Chapter 89: Sensation

After Zhao Bo and Li Fu had left, Yu Xuan turned to Li Tiangang, his expression hesitant. “Commander-in-Chief, you’ve only just returned from the frontlines. The recent misunderstanding with Young Master Li Hao must have strained your father-son bond. Shouldn’t you go comfort him?”

Li Tiangang glanced toward the direction Li Hao had disappeared into. He realized with a pang that his own tone had been too harsh. Yet, the cold, indifferent look Li Hao had cast him—like ice—ignited an unspoken fury deep within.

He placed a hand on Yu Xuan’s shoulder. “You’ve suffered because of this child’s recklessness today.”

Yu Xuan bowed deeply. “Commander-in-Chief, you’re too kind. I’m fine. But Young Master… he’s the one who’s truly at risk…”

“I’ll go see him later,” Li Tiangang sighed, his voice heavy. “Even if I’m wrong, this child’s been spoiled for years. His pride is unbearable. He even said he’d leave the painting to our disposal—yet when it’s Qingqing, his mother, he abandons it over such a trivial thing? He deserves a beating!”

Yu Xuan parted his lips slightly, then hesitated, unsure how to respond. He didn’t understand such matters. He was a war orphan, raised under strict discipline. It wasn’t his place to meddle.

At that moment, a figure streaked across the sky.

Li Tiangang looked up, recognition flashing across his face. “Second Uncle!”

He stepped forward eagerly from the corridor, meeting the newcomer halfway. “You’re free to visit now? I was just about to come thank you.”

Li Moxiu descended into the courtyard, his gaze sweeping over Li Tiangang’s broad frame. “You’ve grown sturdy over these years on the frontier. What about Qingqing?”

Li Tiangang froze. “She… left.”

“Left?” Li Moxiu’s brows furrowed. “Will she return?”

Li Tiangang stared at him, startled. “You… you know about Qingqing?”

“Hmph,” Li Moxiu snapped. “Do you really think you could hide this from everyone? Everyone knew back then. Your father knew. Your mother knew!”

“Father and Mother knew?” Li Tiangang was struck dumb. His voice cracked. For a long moment, he stood motionless, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Li Moxiu quickly cast a barrier of energy around them, his eyes locking onto Li Tiangang’s. “Tell me honestly—will she come back?”

Li Tiangang clenched his fists, then slowly shook his head. “No… she won’t.”

She won’t come back…

Li Moxiu inhaled sharply, then his expression shifted. “I was away yesterday. I heard you returned today. What about the others? Did they know what happened? What about Hao-er? Does he know?”

Li Tiangang shook his head again. “I didn’t go into details. Everyone assumed Qingqing was…”

“Hao-er doesn’t know?” Li Moxiu pressed.

Li Tiangang nodded.

Li Moxiu paused, then exhaled. “You did the right thing. It’s better he doesn’t know. If she’s not coming back, then let him believe she’s dead.”

Li Tiangang’s body trembled slightly. But he said nothing, only tightened his fists.

“Did you end the war in Yanbei… because of Qingqing?” Li Moxiu suddenly asked.

Li Tiangang shook his head. “Partly. But mostly, it was the years of relentless battle. The Sacred Palace is weakening.”

Li Moxiu’s lips curled into a cold hiss. “Those demon creatures. Once Hao-er inherits the True Dragon Seat, and we have an heir, I’ll personally go to confront those ancient Demon Kings—ten-thousand-year tyrants!”

“Second Uncle,” Li Tiangang smiled bitterly, “the family still needs you as Garrison Chief.”

Li Moxiu waved a hand dismissively. “You’re not the only one who can be stubborn. But enough. Speaking of Hao-er, I was just about to come thank you.”

“Thank you?” Li Moxiu scoffed. “Taking care of him is my duty. He’s the only one among all my grand-nephews I truly respect. The others? All thick-headed fools—just like you brothers.”

Li Tiangang, caught off guard, could only sigh. He’d long known that his second uncle had never held much regard for most of his siblings.

Yet now, Li Hao—this boy—had earned the affection of such a man?

Li Tiangang smiled. “If not for your defiance of fate for Hao-er, he wouldn’t be where he is today. I’ll remember this debt forever.”

“What?” Li Moxiu blinked. “Defying fate? Me? For Hao-er?”

“Huh?” Li Tiangang looked at him, puzzled.

Yu Xuan beside him stared, equally bewildered.

“Second Uncle, Hao-er is only fourteen, yet he’s already at the Fifteenth Li Stage. If not for you…” Li Tiangang began.

He was cut off.

“You’re mistaken,” Li Moxiu said sharply. “I did want to defy fate for him—out of affection. But my chance was used up long ago. There’s no opportunity left.”

“And Hao-er’s talent? It’s unparalleled. Beyond even your ninth brother. He doesn’t need fate-defying rituals. If anything, they’d ruin him!”

“Wait—what?” Li Tiangang, a man hardened by decades of war, could not suppress a flicker of shock.

It wasn’t the second uncle? All of Hao-er’s cultivation—his genius—was entirely his own?

Yu Xuan was stunned, eyes wide. This lazy, carefree young master… was this terrifying?

Li Moxiu chuckled, finally understanding their disbelief. He loved seeing people like this—unprepared, awestruck.

After all, it wasn’t just him and Old Feng and Fifth Uncle who’d been shaken.

“Where is Hao-er?” Li Moxiu scanned the courtyard.

Li Tiangang, still stirred, replied, “He’s probably in his chambers.”

Li Moxiu nodded, smiling. “I came here first to see you. Second, I have a matter to attend to. Since you’re back, I can go. Hao-er’s in your hands now.”

“He’s already strong enough to roam the world alone,” Li Tiangang said with a laugh. “No need for me to watch over him.”

Li Moxiu’s smile faded slightly. He gave Li Tiangang a knowing look. “He’s still only fourteen. I don’t mean protection from bullies. I mean… companionship. Do you understand?”

Li Tiangang froze. His smile slowly vanished.

Companionship?

Suddenly, memories flashed through his mind—Li Hao’s quiet questions earlier.

If I become what you imagine, a master of all, what then?

If I’m the greatest prodigy in a thousand years… what then?

Li Tiangang inhaled sharply, his face darkening.

So that was it. The child wasn’t asking about power or fame. He was asking—what will I get from you? Praise? Approval? Or… presence?

He thought of his fourteen years at the Yanbei frontier, of the battles, the blood, the silence. A pang of guilt struck him. He’d failed as a father.

“I understand, Second Uncle,” Li Tiangang said softly. “I’ll take care of Hao-er. I’ll make up for what I’ve missed.”

Li Moxiu smiled. “Good. I’ll go see him now.”

“Second Uncle, what’s this matter you’re going to attend to?”

“Meeting an old friend,” Li Moxiu replied with a smile, then waved and strode away, his figure vanishing into the distance like a wisp of wind.

…

…

Back in his chambers, Li Hao stepped inside.

Before he could even close the door, a white fox—Xiao Rou—suddenly darted from behind the curtains and leapt into his arms.

Li Hao blinked, then smiled. He gently patted the fox’s head. “Where were you? I didn’t see you all day.”

The fox gave him a wounded look, unable to speak, burying its face into his chest.

Li Hao didn’t question it. He sat down at the desk, holding the fox on his lap, and idly picked up a Go stone from the box, rolling it between his fingers as he stared out the window.

Then—thud—a shadow dropped from outside.

Li Hao nearly jumped.

“Whatcha doing here?” Li Moxiu stepped through the window. “Old Fifth didn’t come to play Go with you?”

Li Hao blinked, then grinned. “Second Uncle! Got time? Let’s go fishing for dragons.”

Li Moxiu rolled his eyes. “Fishing for dragons? You’ll catch nothing. Your father’s back. You should be with him.”

Li Hao’s lips twitched. “Last time I caught a dragon, right? Next time, I’ll get a real one.”

“Dream on,” Li Moxiu scoffed. “Last time was sheer luck—blind cat catching a dead rat!”

He paused, then added, “I’m leaving on a trip. If you want to fish, go find Old Feng. Don’t go alone—there’s still a dangerous old dragon in the lake. You’re Fifteenth Li, but you’re still young. Risky.”

Li Hao nodded. “Alright.”

…

Meanwhile, in the Changchun Courtyard.

“What?!” He Jianlan’s teacup slipped from her hands, shattering on the carpet, tea spreading, leaves scattering.

But she didn’t notice. She stood up abruptly, eyes wide, staring at Li Fu. “Say that again.”

Li Fu suppressed a smirk. He wasn’t surprised. Anyone hearing this for the first time would be shaken.

“Elder Lady,” he said respectfully, “Lord Hou has sent me to inform you: a Family Banquet will be held in celebration of Young Master Hao-er’s ascension to the Fifteenth Li Stage!”

He Jianlan stood frozen. Li Fu was a soldier. He wouldn’t lie—especially not when Li Tiangang himself had ordered it.

Fifteenth Li Stage?

A thousand sparks ignited in her mind. Then—click—everything fell into place.

All this time… it had been an act?

Hao-er could cultivate? And his talent… beyond imagination?

That wretched Seventh Uncle had lied to her. He didn’t trust her. Not even this!

She instantly blamed Li Tiangang. How else could a child know such things?

He Jianlan’s emotions surged—joy, anger, disbelief—but in the end, only joy remained.

“Hao-er… Fifteenth Li Stage… at only fourteen?” she whispered.

Silence filled the hall.

The maids, servants, and her personal attendant all stared at Li Fu, stunned, processing the seismic news.

Years of visits—Hao-er’s carefree, lazy presence—had made them all believe he was just a playboy. Yet today… he’d shattered every expectation.

Xuejian, the attendant, stood still, her expression frozen. She remembered the first time she’d accompanied him to the Pavilion of Listening to Rain. She’d thought he was just a spoiled child, wasting time. But now… had he been cultivating all along?

How old was he then?

How could he hide this so perfectly?

The mental strength, the discipline… it was terrifying.

“I know,” she said, her voice sharp. “You may go. Tell the Seventh Uncle I’ll deal with him later.”

She glared at Li Fu. That man—always playing the loyal, earnest advisor—was a master of deception.

Li Fu… such a ‘good man’ you are.

…

The news spread like wildfire—through the kitchens, across the Nine Courtyards, into the Training Grounds.

He Jianlan made no secret of it. Every messenger was told plainly: Celebrate Young Master Hao-er’s ascension to the Fifteenth Li Stage!

The entire Li Estate erupted.

The Training Grounds—once silent—now roared with disbelief.

The military elder, a veteran instructor, stood frozen. She knew the Young Master well—after all, she’d introduced his fiancée to the Sword Saint’s sect.

But… Fifteenth Li Stage? The same boy who’d been rejected by the Sword Saint?

Impossible.

Even his fiancée—now in the Divine Travel Realm—wasn’t this strong!

The news hit not just her, but every illegitimate branch heir training under the sun. The numbers—fourteen years old, Fifteenth Li Stage—punched through their minds like daggers. Their entire understanding of prodigies was shattered.

This… is the Main Line’s true strength?

In the Water Splendor Courtyard, Liu Yuerong sat before her mirror, brushing her hair.

Her face—still youthful at forty—was a masterpiece of elegance. Her figure curved like a painted goddess. Her long hair was coiled into a graceful knot.

A maid entered, whispering news: Elder Lady He’s attendant had come to deliver a message.

Liu Yuerong barely glanced up. “Bring her in.”

The senior maid bowed and relayed the news.

“What?” Liu Yuerong froze, then whirled around—so fast that a pearl pendant on her hairpin jolted against her forehead.

“Celebrate Hao-er’s ascension to the Fifteenth Li Stage? Hao-er?”

“Yes, Elder Lady.”

Liu Yuerong stared, her mind reeling. Is this real? A joke?

Her vision blurred. A wave of dizziness swept over her.

Memories flooded back—her visit to the Mountain and River Courtyard, seeing the boy’s pale, water-soaked body. The potion had done nothing. The performance had been flawless.

This child… was faking all along?

She clenched her jaw. Li Tiangang… you’re more cunning than you look.

And it had to be Ji Qingqing’s doing. That strange woman—she’d planned this from the start.

“Not a chance,” Liu Yuerong muttered. “I must warn Qianfeng. He needs to prepare.”

She ordered paper and ink, writing a secret letter at once.

…

Elsewhere, the news sent shockwaves through every household.

This revelation was even more staggering than when Ninth Young Master Li Junye had entered the Master Realm at seventeen.

After all, Li Hao had always seemed lazy—painting, fishing, wasting time. No one had ever seen him train. He was the opposite of the exhausted youths grinding through the night.

Even when he began cultivating, no one paid attention. No Foundation Establishment? A weak constitution? With such a lifestyle, how could he progress?

The invitation to Tan Palace Academy had only been sent because He Jianlan personally ordered it.

Even she had believed Hao-er was barely cultivating.

Now, the truth was undeniable.

“Incredible,” said Li Yun and his sister, stunned into silence. They’d thought Hao-er had just reached Continuation of Soul Realm early—because the Black and White Hall required it.

But no… he’d leapt far beyond.

Li Wushuang, standing nearby, only narrowed her eyes slightly. She’d already felt the weight of Hao-er’s Fifteenth Li palm.

Li Xuanli and Gao Qingqing exchanged stunned glances.

Then Li Zhi Ning murmured, “What did you say about a ‘special exception’?”

Li Wushuang turned to her. “What?”

Li Zhi Ning blinked, then realized—her radiant elder sister, once the brightest star, now seemed dimmed in the presence of that boy.

Sixteen, Divine Travel Realm.

Fourteen, Fifteenth Li Stage.

The gap was unbearable.

Li Wushuang pressed her. “Tell me—what’s this about the academy?”

Li Zhi Ning recounted the truth.

Li Xuanli’s face darkened. “So the old fools at Tan Palace knew before us?”

Gao Qingqing, ever analytical, recovered quickly. “They were away on a school mission. Likely, Hao-er revealed his strength then.”

“Why didn’t they inform us?” Li Xuanli snapped.

Gao Qingqing looked at her husband. “Think. They assumed we already knew. Hao-er’s talent is so great, yet he’s kept quiet. Everyone would assume it was deliberate—perhaps to protect him, since his parents are far away. People would suspect we were hiding it to prevent danger.”

“Now that they’ve learned it, they’re terrified—afraid they’ll be blamed if word leaks.”

Li Xuanli fell silent. Then, bitterly: “So the lucky one comes home… and everyone else is left in the dark.”

Gao Qingqing glanced at her eldest daughter. “You must be careful when you travel. The Heaven and Earth Ranking List is our nation’s prodigy roster. Only prodigies make it.”

“…And its other name?” Li Wushuang asked.

“The Demon Clan’s Kill List,” Gao Qingqing said softly.

The human-demon feud spanned centuries. If a demon clan learned of a prodigy with exceptional bloodline, they’d send assassins.

Yet despite its dark name, the list remained a symbol of honor. For most cultivators, the dream was not just power—but fame.

In this world, countless martial artists trained through blood and sweat, all for one word.

Renown.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end