Chapter 410: Saints Descend, He is Unrivaled

The Divine General's Mansion was located in the most prosperous district of Qingzhou City.

Just a few li away, were the majestic peaks of the Tan Palace Academy.

At this moment, as the horse hooves entered the Divine General's Mansion, Li Ping'an leaped down. A young servant boy from behind the mansion gates hurriedly came forward to take the reins.

Li Ping'an returned to the Divine General's Mansion, removing his helmet and armor. After changing into his usual casual attire, he went to the Mountain and River Courtyard, where his parents resided, to pay his respects.

Walking into the Mountain and River Courtyard, Li Ping'an's gaze subconsciously drifted to the southeast corner of the courtyard. There was a wing-room there, looking quite old. The dust accumulated inside was personally cleaned by his mother's close maidservant, never allowing anyone else to approach.

Li Ping'an knew that this old wing-room was a forbidden zone for the Li family.

It was the place where his older brother, whom he had never met, once lived.

"Uncle Zhao."

Seeing the old man approaching, Li Ping'an nodded slightly, then awkwardly passed him, heading straight to the main house.

The house was empty, with only two maids guarding the door.

"Where is Mother?"

"Madam is in the vegetable garden behind the house. She knew you were returning today and said she wanted to cook you a meal with vegetables she grew herself."

One of the maids respectfully replied.

Hearing this, the cold sharpness in Li Ping'an's eyes softened instantly. Since his rebellious departure from home in his youth, when his parents finally found him, he saw his mother crying her eyes out. It was then he understood that he was equally important in his mother's heart.

After that incident, he matured considerably, and silently abided by family rules, no longer deliberately acting out to attract attention.

"Where is Father?"

He scanned the courtyard, sensing no presence of his father, Li Tiangang.

"The Duke has gone to the Qing Training Camp for troop training." Another maid respectfully answered.

Li Ping'an frowned slightly. This expedition to slay a Wendao realm demon, although not difficult for him, was ultimately an extremely dangerous matter. Now that he had returned in triumph, his father hadn't even come to inquire about his safety.

However, he was already used to this. Counting the time, today was indeed a training day at the Qing Training Camp.

He said nothing, putting his hands behind his back, and turned towards the vegetable garden behind the house.

From afar, he saw a woman dressed in a dark green zhongyi embroidered with gold, looking about thirty years old. Her skin was fair and beautiful, and she appeared gentle and elegant. She was squatting in the vegetable patch, sleeves rolled up, pulling out vegetables.

Li Ping'an walked over and said, "Mother, don't dirty your hands with such rough work."

Hearing this, Ji Qingqing turned her head. Seeing Li Ping'an, a gentle smile appeared in her eyes. She said, "You're back. It's just a bit of soil, it's not dirty. You, on the other hand, be careful not to soil the Divine General's golden-threaded uniform bestowed upon you by Emperor Yu."

Li Ping'an slightly shook his head and said, "These things can be left to the servants."

Ji Qingqing didn't argue with him further on this matter, and asked, "Did you just get back? Have you paid your respects to your Second and Fifth Uncles?"

Li Ping'an frowned slightly upon hearing her words, and shook his head, "I'll go later."

Seeing his expression, Ji Qingqing knew he held resentment in his heart and was unwilling to approach those two. She said, "Your Second and Fifth Uncles are the pillars of our Li family. They all love you dearly too. Don't hold grudges against them."

Li Ping'an's eyes showed a hint of displeasure, and he said indifferently, "Resentment is too strong a word. Their meritorious deeds are recorded in the ancestral hall. They are now enjoying their twilight years, it's not like they are being mistreated."

Ji Qingqing, seeing his expression, smiled wryly, "You say they treat you kindly and have never mistreated you, so why do you have such a big opinion of them?"

Hearing this, Li Ping'an's gaze slightly chilled. He fixed his eyes on his mother before him, but his expression softened a little, saying, "Although they have loved me since childhood, the way they look at me is just seeing the shadow of another person."

"I am Li Ping'an, and I hate that kind of look!"

Ji Qingqing's face changed slightly. Thinking of his previous runaway incident, she immediately stopped arguing. She smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this. Come on, the vegetables are picked. Mother will personally cook your favorite braised meat with green beans for you."

The coldness on Li Ping'an's face also vanished, and he nodded with a smile.

After returning to the courtyard, while his mother Ji Qingqing was busy in the small kitchen within the courtyard, Li Ping'an heard sounds of sparring. He walked towards the martial arts training ground elsewhere in the mansion.

Just as he left the courtyard, he encountered a stout, middle-aged man swaggering over, carrying a wine gourd.

The man saw him, his somewhat tipsy and dazed eyes widening slightly, and he laughed, "Oh, Ping'an, demon slaying over? Did His Majesty bestow any more good treasures this time? Brother is a little tight on cash lately, got any gold for an emergency?"

As he spoke, reeking of alcohol, he leaned closer.

Li Ping'an frowned, and coldly said, "Brother Yuanzhao, you've been drinking at brothels again? You are a Qingzhou general, holding the rank of First Grade. If you spend your days like this, it will inevitably cause gossip among the people of Qingzhou, fish and meat the common people, damaging the prestige of our Divine General's Mansion."

Hearing this, the middle-aged man laughed, draped his arm around Li Ping'an's shoulder, and said, "Even your father doesn't manage me, why are you lecturing me? You're really becoming more and more like your dad."

Li Ping'an's expression changed slightly. He pushed away the man's hand, and said with displeasure, "Li Yuanzhao, don't be presumptuous! You've violated family rules repeatedly. If not for the merits and titles you hold, don't force me to punish you in the ancestral hall!"

Hearing this, the middle-aged man's expression shifted. He glanced at him deeply, then shook his head and muttered "Boring," before swaying away.

Li Ping'an's face remained cold, watching his retreating back. After a long while, when the man was far away, he turned and left from the other side. Smelling the lingering wine fumes, he felt his mood becoming agitated.

Li Yuanzhao staggered to another courtyard, and seeing a woman in plain white robes sitting upright in the courtyard, a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Sister Wushuang, lend me some gold to spend."

The woman opened her eyes, glanced at him, and frowned, "Are you planning to waste your days like this?"

Li Yuanzhao shrugged slightly, and said nonchalantly, "You know, my wife's from the Xia family, she manages me strictly."

"So many years, and you're still just in the Juexue realm, without comprehending the Domain of Dao. Now, the demons in the Great Wilderness Central Continent are being chased everywhere by the number one expert of the human world, fleeing in all directions. Our Great Yu is not stable either, you should shoulder some responsibility too," Li Wushuang said in a deep voice.

Li Yuanzhao grinned slightly and laughed, "Having Ping'an is enough. Wendao realm demons are no match for him. Unless the Grand Duke Taisui of Central Continent comes personally. You know my aptitude, reaching this stage is already my limit."

Li Wushuang fixed her gaze on him, and said, "But he changed your fate."

Hearing these words, Li Yuanzhao suddenly fell silent. The drunken haze in his eyes seemed to disappear, replaced by a dark, fathomless depth, impossible to see into.

After a long moment, his expression returned to casual. He chuckled drunkenly and said, "If there's no gold, forget it then, Sister Wushuang. I'll go back first. My wife should have the washboard ready for me, haha."

Saying so, he turned to leave.

Suddenly, a gust of wind flew past, striking near his ear.

He raised his hand and caught it. It was a heavy bag.

As soon as he held it, he knew it was a bag of gold.

"Don't provoke Li Ping'an again in the future. He's not Li Hao, be careful he actually punishes you."

Li Wushuang's voice came from behind, tinged with a sigh.

Clearly, she had sensed the earlier events in the courtyard passage.

Li Yuanzhao's body trembled slightly, remaining silent for a long while. Then, he smiled and said, "I know."

…

In the evening, the Divine General's Mansion was extremely lively, with many distinguished guests arriving to offer congratulations.

For the Divine General's Mansion, Li Ping'an's expeditions and victories were commonplace, they were all used to it.

But other powerful families would not miss such a rare opportunity to curry favor. They all prepared generous gifts to come and offer congratulations.

The Divine General's Mansion was brightly lit, filled with lively activity.

At the banquet table in the main house, Li Ping'an sat beside his parents. He had eaten the braised meat with green beans his mother had cooked for him in the afternoon. Now, he had little appetite for the lavish dishes on the table, only tasting a few mouthfuls.

Beside him, Ji Qingqing also ate quietly.

On the other side sat a burly man with a square face, emanating natural authority.

Guests came from time to time to offer congratulations and toasts. The man raised his cup, only taking a small sip, his reactions rather cold.

"How were the prospects at today's Qing Training, any good seedlings?"

Compared to the other guests at the banquet who were discussing how Wendao realm demons were causing chaos on the borders and how terrifying they were, subtly highlighting Li Ping'an's divine prowess, the atmosphere at the main table with Li Ping'an's family seemed calmer.

Li Ping'an picked up a piece of vegetable, casually asking his father beside him.

Li Tiangang nodded slightly and said, "There are two decent seedlings. With proper training next year, they should be able to enter your 'Ping' character battalion."

"Then I will have to trouble Father to guide them."

Li Ping'an said politely.

Li Tiangang seemed to sense his mood, turned his head and asked, "Were you injured in the battle against that demon?"

Li Ping'an couldn't help but smile, was it too late to ask now?

"A Wendao realm demon is nothing worth mentioning." He said calmly.

Seeing him say this, Li Tiangang felt relieved, and said, "Indeed, you are also in the Wendao realm now, your words carry law, you are not far from the legendary saints. A Wendao realm demon is indeed no difficulty for you."

Hearing these words, although Li Ping'an maintained his composure, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

This taken-for-granted attitude, he didn't know if it was because the other party truly thought highly of him, or simply didn't care about the matter at all.

Ji Qingqing, with her sharp mind, immediately said, "Although Ping'an is also in the Wendao realm, demons who can cultivate to Wendao realm might have hidden cards. We must still be careful, otherwise it's easy to suffer a great loss."

Li Tiangang shook his head and said, "Ping'an has gathered all of Great Yu's cultivation resources, divine weapons, sharp blades, and divine armor. Emperor Yu even bestowed upon him the royal cultivation techniques. He is Great Yu's War God. Among those of the same realm, it's impossible for him to lose to a demon."

Ji Qingqing rolled her eyes at him, annoyed, but with so many people present, she didn't say anything else. She said to Li Ping'an, "Child, you must remember what Mother told you, be careful in everything."

Li Ping'an smiled at her and nodded, then stopped talking and lowered his head to eat.

Li Tiangang saw his wife's loving look, couldn't help but sigh, got up from his seat and said, "I'm full, I'll go rest first."

Having said that, he turned and left.

For these victory celebration banquets, whether for him or the Li family, they had long been accustomed to it.

Several days later.

Suddenly, an urgent report arrived from the Qingzhou border, delivered to the Divine General's Mansion in Qingzhou City.

This urgent report was delivered into Li Ping'an's hands as he was sitting in the courtyard, meditating and comprehending the Great Dao.

When he opened the urgent report, his previously calm expression suddenly changed, and he said, "Wendao realm demons? Three of them?"

At the border cities, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau of Yu had been researching for many years, and decades ago finally developed a kind of formation. Although it didn't have defensive capabilities, it could detect the realm of invading demons.

The materials consumed by this formation were extremely precious, so it was only used in the border areas of each province, with the highest detection level being Wendao realm demons.

Since its appearance, this formation had greatly reduced the casualties of border defense soldiers.

After all, being able to know the realm of demons in advance was convenient for mobilizing appropriate forces. Otherwise, if the opponent was a Sili realm demon, but mistakenly identified as a Sanbuxiu realm, the vanguard troops would likely suffer greatly.

These demons were naturally cunning, able to conceal their aura, feigning weakness to lure enemies, so as to hunt more soldiers and devour flesh.

But in front of the formation, even concealing their aura was useless.

The Wendao realm demon he had previously slain was only targeted because the formation detected its realm, and that was why he, the Great Yu War God, was dispatched to cross thousands of miles to conquer it. Otherwise, based on the scale of slaughter caused by that demon, according to the war plans from a hundred years ago, they would definitely not have directly deployed him for such a campaign.

"Could they be accomplices of the previous demon?"

Li Ping'an gripped the urgent report tightly, a trace of gloom appearing in his eyes. Three Wendao realm demons suddenly appearing at once was too unusual.

He knew that these demons also had their own networks.

"Go, report the situation to His Majesty."

Li Ping'an quickly walked out of the cultivation room, his steps paused slightly, then he said, "Also, go notify the Sword Immortal on Spirit Sword Mountain, and ask her to come and assist."

After saying this, he raised his hand and summoned the golden, gleaming divine helmet and weapon. Immediately, he issued orders to assemble his personal guards.

The news spread throughout the Divine General's Mansion, and everyone in each courtyard was shocked to learn of the aura of three Wendao realm demons.

Ji Qingqing hurriedly said, "Ping'an, this matter is sudden. Let the army explore the situation first, in case there are more lurking in the dark!"

"That's right, don't be reckless and show off. You can't fall," Li Tiangang also said in a deep voice.

Only at this moment did Li Ping'an see his importance in his father's eyes. He tugged at the corner of his mouth, and said calmly, "I know what I'm doing."

Having said that, he led his personal guards to battle.

"I'm going too."

"Tiangang, I'll leave the ancestral hall to you to guard."

Shortly after Li Ping'an left, two old figures stepped out. They were Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng.

They were dressed in plain clothes, but their expressions were extremely solemn.

The brothers exchanged a glance, and without another word, each returned to their own residences, taking out their weapons and armor that had been sealed away for many years, ready to return to the battlefield.

A hundred years had passed, and they had also entered the Wendao realm. With three Wendao realm demons invading, they couldn't sit idly by and let the younger generation face it alone.

At the same time, on the Qingzhou border.

Demonic clouds shrouded the sky, swallowing the clouds and clear blue sky, plunging the world into darkness.

Accompanied by violent ground tremors, a massive demon, as large as a hill, strode forward.

Its size was like a giant turtle, but covered in rocky protrusions, emitting a terrifying demonic aura. Its footsteps created huge craters in the ground. When it encountered cities along its path, its massive size dwarfed the city walls, immediately causing screams from the city's populace.

Li Ping'an was the first to arrive, horrified at the sight. He immediately brandished his sword and charged forward.

Behind this demon, another demon enveloped in lightning rushed out, attacking Li Ping'an.

At this moment, Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng, who had caught up, quickly took action, each engaging one demon, freeing up Li Ping'an to focus on slaying his target.

Amidst fierce fighting, the vast plains beyond the border were scarred with destruction. The border city was shattered by lightning, and countless defending soldiers perished.

Just as the three were locked in intense combat, suddenly, two terrifying auras emanated from the distant horizon.

Sensing those auras, the three in battle all changed their expressions, looking in shock.

The three demons became somewhat fearful, growling and roaring, trying to break free from the trio.

They saw the border city wall crumble, a three-headed dragon demon, trailing a poisonous green mist, flying towards them.

And further behind, in the more distant reaches, faintly, a light pierced through the air, striking the demon dragon's back, sending it crashing down.

"This is… the Dragon Emperor of the Central Continent Swamps?"

Li Ping'an was shocked to see this three-headed dragon demon, his hair standing on end.

He had roamed the Central Continent, wanting to surpass the shadow ahead of him, wanting to become the number one expert in the human world. But he had faced setbacks in the Central Continent, having seen the most monstrous talent in the human world, as well as many powerful demons. Among them was this Dragon Emperor.

This was an existence with one foot already into the Saint realm, only the female Sword Immortal Ren Qianqian might be able to fight against it.

Soon, Li Ping'an saw the person chasing the Dragon Emperor, a young man with hair flying in the wind. His eyes were piercing, carrying a shattered light, as if countless brilliant colors were gathered in his eyes. It was the legendary All-Heaven Divine Eye.

When he was wandering in the Central Continent, he had heard of this number one human expert's name and experiences.

This person was even more monstrous and terrifying than the shadow he was pursuing. He entered the Tianren realm at thirteen, and was already in the Wendao realm at twenty. By thirty, he had swept through the top sects of the major divine dynasties of the Central Continent, never tasting defeat, truly deserving of the title of number one expert in the human world.

He never expected this person would come here.

He suddenly realized that the Dragon Emperor and these three demons were likely being chased by this person, fleeing all the way here.

At this time, Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng also recognized the Dragon Emperor and the young man's identities, their expressions changing, but secretly relieved in their hearts.

The young man was named Human Taisui (Grand Duke Jupiter). He was, after all, human. With him here, the disasters of these few demons could be resolved.

Under their gaze, they saw the Taisui God wielding a divine sword, as if holding lightning, suddenly slashing out. The sword light was dazzling, as if cutting space itself, instantly severing two heads of the Dragon Emperor.

"Spare me…"

The Dragon Emperor was filled with grief and despair, trembling and wailing on the ground.

At this moment, its millennia-old demon emperor's威严 (wēiyán - authority and dignity) was completely gone, only pathetic begging remained.

But everyone knew that if given the chance, it would surely return even more brutal in the future.

As the sword light swept past, the Dragon Emperor's body was cleaved open. The power of destruction and annihilation lingered on its flesh, preventing it from regenerating.

Seeing this Dragon Emperor, renowned throughout the outer Central Continent, fall just like that, Li Ping'an and Li Muxiu were somewhat shocked. This was the first time they had witnessed the Taisui God's strength, truly the strongest in the human world.

At this moment, the Taisui God also glanced at these few people, his expression cold and unchanged, only slightly raising his hand. With three sword lights sweeping across, instantly spanning thousands of li.

The three fleeing Wendao realm demons were instantly overtaken by the sword qi, and killed on the spot.

A catastrophe that had just descended upon Qingzhou vanished just like that.

The intelligence regarding this catastrophe hadn't even been delivered to the imperial capital.

Li Ping'an felt somewhat dazed, but quickly composed himself. He stepped forward and said, "Thank you for your assistance. I am Li Ping'an of the Yu Dynasty, greetings to the Taisui God."

"Yu Dynasty…"

The Taisui God youth raised an eyebrow, sizing up Li Ping'an, seeming to understand something.

"Thank you for your timely assistance, honored guest. Would you be willing to grace our mansion with your presence for a brief stay, so we may properly express our gratitude?"

At this moment, Li Muxiu also walked over, cupping his fists respectfully and amicably.

The Taisui God youth frowned, about to refuse, when he suddenly sensed something and looked up at the distant sky.

Above Qingzhou City, suddenly a door appeared in the clouds, slowly opening.

This sudden anomaly quickly attracted the attention of some city residents. As exclamations of surprise sounded, more and more people noticed this scene, and the entire city was shocked as they looked up at the sky.

Legends from a hundred years ago resurfaced. Some elderly people excitedly said, "The Immortal Gate, it's the Immortal Gate!"

"The Immortal Gate has actually opened again. Could it be that Heavenly General is returning?"

Many people were shocked, not expecting the Immortal Gate to open above Qingzhou City. They were all excited, even fantasizing that they might be chosen by the immortals and taken to the Immortal Gate to cultivate.

Perhaps they appeared ordinary, but were actually one-in-a-million prodigies, just a pearl obscured by dust.

At the border, the Taisui God youth's eyes flickered, and without a word, he flew directly towards Qingzhou City.

Seeing his actions, Li Ping'an and Li Muxiu were somewhat stunned, and hurriedly followed.

As they got closer, they also sensed the anomaly over Qingzhou City, and were immediately shocked.

"That is, the Immortal Gate."

Li Muxiu saw the door in the clouds, shrouded in mist. He was stunned for a moment, then his body trembled, becoming extremely excited, bursting into full speed to rush over.

Li Qingzheng also saw it, his eyes shining with light, similarly speeding up.

Li Ping'an suddenly realized that these two old men's speed had suddenly surpassed his own. Hearing their excited voices, he felt a tremor in his heart.

Immortal Gate?

A hundred years ago, that radiant figure disappeared into the Immortal Gate.

Could it be, he had returned?

Li Ping'an's expression became extremely complex.

Towards that figure, he couldn't quite define his feelings. There was resentment, but he also longed to meet him. He wanted to see with his own eyes, whether that person was truly as perfect as everyone said.

The two old men beside him sped past him. He felt like he was also rushing forward, but his speed seemed to be getting slower and slower.

The dazzling Immortal Gate gradually became clearer in his vision. He seemed to vaguely see, a peerless figure standing before the door, overlooking the mortal world, overlooking everything, and also overlooking him.

That gaze was fiery, like a celestial god, impossible to look directly at.

But soon, he came back to his senses, realizing it was just an illusion.

When he approached Qingzhou City, he saw the Immortal Gate slowly opening, and then figure after figure emerged from within.

Those figures were like wisps of cloud, drifting out from the Immortal Gate, then appearing in the sky, surrounded by terrifying phenomena.

In the Divine General's Mansion, Li Tiangang and others also looked up at this scene, all shocked, but with a certain light in their eyes.

"This Immortal Gate isn't in the Imperial Capital, but appeared in Qingzhou. Could it be… could it be that he sensed Qingzhou was in danger?"

Within the mansion, He Jianlan, among the crowd, was emotionally moved.

In the city, in a certain brothel, a middle-aged man drinking was also suddenly stunned. The wine cup in his hand fell, and expensive fine wine spilled onto the carpet, but he didn't notice at all.

He stared blankly at the Immortal Gate, and then, his eyes gradually became wet and red, and his whole body trembled.

At the same time, in the Land of the Saints behind the Immortal Gate.

The figures of Source Ancestor and the other Saints remained unmoved, they only sent avatars to descend.

Now, ancient demons could descend upon the Land of Saints at any time. It was even less possible for them to go to the mortal world at this critical moment, losing incense power.

Only the Divine King stepped through the Immortal Gate. He had achieved sainthood through extreme Dao. Even if he went to the mortal world, the loss to him would be negligible.

Therefore, among the avatars of all the Saints, only his aura was the most terrifying and profound.

"This is Qingzhou. The location is correct. That's the Divine General's Mansion, the Li family."

The Saints' avatars stood in the void, overlooking the city below, as small as the palm of their hand. In front of them, the entire city could be smoothed out, leveled to the ground with a flick of their fingers.

"Let's go."

The Divine King took the lead to descend.

Source Ancestor's avatar followed closely behind. The other Saints also descended one after another, their auras restrained, and the phenomena around them gradually disappeared into the world.

"Look, immortals are walking out of the Immortal Gate!"

"Those immortals are all going to the Divine General's Mansion!"

"As expected of our Great Yu's number one Divine General's Mansion, even immortals and gods come to visit!"

In the city, many people were pleasantly surprised and excited. Some bold ones rushed towards the Divine General's Mansion, while most knelt in place, prostrating themselves towards the direction of the Divine General's Mansion.

At this moment, the Saints descended into the Divine General's Mansion.

The divine formation outside the mansion wasn't even activated in the face of the Saints' power.

"Esteemed Immortals…"

Li Tiangang stood in front of the crowd, looking at the man in crimson armor at the lead. He felt the heat waves emanating from the other party seemed capable of melting heaven and earth, giving him a heart-palpitating feeling.

He was also in the Wendao realm now, but the man before him gave him the feeling that with just a breath, he could be overthrown.

"Immortals?"

The Divine King raised an eyebrow at the other party's ignorant address. It seemed the Great Yu Dynasty was quite closed off regarding the matters of the Land of Saints.

"We are Saints of the Heavens."

The Divine King said calmly. The word 'immortal,' if it had existed only in legends in the past, he wouldn't have been so wary. But now, having been to the Ancient Road, knowing that true immortals and gods existed, he didn't dare casually accept this identity, feeling somewhat hesitant.

"Saints of the Heavens?"

These words caused a shocked gasp among everyone in the Divine General's Mansion.

They didn't know much about the Land of the Heavens, but they knew that Saints were the strongest in heaven and earth.

The Divine King felt a little amused at their shocked expressions. When they mistook them for immortals and gods earlier, they didn't react this strongly. Did they think immortals and gods were inferior to Saints?

At this moment, the Taisui God youth outside the Divine General's Mansion had arrived at full speed.

Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng also followed closely behind, with Li Ping'an lagging behind at the very end.

"Saints."

The Taisui God youth's expression was solemn, he bowed and saluted, but he felt a sense of familiarity with the Saints before him, a kind of innate kinship. But for some reason, another subconscious part of him rejected this kinship, as if excessive closeness would lead to something extremely terrible.

Seeing the Taisui God's respectful demeanor, Li Ping'an and Li Muxiu and others' expressions changed.

The number one expert in the human world who had just slaughtered demons like dogs, hadn't even given them a proper look, yet now he was so humble.

However, they all knew that even if the Taisui God was strong, he was only a half-saint, while those before them were true Saints.

At the same time, another rift appeared in the distance, and a figure quickly stepped out, holding a long sword. It was Ren Qianqian, rushing over from outside the imperial capital.

She had just received the news from the Eight Directions Order and immediately came at top speed.

She knew Li Hao definitely wouldn't want to see anything happen to the people of Qingzhou, after all, he often mentioned the food here to her, even the crispy cakes from a certain street stall were praised by him.

"Immortal Gate? Saints?"

Ren Qianqian saw the Immortal Gate above the Divine General's Mansion, and was momentarily stunned, not expecting to see such a scene as soon as she arrived.

Then, the fingers gripping her sword hilt suddenly tightened, her blood surging rapidly throughout her body. Uncontrollably, could it be, he had returned?

She sensed the Saintly auras that transcended the mortal realm, and her heart couldn't help but swell with excitement. These years had passed, had Li Hao become a Saint?

Although surprised, she quickly thought of Li Hao's talent, and felt this seemed normal.

Even she had entered the half-saint realm, it would be strange if he hadn't become a Saint.

Without pausing, Ren Qianqian also quickly arrived in front of the Divine General's Mansion.

"Indeed, we have come this time seeking your help."

Source Ancestor's avatar spoke, knowing that the Divine King was not good at soft words, so he stepped forward and said gently.

Hearing his words, the people of the Divine General's Mansion, still in shock, were once again dumbfounded.

Saints had descended, and yet said they needed their help?

Li Ping'an's gaze searched through the crowd, but he didn't see that figure.

A hundred years had passed, even if his appearance changed, it wouldn't be too drastic. Although he had never met his older brother, his image was already deeply etched in his mind.

After all, in any city he walked through, he could see statues of his older brother. His statues had become protective charms in cities throughout Great Yu, with the effect of suppressing demons and warding off evil.

Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng quickly searched through the crowd, similarly not seeing Li Hao's figure, and were stunned. Hearing these words now, their expressions became serious, faintly feeling that these Saints' arrival seemed to be related to Li Hao.

"What is it, Esteemed Saints? Please speak freely."

Li Tiangang quickly said, facing the Saints before him, even he, who had led armies and fought wars for many years, calm and collected, felt his thoughts in disarray.

"Now, the Great Tribulation of the Heavens has descended, ancient demons have invaded. We wish to request your help, and request Venerable Haotian to lend a hand and save the Heavens."

Source Ancestor said calmly.

These words caused a moment of silence in the Divine General's Mansion.

Everyone exchanged confused glances, not expecting the Saints' arrival to be because the Heavens within the Immortal Gate faced a great tribulation.

But, Venerable Haotian?

Hearing this title, everyone felt their hearts thump violently.

Li Ping'an, standing in mid-air outside the Divine General's Mansion, his pupils constricted, couldn't believe what he was seeing and hearing.

"This, Esteemed Saint, is the Venerable Haotian you just mentioned…?"

Li Tiangang's voice was trembling, suspecting he was overthinking things.

Ji Qingqing beside him had already covered her mouth, her eyes reddening.

Source Ancestor smiled and said, "It is Haotian, you are his relatives and friends. This calamity was caused by our carelessness. Venerable Haotian blames us, and is unwilling to act. We implore you to help persuade him, after all, this matter concerns the lives of all living beings in the entire Heavens, and will also affect the mortal world."

What he said was also the truth. Things had come to this point, he knew only by telling the truth, and showing a sincere attitude, could they possibly seek Li Hao's forgiveness.

As for whether he would lose face in front of these people, he didn't care at all.

Dragons didn't care about the gaze of snakes and insects.

Hearing Source Ancestor's words, everyone in the mansion was once again dumbfounded, speechless.

They doubted their ears, or whether they were seeing things wrong.

"What kind of tribulation is this? Could it be that no one in the Heavens besides him can solve it?"

Li Tiangang couldn't help but ask.

He even suspected that his previous understanding was wrong, that Saints were not the supreme beings in the Heavens, and there were even higher existences above them.

Hearing his words, Source Ancestor turned his head to glance at the Saints, then sighed softly, and said to him:

"Apart from him, indeed no one can solve it. We are already the strongest power in the Heavens. Even if we fight to the death to resist, it will be useless. Only he can make a difference."

The entire mansion was silent.

Ren Qianqian, standing outside the mansion, was somewhat taken aback and stunned to hear this, but her heartbeat kept accelerating, feeling excited, and also a familiar sensation.

The person she pursued was indeed still so radiant, dazzling to the point of making her repeatedly disbelieve it.

But this seemed to be the most familiar feeling.

Li Ping'an was stunned, feeling his brain buzzing with a loud noise, somewhat blank.

He struggled to understand the other party's words, but the meaning he gleaned seemed to only point to one thing.

The figure ahead of him, was the number one expert in the Heavens?

"This…"

Li Tiangang's mouth gaped slightly, unable to speak.

Source Ancestor was extremely patient, explaining the situation in detail. After everyone slowly adapted and came back to their senses, he suggested taking everyone to the Heavens together.

Faced with his proposal, Li Tiangang and others didn't know how to refuse.

Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng exchanged a glance, their brows furrowed. They faintly felt this matter was not so simple.

They knew that child too well. If the Heavens faced a great tribulation, he would never stand idly by.

He alone guarded the Heavenly Gate Pass. When Liangzhou was in trouble, he still斩妖万里 (zhǎn yāo wàn lǐ - slayed demons for ten thousand li), and in the end, regardless of his own danger, he drew the demons into the Moluo River, almost perishing.

That child's blood was always hot, never so cold and indifferent.

Li Tiangang couldn't find a reason to refuse Source Ancestor's proposal. Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng also agreed to go together.

Source Ancestor was naturally overjoyed, taking everyone in the entire Divine General's Mansion, including the maids and servants here.

As for the ancestral spirits of the Li family in the ancestral hall, he also moved the ancestral hall to his Saint domain.

As the entire Divine General's Mansion was emptied, Source Ancestor promised that if this matter was resolved, in the future, their Li family could freely travel back and forth between the Heavens and the mortal world.

Before leaving, Source Ancestor instructed the Taisui God youth to guard Great Yu. These words completely relieved the Li family's worries.

Hearing this instruction, the Taisui God youth was clearly unwilling, and said, "I want to go too!"

"Now, we will no longer stop you. After this matter is over, you can go over."

Source Ancestor said to him.

Hearing his guarantee, and with the endorsement of the Law Saint, the Taisui God youth's determination subsided, and he nodded in agreement.

Now, there was no point in stopping this first Saint infant from going to the Heavens. Previously, they wanted him to comprehend the sixth extreme realm in the mortal world. Now, the second Saint infant had comprehended it, but had brought great disaster to the Heavens.

Seeing the Taisui God only able to submit before the Saints, Li Ping'an's mood became even more complex.

"There are still some people, Saint Jiang, go and bring your descendants over."

Source Ancestor instructed a Saint avatar.

This Saint looked at Qingzhou and the mortal world, his expression carrying vicissitudes and complexity. Hearing Source Ancestor's words, he silently nodded, then disappeared from this place.

In the imperial capital of Great Yu Dynasty, in the back garden, an old man was playing chess alone. Suddenly, a wave of fluctuations appeared in the void.

The old man's expression changed, and he abruptly looked up, displaying his power.

But soon, he saw clearly the appearance of the figure that had appeared.

"You are… Ancestor, Ancestor?"

Emperor Yu was stunned, not expecting the suddenly appearing figure to be Ancestor Jiang.

Quickly, he reacted and hastily knelt down in worship.

Ancestor Jiang had long known about his descendant's deeds, and greatly admired and loved this outstanding descendant. He sighed softly to him:

"No need for formalities. You have painstakingly managed for many years, and were able to allow me to revive. Your contributions are immeasurable."

Emperor Yu was excited, and said, "As long as Ancestor can revive, and the Jiang family can recast Ancestor's glory, all sacrifices are worth it."

Ancestor Jiang said in a low voice, "I'll take you to a place. Come with me first, we can talk while we travel."

Emperor Yu was startled, looking at him in confusion.

Ancestor Jiang didn't explain, just enveloped his body, and flew towards Qingzhou.

On the way, he explained to Emperor Yu that he had been in closed-door cultivation after his revival, and had therefore not paid attention to the mortal world.

Emperor Yu was flattered to hear his explanation. Then, Ancestor Jiang began to talk about the matters of the Heavens. Emperor Yu listened, his face filled with shock, eventually falling into silence.

The Saints were well-prepared and quickly gathered everyone, returning to the Immortal Gate.

Passing through the Immortal Gate, Emperor Yu and the Li family all arrived in the Immortal Gate.

In addition to the Li family, there was also the head of the Xia family, Xia Linglong. She had met Li Hao several times and was also brought by the Saints to be a persuader.

"The Ji family of the Great Wilderness Heavens are having the Yin-Yang Saint invite them."

A Saint from the School of Names said.

Source Ancestor nodded slightly, and then led everyone on their way.

"This is the Land of the Heavens?"

"Such dense power, it feels like even without cultivation, this power is automatically gathering into my body, this is too exaggerated."

"Wouldn't everyone be able to become warriors here?"

Everyone, upon first arriving at this place, felt the extraordinary nature of the Land of the Heavens, and were incredibly surprised.

Li Muxiu, Ren Qianqian, and others followed in the crowd, carefully experiencing the Land of the Heavens all the way, while cautiously inquiring about the situation of the Heavens.

The Saints were counting on them to properly persuade Li Hao, so they were all amiable and polite to them, quite courteous.

Only the Divine King kept a cold face, looking unapproachable, and no one dared to actively talk to him.

"I heard Haotian was assassinated by a Saint. Esteemed Saints, may I ask if this is true? And how is that Saint now? That child was alone and helpless in the Heavens, how did he get through it?"

Emperor Yu knew more about the matters of the Heavens than the Li family. Some confidential matters hadn't been told to the Li family, but now he couldn't help but inquire.

Hearing his words, the Saints exchanged a glance. Source Ancestor didn't conceal anything, and said:

"That Saint has already been killed by Venerable Haotian. His rise in the Heavens was too fast. In just over ten years, he is already unrivaled…"

(End of chapter)