Chapter 95: Leisurely Teaching Lessons [Chapter Five]

Gao Qingqing heard those words and instantly narrowed her brows, grabbing the soft flesh at his waist with a sharp tug, her teeth gritted:

“Li Xuanli, what do you mean by that? Are you saying I can’t bear children?”

Li Xuanli was stunned, realizing his slip of the tongue immediately. He didn’t dare use his power to block, instead bowing repeatedly in apology:

“Madam, I’m sorry! A mistake—purely a slip of the tongue!”

“Ah, I see,” she sneered. “You’ve finally let your true thoughts slip out.”

“Madam, how could you say such a thing? My own children—how could I possibly not cherish them? To me, they are the finest of all, unmatched by anyone!”

“Hmph!”

...

In the Water Splendor Courtyard, Liu Yuerong turned pale upon hearing the news from the House Steward. She nearly staggered, her legs trembling beneath her.

How could this be? Fourteen years old—already enfeoffed as a Baron?

Even if he’d saved the entire city’s commoners, there was no way he should leap directly from Scholar Rank to Son Rank! A First-Class Son Rank was already extraordinary—why a Baron Rank?

Remember, even He Jianlan’s children, who had been in the military for years, had only reached Baron Rank. And Li Hao was just fourteen.

Liu Yuerong clenched her teeth, silently cursing the mad emperor in her heart. But outwardly, she dared not show any doubt or discontent—only venting her frustration inwardly.

With only two months left—would it even matter if she had half a year, or a full year? Where could her son Qianfeng possibly find a feat worthy of such a high rank?

Achieving merit wasn’t just about strength—it required timing, fortune, and opportunity.

Going to the Frontiers? Too dangerous.

After a long moment, Liu Yuerong finally steadied herself. At least, merit was only a bonus, not decisive.

Mount Wu Liang had already sent word: no need to worry. They’d recalled Qianfeng and would assist him in securing the True Dragon Position.

Now, all she could do was hope for the Heaven-Piercing Ability of the Unnamed Buddha.

...

...

Time passed swiftly.

Since the announcement of the Li Family’s True Dragon decision, waves of turmoil surged through the outside world.

Li Qianfeng, summoned by his Master’s Sect, had originally intended to return to the family first to observe the situation. But now, he had no choice but to head straight back to the Master’s Sect.

Not long after his return, he learned that his younger cousin—Li Hao—had already been enfeoffed as a Third-Class Marquis.

That shattered the last remnants of his pride. Pain etched across his face.

Though his own Great Demon slaying had earned him a Reward and Enfeoffment, it was only a First-Class Scholar Rank—still an incredible achievement, even surpassing three levels of Scholar Rank and advancing two tiers in Son Rank.

But compared to Li Hao? There was a gap of three full grades—nearly an entire Son Rank.

Leaving aside their familial ties, Li Qianfeng now had to bow his head and address Li Hao as “Baron Rank Lord,” lowering himself in formal greeting.

How humiliating.

Under these blows, when his master offered help, Li Qianfeng had once considered refusing—wanting to rely on his own strength. But now, he could only accept.

He carried too many hopes on his shoulders.

When Li Qianfeng returned to Mount Wu Liang, numerous factions and gifts had already arrived at the Qiankun Heart Hall. And even more had been sent to the Mountain and River Courtyard.

With the Li Family’s True Dragon decision drawing near, many势力 (forces) began proactively cultivating relationships.

Back when the Li Clan’s third generation were still young and their talents unrefined, the target for the True Dragon was unclear. To curry favor with the next heir, one had to please everyone equally—spreading resources thin and exhausting efforts.

Now, with the choice becoming clearer, investment could be concentrated. The more one poured in, the greater the chance of securing a connection.

Years ago, when Li Qianfeng first joined Mount Wu Liang, many had already begun sending gifts and laying groundwork.

Now, with Li Hao’s sudden emergence, shifting course was impossible. They could only press forward down the same path.

...

While storms gathered from all directions, converging beneath the surface, the one at the eye of the storm—Li Hao—rode his horse calmly toward the Tan Palace Academy.

First, he visited the Cold Pool to pay respects to Water Qilin Song Qiumo. He gifted her two new paintings, along with a small bag of crispy buns.

Song Qiumo glanced at them and shook her head. “I don’t like dry things like this.”

Li Hao smiled. “Just try one.”

“Fine, I’ll try.” She didn’t refuse his kindness. After taking a bite, she immediately asked, “Where can I buy these?”

Li Hao chuckled. “I made them myself.”

Song Qiumo’s eyes lit up with longing.

Without waiting for her to ask, Li Hao said, “Next time I come, I’ll bring more.”

Hearing that, Song Qiumo beamed with satisfaction. Then, with a delicate flick of her fingers, a seven-leaf purple herb soared from the Cold Pool.

The herb, deep violet in color, shimmered with a soft, radiant glow—beautiful and rare.

She handed it to Li Hao. “This is Millennium Xuanyou Grass. If refined into a potion, it protects against freezing attacks. It greatly enhances cultivation of Ice-Type Combat Scriptures. Even if you don’t practice such techniques, it’ll boost your defense should you ever face a water spirit beast.”

Li Hao glanced at it and shook his head. “Keep it. I don’t need it.”

“Why?” Song Qiumo blinked in surprise. “I know the Li Clan has abundant resources, but even for you, this Millennium Xuanyou Grass is a rare treasure.”

She was right. Li Hao knew that. But his situation was unique.

Treasure medicine was good—but he couldn’t absorb it. It would be useless to him.

Compared to the level-up benefits from his Character Panel, this herb’s effects were negligible. Just inputting a single Combat Scripture into Supreme Perfection would surpass it.

Besides, the body had limits. No matter how many potions he consumed, once he hit his peak, they’d do nothing.

He could give it to others—but this herb was precious. And Song Qiumo, clearly, had plans to wait until it matured further before using it herself.

“You keep it,” Li Hao said with a smile. “I have everything I need.”

Song Qiumo stared, stunned.

For years, she’d been pursued by many Tancheng Palace disciples—men who tried to get close, all with ulterior motives. She’d long grown used to it.

When Li Hao came to paint, she’d assumed he was doing the same—just another attempt to gain favor.

But now, she’d offered a treasure, and he’d refused.

Besides this herb, she had little else to give. Others came seeking cultivation connections—but Li Hao seemed to have no need for such things.

He was the Young Master of the Divine General Mansion, a natural prodigy. Why would he go to such lengths to flatter or curry favor with someone like her—just a Demon Clan cultivator at the Four Foundations Realm?

“Are you really sure?” Song Qiumo hesitated.

Li Hao sighed. “If you’ve got extra, I’ll take them. I’ll just feed them to pigs.”

“Dream on,” Song Qiumo shot back, rolling her eyes. “What pig could ever deserve this?”

Inside, though, Li Hao thought: I could just give it to Li Yuanzhao...

Unbeknownst to him, at Tan Palace Academy’s Class A, Li Yuanzhao—innocently targeted—suddenly sneezed, blinking in confusion. Who’s cursing me? Could it be Li Yun again? That brat...

Meanwhile, Li Yun sneezed too, spinning around. He locked eyes with Li Yuanzhao—and instantly understood.

Back at the Cold Pool, Song Qiumo retrieved the herb and returned it to the pool to nurture. Though it had been slightly damaged when pulled out, it was a treasure medicine—its vitality flowed strongly, healing and re-rooting swiftly.

“Next time, bring more of those snacks,” Song Qiumo teased Li Hao, winking.

Li Hao laughed. “Feeding you is tough, but I can keep you satisfied.”

With that, he bid farewell.

Song Qiumo watched his retreating back, gazing long after he’d disappeared. A soft smile curved her lips.

Then, silently, she slipped back into the water and vanished beneath the surface.

Li Hao, meanwhile, walked toward the Black and White Hall.

He’d already informed Song Yufeng, the Palace Master, that he’d be teaching today. As an Apprentice Master, he had duties to fulfill—and he had the time.

When he arrived, he suddenly heard a furious shout from within:

“Out! Stand outside—right now!

What kind of nonsense do you write every day? Are you here to train or to study literature?

If it weren’t for your father’s standing, and his desperate pleas, you wouldn’t have a chance to enter the Black and White Hall!

You’d be lucky to stay in a Class A Academy!”

“With your potential, you’re lucky to even be here!

If I see you bringing those useless books into class again, you’re out—gone for good!”

“Get out! Stand outside!”

Li Hao paused, his expression oddly amused.

That tone… it was completely reversed from the Heavenly Pole.

It was like saying: What are you reading for? This is a physical training hall! Physical education! Go to the field!

Was this really acceptable?

But then again—this was the Tan Palace Academy. Liberal arts were strictly forbidden.

Li Hao stepped inside.

The Black and White Hall consisted of two halls: the Black Hall for Succession Soul Stage disciples, and the White Hall for the Divine Travel Realm.

Song Yufeng had requested Li Hao teach in the White Hall—this was it, right here. Though near the Black Hall, it was commonly referred to as such.

The hall was vast, yet only fifty seats—neatly arranged, exact in number.

Among the students, Li Hao recognized a familiar face: Song Yueyao.

Sitting up front, dressed in the same White Hall Academy uniform, she stood out like a radiant bloom.

Before the students, a young man in his twenties slumped forward, face flushed with embarrassment, enduring the lecture.

The stern elder lecturing him—white-haired and bearded—was the White Hall’s instructor.

Li Hao was momentarily speechless.

This man was a full Divine Travel Realm cultivator. In the outside world, he’d be a powerful figure, ruling a region on his own.

Yet here, he was being scolded like a schoolboy.

“Next time I catch you bringing those useless books into class, you’re done. No more rotten eggs spoiling the pot!”

“Out! Out, stand in the hall!”

The old man was furious—his temper as volatile as fire.

The young man bit his lip and walked out, only to collide with Li Hao at the doorway. He froze, stunned.

Everyone else noticed Li Hao’s arrival.

“It’s him,” Song Yueyao murmured, surprised. Then she recalled her grandfather’s words—her eyes sparkled with sudden realization. He’s the one who came to teach?

She didn’t believe Li Hao could actually teach. Yes, he was at the Fifteen Li Stage, higher than her cultivation level—but having a high level didn’t mean he could instruct others. And at fourteen? To her, he was still just a little brother.

“Huh… I know that face,” Lin Feifei, Song Yueyao’s best friend, murmured, puzzled. “Where have I seen him before?”

Song Yueyao sighed. She hadn’t told her yet—Li Hao was the one who’d crossed the Dead River in a single, breathtaking moment.

No wonder they didn’t recognize him. Who paid attention to what men looked like? To them, they were all just rocks and trees.

“Who’s that?”

“Looks young. New student?”

Whispers spread among the others.

The young man flushed again, embarrassed to have been humiliated in front of a newcomer. He glanced at Li Hao—this boy looked so young. Probably a Young Master from some noble family.

“Still standing there? Get out and stand in the hall!”

A sharp voice from behind snapped him back to reality.

He hurried out.

At that moment, the old instructor spotted Li Hao—and immediately recognized him.

He’d been present the last time Li Hao had been granted Exceptional Admission to the Black and White Hall.

And in the past few days, Li Hao’s name had spread like wildfire through Qingzhou. A fourteen-year-old Baron Rank youth—stunning beyond belief.

“Master Li has arrived. Come to exchange, I assume? Please, come in.”

The instructor, Sun Hongdian, dropped his anger instantly, smiling warmly. His demeanor was courteous and respectful.

The sudden shift in attitude stunned the students below.

When had they ever seen this old firecracker so humble?

Only when the Palace Master herself appeared, perhaps.

“Ah, hello,” Li Hao replied with a smile, stepping forward to offer a handshake.

As their hands met, Li Hao’s other hand gently covered the back of the elder’s hand, giving it a firm shake.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end