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Chapter 216: Ancient Ji Family (Part 2)
Chapter 216: Ancient Ji Family (Part 2)
"The stronger the Mourning River became, the deeper my obsession grew, creating a vicious cycle with no end."
At this point, he smiled, but his eyes held a touch of sadness, "Now, the obsession I built has been shattered by you. If you can take me back to my homeland, I can rest in peace, and the power of the Mourning River will completely disappear."
Li Hao listened to his words, his eyes flickering, his mind half-believing and half-doubting.
The old man in front of him was actually the source of the Mourning River's obsession?
That would make him the ultimate boss behind it all?
But he seemed kind and gentle, far from the image of a villain.
"You don't need to be suspicious. The Mourning River is already in the process of collapsing, and the wandering souls are all trying to escape. Soon, I will allow your consciousness to return to your body, outside the Mourning River. I will condense myself and reside within you."
The old man continued, "Once you take me back to my homeland, I will completely dissipate. Otherwise, I will root myself in you, and over time, the power of the Mourning River will grow again, eventually restoring to its current state. Therefore, you don't have much time left."
Hearing this, Li Hao began to believe the old man's words. Return outside the Mourning River?
If he could return to his body, everything could be verified.
Moreover, if it was just an illusion, he could test it through his physical panel.
With this in mind, Li Hao said, "Then send me away first."
Suddenly remembering something, he quickly added, "Wait, can you also send the person who came in with me out as well?"
The old man smiled and said, "Of course. He has been here many times, but his obsession is too deep. He will never be able to pass through here, even if he truly understands the Dao."
"Additionally, I will also send Li Tianzong's soul out, but don't think that passing through the Mourning River will grant him true liberation. You're thinking too simply."
"This is a Yudu Grade Mourning River. The souls here have long been corrupted. Even if they pass through, they will dissipate."
The old man continued, "But I can use the remaining power of the Mourning River to temporarily maintain him, at least allowing him to return home for one last look."
Li Hao was stunned. So, even if Grandfather returned to the Ancestral Hall, he couldn't stay forever?
But... could he return for one last look?
Li Hao's face darkened, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it now.
"If you're ready, I'll take you all out together", the old man said quietly.
Li Hao nodded slightly.
In an instant, Li Hao felt the surroundings shift as if the stars were moving, countless mountains and rivers swirling, his vision blurring until everything turned to darkness.
When he opened his eyes again, light appeared.
At the same time, a strange scent of trees and grass wafted over.
Li Hao opened his eyes to see towering trees, like steep mountains, each one requiring a hundred people to encircle.
Where was this?
Li Hao was puzzled. This didn't seem to be the rugged valley outside the Dragon City Mourning River.
"Hao, Li Hao?!"
At that moment, two voices filled with surprise and joy echoed beside Li Hao, disbelief evident in their tones.
Li Hao turned his head and saw Li Xiaoran standing there, dazed.
Next to him, a floating apparition appeared, none other than Li Tianzong, his face also filled with shock and disbelief.
"You're alive!"
Li Xiaoran, seeing Li Hao, rushed over, hugging him tightly, as if trying to feel whether Li Hao's body was real.
Subsequently, he grabbed Li Hao's shoulder and examined him up and down. Upon seeing a red glow emanating from Li Hao's chest, he quickly asked, "Are you alright? What is that?"
Li Hao looked down. Earlier in the Mourning River, a strange red light had emitted from his chest, and he was also puzzled about what it was. Now, as he glanced down, he saw that his shirt was stained red.
He lifted his shirt and saw two shattered jade fragments, radiating a bloody light, wrapped in his clothing.
"It's the Dragon Blood Jade!"
Li Tianzong's Heroic Souls saw this and exclaimed, his face showing surprise, "Was this bestowed by His Majesty, Emperor Yu?"
Li Hao was stunned. He hadn't expected the red glow to come from the jade he had worn since childhood, a gem given to him by the emperor shortly after his birth.
"This?"
Li Hao hesitantly picked up the two shattered jade fragments.
Li Tianzong gazed at them for a moment, then sighed deeply. "The Li Family has been favored by Emperor Yu. Xiao Jiu died unexpectedly, but fortunately, Emperor Yu has preserved the next generation's True Dragon bloodline for our Li Family. Li Hao, you must remember Emperor Yu's kindness!"
Li Hao was dazed. "This Dragon Blood Jade saved me?"
Since it was bestowed, he had worn it since childhood. Normally, he only felt a warm, comforting heat that helped keep him warm and gradually nourished his body. Compared to these benefits, it was more of a symbol of status.
"That's right. Not many people know the secret of this jade. It was crafted by a True Person of the Qian Dao Palace, and it is said to contain the life-reversing power of a Fate Reversal Realm expert. This jade can reverse one's fate in dire situations, essentially providing a second life!"
Li Tianzong explained.
Li Hao was astonished.
Sealing the life-reversing power of a Fate Reversal Realm expert inside it?
What kind of technique was this?
Fate Reversal Realm experts could defy heaven and alter fate when sensing life and death. If they were instantly killed, this power would trigger automatically, reversing their fate!
He had never heard of a method to steal the life-reversing power of such an expert!
This was terrifying. Was this the power of the first great expert of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty?
Moreover, no one had ever told him how precious this jade was!
He had almost lost it several times!
"It's just a trick to deceive fate."
At this moment, a calm voice sounded, making all three of them startled. Li Hao looked over and saw the old man's ethereal figure from the source of the Mourning River's obsession floating beside them. He looked at them indifferently and said:
"Even without this jade, he wouldn't have died. When he was on the brink of death, he had already broken the power of the Mourning River. The vitality in his body flowed back in. The jade merely detected his consciousness weakening and triggered itself."
"Who are you?"
Li Tianzong's expression changed slightly, sensing an intense pressure from the old man, a feeling that made him tremble as if he could be plunged into eternal ruin at any moment.
Li Xiaoran also felt the unique aura emanating from the old man, but he didn't experience the same oppressive sensation as Li Tianzong. Instead, his gaze became intense.
"You people from the wilderness wouldn't know my name even if I told you." The old man said indifferently, clearly not taking Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran seriously.
Li Tianzong was taken aback. The familiar way he was addressed made him think of something.
"Senior, where are we?"
Li Hao asked, having already sensed that they were surrounded by towering wild trees, not where they had entered the Mourning River.
"Here is the source of the Mourning River."
The old man said calmly, "The place you entered earlier was just an opening of the Mourning River. I said I wanted you to take me back, and naturally, I brought you to the source. Here, it's closer to my homeland."
As he spoke, he looked in the distance, his eyes showing a mix of nostalgia, hope, and a hint of impatience.
Li Xiaoran's expression changed, and he looked at Li Hao. "What conditions did you agree to with him?"
"Hmm, he is the source of the Mourning River's obsession. I agreed to take him back, or the Mourning River would revive", Li Hao said.
Besides, they were already 99% through; only the final step remained.
"Where do you need to be taken?" Li Tianzong asked urgently.
Li Hao also looked at the old man. He could now sense that they were indeed in the outside world, not an illusion. If so, the old man was likely telling the truth.
However, such a miraculous event was beyond his understanding.
The Mourning River could be moved, and its source was located within a spirit.
"The Great Wasteland Sky, the Ancient Ji Family of the Great Wasteland!"
The old man said indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Li Hao and the others were all shaken.
Li Hao's mind flashed back to the words of Li Rumei, one of the eight madams' children, during the True Dragon contest.
The Great Wasteland Sky, where his mother was from, and his mother's surname was Ji!
Li Tianzong and Li Xiaoran both felt their pupils constrict. When Ji Qingqing married into the Li Family, they had both been present. The origins of that woman had been revealed in the same manner...
The elder before them was from the same hometown as Li Hao's mother's family?
"Are you from the Ancient Ji Family of the Great Wasteland?" Li Tianzong couldn't help but ask.
If that was the case, they were practically in-laws, weren't they?!
But the elder before them clearly hadn't recognized them.
"You know?" The elder looked at him with some surprise.
He clearly hadn't expected that someone from the outer regions would know of the Ji Family. Could it be that the Ji Family's reputation had spread beyond the Great Wasteland Sky?
Li Tianzong hesitated, wanting to say something but ultimately decided, "I don't know who you are in the Ji Family, but do you know Ji Qingqing?"
"You know Qingqing?"
The elder was taken aback, looking at him with surprise. Then, as if a thought struck him, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Calculating the time, that little girl should be grown up by now. Has she come to play in Dayu? Ha, with the talent she's shown, she could probably easily sweep through the young generation of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, right?"
He smiled, seemingly quite proud.
Li Tianzong was speechless. They didn't know Ji Qingqing's exact cultivation realm, only that it was quite good. She had never truly displayed her full strength. They had learned of her identity during the wedding, and few people knew this secret.
After all, the various families of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, including other Divine General Manors, were wary and repelled by the residents of the Great Wasteland Sky.
Li Tianzong glanced at Li Hao, wanting to say something but ultimately held back.
He knew the rules of the Ji Family. When Ji Qingqing and Li Tiangang had married, it was a private decision. If not for their deep love, he, as her father, wouldn't have agreed.
Sighing inwardly, Li Tianzong didn't say anything. Instead, he transmitted a message to Li Hao, "Li Hao, do you know your mother's identity? When we take him back, we mustn't stay long at the Ji Family. You mustn't let anyone know that your mother is Ji Qingqing. I'm worried they might do you harm."
Li Hao was taken aback. During his time at Heavenly Gate Pass, he had asked Old Feng about the Great Wasteland Sky. Although Old Feng didn't know much, he did know that the families in the Great Wasteland Sky had exceptionally pure bloodlines and rarely married outside their kind.
The union of Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing was a rare exception, made possible by their mutual commitment and the protection of the Divine General Manor. By keeping Ji Qingqing's identity a secret, they had managed to live in peace for all these years.
This was why, when Ji Qingqing revealed her identity in Yanbei, it had scared off the Holy Palace, and she had left since then.
Li Hao fell silent.
To go to the Ji Family and not be able to acknowledge his mother?
He could vaguely remember the loving and gentle gaze of the beautiful woman who had held him in her arms as an infant.
"Let's go, we should set out now", the elder urged.
"We're coming too", Li Xiaoran said, standing up.
Li Hao snapped back to reality. Seeing the two of them ready to go, he quickly said, "Fourth Uncle..." He turned to Li Tianzong, unsure of what to call him.
If he called him "Grandfather", wouldn't that mean he acknowledged that identity?
But if he didn't, wouldn't it make the elder sad to know his current situation?
Thinking about the elder's words, that his time was only enough to go home and see his family, Li Hao felt a pang of sorrow.
After the battle in Dragon City, he knew how strong the elder's desire to return home was.
"Go back first. The Power of the Mourning River has seeped into Grandfather's body. He... might not last much longer", Li Hao said.
For this final journey, he didn't want the elder to be hurt.
Li Xiaoran was stunned, looking at Li Tianzong.
Li Tianzong's face changed, sensing his own condition but not realizing it was so severe.
"That's right, go quickly. This boy can take me back alone", the Ji Family elder said impatiently.
"Brother, is it true?!"
Li Xiaoran's eyes welled up, turning to Li Tianzong.
Li Tianzong remained silent, looking at Li Hao. "Just a glance, it's not worth it. Seeing that I have a good grandson like you is enough to make me content."
"Since I'm doomed to perish, I'll pass my Power on to you. Perhaps it will help you reach a higher level!"
Li Hao understood his intentions and shook his head slightly. "I haven't comprehended my Dao Heart. Your Power would only increase the strength of my Divine Soul, not help me break through realms."
The enhancement of a Divine Soul is certainly a wonderful thing, but for Li Hao, cultivating some Spirit Refinement techniques could achieve the same effect.
Why should an old man like him risk his Divine Soul for such a thing?
Li Tianzong was stunned, feeling a strong urge to cry: "But my dear grandson, you've given me everything, and you almost died for me..."
"You've already given me everything."
Li Hao looked at him and smiled: "You acknowledged my paintings, my unconventional hobbies..."
Hearing this, Li Tianzong felt even more heartbroken: "Those are such trivial matters. My grandson is talented beyond measure; doesn't he deserve praise?"
Li Hao fell silent for a moment, then smiled again and said to Li Xiaoran: "Fourth Uncle, please take Grandfather back carefully."
Li Xiaoran, still reeling from the news that Elder Brother Li Tianzong would soon perish, was dazed and somewhat disoriented. He finally responded: "I understand, Li Hao. You be careful too. Once I've taken Elder Brother back, if I don't see you return, I'll come looking for you!"
"There's no need for that. This kid is far stronger than you", the old man from the Ji family sneered. As the source of the Mourning River's obsession, he knew everything that had transpired and was extremely satisfied with Li Hao's performance.
Such talent, even in the Ji family, would be considered a prodigy.
"Fourth Uncle, farewell."
Li Hao bid them goodbye immediately.
"This place seems to be on the border of the Great Wasteland Sky. There are many powerful Demons there, so be cautious", Li Xiaoran said.
Li Hao nodded.
"Go on, don't dawdle", the old man from the Ji family urged, unable to contain his impatience.
Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong exchanged glances, wondering who this impatient uncle from the Ji family was.
After more instructions and sharing what they knew about the Great Wasteland Sky with Li Hao, the old man from the Ji family interrupted: "I'll tell him along the way. You two should hurry and go!"
They finally gave up, thinking that as a strong figure from the Ji family, he would indeed guide Li Hao.
The group said their goodbyes.
Li Hao, thinking of the Heavenly Gate Pass, said to Li Xiaoran: "Fourth Uncle, after you've taken Grandfather back, please stop by the Heavenly Gate Pass and let my Sword Attendant know that I won't be returning anytime soon. The Heavenly Gate Pass will be under her and my avatar's protection."
He referred to her as his Sword Attendant to avoid mentioning Old Feng, fearing that the other party might not accept his identity.
But the message would naturally reach Ren Qianqian and, through her, Old Feng, who would understand his meaning.
"Understood."
Li Xiaoran nodded, recalling the rumors he had heard about Li Hao and Li Tiangang, his expression changed slightly. But with Elder Brother still present, he didn't show any reaction.
After they parted ways, Li Hao watched Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong fly off in the direction of the Great Yu Divine Dynasty.
"We should go too."
The old man from the Ji family said.
Li Hao gazed for a long moment, then withdrew his gaze and nodded slightly.
……
……
Li Xiaoran and Li Tianzong flew straight through the wilderness, pausing every few hundred miles to confirm their direction.
As they continued, they finally found a clear path, and Li Xiaoran's face lit up with joy: "We're in the Liangzhou border region. Looking at the route ahead, we can pass by the Heavenly Gate Pass on our way back."
"Heavenly Gate Pass?"
Li Tianzong was curious: "I just heard Li Hao mention that he's stationed there. He's so young; how can he be leading troops into battle? He's still at the age of cultivation."
Li Xiaoran gave a somewhat awkward smile: "Li Hao's talent is exceptional, as you've seen. His cultivation speed is astonishing, and early training isn't a bad thing."
"That's true. He's only fifteen in the outside world, and by the time he's eighteen, he could match the Demon King of the Great Peace Dao Realm..."
Li Tianzong's eyes sparkled with excitement and pride: "With such a descendant in our Li Family, I can die content!"
Hearing the words "die content", Li Xiaoran's expression changed slightly. He thought of what Li Hao had said: Elder Brother could only return for a brief moment before dissipating.
His heart ached, and he remained silent, lowering his head and quickening his pace.
(End of Chapter)
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