Chapter 31: Perfection

"Little Squirrel’s cooking skills keep getting better," Feng Bo Ping chuckled heartily, swinging his sleeves wide before settling onto the large stone beside the pot. With a graceful flick of his palm, a cup and jade chopsticks materialized as if conjured by a flower’s bloom.

Though he shared a close bond with Li Moxiu—almost like two peas in a pod—there was a subtle difference between them. Feng Bo Ping had a refined taste, even a touch of obsession with cleanliness and exquisite jade. His utensils were as luxurious as those used by the imperial court, rivaling even the royal family in elegance.

Smiling warmly, he handed Li Hao a pair of clean chopsticks, then ignored Li Moxiu entirely, simply waiting quietly for the pot to boil.

Li Hao judged the time to be just right. He lifted the lid and placed it upside down on a broad leaf nearby. Instantly, a rich, fragrant Qi surged out, filling the air. Without bothering with formalities—no “you first, I’ll wait”—he plunged his chopsticks straight into the dish.

"Hey, wait for me!" Li Moxiu hurried over, snatching a stick of wood and quickly shaping it into makeshift chopsticks before plunging it into the pot to stir.

Feng Bo Ping, despite his fastidious nature, said nothing about the gesture. Li Hao thought this was probably what it meant to be lifelong best friends—unspoken understanding, no need for words.

The three ate with hearty delight. Despite the vast age gap, neither elder tried to act superior in front of Li Hao. Sometimes one called the other “little brat,” the other retorted with “old man”—a playful banter that spoke volumes of their ease and camaraderie.

"Never thought you’d make fish taste like this," Li Moxiu remarked, sipping his spicy soup with a satisfied hum.

Li Hao smiled. He’d been steadily leveling up his self-taught painting and cooking over the past half-year—now both at the Second Stage. Even his Fishing Dao had advanced.

Perhaps there really was a Newcomer Protection Period. In the first month, his catch rate had been absurdly high. Now, it was rare to land a single fish. Sometimes he’d stay out until deep night, settling for a shallow stream and a Strength Integration Realm fish spirit—just to avoid returning empty-handed.

Just as they spoke, Li Hao’s gaze snapped to the fishing float. It was gently bobbing, barely touching the surface.

Movement.

He set down his chopsticks instantly, crouching low and darting toward the fishing rod. At that moment, the float plunged beneath the water.

Li Hao yanked the hook hard. The line tensed instantly, a massive force pulling from below. The water churned violently.

"...This kid..."

Both elders exchanged glances, eyes flickering with a hint of envy. The boy had struck again—first catch of the day.

Soon, the disturbance beneath the surface grew stronger. A Spirit Beast broke the surface—not a fish spirit, but a monstrous Shrimp Spirit!

Five meters long, its body armored in jagged, spiky carapace. Its claws were terrifying, capable of crushing stone. The creature clamped down on the fishing line with one claw, its bulging eyes fixed on Li Hao. Seeing a child, it let out a furious, shrill shriek—yet fear flashed beneath the rage. Where did this wild child come from? How could he possess such power?

It thrashed violently, trying to break free. But the fishing line was one Li Moxiu had found—a water-and-fire resistant thread capable of bearing a million jin of force. No ordinary Circulation Realm Shrimp Spirit could snap it.

Slowly, the beast was dragged toward the bank. Its eyes betrayed inner turmoil—contemplating self-mutilation, breaking the hook to escape.

Then, just as it strained, Li Hao’s body swayed—seeming unsteady, as if about to lose grip.

"Hmm?" The Shrimp Spirit hesitated.

After a tense struggle, it judged the boy was only slightly stronger. If I weren’t hooked, I could’ve beaten him easily.

It turned its eyes, plotting to yank Li Hao into the water. But each time, the boy barely held on—just enough to stay upright.

Finally, the beast roared in pain and fury, charging up the fishing platform, determined to crush the reckless child with its claws.

But as it reached land, the boy—once wobbling—suddenly steadied. A bright, relieved smile broke across his face.

Too late!

The moment the Shrimp Spirit realized the danger, the fishing line yanked it violently upward. Its body, unbalanced mid-air, was flung straight toward Li Hao.

Clang!

A flash of silver streaked past—something bright, sharp. What was that?

In an instant, the world went dark.

The massive shrimp head tumbled to the ground. Li Hao casually drove his sword into the earth, then dragged the carcass to the cooking pot.

"Too bad it didn’t hook earlier," he said. "Would’ve made a great shrimp dumpling for lunch."

The two elders exchanged a knowing smile. They’d concealed their Qi, which is why the Shrimp Spirit hadn’t sensed them—giving it false courage.

Li Hao re-baited the hook and returned to his meal.

"Such a high-level Circulation Realm Ninth Stage prodigy, effortlessly slain... You must’ve already reached Minor Completion of the Dragon River Divine Meridian, Li family’s secret cultivation path," Feng Bo Ping remarked with a grin.

Li Hao didn’t deny it.

Minor Completion?

He’d already achieved Perfection.

...

...

The day’s fishing came to an end as the sun dipped below the horizon. Li Hao bid farewell to the two elders. The Thief Sage announced he’d be traveling far for a fortnight—another theft, no doubt.

Li Moxiu was used to it, waving casually as he and Li Hao returned to the Divine General’s Residence.

Now that Li Hao had developed a passion for fishing, Li Moxiu abandoned the old “rituals” and brought him straight to the Pavilion of Listening to Rain.

Outside, Li Fu waited as usual—this time, accompanied by a young maid: Xuejian from the Changchun Courtyard.

She watched Li Hao with quiet curiosity as the pair returned.

She’d heard of the Second Master’s eccentric nature—dozens of ladies had tried to send their children to him for training, but he’d never shown interest in any. Yet here he was, close to this warrior’s wasteland constitution—Li Hao.

Her expression remained serene, her smile gentle. She stepped forward, speaking softly.

It was He Jianlan, the First Lady, who had suggested Li Hao join the Training Ground. After months of body cultivation practice, she believed it was time for him to train alongside the family’s young heirs.

Li Fu had already heard this from Xuejian. As she spoke, his face lit up with eager anticipation—almost ready to nod for Li Hao himself.

But Li Hao and Li Moxiu exchanged a glance. Both smiled.

Li Moxiu waved a hand. "The boy’s already under my tutelage. No need to waste time in the Training Ground."

Waste time? The old man thought. If you send him there, you’re just asking for humiliation.

The Training Ground only held Circulation Realm youths. The truly talented had already left—either joining renowned mountains or enlisting in the military.

Sending a child who could casually slaughter a Ninth Stage Circulation Realm Spirit Beast to train with such kids? That was like beating old men and kicking women—utterly unfair.

Li Fu and Xuejian looked alarmed.

But Xuejian seemed prepared for this. She spoke softly, persuasively:

"Just a short morning session. Mostly for peer-level sparring, to build real combat experience."

Li Fu nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Exactly!"

True, Li Hao received the best guidance from his mentor. But he worried—what if the Second Master corrupted the boy? Despite his strength, the man seemed... unconventional.

Li Hao had never seen him talk about cultivation. Instead, they’d chat about which fish to target, how to set the hook, the best way to reel in a stubborn spirit—all with genuine excitement.

And even the greatest Sword Saint wouldn’t teach solely in theory. Their disciples still needed to spar with peers of equal rank. Otherwise, knowledge remained abstract, hard to master.

Li Moxiu rolled his eyes.

Sparring with kids in the Training Ground? How does that compare to wrestling with a Spirit Fish that’s smart enough to know when it’s trapped, willing to tear itself apart to escape?

Fishing a Circulation Realm spirit wasn’t just about strength—it required strategy, stealth, deception, feigning weakness, psychological warfare…

That’s why the old man had spent a lifetime obsessed with it—still utterly enchanted.

He refused flatly. When Xuejian persisted, he even pretended to grow angry—threatening to beat her if she brought it up again.

Eventually, she and Li Fu gave in, defeated.

Li Hao stowed his fishing gear in the Pavilion of Listening to Rain, then followed Li Fu back to the courtyard. Along the way, he learned Yanbei had sent a letter. Both men’s eyes lit up instantly. They rushed to the Changchun Courtyard.

He Jianlan sat in the main hall, serene and regal, holding a family letter.

"Supplies from the Heavenly Pole are short. I’ll need to go to court tomorrow..." she mused, eyes thoughtful.

At that moment, Li Hao and Li Fu burst in—Li Fu still restrained enough to remember decorum, but Li Hao had already charged ahead. Li Fu tried to stop him, failed, and followed in hot pursuit.

When He Jianlan turned her gaze toward them, Li Fu flushed with embarrassment and bowed.

"Is it from them?" Li Hao asked urgently.

He Jianlan’s eyes flickered to him. The faint scent of damp fish on his clothes confirmed his suspicion—he’d just returned from fishing with the Second Master.

Seeing the boy’s hopeful expression, she didn’t scold. Just nodded.

"Then... what did they say?" Li Hao pressed.

He Jianlan hesitated. A fleeting warmth—almost tender—flashed in her eyes, then vanished. She spoke gently:

"It’s a battle report and military update from Yanbei. Your father said they’ve just slain a group of prodigies. There’s also a grain shortage."

She didn’t elaborate. Military matters were private.

"Did they mention any danger? Did they say anything about me?" Li Hao asked.

He Jianlan’s fingers tightened slightly around the letter. She nodded, smiling.

"Your parents asked me to make sure you eat well. Not to overwork. They wanted to know what you’ve been eating lately, if you’ve caught a Wind-Cold illness, and whether you’re listening to elders..."

Li Hao listened quietly. Then said, "Can I see the letter? I can read."

He Jianlan closed the letter gently and shook her head. "No. It contains military affairs. You’re still too young."

"Alright," Li Hao sighed. Then, brightening: "Then please write back for me. Tell them I’m eating well, my cooking’s great, I make my own meals. My body cultivation is going strong—I’m healthy, no colds. I’m not tired at all. I spend all day fishing with the Second Master, and he praises my cooking. When you come back, I’ll make sure you taste it."

He paused, then added, "And tell them to take care of themselves. Don’t worry about me. I’m safe here in the Divine General’s Residence. The Second Master and I—well, you’ve got my back. No one dares bother me."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end