Chapter 57: Ambush

Dusk approached.

Li Hao and the others galloped along the imperial road, occasionally passing tea stalls and petty vendors set up by the roadside, offering weary travelers a place to rest.

Along the way, they encountered a caravan guarded by a security firm, martial heroes riding together to slay demons, and hardworking farmers tilling fields beside the road, as well as small villages.

Straight rows of green cypresses stretched on either side of the road, leading toward blue sky and white clouds.

Arriving at a tea stall, the steaming aroma of buns drew the riders to rein in their horses.

“Shall we rest for a bit?” Yu Wei asked eagerly.

Li Hao heard Li Yuanzhao’s stomach rumble—he was clearly hungry—and smiled at once. “Let’s get something to eat.”

“It’s almost dark. Isn’t it unsafe out here?” Du Qiuyue said, sounding concerned.

The tea stall owner, sharp-eared and keen-eyed, chuckled at the girl’s words. “Young masters, rest easy. With the Four Divine Generals’ mansions guarding the borders, there are no demons within Great Yu’s lands. Even this old man isn’t afraid—why should you be?”

The group turned to look at Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao. Li Hao smiled and asked, “Boss, there are five Divine Generals’ mansions—why do you say four?”

“The fifth one,” the old man chuckled, “is said not to guard the borders. Probably stationed at the imperial capital.”

Du Qiuyue whispered, “Thank goodness Wang Han isn’t here—if he heard this, he’d be furious.”

Yu Wei nodded. “The Tianzhao Divine General’s mansion guards the Mo River, sacrificing countless lives, yet the world knows nothing. Like many others—even your Li family guarding the borders and slaying demons—is barely known. People only know there are Divine Generals’ mansions, but never bother to tell which one.”

As he spoke, he sighed, as if grieving for the Li family—his words carried a subtle flattery.

Li Hao didn’t grow angry. He simply nodded and said:

“The common folk suffer too much. Every day they bow their heads counting copper coins—how could they have the leisure to look up? Not knowing is normal. Even if they did know, it wouldn’t change their lives. Besides, our Li family guards the borders not for the world’s praise or gratitude, but because the borders need us, and the common folk need us.”

Hearing this, Yu Wei, still nursing his flattery, fell silent. Du Qiuyue turned to look at Li Hao, her eyes filled with surprise and a newfound respect.

They had once thought Li Hao merely a reckless playboy—but these words shattered that impression. Their prior awe of the Divine Generals’ mansions now deepened into genuine reverence from within.

Beside them, Ren Qianqian, holding her sword in her arms, glanced up at Li Hao. Her gaze lingered for a moment on his handsome, pale face, her eyes softening slightly.

“Hao-ge is right,” Li Yuanzhao said. He had been slightly annoyed, but now, hearing Li Hao speak, he grew stirred.

Li Hao smiled and patted Yuanzhao’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s go in and have tea—I’ll treat you.”

“No, how could you pay? We’re going to Qizhou to slay demons—it’s like helping my hometown. I should be thanking you first. I’ll cover all the travel expenses!”

Yu Wei seized the chance at once, stepping into the tea stall to call out to the owner for tea and snacks.

“Boss, it’s almost dark. Aren’t you afraid of demons?”

Du Qiuyue poured tea but didn’t drink it immediately. Instead, she pulled out a silver needle to test it, her movements practiced and calm. Only after confirming it was poison-free did she rinse the cups for everyone.

“Demons might exist elsewhere, but this road is perfectly safe. I’ve been setting up this stall for decades—never once encountered one.” The tea stall owner chuckled.

“You’ve had real luck.”

Li Hao couldn’t help but sigh.

Within Great Yu’s lands, demon attacks on people were rare, but they still occurred each year. For those who dealt with demons, news of such incidents came constantly.

But the common folk were isolated, and information spread slowly. Unless it was a major, sensational event, small-scale demon attacks rarely reached their ears.

Moreover, local Demon Suppression Offices deliberately suppressed some demon reports to prevent panic.

After all, the people’s peace and prosperity ensured the dynasty’s flourishing. If demon rumors spread wildly, who would dare travel to trade or escort caravans? Even farming would grow inefficient.

Soon, food and drink arrived. The buns tasted excellent. Li Hao ate two baskets and praised them endlessly, engaging the owner in a detailed discussion of the preparation process, leaving the others stunned.

Li Yuanzhao was already used to Li Hao’s unusual ways. He grew curious instead about Ren Qianqian beside him. “Why do you always hold your sword? Doesn’t it get in the way when you eat?”

Du Qiuyue and Yu Wei also turned to look at the girl. Even while eating buns, she held her sword in one arm and chopsticks in the other.

Ren Qianqian frowned, glanced up at Li Yuanzhao, seemed to recall something, fell silent for a moment, then answered: “The sword has become part of my body. I no longer feel its presence.”

Du Qiuyue sighed enviously. “I heard mastering the Sword Heart requires constant companionship with one’s weapon. I tried before, but I could never manage it.”

“First, you must truly love it,” Ren Qianqian said seriously.

Du Qiuyue smiled bitterly. “I do love it.”

Ren Qianqian looked at her, then said nothing more.

Whether one truly loves it—perhaps the mind doesn’t know—but the heart always does.

That’s why it’s called “entering the heart.”

Soon, the group finished eating and drinking. Li Hao was still chatting animatedly with the tea stall owner, leaving the old man bewildered.

The young master spoke with such authority—about kneading dough with warm water, fermentation, how to remove fishiness and enhance the meat filling… If not for his attire, the old man would have thought him a chef.

A seasoned one, at that.

“Young master, you’ve eaten enough, haven’t you…” The tea stall owner forced a smile, unwilling to reveal more, afraid Li Hao would steal his secret recipe.

Li Hao sensed the old man’s resistance. He was reluctant to leave, but suddenly his eyes narrowed.

He raised his hand and caught a streak of dark light.

Beneath his feet, the ground, struck by the impact, sank several inches.

Li Hao opened his palm. It was an oval-triangular scale.

Instantly, his primordial spirit left his body—a golden flash visible only to those of the Spirit Traveling realm—rushing upward from the crown of his skull, surveying the heavens and earth.

Soon, Li Hao saw fifteen li away, a beautiful woman with a demonic face and scales along her jaw, standing atop a tree branch, staring at him in shock.

The dark light matched the scales on her cheek exactly.

Li Hao’s eyes turned cold. Demon?

On the branch, the black-jade demoness was stunned, eyes wide.

Her scaled projectile, launched fifteen li—had failed to kill that human brat?

He caught her attack so easily?!

“I’ve got something to attend to. I’ll be right back. Wait here.”

Inside the tea stall, Li Hao stepped out holding the scale, spoke to the four at the table, then took a step—and vanished before their eyes.

Yu Wei, mid-sip, spat out his tea.

[61] (End of Chapter)