Volume 2 - Chapter 14: Returning the First Favor to the Li Family – Part 2
He gazed into the distance and quickly saw the chaotic camp. Many tents were torn and piled together in a disarray.
Nearby, another scene caught his eye—a mass of corpses of demons and monsters, stacked like a small hill. Some of the bodies already showed signs of decay.
The stench of rot and blood filled the air, causing his expression to sour briefly before he regained his composure. His gaze shifted to the camp's center, and his eyes lit up with a hint of astonishment.
In stark contrast to the chaos and the sea of corpses outside, the camp's center featured a uniquely picturesque fenced courtyard.
Inside the courtyard, wisps of smoke curled upward, resembling the life of a farming household.
But how could there be a farming household in such a borderland?
He spurred his horse forward, followed closely by several imperial guards.
Upon reaching the courtyard, Chu Jiuyue finally got a clear look at the scene inside. His gaze briefly met Song Qiumo’s, who was seated near the firewood. Her indifferent eyes showed no reaction.
Chu Jiuyue’s attention shifted to Li Hao and Li Hongzhuang nearby, and realization dawned upon him. No wonder the atmosphere here was so tranquil—it was because this Great Demon King was present.
This surprised him. It seemed even the usual aloofness of the Tangong Academy had been set aside.
Dismounting gracefully, Chu Jiuyue stepped into the courtyard.
“By order of Emperor Yu, the imperial edict arrives for Earl Li Hao to receive.”
Chu Jiuyue announced softly.
Li Hao recognized the familiar figure. Wiping his flour-dusted hands, he stepped forward and bowed slightly. “Grand Eunuch, it has been a while.”
“Master Li, are you well?” Chu Jiuyue replied with a faint smile.
Li Hao furrowed his brow slightly and nodded. “All is well.”
“Emperor Yu commends the earl for your bravery in going to the border and defending the pass. As a token of his appreciation, he bestows upon you a treasured sword. Please accept it.” Chu Jiuyue said simply.
With no idle spectators present, he dispensed with unnecessary formalities.
Li Hao, surprised by the gift, nonetheless accepted the dark golden sword with both hands. “Many thanks to His Majesty Emperor Yu and to you, Grand Eunuch Chu.”
“There’s no need to thank me; I am but a mere messenger.”
Chu Jiuyue chuckled and then continued, “His Majesty also decrees that if the earl so wishes, you may proceed to the Qiandao Palace in Dayu Prefecture at any time to study in the Outer Hall and listen to the teachings of the sages.”
Hearing this, both Li Hongzhuang and Li He stood up, their faces full of astonishment as they looked at Li Hao.
This young master had received such extraordinary favor from Emperor Yu?
Training at Qiandao Palace was a privilege typically reserved for members of the imperial clan.
Even among imperial descendants, the competition was fierce, and not every prince had the opportunity.
Yet Li Hao, the young master of the Divine General Mansion, carried the highly sensitive identity of a potential True Dragon. If he were to train at Qiandao Palace, wouldn’t that make his ties to the imperial clan excessively close? How would the other Four Divine General Mansions perceive this?
This level of imperial favor was simply astonishing.
Li Hao, too, understood the weight of this offer. He couldn’t help but wonder—had Emperor Yu really met him before? Could it be the elderly man he played chess with under the willow tree that day?
It seemed there could be no other explanation.
Looking into Chu Jiuyue’s benevolent and smiling gaze, Li Hao bowed. “I deeply appreciate His Majesty’s generosity. However, I am currently tasked with an important mission and humbly ask for his understanding.”
Chu Jiuyue was somewhat surprised. He scrutinized Li Hao closely—was this child simply guessing aimlessly, or was he truly determined to remain here on guard?
He had heard about the battle between father and son and understood it better than most. Li Hao’s demeanor suggested he was resolute in severing ties with his father.
To abandon such a prestigious name and fortune, and now even forgo the opportunity to train at Qiandao Palace, all for the sake of cutting ties?
Chu Jiuyue fixed his gaze on Li Hao. “You are still young. Do not make hasty decisions.”
“Thank you, Grand Eunuch, for your advice.” Li Hao replied.
Hearing this, Chu Jiuyue realized further persuasion would be futile. He nodded slightly and said, “Since you are determined, I will relay your message verbatim.”
Li Hao inclined his head.
Without lingering further, Chu Jiuyue mounted his horse and departed.
As he galloped several dozen miles away from the camp, Chu Jiuyue suddenly thought of something and muttered to himself, “Perhaps I left too soon. The aroma of roasted meat in that courtyard seemed quite appealing...”
His stomach let out a faint rumble.
Shaking his head, he muttered, “A good horse never turns back to graze,” and pressed his heels into the horse's sides, urging it onward at full speed.
...
Within the courtyard, after Chu Jiuyue’s departure, Li Hongzhuang and Li He, who had overheard the conversation, also discerned Li Hao’s resolute intent from his response. They hesitated to speak, eventually sighing in their hearts.
To even reject the chance to train at Qiandao Palace demonstrated the boy’s determination. They knew any persuasion would be futile.
Li Hao returned to the firewood pile. Song Qiumo’s gaze fell on the sword in his hand. She commented blandly, “The sword is quite remarkable.”
Li Hao smiled faintly and drew the blade from its scabbard.
With a resonant sound, the sword was unsheathed. It emitted a faint dragon’s roar, and a glimmer of light seemed to cut through the heavens and earth.
Even the briefest moment of its unsheathing exuded an awe-inspiring sharpness.
“It’s Longxiao!”
Li He exclaimed, his eyes filled with astonishment and gravity.
Li Hongzhuang also turned pale. She hadn’t expected Emperor Yu to bestow such a precious sword.
This was none other than the foremost among the Ten Legendary Swords!
Its renown and status surpassed even Yongye. While Yongye had taken ten years to forge and was unsheathed for only three before being sealed away once again, the Longxiao Sword had passed through the hands of numerous formidable figures in the Great Yu Dynasty. It had been forged hundreds of years ago and was once the favored weapon of a Sword Saint.
“Indeed, it is a fine sword.”
Li Hao tapped the blade lightly. A low dragon's growl resonated from it, carrying a chilling aura that made him feel the sword’s menacing edge.
After a quick examination, Li Hao sheathed the sword and handed it to Ren Qianqian.
Ren Qianqian removed her own sword from her waist, then took the Longxiao Sword with both hands, her eyes wide with wonder and excitement.
She had heard of Longxiao's legendary status. This was a peerless sword, and even her father had never had the chance to see it up close. Now, she was holding it herself.
“The roast is almost ready. Let’s get ready to eat,” Li Hao said with a smile.
Li Hongzhuang and Li He snapped out of their amazement, their expressions complicated. At that moment, another figure quietly appeared—it was Feng Lao, who had just left.
Unconcerned with Li Hao’s recent reward, Feng Lao merely glanced at the Longxiao Sword before taking out his wine gourd, clearly prepared to enjoy the meal.
That evening...
Li Hao transcribed a total of 124 manuals of martial techniques—the complete collection of Li family techniques he had studied in Tingyu Pavilion. What he returned were enhanced, advanced versions of the original techniques he had once learned.
The low-grade techniques he once received, he now returned as high-grade ones, considering this his repayment in full, with added interest.
In addition, he included three unique techniques, creations born from his insights after reaching the Grandmaster Realm and his understanding of the “Dao of All Things.”
These three unique techniques, he bundled with the rest to be sent back to the Li family.
However, learning these three techniques would not be easy, as they came with certain prerequisites.
Once finished, Li Hao handed the bundle to Song Qiumo, entrusting her to deliver it to a nearby city in Liang Province, where it would reach the Li family’s stationed forces to ensure delivery to his family.
...
...
A few days later...
In Qingzhou City, outside the Divine General Mansion...
Several massive flood dragon-lions galloped forward, each beast large enough to carry seven or eight men. Some were burdened with massive bundles on their backs.
The leader dismounted, presented an identification token to the guard at the gate, and spoke a few low words.
The message was swiftly relayed to the Shanhe Courtyard.
Inside his study, Li Tiangang was reviewing the results of a recent interrogation, his face clouded and eyes glinting coldly.
At that moment, a trusted guard entered to report on the situation outside the mansion.
Li Tiangang was taken aback and slammed the table. “Returning the first favor to the Li family? What is he implying? You said he sent back many martial techniques?”
The guard nodded, and Li Tiangang’s face darkened. “Bring everything inside—I want to see exactly how he’s returning this ‘favor!’”
Shortly, the massive bundles were brought into the Shanhe Courtyard.
Among the bundles was also a letter.
Yu Xuan presented the letter to Li Tiangang, then casually opened one of the bundles to reveal stacks of books and manuals.
Li Tiangang unfolded the letter to find several lines written in a graceful yet precise script.
The handwriting was clearly superior to that of any warrior.
...
Finishing the letter, his face turned grim.
He reached out and picked up a few manuals, quickly skimming through them.
The scripts inside all bore the same style, evidently written by a single person.
After reading one, he picked up another, then another, going through several in quick succession.
The courtyard grew oppressively silent.
Zhao Bo and Li Fu stood nearby, their expressions filled with worry.
“Well, well, how thorough!”
After reviewing a few more, Li Tiangang’s gaze reflected not only fury but also shock.
Each manual he skimmed was indeed high-grade, just as the letter described!
Not only had the other party returned the techniques, but he had included added value, going above and beyond with these upgrades!
In total, there were 124 manuals.
Moreover, there were three unique techniques among them.
Li Tiangang found it hard to believe that this son had mastered so many martial techniques!
Over a hundred manuals!
In a mere fourteen years, he had absorbed over a hundred manuals of martial arts?
And on top of training in such an array of techniques, he had managed to cultivate his strength to the Fifteen Li Realm? Even achieving a Grandmaster’s epiphany during their battle?
At this moment, even Li Tiangang’s firm convictions began to waver.
Such talent was unheard of. Even if he were a reincarnated demon lord, it was unlikely he could reach this level.
Could it be that he, Li Tiangang, had been wrong?
That he had been too harsh on him?
But then, the image of those cold, sword-drawn eyes appeared in his mind, and any hint of warmth in his heart quickly turned to ice.
Talent of this magnitude was rare indeed, but his character was unsuitable to be the Li family’s True Dragon. If he could draw his sword even against his own father, what would he do to other members of the Li family?
To entrust the future of the Li family to him would bring no peace of mind.
With the Great Yu in such turbulent times, he could not afford a single misstep; otherwise, even a thousand years of glory would crumble, and he would face the shame of dishonoring the ancestors!
Taking a deep breath, Li Tiangang began to examine the rest of the manuals.
Each technique was labeled by name, and he instructed Yu Xuan to review the high-grade ones while he examined the unique techniques personally.
Yu Xuan’s rank and status did not permit him to access these unique techniques lightly.
Li Tiangang also summoned several elders from Tingyu Pavilion, the venerable guardians of the Li family’s knowledge.
These elders had dedicated their lives to safeguarding the pavilion’s extensive collection of techniques and secrets.
Under the elders’ meticulous scrutiny, the Shanhe Courtyard fell into a hushed anticipation.
After a full day and night, the elders completed their review, confirming that each technique was authentic and intact.
The news left Li Tiangang deeply conflicted, caught between shock, pride, and an indescribable anger.
Hearing the elders’ words, both He Jianlan and Li Xuanli were equally astounded.
This was a trove of over a hundred high-grade techniques. For a Grandmaster to refine so many techniques would require an extraordinary amount of time and focus. Few would devote their energy to such an endeavor.
It had been centuries since such a large number of high-grade techniques had been added to Tingyu Pavilion’s archives.
Back then, the Great Yu’s forces had waged a bloody campaign to eradicate rebellious sects, amassing hundreds of manuals, of which only around a hundred were high-grade.
Yet now, all these techniques had been returned by Li Hao alone?
Could he have enlisted the help of several Four Extremes Realm masters to perfect these techniques for him?
What left them even more shocked was that Li Hao, as a direct descendant, had unrestricted access to all techniques in Tingyu Pavilion and could study them freely.
Yet, in just fourteen years, he had learned over a hundred techniques from its archives—an accomplishment that defied belief.
How could anyone have the time or energy to master so many arts?
“Tiangang, are you satisfied now?”
Li Muxiu, who had hurried over, spoke with a chilling expression after understanding the situation.
Hearing this, the others’ faces also changed, contemplating the motive behind Li Hao’s gift of these techniques...