The contest for the True Dragon [Second update]

"Hao'er."

Upon seeing Li Hao, Li Tiangang smiled and said, "Come, follow me to the Ancestral Shrine to pay respects to our ancestors."

"Okay." Li Hao nodded.

After leaving the Mountains and Rivers Courtyard, the two flew through the Sky Traversal, one in front of the other, heading towards the deepest part of the Divine General Residence.

On the hillside, Li Tiangang and Li Hao, dressed in white, flew down to the ancestral Ancestral Shrine and landed on the Square outside the Ancestral Shrine. They then walked towards the magnificent ancestral hall that had borne witness to the Li Family's Millennial Glory.

Fifth Master!

When Li Hao saw Fifth Master Li Qingzheng standing by the Ancestral Shrine gate, he immediately called out.

Upon hearing Li Hao's call, Li Tiangang's solemn expression changed slightly, and he frowned. He glanced at Li Hao, who had already run ahead of him towards his Fifth Uncle in the ancestral hall.

"It's Hao'er."

Upon hearing Li Hao's call, Li Qingzheng's eyes lit up slightly, and he turned around with a look of delight:

What made you decide to come and see me?

Then, noticing the tall man behind Li Hao, he remarked, "Hmm, Heavenly Gang is back too."

"Fifth Master, with your current position, Black Stone is going to lose again." Li Hao glanced at the Go Board in front of Fifth Master and immediately laughed.

Fifth Master grinned slightly. "Stop talking nonsense, the battle isn't over yet."

At this moment, Li Tiangang walked over, his expression solemn and respectful, and bowed slightly in greeting:

Fifth Uncle, how have you been lately?

Li Qingzheng ignored Li Hao, that annoying brat who talked too much while watching the game, and looked up at Li Tiangang, laughing, "It's been more than ten years, you've grown quite strong, kid. Why are you growing stubble? How was your time in Northern Yan? Was it tough?"

"Fine."

Li Tiangang smiled and said, "It's just some sand and dust. We're used to it. We're often out fighting in the border regions, and we don't have time to clean it up, so we just leave it there."

Upon hearing this, Li Hao looked up at him and, sure enough, compared to the blurry figure in his memory, his father had now transformed from a tall, handsome young man into a middle-aged man with a beard.

He suddenly realized that he seemed to have neglected to show some care for this father.

"You've grown up quite a bit, not as naughty as you used to be."

Li Qingzheng said with a smile, a hint of emotion in his eyes.

The young men have grown up, and they, too, have grown old.

Although they can live for a long time at their level, the difference between Human Race and Demon Race is that the Demon Race live a long life similar to hibernation, and most of their battles are only for hunting and filling their stomachs.

Human Race, however, mostly live their entire lives in two words:

Human relationships.

Where there is emotion, there is desire. Therefore, the Human Race wages wars everywhere, acts of chivalry, and strives for fame, resulting in injuries all over their bodies. Some old wounds have not healed before new ones are added, thus reducing their lifespan.

Living a long life isn't difficult. Just live within the territory, enjoy wealth and luxury, avoid weapons and swords, and be a living Bodhisattva. You can then enjoy hundreds or even thousands of years of carefree life.

However, in this vortex of martial arts within the city, to stand firm for hundreds of years without harboring murderous intent is perhaps an extremely difficult thing.

For example, if a neighbor you've known for a long time, who regularly gives you eggs and vegetables, is one day being bullied by bad people, and you can't stand Past and watch, you'll end up getting involved.

If you can bear to watch this, your Dao Heart may be damaged, and you may feel unhappy.

For hundreds of years, that has been an incredibly long time.

"After all, he's already a father."

Li Tiangang smiled slightly, a hint of reminiscence in his eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

The trials and tribulations of Years will gradually wear down that once tender heart, until calluses form, making it harder and more restrained.

"Fifth Uncle, I brought Hao'er here to pay respects to our ancestor and to inquire about the matter of the True Dragon of this generation."

Li Tiangang stopped reminiscing and got back to the main topic.

Li Qingzheng had anticipated his purpose in coming here, nodded slightly, and then looked at Li Hao beside him.

His gaze softened and he smiled, saying, "Hao'er's Heavenly Talent is unparalleled, surpassing even your Ninth Brother. He is the fastest person in the Li Family's history to reach the Fifteen Li Realm, a record-breaking achievement."

"Back then, Jun Ye became the True Dragon of your generation, but unfortunately he died young, and you temporarily took over the reins."

"But Hao'er's generation is truly far ahead of everyone else, with no one even able to catch up."

Hearing his Fifth Uncle's high praise, Li Tiangang smiled.

Indeed, in terms of Heavenly Talent, his son is exceptionally gifted!

This inevitably made him feel proud and honored.

"Go."

Li Qingzheng said with a smile.

Li Tiangang nodded, gave him a slight bow, and then turned to lead Li Hao to the prayer mat in front of the Meditation Cushion hall.

"Li Tiangang, the 107th generation descendant of the Li Family, has come to pay homage to our ancestors!"

"Li Hao, the 108th generation descendant of the Li Family, has come to pay respects to our ancestors!"

A father and son knelt and kowtowed together.

In the ancestral hall, many memorial tablets suddenly trembled and glowed, and Divine Soul appeared on them.

After Li Hao finished his prayers, he looked up. He hadn't looked closely last time, but this time he saw that although there were many Heroic Soul enshrined here, many of the memorial tablets were dim and without Heroic Soul appearing on them.

On the closest memorial tablet, a familiar name was engraved:

The divine tablet of Li Junye, the 107th generation descendant of the Li Family.

The title on the left side of the memorial tablet is: Marquis Who Pacifies the Nation.

The military rank on the right is: Heavenly Mandate General.

This is the memorial tablet of that Ninth Uncle, but no Heroic Soul appears on it.

For other ancestors, the tablets on the left and right are also for titles, military ranks, or merits. Only a few had titles but did not serve in the military, so a poem of praise was written on the other side.

For ordinary people's ancestral tablets, it's even simpler. A tablet inscribed with "The Divine Tablet of All Ancestors" directly encompasses all their ancestors, and they can worship in one go.

After all, most ordinary people occasionally experience displacement and hardship, and over time, their family genealogies are lost, so this is the only way.

Only Aristocratic Clan that can be called "distinguished families" have relatively complete genealogies and lineages preserved, with all their ancestors clearly written down and remembered.

"Heavenly Gang, I heard you were fighting in Northern Yan. How many demons did you kill?"

A soft laugh rang out.

Li Tiangang looked up and saw his third uncle, Li Xuanyin.

His Heroic Soul was still in its prime, only in his thirties, with a handsome face and a refined demeanor.

Li Tiangang's eyes flickered slightly. When he was young, his third uncle was his favorite, but unfortunately, his third uncle died young.

My father's generation consisted of six brothers, but three of them died in battle, leaving only my Second Uncle, Fifth Uncle, and Fourth Uncle who had been away for many years.

My father and my third and sixth uncles have all passed away.

The Heroic Soul of my father and sixth uncle have not yet returned; they are trapped in the Mo River, unable to escape.

For nearly a century, Demon Calamity have occurred frequently, and those Border Defense have already suffered heavy losses, making it impossible for them to come to the rescue.

Moreover, even if one had the resources, it would be difficult to accomplish, because it is Youdu-level Mo River, and to rescue it, one must pass through the Mo River.

This is something that even those at the Four Establishments Realm would find difficult to accomplish, unless they joined forces with several other individuals.

"Nephew greets Third Uncle."

Li Tiangang first bowed before saying, "Those who crossed the Yan Province were almost entirely wiped out."

"Good!"

Li Xuanyin burst into laughter. He hated Demon Creature more than anything in his life because the person he loved had died at the hands of Demon Creature, and therefore he loathed them deeply.

"Where's Qingqing? Why didn't you bring her?" Li Xuanyin asked.

Li Tiangang's expression changed slightly, and he said in a low voice, "She's gone."

"They're gone..." Li Xuanyin was slightly taken aback. Just as he was about to ask, he suddenly noticed Li Hao beside him, immediately stopped, and then, with a surge of energy, transmitted his voice:

"Have you left?"

Li Tiangang's expression remained unchanged as he replied, "Hmm."

Li Xuanyin couldn't help but show a hint of regret. He was quite satisfied with his niece-in-law, especially since she was of good status. Back then, he was the first to jump out and express his approval.

"You brat, are you never going to stop reminiscing? Didn't he come to talk about serious business?"

At that moment, a reprimand came from above Li Xuanyin's head.

Li Xuanyin shrank back, turned his head to look, and seeing that it was his father, he couldn't help but smile awkwardly and said:

"Father, Heavenly Gang is still here, and so is his son. Could you please give me some face?"

"I think you deserve a beating. Awakening takes a toll on our strength, and it's your business if you want to drag this out. But making our ancestors suffer along with you? I fucking want to kick you!"

"Father..." Li Xuanyin immediately lowered his head, looking somewhat aggrieved.

Li Hao was dumbfounded.

Just moments ago, Third Master had been acting like a wise Third Master, seemingly composed and dashing, but in the blink of an eye, he was being scolded like a grandson.

Oh, I should say son.

However, it must be said that this great-grandfather had a rather fiery temper.

"What are you yelling about? Xuan Yin only said a few words and caught up with us, what's wrong with that? He only has a few points of energy. If you can't handle this, then get back!"

At this moment, above the head of Li Xuanyin's great-grandfather, a white-haired old man with a beard and beard reprimanded him in an annoyed tone.

The great-grandfather, who had just been in a bad mood, suddenly trembled and turned to the father helplessly, saying, "Father, this kid just needs to be taught a lesson..."

"I think you need a good beating," Great-grandfather sneered.

"You brats, what are you all yelling about? Don't you have any manners as elders? Get to the point, I'm going to sleep after that," another voice said.

The great-grandfather's expression changed slightly, and he quickly nodded, while glaring at his son.

The great-grandfather, somewhat helpless, turned and glared fiercely at Li Xuanyin.

Li Xuanyin looked embarrassed, forced a smile at Li Tiangang, and dared not say another word.

Seeing this, Li Hao couldn't help but chuckle, almost bursting out laughing.

It was quite a lively gathering of hundreds of generations of ancestors.

The Li Family Ancestors followed the Late Emperor in establishing meritorious achievements and Aristocratic Clan that has lasted for a thousand years. However, this doesn't mean it's only a thousand years old, but rather that it has existed for over three thousand years. It is one of the two oldest of the five Divine General Residence.

The Great Yu Dynasty had a history of over 3,500 years, and that's why it's only now entering its decline.

It's a pity that Awakening these ancestral Heroic Soul requires energy, otherwise I'd like to make a mahjong set for them to play with someday... Li Hao thought to himself.

Just thinking about that scene makes him happy.

"You little bastard, how dare you talk nonsense to your grandfather?"

"A perfect hand? You dare to draw a tile that belongs to your ancestors? I'll beat you to a pulp!"

"Touch me? Someone come quick! Whose son is this? Get him!"

Thinking about all this, Li Hao couldn't help but smile.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

A voice came from the Heroic Soul of an ancestor above.

Li Tiangang nodded respectfully and said solemnly, "Heavenly Gang have come today to ask our ancestors to decide on the number of True Dragon."

"Tell me about the situation in this generation first," said one of the Heroic Soul of an ancestor.

Li Tiangang nodded and then explained what he had learned from his Eldest Sister-in-Law over the past two days.

"In that case, there aren't many talented offspring in this generation. However, your son's Heavenly Talent is too Prodigy, surpassing even ours in our youth. He's worth several of us."

"If there's no suspense, there's really no need to dawdle, especially since we've already embarked on the path of cultivation."

"But we can't just give it to them directly. We also need to consider their character and make sure others Qi Ingestion. The selection process will proceed as usual, but the timing can be moved up a bit. Let's set it for two months from now, to give others some time to prepare."

After a quick discussion, the ancestors made a decision.

Li Tiangang nodded and kowtowed respectfully again.

Seeing this, Li Hao followed suit and kowtowed as well.

"Young man, keep a close eye on your son, don't let him become the next Jun Ye." As they left the ancestral hall, an ancestor from several generations back gave this advice.

Li Tiangang nodded quickly.

The remaining ancestral Divine Soul also gradually faded into silence.

Let's go.

Li Tiangang was going to take Li Hao away.

Li Hao looked at Fifth Master and said, "Can I stay here and play with Fifth Master for a while?"

Li Tiangang was slightly taken aback, then frowned and said, "Fifth Master doesn't have time to play with you. The True Dragon Selection in two months. You still have a lot to prepare. Although you are the most Heavenly Talent, you can't be too inferior in other aspects, lest people gossip behind your back."

Li Qingzheng smiled and said, "No one dares to question Hao'er's Heavenly Talent. Heavenly Gang, don't overthink it. But I won't hold Hao'er back any longer. You've just returned, so you two should spend more time together."

Li Tiangang nodded, bowed to him, and said goodbye.

Seeing this, Li Hao could only wave to Fifth Master and say, "Then, Fifth Master, I'll come and keep you company again next time."

"Go ahead, go ahead," Li Qingzheng said with a smile and a wave.

Then he watched the father and son walk away.

Inside the now quiet ancestral hall, only countless silent memorial tablets remain, along with a solitary Go Board in front of Li Qingzheng, and himself sitting alone.

After an unknown amount of time, he slowly withdrew his gaze, looked at the Go Board in front of him, thought for a moment, picked up a White Stone, placed it down, and said in a low voice:

"Your turn."

A moment later, he reached out and picked up Black Stone from another Go Box, and gently placed it down while deep in thought.