Chapter 405: Are You Brother Chong Er?

After bidding farewell to several people, Li Hao set off with Zhu Zhu Huoshen and Xi Yan toward the Wang family in Yunzhou.

【1】 After bidding farewell to the others, Li Hao took Zhu Zhu Huoshen and Xi Yan and set out for the Wang family of Yunzhou.

Along the way, they raced like wind and moon, crossing mountains, rivers, and lakes; even though they traveled in a straight line, they still had to traverse six or seven major provinces, covering nearly a million li.

【2】 Along the way, they raced like wind chasing the moon, crossing mountains, rivers, and lakes; though traveling in a straight line, they still had to traverse six or seven major provinces, nearly a million li.

But this time, Li Hao had no interest in experiencing the local customs or sightseeing—he hurried forward without pause.

【3】 But this time, Li Hao had no interest in savoring the scenery or sightseeing—he hurried forward without pause.

Zhu Zhu Huoshen galloped nonstop, its hooves leaving trails of flame that tore through the sky; after one day, they arrived in the territory of Yunzhou.

【4】 Zhu Zhu Huoshen galloped nonstop, its four hooves leaving trails of flame that tore through the sky; after one day, they reached the borders of Yunzhou.

In Yunzhou, numerous factions and martial sects thrived, yet all bore the shadow of the Wang family behind them; since the imperial capital stripped them of their border garrison authority, the Wang family had infiltrated these martial groups, using the sects as fronts to train troops, so that if demons ever invaded Yunzhou, they would face a unified, ironclad defense.

【5】 In Yunzhou, numerous factions and martial sects stood scattered, yet all bore the Wang family's shadow; since the imperial capital stripped the garrison's military authority, the Wang family had infiltrated these martial groups, using the sects as fronts to train troops—should demons ever invade Yunzhou, they would find it as solid as a single iron plate.

Those seemingly scattered martial sects wielded armor and weapons so refined they could drive even demons into retreat.

【6】 The martial sects, though appearing as scattered troops, wielded armor and weapons so refined they could drive demons back.

Whether the old man in the imperial capital turned a blind eye to this remains unclear.

【7】 Whether the old man in the imperial capital turned a blind eye to this, no one could say.

Zhu Zhu Huoshen descended and landed outside the Wang family's Divine General's Mansion.

【8】 Zhu Zhu Huoshen descended and landed outside the Wang family's Divine General's Mansion.

This magnificent and imposing Divine General's Mansion stood at the heart of Yunzhou City, exuding an aura of absolute dominance, its golden characters "Heavenly Illumination Divine General's Mansion" gleaming brilliantly, instilling awe in all who beheld it.

【9】 This magnificent and imposing Divine General's Mansion stood at the heart of Yunzhou City, exuding absolute dominance; above its gate, five golden characters blazed: "Emperor Tianzhao Divine General's Mansion," dazzling and awe-inspiring.

Seeing the demonic aura radiating from Zhu Zhu Huoshen, the guards outside the mansion jumped in fright, but quickly realized something and rushed inside to report.

【10】 Seeing the demonic aura radiating from Zhu Zhu Huoshen, the guards outside the mansion jumped in fright—but quickly realized something and rushed inside to report.

When the news spread, the Heavenly Illumination Divine General's Mansion erupted in shock.

【11】 When the news spread, the Emperor Tianzhao Divine General's Mansion erupted in commotion.

The Heavenly General, hundreds of thousands of li away, had actually come to Yunzhou!

【12】 The Hao Tian General, who was a million li away, had actually come to Yunzhou!

Everyone was intensely curious about this young general who had recently stirred up so much turmoil—he was so young, yet at sixteen had amassed countless battle achievements, fulfilling feats every warrior dreamed of.

【13】 Everyone was intensely curious about this young general who had stirred up so much turmoil—he was too young, only sixteen, yet already bore countless battle merits, fought in innumerable campaigns, and achieved feats every warrior dreamed of.

Merely hearing his name filled people with excitement and curiosity.

【14】 Merely hearing his name stirred excitement and curiosity.

The young man had already become shrouded in a mythic aura.

【15】 The boy was already shrouded in a hazy, mythic aura.

"Is this real? The Heavenly General actually came to our Wang family?"

【16】 "Is this real? The Hao Tian General actually came to our Wang family?"

"My father said he's never seen this general at court—he's earned countless honors but has never set foot in the imperial palace!"

【17】 "Father said he's never seen that general at court—he's amassed countless honors, yet has never set foot in the imperial court!"

"Why would he come here?"

【18】 "Why would he come here?"

"I heard it's because of the Fengshan Mohe River."

【19】 "I heard he came for the Fengshan Mohe."

"The Fengshan Mohe River? That's interesting—is he here to learn from us Wangs, drawn by the treasures in our Merit Vault?"

【20】 "Fengshan Mohe? That's interesting—is he here to learn from our Wang family? Has he set his eyes on the treasures in the Merit Treasury?"

"What else could it be? Who isn't envious of the Merit Vault? Without it, I wouldn't even know martial cultivation had an ultimate realm."

【21】 "What else? Who isn't envious of the Merit Treasury? Without it, I wouldn't even know martial cultivation had an ultimate realm."

"Let's go, let's go—hurry and meet him!"

【22】 "Come on, let's go see him right away."

Many of the younger Wang family members were also excited and thrilled.

【23】 Many of the Wang family's younger generation were also excited and agitated.

In today's Da Yu, the empire has shifted from prosperity to decline, from peace to chaos; the name "Tianhao" has emerged suddenly, mentioned countless times in just two years, causing even these proud young lords of the Divine General's Mansion to set aside their arrogance and become deeply curious about the boy.

【24】 Great Yu had shifted from prosperity to decline, from peace to chaos; the name Hao Tian had emerged like a thunderclap, mentioned so often in just two years that even these proud young masters of the Divine General's Mansions had tucked away their arrogance, deeply curious about the boy.

If the gap weren't so vast, they might have tried to compete—but the disparity between them and this boy was too immense; even their revered grandfathers and uncles paled in comparison, leaving their peers with no desire to challenge him.

【25】 If the gap weren't so vast, they might have tried to compete—but the disparity with the boy was too extreme; even their revered grandfathers and uncles paled beside him, robbing their peers of any desire to challenge him.

Meanwhile, Wang Wang Yongzhi, the patriarch of the Wang family, who appeared to be in his forties, led a group of senior Wang family power brokers to greet him outside the mansion.

【26】 Meanwhile, Wang Wang Yongzhi, the Wang family patriarch, appearing to be in his forties, led a group of his peers and powerful figures to greet him outside the mansion.

Although the reception was grand, Wang Wang Yongzhi was sharp-minded—he saw from the recent Buddhist incident that this boy was far from ordinary, even terrifying, and far beyond what the Wang family could afford to treat with arrogance.

【27】 Though the reception was grand, Wang Wang Yongzhi was sharp—he saw from the Buddhist sect incident that the boy was no ordinary figure, even terrifying; the Wang family could not afford to treat him as a mere beneficiary of their status.

Soon, at the mansion's gate, everyone saw the boy seated atop Zhu Zhu Huoshen, wreathed in blazing fire.

【28】 Soon, at the mansion's gate, everyone saw the boy seated atop Zhu Zhu Huoshen, wreathed in blazing fire.

The boy was pale and handsome, with deep, dark eyes as clear as polished jade; yet he radiated none of the arrogance or flamboyance they expected, instead exuding quiet depth, like a solitary figure seated atop an empty mountain peak.

【29】 The boy was pale and handsome, his eyes dark and deep as polished jade, yet he radiated none of the arrogance they imagined—instead, he was restrained and profound, exuding the solitude and ethereal grace of one sitting alone atop a barren peak.

Wang Wang Yongzhi's gaze grew serious, yet he smiled and bowed respectfully.

【30】 Wang Wang Yongzhi's gaze grew solemn, yet his face broke into a smile as he bowed his hands.

"You must be the Heavenly General—though we've never met, your name has long echoed in my ears!"

【31】 "You must be the Hao Tian General—though we've never met, your name has long been famed, echoing like thunder in my ears!"

"Lord Wang?"

【32】 "Wang family patriarch?"

Li Hao recognized the man's central position as a sign of respect, leapt down from the miniature form of the mighty Zhu Zhu Huoshen, and offered a slight bow.

【33】 Li Hao noted the man's central position as a sign of respect, leapt down from Zhu Zhu Huoshen's miniature form, and bowed slightly.

As soon as Li Hao dismounted, Zhu Zhu Huoshen dissolved into a flame, emerging as a young man from the fire, standing coldly behind Li Hao.

【34】 As soon as Li Hao dismounted, Zhu Zhu Huoshen dissolved into flame, emerging as a young man from the fire, standing cold-eyed behind Li Hao.

Beside Wang Wang Yongzhi, two elderly Wang family members stared with grave expressions, a chill creeping into their hearts.

【35】 Beside Wang Wang Yongzhi, two elder Wangs stared grimly, a chill stirring in their hearts.

Though rumors had preceded him, witnessing the Lord of Tai Xu, a supreme ruler, so obediently subdued by Li Hao still stunned them.

【36】 Though rumors had preceded it, seeing the Tai Xu realm's master so obediently subdued by Li Hao still shook them.

Since the Liangzhou battle, this Tai Xu ruler had revealed himself as a being on the brink of Dao Realm.

【37】 Since the Liangzhou battle, this Tai Xu master had revealed his true strength—he was a half-step Dao realm cultivator.

In every Divine General's Mansion, he ranked among the top combatants—yet now he was ridden like a steed by this boy.

【38】 Among all Divine General's Mansions, he was among the top combatants—now he was ridden like a steed by this boy.

"Greetings, Heavenly General."

【39】 "Greetings, Hao Tian General."

Many powerful Wang family figures also bowed respectfully to Li Hao, showing great courtesy.

【40】 Many powerful Wang figures bowed respectfully to Li Hao, exceedingly courteous.

After all, in terms of merit and rank, though they were elderly, they were far beneath this boy.

【41】 After all, in merit and rank, though aged, they were several heads shorter than this boy.

"Heavenly General, please come in."

【42】 "Hao Tian General, please."

Wang Wang Yongzhi warmly invited Li Hao, and everyone else wore smiles of rare humility.

【43】 Wang Wang Yongzhi warmly invited Li Hao; others too wore rare, humble smiles.

When they first heard Li Hao had slain the Buddha Master, they were shocked—but not enough to treat him with such deference; however, as the news spread, detailed follow-up intelligence arrived: spies embedded among Buddhist disciples reported that the Buddha Master had been slain by Li Hao after ascending to the Wen Dao Realm.

【44】 When they first heard Li Hao had slain the Buddha Lord, they were shocked—but not enough to make them so deferential. Yet as the news spread, secondhand details arrived: a spy embedded among Buddhist disciples reported that the Buddha Lord had likely been slain after ascending to the Wen Dao realm.

This revelation sent a shiver down their spines.

【45】 This news sent a chill through them.

After all, the Buddha Master had always appeared to be at the Tai Ping Dao Realm.

【46】 After all, the Buddha Lord had always displayed only Tai Ping Dao realm power.

Though that power alone could intimidate the realm, compared to the Wang family's centuries-old reserves—and the fact that a generation of prodigies from the Wang family had once entered the Immortal Gate—they had merely been polite toward the Buddha Master, not reverent.

【47】 Though that power could intimidate the realm, compared to the Wang family's accumulated depth—and the ancient Wang prodigies who had entered the Immortal Gate—they had been courteous to the Buddha Lord, but never reverent.

The Wang family had one Tai Ping Dao Realm master themselves.

【48】 The Wang family had one Tai Ping Dao realm cultivator themselves.

Nearly every Divine General's Mansion possessed a counter to Tai Ping Dao Realm strength.

【49】 Nearly every Divine General's Mansion held a trump card capable of confronting a Tai Ping Dao realm cultivator.

Aside from Li Li Tianzong, who perished in Longcheng decades ago, Li Li Muxiu had risen afterward; though only half-step Dao Realm, his invincible fist Dao domain could stand toe-to-toe with full Dao Realm masters.

【50】 Aside from Li Li Tianzong, who perished in Longcheng decades ago, Li Li Muxiu had risen—though only half-step Dao realm, his Invincible Fist's Dao domain could stand firm against Dao realm opponents.

And if the Immortal Gate prodigies ever returned, they too would surely be no less formidable.

【51】 Add to that the Wang prodigies who entered the Immortal Gate—they would surely return no weaker.

But Wen Dao Realm was different—it was the pinnacle of power beneath sainthood.

【52】 But Wen Dao realm was different—it was the strongest beneath the Saint realm.

The True Man of Qian Dao Palace kept demons at bay precisely because his openly displayed strength was already Wen Dao Realm.

【53】 The True Person of Qian Dao Palace kept demons from daring to act, for his openly displayed power was already Wen Dao realm.

No one had ever seen him unleash his full power; how many hidden abilities he possessed remained unknown.

【54】 No one had ever seen him unleash his full strength; how many hidden abilities he possessed remained unknown.

Now, Li Hao had slain the Buddha Master—his own strength was already terrifying. The Emperor had issued an edict favoring him, revealing layers of royal power behind it; the implications were chilling, deepening their awe of the boy.

【55】 Now, Li Hao had slain the Buddha Lord—his own power was already terrifying; the Emperor had issued an edict favoring him, revealing layers of imperial secrets—behind it all lay reasons too chilling to contemplate, deepening their awe of the boy.

Arriving at the main hall of the Wang family mansion.

【56】 They arrived at the Wang family's grand hall.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Hao could not wait to ask:

【57】 After exchanging a few polite words, Li Hao could not wait to ask:

"Lord Wang, earlier you said you've already located Master Feng Bo Ping's soul?"

【58】 "Wang family patriarch, you said you've already found Master Feng Bo Ping's soul?"

Hearing Li Hao's reference to Feng Bo Ping, Wang Wang Yongzhi recalled how the boy had slain the Buddha Master in rage for the Thief Saint, and sighed:

【59】 Hearing Li Hao's respectful address for Feng Bo Ping, Wang Wang Yongzhi recalled how the boy had slain the Buddha Lord in rage for the Thief Saint—and sighed.

"Heavenly General, don't rush—the Emperor has already informed me. Master Feng's soul may be fragmented, so his attachment is weak; he is currently trapped in a Mingyu-level Fengshan Mohe River."

【60】 "Hao Tian General, don't rush—the Emperor has informed me. The Thief Saint's soul may be fragmented, so his attachment is weak; he is now trapped in a Mingyu-level Fengshan Mohe."

"When we found him, I sent my second uncle, Wang Zhendong, personally to attempt passage."

【61】 "When we found him, I sent my second uncle, Wang Zhendong, personally to attempt passage."

Mingyu-level?

【62】 Mingyu-level?

Li Hao breathed a quiet sigh of relief—thankfully not a Youdu-level.

【63】 Li Hao exhaled inwardly—thankfully not Youdu-level.

Passing through the Longcheng Fengshan Mohe had nearly cost him his life.

【64】 Last time he passed through Longcheng Fengshan Mohe, he nearly died.

Even now, with Tai Ping Dao Realm power, he couldn't guarantee success in another Youdu-level Fengshan Mohe, since each had unique rules.

【65】 Even with his Tai Ping Dao realm power now, he dared not claim he could pass any other Youdu-level Fengshan Mohe—each had its own rules.

Though a Dao domain could suppress rules, even if one ignored the Fengshan Mohe's laws, without knowing the correct method, one could only destroy the Fengshan Mohe—not pass through it.

【66】 Though Dao domains could suppress rules, even if one ignored a Youdu-level Fengshan Mohe's rules, without the right method, one could only destroy it—not pass through.

"Could I also try?"

【67】 "May I try as well?"

Li Hao asked.

【68】 Li Hao asked.

Though Mingyu-level Fengshan Mohe were relatively easier, passing through and suppressing were two different things—it required the right approach.

【69】 Though Mingyu-level Fengshan Mohe were relatively easier, passing through and suppressing were two different things—it required the right method.

Li Hao had no confidence he could pass, but trying multiple times might eventually succeed.

【70】 Li Hao had no guarantee he could pass, but trying multiple times might yet succeed.

As long as the Fengshan Mohe wasn't destroyed, he could keep attempting to overcome it.

【71】 As long as the Fengshan Mohe wasn't destroyed, he could keep attempting to overcome it.

"You?"

【72】 "You?"

Hearing Li Hao's request, Wang Wang Yongzhi paused, surprised yet not entirely unexpected; he smiled:

【73】 Hearing Li Hao's request, Wang Wang Yongzhi paused, surprised yet not entirely unexpected—he smiled.

"Heavenly General, do you distrust the Wang family? Rest assured—we won't just go through the motions. Though the Thief Saint has a dubious reputation, we Wangs don't dislike him—he once helped us resolve many Fengshan Mohe Rivers."

【74】 "Hao Tian General, do you distrust our Wang family? Rest assured—we won't pretend. Though the Thief Saint had a terrible reputation, we don't dislike him—he once helped us resolve many Fengshan Mohe."

"Huh?"

【75】 "Hm?"

Li Hao stared at his sincere smile, momentarily stunned—he suddenly recalled his first time entering a Fengshan Mohe River, checking the Merit List, and seeing Feng Lao's merit points.

【76】 Li Hao stared at his candid smile, startled—suddenly recalling how, during his first entry into a Fengshan Mohe, he had seen Feng Lao's merit points.

Over three thousand points, ranked thirty-something.

【77】 Over three thousand points—ranked thirty-something.

The Master Master Jian Sheng in the Sword Cottage was only ranked eighty or ninety—back then, resolving Fengshan Mohe Rivers brought no reward; they did it purely out of devotion.

【78】 The Master Master Jian Sheng in the Sword Hut was only eighty or ninety—back then, resolving Fengshan Mohe brought no reward; he did it purely out of devotion.

"Do you know his Fengshan Mohe River's name?"

【79】 "You know his Fengshan Mohe name?"

Li Hao asked, surprised.

【80】 Li Hao asked, surprised.

"Bu Liu Xing, right? 'Thieves never leave empty-handed; the Thief Saint leaves no name.' We've known it was him for a long time."

【81】 "Bu Liu Xing, right? 'Thieves never leave empty-handed, thieves leave no name—Thief Saint, Saint leaves no trace.' We've known it was him for a long time."

Wang Wang Yongzhi smiled, then sighed softly:

【82】 Wang Wang Yongzhi smiled, then sighed softly.

"Good and evil can't be defined by mere words—the Thief Saint did rob from us Wangs, but when he did, we could only admit our own negligence; in fact, he even helped us root out corrupt elements. I don't care about the rest, but just because he ranks in the top fifty on the Merit List, we Wangs regard him as a true man."

【83】 "Good and evil can't be judged by mere words. Though the Thief Saint once visited our Wang family, when he stole from us, we could only admit our own negligence—and incidentally, we uncovered some corrupt elements. I don't care about the rest, but since he ranks in the top fifty of the Merit List, our Wang family regards him as a true man."

Li Hao studied him closely—he hadn't expected this Wang patriarch to be so open-minded.

【84】 Li Hao fixed him with a steady gaze—he hadn't expected this Wang patriarch to be so broad-minded.

He then recalled the Merit List from before: nearly twenty of the top thirty names were Wangs.

【85】 He then recalled the original Merit List—nearly twenty of the top thirty bore the Wang surname.

This was the imperial mandate entrusted to them—and the Wang family's monument of merit.

【86】 This was the imperial court's heavy trust—and the Wang family's wall of merit.

"But now it's different—those Sword Saints and Blade Saints have all surged into the top fifty. With the Merit Vault open, Fengshan Mohe Rivers aren't disasters anymore—they're treasures!"

【87】 "But now? Those Sword Saints and Knife Saints have surged into the top fifty. With the Merit Treasury open, Fengshan Mohe aren't disasters—they're treasures! Hah!"

Wang Wang Yongzhi laughed, but his eyes held a trace of mockery.

【88】 Wang Wang Yongzhi laughed, yet a hint of mockery glinted in his eyes.

Before the Merit Vault existed, most Sword Saints and Blade Saints ranked at the bottom—some didn't even appear on the list.

【89】 Before the Merit Treasury, those Sword Saints and Knife Saints barely ranked at the bottom—some didn't even appear on the list.

Clearing Fengshan Mohe Rivers? Better to spend that time cultivating.

【90】 Clearing Fengshan Mohe? Better to spend that time cultivating.

Even if they did act, they'd rather fight demons at the borders.

【91】 Even if they did act, they'd go to the borders to slay demons.

Both were hard labor, but slaying demons brought merit and titles.

【92】 Same grueling work—but slaying demons earned merit and titles.

Fengshan Mohe Rivers were mysterious and complex, offered no rewards, and carried unknown dangers.

【93】 Fengshan Mohe were mysterious and complex, offered no rewards, and might hide unknown dangers.

Slaying demons was far simpler.

【94】 Slaying demons was far simpler.

In the past, the Wang family personally visited these masters, hoping they'd help ease the burden of high-level Fengshan Mohe Rivers, offering great treasures—but no one cared. Those who did demanded exorbitant prices, making them grit their teeth.

【95】 In the past, the Wang family personally visited these powerful figures, hoping they'd help ease the burden of high-level Fengshan Mohe, offering great treasures—but no one cared. Those who did demanded exorbitant prices, making them grit their teeth.

Now, the situation had reversed.

【96】 Now it was reversed.

Precisely because they had endured so many cold shoulders and sneers, they held no prejudice toward the Thief Saint, Feng Bo Ping.

【97】 Precisely because they'd endured countless cold shoulders and sneers, they held no prejudice against the Thief Saint, Feng Bo Ping.

Reputation can deceive, but actions cannot.

【98】 Reputation can deceive—but actions cannot.

Everyone has their own story.

【99】 Everyone has their own story.

Unless Feng Bo Ping had somehow known the Merit Vault would open in the future and acted ahead of time.

【100】 Unless Feng Bo Ping had known the Merit Treasury would open in the future—and moved ahead of time.

But this is utterly impossible.

After all, only one hundred thousand merits can unlock the Merit Treasury, and even the Wang family, who have studied the Dead Rivers for centuries, do not know how.

"With my second uncle's intervention, General General Hao Tian, rest assured. If one attempt fails, try again—twice, thrice. These Dead Rivers no longer use destruction as a method."

Wang Wang Yongzhi said to Li Hao.

Destroy them and they vanish; the merit for passing through is a hundredfold. Now, all Dead Rivers, big or small, have become scarce resources. Once, people begged others to destroy them and no one answered; now, secretly destroying a Dead River is a crime. That is the change of the times.

"No problem. Many hands make light work. I can try too."

Li Hao said. The Dead River erodes the soul; the longer one stays inside, the more dangerous it becomes. Li Hao feared that if they delayed too long, even rescuing Master Feng's soul might result in its dispersal.

"General General Hao Tian, the Dead River is not like slaying demons. Higher realm does not guarantee passage. More often, it depends on experience and wit."

Beside them, an old man spoke indifferently.

He was Wang Zhenping, one of the elder generation of the Wang family and Wang Wang Xiangru's father.

He remembered every word his daughter had sent back to the family, and with his grandchildren's complaints, he held no fondness for the boy before him.

Yet he also knew this boy was no longer the same as before—his strength was immense, his battlefield exploits legendary—and so he would not provoke or invite trouble.

What he said now was simply truth, with no flaw to find.

"Indeed, General General Hao Tian, though your strength is formidable, the Dead River is extremely perilous."

Others, upon hearing this, also began to urge him, their expressions sincere.

Though his strength was formidable, he was still too young. The Dead River was not like slaying demons—it was far more difficult than marching into battle.

"It doesn't matter. Let General General Hao Tian try. Has General General Hao Tian ever entered a Dead River before?"

Wang Wang Yongzhi, however, shook his head and did not stop him. He could see how deeply Li Hao cared for the Thief Saint—otherwise, he would not have killed the Buddha Lord in a rage. He knew persuasion was useless; after all, the man had traveled a great distance, and he surely hadn't come just for polite small talk.

"I've entered once or twice," Li Hao said.

"General General Hao Tian truly has a warm heart."

Wang Wang Yongzhi couldn't help but smile, growing somewhat fond of Li Hao:

"Before entering the Dead River, I must first inform you of its details. Please understand them first."

"Alright."

Li Hao nodded. The Wang family had studied the Dead Rivers for centuries—their understanding was surely deeper than his.

Wang Wang Yongzhi did not waste time. The secrets of the Dead River could not be revealed all at once; he merely shared some subtle rules and precautions to prevent Li Hao from triggering unknown dangers within.

When he finished, he led Li Hao out of the main hall of the palace.

Seeing Li Hao's determination, the others ceased their urging. After all, gaining firsthand experience was no harm, and since the Dead River granted merit, the future Dead River resources would surely be granted to this general by His Majesty.

That merit could be exchanged for cultivation at the Ultimate Realm and various spiritual states—extremely precious.

Thinking of this, they could not help but feel envy, regret, and sorrow.

With the items from the Merit Treasury, this boy might leap even higher.

As Li Hao followed Wang Wang Yongzhi and others out of the main hall, the many young members of the Wang family gathered outside stirred with excitement.

Some gazed down from high above with their spiritual senses, curious and watching.

"Is that General General Hao Tian? Talking so casually with the family head and others."

"Yes, even Grandpa Zhenping is there—and he's not afraid at all. I'd be trembling just standing before Grandpa Zhenping."

"Coward! Do you think General General Hao Tian is like us? You probably don't know—even a powerhouse like Grandpa Zhenping isn't enough for him to kill."

?? ￠o

"Shh, Grandpa Zhenping is glaring at you."

"Miss, look! That's General General Hao Tian—the one of the two people you most wanted to meet. You've finally seen him."

Outside the crowd, a woman as clear as frost and soft as mist stood quietly gazing, her maid holding an umbrella over her.

"General General Hao Tian is so young. I wonder what Master Chong'er looks like—surely an old, grizzled man?"

"Don't speak nonsense. You've never seen him," the woman frowned, gently scolding.

The maid giggled, unafraid—clearly used to playfully teasing her mistress.

Not long after, Wang Wang Yongzhi and the others brought Li Hao to a secret location within the Heavenly Manifestation General's Mansion. The many young Wang clan members watching from afar were kept at a distance, none daring to approach—this was a sacred place of the Wang family, not to be trespassed lightly.

Before them stood a mountain, its interior hollowed out, vast and empty.

The mountain's shape resembled a pointed cap resting on the earth; a beam of light shone from its peak, falling upon a pitch-black statue.

"This is the Earth Store Buddha."

Wang Wang Yongzhi brought Li Hao here and said: "This marvel was brought out of a Dead River by a distant ancestor of our Wang family. Later, we discovered its function: if you feed the clay from the Earth Lord's temple outside a Dead River into this Earth Store Buddha's mouth, it directly connects to that Dead River."

"Meaning we can enter every Dead River under the Wang family's jurisdiction from here."

Though strange and unusual, the Earth Store Buddha was not a great secret—it had long been reported to His Majesty.

Li Hao was surprised. He had always sensed the Dead River's origins were deeply mysterious, but he never imagined such a marvel existed.

"General General Hao Tian, since you've entered Dead Rivers before, you must already have a Dead River registry?"

Wang Wang Yongzhi smiled at Li Hao: "Simply enter from here. Select the Dead River you wish to enter—the map will appear. I will tell you which one."

Li Hao nodded and stepped before the half-human-tall Earth Store Buddha, as Wang Wang Yongzhi instructed.

The Earth Store Buddha's face appeared benevolent, yet in the shifting light, it exuded an eerie quality—its half-closed eyes seemed to sneer.

Li Hao's palm glowed with golden light, and the golden Dead River parchment floated out.

Immediately, golden light shimmered across the Earth Store Buddha, and a scroll flew out, pages flipping rapidly.

Li Hao's parchment was drawn toward it, merging into the scroll. Soon, as if verifying his identity, the parchment flew out again and returned to hover before Li Hao.

Wang Wang Yongzhi watched closely—the golden parchment hovering before Li Hao recorded Li Hao's Dead River information.

Name, Dead River merit, events, and more.

When he saw the two simple characters on the parchment, Wang Wang Yongzhi froze, his heart thundering: "You're Chong'er?!"