The Name of Eternals

Chapter 88: A Sensation

After Zhao Bo and Li Fu left, Yu Xuan looked at Li Tiangang with hesitation in his eyes.

"Marshal, you just returned yesterday and had such a conflict with the young master. It will inevitably affect the father-son relationship. Shouldn't you go and comfort the young master?"

Li Tiangang glanced in the direction Li Hao had left, realizing his attitude had been too harsh. But remembering Li Hao's cold stare, an inexplicable anger surged within him.

He patted Yu Xuan's shoulder. "You had to endure the child's temper today."

Yu Xuan quickly bowed. "Marshal, you overstate it. It's not me I'm concerned about; it's the young master..."

"I'll check on him later."

Li Tiangang sighed. "Even if it's my fault, this child has been spoiled for years. His temper is too big. He said to do as we wish with those paintings. If they really are of Qingqing, his mother, he shouldn't abandon them over something so minor. He deserves a beating!"

Yu Xuan opened his mouth but hesitated to speak. Not knowing how to advise further, he remained silent. He was, after all, a battlefield orphan who didn't understand familial matters deeply and was strict with military discipline.

At that moment, a figure flew down from the sky.

Li Tiangang looked up and, seeing who it was, smiled broadly.

"Second Uncle!"

He stepped out of the corridor to greet the newcomer.

"Why have you come over, Second Uncle? I was just about to thank you."

Li Muxiu landed in the courtyard, looking at the burly Li Tiangang with a sigh.

"You've toughened up considerably after over a decade at the border. Where's Qingqing?"

Li Tiangang was taken aback and lowered his voice. "She's gone."

"Gone?"

Li Muxiu frowned deeply, staring at him. "Will she come back?"

Li Tiangang was puzzled, looking at his second uncle.

"Answer me." Li Muxiu's tone was impatient.

Li Tiangang hesitated. "Second Uncle, do you mean Qingqing...?"

"Hmph, did you think you could fool everyone? Who didn't know back then? Your father knew, your mother knew!"

Li Muxiu's tone was sharp. "Do you think they would have let you two marry otherwise?"

"Father and Mother knew..." Li Tiangang was struck, standing still for a long moment before his eyes began to redden.

Li Muxiu released an energy seal around them, staring intently at him. "Tell me honestly, will she come back?"

Li Tiangang clenched his fists, shaking his head slowly. "She won't come back."

Won't come back... Li Muxiu took a deep breath. Then, as if realizing something, he asked quickly, "I wasn't at the mansion yesterday. When you returned, did you explain to the others? Does Hao'er know?"

Facing his barrage of questions, Li Tiangang shook his head again. "I didn't explain in detail. Everyone thinks Qingqing is..."

"And Hao'er doesn't know either?"

Li Muxiu pressed on.

Li Tiangang nodded slightly.

Li Muxiu paused, then sighed. "You did the right thing. It's better if Hao'er doesn't know. Since Qingqing won't return, let him think she's dead."

Hearing this, Li Tiangang's body trembled, but he clenched his fists and said nothing.

"Did you end the war in Yanbei because of Qingqing?" Li Muxiu suddenly asked.

Li Tiangang shook his head slightly. "Partly. But mostly, it's years of fighting that have worn down the Holy Palace."

Li Muxiu snorted. "These demonic creatures... Once Hao'er takes over the True Dragon Seat and the family has an heir, I'll personally go meet those ancient demon kings!"

"Second Uncle, the family still needs your protection."

Li Tiangang smiled wryly, knowing his second uncle's temper. He changed the topic.

"Speaking of Hao'er, I was just about to thank you."

"Thank me for what? It's my duty to care for Hao'er. Among all the nephews and grandnephews, he's the only one I find acceptable. Unlike you blockheads, including you."

Li Muxiu spoke bluntly.

Li Tiangang felt helpless, knowing how his eccentric second uncle thought. Most of them had been disdained by him when they were young.

He hadn't expected Li Hao to earn his second uncle's favor. Smiling, he said, "If not for your intervention, Hao'er wouldn't have achieved what he has today. I will always remember your kindness."

"Huh?"

Li Muxiu was puzzled. "What intervention? What did I do for Hao'er?"

"Huh?" Li Tiangang was confused.

The nearby Yu Xuan also looked at the family's anchor in surprise.

"Second Uncle, Hao'er is already in the Fifteen Mile Realm at fourteen. If not for you..."

Li Tiangang's words were interrupted.

"You got it wrong?"

Li Muxiu realized what his nephew was thinking and spoke in a dissatisfied tone.

"As much as I like Hao'er and want to help him defy destiny, I used my opportunity long ago. There's no chance left."

"Moreover, Hao'er's talent is so extraordinary, beyond compare. No need for defying destiny. He might end up worse off."

"Huh?"

Li Tiangang, seasoned by countless battles, was stunned.

Not his second uncle?

Hao'er reached this level purely by his talent?? Yu Xuan was equally shocked, staring at the elder in disbelief.

Seeing their reactions, Li Muxiu laughed, understanding their disbelief.

After all, Li Hao's talent was unmatched, even in the Li family full of geniuses.

"Hao'er is exceptionally gifted, beyond ordinary imagination. He's not just a genius." Li Muxiu smiled.

Li Tiangang, recovering, was stunned. "But didn't Hao'er have blocked meridians?"

As Hao'er's father, the information reaching him couldn't be false.

Why would anyone hide this from him? And given Hao'er's mother's bloodline, such a condition wasn't impossible.

"His meridians were indeed blocked."

Li Muxiu sighed. "That's what makes it terrifying. According to Hao'er, his meridians were suddenly unblocked in a dream. I've investigated this. It's pseudo-blocked meridians, not completely sealed. This is a rare occurrence, much rarer than purely blocked meridians."

"When his meridians unblocked, he was already six or seven years old."

Blocked meridians in ordinary families weren't unusual, but it was rare in the General's Mansion.

Li Tiangang was wide-eyed.

He had faced countless battles without flinching, but this stunned him speechless.

Does this mean Hao'er started training at six or seven? Without foundation or blood transformation, he reached the Fifteen Mile Realm in just seven years? Moreover, from what he understood, Hao'er had been idle, not focusing on training...

No wonder even his second uncle called it "terrifying"! Li Tiangang had seen the most prodigious geniuses, like his ninth brother, but even they paled in comparison to his son.

This is my son!

Li Tiangang's body trembled, his heart filled with excitement.

Yu Xuan was equally stunned, unable to speak.

That lazy young master turned out to be so remarkable?

Seeing their reactions, Li Muxiu felt pleased. He enjoyed seeing their astonishment.

Why should only he and Old Feng and Old Wu be shocked?

"Where's Hao'er?"

Li Muxiu looked around.

Li Tiangang, still excited, replied, "Hao'er should be in his room."

Li Muxiu nodded, smiling. "I came to see you first, then I'll handle some matters. Since you're back, I can leave Hao'er in your care."

"Hao'er is so capable. He doesn't need my care anymore."

Li Tiangang laughed.

Li Muxiu's smile faded, giving him a meaningful look. "No matter how strong he is, he's still a fourteen-year-old child."

"I mean care, not because I'm afraid he'll be bullied, but because he needs companionship. Understand?"

Li Tiangang was taken aback, his smile fading.

Companionship?

Suddenly, he recalled Hao'er's questions earlier.

"If I strive for the Grandmaster realm now, so what?"

"If I'm the first genius in a thousand years, so what?"

Li Tiangang couldn't help but take a deep breath, his face changing.

The boy was asking what he would gain from excelling, wasn't he? Praise from parents or companionship? Reflecting on his fourteen years in Yanbei, Li Tiangang sighed, feeling guilty for failing as a father.

He told Li Muxiu, "Second Uncle, I understand. I'll take good care of Hao'er and make up for the lost time."

Li Muxiu smiled. "Alright, I won't keep you. I'll check on Hao'er and then leave."

"Second Uncle, may I ask what you're going to do?" Li Tiangang asked.

"Meeting an old friend, to discuss the rain."

Li Muxiu smiled, waving, and left gracefully.

...

Li Hao returned to his room.

As soon as he entered, his white fox, Xiao Rou, leaped into his arms.

Li Hao, distracted, smiled, stroking the fox's fur. "Where did you run off to earlier? I didn't see you."

The white fox gave him a pitiful look, unable to speak, burying its head in his arms.

Li Hao didn't think much of it, holding the fox as he sat at his desk. Picking up a chess piece, he idly twirled it, looking bored out the window.

Suddenly, a figure appeared, startling him.

"You brat, what are you doing here? Didn't Old Wu come to play chess with you?"

It was Li Muxiu.

Li Hao, stunned, recovered and smiled. "Second Uncle, got time? Let's go dragon fishing."

Li Muxiu rolled his eyes. "Dragon fishing? Think you can catch one? Your father is back. You should spend more time with him."

Li Hao's smile widened. "If I caught a flood dragon last time, I can catch a dragon next time."

"In your dreams. Last time was pure luck!"

Li Muxiu glared at him, then added, "I'm going out for a while. If you want to fish, ask Old Feng to join you. Don't go alone. The old dragon in the lake is still out there. Even at the Fifteen Mile Realm, it's risky."

Li Hao nodded. "Alright."

...

Meanwhile, in Changchun Court.

"What?!"

In the main hall, He Jianlan dropped her teacup, spilling tea on the carpet. But she didn't care, standing up and staring at Li Fu in shock. "Say that again?"

Li Fu, amused by her reaction, was unsurprised. Who wouldn't be shocked by the news?

Respectfully, he repeated, "The Marshal instructed me to inform you of a family banquet to celebrate Young Master Hao'er's entry into the Fifteen Mile Realm!"

He Jianlan stared at him. Li Fu, a soldier, wouldn't lie about this, especially with Li Tiangang's direct order.

But Li Hao, at the Fifteen Mile Realm? Suddenly, her mind seemed to spark with realization.

Had it all been an act?

Hao'er not only could train but had extraordinary talent!

That insufferable Li Tiangang didn't trust her, so he hid even this? She felt a mix of joy, anger, and annoyance, but ultimately, she was overjoyed.

"Hao'er is in the Fifteen Mile Realm... at fourteen."

She muttered, the hall falling silent.

Servants and maids around her were equally stunned, processing the earth-shattering news.

They all knew Young Master Hao'er's situation well. He often visited Changchun Court, and they'd never seen him train.

Who would have thought he was hiding such terrifying talent! Snow Seen, standing by, was equally shocked.

She had vivid memories of accompanying Hao'er to Ting Yu Lou. She had thought he was just playing around, but he had been secretly training?

At that age, to hide it so flawlessly, his mindset was astonishing!

"I understand. You may go. Tell Seventh Brother I'll deal with him later."

He Jianlan, coming to her senses, glared at Li Fu, believing he had also known all along.

Li Fu, always appearing honest, had deceived her.

Oh, Li Fu, you really are an "honest man"!

...

The news of the family banquet spread quickly from Changchun Court, through the kitchens and procurement, to other courts.

He Jianlan made no secret, instructing the messengers to openly announce it.

Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen Mile Realm!

This news caused an uproar in the Li residence!

All nine courts, the martial training grounds, were abuzz with excitement. In the training grounds, the instructor, a veteran, was stunned. He knew the young master well, even introducing his fiancée to Jian Sheng.

But the young master, once rejected by Jian Sheng, was now at the Fifteen Mile Realm?!! Impossible! His fiancée in Jian Lu was likely only at the Shen You Realm!

The news shook not only the veteran instructor but also the many Li family disciples training there.

Fourteen years old, Fifteen Mile Realm!

These words pierced their minds, overturning their previous beliefs.

This is the terrifying power of a genius of the main branch?! In Shuihua Court.

Liu Yuerong was dressing up, admiring her reflection.

Despite being over forty, she looked barely thirty, with a graceful figure and mature charm, like a woman from a beautiful painting.

As a maid adorned her hair with pins, another maid entered, reporting a visit from a maid from Changchun Court.

Liu Yuerong, indifferent, allowed the maid to bring the visitor in.

Soon, a senior maid entered, bowing to Liu Yuerong and relaying the message.

"What?"

Admiring herself in the mirror, Liu Yuerong froze, turning sharply.

The jewelry on her hairpin clattered against her forehead.

"Celebrating Li Hao's entry into the Fifteen Mile Realm? Li Hao?!!"

"Yes."

The senior maid bowed.

Liu Yuerong stared at her, her mind buzzing.

True? False? A joke? That boy, the Fifteen Mile Realm?!! A wave of dizziness hit her, and she felt lightheaded.

In an instant, she pieced together the puzzling pieces.

She breathed heavily but regained her composure.

Dismissing the Changchun maid, she immediately summoned her housekeeper, instructing her to verify the news.

Soon, the housekeeper returned, confirming its truth.

Liu Yuerong's face darkened. How was this possible?

Unless Li Hao was never truly a waste, and Li Tiangang had covered it up.

That explained everything.

Good job, Li Tiangang!

With your upright appearance, you hide such cunning!

Surely, it was that cunning woman, Ji Qingqing's, idea!

Liu Yuerong seethed, recalling the sight of the boy's soaking body in the medicine bath. To act so thoroughly was ruthless! "No, I must inform Qianfeng and have him prepare."

Liu Yuerong, realizing, hurriedly wrote a secret letter.

...

Elsewhere, in other courts, reactions were equally shocking.

The news was more startling than learning about Li Junye, who reached the Zongshi Realm at seventeen.

Li Hao was always seen as carefree, never training, always drawing or fishing with his second uncle, unlike other sweaty, hardworking youths.

Even knowing he could train, no one inquired about his level. It was assumed, given his poor foundation, he wouldn't advance far.

The invitation from the academy was He Jianlan's idea, believing Li Hao couldn't achieve much without training.

"Is that why they made an exception..."

In Piaoxue Court, Li Yun and his siblings were dumbfounded.

They thought Li Hao had just reached the Jihun Realm, the academy's minimum requirement.

But he had surpassed them by far.

Li Wushuang, standing by, showed little reaction, having experienced Li Hao's Fifteen Mile Realm strength firsthand.

Li Xuanli and Gao Qingqing were equally stunned, exchanging looks.

Hearing her sister Li Zhining's muttering, Li Wushuang asked, "What exception?"

Li Zhining, conflicted, explained, "He entered the academy's Black-White Hall."

Realizing Li Hao's exception, Li Xuanli huffed, "So, the academy knew before us?"

Gao Qingqing, quick-witted, calmed down, analyzing. "Probably during the mission. That's when he showed his strength."

Li Xuanli grumbled, "Why didn't they inform us? Such important news!"

Gao Qingqing eyed her husband. "They likely thought we knew, covering up to protect Hao'er's safety, especially with his parents at the border. They were cautious, fearing leaks."

Understanding his wife's analysis, Li Xuanli sighed, "Quite the coincidence."

Reflecting on danger, Gao Qingqing glanced at her daughter. "Be careful outside. The Qian Kun List is our top talent list, but it also means danger."

"Yes."

Li Wushuang nodded. The list was also known as the demon hunt list.

Human-demon grudges ran deep. Likewise, they'd target a promising demon.

Despite the danger, the list's fame and glory drew countless seekers.

For many warriors, the ultimate pursuit was a single word.

Fame.