Chapter 142: Liu Liu Yuerong

After these cultivation techniques were taken away by the Elders, Li Li Tiangang dismissed everyone from the courtyard, then returned to his study and picked up the interrogation report he had been reading earlier.

This was his second time reading it, merely to check for any oversights.

Not long after, he finished the second reading.

Li Li Tiangang fell into silence, standing in place, gazing at a training ground within the courtyard.

There stood a Dragon Sinew Grass target, but it was ragged and covered in snow.

*Thwip! * An arrow shot sharply into the center of the Dragon Sinew Grass target, its feathered end trembling slightly.

"See? I told you I could hit it!"

The child jumped up and down in excitement, shouting loudly.

"Haha, good! With more practice, you'll surpass your second brother back then." A tall youth with a sword at his waist smiled.

"You've already surpassed him. Qi seventh's talent with the bow is better than mine."

Another youth with a slender face smiled faintly, reaching out to pat the child's head, who beamed with joy.

"Don't flatter yourself—you once shot through the head of a great demon thirty *li* away; the whole army saw it." The sword-wielding youth's eyes held admiration.

The slender-faced youth smiled without replying, then said to the child: "Last time you said you wanted your own precious blade—look, what's this?"

He pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing a curved dagger the length of a dagger.

The child's eyes lit up; he snatched it in delight: "Second brother, did you buy this?"

"I hunted a great dragon, took its fangs and scales, and had someone forge this for you," said the sword-wielding youth, envious.

"Thank you, second brother!"

The child was overjoyed, clutching the curved dagger, playing with it endlessly.

Elsewhere in the courtyard, a child's crying suddenly erupted—powerful and loud.

Both youths turned to look, then laughed: "Little Nine wet the bed again."

They walked toward it; the child followed right behind, and as they moved farther away, their figures faded and vanished.

The past's shadows fell silent before his eyes; the warm spring sunlight was gone, replaced now by snow blanketing the entire courtyard.

The brand-new Dragon Sinew Grass target had grown worn and tattered.

Laughter and joy had long since departed; the target remained, but the one who shot it would never return…

Li Li Tiangang's hand clenched slightly; he took a slow, deep breath, then turned and walked out of Shanhe Courtyard, face grim.

Yu Yu Xuan and Li Fu moved to follow, but he raised a hand to stop them.

He said nothing, merely stood with his hands behind his back, disappearing into the snowfall beyond the courtyard.

Not long after, Li Li Tiangang arrived at Shuihua Courtyard.

As he pushed open the door, the personal guards at the entrance froze, their eyes flickering with fear; they hurriedly bowed.

Li Li Tiangang stepped into the courtyard, hands behind his back, and saw a boy practicing swordplay—wind whistling sharply around him.

He glanced sideways; the boy noticed him, stopped his sword, and looked over—his gaze cold, faintly tinged with anger.

Li Li Tiangang said nothing, turned away, and walked straight to a pavilion elsewhere.

There, a beautiful woman with a graceful figure, dressed in a green double-breasted long gown, leaned against the railing, watching the boy practice.

Li Li Tiangang entered the pavilion from the side; her expression didn't change, still gazing at the boy, not turning back—but her lips pressed slightly, betraying inner turmoil.

Silence settled in the pavilion.

After a long while, Li Li Tiangang spoke first: "Second sister-in-law, the interrogation results have reached me. You personally signed and confirmed them—is there anything else you wish to say?"

Liu Liu Yuerong didn't move a muscle; after a moment, she spoke slowly:

"What do you want me to say? Should your sister-in-law kneel before you, Li Li Tiangang, and beg forgiveness? Or should I kneel before your son and let him kill my son and me?"

As she spoke, she slowly turned, her dark eyes fixed on Li Li Tiangang.

Li Li Tiangang fell silent for a moment, then said: "Since second sister-in-law has confessed to the interrogation results, I will act according to the law."

"So much for acting according to the law…"

Liu Liu Yuerong's eyes flared with fury and venom:

"You used the Thousand Needle Soul-Worm Method to extract confessions—if I hadn't confessed, I'd be dead in that dungeon by now. Li Li Tiangang, Li Li Tiangang, you're truly cruel: cruel to your own son, cruel to this widow and orphan—do you honor your dead elder brother at all?!"

Li Li Tiangang stared at the anger and hatred on her face, falling silent.

Once, when she and her second brother were inseparable, every time she saw him, she was the perfect lady—gentle, smiling, always bringing him snacks, never forgetting gifts when they went to the market.

Back then, they were all young, faces radiant with carefree joy, their hearts open, hiding not a single secret.

Now, their eyes met, yet neither could glimpse the other's soul.

Time had changed everything; the world was no longer as it was.

"Second sister-in-law, according to national law, your title of First-Class State Lady shall be revoked, and you shall be demoted to common noble status."

Li Li Tiangang took a quiet breath, his voice low: "According to family law, your attempt to harm the legitimate heir warrants exile and execution—but out of respect for your late husband's past merits, you shall remain in this Shuihua Courtyard for the rest of your life. As long as the Li family endures, your wealth and honor will be secured."

"So much for wealth and honor!"

Liu Liu Yuerong glared at him with hatred: "Why was Li Fengping so foolish, so stupid? His talent wasn't inferior to yours, Li Li Tiangang—Qianfeng's blood carried divine essence! When he married me, he was already a Three Immortal!"

"Yet he did something so idiotic—he took a sword blow meant for you, was gravely wounded, then still went to war—and ended up with no grave, no bones left…"

Her voice broke; her teeth clenched, tears of crimson red welled in her eyes: "He died the year Qianfeng was born!"

"He was born without a father!!"

Li Li Tiangang's chest rose and fell slightly; he remained stone-cold silent.

"If not for you, how would he have died? If he hadn't died, after Xiaojiu passed, the True Dragon throne would have been his!"

"If he were still alive, would he have allowed you to bully this widow and orphan? If he were still alive, why would I have had to go to such lengths to poison your monstrous son?!"

"All of this—your fault! Your fault!!"

Liu Liu Yuerong's emotions shattered; she screamed and wept in fury.

Outside the courtyard, a boy's figure suddenly appeared, standing between Liu Liu Yuerong and Li Li Tiangang, his eyes filled with icy coldness as he stared at the burly man.

"I will bear responsibility for my mother's actions—you will not punish her!"

Li Qianfeng spoke coldly.

Li Li Tiangang looked into those icy eyes and felt a sudden stab of pain—he recognized them. He had seen them not long ago.

By generation, he was his nephew—he should call him "Uncle."

But now, those eyes held only the coldness of a stranger, even hostility.

Liu Liu Yuerong, hearing Li Qianfeng's words, panicked and shoved him back: "Don't interfere! Don't come near! This has nothing to do with you—go away!"

Li Li Tiangang realized now: Liu Liu Yuerong had confessed not merely due to torture, but to shield her son—no one in the household believed her innocent anymore; her defiance was useless.

"Li Li Tiangang, you may imprison me, but Qianfeng is innocent—he's still young, he knows nothing!"

Liu Liu Yuerong glared at Li Li Tiangang.

Li Li Tiangang spoke slowly: "I will act impartially. If Qianfeng has committed no offense, I will not interfere—as long as he never breaks law or family code in the future."

Hearing this, Liu Liu Yuerong's heart eased; her shoulders trembled as she wept and laughed: "Li Fengping… you had a good younger brother…"

Her voice dripped with irony and sorrow.

Li Li Tiangang remained silent, offering no explanation, only gazing deeply at her, then at the boy before him, and said slowly: "Qianfeng, I have already reported the outcome of the True Dragon contest to our ancestors—it is nullified. You and Hao can compete again. I have given Hao three years—you have three years too. If you can defeat Hao after three years, the True Dragon throne will be yours."

Li Qianfeng stiffened, staring at him: "Truly?"

Li Li Tiangang did not repeat himself. The boy wouldn't even call him "Uncle"—his emotional distance was clear; Li Li Tiangang had lost his warmth.

Liu Liu Yuerong knew Li Li Tiangang's nature—she knew he spoke truth. She laughed: "Li Li Tiangang, Li Li Tiangang, since Father passed, you've changed not one bit. Your son won fairly—that monster—who could defeat him?"

"You could've simply given him the True Dragon throne out of favoritism—why go through this charade? All your Li sons are wooden-headed fools, utterly foolish!"

Li Li Tiangang glanced at her; his emotions had calmed. He spoke coldly: "Perhaps. But the people of Emperor Da Yu need such wooden-headed fools. Your Liu clan's scholars are sharp-minded—but what have you actually accomplished these years? Exploiting your position to amass wealth, evading taxes under Li family protection—do you truly think I don't know?"

Liu Liu Yuerong froze; her face turned pale.

"If you don't want the world to know, don't do it!"

Li Li Tiangang turned and strode away, leaving Shuihua Courtyard.

The captain of the personal guard stepped forward, bowing to receive orders.

"Seal the courtyard. Do not let her step out a single step!"

Li Li Tiangang tossed out the order and walked away.

…

…

In Piaoxue Courtyard.

After returning home, Li Li Xuanli ordered his wife Gao Ji Qingqing to prepare travel gear—he intended to depart for Liangzhou at once. Speed was vital; since Liangzhou harbored demonic threats, he had no intention of lingering at home.

"Father, you're going to Liangzhou to suppress demons?"

Three figures entered the main hall; Li Li Wushuang's eyes gleamed with interest.

"Mm."

Li Li Xuanli looked at the three, smiled, and beckoned them closer; when they approached, he said gently: "While I'm away, listen well to your mother. Don't misbehave, understood?"

"Father, are you going to Tianmen Pass—to guard it with him?"

Li Li Wushuang asked quickly.

Li Yun and Li Li Zhining also fixed their eyes on Li Li Xuanli.

"Tianmen Pass?"

Li Li Xuanli paused, realizing who his daughter meant; his expression darkened slightly as he sighed:

"I'm going to the Li family garrison in Liangzhou. Tianmen Pass is a border stronghold—it's been abandoned. I don't know when that child will return—or if he truly plans to stay there for three years. If demons invade, his position will be perilous…"

His face showed deep worry. Li Li Wushuang and the others froze, their expressions shifting.

"Father, if Liangzhou is dangerous, shouldn't you warn him?" Li Li Wushuang frowned.

Li Li Xuanli nodded slightly: "Once I reach Liangzhou, I'll send a military report to alert him—to stay vigilant, and ideally, return home. That child is so stubborn. What can't be resolved between father and son? Sigh…"

Gao Ji Qingqing rolled her eyes at him: "Don't stand there talking without feeling the strain. Mind your own business. If you're going to Liangzhou, first take care of yourself. If you really want to write to that child, tell him his fifth aunt has prepared his favorite childhood treat—Mudoxuan Yu Su—for him to eat when he comes back."

Li Li Xuanli nodded slightly, gently squeezing his wife's hand.

Then he turned to the three: "The world is in turmoil with demons and monsters—no longer as peaceful as in past years. You must cultivate diligently. Don't let your minor talents make you reckless or boastful, understood?"

Li Li Wushuang said: "Father, I want to go to Liangzhou too."

"I'm going too," Li Yun hurriedly added.

Li Li Zhining said nothing, but stared at her father with wide, hopeful eyes.

Li Li Xuanli rolled his eyes. "I've wasted my breath. I've no energy to babysit you. Don't come and cause trouble."

"Father, they can't go—but I can."

Li Li Wushuang promptly betrayed her siblings: "I've descended from the mountain to enter the mortal world—I need trials. In this True Dragon contest, I realized just how far behind I am compared to them. I'm going to Liangzhou to slay demons and cultivate!"

Li Yun and Li Li Zhining both turned to their elder sister. They'd agreed to plead together for permission to accompany their father—only for her to betray them? The siblings glared at her, pouting.

They felt like mere props for their elder sister.

Li Li Xuanli, hearing his daughter's words, chuckled bitterly: "Don't compare yourself to them. One's even more outrageous than your Ninth Uncle; the other's a direct disciple of the Buddha Master. That you've reached this level already puts you far ahead of your peers—you're ranked in the top thirty on the Qiankun List. I'm already proud of you."

"It's not enough. I want to be number one!"

Li Li Wushuang fixed her gaze: "If I keep slacking like this, I'll eventually lose sight of even their heels!"

Seeing her stubbornness, Li Li Xuanli thought a moment: "Fine. With your cultivation, it'd do you good to see the military firsthand."

"Father…"

Li Yun and his sister immediately spoke up.

"Don't even think about it."

"Father, you're being unfair!"

"Yes, I am. If you don't listen, do you think I won't beat you?"

"..."

…

…

Liangzhou, Tianmen Pass.

Inside a bamboo-fenced courtyard within the pass.

The fire had died out. Li Hao watched as Song Song Qiumo and Feng Lao finished eating. He smiled, patted his buttocks, and stood: "Nice weather today. How about we take a stroll—and slay some demons?"

Song Song Qiumo blinked in surprise: "You just got the sword scripture—aren't you going to practice first?"

"Practicing swordplay improves fastest in actual combat," Li Hao laughed.

"I know you just want to use me to kill more demons," Song Song Qiumo retorted, unamused—but not angry.

"Just for digestion," Li Hao grinned.

"Fair enough. I've grown tired of staying here. I'll accompany you," Song Song Qiumo said, rising.

Feng Bo calmly said: "She's enough company. I won't go."

Li Hao knew the old man wished to stay behind and guard the pass. He dropped his playful demeanor and nodded slightly, then took Long Xiao's sword from Ren Ren Qianqian's hands.

"Can I come too?" Ren Ren Qianqian hurriedly asked.

"You're still too weak. Stay here and cultivate. When you're ready to inherit a soul, will you go through your father's path—or to the Wumiao?"

Ren Ren Qianqian immediately replied: "Wumiao. My father chose it for me—it's Wumiao."

"Good. When you break through, I'll have Song Qiumo escort you to Wumiao. But hurry—she's only staying half a year," Li Hao smiled.

Hearing this, Ren Ren Qianqian realized her cultivation was far too low—even keeping up with Li Hao was beyond her.

Li Hao turned, sword in hand. A white shadow darted out. The white fox scrambled up his pant leg and perched lightly on his shoulder.

Seeing its clingy nature, Li Hao ruffled its tiny head, didn't shoo it away, and strolled out of camp, sword in hand, releasing his spiritual sense to patrol outward from Tianmen Pass.

Soon, Li Hao spotted hidden demons and monsters forty li away.

With Song Song Qiumo guarding nearby, Li Hao had no fear of attacks from Four-Station Realm demon kings—he charged forward, sword in hand.

With a sharp *whoosh*, Long Xiao's sword unsheathed. Twenty li distant, the flying blade streaked like a rainbow, slicing through several demons hidden in the woods.

The swordlight, white as snow, resembled a roaring silver dragon—cutting through the demons' bodies as easily as slicing tofu, erasing their souls along with their flesh.

The demons never even saw what struck them.

Li Hao rode the wind, drifting effortlessly through the air. His perception first swept toward Longguan Road, using his object-control power to fling the demon corpses along the road into the wilderness and thickets.

This main road leading to the pass had once been overrun by demons. After Li Hao had cleared them on his previous passage, he now saw several more had taken root in the center—likely stragglers who'd settled down on the spot.

Li Hao showed no mercy. Swordlight flashed, slaying the demons outright and flinging their corpses far away.

He needed these demons to know: this was a path for humans—not for demons to tread.

After eliminating those demons, Li Hao flew toward the nearby wilderness. Along the way, he casually wiped out demons of all sizes.

Demons of the Spirit-Wandering Realm, even those at the Fifteen-Li Realm, were no match for him.

Demon kings of the Celestial Realm, who ruled their territories, offered no resistance before Long Xiao's blade—their coarse hides tore like rotten straw.

Li Hao leapt over hills and forests, leaving behind a trail of demon corpses on the ground.

He intended to clear every demon in this region—to restore it to its state a thousand years ago, making it a demon-free zone!

Song Song Qiumo followed Li Hao as he wandered, rarely needing to strike.

She'd long realized he'd brought her along only to guard against ambushes from great demon kings. All other demons, he dispatched effortlessly.

Besides controlling his flying sword, whenever he encountered demons around the Fifteen-Li Realm, he mostly used his fishing line and hook to reel them in, accumulating fishing experience.

Several days passed.

Within a hundred li of Tianmen Pass, not a single demon remained—they'd all been slain.

Li Hao's fishing experience had reached 20,000 points—still 80,000 short of the 100,000 bottleneck.

Li Hao began clearing farther out.

Meanwhile.

A thousand li from Tianmen Pass.

On the peak of a massive mountain encircled by others, stood a Daoist grounds.

Mist curled around the grounds; morning bells tolled.

Numerous cultivation figures sat across the vast grounds, clad in plain Daoist robes, hair tied in buns—like a celestial Daoist sanctuary.

But upon closer look, each figure bore horns atop their heads, or scaled bumps.

Their robes had holes in the back, from which tails of various shapes extended. Their clasped hands for chanting—some slender human palms, others clawed, knobby, scaled.

This was Longshan Daoist Grounds.

Before the assembled demons, on a ritual altar, sat a dried corpse clad in Daoist robes, its face crimson and blue, delivering teachings.

Around it swirled dark spirits; worms occasionally crawled from its robe's front opening, burrowing into its ears or nose, then back into its body.

This dried corpse was the Three-Indestructible Great Demon who'd fled in disgrace from Tianmen Pass just days ago.

Kong Que, the Ox Demon, and the Giant Frog had all perished at Tianmen Pass—only he escaped.

Such heavy losses were devastating for Longshan Daoist Grounds.

Behind the grounds, an old man in a worn Daoist robe sat quietly before a waterfall.

Suddenly, his eyes opened, icy light flashing. He spoke coldly: "What brings you here?"

Behind him, a figure slowly materialized—a graceful woman in a bright red long dress, half her face marked with floral patterns. Her eyes were seductive as she smiled lightly:

"Dragon Lord, I heard your little ones all fell at that Tianmen Pass. What a pity."

"Are you here to get beaten?"

The old man's eyes were frigid.

"I'm just heartbroken for you—why are you taking your anger out on me?"

The seductive woman feigned helplessness, blinking innocently: "I came to ask: have you considered my earlier proposal? Will you join our army? It's a rare opportunity."

The old man frowned, falling silent.

"What are you worried about? The True Person of Qiandao Palace won't dare step out."

The woman spoke softly: "Otherwise, that imperial capital would collapse into ashes in an instant."

"This is a once-in-a-millennium chance. These humans expanded recklessly, forcing us out of our homelands, pushing us to the fringes of Dahuang Tian. We've long needed to strike back!"

As she spoke, her seductive face hardened with murderous intent.

The old man spoke slowly: "If you plan to attack Liangzhou, from which direction?"

"Originally, we intended to march straight through Tianmen Pass—with your cooperation."

The woman's expression softened again, sweet and alluring: "But we recently received intelligence: the Li family of Qingzhou has suffered a great blow. That prodigy—the one hailed as the greatest talent in a thousand years of Emperor Da Yu—has run away and been exiled here. He's protected by a Four-Station Realm guardian. You've already encountered him."

"So attacking through Tianmen Pass now means confronting a Four-Station Realm warrior directly—too costly, not worth it."

"We've changed our route."

"Since this pass has become a hard nut to crack, we'll bypass it. First, we'll flatten Liangzhou. Once that's done, what use is this tiny pass? Then we'll return—and savor the taste of that human elder…"

(End of Chapter)