The Name of Eternals

Chapter 104: Emperor Yu's Chess Skills Can't Be That Bad, Right?

Emperor Yu's decree?! The entire courtyard fell silent, and everyone turned their gaze in unison.

There, a noble-looking young man was seated, with a young girl standing beside him, holding a large black sword box.

"?

Upon hearing the announcemeant, Li Hao was somewhat surprised. The Yu Emperor?

At the same time, Li Tiangang, Jian Wudao, and his disciples at the same table all turned their gaze toward Li Hao, their expressions a mix of astonishment and curiosity.

No matter the reason, Li Hao quickly stood up. As footsteps echoed, a group of figures entered the courtyard from outside.

On either side were the mansion's personal guards, while in the center were several "elite students" carrying the imperial decree.

"Who is Li Hao?"

An old eunuch in a purple robe asked.

His gaze swept the courtyard, showing no surprise at the many guests present.

However, when he noticed the presence of figures like the Sword Saint and the Bodhisattva, his eyes narrowed slightly.

At this moment, the previously briefly silent courtyard erupted in whispers, with many expressing their shock upon recognizing the old eunuch.

This was the famous red eunuch beside the Yu Emperor, who had served the previous emperor and was himself a Four Establishment Realm expert. Even in the esteemed Dragon Court, he was a powerful figure!

It was unexpected that he would personally come to deliver the imperial decree.

In the past, when decrees were issued to the Five Great God General Mansions, it was usually this Eunuch Chu who delivered them, mostly to the grandfather's generation of the Li family.

Occasionally, when Li Tiangang's father's generation achieved great merit, Eunuch Chu would also come to deliver the decree.

But now, for a mere third-generation junior like Li Hao to have him personally deliver the decree was astonishing.

"Greetings, Eunuch."

Li Hao quickly stepped forward and bowed slightly.

Chu Jiuyue sized up the young man and smiled:

"Indeed, you are a dragon among men, a young talent. No need for formalities, please receive the decree."

Hearing him mention "earl," many suddenly remembered that besides his astonishing cultivation talent, this young man was also an earl by title!

The brilliance of his talent often overshadowed his noble title.

With this title alone, he surpassed half the people present.

Understanding the hint, Li Hao received the decree with only a slight bow as befits an earl.

Without this title, even as the son of Marshal Xingwu, he would have to kneel to receive the decree.

"...Acknowledging the eternal merit of the Li family, the exemplary education of Marshal Xingwu... In the past, Li Jiulang, the Marquis of Zhen Guo, led the iron cavalry to defend the borders and sacrificed his life for the country..."

"Now, fortunate to have such a child, his talent unparalleled in history, his character sincere and genuine, different from the mundane, wise and kind, benevolent and righteous..."

"Having such a child in the Li family is a blessing for the millions of people in Yu!"

The decree was quite long, and as Eunuch Chu Jiuyue read it out, the courtyard remained silent.

First, it praised Li Hao's father and then mentioned the illustrious deeds of Li Jiulang, who had achieved great merit over a decade ago. However, the main focus was to commend Li Hao himself.

His talent was merely brushed over with "unparalleled in history."

Even without further elaboration, everyone present knew how terrifying the young man's talent was.

Many great powers had records, and Li Hao's cultivation speed, aside from a few exceptional cases, had already broken records!

The decree primarily emphasized Li Hao's character.

With six adjectives.

This showed how highly the Emperor of Yu regarded him.

Receiving such praise was a rarity in hundreds of years! "Li Hao, receive the decree!"

Chu Jiuyue said with a smile.

Li Hao quickly and respectfully acknowledged, feeling somewhat flattered. When had this Emperor ever met him to give such high praise? This was more than just support; with such commendation, he wouldn't need to prove his character during the True Dragon selection.

After all, with the Emperor's decree using six adjectives to praise him, who in the Li family could question his character?

Receiving the decree with both hands, Li Hao thanked the eunuch again.

Chu Jiuyue smiled, "Since I'm here, I'll join you for a drink to share the earl's joy. Would you welcome that?"

"Of course, we would be honored."

Li Hao smiled, understanding that he intended to stay and support him.

Hearing their conversation, the crowd in the courtyard gradually recovered, their expressions complex.

Those who had come to support Li Qianfeng, aside from the Liu family members, now felt uncomfortable. Many who had hoped to curry favor with Li Qianfeng now felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles.

When did these chairs start to feel prickly?

On the other side, Li Tiangang quickly stood up, smiling as he greeted, "Chief Eunuch Chu, thank you for coming all this way. Please, have a seat."

He led him to the seat of honor.

Chu Jiuyue smiled and followed Li Hao back to the table.

Seeing the emperor's trusted aide, who was also a Four Establishment Realm expert, the others at the table, including Jian Wudao's disciples, all stood up.

Jian Wudao remained seated but smiled, "Chief Eunuch Chu, it's been a while."

"Quite the keen eye, Sword Saint."

Chu Jiuyue smiled.

It was evident that he was referring to the Sword Saint's support for Li Hao.

Hearing this, Jian Wudao felt a bit awkward.

His support for Li Hao wasn't because of Li Hao himself but because his disciple Bian Ruxue had pleaded with him, and he was fond of her. Plus, she had recently chosen the path of the sword, making him even more willing to come.

After Chu Jiuyue was seated, the others also greeted him respectfully. Despite his "elite student" status, no one dared to underestimate him. Even in the palace, the princes would address him as Uncle Chu. "Everyone, be seated."

Chu Jiuyue smiled and gestured for everyone to sit.

Next to Chu Jiuyue was Li Hao, holding the imperial decree. He called over the maid Qingzhi to take the decree back to Shanhe Courtyard to avoid it getting stained with wine during the banquet.

Li Tiangang, eyeing the decree, couldn't help but ask Chu Jiuyue:

"Chief Eunuch, may I ask when the Emperor met my son? Did he come to Qingzhou?"

This question piqued the curiosity of the others, who looked between the eunuch and Li Hao.

Li Hao himself was also curious. When had he ever met the Emperor? Could the old man he played chess with by the river have been the emperor sitting on the dragon throne?

But he didn't seem to fit the image. The Yu Emperor was said to be in his prime, with a physique like a mountain and eyes that could gaze into the heavens, while the old man seemed... less impressive in chess skills.

Chu Jiuyue, seeing their curiosity, smiled inwardly. He had heard that the Emperor had left the court recently, but he didn't know where he had gone.

The Emperor occasionally took walks, sometimes with him, sometimes alone, and he would never pry into his whereabouts.

But upon his return, the Emperor had instructed him to deliver the decree, suggesting he had likely visited.

However, he couldn't reveal such details, as it would be inappropriate to disclose the Emperor's whereabouts.

"I don't know the exact details."

Chu Jiuyue smiled, "Perhaps the Emperor appreciates the merits of the Li family ancestors or has heard of the earl's extraordinary talent and sent someone to observe. In any case, congratulations to Marshal Xingwu for having such a talented son!"

Hearing this, the crowd thought it plausible.

The decree had praised the Li family, and it seemed the Emperor held high hopes for Li Hao, comparing him to Li Junye and hoping he would inherit his talents and bring glory to Yu.

Li Hao's fame in Qingzhou had spread far and wide, and it wasn't surprising for the Emperor to take notice and send someone to check.

"To be recognized by the Emperor is a great honor for my son. I should thank His Majesty."

Li Tiangang quickly said.

Li Hao's character had always been a concern for him, but being noticed by the Emperor was a delightful surprise.

Chu Jiuyue smiled and said no more.

Jian Wudao looked at Li Hao, frowning slightly but saying nothing.

His four disciples had complex expressions. With this decree from the Emperor, even without their master's presence, it was enough to suppress Li Qianfeng's supporters.

After all, when it came to connections, who could surpass the Emperor? Not even the Wuliang Buddha; even the Daoist Master of Qiandao Palace had to bow.

What is an emperor?

The highest authority in the human world! Bian Ruxue's eyes sparkled as she looked at the boy who appeared as gentle as a breeze, feeling a sense of familiarity.

In the midst of the unsightly, he always shone brightly.

Soon, the Bodhisattva of Wuliang Mountain, the Blade Saint, and the other three Four Establishment Realm experts approached Chu Jiuyue to exchange pleasantries.

Even they didn't dare offend or provoke someone who could communicate with the highest authority.

After the pleasantries, they returned to Li Qianfeng's side.

Liu Yurong smiled, though it was a strained smile, her fingers digging into her palms.

She had only one thought—regret.

Regret for giving Li Hao that pill to destroy his divine blood! Instead, she should have poisoned him directly!

Even if it was risky, it would have been worth it! Who would have thought that the child from back then would become so dazzling and extraordinary today? And this was with Li Hao's divine blood suppressed!

If he had awakened his divine blood, he would have shone even brighter.

But she didn't know that the physical strength from the divine blood's enhancement was negligible compared to Li Hao's numerous body refining techniques.

"I didn't expect the Emperor to issue a decree. It seems we came in vain."

The Blade Saint, Jiang Haiping, sighed after drinking a cup of wine.

Xiang Yuguang, one of the leaders of the Demon Subduing Division, remained calm but felt gloomy inside.

He had come to support Li Qianfeng, but it seemed he had made a mistake.

For the Blade Saint and the Bodhisattva, they were top experts in the martial world.

But he had an official position, and at the end of the official ladder was the Emperor.

He had inadvertently opposed the Emperor.

"Lady Liu, my apologies."

After some thought, Xiang Yuguang said to Liu Yurong and then stood up, "I just remembered something urgent at home. Please excuse me."

With that, he made a brief gesture of apology and left.

As he departed, he noticed the glances from Chu Jiuyue, Li Tiangang, and others, smiling and nodding at them before leaving hastily.

Liu Yurong forced a smile, her eyes barely hiding her rage.

Sensing her emotional turmoil, the Bodhisattva Lin Wujing beside her smiled:

"Lady Liu, don't worry too much. It now depends on Qianfeng's fortune. I believe in Qianfeng."

His expression remained calm, undisturbed by external events.

Liu Yurong glanced at him, thinking it was easy for him to speak lightly since it wasn't his concern.

However, remembering the secret information he had shared, she felt somewhat reassured.

In terms of cultivation speed, Li Hao indeed surpassed her son.

But the depth of each realm's foundation was another matter entirely.