By the lake.
All was silent.
A breeze brushed over the water, stirring rings of ripples.
Li Xinge did not answer immediately.
Only after a long while.
Did he give a soft chuckle.
"What a bold claim."
Li Hao froze.
Then Li Xinge changed his tune.
"But... I like it."
"I grant you permission."
Li Hao was overjoyed.
He was just about to offer his thanks.
When a bucket of cold water came pouring over his head.
"Don't celebrate too soon."
Li Xinge casually set his fishing rod aside.
He rose, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked down at Li Hao.
"You wish to venture out and temper yourself, to forge this so-called invincible heart. I will oblige you."
"But once you leave, you may not fly my banner, nor may you say you belong to the Li Family."
"Leave every last one of your life-saving trump cards behind."
Li Xinge's voice was icy, utterly devoid of emotion.
"From the moment you step out of Green Maple Valley, you will be nothing more than a rogue cultivator with no backing whatsoever."
"If you cause trouble, you will bear the consequences yourself."
"Even if you die out there..."
"No one will collect your corpse."
Li Xinge bent down.
He stared hard into the boy's eyes.
"Knowing that, do you still dare to go?"
Beside them, Old Jiang listened with his heart pounding in alarm.
Isn't the Lord being far too ruthless?
He looked at Li Hao with concern.
Could a seventeen-year-old child raised in a hothouse truly withstand such pressure?
And yet.
There was not the slightest trace of fear in Li Hao's eyes.
"Your great-grandson dares!"
Almost without hesitation, those resolute words rang from Li Hao's mouth.
"Then go."
Li Xinge waved a hand.
Then turned away.
He