Chapter 108: Identification (7K, Double-Chapter Bonus)

“Lin Wujing!”

A furious shout split the air. In an instant, Li Qingzheng appeared—his snow-white robes billowing like a phantom teleportation—blocking Li Hao’s path with a single, deliberate step.

His usually gentle eyes now burned with icy fury, the temperature in the courtyard seeming to plummet as if winter itself had descended.

He did not address Lin Wujing by his title—Great Fung Holy Sage Buddha—but called him by name. Such directness was an extreme breach of courtesy.

Lin Wujing turned his head, his gaze cold and indifferent.

“True Dragon selection within the Li Clan? You dare strike with lethal intent? Had I not intervened, Qiankun Diamond Saint would already be dead. Now you blame me?”

Li Qingzheng’s expression flickered. He was enraged because Lin Wujing had overstepped, interfering in the Li Family’s internal contest. But now, to accuse him? That would imply he condoned Li Hao killing Li Qianfeng.

That was unthinkable.

Had Lin Wujing not acted, he would have. At the Four Foundations Realm level, even half an eye open would have been enough to stop it.

“This is a Li Clan True Dragon contest,” Li Qingzheng said firmly, reclaiming his dignity. “Hao’er knows his own path. Bodhisattva, I advise you to remember your place.”

The words were both a warning and a defense—meant for the onlookers. He was shielding Li Hao.

He had seen it—the murderous intent in Li Hao’s eyes. A warrior who had slaughtered countless Spirit Beasts beyond the border could sense killing Qi with uncanny precision.

But he had also sensed Li Qianfeng’s bloodlust.

These two youths were not the peaceful cousins others assumed. They were not like the harmonious brothers of the Li Clan’s golden age—nine sons, once united under the same roof.

Blood relatives, yes—but distant. Fractured.

Li Qingzheng sighed inwardly. This was not the first time such a rift had emerged. The Li Clan, with a thousand-year legacy, had known its share of bloodshed. Even the Imperial Line had its hidden tragedies—buried beneath layers of silence and suppression.

Hence, the Li Clan’s tradition of the Mental Character Trial, and the ancestral creed: Universal Love.

“Hmph.”

Lin Wujing knew Li Qingzheng was stalling, his pride wounded. But he only gave a cold, dismissive snort.

“Qianfeng’s eyes need immediate treatment. If not, brain damage could set in—turning him into a mindless fool. Does your Li Clan care nothing for its own kin?”

“Qianfeng!”

Liu Yuerong’s face paled instantly. The once-ethereal beauty of the Liu family, famed for her grace, now abandoned all pretense. She sprinted forward, her cultivation level—Fifteen Li Stage—rippling visibly as she moved.

Li Clan wives were almost all warriors by birth. Few were frail. And with countless secret potions and treasures at their disposal, even average potential could be pushed to the Fifteen Li Stage with enough resources.

In the Heavenly Human Master Stage, talent and bone quality alone could propel one upward—no matter how slow the natural pace.

This was the advantage of a great lineage: early acceleration through sheer power and wealth.

She reached Lin Wujing, her eyes locking onto the wooden chopstick buried deep in her son’s eye socket—blood gushing down his face.

Tears welled instantly. Her hands trembled as she reached out, then pulled back—afraid to touch.

Then, she whirled around, her gaze locking onto Li Hao with venomous fury.

“You little bastard! He’s your cousin! How could you strike with such merciless intent?!”

In Li Hao’s eyes, only regret remained—regret that he hadn’t finished the job.

He didn’t answer. Instead, a faint, cold smirk curled at the corner of his lips.

Cousin? You were my dear Second Lady just yesterday. And what did you do?

Before him, Chen Hefang watched the chaos unfold, her face pale. Her long-held Buddha beads—worn for decades of silent chanting—nearly snapped in her grip.

The sight of blood—another young life stained with it—sent a wave of dizziness through her. But after years at the helm of the Li Clan, she quickly regained composure.

“Today’s time is late,” she said, her voice calm but edged with finality. “Since the Li Clan True Dragon has been chosen, I bid all guests farewell.”

It was a polite dismissal—but everyone knew the truth: the Elder Lady wished to end the spectacle before more humiliation could be added.

A collective sigh rippled through the guests. Two young heirs had clashed with such ferocity. The hidden tensions beneath must be fascinating.

He Jianlan stepped forward at once, directing servants to escort the guests out.

Li Tiangang’s face was grim, but now was not the time to confront Li Hao. Suppressing his rage, he personally saw Jian Wudao and Chu Jiuyue to the gate.

They understood the clan’s embarrassment. No one lingered.

Li Hao’s ruthlessness had surprised them—but not shocked. In世家 circles, such things were expected. Family feuds ran deep.

And with the True Dragon competition at stake—sword drawn, tension high—there had been no bloodshed among the previous nine sons only because the Ninth Young Master had been too extraordinary, and because they were brothers by blood, inseparable.

But Li Hao’s cold precision? That was something else.

The power he displayed in those few moments—far beyond the Fifteen Li Stage—was staggering.

The surge of strength Li Qianfeng had unleashed at the last second—unless it was a secret technique, it had to be external aid.

His master was the Buddha of Wuliang Mountain. Such a secret weapon wasn’t unheard of.

But to be crushed so easily—on the verge of death—by Li Hao?

This generation’s True Dragon was no ordinary youth.

“That boy’s Sword Dao… How could he reach such a level?” Jian Wudao paused at the gate, glancing back at the boy standing still in the courtyard. His shock had subsided—but the confusion remained in his eyes.

Years ago, the child had shown no passion for swordplay. To him, a blade was just a stick.

How could such a soul—so indifferent—have forged such a terrifying, ruthless Sword Intent?

“Hurry! Hurry, save my son!”

As the guests dispersed, Liu Yuerong turned to Lin Wujing and the Elder Lady, her voice cracking with panic.

Chen Hefang didn’t hesitate. She led the way to the Lotus Courtyard, ordering someone to fetch the family’s Divine Physician.

Liu Yuerong followed closely. The other Ladies, drawn by curiosity, trailed behind—eager to see the extent of Li Qianfeng’s wounds, and whether he could be saved.

Li Tiangang returned to the courtyard after seeing the guests out.

He strode toward Li Hao, his eyes blazing with fury.

The guests were gone. No witnesses.

“You’ve gone too far,” he growled. “I never taught you to act like this.”

Li Hao opened his mouth to speak—about the poison pill—but snapped back: “Didn’t you hear how that woman called me?”

“You!” Li Tiangang exploded. He had heard. But he thought it was just Second Aunt’s grief-driven rage.

“I’ll deal with you later. First, I must see Qianfeng.”

He vanished like a storm wind, racing toward the Lotus Courtyard.

His son had been maimed. He couldn’t ignore it—how could any relative bear such a wound?

Li Qingzheng turned to Li Hao, his expression complex.

“Hao’er… why did you act so impulsively?”

Li Hao remained expressionless, as if lost in silence. Then, slowly, a faint smile formed.

“Fifth Elder… this is what she owes me.”

Li Qingzheng blinked. Confusion clouded his eyes.

Li Hao didn’t explain. Instead, he turned and walked toward the Lotus Courtyard.

The past was coming to light.

Li Qingzheng watched his back, his gaze flickering. He had known Li Hao for years. The boy cared nothing for fame, wealth, or honor. The True Dragon contest was no reason to kill.

So what had changed?

He took a deep breath, then vanished in a ripple of qi—heading toward the back courtyard. He needed to see Li Qianfeng’s condition.

Inside the courtyard, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and the other Third Generation members stood frozen, stunned by the speed of events.

Li Yuanzhao stared, mouth agape. The boy he’d followed with unwavering loyalty—his Hao Ge—now felt… alien.

Then Li Mingguang stepped forward, blocking Li Hao’s path.

His eyes were cold. His face tense with anger.

As the eldest among the Third Generation, he was horrified—not just by Li Hao’s actions, but by the way he’d done it.

They had both stepped aside in the True Dragon contest—because they valued these cousins.

“You’re going where?” Li Mingguang demanded.

Li Hao smiled faintly. “To see him.”

“Don’t play innocent! You meant to kill him!”

Li Hao’s smile didn’t waver. “Yes. I did.”

“You!” Li Mingguang’s pupils contracted. His body radiated a terrifying Three Immortalities aura.

But he didn’t move.

He was the inheritor of the Li Clan’s Ancestral Heroic Soul. To attack Li Hao would break his Heart Oath.

“I thought you were a genius beyond compare. I saw traces of Ninth Uncle in you. But this… this is not the character of a man the Emperor himself once admired…”

His voice was venomous. “So now you think you’ve won? That you can do anything?”

Li Sibei stepped beside him, eyes sharp. “You think you’ve earned the right to slaughter your kin?”

Li Hao looked at them both. Silence.

“I have my reasons. If you want to know… come with me.”

“Reasons?” Li Mingguang spat. “What reason could justify harming your own brother?”

“Mingguang, maybe… maybe Hao Ge really has a reason?” Li Yuanzhao ventured, voice small.

Li Hao glanced at him. A warmth flashed in his chest. He smiled.

The familiar warmth returned. Li Yuanzhao’s heart steadied. He took a breath, ready to speak again—when Li Sibei cut in coldly:

“Shut your mouth. You’re too young. Stay out of this.”

Li Yuanzhao froze, his words lost.

Li Wushuang and Li Yun joined the group, their expressions conflicted.

Li Wushuang remembered the slap on her backside—how painful it had been. But she’d also sensed no murderous intent. Just discipline.

And now? This was different.

She couldn’t believe Li Hao was a killer.

Or perhaps, as Li Mingguang said, he’d only revealed his true nature after claiming the True Dragon seat?

Li Yun shrank back, trembling. He’d never been close to Li Hao. The fear was real—and now it was worse.

“Hmph. Mother was right,” Li Jiangying sneered. “His mother was from the Great荒 World. Naturally savage. You get what you’re bred for.”

Li Ruomeng nodded, eyes mocking. “Wouldn’t be surprised if she ate babies.”

Li Hao’s eyes turned icy.

Great荒 World? His mother wasn’t from a small family. She was from the Great荒 World?

He’d heard of it. In the Li Clan, surrounded by Second Uncle, Fifth Elder, Old Feng—his knowledge of elite secrets far surpassed that of the younger generation.

The Great荒 World wasn’t exactly hidden.

Beyond the Emperor Yu’s Eastern Huo Continent, where no human had ever set foot—where Spirit Beasts and demons roamed freely—was the Great荒 World.

It was said the beasts there were infinitely more vicious than those near Emperor Yu.

The ones here? Weaklings driven out from the Great荒 World, unable to survive.

Deep within that realm, ancient, monstrous beasts roamed—so terrifying even Four Foundations Realm cultivators avoided them.

To the world, the Great荒 World was like the uncharted ocean before science—vast, mysterious, deadly.

“Do you know about my mother?” Li Hao asked, his voice low.

Li Ruomeng raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Your father never told you? Right… you two never lived together. And he probably couldn’t even say it—barbarian.”

Slap!

Li Hao’s hand cracked across Li Ruomeng’s face. Five red marks bloomed instantly. Blood sprayed from his mouth. One tooth flew out.

“Li Hao!!”

Li Jiangying snapped back to reality. Her sister had been struck. She roared, her soul form flaring above her head.

But her Heroic Soul wasn’t from the Li Clan—it came from the Wang family.

She could attack Li Hao without breaking the Heart Oath.

Yet, under Li Hao’s cold stare, her fury crumbled. Her body hesitated, trembling, then stopped.

She remembered: that man had nearly killed Li Qianfeng in front of everyone—and he’d ignored Lin Wujing, the Bodhisattva of Wuliang Mountain.

If she attacked now, she’d only get crushed.

And there were no elders here to protect her.

“You!” Li Mingguang stared, stunned. Li Hao’s speed—faster than before—had caught him off guard.

But when he recovered, his eyes burned crimson.

“You truly think I won’t strike back? If I’d known, I’d have entered the competition myself!”

Li Hao didn’t care.

“Want to compete? Then win first. Don’t act like you’re giving me the seat.”

Li Mingguang froze.

Li Hao’s gaze locked onto Li Ruomeng, icy.

“Call my mother a barbarian again… and I’ll make you regret it for the rest of your life.”

Li Ruomeng—raised in luxury, never faced with real fear—shrank back, trembling, tears mixing with blood.

Li Hao turned away. He didn’t need to press further. If Li Ruomeng knew, it was likely from his mother’s own words.

He’d ask his father. Or Fifth Elder. Or Second Uncle.

He’d find out.

And if the truth was hidden… why? He was his son. He deserved to know.

The injustice burned in his chest.

He walked toward the Blue Lotus Courtyard.

Even if they healed Li Qianfeng… he’d expose the poison pill. He’d make her watch as her beloved son—her plan—was broken.

She’d see her dreams shattered.

The qi aura around him was so cold, so heavy, that no one dared stop him.

They’d come to question. To demand an explanation. But he’d thrown down the gauntlet—no more lies.

They had nothing to say.

“Hao Ge…” Bian Ruxue stood at the edge of the courtyard, staring at his back.

He was no longer the gentle, warm figure she remembered.

The man who defied her master. The one who struck so mercilessly.

She felt… lost.

He was the boy who never held a grudge. Who smiled at everyone.

Why…?

As Li Hao stepped out of the courtyard, Ren Qianqian hurried after him, clutching the black sword case.

Her mind was still reeling. The world had turned upside down. Her heart pounded.

But the sword case in her hand grounded her. She was Li Hao’s Sword Attendant.

A Sword Attendant never left her master’s side.

…

…

Inside the Lotus Courtyard.

The family’s Divine Physician—ancient, weathered—was summoned. A man from Li Qingzheng’s generation, though from a bastard branch. His talent was ordinary.

But his lineage was medical. For generations, his family had served as healers. Despite his status, he held high rank in the household.

Now, the family gathered around Li Qianfeng and the physician.

Liu Yuerong clutched her handkerchief, palms slick with sweat. Her face was pale, eyes wide with fear.

He Jianlan and the other Ladies stood in silence, watching, their hearts heavy.

The treatment ended.

With Lin Wujing’s help and a divine potion from the Li Clan’s vault, the bleeding stopped. The left eye was saved—no damage to the brain.

But the eye itself? To regrow, Li Qianfeng would need to reach the Three Immortalities Realm. Only then could the severed nerve regenerate.

The process had been perilous—but the outcome was favorable.

Once bandaged, the group exhaled.

The physician bowed and left.

He nearly collided with Li Hao, who stood at the entrance.

“Is he healed?” Li Hao asked.

The old physician recognized him as the Main Line Young Master. He bowed respectfully.

“Stabilized. The wound will scab over in two days.”

Li Hao nodded. Lin Wujing had acted too fast—Li Hao hadn’t managed to wound him deeply. The injury wasn’t fatal.

Even losing an eye would only limit his vision. With his talent, he’d reach the Three Immortalities Realm soon. Regeneration was possible.

Inside the courtyard.

After the wound healed, Liu Yuerong rushed to Li Qianfeng, her voice trembling.

“Does it hurt? Can you see? Are you hurt anywhere else?”

A mother’s love—raw, genuine.

Li Tiangang stood silently, his face twisted with pain.

Li Qianfeng’s body had calmed—but the temporary surge of the Great Meridian had drained him. He looked pale, weak.

“I’m fine, Mother,” he whispered.

Liu Yuerong couldn’t hold back. Tears poured down her face.

She wiped them fast, then turned to Li Tiangang—her voice sharp, cold.

“Li Tiangang! You taught your son well, didn’t you? What a great father you are!”

She’d never spoken to him by name before—only “Seventh Elder” or “Lord.” Now, the raw anger was undeniable.

“Wolves in human skin! All these years I’ve cared for him—you call him a son? You’ve raised a monster!”

Her words echoed through the courtyard. Silence fell.

“Qianfeng was six when he went to the mountain. He’s never come home. I was the one who visited him! This was their first meeting! What enmity could there be?!”

“Just the True Dragon seat? If you want it, take it! Why force your son to attack mine?!”

Li Tiangang said nothing. He couldn’t.

Though he

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end