213-215

Chapter 213: Liangzhou's Peace

Liangzhou, one month prior.

With reinforcements arriving from various fronts and the collapse of the demon vanguard, most of the cities that had been swiftly seized by the demons were quickly retaken.

Throughout Liangzhou, war banners fluttered in the wind. To prevent further atrocities against the populace in certain cities where demon casualties were high, Li Tiangang and Li Xuanli consulted and dispatched light cavalry detachments from the main army, replacing their banners with the Haotian War Banner, to rush ahead and scout the situation in each city.

If the circumstances were dire, they would await the main army. If the banner alone could deter the demons within the city, they could swiftly rescue the trapped citizens.

After all, every passing day meant tens of thousands more innocent people falling prey to the demons.

Therefore, swiftness was paramount in both reclaiming territory and rescuing the populace.

Following the resounding call to counterattack, numerous smaller demon factions who had joined the three major demon forces in their invasion, hoping to capitalize on the chaos and reap the spoils, were thrown into panic. They hadn't anticipated such a swift collapse of the front lines.

Initially, they had been fed a steady stream of favorable intelligence from the Tianji Palace, leading them to believe that the conquest of Liangzhou was a foregone conclusion, a sure thing. But the tide had turned.

In an instant, the ancient dynasty's imprint of fear, etched into their very bloodlines, resurfaced.

Many demon factions with elder demons among their ranks chose to retreat, taking advantage of the turmoil in Liangzhou to avoid detection.

If they were put on the wanted list, they would find it difficult to survive outside Liangzhou, forced into a life of hiding and evasion.

"Why, why did we lose so quickly?"

"Didn't the Dragon Gate Elder promise to lead us to break through Liangzhou?"

Among the demons, many powerful figures roared in anger, questioning the avian demons of the Tianji Palace.

The avian demons of Tianji Palace felt a bitter pang in their hearts. As demons, they naturally leaned towards the three major forces. Moreover, they had never revealed that the Tai Xu Realm Master had personally descended to the battlefield.

This was a crucial secret of the war, one that could not be divulged, lest the demons who knew it be captured by humans and the information fall into human hands.

"According to intelligence from the front lines, Dragon Gate has been defeated. For the specific reasons, you need to pay with Blood Jade to purchase the information."

The avian demons of Tianji Palace delivered this same response to various demon factions.

Regardless of the outcome of the war, the Tianji Palace's coffers would always be well-stocked. This was the reason why, despite having little combat prowess, the Tianji Palace could still rank among the top demon forces, standing alongside Dragon Gate and others.

Some demons simply chose to flee, unconcerned with the details. They knew that the information would eventually leak out, and they could obtain it for free later.

However, some demons, wealthier and more impatient, chose to purchase the information immediately, despite their anger. They soon learned the detailed reasons from the avian demons of Tianji Palace.

The Tai Xu Realm Master had personally taken command, but a human junior general had emerged, dominating the battlefield, slaying seven demon kings in succession. He was pursued by the Tai Xu Realm Master and the Dragon Gate Elder, eventually fleeing beyond the borders of Liangzhou.

This news quickly spread among the demons. Those who had long resided outside Tianmen Pass began to migrate elsewhere. Upon hearing this news, they were surprised but not entirely shocked. They had long heard tales of the formidable junior general who held sway over Tianmen Pass.

Other demons outside Liangzhou, however, were stunned. Another unparalleled genius had been born among the humans!

Elder demons lamented, recalling the Cangzhou incident of fifteen years ago.

Back then, a junior general had single-handedly pacified and defended an entire province with just a few thousand cavalry.

Now, fifteen years later, another junior general had emerged, as if it were a cyclical destiny. This seemed to indicate that the human race's fortune had not waned, that the Three Executioner Blades still loomed over the heads of the demons.

The demons, defeated and struck with fear at the name of Haotian, fled in disarray.

This reclamation operation consumed minimal military resources. With the addition of the Dayu Imperial Clan's army, which had arrived to reinforce the siege of Liangzhou, a significant number of fleeing demons were eradicated.

The 500,000 imperial troops, originally intended as reinforcements, were now primarily engaged in mopping up operations. The fleeing demons faced the onslaught of a vast army, suffering heavy casualties. Few escaped, their races and factions destroyed, leaving behind only a handful of lesser demons with memories of terror and pain.

"Report, Your Highness!"

A vanguard scout returned, bearing the Dayu Imperial banner, the black Dayu character fluttering proudly.

"Thirty miles ahead, the demons in that city have abandoned it and fled. The city is now under our control. The remaining defenders and citizens are being mobilized to tend to the wounded."

The scout dismounted and quickly relayed his report.

Before him stood a colossal crimson-scaled dragon, several dozen feet long, with a young man clad in golden divine armor and a billowing cape perched on its back.

The title "Your Highness" indicated his noble status.

The "Yan" character emblazoned on his chest armor was familiar to the court and the aristocratic families. It belonged to one of the most renowned princes, the thirteenth prince, Jiang Yan.

At a young age, he had already achieved remarkable military feats, renowned for his exceptional bravery. If he weren't a member of the royal family, he would undoubtedly have been granted a marquisate.

Jiang Yan listened to the scout's words, his brow furrowing slightly. He said, "I heard that a powerful demon was stationed there. How many troops did they use to defeat him so silently?"

"It is said, without a single casualty."

The scout bowed respectfully, detailing the situation.

Jiang Yan listened, a flicker of surprise in his star-bright eyes, quickly replaced by a cold glint.

"Humph, the Haotian War Banner? To think that a mere banner could intimidate a powerful demon is ridiculous!"

"Does the ancestral banner of our Dayu Imperial Clan not hold the same authority as that Haotian War Banner? These demons, it seems my father has been too lenient towards them all these years!"

"Pass the order!"

His face was cold as ice. "Any demons encountered along the way are to be slain, without exception. Capture the powerful demons alive. Once Liangzhou is pacified, I will erect a grand altar and refine the great demons to terrify the demons of the world!"

"Let these demons know the consequences of encroaching upon the territory of our Dayu Divine Dynasty!"

With the arrival of the imperial army, other forces from various provinces also converged on Liangzhou to bolster the battlefield.

These forces included scions of aristocratic families, martial arts sects, and local armies from different provinces, all responding to the call for aid in Liangzhou's time of need.

However, each province spanned vast territories, ranging from 70,000 to 100,000 miles. Unless certain military artifacts were used to accelerate their march, reinforcements typically took time to arrive.

By the time the various forces arrived, the cleanup of the Liangzhou battlefield was nearing completion. The entire campaign, from the demons' initial attack to the final pacification, had taken less than ten days.

The remaining task was to cleanse the province of any hidden demons. Some had fled to towns and villages, waiting for the dust to settle before resuming their attacks on the populace.

After all, the breach in the defensive lines had allowed an unknown number of demons into Liangzhou, and the vastness of the province required a thorough search.

"Old Seventh, we've just interrogated an avian demon from the Tianji Palace. Hao'er lured those three demon kings to the Mol River, where Fourth Uncle is stationed."

In the Liangzhou Military Headquarters, Li Xuanli's eyes glimmered with hope. "Perhaps, with Fourth Uncle's assistance, Hao'er might not be in danger. Fourth Uncle is quite experienced with the Mol River's conditions."

Li Tiangang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. "If Fourth Uncle is there, relying on the Mol River to escape, there's a chance. Are the demon kings stationed outside the Mol River now?"

"They've entered as well."

"In that case, this is invaluable intelligence. We can trap them!"

Li Tiangang's eyes sparkled with a newfound gleam.

Li Xuanli nodded. "But the Candlelight God is a half-step Taiping Dao Realm being. To hunt him down, we'll likely need to call upon Second Uncle. And even then, it might not be enough. We'll need the other Pillars of the Divine General's Mansion, a combined effort. If we could get the Xia family's old lady..."

He paused, then shook his head. The old lady had been stationed in the Xia family for many years and had never left lightly. It was unlikely she would intervene in this matter.

"Should we invite the Buddha?" Li Xuanli pondered.

Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed. "The Buddha may not intervene. He might only send a Bodhisattva to deal with it. You should have a clearer understanding of the situation in Liangzhou by now!"

Li Xuanli thought of Lin Wujing and certain rumors, and nodded slightly.

"But the Qianshan Palace's True Person won't easily leave the palace. We can't let this once-in-a-millennium opportunity slip away."

"Let the Imperial Clan take the lead. Have them issue a call to action. I heard that Prince Jiang Yan and Prince Jiang Chong have both arrived. We should consult with them. If they can rally Sword Saint and other powerful figures, combine forces to besiege him, and invite that Imperial Guard Commander, the Candlelight God will surely perish!"

A cold light flickered in Li Tiangang's eyes.

"Agreed."

Li Xuanli nodded.

With the pacification of Liangzhou and the restoration of peace, Prince Jiang Yan, in collaboration with the Liangzhou army and the Divine General's Mansion, erected a grand altar within the province and sacrificed nine Sanbuxiu Realm demons to Heaven.

Under the guise of honoring the souls of the deceased citizens of Liangzhou, it was a blatant display of intimidation against the demons.

News of this quickly spread, instilling even greater fear in the demons beyond the borders.

Upon the completion of the demon sacrifice, messages were dispatched to all corners of the land.

…

The Xia Family.

In a simple courtyard, an old woman tended to her poultry, feeding chickens and ducks.

"Cluck, cluck."

The old woman tossed a handful of rice before several small yellow chicks, allowing them to peck at it.

The chicks obediently pecked at the rice, enjoying their meal.

Suddenly, the courtyard gate creaked open, and a middle-aged woman dressed in patched clothing entered, carrying a scroll.

She was plain in appearance, with a simple wooden hairpin in her hair. But beneath her coarse linen sleeves, her skin was as smooth and white as refined sheep fat, seemingly flawless.

The old woman sat in a reclining chair, gently rocking, watching the chicks peck at the rice with a contented smile.

When the middle-aged woman approached, she finally looked up, her gaze naturally falling upon the scroll in her hand, her smile fading slightly.

"Madam, it's a letter from the Li family."

The middle-aged woman spoke softly and respectfully.

The old woman reached out and took the scroll, reading it slowly. After a while, she gently closed it and murmured, "The national fortune is waning, and these old fellows are getting restless."

"Madam, should we go?"

The middle-aged woman spoke cautiously, in a soft voice. "This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If the Candlelight God possesses a Dao Domain, he shouldn't perish in the Mol River. Once he emerges, it will be the perfect time to hunt him down."

The old woman placed the scroll behind her reclining chair, then grabbed another handful of rice and tossed it to the chicks at her feet.

"The national fortune is declining, and these old fellows are getting restless."

"The Tianji Palace has likely already relayed this information to other demon factions. While demons often clash and disagree, they also understand the concept of 'when one falls, all fall.'"

"The Ancient Demon Palace and Tai Xu Realm are at odds. They likely won't send reinforcements. But Gluttony Valley, Dragon Gate, and the Sacred Palace will all send people."

"That presents both an opportunity and a trap."

"This battle might be a bait set by the demons."

Saying this, she gently kicked one of the chicks, chuckling softly. "Don't be too greedy, leave some for the others."

The largest chick was kicked aside, looking slightly aggrieved. It huddled near the middle-aged woman's feet.

The middle-aged woman shifted her feet slightly before saying, "Madam, does that mean we should observe the situation for now?"

"Wait."

The old woman said softly.

…

The Wang Family.

In a palace-like hall, three figures gathered.

"We've just received another letter from the Li family. Liangzhou has been pacified."

One of them, a burly man with a stern face, said in a low voice. "When Li Tiangang sent out the Eight Banners for aid, our Wang family was too far away. By the time we could have sent reinforcements, it would have likely been over. So we didn't respond. If we don't show some gesture this time, we might be gossiped about."

"Humph, so what if they gossip? These demon matters have nothing to do with us. We've already given them our troops, isn't that enough?" Another man, thin and gaunt, sneered coldly.

"Those are things of the past, don't bring them up again."

An elderly man seated on a high platform said in a low voice. "Grudges and grievances are like passing clouds, impossible to unravel."

"The current situation of the Dayu Divine Dynasty, the demons surrounding us are a minor issue. The Mol River problem is becoming increasingly severe."

"Zhendong is currently challenging for those 10,000 merit points. I wonder what special changes will occur when he reaches 10,000."

Saying this, he sighed, his brow furrowed with worry, but also a hint of anticipation.

"There should be some changes. Our challenges and research on the Mol River over the years, this Merit List is not just a title, it's more than just a name."

The burly man on the right said, "Our 98th generation ancestor, when his merit broke 10,000, didn't it record that he seemed to gain an extra chance to defy fate? His fortune flourished, which led to our Wang family producing outstanding talents for generations."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 214: The Emperor's Chess Game

"Unfortunately, no one else believes this besides us."

The lean middle-aged man snorted coldly, "They just think that our Wang family is trying to deceive them, using this as bait to lure them into helping. Those fellows, they only stir when there's profit to be made. Without the incentive of gain, even if the Death River extended to their hometowns, they'd only choose to relocate instead of finding a way to seal it!"

"That's the nature of people, we can't blame them."

The elder shook his head slightly, saying, "What's a pity is that ten thousand merits are too difficult to obtain. It requires destroying a Netherworld-level Death River ten times. Only the East Garrison is a Dao of Peace realm, otherwise it's impossible to complete."

"Let's talk about the Liangzhou Dragon City Death River first."

The middle-aged man with a stern face said, "That young Li lad lured those three Demon Kings into the Dragon City Death River, likely intending to perish with them within the river."

"That Death River is extremely dangerous, even more treacherous than other Netherworld-level Death Rivers. It ranks among the top ten most dangerous Netherworld-level Death Rivers."

"Li Xiaoran has the Li family bloodline, a natural advantage, but he hasn't made much progress over the years. This time, he might not achieve much either."

"This is indeed a rare opportunity to trap them. If we can kill that Void Realm Overlord, the Void Realm will be severely damaged, falling from its position as a top power. This will allow the Demon Suppression Agency to send people to clear them out, relieving pressure on the border."

"But the other Sacred Palaces and the Dragon Gate will likely not stand idly by. They might anticipate our actions and instigate a major war."

"What do you think? Should we ask Uncle Dongzhen to come, or can we handle it ourselves? If the old woman from the Xia family chooses to ignore it, we'll withdraw promptly."

"I think it's not worth it."

The lean middle-aged man said, "Uncle Dongzhen has already worked hard enough clearing Death Rivers. To make him run around for this kind of thing... We agreed back then that they would guard the border, and we would handle the Death Rivers. Now, they want us to handle their problems too? Isn't that ridiculous?"

The stern-faced man looked at the elder, who remained silent for a while before finally speaking,

"I'll go there myself, take a look first. After Dongzhen comes out of the Death River, let him rest. If necessary, we'll call him over."

"Uncle, are you really going?"

The lean middle-aged man was stunned, saying, "Didn't our Wang family sever ties with these demons? All these years, they've been slaying demons and establishing merits. Although the Li family lost six sons in battle, they've done their duty and at least achieved a certain level of righteousness!"

"But who remembers the Wang family members who died in the Death River? They're even removed from the Merit List. Ask the people of the world now, who still remembers that the Wang family was also part of the Divine General's Mansion?!"

"We help them, who will help us eliminate the Death Rivers?"

The elder, hearing his agitated words, fell silent for a moment before looking up at him and saying,

"My trip is not borne out of the Wang family's duty, but from the conscience of a martial artist!"

"Humans and demons are natural enemies. Slaying demons and exorcising evil is the martial goal of our kind. If we possess martial arts but only live a mundane life, what's the meaning of it all?"

"The Wang family's contributions may be unknown to the world, but Heaven knows, Earth knows, and His Majesty knows. Our Wang family's descendants will remember, and that's enough!"

The lean middle-aged man, seeing his resolute gaze, was stunned. His lips trembled slightly, but in the end, he said nothing more.

...

...

Dayu Prefecture, the Imperial Capital of the Sacred City.

Within the towering Imperial Palace, in a profound courtyard.

Slap!

With a crisp sound, in the courtyard filled with blooming peach blossoms, within a pavilion, two figures sat leisurely playing a game of Go.

One was the Emperor of Dayu, the other, clad in a luxurious dragon robe, was about forty years old, with a few strands of white hair at his temples.

His badge bore a single character, "Qing," which was known throughout the Imperial Palace and the entire Sacred City. This badge represented only one identity: Prince Qing, Jiang Qingshan.

In the martial world outside the court, he had another name: Master Qingshan!

"Brother, you've won again."

Jiang Qingshan saw the black stones block his path, cutting his territory into fragmented pieces, completely severing his lifeline. He couldn't help but let out a wry smile and bowed, "I surrender."

The Emperor of Dayu chuckled, "You always concede. It's no fun playing Go like that."

"Brother's Go skills are superb. How could I dare to concede? I've given it my all, but unfortunately, my skills are inferior. I'll have to practice more when I return." Jiang Qingshan said with a bitter smile.

The Emperor of Dayu, hearing this, was very pleased. A faint smile lingered on his lips as he said,

"Your Go skills truly need improvement. You should find a good Go player to go to your manor and hone your skills with you. It's been decades, and you haven't improved at all, not even as good as a child."

Jiang Qingshan was speechless, giving a bitter laugh, "Brother, you're teasing me. Although my Go skills are not as good as yours, I can still exchange a few moves with the Little Go Sage. How can I be worse than a child?"

The Emperor of Dayu, seeing his defiance, smiled. Thinking of the carefree youth under the willow tree, his smile faded, and he didn't say anything more.

He stopped his hand on the Go stones and said softly, "You're aware of the situation in Liangzhou. Do you have any plans?"

Seeing this, Jiang Qingshan stopped fiddling with the Go board and responded earnestly,

"The Sacred Palace, Dragon Gate, and Void Realm are attacking Liangzhou. Other demon forces are also stirring, eyeing the other prefectures, preventing them from sending too many reinforcements."

"They want to use Liangzhou as a breach. Once they capture Liangzhou, they'll use the Wei River's aquatic demons to push forward and attack other prefectures. Then, using Liangzhou's geographical advantage, they can defend on land and attack with their navy. They're serious about attacking Dayu!"

The Emperor of Dayu nodded slightly, "You should know about the situation behind them, right?"

Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he nodded, "I heard that the young Li lad lured the Void Realm Overlord into the Dragon City Death River. Now is the perfect time to trap them. Brother summoned me here, do you want me to participate in the hunt?"

"I want you to participate in the hunt, but the target is not the Dragon City Death River."

The Emperor of Dayu's fingers tapped lightly on the Go board, his eyes falling on a black stone that had fallen off the board, and he smiled faintly,

"Sometimes, the outcome of a game of Go is not decided on the board, but outside of it."

"The Dragon Gate's Grand Elder, Lu Yuan, took action, cooperating with the Candlelight God to attack Liangzhou. According to reports from the front lines, the Candlelight God initially didn't intend to intervene, but the child was too difficult to deal with, forcing him to reveal himself."

"But the Dragon Gate's Master and the many elders of the Sacred Palace did not participate in this battle."

"Where do you think they are?"

Jiang Qingshan's heart stirred, and he quickly came to an answer, but he shook his head, "Your humble brother is slow-witted. Please enlighten me, Brother."

The Emperor of Dayu said calmly, "The older generation of the Li family hasn't shown up, they must have realized something. Besides wanting to annex Liangzhou, they also want to take this opportunity to make a big score, and even destroy the Divine General's Mansion!"

"The three major forces have shown their cards. Thankfully, the Li family is smart and didn't rashly leave."

"Now, they're all gathered in Qingzhou, their home bases are vacant. This is a good time to hunt them down!"

Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed, "Brother intends for me to wipe out their lairs and uproot their foundations?"

"Yanbei for over a decade, the Sacred Palace should pay a price!"

The Emperor of Dayu nodded slightly, gazing at the vibrant peach blossoms in the courtyard, "My courtyard is evergreen, but autumn has arrived outside."

"It's been many years since we went hunting together in autumn. I wonder if your hunting skills have declined."

Jiang Qingshan's face showed a hint of a smile, "Compared to Brother, I'm naturally inferior, but if I'm tasked with patrolling a mountain, I'll ensure that not a single living creature remains!"

"Then I'll wait for you to return and drink with me!"

The Emperor of Dayu laughed.

Jiang Qingshan, upon hearing this, stood up and bowed respectfully, formally accepting the order.

After seeing Jiang Qingshan off.

Chu Jiuyue walked slowly back to the pavilion. Seeing the Emperor of Dayu still staring at the Go board, lost in thought, she said,

"Your Majesty, are you thinking about that child?"

The Emperor of Dayu's gaze retracted, falling upon her, "Tell me, has the fortune of our Dayu Divine Dynasty truly declined?"

Chu Jiuyue's face changed slightly, and she quickly replied, "Your Majesty, our Dayu Divine Dynasty is protected by the previous Emperor. It will naturally prosper and endure. How can it be said to be in decline?"

"If it hasn't declined, then why did the ninth son of the Li family, at such a young age, perish beyond the border thirteen years ago, his body never recovered?"

"Why is that child, at only fifteen years old, in such danger? They are the future hopes of our Dayu Divine Dynasty, the future pillars, but Heaven seems unwilling to give them time."

The Emperor of Dayu gazed at the distant blue sky outside the courtyard and said in a low voice, "If that child was given another ten years, even just ten years, it would have been enough."

Chu Jiuyue fell silent for a moment.

Thinking of the memorials that had arrived from Liangzhou, he knew that this was true.

Fifteen years old, cultivating to the Three Immortality Realm, and with an incredibly solid foundation. Slaying Demon Kings at the Three Immortality Realm, even confronting those at the Absolute Art Realm, it was simply unbelievable!

Such a prodigy, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he possessed the potential to become a Sage.

Perhaps that was why he attracted the attention of the Void Realm Overlord, who abandoned the overall battle situation to hunt him down alone... Chu Jiuyue thought to himself.

"Your Majesty, the Liangzhou Death River..."

The Emperor of Dayu fell silent. After a long time, he said,

"Go and summon the Ninth Prince. Let him go there personally, spare no effort, and bring him back!"

Chu Jiuyue's pupils constricted slightly. Was he going to release that madman?

"Your Majesty, if that happens..."

"Are you afraid?"

The Emperor of Dayu glanced at him indifferently, his expression now calm, "If he comes out, his first strike will likely be aimed at me. But it doesn't matter. For that child, I'll bear it."

"Your Majesty..."

Chu Jiuyue was shaken. He never expected the Emperor of Dayu to take such a risky action.

That Ninth Prince... was not someone to be trifled with!

In this vast Imperial Palace and capital, even among all the royal nobles, the existence of that individual was a taboo subject.

In the past, he was a madman who almost split the Imperial City in two with a single sword!

...

The Liangzhou battle ended, and unrest stirred in various places.

Five hundred thousand Imperial troops remained stationed in Liangzhou, awaiting developments outside the Death River.

After consulting with the two princes, Li Tiangang, along with the Liangzhou army, dispatched a total of two hundred thousand elite troops to the Dragon City Death River.

They set up camp and formed battle formations outside the Death River, preparing to rescue Li Hao and Li Xiaoran, who might emerge from the Death River at any moment. They also aimed to ambush the Void Realm Overlord, which would be a good outcome if successful.

Although two hundred thousand troops were unlikely to harm a Dao Realm, this force was not just an army. It also concealed numerous powerful individuals.

News of various powerful individuals rushing to the scene or making excuses had reached Li Tiangang and the others, allowing them to make strategic deployments in advance.

However, time passed.

Before any conflict erupted outside the Death River, a major event occurred in the Yanbei region.

Prince Qing led a million-strong army to conquer the Sacred Palace, razing its sacred mountain sanctuary to the ground, destroying its mountain gate, and killing countless demons.

Now, the Sacred Palace's sacred mountain, its spiritual springs cut off, its peaks destroyed, was in ruins.

This news spread among the demons and quickly reached the ears of those gathered in Qingzhou.

"Damn it, how ruthless is Master Qingshan!"

"He actually personally led the expedition. I heard that the Sacred Palace's Master was severely injured and escaped."

"The other Sacred Palace elders have retreated, but it's probably too late."

In the Qingzhou sanctuary, numerous grotesque figures were lurking, but they were all elders of the Dragon Gate.

When the situation in Liangzhou reversed, some Sacred Palace elders realized that the Qingzhou ambush plan was about to fail.

Once Liangzhou was stabilized, the old Li fellows would have no reason to leave the Divine General's Mansion.

As a result, their ambush would be meaningless.

However, just as the Sacred Palace elders began their retreat, news of the disaster in Yanbei arrived.

No one expected that Master Qingshan would seize this opportunity, not to support Liangzhou, but to turn his attention to the Sacred Palace's lair!

When news of this battle spread, the Tianji Palace's elder, a bird demon, personally reported the situation. The Dragon Gate's many elders, including the Dragon Gate's Master, were shocked and enraged.

At the same time, they also felt a sense of fear.

The forces they had left to guard the mountain gate and demon lair were even weaker. If another prince were sent to attack them, they might also suffer a devastating blow.

After much deliberation, they could only reluctantly choose to retreat.

The two old fellows of the Li family remained shut in their mansion, clearly anticipating their actions. Continuing the ambush was pointless.

"Contact the Sacred Palace, go to the Death River. We have no way out now. We must rescue the Candlelight God."

"That good-for-nothing, he's at the Half-Step Dao Realm, and he still can't handle a little brat!"

"The Void Realm has been in seclusion for too long. They've forgotten how to eat people!"

The Dragon Gate's many elders grumbled, their hearts filled with resentment.

This time, they failed to conquer Liangzhou, and they failed to destroy the Li family in Qingzhou. The plan was a complete failure.

When the Tianji Palace's intelligence was gathered and the overall situation was assessed, they discovered that the reason for the plan's failure was due to a single variable: the young General Haotian!

He was from the Li family, the Li family again!

Not only the Dragon Gate, but the Sacred Palace's many demon kings were also filled with resentment.

...

Within the Divine General's Mansion.

Li Muqiu, upon hearing the news of the Yanbei Sacred Palace's lair being destroyed, couldn't help but burst into laughter.

He knew that His Majesty would never disappoint.

The Yanbei Sacred Palace's lair was destroyed, its Master fought alone, and was defeated by Prince Qing. Both sides unleashed the power of the Dao of Peace Realm, which was well-hidden.

But Prince Qing was more skilled, defeating him. Coupled with a million-strong army's rampage, all of whom were elite Imperial soldiers, the entire sacred mountain was razed to the ground.

This battle also became famous in the demon world, allowing them to witness the intimidating power of this aging lion, which still had the strength to strike with force and bite through the necks of its enemies!

"Those fellows in Qingzhou must be scared now."

"Let's wait, wait a few more days. I'll leave secretly and go to Liangzhou."

Li Muqiu went to the ancestral shrine and explained his plan to Li Qingzheng, "You know the situation in Liangzhou. Those fellows won't be honest. They won't let us ambush the Candlelight God, and that will break up their alliance."

"But the Candlelight God must die!"

Li Muqiu's eyes flashed with a cold light, "Also, I need to go and bring Hao'er and the Fourth Brother back. Otherwise, they'll be in danger."

"But the Candlelight God is at the Half-Step Dao Realm. Can you stop him?"

Li Qingzheng was worried.

Li Muqiu's eyes narrowed, "Half-Step Dao Realm? So what? I'm there too!"

Li Qingzheng was slightly stunned, looking at him in disbelief, "You, you've also reached that stage?"

Li Muqiu nodded slightly, his expression suddenly turning a little sad, "It was during a moment of enlightenment while I was fishing and chatting with Hao'er over the years. To be honest, I have to thank that child..."

Li Qingzheng was excited, but seeing him mention Li Hao, recalling the youth who had sat in the courtyard and played Go with him for four or five years, he couldn't help but sigh, "It's a pity that Tiangang's temper is too stubborn, and that child's temper is also stubborn. However, now that you've reached that stage, you've finally caught up with Big Brother."

"Big Brother..."

Li Muqiu thought of his elder brother, who was ambushed and besieged by the Dragon Gate's Master and many demon kings during the Dragon City battle, and his fists clenched involuntarily.

At that time, he was still traveling and enjoying himself, chasing after the girl he had always loved.

Only after receiving the news did he wake up and return to the Li family, taking over from the Fourth Brother and guarding the Listening Rain Tower, severing contact with that girl.

Many people had advised him that it wasn't his fault. During the Dragon City battle, Li Tianzong had personally led the troops to defend, and the others were elsewhere, each guarding their respective positions.

But Li Muqiu didn't think so.

Since he was young, he hadn't been favored by his father and had a carefree personality, with no official duties.

He was free, and therefore, he felt guilty. This guilt had always been rooted in his heart, a wound he didn't want to revisit.

"I heard that Hao'er has reached the Three Immortality Realm and can contend with Demon Kings. I wonder how he cultivated so quickly."

Li Qingzheng, seeing his second brother's melancholic and sorrowful gaze, quickly changed the subject, smiling, "Now that we're bringing him back, he shouldn't have to compete with that little Li Qianfeng anymore. He can be directly designated as the True Dragon."

"Tiangang shouldn't have any objections either. After all, after this battle, Hao'er's merits are undeniable. He should be granted a marquisate!"

Hearing his words, Li Muqiu snapped out of his reverie, a flash of anger in his eyes. He snorted coldly,

"Of course, his achievements are no less than Little Nine's back then. Hao'er is only fifteen years old, and he's already a general and marquis. I want to see how Tiangang will talk about his son, whose character is lacking!"

"What happened back then was a misunderstanding. I don't know why Tiangang was so impulsive at the time. He didn't even wait for Hao'er to finish speaking, sigh!" Li Qingzheng shook his head in lament.

Li Muqiu's eyes flickered, and he said in a low voice, "I just wonder if Hao'er is willing to come back, if he's still willing to acknowledge me as his second uncle."

Li Qingzheng glanced at him, recalling the boy's lonely figure as he walked out of the Divine General's Mansion in the midst of a snowstorm, and fell silent for a moment.

...

As time went on.

After Liangzhou was pacified, everyone's attention turned to the Death River beyond the border.

The area where this Death River was located was originally Dayu territory, but due to the Death River, it was later separated.

This shows how difficult this Death River is to deal with. Even the Dayu Divine Dynasty, which has always valued its territory, had to cede land to avoid it. This is something that even the top demon forces have not been able to achieve.

Li Tiangang was stationed in the western border of Liangzhou, closest to the Death River, constantly observing the situation.

After another month passed, Li Tiangang finally couldn't bear it any longer. He found Li Xuanli and entrusted him with guarding the area.

"I need to go to Heaven's Gate Pass."

Li Tiangang said.

"Are you going to see Hao'er? But I heard that it's just his martial arts avatar."

Li Xuanli immediately understood his intentions.

Earlier, while reclaiming Liangzhou, they had also sent people to investigate the situation at Heaven's Gate Pass, but they learned that there were no signs or movements of demon attacks there.

They could understand this. After all, Li Hao's war banners were too intimidating. With them planted throughout Heaven's Gate Pass, no demons would dare to approach.

Moreover, when they were reclaiming Liangzhou, they learned from captured Tianji Palace bird demons about Li Hao's situation.

The area five thousand miles outside the pass had been cleared by Li Hao, and no demons dared to invade!

Furthermore, the demons' attack on Liangzhou deliberately avoided Heaven's Gate Pass!

These two pieces of news shocked them and the other soldiers, including the powerful individuals who had come to provide reinforcements.

No one expected that the demon army, which had gathered the three top demon forces, would dare to face the million-strong armies of the East and West Garrisons, but not dare to invade the southern pass guarded by the youth!

One man could rival a million soldiers!

Combining Li Hao's performance on the battlefield, everyone was stunned into silence.

The youth's combat strength truly deserved the demons' cautious respect.

You often don't know how good or bad your teammates are, but your opponents do.

Similarly, only you know who is the weakest among your opponents.

Undoubtedly, they hadn't yet grasped the extent of the youth's growth, but the demons outside Heaven's Gate Pass had already learned a harsh lesson.

In addition, Li Tiangang had sent a memorial to the Imperial Palace, requesting that His Majesty send more war banners to assist them in guarding Liangzhou.

However, it took several days to receive a reply. The Heavenly Observatory had no such means and asked Li Tiangang to inquire with Li Hao about the origin of such heaven-defying techniques.

Upon receiving this reply, Li Tiangang was somewhat dumbfounded.

He recalled the Candlelight God's words when he appeared, and felt a surge of blood rushing through his veins.

Were those sword formation banners created by the child himself?

Who helped him?

Li Tiangang realized that his understanding of his son was truly limited.

Besides the Emperor's favor and the affection of the older generation of the family, the child had some secrets that he didn't know about.

He had also written to his second uncle, but the response was somewhat mocking: He's your son, you ask me, who do I ask?

Li Tiangang was well-acquainted with his second uncle's temper and didn't get angry.

But from this reply, he realized that his second uncle probably didn't know either.

After all, this matter was of great importance. Even if his second uncle was angry with him, he wouldn't be vague about such a thing.

If that was the case, he could only ask Li Hao himself.

Li Hao had not returned from the Death River after so long, and his life or death was unknown.

He planned to go to Heaven's Gate Pass first. He heard that Li Hao's martial arts avatar had some simple ability to act, perhaps carrying part of his memories.

Besides inquiring about the war banners, he also wanted to know if Li Hao had any chance of escaping from the Death River.

With his fourth uncle, who had been exploring the Dragon City Death River for over a decade, by his side, he should be safe...

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 215: Li Tiangang's Wrath

On the Dragon Pass Road in Liangzhou, Li Tiangang, clad in the golden armor of a Marshal, thundered towards the city.

Though Liangzhou was currently peaceful, the threat of a major war with the Dragon City and the Mohe River beyond the borders loomed large, hence his continued wearing of the armor.

After many years, setting foot on this Dragon Pass Road again filled Li Tiangang with a sense of nostalgia. However, he was surprised to find the road clean and empty.

Since the deaths of his third and sixth brothers defending the Dragon Pass Road, the demons had become increasingly brazen. He had heard that travelers leaving the city were frequently attacked by demons near the border, indicating that a significant number of demons had infiltrated the territory from both sides of the Dragon Pass Road.

Yet, he couldn't blame Li Hongzhuang, who had taken over the defense. His younger sister, despite being a woman, had not only taken up arms but also valiantly defended the Heavenly Gate Pass against the rampant demon forces and the threat of three demon kings. Holding that pass was a monumental task.

The annual military reports spoke of heavy casualties, highlighting the immense difficulty of guarding this area.

This was the very reason they had decided to contract their defensive lines and abandon the Heavenly Gate Pass.

Initially, he had hoped to send his child to experience the harsh realities of war, but now, the pass he had almost abandoned had become the safest place in Liangzhou.

Even in the face of this catastrophe, with millions of demon soldiers, they had chosen to avoid this route, opting for other avenues of attack.

Li Tiangang's eyes flickered as he gazed at the ancient road lined with cypress trees. He felt a mixture of surprise and a quiet surge of pride.

The thought of seeing his child's face made his eyes soften with warmth. Though it was just a fragment of his son's essence, the memory of Li Hao sacrificing himself to lure away the three demon kings had pierced his heart. He and Qingqing's only son.

Whenever others praised Li Hao's exceptional talent and brilliance, though he remained outwardly calm, even cold, his heart swelled with pride and satisfaction.

After all, he was Li Tiangang's son!

"Sir, care for a cup of tea?"

A clear voice broke through Li Tiangang's reverie.

Li Tiangang continued walking, noticing a nearby tea stall, and raised an eyebrow. He said,

"Old man, there are no patrols around this Dragon Pass Road, and demons appear at any moment. How dare you set up a stall here?"

The tea stall owner chuckled, "General, you must be talking about the past. Things are different now. Don't you know? Ever since Young General Haotian took up residence at the Heavenly Gate Pass, no demon dares to set foot here. In my opinion, even the Imperial City isn't as safe as this place!"

Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed, "Old man, you're getting on in years. The Imperial City is not a place to speak lightly about. Be more careful with your words in the future."

Realizing his slip-up, the tea stall owner quickly apologized, "Yes, yes, I've been too talkative, General. Would you like a cup of tea?"

"Even without demon attacks, with no one around, how do you expect to make any business?"

Li Tiangang glanced at the deserted Dragon Pass Road, then, after a moment's thought, pulled out a silver ingot.

Though a general, he always carried some money with him. From a young age, his father, Li Tianzong, had instilled in him the importance of not easily using the people's resources. Otherwise, what was the difference between soldiers and bandits?

"That's far too much,"

The tea stall owner was overwhelmed by the sight of the silver, and quickly tried to give some back.

But Li Tiangang had already strode forward, "No need."

"Hey, General, I haven't even served you tea yet!"

"Keep it for yourself."

Watching the golden-armored general depart, the old tea stall owner carefully wiped the silver and tucked it into his bosom, beaming with joy:

"Such a fierce aura, yet a kind heart."

Before Cangya City.

Li Tiangang looked at the grand and imposing new city, his eyes narrowing. The city walls were adorned with numerous flags, bearing a familiar and powerful name.

Along the Dragon Pass Road, he had also seen several banners, and guessed that these flags were likely the reason for the road's tranquility.

At this moment, the city guards on the walls noticed Li Tiangang and instantly recognized the Marshal's armor. They were startled, and one of them quickly flew down from the walls, approaching with respect,

"Greetings, Marshal!"

Li Tiangang nodded slightly, "Where is Li Hao?"

The guard's heart skipped a beat. Within the city, they were only allowed to refer to him as Young General Haotian, forbidden from using his given name.

But he recognized the Marshal before him as the renowned Duke, the Martial Duke of Punishment.

"Are you asking about Young General Haotian's true form, or..."

"What do you think?"

Li Tiangang coldly cut him off.

The guard's face paled. He realized his own blunder. Young General Haotian had rushed to Liangzhou's aid, achieving incredible feats of valor, news of which had even reached the Imperial City. Even they knew that Young General Haotian's true form wasn't present. How could the Martial Duke of Punishment not know?

"Young General Haotian is within the city..."

"Take me to him."

Li Tiangang commanded.

The guard respectfully agreed and immediately led the way.

The guard entered the city at a rapid pace, but Li Tiangang walked slowly, observing his surroundings.

Seeing this, the guard quickly slowed his pace to match the Marshal's.

Li Tiangang surveyed the city, seeing shops and vendors everywhere, as well as elegantly dressed young men and women, some from noble families, others in vibrant silks. There was a sense of peace and prosperity, with the people living in harmony.

The interactions between the noble youths and the commoners were also amicable, suggesting good governance.

The lively and prosperous scene, yet orderly and well-managed, was reminiscent of a major city in the heart of a great state.

At this time, many people on the streets saw Li Tiangang in his golden armor and were surprised, casting curious glances and whispering amongst themselves.

Li Tiangang had intended to take a closer look, but seeing their curious stares, he frowned and immediately rose into the air, instructing the guard,

"Lead the way."

The guard, seeing this, immediately accelerated his flight.

Li Tiangang followed him through the city, arriving at a spacious area that seemed to be the location of the governor's mansion.

The surrounding buildings were neat and grand, but the open space itself held a humble, low-walled courtyard, appearing extremely simple. However, the presence of patrolling guards lent it a certain air of authority.

"Is that where he lives?"

Li Tiangang furrowed his brow, "With all the space to build a proper residence, why build such a simple courtyard?"

"Replying to Marshal, Young General Haotian said that his old friend liked this courtyard, so he kept it as it was."

Li Tiangang raised an eyebrow, recalling his son's casual nature, and sighed inwardly. It seemed that even in this frontier, his son's personality hadn't changed.

They say that if a child is not disciplined in their youth, they will never change. He knew that his son's personality was likely set, and it was unlikely to change.

However, considering Li Hao's current reputation and his actions in Liangzhou, he felt that dwelling on this matter was pointless.

Soon, the two arrived before the simple courtyard.

"Who is this?"

The two guards at the courtyard gate were Haotian Army soldiers, recruited from various states' martial artists and Grandmasters. They were familiar with military regulations but had a limited understanding of other military matters.

Therefore, seeing Li Tiangang's attire, though they found it impressive, they didn't immediately recognize him.

"This is the Martial Duke of Punishment, Marshal of Punishment!"

The leading guard quickly announced.

Li Tiangang frowned slightly, feeling a pang of displeasure. Just moments ago, he had decided not to pursue Li Hao's casual nature, but it seemed that this trait had extended to his soldiers as well.

They hadn't even recognized his identity. If they encountered other divine general's mansions, they would inevitably cause trouble.

Moreover, sending these undisciplined soldiers into battle, who knew what would happen?

Though he knew Li Hao was exceptionally strong, he couldn't expect him to handle everything himself, especially now that he was the heir to the True Dragon.

If everything depended on the True Dragon, even ten lives wouldn't be enough.

The two guards were startled upon hearing the introduction.

Though they hadn't recognized Li Tiangang, the name of the Martial Duke of Punishment had been echoing through Yanbei for over a decade. They immediately understood that the middle-aged man before them was Li Hao's father.

The two hurriedly bowed, but their actions only deepened the frown on Li Tiangang's face. He said coldly,

"Has he not trained you? You have no discipline whatsoever. If you were on the battlefield, what kind of order would you maintain? A bunch of loose cannons!"

The two guards lowered their heads in fear, one of them whispering,

"Young General Haotian said that as long as he's around, we don't need to go to the battlefield. And we've received rigorous training, we usually don't make mistakes, unless it's an accident…"

Li Tiangang couldn't help but scoff, "Such arrogance! If he handles everything, what are you for? Who does he think he is, with how many lives does he have?"

Seeing their trembling and bowed heads, he didn't bother to scold them further, "Open the gate."

"Marshal, please wait, I'll inform Young General Haotian first…"

One of the guards, relieved, quickly said, and turned to run into the courtyard.

Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly.

The other guard quickly explained to Li Tiangang, "Marshal, please forgive us, our General said that no matter who comes, they must be announced first, otherwise it will ruin his mood."

Li Tiangang's face darkened, "Mood? What mood?"

This guard, a renowned Grandmaster, could sense that the Marshal was angered, and could only smile awkwardly,

"Young General Haotian enjoys taking naps, playing Go, or painting. If he's disturbed abruptly…"

Li Tiangang's face was grim. He hadn't expected Li Hao to be indulging in these leisurely pursuits in the frontier, without any restraint!

He had hoped that Li Hao's extraordinary cultivation and combat prowess were due to his encouragement, that he was diligently training in the Heavenly Gate Pass.

Instead, he was here, enjoying himself and indulging in frivolous activities.

He hadn't changed, not at all!

Li Tiangang took a deep breath, recalling the events at the front lines, Li Hao's achievements, and the current state of Liangzhou. The anger that had initially surged within him gradually subsided.

He sighed inwardly. Though his son hadn't changed, his talent was truly exceptional. Even amidst comfort and leisure, he still possessed that extraordinary combat prowess, and had saved countless lives in Liangzhou.

With such outstanding achievements, he couldn't say anything.

Moreover, he knew his son's stubborn nature. He had come here hoping to mend their father-son relationship.

At that moment, the courtyard gate opened again, and the guard came out, his face tense and uneasy.

He glanced at Li Tiangang, and Li Tiangang's face darkened upon seeing his expression.

"That..."

The guard nervously said, "Young General Haotian said he doesn't see guests, and asked you to leave."

"The brat!"

Li Tiangang was furious. He had come to visit his son personally, essentially humbling himself, and yet he was refused entry?

Where was the slightest bit of filial piety?

"Did he say that himself? Tell him to come out and see me!"

Li Tiangang's face was cold. He recalled that it was only a fragment of Li Hao's essence, and it might not have inherited much of his son's consciousness. He suppressed his anger.

"Young General Haotian is painting."

"Painting what? As a general, does he think he can paint some masterpiece?"

Li Tiangang didn't bother with further pleasantries. He directly pushed the guard aside. The guard tried to stop him, but Li Tiangang glared, his aura of a Four-Standing Realm master radiating outwards.

The overwhelming pressure instantly stunned the two guards, rendering them immobile.

He kicked open the courtyard gate and walked inside.

He saw two figures sitting leisurely in the courtyard. One was cross-legged, with a sword resting across his legs, in deep meditation.

The other was painting, his brushstrokes flowing effortlessly.

At this moment, both were startled by the sound of the broken gate and turned to look at Li Tiangang.

Ren Qianqian instantly recognized Li Tiangang and was stunned for a moment before quickly standing up, "Uncle."

The shadow Li Hao, seated before the painting, furrowed his brow. The memories he had inherited were limited, mostly of painting, playing Go, and gazing at the starry sky in a desolate, ancient courtyard.

Occasionally, glimpses of faces flashed through his mind, faces of women adorned in silks and brocades.

He was unfamiliar with this face, yet it felt vaguely familiar. However, instinctively, he felt a deep sense of repulsion.

"This is the General's Mansion, who gave you permission to trespass!"

The shadow Li Hao's face turned cold. He put down his brush, stood up, and assumed a fighting stance.

Li Hao's instructions to his shadow were to defend Cangya City to the death.

"You're quite leisurely, aren't you?"

Li Tiangang saw that Li Hao's fragment was indeed painting, and couldn't help but laugh in anger. Was even his fragment like this?

"Do you know who I am?" He asked coldly.

"No matter who you are, you must abide by my rules here!" The shadow Li Hao said coldly.

"Has the fragment lost all its memories?"

Li Tiangang frowned. Though rare, he understood the Martial Fragmentation technique. It was an external manifestation of oneself, extremely difficult to cultivate and master. However, the results were often underwhelming.

After all, a fragment could inherit about one-tenth of the original body's strength, which was considered good.

Cultivating other techniques, while also difficult, could potentially increase your strength by a third, several times that of a fragment!

The only advantage of a fragment was that it could be used for minor tasks. But for a strong cultivator, there was no shortage of servants to command. Unless it was for private matters, using it for combat was rather inefficient.

If Li Hao were still by his side, he would never have approved of him wasting time cultivating such a technique.

But he had long since adapted to Li Hao's nature. He couldn't even control his son's Go and painting habits, let alone his cultivation choices.

"You came here with Hao'er, do you know if there's a life-and-death connection between this fragment and his true form?"

Li Tiangang asked Ren Qianqian.

Ren Qianqian's face was tense, "I don't know much about Master's affairs."

"Aren't you his personal maid?" Li Tiangang frowned.

"...But I never pry into Master's affairs." Ren Qianqian lowered her head.

Li Tiangang snorted in anger and turned to the shadow Li Hao, "Your true form is trapped in the Mohe River, do you know that? Can you sense it? Is there a life-and-death connection between you and your true form?"

"That's my business, I don't need to answer you. Please leave, or don't blame me for being impolite!"

The shadow Li Hao said.

Li Tiangang laughed coldly, "I am the Marshal of Liangzhou, the Heavenly Gate Pass is under my jurisdiction, I have the final say here, and you want me to leave?"

"You can stay in the city, but not in this courtyard."

The shadow Li Hao frowned.

Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with a cold light, "I came to find you, to tell you to go back and see if you can detect the situation of your true form, and you want to chase me away?"

"Qianqian, see him out."

The shadow Li Hao said coldly.

Ren Qianqian couldn't help but look at Li Tiangang, her face hesitant, "Uncle, why don't you wait for Master to return and then talk?"

"It's not your place to speak!"

Li Tiangang coldly glared at her.

The glare was like a sharp sword piercing her heart, causing Ren Qianqian's face to turn pale, and she took a few steps back.

The shadow Li Hao's face changed, his eyes filled with cold light. He raised his hand, and the Longxiao Sword, previously resting where Ren Qianqian had been seated, flew out of its sheath with a golden dragon's roar.

The divine sword gathered its power and struck without hesitation.

Li Tiangang's eyes were filled with anger, and he struck out with a palm. The golden light on the sword shattered, but his own face also changed.

The power of this sword was beyond his expectations, far stronger than he had imagined.

He took a couple of steps back, bracing himself to stop his momentum.

"Are you the true form or a fragment?!"

Li Tiangang looked up, questioning the shadow Li Hao.

The shadow Li Hao's gaze was cold, the golden sword light hovering before him, "If you stay any longer, I will treat you as an intruder!"

Li Tiangang's face darkened at the cold and merciless words.

"I'd like to see how you deal with your father!"

Li Tiangang clenched his fists, his aura radiating outwards.

At that moment, a figure descended like a gentle breeze, appearing between Li Tiangang and Li Hao as if teleporting.

"Haven't you caused enough trouble?"

A cold voice echoed, Feng Bo Ping's gaze was cold as he looked at Li Tiangang.

When Li Tiangang arrived, he had sensed it and moved from the courtyard to the clouds, attempting to conceal himself.

But seeing that Li Tiangang was now clashing with Li Hao's fragment, he couldn't sit idly by.

"Hao'er is currently trapped in the Mohe River, a Netherworld-level Mohe River, his life is in danger, and you're going to kill his fragment here?!"

Feng Bo Ping said coldly.

(End of Chapter)