Chapter 215: Li Tiangang's Wrath
Chapter 215: Li Tiangang's Wrath
On the Dragon Pass Road in Liangzhou.
Li Tiangang, clad in his Marshal's Golden Armor, rode swiftly.
Although Liangzhou was peaceful now, the Dragon City Mourning River was always a hotspot for potential battles, so he had not yet removed his armor.
It had been many years since he last set foot on this Dragon Pass Road. Li Tiangang felt a sense of nostalgia as he saw the clean and empty road, which surprised him.
Since the Third Brother and Sixth Brother fell defending the Dragon Pass Road, the Demons had become more brazen. He had heard that travelers near the border were frequently attacked by Demons, indicating that many Demons had already infiltrated the area from both sides of the Dragon Pass Road.
However, he could not blame Li Hongzhuang, who had taken over the defense. His younger sister, despite being a woman, had donned armor and fought bravely. The Demons beyond Heavenly Gate Pass were rampant, with three Demon Kings causing constant threats. Just holding the pass was a significant achievement.
The annual military reports showed heavy casualties, highlighting the difficulty of defending this place.
This was the reason for the decision to consolidate the defenses and abandon Heavenly Gate Pass.
Initially, he had wanted the child to experience the dangers of the battlefield, but now, the pass that was about to be abandoned had become the safest place in Liangzhou.
Even the massive Demon army, numbering in the millions, chose to avoid this route and attack from elsewhere.
Li Tiangang's eyes flickered as he looked at the ancient road lined with cypress trees. He felt a mix of surprise and a growing sense of pride.
Thinking of the child's face, his eyes grew warm. Although it was just a clone, the sight of Li Hao risking his life to lead away three Demon Kings had left him heartbroken. That was his and Qing Qing's only son.
Whenever others spoke of Li Hao's exceptional talent and brilliance, he would remain outwardly calm, even appearing cold, but inside, he felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction.
After all, Li Hao was his son, Li Tiangang's son!
"Sir, would you like a cup of tea?"
A clear voice interrupted Li Tiangang's thoughts.
He walked over and saw the Tea Stall, raising an eyebrow. "Old man, there are no patrols around here, and Demons could appear at any time. Are you not afraid to set up your stall here?"
The Tea Stall owner smiled. "General, you must be talking about the past. Things are different now. Since Young General Hao Tian took charge of Heavenly Gate Pass, no Demons dare to step foot here. In my old man's opinion, even the Imperial City might not be as safe as this place!"
Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed. "Old man, you're not young anymore. Don't speak lightly about the Imperial City. Be more careful in the future!"
The Tea Stall owner realized his mistake and quickly apologized. "Yes, yes, I spoke too much. General, would you like a cup of tea?"
"Even if there are no Demon attacks, there's no one around here. How do you do business?"
Li Tiangang glanced at the empty Dragon Pass Road, thought for a moment, and pulled out a silver ingot.
Though a general, he had the habit of carrying some money, a lesson he had learned from his father, Li Tianzong. As a general of Dayu, one must never easily use the resources of the common people, or else what would be the difference between soldiers and bandits?
"Too much, too much."
The Tea Stall owner was taken aback by the silver ingot and quickly tried to give change.
But Li Tiangang had already walked away. "Keep the change."
"Hey, General, I haven't served you your tea yet!"
"Drink it yourself."
Watching the golden-armored general leave, the old man wiped the silver ingot clean, put it in his pocket, and smiled broadly.
"He has a strong Killing Aura, but he's a kind-hearted man."
Before Cangya City.
Li Tiangang gazed at the magnificent new city, his eyes narrowing. The city walls were adorned with banners, fluttering with a familiar name.
On the Dragon Pass Road, he had seen several War Banners, and he guessed that these banners were the reason for the peace on the road.
At that moment, the general guarding the City Wall also spotted Li Tiangang and immediately recognized the Marshal's battle armor he wore. They were all taken aback, and one of them quickly flew out of the City Wall to greet him respectfully.
"Salute, Marshal!"
Li Tiangang nodded slightly and said, "Where is Li Hao?"
The general's heart skipped a beat. In their city, Li Hao was referred to as General Hao Tian, and his original name was forbidden.
But the Marshal before him was none other than the famous Duke Rank, Duke Xingwu.
"Are you asking about General Hao Tian, or—"
"Think about it."
Li Tiangang coldly interrupted him.
The general's expression changed slightly, realizing he had been foolish. General Hao Tian had rushed to Liangzhou and achieved remarkable military feats, which had even reached the Imperial City. They all knew that General Hao Tian himself was not here, so how could Duke Xingwu not know?
"General Hao Tian is in the city..."
"Take me to him."
Li Tiangang instructed.
The general respectfully agreed and led the way.
As they entered the city, the general walked very quickly, but Li Tiangang moved slowly, observing his surroundings.
Noticing this, the general slowed down to match his pace.
Li Tiangang surveyed the city, where shops and vendors were visible everywhere, along with well-dressed young men and women from Noble Families, all giving a sense of peace and prosperity.
These young nobles and common vendors seemed to coexist harmoniously, indicating good governance.
The bustling yet orderly scene resembled that of a major city in the heart of a province.
At this moment, many people on the street noticed Li Tiangang in his golden armor and cast curious glances, whispering among themselves.
Li Tiangang, who had intended to observe more, frowned at their prying gazes and immediately took to the air, instructing the general:
"Lead the way."
The general, seeing this, also sped up.
Li Tiangang followed him, flying swiftly through the city until they reached an open area that seemed to be the City Lord's Mansion.
The surrounding buildings were neatly arranged and grand, but the open area housed a simple Wattle Yard, which looked quite plain. However, the presence of patrolling guards gave the small yard a sense of authority.
"Is that where he lives?"
Li Tiangang frowned. "If they can build civilian homes, why not a decent City Lord's Mansion?"
"Marshal, General Hao Tian said his old friend likes the small yard, so he kept it as it is."
Li Tiangang raised an eyebrow, thinking of the boy's casual nature. He sighed inwardly, realizing that even in this Border Pass, his personality hadn't changed.
They say that if a person isn't disciplined in their youth, it's hard to change later in life. He knew that the other's character was already set and likely couldn't be altered.
However, considering Li Hao's current reputation and his achievements in Liangzhou, he felt it was pointless to dwell on this matter.
Soon, the two landed in front of the Wattle Yard.
"Who is this?"
The two guards at the small yard's entrance were part of General Hao Tian's forces, originally composed of martial artists and grandmasters from various provinces. They were familiar with military protocols but had limited knowledge of other military matters.
Thus, while they found Li Tiangang's appearance impressive, they didn't immediately recognize him.
"This is Duke Xingwu, Marshal Xingwu!"
The leading general immediately explained.
Li Tiangang frowned slightly, feeling somewhat displeased. He had just thought that Li Hao's laid-back nature wasn't worth dwelling on, but now he saw that this attitude extended to his subordinates.
Failing to recognize his own identity, they might offend other Divine General Manors if they encountered them.
Moreover, sending such undisciplined soldiers into battle was concerning.
While he knew Li Hao was strong, he couldn't always rely on himself, especially if he were to inherit the True Dragon.
If everything depended on the True Dragon, even ten lives wouldn't be enough.
The two guards, hearing the introduction, were startled.
Although they hadn't recognized Li Tiangang, the name Marshal Xingwu had been famous in Yanbei for over a decade. They immediately realized that the middle-aged man before them was Li Hao's father.
The two men hurriedly bowed, and the sight of this made Li Tiangang's frown deepen. He scowled and said:
"Does he not train you at all? You have no discipline. If you were to go to the battlefield, what kind of order would you maintain? You'd be a disorganized mess!"
The two men lowered their heads nervously, and one of them whispered:
"General Hao Tian said that as long as he's around, we don't need to go to the battlefield. Besides, we have undergone strict training and generally don't make mistakes unless it's an accident..."
Li Tiangang couldn't help but sneer. "What arrogance! If he does everything, what are you needed for? Does he think he's invincible? How many lives does he have?"
Seeing the two men trembling with their heads down, he didn't bother scolding them further and said, "Open the door."
"Marshal, please wait a moment. I'll inform General Hao Tian first..."
One of the guards, relieved, quickly said, and then turned to run into the courtyard.
Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly.
The other guard hurriedly explained to Li Tiangang, "Marshal, please don't be angry. Our general said that no matter who comes, they must be announced first, otherwise it might ruin his mood."
Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with a stern light. "Mood? What mood?"
The guard, a Grandmaster who had been famous for years, could see that the Marshal was already angry. He could only smile apologetically and say:
"General Hao Tian usually likes to take afternoon naps, play chess, or paint. If he's disturbed suddenly..."
Li Tiangang's face darkened. He hadn't expected that Li Hao would still indulge in such leisurely activities at this Border Pass, showing no signs of restraint!
He had thought that Li Hao, with his world-shocking Cultivation and combat prowess, was inspired by him and was diligently practicing Cultivation at Heavenly Gate Pass.
But it turned out that Li Hao was still the same, indulging in pleasure and enjoyment.
He hadn't changed, not one bit!
Li Tiangang took a deep breath. Thinking about the various events on the frontline, Li Hao's impressive battle achievements, and the current state of Liangzhou, the anger that had been rising in his heart gradually subsided.
He sighed inwardly. Although Li Hao hadn't changed, his talent was indeed exceptional. Even in a life of comfort and enjoyment, he still possessed that world-shocking combat power and had saved countless commoners in Liangzhou.
With such remarkable achievements, he couldn't say much.
Moreover, he knew the boy was stubborn. This time, he had come to try and mend their father-son relationship.
At that moment, the courtyard gate opened again, and the guard came out, his face tense and uneasy.
He glanced at Li Tiangang, and seeing his expression, Li Tiangang's face darkened even more.
"Um..."
The guard nervously said, "General Hao Tian said he won't see any guests and asked you to leave."
"Rascal!"
Li Tiangang was furious. Coming as a father and personally visiting was already a sign of humility. To be turned away at the door was unacceptable!
Where was the respect for father and son?
"Did he say this himself? Tell him to come out and see me!"
Li Tiangang's face was cold. Thinking that this was a manifestation of Li Hao, which might not fully inherit the main body's consciousness, he suppressed his anger.
"Hao Tian Young General is painting."
"Painting? As a general, what world-renowned masterpiece does he think he can create by painting!"
Li Tiangang didn't want to waste any more words. He pushed the guard aside, and when the guard tried to stop him, he glared, and his Fourth Establishment Realm aura radiated out.
The overwhelming pressure made the two guards shudder, their bodies stiff and unable to move.
He kicked open the courtyard gate and walked in.
Inside the courtyard, he saw two figures sitting idly. One was cross-legged with a sword resting on his thighs, meditating with his eyes closed.
The other was painting, brush in hand, ink flowing.
The sound of the broken gate startled both of them, and they looked toward Li Tiangang.
Ren Qianqian immediately recognized Li Tiangang and froze for a moment before hurriedly standing up and saying, "Uncle."
Darkside Li Hao, sitting in front of his painting, frowned slightly. His inherited memories were limited, mostly of painting, playing chess, and gazing at the stars in an empty, ancient courtyard.
Occasionally, he would see faces of women in fine silk.
The face before him was somewhat unfamiliar, yet there was a sense of familiarity. Instinctively, he felt a deep aversion.
"This is the General's residence. Who gave you permission to barge in!"
Darkside Li Hao's face turned cold. He set his brush aside, stood up, and assumed a fighting stance.
The order Li Hao had given to Darkside was to defend Cangya City with his life.
"Really at leisure, aren't you?"
Li Tiangang saw that the manifestation of Li Hao was indeed painting and couldn't help but feel both angry and amused. Even the manifestation had the same temperament?
"Do you know who I am?" he asked coldly.
"No one is exempt from my rules here!" Dark Li Hao said coldly.
"Does the clone have no memories at all?"
Li Tiangang frowned. Although the Martial Body Technique was rare, he was familiar with it. It was extremely difficult to master and form a clone, but the final result was often mediocre.
After all, a clone could inherit only one-tenth of the original's power, which was already considered decent.
Other cultivation techniques of similar difficulty could potentially enhance one's strength by a third, which was several times more effective than a clone!
The only benefit of a clone was its ability to assist with minor tasks. However, for powerful cultivators, there was no shortage of servants to command. Clones were only useful for handling confidential matters. Using them in battle was rather redundant.
If Li Hao were still by his side, Li Tiangang would never have approved of him wasting time cultivating such a technique.
But he had long adapted to Li Hao's nature. He couldn't even discipline him in chess or painting, let alone in cultivation techniques.
"You followed Li Hao here. Do you know if there is a life-and-death connection between his clone and his original body?"
Li Tiangang asked Ren Qianqian, who was standing beside him.
Ren Qianqian looked nervous and said, "I'm not very clear on Young Master's affairs."
"Didn't you serve as his personal attendant?" Li Tiangang frowned.
"… But I never inquire about Young Master's business", Ren Qianqian said, lowering her head.
Li Tiangang let out a cold snort in frustration and said to the clone, "Your original body is trapped in the Mourning River. Do you know? Can you sense it? Is there a life-and-death connection between you and your original body?"
"This is my business, and I don't need to answer you. Please leave, or don't blame me for being rude!"
Shadow Clone Li Hao said.
Li Tiangang almost laughed in anger. "I am the Marshal of Liangzhou, and Heavenly Gate Pass is under my jurisdiction. I make the rules here. You want me to leave?"
"You can stay in the city, but not in this courtyard."
Dark Li Hao frowned and said.
Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with cold anger. "I came to bring you back and to see if you could sense your original body's situation. You want to drive me away?"
"Qianqian, show him out."
Dark Li Hao said coldly.
Ren Qianqian glanced at Li Tiangang, her face hesitant. "Uncle, why don't you wait for Young Master to return?"
"This isn't your place to speak!"
Li Tiangang shot her a cold glance.
This glance was like a sharp sword through the heart, making Ren Qianqian's face turn pale, and she took several steps back.
Dark Li Hao's expression changed, and his eyes gleamed with cold light. He raised his hand, and the Dragon Dawn Sword, which had been planted in the ground where Ren Qianqian had been sitting, suddenly unsheathed with a golden dragon's roar.
The Divine Sword gathered its power and slashed out without hesitation.
Li Tiangang's eyes flared with anger, and he suddenly slapped out a palm. The golden light on the sword shattered, but his own face also changed.
The power of this sword slash exceeded his expectations, far more powerful than he had imagined.
His body retreated two steps, and he had to steady himself to stop.
"Are you the original or a clone?!"
Li Tiangang looked up, his eyes filled with shock and suspicion.
Dark Li Hao's gaze was icy, and the Golden Sword Light stood before him. "If you stay any longer, I will treat you as an intruder!"
Li Tiangang's face darkened at the cold, merciless words.
"I'd like to see how you deal with your own father!"
Li Tiangang clenched his fists, his aura surging.
At that moment, a figure descended like a clear wind, appearing between Li Tiangang and Li Hao as if by teleportation.
"Have you had enough of this nonsense!"
A cold voice echoed, and Feng Boping looked at Li Tiangang with a cold stare.
When Li Tiangang arrived, Feng Boping had sensed him and moved to the clouds to hide.
But seeing him conflict with Li Hao's clone again, he couldn't stay idle any longer.
"Li Hao is now trapped in the Mourning River, a Yudu-grade Mourning River, with uncertain life and death. Are you going to kill his clone here?!"
Feng Boping said coldly.
(End of Chapter)
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