https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-30-The-Two-Saints-and-the-Little-Rat/13449824/
Chapter 31: Perfection
Chapter 31: Perfection
"Little Rat's skills are getting better and better. I've been fishing for half my life and long ago grew tired of fish, but I can still enjoy the fish he makes."
Feng Boping laughed heartily, flung his sleeves, and sat down on the large stone by the pot. With a wave of his hand, a cup and a pair of jade chopsticks appeared in his palm as if by magic.
Although he and Li Muxiu shared similar tastes, there were still some differences between them. Feng Boping had a bit of a cleanliness obsession and a love for fine jade, so his eating and drinking utensils were quite luxurious, rivaling even those of the Imperial Clan in the Imperial Court.
He smiled and handed Li Hao a clean set of bowls and chopsticks, but ignored Li Muxiu, waiting quietly for the pot to boil.
Li Hao estimated it was about time and lifted the lid, placing it on a nearby leaf. The rich aroma immediately wafted out. Without bothering with the formalities of "respect the elderly, care for the young", he directly reached out and picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Li Muxiu hurried over, grabbed a branch, and rubbed it into chopsticks, then plunged them into the pot to stir.
Although Feng Boping was quite particular about cleanliness, he didn't say anything about Li Muxiu's actions. Li Hao thought this was probably what a lifelong friend felt like.
The three of them feasted heartily. Despite the significant age gap, neither of the elders put on airs in front of Li Hao. Sometimes one would call the other "little thing", and the other would call him "old man", showing their casual and easygoing nature.
"Never thought you could make fish so interesting", Li Muxiu said, after taking a sip of the spicy soup, nodding in approval.
Li Hao smiled. Indeed, over the past half year, he had been teaching himself painting and cooking, and both skills had steadily improved to the second level.
The Fishing Art was no exception.
Perhaps there really was a Beginner Protection Period. In the first month, his success rate was extremely high, but now it was rare for him to catch a fish. Sometimes he would fish until midnight, only to find a shallow spot and catch a Force Mastery Fish Demon to avoid returning empty-handed.
As they were talking, Li Hao suddenly glanced at the float, which was gently bobbing on the water.
There was movement!
He quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks and dashed to the fishing rod. Just then, the float plunged into the water.
Li Hao swiftly reeled in the line, and the other end immediately tightened, transmitting a strong force, causing a commotion in the water.
"This kid..."
The two elders' eyes gleamed with envy. Once again, this young boy had caught something first.
Soon, the commotion in the water grew larger, and a monstrous creature surfaced. It wasn't a Fish Demon but a Shrimp Demon with a body covered in armor!
It was about four to five meters long, covered in sharp spines, and had menacing shrimp claws capable of crushing boulders.
At that moment, the Shrimp Demon was using its claws to grip the fishing line, its protruding eyes staring at Li Hao on the shore. Seeing a mere child, it let out a series of angry screeches, yet it was also filled with fear. Where did this wild child come from, possessing such strength?
It struggled more fiercely, but the fishing line Li Muxiu had found for Li Hao was impervious to water and fire and could withstand a million pounds of force. This ordinary Zhou Tian Realm Shrimp Demon had no chance of breaking it.
Soon, the Shrimp Demon's body was slowly dragged toward the shore. It showed signs of struggle, considering whether to mutilate itself to escape the hook.
At that moment, Li Hao's body wobbled as if he was about to lose his grip on the fishing rod.
"Hmm?"
The Shrimp Demon hesitated upon seeing this.
After a series of tugs, the Shrimp Demon felt that this child was only slightly stronger than itself. If not for the hook wound, it might have been a match.
Its eyes darted around, trying to drag Li Hao into the water, but Li Hao managed to stabilize himself each time.
Finally, after a prolonged struggle, the Shrimp Demon, in pain, let its aggression take over and screamed as it lunged onto the fishing platform, intent on crushing and killing this ignorant child.
But as it reached the shore, the child who had been swaying suddenly stood firm, a relieved and radiant smile spreading across his face.
Not good!
The Shrimp Demon realized something was wrong just as a tremendous force from the hook yanked its unbalanced body into the air, hurling it toward Li Hao.
A sudden silver flash streaked through the air, so bright it caught the eye. What was that?
In the next moment, the Shrimp Demon knew nothing more, the world plunging into darkness.
A massive shrimp head rolled to the ground, and Li Hao casually stuck his sword into the earth beside him. He then dragged the demon's body and tossed it near the stove, saying to the two elders, "Too bad it didn't take the bait earlier. Otherwise, I could have made you some shrimp balls for lunch."
Seeing how easily Li Hao had dispatched the Zhou Tian Realm Shrimp Demon, the two elders smiled. They had concealed their auras earlier, which is why the demon hadn't noticed them, giving them the courage to act.
Li Hao cast the fishing line again and resumed eating and drinking.
"This Zhou Tian Realm ninth-stage monster was so easily slain by you. I guess your Li Family's Dragon River Divine Vein has reached the Minor Completion stage, right?" Feng Boping said with a smile.
Li Hao didn't deny it.
Minor Completion? It's already at Perfection.
...
...
After the daily fishing session, as the sun set, Li Hao bid farewell to Second Uncle and the Thief Saint. The Thief Saint mentioned he had a long journey ahead and would be away for about half a month.
Clearly, some treasure would soon be missing from somewhere.
Li Muxiu was already used to this and smiled as he said goodbye, then took Li Hao back to the Divine General Manor.
Now that Li Hao had taken an interest in fishing, Li Muxiu didn't drag him through the "traditional rituals" of fishing anymore. They returned directly to the Rain Listening Pavilion.
Outside the pavilion, Li Fu was waiting as usual. This time, however, a young maid stood beside him, none other than Xue Jian from Changchun Courtyard.
Seeing the old and young pair return, Xue Jian couldn't help but size up Li Hao.
She had heard that this Second Young Master had a peculiar temperament, and many ladies and matrons from various courtyards wanted to send their children to him for guidance, but he had ignored them all. She never expected him to be so close to Li Hao, who had a Martial Dao Wasted Body.
Despite her thoughts, Xue Jian's gentle face showed no reaction. She smiled and stepped forward to explain her purpose.
It turned out that Mother He Jianlan, having learned that Li Hao had been practicing Body Refinement Techniques for some time, wanted him to join the Training Grounds to train alongside the other family members.
Li Fu had already heard this from Xue Jian and wore an eager smile, almost nodding on Li Hao's behalf.
But after Li Hao and Li Muxiu exchanged glances and smiled, Li Muxiu shook his head. "The little guy is with me, and I can teach him. Going to the Training Grounds would be a waste of time."
The old man muttered to himself, "Sending this kid to the Training Grounds would just be bullying the others."
The family members in the Training Grounds were mostly at the Zhou Tian Realm. Those with higher talent had either become apprentices on famous mountains or joined the military.
Sending Li Hao, who could casually slay a Zhou Tian Realm ninth-stage demon, to the Training Grounds would be like beating up the old and young, kicking women and children—what was the point?
Hearing the old man's refusal, Li Fu and Xue Jian grew anxious.
But Xue Jian, who had anticipated this response, quickly spoke in a gentle tone, explaining that Li Hao only needed to spend a short time in the Training Grounds in the morning, mainly to spar with his peers and gain practical combat experience.
Li Fu nodded vigorously in agreement.
While Li Hao would receive the best guidance from Second Uncle, Li Fu was worried that the old man might lead him astray. After all, Second Uncle was powerful, but he seemed a bit...unconventional.
He had never seen Li Hao discuss cultivation matters with Second Uncle, but instead, they would chat enthusiastically about where to catch fish and how to pull the hook.
Even with a master like the Sword Saint, disciples still needed to spar with peers of the same realm; otherwise, theoretical teachings would only lead to slow progress.
Li Muxiu rolled her eyes slightly at Xue Jian’s argument. How could sparring with the young ones in the family compare to the mental battles with Fish Demons during Fishing?
Fishing in the Zhou Tian Realm was not just a matter of physical strength. These Fish Demons were intelligent and knew the danger, preferring to tear their bodies apart to escape the hook. By the Soul Succession Realm, they were even harder to catch.
In short, Fishing was a comprehensive skill that involved mental battles, stealth and disguise, feigning weakness, and strength clashes.
That was why the old man had been obsessed with it for half his life and was still as enthusiastic as ever.
Refusing outright, the old man pretended to be angry and threatened to beat anyone who brought it up again. Xue Jian and Li Fu had no choice but to accept it reluctantly.
Li Hao put the fishing gear in the Rain Listening Pavilion and returned to the courtyard with Li Fu. On the way, they learned that Yanbei had sent a letter back. Both of their eyes lit up, and they hurried to the Changchun Courtyard.
He Jianlan was sitting in the main hall, holding a family letter, her demeanor regal and dignified.
"The military pay is insufficient on the Tian Gang front. I need to go to court tomorrow..." He Jianlan’s eyes showed a thoughtful expression.
At that moment, Li Hao and Li Fu rushed in. Li Fu still maintained his composure and respected the rules, but Li Hao had already barged in. He tried to hold Li Hao back but failed, and could only follow him in impetuously.
Seeing He Jianlan’s gaze, the man’s face turned slightly awkward, and he quickly bowed in apology.
"Is it from them?" Li Hao asked eagerly.
He Jianlan’s gaze shifted to Li Hao, and upon detecting a faint fishy smell, she knew he had just returned from Fishing with Second Uncle.
Seeing the hopeful look in Li Hao’s eyes, He Jianlan didn’t mind his impetuousness and nodded slightly.
"Then... what did it say?" Li Hao’s eyes were full of anticipation.
He Jianlan was momentarily taken aback, a hint of tenderness flashing in her eyes before quickly vanishing. She said softly:
"It’s a battle report from Yanbei. Your father mentioned that they’ve just slain a group of monsters and are facing supply issues."
She didn’t elaborate, as it was military affairs.
"Did they encounter any danger? Did they mention me?" Li Hao asked.
He Jianlan’s fingers tightened slightly on the letter, and she nodded with a smile.
"Your parents instructed me to ensure you eat well and not work too hard. They also asked what you’ve been eating recently, whether you’ve caught a cold, and if you’ve been listening to your elders."
Li Hao listened silently to his mother’s words and then said, "Can I see the letter? I can read."
He Jianlan folded the letter and shook her head slightly, "No, it contains military affairs. You’re still too young."
"Alright."
Li Hao had to agree, then said, "Could you please write back for me? Tell them I’m eating well, and my cooking is great. I can make delicious meals myself. I’m also practicing Body Cultivation, so my body is strong, and I won’t catch a cold. I go Fishing with Second Uncle every day, and it’s not tiring. Second Uncle treats me well and praises my cooking. When they return, I’ll let them taste my dishes."
"Also, tell them to take care of themselves. They don’t need to worry about me. I’m very safe in the Divine General Manor, with Second Uncle and Mother supporting me. No one bullies me."
(End of Chapter)
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