Chapter 117: Li Hao No Longer Exists in This World
Li Tiangang and the others had always believed that the assassination attempt on Li Hao had been resolved due to the covert protection of elders like Li Muxiu.
Who would have thought that Li Hao had handled the crisis entirely by himself?
But… he was only six years old?
Most children at the age of six were just starting their cultivation journey. Yet, Li Hao not only fended off the attack but effortlessly killed a Zhoutian Realm assassin?
It was well-known that assassins specialized in stealth and sudden strikes, capable of killing even those of the same cultivation level.
This meant that six-year-old Li Hao already possessed the power to face the Zhoutian Realm head-on!
But… six years old!
The group stared at Li Hao in a daze, their minds blank. Even though they had always regarded this child as an extraordinary talent, it seemed they had still grossly underestimated him.
His monstrous aptitude could make even the Holy Son of Qiandao Palace feel inadequate by comparison.
Li Tiangang fell into a brief silence. Although he disapproved of Li Hao’s personality, he had to admit that this child’s talent was unparalleled.
Suddenly, Li Fu remembered something and said to Li Hao, “Young Master Hao, when you went to carry out the mission in Cangyu City earlier, I was secretly protecting you. Those two Flood Dragon Great Demons along the way…”
“I killed them,” Li Hao said calmly.
Li Fu’s pupils contracted, and his heart trembled in shock. During his return, he had even gone to Piaoxue Academy to thank Gao Qingqing. Her puzzled expression had left him confused, but now the answer was clear.
He had thought he was protecting Li Hao, but in truth, it was Li Hao who had protected him!
Li Fu felt a pang of guilt and shame. He should have realized sooner. Li Hao had exposed his Fifteen-Li cultivation during the events in Cangyu City and singlehandedly eliminated a group of demons. Why would he have needed anyone else’s assistance to deal with two Great Demons?
“Is this true?” Li Tiangang frowned, turning to Li Fu.
Li Fu quickly recounted the incident in detail. Li Tiangang’s eyes glinted coldly. “Those demons were desperate. At the time, even the Sacred Palace had decided to withdraw, yet they still attempted a last-ditch attack. Utterly laughable!”
“So, Brother Hao went to slay those Great Demons at that time,” Li Yuanzhao recalled the scene at the tea stall, his expression blank.
They had been leisurely drinking tea and eating snacks while Li Hao had gone off to slay two Flood Dragons in complete silence.
Zhao Bo looked on with a complicated expression. “This means that if the young master hadn’t been exceptionally fortunate and strong enough, these assassination attempts… would have already claimed his life.”
At Zhao Bo’s remark, Li Fu’s expression turned grim, and Li Tiangang’s face grew darker.
Sending a mighty general like Li Fu, who was at the Spiritual Wandering Realm, should have been more than enough to ensure safety in ordinary circumstances.
Who would have thought the demon race would be so utterly deranged?
To assassinate a six-year-old child, they sent a Zhoutian Realm assassin instead of one at the Tongli Realm, leaving no room for error.
And then, they dispatched two Flood Dragons for another assassination attempt, ensuring near-certain success.
Yet, Li Hao had resolved both crises on his own.
...
Li Tiangang took a deep breath and said to Li Hao, “It’s true that the protection provided to you was inadequate. I didn’t anticipate the demon race would be so ruthless. I thought that as long as you were within the Divine General Mansion, under the watch of personal guards, surrounded by the care of other madams, and shielded by the mansion’s protective arrays, there was no way for demons to approach. I never imagined they would come so close to taking your life.”
Li Hao’s expression remained calm. “It wasn’t close. It was certain death.”
Li Tiangang’s brows shot up, and his tone turned angry. “Are you blaming me? What do you mean by ‘certain death’? Didn’t you survive?”
“Watch your tone!”
Li Muxiu couldn’t help but scold him. “How dare you speak like that? Are you cursing Hao’er to die?!”
Although Li Hao had kept his emotions steady, hearing these words made him look up at Li Muxiu.
When he saw the elder’s furious face, an inexplicable sense of weariness swept over him. He said indifferently:
“My survival has nothing to do with you. I lived because of my good fortune and my strength.”
If he hadn’t transmigrated, if he hadn’t had the support of the system panel, Li Hao knew he would undoubtedly have died.
While the system’s limitations had hindered his normal cultivation, they hadn’t slowed his progress.
Years of diligently grinding experience and using the system panel had accelerated his improvement significantly.
By normal Li family standards, even the least talented direct descendant could rely on resources to reach a Ninth-Class Battle Body.
And for someone as talented as his Ninth Uncle, Li Junye, said to be the family’s greatest prodigy in a millennium...
What of it?
Even Li Junye had only begun his cultivation journey at six and couldn’t have faced the Zhoutian Realm at that age!
Faced with Li Muxiu’s outburst, Li Tiangang suppressed his anger and said coldly:
“You think your strength alone resolved everything? Ridiculous!”
“You’ve kept your cultivation progress hidden from even me. Who taught you these skills?”
His eyes didn’t turn to Li Muxiu, but his words were clearly aimed at him. Li Muxiu’s face turned red with fury. Did he really need to spell it out?
But at six years old, Li Hao had no connection with him!
“You think yourself clever, hiding your talent. In truth, you’re foolish!”
“If you had revealed your aptitude sooner, I would have summoned Yu Xuan back to protect you long ago!”
Li Tiangang’s tone grew colder. “Had that been the case, whether it was the assassination when you were six or the mission in Cangyu City, Yu Xuan, as a Grandmaster, could have protected you!”
“Moreover, if you had shown your talent, you wouldn’t have gone to that inferior Tangong Academy. Instead, you would have apprenticed under a renowned master, building connections and earning the title of a direct disciple in one of the great sects!”
“Instead, you’ve squandered your potential, wandering aimlessly. I don’t even know why His Majesty the Emperor values you. Without the imperial edict, if this were purely a competition of connections, you would have lost to Li Qianfeng outright. It would have been a laughingstock!”
“For a peerless genius to lack the connections that Li Qianfeng has, what do you think people will say? That you’re arrogant? Or just antisocial?”
Li Hao narrowed his eyes and responded coldly, “Why should I care what others think of me?”
“Furthermore, if I had revealed my talent, do you think the demon race would have only sent a Zhoutian Realm assassin? If they knew Yu Xuan was protecting me, wouldn’t they have sent someone at the Undying Realm?”
“With my rate of progress, the demon race could justify sending even an Undying Realm expert for the first assassination attempt.”
Li Tiangang was momentarily stunned, his expression shifting. When it came to talent, Li Hao’s point was valid.
Considering the demon race’s insanity, there was little they wouldn’t do.
After all, if they had dispatched a Zhoutian Realm expert against a supposedly weak six-year-old, wouldn’t they have sent a Tianren or even an Undying Realm expert if they had known of Li Hao’s exceptional talent?
Against an Undying Realm opponent, unless one of the Li family’s elders intervened, the outcome would have been inevitable.
“Competing among dragons, connections are just accessories. What’s there to care about? With Hao’er’s talent, all he needs to do is call, and every prominent family will come knocking,” Li Muxiu interjected. “Besides, Hao’er has the Emperor’s favor. What need does he have for additional connections? Why isn’t Qianfeng the one His Majesty favors?”
Li Tiangang glanced at him, understanding the logic but still feeling that Li Hao’s potential had been wasted.
Great talent should be nurtured and utilized, not squandered on a whim!
“Your point about the assassinations has merit. However, as a member of the Li family, it is our fate to face such dangers,” Li Tiangang said with a grim expression. “It’s not just you. Every Li family child has faced assassination attempts. Ask your Second Uncle—our family has been a thorn in the demon race’s side for generations. Some of our children have died in infancy, and others were killed while playing in the streets, ambushed by demons disguised as common folk.”
“The fact that you’ve survived this long is already a blessing.”
Li Hao’s face remained expressionless. “Then being born into the Li family is truly my good fortune.”
“Is that all the pride you have as a son of the Li family?” Li Tiangang snapped, his face darkening.
Li Hao felt an urge to laugh but found he couldn’t. He looked at Li Tiangang and said calmly, “I’m not saying this to blame or resent you. Nor am I trying to vent or seek pity.”
“I’m only saying that your son is already dead. From this point forward, I am no longer part of the Li family. Kindly step aside and stop blocking my path.”
“What kind of attitude is that?!”
Li Tiangang’s eyes flashed with anger. “Such a young age, and you’ve already learned to run away from home?”
“Run away?”
Li Hao chuckled mockingly. “This isn’t my home. I’ve merely been a tenant here for fourteen years. The food, clothes, and everything I’ve used during this time, I’ll repay in full.”
Li Muxiu glared angrily at Li Tiangang but, seeing Li Hao’s unwavering expression, turned to him with concern. “Hao’er, if you don’t like staying here in Shanhe Courtyard, then come live with me at Tingyu Pavilion. There, no one will bother or restrict you.”
“With me around, I won’t let you suffer any grievances again.”
“Tingyu Pavilion also belongs to the Li family,” Li Tiangang retorted angrily. “The techniques he’s learned were collected by our ancestors. Even without using elixirs, hasn’t he benefited from our resources?”
“Li Tiangang!”
Li Muxiu roared, his voice trembling with fury. “Are you trying to drive Hao’er away for good?!”
Li Tiangang paused, silenced by the accusation but unwilling to relent. He growled, “Second Uncle, you must stop indulging him. Does he truly believe he achieved everything on his own?”
“The bloodline he possesses comes from me and Qingqing!”
“Without Qingqing and me, could he have such monstrous talent?”
“Without the Li family’s collection of techniques, could he have reached his current level of power?”
“If he weren’t a member of the Li family, would the Emperor have favored and valued a mere mortal?”
By now, his voice had grown loud and forceful. “All his glory and brilliance stem from one fact—he carries the name Li!”
“You… you scoundrel!”
Li Muxiu’s voice quivered with rage, his aged face flushed red.
Over the years, he had tolerated many of Li Tiangang’s outbursts, but never had the man spoken so outrageously.
Though Li Tiangang had gained renown from countless battles against demons on the border, transforming from a young man to a seasoned general, his temper had only grown harsher over time.
“Uncle!”
Bian Ruxue and Li Yuanzhao looked uneasy, their expressions filled with worry as they turned toward Li Tiangang. However, the aura of power and authority emanating from him made them hesitant to intervene.
The oppressive might he radiated felt like that of a god, making even the boldest hesitate.
Facing the storm of Li Tiangang’s rage, Li Hao’s face remained eerily calm. His eyes, however, were sharp and cold as he spoke slowly:
“You’re right. That’s why I’ve already said—your son is long dead. From this day forth, I am no longer a part of the Li family.”
“Now, either step aside or kill me.”
“You think I won’t?” Li Tiangang growled.
Li Hao’s aura surged, and his gaze turned as sharp as a blade. “Then come and try.”
“Enough, Tiangang!”
Li Muxiu’s voice roared like thunder, filled with anger and power. A menacing glint appeared in his eyes as he said coldly, “Don’t push me to break my vows. If I do, I’ll cripple you today!”
Li Tiangang’s expression shifted. He was well aware of Li Muxiu’s strength and knew he was no match for him. However, the sheer favoritism shown to Li Hao left him seething.
If not for the presence of his elders, he would have disciplined Li Hao long ago, ensuring the boy learned proper respect.
“All of Hao’er’s arrogance today is thanks to your indulgence!” Li Tiangang snapped through gritted teeth.
Li Muxiu’s face darkened, his fury palpable. “Indulgence? You’ve given him nothing but pain and disappointment, and you blame me?”
Li Hao shook his head slightly. “Second Granduncle, there’s no need to argue. I’ve already made my decision. I’m leaving. Farewell, everyone.”
With that, he turned and began walking toward the exit.
Li Tiangang’s face twisted in fury, his aura flaring to its peak. Yet, just as he raised his hand, he hesitated.
As Li Hao passed by him, his cold and resolute expression struck a pang in Li Tiangang’s heart.
“You’ll regret this!” Li Tiangang spat, his voice filled with bitterness.
Li Hao didn’t respond. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
Regret?
He would never.
“Hao’er!”
Li Muxiu watched him go, his heart heavy with sorrow. He turned to glare at Li Tiangang one last time before rushing after Li Hao, blocking his path.
“Hao’er, don’t be impulsive! Whatever you’re unhappy about, tell me, and I’ll stand by you.”
Li Hao looked at him with calm determination. “Second Granduncle, please let me go.”
Seeing the clarity in Li Hao’s gaze, Li Muxiu’s heart sank. Words lingered on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t force them out.
Li Hao walked past him without another word.
…
…
Outside the Divine General Mansion.
The normally quiet street had grown crowded. Onlookers gathered to watch a group of extraordinary individuals who stood in front of the mansion gates, each exuding an air of power and confidence.
These visitors wore a variety of outfits, hinting at their origins from different provinces.
Yet, they all shared a common identity—they were White Hall Disciples from Tangong Academy.
As students of one of the nineteen provinces’ most prestigious academies, they weren’t as prominent as the personal disciples of great sects, but they were still regarded as prodigies.
This time, however, they weren’t wearing their academy uniforms but instead dressed in their personal attire, some even displaying accessories that marked their family lineage.
“We seek an audience with Young Master Li Hao!”
“Word has spread of Li Hao’s unmatched talent. We’ve come to pay our respects!”
“Please, let us enter the mansion!”
Their voices rang out loudly, drawing the attention of onlookers and stirring discussion among the crowd.
The internal commotion at the Divine General Mansion hadn’t gone unnoticed, and news of the recent father-son dispute had already spread throughout the city.
Rumors of Li Hao’s predicament had reached these White Hall Disciples, prompting them to come to his aid.
While they called it a visit, their true intention was to plead on Li Hao’s behalf.
The sheer number of geniuses gathered outside the mansion piqued the curiosity of passersby. The noise even drew attention from within the mansion, bringing people from various courtyards to investigate.
At Qinglian Courtyard, Madam Chen Hefang, supported by an elderly housekeeper, made her way out with the aid of her cane.
Her appearance quickly caught the attention of other madams, who followed suit, eager to uncover the cause of this unusual gathering.
As the crowd swelled inside and outside the mansion, someone in the crowd whispered:
“That’s the young master of the Yu family from Qizhou.”
“And the young lady from the Zhao family of Youzhou!”
“Even the Bai family of Qingzhou is here!”
“Isn’t that the son of General Zhou?”
The murmurs identified the visitors, many of whom hailed from prestigious families, second only to the Divine General Mansion itself.
Yet now, all these outstanding youths had gathered for Li Hao.
Back during the True Dragon Banquet, when Li Hao competed for the True Dragon Seat, such a crowd hadn’t appeared.
“Could these people have heard some rumors and come to plead for Hao’er?” Gao Qingqing mused, her suspicion evident.
Liu Yurong’s gaze darkened. She had been overseeing the investigation into the dispute between Li Tiangang and Li Hao. According to reports, the Ministry of Justice, to avoid bias, had assigned the investigation to a senior official.
Despite the urgency, progress had been slow, likely due to pressure from the powerful Li family.
“Hao’er seems to have befriended many people. Why didn’t they visit earlier?”
“Could they only have met him recently?”
The madams speculated, but the timing seemed odd. If these young elites had wanted to curry favor with Li Hao, they would have done so during the height of his fame, not after his recent fallout with his father.
Their sudden appearance raised many questions.
Madam Chen Hefang leaned on her cane, her expression somber. Among the crowd, she recognized the sincerity of these youths, distinguishing them from opportunistic sycophants.
Their concern for Li Hao struck her as genuine.
At that moment, two figures descended from the sky, landing gracefully at the mansion gates.
The onlookers turned to see Song Yufeng and Song Qiumo, their presence commanding immediate attention.
The duo glanced at the imposing Divine General Mansion before them. Song Qiumo’s sharp gaze swept over the gathered White Hall Disciples.
“These youngsters certainly know how to stir up trouble,” Song Yufeng muttered with a wry smile. “At least they had the sense not to wear academy uniforms.”
Song Qiumo rolled her eyes at him but then focused on the mansion, her eyes gleaming with a blue light.
To her sharp vision, the mansion’s walls were covered with intricate protective arrays, glowing faintly with divine radiance.
One type of array was specifically designed to counter the demon race.
Entering carelessly would trigger the arrays, activating the mansion’s formidable defenses.
“Madam Hefang, it’s been years since we last met,” Song Yufeng greeted Chen Hefang warmly, his voice carrying into the mansion.
His tone was polite but steady, audible to all.
The gathered madams immediately grew tense.
...
“Li Hao, my brother, do you still remember the poem you recited in the pleasure house that day?”
“‘Have no fear of a path without friends!’”
“‘For across the land, who doesn’t know your name?!’”