The Name of Eternals

Chapter 117: Li Hao is No More in This World

...

Li Tiangang and the others had always believed that Li Hao's survival of the assassination attempt was due to the secret protection of elders like Li Muxiu.

They never expected that Li Hao had handled the crisis on his own?

But, six years old?

A typical child at six would just be starting to cultivate, yet Li Hao was already capable of killing a Heavenly Realm assassin on his own?

It must be understood that an assassin's sudden attack could be fatal even to someone of the same realm.

This indicates that six-year-old Li Hao already possessed the strength to handle a Heavenly Realm opponent!

But... six years old!

Everyone was stunned, staring at Li Hao in disbelief. They had always held his cultivation talent in high regard, but it seemed they had still grossly underestimated him.

His monstrous talent, even the Holy Son of Qiandao Palace would likely be envious! Li Tiangang fell silent for a moment. Though he disliked Li Hao's personality, he couldn't deny the child's top-tier talent.

Li Fu suddenly thought of something and asked, "Young Master Hao, when we were on our way to Cangyu City, the two giant dragon demons on the road..."

"They were killed by me," Li Hao calmly stated.

Li Fu's pupils constricted in shock. During his return, he had even thanked Gao Qingqing at Piaoxue Courtyard, who had looked bewildered at the time. Now, he realized the issue was here.

Instead of protecting Li Hao, Li Hao had been protecting him!

Li Fu felt a mix of awe and shame. He should have figured it out earlier; Li Hao had revealed his Fifteen Miles Realm cultivation in Cangyu City, slaying demons alone. Those two giant demons required no assistance.

"Is that so?" Li Tiangang frowned and looked at Li Fu.

Li Fu quickly recounted the incident, and Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with cold light, "Those demons were in their death throes, and the Holy Palace was already planning to retreat, yet they still made a final attempt. Ridiculous!"

"So, Brother Hao went to slay the giant demons," Li Yuanzhao recalled the incident at the tea stand, feeling stunned.

They had been leisurely drinking tea and eating snacks, while Li Hao had quietly gone to slay two giant dragons without a word.

Zhao Bo's expression was complicated, "So, if it weren't for the young master's strength and fate, he would have already died in these assassination attempts."

Hearing Zhao Bo's words, Li Fu's face turned pale, and Li Tiangang's expression also became grim.

Originally, sending back a strong warrior like Li Fu, at the Spiritual Wanderer Realm, was enough to ensure protection.

Who would have thought the demon clan would be so ruthless?

Sending a Heavenly Realm assassin against a six-year-old, giving no chance of survival.

And now, sending two giant dragons, making sure there was almost no chance of failure.

But Li Hao had managed to handle it on his own.

Li Tiangang took a deep breath and said to Li Hao, "Indeed, it was my negligence in protecting you. I didn't expect the demon clan to be so insane. I thought having bodyguards and other wives looking after you in the God General's Mansion, along with the formation in place, would be enough to keep demons away. But it nearly cost you your life."

Li Hao's expression remained calm, "Not nearly, it was certain death."

Li Tiangang's brows furrowed in anger, "Are you blaming me? What do you mean by certain death? You didn't die, did you?"

"Outrageous!"

Li Muxiu couldn't help but scold, "How can you speak like that? Are you cursing Hao'er to die?"

Although Li Hao's state of mind was calm, hearing these words, he couldn't help but glance at Li Tiangang with a feeling of disdain, saying indifferently: "I didn't die because of my own strength and fortune, not because of you."

If it weren't for crossing over and having the system, Li Hao knew he would have been dead for sure.

Despite the system's restrictions preventing normal cultivation, his advancement speed was not hindered.

He had spent these years diligently gaining experience, appearing to enjoy himself, but actually improving rapidly.

Under normal circumstances, even with minimal talent among Li family descendants, one could rely on resources to reach the seventh battle body.

As for absolute talents like Ninth Uncle Li Junye, the best in a thousand years.

But so what? Even Ninth Uncle, at six years old, had just started cultivating and couldn't match a Heavenly Realm assassin!

Facing Li Muxiu's scolding, Li Tiangang restrained his anger slightly, his gaze cold as he said: "Do you think you handled it all by yourself? Ridiculous!"

"Even I didn't know who taught you your cultivation techniques!"

Although he didn't look at Li Muxiu directly, his words were pointed, making Li Muxiu's face flush with anger. This implied accusation needed no clarification, though Li Muxiu had only met Li Hao after he turned six.

"You think you're clever, but you're just foolish!"

"If you had revealed your talent earlier, I would have sent Yuxuan to protect you!"

Li Tiangang coldly continued, "If so, whether facing assassination at six or in Cangyu City, Yuxuan, a Heavenly Master, could protect you!"

"And if you had shown your talent, you wouldn't have gone to Tan Palace. You'd have become a direct disciple of a renowned teacher, building your network and gaining the status of a direct disciple of a major force!"

"Instead, you've been wandering around. Who knows why the Emperor favored you? Without the Emperor's decree, you'd lose out in networking, making a laughingstock of yourself!"

"As a supreme talent, with the best talent, but lacking connections like Li Qianfeng, what will people think? They'll see you as too arrogant and solitary!"

Li Hao's eyes narrowed, his tone cold, "What others think is none of my concern."

"And if I had revealed my talent, would the demon clan only send a Heavenly Realm assassin? If they knew Yuxuan was protecting me, wouldn't they send an Immortal Realm assassin?"

"If I revealed my talent, given my cultivation progress, they might even send an Immortal Realm assassin directly!"

Li Tiangang was momentarily taken aback, his expression changing. Indeed, regarding talent, it was true.

The demon clan's madness knew no bounds. For them, nothing was off-limits.

To deal with a six-year-old waste, they sent a Heavenly Realm assassin. If they knew Li Hao's extraordinary talent, the first assassination attempt would have been at the Heavenly Realm, if not the Immortal Realm! An Immortal Realm assassin, unless protected by the Li family's elders, would almost certainly succeed!

"Connections are just a minor part of the True Dragon competition. What's there to care about? With Hao'er's talent, as soon as he speaks, which prestigious clan wouldn't come to visit?"

Li Muxiu interjected, "Moreover, Hao'er has the Emperor's favor. What more connections does he need? Why doesn't the Emperor value Qianfeng that way?"

Li Tiangang glanced at him, understanding the reasoning but still feeling Li Hao hadn't utilized his potential well, being too carefree.

Talent isn't to be squandered! "Assassination attempts are part of a general's family's fate," Li Tiangang said coldly, "Don't think you're special. Ask Second Uncle, the demon clan sees us as thorns. Some children of the elder generation died at birth, or were attacked by demons hidden in the crowd!"

"Living to now, you're already lucky."

Li Hao showed no emotion, "So, being born into the Li family is my fortune?"

"Is that all the awareness you have as a Li family child?" Li Tiangang's face turned cold.

Li Hao felt an urge to laugh but couldn't, instead saying flatly: "I'm not blaming or complaining. I just wanted to say, your son is indeed dead. From now on, I won't be a Li family member. Move aside, don't block my way!"

"What attitude is this!" Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with anger, "At your age, you think running away from home is acceptable?"

"Run away?"

Li Hao scoffed, "This is not my home. I'm just a tenant here for fourteen years. What I've used, I'll repay!"

Li Muxiu glared at Li Tiangang but focused on Li Hao, saying tenderly, "Hao'er, don't be impulsive. If you don't like it here, live with me at Tingyu Tower."

"There, no one will bother you."

"With me, you won't suffer any more grievances."

Li Tiangang shouted angrily, "Tingyu Tower is also Li family's, and the techniques are from Li family's ancestors. He has these skills, even without pills, how about techniques?"

"Li Tiangang!!" Li Muxiu roared, "Do you want to drive Hao'er away?"

Li Tiangang felt a chill but didn't relent, "Second Uncle, stop indulging him. Does he think his skills are self-earned?"

"His talent is from Qingqing and me!"

"Without our bloodline, could he have such extraordinary talent?"

"Without Li family's techniques, could he have these skills?"

"If he weren't a Li, would the Emperor value him?"

His voice grew louder with anger, "All his glory is because he is a Li!!"

"You're impossible!" Li Muxiu was speechless with rage. He had never been so contradicted by his nephew.

"Uncle!"

Bian Ruxue and Li Yuanzhao looked worried, anxious to speak but afraid of his imposing presence.

Despite Li Tiangang's fury, Li Hao remained calm, his eyes cold, "You're right. So, I said, I won't be a Li anymore. I'll repay everything I've used, including my blood!"

Li Muxiu was taken aback, looking at Li Hao.

Li Hao smiled faintly, "What does it matter?"

Suddenly, a light snowflake fell from the sky.

Winter had come early.

His eyes returned from the gray sky to the steps, stepping forward without further words or hesitation.

"Hao'er!"

Li Yuanzhao's eyes welled up, feeling a lump in his throat.

Li Hao paused but didn't look back, his words already said.

Bian Ruxue stood in shock, not expecting such a turn of events.

A burly figure blocked Li Hao's path, casting a shadow.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Li Tiangang's voice was icy.

Where to? Li Hao pondered briefly, feeling a moment of confusion.

Indeed, where to? But soon, he smiled:

"The world is vast. I was just a guest, and anywhere can be home."

Li Tiangang was enraged, "Ridiculous! You're a Li in life and death!"

"I don't bear the Li name!" Li Hao coldly reiterated.

"Then what will you call yourself?" Li Tiangang asked.

Li Hao felt lost momentarily.

Indeed, if not Li, what?

Most importantly, his past life was also Li.

Despite his calm exterior, he felt bitter.

In his past life, he was an orphan. Now, after transmigrating, he couldn't even keep his surname.

Born into luxury, now in such a state, laughable indeed.

Taking a deep breath of the cold air, he felt a bit more comfortable.

Calmly, he said, "What I call myself is none of your concern. I won't bear the Li name or have ties to the Li family."

"You think a name change severs ties with the Li family?"

Li Tiangang's eyes were furious, "You want to leave without repaying what the Li family gave you?"

Li Hao lifted his gaze, "How?"

"Return everything you owe the Li family!" Li Tiangang demanded.

Li Hao paused, "How do you want it?"

"Easy for you to say. You owe us techniques, medicines, even your blood!"

Li Tiangang coldly listed his demands.

Li Hao was silent, "I won't use your techniques. I'll return them to Tingyu Tower."

"The medicines, I'll repay. The three-thousand-year demon's blood, I'll repay!"

"As for my blood..."

Li Hao stared directly at him, "As I said, your son is dead. This life is mine!"

Having reached the Heavenly Master Realm and developing his own path, he could create his own techniques. Using others' techniques was no longer significant.

Li Tiangang laughed in rage, "Good! Techniques aside, how will you kill a three-thousand-year demon?"

"Do you know its realm? Mid or peak Immortal Realm!"

"Do you think reaching Heavenly Master Realm means becoming an Immortal?"

His tone mocking, "Progress slows at higher realms. Talent doesn't guarantee greatness!"

"There was a genius at nineteen in the Master Realm, yet it took a century to become an Immortal!"

"Think you can stall? I can't wait!"

Li Hao's eyes flashed coldly, "What do you want?"

"Repay me, fine! Three years!"

"In three years, return the techniques and kill a three-thousand-year demon!"

"As for your bloodline, you won't waste it. Guard Tianmen Pass for three years!"

"Li Tiangang, have you lost your mind?"

Li Muxiu was enraged, "You want to kill your son?"

Everyone's faces changed. This demand was too harsh.

Returning techniques was doable, but guarding Tianmen Pass was extreme.

This was the most dangerous Li family outpost! Near the Da Yu border, flanked by demon lands, and beyond, the Vast Wilderness.

Nearby, there were vassal states, ostensibly loyal but secretly colluding with demons, often attacking Tianmen Pass.

Evidence was hard to find, and scapegoats were used to avoid punishment.

Over the years, many Li family soldiers had died at Tianmen Pass.

Even a Four-Established Realm could only barely hold it!

The casualty rate was extremely high. Li family third and sixth sons had died there!

Now, sending a youth like Li Hao? Even a Heavenly Master Realm was just a tombstone there!

However, it was clear Li Tiangang intended to force Li Hao to stay.

Looking at the angry face, Li Hao gazed deeply at him, "Fine."

Li Tiangang's face changed, not expecting Li Hao to agree. He laughed in anger: "Good! Foolish bravery. Do you know Tianmen Pass? Three years? Let's see if you can survive three years, and what you'll be after three years!"

He laughed coldly, "You'll guard Tianmen Pass alone, no Li family soldiers. You'll see what you are without the Li family!"

"Your comfort and arrogance are bought with blood. You'll learn your talent and skills are worthless in a sea of corpses!"

Li Muxiu was infuriated, "You want to kill Hao'er, just say it!"

"If Hao'er goes, I'll go too!"

"Second Uncle!"

Li Tiangang's face darkened, "As an elder, I tolerate you. This is our family matter!"

"If you indulge Hao'er further, don't blame me for confining you to Tingyu Tower!"

Li Muxiu, shocked and furious, trembled.

"You want to confine me? Is this how you lead the Li family?"

Li Hao was silent.

Tianmen Pass was a topic often discussed by his Second Uncle.

Each time, it was with regret.

It was the most dangerous outpost guarded by the Li family.

But, hearing from his Second Uncle about the Li family's losses and disturbances there, it seemed the Emperor intended to abandon it.

Troops were being withdrawn.

Tiangang likely knew this, so he dared to mention withdrawing Li family soldiers.

If he couldn't hold it, abandoning it would only result in criticism, not severe punishment. The Emperor already had the intention.

Seeing Li Hao silent, Tiangang laughed coldly:

"What, no spine?"

Li Hao stared at him, suddenly hearing a voice, and said:

"Fine, you said it. Three years. I'll guard it for three years. After three years, all debts are cleared!"

Li Muxiu hurriedly said, "Hao'er, don't talk nonsense. Your food and drink don't need to be repaid with your life!"

Li Hao's lips moved, indeed, why repay with life?

Who knew a bit of kindness would need to be repaid a thousandfold!

But, he was tired and didn't want any ties.

"Beast, do you dare agree?"

Tiangang roared, "Do you know what you're saying? How will you guard it? With your Heavenly Master Realm? You might die before reaching Tianmen Pass!"

Li Hao coldly said, "I'd rather die outside than here!"

"You!" Tiangang was speechless, too angry to speak.

"I've agreed. Move aside!"

Li Hao coldly demanded.

Tiangang stood in shock, not knowing what to say.

Li Hao stepped past him, amidst cries and calls, crossing the threshold.

With this step, Li Hao ceased to exist.

Everyone stared in shock, unsure what to say or do.

The youth's back was resolute and firm.

None expected both father and son to be so stubborn and unyielding.

"Hao'er..."

"Brother Hao!"

People called, but the youth didn't pause, stepping down the grand steps of the mansion.

Tiangang turned, his face dark: "You'll regret this!"

The words echoed in the youth's ears, but he didn't react.

Muxiu stood stunned, feeling the youth would never return.

As Li Hao said, no longer a Li.

He left in winter.

Outside the mansion, Song Yufeng and Song Qiumo, along with many White Palace disciples, heard the conversation.

They stared at the youth leaving the mansion.

They had come to plead for Li Hao, but didn't expect the most outstanding Li family genius to leave the mansion today.

They wanted to persuade him but didn't know how.

The father-son conversation was chilling.

Among the crowd, a figure stepped out, saying:

"Brother Li Hao, safe travels."

Li Hao glanced, seeing Prince Jiang Hanxing.

His attire was simple, without royal finery, mingling in the crowd.

Now, he stepped forward. Despite his identity, he intervened in Li family affairs.

But he did it willingly.

They exchanged glances, understanding each other.

Li Hao nodded slightly, appearing unfamiliar, as his current identity was sensitive.

Jiang Hanxing watched him leave, then called out:

"Brother Li Hao, remember your poem at the brothel?"

"No need to worry about friends on the road!"

"Who in the world does not know you!!"