As dusk approached, Li Hao and the others rode along the official road. Along the way, they encountered tea stalls and small vendors set up by the roadside, providing a place for weary travelers to rest.
They also came across a convoy from a security agency escorting goods, and some wandering heroes heading out to slay demons. There were hardworking farmers tending to their fields and small villages lining the road.
Tall green cypress trees stretched along both sides, reaching toward the blue sky and white clouds.
When they reached a tea stall, the aroma of steaming dumplings made the group stop their horses.
"How about we take a break?" Yu Wei asked politely.
Li Hao heard Li Yuanzhao's stomach rumble, indicating he was hungry too. He smiled and said, "Let's eat something first."
"It's getting dark. Is it safe to be out here?" Du Qiuyue asked with some concern.
The old man running the tea stall, sharp-eared and sharp-eyed, heard the girl’s words and laughed, "Don’t worry, young heroes. With the Four Divine Generals guarding the borders, there are no demons in our Great Yu territory. If I’m not afraid, why should you be?"
The group looked at Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao, and Li Hao smiled, asking, "Boss, there are clearly five Divine General Mansions. Why do you say there are four?"
"Well, one of them doesn’t guard the borders; it’s probably protecting the imperial city," the old man replied with a grin.
Du Qiuyue whispered, "Good thing Wang Han isn’t here. Otherwise, he would be furious to hear that."
Yu Wei nodded, "The Tian Zhao Divine General Mansion guards the Mo River and has sacrificed countless lives, yet most people don’t know about it. Many don’t even realize your Li family is out there slaying demons at the borders. They just know about the Divine General Mansions but can’t be bothered to differentiate between them."
He sighed, seemingly feeling sorry for the Li family, and his words carried a hint of flattery.
Li Hao wasn’t angry; he just nodded and said, "The common folks have a hard life. They count their small silver coins every day and have no time to look up. It’s normal not to know. Even if they did, it wouldn’t change their lives. Besides, our Li family guards the borders not for the praise of the world but because the borders need us, and the people need us."
Hearing this, Yu Wei, who had been trying to flatter him, was taken aback. Du Qiuyue looked at Li Hao with surprise and a newfound respect.
They had thought Li Hao was just a carefree young man, but his words shattered that impression. Their awe for the Divine General Mansions also deepened with a genuine respect.
Nearby, Ren Qianqian, holding her sword, glanced at Li Hao. Her gaze lingered on his handsome, fair face for a moment, softening a bit.
"Brother Hao is right," Li Yuanzhao, who had been somewhat dissatisfied, became excited upon hearing Li Hao’s words.
Li Hao smiled and patted Yuanzhao on the shoulder, "Let’s go in for some tea. It’s on me."
"No way! We can’t let you pay. We’re going to Qizhou to slay demons, which is like helping out in my hometown. I should thank you all on behalf of the people of Qizhou. I’ll cover the expenses!" Yu Wei quickly seized the opportunity and entered the tea house to call the boss for snacks and tea.
"Boss, it’s almost dark. Aren’t you afraid of demons?" Du Qiuyue poured herself a cup of tea but didn’t drink it right away. Instead, she took out a silver needle to test it, showing her experience. Once she confirmed it was safe, she washed the cups for everyone.
"Maybe there are in other places, but this road is very safe. I’ve been running this stall for decades and have never encountered any," the old man chuckled.
"Your luck is really good," Li Hao couldn’t help but exclaim.
In the Great Yu territory, demon attacks were rare, but they still happened every year. For those who dealt with demons, news about them was always flowing in.
However, the common folks were often uninformed, and information spread slowly. Unless there was a major incident, small-scale demon attacks usually went unnoticed.
Moreover, the local Demon Suppression Offices also played a part in blocking some demon news to prevent panic.
After all, if the common people could live in peace, the dynasty would thrive. If news of demons spread everywhere, causing fear, who would dare to go out to do business or escort goods? Even farming would suffer.
Soon, their food and drinks arrived. The dumplings were delicious, and Li Hao enjoyed two baskets, praising them while discussing the making process with the old man, leaving the others stunned.
Li Yuanzhao was used to Li Hao's unusual ways, but he was curious about Ren Qianqian, asking, "Why do you keep holding your sword? Doesn’t it get in the way while eating?"
Du Qiuyue and Yu Wei also looked at the girl, who was holding her sword in one hand and chopsticks in the other, even while eating dumplings.
Ren Qianqian frowned, glanced at Li Yuanzhao, seemed to think of something, and after a moment of silence, replied, "The sword has become part of me. I don’t feel its presence."
Du Qiuyue said enviously, "I heard that understanding the heart of the sword requires being close to your weapon all the time. I tried before, but it just didn’t work."
"You have to genuinely like it first," Ren Qianqian said seriously.
Du Qiuyue smiled wryly, "I do like it."
Ren Qianqian looked at her but didn’t say more.
Whether it was true love or not, the mind might not know, but the heart surely does.
That’s why it’s called "entering the heart."
Before long, they finished eating and drinking. Li Hao was engrossed in conversation with the tea stall owner, who was becoming a bit dazed from all the talk.
Listening to this young hero speak so knowledgeably about kneading dough, adding warm water, fermentation, and how to enhance the meat filling’s flavor… The old man thought he might be a chef, and a very experienced one at that.
"Young hero, you must be full now…" the old man forced a smile, not wanting to reveal any more, fearing Li Hao would steal his secret recipe.
Li Hao noticed the old man's reluctance and was about to leave when suddenly his eyes narrowed.
He raised his hand and grasped a wisp of dark light.
The ground beneath him shook and sank several inches from the impact of the dark light.
When Li Hao opened his hand, he found an oval, triangular scale.
His spirit instantly separated from his body like a beam of golden light, visible only to those in the Spirit Journey realm, shooting out from the top of his head to explore the world.
Soon, Li Hao spotted a beautiful woman with scales by her jaw standing on a tree branch fifteen miles away. She looked a bit stunned as she gazed in this direction.
The dark light was just like the scales on her cheek.
Li Hao’s eyes turned cold. A demon?
On the tree branch, the beautiful woman was momentarily stunned, her mouth agape.
She could control her scales for fifteen miles and yet couldn’t kill that human kid?
He had easily caught her attack?!
"I have something to take care of. I’ll be back soon. You all wait for me here."
In the tea house, Li Hao held the scale as he walked out, addressing the four at the table. Then, he stepped forward and vanished from their sight in an instant.
Yu Wei, who was sipping tea, suddenly spat it out.
(End of Chapter)