216

Chapter 216: The Ancient Ji Family of the Vast Wilderness (10,000 Words)

"Who are you…?"

Li Tiangang's gaze sharpened as he saw Feng Boping suddenly appear. He had long known that Li Hao had a Four Pillars Realm expert by his side, constantly supporting him, allowing Li Hao to establish a foothold in Heavenly Gate Pass upon his arrival.

It seemed that this was the individual.

He scrutinized Feng Boping, his expression abruptly changing into one of shock and anger.

"You're the Grand Thief?!"

Feng Boping had initially retreated from the courtyard to avoid exposure, as the only individuals within the vast Li Family connected to him were Li Hao and Li Mu Xiu.

His current intervention was a matter of necessity, but since he had decided to reveal himself, he was prepared for his identity to be unveiled.

"It is I."

"You've been secretly following Hao'er?!"

Li Tiangang was somewhat astonished, his eyes wide with fury. "What are your intentions? What are you planning?"

Feng Boping sneered, "Without me, your son wouldn't have even reached Heavenly Gate Pass. Do you know how many demonic eyes were fixed upon him, hungry for his life, the moment he stepped out of your Li Family? You cast a fourteen-year-old child out into the world, do you understand the burden you placed upon him?!"

"He carries the accumulated wrath of all the demons your Li Family has provoked over centuries!"

"He bears the weight of your family's hatred, and without me, your son would be dead by now!!"

"You ask what my intentions are? My intention is for him to live, to live with his head held high!!"

Li Tiangang roared, "But if it weren't for you, Hao'er wouldn't have dared to step out of the General's Mansion. You sheltered him, which is why he's so audacious, why he dares to defy me!"

Feng Boping chuckled, a humorless sound. "Even if it was for mere survival, what difference would it have made if he remained in your General's Mansion? Would he have listened to your teachings? You were away in Yanbei for over a decade, did your son ever lose to anyone in the slightest?!"

"Did he need your guidance? Did he?!"

Li Tiangang, upon hearing Feng Boping's furious, almost roaring words, felt a slight pang of guilt. It was true that, in terms of talent, the boy was second to none.

But precisely because of this, he felt the need to guide him onto the right path.

"As a thief, you naturally wouldn't understand the principles of propriety and ethics, of loyalty and filial piety!"

Li Tiangang coldly stared at Feng Boping. "Those who achieve great things, do you think they rely solely on ability to command respect? Even officials and generals, who rely on strength to suppress their subordinates, might find themselves stabbed in the back on the battlefield!"

"Officials are superior to the common people, but officials are like a boat, and the people are like water. Water, though gentle, can capsize a boat!"

"Even the current Emperor must adhere to etiquette and virtue, employing both kindness and severity. What good is mere bravery?!"

Feng Boping laughed, a cold, mocking sound. "Are you talking about yourself? Can't you see that the entire Liangzhou is currently in turmoil, and whose banner is waving high?"

"Whose name is it that countless people are praising?!"

"Is it yours, Li Tiangang? Is it your Li Family's?!"

"Isn't it Hao'er who fought for it himself?!"

Li Tiangang furiously retorted, "That's precisely why I'm here. Who made those banners? It couldn't possibly be you!"

Feng Boping scoffed, "Whose name is on the banner, that's who made it. Can't you see that? Or do you think it's some hidden hermit master? Even if there were such a person, why would they help Hao'er? Have you considered that?!"

Li Tiangang was momentarily stunned, a torrent of thoughts rushing through his mind, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Seeing his hesitation, Feng Boping sneered:

"Even if there were such a hermit, do you think they're helping Hao'er out of respect for your Li Family? Does your Li Family have that much influence? If so, why did six of your nine sons die in battle without such a hermit to aid them?!"

Li Tiangang's face darkened, but he also realized that there was some truth to Feng Boping's words.

"Is it really Hao'er who made them?"

Li Tiangang fixed his gaze on Feng Boping, momentarily suppressing his anger.

Feng Boping let out two cold snorts, but didn't answer.

Li Tiangang, noticing his demeanor, didn't mind. Instead, a flicker of surprise and excitement stirred within him.

If it truly was his son who made them, regardless of how he mastered such a technique, as long as he possessed this ability, what future threats could there be from the demons at the various border regions?!

If he could mass-produce these banners, with the Li Family's reputation, they could easily defend the entire Great Yu Dynasty!

"Is it truly you who made them?"

Li Tiangang's gaze moved past Feng Boping, landing on Li Hao's shadow clone.

The shadow Li Hao spoke in a cold voice, "None of your business. Get out."

Although he knew that this was merely Li Hao's shadow clone, and it didn't recognize him, seeing the clone bearing his son's face speak with such disrespect still ignited a flicker of anger within Li Tiangang.

Feng Boping's eyes were icy. "What's the point of asking? Hao'er's life hangs in the balance. Even if he did make them, what good is it now?"

"If he dies, everything will be lost!"

Li Tiangang's expression shifted, and he said coldly, "The Li Family's foundations are not something you can imagine. My fourth uncle is intimately familiar with the Death River, and Hao'er's own combat prowess is not lacking. With a little caution, he won't be in danger."

"I've already deployed hundreds of thousands of troops outside Dragon City, near the Death River. As soon as they emerge, we'll escort them back!"

"You, a thief, a vagrant, you wouldn't understand what connections and foundations mean!"

Feng Boping's lips trembled with suppressed rage, but the words caught in his throat, and he refrained from arguing.

He too hoped that the General's Mansion's foundations were as powerful as Li Tiangang claimed, that they possessed the ability to ensure Hao'er's safe return.

"I hope your General's Mansion truly lives up to its name."

Feng Boping coldly snorted, waving his sleeve. "I don't feel like arguing with you, young man. You'd better watch yourself. If you want to fight, old man, I'll gladly oblige. Don't even think about harming Hao'er again!"

"I didn't reveal myself outside your General's Mansion before, because I didn't want to tarnish the Li Family's reputation. But here, you no longer have the right to act so arrogantly!"

"So, I should thank you?"

Li Tiangang sneered, "You, a thief, committing crimes everywhere, who are you being manipulated by? Who's giving you benefits to stir up trouble within our Li Family? Hao'er was led astray by you, wasn't he?!"

"Haha…"

Feng Boping was amused by the absurdity of it all. "Hao'er and I hit it off immediately. You say I'm instigating you?"

"Isn't it true? If it weren't for you, Hao'er would still be in the General's Mansion. When he encountered the demon attack outside the city, Li He would have brought him back!"

Li Tiangang said coldly, "You claim to be acting for Hao'er, but this is a matter between father and son. It's none of your business, an outsider!"

"Who are you to interfere in the affairs of our General's Mansion? And Hao'er is the next true dragon of our Li Family. What are your true intentions?!"

Feng Boping's cheeks twitched, the urge to lash out rising within him. But the words "it's none of your business, an outsider" silenced the words on the tip of his tongue.

Thinking of his life spent wandering, rootless like a water lily, he couldn't help but let out a self-deprecating laugh.

"Regardless of what you think, I've carried more than my share of scorn in my life. It's just the noisy chirping of insects."

Feng Boping's expression calmed, and he simply stared at Li Tiangang:

"But as long as I'm here, you won't be able to harm Hao'er!"

"Do you really think you can fight me?"

Li Tiangang narrowed his eyes. "I'm not unreasonable. If it weren't for the fact that you did protect Hao'er, I would have already had you arrested and sent to the Imperial Prison!"

"Oh really? Then come and try. That would be a great achievement, enough to elevate your title from Third-Rank Duke to Second-Rank Duke."

Feng Boping's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I've been eager to witness the true dragon of the Li Family's abilities!"

Buzz!

Suddenly, the Dragon Soaring Sword trembled, hovering before Feng Boping.

The hilt faced Feng Boping, while the tip pointed at Li Tiangang.

The shadow Li Hao, sensing the rising power between the two, stepped forward to stand beside Feng Boping, coldly stating, "Intruders, kill without mercy!"

Li Tiangang, seeing the hovering divine sword and Li Hao standing beside Feng Boping in a protective stance, his face contorted in displeasure, a surge of bloodlust flashing through his eyes:

"Say that again?!"

Feng Boping, sensing the power the shadow Li Hao was mobilizing, glanced at the sword hovering before him. A flicker of warmth crossed his eyes, but it quickly vanished. He said in a low voice:

"Hao'er, you just stay here. I'll personally teach him a lesson. Let him see if this so-called thief can shake the true dragon of the Li Family!"

He took a step forward and addressed Li Tiangang, "Li Tiangang, dare you come out and fight me?"

"Hmph, a skulking rogue, dares to speak to me like that."

Li Tiangang's eyes locked onto him, and in the next instant, the two figures vanished from the courtyard in a flash.

"Feng Bo!"

Ren Qianqian, seeing Feng Boping and Li Tiangang disappear, her face turned pale, and she couldn't help but cry out in alarm.

But the world was silent, and there was no sign of the two figures. Only a sudden wave of turbulent energy echoed from a faraway distance.

Both of them had deliberately avoided Cangya City, instantly teleporting an immeasurable distance away.

With a whoosh, the shadow Li Hao stepped forward and chased after them.

"Young Master!"

Ren Qianqian was anxious, but she only saw the Dragon Soaring Sword transform into a golden light, following Li Hao's figure as it disappeared into the sky.

…

…

Outside Liangzhou, Dragon City, Death River.

After Li Hao's body was torn apart and vanished, he felt his consciousness shatter as well, merging into the world, then melting away like snow, bit by bit.

The more he melted, the weaker his consciousness became.

The feeling was incredibly strange and terrifying, like being slowly devoured by something.

Darkness, coldness, dampness, silence.

These unsettling sensations enveloped him, and Li Hao tried to struggle, but he was like a salted fish pinned to a chopping board, utterly powerless.

The world before his eyes blurred, the light fading.

In his final moments of sight, Li Hao saw Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran's anguished roars, but they seemed unable to see him. Their gazes weren't focused on his consciousness, but rather on the vast expanse of the world, filled with grief.

Li Hao wanted to smile and bid them farewell, but he no longer had a body.

Darkness, like a tightly shut window, completely sealed off that sliver of light.

Li Hao felt his consciousness disintegrating and disappearing, as if falling into an endless abyss.

My superfluous life, it ends here, doesn't it?

However, it seems that I did one good deed before my final moments, a fitting end.

Li Hao thought to himself, feeling the icy breath of darkness envelop him, and hearing the clear sound of flowing water in his ears.

At the same time, a voice seemed to echo in his mind:

"Don't you want to go home?"

It wasn't so much a voice as a thought that seemed to arise from within him.

Home…

Li Hao's thoughts drifted, floating to that grand, empty courtyard, and then out of that courtyard, across countless mountains and rivers.

Floating to Heavenly Gate Pass, floating to that small, fenced-in courtyard, and then to the Dragon Pass Road along the way, and to the places where he saw flowers blooming.

Where is home?

Throughout this journey, there were blizzards and clear skies, the scenery changed, but the laughter and joy that accompanied him remained the same.

He didn't have a home, but he had friends.

Li Hao sighed inwardly, feeling regret and remorse.

He wouldn't be able to accompany Old Feng to fish anymore, and he hadn't yet fully guided Qianqian's swordsmanship, helping her reach the Grandmaster realm. The little girl had followed him through so much hardship and wind and frost.

And the little white fox, it would have to fend for itself now.

Second Master, Big Mother… Yuanzhao…

Li Hao sighed inwardly, sensing that the coldness in the darkness seemed to be fading, and his consciousness was growing weaker.

Is it because I'm about to die, so I can't feel anything anymore?

Li Hao's consciousness continued to sink.

But as he fell deeper, a sudden warmth seemed to emerge from his "chest."

Li Hao's consciousness, which was about to fade into oblivion, gradually regained clarity.

He looked down and saw a crimson light emanating from his chest, growing stronger and more intense, like thick blood plasma, illuminating the darkness and enveloping his consciousness.

Then, Li Hao saw the darkness gradually dissipate.

When the darkness vanished, he found himself standing before a thatched hut.

Beside the thatched hut, an elderly man in tattered, incomplete robes was turned away from him, busily working, building something.

Li Hao looked up and saw a mountain in front of the thatched hut.

The old man was moving the mountain!

Or rather, he was building a mountain!

Li Hao was stunned. Where was this? What was going on?

As Li Hao was filled with confusion, the old man seemed to sense something, and his hands, which were moving the mountain, suddenly stopped.

Then, the towering mountain before him trembled slightly, a huge crack appeared, and then, with a thunderous roar, it collapsed!

Li Hao instinctively tried to dodge, but the collapsing rocks fell straight down, and a bottomless pit seemed to open beneath the mountain, swallowing the entire mountain!

Li Hao was dumbfounded, staring at the old man. It was a strange face, and he was staring blankly at Li Hao, expressionless.

"Don't you want to go home?"

After a long silence, the old man finally spoke slowly.

Li Hao was slightly stunned, looking around, only seeing a bright moon. He was surprised, vaguely sensing that he was still within the Death River.

"I consider the world my home. Old senior, are you also trapped in this Death River?" Li Hao asked, suspecting that the old man before him was also a trapped soul within the Death River.

The old man stared at Li Hao for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed. "No wonder I couldn't trap you with the Death River. I never expected to encounter someone like you…"

His words caused Li Hao's expression to change drastically. Manipulating the Death River?

The old man before him could control the Death River?

Li Hao suddenly thought of something and quickly called out to the Death River in his mind.

Golden text appeared before him, forming several messages:

Death River Completion Progress: 99%.

Main Quest: Defend Dragon City (Completed)

Side Quest: Growth (Completed)

…

Li Hao was stunned. The completion progress wasn't 100%.

The main quest, which was so difficult, was already completed.

Could it be that completing the main quest didn't mean clearing the level?

As if sensing Li Hao's thoughts, the old man seemed to be in a good mood, saying:

"The so-called main quest you completed only allows you to leave this Death River. It only allows you to escape from Li Tianzong's obsession, but if you think that's enough to clear the level, you're thinking too simply."

Li Hao was speechless.

That main quest was already incredibly difficult, and it wasn't enough to clear the level? How difficult was this Underworld-level Death River!

"However, now you only need to do one more thing to truly clear the level."

The old man smiled slightly. "This Death River was originally a Netherworld-level, but because my soul wandered here and merged with it, it became an Underworld-level. But now, its power and my obsession have been shattered by you. There's only one last thing left. If you can do it, you can truly clear the level."

Li Hao's eyes flickered, and he asked, "What is it?"

"Take me home."

The old man said, "The souls drawn and trapped by this Death River, because of me, all have a deep obsession with returning home. The deeper the obsession, the harder it is to break free. Similarly, those with the same obsession cannot truly clear this Death River!"

"Even if you complete the so-called quests, if you can't see this point, if you can't abandon your heart's desire for 'home,' you won't be able to break through here."

He turned around, looking at the mountain behind him, which had turned to dust, with a hint of melancholy in his eyes:

"I merged with the Death River, my obsession deepened, and I've been building this mountain here for years, wanting to build my home here in my heart. But over the years, because of my obsession, the Death River has absorbed more and more souls, and the power of the Death River has become stronger and stronger."

"The stronger the Death River, the deeper my obsession, and it's a vicious cycle, making it impossible to escape."

Having said that, he laughed, but his eyes were filled with sadness. "Now, the obsession I built has been shattered by you. As long as I return to my hometown, I can rest in peace, and the power of this Death River will disappear completely."

Li Hao listened to his gentle words, his eyes flickering, but he was still dubious.

The old man before him was the source of the Death River's obsession?

In that case, was he the final boss?

But he seemed kind and amiable, not at all ferocious.

"You don't need to be suspicious. The Death River is already collapsing, and those souls are scrambling to escape. In a moment, I'll return your consciousness to your body, back outside the Death River. I'll shrink myself and reside in your body."

The old man said, "Once you take me back to my hometown, I'll dissipate completely. Otherwise, I'll take root in you, and over time, the power of the Death River will gradually grow stronger, eventually returning to its current state. Therefore, you don't have much time."

Hearing this, Li Hao believed the old man's words a little more. Returning outside the Death River?

If he could return to his body, he could verify everything.

And if it was an illusion or something, he could use his physical panel to test it.

Thinking of this, Li Hao said, "Then send me out first."

Suddenly remembering something, he quickly said, "Wait, can you also send the person who came in with me out?"

The old man smiled faintly. "Of course. He's been here many times, but his obsession is too deep. He'll never be able to clear this level, even if he truly achieves enlightenment."

"In addition, I'll also send Li Tianzong's soul out, but don't think that clearing the Death River will truly free him. You're thinking too simply."

"This is an Underworld-level Death River. The souls here have long been corrupted. Even if they clear the level, they will dissipate."

The old man said, "But I can use a little bit of the remaining power of the Death River to keep him temporarily alive. At least, he can truly go home and take one last look."

Li Hao was stunned. So, even if that grandfather returned to the ancestral hall, he wouldn't be able to stay forever?

But… he could go back and take one last look?

Li Hao's face darkened, but he knew that he was powerless to do anything about it right now.

"If you're ready, I'll take you all out." The old man said calmly.

Li Hao nodded slightly.

In an instant, Li Hao felt the surrounding scenery shift like the stars turning, countless mountains and rivers swirling, his vision blurring, and finally plunging into darkness.

When he opened his eyes again, a burst of light appeared.

At the same time, a strange scent of trees and grass wafted through the air.

Li Hao opened his eyes and saw towering trees, like steep mountains, so huge that hundreds of people could barely encircle one.

Where was this?

Li Hao was puzzled. This didn't seem to be the jagged peak valley outside the Dragon City Death River.

"Hao, Hao'er?!"

At that moment, two surprised and delighted voices, filled with disbelief, rang out beside Li Hao.

Li Hao turned to look and saw Li Xiaoran standing there in a daze.

Beside him, a faint figure floated, Li Tianzong, who was also stunned and shocked.

"You're still alive!"

Li Xiaoran, upon seeing Li Hao, rushed over excitedly and hugged Li Hao tightly, as if trying to feel whether Li Hao's body was real.

Then, he grabbed Li Hao's shoulders and examined him up and down. When he saw the crimson light on Li Hao's chest, he quickly said, "Are you okay? What is that?"

Li Hao looked down. Earlier in the Death River, a strange crimson light had emanated from his chest, and Li Hao was also wondering what it was. Now, looking down, he saw that his clothes were stained red.

He flipped open his clothes and saw two broken jade pieces, emitting a bloody glow, wrapped in his clothes.

"It's the Dragon Blood Jade!"

Li Tianzong's soul exclaimed, his face filled with surprise. "Did the Emperor bestow it upon you?"

Li Hao was also stunned. He hadn't expected the source of the crimson light to be the jade he had worn since he was a child, a gift from the Emperor shortly after his birth.

"This?"

Li Hao stared blankly at the two broken pieces of jade.

Li Tianzong stared for a moment, then sighed, "The Li Family has been blessed by the Emperor. Little Nine died unexpectedly in battle, but thankfully, the Emperor preserved the true dragon bloodline of our Li Family for the next generation. Hao'er, you must remember this kindness of the Emperor!"

Li Hao was stunned. "Did this Dragon Blood Jade save me?"

Since it was bestowed upon him, he had worn it since childhood. He only felt a warm sensation accompanying his body, keeping him warm and nourishing his bones. Compared to these, it was more of a symbol of his status.

"That's right. Not many people know the secret of this jade. It was refined by a Grandmaster of the Qian Dao Palace. It is said that it contains the reversed life force of a Reversed Fate Realm expert. This jade can reverse a person's life in dire situations, a second life in a desperate situation!"

Li Tianzong explained.

Li Hao was shocked.

Sealing the reversed life force of a Reversed Fate Realm expert inside?

What kind of technique was that?

When a Reversed Fate Realm expert senses life and death, they can reverse fate and change their destiny. Even if they are instantly killed, it will automatically trigger, allowing them to reverse their fate!

He had never heard of a technique that could seize the reversed life force of a Reversed Fate Realm expert!

This was terrifying. Was this the power of the first expert of the Great Yu Dynasty?

And.

No one had ever told him that this thing was so precious!

He had almost lost it several times!

"It's just a deception of fate."

At that moment, a calm voice rang out, causing the three of them to be startled.

Li Hao looked up and saw the faint figure of the old man, the source of the Death River's obsession, floating beside them. He looked at them indifferently and said:

"Even if he didn't have this jade, he wouldn't have died. This kid had already broken the power of the Death River when he was on the verge of death, and his own life force flowed back in. It's just that this jade sensed that his consciousness was in danger and activated itself."

"Who are you?"

Li Tianzong's expression changed slightly, and he felt a strong sense of oppression from the old man, a feeling that made him tremble slightly, as if the old man could plunge him into ruin with a single thought.

Li Xiaoran also sensed the special aura emanating from the old man, but he didn't feel the same oppressive feeling as Li Tianzong. His gaze simply hardened.

"You people from the wilderness wouldn't understand my name even if I told you." The old man said indifferently, clearly not thinking much of Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran.

Li Tianzong was slightly stunned. This familiar address, he vaguely remembered something.

"Senior, where are we?"

Li Hao asked. He had already sensed that the towering trees were all around them, and it wasn't the jagged peak valley where they had entered the Death River.

"This is the source of the Death River."

The old man said indifferently, "The place you entered before was just an opening in the Death River. I said I would take you back, and naturally, I would take you out of the source. This place is… closer to my hometown."

As he spoke, he looked towards a distant direction, his eyes filled with a hint of nostalgia and hope, and a hint of impatience.

Li Xiaoran's expression changed slightly, and he looked at Li Hao, saying, "What conditions did you promise him?"

"Well, he's the source of the Death River's obsession, and I'm going to take him back. Otherwise, the Death River will revive." Li Hao said.

Moreover, he had already cleared the level to 99%, just one step away from the finish line.

"Where are you going to take him?" Li Tianzong quickly asked.

Li Hao also looked at the old man. At this moment, he had sensed that this was indeed the outside world, not an illusion. If so, the old man's words were probably not lies.

It's just that such a miraculous thing was beyond his comprehension.

The Death River could actually be moved, and its source was actually a soul.

"Vast Wilderness Heavenly Realm, the Ancient Saint Ji Family of the Vast Heavens!"

The old man said indifferently.

Upon hearing his words, Li Hao and the other three were all shaken.

Li Hao's mind was suddenly flooded with the words Li Rumeng had spoken in his ear during the True Dragon competition.

Vast Wilderness Heavens, his mother's location, and his mother's surname was Ji!

Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran's pupils constricted. When Ji Qingqing married into their Li Family, they were both present. The woman's origins had been revealed in the same way…

The old man's hometown was the location of Li Hao's mother's family?

"You, are you from the Ancient Saint Ji Family of the Vast Heavens?" Li Tianzong couldn't help but ask.

If that was the case, they were practically in-laws?!

But the old man clearly didn't recognize them.

"You know?" The old man was somewhat surprised to hear this and looked at him.

He clearly hadn't expected that these people from the wilderness would know the name of the Ji Family. Could it be that the Ji Family's reputation had already spread beyond the Vast Wilderness Heavens?

Li Tianzong was stunned, hesitant to speak, and finally said, "I don't know who you are in the Ji Family, but do you know Ji Qingqing?"

"You still know Qingqing?"

The old man was startled, looking at him in surprise, then seemed to think of something and raised his eyebrows.

"If I calculate the time, that little girl should have grown up by now. What, did she come to play in your Great Yu? Heh, with her talent, she could probably easily sweep away the younger generation of your Great Yu Dynasty, right?"

Having said that, he curled his lips, seemingly a little proud.

Li Tianzong was speechless. They didn't know Ji Qingqing's cultivation level, only that her cultivation was quite good.

It seemed that she hadn't really shown her true abilities.

They knew her identity because it was revealed in private during the wedding. Not many people knew this secret.

After all, many families in the Great Yu Dynasty, including other General's Mansions, were wary and hostile towards the inhabitants of the Vast Wilderness Heavens.

Li Tianzong glanced at Li Hao, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't.

He knew the Ji Family's rules. When Ji Qingqing and Li Tiangang got married, it was a decision they made on their own. If it weren't for their deep love, he, as her father, wouldn't have agreed.

Sighing inwardly, Li Tianzong didn't say anything, and transmitted a message to Li Hao:

"Hao'er, you also know your mother's identity, right? Later, we'll send him back together, but don't stay in the Ji Family for too long, and don't let anyone know that your mother is Ji Qingqing. I'm worried they might harm you."

Li Hao was slightly stunned. During his time in Heavenly Gate Pass, he had casually asked Old Feng about the Vast Wilderness Heavens. Although Old Feng didn't know much, he did know a few things, namely that the families in the Vast Wilderness Heavens had extremely excellent bloodlines, so they rarely intermarried with outsiders.

Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing's union was a result of their mutual efforts, and with the protection of the General's Mansion's power, they concealed Ji Qingqing's identity, which is why they had been safe all these years.

That's also why, after his mother revealed her identity in Yanbei, she scared away the Saint Palace, and then left.

Li Hao fell silent.

Go to the Ji Family, but not be able to recognize his mother?

He vaguely recalled the caring and loving gaze, the gentle and beautiful woman, when he was an infant.

"Let's go, we should be on our way."

The old man urged.

"We'll go too." Li Xiaoran stood up.

Li Hao snapped out of his thoughts. Looking at the two who were about to leave, he quickly said, "Fourth Uncle…" He turned to call Li Tianzong, but the words caught in his throat, not knowing how to address him.

If he called him "Grandpa," wouldn't it mean that he still acknowledged that identity?

But if he didn't call him that, if the other party knew his current situation, he would probably be very sad, wouldn't he?

Thinking of the Ji Family elder saying that the other party only had enough time to go home and take one last look, Li Hao felt a pang of heartache.

Having experienced the Dragon City battle, he knew how strong the other party's desire to return home was.

"You two go back first. The power of the Death River has seeped into Grandpa's body, and Grandpa… I'm afraid he won't be able to last much longer." Li Hao said.

He intended to spare the old man any further harm on this final journey.

Li Xiaoran was startled and looked at Li Tianzong.

Li Tianzong's expression changed slightly. He also sensed his own abnormality, but he hadn't expected it to be so serious.

"That's right, you two go quickly. This kid is enough to take me back." The Ji Family elder said impatiently.

"Big Brother, is it true?!"

Li Xiaoran's eyes instantly reddened, and he looked at Li Tianzong.

Li Tianzong was silent. He looked at Li Hao and said, "Anyway, it's just a glimpse, it's fine if he doesn't see it. Being able to see me and such a good grandson like you, I'm already content."

"Since I'm going to perish sooner or later, I'll pass on my power to you. Maybe it can help you reach a higher level!"

Li Hao understood his intentions and shook his head slightly. "I haven't grasped the Dao Heart yet. If your power is given to me, it will only increase the strength of my soul, and it won't help me break through my realm."

Increasing the strength of his soul was certainly a good thing, but for Li Hao, he could achieve this by cultivating some soul-refining techniques.

Why would he let the old man sacrifice his soul for something that could be achieved through cultivation?

Li Tianzong was stunned, feeling like he wanted to cry. "But my good grandson, I haven't given you anything, and you almost died for me…"

"You've already given me a lot."

Li Hao looked at him, a smile on his face, "You acknowledged my paintings, my frivolous hobbies…"

Li Tianzong was even more heartbroken when he heard this, saying, "Those are such trivial matters. My grandson is incredibly talented, shouldn't he be praised?"

Li Hao was silent for a moment, then smiled again and said to Li Xiaoran, "Fourth Uncle, please take Grandpa back. Be careful on the road."

Li Xiaoran, hearing that his elder brother Li Tianzong would soon perish, was still in a daze, his mind buzzing. He snapped out of it and said:

"I understand, Hao'er. You also be careful. If I don't see you back after I send Big Brother back, I'll come looking for you!"

"You don't need to come looking for me. This kid is much stronger than you." The Ji Family elder scoffed. As the source of the Death River's obsession, he knew everything that happened inside and was very satisfied with Li Hao's performance.

Such talent, even in their Ji Family, was considered a prodigy.

"Fourth Uncle, goodbye."

Li Hao immediately bid farewell to them.

"This place seems to be the border of the Vast Wilderness Heavens. There are many demons in the Vast Wilderness Heavens, and they're very strong. You have to be careful." Li Xiaoran said.

Li Hao nodded.

"Hurry up and go, don't be sentimental." The Ji Family elder couldn't help but urge.

Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong glanced at each other, thinking that this unknown uncle or elder from their in-laws was really impatient.

They gave a few more instructions, wanting to tell Li Hao everything they knew about the Vast Wilderness Heavens, but the Ji Family elder interrupted halfway through:

"I'll tell this kid along the way. You two hurry up and go!"

Hearing this, the two of them gave up, thinking that since the other party was a strong individual from the Ji Family, he should be able to guide Li Hao.

They said their goodbyes.

Li Hao, thinking of the Heavenly Gate Pass matter, said to Li Xiaoran, "Fourth Uncle, after you send Grandpa back, please go to Heavenly Gate Pass and greet my sword servant. Just tell her that I won't be back for a while, and Heavenly Gate Pass will be entrusted to her and my shadow clone."

He called her a sword servant and didn't mention Old Feng, mainly because he was worried that the other party wouldn't be able to accept Old Feng's identity.

And when the message reached Ren Qianqian's ears, it would naturally be passed on to Old Feng, who would understand his meaning.

"Okay."

Li Xiaoran nodded. Thinking of the rumors he had vaguely heard about Li Hao and Li Tiangang, his expression changed slightly, but thinking of his elder brother beside him, he didn't show any reaction.

After saying

goodbye, Li Hao watched Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong leave. They identified the direction of the Great Yu Dynasty along the road and flew away.

"We should go too."

The Ji Family elder said.

Li Hao gazed at them for a long time before retracting his gaze and nodding slightly.

…

…

Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong's figures flew straight through the wilderness.

Every few hundred miles, they would pause and check their direction.

As they continued forward, he finally found a clear location and couldn't help but show a look of joy:

"This is outside Liangzhou. Looking at the route ahead, we can pass by Heavenly Gate Pass on our way back."

"Heavenly Gate Pass?"

Li Tianzong was curious. "Hao'er said he's stationed there? Hao'er is still so young, why would he be leading troops into battle now? He's still at the age of cultivation."

Li Xiaoran gave an unnatural smile. "Hao'er is incredibly talented, as you've seen, his cultivation speed is astonishing. It's not a bad thing to train him early."

"That's true. He's only fifteen outside, and he was able to fight a Tranquil Dao Realm demon king at eighteen…"

Li Tianzong said, his eyes shining with excitement and surprise. "My Li Family has such a descendant, I can die without regrets!"

Hearing him mention the words "die without regrets."

Li Xiaoran's expression changed slightly, and he fell silent. Thinking of what Li Hao had said earlier, that his elder brother could only go back and take one last look before dissipating.

His heart felt a pang of sadness, and he didn't speak, lowering his head and speeding up his pace.

(End of Chapter)