Chapter 408: The War God of Dayu, the Human Sword Fairy (Continued)
Seeing Li Hao's resolute attitude, Yuan Zu and the others tried persuading him a few more times to no avail. They had no choice but to leave.
"Is there truly no other way?"
"That Li Hao is far too heartless. Does he really intend to watch us all perish?"
"Stop blaming him. We viewed all beings as straw dogs; now he sees us as such. This is merely retribution."
Among the Saints, some had grown despondent, already able to foresee the fate of the Heavenly Sacred Lands.
Although many others were furious with Li Hao, they also understood in their hearts that they had caused this disaster. In the face of death, they were simply desperate and resentful that Li Hao would not forgive them.
Amidst this oppressive and gloomy atmosphere, Sword Saint remained silent for a while before speaking slowly:
"Though I don't know Li Hao well, I once heard my senior brother say that he is someone who values friendship and loyalty, who repays kindness and avenges grievances. You've all studied his Dao Scripture. It preaches a natural way of life, unrestrained by worldly concerns. In this situation, we have brought this upon ourselves, but if we wish to save ourselves, there may still be a way."
"What way?"
Someone immediately asked.
Yuan Zu and Shen Wang also turned to look at Sword Saint.
Sword Saint's thoughts flashed to his little disciple's reincarnation. His eyes glinted as he said:
"He is building a sanctuary, likely to protect his friends and loved ones. We can approach his friends and have them persuade him. It will be far more effective than us directly seeking him out."
After pausing, he added, "Before that, we need to show him that we are willing to make amends. We must seal the breach to prevent more Ancient Demons from invading."
"Make amends? There are so many of us, and now we all have to bow and scrape before him?"
One Saint's face darkened, finding it unacceptable.
Yuan Zu and Shen Wang exchanged glances, feeling that Sword Saint's suggestion was reasonable.
"Then don't bow. You can choose not to, but don't ask for his help. Do you still not understand our current predicament?"
"Exactly. When sheltering under someone else's roof, you have no choice but to lower your head. If you're so capable, why don't you come up with a formation that can conceal us from the Ancient Demons?"
"Right now, Sword Saint's plan is the only viable one. Sealing the breach is dangerous, though—what if the gate suddenly shatters?"
Several Saints agreed with Sword Saint's idea. At this point, they had no choice but to yield, though their hearts were still filled with dread over the risks of sealing the breach.
"To avoid all of us perishing at once, we'll take turns guarding the breach. If something happens during someone's turn, then it's fate."
Yuan Zu declared.
With this, the matter was settled.
Although some Saints grumbled and hoped to find another solution, they ultimately accepted the arrangement reluctantly.
A short while later, after deliberation, the Saints were split into three groups: one led by Yuan Zu, another by Shen Wang, and the last comprising several Three Tribulation Saints.
Each group would take turns guarding the Ancient Hall, rotating every three days.
With the plan decided, the Saints followed Yuan Zu and Shen Wang to the Ancient Hall.
"This breach has been open for some time now. Who knows how many Ancient Demons have already snuck through? These creatures are cunning—there are likely guards posted here."
Yuan Zu and the others approached the Ancient Hall cautiously.
Once inside, they immediately sensed a foul and oppressive energy in the air that made their tempers flare.
They knew instantly that their suspicion was correct—Ancient Demons were indeed guarding the breach.
When they reached the celestial gate at the starry rift, they saw four Ancient Demons standing guard.
As soon as the Ancient Demons noticed them, they let out low, threatening growls.
"As expected..."
Yuan Zu and the others' expressions sank. If they hadn't anticipated this and come in force, any single group would have suffered immense losses against these foes.
"Kill!"
Shen Wang acted decisively, raising his sword and charging in.
A fierce battle erupted in the Ancient Hall.
The four Ancient Demons fought ferociously, causing immense pressure on the Saints. However, with their numbers being over twenty times that of the demons, they were ultimately able to kill the four Ancient Demons after a long struggle.
Still, over twenty Saints were injured, their primordial spirits severely depleted and in need of rest.
"Shen Wang, based on the Divination Art we used earlier, it's your turn to stand guard first. I'll take over in three days."
Yuan Zu said to Shen Wang.
Shen Wang nodded, wiping the Ancient Demons' blood off his sword. He then crouched beside one of the demon corpses to examine it.
"These Ancient Demons are comparable to Dragon Saints in strength. Their bodies must be treasures. Perhaps we can refine their claws and bones into weapons or alchemical ingredients. Li Hao took the corpses of the demons he killed earlier—clearly, they are valuable. Those of you skilled in refinement and alchemy, come take a look."
At Shen Wang's words, a few Saints proficient in refining and alchemy stepped forward to investigate. They quickly examined the demons' claws and brains.
Yuan Zu shook his head slightly and said, "Don't waste your time. I've checked before. Even though these demons are dead, their flesh contains a corrosive soul-devouring energy. Refining or alchemy would be impossible—it would only harm you instead."
Refining and alchemy require control through divine sense, which would be eroded by the demons' blood and flesh. A single session might leave the refiner grievously injured, and success would still be uncertain.
Sure enough, the Saints investigating the corpses frowned and shook their heads.
"Yuan Zu is right. It's impossible to refine these materials."
Shen Wang raised an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at Yuan Zu. Once again, his old rival had gotten the upper hand in knowledge yet kept it hidden.
"Then why did Li Hao take the demons' corpses?"
Shen Wang asked, frowning.
Yuan Zu's eyes flickered. He had wondered the same thing but knew that it was likely tied to Li Hao's secrets. Asking would only invite humiliation.
"Perhaps he has some special method, or maybe it's something the old celestial soldier he mentioned taught him."
Yuan Zu said with a shake of his head. It was the only explanation that made sense to him.
"If he can make use of these corpses, then why don't we send them to him as a gesture of goodwill—to show we mean to make amends?"
A Saint suddenly proposed.
Yuan Zu paused, then nodded. "That's a good idea. Tianyu, take these four demon corpses to Li Hao. Tell him about our plan to seal the breach so that he can see our sincerity."
Xiao Tianyu's eyes glinted as he nodded. "Understood."
"I'll go too," another Saint volunteered immediately.
"I'll accompany Tianyu as well. If we encounter more Ancient Demons along the way, we can handle them together."
Another Saint quickly added.
Not long after, seven or eight people volunteered to accompany Xiao Tianyu.
Yuan Zu saw this and didn't stop them, though his heart was as clear as a mirror.
The excuse of being afraid Xiao Tianyu might encounter Ancient Demons was just that—an excuse. In truth, they all hoped to change their image with Li Hao and improve their standing by currying favor with him.
Sitting on the stone steps, Shen Wang curled his lips into a cold smile. Ever since he was sealed away all those years ago, he had no regard for these so-called Saints.
"Aside from those accompanying Shen Wang to guard the breach, the rest of you, follow me to the mortal realm. Let's pay a visit to the General's Manor."
Yuan Zu's gaze then turned to the Mo Family Saint, saying:
"Is that Jiang Family Saint still in seclusion? It's time to invite him out."
The Mo Family Saint immediately understood Yuan Zu's intentions and nodded. "I've already sent word to him. He said he'll do his best to help, but he can't make any guarantees. However, he insists on having a chance to settle an old score—he wants a duel with Jiao Sheng."
Upon hearing this, a Saint within the crowd paled slightly. When everyone's eyes turned to him, he understood that he no longer had a choice.
Now that Jiang Family's descendant had a close relationship with Li Hao, it was expected that this grudge would resurface.
"As long as the other Saints don't interfere, I'll give him a fair chance to settle things through Dao combat."
Jiao Sheng said in a deep voice.
Seeing him agree, the Mo Family Saint nodded. If Jiao Sheng had refused, he would have had to take action himself.
"Previously, there were Li Family ancestors suffering in the Land of Saints. I had them rescued. Now, they too will be sent down to the mortal realm."
Yuan Zu said, summoning another of his disciples to arrange the matter.
Hearing this, Shen Wang glanced sideways at him.
He had made his move early.
The Mortal Realm, Dayu Divine Empire.
In Yuzhou, inside the imperial palace of the capital city.
A crimson dragon-scale carpet stretched across the hall, with rows of civil and military officials lined up on either side. Amidst the sound of dragging chains, a war chariot entered through the Xuantian Gate, stopping before the grand palace.
The chariot bore heavy chains that bound a massive, blood-drenched head.
The head measured seven to eight meters in diameter, its flesh mangled and skull shattered. Jagged fangs, several meters long, jutted out ominously, striking terror into all who looked at it.
In front of the war chariot stood a young general clad in a majestic suit of armor. Across the chest of the armor was engraved the word "Ping" (meaning "peace").
Dismounting his warhorse, the general's helmet plume swayed as he walked into the grand hall. His bearing was solemn, exuding strength and authority.
The entire hall fell silent the moment he entered. All eyes turned toward the tall and handsome youth, whose sharp brows and piercing gaze made him appear heroic beyond compare.
Removing his blood-stained helmet, the young man held it under his arm as he strode steadily across the crimson carpet, stopping before the emperor seated on the dragon throne.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."
Standing at the front of the gathered officials and at the base of the steps leading to the throne, the young man inclined his head slightly but did not kneel.
The emperor on the throne did not show any sign of displeasure; instead, his face lit up with a smile as he said:
"Good, good, good! You've worked hard on this journey. Ministers, celebrate General Li's triumphant return!"
At his words, the civil and military officials straightened up, shouting their congratulations in unison.
"Reward him!"
When the cheers subsided, the emperor smiled and announced:
"Marshal Li has defended our Dayu Empire for a century, his merits as enduring as the heavens. I hereby reward him with two Yu Dragon Medals, a city, one million gold coins, and one hundred thousand loyal slaves!"
The officials cheered again, their voices echoing through the hall.
But the young man standing at the foot of the steps remained calm, his expression unchanged.
The emperor noticed his indifference and sighed quietly before saying:
"You must be exhausted from your journey. If you have anything to report, speak now. Otherwise, you may go and rest. I'll grant you a six-month leave to recover at the General's Manor. Besides fighting demons, you must also focus on expanding your family line. Do not waste that precious bloodline of yours."
Hearing this, the young man's brows furrowed slightly. He cast a deep look at the emperor, noting the helplessness in the elder's expression. Though his face darkened slightly, he still nodded and said:
"I understand, Your Majesty."
With that, he cupped his hands in salute, turned on his heel, and left the hall.
His actions might have seemed discourteous, but no one in the hall minded. Given his position and achievements, it was nothing out of the ordinary.
"General Li is truly formidable. That Enlightenment Realm Demon King was said to have come from the depths of the Great Wilderness Sky, breaking through three of our empire's border cities. No one could stop it, yet General Li killed it with a single strike."
"Indeed. General Li is a blessing bestowed upon Dayu by the heavens. He has already been granted a Divine Title and is now the Supreme Commander of all military forces. His achievements are unparalleled. His family treasury likely surpasses even the royal treasure vaults."
"General Li has already been ennobled as a divine lord, yet he still works diligently to earn merit. Perhaps he aims to become the Heavenly General of Dayu?"
As the young general departed, the officials began whispering among themselves once more.
The emperor gazed at the young man's retreating figure and sighed deeply. He understood the meaning behind the youth's gaze. He knew what the general truly desired, but that thing was unique—he could not give it.
The emperor's thoughts drifted back to a carefree, smiling young figure, a boy whose brilliance had left a lasting impression.
A hundred years have passed so quickly.
In the Land of Saints, it had only been a dozen years. He wondered how that boy was doing now.
Outside the imperial palace.
After leaving the court, the young general immediately mounted his horse and rode off.
Among the entire imperial court, he alone had the privilege of riding a horse within the palace grounds—a right denied even to the crown prince.
Galloping through the capital, he bypassed his personal guard and headed straight for a nearby mountain.
It was said that this mountain had been barren a hundred years ago, its peak cleaved in half by a single sword strike. Soon after, it was cleared and became the dwelling of a female sword immortal, who had established a quiet Daoist sanctuary there.
Though the mountain was neither tall nor majestic, it had become a sacred place due to the sword immortal's presence. Martial artists from all over the realm came to pay their respects but were invariably turned away.
At the foot of the mountain, two women dressed in plain green robes and carrying swords stepped forward to block his path.
"General Li, this is the residence of the Immortal. You are not permitted to intrude."
A flicker of displeasure appeared on the young man's face. Even the imperial palace did not restrict his movements, and there was no place in the world he could not enter.
However, when he thought of the figure atop the mountain, his irritation faded. Dismounting his horse, he said calmly:
"Go and inform Immortal Ren that Li Ping'an has come to visit."
Hearing his words, the two women exchanged glances. Without further protest, one of them quickly turned and ascended the mountain to deliver the message.
The young man, whose authority and status in Dayu Divine Empire were second only to the Yu Emperor, simply stood calmly at the foot of the stairs. The two women beside him felt as though they dared not even breathe.
Their mistress, Ren Xianzi, had refused to see even the emperor or anyone else in the world. Her unmatched strength, which placed her at the pinnacle of supremacy, allowed her to act with such independence. However, when it came to the man before them, the mighty and revered General Li, they dared not neglect him in the slightest.
Moments later, a figure clad in green ascended the stairs. The woman who had gone to report earlier returned, cautiously glancing at the young man as she said:
"General Li, my lady has said that she is not receiving guests. Please return."
"Hmm?"
Hearing this, the young man's face darkened. It was clear that his patience had been exhausted. He looked as though he were about to vent his anger but suppressed it at the last moment. Taking a deep breath, he said:
"This time, I went to war and killed a Dao-Enlightenment Realm Demon. I took its Dao Scale and brought it as a gift."
As he spoke, he turned his palm over, and a dark-brown scale with flowing Dao rhythm appeared in his hand.
A hazy, misty aura emanated from the scale. Even though it was just a single piece, it radiated a sharpness akin to a divine weapon, making its extraordinary nature apparent.
He handed the scale to the woman and said, "Take this to Immortal Ren and tell her that I am only here to have a cup of tea and will leave immediately."
The woman's gaze was fixed on the scale, completely entranced by its brilliance. She could feel its astonishing power. If it were refined into a weapon, it would undoubtedly become a divine artifact renowned throughout the world.
Carefully accepting the scale, she said, "General Li, please wait a moment. I will report this to the Immortal immediately."
With that, she turned and ascended the mountain once more.
The young man waited at the foot of the mountain, suppressing his impatience. His tall, striking figure exuded a heroic charm that made the other woman beside him steal glances, her heart fluttering with admiration.
In the eyes of women across the empire, Li Ping'an was the perfect match—handsome, powerful, and noble. With his divine title, unmatched achievements, and lineage from the illustrious General's Manor, his reputation and status were unrivaled. Coupled with his extraordinary talent, said to be second only to the most brilliant cultivators in history, Li Ping'an had become the subject of countless romantic dreams and discussions among women.
However, it was well known that his eyes were fixed solely on their mistress—Ren Xianzi.
After some time, the woman who had gone up the mountain returned. Li Ping'an's brows furrowed the moment he saw her, for he had already noticed the Dao Scale still in her hands.
His face fell. She had refused to accept it?
"General Li, my mistress said that this item is far too precious, and she cannot accept such a gift without merit. She asks that you take it back, and once again, she will not be receiving any guests…"
The woman's expression showed hesitation, as though it pained her to return such a treasure. She carefully extended the Dao Scale back to Li Ping'an, her heart aching as she looked at the heroic general.
Li Ping'an remained silent. After a moment, he took the Dao Scale back, his gaze turning cold as he said:
"I only wish to pay her a visit. If Immortal Ren refuses to show any courtesy, don't blame me for forcing my way in."
Before the two women could react in shock, Li Ping'an had already leaped into the air.
Capable of slaying a Dao-Enlightenment Realm Demon, he himself was in the Dao-Enlightenment Realm. The two women, merely at the Three Undying Realm, were powerless to stop him.
In an instant, he appeared above the staircase.
His eyes scanned the mountaintop, and he soon saw a simple, rustic courtyard surrounded by a bamboo fence.
The small courtyard appeared so ordinary, as though it belonged to a simple village woman. But within it sat a woman clad in snow-white robes. Her figure was breathtakingly graceful as she sat quietly, sketching the distant green mountains with delicate strokes of her brush.
At the sight of this serene scene, all the anger in Li Ping'an's heart dissipated without a trace.
He paused in silence, not taking a step forward. It seemed he did not want to disturb or destroy the tranquility of the moment.
However, the woman in the courtyard had already sensed his arrival. The ink on her brush had dried, and she placed the brush on the inkstone with a soft sigh. Without turning her head, she said:
"General Li, you are busy with military affairs. Do not waste your time lingering here."
Hearing her voice, Li Ping'an's expression softened. He replied gently:
"I only wish to have a cup of tea, Master."
"Don't call me Master. I severed our teacher-student relationship seventy years ago. I only accepted you as a disciple back then because I didn't know your identity. It was a coincidence, nothing more."
The woman's brows furrowed slightly as she spoke.
"Once a teacher, forever a teacher. No matter what happens, you will always be my Master."
Li Ping'an smiled faintly. "I'm only here for tea. Even the Yu Emperor would not refuse me such a small courtesy. Must you be so heartless?"
"I've heard about your recent victory," Ren Xianzi said coldly. "That Dao-Enlightenment Realm Demon came from the depths of Zhongzhou in the Great Wilderness Sky. There is a Saint Dao lineage there, so that demon must have carried a profound Dao foundation. I imagine the battle was not easy for you. You should go back and rest. I have my own matters to attend to here."
Li Ping'an chuckled softly, his smile growing warmer. "It seems, Master, that you are not completely indifferent to me after all."
"Matters as significant as this would reach my ears even if I remained secluded," Ren Xianzi replied icily.
"This time, the Yu Emperor rewarded me with many treasures, but they are all mundane. What I truly want, he cannot bear to give me."
As he spoke, Li Ping'an's gaze turned complex. Looking at Ren Xianzi, he said:
"This Dao Scale can be polished into an extraordinary sword hilt. Master, you must accept it."
"If you call me Master again, I will show no mercy."
Ren Xianzi's tone grew cold and sharp.
Li Ping'an's outstretched hand froze, his face shifting slightly. After a long silence, his voice turned low and restrained:
"Master, all these years you've refused me. Is it because my surname is Li?"
A hint of suppressed anger laced his words.
Ren Xianzi frowned and replied coldly: "It has nothing to do with your surname. The past is long behind us. He no longer cares, and neither do I. It's your unworthy intentions that are the problem."
"Unworthy intentions? Is liking you an unworthy intention?"
Li Ping'an's grip on the Dao Scale tightened, his eyes flickering with anger.
"Yes."
Ren Xianzi's answer was immediate and resolute.
When the Immortal Gate was severed years ago, she had vaguely learned of the truth from the Yu Emperor, which filled her heart with sorrow. She had wandered the mortal world in despair.
Decades later, her cultivation had advanced rapidly, soon reaching the Four Established Realm.
One day, while meditating atop a nameless mountain and listening to the sound of a clear spring, she encountered a young boy who had climbed the mountain, brimming with frustration.
They spent a short time together, during which she learned the boy had run away from home in anger. The boy, having witnessed her swordsmanship, begged to become her disciple. Though reluctant, she eventually agreed after his persistent pleas.
Under her careful instruction, the boy's extraordinary talent became evident—he mastered each technique she taught him with ease.
As time passed, the boy began to make a name for himself in the martial world. However, she noticed that his gaze toward her had changed.
Realizing this, she told him that his training was complete and sent him into the world to gain experience.
Not long after, news of the boy's identity reached her—he was a scion of the Li Family, the lineage of the General's Manor. He was, in fact, the bloodline of that couple.
Eventually, the boy returned to the General's Manor, joined the military, and rose to prominence with astounding speed.
Seventy years ago, when he sought her out again, she severed their relationship as teacher and student.
For cultivators of their level, aging was incredibly slow, and should they desire it, they could preserve their youthful appearance indefinitely.
The boy from seventy years ago still retained his youthful features, while her appearance had barely changed—only her eyes seemed to hold more maturity and tranquility.
"Is he really as good as the world claims?"
Li Ping'an gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.
Sensing the bitterness in his tone, the snow-robed woman's face turned cold. "You should leave now!"
"Is it worth it? I heard that during the Immortal Gate Incident all those years ago, he likely died long ago!"
Li Ping'an roared angrily.
Clang!
Suddenly, a chilling sword aura shot forth, grazing his cheek.
A thin cut appeared, cold and sharp, while warm blood trickled down his face.
"If you say one more word, I guarantee your head will fall off!"
The snow-robed woman had turned around at this moment. Her devastatingly beautiful face was now utterly cold and merciless.
Li Ping'an felt the killing intent in her gaze. There was no trace of the tenderness from their days as master and disciple. His expression darkened. He knew that if he spoke again, she truly would kill him.
He had witnessed her ruthlessness far too many times.
Gritting his teeth, he tossed the Dao Scale onto the ground, turned around without a word, and walked away with a heavy heart.
When he leaped down the steps and returned to the base of the mountain, the wound on his cheek had already healed.
Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound broke through the air.
He turned his head and saw the Dao Scale he had thrown being hurled down in an arc, landing at his feet and bouncing a few times.
His face grew even darker, while the two women standing nearby were left speechless.
Li Ping'an clenched his palm, and the Dao Scale flew back into his hand. Rage simmered in his chest as he muttered through gritted teeth, "One day, you'll regret this!"
With that, he swung himself onto his horse, turned around, and rode off without looking back.
Atop the mountain, the snow-robed woman's trembling sword hand finally relaxed. She turned her gaze back to the unfinished painting before her, but as her eyes wandered, they landed on the wall of a nearby room.
That wall was covered with numerous paintings, all of which depicted the same youth in various poses.
In one, he sat on a roof beside a chessboard. In another, he laughed heartily while roasting meat over a campfire, his mouth smeared with oil.
Each painting was a memory, preserving the moments she still held close.
"You will come back… won't you?"
Her soft voice murmured as she gazed at the portraits.
Outside Dayu Province.
Li Ping'an led his team of demon-slaying guards back toward Qingzhou.
His expression remained dark throughout the journey, and he said nothing.
His guards couldn't help but exchange glances. Eventually, someone asked, "Marshal, you achieved such a great victory this time. Didn't the Yu Emperor grant you the title of Heavenly General?"
"Exactly! Without you, Marshal, that Dao-Enlightenment Realm demon would have been unstoppable. You eliminated it before it caused widespread devastation—this is surely an unparalleled achievement!"
"With your merit and strength, Marshal, you deserve the title of Heavenly General. I heard that when the last Heavenly General was appointed, his cultivation was also at the Dao-Enlightenment Realm."
"Could it be that the Yu Emperor is trying to suppress the Li Family? Maybe he doesn't want two Heavenly Generals to emerge from the same family?"
"Shh!"
Li Ping'an, who had been silently riding ahead, suddenly turned back and shot the guard a sharp glare. His voice was icy as he ordered:
"When we return to Qingzhou, go to the barracks and take one hundred lashes yourself!"
The guard's face paled. He dared not argue and could only respond with a quiet, "Yes, Marshal."
The group galloped on in silence. As Qingzhou City came into view, Li Ping'an's gaze settled on the towering statue outside the city walls.
It depicted a smiling youth, calm and easygoing, yet standing straight and tall like an unrivaled young warlord.
Li Ping'an's expression darkened further as he looked at it.
No one in Dayu was unfamiliar with this statue—it was the only monument in the empire dedicated to a Heavenly General, Hao Tian.
When Li Ping'an was a child, he had often noticed the somber expressions of his parents. They always seemed to carry some hidden burden.
People often say that no one knows a child better than their parents, but in truth, children often understand their parents better than the parents realize.
Even as a boy, Li Ping'an could sense that something was always on his parents' minds.
Even when they looked at him, their eyes would occasionally glaze over, as if they were lost in thought.
At first, he assumed it was because he wasn't talented or outstanding enough to meet their expectations. So he worked harder than anyone else, training and cultivating relentlessly. At the age of six, he established his foundation, absorbing vast amounts of exotic blood to build a Nine-Tier Peerless Foundation.
His cultivation progressed at an astonishing pace, quickly surpassing his peers and even outshining other descendants of the General's Manor.
But that was when he began to hear whispers—praise for him was always accompanied by another name.
When his parents heard of his achievements, their faces did not light up with the joy he had expected. Instead, a trace of sadness lingered in their eyes.
It was a feeling that left him confused and frustrated.
He asked them about it once, but they simply turned away, evading the question, and forced a smile.
But Li Ping'an wasn't a fool. He could easily tell the difference between a genuine smile and a forced one.
As he grew older, the whispers grew louder. Eventually, he pieced it together—he had an older brother who was extraordinarily gifted.
But that brother had betrayed the General's Manor, renounced the Li Family name, and walked his own path.
That brother's brilliance eclipsed all others. He became Dayu's only Heavenly General, his glory outshining the collective achievements of the Five Great General Families.
It was then that Li Ping'an understood the truth, and it filled him with resentment and pain.
As a teenager, he left home in anger, determined to surpass that brother. He trained harder than ever, breaking records and shattering limits.
With the full support of the General's Manor's resources, his cultivation advanced rapidly. He later became the disciple of the Female Sword Fairy and built a solid foundation in the way of the sword.
Through countless military achievements, Li Ping'an climbed from Earl to Duke, and finally to Divine Marquis. In just sixty years, he equaled the accomplishments of his family's ancestors.
He also inherited the True Dragon of the Li Family, becoming the pillar of his generation.
In the eyes of the Li Family, he was their pride.
But in his heart, there was always a thorn.
In the mortal world, Li Ping'an had reached the Dao-Enlightenment Realm, but now he felt as though he had hit a bottleneck. He longed to enter the Immortal Gate, to prove to the world that he was even more exceptional than his brother.
"According to the Jiang Family Ancestor's records in Qiandao Palace, the realm beyond the Dao-Enlightenment Realm is the Saint Realm. In the heavens, Saints are supreme. Even she is only a half-Saint…"
Taking a deep breath, Li Ping'an resolved himself. This time, after returning to Qingzhou and recovering from his injuries, he would explore the Immortal Gate.
If he could become a Saint, everything would change. Everyone would finally acknowledge him!
The sound of hooves echoed as his team passed through the city gates. The commoners lining the streets erupted into cheers, shouting joyfully:
"Marshal Li has returned victorious!"