After Zhao Bo and Li Fu left, Yu Xuan looked at Li Tiangang with a hesitant expression and said, "Marshal, you just returned yesterday, and now there's this misunderstanding with the young master. It might affect the father-son relationship. Shouldn't you go and comfort him?"
Li Tiangang glanced in the direction Li Hao had left and realized his earlier attitude had been a bit harsh. But thinking about the cold look Li Hao had given him ignited a nameless anger in his heart. He patted Yu Xuan on the shoulder and said, "Today, I let you deal with this child's temper."
Yu Xuan quickly bowed and replied, "Marshal, you are too kind. I'm not worried about myself; the key is the young master..."
"I'll go see him later," Li Tiangang sighed. "Even if I was wrong, this child has been spoiled for years and has a bad temper. He said we could handle the painting, but just because of this little issue, he throws a tantrum and abandons it? It's ridiculous!"
Yu Xuan opened his mouth to say something but hesitated, unsure how to persuade him. After all, he didn't understand these matters either. He was a battlefield orphan, and given the strict rules, he didn't want to say too much.
At that moment, a figure suddenly flew down from the sky.
Li Tiangang looked up and saw it was his second uncle, a smile instantly spreading across his face. "Second Uncle!" He called out and quickly walked out of the corridor to greet him. "What brings you here? I was just about to thank you."
Li Muxiu landed in the courtyard and looked at Li Tiangang's sturdy figure, sighing, "You kid, years of hardship at the border have made you much sturdier. Where's Qingqing?"
Li Tiangang was taken aback and replied softly, "She left."
"Left?" Li Muxiu frowned and stared at him. "Will she come back?"
Li Tiangang hesitated and looked at his second uncle.
"I'm asking you a question," Li Muxiu said, clearly annoyed.
Li Tiangang hesitated again, "Second Uncle, do you know about Qingqing...?"
"Hmph, do you really think you can hide everything from everyone? Who didn't know back then? Your father knows, your mother knows!" Li Muxiu said, irritated. "Otherwise, would they have allowed you to marry?"
"Father and Mother both know..." Li Tiangang felt as if he had been struck by lightning, stunned for a long time before coming back to his senses, his eyes surprisingly moist.
Li Muxiu casually released an energy barrier around them, looking at him seriously. "Now, tell me honestly, will she come back?"
Li Tiangang clenched his fists and slowly shook his head. "She won't come back."
Won't come back... Li Muxiu took a deep breath and suddenly thought of something. "I wasn't at the estate yesterday, but I heard you returned yesterday. What about the others? Do they know what's going on? What about Hao'er? Does he know?"
Faced with his uncle's rapid-fire questions, Li Tiangang shook his head again. "I didn't go into detail; everyone thinks Qingqing is..."
"Hao'er doesn't know either?" Li Muxiu asked immediately.
Li Tiangang nodded slightly.
Li Muxiu paused for a moment and then sighed. "You're right; it's better that Hao'er doesn't know. Since Qingqing won't come back, there's no need for him to know. Just treat it as if she has passed away!"
Hearing this, Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, but in the end, he clenched his fists and remained silent.
"You were able to end the war in Yanbei; it wouldn't be because of Qingqing, would it?" Li Muxiu suddenly asked.
Li Tiangang shook his head slightly. "That's just part of it; mainly, after all these years of fighting, the Holy Palace has grown weak."
Li Muxiu snorted. "Those monsters! Once Hao'er inherits the True Dragon position and our family has an heir, I'll personally pay a visit to those ancient demon kings!"
"Second Uncle, the family still needs you to guard it," Li Tiangang said with a bitter smile, knowing his uncle's temper. He changed the subject. "Speaking of Hao'er, I was just about to thank you."
"Thank me for what? Taking care of Hao'er is what I should do. He's the only one among these nephews I can look up to; he's different from those wooden-headed ones, including you all," Li Muxiu said bluntly.
Li Tiangang felt a bit helpless hearing himself criticized but didn't retort.
In their youth, among the nine brothers, most were looked down upon by the second uncle, except for a few.
He never expected Li Hao to earn such affection from the eccentric second uncle. Smiling, he said, "If it weren't for you changing Hao'er's fate, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today. This kindness, I will always remember!"
"What?" Li Muxiu was taken aback. "Change Hao'er's fate? Me?"
"Hmm?" Li Tiangang looked at him in confusion.
The young man Yu Xuan also looked surprised at this pillar of the Li family.
"Second Uncle, Hao'er is fourteen this year and has already reached the Fifteen Li realm. If it weren't for you..." Li Tiangang began but was interrupted.
"Did you get that wrong?" Li Muxiu suddenly realized what was going on, annoyed. "With how much I love Hao'er, I would indeed want to change his fate, but my chance was used up long ago. How could I still have an opportunity?"
"Besides, Hao'er is extraordinarily gifted, far beyond the ordinary; he’s even more impressive than your ninth brother. He doesn't need a fate change; it would probably ruin him instead."
"Ah?" Li Tiangang, who had been through countless battles, was taken aback.
Not his uncle?
Hao'er reached this level entirely on his own talent?
Yu Xuan was similarly stunned, looking at the old man with shock.
Seeing Li Tiangang's astonished expression, Li Muxiu couldn't help but laugh, understanding the situation.
After all, with Li Hao's talent, even among the gifted Li family, he was a standout.
"Hao'er is extraordinarily intelligent, beyond ordinary imagination; he isn't just an average genius," Li Muxiu said with a smile.
Li Tiangang snapped back to reality, bewildered. "But wasn't it said that Hao'er had blocked meridians?"
As Li Hao's biological father, he couldn't believe the news he had heard was false.
There was no need to hide anything from him, right?
Moreover, with Li Hao having his mother's bloodline, such a situation could happen.
"It is true that his meridians were blocked," Li Muxiu sighed. "That's why it's terrifying. Hao'er told me he suddenly opened his meridians in a dream. I've looked into it; it's a case of false meridian blockage, not completely sealed off. Such an occurrence is a thousand times rarer than pure blockage since most common children have a buildup of dirty blood over generations, leading to many cases of blocked meridians."
"It seems he opened his meridians around six or seven years old."
Blocked meridians aren't uncommon in ordinary families, but in the Divine General's residence, it's rare.
Li Tiangang's eyes widened in shock.
Having seen countless battles, he had never blinked, but now he was speechless with astonishment.
Does this mean Li Hao only started cultivating at six or seven?
Without foundation building or blood melting, in just seven years, he reached the Fifteen Li realm?
Moreover, from what he had understood earlier, Li Hao usually didn't focus on cultivation and spent his time playing around, hardly training seriously...
No wonder even his uncle called it "terrifying!"
Li Tiangang had seen the most monstrous geniuses, but now he realized that compared to his son, even his ninth brother didn't measure up.
This is his son!
Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, unable to hide his excitement.
Yu Xuan was left speechless, unable to comprehend.
The previously lazy young master was actually this powerful?
Li Muxiu, seeing their reactions, wore a proud smile, enjoying their astonishment.
It couldn't just be him, Old Feng, and Old Wu who were shocked.
"Hao'er?" Li Muxiu looked around.
Li Tiangang, still excited, said, "Hao'er should be in his courtyard."
Li Muxiu nodded, smiling. "I came here first to see you, and secondly, I have some matters to attend to. Since you’re back, I can go handle them. You take care of Hao'er."
"With Hao'er’s skills, he can already roam the world; he doesn't need my care," Li Tiangang said with a smile.
Li Muxiu's smile faded slightly, and he looked at him meaningfully. "No matter how strong he is, he is still just a fourteen-year-old child."
"When I say care, I don't mean fearing others will bully him; I mean fearing he has no one to accompany him, you understand?"
Li Tiangang was taken aback, and the smile on his face slowly faded into silence.
Is it companionship?
Suddenly, he recalled the questions Li Hao had asked him earlier.
"If I focus solely on becoming a master, what can I achieve?"
"If I am the greatest prodigy in a thousand years, what then?"
Li Tiangang couldn't help but take a deep breath, his expression changing.
So the child was saying, if he performed so well, what could he gain from him?
Parental praise or companionship?
Thinking of his fourteen years of war in Yanbei, Li Tiangang sighed inwardly, feeling a bit guilty for failing in his role as a father.
He said to Li Muxiu, "Second Uncle, I understand now. I will take good care of Hao'er and make up for what I've missed over the years."
Li Muxiu smiled and said, "Alright, I won't say more. I'll go see Hao'er and then leave."
"Second Uncle, may I ask what you need to do?" Li Tiangang quickly inquired.
"Meeting an old friend to discuss a rain," Li Muxiu replied with a smile, then waved his hand and left casually.
...
Li Hao returned to his courtyard.
As soon as he entered, the little white fox, Xiao Rou, jumped out from who knows where and pounced into Li Hao's arms.
Li Hao came back to his senses, smiled, and hugged the little white fox, rubbing its fur. "Where did you run off to earlier? I didn't see you around."
The white fox looked at him with a wronged expression, unable to speak, burying its head in Li Hao's embrace.
Li Hao didn't think much of it, holding it as he sat down at his desk. He glanced at the chessboard nearby, casually picked up a piece from the box, and began to roll it between his fingers, leaning back in his chair, looking bored as he gazed out the window.
Suddenly, a figure jumped out from outside the window, startling Li Hao.
"You brat, what are you doing here? Isn’t Old Five here to play chess with you?"
It was Li Muxiu.
Li Hao was momentarily stunned before coming back to his senses, smiling, "Second Uncle, do you have time? Come on, let's go fishing for dragons."
Li Muxiu shot him an annoyed look. "Fishing for what dragon? Do you think you can catch one? Your father is back; you should spend more time with him."
Li Hao smirked and said, "Last time I caught a flood dragon, next time I can definitely catch a dragon."
"You’re dreaming! Last time was just a lucky coincidence!"
Li Muxiu rolled his eyes at him and then said, "I need to go out for a while. If you want to fish, go find Old Feng. Just don’t go alone; I still haven’t found the old dragon in that lake. Even though you’re in the Fifteen Li realm, it’s still a bit dangerous."
Li Hao smiled and replied, "Okay."
...
Meanwhile, in Changchun Courtyard.
"What?!"
In the main hall, He Jianlan dropped the teacup she was holding, spilling tea all over the carpet.
But she didn't care, suddenly standing up in shock, staring at Li Fu. "Say that again?"
Li Fu couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, not surprised by the madam's reaction. Who wouldn't be shocked to learn about the young master's situation for the first time?
He respectfully said, "Madam, the Marquis asked me to inform you that a family banquet will be held for Young Master Hao to celebrate his entry into the Fifteen Li realm!"
He Jianlan stared blankly at him. Li Fu was a soldier, so he wouldn't lie about this, especially since it was personally instructed by Li Tiangang.
But Li Hao reached the Fifteen Li realm?
Suddenly, her mind was flooded with thoughts, and she felt a sudden clarity.
All these years, was it all a disguise?
Hao'er not only could cultivate but his talent exceeded imagination!
That detestable Seventh Brother must not have trusted her, so he hid this from her?!
She believed it was all Li Tiangang's idea; otherwise, how could a child understand these things?
He Jianlan felt a mix of joy, anger, and frustration, but ultimately, joy won out.
"To think Hao'er is already in the Fifteen Li realm... and he’s only fourteen."
She muttered to herself.
The room fell silent.
The surrounding maids, servants, and her personal maid stared at Li Fu in shock, processing this earth-shattering news.
Over the years, Li Hao had often visited Changchun Courtyard, so how could they not know about the young master's situation?
Who would have thought he would suddenly reveal such terrifying talent today!
The maid standing quietly to one side, Xue Jian, was also astonished.
She had a deep impression of that child; she had accompanied him to listen to the rain at the Rain Listening Tower. At that time, she thought he was just a child fooling around, and she had no choice but to accompany him.
But was he secretly cultivating back then?
How old was he at that time? To be able to hide it so flawlessly, that level of cunning and intelligence was a bit frightening!
"I understand now; you can go. Tell Seventh Brother I will settle the score with him later."
He Jianlan regained her composure and shot a glare at Li Fu, thinking he must have known about this long ago.
Usually, he acted like a wooden-headed fool, trying to persuade Li Hao with a serious face, which she had found somewhat amusing.
Li Fu, oh Li Fu, you really are an "honest man"!
...
The news of the family banquet was quickly spread from Changchun Courtyard to the kitchen for procurement and to other courtyards.
He Jianlan didn't hold back, directly instructing the maid to announce it clearly.
Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen Li realm!
Just this news alone caused a stir in the Li residence!
In the nine courtyards and the training grounds, upon hearing this news, everyone was in an uproar!
The instructors and old soldiers in the training grounds were stunned. They were familiar with the direct descendant young master since his fiancée was introduced to the Sword Saint by them.
But... the young master who was rejected by the Sword Saint back then has actually reached the Fifteen Li realm?!!
Are you kidding me?!
His fiancée, who entered the Sword Pavilion, was probably just at the Spirit Travel realm!
At this moment, the news shocked not only the old soldiers and instructors but also the many junior members of the Li family practicing in the training grounds.
Fourteen years old, Fifteen Li realm!
These words pierced their minds like sharp needles, completely overturning their previous understanding.
Is this the terror of a direct descendant genius?!
In Shuihua Courtyard.
Liu Yueren was getting ready in her room.
The copper mirror reflected her beautiful face; although she was already in her forties, she looked like she was in her thirties.
She had a graceful figure and captivating charm, her mature beauty shining through. Her hair was styled elegantly, like a stunning woman from a painting.
Her personal maid was helping her with hairpins when suddenly a maid walked in, bowing her head and quietly reporting that a maid from He Jianlan's side had come to visit with news.
Liu Yueren merely glanced at her and instructed the maid to bring the visitor in.
Soon, a long-serving maid entered the room, greeted Liu Yueren, and informed her about the family banquet.
"What?"
Liu Yueren, who had been admiring her reflection, suddenly froze and quickly turned her head.
The jewelry hanging from her hairpin swayed and hit her forehead due to her sudden movement.
"Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen Li realm? Li Hao?!!"
"Yes," the maid replied, bowing.
Liu Yueren looked at the maid's obedient demeanor, but her mind was buzzing.
Really? Is this a joke?
That child, in the Fifteen Li realm?!
A wave of dizziness hit her, and she felt as if she hadn’t slept well last night, her vision darkening.
In an instant, many thoughts rushed through her mind.
All the unreasonable and incomprehensible things would crumble before the truth and weave into a reasonable explanation, and she had already thought of a possibility.
Her chest rose and fell violently for a moment before she managed to calm herself.
She then smiled and dismissed the maid from Changchun Courtyard, immediately calling her old housekeeper to find out the truth.
Not long after, the housekeeper returned with confirmation that the news was true.
Liu Yueren's expression darkened instantly. How could this be possible?
Unless Li Hao was never a waste, and Li Tiangang had sent that Lin Haixia back to give her a heads-up to cover up Li Hao's situation.
That would make sense.
All the talk of failed foundation building was fake, just a show for them.
Well, well, Li Tiangang!
With those thick eyebrows and big eyes, he actually has so many tricks up his sleeve!
It must be that strange woman, Ji Qingqing, who thought of all this!
Liu Yueren gritted her teeth, vividly recalling the time she rushed to Shanhe Courtyard and saw that child's body all pale.
But the medicinal liquid was not absorbed at all; to act to such an extent was truly ruthless!
"I must inform Qianfeng and have him prepare in advance."
Liu Yueren suddenly realized, hurriedly ordering someone to fetch paper and pen to write a secret letter.
...
Apart from that, the other courtyards that received the news were equally shocked.
This news was even more shocking than when they learned that Jiu Lang Li Junye entered the master realm at seventeen.
After all, Li Hao had always seemed carefree to them; no one had ever seen him practice martial arts. He was either painting or fishing with his second uncle, seemingly having plenty of leisure time, completely different from those who trained hard and sweated profusely.
Even though Li Hao later began to cultivate, no one had inquired about his realm. It was obvious he hadn’t built a foundation, and with such poor roots and a carefree attitude, how far could he really go?
The invitation from the Tan Palace Academy was brought to Li Hao only because He Jianlan specifically instructed it.
Even He Jianlan thought Li Hao hadn’t practiced much, and it would be difficult for him to enter the Tan Palace Academy on his own, let alone what others thought.
"So that’s how it is; no wonder they made an exception for him..."
In Piaoxue Courtyard, Li Yun and his sister were both stunned.
They thought Li Hao had just reached the Spirit Soul realm ahead of them, since the threshold for the Black and White Hall was the Spirit Soul realm.
They didn’t expect he had jumped several steps ahead, reaching a place they couldn't even see.
Li Wushuang stood nearby, and when she heard the news, her eyes merely squinted slightly, showing no change.
She had already experienced Li Hao's Fifteen Li realm slap yesterday.
Li Xuanli and Gao Qingqing exchanged glances, both surprised.
Noticing her sister Li Zhi Ning mumbling, Li Wushuang asked, "What do you mean by exception?"
Li Zhi Ning came back to her senses, her expression complex. Seeing her elder sister looking down at her, she suddenly realized that the dazzling eldest sister seemed to dim in comparison to that young man.
At sixteen, the Spirit Travel realm, compared to fourteen and the Fifteen Li realm, the gap was too vast!
Under Li Wushuang's questioning, Li Zhi Ning explained the matter regarding the Tan Palace Academy.
Upon learning that Li Hao had entered the Black and White Hall as an exception, Li Xuanli said with annoyance, "So those old folks at the Tan Palace Academy knew before us?"
Gao Qingqing, quick-witted, had calmed down from her shock and pondered, "They were likely out on a mission for the academy when Hao'er revealed his strength."
"Why didn’t they inform us of such an important matter?" Li Xuanli said irritably.
Gao Qingqing glanced at her husband and shook her head. "Think about it; they probably thought we in the Li family already knew. Since Hao'er has exceptional talent but hasn't made a name for himself, they might think we were intentionally hiding it. Plus, with both his parents at the border, it’s easy to assume they think it’s because they aren’t around, which is why they’re covering up Hao'er’s reputation to avoid him being harmed."
"Now that they’ve learned this news, they naturally wouldn’t dare to make it public. They’re probably quite nervous, fearing it might leak because of them."
Hearing his wife’s analysis, Li Xuanli woke up to the reality, speechless. This really was a case of the clever returning home, perfectly timed.
Speaking of harm, Gao Qingqing glanced at her eldest daughter and said, "You need to be more careful when you go out. The Qian Kun List is our human race’s genius list, only the extraordinary can be on it. But you know, the Qian Kun List has another name."
"Yes," Li Wushuang nodded. The other name was the demon race's assassination list!
Over the years, the human and demon races have had countless grudges. If they learned that a great demon had birthed an exceptionally talented bloodline, they would send someone to assassinate.
But despite such a name, the glory of the Qian Kun List still attracts countless people.
After all, most geniuses have ambition. If they fear assassination and hide away, what kind of hero would that be?
In this world, countless warriors train hard, seeking just one word.
Fame.
(End of Chapter)