Chapter 94: Passing Time with Teaching
Gao Qingqing's brows shot up the moment she heard those words. Grabbing a handful of soft flesh at Li Xuanli's waist, she ground her teeth and hissed:
"Li Xuanli, what do you mean by that? Are you saying I can’t bear children?"
Li Xuanli froze in shock. Realizing he had misspoken, he didn’t dare use any force to resist and immediately begged for mercy:
"My lady, I was wrong! A slip of the tongue, pure slip of the tongue!"
"You just let your true thoughts slip, didn’t you?"
"My lady, what are you saying? My own children—I adore them too much to even finish! In my heart, the three of them are unmatched, better than anyone else!"
"Hmph!"
...
In Shuihua Courtyard.
Liu Yurong's face turned pale as soon as she heard the news from the steward. She almost lost her balance.
How could this be possible?
At just fourteen years old, he had been granted the title of Earl?
Even if he saved the lives of the entire city’s population, it shouldn’t merit skipping over the ranks of Viscount and Baron entirely!
An ordinary Viscount would have been impressive enough. Why an Earl?
Even the children of He Jianlan, who had long served in the military, were only Earls after all these years. But Li Hao? He was only fourteen!
Grinding her teeth in rage, Liu Yurong cursed the emperor in her heart.
But outwardly, she dared not voice or show any doubts. All she could do was vent silently.
Only two months were left. Even if she were given another half a year or even a year...
Where could her son, Qianfeng, find such a significant achievement to match an Earl?
Achieving merit required not only strength but also opportunities.
The borderlands?
Far too dangerous!
After a long while, Liu Yurong finally steadied her mind. She reminded herself that military merits were only a bonus, not decisive.
From Wuliang Mountain, she had already received a message reassuring her not to worry. Qianfeng had been summoned back, and they would help him secure the True Dragon Position.
Now, all Liu Yurong could do was pin her hopes on the unparalleled skills of the Wuliang Buddha Lord.
...
Time passed quickly.
Since the announcement of the Li family’s competition for the True Dragon Position, the outside world had been in an uproar.
Li Qianfeng received a summons from his sect. The proud young man initially intended to return to his family first to observe the situation but now had no choice but to head back to the sect.
Not long after he returned, he learned that his cousin, Li Hao, had already been granted the title of Third-Class Earl!
The news utterly shattered the pride he carried in his heart, leaving him looking grim.
The reward for his own great accomplishment—slaying a powerful demon—had just been announced, and it was only the title of First-Class Baron.
Under normal circumstances, that was already an exceptional feat, skipping the ranks of Third-Class and Second-Class Baron altogether.
But compared to Li Hao, the gap was three entire grades—a full Viscount apart!
As a result, even when facing Li Hao in their family, he would have to bow and respectfully address him as “Lord Earl.” What a humiliation!
Under such a blow, even with his master’s assistance, Li Qianfeng, who had once intended to rely solely on himself, could no longer refuse the help.
Too many people had placed their hopes on him.
By the time Li Qianfeng returned to Wuliang Mountain, gifts from various factions had already begun arriving at the Qiankun Heart Hall.
Likewise, even more gifts were being sent to the Shanhe Courtyard.
Once factions discovered that the Li family's True Dragon would be chosen between these two young men, they began forging alliances early.
In the past, the younger generation of the Li family was too young and unproven for a clear competition to emerge. To build connections with the next generation of the True Dragon, factions had to spread their efforts across all potential candidates. That approach was far too costly and unsustainable.
Now that the competition was becoming clearer, resources could be concentrated. The more invested they were, the greater their chances of forming ties.
Many had already started building relationships over a decade ago, back when Li Qianfeng first apprenticed at Wuliang Mountain.
But now, with Li Hao's sudden rise, shifting alliances was no longer feasible. They could only stay the course.
...
Amid the whirlwind of schemes and hidden currents, one of the central figures in the vortex, Li Hao, leisurely rode his horse to Tangong Academy.
He first visited the Cold Pool to see the Water Qilin, Song Qiumo. Li Hao presented her with two new paintings he had drawn and brought along some crispy pastries.
After a glance, Song Qiumo declared that she disliked such dry and bland foods.
Li Hao chuckled and urged her to try them.
Curious, she gave them a taste.
As soon as she did, she immediately asked where she could buy more.
Li Hao laughed and explained that he had made them himself.
Hearing this, Song Qiumo’s eyes gleamed with envy.
Before she could even ask, Li Hao promised to make more and bring them next time.
Upon hearing that, Song Qiumo smiled in satisfaction. With a wave of her delicate hand, a Seven-Leaf Purple Herb flew out from the cold pool.
The herb, deep purple throughout, emitted a soft and radiant glow, its appearance mesmerizing.
She handed it to Li Hao and said, "This is a thousand-year-old Xuan You Herb. It can be used in alchemy to protect against frost invasion and is a powerful aid for cultivating ice-based techniques. Even if you don’t cultivate such methods, it can bolster your defenses against aquatic demons in the future!"
Li Hao glanced at it and shook his head. "Keep this treasure for yourself. I don’t need it."
"Why?"
Song Qiumo was stunned. "I know the Li family is rich, but even for you, this Xuan You Herb must be considered rare!"
It was true. Li Hao understood its value.
But his circumstances were unique.
Treasures, no matter how precious, were useless if he couldn’t absorb their effects.
Compared to the enhancements provided by his abilities, such herbs were insignificant. Any technique he recorded to perfection could surpass their benefits.
After all, the body had its limits. Once the limits were reached, no amount of medicine could break through.
Although he could use it for others, the herb was incredibly valuable and still effective for Song Qiumo herself. She was likely waiting for it to grow even more potent before consuming it.
"Use it for yourself. I don’t lack anything," Li Hao said with a smile.
Song Qiumo hesitated, shocked by his response.
Over the years, many Tangong disciples had tried to befriend her, offering gifts with ulterior motives.
At first, she thought Li Hao’s visits to the Cold Pool, bringing paintings, were for the same reason.
But now, when she offered such a rare treasure, he outright declined.
Apart from this herb, she had little else to give.
Others always sought to curry favor with her, but Li Hao didn’t seem to need that.
After all, as the young master of the Divine General Mansion, with monstrous talent, why would he go to such lengths to please a Fourth Realm demon like her?
"You really don’t want it?" Song Qiumo asked hesitantly.
Li Hao shrugged. "If you have plenty and insist on giving it to me, fine—I’ll take it to feed my pigs."
"You wish!"
Song Qiumo rolled her eyes at him. Feed pigs? What pigs were worthy of such a treasure?
In truth, Li Hao was thinking it might be useful for Li Yuanzhao...
In the Tangong Academy’s Jia Courtyard, Li Yuanzhao sneezed suddenly and looked around in confusion. "Who’s cursing me? Could it be Li Yun, that brat?"
Elsewhere, Li Yun sneezed as well, turning to meet Li Yuanzhao’s gaze. The two locked eyes, each thinking of the other.
Back at the Cold Pool, Song Qiumo returned the herb to the water for further cultivation. Although removing it briefly caused minor damage, its vitality would allow it to recover quickly.
"Next time, bring more of those snacks," Song Qiumo said, winking at Li Hao.
Li Hao smiled and waved. "Feeding you enough would be difficult, but satisfying your cravings should be manageable."
With that, he took his leave.
...
As she watched Li Hao’s figure gradually disappear into the distance, Song Qiumo stood by the Cold Pool, her gaze lingering for a long time. A faint smile curved at her lips. Then, she turned and slipped back into the pool, vanishing into its depths.
Meanwhile, Li Hao made his way to the Black and White Hall.
He had previously informed Palace Master Song Yufeng of his intention to give a lecture today. Since he had accepted the role of an honorary instructor, he felt it was only right to fulfill his duties, especially as he now had some spare time.
Upon arriving at the Black and White Hall, Li Hao suddenly heard a furious voice shouting from within:
"Get out! Stand outside, by the door!"
"Writing ridiculous essays day after day! Are you here to practice martial arts or to become a scholar?!"
"If it weren’t for your father’s pleading and the reputation he’s built, with talent like yours, do you think you could even step foot in the Black and White Hall?"
"Be grateful you’re even allowed in the Jia Courtyard outside!"
Li Hao paused, his face showing a strange expression.
It almost sounded like a tirade against academics, as if the old man were scolding, "Why are you studying here? This is P.E. class! Now, to the field with you!"
It was oddly refreshing to hear...
...
But, of course, this was Tangong Academy, where academic study was discouraged in favor of martial training.
Li Hao stepped inside.
The Black and White Hall was divided into two sections: the Black Hall and the White Hall.
The Black Hall was for students at the Soul Fusion Realm, while the White Hall was designated for those at the Spiritual Wandering Realm.
Song Yufeng had arranged for Li Hao to lecture in the White Hall, which lay ahead, close enough to the Black Hall that people tended to refer to both together as the Black and White Hall.
Li Hao looked around and saw that the White Hall’s interior was spacious, yet it contained only fifty seats, arranged in neat rows—not too many, nor too few.
Among the students, Li Hao spotted a familiar face: Song Yueyao.
Sitting toward the front in her White Hall academy uniform, she stood out like a picturesque scene amidst the otherwise ordinary surroundings.
In front of the students stood a young man in his twenties, head lowered in shame, face flushed red, clearly enduring a reprimand.
The one berating him was an old instructor with white hair and beard, the White Hall’s designated lecturer.
Li Hao observed with amusement. This young man was, after all, at the Spiritual Wandering Realm—strong enough to command respect in the outside world.
Yet here he was, being scolded like a schoolboy.
"Next time I see you bringing these useless books to class, don’t bother coming at all! Don’t be the rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel!"
"Now get out! Stand outside!"
The old instructor's temper was fierce as he roared at the young man.
Face flushed, the youth gritted his teeth and walked toward the door. Upon reaching it, he happened to lock eyes with Li Hao and stopped in surprise.
Others in the hall also noticed Li Hao's arrival.
"It’s him," Song Yueyao muttered, a little taken aback. Recalling what her grandfather had told her, her eyes lit up. Was he really here to teach?
She didn’t quite believe Li Hao could offer much in terms of instruction. Though he was at the Fifteen-Li Realm, a level higher than hers, having martial prowess didn’t necessarily make one a capable teacher, especially when he was only fourteen. In her eyes, he was still just a younger brother.
"Wait, doesn’t he look familiar?"
Beside her, her close friend Lin Feifei stared in curiosity, feeling as if she had seen him somewhere before.
Song Yueyao offered a faint smile, remembering she hadn’t mentioned to her friends that Li Hao was the one they had seen that day, passing through the Dead River in a single glance.
It wasn’t entirely surprising they hadn’t recognized him—who bothered memorizing the faces of all the men they encountered? They were like rocks and trees to them.
"Who’s he?" someone asked.
"He looks so young. Is he a new student?"
Around them, the other students whispered amongst themselves.
As the young man being scolded approached the door, his face reddened with embarrassment at the thought of making a fool of himself in front of this newcomer. He was also taken aback; this new guy looked quite young. Probably the young master of some prominent family, he figured.
"Why are you still standing there? Out you go!" the lecturer barked again, and the young man hurriedly left.
At that moment, the old instructor noticed Li Hao and immediately recognized him. He had been present during the recent ceremony that allowed Li Hao to join the Black and White Hall.
In the past few days, Li Hao’s name had spread across the entire Qingzhou region as the fourteen-year-old Earl, leaving a lasting impression.
"Li Gongzi, here to give your lecture? Please, come right in."
The old lecturer, Sun Hongdian, promptly dropped his stern expression and greeted Li Hao with a warm smile, his tone exceedingly polite.
The stark contrast in his demeanor left the students below stunned and speechless.
Had they ever seen this old "explosive monkey" treat anyone with such reverence?
Maybe only the palace lord received such respectful treatment on rare occasions.
"Hello," Li Hao greeted with a friendly smile, instinctively stepping forward and extending his hand for a handshake.
Then, using his other hand, he lightly shook the old man’s hand for added emphasis.