Chapter 134: The Trial of Liu Yuerong (Fallback Option Two – Unity Chapter)

After the Senior Elders took away those Combat Scriptures, Li Tiangang escorted everyone out of the Courtyard and returned once more to the Study. He picked up the interrogation report he had left halfway through earlier. It was his second time reading it—just to check for any oversights.

Not long after, he finished the second pass.

Li Tiangang fell into silence, standing motionless, his gaze fixed on a training ground within the Courtyard. There stood an old dragon-sinew straw dummy, its body torn and tattered, covered in snow.

Thwack!

A sharp arrow pierced the center of the dummy, its shaft trembling faintly.

“See? I told you I could hit it!” a child shouted, leaping up with joy.

“Haha, well done. With more practice, you’ll surpass your Second Brother’s skill,” said a tall young man with a side sword at his waist, smiling.

“I’ve already surpassed him,” replied a lean-faced youth with a smile, reaching out to ruffle the child’s hair. “My arrow talent is stronger than his.”

“Sure, sure,” the sword-wielding young man chuckled. “You once blew the head off a Great Demon thirty miles away—everyone saw it.”

His eyes sparkled with admiration.

The lean-faced youth remained silent, then turned to the child. “Last time you said you wanted your own sword. What do you think this is?”

He revealed a hand behind his back—a curved dagger, its blade long and elegant.

The child’s eyes lit up. He snatched it eagerly. “Second Brother… did you buy this?”

“No,” said the sword-wielding young man, a hint of envy in his voice. “I hunted a great dragon, took its fang and scales, and had it forged for you.”

“Thank you, Second Brother!” the child beamed, holding the blade tightly, unable to put it down.

In another corner of the Courtyard, a sudden burst of loud crying rang out—sharp, piercing.

Both young men glanced over and grinned.

“Xiao Jiu wet the bed again.”

They walked toward the sound. The child hurried after them, his form fading into the distance.

The past flickered before Li Tiangang’s eyes—sunlight, blossoms, springtime warmth. But now, only snow blanketed the Courtyard.

The new dragon-sinew dummy was now worn and broken.

Laughter and joy had long since vanished. The target remained. But the one who once shot it… never returned.

Li Tiangang’s fingers tightened slightly. He took a slow, deep breath, then turned and walked out of the Mountain and River Courtyard, his face grim.

Yu Xuan and Li Fu stepped forward to follow, but he raised a hand, stopping them.

He said nothing. Hands clasped behind his back, he vanished into the falling snow beyond the courtyard gates.

Not long after, Li Tiangang arrived at the Water Splendor Courtyard.

He pushed open the door. The personal guard at the entrance froze for a brief moment, eyes flickering with unease, then hurried to bow.

Li Tiangang walked in, hands still behind his back. In the center of the Courtyard, the sound of sword winds echoed—another young man was practicing alone.

Li Tiangang glanced over. The young man noticed him, paused mid-swing, and looked up. His eyes were cold, distant—faintly tinged with anger.

Li Tiangang said nothing. He turned and walked straight to a pavilion at the edge.

Inside, a slender, elegant woman in a jade-green, double-breasted robe stood leaning against the railing, gazing at the young man training below.

Li Tiangang stepped into the pavilion from the side. The woman didn’t turn. Her expression remained unchanged, but the corner of her mouth twitched—just slightly—revealing the storm beneath her calm.

Silence settled.

After a long pause, Li Tiangang spoke.

“Second Aunt,” he said, “the verdict has been delivered to me. You personally confirmed it. Is there anything you’d like to say?”

Liu Yuerong remained perfectly still. After a long moment, she slowly turned.

Her dark eyes locked onto Li Tiangang.

“What do you hope I say?” she asked, voice sharp. “That your wife and I should kneel before you and beg for forgiveness? Or that I should make my son kneel and kill us both?”

Her voice trembled with venom.

“You ask me to admit it? I did. But not because of torture. Because I’d rather not drag my son into this. You know it’s hopeless. No one believes me. Not even you.”

Li Tiangang stared at her.

“Second Aunt,” he said softly, “by imperial law, your First-Rank National Lady title is revoked. You are stripped of your noble rank and demoted to gentry status.”

He paused, drawing in a breath.

“Under family law, you attempted to harm the heir. That should warrant exile and execution. But due to your late husband’s past service, I will allow you to remain here—within this Water Splendor Courtyard. As long as the Li Clan stands, your life will be secure. Prosperity and wealth shall be yours.”

“Prosperity and wealth?” Liu Yuerong spat bitterly. “Feng Ping was stupid. He was just as talented as you, Li Tiangang. Qianfeng carries divine blood. When he married me, he was already a Three Immortal!”

Her voice cracked.

“But he chose to die for you. He took that sword strike. Then, wounded, he went to war—left with nothing but bones.”

She clenched her jaw. Tears—red with rage—slid down her cheeks.

“He died the year Qianfeng was born.”

Her voice broke.

“He died… when my son was just born.”

Li Tiangang’s chest rose and fell. He stood like stone, silent.

“If it weren’t for you, he wouldn’t have died. If he were alive, Xiao Jiu’s death wouldn’t have mattered—he would’ve been the True Dragon.”

“If he were here, you wouldn’t have dared to hurt us. If he were alive, I wouldn’t have had to poison your monster of a son!”

Her voice rose into a scream.

“This is all your fault!”

Her emotions shattered. She wept, howled—raw, furious.

Outside, a young man suddenly appeared, stepping between Liu Yuerong and Li Tiangang. His eyes burned with icy hatred. He stared coldly at the towering man.

“My mother’s matter is mine to bear,” he said, voice sharp. “You won’t lay a hand on her.”

Li Qianfeng.

Li Tiangang stared into those eyes—cold, distant, utterly devoid of warmth.

A sudden pang struck his heart.

Those eyes… I’ve seen them before.

He was his nephew. He should have called him “Uncle.”

But now, all he saw was a stranger. An enemy.

Liu Yuerong gasped, pushing him aside. “Stay back! This has nothing to do with you! Go away!”

Li Tiangang already understood. Her confession wasn’t just fear of torture. It was protection—of her son. In this household, no one believed her innocent. Even if she refused to speak, it wouldn’t change anything.

“Li Tiangang,” she snapped, “you may imprison me. But Qianfeng is innocent. He’s just a child. He knows nothing!”

Li Tiangang met her gaze.

“I will act according to justice. If he has done nothing wrong, I will not punish him. But if he breaks the law or family code, I will not spare him.”

Liu Yuerong exhaled, trembling. Her shoulders shook—laughter and tears mixed.

“Feng Ping… you had a good brother.”

Her words were laced with mockery, sorrow.

Li Tiangang said nothing. He looked at her, then at the young man.

Then, quietly:

“Qianfeng. The result of the True Dragon Contest has been reported to the Ancestors. It is invalid. You and Hao can still compete. I give Hao three years. And you—three years as well. If you defeat Hao by then, the True Dragon Position is yours.”

Li Qianfeng stiffened. His eyes widened.

“…You’re serious?”

Li Tiangang didn’t repeat it. The boy refused to call him “Uncle.” The warmth was gone. The hope had died.

Liu Yuerong, however, knew his nature. She knew this was no bluff.

She laughed—cold, bitter.

“Li Tiangang… you’ve changed nothing since Father passed. Of course your son wins. That monster… who could beat him?”

“You could’ve just handed him the title. Why go through all this? The Li Clan’s heirs are all fools. Utterly blind.”

Li Tiangang glanced at her, calm once more.

“Perhaps. But the people of Emperor Yu need such fools. Your family’s civil officials—clever, sharp, yes. But what have they done? Stealing, evading taxes, hiding behind the Li Clan’s protection. Do you think I don’t know?”

Liu Yuerong froze. Her face paled.

“If you want no one to know… then don’t do it.”

Li Tiangang turned, his sleeves fluttering. He walked out of the Water Splendor Courtyard.

The commander of the personal guard approached, bowing.

“Seal the Courtyard. She is not to step outside.”

He spoke, then walked away without looking back.

…

In the Frost Snow Courtyard, Li Xuanli returned to his chambers and instructed Lady Gao Qingqing to prepare travel gear. He intended to leave for Liang Prefecture as soon as possible. Speed was vital. With a Demon Disaster threat looming, he wouldn’t linger.

“Father,” said a voice. Three figures entered the Main Hall. Li Wushuang’s eyes sparkled. “Are you going to pacify demons in Liang Prefecture?”

“Mm,” Li Xuanli smiled, waving them closer. “While I’m gone, you must listen to your mother. No mischief, understood?”

“Father… are you going to Heavenly Gate Pass?” Li Wushuang asked quickly. “To garrison with him?”

Li Yun and Li Zhinin stared intently.

“Heavenly Gate Pass?” Li Xuanli paused, then realized what she meant. His expression darkened slightly. “No. I’m going to the Li Family Military Camp in Liang Prefecture. Heavenly Gate Pass is a frontier border—abandoned now. I don’t know when that child will return… or if he even plans to stay for three years. If demons attack, he’ll be in grave danger…”

His voice was thick with worry.

Li Wushuang and the others exchanged glances. Their expressions shifted.

“Father,” Li Wushuang frowned. “If Liang Prefecture is dangerous, shouldn’t you warn him?”

Li Xuanli nodded. “I’ll send a military report the moment I arrive. He must be on high alert. Best if he returns. It’s foolish—father and son can’t reconcile? Honestly…”

Gao Qingqing rolled her eyes. “Don’t preach from the sidelines. Focus on yourself. If you do write to him, tell him Wu Niang made his favorite—milk-cow soft jade cakes. She’s saving them for when he comes home.”

Li Xuanli nodded, gently squeezing her hand.

Then, he turned to the three.

“The world is unstable now. Demons are rising. You must cultivate quickly. Don’t show off your skills recklessly. Understood?”

Li Wushuang spoke up. “Father, I want to go to Liang Prefecture.”

“So do I,” Li Yun added quickly.

Li Zhinin said nothing—but her eyes were wide with anticipation.

Li Xuanli sighed. “I don’t have the energy to babysit you. Don’t come to trouble me.”

“I’ll go,” Li Wushuang said decisively. “They’re not ready. But I am. After the True Dragon Contest, I realized how far behind I am. I need to train by slaying demons.”

Li Yun and Li Zhinin stared at her—shocked. They’d planned to ask together. And now she’d sold them out.

They glared at her—pouty, indignant.

Just my role to be the supporting act.

Li Xuanli sighed. “You’re not like them. One’s worse than your Ninth Uncle. The other’s a direct disciple of the Buddha Lord. You’ve already reached the top thirty in the Heaven and Earth Rankings. I’m proud of you.”

“I’m not satisfied,” Li Wushuang said firmly. “If I don’t keep pushing, I’ll fall behind. I’ll never even see their backs.”

Li Xuanli hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. Your cultivation level is strong enough. It’d be good for you to see the front lines.”

“Dad—” Li Yun started.

“Don’t even try,” Li Xuanli said, raising a hand. “You’re not going.”

“Dad, you’re biased!”

“Then I’ll be biased,” he shot back. “Keep arguing, and I’ll spank you.”

Silence.

…

In Liang Prefecture, Heavenly Gate Pass.

Inside the fenced courtyard, the fire had died. Li Hao watched as Song Qiumo and Old Feng finished eating. He grinned, patting his back and standing.

“Nice weather today. How about a walk? We’ll hunt some spirit beasts.”

Song Qiumo raised an eyebrow. “You just got the Sword Manual. Aren’t you going to practice first?”

“Sword training? Real combat is the fastest way,” Li Hao said, smiling.

“You just want me to kill for you,” Song Qiumo retorted, but without anger.

“Just clearing the digestion,” Li Hao laughed.

“Fair enough. I’ve been bored here anyway. Let’s go.”

Song Qiumo stood.

Feng Bo Ping said calmly, “She’s enough company. I’ll stay.”

Li Hao understood. The old man wanted to guard the Pass. He nodded slightly, then took the Longxiao Sword from Ren Qianqian.

“Can I come?” Ren Qianqian asked eagerly.

“You’re too weak. Stay here and cultivate. When you break through, you can choose—inheritance through your father’s line, or at the Martial Temple.”

“Martial Temple,” she said quickly. “Father picked it.”

“Good. When you’re ready, I’ll have Qiumo send you. But hurry—she only stays half a year.”

Ren Qianqian nodded, knowing her cultivation was too low to keep up.

Li Hao hefted the sword and stepped out. A flash of white shot forward—a little white fox, climbing up his leg and perching on his shoulder, light as air.

Li Hao smiled, ruffling its head. He didn’t push it away.

He walked out, sword in hand, releasing his spirit soul. The entire Heavenly Gate Pass became his scanning radius.

Soon, forty miles away, he spotted lurking demons.

With Song Qiumo covering his back, Li Hao wasn’t afraid of Four-Heaven Stage Demon Kings. He charged forward.

Clang!

The Longxiao Sword drew. Twenty miles away, the flying sword streaked like a rainbow, slicing down several beasts in the forest.

The blade glowed silver-white—like a roaring silver dragon. It cut through flesh and spirit soul alike, leaving no trace.

The demons never even saw it coming.

Li Hao soared on the wind, gliding effortlessly. His senses swept toward the Dragon Gate Road, using Control-Objects Power to sweep the road clear—flinging the corpses into the wilderness and jungle.

That straight, narrow path had once been overrun. After Li Hao’s earlier purge, it was clean. But now, fresh corpses lay in the middle—beasts that had paused to rest.

No hesitation. The sword flashed out—slashing through them, sending their bodies flying.

He wanted them to know: This is a human path. Not for demons.

After clearing the road, he veered into the wilds. Every demon he met—large or small—was cut down without effort.

Spirit Beasts of the Divine Travel Realm, even Fifteen-Li Stage creatures—helpless before him.

Human-Heaven Stage demons—minor kings in their own right—were torn apart like paper by the Longxiao Sword. Their tough hides shattered under the blade.

Li Hao leapt over hills and through jungles. Below, the ground was littered with dead beasts.

He wanted to cleanse the entire area—return it to how it was a thousand years ago. A demon-free zone.

Song Qiumo followed, but hardly had a chance to fight. She’d realized Li Hao only wanted her for protection—against the Great Demon King. The rest? Li Hao handled them easily.

Except for Fifteen-Li Stage demons—Li Hao often used his Fishing Line and Hook, hooking them like fish, gathering experience with every kill.

Days passed.

Within a hundred miles of the Heavenly Gate Pass, not a single demon remained.

Li Hao’s Fishing Experience reached twenty thousand—still eighty thousand short of the stagnation threshold.

He pushed further.

Meanwhile…

Far away, a thousand miles from the Pass.

On the summit of a great mountain, surrounded by towering peaks, stood a Dao field.

Mist curled through the air. Morning bells rang.

Hundreds of cultivators stood in formation—wearing plain Dao robes, hair tied in buns. They looked like immortal saints.

But look closer.

Horns jutted from their heads. Scales peeked through their skin. Their robes were torn, revealing tails of all shapes. Their hands—some human, others clawed, covered in rough scales.

This was the Dragon Mountain Dharma Ground.

Before the altar, a mummified corpse in Dao robes—its face pale, greenish—spoke. Shadows swirled around it. Insects crawled from its sleeves, burrowing into ears and nostrils.

This was the only survivor of the Three Immortal Great Demons—those who had fled, humiliated, from outside the Heavenly Gate Pass.

The others—Peacock, Ox Demon, Giant Frog—had fallen.

A devastating loss.

In the back, an old man in tattered robes sat beneath a waterfall, eyes closed.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes. Cold light flashed in the depths.

“Why have you come?” he asked.

Behind him, a figure materialized—floating in midair.

A woman in a crimson dress. Half her face was marred by flower-like scars. Her eyes were seductive, her smile gentle.

“Dragon Lord,” she purred. “I heard your children fell at that Heavenly Gate Pass. Such a pity.”

“Come to fight?” the old man asked, voice icy.

“I only came to grieve for you,” she said, feigning innocence. “I’m here to ask—have you reconsidered my offer? Join our army. This is your chance.”

The old man frowned. Silence.

“What are you afraid of? The Qian Dao Palace’s

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end