Other elders of the Xia Family's legitimate and illegitimate lines came out with Xia Linglong. Standing beside her, they all stole curious glances at the young man.
This young man who had walked out of Qing Prefecture's Heavenly Origin Divine General Residence was now being personally welcomed by their Family Head at the Xia Family's Suppressing Might Divine General Residence. Even Eunuch Chu, who served at the Yu Emperor's side, had never received such an honor when visiting on imperial orders. They had merely invited him inside and stepped out of the courtyard to greet him.
Yet none of them found it strange now.
After all, this was someone who had become a Gong-rank Noble at fifteen and been appointed a Dutong General!
"Greetings, Senior Xia Linglong."
Li Hao cupped his hands in greeting, completing the formalities.
Xia Linglong smiled warmly. Her luxurious attire accentuated her noble bearing, combining the dignified authority of a Family Head with a woman's gentle grace. She invited the young man inside and treated him as an honored guest.
Along the way, aside from the two Xia Family elders, the other renowned generals of Xia Linglong's generation and Shu Furen followed behind, curiously studying this fifteen-year-old who was already walking shoulder to shoulder with their Family Head.
"We cannot even see through his aura."
The two Xia Family elders also wore grave expressions. Hearing of him was nothing compared to meeting him; only in person did they realize that the rumors about this young man had not been exaggerated in the slightest.
Upon reaching the Eastern Pavilion Courtyard, Xia Linglong invited Li Hao to the seat of honor, ordered tea served as a courtesy, and began conversing with him.
"I heard that General Haotian risked his life for the countless people of Liang Prefecture, drawing