burst from its back, soaring into the sky. It was Li Hao, emerging from the demon's belly.
Li Hao looked towards the fleeing Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor. Its aura was weakened, its cultivation realm seemingly diminished. It was the perfect opportunity to strike.
He was about to pursue when a sudden wave of dizziness washed over him, as if something in the unseen realm had interfered with his senses.
When he looked again, he could no longer lock onto the Demon Ancestor's presence. It had vanished without a trace.
Even the lingering demonic Qi had disappeared, as if erased by some "fateful" power.
Li Hao's expression turned solemn. Was this the power of the Destiny Defying realm?
It was clearly more than just a second chance at life. It was a guaranteed escape, a power that ensured survival.
Even in the face of his Fatal attribute, it had managed to escape. It was truly terrifying.
No wonder families with Destiny Defying experts at their helm could endure for centuries. Even if they were besieged and their families annihilated, the Destiny Defying expert could escape with their life. To make an enemy of a Fourth Stage expert lurking in the shadows, a venomous scorpion waiting to strike, was a scenario no one wished to face.
Li Hao retracted his gaze and turned towards the fiery phoenix.
The Phoenix Mountain Lord, witnessing the fall of the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor, knew that things were dire. When Li Hao's gaze fell upon it, fear gripped its heart. It swiftly activated its most powerful movement technique, transforming into a red cloud and fleeing into the distance.
A Destiny Defying Demon King, having traveled thousands of miles, was now reduced to a panicked retreat.
The Phoenix Mountain Lord, with its True Phoenix bloodline, felt immense humiliation and frustration, but above all, it was terrified, fearing that Li Hao would catch up.
Li Hao's movement technique was only at the third stage. Despite the boost from his Illustrated Guide's attribute, he was still significantly slower than the fiery phoenix. He couldn't rely on his own speed to catch up.
He threw his Dragon Soaring Sword, his Object Control power enveloping it, while also imbuing it with the Hidden Bow and Flying Slash attributes.
The Dragon Soaring Sword transformed into a streak of golden light, vanishing from sight as it flew at incredible speed.
Bang!
The sword slashed towards the Phoenix Mountain Lord's body.
Sensing the danger, the Phoenix Mountain Lord narrowly dodged the attack, avoiding the Hidden Bow's doubled assassination damage. However, the sword grazed its wing.
Injured and in pain, the Phoenix Mountain Lord was both shocked and enraged. It released a vast expanse of fiery clouds, enveloping the surroundings in a sea of flames, creating a domain of fire.
The Dragon Soaring Sword pursued relentlessly, but its power was diminished by the sea of flames. Despite repeated strikes, the Phoenix Mountain Lord's iron-like feathers managed to withstand the onslaught. The chase continued for hundreds of miles, but Li Hao failed to bring it down.
Li Hao watched helplessly as the Phoenix Mountain Lord escaped, his brow furrowed in frustration. Movement techniques were currently his weakness.
It seemed he needed to cultivate either Poetry and Literature or Music and Rhythm to the point of Heart Integration, gaining a Heart Realm and elevating his movement technique to the fourth stage. Then, with the boost from his Illustrated Guide, few Demon Kings would be able to outrun him...
Li Hao recalled his Dragon Soaring Sword and turned towards the White God Lord, who was still locked in combat with Feng Boping.
The White God Lord had been closely observing the situation. When the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor was forced to activate its Destiny Defying ability, his face paled in realization. Sensing the impending danger, he attempted to flee.
But Feng Boping, with his swift reflexes, engaged him in combat, preventing his escape.
"Get out of my way!"
The White God Lord roared in frustration, annoyed by Feng Boping's relentless attacks. He was furious that he was the last one left.
He let out a tiger's roar, his ferocious aura shaking the surroundings.
Li Hao's eyes narrowed as he charged forward, activating all the illustrations embedded in his flesh.
Mountain Range Diagram, Tiger's Might, Qiongqi Mountain Diagram, Blood Sea Flood Dragon Diagram!
"Who the hell are you roaring at?!"
Li Hao roared back, his voice booming through the heavens.
The combined ferocious aura of the numerous illustrations caused the White God Lord to falter, a shiver running down his spine.
Even when facing this boy's father in the past, he had maintained a condescending attitude. If not for the fear of Yan Bei's Sword Saint, he would have personally intervened instead of hiding behind the scenes as a commander during the Yan Bei war.
"You!"
The White God Lord was both shocked and enraged. Seeing countless sword beams converging from the horizon, his anger turned to fear. Facing a two-on-one situation, he knew he couldn't escape without losing his life.
"I'll remember you!"
The White God Lord gritted his teeth and activated his Destiny Defying ability.
His body suddenly shot towards the distance, transforming into a streak of white light.
Li Hao manipulated the countless sword beams, pursuing relentlessly, but they all missed their target, as if guided by some unseen force, deviating from their intended trajectory.
It was as if the White God Lord possessed incredible luck, standing unscathed amidst a volley of arrows.
Feng Boping, seeing that the White God Lord had been forced to use his Destiny Defying ability, ceased his pursuit. He knew that under normal circumstances, with his Heaven and Earth Vanishing Steps, few Destiny Defying experts could track or catch him. However, once they activated their Destiny Defying ability, his speed, no matter how fast, would be useless.
Various "accidents" would occur, causing him to lose track of his target.
If he pushed too hard, he might even trigger a backlash from that power, resulting in severe injuries from those "accidents."
While the White God Lord was escaping, the red-dressed girl in the distance had already retreated. When she saw the Heaven Devouring Demon Ancestor forced to flee, she knew that the plan to besiege the boy had failed!
After this battle, the boy's formidable reputation would be unstoppable.
"He's too terrifying. This boy's physique is comparable to a True Dragon!"
"Three Demon Kings couldn't kill him, and he even managed to kill one of them!"
The red-dressed girl, transformed into a crimson bird, flew towards the distant clouds, escaping the battlefield.
But the scenes from the battlefield were etched into her mind like scars, leaving her with a mixture of fear, shock, and awe.
"Quick, spread the news! Tell everyone to clear a path wherever this boy goes!"
She snapped back to her senses and hurriedly sent out the message using her Mystic Sound Whistle.
That boy was unstoppable!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 166: Unable to Defeat Li Hao, Kill Li Tiangang First
With the Demon King's defeat, the Three-Immortal Realm demons who had journeyed from afar, sensing the unfavorable turn of events, prepared to flee.
However, their escape speed was no match for the Demon King's. Li Hao, failing to catch the fleeing Demon King, immediately channeled his Immortal Power into Dragon's Roar, launching a full-fledged assault on the remaining demons.
Utilizing the Hidden Bow's attribute in conjunction with the Flying Scythe, he set up numerous invisible threads in the surroundings. As the Three-Immortal Realm demons stumbled upon these threads during their escape, they were instantly entangled and strangled, incidentally providing Li Hao with a substantial amount of fishing experience.
"Mercy..."
A Three-Immortal Realm Great Demon trembled and pleaded for mercy before Li Hao.
Li Hao paid no heed. Dragon's Roar flashed, piercing through the demon.
These Great Demons, who had traveled thousands of miles seeking revenge, met an unexpected end, filled with regret and indignation in their final moments.
Li Hao, manipulating Dragon's Roar, relentlessly pursued the demons within a hundred-mile radius, swiftly eliminating all visible living creatures in the vicinity.
Releasing more invisible threads, Li Hao strung together the corpses of the demons.
The corpse of the Myriad Cave Ghost Mother, with its countless ghostly limbs protruding from its body, a terrifying sight, was also added to the gruesome chain.
These threads, dragging the numerous demon corpses, resembled a string of kites, fluttering along the path, exuding an aura of death.
In the distance, bird demons from the Heavenly Dipper Hall, concealed within the clouds, witnessed this scene in secret, trembling with fear, having never encountered such a horrifying spectacle.
This sight, to the demons, was akin to a demon conquering a human city, stringing the mangled corpses of countless humans onto their belt – a scene both grotesque and terrifying.
At this moment, in their eyes, Li Hao was such a demonic figure, utterly dreadful.
"Even the Demon King couldn't withstand him. It's over, it's over!"
The bird demons of the Heavenly Dipper Hall were terrified, discreetly relaying Li Hao's movements.
Li Hao flew along the path, encountering desolate mountain peaks, the demons within having long fled.
"What? Human invasion?"
"More like an entry point. You call that an invasion?"
"Slayed a Demon King?"
Numerous demons, upon hearing the Heavenly Dipper Hall's intelligence, initially scoffed. However, when they learned that the human had slain a Demon King, they were all struck with terror.
Some hastily packed their belongings and fled, while a few, skeptical yet curious, relying on their own abilities, lurked near their caves, hoping to steal a glimpse of the human and verify the truth.
However, this very thought cost them their lives.
In a mountain lake five hundred miles away...
A corpulent middle-aged man lay in the center of the lake, surrounded by alluring fish demon beauties. Amidst their merriment, a bird demon suddenly swooped down, reporting urgently:
"Greetings, Lord Abyss Lake."
"Hmm?"
The corpulent middle-aged man raised a lazy eyebrow, recognizing the bird demon from the Heavenly Dipper Hall. "What is it?"
"Lord Abyss Lake, please relocate immediately. A human youth is heading this way, slaughtering demons," the bird demon hastily explained.
"Hmm?"
The corpulent middle-aged man was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Do you realize what you're saying? You're asking me to leave?"
"That youth just fought against three Demon Kings. Phoenix Mountain Lord and Devouring Heaven Ancestor were defeated, and Myriad Cave Ghost Mother was killed by his hand. Please, Lord, do not underestimate him," the bird demon pleaded.
The jovial expression on the corpulent middle-aged man's face vanished, replaced by a solemn look. He had heard of Phoenix Mountain Lord and Devouring Heaven Ancestor's reputation.
Both defeated by a human youth?
"Who is he? When did such a young talent emerge among the humans? Could it be a disciple of the True Man?"
The corpulent middle-aged man inquired.
"No, that youth is the Heaven's Gate Pass's Young General Haotian, the Li family's young master!"
"The Li family?"
The corpulent middle-aged man frowned. He had some understanding of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty's Divine General's Mansion. However, having resided in demon territory for many years, he had no close ties with the dynasty and paid little attention to it, content with living a comfortable life as a mountain king.
"Lord, please depart swiftly to avoid harm," the bird demon urged.
The corpulent middle-aged man's face darkened. He had lived in this mountain lake for thousands of years, and now he was being forced to leave by a human brat?
Without even having met him face-to-face.
He was a Demon King! When had he become so lacking in authority?
"This is preposterous!"
The corpulent middle-aged man was enraged. However, the Heavenly Dipper Hall's intelligence was reliable and wouldn't dare to deceive him. He took a deep breath and immediately gathered the surrounding fish demons, saying, "My beloved concubines, my children, come here. Let's leave temporarily!"
Before leaving, he cast a spell, instructing some ordinary fish demons to stay behind and observe the situation.
Then, he led his family of demons away from the area.
Not long after the corpulent middle-aged man's departure, Li Hao's figure arrived.
Spotting the mountain lake, Li Hao's divine soul plunged into it, discovering a demon cave built at the bottom of the lake, extravagantly adorned with numerous luminous pearls and jade.
In the deep trenches within and around the lake, piles of demon and human skeletons lay scattered.
Li Hao snorted coldly. His divine soul transformed into a Heavenly Dharma Body, resembling a towering giant standing in the lake. With a churn of his arms, he stirred up thousand-foot-high waves, instantly killing all the small demons, fish, and aquatic creatures within.
He scooped up lake water with his arms and splashed it around, then brought two mountains from nearby and filled the lake, causing the water to overflow and irrigate the surrounding area. Leaving behind a scene of utter devastation, he continued onward.
He advanced, flattening mountains and filling lakes, leaving a trail of terrifying destruction in his wake.
The land was ravaged, the demon territory utterly decimated.
Wherever he passed, it was as if an iron hoof had trampled the ground, plowing out a thousand miles of wasteland.
The bird demons of the Heavenly Dipper Hall were limited in number. They only informed the high-ranking demons. The lower-ranking ones, such as those in the Heavenly Human Realm, didn't even receive a warning. As for the smaller demon communities, they were completely overlooked.
These demon communities, still indulging in their peaceful existence, suddenly saw a youth galloping towards them from the horizon.
Behind the youth, a horrifying sight unfolded – a swarm of demon corpses strung together like kites.
When these demons finally noticed, it was too late to escape. They were pierced by sword Qi emanating from Li Hao's fingertips, leaving behind a field of corpses.
A vast number of demons perished or fled, seeking refuge elsewhere.
As Li Hao continued his advance, the bird demons of the Heavenly Dipper Hall realized that his cleansing wasn't random. Instead, it radiated outwards in a fan shape from Heaven's Gate Pass, extending further horizontally, while he avoided areas beyond that range.
"He's clearing the demon territory outside Heaven's Gate Pass!"
The bird demons quickly grasped the youth's intention, but their hearts were filled with fear and trepidation.
Although he was only clearing the area within the range of Heaven's Gate Pass, the scope of his cleansing was far too deep, reaching four to five thousand miles away from the pass!
Along his path, Li Hao had already driven away three Demon Kings, destroying their lairs.
These Demon Kings, having received the Heavenly Dipper Hall's intelligence, could only suppress their fury and temporarily abandon their nests, planning to return later to assess the damage.
The earth-shattering events here also reached further afield.
The three major demon forces gathered outside Liang Province received the Heavenly Dipper Hall's report.
Due to the lack of personnel in the Liang Province branch of the Heavenly Dipper Hall, their headquarters dispatched reinforcements, establishing three separate branches specifically to monitor the situation outside Heaven's Gate Pass.
Such attention was second only to that given to the headquarters of the five Divine General's Mansions.
"That youth can actually slay Demon Kings? How old is he?"
"Didn't they say he was only fourteen? Previously, in Qing Province, he had just entered the Heavenly Human Realm. How can he kill Demon Kings now?"
The Liang Province branches of the three major demon forces were shocked upon receiving the news.
However, when they learned that the youth was only clearing the area outside Heaven's Gate Pass, they breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, they recalled the feats of the youth and his father in the great battle of Qing Province.
"Perhaps the news is true. Otherwise, the Li family wouldn't have staged such a scheme, allowing such a scandal to tarnish their reputation."
"If this youth is truly just abiding by the agreement, then our attack on Liang Province shouldn't be affected by him."
"How about we start from the east side of Liang Province? If we can't defeat the son, let's kill his father first!"
"Agreed. I've had enough of that Li Tiangang anyway. He was as stubborn as a mule in Yan Province, causing us heavy losses!"
The three major demon forces held secret discussions.
"Our Dragon Gate's Grand Elder will only emerge from seclusion in a year. Let's wait and see then."
"Let's deceive them first. We'll launch a feigned attack, making them believe we're intentionally diverting their attention and not truly intending to invade."
The three forces strategized.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Mountain Lord and Devouring Heaven Ancestor, who had previously fled, were severely injured. Devouring Heaven Ancestor, despite surviving, had lost a significant portion of his power during his escape from death, his realm plummeting to the Three-Immortal Realm.
He needed time to accumulate power and regain his Demon King status.
He yearned for revenge but could only endure for now.
Phoenix Mountain Lord, having escaped with only injuries that would heal with time, heard about the gathering of demons in Liang Province and immediately rushed there, hoping to gather information and potentially leverage their power for revenge.
...
Li Hao continued his relentless advance, slaughtering countless demons. He sat atop a mountain peak, surrounded by a sea of corpses.
Gazing at the stars and moon above, Li Hao knew it was time to return.
He had cleared a vast area, and it was enough for now.
After resting for the night, Li Hao set off the next day, dragging the numerous demon corpses along the path back towards Heaven's Gate Pass.
During his return journey, he selected more corpses of high-ranking demons from those he had slain earlier, adding them to the gruesome chain.
As Li Hao made his way back, the bird demons of the Heavenly Dipper Hall, who had been secretly observing him, were overjoyed. They immediately notified the fleeing Demon Kings and Great Demons that the scourge had finally departed!
These demons, feeling both humiliated and relieved, immediately rushed back to their lairs.
However, upon returning to their territories, they discovered that their homes had been utterly devastated, rendering them uninhabitable.
Abyss Lake Demon King returned to his mountain lake, feeling aggrieved but thinking he could endure it.
But when he saw two mountain peaks filling his lake, with all the small demons within dead, he nearly coughed up blood in anger.
"Argh... I will have my revenge!!"
Abyss Lake Demon King roared furiously.
The other two Demon Kings shared his rage. They suppressed their burning anger, gathered intelligence from the Heavenly Dipper Hall, and rushed to the three major demon forces at the border of Liang Province, willing to temporarily join their ranks.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 167: I Will Descend the Mountain
Heaven's Gate Pass, Azure Cliff City.
The defensive formations on the city walls were complete. Squads of Bloodfiend soldiers and volunteer martial artists patrolled, vigilant for any demonic activity.
Li Hongzhuang, clad in crimson battle armor, ascended the wall. Her brow furrowed as she gazed towards the horizon beyond the pass.
"It's been two days. Why hasn't that child returned…?"
Worry gnawed at her heart.
Although the three Demon Kings were wanted by the Demon Suppression Office and likely fled their lair, there was no guarantee they weren't lurking nearby, waiting to ambush Li Hao.
Theirs was a blood feud, and the land beyond the pass was demon territory, fraught with peril.
"Li Ye," she called out, summoning her lieutenant after a long period of contemplation.
She intended to dispatch an elite scout to investigate the three Demon Kings' lair.
A middle-aged lieutenant started towards her, but suddenly, a chorus of exclamations erupted in the distance.
Both Li Hongzhuang and her lieutenant tensed instinctively, turning towards the commotion. Following the gazes of the soldiers, their eyes landed on the eastern horizon beyond the pass.
A black dot appeared against the azure sky, gradually expanding like a floating hill.
"A demon attack?" Li Hongzhuang's face paled as she took a few steps forward, her hand resting on the wall as she focused her gaze.
As her vision sharpened and the black shadow's form became clear, her tense expression morphed into one of stunned disbelief.
"Hao, Hao'er?"
Whoosh!
Li Hao soared towards the pass, dragging a string of demon corpses behind him like kites on taut fishing lines.
Seeing the familiar city walls, a sense of relief washed over Li Hao as he accelerated.
As he entered the pass, the soldiers on the walls witnessed the astonishing sight. Shock gave way to a cacophony of gasps and exclamations.
"It's Young General Haotian!"
"These, these are all demons slain by the Young General?"
"Heavens! These are all Three Undying Realm demons! So many!"
While the Bloodfiend soldiers maintained some composure, the volunteer martial artists were unrestrained in their astonishment.
Three Undying Realm Great Demons were rarely seen. These were beings capable of dominating hundreds, even thousands, of miles of territory. Their presence was a rarity.
Yet here they were, strung up like a net full of fish, lifeless trophies of Li Hao's hunt.
News of Li Hao's return and his slaughter of numerous Great Demons spread like wildfire throughout the city. People rushed towards the gate, eager to witness the spectacle.
Li Hao landed within the city and deposited the demon corpses onto the open ground where the Blackbird Demon King's remains had been piled. Spotting Li Hongzhuang rushing towards him, he smiled and said, "Help me keep an eye on these. I'll treat everyone to a feast when I have time."
"..."
Li Hongzhuang stared blankly for a moment before stammering, "You… you hunted all these? How, how far did you go?"
"Not far, just wandered around outside," Li Hao replied casually.
Li Hongzhuang eyed him suspiciously. How could he encounter so many Great Demons without venturing far?
She suspected he had gone beyond the three Demon Kings' lair, thousands of miles away, perhaps even further.
"Did you visit the three Demon Kings' lair? Was it empty?" she asked.
Li Hao nodded. "They all ran away."
Li Hongzhuang breathed a sigh of relief. "It's good that they escaped. It's good that you're safe. You have such incredible talent, why risk yourself now? Cultivate diligently for ten years, and you'll likely reach the Four Pillars Realm. Then you can venture out again."
Her faith in Li Hao was absolute.
Reaching the Four Pillars Realm at 24 would still be a remarkable achievement, shattering records.
After all, most people would be overjoyed to reach the Three Undying Realm by 24, a feat that marked them as top-tier geniuses.
She had recently learned that Li Hao's father, her seventh brother, also possessed exceptional talent, reaching the Three Undying Realm at 23. It was evident how astonishing it would be to reach the Four Pillars Realm at 24!
Hearing her words, Li Hao couldn't help but give her a strange look.
Was his aunt cursing him?
Reaching the Four Pillars Realm only after ten years… what a vicious curse!
"I'm a bit tired. I'm going to rest," Li Hao announced.
Li Hongzhuang snapped out of her thoughts. Seeing Li Hao's tattered clothes, her expression changed. "Are you badly injured?"
"A little," Li Hao admitted. "I need a good two days of sleep."
"..."
Bidding farewell to Li Hongzhuang, Li Hao returned to his fenced courtyard. He was greeted by Ren Qianqian and immediately sensed the transformation in her aura. A subtle divine light seemed to emanate from her.
"Reached the Spirit Wandering Realm?" Li Hao smiled.
Ren Qianqian was a year younger than him, only thirteen. Reaching the Spirit Wandering Realm at this age was commendable progress.
Most individuals with Ninth-grade Battle Bodies, even those who joined powerful sects, only reached the Spirit Wandering Realm at fourteen and the Fifteen-mile Realm at sixteen.
Further progress depended on their talent. Those with high comprehension could reach the Heaven-human Realm at eighteen or nineteen, maintaining their rapid breakthrough speed and earning the title of "prodigy."
Those with lesser comprehension might take until their twenties or thirties to reach that stage, and some might even take until their forties or fifties.
"Young Master, are you injured?" Ren Qianqian gasped softly, her eyes filled with concern and anxiety as she looked at Li Hao's ragged clothes.
Li Hao chuckled, handing her his sword. "Just minor injuries, already healed. Just find me some new clothes."
Ren Qianqian took the Dragon Soaring Sword. Reassured by Li Hao's words and seeing no visible wounds on his exposed skin, she said, "I'll get them for you right away."
She then hurried back to the courtyard room with the sword.
Li Hao went to the tea room, lifted the teapot, and shook it. Finding water inside, he drank directly from the spout.
Two days of relentless fighting had left him parched.
Soon, Ren Qianqian returned with new clothes. Li Hao took them and headed to the bathing room.
After a thorough wash, removing all traces of blood from his hair, he emerged refreshed and clean in his new attire.
The little white fox waited outside. Li Hao bent down, picked it up, and rubbed its furry head. He then went to the tea room, filled the teapot with fresh hot water, and smiled.
"Elder Feng, care for some?"
"I'll pass. Too many eyes in the city now," Elder Feng's voice echoed in his mind.
The smile on Li Hao's face faded slightly. After a moment of silence, he picked up the teapot and tea table, instructed Ren Qianqian and the little white fox to stay in the courtyard, and flew out of the city to a nearby mountaintop.
"No one here now," Li Hao said as he set down the tea table and meticulously prepared the tea, gesturing for Elder Feng to join him.
"You rascal," Feng Boping's figure materialized like a gentle breeze, settling across the table from Li Hao.
"I don't need your tea, old man," Feng Boping said, yet he picked up the teacup and drained it in one gulp, his face beaming with satisfaction and pride.
"But I need yours," Li Hao replied.
He poured himself a cup and sat on the mountaintop, the cold wind buffeting them but repelled by his Supreme Physique. His True Qi enveloped the teapot, keeping the tea warm.
"Spring is almost here," Feng Boping sighed, his breath mingling with the steam from the tea as he gazed at the landscape before them.
Li Hao nodded.
With the battle over, both of them enjoyed a rare moment of relaxation, sharing tea in tranquil contentment.
When the teapot was empty, Li Hao rose and bid farewell to Elder Feng, returning to his fenced courtyard.
Ren Qianqian had been practicing her swordsmanship. Seeing Li Hao return, she rushed over and asked, "Young Master, did you go very far these past two days?"
"Not too far, just a few thousand miles," Li Hao chuckled, holding the little white fox that had jumped into his arms. He noticed that the crimson in its eyes was fading, and its spirit seemed slightly improved.
Ren Qianqian gasped softly, then said with a hint of dejection, "Young Master, you've already reached the mountaintop. When will I be able to catch up to you?"
Although her cultivation speed was considered fast, it paled in comparison to Li Hao's. She worried that she would be less and less involved in his endeavors, the distance between them growing ever wider.
"No need to catch up," Li Hao said with a gentle smile. "I will descend the mountain to see you."
Ren Qianqian froze, her eyes shining as she looked at Li Hao.
Shortly after Li Hao's return, numerous martial artists arrived at the fenced courtyard, their voices clamoring. Li Hao learned that they wished to enlist in the army.
However, they didn't want to join Li Hongzhuang's Bloodfiend army. They wanted to serve under Li Hao.
Li Hao didn't object. The Emperor had granted him the authority to recruit troops, albeit on a limited scale.
Accommodating these volunteer martial artists was well within his capacity.
After all, only a thousand or two martial artists had chosen to remain, and only seven or eight hundred of them were willing to enlist.
Li Hao promptly pulled up a small stool in the courtyard and had Ren Qianqian handle the registration. He then had each individual demonstrate their skills, assigning them different roles based on their cultivation level and other talents.
Some were suited for reconnaissance, others for frontline combat, and still others for the cooking unit, assisting him in the kitchen.
Days passed in this leisurely atmosphere of laughter and camaraderie.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 168: Demonic Visitation
Western Liang Province.
Atop the towering city walls, hundreds of feet high, soldiers clad in black armor stood in disciplined rows, maintaining a vigilant watch.
Within the city, massive siege weapons were being assembled. Colossal Dragon Elephants and Flood Dragons, beasts of immense strength, hauled war chariots the size of small houses, laden with arrows, weapons, and provisions transported from the heartland.
Throughout the military camp, soldiers diligently performed their duties, patrolling and standing guard.
War hawks returned to the camp in succession, bearing news gathered from beyond the border.
"Strange, those demons have gone silent."
Inside the main tent, Li Xuanli, seated upon his command chair, furrowed his brow in contemplation.
Reports indicated that the demonic horde, previously spotted 800 miles away, had retreated eastward.
This group of demons had lingered on the western border for a considerable time, launching sporadic attacks. Among them lurked three Great Demons of the Undying Realm, whose actions seemed deliberately provocative, as if trying to lure them beyond the defensive lines in pursuit. But Li Xuanli had not fallen for the bait.
Their sudden retreat was unexpected.
Considering other intelligence, could it be that the demonic incursions on the Liang Province border were merely a feint?
Was their true objective to tie up the Li family's military forces?
"Father."
A figure rushed into the tent. It was Li Wushuang, his beloved daughter.
Seeing his daughter, Li Xuanli's furrowed brow relaxed, and he chuckled softly.
"I heard you led a squad to eliminate a group of demons beyond the lines. How was it? What did you think?"
Mentioning this, Li Wushuang couldn't help but roll her eyes. "They were just a bunch of minor demons."
Li Xuanli smiled inwardly. If he hadn't known they were minor demons, he wouldn't have allowed her to participate.
"Even if they were minor demons, you shouldn't underestimate them. Remember, military discipline is paramount in the army. Demons are cunning, far beyond your imagination. Especially those who dare to invade our borders. They are often guided by strategists. Treat them as cunning ghosts." Li Xuanli instructed.
"I know."
Li Wushuang said, "I came to you precisely because of this. I extracted information from one of the captured demons. They were feigning an attack and have already retreated."
"Oh?"
Li Xuanli raised an eyebrow. "How did you manage to get a minor demon to talk?"
"I visited the torture chamber earlier and learned a few things." Li Wushuang replied.
Li Xuanli was speechless, then smiled wryly. "You, a young lady, went to the torture chamber? That place is filthy and chaotic... However, this matter needs further investigation. I'll look into it."
"Further investigation?"
Li Wushuang was surprised.
"Of course." Li Xuanli said exasperatedly, "The strongest among the demons you were sent to kill was only at the Spirit Wandering Realm. Demons of that level wouldn't know anything about the overall battle plan. They are mere cannon fodder in a real fight. Unless, of course, the information they possess was deliberately leaked to them by the Great Demons."
Li Wushuang was taken aback. "Father, are you saying this is a ploy within a ploy?"
Li Xuanli nodded slightly. "It's also possible that I'm overthinking it. In any case, I'll investigate further. You go and rest."
"Alright."
Seeing this, Li Wushuang could only nod and leave.
After she left, Li Xuanli's expression turned serious. He pondered for a moment, then summoned his personal attendant and instructed him to write two letters.
One was to be sent to Qing Province, urging them to be vigilant against demonic activity.
The other was addressed to Li Tiangang on the eastern border.
"If the demonic attacks here are a diversion, their true target is likely Qing Province. If they are genuinely attacking, this retreat could be a prelude to an assault on the eastern border. I wonder how Tiangang is faring..."
His eyes flickered. Suddenly, he thought of something else and instructed the attendant to write another letter, this one to Dragon Gate Pass.
"That boy... although he just repelled three Demon Kings, they are likely harboring resentment. They might vent their anger on Liang Province or even collude with other Demon Kings to attack Dragon Gate Pass. With the Dragon Gate's location revealed, the Holy Palace, with its long-standing feud with the Li family, might also send their forces..."
"He needs to be warned."
...
Liang Province, Eastern Front.
The Black Stone Great Wall, a seemingly endless barrier, stretched across the entire front line.
Six hundred miles beyond the wall, two figures hurtled through the air, their auras concealed. One was clad in luxurious crimson-gold robes, his face as beautiful as jade, handsome and noble.
The other wore a black robe and a hooded cloak, his entire body shrouded in shadow.
"That's where Li Tiangang is stationed."
The black-robed figure said in a low voice, "Lord Fengshan, I understand your desire for revenge, but even if you charge in now, you might not be able to kill Li Tiangang. The border is protected by a formation. With our current strength, we cannot easily break through."
"On the contrary, such an attack would alert them and ruin our plans."
The man in the crimson-gold robes was none other than Lord Fengshan, who had narrowly escaped death at the hands of Li Hao.
His eyes, burning with golden flames, pierced through the void, landing on the military camp within the defensive lines. They were filled with murderous intent.
"I know. I promised you I wouldn't jeopardize your plans."
Hearing this, the black-robed figure breathed a sigh of relief and smiled faintly. "Lord Fengshan, there's no need to rush. In a year, when our clan elder emerges from seclusion, we will flatten Liang Province. We can help you deal with that boy then."
Lord Fengshan said coldly, "Dealing with that boy is a separate matter. Li Tiangang, I will personally crush him to death!"
"No problem."
The black-robed figure readily agreed.
Lord Fengshan took one last, longing look at the distant defensive line, his heart filled with hatred. But he restrained himself.
That was the Li family's main army. They wouldn't be able to breach the formation and succeed in a short time.
...
Dragon Gate Pass.
Seven hundred individuals volunteered to join the army and defend Cragcliff City, guarding this crucial pass.
Li Hao enlisted them, registered their names, and submitted the roster to the Liang Province Military Headquarters, specifically to his Fifth Uncle, Li Xuanli, the Military Governor.
Appointed as the defender of Liang Province, Li Hao had also assumed the role of Military Governor, granting him the authority to deploy troops within the province, including the city guards. With a single order, all forces were obligated to obey unconditionally.
The roster needed to be officially recorded and reviewed by Li Xuanli. Otherwise, if these soldiers were to fall in battle, and Li Hao was not present, no one would retrieve their bodies or erect monuments in their honor. They would simply be considered fallen warriors, their souls left to wander.
Shortly after returning, Li Hao received the elderly Star Official and, accompanied by him, began testing Cragcliff City's formation.
As a border city, it boasted a Five Profound Star Formation. Within it were sealed the souls of five Great Demons at the peak of the Undying Realm. By harnessing the power of the celestial stars, their strength was amplified, making them roughly equivalent to two Demon Kings of the Dao Heart Realm.
Defending against a single Demon King's attack was not an issue; the formation could hold for at least half a day.
Furthermore, the city's soldiers could channel their power into the formation, further enhancing the power of the demon souls. They could also borrow strength from the formation, allowing the souls to empower them, significantly increasing the commander's combat prowess.
"Please inspect it, Young General."
As the formation activated, Li Hao saw the spectral forms of five Great Demons emerge from various points within the city: the four city walls and the city center.
These souls were both the fuel for the formation and the accumulated spoils of war from centuries of imperial rule.
Li Hao flew outside the city and observed the entire city enveloped by the formation. No matter where an attack originated, the five demons could instantly converge on that point, utilizing the formation's power to launch a coordinated assault.
"Then I'll give it a simple test."
Li Hao declared.
Whether the formation's structure had any flaws would depend on whether the demon souls could unleash their designated power.
Instead of using the Dragon Soaring Sword, Li Hao raised his hand and unleashed a punch.
His fist drew upon the surrounding energy, transforming into a colossal fist imprint that descended with crushing force.
Atop the city walls, the soldiers initially watched with excitement and anticipation. But as the fist imprint expanded, their expressions turned grave and tense.
Roar!
The five demons roared and charged forward in unison.
However, under the oppressive force of the fist imprint, the five demons were like tiny beasts trying to topple a mountain. They were unable to resist its advance and were forced to retreat step by step.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The five demon souls slammed against the golden barrier of the formation, sending ripples across its surface. The formation's color seemed to fade slightly.
Li Hao swiftly withdrew his power and flew back.
The elderly Star Official stared blankly at Li Hao, taking a while to regain his composure.
"Young General, did you use your full strength?"
"No."
Li Hao shook his head. It was just a casual punch, using only thirty percent of his power.
The Star Official was stunned, then frowned, his gaze sweeping across the formation runes on the city walls. He muttered, "This shouldn't be..."
Li Hao also felt that the five Great Demons shouldn't be so weak. He immediately offered words of comfort. "Senior, don't worry. Take your time and re-examine it. Perhaps there's a minor issue somewhere."
The Star Official considered this and agreed.
Although Li Hao's attack was intimidating and awe-inspiring, he believed that even if Li Hao had reached the Four Foundations Realm, he shouldn't have been able to suppress the five demons so easily. There must have been a problem with the formation's energy transmission.
"I apologize for troubling you, Young General. I'll investigate further."
The Star Official said.
Xia Xianglan felt a pang of guilt. Could it be that the rune segment she had inscribed earlier was flawed?
Li Hao bid farewell to the Star Official and then sought out the newly enlisted warriors, instructing them to procure a large quantity of cloth for making military banners, the more the better.
The next day, Li Hao received a message from the Liang Province Military Headquarters. The enlistment of the seven hundred soldiers had been approved.
In addition, he received a personal letter from his Fifth Uncle, filled with concern and cautioning him to be wary of the Demon Kings' potential retaliation.
Li Hao sighed, put away the letter, and asked Ren Qianqian to store it in the wooden box in his room.
That afternoon, a bird arrived at the pass, requesting an audience with Li Hao.
A demon seeking a visit was something Li Hao hadn't anticipated. He immediately granted the request.
The bird demon transformed into a child of about seven or eight years old, dressed in a simple orange robe. Guided by the soldiers into the fenced courtyard, he saw a young girl practicing swordsmanship and a young man casually sketching on the other side.
A small white fox lay lazily at the young man's feet, glancing at him briefly.
The boy's heart skipped a beat as he nervously approached Li Hao.
"Y-Young General."
"From the Heavenly Dipper Hall?"
Li Hao was sketching the distant corpse of the Ghost Mother, gaining experience in the Dao of Painting. He didn't turn around, speaking in a calm tone.
With his divine consciousness seated high above, monitoring the surroundings, Li Hao could see the Ghost Mother's grotesque, bloated corpse even through the courtyard fence.
(End of Chapter)