Taking Care of It Along the Way (Two Chapters in One)

Other Legitimate and Illegitimate Lines the Xia Family, both legitimate and illegitimate, accompanied Xia Linglong. Standing beside her, they all secretly observed the young man with expressions of curiosity.

This young man, who came from the Heavenly Origin Divine General Residence in Qing Prefecture, is now being personally greeted by the Family Head of the Xia Family in the Suppressing Might Divine General Residence. This is an honor that even Eunuch Chu, who came by imperial decree from Yu Emperor's side, did not receive. He was only invited into the mansion and then greeted outside the courtyard.

But at this moment, none of them found it strange.

After all, he became Gong-rank Noble at the age of fifteen and Dutong General!

"Greetings, Senior Xia Linglong."

Li Hao cupped his hands in greeting, acknowledging the greeting.

Xia Linglong smiled sweetly, her luxurious attire exuding nobility. She possessed both the dignified and majestic air of Family Head and the gentle grace of a woman. She invited the young man into the mansion and treated him as an honored guest.

Along the way, apart from the two elders of the Xia Family, the other famous generals and Shu Furen of Xia Linglong's generation followed behind, curiously observing this fifteen-year-old boy who was already walking side by side with the Family Head.

"We couldn't even see through his Aura."

The two elders of the Xia Family also had solemn expressions. Seeing is believing, and only after meeting him did they realize that the rumors about this young man were not exaggerated at all.

Upon arriving at the Eastern Pavilion Courtyard, Xia Linglong invited Li Hao to the seat of honor, ordered tea to be served as a greeting, and began to converse with Li Hao.

"I've heard that General Haotian sacrificed himself to lure away the Candlelight God from the Great Void Realm for the sake of millions of people in Liang Prefecture, causing him to sink into the Youdu-level Mo River. I wonder when General Haotian will return?"

Xia Linglong asked curiously.

The young man's appearance was completely unexpected. While all the states and His Majesty were eagerly awaiting his arrival, he appeared from You Province. She even began to wonder if their Xia Family's Intelligence network had collapsed, or if it had been neglected for too long, allowing too many Corruption and parasitic individuals to thrive.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised. Judging from the Xia family patriarch's words, it seemed that he was also unaware that the River of Demise had already been cleared.

So, Li Xiaoran didn't spread the news?

Li Hao's eyes flickered; the Li Family's actions must have had ulterior motives.

"Recently."

Li Hao said this, without going into details.

Seeing that Li Hao was unwilling to talk more about the Mo River, Xia Linglong didn't press him further. After all, now that the Merit Treasure Trove was open, Intelligence the Mo River was extremely valuable, especially since it was Youdu-level Mo River.

"Regarding the matter in Liyang City, my Xia Family, on behalf of the people of Liyang, thanks General Haotian."

Xia Linglong's smile faded, and she spoke solemnly.

It's hard to repay a favor, but she didn't let it Past unresolved.

This is You Province, Xia Family must ultimately repay this kindness. Even though it is a fierce general sent by His Majesty, they must remember this favor three times over.

"It's nothing, senior, please don't worry about it."

Li Hao chuckled, not taking it seriously at all; it was just a favor he did on a whim.

Regardless of Merit and Fame or personal relationships, as Human Race, one cannot simply stand idly by and watch Demon slaughter.

Xia Linglong then brought up her previous deeds in Liang Prefecture, praising the young man in an attempt to ease the awkward atmosphere between them.

However, seeing that Li Hao only responded gently, without the slightest arrogance or pride in his expression, Xia Linglong couldn't help but feel a little surprised. Under such tremendous merit, it was hard for anyone to remain calm.

As they talked, she gradually sensed that the young man was carefree and unconventional, like a chivalrous knight-errant, possessing both chivalrous spirit and refined gentleness.

She couldn't help but secretly compare him to the younger generation of the Xia Family. But in comparison, putting aside cultivation level, his calm and easygoing nature already surpassed most of the younger generation.

She sighed inwardly, wondering why the Li Family, also an ancient and solemn Military Family, could raise such an unruly and intelligent child.

The Xia Family, on the other hand, followed the rules meticulously and methodically. While this allowed them to become famous generals step by step, it inevitably diminished the vitality of the seemingly glorious but actually aging Divine General Residence.

Besides her exceptional talent in Martial Dao arts, Xia Linglong was also intelligent and adept at interpersonal relationships. When she wrote to invite Li Hao, she had already gathered Intelligence about the young man. During their conversation, she always spoke in accordance with his preferences and did not directly invite Li Hao to risk his life for the Xia Family.

After all, asking for help to fight the Gluttony Valley Master is really asking too much of him.

As the banquet progressed, Xia Linglong chatted with Li Hao about poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She had some knowledge of these subjects, but after talking with Li Hao, she discovered that the young man's interests were not merely hobbies, but rather that he possessed profound knowledge in them.

This greatly amazed her. It was hard to imagine that a young man with such extraordinary Martial Dao would still have the mind to study other things. He was truly as rumored, a man of both literary and martial talents.

Fortunately, she had made preparations in advance, and invited a retired scholar from the Hanlin Academy in You Province to the mansion in the hope that Li Hao would not feel bored while staying in the Xia Family mansion.

Unexpectedly, when the old gentleman was introduced at the banquet, he became excited upon learning Li Hao's identity. He grabbed Li Hao's hand and recited the poems that Li Hao had casually recited in the Brothel.

After each sentence, he would ask Li Hao, "Did you write this too?"

Li Hao felt inexplicably embarrassed, as if he had been caught copying a book. He had never felt this guilty even in front of the Demon King...

"He fought across three thousand miles, and with a single sword, he once faced a million soldiers!"

The old man, though thin and frail, trembled, his eyes filled with tears, and said, "Only a general with such heroic spirit could write such a poem!"

During the banquet, Xia Linglong and the others were also awestruck by the old gentleman's recitation of Li Hao's poems. They felt their blood rushing to their heads, and the strong liquor they drank felt like a raging fire, igniting their bloodlust. They wished they could immediately grab their swords and rush to the battlefield to fight Demon in a bloody battle!

Although they were military officers and not well-versed in poetry, they could at least discern the quality and meaning of the poems, and at this moment they were all looking at the young man in shock.

The poem's iron will, its resounding heroism, and its All Under Heaven aura, combined with the young man's feats of defeating the Dragon Gate Grand Elder alone and fighting against the Great Void Realm Sovereign, made their eyes shine. They looked at the young man with a mixture of admiration and complex emotions, like hungry wolves, and even felt a sense of resentment that he wasn't surnamed Xia.

Why is it that none of the sons of the Xia Family have produced such a prodigy?

Xia Linglong's eyes also changed from initial surprise to complexity. She remembered two lines from the poem the old man recited, which felt like her State of Mind when she once fought on the Demon Battlefield.

They vowed to endure sleeping in the open and braving the elements without complaint.

I'll drink fresh blood instead of rouge.

She was a woman, yet on the battlefield, she stained herself with blood, using it to adorn herself.

While others embroidered brocade handkerchiefs, she embroidered the landscape of Great Yu.

Upon first hearing the young man's name, one might assume he was Heavenly Prodigy; but upon closer observation, one realizes he is no ordinary person.

During the banquet, Xia Linglong and many other Xia Family were amazed by Li Hao's erudition. Halfway through the meal, Xia Linglong watched the old scholar from the Hanlin Academy chatting happily with Li Hao. She sat to the side, her eyes slightly lost in thought.

She suddenly hesitated, unsure whether she should tell the young man about the Eastern Border battlefield or invite him to join the fight.

If this young man were given a few more years, he would surely be able to protect the entire Great Yu in the Future. But now she is asking him to put himself in danger, which makes her feel guilty.

After the banquet ended, Xia Linglong remained silent for a long time. Li Hao had heard about the situation in You Province from Liyang City, especially the chaos in the east, where countless people had been sacrificed.

Seeing that the Family Head hadn't mentioned this matter, he was surprised and asked:

"I've heard that there's war raging in the east of You Province, and the situation is dire. Do you need my help?"

Xia Linglong's heart tightened at Li Hao's question. Looking into the boy's sincere and bright eyes, she suddenly felt a pang of pity and shook her head with a slight smile:

"Although there is war, my Xia Family is able to quell it."

"Family Head."

When Xia Linglong avoided the topic, Xia Yuanwu, the elder of the Xia Family, couldn't help but change his expression slightly.

Although he greatly admired the young man, You Province was now in a critical moment, and the young man's strength was comparable to that of the Unique Skill Realm, making him an absolute asset!

The other Xia Family understood Xia Linglong's meaning, and their expressions changed, some even becoming complicated.

Their admiration and affection for the young man made them feel reluctant to leave, but the thought of the battle in the Eastern Border and the peril in You Province made their hearts ache even more.

Amidst these conflicting and complex emotions, their expressions became somewhat unnatural.

Li Hao noticed this and, somewhat puzzled, said to Xia Linglong:

"Senior Xia, just tell me what you need. Whether it's feasible or not, we'll discuss that later."

At this moment, he also realized that the Xia Family's invitation to come was not simply to express their gratitude to Liyang City.

Xia Linglong's expression changed slightly upon hearing Li Hao's words. She stared at the young man. At the same time, the old gentleman from the Hanlin Academy also sensed that the atmosphere at the dinner table was not right, and immediately stopped talking, just watching them quietly.

Xia Yuanwu and the others looked at Xia Linglong anxiously, wanting to speak up, but due to family rules and Xia Linglong's authority, they dared not offend or overstep their bounds.

Xia Linglong and Li Hao locked eyes for a long while. She paused for a moment, sighed softly, and, thinking of the people of You Province, finally said what she had originally said.

"The Gluttony Valley Master?"

Li Hao's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing Xia Linglong's words.

This was also a Great Demon King. Before the Candlelight God revealed his power at the Half-Step Dao Realm, the opponent was of equal status to the Candlelight God.

However, compared to the Great Void Realm, the Gluttony Valley has a weaker foundation. It suddenly rose to prominence five hundred years ago, and with its Bloodlust and ferocious style, it grew wildly and became a top Demon force in just five hundred years, making people tremble with fear.

Many Frontier cities, having heard of the Gluttony Valley's infamous reputation, dared not even defend their cities and fled overnight.

If another Demon force were to conquer the city, there would still be a chance to survive and wait for reinforcements to arrive. However, the Demon of Gluttony Valley are extremely Bloodlust and ferocious. They can devour an entire city in a single night, leaving no stone unturned, not even for rats.

Li Hao had long ago read about these top Demon forces in the Listening Rain Pavilion like a storybook.

"Is Gluttony Valley the only option?" Li Hao asked.

Xia Linglong's expression turned serious. She glanced at Li Hao and said, "That's right. The Saint Palace and the Dragon Gate are besieging Qing Prefecture. Currently, only the Gluttony Valley has been spotted within You Province. There might be other forces behind them, but that's just a possibility."

"Besiege Qing Prefecture?"

When Li Hao heard the Qing Prefecture, his eyelids twitched involuntarily.

Liang Prefecture has just been pacified, You Province is already in turmoil, so why is Qing Prefecture under siege?

"What's the situation in Qing Prefecture?" Li Hao asked hurriedly. Many faces flashed through his mind: the gluttonous woman, the two old men, the First Madam, Yuanzhao, and the students of the Tan Palace Academy...

And there are many pastry shops along the street.

His heart tightened.

Hearing Li Hao's urgent words, Xia Linglong and the others were surprised and immediately realized that this young man really did not know about Qing Prefecture.

Perhaps he had just come from the Mo River and was still unfamiliar with the outside world... Xia Linglong immediately made a judgment. Seeing Li Hao's anxious appearance, she felt disappointed and regretful, knowing that there was basically no hope of getting Li Hao to help You Province. However, she still carefully explained what she knew:

"I heard that most of Qing Prefecture has fallen. The leaders of the Saint Palace and the Dragon Gate have both made their moves and even reached the Qingzhou City ahead of schedule. They should still be fighting there. However, since the Gluttony Valley attacked You Province, we know less about the situation in Qing Prefecture."

As she said this, seeing the urgency in the boy's eyes, she whispered:

"If you want to reinforce Qing Prefecture now, it's not too late. My Xia Family can borrow your Battle Flag to bolster Qing Prefecture's strength."

When she said "borrowing the Battle Flag," she meant that Li Hao could go to Qing Prefecture and send troops to raise the Xia Family's Battle Flag, pretending to be the Xia Family's army coming to reinforce them.

Although the Xia Family's Battle Flag was not as effective as Li Hao 'Battle Flag, it was still extremely powerful in deterring Demon. After all, it meant that the Xia Family had entered Qing Prefecture and was now a force to be reckoned with. This made the Saint Palace and Dragon Gate, who were attacking Qing Prefecture, think twice, and at least they could buy some time for them.

Upon hearing the other party's words, Li Hao knew that they were entrusting him with a great honor for the Xia Family, which was an immense favor to repay for the Divine General Residence.

He had no appetite at this moment. He stood up and said, "I thank the Xia Family for their kindness on behalf of the people of Qing Prefecture. Let's not delay and set off."

Li Hao remembered the Topographical Map of the Nineteen Provinces. If he remembered correctly, the Eastern Border of You Province was also the route to Qing Prefecture, only slightly off-center.

"Then I wish General Haotian a triumphant return..."

Xia Linglong and many Xia Family also got up and left their seats, their expressions complicated. This young man came from Qing Prefecture, and it was only natural that he would come to the aid of his hometown at the first opportunity. They had no reason to stop him.

"Huh? What are you all standing there for? Lead the way, we'll take care of that Gluttony Valley in the Eastern Border we're at it."

Just as Li Hao was about to set off, he saw that Xia Linglong and the others were still standing there, merely bowing as if to see him off, and couldn't help but call out.

"What?"

Li Hao's words stunned everyone in the Xia Family. Xia Linglong reacted and asked in astonishment, "You, you want to help us attack Gluttony Valley first?"

"It's nothing, let's get going."

Li Hao said.

Hearing Li Hao's arrogant tone, Xia Yuanwu, the elder of the Xia Family, couldn't help but speak up, "General Haotian, that Gluttony Valley Master is at the peak of the Unique Skill Realm. Although he hasn't mastered the Dao Realm, he is still very troublesome. If you are really willing to take action, we can lure him to the Bright River area of You Province..."

"It's not that complicated, I'll just kill it for you."

Li Hao interrupted him, anticipating their various worries and doubts, and immediately said bluntly without wasting time, "I can handle the Great Peace Dao Realm as well, you don't need to worry."

"!!"

The Xia Family members were stunned, staring at Li Hao in shock, wondering if the boy had misspoke.

Li Hao had no time to waste; the time he would have spent explaining to them could have been enough for him to kill that Gluttony Valley Master dozens of times over.

He glanced at Xia Linglong and said, "Senior Xia Linglong, could you lead the way?"

Xia Linglong was stunned. Looking at Li Hao's casual gaze, she suddenly realized that this young man had survived being chased by the Candlelight God after leaving the Mo River, so he must have made another breakthrough.

Could it be that he has already reached the level of the Great Peace Dao Realm?

The idea was too terrifying, but the boy had created too many miracles in a row. She felt a chill run down her spine. Although she couldn't believe it, Li Hao said it himself, so she had no choice but to believe it.

"Okay, I'll lead the way!"

Xia Linglong was extremely decisive. She raised her hand and summoned a long spear that flew from a distance and landed in her hand.

I'll go too.

Xia Yuanwu quickly spoke, summoning his own weapon as well.

Regardless of whether Li Hao's words are true or false, since Li Hao is willing to take action, he can also use this opportunity to help.

"You guys keep up at full speed, I might be faster."

Li Hao gave the Candlelight God a wink, and the Candlelight God nodded slightly. Suddenly, his body turned around, and Blazing Flame swept over him, transforming him from a young man into a ferocious beast with Fire Lion and dragon tail. His hooves resembled those of Qilin or Male Lion, and he was strong and majestic.

It soared into the air, radiating Blazing Flame and intense Aura, the heatwave sweeping across the entire Suppressing Might Divine General Residence.

Li Hao flipped over, jumped onto its back, and sat down. He then asked Xia Linglong to point out the direction.

Xia Linglong and the others stared at the boy sitting on the back of the Demon, feeling as if he were Deity in the fire, and were all shocked and horrified.

That young man was actually a Demon, yet none of them had noticed before!

Such methods only demonstrate that this Demon is extremely terrifying, beyond their imagination.

Holding the divine spear, Xia Linglong soared into the sky, sensing the Aura emanating from the Demon beneath Li Hao. She felt waves of terrifying pressure that made her heart tremble, and she had an unbelievable feeling that this Demon was stronger than her!

"Walk!"

Li Hao shouted.

His voice snapped Xia Linglong and the others out of their reverie. If they had harbored some doubts and concerns before, their confidence had now surged. Xia Linglong quickly pointed in the direction and said, "Over there!"

Call!

Blazing Flame swept across the area, Candlelight God galloped on all fours, swiftly treading on the flames as he rushed forward at top speed.

Wow, so fast!

Xia Linglong and Xia Yuanwu were both startled when they saw this and hurriedly gave chase.

Besides the two of them, another elder from the Xia Family was also shocked, but he remained suspended in mid-air to guard the Xia Family's Divine General Residence.

"My God, am I seeing things?!"

"That's a mount from the Four Establishments Realm?"

"He said he was going to kill the Gluttony Valley Master while he was at it. Did I hear that right?"

"I don't know, but I heard he defeated the Dragon Gate Grand Elder before, so now... he might be even stronger?"

After Li Hao and Xia Linglong left, the Xia Family members in the courtyard were shocked and exclaimed in surprise.

The young man was refined and gentle, and seemed approachable, but at this moment, his slightly imposing presence gave him an aura of invincibility.

The figure seated atop the Demon's back, surrounded by Divine Fire Blazing Flame, ignited hope in their eyes. Perhaps, that young man truly could resolve the chaos in You Province?

Li Hao rode on the Candlelight God's back, speeding along at breakneck speed.

Xia Linglong and Xia Yuanwu used the Xia Family's Supreme Movement Technique to fly at full speed, but they could only barely catch up. Both of them were shocked, unable to discern the true nature of the Demon beneath Li Hao.

The old man from the Xia Family who had previously rushed to Liang Prefecture to provide assistance was not Xia Yuanwu, so he failed to recognize the identity of the Candlelight God.

The Candlelight God rarely appears, which is why few people recognize his appearance.

About half an hour later, guided by Xia Linglong, they arrived at the Second Defense Line on the eastern battlefield of You Province.

Only the Candlelight God could keep up with this full-speed journey, while Xia Linglong and Xia Yuanwu were almost forced to use their Unyielding Power, and their physical strength was almost completely depleted at this moment.

After all, they had been running at near full speed the whole way, which even Four Establishments Realm couldn't keep up with.

Fortunately, their Unyielding Power allowed them to still be combat-ready upon arriving at the battlefield.

Even from a great distance, Li Hao could hear the deafening roars coming from the battlefield.

His face was slightly gloomy, a feeling reminiscent of when he chased after that Old Dragon to the front lines of Liang Prefecture.

Looking up, one could see a towering defensive line standing on the plain ahead, with countless Demon attacking like a torrent. The Magic Array on the defensive line had already been destroyed, and Human Race and Demon were locked in a fierce battle.

Li Hao scanned the surroundings and sensed several powerful Aura lurking behind the Demon Tide.

However, these Aura are not strong enough; at most, they represent the Defying Fate Realm.

"Gluttony Valley Master, come out here!"

Li Hao gave a soft shout.

The boy's sharp voice rolled out rapidly like thunder surging in the sky, and in an instant, accompanied by howling winds, it spread throughout the vast battlefield, like a thunderclap in the ears of thousands of Demons on the battlefield.