Removing the True Dragon

Li Hao got up, quickly tidied himself up, and then led the Candlelight God and Evening Primrose to the Li Family Divine General Residence.

He came here to collect his official decree of investiture, as well as his Official Seal and other items.

The old man said that the couple was unwilling to give it up, so he had no choice but to come and collect it himself.

Standing once again before this magnificent and imposing Divine General Residence Xuanhe, Li Hao slightly raised his head and gazed at the huge, Golden Name. Memories of the past flashed through his mind, but in the end, they all slowly sank into the depths of his heart.

Upon learning of Li Hao's arrival, the Divine General Residence was immediately abuzz with excitement, and He Jianlan and the others personally came to the entrance to greet him.

When Li Hao explained the reason, the slight tension and anticipation that had risen in the hearts of He Jianlan and the others quickly dissipated and faded away.

He Jianlan invited Li Hao to Evergreen Courtyard and treated him like a distinguished guest, personally brewing tea for Li Hao with her fair hands. Then she ordered someone to inform Li Tiangang of Mountains and Rivers Courtyard to send Li Hao's things over.

Upon learning of Li Hao's arrival, the other ladies of the household also rushed over. They knew that this young man's farewell today meant that it might be a long time before they met again, perhaps many years later...

The once quiet Evergreen Courtyard suddenly became lively.

The message was delivered to Mountains and Rivers Courtyard, where Li Tiangang, who had been kneeling in Ancestral Shrine Mountains and Rivers Courtyard hall all night, had just returned.

Last night, he had planned to visit his ancestors and then check on the military situation in various parts of Qing Prefecture, but after entering the Ancestral Shrine, he did not leave.

When questioned by his ancestors, he dared not conceal anything and reported everything truthfully.

He did not defend himself, but simply gave an objective account, acknowledging that he was indeed at fault in the matter, and his face showed grief and regret as he spoke.

The many ancestors of the Li Family, upon hearing Heroic Soul, were shocked, enraged, and ultimately filled with sorrow.

They found it hard to believe that such Prodigy from Heavenly Prodigy Li Family was forced out of the Li Family by his own parents.

In the pitch-black night, Anger roars were blocked outside the Ancestral Shrine gate.

The angry and indignant shouts were all drowned out by the darkness of the night.

Only Li Qingzheng, who was sitting outside the Ancestral Shrine, heard it. However, he was leaning against the newly blossoming peach tree outside the Ancestral Shrine Square, with a few peach petals falling to the ground. Beside him were several jars of wine he had brought back from the Cloud Glow Pavilion.

He poured himself a drink.

He clearly heard the angry curses of the many ancestors in the Ancestral Shrine behind him, but he did not feel any relief. His emotions were completely unmoved, like a dead lake.

He simply gazed at the Mingyue, at the lights illuminating the various courtyards of the Divine General Residence, the warm glow of the lanterns contrasting sharply with the darkness.

Thousands of lights illuminate the city, but the most precious one is missing.

The liquor poured into his mouth, but slowly seeped out from his eyes.

At this moment, Li Tiangang, who had just dragged his tired body back to Mountains and Rivers Courtyard, saw his wife still sitting in the hall, looking haggard as if she hadn't slept all night, and his heart ached again.

But before he could sit down, he received a message from Evergreen Courtyard.

Upon learning that it was Li Hao who had come, he was overjoyed. However, when he learned that Li Hao had come to collect the Official Seal and the imperial edict, his joy was extinguished like cold water, and waves of grief tore through him.

He went directly to Evergreen Courtyard.

Upon hearing the news, Ji Qingqing's numb and empty eyes snapped back to reality as if startled, and tears welled up in her long-dry eyes once more.

She quickly got up and leaped into the air to chase after Evergreen Courtyard.

Upon hearing the news, Li Yuanzhao, Li Wushuang, and the others rushed to the Evergreen Courtyard. Looking at the young man surrounded by his elders, the scene seemed the same as always, only more fervent than before.

Li Hao chatted and laughed with He Jianlan and the others, and they asked Li Hao about his future plans.

Li Hao just smiled and said that he plans to travel around and see the mountains and rivers and the scenery of different places in the future.

Since he's come into this world, he naturally wants to see it for himself and see if it meets his expectations.

Upon hearing Li Hao's words, Li Xiaoran, who was sitting on another rooftop outside the hall, had a slightly bitter expression on his lips.

If that young man were still Li Family, hearing him say these words would only evoke a sense of nostalgia. It would remind him of when he was young and spirited, hiding his identity, wandering the land, and defeating all the major martial Sect.

But he had a time to return home; after traveling through mountains and rivers, he eventually found his hometown.

Wherever the young man landed, that became his home.

The soft whispers inside the hall were quickly broken by two whooshing sounds as Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing rushed over and landed in the courtyard.

Li Xiaoran, perched on the roof, lost the bitter smile that had been playing on his lips.

The soft whispers in the hall seemed to quiet down as everyone's gaze fell on Li Tiangang. He Jianlan lowered her gaze slightly and, seeing that Li Tiangang's hands were empty, her expression changed slightly. She said:

"Heavenly Gang, where are Hao'er's things?"

Li Tiangang seemed not to hear her words and walked straight into the hall, his eyes seemingly only on the seated young man.

The grief in his chest was like a raging fire, a sculpting knife, burning and piercing his heart. He gritted his teeth, took a deep breath, and said:

"What do you want from me to forgive your mother and me?"

Li Hao frowned slightly and said, "I've already said we have no connection whatsoever. Stop pretending to be my parents. Please have some self-respect."

"Your mother had no choice. Do you expect me to give you my life right now?!"

Li Tiangang said through gritted teeth.

Li Hao's brows furrowed even deeper, and his eyes turned colder.

"I've said it before, the Past is the Past. From now on, mountains are mountains, seas are seas, you are you, and I am me. Haven't I made myself clear enough?"

Do you know how much we've suffered these past few days? Your mother cries every day, filled with remorse, and we're in so much pain too!

Li Tiangang's eyes were bloodshot, and beneath his thick eyebrows, Anger welled up in his sorrowful gaze.

"..."

Li Hao glanced at him quietly and understood once again that this man was as always, never changing. Even in regret and sorrow, he never listened to his words.

Fortunately, he is no longer bothered by it.

Since he wouldn't listen, there was no need to say anything more. He picked up his teacup, lowered his head, and took a sip.

Seeing the atmosphere become tense again, He Jianlan, her emotions running high, stood up and said, "Heavenly Gang, why are you here saying all this? No matter how much pain you're in, can it compare to Hao'er's? He's almost died several times!"

Li Tiangang's expression changed, his eyes filled with sorrow, "But what can we do?"

He Jianlan gritted her teeth and said, "Hasn't Hao'er made himself clear enough? He has nothing to do with you anymore. He came here to claim his glory, the merits he earned in Liang Prefecture. Did you bring them?!"

Hearing the Eldest Sister-in-Law's stern words, Li Tiangang's heart trembled, and the grief in his eyes deepened.

He looked up at He Jianlan, then at Li Hao, who was drinking tea with his head down and saying nothing, and gritted his teeth, saying:

"Since you've severed ties with your Bloodline and let go of the Past, why are you still here?"

Li Hao put down his teacup, his expression calm as still water, and said:

"I came because I let go."

These words caused He Jianlan and the others a pang of pain in their hearts, knowing that the young man had truly let go.

But this also made them seem even more distant from the boy.

Li Tiangang's face was grim. He said, "Do you want me to beg you? Then I'll beg you in public right now, please come back, okay?"

He Jianlan's expression changed, and she angrily said, "Is this how you beg for help?"

Li Hao shook his head slightly, indicating to He Jianlan that she didn't need to be angry. He then turned to look at Li Tiangang seriously and said:

"Stop making trouble. Aren't you law-abiding? I have no connection with the Li Family anymore. What do you mean by withholding my Official Seal and imperial edict?"

Li Tiangang's face was grim, his mood extremely complicated. He could analyze the events on the battlefield meticulously, but these family matters left him in a complete mess.

All he knew in his heart was that if he handed that thing over to Li Hao, the relationship would be completely severed.

"Child..."

Ji Qingqing stepped forward, her face covered in tears, also wanting to plead.

But when Li Hao saw her tearful appearance, he frowned, stood up, and said, "Fine, if you don't want it, then I don't want it."

Having said that, he turned to look at He Jianlan and the others, glanced around, and then bowed respectfully.

"Junior Haotian bids farewell to all seniors, thank you for your past care, and I hope we can meet again someday."

After speaking, he bowed deeply to He Jianlan again, then walked directly past Li Tiangang and his wife inside the hall and headed outside.

"Stop right there!"

Li Tiangang hurriedly said.

"Hao'er!"

Ji Qingqing chased after him in grief, but was blocked by a force— Li Hao's Dao Domain.

Li Hao continued walking until he saw a hunched figure at the door, at which point Pause.

The last trace of coldness on his face softened instantly, and he said in a low voice:

"Uncle Zhao, why didn't you come last night? I was waiting to offer you a toast."

Upon hearing this, Steward Zhao, standing at the door, lowered his head, wiped away a tear, and forced a smile, saying, "Young Master, this old servant was busy and couldn't attend the banquet. Please forgive me."

Li Hao guessed the reason and wasn't surprised; he simply smiled and said:

"I'm no longer the young master of Mountains and Rivers Courtyard. From now on, just call me 'boy'."

Steward Zhao slowly shook his head and said, "You will always be my young master."

Li Hao's lips moved slightly. Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, he didn't correct him further. He raised his hand and retrieved a Demon King's heart from the Heaven and Earth Space.

"This demon heart, when used as medicine, has the effects of prolonging life and shaping the body. You should accept it."

"Young master, you mustn't do this. This old servant's worthless life is not worthy of such a treasure..." Steward Zhao hurriedly declined.

Li Hao handed it to him directly, saying, "It's nothing special. I find it too fishy to cook with. I have plenty here. If you need more, I'll just go kill a few more."

Steward Zhao choked up immediately. This child hadn't changed at all. He always regarded the things that everyone pursued as fleeting and insignificant, but he valued the ordinary little things with deep affection.

"Child..."

Li Hao patted Uncle Zhao on the shoulder, and thinking of Li Fu's death in Liang Prefecture, he couldn't help but sigh, and said nothing more.

As he stepped out the door, he saw Li Xiaoran on the opposite rooftop. He nodded and smiled slightly at him.

We also bid farewell to the old man who fought alongside us at the Mo River.

Li Xiaoran simply nodded slightly, his thoughts hidden, his face revealing nothing.

As Li Hao approached the steps, Li Yuanzhao, Li Jianming, and others hurriedly came to greet him. But before they could even speak, streaks of golden light suddenly swept in from afar.

The golden light was none other than the many Li Family Ancestors, rushing towards them from the direction of the Ancestral Shrine.

The leading golden light was imposing and tall, its Heroic Soul several times larger than that of the other heroic Divine Soul; it was none other than Li Tianyuan, the Li Family Ancestors.

Upon seeing the arrival of so many ancestors, everyone in the courtyard was taken aback, and then hurriedly knelt down to pay their respects.

The servants and maids surrounding the courtyard were all taken aback when they heard the shouts of these young masters and ladies, and hurriedly knelt down and bowed their heads.

"Ancestor?"

Upon hearing the news, He Jianlan and the others in the hall rushed out. When they saw that Li Tianyuan had actually appeared there, they were all shocked and immediately knelt down to pay their respects.

Ji Qingqing and Li Tiangang, who were inside the house, also saw it, and their expressions changed immediately. They both quickly knelt down.

In an instant, only one figure remained standing in the entire arena— Li Hao.

Li Hao was somewhat surprised to see dozens of the heroic Heroic Soul of his Li Family Ancestors filling the sky.

"Child."

When Li Tianyuan saw Li Hao, his eyes softened, and he said softly:

"I've heard about what happened to you. Your parents have wronged you. Although we've disciplined them, we can't make up for it in their place. But could you please stay with the Li Family for the sake of the rest of us?"

Li Hao remained calm and Qing Feng, saying, "I have not forgotten the kindness shown to my elders by the Li Family. We can meet and reunite anywhere, regardless of whether we are at the Li Family. I hope you all understand."

Upon hearing this, the expressions of Li Tianyuan and many other ancestral Heroic Soul changed. Some looked sorrowful, while others sighed inwardly, knowing that the child had severed his Bloodline and could not be persuaded to return with just a few words.

They came here simply to make one last effort.

"Your father has made a mistake. Although he has achieved great success abroad, he has been tyrannical and arbitrary in his duties, and his actions have been biased. From this day forward, he is stripped of his True Dragon Position."

Li Tianyuan said in a low voice.

The courtyard fell silent upon hearing this. Everyone was shocked, never expecting that Li Tiangang's True Dragon Position would be stripped of by his ancestor himself.

In the past, only those who committed grave mistakes and sins would be personally punished by their ancestors in their anger, who would strip the True Dragon of his title. Li Tiangang had fought in Northern Yan and defended Liang Prefecture, achieving great merits, yet he was stripped of his True Dragon Position.

However, everyone understood that, as their ancestor had said, while they had achieved great success in foreign affairs, forcing Li Hao out of the Divine General Residence was a stain on their lives that could not be erased.

Inside the hall, Ji Qingqing was slightly taken aback and looked at her husband beside her.

Li Tiangang, however, appeared sorrowful but not shocked, as if he already knew.

Standing on the steps of the main hall, Li Hao's expression remained calm and unchanged.

As he said, he had let go, which is why he came.

Therefore, whatever choice the Li Family makes is of little concern to him.

"Although you do not have the Bloodline of my Li Family, if you are willing, I can make an exception and make you Li Family True Dragon. My Li Family will devote all its resources to help you advance further in your cultivation and break through to the Dao Inquiry Realm!"

Li Tianyuan looked at Li Hao with a solemn expression and said...

The other Li Family Ancestors had long known of their ancestor's choice, and they looked expectantly at the lone young man.

Inside the hall, He Jianlan, Gao Qingqing, Li Xuanli and the others were all shocked. They were only slightly surprised by their ancestor's removal of Li Tiangang from the True Dragon Position, but they could understand it. However, to make an exception and allow Li Hao no longer had the Bloodline of the Li Family, to serve as the Li Family True Dragon was an unprecedented event!

For a moment, they all looked at Li Hao, their eyes filled with anticipation and hope.