As the imperial edict spread through the Nineteen Provinces, Li Hao returned to Heaven's Gate Pass in Liang Prefecture.
The familiar walls, the familiar banners-the news had yet to arrive, and the soldiers stationed here still knew nothing of it.
Without disturbing anyone, Li Hao quietly returned to the Hedge-Enclosed Courtyard.
The girl practicing her sword in the courtyard sensed the young man's presence. Stirred from her training, she looked up at Li Hao, her face filled with delighted surprise.
"Young master, you're back."
Beside her, Sword Demon Jiang Lichen looked toward Li Hao, and his eyes immediately narrowed.
In this short time, he felt that Li Hao's aura had become even more restrained, like an unfathomable, boundless starry sky. He stood quietly, yet every movement seemed to contain the power to move the stars.
Li Hao glanced at Ren Qianqian. The girl was fifteen, a year younger than him, yet she had already entered the Heaven and Man Realm.
"Did you teach her this?"
Li Hao looked at Jiang Lichen.
Jiang Lichen curled his lip. "I can't teach a celestial heart. She comprehended it herself. Most likely, she spent too long around a monster like you and gained some insight from you."
Hearing this, Ren Qianqian blushed slightly. She had originally followed Li Hao because she wanted to surpass her father and become a Heaven and Man Grandmaster, yet she had achieved that lifelong goal in just two short years.
Her talent and strength could now place her among the top five of the Universe Rankings.
And that was despite her keeping a low profile, only training rather than competing with others.
Li Hao nodded and smiled at Ren Qianqian. "Now that you've stayed by my side and achieved your wish, do you still want to follow me? You're