Chapter 106 - 110: Battle with Li Qifeng. Disgracing the Heir. Identification. The Break. A Father and Son Clash, Heaven and Earth's Laws Manifest!
Chapter 106: Battle with Li Qifeng
"That's right, Mother. Rest assured, connections don't decide everything, or the Li family's True Dragon would have already been chosen by His Majesty."
Beside them, Li Qifeng spoke calmly, his expression indifferent as he glanced at the other youth before turning away. However, the imperial edict still stirred something within him, a twinge of resentment.
But the thought of obtaining the True Dragon, astonishing that emperor, and proving that he had misjudged—that was satisfying!
"Mhm."
Hearing her son's composed reply, Li Yueyong smiled gently.
At that moment, the elderly Madam Chen Hefang emerged. She had been listening to the entire conversation in the courtyard but had chosen to remain out of sight. Now, she greeted the guests with a smile and exchanged a few pleasantries before inviting everyone to continue their meal.
While the meal was secondary, Li Hao didn't hold back.
After all, he needed his energy for what was to come.
As he ate, Li Tiangang, Jian Wudao, and Chu Jiuyue engaged in lively conversation, discussing past events and marveling at Li Hao's talent.
Of course, when the topic turned to Li Hao, Jian Wudao had less to say. He didn't mention the time Li Hao had wanted to become his disciple, only to be refused. There was no need to bring up that embarrassment, especially in front of so many guests.
Although he didn't regret his decision—after all, Li Hao wasn't a sword enthusiast and had limited potential in that art—it was still something he kept to himself. His own disciples could understand, but others might not grasp the reason and instead think him foolish.
After Li Hao finished eating, he found an empty plate and filled it with delicious dishes, asking Ren Qianqian, who stood behind him, to take it to the little white fox hiding in the corner of the courtyard.
The little fox had sneaked over to join the festivities, but it dared not come too close. Ever since Li Tiangang's return, it had been hiding in Li Hao's room, no longer daring to play and run about in the courtyard, let alone cause mischief in the kitchens of other courtyards.
Li Hao could sense the fox's fear of his father, and it made him sigh. He knew the little creature was feeling wronged.
However, he would continue to cherish and spoil it all the same.
When everyone had mostly finished eating, Madam Chen Hefang reappeared, carrying the main event: the selection of the Li family's True Dragon.
The guests eagerly awaited this moment, their eyes shifting between the two youths.
A figure descended from the sky, his white hair billowing. It was Li Qingzheng, the elder of the Li family.
Upon seeing him, everyone present stood up involuntarily.
Even Jian Wudao's gaze turned solemn, though he remained seated.
Decades ago, Li Qingzheng had competed for the position of True Dragon but lost to Li Tiangang's father. Despite this, he was still an incredibly formidable opponent.
However, the years had changed him. The once bloodthirsty demon of the borderlands now seemed to have cultivated a gentle and refined temperament, his aura devoid of the killing intent it once held.
"Sister-in-law."
Li Qingzheng nodded slightly at Madam Chen Hefang, their eyes meeting briefly.
"All sons of the Li family, step forward."
Li Qingzheng turned and spoke.
Hearing this, Li Minguang, Li Sibei, and the others stood and moved forward.
Li Hao and Li Qifeng also stepped into the open space in the courtyard.
"Those willing to shoulder the burden of the Li family, to protect the people, step forward!"
Li Qingzheng declared once more.
In response, all eyes turned to the two figures as Li Minguang and the others remained still. Li Hao and Li Qifeng both took a step forward, their movements synchronized.
However, a slight commotion arose from behind them.
It was Li Rumeng, the daughter of the Eighth Uncle, Li Fenghua, taking a step forward as well.
"Rumeng, stop fooling around. Get back here!"
Eighth Uncle's reprimand made Li Rumeng pouted slightly, but she retreated.
Just that small step had drawn the attention of everyone present, their gazes heavy with pressure.
The minor disturbance was quickly smoothed over, and many who had been surprised by the girl's actions now chuckled and shook their heads upon realizing she was only at the Initial Fusion Stage.
The girl was around the same age as Li Hao, but her courage to step forward despite her low cultivation level seemed foolish to them.
Soon, as Li Hao and Li Qifeng stood firm, Li Qingzheng saw that no one else was going to step forward. "The rest of you may leave."
Li Minguang and the others turned and returned to their seats, their eyes fixed on their two cousins, eager to see what kind of strength these two possessed.
Cultivation level was one thing, but actual combat power was another. It depended on the foundation of one's cultivation, battle experience, and the level of one's martial arts cultivation.
For example, the Li family's Initial Fusion Stage cultivators could easily defeat those at the Seventh or Eighth Levels of the same stage!
"You two, are you sure about this?"
Li Qingzheng looked down at Li Hao and Li Qifeng, his gaze impartial, unlike the favor he usually showed Li Hao. "Once you become the True Dragon, you will dedicate your life to the family and place it above all else. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes."
Li Hao and Li Qifeng replied in unison.
Li Qingzheng nodded and smiled. "Good. Then we shall first test your temperament."
He turned to Li Hao. "I just heard the Emperor's edict praising you, so your temperament is beyond question. Li Qifeng, step forward."
As he spoke, he took out an incense burner. Just as he was about to do something, a figure stood up from the banquet—it was Lin Wuji, the Bodhisattva from Wuliang Mountain.
He recited a Buddhist mantra and said softly, "Elder Li, my Buddha has gifted Li Qifeng, the Vajra of the Universe and the Cosmos, a string of Buddhist beads. To receive such a gift from my Buddha shows that this young man has a pure heart and a benevolent nature. If he becomes the True Dragon of the Li family, he will surely be a righteous and compassionate general who will lead with virtue!"
Li Qingzheng frowned slightly, feeling uncomfortable with the interruption. However, he knew that the Buddha's face had to be given due respect.
However, if the True Dragon position were given to Li Qianfeng, a direct disciple of the Buddha, their relationship would ascend to a new level of closeness.
But.
This concerned the Li family's True Dragon.
In all considerations, the future of the Li family took precedence.
Connections and temperament were, in essence, just icing on the cake.
For instance, if both parties were evenly matched and their talents were comparable, then naturally, the one with superior temperament and connections would be chosen.
But if there was a vast disparity in talent, what use were connections alone? Would the Li family then rely solely on connections and become puppets? Therefore, giving face to the Buddha was not an issue, and if, in the end, Li Qianfeng fell short in comparison to Li Hao, then there would be no room for dispute.
With these thoughts in mind, Li Qingzheng put away the incense burner and smiled gently. "Since the Buddha has already examined my Li family's descendant, there's no need to waste more time. The temperament of my Li family's scions will certainly not be lacking."
Everyone remained silent, thinking that he had certainly seized the opportunity to boast.
Li Qingzheng smiled and then looked at the two young men in the center, saying, "Your ages and realms are similar. My Li family's True Dragon must be the best among your generation, unparalleled under the heavens."
"You two can decide how you wish to proceed, or I can make the arrangements."
Hearing his words, Li Qianfeng turned to look at Li Hao, his gaze cold but unwavering.
"Since our realms are the same, why don't we just spar directly and save ourselves the trouble?" Li Qianfeng suggested.
"That's a great idea," Li Hao replied with a smile.
"Decisive!"
A slight curve lifted Li Qianfeng's lips as he continued, "I'm four years older than you. When I was your age, I hadn't even cultivated to the Fifteen Li Realm yet. So, I'll seal one of my arms. What do you think?"
"That's fine with me," Li Hao nodded.
However, in reality, Li Qianfeng was at an advantage.
If Li Qianfeng lowered his realm to the level he had been at when he was fourteen years old, and he still hadn't reached the Fifteen Li Realm, then there would be no need for a spar at all.
The onlookers were aware that Li Qianfeng was gaining an advantage, but most of those who had come to support him remained silent, as expected.
On Li Tiangang's side, however, brows furrowed in concern.
Li Tiangang wanted to speak up and suggest an alternative, but since Li Hao had already agreed, he could only frown and sigh inwardly. His son was exceptionally talented, but perhaps a bit too arrogant.
For Li Qianfeng, a swordsman, sealing one arm made little difference; he could still fight with a single-handed sword.
Chu Jiuyue and Jian Wudao remained calm and expressionless, merely observing the proceedings. They were here to show their support, but regardless of which Li family member became the True Dragon, it wouldn't affect them much.
Even if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon in the future, he wouldn't dare to seek revenge against them. He would still treat them with courtesy and respect.
After all, who would willingly create a powerful enemy at the Fourth Establishment Realm for their family?
Seeing Li Hao's easy agreement, a smile curved Li Qianfeng's lips. He had expected as much—his opponent was young and proud, and with so many witnesses, he was likely to agree to the challenge.
But he would show him that the four extra years he had lived were not in vain.
In the crowd, Liu Yuerong and Lin Wuji both secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Li Hao's side had insisted on Li Qianfeng lowering his realm to the level he had been at when he was fourteen, there would have been a lengthy debate.
They had already prepared arguments for such a scenario.
For example, they could argue that although Li Qianfeng had been at the Divine Travel Realm when he was fourteen, he had spent time cultivating other techniques, thus delaying his progress.
Whether or not such arguments would be convincing was irrelevant; the point was to use them as leverage in the discussion.
After all, the guests weren't just here for the feast; they would also voice their opinions.
If the Li family's True Dragon didn't possess strength that surpassed all others, then connections and rhetoric would come into play.
But Li Hao's youthful arrogance had spared them the need for a verbal dispute.
This was for the best.
"Since you're both ready, then prepare yourselves," Li Qingzheng said, a bit surprised that Li Hao had agreed so readily. He had never seen Li Hao act arrogantly before, so he felt a bit taken aback, but since Li Hao had already agreed, he had no choice but to consent as well.
With a casual wave of his hand, Li Qingzheng enveloped the tables, chairs, and buildings in the courtyard with his power, indicating that he would no longer interfere, leaving the duel to the two young men.
"Draw your sword!"
Li Qianfeng's eyes turned icy as he issued a crisp command.
A crisp sword cry rang out, followed by a flash of silvery light that weaved through the banquet, emanating from the sword that had been sheathed by the woman who had been holding it for Li Qianfeng—Murong Qiulian.
Murong Qiulian's eyes sparkled with a brilliant light as she watched the graceful and proud young man standing in the courtyard.
This was the image of the man she envisioned as her husband.
Once again, the silhouette that had blocked her path in the demon forest reappeared in her mind.
At that moment, the sword was in Li Qianfeng's hand.
Li Qianfeng's gaze swept arrogantly across the crowd, landing briefly on Ren Qianqian, who stood not far from Li Hao, holding a black sword case in her arms.
This situation made Li Qianfeng feel somewhat uncomfortable.
The True Dragon competition was about to begin, and although he had obtained a top-notch technique, practicing it would take time, meaning it would offer him no short-term benefits.
But this famous sword was different.
Even if Li Hao's cultivation was limited and he couldn't bring out the sword's true power, its sharpness alone made it a formidable weapon.
If the swords were to clash directly during the duel, he would have to temporarily avoid the confrontation.
"Draw your sword!" Li Qianfeng called out, his voice resounding despite his internal misgivings about the renowned sword.
Li Hao noticed his opponent's gaze and the fleeting hint of gravity that passed through his eyes.
Li Hao smiled faintly. Want to use the Eternal Night? You're not worthy.
Without even glancing at Ren Qianqian, Li Hao turned and plucked a pair of chopsticks from the table behind him, the same ones he had been using to eat his meal.
Chapter 107: Disgracing the Heir (Back-chapter 120)
Upon witnessing Li Hao's actions, Li Qianfeng was stupefied.
Soon after, he widened his eyes slightly, as if in disbelief, and his entire body trembled with suppressed rage.
"What do you mean by this?"
"I'm using chopsticks so I don't hurt you with my sword," Li Hao replied with a smile, his heart filled with icy killing intent.
Hearing Li Hao's words, everyone in the courtyard was stunned, wondering if they had heard him correctly.
Facing a fellow Peak False Spirit Realm cultivator, a direct disciple of the Buddha himself, and an undisputed genius like Li Qianfeng, Li Hao intended to fight with nothing but a pair of chopsticks?
What did it mean to be young and reckless? They were witnessing it firsthand today!
This was beyond arrogance; it was sheer contempt and utter disdain.
Seated beside them, Li Tiangang's expression changed drastically, his eyes widening in shock and anger.
Earlier, he had attributed Li Hao's behavior to youthful arrogance, which he could somewhat understand given the lack of discipline and the astonishing cultivation base the boy had achieved at such a young age.
But now, it wasn't just arrogance; it was inflated ego taken to the extreme!
If it were a typical Peak False Spirit Realm cultivator, there might still be a chance of victory. But Li Qianfeng was a disciple of the Buddha himself!
Moreover, even if Li Hao truly possessed such skills, what then?
To be defeated by his own cousin using nothing but a pair of chopsticks would be an unimaginable blow to Li Qianfeng. It would crush his pride and possibly shatter his spirit, ruining his future prospects.
If that happened, how could Li Tiangang ever face his deceased older brother?
Seated nearby, Jian Wudao and Chu Jiuyue wore looks of astonishment. They never expected this talented young man to be so reckless.
To face a proud genius with nothing but a pair of chopsticks? Impossible!
Was he substituting chopsticks for a sword? Jian Wudao wondered. Judging from Li Hao's stance and the fact that the Li family had gifted him a famous sword, he was most likely a cultivator of the Sword Dao.
However, recalling the boy's eyes from years ago, he shook his head inwardly. When they had mentioned the Eternal Night Sword earlier, he had already felt displeased, thinking that the Li family was once again burying a precious sword.
This child would never amount to anything in the Sword Dao!
Unlike the shocked reactions of Li Tiangang, Jian Wudao, and Chu Jiuyue, Liu Yuerong and Knife Saint Jiang Haiping, among others, exhibited a mixture of surprise, anger, and a hint of delight.
Li Hao's outrageous behavior was akin to seeking his own death!
This thought echoed in the minds of most of the guests present. As expected, geniuses did have their fair share of genius-like flaws, and such flaws were often the cause of their downfall.
"You..."
Li Qianfeng glared at Li Hao, seeing past his gentle smile to the contempt lurking in his eyes.
"You will pay for this!" Li Qianfeng gritted his teeth, his words dripping with venom.
His aura surged, causing his robes to billow as he brandished his sword. With a low growl, he declared, "Take my sword strike!"
Li Hao stood calmly, the smile fading from his face, not even bothering with a mocking laugh.
The translucent sword qi slashed toward him, causing his clothes to flutter and his hair to dance.
With a casual flick of the chopsticks in his hand, he unleashed a burst of sword qi.
A loud bang reverberated as the two sword qis collided and canceled each other out, stirring up dust from the ground.
The tables, chairs, and the house were protected by Li Qingzheng's power, so there was no need to worry about any damage.
However, as the two young men began their battle, Li Qingzheng suddenly realized that he hadn't invited the ancestral spirits of the Li family's ancestral hall to temporarily lift the heart oath for the two combatants.
But soon, he came to his senses. Neither of them had inherited their souls from the ancestors of the Li family, so there was no need to worry about hurting each other and breaking their oaths.
"This kid..."
Li Qingzheng muttered, his eyes fixed on the scene before him. Initially, he had believed that Li Hao would surely win, but now, with Li Hao's overconfidence, he felt a twinge of nervousness.
The brief exchange had clearly been without the use of true energy, yet the two had somehow managed to match each other, surprising those around them.
"Hmm?"
Jian Wudao's eyes narrowed slightly. The sword qi that the boy had unleashed earlier had carried a hint of natural perfection.
Li Qianfeng's eyes turned cold, a hint of killing intent flashing in their depths. He, too, had been caught off guard by the other party's powerful control over his qi. At that moment, he held nothing back, pushing his aura to its peak, resembling a sword-wielding war god.
"Sword technique, Bright Moon, Ascend!"
Li Qianfeng unleashed his most powerful killing move, intending to crush Li Hao in one strike.
Terrifying sword intent condensed in his palm, and sharp sword qi extended outward, causing the surrounding guests to pale. They felt as if their throats were being slashed.
"It's the Li family's Boundless Sea Sword Technique!"
"He's actually comprehended the third layer at such a young age. What incredible sword talent!"
"Such a high level of sword talent. Only a master can withstand that strike!"
Everyone was stunned, their eyes grave.
Ran Qianqian stood outside the empty space, holding a sword box, her eyes shining. That sword move was so familiar! But... it seemed different from the one she had seen that day.
It seemed much simpler.
Li Hao's eyes turned cold and indifferent as he observed his opponent's sword technique. While it was indeed impressive to have reached the perfect level, it was still not enough.
He slowly raised the chopsticks in his hand.
In an instant, dazzling light bloomed from his fingertips.
Boundless Sea.
Bright Moon, Ascend!
A bright moon suddenly illuminated the entire courtyard.
And countless pairs of eyes along with it!
Even in broad daylight, the brilliance of that moon could not be obscured; it was dazzling to behold.
Jian Wudao, who had been lamenting the fact that such a talented swordsman had not joined his sect, suddenly found his eyes widening in shock.
The wrinkles at the edges of his eyelids seemed to stretch as his eyes widened in disbelief.
That was... the True Realm?!?!
Jian Wudao stood up abruptly, his composure forgotten as he stared at the young man in astonishment.
Aside from him, his four disciples, including Bian Xue, wore looks of shock, unable to believe what they were witnessing.
As cultivators of the Sword Dao themselves, they could not help but recognize the terror and brilliance of that strike.
Once again, the brilliance that had graced the city walls illuminated the heavens and the earth.
"What?"
Upon witnessing the bright moon, Liu Yuerong's mocking gaze froze, leaving her momentarily speechless.
Knife Saint Jiang Haiping, Bodhisattva Lin Wuji, and the others were equally astonished. They had not expected that aside from his cultivation, Li Hao's swordsmanship would be so remarkable, making him a once-in-a-millennium sword genius!
However, the one who felt the impact of this the most was Li Qianfeng. He was utterly shocked. For him to have reached the perfect level was already remarkable, and at this age, he had surpassed his third uncle.
But the young man before him...
Before Li Qianfeng could think further, the radiant full moon bore down on him, emanating from a single chopstick.
Li Qianfeng glared furiously, his eyes wide with rage. The immense humiliation he felt caused him to roar, his hair flying wildly as he shouted, "Break!"
The two identical sword techniques clashed, but the next moment, Li Qianfeng's body was sent flying backward. He crashed into a table of wine and dishes, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
His exquisite brocade robe, once pristine, was now torn and riddled with cracks. In just a brief collision, he had sustained numerous wounds.
And this was with Li Hao using only a pair of chopsticks. If he had used a sword, it wouldn't have just been these superficial cuts; instead, Li Qianfeng would have been drenched in blood!
Li Qianfeng climbed to his feet, his eyes fixed on Li Hao with a shocked expression.
Although his sword technique was inferior to Li Hao's, the disparity in their weapons was immense. Yet, his sword had failed to cut through Li Hao's chopsticks!
He could feel that during their brief clash, the force of Li Hao's chopsticks had diverted his sword, preventing a true head-on collision.
He had used the same technique against other Fifteen-Mile Realm cultivators, easily crushing them. But he had never expected to find himself in this situation.
Only by completely overwhelming his opponent with one's force could this be achieved!
But he cultivated the pinnacle of force-imbuing techniques!
To surpass him would require the royal clan's "Nine Heavens Rising Technique"!
Even so, the gap shouldn't have been this wide!
Under Li Qianfeng's gaze, Li Hao strode forward.
Li Qianfeng's pupils constricted, his heart filled with bitterness and humiliation. He had intended to suppress Li Hao with his own strength, but now he found himself in this predicament.
After all, he had cultivated for four more years!
His eyes narrowed with murderous intent, barely containing his fury. But inside, he was seething:
"Go die!!"
Suddenly, he channeled his power, focusing it in his chest.
A resonant hum filled the air, like the tolling of a great bell, as a surging power reverberated through his mind.
Immediately after, a terrifying force surged from his chest into his limbs, causing the blood and qi in his body to reach their peak. His power surged, and at the same time, the meridians in his body that had not yet been opened suddenly began to connect, one after another. Violent energy coursed through these meridians, temporarily filling them to capacity, even though they had just been opened.
In just an instant, Li Qianfeng's meridians increased from 58 to 82!
The Li family's meridian-opening technique allowed for 54 meridians, the Buddha's top-tier technique that he learned from Mount Wuliang enabled 58, and the royal clan's premier technique boasted 62.
Now, under the influence of this power, his meridians had forcibly expanded to 82!
That was 20 more than the royal clan's technique!
The increased power of these meridians gave him a sense of smoothness throughout his body, and he felt as if he could hear the faint whispers of the Buddha in his mind. His soul power also surged, and his mental clarity and soul force expanded rapidly, extending from 20 li to 30 li!
Even the royal clan would pale in comparison.
As his soul force increased, so too did his force-imbuing power.
Li Qianfeng felt his strength rapidly escalating, as if he could pluck stars from the sky.
His eyes narrowed, and he stood up, facing the young man directly. Then, he abruptly employed his body-moving technique, his figure becoming a blur as he rushed forward with the enhancement of his force-imbuing power, moving almost like a teleportation.
He would not give Li Hao any chance to react, nor would he allow others to intervene. He intended to disable Li Hao with a single sword strike!
The surging aura emanating from Li Qianfeng naturally drew the attention of countless onlookers, leaving them astonished and curious about this mysterious technique.
Li Qingzheng's expression shifted slightly, and he was about to act when Li Hao, who had been striding forward, suddenly accelerated.
But instead of fleeing, he rushed toward Li Qianfeng!
The two figures intersected almost instantly, moving too fast for anyone below the Fifteen-Mile Realm to clearly see; they could only make out a gray afterimage!
Li Qianfeng slashed at Li Hao, but the next moment, he felt a fierce tiger-like momentum from Li Hao, causing his pupils to constrict in alarm.
His sword struck the chopsticks but failed to connect properly.
The chopsticks aimed straight for his eye socket.
Li Qianfeng's other hand quickly swung in a palm strike, employing a Buddhist palm technique, a close-quarters combat skill that also provided benefits when facing weapons.
However, before he could even attempt to block, Li Hao's faster hand grabbed his, squeezing it.
It was like squeezing soft sponge.
With the power of 98 meridians, the circulation of 369 cycles of force, and the instant doubling effect of the Yin-Yang Dual Meridians, Li Qianfeng's hand was directly crushed, the bones and flesh turning into a bloody mess.
Before Li Qianfeng could even scream, Li Hao's chopsticks had already pierced his eyeball.
A loud bang reverberated.
Suddenly, a shocking force swept through the area.
But at the same time, an even more vast power descended, enveloping and protecting Li Hao.
A white figure flashed by—it was the Buddhist Bodhisattva, who appeared between Li Hao and Li Qianfeng, separating the two and carrying Li Qianfeng away to a distance of several dozen meters.
"What a ruthless move!"
Lin Wuji's eyes turned slightly cold as he glanced at Li Hao, then lowered his gaze to look at Li Qianfeng, whose eyeball had been pierced.
Chapter 108: Identification (End of Chapter) (Part 1)
"Lin Wujing!"
A furious shout rang out, followed by the appearance of Li Qingzheng, who seemed to have teleported, standing in front of Li Hao in a snow-white robe.
The usually gentle gaze now shot out cold sparks, causing the temperature in the entire courtyard to drop.
He did not address Lin Wujing by his Buddhist title of "Great Holy Sage Bodhisattva," but instead called out his birth name, which was extremely impolite!
Lin Wujing turned his head and looked at him indifferently:
"During the Li family's True Dragon competition, you actually tried to kill him. If I hadn't intervened in time, I'm afraid Vajra would be dead. Do you still blame me?"
These words made Li Qingzheng pause for a moment. He was angry because Lin Wujing had taken it upon himself to interfere in the Li family's True Dragon selection, but if he blamed him now, wouldn't it be admitting that he tacitly allowed Li Hao to kill Li Qianfeng?
Of course, that was not an option.
If Lin Wujing hadn't acted just now, he would have done the same.
With the cultivation of the Four Establishments Realm, even if he had only half an eye open, he could have blocked it in time.
"This is my Li family's True Dragon competition, and Hao'er knows his limits. I ask that you, Bodhisattva, also respect our family's affairs!"
In the end, Li Qingzheng still tried to save face with his words, and at the same time, he was speaking to the others, trying to absolve Li Hao.
In that moment just now, he could clearly see that Li Hao had intended to kill.
Having killed countless demons on the border, his perception of killing intent was extremely sharp.
However, apart from Li Hao, he also sensed that Li Qianfeng had the same killing intent!
The relationship between these two younger generations was not as peaceful as that of their other cousins, let alone compared to their fathers, the nine sons of the Li family, who had gotten along harmoniously.
Although they were all blood relatives, there was still a layer of distance between them.
Li Qingzheng couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This was not the first time such a thing had happened. In the Li family's thousand-year history, it was inevitable, and even the imperial family of that lineage had had bloody disputes, but they had all been covered up and suppressed.
It was precisely because of this that the Li family had the heart-testing exam, and "universal love" was the ancestral motto.
"Hmph!"
Lin Wujing knew that Li Qingzheng was being stubborn, but he coldly hmphed and said, "Qianfeng's eyeball needs to be treated immediately. Otherwise, if the injury affects his brain, I'm afraid he'll become a fool. Does your Li family still care or not?!"
"Qianfeng!"
When Liu Yuerong heard this, her face turned pale, and the once-beautiful lady of the Liu family could no longer maintain her fake smile. She hurried over, displaying her cultivation at the Fifteen Mile Realm.
Most of the Li family's daughters-in-law were of martial arts backgrounds and were rarely weak. Moreover, the Li family had countless precious medicines, so even with ordinary talent, they could still cultivate to the Fifteen Mile Realm.
Because below the Heavenly Man Sect Master Realm, one could rely on resources and bone talent to advance swiftly!
This was the acceleration effect brought about by the deep foundation of a large sect.
Liu Yuerong rushed to Lin Wujing and saw her son with chopsticks stuck in his eye sockets, blood flowing endlessly. Her heart ached, and tears fell from her eyes.
Her body trembled as she wanted to touch him but dared not. As if thinking of something, she suddenly turned her head and glared at Li Hao:
"You little bastard, he's your cousin, and you actually used such a heavy hand!"
There was only regret in Li Hao's eyes, as he had failed to kill his opponent directly.
Hearing her words, a sneer appeared on Li Hao's lips. Cousin? And you are my dear stepmother. But what have you ever done for me?
Up front, Chen Hefang's face turned pale as she witnessed the sudden turn of events. The Buddhist beads she had held for years of vegetarianism and chanting were almost crushed by her grip.
The pain of losing six children made her feel dizzy at the sight of blood among the younger generation, but she had presided over the Li family for many years, and soon regained her composure and spoke:
"The hour is late, and since the Li family's True Dragon has been decided, everyone is welcome to leave."
These words were polite, but everyone knew that the old lady did not want them to stay and witness the Li family's embarrassment.
This made many people secretly regretful, as the enmity hidden between the two young generations seemed to be quite interesting.
He Jianlan quickly stepped forward and arranged for the guests to be sent out of the mansion.
Li Tiangang's face was dark, but now was not the time for him to reprimand Li Hao. Holding back his anger, he personally saw Jian Wudao and Chu Jiuyue out of the courtyard.
The two of them also understood the Li family's current predicament and did not linger.
They were surprised by Li Hao's ruthless move, but not too shocked.
After all, there were always some grudges among the younger generation of aristocratic families that outsiders were not aware of.
Moreover, with the True Dragon competition at stake, tensions were high. The fact that the nine sons of the previous generation of the Li family had not erupted into bloody combat was mainly due to Li Jiulanger's outstanding talent and their close relationship as full brothers.
Compared to Li Hao's ruthlessness, they were more surprised by the formidable strength he had displayed in that brief moment.
It far surpassed what they had seen of a cultivator at the Fifteen Mile Realm.
The burst of mighty power that Li Qianfeng had displayed at the critical moment must have been either a secret technique or external force.
It was not surprising that his master was the Buddha Lord, and he had such a trump card, but they had not expected it to be crushed by Li Hao before it could even be fully revealed, and Li Qianfeng had almost been killed.
This generation's Li family's True Dragon was not to be underestimated!
"How is it possible that the boy's swordsmanship has reached such a level...?"
Before leaving, Jian Wudao glanced at the boy standing in the field, the shock in his heart had faded, but his eyes were filled with doubt.
Years ago, that child's eyes had shown no obsession with the sword, as if it were no different from a tree branch.
With such a mentality, how could he cultivate such a domineering and fierce sword intent?!
"Quick, save my son!"
As the courtyard dispersed, Liu Yuerong hurriedly spoke to Lin Wujing and the old lady.
Chen Hefang also knew that there was no time to lose, and quickly led the way, bringing Lin Wujing and Li Qianfeng to the back courtyard of Qinglian, while sending someone to call the family's divine doctor.
Liu Yuerong followed, and the other ladies-in-law also went with them, wanting to see how severe Li Qianfeng's injury was. The most important thing now was to save him.
After sending Jian Wudao and the others away, Li Tiangang returned to the courtyard.
He strode towards Li Hao, his eyes filled with anger.
There were no guests around, and Li Tiangang glared at Li Hao, "I haven't disciplined you, but you're too outrageous!"
Li Hao was about to tell him about the poison pill, but when he heard this, he asked, "Didn't you hear how that woman just addressed me?"
"You!"
Li Tiangang flew into a rage. Of course, he had heard, but he thought that the second wife was worried about Qianfeng's life and that her hatred had caused her to speak without thinking:
"I'll go see how Qianfeng is doing, and then I'll deal with you!"
After finishing speaking, he rushed off like the wind.
His own son had injured his cousin so badly, so he had to go and see. Otherwise, how could they continue as relatives?
Li Qingzheng was taken aback, looking at him with a puzzled expression.
Li Hao, however, did not elaborate. Instead, he turned and began walking towards the back courtyard of Qinglian, as it was time to reveal the truth about what had happened years ago.
Li Qingzheng watched Li Hao's retreating figure, his eyes narrowing slightly. Over the years, he had come to know Li Hao quite well, understanding his indifference towards fame and fortune. With the True Dragon competition, there was simply no reason for him to resort to such ruthless means.
What could be the reason behind his actions?
Li Qingzheng took a deep breath, intending to head to the back courtyard first to check on Li Qianfeng's injuries. With a flicker, his figure disappeared.
In the courtyard, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and the other third-generation members of the Li family stared at Li Hao in shock.
The turn of events had been too sudden, leaving them unable to process what had just happened.
Among the crowd, Li Yuanzhao stood there, his mouth agape, feeling a sense of strangeness emanating from the brother Hao whom he had always followed.
Suddenly, Li Mingguang's figure flashed, blocking Li Hao's path. "Where are you going?"
Li Mingguang's eyes were cold and sharp, his face filled with anger as he glared at Li Hao.
As the eldest brother among the third-generation cousins, he felt extremely shocked and furious at Li Hao's actions. Both he and Li Sibei had given up on vying for the True Dragon position because they valued their relationship with these two cousins. Now, seeing his brother's angry demeanor, Li Hao's emotions began to settle, and he did not feel any ill will towards him. Instead, his earlier actions had earned Li Hao's respect.
"I'm going to check on him." Li Hao replied with a smile.
"Don't pretend!" Li Mingguang snapped angrily. "You deliberately used excessive force!"
Li Hao's smile faded slightly as he looked at him and said, "Yes, I did it on purpose."
"You!" Li Mingguang was taken aback by Li Hao's candid admission, his pupils narrowing with rage as a terrifying Immortal aura emanated from his body.
However, he did not act, as attacking Li Hao would cause him to break his heart's oath.
"I thought you were a peerless genius, and I even saw a glimpse of Ninth Uncle's brilliance in you. I never expected you to have such a heart. No wonder His Majesty holds you in such high regard..." Li Mingguang gritted his teeth, his anger palpable.
"Do you think that now that you've secured the True Dragon position, you can act without restraint?" Li Sibei joined her brother, standing shoulder to shoulder with him as they glared coldly at Li Hao.
Li Hao glanced at them and remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I have my reasons. If you want to know, follow me to the back courtyard."
"What reason could you possibly have to harm your own kin?!" Li Mingguang demanded angrily.
"Maybe... maybe he really does have a reason?" Li Yuanzhao cautiously added, edging closer to the conversation.
Hearing the young boy's words, Li Hao turned to look at him, a warm feeling spreading through his heart. He offered Li Yuanzhao a smile.
Seeing Li Hao's smile, Li Yuanzhao felt the strangeness he had sensed earlier dissipate, and the familiar feeling returned.
His heart steadied, and he felt that he had probably guessed correctly. Encouraged, he opened his mouth to speak again, but Li Sibei cut him off. "You shut up. You're still young, so don't meddle in these matters!"
Li Yuanzhao opened his mouth slightly, unsure how to respond to his sister's rebuke.
Li Wushuang and Li Yun, along with their other siblings, also approached, their eyes filled with complex emotions as they regarded Li Hao.
Li Wushuang recalled the slap Li Hao had delivered to her backside the other day, and she felt a mix of shame, anger, and confusion.
Even though Li Hao had struck her hard that day, causing her to be unable to sit for the rest of it, she could sense that he had simply been teaching her a lesson without any murderous intent. It was completely different from what she witnessed today.
She had also wronged Li Hao, yet he had not shown any desire to harm her, indicating that he was not a bloodthirsty person.
Or perhaps, as Li Mingguang had suggested, Li Hao's victory over Li Qianfeng and his attainment of the True Dragon position had unleashed his violent nature, leading him to act without restraint?
Li Yun stood timidly beside his older sister, feeling intimidated by Li Hao. If it weren't for his sister's presence, he wouldn't have dared to come closer, as he already had a deep-seated fear of Li Hao. Now, that fear seemed to have intensified.
"Hmph, my mother was right. Your mother is from the Great Wilderness, and you inherited her savage nature. Like mother, like son!" Li Jiangying and Li Rumeng, the brother-sister duo, joined the group, looking at Li Hao with disdain.
Jealousy simmered within them as they thought about how Li Hao had secured the True Dragon position. Li Rumeng, in particular, felt that if her father hadn't stopped her earlier, she could have joined the competition and made things more interesting. Perhaps she could have even shown off her own abilities.
Hearing their words, Li Hao's eyes turned cold, and he fixed his gaze on them, latching onto the information they had just revealed. The Great Wilderness?
Wasn't his mother from a minor family? How could she be from the Great Wilderness? Growing up in the Li family and spending time with his Second Uncle, Fifth Uncle, and Feng Lao, Li Hao had access to a wealth of top-secret information that surpassed what these younger cousins knew.
And the Great Wilderness was not exactly a well-kept secret.
Beyond the East Huang Continent guarded by the Great Yu, in a world beyond the reach of humankind, where demons and monsters roamed, lay the Great Wilderness.
Rumor had it that the demons and monsters in the Great Wilderness were far more vicious and terrifying than those encountered by the Great Yu in their surroundings.
The demons and monsters that the Great Yu faced were merely the weaker races that had been driven to the outskirts, unable to survive in the depths of the Great Wilderness.
Deep within the Great Wilderness, ancient and formidable beasts roamed, striking fear into the hearts of even those at the Four Establishments Realm, who dared not venture there lightly.
To the people of this world, the Great Wilderness was akin to an uncharted sea in a pre-technology era—mysterious, dangerous, and boundless.
"You know about my mother?" Li Hao fixed his gaze on them.
Li Rumeng raised an eyebrow. "What, didn't your father tell you? Oh, I forgot, you and your father were never close, and he probably couldn't bring himself to talk about it... after all, she was a barbarian."
Slap!
Li Hao's hand lashed out, leaving five bright red palm prints on Li Rumeng's face. Blood trickled from her wounds, and one of her teeth flew out.
"Li Hao!!!"
Beside her, Li Jiangying snapped out of his daze, his eyes widening in fury as he saw his sister's injured face. His head seemed to glow with a soul shadow.
However, the soul he had inherited did not belong to an ancestor of the Li family but to an ancestor of the Wang family!
Therefore, attacking Li Hao would not cause him to break his heart's oath.
But as he prepared to lunge at Li Hao, driven by his anger, he found himself unable to move, his rage dissipating under Li Hao's icy gaze.
At this moment, there were no elder family members around to back them up, as they had all rushed to the back courtyard of Qinglian.
"You!"
Li Mingguang was caught off guard by Li Hao's sudden action, and the slap was faster than he could imagine, perhaps even faster than when Li Hao attacked Li Qianfeng earlier. He was so shocked that he didn't react in time.
But when he came back to his senses, his eyes turned red with anger:
"Do you really think I dare not make a move against you? If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have listened to my mother. As for the Li family's true dragon, I would have run for it too!"
At this moment, Li Hao had no mood to spare, and he said coldly, "If you want to compete, you have to be able to compete. Don't make it sound like you're letting me have it!"
Li Mingguang was taken aback, at a loss for words.
Li Hao's eyes were icy as he stared at Li Rumeng, "If you dare to insult my mother again, I will make you regret it for the rest of your life!"
Seeing Li Hao's terrifying gaze, Li Rumeng, who had always been spoiled and indulged, was also scared. She covered her face, feeling both angry and aggrieved.
However, Li Hao was too lazy to question her further, as she must have heard it from her mother, Wang. He could always ask his father about it later, and if Li Tiangang didn't tell him, he could always ask his Fifth Uncle or Feng Lao. One way or another, he would get to the bottom of it.
The previous story was most likely a lie.
Thinking of this, Li Hao's heart filled with anger. Why was it that he, as a son, was kept in the dark about his mother's origins, while outsiders seemed to know more?
His eyes turned cold as he started walking towards the Qinglian courtyard.
Even if they managed to heal Li Qianfeng, he would still bring up the matter of the poison pill and publicly disgrace him.
He wanted that second wife to witness firsthand how the son she had plotted against was utterly ruined!
Seeing the aura emanating from Li Hao, everyone's expressions changed, and no one dared to stop him.
They had come to question him, thinking that Li Hao would explain himself and show remorse. Who would have thought that he would call their bluff and stop pretending?
At this moment, they didn't know what else to say.
"Brother Hao..."
Bian Ruxue stood by the table, staring at the departing figure in bewilderment. She felt a sense of strangeness towards the boy she knew.
Whether it was Li Hao defying her master or his ruthless action at this moment, it was unlike the warm and gentle person she remembered.
That figure would never hold anything in his heart and always treated everyone with gentleness.
But why...
Watching Li Hao walk out of the courtyard, Ren Qianqian hurriedly followed with the black sword box in her arms.
The little girl's head was still muddled, unable to make sense of the situation. Everything that had happened was too abrupt, causing her heart to pound wildly.
But the black sword box in her hands reminded her of her role as Li Hao's sword attendant.
A sword attendant should never leave their master's side.
...
...
In the back courtyard of Qinglian.
The Li family's divine doctor had been summoned, an elderly man of the same generation as Li Qingzheng. He was a member of the side branch of the family and had ordinary talent in cultivation.
However, his lineage was that of a medical clan, and most of the offspring in his branch practiced medicine, passing down their knowledge from generation to generation. Despite being a member of the side branch, he held a high position within the Li family.
At this moment, everyone gathered around Li Qianfeng and the divine doctor.
Liu Yuerong anxiously clutched her handkerchief, her palms sweaty and her face dripping with nervous sweat. She dared not make a sound, but her eyes were filled with concern.
He Jianlan and the other wives stood by, their eyes filled with worry, but they, too, remained silent.
Finally, the tense treatment came to an end.
With Lin Wujing's assistance and the use of precious medicines from the Li family's treasury, the bleeding from the pierced left eye was stopped before it could affect the brain.
As for the recovery of the eyeball, it would require Li Qianfeng to cultivate to the Three Immortals realm before he could regenerate his nerves and restore his eyesight.
Although the treatment was dangerous, the outcome was favorable. Once the boy's eye was bandaged, everyone heaved a sigh of relief.
The divine doctor bowed and took his leave from Chen Hefang, not asking any further questions.
As the doctor was leaving, he happened to meet Li Hao, who had just arrived. Li Hao asked, "Is he healed?"
The old doctor, recognizing Li Hao as one of the direct descendants of the Li family, dared not be impolite, and smiled, "The wound has been temporarily stabilized, and the scab should form in a couple of days."
Li Hao nodded, knowing that the injury inflicted by the Buddha Lord's disciple was not severe, and with his talent, it wouldn't affect him much.
Even though he had lost an eyeball, which would hinder his vision, with his talent, it was highly likely that he would cultivate to the Three Immortals realm and eventually regenerate his eye.
Inside the courtyard.
After Li Qianfeng's wounds were treated, Liu Yuerong anxiously inquired about his well-being.
Does it hurt? Can you see clearly? Are there any other injuries? A mother's concern and love were evident in her every action and word.
Li Tiangang stood by, his face grim and his back feeling prickly.
Li Qianfeng's body had stabilized, but the temporary activation of the grand pulse earlier had taken a toll on him. He felt weak and his face was exceptionally pale.
He looked at his mother and said weakly, "Mother, I'm fine."
Hearing her son's words, Liu Yuerong's tears flowed uncontrollably, rolling down her cheeks in large drops.
But soon, she quickly dabbed them away with her handkerchief and turned to look at Li Tiangang.
"Li Tiangang!"
Liu Yuerong's face was filled with anger and grief. She no longer called him by the affectionate "Old Seven" or "Lord Marquis," but addressed him by his name, her voice filled with fury:
"Look at the son you've raised! You've really taught him well!"
"A wolf in sheep's clothing! All these years I've taken care of you, and this is how you repay me?! You're nothing but an ungrateful wretch!"
The angry words of the grieving mother echoed through the courtyard, leaving everyone speechless.
"Qianfeng has been on the mountain cultivating since he was six years old and has never returned to the estate. I was the one who visited him on the mountain. These cousins of his have only met for the first time, so where did this enmity come from? How could he be so ruthless?!"
"Is it all because of the true dragon seat? Li Tiangang, if you wanted it, I would have given it to your son. Why did you have to instigate him to harm my son like this?!"
Li Tiangang's face was dark, and he had no response to her accusations.
Although he had not instigated or taught Li Hao to do so.
However,
A father is responsible for the actions of his son!
He could not deny Li Hao's wrongdoing and could only shoulder the blame.
"Second Sister-in-law, I will give you and Second Brother an explanation!" Li Tiangang said in a low voice, his eyes filled with raging anger.
He Jianlan's face changed slightly, and she said, "Old Seven, Hao'er was just impulsive. Perhaps he lacked experience in dealing with enemies and used too much force. Please, be gentle with him..."
Liu Yuerong heard these words, and before He Jianlan could finish, she turned to her, tears glistening in her eyes:
"Big Sister, have I ever wronged you?
"Big Brother-in-law!"
At this moment, Li Tiangang spoke up, his eyes dark and ominous. "It's all my fault for not being by his side to discipline him, allowing him to receive such favor from all of you."
"You indulge him, shield him, and care for him, I understand!"
"But if you are unable to take action and discipline him, then I will!"
With that, he turned and strode out of the courtyard.
At this moment, Li Hao also entered the courtyard.
The gazes of father and son collided in this instant.
"Unfilial son!!"
Rage surged in Li Tiangang's eyes, and he bellowed, "Get over here and kneel! Bow to your Second Aunt and apologize!"
Li Hao raised his eyebrows slightly. Earlier, he had understood that Li Mingguang and the others had misinterpreted his actions, and he knew that the others were also waiting for an explanation from him.
That was the reason for his presence here.
However, he hadn't expected his father to be so furious.
"Just bring Second Aunt out, and while you're at it, ask Fifth Uncle, Grandmother, and the others to come out as well. Let them be witnesses," Li Hao said expressionlessly.
Seeing his son's attitude, Li Tiangang's angry expression softened slightly, thinking that his son was finally showing remorse.
There was no need for him to go inside to notify them, as everyone else had already arrived in the courtyard at this point.
Following behind Li Tiangang were Li Mingguang, Bian Ruxue, and the others, who stood behind Li Hao.
The courtyard was filled with the wives and legitimate children of the Li family.
The fifth uncle, Li Xuanli, and the eighth uncle, Li Fenghua, were also present, their eyes complex as they looked at Li Hao.
In Li Hao, they saw shadows of Li Junye, and this made them feel a sense of affinity towards him.
However, Li Junye would never have taken action against his own clan.
With everyone gathered, Li Hao looked at the mother and son pair. That second wife, who had always pretended to be kind and smiled at him insincerely, no longer bothered to hide her anger and hatred.
But at this moment, no one thought her anger and hatred were unwarranted.
Li Hao gave a cold smile and said, "Second Aunt, what you did all those years ago has come back to bite you today. How does it taste?"
Hearing this, Liu Yuerong's face filled with hatred and anger, and she was stunned for a moment, her heart trembling.
Everyone was taken aback and looked at Liu Yuerong.
Her face full of anger, she said, "I don't understand what you're talking about. Are you trying to shift the blame after hurting Qianfeng and harming your cousin?"
Li Hao was too lazy to continue this farce and coldly smiled, "When I was a year and a half old, you took me to your courtyard and fed me poison to disable my divine blood. How could I forget something like that?"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed slightly as they looked at Liu Yuerong.
Liu Yuerong's heart trembled, and she felt a chill run through her body. Especially under Li Hao's angry gaze, she felt her mind go blank.
She naturally remembered that incident and often thought about it at night.
However, how could this child know about it?
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
Despite the buzzing in her head, Liu Yuerong only appeared to be slightly dazed, and her sharp mind quickly recovered. She angrily retorted, "What does it have to do with me if you can't awaken your divine blood?"
Ever since Li Hao had revealed his cultivation, everyone had learned about his situation. Additionally, Li Tiangang had mentioned early on that Li Hao's body likely contained divine blood, and he had asked everyone to assist Li Hao in his cultivation journey.
However, when they inquired, Li Hao told them that he had not awakened his divine blood.
But most people's first reaction was to suspect Li Hao's mother, that woman from the Great Wilderness.
With her unusual bloodline, it was possible that when mixed with Li Tiangang's bloodline, it suppressed Li Hao's divine blood, preventing him from awakening it.
Furthermore, Li Hao's exceptional cultivation realm, far surpassing that of other top geniuses, could also be attributed to his mother's bloodline.
This was the most reasonable explanation in everyone's understanding.
"You sought out a secret medicine from Wuliang Mountain to disable my divine blood and pave the way for your son. You've been plotting this for over a decade, do you think no one knows?"
Li Hao looked at her coldly and sneered, "There's a saying that goes, 'If you don't want others to know, don't do it yourself.'"
Liu Yuerong's heart trembled, but she maintained her angry facade and quickly retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? How is my son's achievement of awakening his divine blood related to you?"
"Indeed."
At this moment, Lin Wujing spoke up, his voice cold. "Originally, this was your God General Manor's family matter, and I did not want to interfere. But since it concerns Wuliang Mountain, I have no choice but to say something."
"Wuliang Mountain does not have the kind of secret medicine you mentioned. Young Master Li, now that you have become the True Dragon of the Li family, even though you have not completed the inheritance ceremony, you must still take responsibility for your words!"
"Slandering Wuliang Mountain and the Buddha Lord is unacceptable, even for the God General Manor!"
Hearing his words, Li Hao burst into laughter.
"Well said, Wuliang Mountain! Well said, Bodhisattva! How much do you really know about Wuliang Mountain? Do you know every detail? Or perhaps, were you the one pulling the strings behind the scenes all those years ago?"
Lin Wujing's expression changed, and he glared at Li Hao with cold, sharp eyes.
"Indeed, indeed. As expected of the Li family's True Dragon, making baseless accusations without any evidence!"
Li Hao's smile faded, and he said, "Since I dared to speak up today, I naturally have a way to prove it."
He looked at Liu Yuerong and scoffed, "Second Aunt, do you think I was too young back then and wouldn't remember anything? But let me tell you, I remember everything!"
Hearing this, Liu Yuerong's expression changed.
Li Hao then turned to look at the other wives, his gaze sweeping across them one by one.
"I remember that when I was one year old, Ninth Aunt embroidered a pouch for me!"
"I remember that when I was one year old, I drank milk from Fifth Aunt!"
As he spoke, Li Wushuang and her two younger siblings looked at their mother in surprise.
Gao Qingqing was also stunned for a moment before her face turned crimson, and she glared at Li Hao angrily. At the same time, she was secretly shocked, wondering if Li Hao truly remembered what had happened when he was one year old.
They all knew that Li Hao was exceptionally bright, so this was not entirely impossible.
Li Hao continued, listing in detail the events that had occurred when he was one year old.
Hearing Li Hao's words, everyone in the courtyard looked at each other in dismay.
These incidents had happened a long time ago, and some of them had already forgotten the details. But as Li Hao spoke, they seemed to recall fragments of those memories.
This child actually remembered what had happened when he was just one year old!
Chapter 109: The Break (Part 220)
Everyone present had a deep impression of Li Hao's precociousness, but they never expected it to be so uncanny. If it weren't for their residence in the Divine General Mansion, where they were acutely sensitive to demons, monsters, and certain peculiar occurrences, they might have thought that Li Hao had undergone a demonic possession.
However, there were indeed some individuals born with extraordinary memory capabilities. Thus, amidst their astonishment, everyone turned their gazes toward Liu Yuerong.
At this moment, Liu Yuerong's heart felt as frozen as ice, and she trembled inwardly. She now understood that this monstrous child before her had clearly remembered everything from his previous life.
Yet, despite his clear recollection, he had always maintained a smile on his face throughout these years and responded to her concerned inquiries with an air of pure innocence.
Moreover, this child would occasionally bring her food, even though it didn't taste very good. Nonetheless, it seemed like a display of filial piety.
Were all of those acts pretenses?!
Liu Yuerong prided herself on her profound thoughts and insights, but she never imagined that this child, who grew up without parental guidance, could reach such a level of deception.
Monster! Fiend!
Although fear gripped Liu Yuerong's heart, she snapped back to her senses upon feeling the weight of everyone's gazes. She realized that she must not admit anything at this moment, or else Qian Feng's future would truly be ruined.
"Is this your evidence?!"
Liu Yuerong couldn't help but let out a cold laugh. "What a deep scheme. Your words are full of loopholes!"
She looked at everyone and said, "He could have easily learned about this by asking Zhao Bo from the Shanhe Court. It's not something unusual, and you call this evidence?"
She stared at Li Hao and said, "If you claim that I poisoned you back then, why didn't you report it to the First Madam? Why didn't you say anything back then?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone felt that her words made some sense.
If Li Hao had spoken those words when he was still a child and hadn't awakened his divine blood later on, they would have naturally believed him without a doubt.
But the current Li Hao... Even though he was still a teenager, he was no longer a child.
If he had been two or three years old, naturally innocent and naive, his words would have been highly credible. However, the current Li Hao was already a formidable youth capable of vying for the True Dragon! He now had the ability to lie and fabricate stories.
Seeing her quibbling, Li Hao coldly said, "Even if I had spoken up back then, who would have believed a child who hadn't started cultivating and hadn't reached the realm of awakening divine blood yet? You could have easily dismissed it as a child's careless talk, claiming that I was influenced by some servant, and then found a scapegoat among the servants."
"But without my parents by my side, if I had exposed this matter, you would have definitely tried to harm me again. How could I have guarded against that?!"
Liu Yuerong angrily said, "In the end, you have no evidence and are just making things up with your mouth!"
Indeed, Li Hao lacked conclusive evidence. After all, too many years had passed since the incident, and the other party had been cautious enough to ensure that no traces of the poison remained in his body when he had people examine it over the years.
There was no residue left at all!
The only thing he could rely on to prove his words was his memory.
But as Liu Yuerong pointed out, this matter was controversial. Li Hao had anticipated this and intended to deal with his son during the True Dragon competition, but he was stopped.
He Jianlan glanced at Li Hao and then at Liu Yuerong, and a cold light gradually appeared in her eyes.
Li Hao was like a child she had watched grow up, and although his performance and words today shocked her greatly, she still chose to believe in him.
The other madams had doubtful expressions on their faces. Without evidence, this matter relied solely on the arguments of both sides, and it was hard to determine who was right and who was wrong.
Moreover, if what Li Hao said was true, they felt a chill in their hearts when they thought about how Li Hao had been acting all these years. This child's thoughts were too profound!
Li Qingzheng's gaze remained fixed on Li Hao, and he suddenly understood. As someone who had played chess with Li Hao, he naturally believed Li Hao's words.
Chen Hefang had just emerged from seclusion and wasn't very aware of these matters. Although she had quietly observed some things over the years, her understanding was still superficial. Even He Jianlan, who had been managing the nine courts in her stead, was kept in the dark about this shocking secret.
Looking at the youth, her eyes were complicated. Perhaps it was a kind of bias, but the youth always carried a shadow of Jiulang, causing her heart to involuntarily lean towards him.
"You said that I ruined your divine blood. When your father sent a message from the border, everyone learned that he had stepped into the Three Immortals at the age of twenty-three!" Liu Yuerong said through gritted teeth. "Before that, who could have known about your father's situation and the possibility of you awakening divine blood?!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed slightly. Indeed, unless Liu Yuerong had known beforehand, it would depend on whether Li Tiangang had revealed anything to her.
In an instant, all eyes in the room turned to Li Tiangang.
Li Tiangang's face was gloomy, and anger flashed in his eyes. He naturally understood the meaning behind those gazes.
Even though the person before him was his son, he couldn't show any bias. Having managed the Ministry of Punishment for many years, he had always emphasized the importance of law and rules since he was young! Only with law could there be order, clarity, and continuity!
"Second Sister-in-law shouldn't have known about my situation," Li Tiangang said in a deep voice.
Hearing his words, Liu Yuerong breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It seems that you, Li Tiangang, still have some conscience. It looks like Qian Feng's injury might not have been instigated by you. Perhaps he came into contact with someone who made up these lies!"
However, Li Hao's face turned gloomy as he stared at his father.
"Do you really think you've never exposed yourself in front of her or anywhere else? I heard it with my own ears. How could it be fake?!"
Seeing Li Tiangang's silence, a look of disappointment that he couldn't hide flashed in Li Hao's eyes.
If others didn't believe him, he could understand, but for his father not to believe him and not even show any partiality was upsetting.
But soon, Li Hao laughed at himself inwardly.
After not seeing each other for fourteen years, where would any affection come from, besides their blood relation?
Partiality? Why should there be any partiality? Was he pinning his hopes on this blood relation?
"You're just spouting nonsense, using it as an excuse to kill Qian Feng. How ruthless!"
Liu Yuerong glared at the lonely and silent youth, her eyes cold. "Furthermore, even if we take a step back and say that this is a grudge between you and me, how could you be so heartless towards your cousin?!"
"Has Qian Feng ever wronged you?!"
Li Hao snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes turning icy cold as he stared at her. "Whether he knew about this or not, I don't care. Since he accepted your favor, he will suffer the consequences with you!"
"I only wanted to cripple him, but he was the one who had murderous intentions first!"
"Today, neither of you will leave this place alive!"
Seeing Li Hao's murderous aura, everyone's expressions changed slightly.
Liu Yuerong smiled coldly. "So, this is the son you raised, Li Tiangang. He's truly lawless and reckless. Are you just going to let him bully us, a widow and orphan, like this?"
"Back then, your second brother, Feng Ping, took a sword for you!"
"If it weren't for that sword, you would have died!"
Her eyes filled with resentment as she glared at Li Tiangang. "If your second brother hadn't taken that sword for you, he wouldn't have been injured, and he wouldn't have died later!"
Li Tiangang's body trembled, his pupils contracting slightly as his breathing became heavy.
"Your son has obtained the True Dragon, and now he's so arrogant and disrespectful. In the future, I'm afraid that instead of the demons killing everyone in the Li Mansion, he will be the one to slaughter them all!"
Liu Yuerong's words were like daggers, filled with hatred.
"That's right!"
Everyone remained silent, but suddenly, a crisp voice rang out from the crowd.
Li Fenghua looked up and saw that it was his daughter, Li Rumeng. He was about to scold her, but then he noticed the red fingerprints on her face and her tearful expression.
His face changed, and he asked, "Who hit you?"
Anger was already rising within him, as he doted on this daughter immensely.
Li Rumeng pointed at Li Hao, her face filled with anger. "It was him! He's so arrogant and domineering. I just couldn't stand it anymore and said a few things, and then he hit me!"
"If Brother Ming Guang and the others hadn't been there, he might have even killed me!"
"Brother Ming Guang and the others can testify to this."
Hearing Li Rumeng's words, everyone's expressions changed as they looked at Li Hao and Li Mingguang.
Li Mingguang was also taken aback. Although he was angry with Li Hao, he had been present when Li Hao slapped Li Rumeng. He knew that Li Rumeng had spoken out of turn, and while Li Hao had disciplined her, it didn't seem as severe as Li Rumeng made it out to be.
Facing the questioning gazes, Li Mingguang hesitated.
He Jianlan immediately asked, "Is that what happened? Why didn't you stop him if you were there?"
Li Mingguang lowered his head. "Li Hao did hit her, but it was too sudden, and I didn't expect it, so I didn't have time to react. But..."
Before he could finish, a crisp sound interrupted him, and a red palm print appeared on Li Hao's face!
Everyone in the courtyard was stunned as they looked at the person who had struck Li Hao—none other than Li Tiangang!
The slap was heavy, and despite Li Hao's physique, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he stumbled backward.
Li Hao's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the tall and sturdy man before him.
But what he saw was a pair of eyes filled with anger and authority.
"You're simply too lawless!"
Li Tiangang's anger surged. "You've been mixing with the wrong crowd and even disgraced yourself at the brothel. I don't know how you've been living these past years!"
"Everyone spoils and loves you because of my face, and no one dares to discipline you!"
"Today, I'll teach you a lesson myself!"
"I thought you had calmed down and mellowed out recently, but now that you've obtained the True Dragon, you think no one can control you?!"
As he spoke, he took another step towards Li Hao.
Li Qingzheng's expression changed, and he said, "Tiangang, we need to investigate this matter further and discuss it in detail. As for Rumeng's situation..."
"Uncle, don't interfere. This is our family matter," Li Tiangang said without turning back, his voice cold.
Li Qingzheng was taken aback.
"Uncle..." Bian Rushue ran over, her face filled with shock as she tried to plead for Li Hao.
At the same time, a white figure suddenly rushed out and stood in front of Li Hao, as if trying to protect him. It was the little white fox.
Fear was evident in its eyes, but it still stared at Li Tiangang, its fur standing on end as it bared its teeth.
"You good-for-nothing! Even a beast dares to act so lawlessly!"
Li Tiangang's anger surged, and he casually waved his hand, sending a force that struck the little white fox.
The little white fox let out a miserable cry as its body slammed into the courtyard wall, breaking through it and falling to the distant ground, its fate unknown.
Li Hao's pupils contracted to pinpricks, and he snapped back to his senses.
But the next moment, his mind exploded like thunder, and his eyes turned bright red.
"Li Tiangang!!!!"
The youth roared with fury, his eyes almost splitting open as he glared at the man.
An aura as vast as the ocean erupted from his body, like a tornado forming at his feet and sweeping away the dust around them.
Chapter 110: A Father and Son Clash, Heaven and Earth's Laws Manifest! (Retroactive Chapter 325)
Whoosh!
Li Hao's figure suddenly rushed out, heading towards the little white fox outside the wall.
His figure approached in an instant, like a rapidly speeding cannonball, but he stopped abruptly in front of the little fox as gently as a soft breeze.
Looking at the little white fox that was barely breathing, Li Hao crouched down, carefully picking it up with a pained expression on his face.
Over the years, the little white fox had kept him company day and night, and a bond had formed between master and pet.
Moreover, this little fox was also an orphan, all alone, a reflection of his own circumstances.
"Fifth Uncle!"
Li Hao suddenly looked at Li Qingzheng in the courtyard and said, "Quickly save Little Soft! Please save it!"
His voice carried both sadness and pleading.
Li Qingzheng's expression changed slightly. Over the years, Li Hao had kept him company during their chess games, and the little white fox often curled up in the boy's arms. They had become each other's companions.
Most of the servants in the courtyard were aware that aside from him and Old Second, the child didn't have many friends, and there was almost no one he could confide in.
He knew how important this little fox was to Li Hao.
Li Qingzheng's figure flickered, and he appeared beside Li Hao, releasing a vital force that enveloped the little white fox.
He took the fox from Li Hao and said, "I'll go find a divine physician!"
With that, he quickly stepped out, but as if he suddenly remembered something, he turned back before leaving and said to Li Hao, "Hao'er, don't be impulsive."
Li Hao heard these words and forced a bitter smile. He said to Fifth Uncle, "Thank you, Fifth Uncle, for saving me."
After he finished speaking, he actually knelt on the ground and kowtowed with a loud thump!
Li Qingzheng paused, as if sensing something. His eyes changed slightly, and he hurriedly said, "I'll go save this little guy first. His heart pulse isn't gone yet, so there's still hope!"
With that, he quickly disappeared from Li Hao's sight.
"Ridiculous!"
Seeing Li Hao's actions, Li Tiangang's eyes revealed even stronger anger. "It's just a mere demonic beast. So what if it dies? What's the big deal?"
"You value the life of a demon so much, yet you harm your brother and beat your sister. How laughable!"
Li Hao's body, kneeling on the ground, seemed to tremble slightly.
He slowly stood up, and the entire sky seemed to darken.
He turned his head, his eyes as if weeping blood as he stared at the towering man.
With that slap, the child in his heart who had been waiting for fourteen years was the one who had been slapped away, not the little white fox.
That slap had killed him!!
"Li! Tiangang!"
Li Hao's eyes were red with blood as he glared at him, emphasizing each word. "From this day forward, you and I no longer share a father-son bond!"
Li Tiangang was furious at these words: "Are you going to sever ties with your father over a mere beast?"
"Didn't you just say how I've been living these years?" Li Hao asked.
"It was her who accompanied me through those years!"
Li Hao's eyes blazed with anger as he continued, "In my heart, Little Soft is a hundred times more important than you!"
Hearing these words, Li Tiangang trembled with rage, and a fierce light burst from his eyes:
"Fine, fine, fine! It was my fault for not disciplining you these years!"
"It was my fault, Li Tiangang's fault!"
"It's my fault that the Li Family has raised such an unfilial and rebellious descendant. I have failed our ancestors!"
"I brought this calamity upon myself, and I will deal with it myself!"
Li Tiangang strode forward, heading towards Li Hao.
Chen Huafang's face changed, and she hurriedly said, "Tiangang, don't do anything reckless. Hao'er's actions may have some hidden reasons. Let's investigate clearly before making any decisions."
"Mother!"
Li Tiangang paused for a moment but didn't turn back. He said, "Many years ago, Second Brother entrusted them, orphans, to my care. It was Second Brother's dying wish that kept me alive until today."
"I have no way to repay him, but even if what Hao'er says is true, I will consider this life debt repaid!"
"However, Hao'er's temperament is unruly, and although I wanted to treat him well and make up for the past, he has disappointed me too much. I can no longer indulge him!"
After saying this, he once again started walking towards Li Hao.
"Tiangang!"
"Old Seventh!"
The others tried to persuade him.
However, upon hearing Li Tiangang's words, Li Hao burst into laughter:
"You consider this life debt repaid?!"
"How glibly you speak! But this damn life is mine! Who do you think you are to take it away and repay it?!"
"He was your brother, not mine! You have brothers, but I don't! I don't even have parents!"
"If you want to repay it, use your own life! No one can take my life away, no one!"
His eyes were red, his body was filled with surging energy, and his fists were clenched tightly.
Li Tiangang roared, "Shut up! I gave you your life! Without me, you wouldn't exist!"
"Then come and take it back!" Li Hao challenged, his eyes nearly splitting with fury as he faced this imposing figure.
All notions of father-son ties were thrown out of his mind. What did it matter what the world thought or said?
Boom!!
The entire ground of Qinglian Court trembled violently.
With terrifying power exceeding ten million jin, his grand meridians opened, and in this moment, violent energy erupted from his body without restraint. There was no longer any need for suppression or control! !
"Seeking death!"
Seeing Li Hao's momentum, Li Tiangang's eyes turned colder, and he suddenly raised his palm. A vast and mighty force pressed down on Li Hao, overwhelming like Mount Tai.
"Break it!"
Li Hao roared to the sky, his body surrounded by a rainbow-like aura. The Zhou Tian Yun Qi Fa (Whole Body Cloud Qi Technique)
spun wildly, and the energy within the grand meridians surged like raging rivers. Then, he threw a punch.
The vast power was instantly torn apart and scattered by the force of the punch.
Everyone immediately recognized this as the Half-step Invincible Fist, Li muxiu's ultimate technique!
Li Qianfeng, who was supporting Li Yueyong, also saw this and revealed a shocked and jealous look in his eyes.
Second Uncle, Second Uncle!
Why do the elders of the family favor Li Hao so much?
Li Tiangang also recognized the fist technique and immediately realized it was Second Uncle's style. He was so angry that he burst into laughter:
"You dare to be so arrogant because you rely on the favoritism of Second Uncle, Fifth Uncle, and the others. Today I will completely crush your arrogance!"
He attacked again, and a golden palm print resembling a brilliant sun rushed towards Li Hao.
Li Hao angrily threw a punch, and the Yin-Yang dual meridians burst forth, causing his physical strength to instantly increase to nearly 20 million jin.
As the fist swung, a sonic boom erupted in the air. With a loud bang, the fist collided with the golden palm print, causing the entire courtyard to tremble.
Seeing Li Hao counterattacking, Li Tiangang laughed angrily:
"Good, good, good!"
"You even dare to strike me!"
"Do you still intend to kill your brother and sever your father-son bond today, you ungrateful beast?!"
Li Tiangang's hair stood on end with fury, and he abruptly reached out to smash Li Hao's fist, intending to meet force with force and completely shatter this rebellious bone!
However, at the moment of contact, his expression changed drastically.
The boy's fist contained terrifying power beyond his imagination, surpassing even his understanding of the fifteen-li realm!
As the father and son's fists collided, the ground trembled violently. Li Tiangang's body leaned back slightly, and his feet retreated half a step!
On the other hand, Li Hao felt like he had slammed into a thick mountain, and the violent force surged back like a tsunami, causing the blood in his body to surge in the opposite direction.
A loud splat sounded as both father and son spat out a mouthful of blood almost simultaneously!
The fact that Li Hao was injured didn't surprise everyone, as Li Tiangang was, after all, a Triple Immortal.
But how was it possible that Li Tiangang was injured and spat blood?
Even a Grand Master couldn't harm him, let alone a fifteen-li realm cultivator.
The next moment, everyone suddenly realized the reason.
Li Tiangang had inherited the spirit of Li family's ancestral spirit!
Earlier, when Li Tiangang slapped Li Hao, Li Hao, as a direct descendant of the Li family, was within the protection of his heart oath. There was no doubt that Li Tiangang's action had broken the heart oath, incurring backlash!
That previous slap had injured both father and son!
However, Li Tiangang, in his anger, had suppressed the backlash of his heart oath injury, and because everything happened too quickly, others had overlooked it.
At this moment, Li Tiangang spitting blood was most likely due to the impact, causing him to be unable to suppress the heart oath injury he had just endured.
"Good, very good!"
Li Tiangang wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, but his eyes were cold with anger as he stared at Li Hao:
"So, this is your ability? Indeed, you have the capital to look down on your peers. No wonder you are so rampant!"
"Disobeying your brother and striking your father, today, no one can stop you. I want to see how capable you really are. Let this father of yours experience it!"
Li Hao also saw the blood that the other party had spat out, and his mind became slightly clearer for a moment, but then he felt like laughing even more.
He couldn't help but burst into laughter.
He had waited for fourteen years, thinking that he was waiting for someone who would stand up for him.
But what he got instead was a hard slap!
Moreover, the other party knew that the slap would break the heart oath, yet he still struck in anger!
He would rather injure himself than let Li Hao off the hook!
Is this what a father-son relationship is like?!
Is he, as a son, so unworthy?!
"Come on, aren't you going to take my life? Then come and try!"
After laughing, Li Hao stared at him with cold eyes, his gaze filled with ridicule.
"Thinking of turning the tables, I'm not dead yet!"
Li Tiangang flew into a rage, and suddenly, his whole body burst forth with energy. A dense and brilliant golden light emanated from his body, and a golden divine soul rushed out from the top of his head.
This divine soul was dazzling and fiery, like a majestic deity!
Clad in divine armor, his gaze swept across the six realms, as if he were invincible!
"What a powerful divine soul force!"
Lin Wuji, standing in the courtyard, had a solemn expression on his face. Indeed, he was a true dragon of the Li family from the previous generation.
Even though he was the second choice to succeed Li Jiulang, he was still formidable.
"Tiangang!"
Chen Hefang couldn't help but call out softly, her eyes filled with anxiety. She had just descended from the mountain, only to witness the tragic scene of her grandchildren turning against each other. She felt her heart tremble, fearing that something unforeseen might happen.
"Seventh Brother!"
Li Feng Hua couldn't help but speak up: "That's enough. Although Hao'er was wrong, punish him a little, that's all. Besides, you've already disciplined him."
As soon as she finished speaking, her daughter Li Rumeng pouted, her face full of displeasure.
And beside her, his wife, Wang Xiangru, gave him a cold glance.
"Don't interfere!"
Li Tiangang's voice was cold: "He's not yet the true dragon of the Li family, and he hasn't succeeded yet. If we don't punish him severely now, it will be too late!"
The brilliant golden divine soul stood tall, towering over ten zhang high, like a giant overlooking the courtyard below.
Li Hao looked up, laughing loudly:
"Come on!"
His whole body trembled as the fiery power in his head surged, and at this moment, he unleashed all his power, revealing his soul for the first time!
Behind him, the vast soul power condensed, transforming into a vast and brilliant light and shadow, and a majestic Dharma form slowly took shape!
This Dharma form had the same face as Li Hao, wearing a cyan robe identical to the one he was wearing at the moment.
However, compared to the majestic and stern warrior, the young Dharma form exuded an air of elegance and refinement, befitting someone who often played chess and painted.
However, the size of this Dharma form was extremely large, towering over a hundred zhang!
It seemed to be overlooking everything from the clouds, and the entire vast Qinglian Court appeared minuscule in comparison to this majestic Dharma form.
The boundless, thick, and vast aura, like the heavens and the earth, permeated the entire area.
Everyone's eyes widened in disbelief as they witnessed this spectacle.
Even the guests who had just left the God General Mansion and hadn't gone far stopped in their tracks, sensing the overwhelming auras emanating from within. Some ordered their carriages to stop and climbed onto the carriage to get a better view, while others paused on the street and turned back to gaze at the mansion.
Within the thousand-year-old God General Mansion, behind the tall walls, countless pairs of eyes gazed towards the mansion, but they could only see the luxurious mansions in the distance.
At this moment, they vaguely saw a huge golden light, as if it were a human shadow!
"What...what is that?"
Countless people were stunned, sensing the two overwhelming auras emanating from within.
Who dares to be so rampant within the God General Mansion?
"Is that...a Dharma form?!'
Sword Immortal Wu Dao, walking on the street with his four disciples, was planning to find an inn to stay for the night. They were waiting for Bian Ruxue to bid them farewell before returning to their mountain.
But at this moment, Sword Immortal Wu Dao stopped in his tracks.
He looked towards the God General Mansion, his sword-like gaze piercing through the high walls and layers of space, and he saw the gigantic figure.
The golden statue resembled that young boy?!
Sword Immortal Wu Dao's pupils contracted, and then he slowly widened his eyes, his body suddenly rising into the air above Qingzhou City, staring at the God General Mansion!
(End of Chapter)