The Name of Eternals

Chapter 86: Fury and Revelation

"The Red Blood Horse!"

Li Tiangang sat steadily on the back of the dragon-lion, his eyes fixed on the boy in the middle of the official road. He immediately recognized the horse the boy was riding and, upon seeing the boy's face, noted how strikingly handsome and clear it was, especially the features that resembled the woman he loved deeply. Li Tiangang's heart trembled.

Li Hao was also staring at the robust and composed man. Memories that had been blurred over the years suddenly became vivid. This was the man who had tousled his hair with rough hands fourteen years ago.

Despite not having seen each other for fourteen years, just one brief exchange of glances was enough for both of them to recognize each other.

Whoosh!

Li Tiangang suddenly leaped from the back of the dragon-lion, landing in front of the boy on the Red Blood Horse. Li Hao quickly dismounted as it was inappropriate to talk to his father while on horseback.

"Hao'er?" Li Tiangang's voice trembled slightly.

Li Hao felt the care and deep emotion in his father's voice. The initial feeling of unfamiliarity vanished instantly. Perhaps this was what it meant to be connected by blood?

"Dad." Li Hao's voice was a bit awkward and hesitant, but he knew that this man was his father in this lifetime.

Li Tiangang, overwhelmed with emotion, pulled Li Hao into a tight embrace. Fourteen years had passed, and his child had grown so much! His heart was filled with joy. The broad embrace and strong arms made Li Hao feel a solid sense of security. In that moment, his heart seemed to settle. He gently hugged his father back but suddenly looked around and asked, "Where's Mom?"

Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly. Li Hao's face changed, feeling as if his blood had turned cold. Li Tiangang slowly released him, his deep black eyes showing traces of blood and sorrow. "Your mother... she's gone."

Gone?

Li Hao's thoughts seemed to stall. The woman with the bright, caring eyes in his memories... gone? It was as if a beautiful picture had shattered in the darkness. Li Hao turned abruptly to look at the triumphant returning team, ignoring the envious and concerned looks and voices from the crowd. Among the wounded soldiers, the beautiful figure that once held him was absent.

Li Hao's face turned grim. "How can that be? Hasn't Mom always been with you? Didn't you face life and death together?"

Li Tiangang's lips moved slightly, but he didn't utter a word.

Li Hao turned to him suddenly. "When did Mom leave us? Why didn't I hear anything from Aunt?"

"A few months ago," Li Tiangang said quietly. "I sealed the news. It wasn't spread around."

Seeing Li Hao about to say more, Li Tiangang placed a broad hand on his shoulder. "Let's go home first. We can talk there."

The joy in Li Hao's heart was now overshadowed by a sense of loss.

The people by the roadside continued to cheer, singing praises of Marquis Xingwu's triumph and the great achievements of the Li family. But only Li Hao, pulled onto the dragon-lion by his father, knew that he had lost his mother that day.

Back at the General's Mansion, the ladies, including He Jianlan and Liu Yueyong, had already gathered in the Shanhe Courtyard, waiting in excitement. Li Xuanli was pacing anxiously at the mansion's entrance, looking out for any signs of his brother. When he finally saw Li Tiangang, they both broke into smiles.

After a deep embrace, Li Xuanli punched Li Tiangang's armored chest and ruffled Li Hao's hair, smiling and looking around. "Where's my sister-in-law?"

Li Tiangang's face darkened slightly. "Let's talk inside."

Li Xuanli's face fell, noticing for the first time that Li Hao didn't move when he ruffled his hair. His smile vanished, and he nodded, leading them inside.

In Shanhe Courtyard, the atmosphere turned lively with Li Tiangang's return. But the mood quickly dampened when they learned that Lady Ji Qingqing had not returned.

Li Tiangang simply said, "She's gone."

The mood in the courtyard became somber. Everyone looked at each other, a hint of sorrow in their eyes. They had experienced such losses many times before. They all stepped forward to console Li Tiangang and Li Hao.

From a distance, He Jianlan sighed softly, saying nothing. Even Li Wushuang, who had been spanked by Li Hao that morning and still felt some lingering pain, felt a pang of sympathy and shock for the silent figure standing beside his father. Despite wanting to teach him a lesson before, she never intended any real harm.

What was supposed to be a celebration ended in silence, though dinner was still served. During the meal, everyone spoke softly, asking Li Tiangang about the situation in Yanbei. While there were military reports about major events, they didn't convey the details of everyday struggles. Now, after years of accumulated thoughts, Li Tiangang could share some of his experiences.

As the sun set, the ladies returned to their courtyards. Li Xuanli wanted to stay with his brother but was pulled away by his wife, Gao Qingqing. She whispered, "Can your few words of comfort really help? They've been apart for years. Why are you still here?"

Li Xuanli realized she was right and, holding his wife's hand, sighed inwardly, grateful for such a wise spouse. After bidding farewell to Li Tiangang, he left with his family.

Back in the Shanhe Courtyard, only Li Tiangang and his men from Yanbei, as well as Li Hao, Zhao Bo, and the other servants, remained.

During dinner, Li Hao had listened to the aunts and learned much about the situation in Yanbei. The war had dragged on for so many years due to the demon clan's attempts to tear open Yanbei, creating a strategic foothold against Dayu.

While Dayu was in a golden age, the border was never truly peaceful. In any dynasty, borders were always guarded, as there were always intruders, just a matter of scale. The persistence of this war showed that Dayu's external threats had not been entirely eradicated. Or perhaps the territories and deterrence established by Dayu's first emperor were now facing a resurgence after thousands of years. Dayu, like an aging lion, showed signs of decline. How long could its remaining might continue to intimidate?

Li Hao wanted to ask about the details of his mother's death, but Li Tiangang's face darkened as soon as he broached the topic. "Hao'er, I failed your mother. From now on, it's just the two of us here."

Li Hao fell silent. He realized that the pain of losing his mother was not his alone. She had accompanied his father through countless battles, a testament to their deep love. Over the years, Li Hao had heard many stories of their loving relationship. While he had only spent a few months with her, his father had shared years with her, a bond far deeper than he could understand.

After a brief silence, Li Hao asked, "Did you avenge her?"

Li Tiangang's body shook slightly before he nodded. "Yes, I did."

Li Hao exhaled slowly. "That's good."

The father and son sat in silence. Li Hao had many things he wanted to say, many questions to ask. But hearing his father's conversations with the aunts, he already knew much about the hardships of the war. Any lingering resentment he had faded away.

Now, he couldn't think of anything more to say. It seemed that fathers and sons throughout history often found themselves in silent confrontation.

In the silence, it was Li Tiangang who spoke first. "Hao'er, you've suffered while your mother and I were away."

Li Hao shook his head with a smile. "Not at all. Uncle Zhao was with me, Second Uncle taught me fishing, Fifth Uncle played chess with me, and Aunt was very kind. Even Ninth Aunt occasionally sent me delicious royal snacks..."

He recounted these little stories to his father.

Li Tiangang initially smiled, but as he listened, his expression slowly darkened.

"So, after your meridians cleared, you didn't train much?" Li Tiangang asked seriously.

Li Hao was taken aback, scratching his head. "I did train, but there's not much to say about it."

Li Tiangang looked at him, sighing inwardly. "It's late. Go to bed early."

Seeing his father looking tired from the long journey, Li Hao nodded and left.

Once Li Hao left, Li Tiangang called for Zhao Bo.

"Where is Li Fu?"

"Li Fu is in Cangyu City. When Young Master joined Dan Palace Academy, Li Fu was assigned there for a mission. He was injured while secretly protecting the young master and stayed to recover. He sent a letter saying he was on his way back."

Zhao Bo, who had watched Li Tiangang grow up, smiled and spoke respectfully to the renowned general.

Li Tiangang's face changed. "Injured? Was Hao'er attacked?"

"No, he only mentioned taking care of the young master and that there was a big surprise to share upon his return," Zhao Bo replied.

"A big surprise?" Li Tiangang was puzzled. Injured but still a surprise?

Thinking that Cangyu City was in Qizhou under the Xia family's jurisdiction, it wasn't far but not close either. With fast horses, it would take about two days to return to the mansion.

"Zhao Bo, tell me about Hao'er's situation these past years."

Zhao Bo was surprised, sitting down and smiling. "Why not ask the young master directly? You must have many things to talk about."

Li Tiangang shook his head, sighing. "I noticed Hao'er's casual manners and somewhat wild behavior. It seems he hasn't been disciplined properly, becoming a bit unruly. You tell me."

Zhao Bo hesitated, then smiled. "Young Master is a good child, kind-hearted and never harsh to the servants. He's always respectful to the elders and never caused trouble. His only interest was experimenting with odd things in the kitchen..."

"Tell me about his training," Li Tiangang interrupted.

Zhao Bo hesitated. "Well..."

Seeing Zhao Bo's hesitation, Li Tiangang's face darkened. "So, he hasn't trained at all?"

"Not exactly..."

Seeing Zhao Bo's struggle, Li Tiangang grew angry. "Has he given up? Even if he started late, he has my bloodline. He could still surpass his peers early on! With the Listening Rain Tower's techniques and ancestral support, he could rank in the Qian list. He could at least protect himself. How could he fall so low?"

Zhao Bo was embarrassed. "The young master is still very diligent..."

"At playing?" Li Tiangang shot him a stern look, filled with battlefield authority that made Zhao Bo tremble.

"You've all spoiled him too much, allowing him to become arrogant. This is harming him!" Li Tiangang said sternly.

Zhao Bo was taken aback, quickly standing. "It's my fault, Master. I failed to guide him properly."

Li Tiangang was stunned, realizing he was being too harsh. Years of battlefield tension made it hard to relax. Seeing the old steward who had raised him bowing in apology, he felt guilty and sighed. "It's not your fault. Hao'er has been too pampered."

Zhao Bo kept his head down, not daring to respond.

Li Tiangang lost interest and waved him off. "You may go rest."

Zhao Bo hesitated, then left quietly.

The next day, Li Hao slept in. With his father back, he planned to spend more time with him and skip Dan Palace Academy for a few days. Besides, his usual activities there were painting by the cold pool or playing chess and drinking with Old Shen. Maybe his thoughts from the previous night affected him, as he dreamed of his mother. But his dream was interrupted by a voice.

"Young Master!"

Startled awake, Li Hao saw a young man standing by his bed.

"When did you come in?" Li Hao asked.

It was one of his father's men, a lean, sharp-eyed man in his late twenties named Yu Xuan.

"Young Master, the Master has asked you to go train in the front yard," Yu Xuan said with a smile.

Li Hao sighed inwardly. His days of leisure were over. Annoyed by the interruption, he grumbled, "Don't enter my room without permission."

Yu Xuan nodded. "Understood."

Li Hao reluctantly got up and called for Qingzhi to prepare his clothes. Seeing Li Hao's slow movements, Yu Xuan remained stoic but finally urged, "Young Master, the Master is waiting."

Li Hao frowned, quickly dressing himself. "Let's go."

As they passed by the main hall, Li Hao glanced inside and froze. He rushed in, seeing that his paintings, accumulated over the years, were all gone.

"Zhao Bo!"

Zhao Bo hurried over. "Young Master?"

"Where are my paintings?" Li Hao asked angrily.

Zhao Bo's face changed. "The Master saw them this morning. He had them moved."

"Where?"

"The woodshed…"

Li Hao felt his anger surge. The woodshed? Did his father plan to burn them like trash? Some of those paintings were of his mother!

"Bring them back immediately. No one touches my paintings!" Li Hao demanded.

Zhao Bo had never seen Li Hao so furious and quickly agreed. "Yes, Young Master."

But as he moved, Yu Xuan blocked him, still calm. "Young Master, the Master ordered this. You should go train now."

Li Hao guessed his father was behind it but felt a strong surge of anger at the confirmation. "Move!"

Yu Xuan remained impassive. "The Master's orders are absolute."

Li Hao clenched his fists, glaring. "Move!"

"Who are you telling to move?" Li Tiangang's voice came, stern and cold.

Yu Xuan lowered his arm and bowed.

"Father, those paintings…" Li Hao began.

"Apologize to your Uncle Yu," Li Tiangang demanded.

Li Hao stared in disbelief.

Zhao Bo tried to intervene. "Master, the Young Master is just upset about his paintings…"

"Silence!" Li Tiangang snapped, causing Zhao Bo to freeze.

"Apologize to your Uncle Yu," he repeated sternly.

Li Hao stared at his father, feeling a mix of anger and sadness. Just yesterday…

He chuckled bitterly. Of course, they barely knew each other.

"Because I haven't trained? What if I told you my cultivation is advanced?" Li Hao asked.

Li Tiangang's expression remained stern. "I don't care about your skills. Your Uncle Yu is a grandmaster, a hero. Apologize!"

Li Hao felt a wave of sadness. "Those paintings…"

Before he could finish, a figure rushed into the courtyard. "Master! Young Master!"

They turned to see Li Fu, excitedly running towards them.

Li Tiangang's face softened slightly but remained stern. "Li Fu, what's wrong with you?"

Realizing his mistake, Li Fu quickly saluted. "Master, I sent a letter. Did you receive it?"

"A letter? Sent to Yanbei? I didn't get it," Li Tiangang replied.

Li Fu understood. The letter must have arrived after Tiangang left Yanbei. He had discovered something incredible and had sent the letter before returning. But now he could share the news in person.

"Never mind. I'll tell you now. The Young Master has reached the fifteen-mile stage!" Li Fu said, his voice trembling with excitement.