Chapter 409: The Arrival of the Saints, He Stands Unrivaled
The General's Manor, located in the most prosperous area of Qingzhou City, stood like a fortress of authority and power.
Just a few miles away, the towering Tangu Academy stretched across the landscape, its peaks majestic and awe-inspiring.
At this moment, the sound of horse hooves echoed in front of the General's Manor as Li Ping'an leapt down from his horse. The attendants and servants quickly rushed forward to lead the horse away.
Li Ping'an strode into the manor. Once he had removed his armor and donned his usual attire, he made his way toward Shanhe Courtyard, where his parents resided, to greet them.
As he entered Shanhe Courtyard, Li Ping'an instinctively glanced toward the southeast corner of the courtyard. There stood an old and dilapidated side room, covered in a thin layer of dust despite being cleaned regularly by his mother's personal maidservant. No one else was allowed to go near it.
Li Ping'an knew well that this was a forbidden place in the Li Family.
That room had once belonged to the brother he had never met.
"Uncle Zhao."
As he passed an old servant, Li Ping'an nodded slightly before continuing indifferently into the main hall.
The hall was empty, with only two maids standing quietly by the door.
"Where is my mother?"
"The Madam is in the vegetable garden behind the house. She said she wanted to prepare a meal with the vegetables she grew herself to celebrate your return."
One of the maids spoke respectfully.
Upon hearing this, the cold sharpness in Li Ping'an's eyes softened. He recalled the time when he had run away from home as a boy, and his parents had finally found him. Seeing his mother cry inconsolably had been a wake-up call—he realized then that he was deeply cherished by her.
Since that day, he had grown more mature, no longer acting out to seek attention.
"And my father?"
He glanced around, sensing his father Li Tiangang's absence from the courtyard.
"The Duke has gone to the Youth Training Camp to oversee the soldiers."
The maid replied respectfully.
Li Ping'an frowned slightly. Even though the battle against the Dao-Enlightenment Realm demon had not been particularly taxing for him, it had still been dangerous. Now that he had returned victorious, his father hadn't even come to check on him.
But Li Ping'an was used to it. Today was indeed a day set aside for training at the camp.
Saying nothing, he turned and walked toward the vegetable garden behind the house.
From afar, he saw a woman in her early thirties dressed in a dark green robe embroidered with gold thread. She was beautiful and elegant, her sleeves rolled up as she crouched in the garden, pulling up vegetables.
"Mother, you shouldn't be doing such menial work and dirtying your hands."
Hearing his voice, Ji Qingqing turned around. Seeing him, her eyes filled with warmth and affection. She smiled gently and said:
"You're back. It's just soil; it's not dirty. But look at you—don't soil the golden robe bestowed upon you by the Yu Emperor."
Li Ping'an shook his head slightly and said, "You can let the servants handle this."
Ji Qingqing didn't argue with him further and instead asked: "You just got back. Have you gone to pay respects to your second and fifth uncles yet?"
Hearing this, Li Ping'an's brow furrowed slightly. He shook his head and replied, "I'll go later."
Ji Qingqing noticed his expression and knew he still harbored resentment. She sighed softly and said: "Your second and fifth uncles are the pillars of the Li Family. They care for you deeply; you shouldn't hold grudges against them."
Li Ping'an's eyes darkened with a hint of displeasure, his voice cold as he replied: "I hold no grudges. Their achievements are enshrined in the ancestral hall. Now that they're enjoying a peaceful retirement, I don't see how they've been wronged."
Ji Qingqing looked at him, her expression bitter. "You said they've treated you well and have never slighted you. Then why do you hold such strong opinions against them?"
Li Ping'an's gaze turned icy, but as he looked at his mother, it softened slightly. After a brief silence, he said:
"They may have treated me well, but the way they looked at me… it was as though they were seeing someone else's shadow."
"I am Li Ping'an, and I despise those eyes!"
Ji Qingqing's face froze for a moment. She thought back to the time when he had run away from home and chose not to press the matter further. Smiling softly, she said: "Let's not talk about this anymore. Come, I've picked enough vegetables. I'll cook your favorite braised beans and pork."
The cold expression on Li Ping'an's face disappeared, and he nodded with a smile.
As his mother busied herself in the small kitchen, Li Ping'an heard the sounds of combat coming from another part of the manor. Curious, he made his way toward the training field.
Just as he exited the courtyard, he ran into a plump middle-aged man carrying a wine gourd and staggering toward him.
The man squinted as he saw Li Ping'an, his slightly drunken eyes brightening. He grinned and said: "Ah, it's Ping'an! So you're back from slaying demons, huh? What rewards did the emperor bestow this time? I'm a bit short on gold lately—care to spare some?"
As he spoke, he reeked of alcohol and leaned in closer.
Li Ping'an frowned, his face cold as he said sharply: "Brother Yuan Zhao, have you been squandering your time at brothels again? You are the Great General of Qingzhou, a first-rank official. Behaving like this will only tarnish the Li Family's reputation and draw scorn from the people."
The middle-aged man laughed and threw an arm around Li Ping'an's shoulder, saying: "Your father doesn't care what I do. Why are you lecturing me? You're getting more and more like him, you know."
Li Ping'an's expression darkened, and he pushed the man's arm away angrily. "Li Yuanzhao, watch yourself. You've broken the family rules countless times. If not for your past merits, you'd already be sent to the ancestral hall for punishment."
Hearing this, Li Yuanzhao's gaze flickered for a moment. He looked at Li Ping'an with an unreadable expression before shaking his head and muttering, "How boring," as he turned to leave.
Li Ping'an's face remained cold as he watched him leave. Only when the man's figure disappeared did he walk toward the training grounds, the lingering smell of alcohol along the path leaving him feeling irritable.
Meanwhile, Li Yuanzhao staggered into another courtyard. There, a woman dressed in plain white robes sat cross-legged, her expression serene.
"Li Wushuang, lend me some gold," Li Yuanzhao said with a grin.
The woman opened her eyes and frowned. "Are you planning to waste more time like this?"
Li Yuanzhao shrugged and replied dismissively: "You know my wife's from the Xia Family. She keeps me on a tight leash."
"After all these years, you're still at the Supreme Proficiency Realm and haven't comprehended Dao Domain. The demons from Central State's Great Wilderness have been driven into hiding by their strongest mortal expert. It's only a matter of time before they start troubling Dayu. You should take responsibility for your part."
Li Yuanzhao chuckled bitterly and said: "With Ping'an around, there's nothing to worry about. Even Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons can't defeat him. Unless Central State's Grand Tyrant God himself comes, we're safe. You know my talent—it's already a miracle I've come this far."
Li Wushuang's gaze turned sharp. "But he rewrote your fate."
Li Yuanzhao's body stiffened. The drunken haze in his eyes faded momentarily, leaving a dark, unreadable expression.
After a while, he laughed again and said casually: "No gold? Fine, forget it. My wife's probably waiting at home with a washboard anyway."
As he turned to leave, a gust of wind carried something to him. He caught it instinctively—a heavy pouch.
Just by the weight, he knew it was gold.
Li Wushuang's voice came from behind him, carrying a sigh. "Stop antagonizing Li Ping'an. He's not Li Hao. Push him too far, and he won't show you mercy."
Clearly, she had already sensed what had happened earlier outside the courtyard.
Li Yuanzhao's body trembled slightly. After a moment of silence, he nodded and said softly, "I understand."
Night fell over the General's Manor, but the residence bustled with noise and light. Many prominent guests arrived to extend their congratulations.
For the General's Manor, Li Ping'an's victories in battle had become routine. They were accustomed to such celebrations.
However, the other noble families saw this as a rare opportunity to curry favor. Each brought lavish gifts and congratulatory words.
The interior of the manor was brightly lit, and the air was filled with festive cheer.
At the main table in the central hall, Li Ping'an sat alongside his parents. Earlier in the afternoon, he had already eaten his mother's braised beans and pork, so he showed little interest in the array of dishes before him, tasting only a few bites.
Beside him, Ji Qingqing quietly picked at her food.
On the other side sat a broad-shouldered man with a square face and a natural air of authority—Li Tiangang, the pillar of the Li Family.
Occasionally, guests approached to offer their toasts and congratulations. Li Tiangang would raise his cup, sip lightly, and respond with faint disinterest.
"How was the training today? Any promising recruits?"
Li Ping'an casually asked his father while picking up a piece of vegetable with his chopsticks.
Li Tiangang gave a slight nod and replied, "There are two decent ones. With proper training next year, they can join the Ping Battalion."
"That will trouble Father to guide them personally," Li Ping'an said politely.
Li Tiangang seemed to sense his son's mood and turned to ask, "Were you injured in the battle against that demon?"
Li Ping'an smiled faintly. Asking this now seemed a bit late.
"A Dao-Enlightenment Realm demon is nothing to worry about." He answered calmly.
Li Tiangang nodded in satisfaction. "Indeed. Now that you've reached the Dao-Enlightenment Realm, your words carry weight. You're not far from the legendary Saint Realm. Facing Dao-Enlightenment demons is no longer difficult for you."
Hearing this, Li Ping'an's face remained calm, but his lips twitched ever so slightly. His father's nonchalant attitude—was it genuine pride, or did he simply not care?
Beside them, Ji Qingqing noticed the subtle shift in her son's demeanor and quickly intervened. "Although Ping'an has reached the Dao-Enlightenment Realm, demons of this level often hold hidden tricks. It's best to remain cautious; overconfidence could lead to disaster."
Li Tiangang shook his head. "Ping'an carries the combined cultivation resources of Dayu. With divine weapons, enchanted armor, and even royal techniques bestowed by the Yu Emperor, he is the War God of Dayu. No demon in the same realm could possibly defeat him."
Ji Qingqing rolled her eyes in irritation, but with so many guests around, she refrained from saying more. She turned to Li Ping'an and said gently: "Son, remember what I always tell you—be careful in all things."
Li Ping'an smiled and nodded. He said nothing more and focused on eating.
Seeing his wife's tenderness toward their son, Li Tiangang sighed, stood up, and said, "I'm full. I'll retire to rest."
With that, he turned and left.
Such celebrations had long become mundane for him and the Li Family.
A few days later, an urgent report arrived from the Qingzhou border and was delivered directly to the General's Manor.
At that moment, Li Ping'an was seated quietly in his courtyard, meditating and comprehending the Dao.
When he opened the report, his otherwise calm expression darkened. "Three Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons?"
Years ago, under orders from the Yu Emperor, the Astral Overseers had developed a specialized formation. Though it lacked offensive capabilities, it could detect the cultivation realm of incoming demons.
This formation required extremely rare materials and was installed only at key border cities. Its detection limit reached the Dao-Enlightenment Realm, which significantly reduced border casualties.
After all, knowing the enemy's strength in advance allowed the appropriate deployment of forces. Without it, misjudging a Four-Stand Realm demon as a Supreme Proficiency Realm one could result in the decimation of an entire vanguard army.
Demons were cunning and often suppressed their auras to lure human forces into underestimating them.
However, the formation rendered such concealment useless.
The previous Dao-Enlightenment Realm demon that Li Ping'an had slain had been detected using this formation. If not for the timely warning, the demon's rampage would have forced a much larger campaign to suppress it.
"Could it be that this is retaliation from the demon's allies?"
Li Ping'an's grip tightened on the report, his gaze dark and brooding. The sudden appearance of three Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons was no trivial matter.
He knew these demons often had their own intricate networks.
"Send word to the Yu Emperor immediately."
Li Ping'an stepped out of his meditation chamber, paused briefly, and added, "Also, inform the Sword Immortal of Spirit Sword Mountain and ask for her assistance."
He raised his hand, summoning his gleaming golden helmet and blade. Without delay, he issued orders to gather his personal guard.
News of the three Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons spread throughout the General's Manor. Shock rippled through the various courtyards.
Ji Qingqing rushed to him, her expression full of worry. "Ping'an, this situation is sudden. Send the army to probe first; there may be hidden threats."
"That's right. Don't act recklessly. You cannot fall."
Even Li Tiangang, who was usually composed, spoke with an unusually serious tone.
For the first time, Li Ping'an saw genuine concern in his father's eyes. His lips curled faintly, though he kept his voice calm. "I know what I'm doing."
With that, he donned his armor, gathered his forces, and set off for the border.
Shortly after Li Ping'an's departure, two elderly figures emerged from the shadows of the manor. They were Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng.
The two elders wore plain clothing, but their expressions were grave.
The brothers exchanged glances before silently returning to their quarters to retrieve their long-sealed weapons and armor.
A hundred years had passed, and they had both reached the Dao-Enlightenment Realm. With three Dao-Enlightenment demons appearing, they could not sit idly by and let the younger generation face the danger alone.
Meanwhile, at the Qingzhou border.
Dark clouds rolled ominously across the sky, swallowing the sun and draping the land in shadows.
The earth trembled violently as a colossal demon, the size of a mountain, advanced step by step.
The creature resembled an enormous stone-covered turtle, its body covered in jagged rock-like protrusions. Each step left deep craters in the ground. Entire cities appeared tiny compared to its immense form.
Wherever it passed, the cries of panicked citizens echoed from the cities it approached.
Li Ping'an arrived first. Seeing the scene before him, his anger surged. Without hesitation, he drew his sword and charged toward the colossal demon.
Just then, a second demon, cloaked in crackling lightning, burst forth, hurling itself at Li Ping'an.
At that moment, two figures arrived in time—Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng.
"Leave this one to us!"
The two elders moved swiftly, intercepting the lightning-cloaked demon while Li Ping'an focused on the stone-like monstrosity.
The three demons had come prepared, but the combined might of the Li Family's strongest cultivators would not allow them to succeed easily.
The battle erupted in full force on the darkened plains.
As the fierce battle raged on, the vast plains beyond the border were left scarred and battered. The nearby city had been reduced to rubble under the bombardment of thunderous lightning, and countless soldiers defending the city had perished.
Just as the three were locked in combat, two terrifying auras suddenly emanated from the distant horizon.
Sensing the approach of those auras, Li Ping'an, Li Muxiu, and Li Qingzheng—who were engaged in the desperate fight—turned their heads in shock.
The three Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons let out low roars filled with unease, attempting to break free from their opponents.
From the broken border wall emerged an enormous three-headed demon dragon. Its colossal body exuded a venomous green fog as it flew rapidly in their direction.
Behind it, a beam of brilliant light split through the sky, striking the demon dragon's back and sending it crashing to the ground.
"That's the Dragon Sovereign of the Central Swamp?"
Li Ping'an's expression froze as he recognized the beast. A chill ran down his spine, and his body tensed involuntarily.
He had once wandered the Central Province, determined to surpass the shadow of someone who had come before him—to become humanity's strongest. Yet, in the Central Province, he had encountered setbacks, witnessing the overwhelming power of many monstrous beings. Among them was this Dragon Sovereign.
This was a being who had already placed one foot into the Saint Realm, and only the Sword Immortal Ren Qianqian might be capable of contending against it.
To his shock, trailing behind the Dragon Sovereign was a young man with wind-tossed hair, his gaze piercing and filled with dazzling brilliance—an awe-inspiring light that seemed to encompass countless divine patterns.
The All-Heaven Divine Eye.
In the Central Province, Li Ping'an had heard of this man—the Human Tyrant, the most formidable mortal. His legend was unmatched: stepping into the Celestial Realm at thirteen, reaching the Dao-Enlightenment Realm by twenty, and at thirty, sweeping through the strongest sects and dynasties of the Central Province undefeated. He was, without question, the strongest mortal.
Li Ping'an never imagined he would meet him here.
It was now clear: this Dragon Sovereign and the three demons they fought must have been fleeing from this man's pursuit.
At the same moment, Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng also recognized the identities of the Dragon Sovereign and the youth. Their expressions stiffened but soon relaxed slightly.
The Human Tyrant was, after all, a human being. With his presence, this demonic catastrophe could be resolved.
Under their astonished gazes, the Human Tyrant raised his hand, gripping a divine sword that crackled like lightning. With a swift slash, a beam of dazzling sword light cut through space and severed two of the Dragon Sovereign's heads.
"Spare me…"
The Dragon Sovereign, once a supreme being, now trembled in despair, letting out a pitiful wail as it collapsed to the ground.
The terrifying majesty it had held for millennia had completely crumbled, leaving only its desperate pleas.
But everyone knew that if given the chance, such a creature would return one day, even more ruthless and destructive.
With another flash of sword light, the Dragon Sovereign's body was split apart. The devastating power sealed within the sword light obliterated its flesh, leaving no chance for regeneration.
The sight of the Dragon Sovereign—feared across the Central Province—being slain so effortlessly left Li Ping'an, Li Muxiu, and the others in stunned silence.
This was the first time they had witnessed the strength of the Human Tyrant, and it was clear why he was considered the strongest mortal in existence.
The Human Tyrant's cold, indifferent gaze swept over them briefly before he turned his hand, sending three streaks of sword light slashing through the air.
The beams of light spanned thousands of miles instantly, pursuing and obliterating the three fleeing Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons on the spot.
The catastrophe that had only just arrived in Qingzhou was now resolved in the blink of an eye.
Not even the royal capital had received word of this impending disaster before it was already over.
Li Ping'an felt a moment of disbelief but quickly steadied his emotions. Stepping forward, he cupped his fists and said respectfully, "Thank you for your assistance. I am Li Ping'an of the Yu Dynasty. Greetings, Human Tyrant."
"Yu Dynasty…"
The Human Tyrant raised an eyebrow and glanced at Li Ping'an, his expression neutral but sharp, as if understanding something.
"We are grateful for your help. Would you care to join us at the manor so that we may properly express our gratitude?"
At this moment, Li Muxiu approached and bowed respectfully.
The Human Tyrant frowned slightly and was about to refuse when he suddenly sensed something. His gaze shifted toward the distant sky.
Above Qingzhou City, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred. A gate slowly emerged amidst the swirling clouds, its form shrouded in mist, and then it began to open.
The sudden appearance of this celestial gate drew the attention of the city's inhabitants. Murmurs and cries of astonishment spread rapidly as countless citizens lifted their heads in shock.
"It's the Immortal Gate! The Immortal Gate has reappeared!"
Some of the elderly, their eyes gleaming with tears, exclaimed excitedly: "It's just like the legends! Has the Heavenly General returned?"
The entire city was in an uproar. The appearance of the Immortal Gate filled many with awe and excitement. Some even began to fantasize that they might be chosen by the immortals and taken into the heavens to cultivate.
Perhaps they were not ordinary after all, but hidden geniuses—uncut gems waiting to shine.
The Human Tyrant's gaze flickered as he stared at the phenomenon, saying nothing. He turned and flew directly toward Qingzhou City.
Li Ping'an and Li Muxiu were momentarily stunned before quickly following suit.
As they neared the city, they too sensed the unusual phenomenon and were equally shocked.
"That's… the Immortal Gate."
Li Muxiu's body trembled as he stared at the gate in the clouds. His expression was one of disbelief and overwhelming emotion. Without hesitation, he surged forward with all his strength.
Li Qingzheng's eyes shone with a similar fervor as he sped toward the gate alongside his brother.
Li Ping'an watched as the two elders shot past him, their speed surpassing his own. He felt a strange unease in his heart.
The Immortal Gate…
A hundred years ago, a figure of unparalleled brilliance had vanished into the Immortal Gate.
Could it be… that he had returned?
Li Ping'an's expression grew complex. He could not describe his feelings toward that person. There was resentment, but also a deep yearning. He wanted to see for himself whether that man was truly as perfect as the legends claimed.
The sight of the two elders disappearing ahead only deepened the turmoil in his heart. Though he was also rushing forward, it felt as if his pace was slowing.
As the Immortal Gate came into clearer view, he thought he saw a figure standing before the gate, gazing down upon the world—upon everything.
That gaze burned like a divine flame, so intense it could not be looked upon directly.
But when he blinked, the vision vanished.
By the time he reached Qingzhou, the Immortal Gate had fully opened, and figures began to emerge from within.
These figures were ethereal, like drifting clouds, yet their presence filled the skies with overwhelming power. Each was surrounded by mysterious, terrifying phenomena.
Within the General's Manor, Li Tiangang and the others looked up in shock, their eyes filled with awe and anticipation.
"The Immortal Gate has appeared here, not in the capital. Could it be… could it be that he sensed Qingzhou was in danger?"
Among the gathered family, He Jianlan's eyes glistened with excitement.
Elsewhere in the city, a middle-aged man sitting in a luxurious brothel froze mid-drink. The wine cup slipped from his grasp, spilling its precious contents onto the carpet. Yet, he seemed oblivious, his gaze locked on the sky.
He stared blankly at the Immortal Gate, his eyes gradually reddening, and his entire body trembled uncontrollably.
Meanwhile, behind the Immortal Gate in the Land of the Saints, the incarnations of Yuan Zu and the other saints remained motionless. Only their avatars descended; with the threat of ancient demons looming over their domain, they could not risk stepping into the mortal world and losing their gathered incense power.
Among them, only Shen Wang had personally crossed through the Immortal Gate. As one who had achieved Extreme Sainthood, his strength suffered negligible depletion even when traveling to the mortal realm.
Compared to the other avatars, his aura was undoubtedly the most terrifying and profound.
"So this is Qingzhou. The location matches. That's the General's Manor, the Li Family."
The incarnations of the saints hovered in the sky, looking down at the small city below them. From their perspective, the entire city could be flattened with a mere gesture.
"Let's go."
Shen Wang took the lead, descending first. Yuan Zu's avatar followed closely behind, and the other saints descended one after another, their terrifying auras suppressed, and the celestial phenomena surrounding them gradually faded.
"Look! The immortals are descending from the Immortal Gate!"
"They're all headed toward the General's Manor!"
"No wonder it's called the greatest manor of the Yu Dynasty—the immortals themselves are paying a visit!"
The people in the city were thrilled. The more daring citizens rushed toward the General's Manor, while most remained where they were, kneeling on the ground and kowtowing in the manor's direction.
At this moment, the saints had entered the General's Manor.
The protective array outside the manor did not even activate under the immense power of the saints.
"Immortals…"
Standing at the forefront, Li Tiangang looked at the man clad in crimson battle armor. He could feel the scorching heat radiating from the man's body as if it could melt the heavens and earth. Even as someone in the Dao-Enlightenment Realm, he felt as though a single breath from this man could send him flying.
"Immortals?"
Shen Wang raised an eyebrow slightly at the naive title. Clearly, the Yu Dynasty had kept itself closed off, knowing little about the realities of the Land of the Saints.
"We are the saints of the heavens," Shen Wang stated calmly. In the past, when legends of immortals existed, he had not given it much thought. But after traveling the Ancient Path, where true celestial beings resided, he no longer dared to claim such a title lightly.
"The saints… of the heavens?"
Everyone in the General's Manor was shaken to their core.
They did not know much about the Land of the Heavens, but they were aware of one thing—saints were the strongest beings in all existence.
Shen Wang observed their stunned expressions and found it mildly amusing. When they had mistaken them for immortals, their reactions had been subdued. Did they now think saints were even stronger than immortals?
At this moment, the Human Tyrant arrived, his figure swiftly descending to the General's Manor.
Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng followed closely behind, while Li Ping'an trailed at the rear.
"Saints…"
The Human Tyrant's eyes narrowed slightly, and he bowed respectfully. Yet in his heart, he felt a strange sense of familiarity with these saints, as though they shared a connection deep in his bloodline. However, another instinct warned him to keep his distance, as if drawing closer would lead to something disastrous.
Seeing the Human Tyrant's respectful demeanor, Li Ping'an, Li Muxiu, and the others were all stunned.
This man, who had just slaughtered Dao-Enlightenment Realm demons as if they were mere dogs—the strongest mortal on earth—was now so humble before these saints.
But they understood: no matter how strong the Human Tyrant was, he was still only half a saint. The beings before them were true saints.
At the same moment, a rift appeared in the distance, and a figure emerged, sword in hand—it was Ren Qianqian, who had hurried here from the imperial capital after receiving the emergency summons.
She had rushed with all her might, knowing that Li Hao would never want to see Qingzhou's people suffer. He had often mentioned Qingzhou's food to her, even praising a small street stall's crispy flatbread to no end.
"Immortal Gate? Saints?"
Seeing the Immortal Gate above the General's Manor, Ren Qianqian froze momentarily. She hadn't expected such a scene upon her arrival.
Then, her fingers tightened around the hilt of her sword, and her blood began to race uncontrollably. A thought emerged—had he returned?
The presence of saintly auras, transcendent and peerless, made her heart pound. Had Li Hao already become a saint?
The thought filled her with joy, though she quickly realized that, given Li Hao's talent, this outcome was only natural.
After all, she had already reached half-saint. If Li Hao hadn't become a saint, that would have been truly strange.
Without delay, Ren Qianqian descended in front of the General's Manor.
"This time, we've come with a request for help," Yuan Zu's avatar stepped forward, speaking gently. He knew that Shen Wang's temperament did not lend itself to diplomacy, so he took the lead.
Hearing this, the people of the General's Manor, still reeling from shock, were even more stunned.
The saints had descended to ask for help?
Li Ping'an scanned the crowd, searching for a particular figure.
It had been a hundred years, but even if his appearance had changed, it wouldn't be too different. Though Li Ping'an had never met him, he had etched the man's appearance into his mind.
After all, statues of his elder brother stood in every city across the Yu Dynasty, revered as guardians that warded off evil.
Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng were also scanning the crowd but could not see Li Hao. Hearing the saints' request, their expressions grew solemn as a faint suspicion emerged—could this matter have something to do with Li Hao?
"What matter? Please speak freely," Li Tiangang said hurriedly. Despite his years of experience leading troops into battle, even he struggled to remain composed before the saints.
"The heavens face a great catastrophe. Ancient demons have invaded, and we request that Hao Tianzun lend his strength to save the heavens," Yuan Zu said solemnly.
The room fell into silence.
Everyone exchanged glances, unable to believe what they had just heard. The saints had descended because of a calamity in the heavens… and they were asking for Hao Tianzun's help?
Hao Tianzun?
The moment this title was spoken, everyone felt their hearts skip a beat.
In the sky above the manor, Li Ping'an's pupils contracted sharply. He could not believe what he was hearing or seeing.
"This… this saint… who did you just say?"
Li Tiangang's voice trembled as he asked, unsure if he had misheard.
Beside him, Ji Qingqing had already covered her mouth, her eyes glistening with tears.
Yuan Zu smiled and said, "It is indeed Hao Tian. All of you are his family and friends. This catastrophe was caused by our own negligence. Hao Tianzun blames us and refuses to take action. We kindly ask all of you to help persuade him, as this concerns the lives of all living beings across the heavens and will eventually affect the mortal realm as well."
His words were straightforward and honest. At this point, Yuan Zu understood that only sincerity and humility would make it possible for Li Hao to forgive them.
As for whether this request would damage his dignity in front of these mortals, he didn't care.
A dragon does not concern itself with the opinions of worms.
Hearing Yuan Zu's explanation, the people within the General's Manor were completely stunned, speechless.
They doubted their ears and eyes, questioning whether they had misunderstood the situation.
"What kind of catastrophe is this? Is there truly no one in the heavens capable of solving it except him?"
Li Tiangang couldn't help but ask.
He even started to question his own understanding of the world. Were saints not the ultimate beings? Could there be an existence even higher than the saints?
Hearing this, Yuan Zu turned to glance at the other saints before sighing softly and replying, "Apart from him, no one can resolve this crisis. We are already the strongest forces in all of the heavens. Even if we fight to the death, it will be in vain. Only he can succeed."
The entire manor fell silent.
Standing outside, Ren Qianqian was shocked and momentarily dazed. Her heart, however, began to pound faster with excitement, accompanied by a familiar sensation.
The person she had been pursuing was, as always, radiant—so dazzling it was almost hard to believe.
Yet, this was the most familiar feeling of all.
Li Ping'an was frozen in place, his mind buzzing with confusion and blankness.
He struggled to comprehend Yuan Zu's words. But the meaning was clear—
The figure who had always walked ahead of him was the strongest across the heavens?
"This…"
Li Tiangang opened his mouth slightly, unable to form words.
Yuan Zu patiently explained the situation in full detail. Once everyone began to calm down and absorb the information, he suggested taking them to the heavens.
Faced with Yuan Zu's proposal, Li Tiangang and the others couldn't find a reason to refuse.
Li Muxiu and Li Qingzheng exchanged glances, their brows furrowing as unease crept into their hearts.
They knew that child too well. If a catastrophe had truly descended upon the heavens, he would never stand idly by.
He had defended Tianmen Pass alone, traveled thousands of miles to save Liangzhou, and lured demons into the River of Despair, nearly perishing in the process.
That child's blood had always been hot—it could never turn cold.
Unable to argue against Yuan Zu's offer, Li Tiangang, Li Muxiu, and Li Qingzheng all volunteered to accompany him.
Yuan Zu was more than pleased to agree, ensuring that not only the Li family but even the maids and servants in the General's Manor would be brought along.
He even relocated the ancestral shrine, along with the spirits of the Li Family ancestors, into his sacred domain.
Before departing, Yuan Zu reassured the Human Tyrant youth, instructing him to oversee the Yu Dynasty. This declaration finally lifted the Li family's concerns.
However, the Human Tyrant, clearly unwilling, said, "I want to go too!"
Yuan Zu replied calmly, "We will not stop you this time. Once this matter is resolved, you will be free to enter the heavens."
Hearing this promise, along with Fa Sheng's nod of agreement, the Human Tyrant reluctantly accepted.
Blocking the strongest saint-born from entering the heavens was now pointless. They had hoped he would comprehend the Sixth Supreme Realm in the mortal world. However, the Second Saint-born's comprehension of this realm had brought disaster to the heavens instead.
Seeing the Human Tyrant yield to the saints, Li Ping'an's emotions became even more complicated.
"There are still others. Jiang Sheng, go and bring your descendant," Yuan Zu instructed one of the saint avatars.
The saint turned to gaze at the Yu Dynasty with a complex and somber look before silently nodding and vanishing.
In the imperial capital of the Yu Dynasty, within the imperial garden, an elderly man sat alone at a stone table, playing a game of chess with himself. Suddenly, ripples appeared in the air.
The elder's expression changed as he looked up, unleashing a powerful aura.
But he quickly froze, his eyes widening when he recognized the figure who had appeared.
"You… you are… Ancestor?"
The Yu Emperor was stunned. He couldn't believe that the figure before him was none other than Jiang Family Ancestor.
Realizing the truth, he hurriedly knelt on the ground in reverence.
The Jiang Family Ancestor, aware of his descendant's achievements, gazed at him with appreciation and said gently, "No need for formalities. You've worked hard over the years, and your efforts to revive me have not gone unnoticed."
The Yu Emperor was overwhelmed with emotion. "As long as you can return, ancestor, rebuilding the glory of the Jiang Family makes everything worthwhile."
The Jiang Family Ancestor nodded, his voice low and calm. "Come with me. There is somewhere we must go. I'll explain along the way."
The Yu Emperor was puzzled but obeyed without question.
Wrapped in the ancestor's power, he soared into the sky toward Qingzhou.
Along the way, the Jiang Family Ancestor explained that he had been in seclusion since his resurrection, unable to attend to mortal affairs.
The Yu Emperor, listening to this explanation, was both astonished and honored. As the conversation shifted to the catastrophe threatening the heavens, the Yu Emperor's face turned pale with shock, and he fell into deep silence.
The saints, having made their preparations, quickly gathered everyone they needed and returned to the Immortal Gate.
Passing through the gate, the Yu Emperor and the Li family members entered the Land of the Heavens.
Aside from the Li family, the head of the Xia Family, Xia Linglong, was also brought along. She had encountered Li Hao a few times and was included as one of the envoys to help persuade him.
"The Ji Family of Great Desolate Heaven is already sending Yin-Yang Saint to plead for his help," said a saint.
Yuan Zu nodded in agreement before leading the group forward.
"This is the Land of the Heavens?"
"What an intense concentration of power! I feel like I don't even need to cultivate—it just naturally flows into my body. This is incredible!"
"In a place like this, wouldn't everyone become a martial master?"
The newly arrived mortals marveled at the land's grandeur and felt its extraordinary nature.
Li Muxiu, Ren Qianqian, and others carefully observed their surroundings, taking everything in. Along the way, they asked cautious questions about the heavens, which the saints answered with unusual warmth and politeness.
The saints were counting on them to persuade Li Hao, so they treated them with respect. Only Shen Wang remained aloof and cold, his demeanor deterring anyone from approaching him.
"I heard Hao Tian was attacked by a saint. Saints, I must know—is this true? What happened to that saint? That child has been alone here in the heavens. How did he survive?"
The Yu Emperor, more knowledgeable about the heavens than the others, asked solemnly.
The saints exchanged glances, and Yuan Zu chose not to conceal the truth.
"That saint was slain by Hao Tianzun. His rise in the heavens was far too rapid. In just over a decade, he has become… invincible."