Chapter 104: Could Emperor Yu's Chess Skills Really Be This Bad?
“An imperial edict from Emperor Yu?!”
The courtyard fell into complete silence as everyone turned to look in unison.
There, a noble young man sat composedly, while a young woman stood beside him, holding a large black sword case.
“?”
Hearing this announcement, Li Hao was slightly surprised. Emperor Yu?
At the same time, his tablemates, Li Tiangang, Jian Wudao, and several of their disciples, all turned to look at him with astonished and questioning expressions.
Regardless of the reason, Li Hao quickly stood up. He heard footsteps approaching as a group of figures entered the courtyard.
Flanking them were personal guards from the mansion, while in the center were several "top students" carrying the imperial edict.
“Who is Li Hao?”
A eunuch in a purple robe asked.
His gaze swept around the courtyard, unfazed by the many guests. However, when he saw the Sword Saint, the Bodhisattva, and other Fourth Pillar Realm experts, his eyes narrowed slightly.
At this moment, the initial silence in the courtyard gave way to whispered discussions. Many, upon recognizing the eunuch, were visibly startled.
This was none other than Eunuch Chu Jiuyue, a favored figure by Emperor Yu who had also served the previous emperor. A Fourth Pillar Realm expert himself, he was a powerful presence, even within the esteemed imperial court.
No one had expected that he would personally deliver the imperial edict.
In the past, imperial decrees for the five Divine General Mansions were often issued by this same Eunuch Chu, but typically for the older generation, such as Li Hao’s grandfather’s era.
Occasionally, during Li Tiangang’s generation, he would appear when extraordinary achievements warranted it.
Yet now, for a mere third-generation junior like Li Hao, Eunuch Chu had personally come to deliver the decree.
“Greetings, Eunuch Chu,” Li Hao quickly stepped forward and cupped his hands in salute.
Chu Jiuyue scrutinized the young man for a moment, then smiled and said, “Indeed, a dragon among men, truly a distinguished young gentleman. Earl Li, there’s no need for formalities. Please receive the edict.”
Upon hearing the mention of "Earl," many in the crowd suddenly realized something. This young man before them, besides his extraordinary cultivation talent, also held the noble title of Earl!
The brilliance of his innate talent had so overshadowed everything else that people had almost forgotten his noble rank.
Even this title alone surpassed half of the people present.
Understanding the implications of the eunuch's words, Li Hao straightened slightly and received the edict with a slight bow, befitting his rank as Earl.
Without this title, even as the son of the Marquis Xingwu, he would have had to kneel to accept the decree.
“...In gratitude for the Li family’s enduring contributions, and the Marquis Xingwu's exemplary guidance... In the past, the Li family’s ninth son, the Marquis Zhen Guo, led his iron cavalry to guard the borders and gave his life for the nation...”
“Now, it is fortunate that this son, with unparalleled talent in a millennium, possesses a heart that is sincere, upright, virtuous, and extraordinarily wise...”
“The Li family having such a son is a blessing for the people of Great Yu!”
The imperial edict was lengthy, and as Eunuch Chu recited it word by word, the entire courtyard remained utterly silent.
First, it praised Li Hao’s father, then mentioned the Li family’s true dragon of a generation, the Marquis Zhen Guo, who had made meritorious contributions decades ago. However, the primary focus of the praise was on Li Hao himself.
His talent was summed up with just the phrase “unparalleled in a millennium.”
Even without elaboration, everyone present knew how terrifying this young man’s talent was.
After all, many major forces kept meticulous records, and Li Hao’s cultivation speed, barring a few extraordinary circumstances, had already shattered previous records.
The main emphasis of the edict, however, was on Li Hao's character.
A total of six adjectives were used to describe it.
This alone demonstrated how much the Emperor of Great Yu appreciated him.
To receive such accolades was a rare honor, one granted to only a handful of individuals over the centuries.
“Li Hao, receive the decree!”
Chu Jiuyue said with a smile.
Li Hao quickly responded with a respectful acknowledgment, feeling both flattered and surprised. When had the emperor ever met him to warrant such glowing praise?
This was more than just backing him up—it was a declaration that, with such an edict, he wouldn’t even need to be tested on his character during the True Dragon Selection.
After all, if the emperor himself used six terms to praise his character, who in the Li family would dare claim otherwise?
Whose face would they be slapping?
Receiving the decree with both hands, Li Hao once again expressed his gratitude to the eunuch.
Chu Jiuyue smiled faintly and said, “Since I’m here, I might as well stay for a drink at the Li Mansion to share in Earl Li’s good fortune. Would you mind?”
“You honor us greatly; we would be delighted,” Li Hao replied with a smile, understanding that the eunuch intended to remain as a show of support.
Hearing this exchange, the guests in the courtyard snapped out of their initial shock. Many of them wore complex expressions.
Those seated on the opposite side, who had come to support Li Qianfeng, looked visibly uncomfortable. Besides members of the Liu family, the rest, who had hoped to curry favor with Li Qianfeng, now felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles.
When did these chairs start feeling so uncomfortable?
On the other side, Li Tiangang quickly stood up and approached with a smile. “Chief Steward Chu, the journey must have been arduous. Please, have a seat.”
He courteously invited Chu Jiuyue to the seat of honor.
Chu Jiuyue smiled and followed Li Hao back to their table.
Around the table, those originally seated rose respectfully upon seeing this trusted figure of Emperor Yu, a Fourth Pillar Realm powerhouse. Even the disciples of the Sword Saint stood up.
The Sword Saint himself remained seated, smiling slightly. “Chief Steward Chu, it’s been a long time.”
“Indeed, Sword Saint, you have an excellent eye for talent,” Chu Jiuyue replied with a smile.
The implication of his words was clear—he was referring to the Sword Saint’s presence in support of Li Hao.
Hearing this, Jian Wudao looked slightly embarrassed.
His visit to support Li Hao wasn’t due to the young man himself but rather because his disciple had begged him to come. He had a deep affection for Bian Ruxue, his youngest disciple, and upon receiving her letter stating her decision to choose the path of the Sword, he felt gratified and quickly agreed to descend the mountain for her sake.
When Chu Jiuyue took his seat, the others also sat down, but not before bowing respectfully. Even though Chu Jiuyue had the title of “top student,” no one dared to belittle him. His status was so high that even princes of the royal court addressed him as "Uncle Chu."
“Please, everyone, be seated. No need to stand on ceremony,” Chu Jiuyue said with a gentle wave, signaling them to relax.
At his side sat Li Hao, holding the imperial edict. He called for Qingzhi, a maid waiting outside, and instructed her to place the edict safely in the Shanhe Courtyard to prevent it from being damaged during the banquet.
Li Tiangang glanced at the imperial edict and couldn’t suppress his curiosity. He asked Chu Jiuyue, “Chief Steward Chu, may I ask when Emperor Yu met my son? Did he perhaps visit Qingzhou?”
This question piqued the curiosity of everyone present, and they all looked at the eunuch and Li Hao expectantly.
Li Hao himself was also curious. When had he ever met Emperor Yu?
Could it be… the old man he played chess with by the river that day was the emperor himself?
But that didn’t seem right. The Emperor Yu he had heard about was in the prime of his life, a figure as majestic as a mountain, with eyes that seemed to pierce the heavens. The old man by the river had been, well, just that—an old man.
Emperor Yu’s chess skills… surely they couldn’t be that bad, could they?
Chu Jiuyue noticed the curiosity in everyone’s eyes and chuckled inwardly. He had heard that Emperor Yu had recently left the imperial court, but he didn’t know the specifics of where the emperor had gone.
After all, Emperor Yu sometimes took him along on his outings, and sometimes he went alone. It wasn’t Chu Jiuyue’s place to inquire into his sovereign’s whereabouts.
However, since Emperor Yu had instructed him to deliver the edict personally, it was clear the emperor had indeed taken notice of Li Hao.
Still, such details were not something he could disclose. Revealing the emperor’s personal outings would only invite trouble.
“I am not privy to the specifics,” Chu Jiuyue replied with a smile. “Perhaps it was out of gratitude for the contributions of the Li family’s ancestors or admiration for Earl Li’s talent. Regardless, congratulations to Marquis Xingwu for having such a qilin child!”
Hearing this explanation, many guests found it plausible.
After all, the imperial edict had already praised the Li family and suggested Emperor Yu’s high expectations for Li Hao. Comparing him to the legendary Li Junye, it was as if the emperor was subtly expressing a hope that Li Hao would inherit Li Junye’s greatness and bring further glory to Great Yu.
Moreover, Li Hao’s reputation had spread far and wide in Qingzhou City. It was no surprise if word of his talent had reached the emperor’s ears. Sending someone to observe him was entirely reasonable.
“To have earned Emperor Yu’s recognition is my son’s great fortune. I must thank His Majesty for this honor,” Li Tiangang said earnestly.
Li Tiangang had long been troubled by his son’s temperament, but to his surprise, Li Hao had managed to win Emperor Yu’s favor. This filled him with both pride and relief.
Chu Jiuyue smiled and said no more.
Jian Wudao glanced at Li Hao, his brow slightly furrowed, but he remained silent.
His four disciples, however, wore complex expressions. With this imperial edict from Emperor Yu, even if their master had not come, it would have been more than enough to suppress Li Qianfeng’s influence.
After all, in terms of connections…
Who could possibly rival Emperor Yu?
Even the Boundless Buddhist Lord or the renowned Daoist of Qiandao Palace would have to bow their heads before the emperor.
What is an emperor?
He is the highest authority in the mortal realm!
Bian Ruxue’s gaze flickered as she looked at the young man seated calmly at the table, his demeanor gentle and warm as a spring breeze. Her eyes shimmered with emotion, as this moment felt strikingly similar to her childhood memories.
When others struggled to shine, he always stood out brilliantly.
Before long, three other Fourth Pillar Realm experts—the Bodhisattva from Boundless Mountain, the Blade Saint, and another—approached to greet Chu Jiuyue and exchange polite pleasantries.
Afterward, they returned to Li Qianfeng’s side.
Liu Yurong’s smile had become strained, her hand clenched tightly beneath the table, nearly drawing blood.
At this moment, only one thought filled her mind—regret.
She regretted not poisoning Li Hao outright with a lethal dose to kill him back then, rather than merely crippling his divine blood with a toxic pill.
Who could have foreseen that the child from back then would now be so radiant and extraordinary?
And this was him without the power of his divine blood!
If he were to awaken his divine blood, how much more dazzling would he become?
What she didn’t know was that the enhancement of physical strength from divine blood was almost negligible for someone like Li Hao, who had mastered numerous body-refining techniques.
“I didn’t expect Emperor Yu to issue an imperial edict. It seems our visit was in vain,” the Blade Saint Jiang Haiping sighed after downing a cup of wine.
One of the commanders of the Demon Subduing Division, Xiang Yuguang, remained outwardly calm, but his heart sank.
Coming here to support Li Qianfeng now seemed like a mistake.
For others like the Blade Saint or the Boundless Mountain Bodhisattva, who were ultimate martial artists, this could be dismissed as a misstep in social judgment.
But for him, an official serving the court, his position ultimately depended on the emperor.
He had unwittingly positioned himself against the emperor.
“Lady Liu, my apologies,” Xiang Yuguang said to Liu Yurong before standing. “I just remembered I have matters to attend to at home. Please, enjoy the feast.”
With that, he stood, made a brief cupped-hand salute to the others, and turned to leave.
As he departed, he glanced at Chu Jiuyue, Li Tiangang, and the others at the main table. He offered them a faint smile and a nod before swiftly exiting.
Liu Yurong forced a smile, but her eyes betrayed her barely contained fury.
Sensing her emotional turbulence, the Boundless Mountain Bodhisattva, Lin Wujing, smiled gently and said, “Lady Liu, there’s no need to worry. At this point, everything depends on Qianfeng’s destiny. I have faith in him.”
His tone remained serene, unaffected by the surrounding commotion, as if he were untouched by mortal concerns.
Liu Yurong glanced at him, thinking, It’s not your son’s future at stake. Of course, you can speak so lightly.
However, recalling the secret information he had shared with her, her heart eased somewhat.
While Li Hao’s cultivation speed was undoubtedly faster than her son’s...
The depth of one’s foundation at each realm was another matter entirely.