https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-56-Entering-the-World-of-Martial-Arts/13449895/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-58-Slaying-the-Black-Dragon-Thirty-Miles-Away/13449919/
Chapter 57: Ambush
Chapter 57: Ambush
Dusk was approaching.
Li Hao and his companions galloped along the official road, occasionally encountering tea stalls and small vendors set up on the roadside to provide weary travelers with a place to rest.
On their journey, they met a convoy from a security company, a group of spirited martial artists heading out to slay demons, and diligent farmers tending their fields along the road, as well as small villages.
Tall cypresses lined the road, stretching toward the blue sky and white clouds.
Stopping at a tea stall, the aroma of steaming buns made the riders pull their reins.
"Shall we take a break?" Yu Wei asked solicitously.
Li Hao heard Li Yuanzhao's stomach rumble and clearly sensed his hunger. He smiled and said, "Let's get something to eat first."
"It's almost dark. Is it safe out here?" Du Qiuyue asked with a hint of concern.
The sharp-eared and quick-witted owner of the tea stall overheard her and laughed. "Young heroes, don't worry. With the Four Divine Generals' Mansions guarding the Border Pass, there are no demons in our territory. I, an old man, am not afraid, so why should you be?"
The group looked at Li Hao and Li Yuanzhao. Li Hao smiled and asked, "Old sir, there are clearly five Divine General Mansions. Why do you say there are only four?"
"The fifth one, I've heard, doesn't guard the Border Pass. It must be protecting the imperial city", the old man said with a smile.
Du Qiuyue whispered, "Good thing Wang Han isn't here. He'd be furious if he heard this."
Yu Wei nodded. "The Tianzhao Divine General Manor guards the Mourning River, sacrificing countless lives, yet the world knows nothing of it. Many people don't even know that the Li Family guards the Border Pass and slays demons. They only know of the Divine General Mansions but can't be bothered to distinguish which one."
He sighed, seemingly feeling sorry for the Li Family, his words laced with a hint of flattery.
Li Hao didn't get angry; he simply nodded and said, "The common people's lives are hard. They spend their days counting their meager earnings, leaving no time for such concerns. It's normal that they don't know. After all, even if they did, it wouldn't change their lives. Moreover, the Li Family guards the Border Pass not for the world's praise or gratitude, but because the Border Pass and the people need us."
Hearing his words, Yu Wei, who had intended to flatter, was taken aback. Du Qiuyue couldn't help but look at Li Hao, her eyes filled with surprise and a growing sense of admiration.
They had initially thought Li Hao was just a carefree wanderer, but his words shattered that impression. Their respect for the Divine General Mansions, and the Li Family in particular, deepened from the heart.
Beside them, Ren Qianqian, who held her sword in her arms, glanced at Li Hao, her gaze lingering on his handsome, pale face, her eyes softening.
"Brother Hao is right", Li Yuanzhao, who had been somewhat discontent, said, now visibly moved.
Li Hao smiled and patted Yuanzhao's shoulder. "Come, let's go in and have some tea. I'll treat you."
"No way, how can I let you? We're going to Qizhou to slay demons, which is like helping out at my hometown. I should thank you on behalf of the people of Qizhou. I'll cover the expenses on the way!"
Yu Wei seized the opportunity and immediately entered the tea stall, calling out to the owner to bring tea and snacks.
"Old sir, it's almost dark. Aren't you afraid of demons?"
Du Qiuyue poured a cup of tea but didn't drink it immediately. Instead, she took out a silver needle to test for poison, showing her expertise. Only after confirming it was safe did she rinse the cups for the others.
"Maybe in other places, but this road is very safe. I've been selling snacks here for decades and have never encountered any trouble", the old man at the teahouse chuckled.
"You've really been lucky", Li Hao couldn't help but marvel.
In Dayu, attacks by monsters on humans are rare, but they do happen every year. For people like them, who deal with monsters regularly, news of such incidents is constant.
However, the common folk are often isolated and information spreads very slowly. Unless it's a major event, small-scale monster attacks usually go unnoticed.
Moreover, the Demon Control Offices in various regions deliberately suppress information about monsters to avoid causing panic.
After all, if the people live in peace and prosperity, the dynasty will flourish. If news of monster attacks were widespread, people would be too afraid to travel for business or escort goods. Even farming and labor would become less efficient.
Soon, the food and drinks were served. The steamed buns were exceptionally delicious, and Li Hao ate two plates, praising them endlessly. He even discussed the cooking process with the owner, leaving the others in amazement.
Li Yuanzhao, who was already used to Li Hao's unconventional behavior, was more curious about Ren Qianqian. "Why do you keep holding your sword? Doesn't it get in the way when you eat?"
Du Qiuyue and Yu Wei also looked at the young girl, who held her sword with one hand and her chopsticks with the other, even while eating the steamed buns.
Ren Qianqian frowned, glanced at Li Yuanzhao, and after a moment of contemplation, replied, "The sword is a part of me. I don't even notice it."
Du Qiuyue said enviously, "I've heard that to comprehend the Sword Heart, one must always be with their weapon. I've tried, but it never worked."
"You have to truly love it", Ren Qianqian said earnestly.
Du Qiuyue smiled bitterly, "I do love it."
Ren Qianqian glanced at her but didn't say more.
Whether one truly loves something, the mind might not know, but the heart certainly does. That's why it's called "Heart Immersion."
Soon, they finished their meal. Li Hao was still chatting enthusiastically with the old man, who was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Listening to the young hero talk about kneading dough with warm water, fermentation, and how to season the meat to enhance its flavor... if not for his attire, the old man would have thought he was a seasoned chef.
"Sir, have you had your fill?" the old man asked with a forced smile, reluctant to reveal any more secrets, fearing Li Hao might learn his recipes.
Li Hao noticed the old man's reluctance and, though still interested, decided to leave. Just as he was about to bid farewell, his eyes narrowed slightly.
He raised his hand and caught a streak of dark light.
The ground beneath him was indented by several inches from the impact of the dark light.
Li Hao opened his palm to find an oval, triangular scale.
His Divine Soul instantly left his body, glowing with a golden light visible only to those at the Divine Wanderer Realm, and soared out from the top of his head, scanning the surroundings.
Soon, Li Hao saw a beautiful woman with a fox-like face and scales on her cheeks, standing on a tree branch about fifteen li away. She looked back at him with a surprised expression.
The dark light matched the scales on her face.
Li Hao's eyes turned cold. A monster?
On the tree branch, the Black Dragon Beauty was stunned, wide-eyed.
Her Scale Ride for fifteen li had failed to kill the human brat?
He had easily caught her attack?
"I have something to take care of. I'll be back soon. Wait for me here", Li Hao said to the four people at the teahouse, holding the scale in his hand. He then took a step and vanished from their sight in an instant.
Yu Wei, who was sipping tea to cleanse his mouth, immediately spat it out.
(End of Chapter)
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