https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-206-Dragon-City-Showdown-Nine-Sons-Sacrifice/13450278/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-208-Attracting-the-Candlelight-Deity/13450280/
Chapter 207: If Only You Were My Son
Chapter 207: If Only You Were My Son
"Here they come."
Li Xiaoran appeared beside Li Hao, standing behind him, staring into the darkness a hundred miles outside the city.
Demons were gradually emerging from the darkness, surging forth as if crawling out of the abyss.
"Truly fast."
Li Hao hadn't expected the main quest, Defend Dragon City, to start with Demons appearing so quickly. It was dawn, and they needed to hold out until the dawn ten days from now!
During this time, he couldn't rest.
Both of them gazed out beyond the city, where withered grass flew in the wind, and Demons were sweeping in from the horizon, drawing closer.
On the command tower of the city wall, Li Tianzong appeared, clad in battle armor, radiating divine might.
He issued orders, and the deputy general signaled with various colored flags, passing commands to all directions. Different colored beacon fires rose into the sky, spreading the orders to other parts of the city.
Soon, the Demons were close.
In an instant, at Li Tianzong's command, countless rockets flew from the city wall, and numerous Tianren Master Realm cultivators wielded their weapons, flying out to engage the Demons.
Li Xiaoran and Li Hao joined the fray, their hands moving to release sword and blade light, their weapons flying dozens of miles to plunge into the Demon Tide.
Nine Demon Souls were attached to the Green Frost Sword, their massive bodies writhing and clawing, devouring Demons in the tide. In no time, many Demons, including those in the Tianren Realm and even the Three Eternities Realm, were slain.
Li Hao watched the decimal points in the Mourning River completion progress rapidly jump, slightly easing his mind. He controlled the Green Frost Sword to sweep through the tide swiftly.
His aura surged, stirring up a sword tide like a green river, sweeping through the Demon Tide and clearing a large area.
Li Xiaoran's blade light darted through the fray, focusing on Great Demons, its momentum like thunder.
"You stay here, I'll go to the other side."
Li Xiaoran said to Li Hao, "Be cautious of the two Demons hiding in the tide, ready to ambush us."
"Understood."
Li Hao nodded, and the two split up, but not too far apart, so they could support each other if needed.
With their intervention, the Demon Tide's attack was significantly relieved.
But soon, a deafening roar echoed from the Demon Tide. Two Demon Kings emerged, charging toward the Green Frost Sword.
Li Hao's expression turned cold, his divine sense swirling as he controlled the Green Frost Sword to counterattack.
The sword tide surged, piercing through countless Demons, and two brilliant sword beams formed, charging at the two Demon Kings.
Li Hao regretted not having obtained the Yellow Sparrow Map during this time. Without it, his panel attributes lacked the lethal attack attribute.
The Yellow Sparrow Map was obtained in Liangzhou, and despite Li Tianzong sending people to search for it on Li Hao's behalf, they had yet to find it, perhaps due to some deep-seated belief.
Without this attribute, Li Hao felt his attack methods were somewhat weak in the chaotic battle. Otherwise, just by stirring up an endless sword tide, he might have had a chance to slay the Demon Kings. Now, he needed to use True Energy to pose a threat, which increased his consumption significantly.
Boom! Boom!
Both Demon Kings were driven back by Li Hao's sword light, heavily injured. Li Hao controlled the Green Frost Sword to chase after them rapidly. The Demon Souls roared, quickly entangling and tearing the two Demon Kings apart, and the flying sword decapitated them, slicing through their massive bodies, gutting them open.
The sword light turned, cutting down the escaping divine souls as well.
The two Dao Mind Realm Demon Kings couldn't hold out for more than three rounds against Li Hao.
Cheers erupted from the city wall, and a barrage of rockets and the weapons of numerous Grandmasters flew out, assisting Li Hao in slaying the Demon Tide and eliminating the stragglers.
As Li Hao stood guard on the city wall, deep within the Demon Tide, three figures sat atop a hill, surrounded by Demons rushing forward.
"That kid has cultivated to such a high level so quickly."
"Compared to the outside world, he's not far off. No wonder he could reach the Three Eternities Realm by fifteen."
"This kid must have a great secret, or he possesses a rare treasure, or perhaps he's a reincarnation of a Sage through the Divine General Manor's bloodline!"
The three figures stared at the constantly darting green sword light, their eyes cold and sinister. They were Candlelight Deity and Lu Yuan.
Beside them, Lady Yin had also arrived, not staying outside the Mourning River as Li Xiaoran had speculated.
At this moment, the three of them also had the same cultivation as those outside.
Candlelight Deity had opened a Dao Domain, isolating the rules and maintaining his and his wife’s original cultivation.
Lu Yuan, on the other hand, relied on the Dragon Race bloodline to rapidly grow among the demons, eventually recovering to his original cultivation.
"Reincarnated Sage, hah, that’s just a legend."
Candlelight Deity sneered, dismissing Lu Yuan’s words with disdain. He knew that Lu Yuan was trying to intensify his desire to kill Li Hao.
"Just wait. It’s only the first day. Even without our intervention, they won’t be able to hold out. The major players haven’t even started yet."
Lu Yuan didn’t argue, but his gaze remained cold as he stared at the city wall.
He had dared to enter because the Dragon Gate Demon King had once ventured into the Mourning River and had some understanding of the unique rules here.
The ten-day siege had just begun, and today was only the first day.
They planned to sit back and watch the conflict, waiting for the right moment to strike.
"Li Xiaoran has tried several times and managed to retreat safely each time. He must have found a way to survive and escape. As soon as he prepares to retreat, we’ll make our move", said Candlelight Deity.
Lu Yuan nodded.
They waited silently, while outside the city wall, countless demons died, their bodies piling up and blood flowing like rivers.
The scale of the battle made both Lu Yuan and Candlelight Deity look grim. Only the sheer number of demons here, which even they couldn’t estimate, kept the city from being overrun.
With Li Hao, Li Xiaoran, and the many defending generals taking action, the Demon Tide was quickly repelled.
However, areas other than where Li Hao and Li Xiaoran were defending still suffered some damage.
Li Hao’s expression was serious. On just the first day, he had killed five Demon Kings, a scale that rivaled the attacks of numerous demon factions on Liangzhou.
Dinner was brought to the city wall from the mansion, and Li Hao sat on the ground, eating and drinking with the soldiers.
The five Demon Kings he had slain were brought back, and he used the True Demon Blood Technique to refine their essence and blood, further strengthening his physical body.
The black clouds in the sky were thick and indistinct. Li Hao had asked Li Xiaoran if anyone had been sent to investigate the black area beyond the border.
Li Xiaoran told Li Hao that anyone who entered that black area couldn’t return.
It wasn’t just that they were killed by demons; the Mourning River’s unique rules and Li Tianzong’s lingering will were the real cause, integrated into the rules.
During the Dragon City battle, that black area represented the demon army, and anyone who stepped into it was doomed to die.
Thus, it contained the law of certain death.
Only those at the Great Peace Dao Realm could use their Dao Realms to break through the rules and traverse the forbidden zone.
That night, more demons continued to attack, keeping the soldiers on the city wall on high alert, unable to rest.
By the second day, the Demon Tide’s attacks became even more fierce. Li Hao and Li Xiaoran had to take their defense seriously to hold their ground.
Among the vast demon army, Demon Kings lurked. Li Hao, at the Three Eternities Realm, held his own against them, subduing and killing the Demon Kings.
Among these Demon Kings, there were already those at the Fate Reversal Realm, capable of withstanding Li Hao’s attacks and fleeing.
While Li Hao and Li Xiaoran fought the demons, the other Li Family members also gathered to support and defend together.
On all four sides of Dragon City, Li Hao and Li Xiaoran defended one side, while the elders of the Li Family’s secondary lineage took charge of the other two sides.
"So many Demon Kings!"
On the north side of Dragon City, four young figures gathered, their expressions grave.
Li Xuanli, the oldest of the group, looked out at the vast Demon Tide outside the city. He watched as the elders of the secondary lineage wielded divine weapons to slay demons and battle Demon Kings, clenching his fists tightly.
"Even Little Ninth has reached the Three Eternities Realm, but we don’t dare to leave the city."
"Those Demon Kings’ attacks are certain to hit. Once we show ourselves, we’ll be targeted. These demons hate us Li Family the most."
All of them had grave expressions, only daring to control divine weapons to strike the Demon Tide from a distance.
"It’s a pity we don’t have the terrifying power of Little Tenth. Only he can kill Demon Kings."
Li Junye stood straight, wielding the Eternal Night Sword.
He was skilled in both spear and sword, using spear intent to enter the Sword Dao and reaching the Grandmaster Realm. He then broke through the Three Immortalities, now at the Indestructible Realm, advancing at a divine speed.
Once the most brilliant among the Nine Sons, Li Junye is now overshadowed by Li Hao's radiance.
"Let's not talk about him. We need to focus on how to deal with these Demons and help our father", Li Tiangang said solemnly.
Li Junye stared intently at the Demon Tide and thought aloud:
"These Demon Kings are staying far away, only sending the lower Demons to probe us. If we can lure them closer, with the help of our uncles hiding in the shadows, we should be able to take out a few of them."
"Lure them in?"
Li Xuanli's eyes flickered. "Not a bad plan, but the Demon Kings' attacks are terrifying. We might not be able to withstand their first strike."
"I have the Sacred Heart Amulet, which can protect me for a moment."
Li Junye said, "I'll go and draw them in. You stay here and wait for me."
"Uncle Nine, don't go. It's too risky. Father said we must stay within the Array and not step out", Li Tiangang immediately said.
Li Junye glanced at the Demon Tide and replied, "Brother Seven, don't worry. I know what I'm doing."
With that, he suddenly summoned Eternal Night and rushed out of the Array.
The Demon Kings in the Demon Tide seemed to sense something and immediately turned their attention to Li Junye.
"Brat of the Li Family, you dare to seek death!"
One of the multi-eyed Demon Dragons roared and charged at Li Junye.
The other two Demon Kings, noticing Li Junye, abandoned their struggle with the elder members of the Li Family's Secondary Lineage and joined the attack on Li Junye.
Li Junye remained calm, swinging his sword in a fierce slash, but the Demon King easily batted him away, then unleashed a bolt of dark lightning that struck Li Junye.
Li Junye didn't immediately use the Sacred Heart Amulet. The Demon King was still too far away. He forced out all his power, using his ultimate skill to shield himself and chose to endure the blow.
With a loud thud, he was sent flying backward, spitting out blood, his body covered in wounds and charred black.
Seeing this, the other Demon Kings attacked again. Li Junye hurriedly crawled back toward the Array.
The Demon Kings, growing more agitated, pursued him even faster. At this moment, Li Junye activated the Sacred Heart Amulet.
The other elders of the Li Family's Secondary Lineage, having heard Li Xuanli's message, already knew Li Junye's plan. They roared and charged out of the Array.
The other elders hidden within the city also joined the fray, rushing out of the Array to battle the Demon Kings.
The Demon Kings were shocked and tried to retreat, but it was too late. They were quickly surrounded and killed.
By then, Li Junye had been dragged back into the Array by Li Tiangang.
"Brother Nine, you took too much of a risk!" Li Tiangang couldn't help but shout angrily.
Li Junye managed a smile. "But it worked, didn't it?"
"Go and tend to your injuries. Don't talk anymore", Li Xuanli said urgently.
Li Junye immediately focused his mind, took an Elixir, and closed his eyes to meditate, healing his Indestructible Treasure Body.
With Li Junye's successful lure, several Demon Kings were killed, significantly reducing the Demon Tide's offensive pressure and easing the defensive burden.
These Demon Kings seemed less cunning and rational than those outside the Mourning River, perhaps influenced by some lingering thoughts. They attacked the Li Family's bloodline with reckless abandon.
On the third day, Li Junye tried the same tactic again, leaving the city to draw the Demons.
But suddenly, a figure emerged from the Demon Kings and struck with a powerful palm, shattering the divine light of Li Junye's hastily activated Sacred Heart Amulet and sending him flying, killing him on the spot!
"Uncle Nine!!"
Li Tiangang and the others, seeing this, were enraged and shouted in fury.
The Demon King was clearly in the Ultimate Mastery Realm, striking like a bolt of lightning and hitting the Dragon City Array, continuously attacking.
Li Tianzong rushed over, hearing the anguished roars of Li Xuanli and the others. His eyes were filled with shock, but more so with deep sorrow.
He clenched his fists and ordered the hidden Third Brother to leave the city and deal with the Demon King.
Li Xuanyin charged out with his spear, engaging the Demon King in a fierce battle, but neither could gain the upper hand.
That night, Li Hao and Li Xiaoran learned of Li Junye's death and fell silent.
The deaths of the others had already prepared them for this moment.
But they were all born from Li Tianzong's obsession, so their grief was not overwhelming.
The real Li Junye had died in Cangzhou, saving countless commoners from suffering.
Now, with the impending destruction of Dragon City, the entire city would be lost, and everything was just beginning.
On the third day, Li Hao and Li Xiaoran were each under immense pressure. The Demon Tide now included seven or eight Demon Kings, with an Ultimate Mastery Realm Demon King in command.
Li Hao's Green Frost Sword was entangled by the Ultimate Mastery Realm Demon King, leaving him unable to free his hands, which allowed the Demon King to attack the Array as well.
"Tomorrow, this Array will likely be broken."
During a brief respite from the Demon Tide, Li Xiaoran rushed to Li Hao's side and said, "When that happens, we'll have to retreat to the Divine General Manor. The Arrays within the manor can still hold for a while."
Li Hao hadn't expected to see signs of the city breaking so soon, on the third day.
And yet, the Candlelight Deity and the Old Dragon Lu Yuan had still not taken action.
"Once we retreat to the Divine General Manor, the Candlelight Deity should come. He will open a Dao Domain outside the manor and attack the Array", Li Hao said with a heavy expression.
Li Xiaoran sighed, "The situation is much better this time. Previously, when I was alone, the Array was already severely damaged by the third day. We barely held on. Now, with you sharing the burden, the pressure has been reduced, and others can reinforce other areas, so we've managed to hold it together without damage."
Li Hao remained silent.
In the evening, Li Hao saw a group of figures approaching the city wall. Upon closer inspection, they were female warriors, including his "mother", Chen Hefang.
"Xiao Shi, you must be tired."
Chen Hefang's stern eyes softened as she approached Li Hao. "Your father sent me to call you. He wants you to come back for something important."
Li Hao couldn't help but look at her twice. "What's going on?"
"There are no cowards in the Li Family."
Chen Hefang whispered, "For the sake of the common people, the Li Family will fight to the last drop of blood!"
Hearing this, Li Hao was deeply moved.
The other female warriors also smiled at Li Hao.
"I've heard Xiao Shi is the most promising, able to defend a front alone at the Three Eternities Realm. That's impressive."
"Our Li Family has such a fine son; it does not tarnish our ancestors' glory."
"Good boy, go back."
These women were Li Hao's aunts and other female relatives. Li Hao couldn't recognize them all, but he knew they were part of the Li Family.
"It's probably about the Ancestral Hall", Li Xiaoran whispered.
He had also been informed of this when the city wall was about to break.
Li Hao fell silent for a moment, then bid farewell to his "mother" and the other female warriors before heading back to the manor.
Upon returning to the Divine General Manor, Li Hao found the once-prosperous courtyard, filled with guests, now desolate, with leaves drifting and the ground unswept.
The empty courtyard had only a few servants left.
The rest had either joined the city's defense or been dismissed, leaving only a few familiar faces.
Li Hao saw the young Old Zhao, who was also dressed in battle armor, ready to fight at any moment.
"Young Master, you're back. Master is waiting for you in the main hall", Old Zhao said, bowing deeply.
Li Hao glanced at him, his lips moving slightly, but he didn't say anything.
Turning into the main hall, he saw his "father" sitting alone at the dining table, lost in thought.
Upon hearing the footsteps, Li Tianzong looked up, his bloodshot eyes revealing a hint of dark, sinister aura, as if heavy with malevolence.
Li Hao felt a cold and eerie presence from him, but this sensation vanished quickly. When Li Tianzong saw Li Hao, his previously stern and cold expression softened with a touch of warmth.
"Xiao Shi, come and sit."
Li Tianzong called Li Hao, his voice warm and gentle.
Li Hao nodded, bracing himself after receiving Li Xiaoran's message.
However, with the Li Family's Nine Sons mostly fallen, the tragedy was so severe that even knowing the others were manifestations of Li Tianzong's obsession, Li Hao couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Even watching a play, one can't help but be moved by the tragic emotions portrayed.
All the more so, as he had personally experienced the genuine concern and affection his "brothers" showed him every day.
But in reality, they never had such an opportunity.
"Xiao Shi, you are the most outstanding genius in the Li Family's thousand-year history."
Li Tianzong gestured for Li Hao to sit beside him. Li Tiangang and Li Xuanli were still on the city wall, constantly on guard.
Li Hao sat silently, listening, waiting for Li Tianzong to speak about the Ancestral Hall.
"I have seen your growth over these days."
Li Tianzong looked at Li Hao with gentle eyes and said softly, "I really like the carvings you gave us, and the paintings you made for me and your mother. I will treasure them. The dishes you cooked were delicious, the best I've ever tasted..."
"What virtues do I have to deserve a son like you?"
He extended his broad hand and gently patted Li Hao's shoulder.
"The time we've spent together has been very happy."
With that, he smiled, then whispered with a hint of regret, "If only you were truly my son..."
(End of Chapter)
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