Fury and exposure

Crimson Blood Horse!

Li Tiangang sat calmly on the back of the Flood Dragon Lion, looking at the young man in the middle of the Official Road at the end of his vision.

He immediately recognized the warhorse the other person was riding, and upon looking at the young man's face, he found him to be exceptionally handsome and refined, especially his eyes and brows, which bore the outline of his beloved etched in his heart.

Li Tiangang's heart skipped a beat.

Li Hao was also gazing at the robust and composed man.

The blurry image in his memory seemed to become clear at this moment; it was the man who had rubbed his head with his rough, large hands fourteen years ago.

Fourteen years had passed since they last met, but in that brief moment of eye contact, they recognized each other in an extremely short time.

Whoosh!

Li Tiangang suddenly leaped up, soaring from the back of the Flood Dragon Lion and landing in front of the boy's Crimson Blood Horse.

The boy quickly dismounted, naturally there was no reason for him to talk to his father while still on horseback.

"Hao'er?"

Li Tiangang's voice trembled slightly.

Li Hao felt the concern and deep emotion in his voice, and the initial sense of unfamiliarity vanished instantly.

Perhaps this is what it feels like to be connected by Bloodline?

"Father."

Li Hao also spoke, though his voice was hesitant and somewhat embarrassed, but he knew that the man before him was his father in this life.

Li Tiangang excitedly pulled Li Hao into a tight embrace.

Fourteen years have passed, and my child has grown so much!

He was deeply moved.

With that broad embrace and strong, thick arms, Li Hao immediately felt a solid sense of security.

At that moment, his heart seemed to settle down.

She gently put her arms around her father's waist, but then, as if remembering something, she looked around and asked, "Where's Mother?"

As soon as she said that, she felt the man holding her shudder slightly.

Li Hao's expression changed drastically, and the blood in his body seemed to Solidification instantly.

Li Tiangang slowly released Li Hao, his dark, deep eyes revealing a hint of bloodshotness and deep sorrow. "Your mother... she's gone."

They left...?

Li Hao's thoughts seemed to freeze for a moment.

The woman with those bright, caring eyes I remember... is gone?

It was as if a beautiful painting had shattered in the darkness.

Li Hao suddenly looked at the triumphant team behind him. He ignored and blocked out the countless envious and concerned glances and voices coming from both sides of the road. All he could see were the wounded soldiers.

But the beautiful figure who had embraced her fourteen years ago was nowhere to be found inside.

Li Hao's face darkened. He said, "How could that be? Hasn't Mother always been with you? Haven't you gone through life and death together?"

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

Li Hao suddenly looked at him. "When did Mother leave? How come I've never heard First Madam mention it?"

"A few months ago."

Li Tiangang paused for a moment, then said, "I kept the news under wraps; it didn't leak out."

Seeing that Li Hao seemed about to say something more, he patted his son's shoulder with his broad hand. "Let's go back first."

Li Hao, who was originally overjoyed, was now somewhat dejected.

The people on the roadside were still cheering, singing praises to Marquis Xingwu's triumphant return and to the Li Family's illustrious military achievements.

Only Li Hao, who was pulled onto the back of the Flood Dragon Lion by Li Tiangang and rode alongside his father, knew the truth.

On this day, I lost my mother.

Return to the Divine General Residence.

He Jianlan, Liu Yuerong, and many other ladies gathered together, having already arrived at Mountains and Rivers Courtyard to wait.

Li Xuanli even ran to the gate of the mansion, pacing back and forth anxiously, looking around. Only when Li Tiangang appeared did the two brothers finally smile.

They embraced each other tightly.

Li Xuanli forcefully punched Li Tiangang's chest armor, then ruffled Li Hao's hair beside him, and looked around with a smile:

Where is your sister-in-law?

Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly, and he shook his head, saying, "Let's talk about it back at the manor."

Li Xuanli froze, his expression changing drastically. Only then did he notice that the little guy hadn't moved an inch when he was rubbing Li Hao's head.

The smile on Li Xuanli's face also disappeared. He nodded slightly and accompanied them back to the mansion.

Within the Mountains and Rivers Courtyard.

The return of Li Tiangang was a lively affair, but they soon learned that the Seventh Madam Ji Qingqing, had not returned.

Li Tiangang said only two simple words and left.

The atmosphere inside the courtyard immediately turned icy.

The group exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sorrow and lamentation; they had experienced similar things many times before.

Everyone stepped forward to comfort Li Tiangang and Li Hao.

He Jianlan watched from afar, sighed, and said nothing.

Li Wushuang, who had just been beaten up by Li Hao this morning, still felt some lingering pain in her buttocks. However, when she looked at the lonely figure of the boy standing silently beside her father, she felt no schadenfreude, but rather a sense of shock and pity. All the resentment in her heart suddenly disappeared.

Although she had wanted to teach Li Hao a lesson and was angry that he had humiliated her, they were ultimately Bloodline relatives and members of the Li Family, so she never really had any intention of harming him.

The celebration that had been planned had come to a sparse end, but the meal still had to be eaten. During the meal, everyone spoke softly, asking Li Tiangang about the situation in Northern Yan over the years.

Although Military Report were occasionally sent home for major events, it was always inconvenient to discuss them in detail. Now, however, I could finally reveal some of the things that had been bottled up for years.

As the sun began to set, all the ladies of the various courtyards had left. Li Xuanli wanted to stay and keep the Seventh Brother company, but his wife pulled him away.

Gao Qingqing saw through her husband's thoughts, and feeling annoyed, she pulled him aside and whispered:

"Do you think you can comfort them with just a few words? The father and son haven't seen each other for years, what are you doing here?"

Li Xuanli then suddenly realized Sudden Enlightenment, and holding his wife's soft hand, he secretly sighed, thinking how fortunate he was to have such a virtuous wife. He then bid farewell to Li Tiangang and led his wife and children back home.

Soon, only Li Tiangang, his close followers whom he had brought back from Northern Yan, Li Hao, Uncle Zhao, and other people in the courtyard remained in the courtyard.

During the meal, Li Hao overheard the other aunts asking questions and learned a great deal about Northern Yan.

Ordinary wars last at most two or three years, and rarely seven or eight years. This time, the stalemate has lasted for more than ten years, mainly because the Saint Palace forces on the Demon Race side want to tear Northern Yan apart and use it as a gap to occupy advantageous terrain to deal with Great Yu.

Through conversation, Li Hao also learned that although the reign of Great Yu was a golden age, a golden age did not mean that the Border Pass were peaceful.

In any dynasty, there are always people stationed on the border, because there will always be intruders; it's just a matter of how many.

However, judging from this battle, it is clear that Great Yu had not completely eliminated the external enemies. Or rather, the territory that Great Yu Forefather Emperor had expanded and the demons that he had suppressed in the Past thousands of years were now showing signs of making a comeback.

Great Yu was like an aging Male Lion, and the prosperous era was showing signs of decline.

The only question is how long this lingering influence will last.

Li Hao wanted to ask about the details of his mother's accident, but as soon as he brought it up, Li Tiangang shook his head with a grim expression, only saying:

"Hao'er, I'm so sorry to your mother. From now on, it will just be the two of us in this courtyard."

Li Hao remained silent.

He suddenly realized that he wasn't the only one heartbroken by his mother's accident.

She accompanied her husband on a journey that took them day and night to the Frontier, which shows how deep their love was.

Over the years, Li Hao had heard many interesting stories about his parents' loving relationship when they were young while living in the family home.

I only spent less than a hundred days with that mother, while my father spent more than ten years with her. The depth of their bond was probably beyond my reach.

After a brief silence, Li Hao still asked:

"Has the revenge for Mother been taken?"

Li Tiangang's body trembled slightly, then he nodded. "Reported."

Li Hao breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good."

Father and son looked at each other, both speechless.

Li Hao originally had a lot to say and a lot to ask, but after listening to his father and aunts talk during the meal, he learned about many things that had happened in Northern Yan, the hardships of the war, and so on. The resentment he had harbored for many years dissipated.

But now, I can't think of anything else to say.

It seems that since ancient times, fathers and sons have often been prone to silent confrontation.

In the ensuing silence, it was Li Tiangang who spoke first, saying softly, "Hao'er, your mother and I haven't been by your side all these years, and you've suffered."

Li Hao shook his head slightly and smiled, "It's not hard. Uncle Zhao keeps me company, Second Master teaches me Angling, Fifth Master plays Chess with me, First Madam is very kind to me, Ninth Madam occasionally brings me delicious Imperial Family snacks..."

He recounted all the interesting stories from the past few years to his father.

But Li Hao didn't notice that Li Tiangang had been smiling at first, but as he listened, he slowly frowned.

"So, even after your Meridians were unblocked, you didn't cultivate much?" Li Tiangang asked in a deep voice.

Li Hao was taken aback, scratched his head, and said, "I did cultivate, but there's nothing special to say about cultivation."

Li Tiangang glanced at him twice, sighed slightly in his heart, and said:

"It's getting late, you should go back and get some rest."

Seeing the weariness on his face, and considering the long and arduous journey he had taken on his return from Northern Yan, Li Hao didn't say anything more, nodded, and got up to leave.

After Li Hao left, Li Tiangang summoned Uncle Zhao.

Where is Li Fu?

"Li Fu is in Cangyu City. The young master has entered the Tan Palace Academy. He went there to carry out a mission, Li Fu secretly protected him. He was injured and is recuperating there. He has already sent a letter saying that he is on his way back."

Uncle Zhao smiled respectfully at this man he had watched grow up and who had become All Under Heaven renowned general.

Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly. "Injured? Was Hao'er assassinated?"

"No, he only told me to take good care of the young master, saying he has great news to tell when he returns," Uncle Zhao said.

"A joyous occasion?" Li Tiangang asked in confusion. How could there be joyous occasion when he was injured?

He thought for a moment. Cangyu City was under the jurisdiction of the Xia Family in Qizhou. It wasn't too far or too close. If he rode at full speed, he could return to his residence in about two days.

"Uncle Zhao, tell me about Hao'er's situation over the years."

Li Tiangang pointed to the cushion next to him and said.

Uncle Zhao was slightly taken aback, then sat down and said with a smile, "Master, why don't you just ask the young master? You haven't seen each other for so many years, you must have a lot to talk about, wouldn't that be a good opportunity to chat about these things?"

Li Tiangang shook his head slightly and sighed:

"I think Hao'er speaks casually, behaves somewhat recklessly, and lacks manners. It seems no one has disciplined him over the years, and he's become a bit wild. Why don't you tell me about it?"

"Master, you flatter me. Although the young master is a bit unruly, he is definitely a good boy. He is kind-hearted, never harsh on the servants in the courtyard, and always polite to the Institute Head. He never oversteps his bounds and hasn't caused any trouble over the years. At most, a few years ago he went to the Kitchen and tinkered with some strange things..."

"Just tell me about his cultivation progress," Li Tiangang interrupted him, waving his hand.

Uncle Zhao was slightly taken aback, then thought for a moment and said, "This..."

Seeing that Uncle Zhao couldn't speak for a long time, Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly:

"So you're saying you haven't cultivated at all?"

"Not entirely..."

Seeing Uncle Zhao stammering, Li Tiangang's face darkened:

"Is he discouraged? He finally managed to open his Meridians. Even if he hasn't reached the Foundation Establishment and is a step behind others in cultivation, so what? With my Undying Bloodline, he can still surpass his peers in the early stages!"

"When he ascends to the Soul Inheritance Spirit Roaming, with the aid of the Listening Rain Pavilion's Cultivation Method and the assistance of Ancestral Shrine ancestors, he will be able to make it onto the Qian Rankings and at least have the ability to protect himself in the future. How could he have fallen so low!"

Uncle Zhao looked embarrassed and said, "Actually, the young master is quite hardworking..."

"Will you try your best to play?"

Li Tiangang glanced at him sideways, a look that carried the lingering authority of a battlefield, causing Uncle Zhao's heart to tremble slightly.

"It seems you've all spoiled him too much, making him arrogant and spoiled. Do you know that's harming him?" Li Tiangang said sternly.

Uncle Zhao couldn't sit still any longer and hurriedly stood up. "Master, it's all my fault for not taking good care of him. It's my fault."

Li Tiangang paused slightly, suddenly realizing that he had been too serious. More than a decade of tense battlefield life had left him unaccustomed to relaxing.

Seeing the Steward had cared for him since childhood bowing in apology, he felt a pang of guilt, sighed deeply, and said:

"This has nothing to do with you; it's just that Hao'er has received too much favor."

Uncle Zhao lowered his head, not daring to answer again.

Li Tiangang suddenly lost interest and waved his hand, saying, "You should go and rest first."

Uncle Zhao hesitated for a moment, then bowed his head and took his leave.

The next day.

Li Hao slept in late.

With his father back, he naturally wanted to spend more time with him. He didn't need to go to the Tan Palace Academy for the next couple of days, since he had nothing to do there anyway. He could just go to Cold Pond to paint, or play Chess and have a drink with Old Shen.

Perhaps due to his pre-sleep thoughts, Li Hao vaguely saw those eyes in his dream, gently holding him and soothing him to sleep, but suddenly a large number of Demon surrounded him.

"Young Master!"

Suddenly, I heard a soft exclamation.

Li Hao was startled and woke up with a start. He opened his eyes and saw a young man standing by his bed.

"When did you come in?" Li Hao couldn't help but ask.

He recognized the young man; he was one of his close followers who had returned from battle with his father the day before. The young man looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a slender build and sharp eyes.

"Young Master, Master sent me to fetch you to practice your martial arts in the front yard."

The young man, named Yu Xuan, said with a smile.

Li Hao sighed inwardly; it seemed his Easy Duty days were about to end.

Thinking of his interrupted sweet dream, he frowned and said, "From now on, no one is allowed to enter my room without my permission."

Yu Xuan nodded. "Yes."

Li Hao reluctantly sat up, called Qingzhi, and prepared new, clean clothes for himself to wear.

Seeing Li Hao's arrogant demeanor, Yu Xuan stood silently to the side, her expression completely unmoved.

However, Li Hao's movements were slower than he had expected. He stood there casually, letting the maid slowly put on and fasten his clothes. He couldn't help but remind her, "Young Master, Master is already waiting for you."

Li Hao was taken aback, but quickly put his clothes on himself. "Let's go."

The two left the room and walked towards the front yard.

Just as Li Hao was passing by the Main Room, he glanced at it casually, then suddenly froze, his face paling with shock. He hurriedly rushed into the Main Room.

All the calligraphy and paintings he had accumulated over the years were gone.

Uncle Zhao!

Li Hao called out hurriedly.

Uncle Zhao rushed over from the front yard. "Young Master."

"Where's my painting?!"

Li Hao rarely showed Anger towards Uncle Zhao.

Uncle Zhao's expression changed slightly, and he hesitated before saying, "The master saw these paintings this morning, and he had them all moved away."

"Where did you move to?"

"Firewood Room..."

Upon hearing this, Li Hao felt a surge of rage rising to his head. Firewood Room? Were they going to burn all his paintings as trash?!

If it were any other painting, it wouldn't matter, but those paintings contained depictions of his mother, whose memory had become blurred!

"Bring them back to me right now, bring them all back, and no one is allowed to touch my paintings again!" Li Hao said through gritted teeth, enunciating each word clearly.

This was the first time in years that Uncle Zhao had seen Li Hao so angry. He was somewhat stunned and quickly said, "Young Master, please don't worry, I'll go right away."

But just as he was about to leave, a hand stopped him from the side.

Yu Xuan blocked Uncle Zhao's path, his expression remaining calm, and said to Li Hao, "Young Master, the Marshal ordered this painting to be moved. You should go and practice your martial arts with me."

Li Hao had guessed it; apart from his father, who had just returned yesterday, no one in the courtyard dared to touch his paintings.

But hearing the other person say that still ignited a strong, uncontrollable anger within him.

"Get out of my way!" Li Hao glared at him angrily.

Yu Xuan stared calmly at Li Hao, his arm remaining still. In the army, he only obeyed Li Tiangang's orders.

The same is true here in Mountains and Rivers Courtyard.

Because that person is the true master of this place.

Li Hao clenched his fists, staring intently at him. "I'll say it again, get out of here!!"

"Who do you want to get rid of?" Suddenly, a voice came from the side, and Li Tiangang walked over, but his face was somewhat gloomy.

Yu Xuan lowered his arm and bowed to him.

"Dad, there are... in those paintings."

Seeing his father approach, Li Hao hurriedly said.

Before he could finish speaking, Li Tiangang shook his head and said coldly, "Apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan!"

Li Hao was stunned, then his eyes widened slightly as he looked at him in disbelief.

Uncle Zhao's expression also changed, and he quickly said, "Master, the young master was just anxious about those paintings. They represent his hard work over many years, which is why he acted impulsively and spoke a bit rashly..."

"Shut up!"

Li Tiangang unusually rebuked him.

Uncle Zhao was stunned.

Li Tiangang's face was full of anger. He was already somewhat dissatisfied last night, and this morning when he saw the room full of calligraphy and paintings, as well as Go Board and several Angling Fishing Rod, haphazardly placed on the shelf next to the main hall, it was a complete mess, and he immediately became furious.

Just by looking at these things, you can tell that Li Hao not only doesn't cultivate, he's practically wasting his time on frivolous pursuits!

But ironically, the people in the mansion still dote on him so much.

He knew that Li Hao was his son, the young master of this place, and of noble status; Uncle Zhao and the others dared not disobey Li Hao.

It's probably not a good idea for my Eldest Sister-in-Law and the others to discipline them too strictly.

But now that he's back, we must turn things around and properly guide Li Hao onto the right path!

"Apologize to your Uncle Yu Xuan immediately!"

After Li Tiangang finished drinking Uncle Zhao, he turned to look at Li Hao and said sternly.

Li Hao stared at him blankly, feeling a sense of unfamiliarity and disbelief, as if he were meeting him for the first time.

Yesterday was clearly yesterday...

Suddenly, he felt a little amused.

Yes, we only met yesterday, so how much do I really know about this father?

But how much does this father really understand himself?

He stared at the man before him and said, "Is it because you think I haven't cultivated? What if I said I have cultivated, and at a very high level?"

Li Tiangang's eyes remained unchanged as he said earnestly and coldly, "I don't care how capable you are. Your Uncle Yu Xuan has risked his life alongside me all these years. Do you know how many demons he has slain? Do you know how many people he has saved?"

"He is at the Heaven and Man Realm, he is Grandmaster!"

Li Tiangang said, word by word, "Grandmaster cannot be insulted. Even if you are my son, you must apologize today!"

Hearing this, Li Hao couldn't help but want to laugh, but he felt his smile was utterly pathetic.

"So you think a Grandmaster shouldn't be insulted? Do you even know what's in my paintings...?"

Before he could finish speaking, a figure rushed into the courtyard. Upon seeing Li Tiangang and Li Hao, the figure exclaimed excitedly:

"My lord, young master!!"

The two turned to look, and there rushed in Li Fu, his face full of excitement.

Li Fu rushed back from Cangyu City. Just as he reached the Official Road dozens of miles Qingzhou City, he overheard travelers talking at a roadside tea Tea Stall about the return of the Li Family's Marquis Xingwu.

Upon hearing this news, Li Fu was overjoyed and immediately rushed back at full speed.

"Li Fu."

When Li Tiangang saw Li Fu, his expression softened a bit, but he immediately noticed that the other man had rushed in so recklessly, which was quite unlike the composed and meticulous person he used to be when he was by his side.

After not seeing you for several years, you've become so unruly.

When Li Hao saw that it was Uncle Fu, his expression didn't change much, after all, they had only been separated for a short time.

"It's been years since we last met. How come you've lost all your discipline?" Li Tiangang said, frowning slightly.

Li Fu was taken aback, then realized what was happening and hurriedly bowed.

He then looked at Li Hao, his face beaming with undisguised joy, and said, "My lord, I sent you a letter. Did you receive it?"

"Letter?"

Li Tiangang asked, "Was it sent to Northern Yan? When was it sent? I didn't receive it."

Li Fu suddenly realized that when he sent the letter, the Marquis had already set off to return home.

During his recovery, he inquired about the Cangyu City Battle, and after learning more about it, he found it hard to believe.

He later pressed the City Warden Yue Shuhong for confirmation, and only then did he believe the matter.

Upon learning of this, he did not send a letter home immediately, but instead sent one to Northern Yan.

After all, such earth-shattering good news should naturally be shared with Li Hao's parents first, as they are the people most worthy of trust.

As for the messenger's residence, that's secondary. He plans to return and talk to his second uncle and the Second Uncle in person, and also ask if Second Uncle already know about Li Hao's situation.

"It doesn't matter if you haven't received it. Now that you're back, Lord Marquis, it's just as good as me telling you in person."

Li Fu smiled broadly, glanced at Li Hao, and said with a trembling voice filled with excitement, "Young Master has already reached the Fifteen Li Realm!"