The Name of Eternals

Chapter 94: Leisurely Teaching

Gao Qingqing's eyebrows shot up as she heard this, and she grabbed the soft flesh at Li Xuanli's waist, gritting her teeth:

"Li Xuanli, what do you mean by that? Are you saying I can't have children?"

Li Xuanli was stunned, realizing he had misspoken. He dared not use force to resist and repeatedly begged for mercy:

"Madam, I was wrong. It was a slip of the tongue, just a slip of the tongue."

"I think you were saying what's truly in your heart!"

"Madam, how could that be? I cherish our children more than anything. They are the best in my heart, incomparable to anyone else!"

"Hmph!"

...

In Shuihua Courtyard.

Upon hearing the news from the steward, Liu Yurong turned pale and nearly lost her balance.

How could this be? At only fourteen, he was granted the title of earl? Even if he saved an entire city, it shouldn't merit such a leap, bypassing both baronet and viscount!

A first-class viscount would be impressive enough, so why an earl?! Even He Jianlan's children, who had been in the military for years, were only earls, and Li Hao was only fourteen!

Liu Yurong gritted her teeth, cursing the emperor in her heart.

But outwardly, she dared not show any doubt or dissatisfaction, venting her frustration inwardly instead.

With only two months left, even if they had another half a year, or even a year.

Where could her son, Qianfeng, find such meritorious deeds comparable to an earl? Merits require not just strength but also opportunity.

Going to the border? Too dangerous!

After a long while, Liu Yurong calmed her mind, thinking it was fortunate that merit was only an additional factor, not decisive.

Wuliang Mountain had already sent her a message, advising her not to worry, as they had summoned Qianfeng back and would help him win the True Dragon position.

Now, Liu Yurong could only pin her hopes on the extraordinary abilities of the Buddha of Wuliang Mountain.

...

Time flew by.

Since the announcement of the True Dragon contest in the Li family, the outside world had been in turmoil.

Li Qianfeng received a summons from his sect and, though initially planning to return to his family first to observe the situation, had to go back to his sect instead.

Shortly after returning to his sect, he learned that his cousin, Li Hao, had already been granted the title of third-class earl!

This shattered his pride completely, leaving him with an ugly expression.

The merit he had earned from slaying a great demon had granted him the title of first-class baronet.

Normally, this would be extremely difficult, skipping two levels from third to first-class baronet.

But compared to Li Hao, there was a three-level difference, a whole viscount!

Even within the family, he would have to bow and address Li Hao as Earl, showing respect and bending his waist! What a humiliation!

Faced with such a blow, he could no longer reject his master's assistance, as he initially wanted to rely on his own abilities.

Now, he had no choice but to accept.

He bore the hopes of many.

When Li Qianfeng returned to Wuliang Mountain, numerous forces and gifts were sent to the Qianfeng Hall there.

Similarly, many gifts were sent to Shanhe Courtyard.

Various factions, sensing that the True Dragon would be decided between these two young masters, began to make connections in advance.

When the contenders were still young and their potential unclear, they had to curry favor with all, which was costly.

Now that the target was clearer, investments could be focused, increasing the chances of building a relationship.

Years ago, when Li Qianfeng became a disciple of Wuliang Mountain, many had begun sending gifts over a decade ago.

Now, faced with Li Hao's sudden rise, it was too late to switch sides, leaving them to continue down their chosen path.

...

Amidst the turbulent undercurrents, one of the central figures, Li Hao, leisurely rode to Tan Palace Academy.

First, he visited the Water Kirin, Song Qiumo, at the Cold Pool, painting two more pictures for her and bringing some pastries.

Song Qiumo glanced at them and said she didn't like such dry food.

Li Hao smiled and encouraged her to try.

She reluctantly did so and, after tasting, immediately asked Li Hao where she could get more.

Li Hao laughed, explaining that he had made them himself.

Song Qiumo's eyes lit up with desire.

Before she could ask, Li Hao promised to bring more next time.

Hearing this, Song Qiumo smiled contentedly and, with a wave of her delicate hand, summoned a seven-leaf purple grass from the cold pool.

This purple grass, radiant with a beautiful glow, was quite magnificent.

She handed it to Li Hao, saying, "This is the Millennial Profound Ice Grass. It can fend off cold invasions and greatly aid in cultivating ice-related techniques. Even if you don't cultivate such techniques, it can enhance your defense against water-based demon attacks."

Li Hao looked at it and shook his head, "You keep it for yourself. I don't need it."

"Why?"

Song Qiumo was stunned and insisted, "I know your Li family is rich in resources, but this Millennial Profound Ice Grass should still be a rare treasure for you."

Indeed, Li Hao knew this, but his situation was unique.

Though treasures were valuable, he couldn't absorb them, making them useless to him.

Compared to the enhancements from his interface, he didn't need this herb. Any skill elevated to perfection would surpass its benefits.

The body has its limits, and once those limits are reached, no amount of herbs would help.

While he could give it to others, this treasure was valuable to Song Qiumo as well, who likely planned to use it herself.

"Keep it for yourself. I lack nothing," Li Hao said with a smile.

Song Qiumo was puzzled, thinking that many disciples had tried to get close to her, all with ulterior motives. Seeing Li Hao visit regularly, she assumed he had a similar agenda. She hadn't expected him to refuse a valuable gift.

Besides this treasure, she had little else to offer.

Many sought to build connections.

But Li Hao seemed not to need it.

Being a young master of the God General's Mansion with extraordinary talent, he didn't need to curry favor with a Four Standing Realms demon.

"Do you really not want it?" Song Qiumo hesitated.

Li Hao sighed, "If you have many of these and insist, I'll take it to feed the pigs."

"In your dreams."

Song Qiumo rolled her eyes. What pig would deserve this? Li Hao thought giving it to Li Yuanzhao wouldn't be bad...

In the first courtyard of Tan Palace Academy, Li Yuanzhao, out of nowhere, sneezed, looking around bewildered. Who's cursing me? Could it be that brat Li Yun?

On the other side, Li Yun also sneezed, turning to see Li Yuanzhao, and their eyes met, instantly connecting.

By the cold pool, Song Qiumo put away the treasure and returned it to the pool, letting it recover from minor damage. As a living treasure, it would soon re-root and heal.

"Next time, bring more of those snacks," Song Qiumo said, winking.

Li Hao smiled, "It's hard to fill you up, but I can at least satisfy your cravings."

With that, he said goodbye and left.

Song Qiumo watched him leave, a smile forming on her lips.

She then silently slipped back into the cold pool.

Li Hao then walked to the Black and White Hall.

He had notified Palace Master Song Yufeng earlier that he intended to teach today.

Having taken on the role of a guest teacher, he needed to fulfill his duties, especially since he had some free time.

As he approached the Black and White Hall, he heard an angry voice from within: "Out! Stand outside!"

"What nonsense are you writing? Are you here to practice martial arts or to study?!"

"If not for your father's pleading, how could someone of your talent get into the Black and White Hall?"

"Be glad you're even in the outer courtyard!"

Li Hao was taken aback, finding the situation somewhat amusing.

It felt like saying, "Why are you studying here? This is gym class! Get to the field!" Wasn't that a bit too satisfying? However, this was Tan Palace Academy, where literary pursuits were not valued.

Li Hao stepped inside.

The Black and White Hall consisted of two halls, the Black Hall and the White Hall.

The Black Hall housed disciples at the Uniting Souls level, while the White Hall was for the Divine Wanderers.

Song Yufeng had requested Li Hao to teach in the White Hall, which was just ahead, though close to the Black Hall, often referred to collectively.

Looking around, the White Hall was spacious but had only fifty seats, neatly arranged.

There, Li Hao saw a familiar face, Song Yueyao.

Sitting at the front, her presence was striking, like a beautiful scenery.

In front of the students stood a young man in his twenties, his head lowered, face flushed with embarrassment, being scolded.

The one scolding him was an elderly man with white hair and beard, the White Hall's instructor.

Li Hao chuckled. Despite being in the Divine Wanderers stage, the young man was being reprimanded like a schoolchild.

"If I catch you bringing these books to class again, don't bother coming back. Don't let one bad apple spoil the bunch!"

"Out, out you go!"

The old instructor's temper was fiery, shouting angrily.

The young man, face red, bit his lip and walked out, stopping when he saw Li Hao at the door.

The other students also noticed Li Hao's arrival.

"It's him."

Song Yueyao was surprised, then remembered what her grandfather had said, her eyes brightening. Is he here to teach?

She didn't expect much from him. Though he was at the fifteenth-mile boundary and stronger than her, having strength didn't mean he could teach, especially since he was only fourteen, still a child in her eyes.

"Hey, this guy looks familiar."

Her friend Lin Feifei was puzzled, feeling she had seen him somewhere before.

Song Yueyao smiled wryly, not yet telling her that Li Hao was the one who had crossed the Nether River.

It wasn't surprising they didn't recognize him. Who paid attention to these boys' faces anyway?

"They should be considered mere objects," Song Yueyao thought.

"Who's this guy?"

"He looks young. A new student?"

Other students whispered among themselves.

The young man, feeling embarrassed to be caught by a new student, was also surprised by how young the newcomer was. Probably some noble's son.

"Why are you still standing there? Get outside!"

The angry shout from behind made the young man hurry out.

At this moment, the old man saw Li Hao and recognized him. He had been present when Li Hao was granted special entry to the Black and White Hall.

In recent days, Li Hao's name had spread throughout Qingzhou. The fourteen-year-old earl was too impressive to ignore.

"Young Master Li, are you here to exchange? Please come in."

The old man, named Sun Hongdian, dropped his angry demeanor, replacing it with a smile, showing great respect to Li Hao.

The stark contrast in his behavior left the students dumbfounded.

When had they ever seen this old man so respectful? Maybe only when the palace master occasionally appeared? "Hello." Li Hao responded with a smile, instinctively extending his hand for a shake.

As they shook hands, he covered the old man's hand with his other, giving it a slight shake.