Chapter 86: Rage and Revelation
Crimson Blood Horse!
Li Tiangang sat steadily atop his Flood Dragon-Lion. In the distance, on the official road, a young man came into view.
He immediately recognized the battle steed the young man was riding. When his gaze fell upon the youth’s face, he noticed his strikingly handsome and bright features. Particularly in the boy’s eyes and brows, there was an outline that evoked the image of a lover deeply etched in his heart.
Li Tiangang's heart trembled.
Li Hao was also staring at the stalwart man before him.
The blurry image buried in his memory seemed to clarify in this moment. It was that rough-handed man who used to ruffle his hair fourteen years ago.
Although they hadn’t seen each other for fourteen years, this brief moment of eye contact was enough for both of them to recognize one another instantly.
Whoosh!
Li Tiangang leaped from his Flood Dragon-Lion, soaring through the air before landing in front of the youth’s Crimson Blood Horse.
The young man swiftly dismounted as well. After all, it was only natural to not speak to one's father while on horseback.
“Hao’er?”
Li Tiangang’s voice quivered slightly.
Li Hao felt the concern and deep affection in his father’s voice. The faint unfamiliarity he had initially felt disappeared in an instant.
Perhaps this was the unbreakable bond of bloodline connection?
“Father.”
Li Hao spoke, his voice somewhat hesitant and awkward, tinged with unease. Yet, he knew that the man before him was the father of this lifetime.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Li Tiangang pulled Li Hao into a firm embrace.
Fourteen years had passed, and his child had grown so much!
Li Tiangang’s heart surged with mixed feelings.
The broad embrace and powerful arms gave Li Hao an immediate sense of security. For the first time, his heart felt at peace.
He gently wrapped his arms around his father’s waist, but a sudden thought crossed his mind. His gaze darted around as he asked, “Where is Mother?”
The moment the words left his lips, he felt the man holding him tremble slightly.
Li Hao’s expression changed, and his blood seemed to freeze in an instant.
Li Tiangang slowly released Li Hao, his deep black eyes filled with traces of bloodshot anguish. “Your mother... she has passed away.”
Passed away...?
Li Hao’s thoughts stalled.
The woman with bright, caring eyes in his memories... was gone?
It was as if a gentle painting had shattered into darkness.
Li Hao quickly turned to look at the triumphant procession behind him. The admiring gazes and congratulatory cheers from the crowds on either side of the road were all drowned out in his mind. His focus was solely on the returning soldiers—yet among them, there was no sign of the beautiful figure who had held him fourteen years ago.
His expression grew somber. “How could this be? Mother has always been with you. Didn’t the two of you face life and death together?”
Li Tiangang’s lips twitched, but he said nothing.
Li Hao stared at him sharply. “When did Mother pass away? Why hasn’t Aunt mentioned it before?”
“A few months ago.”
After a moment of silence, Li Tiangang added, “I sealed the news and did not let it spread.”
Seeing that Li Hao was about to press further, he placed a broad hand on his son’s shoulder. “Let’s go back first. We’ll talk more then.”
The joy that had filled Li Hao’s heart moments ago was now overshadowed by sorrow.
The cheers of the townsfolk continued to ring out, praising the triumphant return of the Marquis of Xingwu and celebrating the Li family’s illustrious military achievements.
Yet only Li Hao, seated with his father atop the Flood Dragon-Lion, knew that on this day, he had lost his mother.
...
Back at the Divine General Mansion.
In the Shanhe Courtyard, He Jianlan, Liu Yurong, and the other ladies of the family had already gathered, waiting to welcome them.
Li Xuanli paced anxiously by the mansion gates. When Li Tiangang appeared, both brothers smiled and embraced each other deeply.
After their embrace, Li Xuanli playfully punched Li Tiangang’s armored chest and ruffled Li Hao’s hair. With a grin, he looked around and asked, “Where’s your wife?”
Li Tiangang’s expression darkened slightly. He shook his head. “We’ll talk once we’re inside.”
Li Xuanli froze, his expression shifting. It was only then that he noticed how Li Hao stood still as he ruffled the boy’s hair.
The smile faded from Li Xuanli’s face. With a faint nod, he accompanied them into the mansion.
In the Shanhe Courtyard...
The bustling atmosphere quickly grew subdued when the household learned that the Seventh Lady, Ji Qingqing, had not returned.
Li Tiangang offered only two simple words: “She’s gone.”
The courtyard fell silent, and the air turned icy.
Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sorrow and sighs. This was not the first time they had endured such grief.
One by one, they offered words of comfort to Li Tiangang and Li Hao.
He Jianlan watched from a distance, letting out a quiet sigh without saying anything.
Li Wushuang, still nursing the bruises from being beaten by Li Hao that morning, felt an ache in her lower back. Yet when she saw the lonely silhouette of the boy standing silently beside his father, she felt no joy or vindication—only shock and a trace of pity. The grievances in her heart seemed to vanish.
Although she had wanted to teach Li Hao a lesson, even felt furious at his humiliation of her, he was still family—blood of the Li household. Never had she truly intended to harm him.
The once jubilant celebration ended quietly. Dinner was served, but the atmosphere was subdued, and everyone spoke in low voices, asking about Li Tiangang’s experiences in Yanbei.
While major events had been communicated through military reports, those brief updates couldn’t capture the details. Now, years of suppressed stories could finally be shared.
As the sun set, the ladies of the household dispersed to their respective quarters. Li Xuanli, wanting to stay with his younger brother, was pulled away by his own wife.
Gao Qingqing, aware of her husband’s intentions, whispered sharply, “Do you think a few words from you can console them? This is a moment for father and son—why are you sticking your nose in?”
Only then did Li Xuanli realize his folly. Grasping his wife’s soft hand, he sighed inwardly, feeling grateful for such a wise spouse.
After bidding farewell to Li Tiangang, he led his wife and children back to their quarters.
...
The Shanhe Courtyard soon quieted, leaving only Li Tiangang, his entourage from Yanbei, Li Hao, Zhao Bo, and a few of the mansion’s servants.
During dinner, Li Hao had listened to the ladies' questions about Yanbei and learned much about the events there.
Unlike ordinary conflicts lasting two or three years, this war had stretched over a decade due to the Sacred Palace of the demon race in Yanbei. They sought to shatter Yanbei and create a foothold to attack Great Yu.
From these conversations, Li Hao also grasped the broader situation: though Great Yu was in a golden era, peace along its borders was never guaranteed.
In every era, the frontiers required constant vigilance and stationed troops. There were always incursions, the difference lay only in their frequency and scale.
The prolonged stalemate in this war stemmed primarily from the Sacred Palace of the demon race. Their objective was to rip Yanbei apart and claim it as a strategic stronghold to gain a geographical advantage over Great Yu.
Despite Great Yu’s flourishing times, the scars of warfare and the persistence of external threats suggested that its might had not entirely eradicated danger. Or perhaps, the expansive territories conquered by the former emperor of Great Yu, along with his deterrence of the demon clans, were now being challenged after millennia of peace.
Great Yu resembled an aging lion, its prestige signaling potential decline.
But how many centuries more could its remaining strength and influence endure?
Li Hao had wanted to ask about the details of his mother’s death, but when he broached the subject, Li Tiangang’s expression darkened. All he said was, “Hao’er, I have failed your mother. From now on, it’s just you and me in this courtyard.”
Li Hao fell silent.
In that moment, he realized that the pain of losing his mother was not his alone.
Years ago, his mother had rushed alongside her husband to the borderlands, showing the depth of their love.
Over the years, Li Hao had often overheard tales of his parents’ affection in their youth.
His own memories of his mother spanned less than a hundred days, yet his father had shared over a decade with her. Their bond was far deeper than what he could comprehend.
After a long pause, Li Hao finally asked, “Has her death been avenged?”
Li Tiangang’s body tensed slightly before he nodded. “Yes, it has.”
Li Hao exhaled softly. “That’s good.”
Father and son exchanged glances, neither speaking further.
Li Hao had countless questions he had wanted to ask and many things he had hoped to share. However, much of what he had wanted to know had already been revealed during the earlier conversations about Yanbei, the harshness of war, and other matters. Any lingering resentment he might have harbored dissipated.
And now, he found himself unsure of what else to say.
It seemed that throughout history, fathers and sons often fell into long silences.
Breaking the stillness, it was Li Tiangang who spoke first. His voice was soft, tinged with guilt. “Hao’er, these years your mother and I haven’t been by your side. You’ve had a hard time.”
Li Hao shook his head slightly, a smile breaking through. “Not at all. Zhao Bo was there for me. Second Uncle taught me how to fish. Fifth Uncle played chess with me. Aunt treated me well, and Ninth Aunt would occasionally bring me royal pastries…”
He began recounting the small joys of the past years to his father.
Initially, Li Tiangang smiled as he listened, but gradually his brows furrowed.
“So, after your meridians were cleared, you haven’t dedicated yourself to cultivation?” Li Tiangang asked in a serious tone.
Li Hao paused, scratching his head. “I have cultivated, but there isn’t much to say about it.”
Li Tiangang stared at him for a long moment before letting out a soft sigh. “It’s getting late. You should rest early.”
Seeing his father’s weariness, Li Hao thought about the long and arduous journey back from Yanbei and chose not to push further. He nodded and left the room.
After Li Hao departed, Li Tiangang summoned Zhao Bo.
“Where is Li Fu?”
“Li Fu is in Cangya City. The young master enrolled in Tangong Academy and was on a mission there. Li Fu went to provide protection but was injured and is recuperating. He sent a letter earlier, saying he’s on his way back.”
Zhao Bo replied respectfully, a small smile on his face as he spoke to the man he had watched grow into one of the world’s renowned generals.
Li Tiangang’s expression darkened. “Injured? Was there an assassination attempt on Hao’er?”
“No. Li Fu only instructed me to take good care of the young master. He mentioned having great news to share upon his return.”
“Great news?” Li Tiangang’s brows furrowed. Injured, yet claiming to have great news?
He pondered for a moment. Cangya City was within the jurisdiction of the Xia family in Qizhou. The distance to the mansion wasn’t far or near—a two-day ride at most for a swift courier.
“Zhao Bo, tell me about Hao’er’s life these past years,” Li Tiangang said, gesturing toward a nearby cushion.
Zhao Bo hesitated for a moment before sitting down and smiling. “Master, why not ask the young master directly? After so many years apart, you must have much to share.”
Li Tiangang shook his head lightly and sighed.
“I observed Hao’er today. His words are casual, and his behavior shows signs of carelessness. He lacks the proper etiquette. He’s grown wild—likely due to insufficient discipline over the years. It’s best if you tell me.”
“Master, that’s a bit harsh. Although the young master has a carefree nature, he’s a good child. He’s kind-hearted and treats the servants with respect. He is always polite to the elders of the household and has never caused major trouble. At most, in his younger years, he experimented in the kitchen with some odd creations…”
“Tell me about his cultivation,” Li Tiangang interrupted.
Zhao Bo froze, then hesitated before replying, “Well…”
Seeing his hesitation, Li Tiangang’s expression grew colder. “So, he hasn’t cultivated at all?”
“That’s not entirely the case…”
Zhao Bo fumbled for words, his face awkward.
Li Tiangang’s face darkened further. “He’s been wasting time? His meridians were finally cleared, and yet he hasn’t been diligent? Falling behind in cultivation means nothing. With my immortal bloodline, his early progress could still surpass his peers!
“Once he enters the Soul Fusion stage, with the aid of Tingyu Pavilion techniques and the ancestral hall’s blessings, he could ascend to the Qian Kun Ranking. At the very least, he would possess enough strength to protect himself! And yet he has allowed himself to fall into decadence!”
Zhao Bo’s expression turned uneasy. “The young master is trying his best…”
“Trying his best to play?”
Li Tiangang’s sharp gaze bore into him. The battlefield-hardened authority in his eyes made Zhao Bo shiver.
“Clearly, you’ve all spoiled him! Indulgence will ruin him, don’t you understand?” Li Tiangang reprimanded sternly.
Zhao Bo stood abruptly, bowing deeply. “Master, it’s my fault for failing to guide him properly. The blame lies with this old servant.”
Li Tiangang paused, realizing he had spoken too harshly. Years of tension from the battlefield had made it difficult for him to relax.
Seeing Zhao Bo bowing in remorse, he sighed and waved him off. “This isn’t your fault. Hao’er has simply been given too much leniency.”
Zhao Bo kept his head low and didn’t reply.
“Go rest,” Li Tiangang said, his tone softer now.
After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Bo bowed once more and left quietly.
...
The next day, Li Hao slept in, feeling unburdened by his usual responsibilities. With his father home, he decided to spend more time with him and skip his lessons at Tangong Academy. After all, his time there had mostly been spent idly painting by the cold pool or playing chess and drinking with Old Shen.
Perhaps due to the thoughts lingering in his mind, he dreamed of his mother. In his dream, those gentle eyes gazed at him, cradling him softly, only to vanish as a swarm of demons encircled them.
“Hao’er!”
A sudden voice jolted him awake.
Li Hao sat up abruptly, his heart pounding. He saw a young man standing by his bedside—a lean figure with sharp eyes, exuding a calm yet focused aura.
“When did you come in?” Li Hao asked, frowning slightly.
The man was Yu Xuan, one of the personal guards who had returned with Li Tiangang from Yanbei. He appeared to be in his late twenties, with a slim build and an air of precision about him.
“Master instructed me to call you. He’s waiting for you in the front courtyard to practice martial arts,” Yu Xuan said with a faint smile.
Li Hao sighed inwardly, realizing his carefree days were likely coming to an end.
Still irritated from being woken from his dream, Li Hao’s tone turned cold. “Don’t enter my room without permission again.”
Yu Xuan nodded. “Understood.”
Satisfied, Li Hao rose reluctantly and called for Qingzhi, his maidservant, to prepare clean clothes for him.
As Qingzhi carefully helped him dress, Yu Xuan stood to the side, his face expressionless, betraying no reaction to Li Hao’s leisurely manner.
Noticing Li Hao’s unhurried pace, Yu Xuan eventually spoke up, “Young Master, Master is already waiting for you.”
Li Hao froze for a moment before hastily finishing dressing on his own. “Let’s go.”
They left the room and headed toward the front courtyard.
As they passed by the central hall, Li Hao caught a glimpse of something unusual out of the corner of his eye. He stopped abruptly, his gaze sharpening as he turned toward the hall.
He rushed inside, his expression darkening.
The space that had once been filled with his treasured paintings was now empty.
“Zhao Bo!” Li Hao called out, his voice laced with anger.
Zhao Bo hurried in from the front courtyard, bowing slightly. “Young Master.”
“Where are my paintings?” Li Hao demanded, his tone unusually harsh.
Zhao Bo’s expression flickered, and he hesitated briefly before replying, “Master saw them this morning and ordered them to be moved.”
“Where?”
“The woodshed…”
Li Hao’s fists clenched tightly, his anger surging. The woodshed? It was as if his paintings—his creations, his memories—were being treated as mere firewood.
“Bring them back! Every single one! And from now on, no one is allowed to touch my paintings!” Li Hao ground out through clenched teeth.
Zhao Bo, startled by the intensity of Li Hao’s fury, nodded hastily. “Yes, I’ll handle it immediately.”
But as he turned to leave, Yu Xuan stepped forward, blocking his path.
“Uncle Zhao,” Yu Xuan said calmly, “Master’s orders must take precedence. The Young Master should come with me to the courtyard for his practice.”
Li Hao glared at Yu Xuan, his anger unabated. He knew full well that no one in the household would dare move his paintings except his father. Yet hearing Yu Xuan confirm it aloud only fueled his rage.
“Get out of my way!” Li Hao snapped.
Yu Xuan met his gaze steadily, unflinching. As a soldier who had served Li Tiangang on the battlefield for years, he only followed the Marquis’s commands.
In the Shanhe Courtyard, Li Tiangang’s word was law.
Li Hao’s fists tightened, and his voice dropped to a low growl. “I’ll say it one more time. Move aside!”
Yu Xuan remained rooted in place, his expression calm.
“Who are you yelling at?”
A deep voice cut through the tense standoff. Li Tiangang entered the hall, his expression cold and commanding.
Yu Xuan immediately stepped back and bowed.
“Father!” Li Hao began, his anger momentarily wavering. “Those paintings contain memories of—”
Before he could finish, Li Tiangang interrupted him.
“Apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan,” he ordered, his tone stern.
Li Hao froze, staring at his father in disbelief.
Zhao Bo’s face turned pale, and he quickly stepped in. “Master, the Young Master only acted out of concern for his paintings. Those works represent years of his effort—he simply lost his temper.”
“Silence!”
Li Tiangang’s sharp rebuke silenced Zhao Bo instantly.
Turning back to Li Hao, his expression hardened further. “Your Uncle Yu Xuan has fought beside me for years. Do you know how many demons he has slain? How many lives he has saved?”
“He is a Heaven and Man Realm Grandmaster! A Grandmaster cannot be disrespected, not even by my son!”
The weight of his words pressed heavily on the room.
Li Hao’s lips curled into a bitter smile. “A Grandmaster’s dignity is sacred, but do you know what those paintings meant to me?”
Before he could say more, hurried footsteps echoed from outside, and a familiar voice called out.
“Marquis! Young Master!”
Li Hao and Li Tiangang turned toward the doorway, where Li Fu rushed in, his face alight with excitement.
Li Tiangang’s stern expression softened slightly. “Li Fu, you’ve returned.”
Li Fu stopped to catch his breath, his joy undiminished. “I sent word ahead, but I suppose it didn’t reach you. I have incredible news!”
Li Tiangang’s brow furrowed. “What news?”
Li Fu’s gaze darted toward Li Hao, his voice trembling with enthusiasm. “Young Master… he’s already reached Fifteen Li Realm!“