185-186

Chapter 185: Li Tiangang's Plea for Aid

Li Xuanli was stunned. Li Hao's battle flag, a force that intimidated all demons, was far beyond his comprehension.

Li Qingling and Li Xueyun, standing beside him, were equally bewildered. The royal battle flags, they knew, did not possess such imposing aura.

Could that name being called be their great-nephew?

"Kill!"

"If that brat doesn't come out, we'll kill them all and force him out!"

The five Demon Kings, enraged by Li Hao's prolonged absence, felt a surge of fury. Yuanlong Demon King was the first to charge towards Qianji Daoist.

The Giant Spider Demon King, beside him, unleashed a torrent of spider swords towards Li Xuanli and the others.

Li Xuanli's group's faces fell, their expressions tense. While the battle flag had startled the Demon Kings, it was merely a scare. Without Li Hao and the Four-Establishment Realm expert by his side, they were utterly vulnerable.

"Be careful!"

Li Hongzhuang's eyes narrowed, her voice low and urgent. "Protect yourselves with all your might!"

With that, she swiftly drew out the numerous battle flags strapped to her back and hurled one outwards.

"Watch out!"

Bai Shenjun, upon seeing the flag hurtling towards them, cried out in alarm.

The Giant Spider Demon King, slightly slower in reaction, tried to evade, but the battle flag, under Li Hongzhuang's masterful control, relentlessly pursued him.

The Demon King, pursued by a mere flag, felt a surge of shame and anger. How could he, a mighty Demon King, be forced to retreat from a flag?

He fired a spider sword, attempting to sever the flag in mid-air.

The flag shattered, but the energy seal within it unleashed its power.

With a sharp cing, a beam of golden-red sword energy shot skyward, hurtling towards the nearest Giant Spider Demon King.

The sword energy, vast and imposing, unleashed a thunderous roar as it cleaved towards the Demon King.

"Damn it!"

The Giant Spider Demon King's pupils constricted in shock. He knew that the flag concealed a sword formation, but he had never personally encountered it. He never imagined the formation's power could be so formidable!

He unleashed a volley of spider swords, roaring, "Myriad Swords Pierce Heaven!"

The snow-white spider silk swords formed a swirling formation, seemingly intent on shattering the heavens, unleashing a myriad of snow-white beams, clashing against the golden-red sword energy.

But the golden-red sword energy, like a celestial barrier, swept across, shattering the sky-piercing sword formation and directly striking the Giant Spider Demon King.

Puf!

Two of the Demon King's spider legs snapped, spraying demon blood.

The residual force of the golden-red sword energy, though weakened, continued towards his head, but Bai Shenjun, intervening swiftly, cleaved it with his sword.

The clash of sword energies sent a tremor through Bai Shenjun's heart. A mere sword formation possessed such ferocious power? No wonder a single military flag could subdue three Immortal-Beyond-Three Realm experts!

Among the demon tide in the distance, the Immortal-Beyond-Three Realm demons were struck with terror, secretly grateful for their earlier decision to halt their advance. Otherwise, disaster would have surely struck!

"Go!"

Li Hongzhuang transmitted her voice, while rapidly launching two more military flags.

The two flags soared through the air, targeting the Giant Spider Demon King. A nearby demon with a grotesque, insect-like body immediately stepped forward to block them, but he was clearly wary, hesitant to destroy the flags.

Li Hongzhuang, utilizing her mastery of object manipulation, tore through the flags in mid-air, unleashing two more bursts of sword energy.

"Damn it!"

The insect-like demon, enraged, spewed blood swords that rapidly spun, condensing into a sea of blood to block the attack.

Seizing the opportunity, Li Hongzhuang, along with Li Xuanli and his two aunts, swiftly charged towards the protective formation within the city walls.

Qianji Daoist, having caught his breath and regained his composure, observed the power of the sword energy within the flags. It was comparable to a Dao Heart Realm expert's full-powered attack. Coupled with the numerous flags on Li Hongzhuang's back, they were a formidable weapon indeed.

Even the five Demon Kings could only withstand them for a short while.

"Don't run!"

The Demon Kings unleashed a barrage of attacks, stirring up a tempest of demonic energy and dust, blocking their path. The earth tore open, revealing mud-dragon-like claws that slammed down upon them.

Bang!

Qianji Daoist, wielding his nine-section whip, pierced through the mud claws, enduring his injuries as he guided Li Hongzhuang and the others through the encirclement.

Seeing the Demon Kings in pursuit, Li Hongzhuang unleashed several more flags, tearing through the sky with bursts of sword energy that even shook her own spiritual sense.

The unleashed sword energy swept across, indiscriminately attacking, forcing the Demon Kings to retreat.

The dissipating sword energy transformed into countless sword shadows that enveloped the Demon Kings.

"Leave them to me!"

The Giant Spider Demon King, seeing them nearing the protective formation, disregarded the sword shadows and unleashed a vast spider web, locking onto the air in front of them, attempting to ensnare them as if teleporting.

But at that moment, his body was subjected to a relentless barrage of sword shadows.

He had observed that the sword shadows were weakening in power. Even if they inflicted damage, it would be mere pain.

Suddenly, one of the sword energies pierced his body, as if seeping into his very being.

The spider web the Giant Spider Demon King had unleashed to capture Li Hongzhuang and the others had barely been deployed when a powerful premonition surged through his mind.

His pupils contracted, and he roared in fury, attempting to repel the remaining sword shadows, but it was too late.

His strength rapidly drained, his soul as if being sucked away. All his power, including his life force, was rapidly fading.

"What's happening…"

The Giant Spider Demon King was filled with terror and disbelief. His numerous spider eyes scanned his body. While he had endured numerous sword shadows, he hadn't suffered significant injuries. His most severe wounds were the severed spider legs.

But… his consciousness blurred.

Thud.

The Giant Spider Demon King fell to the ground, his soul extinguished.

He was merely a Dao Heart Realm expert, with no second life.

This bizarre scene stunned the remaining Demon Kings, who stared in shock at the fallen Giant Spider Demon King.

If they hadn't witnessed the Demon King's life force truly vanish, they might have thought he had simply fallen asleep.

How could he sleep so peacefully?

"What happened?"

"He's dead?"

"He didn't even receive much damage. How could he die?"

The Demon Kings were filled with fear and horror.

Bai Shenjun's pupils constricted, recalling the scene of his escape using his Reverse Fate opportunity.

That eerie sensation of death approaching.

He looked at the myriad sword shadows and suddenly understood, roaring, "Never confront these sword energies with your physical bodies!"

"If you touch them, you might die!!"

Hearing his roar, the other three Demon Kings were stunned.

Their physical bodies couldn't touch the sword shadows?

These sword shadows weren't particularly powerful. Could there be hidden attacks or potent poison within them?

Though confused, recalling the Giant Spider Demon King's sudden death, which seemed connected to the sword shadows, they immediately took defensive measures, using their demonic arts and weapons to shield themselves.

When in doubt, err on the side of caution.

The Giant Spider Demon King's death delayed the Demon Kings' pursuit. At that moment, the Liangzhou Military Commander on the city wall, seeing Li Hongzhuang and the others approaching, roared at the nearby generals to lend him their formation talismans.

Upon receiving the talismans, he quickly rushed out of the protective formation and handed them to the group, guiding them inside.

Once inside the formation, Li Hongzhuang, Li Xuanli, and the others finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Xuanli looked back and saw his army rushing towards the formation, but the Demon Kings, in their rage, attacked the Xuan Character Army, their blows like giant mountains crushing down. Tens of thousands of soldiers, under the relentless assault of the Demon Kings, were utterly defenseless. They were thrown into disarray, suffering countless casualties in the blink of an eye.

Li Xuanli's eyes reddened, his fists clenched tightly.

"Father."

Li Wushuang ran over, tears still streaming down her face.

Li Xuanli glanced at her, relieved to see she was unharmed, but his face remained devoid of joy, filled with a numb and sorrowful gaze at the Xuan Character Army falling before his eyes.

Li Hongzhuang also witnessed the scene. She stepped forward, standing on the city wall, and launched three more military flags to protect the Xuan Character Army.

But this time, the Demon Kings had learned their lesson. Upon seeing the flags, they charged directly into the Xuan Character Army, wanting to test if the flags truly discriminated between demons and humans, sparing the latter.

Li Hongzhuang, seeing the Demon Kings' cunning, felt a pang of anxiety. She couldn't tear the flags, lest the Xuan Character Army suffer heavy casualties.

Witnessing this, the Demon Kings realized the flaw in the flag's sword formation. They sneered and charged into the Xuan Character camp, slaughtering indiscriminately.

Screams erupted, the scene outside the city a one-sided massacre.

But those on the city walls could only watch helplessly, unable to offer assistance.

The Demon Kings charged into the Xuan Character Army, and they dared not attack from afar. Their attacks were mere tickles to the Demon Kings.

Soon, as their numbers dwindled, the Xuan Character Army's slaughter accelerated. In the blink of an eye, only a field of corpses remained.

They fought valiantly, burning their souls, but they were still unable to withstand the Demon Kings' assault. The Demon Kings moved with such speed that their figures were barely visible.

Gazing at the bloody carnage, the soldiers on the city walls gasped for breath, their hands gripping their weapons, filled with shame and grief.

At that moment, after venting their fury on the Xuan Character Army, Li Hongzhuang angrily detonated the three military flags.

Three beams of sword energy erupted, pursuing the four Demon Kings.

The Demon Kings' faces changed slightly, and they quickly retreated, but the sword energy relentlessly pursued them, shattering their demonic arts. The sword energy's power was immense, unstoppable, wounding and forcing two of the Demon Kings to retreat.

Bai Shenjun, targeted by a sword energy, was gripped by terror. He fled at full speed, refusing to engage with the sword energy.

He felt a surge of frustration. He, a mighty Demon King, was being chased like a rat by a mere boy's sword energy.

"Damn it!"

The remaining three Demon Kings, looking at Li Hongzhuang standing on the city wall, and the dozens of flags behind her, wore grim expressions.

Such terrifying flags, with two or three dozen more, who could withstand them?

If she unleashed them all at once, they might suffer the same fate as the Giant Spider Demon King.

"What should we do?"

"Let's wait for the Grand Elder to arrive. Send a signal to the Grand Elder. Only he can resolve this."

The Demon Kings exchanged glances, deciding to have the Tianji Palace send a signal to the Grand Elder, awaiting his reinforcements.

Meanwhile, they would encircle the city.

Seeing the Demon Kings retreat and refrain from attacking the protective formation, the people on the city walls, though grieving, felt a glimmer of relief.

But the Demon Kings and the demon tide in the distance did not retreat. They remained stationed ten miles outside the city, within sight of each other.

Those on the city walls realized that the Demon Kings were devising a counterstrategy, but they could only wait, awaiting the arrival of human reinforcements.

"General Hongzhuang, thank heavens you arrived in time."

The Liangzhou Military Commander glanced at the three Demon Kings standing in the distance, then turned to Li Hongzhuang.

If she hadn't arrived in time, Li Xuanli and Qianji Daoist would have perished outside the city. They would have faced the full force of the five Demon Kings, and the protective formation wouldn't have lasted long.

Li Hongzhuang nodded slightly, her heart pounding. Five Demon Kings! If it weren't for the flags Li Hao had given her, ten of her wouldn't have been enough.

Thinking of Li Hao, a wave of worry washed over her. What was happening at Tianmen Pass after she left?

However, seeing the numerous flags on the city wall, she felt a sense of reassurance.

"Whose flags are these?" Li Qingling, unable to contain her curiosity, asked her niece.

Li Hongzhuang quickly addressed her aunt, then replied, "These are Hao'er's flags, Tiangang's son."

"The Hao'er whose talent surpasses even Xiao Jiu? He's already achieved such renown?"

Li Qingling and Li Xueyun were astonished. Though they had suspected it, hearing it confirmed by Li Hongzhuang was still shocking.

Li Hao's fame had spread throughout the land. He was a descendant of the Li family, and though they had married into families far from Qingzhou, they had heard the news and paid close attention.

If she remembered correctly, the boy was only fifteen years old, wasn't he?

"Indeed, it's the flags of the Heavenly Might Young General." The Liangzhou Military Commander thought to himself.

In the imperial court, he had questioned the Li family's decision to entrust Tianmen Pass to a mere youth, disregarding the lives of the people of Liangzhou. Now, it was thanks to that youth that they were saved.

Li Wushuang, hearing their conversation, felt a sense of confusion. She had tried so hard, but why was she falling further and further behind her cousin?

The closest they had ever been was during that encounter under the tree…

"Tiangang truly has a remarkable son!"

Li Qingling, gazing at the numerous flags on Li Hongzhuang's back, couldn't help but exclaim, "Look at these demons. They seem to recognize the destructive power of these flags. Compared to Xiao Jiu back then, Tiangang's son's reputation is far greater."

"Indeed," Li Xueyun agreed.

Li Junye's death over a decade ago was a wound that had scarred the Li family. But now, that scar was being covered by a young boy, radiating a far brighter light.

"Report!"

Suddenly, a scout rushed towards the Liangzhou Military Commander, reporting quickly,

"We've just spotted a distress signal to the east!"

"The east?"

Li Xuanli, still staring numbly at the scene outside the city, abruptly turned his head.

He quickly stood up, his injuries slightly healed during the brief respite. After all, he had taken medicine, and the medicinal power, combined with his natural healing abilities, was constantly repairing his wounds.

"We're facing five Demon Kings here. The East Region is guarded by Duke Xingwu. There must be Demon Kings there as well, right?"

The Liangzhou Military Commander's face fell.

Li Xuanli's expression darkened. They had five Demon Kings here, and the East Region likely had no fewer.

"Is it Seventh Brother sending the signal?"

Li Hongzhuang's face also changed. She quickly said, "I'll go to his aid!"

"I'll go too," Li Qingling immediately declared. "I still have fighting strength."

"Me too," Li Xueyun added. "My Undying Power hasn't been used yet."

"Two aunts, you shouldn't go."

Li Hongzhuang shook her head immediately. "If the Demon Kings pursue, you'll be useless. I'll use Hao'er's flags to fight and hopefully intimidate the Demon Kings."

Without further delay, she obtained two formation talismans and took to the skies.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 186: Known to All Demons and Fiends

Watching Li Hongzhuang's retreating figure, Li Xuanli, Li Qingling, and the others were all filled with worry.

As long as the Demon King didn't intervene, they, as top-tier combatants, could still influence the battlefield.

But once the Demon King appeared, they would have to hide and evade on the battlefield, unless a Four-Establishment Realm expert provided cover, allowing them to charge into the fray.

However, there weren't that many Four-Establishment Realm experts. If there were, the demons wouldn't be launching such a massive offensive against Liangzhou.

Even if reinforcements from various factions arrived, it would take time. Right now, their only hope rested on the war banners in Li Hongzhuang's possession.

Liangzhou, Eastern Sector.

On a vast plain, a series of towering signal fires illuminated the distant landscape.

Over a hundred thousand Yuanzi Camp soldiers and tens of thousands of other Liangzhou border defense troops retreated while providing cover.

Behind them, the demonic horde hadn't yet arrived. Only six Demon Kings pursued the tens of thousands of troops.

The whereabouts of the other Demon Kings remained unknown, including Yin Madam. It was apparent that the Great Desert Sword Saint was holding her back. Otherwise, if she had joined the pursuit, they wouldn't have escaped so far.

"Hold on a little longer! The second line of defense is just ahead!"

Li Tiangang, his body covered in blood, had his mid-level strength recovered and had launched another attack. With a full-powered burst, he temporarily slowed the Demon Kings' advance, buying time for the army's retreat.

However, his injuries were slowly healing, and the repeated damage to his battle body had slowed the recovery process.

Despite covering himself with medicinal powder and consuming a bellyful of healing elixirs, the effects weren't immediate. It would take at least an hour or two for his body to absorb and transform the medicinal energy.

"Come with me to block the demons!"

A general roared beside him.

Li Tiangang turned his head and saw another ten-thousand-strong Yuanzi Camp regiment slowing down to engage the Demon Kings.

This had happened several times along the way.

His expression darkened, but he was powerless to stop it.

Although the Eight Directions Banners had been dispatched, capable of rapidly traversing tens of thousands of miles and crossing various states, the reinforcements would still need time to arrive.

But the demons didn't even give them a chance to breathe. From the initial border assault to now, the sun hadn't even set.

"Faster, faster!!"

Li Tiangang roared. He wasn't yet despairing. Behind him were tens of thousands of soldiers, and he would lead them to safety.

Boom!

Behind them, the earth trembled.

The ten-thousand-strong Yuanzi Camp that had stayed behind, having just formed their battle formation, was attacked by five Demon Kings in unison. Their formation was shattered, and all were slain.

This ten-thousand-strong force could easily conquer a city, yet they were no match for the Demon Kings.

They only held out for a few breaths.

The sound of hooves thundered in his ears. Li Tiangang could almost hear the frantic beating of his crimson-blooded warhorse's heart.

The warhorse was tired.

But it continued to gallop at full speed. The crimson-blooded steed was intelligent, knowing that stopping meant death.

The setting sun shone from the front of the plain, a bit harsh on the eyes.

But the orange-yellow, blood-like afterglow, falling on the armor of these battered and defeated soldiers, seemed so desolate.

Li Tiangang saw the city in the distance, saw the second line of defense, but his gaze could reach further than his body could.

Was this his twilight?

Li Tiangang's eyes scanned the horizon, his heart filled with more melancholy than anger.

He had spent his life fighting, slaying countless demons, and now he was about to fall here?

Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother… Images of his brothers flashed before his eyes. Suddenly, death didn't seem so frightening.

Because his father and his brothers were waiting for him on the other side.

But… Qingqing.

Thinking of his beloved wife, Li Tiangang's heart ached. He had wanted to cultivate to a higher realm, reach the peak of the Four-Establishment Realm, quell the demonic chaos in the four states guarded by the Li family, and then go to the Great Wilderness Heavens to search for her.

But now, it was impossible.

Their farewell in Yanbei was a final goodbye.

Li Tiangang quickly thought of another figure, the stubborn young man.

He sighed inwardly. In the end, he wouldn't have the chance to guide him anymore.

Hopefully, his uncles wouldn't continue to indulge him. After his death, the young man should return to the Li family.

Then, the position of the True Dragon would have a successor.

He just wondered if the young man could shoulder this responsibility and lead the Li family forward.

The setting sun shone on Li Tiangang's face, illuminating the many regrets in his eyes.

He sighed softly. Based on the visible distance, the army's speed, and the speed at which they were pursued by the Demon Kings, he knew they wouldn't reach the defensive line.

Someone had to stay behind to stop the Demon Kings.

Either the entire Yuanzi Camp would stay and fight to the death, buying him a chance to live.

Or he would stay and buy a chance for tens of thousands of soldiers to live.

Without a doubt.

Li Tiangang chose the latter.

He gently patted the crimson-blooded steed beneath him and said softly, "You're tired, go."

The crimson-blooded steed seemed to understand, and large teardrops fell from its eyes.

Li Tiangang rose into the air, but he saw the crimson-blooded steed slow down and stop, refusing to leave.

Li Tiangang couldn't help but smile.

Then, he took a deep breath and suddenly turned around, roaring, "Everyone, listen! Full speed ahead!!"

"The second line of defense is right there!"

"Charge!!"

He roared loudly, his voice echoing far and wide.

Tens of thousands of soldiers heard and saw the figure that had stopped. Some realized what was happening and their eyes reddened.

"Next, it's up to Fifth Brother…"

Li Tiangang glanced at the distant city walls, wondering if Fifth Brother was there.

Unfortunately, he wouldn't have the chance to see him one last time.

He chuckled softly, about to turn away, when he suddenly saw a black dot appear.

He was surprised, his eyes focusing their divine light, and he quickly recognized the figure, his younger sister.

Li Tiangang's heart jolted. He immediately recalled the distress signal he had just sent. His intention was to seek help from the garrison within the defensive line or from the Four-Establishment Realm experts who had arrived in Liangzhou as reinforcements.

But the only one who came was his younger sister.

Alone.

Li Tiangang's face changed, and he roared, "Hongzhuang, don't come!"

"Too late!"

As the voice echoed, six demonic auras, brimming with killing intent, descended behind Li Tiangang.

The Vine Demon elder, filled with rage, raised his hand, and hundreds of vine whips shot out like lightning, aiming to capture Li Tiangang and make amends for their previous failures.

Li Tiangang roared, his aura surging, and slashed with his divine blade.

But at the same time, the other five Demon Kings also launched their attacks. With a loud boom, Li Tiangang's body flew backward, crashing into the ground, creating a deep crater and sliding hundreds of meters before coming to a stop.

The six Demon Kings moved like thunder, pursuing him. Just then, a piercing sound came from several miles away.

Whoosh!

A war banner fluttered, and as it neared the six Demon Kings, it suddenly exploded.

Li Hongzhuang deliberately destroyed the war banner, unleashing a sword formation.

A brilliant beam of sword light swept out, forcing the six Demon Kings back, but the sword light dissipated.

And in that brief moment, the second and third war banners arrived one after another, landing in front of Li Tiangang, protecting him.

Li Tiangang had just gotten to his feet, about to unleash his shattered meridians and fight to the death, when he saw this sudden change.

He was stunned for a moment, before realizing that Li Hongzhuang had already flown over and landed beside him.

"Seventh Brother, are you alright?"

Li Hongzhuang immediately shielded Li Tiangang behind her, glaring at the six Demon Kings. Her expression was grim, and though she carried the war banners, she was somewhat uncertain.

She had thought Fifth Brother's situation was bad enough, but Seventh Brother's was even more perilous.

"Why did you come? Go back!"

Li Tiangang shouted angrily.

"Let's go together!"

Li Hongzhuang quickly replied.

"Then none of us will escape!"

Li Tiangang was furious. Though he knew Li Hongzhuang's intentions were good, this was a critical moment, not a time for sentimentality.

"It's alright. With Hao'er's war banner protecting us, we can escape!"

Li Hongzhuang said quickly.

Li Tiangang thought he had misheard. His angry expression froze, and he said:

"What did you say?"

His gaze shifted, and he noticed the war banner that was now unfurled before him, with the characters "Haotian" fluttering on it.

That was Li Hao's "Hao"!

"He came too?"

Li Tiangang couldn't help but turn his head to look around.

Li Hongzhuang transmitted her voice, "Hao'er is stationed at Tianmen Pass. He only allowed me to bring his war banner to provide reinforcements."

"What good can his war banner do…"

Hearing that Li Hao was still stationed at Tianmen Pass, Li Tiangang couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.

In such a tense situation, they should be quickly consolidating their defensive lines and holding onto Tianmen Pass. Defending it would only allow the demons to break through from the flanks.

If Liangzhou fell, what was the point of holding onto Tianmen Pass?

Though angry, he also knew that Li Hao was too young. Though exceptionally talented, he didn't understand military strategy. But if Li Hao didn't understand, surely the Four-Establishment Realm expert beside him did?

Before Li Hongzhuang could explain the banner's capabilities, the six Demon Kings in front of them stopped. The sword formation unleashed by the previously exploded war banner had made them cautious.

Now, seeing the many military banners on Li Hongzhuang's back, they recalled a piece of intelligence they had gathered earlier.

Li Hongzhuang stared intently at the six Demon Kings. Seeing the solemn expressions on their faces, she realized that these Demon Kings likely knew of Li Hao's reputation.

What had that child done to make these Demon Kings so wary?

Li Hongzhuang couldn't help but feel curious, but unfortunately, she was no longer with Li Hao and couldn't ask.

"Go!"

She seized the opportunity and quickly told Li Tiangang.

She retreated first, and Li Tiangang gritted his teeth, having no choice but to fight and retreat.

The six Demon Kings were about to pursue when Li Hongzhuang detonated two war banners on the ground.

Two sword beams shot out, rushing towards the six Demon Kings.

Seeing this, Li Tiangang finally understood. The sword beam that had shot out from the exploded war banner earlier seemed not to be Li Hongzhuang's attack, but some hidden technique.

"What is this?" Li Tiangang hurriedly asked.

"It's a sword formation."

Li Hongzhuang replied quickly, "Hao'er's war banner contains this sword formation, comparable to the power of a Dao Heart Realm expert."

Li Tiangang was stunned. These war banners contained sword formations?

Based on his understanding of the Heavenly Observatory, it seemed impossible. After all, the war banners were too small. And even if they were to condense formations on the banners, they wouldn't be able to achieve the power of a Dao Heart Realm expert!

Could it be a secret technique of the Heavenly Observatory?

He was filled with doubt. But why would such a secret technique be used on Li Hao's war banner?

He had fought in Yanbei for over a decade and had never received such assistance from the Heavenly Observatory.

Or perhaps, it hadn't been developed yet?

Li Tiangang suddenly remembered that Emperor Yu greatly favored Li Hao, believing him to be the next True Dragon of the Li family. He had heard that the Emperor had bestowed the foremost famous sword in the world upon Li Hao and granted him high official positions.

It must be the Emperor's favoritism… Li Tiangang thought to himself. No wonder that child could hold Tianmen Pass. With the Emperor's secret support, and with such power in the war banners, defending a mere Tianmen Pass was no challenge.

The child had received far more favor than he had imagined.

Even the Emperor favored him.

He sighed inwardly, preparing to return to Tianmen Pass and have a good talk with Li Hao if he had the chance after this battle.

As long as Li Hao didn't do anything outrageous, he wouldn't interfere with him anymore, given the Emperor's favor.

(End of Chapter)