249-252

Chapter 249: The Farewell of a Clan

"Le, Leping?!"

Ji Tianchao's voice trembled, a mixture of surprise and excitement. This elder, who had weathered countless battles and trials, usually remained composed, but now, he was questioning if his old eyes were deceiving him.

The figure that had descended upon them landed in the air above the Cloud Character Peaks, cloaked in a divine garment formed by the outward projection of energy. His gaze was calm as he looked down at the gathered crowd.

Upon seeing Ji Yunyue's figure, Li Hao paused slightly, his expression softening. It seemed that she hadn't suffered any harm and had been rescued by the Ji Family in time.

He didn't sense the couple's aura, but he didn't mind.

"This, is this Leping?"

Ji Yunqing, Ji Yunyue, and the others also came to their senses, including their children, who all looked up in astonishment at the young man.

Seeing his vaguely familiar features and the outward projection of his Great Peace Dao Realm aura, they were stunned, confused, and bewildered.

The previous Ji Leping had been incredibly gifted, but they had all seen clearly that he was only at the Three Immortal Foundations Realm. Yet, now, this young man's divine power was radiating, unable to conceal his aura, clearly indicating the Great Peace Dao Realm!

In just over a month, even if the child had broken through to the Four Pillars Realm, it was impossible for him to instantly forge a Dao Realm, wasn't it?

"Senior Tianchao, I wish to leave this place. Please open the Sacred Land's Secret Realm for me."

Li Hao descended, his demeanor composed. He bowed slightly in a gesture of respect.

His posture now lacked the deference of a junior, instead exuding a calm confidence, treating all things in the world as equals.

"You, you are truly Leping?!"

Ji Tianchao, hearing the young man's address, was filled with disbelief, but more than that, with excitement.

Li Hao's expression remained unchanged as he replied,

"That is not my current name."

Everyone was stunned. Ji Tianchao's face shifted slightly: "Then are you going to revert to your original name, Li Hao?"

Upon hearing this, Li Hao understood that they were already aware of his past. It must have been revealed by the couple. He shook his head slightly and said,

"I have my own name. From now on, if you encounter me again, you can call me... Haotian."

During his rebirth from the abyss, he had already made up his mind.

He had severed his past and bid farewell to the small infant body he had initially inhabited upon transmigration.

Borrowing your two-foot infant body, returning your parents whole...

From now on, it would be his own life.

He had repaid the couple's kindness, owing them nothing, and owing nothing to the infant whose body he had occupied.

After all, if it weren't for him, that child would have died at the age of six from an assassination by the Divine General's Mansion.

Now, it was all settled.

Hearing Li Hao's words, everyone was stunned. Haotian? What about his surname?

"Child, we've already learned about what happened on Prisoner's Sky Isle. We've executed all the criminals there."

Ji Yunqing quickly said, "Your parents... were dealt with according to clan rules and banished. We all thought you were dead. Now that you're back, if you agree, we'll send someone to find them and bring them back."

Li Hao's expression remained unruffled. "Senior Yunqing, I have no parents. How your Ji Family deals with them, whether it's reward or punishment, right or wrong, has nothing to do with me. I'm here only to have you open the Sacred Land's Secret Realm for me. Otherwise, I'll forcibly tear it open, which might cause harm to you."

Hearing the young man's words, everyone was shocked and looked at Li Hao in disbelief.

But then, recalling the information gathered from the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, the furious roars of the elders in the council hall over a month ago, and the curses directed at the couple, they fell silent.

If it weren't for Li Hao's status as a Dao Seed, the couple would likely not have left the council hall alive.

Even though Qingqing was saved by the Thirteenth Elder's sacrifice, her husband would have undoubtedly been killed.

After all, without a Dao Seed, and even indirectly harming a Ji Family Dao Seed, was an unforgivable offense.

"Child, your parents, though foolish, you still have us. You are still a member of the Ji Family. We will dedicate all our efforts to nurture you."

Ji Yunyue spoke urgently.

"That's right."

"You are a member of the Ji Family. We were negligent before. If you're angry, do whatever you want, and we'll help you."

Others chimed in, their faces filled with worry as they looked at Li Hao.

Li Hao didn't speak. Instead, he looked at Ji Tianchao, who was still staring at him with a look of suspicion.

When he emerged from the abyss, his clothes were destroyed. Now, he was clad in a battle suit created by his radiating divine power, which made it difficult to completely conceal his myriad attributes.

Seeing that the elder had already discovered this, Li Hao didn't hide it any further. He deactivated his myriad attributes, allowing his physical aura to fully manifest.

"Everyone, take a good look. Do I still carry the aura of your Ji Family?"

Li Hao asked.

Everyone was taken aback. They quickly sensed his aura and their faces changed drastically as they looked at Li Hao in shock.

"You, how did you...?"

Ji Yunqing was stunned, unable to help but question, "Are you really Leping? Your appearance, your cultivation..."

Li Hao's appearance had changed slightly, and his cultivation had also risen to the same Great Peace Dao Realm as them. They hadn't investigated these incredible changes before, but now, they couldn't even sense his bloodline aura?

"I've rebuilt my body and severed my bloodline."

Li Hao didn't hide it. He simply said calmly, "Your Leping is dead. From now on, only Haotian exists in this world!"

The young man's words struck everyone's hearts like a bell at dawn or dusk.

In the distance, several figures raced towards them. It was Ji Daoxin and Ji Qingyuan, who had sensed Li Hao's unfamiliar aura.

The sudden appearance of an unfamiliar Great Peace Dao Realm cultivator on the top of the Sacred Mountain was unexpected and startling. Seeing the young man surrounded by Ji Tianchao and the others, they were stunned. They also heard Li Hao's words.

After a brief moment of bewilderment, they rushed over and landed behind the others. Ji Daoxin glanced at Li Hao twice and exclaimed in surprise,

"You came out of the abyss? You climbed out yourself?"

Li Hao nodded slightly at the clan head, acknowledging his greeting.

The other Ji Family members, upon seeing Ji Daoxin, quickly bowed in respect.

Ji Qingyuan also scrutinized Li Hao, his eyes filled with a hint of shock. The young man no longer carried the slightest trace of the Ji Family's aura, but he was exceptionally elegant, with a transcendent aura. He seemed even more powerful and terrifying than before.

Bloodline power was something every Ji Family member, especially those born outside the main line, pursued throughout their lives.

But this young man had abandoned that bloodline.

It gave him a complex and indescribable feeling, as if something he had been chasing since childhood had been casually discarded by another young man. And after discarding it, the young man hadn't fallen into despair but had instead reached a higher and farther place.

"Child, how could you be so foolish..."

"Although it was your parents' fault, you are still a descendant of the Ji Family!"

Ji Yunqing's face was pale, unable to accept this heavy blow.

This young man had severed his Ji Family bloodline. Wouldn't the Ji Family lose him forever?

Li Hao didn't speak. He listened to the cries around him, watching their sorrowful expressions, and a hint of regret arose in his heart. But he knew that severance always brought pain, it was a necessary process.

"There's no need to grieve, everyone. Just pretend you've never met me."

Li Hao said calmly.

His words only made Ji Yunyue and the others even more sorrowful.

Having seen the dazzling fireworks, how could one forget their brilliance?

If they hadn't met Li Hao, they wouldn't be hurting, of course. But now that they had, the memory couldn't be erased, time couldn't be reversed, and so they suffered.

Ji Daoxin also understood what had happened. Though he didn't know how Li Hao had climbed out of the abyss or how his appearance had changed so drastically, it was clear that something incredibly extraordinary had happened to Li Hao, even leading to a direct breakthrough in his cultivation realm.

He also knew the young man's age from the information brought back from the Great Yu Divine Dynasty.

At most, he was barely sixteen, still a month away from his birthday.

And yet, he was already at the Great Peace Dao Realm!

This cultivation record had surpassed the entire Ji Family's history of ten thousand years.

He hadn't even heard of such a young Great Peace Dao Realm cultivator in the entire Vast Wilderness Heaven!

After all, the Pinnacle Realm and the Great Peace Dao Realm were separated by a vast chasm.

"You, are you really going to leave the Ji Family?"

Ji Daoxin couldn't help but ask. Even he couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

With Li Hao's cultivation, he had been able to break through a Dao Domain at the Three Immortal Foundations Realm. Now, he could likely dominate the Great Peace Dao Realm, virtually invincible below the realm of comprehending the Dao.

Such combat power could be considered the strongest Dao Seed prodigy in the Ji Family's ten-thousand-year history.

And now, they were going to lose him forever?

Others also tried to persuade him, their faces filled with sadness.

Li Hao looked up at Ji Daoxin, didn't answer, and instead asked, "I no longer have the Ji Family's bloodline. If I stay, can I still be considered a Dao Seed?"

Ji Daoxin was momentarily stunned by the young man's question. He was about to say yes, but then hesitated.

Now that Li Hao no longer had the Ji Family's bloodline, could he be considered a member of the Ji Family, let alone a Dao Seed, from the very root?

In the past, he wouldn't have even considered such a question. It was impossible. But now, this young man had once been a member of the Ji Family, and they had never encountered such a situation before.

"If you..."

Ji Daoxin stammered for a moment, about to answer, but Li Hao shook his head and said,

"Let's part ways amicably, with mutual respect."

Ji Daoxin's body trembled. Looking into the young man's calm eyes, he understood that he could no longer persuade him.

"Child, you haven't truly enjoyed life yet. The Ji Family owes you. Give us a chance to make amends!"

Ji Yunyue held onto Li Hao, her voice filled with sorrow.

Li Hao shook his head slightly and said, "I remember your kindness on the abyss when you let go of my hand. If I have the chance in the future, I will act on your behalf once."

"That's not a kindness. I was the one who dragged you down. It was only right for me to let go. Besides, I didn't help you in the end..."

"Those are two different things. In the face of life and death, letting go is also a form of kindness. Whether or not I was helped is the result. Helping is the intention, and I appreciate that intention."

Li Hao said.

Hearing Li Hao take such a small matter so seriously, Ji Yunyue's sorrow became even more difficult to contain.

Even something as insignificant as her letting go of his hand was considered a kindness. How disappointed and mistreated must this child have been by his parents to make him sever his bloodline!

"Child, your parents have been at war since you were young and haven't been able to accompany you. Give your great-aunt a chance to take care of you, okay?"

Ji Yunyue pleaded, still hoping to keep Li Hao. Even though Li Hao no longer had the Ji Family's bloodline, in her eyes, he was still her grandson.

Li Hao felt the great-aunt's sincerity and smiled slightly. His eyes were filled with a sense of relief and calmness:

"Since childhood, I've been alone, taking care of the generations of stars. In the future, it will be the same."

The child who sat alone in the courtyard, looking up at the stars, was still in his heart.

Only, that courtyard was gone.

The little tail that chased after him in that courtyard was gone.

The bloodline connection that echoed across tens of thousands of miles in that courtyard was gone.

But the stars in the heavens remained.

The kind-hearted child remained.

Having weathered hardship and battles, he was not the same as he once was, but he was still him, unchanged.

Hearing Li Hao's words, Ji Yunyue felt a sharp pang in her heart. The tears she had barely managed to hold back now flowed freely like a broken dam.

The others who had wanted to persuade him instantly fell silent.

Looking into the young man's gentle and calm eyes, they felt a pang of sorrow. They understood that this incredibly brilliant prodigy no longer belonged to the Ji Family.

The young man had claimed the surname Ji when he came to the mountain, only to be met with scorn and disdain.

Now, as he was leaving, everyone wanted him to reclaim that surname, but they found, to their despair, that it was no longer possible.

"Everyone, farewell."

Li Hao bowed slightly and said, "The mountains remain unchanged, the sun and moon forever shine. Until we meet again!"

Then, he looked at Ji Daoxin and said, "Please, Senior, open the secret realm for me."

Ji Daoxin fell silent. The matter was settled. He knew that he could no longer change it. A broken mirror could not be reassembled, a mistake could not be undone.

Like the wind today, no matter how strong it blew, it could not blow back to yesterday.

"Child, the Ji Family will always be open to you. Even if you no longer wish to be a member of the Ji Family, as long as you come, the Ji Family will always welcome you."

Ji Daoxin looked deeply at Li Hao, saying each word slowly, "In the future, if you encounter any difficulties, simply send a letter, and the Ji Family will do everything in our power to assist you!"

Li Hao simply smiled slightly and didn't respond.

The clan head of a ten-thousand-year-old family, his words were both affectionate and strategic.

Seeing the young man's clear and bright yet mature eyes, Ji Daoxin knew that he couldn't treat him like an ordinary young man. His words did indeed have the implication of damage control.

After all, a prodigy like Li Hao was destined to become a renowned figure in the Vast Wilderness. Even if he wasn't a member of the Ji Family, they couldn't afford to make an enemy of him. Even if he became a Ji Family retainer or a friend, it would be worth the effort.

"Child, let me lead the way and see you off."

Ji Daoxin said, offering to escort him personally.

Such a gesture was usually reserved for welcoming back a war god from battle or seeing them off to war.

News of Li Hao's resurrection quickly spread throughout the Ji Family. Many people rushed to see him, including the other prodigies.

Accompanied by Ji Daoxin, Ji Tianchao, and others, the young man walked down the mountain alongside them.

The rest followed in a vast procession. Many people were still calling out in sorrow and pleading for him to stay, but the young man's back remained unwavering.

When they heard that Li Hao had severed his Ji Family bloodline and was leaving the Ji Family, from the mountaintop to the mountain's interior, and down to the foot of the mountain, countless Ji Family members, shocked and anxious, called out and begged the young man to stay.

These sorrowful and urgent cries echoed from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain, accompanying him all the way, but the young man never once turned back.

Countless Ji Family members watched the departing figure with sadness and despair, feeling as if the sky had fallen. From the joy and excitement of a moment ago to the despair of this moment.

As an ancient sacred clan, glorious for ten thousand years, they were always the ones who banished others. But now, they felt like they were the ones being abandoned.

"He... is leaving the Ji Family?"

Ji Xuanshen also arrived. From afar in the air, he heard the discussions on the mountain and understood what had happened, leaving him stunned.

The next moment, he accelerated abruptly, descending like a comet, landing in front of Li Hao and the others as they descended the mountain.

Ji Xuanshen saw the clan head, Ji Tianchao, Ji Qingyuan, and other war gods all escorting the young man, feeling disbelief and a hint of anger. He couldn't understand why they weren't desperately trying to keep him.

"Are you really leaving? You've already become a Dao Seed. I haven't challenged you yet!"

Ji Xuanshen looked at Li Hao and said angrily.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 250: Pursuit

"Xuanshen!"

Seeing Ji Xuanshen's attempt to block Li Hao, Ji Daoxin's expression changed slightly, and he uttered a soft reprimand.

However, he didn't express blame. He understood that Ji Xuanshen merely wanted to prevent Li Hao from leaving, not harbor any true hostility.

"No need for a challenge. You've already won."

Li Hao looked at the young man before him and said calmly, "Within the Ji family, you are the most outstanding prodigy."

"But I haven't defeated you yet!"

Ji Xuanshen's expression was complex, filled with anger and a sense of helplessness. He stared at Li Hao's divine flame-like outer garment and said,

"You're now in the Great Peace Dao Realm. Though I don't know how you achieved it, you were able to defeat me at the Three Immortality Realm before. Now, you must be even stronger."

"One move. Just one exchange of blows!"

"If you can defeat me within one move, I'll let you leave!"

He stared intently at Li Hao, "Do you dare to accept?"

Hearing the young man's words, the other Ji family members were startled. None of them believed that Ji Xuanshen was being reckless or arrogant. They all understood that the single move he proposed was an intention to use all his strength to retain the opponent who had once defeated him.

This wasn't hostility, but affection!

Perhaps, this was the mutual admiration between prodigies?

"That's right. If you don't defeat Xuanshen, and you win and run, that's cowardice!"

"If you want to leave the Ji family, then accept the challenge!"

Other prodigies arrived, also understanding Ji Xuanshen's intentions, and they all voiced their encouragement and provocation.

They lacked the confidence to withstand a single move from Li Hao, who wielded a Dao Domain. However, Ji Xuanshen also possessed a Dao Domain, and if he combined it with the power of his Saint Bone, it wasn't impossible to withstand a single blow!

These words sounded like a challenge, a display of unwillingness to accept defeat, but the other elder members of the Ji family looked towards Li Hao, hoping he would agree.

To give Ji Xuanshen a chance.

Not a chance to challenge, but a chance to keep him.

Li Hao understood Ji Xuanshen's intentions and fell silent for a moment.

When he had ascended the mountain, countless obstacles had stood in his way.

Now, as he descended, countless obstacles still remained.

Back then, it was for the Ji family.

Now, it was also for the Ji family.

But this time, the obstacles were completely different.

"Let's give it a try then."

Li Hao sighed, though he already knew the outcome and the answer in his heart.

Hearing that Li Hao was willing to agree, the anger and complexity in Ji Xuanshen's eyes transformed into joy. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, afraid that Li Hao would insist on leaving and not give him a chance at all.

After all, if Li Hao truly wanted to leave, he wouldn't be able to stop him.

But for one move, he was confident.

Although he had been defeated by Li Hao at the Three Immortality Realm, in the time since, he had transitioned from the Half-Step Dao Realm to the Great Peace Dao Realm!

In an instant, his Dao Domain could unfold, and his power of rules would increase severalfold.

Both being in the Dao Realm, he was the Ji family's top prodigy, and he didn't believe he couldn't withstand Li Hao's attack for one move.

"You have to keep your word!"

Ji Xuanshen took a deep breath, his eyes turning serious. His aura began to rise, and the veins of the world appeared, drawing all the power of the surrounding world towards him.

Having learned from his previous encounter, he chose to strike first. Though it was slightly unfair, he quickly seized control of the power of the surrounding world.

This would prevent Li Hao from quickly entering the Land Immortal Realm. In that realm, he felt he might not be able to withstand even a single move. After all, the current Li Hao was different from his Three Immortality Realm self. He was at the peak of the Four Pillars Realm!

As immense power gathered around him, Ji Xuanshen exuded a heavy oppressive aura. The power of fission, like lightning and thunder, condensed around his body.

He looked at Li Hao, but saw that Li Hao didn't seem to be gathering power or preparing to attack.

"Don't blame me for not giving you a chance to prepare!"

If they were facing each other in a Dao arena, he would have waited. But this time, he simply said this and quickly unleashed his Dao Domain, pressing down on Li Hao.

In a battle between Great Peace Dao Realm cultivators, the Dao Domain was paramount. Whoever had the stronger Dao Domain, whoever seized the initiative first, would be the victor.

Ji Daoxin and the others looked at Li Hao, seeing that he hadn't shown any signs of preparing for a fight, and their hearts filled with joy. Perhaps, Li Hao was actually willing to stay?

Just as everyone was awestruck by Ji Xuanshen's power and secretly delighted, Li Hao simply took a step forward.

Facing the fission Dao Domain that surged towards him, his expression was calm, as if he didn't notice it. He simply stepped forward.

The Dao Domain enveloped him, but to the astonishment of Ji Xuanshen and everyone else, Li Hao's body didn't change at all. Only his hair fluttered gently, like a spring breeze.

Before Ji Xuanshen could react, two Dao Domains spread out from Li Hao's body. In an instant, they shattered Ji Xuanshen's Dao Domain, pushing it back and then pressing forward, ultimately forcing it back into Ji Xuanshen's body.

Within Li Hao's double Dao Domains, Ji Xuanshen's Dao Domain was completely suppressed, unable to unfold!

Li Hao's double Dao Domains hadn't used their full power, only lightly suppressing his opponent.

Then, Li Hao walked forward, passing right by Ji Xuanshen.

From beginning to end, Li Hao didn't even raise his hand, didn't attack.

Ji Xuanshen, however, was unable to move, like a rigid statue. He stared blankly at the young man who had walked past him, only his eyeballs able to move.

The shock and horror in his heart were beyond words.

Was the gap that great?

Following this came a wave of frustration and bitter disappointment.

Ji Daoxin, Ji Tianchao, and the others had expected a fierce clash, but Ji Xuanshen's accumulated momentum was effortlessly dispelled by Li Hao, like a spring rain nourishing all things, silent and subtle.

He had… lost.

And he had lost completely!

Ji Daoxin, Ji Tianchao, and the others were stunned. The moment Li Hao unleashed his double Dao Domains, they felt their hearts clench, understanding the outcome.

The young man before them had not only reached the Dao Realm but had surpassed their wildest imaginations.

The numerous other Ji family members who had rushed over were speechless.

The Ji family prodigies who had previously encouraged the challenge were all dumbfounded, staring at the scene in disbelief. They couldn't believe that Ji Xuanshen, who had stepped into the Great Peace Dao Realm, had been defeated so easily.

Not only had Li Hao not used a single move, he hadn't even needed to attack. His Dao Domain alone had completely crushed his opponent, the gap being unbelievably vast!

Gazing at the receding figure of the young man, Ji Daoxin and the others finally reacted and quickly chased after him.

"You really can't stay in the Ji family?"

Ji Qingyuan was shocked, his eyes complex as he looked at the young man and asked softly.

Ji Daoxin couldn't help but glance at him. He hadn't expected him to also try to persuade Li Hao to stay, feeling both surprise and sadness.

"Though I'm not a member of the Ji family, I can be a friend. Let things unfold naturally."

Li Hao said, his tone calm.

Hearing the young man's words, Ji Daoxin and the others were silent, knowing that at this point, they couldn't keep Li Hao.

The Ji family's resources were something the young man had never cared about.

As for the so-called protection of the family, it was a laughable notion. After all, the young man had grown and risen to a point where he could roam freely throughout the Great Wilderness Heaven.

Apart from the war gods of the various Saint Clans, a few old immortals, and some forbidden lands, there was basically nowhere he couldn't go.

Ji Daoxin couldn't help but sigh. After seeing Li Hao display his double Dao Domains, his heart was filled with pain and regret. He even regretted the moment Li Hao had paused before asking his question.

If he had immediately agreed back then, would the young man have changed his mind?

In this heavy atmosphere, they walked the rest of the way to the entrance of the Sacred Land Hidden Realm.

Although Ji Daoxin felt pain and reluctance, he still opened the Sacred Land Hidden Realm for Li Hao and said:

"It's the same as before. The Ji family will always welcome you back. This is the teleportation inscription of our Ji family's Sacred Land Hidden Realm."

He raised his hand, and a talisman-like inscription appeared in the palm of his hand, visible to Li Hao.

Li Hao saw it and wanted to refuse, but the inscription had already been seen. Unless he erased this memory, he had essentially mastered it.

Seeing the other party's persistence, Li Hao didn't say anything more, merely sighing inwardly and raising his hand to bid farewell.

"Let us walk you a little further."

Ji Yunyue and the others stepped forward, wanting to spend a little more time with Li Hao.

Li Hao politely declined, but Ji Yunyue and the others insisted on seeing him off, so he had no choice but to let them.

Ji Tianchao simply accompanied them, saying nothing more. But the old man's eyes were filled with a deep sense of sadness and weariness.

After leaving the Ji family's Sacred Land Hidden Realm and being escorted for a thousand miles, Li Hao politely declined again.

"If you ever return to the Great Wilderness Heaven, remember to come visit us."

Ji Yunyue said, her eyes filled with tears.

Ji Yunqing and the others were also reluctant to let him go.

"I will." Li Hao nodded and then bid them farewell.

Watching the young man's departing figure, Ji Yunqing murmured, "Since our ancestors, the Ji family seems to have lost a future Saint."

"Third Brother said that he would need ten years to be able to fight alongside me. At the time, I thought Third Brother had underestimated him. Now, I think he overestimated him."

Ji Tianchao gazed in the direction the young man had gone and whispered, "Double Dao Domains. With such insight, if he wholeheartedly pursues the Dao, he should be able to reach the Dao Realm within five years. In our lifetime, we might even witness the rise of a Saint."

"A Saint…"

Their children and others were stunned, their feelings complex.

They had failed to grasp the opportunity to have someone who could bring glory to the Ji family once more.

The day after Li Hao's departure.

On the peak of the Sacred Mountain, Ji Xuanshen and several other prodigies came to find Ji Daoxin, the head of the family.

"You're going outside the Great Wilderness Heaven?"

Ji Daoxin was startled to hear Ji Xuanshen's words. When he saw that the other prodigies also had determined expressions, he frowned.

"That child won't be returning to the Ji family. It's no use chasing after him. Don't make things worse." He said.

Ji Xuanshen shook his head slightly and said, "I just want to see what the environment is like outside the Great Wilderness Heaven, in the place ruled by the Jiang family, in that impoverished kingdom. What kind of environment could cultivate a prodigy like him?"

"That's right. I want to see it too. We enjoy countless divine medicines and treasures in the Ji family, yet we're not as good as him. I also want to see what that place outside the Great Wilderness Heaven is like."

Ji Qingshuang said.

Her father, Ji Qingyuan, had learned of his daughter's thoughts the previous day. Hearing her words, he merely frowned and sighed inwardly, but he didn't stop her.

With Ji Xuanshen, who was in the Great Peace Dao Realm, accompanying them, these Ji family prodigies, who were already quite strong, wouldn't be in too much danger in that place.

After all, the prodigies of the Ancient Saint Clans weren't pampered golden canaries in a cage. They weren't that delicate.

Ji Daoxin scanned them, then looked at Ji Xuanshen. Seeing the child's unwavering gaze, he understood that the other party had made up his mind.

If he tried to stop him, it would become an obstacle in the child's heart, an obstacle he couldn't overcome, and it might hinder his cultivation.

"Fine. The Great Yu Divine Kingdom is ruled by the Jiang family. Though it's a desolate land outside the Great Wilderness Heaven, try to abide by their rules when you get there. Remember that the kingdom belongs to the Jiang family."

Ji Daoxin said earnestly.

Ji Xuanshen and the others exchanged glances and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Understood. One of the Eight Ancient Saint Clans that once fought alongside our ancestors, the Jiang family." Ji Xuanshen nodded.

"That's right."

Ji Daoxin said, "In the ancient Saint War in the Great Wilderness Heaven, the Jiang family's ancestors were defeated and exiled from the Great Wilderness Heaven to that impoverished land outside. But their foundation and Dao lineage didn't disappear."

"Thousands of years ago, a prodigy was born in the Jiang family. He was born with a hundred meridians, unified that impoverished land, established a kingdom, and created order. He was a top-tier expert. Later, it was said that he died in battle, but I don't know if that's true. In any case, don't provoke them."

Ji Xuanshen and the others felt a sense of solemnity. Born with a hundred meridians, that was truly a heaven-sent talent.

"Also, when I was looking for information on that child, I also investigated the Great Yu Divine Kingdom. Now, they are declining, surrounded by demons, and a great war could erupt at any time. These demons are connected to ancient demons within our Great Wilderness Heaven. There will surely be a life-and-death battle that will shake the imperial capital. Don't go near their imperial city."

Ji Daoxin earnestly warned.

Hearing this, Ji Xuanshen and the others were startled. Was the young man's homeland already in such a precarious state?

"Understood." Ji Xuanshen nodded.

Ji Daoxin looked at him, paused, and then sighed, "Xuanshen, living in the same era as that child is your misfortune, but don't be too obsessed with him. Aside from him, you are the most outstanding prodigy of the Ji family, and you are the pride of your parents. Do you understand?"

Ji Xuanshen was silent for a moment and said, "I understand."

Ji Daoxin nodded slightly, his expression softening, "If you see that child, if he needs any help, send a message back. If he wants to help the Jiang family kingdom rise, the Ji family will do everything we can to assist him!"

Ji Xuanshen couldn't help but look at the head of the family. As a member of an Ancient Saint Clan, he knew better than anyone that even the smaller clans within the Great Wilderness Heaven looked down upon the lands outside, disdaining to set foot there, let alone actively helping them rise.

"I understand."

Ji Xuanshen said solemnly.

Ji Daoxin smiled in relief.

Several days later.

On the edge of the Great Wilderness Heaven, a young man sat on the back of a demon beast with fiery red fur, resembling a fire lion.

Gazing at the mountains in the distance, the young man whispered, "I'm back…"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 251: Attack on Youzhou

The demon Li Hao was seated upon was Candle Flame God, currently revealing its true form, but not entirely, as if in a state of partial manifestation.

After all, Candle Flame God's original body was hundreds of zhang long, and its every step would shake the earth and mountains, causing too much commotion.

Returning to his homeland, Li Hao felt a sense of long-lost familiarity. Although the Great Wilderness Heaven outside was vastly different from the inside, the energy that permeated the heavens and earth was noticeably diminished, thin and sparse, leading to it being called a barren land.

But it was this "barren" earthy scent, like something ingrained in his bones, the familiar aroma he had breathed since he was a child in this world.

It was comforting.

This comfort was not the kind one felt during cultivation, but it brought a sense of joy to his mind and body.

His thoughts soared over thousands of mountains, to the Heavenly Gate Pass, to the small, fenced courtyard, and the old man within, and the little girl who held a sword.

If he had the time, he could invite that gluttonous girl to join him for a barbecue.

Thinking of those moments of tranquil peace amidst the occasional snowfall, a slight smile touched Li Hao's lips.

He instructed Candle Flame God to continue forward.

Through the Heavenly Sphere Chart's properties, Li Hao saw that the number of markers he had left had decreased from 100 to 96, with only four war flags lost.

This was the total number of war flags he had left at the Heavenly Gate Pass. They might have been damaged by accident, but based on the number, he could roughly deduce that the Heavenly Gate Pass was likely safe.

Candle Flame God carried Li Hao, soaring through the air, as rivers, mountains, and lakes whizzed past below.

Seeing the vast canyons and lakes, Li Hao could sense the presence of demon figures within, and a slight itch arose in his heart. He memorized the locations, these were all excellent fishing spots.

When he returned, he could invite Old Wind to come and enjoy some leisurely fishing…

At this time, Xi Yan, transformed into a crimson wooden ring around Li Hao's wrist, also extended a crimson beard from the ring, like a silly tuft of hair, swaying in the wind, curiously observing the fresh sights of the outside of the Great Wilderness Heaven.

"Where are we going?"

"First, we'll see some old friends, then we'll take a look at this world."

"Oh."

Xi Yan's small crimson beard extended to Li Hao's arm, allowing her to see her surroundings more clearly.

Li Hao didn't stop her, letting the cool breeze caress his face.

"Straight ahead?"

Candle Flame God, carrying him, murmured.

"You don't recognize the way either?" Li Hao was surprised.

"I don't have any memories."

"You don't have any memories of the entire area outside of Liangzhou?"

"I don't have any memories of Liangzhou either."

"..."

Li Hao was slightly speechless. It seemed that Senior Yun Ge had truly wiped their memories clean.

If this Taixu Realm master were to encounter his old comrades, he might not even remember them.

"Do you have any memories of the Taixu Realm?"

"A little."

"How much is a little?"

"I only remember that there's a mountain there, with many small demons who fear me."

"..."

Li Hao nodded. He had heard that the Taixu Realm had been secluded for a thousand years. It seemed that the things imprinted over a thousand years still left some traces.

"Since you don't recognize the way, let's just go straight. If we encounter mountains, we'll cross them. We'll eventually return to Dayu," Li Hao said.

On his return journey, he encountered some demons. Occasionally, Xi Yan would sense rare and precious divine herbs and go to collect them, causing them to deviate from their original route.

When they tried to find their way back, they realized they were lost.

The Great Wilderness Heaven was filled with miasma, and the terrain was similar. Li Hao himself wasn't particularly sensitive to directions (he was a bit directionally challenged). Fortunately, he could use his Dao domain to break through the miasma, aim in a direction, and use the most straightforward method – a straight line – to eventually find his way out.

Now, he would have to use this honest old method again, continuing to travel in a straight line.

Once he entered Dayu, he could ask someone for directions and find out where he was.

After all, he had once seen the Nineteen States Surveying Map. It was classified information within the Divine General's Mansion. Only because the old man was so easygoing did he allow a child, a young boy, to browse through it.

However, although they were lost, the few days of travel were not entirely without gain.

Besides traveling, Li Hao would take in the power of heaven and earth during his rest periods to heal Candle Flame God and Yin Madam, helping them restore their cultivation. This naturally attracted the attention of many demons.

These were like mosquitoes attracted by the smell of blood. Li Hao naturally didn't miss them, killing them all and refining their demon blood using the True Demon Sacrifice Spirit Technique, then transferring it to Xi Yan.

These demon king's blood had little effect on Li Hao now.

His flesh had been refined to an unimaginable degree, seemingly reaching a bottleneck. Unless there was some kind of extreme, super-refining technique, it would be difficult to improve further.

Xi Yan's original body had the ability to absorb blood and convert it into nourishment. This innate ability hadn't been lost. With Li Hao's help and the rare and precious divine herbs they had collected along the way, Xi Yan's strength had also increased by leaps and bounds. Her cultivation, from the Blood Body's Dao Heart Realm, had already advanced to the Defying Fate Realm.

Furthermore, her body had become extremely tough, reaching the strength comparable to a five-forged divine weapon.

Among those of the same realm, even dragon flesh might not be as strong as hers.

The wind howled, and Candle Flame God carried Li Hao, galloping across tens of thousands of miles, flying over mountain peaks where demons resided.

These demons, sensing Candle Flame God's powerful demon king aura, were terrified and quickly bowed their heads.

Along the way, Li Hao, upon encountering any mountain peaks with traces of human presence, would casually crush them, killing the demons on them.

The other demons, those who preyed on demons or those who cultivated pure, natural energy and lived in seclusion, Li Hao ignored.

As they continued to advance, gradually, Li Hao began to see war flags and tattered armor hanging from tree branches on some of the mountain peaks along the way. He knew they were nearing Dayu.

Now, returning to the world, he had no sword in hand, and no longer needed one.

The heavens, the earth, the plants, and the trees, could all become the sharpest sword energy in his hand, cutting down everything.

"The Xia Family…"

Li Hao saw a tattered war flag on a mountain peak, the fluttering words on it catching his eye. His gaze shifted slightly. It seemed he had arrived in the territory guarded by the Xia Family.

Not long after, when he saw some scattered villages on the border, Li Hao immediately instructed Candle Flame God to use the demon's transformation technique, changing from its original fire lion, dragon tail form to an unremarkable horse with a mane.

Otherwise, riding a demon king into the territory would be too ostentatious, and he would instantly become a spectacle, attracting unwanted attention.

Then, under the cover of night, they descended to a deserted wasteland. Soon, a young man on horseback rode out from the wilderness, stepping onto the official road, galloping all the way to a town.

The town didn't even have a protective formation. Demons could infiltrate without anyone knowing. But Li Hao noticed that every household had hung some demon-suppressing talismans.

Li Hao glanced at them and found that they were all low-level demon-suppressing talismans. If ordinary demons approached, they would burn and turn into red light, tracking the demons.

But for powerful demons, they could blow them away with a single breath, rendering them useless.

The town was rather simple, but at night, it was brightly lit. He could hear the sounds of opera from the center of town, along with the banging of gongs and drums, a lively scene.

Children carrying lanterns chased and played, running towards the center of town.

Li Hao's divine sense swept over the area. He saw that besides the government office where cases were handled, there was also a dilapidated Demon Suppression Office with a broken signboard. However, the entrance to the Demon Suppression Office seemed to be a bustling market, with leftover vegetable scraps scattered on the ground.

This was perhaps what they meant by "small but complete."

The Demon Suppression Office was empty. Two or three Demon Suppression Office officials, their buttons undone, were quite in line with the simple and casual style of the town.

Li Hao smiled slightly. He took out a demon corpse he had hunted along the way from his Heavenly Sphere space and, under the cover of night, used his spiritual energy to deliver it to the storage room of this simple Demon Suppression Office. Then, from under the bed in a locked house, he found a silver chest and took out a few silver ingots.

It was a kind of bartering.

If they were to hand over the demon's head, they should receive a considerable reward.

As the silver ingots flew back into Li Hao's hand in the darkness, he found an empty alley and had Candle Flame God transform into a young man's appearance. However, unlike when he had chased Li Hao before, with flames engulfing his body and a majestic, awe-inspiring aura, he suppressed his energy and concealed his divine light.

But even so, Candle Flame God's stern face still gave off an aura of being extremely difficult to provoke.

Standing in this simple town, his unique temperament made him stand out.

Li Hao took him to an inn and asked the waiter to prepare two sets of clothes and book a room for them.

Currently, Li Hao's clothes were still the divine garments he had created with his power. He had only concealed their radiance, making them appear somewhat ordinary.

He planned to rest for the night, ask for directions, and then set off again for the Heavenly Gate Pass tomorrow.

"Sir, are you also going to Liyang City to provide reinforcements?"

The waiter was extremely polite, even somewhat respectful.

He could tell that Li Hao had an extraordinary aura, not related to his clothes, but purely from his eyes and presence.

Plus, Candle Flame God behind Li Hao, his eyes calm yet intimidating, making people hesitant to look directly at him.

Although Li Hao and Candle Flame God had deliberately toned down their presence, they were still quite noticeable.

"Liyang City?"

Li Hao's thoughts stirred, and he immediately understood that he was in the Xia Family's territory.

This was the Xia Family's headquarters, Youzhou.

It wasn't far from Liangzhou.

"Reinforcements for Liyang City? Are there demons attacking there?"

Li Hao asked in surprise.

The headquarters of the five Divine General's Mansions, the states they guarded, were generally the most stable and prosperous. They were heavily guarded, and demons didn't dare to invade.

"You don't know?"

The waiter was stunned for a moment, but still said kindly, "Sir, judging by your accent, you're not from Youzhou. If you're here to travel and enjoy the scenery, it's best to leave quickly. Youzhou hasn't been peaceful lately."

"Oh?"

Li Hao's eyes flickered. "Tell me more."

Soon, from the waiter, Li Hao learned about the recent situation in Youzhou. Liyang City was a dangerous pass in Youzhou, on the border front line, and had been frequently attacked by demons lately.

Besides Liyang City, several other cities on the border of Youzhou had also been attacked by demons, causing widespread panic.

This town was a distance from Liyang City. Previously, some young masters from prominent families had heard of the war in Youzhou and had come together to hunt demons, hoping to achieve merit and gain fame.

"It seems that the battle in Liangzhou was just an appetizer for these demons. Breaking with the Dayu Divine Dynasty, they intend to fight to the death, it seems,"

Li Hao frowned, sensing a brewing demon storm approaching the entire Dayu Divine Dynasty.

He then asked the waiter about the situation in Liangzhou.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 252: Watching a Play, Subduing Demons

"Liangzhou?"

The innkeeper, upon hearing Li Hao's question, didn't show any impatience. Instead, his eyes lit up, and he said with a smile,

"Sir, are you from Liangzhou? Then you must have seen the Heavenly Emperor's Young General, right?"

"Hm?"

Li Hao was surprised, saying, "You know about him too?"

"Oh, sir, how could we not know?"

The innkeeper couldn't help but chuckle, "Our Youzhou isn't far from Liangzhou. The Liangzhou turmoil a few months ago, those damned demons surrounding and attacking, it's spread throughout the various states. I heard that the old man from the Xia Clan's Divine General Manor in our Youzhou even went to provide reinforcements."

He spoke, looking at Li Hao with a curious and expectant expression:

"They say that the calamity was a full-scale demon invasion. Countless demons swarmed, demon kings flying all over the sky. It was dark as night, the land devoid of greenery, like locusts passing through, leaving nothing behind. Liangzhou was almost overrun. But then, a Heavenly Emperor's Young General appeared out of nowhere, suppressing all those demons. In the end, even a single banner could intimidate countless demons. Is that all true?"

"..."

Li Hao didn't expect that the events in Liangzhou had spread this far, even reaching the ears of an innkeeper in a small town in Youzhou.

But it was understandable, after all, several months had passed, and the news, however slow, would have spread widely.

"More or less, yes."

Li Hao asked, "What's the situation in Liangzhou now? Have the demons retreated? Are there still wars?"

"It's been peaceful for a long time now. No demon dares to go to Liangzhou anymore. They say the royal family sent troops to clean up and restore order. Forget demons, even a stray dog needs a tag to enter the city. They're being very strict there lately."

The innkeeper recounted what he had heard.

Li Hao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the ones who had stabilized the situation in Liangzhou were the Candlelight Divine Couple. The true power of the Dragon Gate and the Sacred Palace hadn't been deployed in Liangzhou.

And now, the greatest demon king who had attacked Liangzhou was standing behind him, having submitted to him.

Thinking of this, Li Hao didn't say anything more. He went to his room, changed into the simple clothes prepared by the innkeeper, and looked at the night outside. It was still early, and the town was filled with the sounds of gongs and drums.

Li Hao was in a good mood. He said to Xi Yan, "Let's take you out for a stroll."

"Okay!"

Xi Yan immediately became lively upon hearing this. Little Red Whisker coiled and rubbed against Li Hao's wrist, curiously transmitting through sound:

"Was that person talking about you, the Heavenly Emperor's Young General?"

"Mm."

"Is Young General a position? The Vast Wilderness Heaven doesn't seem to have such a title."

Xi Yan, staying in the Vast Wilderness Heaven, had only obtained information from those who had come to snatch the Dao Rhyme Blood Fruit. She only had a vague understanding of the Vast Wilderness Heaven and knew even less about the human race of the Great Yu Dynasty.

Li Hao smiled and patiently explained through sound transmission, while taking her and the Candlelight Divine out.

As for Madame Yin, she remained in Li Hao's Heavenly Space.

Earlier, when healing Madame Yin and infusing her with a large amount of natural energy, she had briefly merged with the Candlelight Divine, seemingly touching the threshold of the Dao Realm. She was currently in seclusion.

Under the night sky, Li Hao strolled leisurely through the countryside town.

Although the town was dilapidated, the aromas of various families' firewood and meals filled the air, a testament to the warmth of everyday life.

Cobblestone roads, old wooden stakes, a gentle stream flowing past countless homes.

Lanterns hung along the way, as if it was a festive occasion.

Following the sound of gongs and drums, Li Hao arrived at the center of the town. There was a stage there, with many people standing outside listening to the opera.

The front rows had tables and chairs, where some of the town's prominent merchants and gentry were seated, cracking melon seeds and drinking tea while enjoying the performance.

Xi Yan, like a curious child, kept asking Li Hao questions about everything, fascinated by it all.

The Candlelight Divine was like Li Hao's shadow, quiet and inseparable. Although his expression was cold, he was also observing everything around him, his eyes reflecting the human world's tapestry.

Children played outside the stage, fighting with paper sparrows, and the elderly occasionally clapped their hands in praise of the performance.

Li Hao walked forward, handed over a silver ingot, and sat down at a tea table, joining the audience in quietly listening to the opera.

In the nights of the Vast Wilderness Heaven, during brief rests, he could only gaze at the stars and moon, playing music to pass the time. Here, however, he could truly relax.

But soon, Li Hao's expression subtly changed. He didn't get up, but casually picked up the melon seeds on the table, lightly cracked a few, and threw the shells on the ground.

The melon seed shells, however, suddenly flew up in the night, as if a gentle breeze had stirred, whistling into the night sky above the town, then rushing towards a hillside several miles outside the town.

There, a group of demon figures were rushing towards the town under the night wind.

Staring at the thousands of lights in the town, the lively sounds of gongs and drums, and the laughter, they grinned cruelly.

But the leading demon had only uttered a single word when, suddenly, a melon seed shell, like a small black dot, descended from the sky, swiftly passing by.

Plop, plop, plop!

Driven by the power of manipulating objects, it quickly pierced through their bodies.

More than a dozen demons died instantly, without even seeing how they perished.

Only a single melon seed shell remained, beside the last demon's corpse.

Within the town, the opera continued. Outside the town, the moonlight was tranquil, concealing the bodies of the demons.

"Bravo."

Li Hao, upon hearing a particularly captivating part of the opera, joined the crowd in applauding.

When the opera ended and the audience dispersed, Li Hao followed the crowd, taking Xi Yan and the Candlelight Divine back to the inn to get a good night's sleep.

He hadn't had a proper, peaceful sleep since arriving from the Vast Wilderness Heaven.

The next morning, the sun rose, its rays illuminating the demon corpses outside the town. Someone, perhaps catching sight of them in the morning light, let out a terrified scream and fled into the town, rushing towards the Demon Subduing Office.

The dilapidated doors of the Demon Subduing Office were only slightly ajar. The two Demon Subduers, still in their sleepwear and with sleepy eyes, heard the news and rushed towards the hillside in confusion. Upon seeing the demon corpses, they were startled and dumbfounded.

News of the demon corpses outside the town quickly spread, causing some shock and fear among the townspeople. However, as soon as dawn broke, Li Hao asked the innkeeper about the direction of Liyang City and, with the Candlelight Divine, set off towards it.

Since he was already here, he might as well take a look. Liyang City was in trouble, and the Xia Clan, with its Divine General Manor, had provided reinforcements to Liangzhou. Li Hao couldn't simply ignore it and leave. After all, he was also human.

Following the official road forward, he passed through two cities. Upon entering, Li Hao silently covered Xi Yan with his Dao Domain, while the Candlelight Divine concealed his aura with his own Dao Domain. Although they didn't have a demon pass, they evaded detection by the city's formation.

The formation could only detect demons at the supreme level. Against demons at the Tranquil Peace Realm who possessed Dao Domains, it was completely useless.

Unless it was a major state's capital or an imperial city, they would have special divine weapons that could sense even Tranquil Peace Realm demons.

But these were rare. Ordinary cities could only rely on formations.

Those two cities were also heavily guarded. Clearly, demon attacks had occurred there as well, but not as severely as in Liyang City.

As Li Hao passed by, he also effortlessly eliminated dozens of demons lurking outside the cities.

For him, it was a matter of a single thought.

Liyang City.

A border city in the northwest of Youzhou, surrounded by towering mountain ranges, like a natural barrier. Thus, Liyang City became the greatest obstacle in this area.

It was also a vital route in the northwest of Youzhou. The Xia Clan had always stationed heavy troops here. Losing Liyang City was equivalent to losing the northwest border of Youzhou, which would lead to the loss of more than a dozen other cities.

At this moment, dozens of miles outside the city, numerous corpses were piled up: demons, Xia Clan soldiers, and tattered banners covering the bodies.

Inside the city's governor's mansion, in the council hall, three strategists and seven generals were gathered. Among them were several young Xia Clan generals, their faces flushed with anger.

"These damned beasts! They've cut off our supply lines, intending to starve us to death here!"

"They want to conquer us with minimal losses. These demons are getting smarter!"

"Should we send a request for help to the clan? There are two Immortal Realm demons among them, and who knows if there are any hidden ones. If it weren't for the formation, we would have already lost. There's no need to hold on."

"Request for help? The demons of Gluttonous Valley are waiting for us to ask for help. Once the clan sends reinforcements, they'll likely have laid an ambush halfway, intending to intercept them and use us as bait!"

"That's right. The situation at the clan isn't optimistic either. The Gluttonous Valley Master went on a rampage half a month ago. Now, no one knows where he's hiding."

"We are the ones guarding Liyang City. We can't rely on the clan for everything. We have to solve this ourselves. Or, should we emulate the Li Clan's Martial Duke of Yanbei and spread the word, asking various families to send reinforcements?"

"The situations are different. Yanbei wasn't defended by those families' armies. They were only a small part of the support."

"Small is still strength. It can at least make those families bleed a little. They only know how to hoard wealth, eat and drink, and exploit the people. When demons attack, they just pack up and hide in deeper places. They have no sense of responsibility. Now is the time for them to contribute!"

"It's difficult. We don't have that much time to mobilize. I have a suggestion."

"What is it?"

Everyone looked at one of the strategists.

The middle-aged strategist glanced around, his gaze lingering on the Xia Clan generals, and said in a low voice,

"Perhaps we should change our banner?"

"Change the banner?"

"That's right. You all know about the situation in Liangzhou, right? Perhaps we should send a select group, change their armor, and raise the banner of that Heavenly Emperor's Young General from Liangzhou, pretending to be reinforcements from the interior?"

Upon hearing the middle-aged strategist's words, everyone was stunned. The city guards of Liyang City's eyes lit up, thinking it was a good idea.

But the three young Xia Clan generals looked displeased. One of them was deep in thought, while another directly shouted in anger,

"Impossible! This is Youzhou, the Xia Clan's territory. We're not dead yet, and you want us to raise an outsider's banner?!"

The middle-aged strategist anticipated the objection, quickly saying, "These are extraordinary times. As long as we can save the people, as long as it's effective, it can save countless soldiers' lives. That's what truly matters."

"No!"

The young general roared, "In Youzhou, only one banner can be raised, and that's the Xia Clan's banner! This is our Xia Clan's base!"

"It's just a temporary measure..." The middle-aged strategist tried to persuade him further.

"What if raising that person's banner doesn't scare away the demons?"

Another person interrupted him, asking, "That person has disappeared for a long time. His banner has been studied by the demons for months. It won't have the same intimidating effect. People are using his banner to try and scare demons everywhere, and the demons have seen through it. The banner's intimidating power has diminished."

"As generals, we can't be like those foolish people, listening to those glorified legends and treating a teenager as a god. No matter how strong he is, he's been missing in the Nether River for so long. His banner has lost its intimidating power!"

"That's right."

The previous young general said, "Don't pin your hopes on outsiders. Let's think about how to lure one of those Immortal Realm demon kings out and try to use the formation order to send it into the formation. We'll then strike when it's vulnerable."

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged strategist sighed inwardly, knowing that these young Xia Clan members were too focused on the Xia Clan's honor, leading to their hasty rejection.

In fact, he believed it would have some effect. If they were lucky, they might even break through and bring hope.

As they continued their discussion, a sudden tremor shook the ground.

Everyone in the council hall was startled. Several generals rushed out.

They saw the formation outside Liyang City activate, golden runes flashing, while a middle-aged figure hovered in the air outside the city, swinging an arm like a scythe, striking the formation.

"Stop!"

A young Xia Clan general soared into the air, shouting angrily.

"I thought you were all asleep. Let me wake you up."

The middle-aged figure chuckled, not stopping. He continued to attack the formation a few more times, "Don't let your guard down. We'll attack anytime."

His arrogant demeanor made the young general's face turn red with anger. He knew the other side was trying to keep them on edge, preventing them from relaxing or resting.

They could adjust and adapt, but the large army within the city would inevitably become uneasy, lacking the physical and mental fortitude to withstand it.

"You've angered the Xia Clan. You Gluttonous Valley will pay the price sooner or later!"

The young general said angrily.

"Oh? What price? I'm right here. Come out and let me see?" The middle-aged figure sneered.

The other generals also flew over, telling the young general not to be impulsive. One old general stepped forward, his body radiating the aura of an Immortal Realm expert.

Seeing this, the middle-aged figure immediately stopped and retreated several hundred meters, coldly laughing, "I'll be back tomorrow."

With that, he was about to leave.

The old general, however, charged out, roaring, "This isn't a place where you can come and go as you please!"

He burst out of the formation, unleashing his power to attack.

The middle-aged figure retreated rapidly, and the two chased after him. But after chasing for over a thousand meters, the old general had to stop, his anger simmering. He saw a dense mass of demons ahead and knew that continuing the pursuit would lead to an ambush.

"Heh."

Seeing that his plan hadn't worked, the middle-aged figure didn't care. He chuckled, then signaled the demon army in the distance to retreat.

But at that moment, a figure on horseback appeared on the road in the distance.

The clear sound of hooves echoed on the road, approaching slowly.

"Hm?"

"There's still someone who's not afraid of death, daring to take this road. Are they also trying to slay demons and earn glory?"

The middle-aged figure saw the young man riding towards them and raised an eyebrow, but didn't pay much attention. These human noble sons were foolish, and many had already died here recently.

He turned to fly away, but after only a few hundred meters, he suddenly stopped.

He sensed that the demon tide that had been positioned on both sides of the road behind him was rapidly losing its aura.

He abruptly turned to look and saw a bizarre sight.

The young man rode his horse, his pace not hurried, but wherever his horse's hooves passed, the demon tide that had been preparing to attack him and devour him withered like a field of wheat, falling in swathes, losing their life force.

As the middle-aged figure turned to look, the young man also slightly raised his head and saw him.

The moment their eyes met, the middle-aged figure felt his heart contract violently. Then, an indescribable aura suddenly enveloped him.

Boom!

His body exploded in mid-air.

(End of Chapter)