Chapter 253: The Xia Family's Invitation
In Youzhou City, at the Xia family's God General Mansion.
In the Eastern Pavilion courtyard, a noblewoman sat in the main hall.
She appeared to be in her forties, yet her skin was as smooth as cream, even more youthful than that of a maiden. Clad in luxurious attire, she looked like a beautiful woman walking out of a painting, exuding grace and nobility.
She wasn't just any lady but the current head of the Xia family, Xia Linglong, and the former True Dragon of the previous generation.
Having vowed never to marry, she qualified to compete for the True Dragon position, coupled with her exceptional talent. She was said to be the most gifted person in the Xia family for centuries.
She reached the Three Immortals Realm at the age of twenty, which, although not as impressive as the Li family's prodigy who achieved immortality at nineteen, was still a remarkable feat that made her famous across the land.
When she took over the Xia family, various demon forces, underestimating her because she was a woman, believed the Xia family to be in decline and easy to bully. They wreaked havoc in the other states governed by the Xia family, causing widespread suffering.
But upon ascending to her position, Xia Linglong swiftly and decisively struck back, annihilating and driving away those demons.
In many battles, she personally led the troops, donning iron armor and staining her hands with demon blood. Upon returning home, she would wear elegant clothes and makeup, enjoying flowers and tea like any other noblewoman.
However, unlike those noblewomen who read books on women's virtues and household management, she held military books, strategic manuals, and maps of demon territories.
Half a month ago, the Gluttony Valley, which had been besieging the Mohe River outside Liangzhou, suddenly shifted its offensive towards Youzhou. This unexpected assault, led by the Gluttony Valley's elders, breached the eastern defenses, resulting in the loss of half of eastern Youzhou.
Over thirty cities and countless surrounding towns and villages were destroyed, with the death toll and displaced populace numbering in the millions.
The Xia family's main territory had suffered a severe blow, leaving Xia Linglong sleepless for days. The Gluttony Valley's leader even audaciously attacked the God General Mansion, only to be repelled by the combined efforts of several elder masters.
Despite the setback, the leader's formidable strength was evident. Although not a Daoist Realm cultivator, he was unmatched in the Absolute Arts Realm. His flesh and blood were so refined that they were comparable to top-tier divine weapons, rendering even the most potent Absolute Arts significantly less effective.
Thankfully, this Gluttony Valley leader had not yet reached the Daoist Realm, being a demon king who rose to power five hundred years ago.
Otherwise, the Xia family would face a catastrophe requiring their strongest assets to fend off!
Even so, the current situation for the Xia family was dire.
"The eastern front line is falling. Xia Changkong reports that the second line of defense is about to be breached. They are retreating to the Ming River area to establish a third line of defense," an elder in armor reported.
He was from the older generation of the Xia family, always ready to go into battle.
His gaze fell on Xia Linglong, who, despite being a woman, commanded great respect and fear within the family.
"Family head, allow me to join Changkong and help defend the front!" the elder requested, his eyes sharp like an eagle's. "If the third line of defense falls, I will fight the Gluttony Valley to the death!"
Others hesitated to speak, wanting to intervene but unsure how. As members of the God General Mansion, they had always borne such responsibilities, especially with so many soldiers already fallen on the front lines. They, too, had family members among the casualties.
"A fight to the death is a last resort, not the goal," Xia Linglong said, her eyes cold, devoid of the usual tenderness. "Even if the Gluttony Valley leader attacks, the third line of defense may not hold. We are vastly outnumbered, especially in terms of elite forces. We must also be wary of other demon forces exploiting the chaos. We cannot afford to act rashly."
The elder's face changed, but he did not argue, waiting for her to continue.
Xia Linglong paused briefly before speaking again, "The third line of defense will be a feint. Lure the Gluttony Valley leader to the Cang Ridge, where our ancestors' formation lies. With its power, we can trap the leader. Then, we'll eliminate the demons and finally confront the leader in battle. This time, I plan to use the ancestral sacred treasure!"
Her words caused a stir among the elders, showing her immense resolve.
"But if the third line falls, we will lose a dozen cities," the elder voiced his concern.
"I've already ordered Seventh Uncle to lead a force to evacuate the residents. Only minimal troops remain to defend the cities. If the cities fall, we can rebuild them, as long as the people are safe," Xia Linglong explained.
"All evacuated?" the elder asked.
Xia Linglong hesitated before replying, "Not entirely. But a timely sacrifice will save more lives. We have no choice."
Everyone fell silent. The elder knew his niece was wise and strategic. If she couldn't find a better solution, it meant there wasn't one.
"We sent a request for aid to Dayu, but the royal city is also besieged by demons, unable to send reinforcements. Since the frequent demon attacks targeting the Li family's territories over the past decades, nearly wiping them out, I've suspected a grand demon plot," Xia Linglong said coldly.
"The Liangzhou battle was just the beginning. If not for that boy holding the line, Liangzhou's fall would have opened the way to Youzhou and beyond, leading to greater disaster. The demons' swift failure forced them to redirect their attack to us. This is just the start. His Majesty likely senses this too, but hasn't moved reinforcements, fearing the demons' true target is the royal city."
"Thus, we must rely on ourselves!" she concluded.
Her words left everyone grim, realizing the thousand-year peace of Dayu was shattered.
As God General Mansion members, they had long foreseen this, seeing the weakening deterrence of Dayu over demons and the increasing demon boldness. The battle was inevitable but came sooner than expected.
"A hero emerges in troubled times. That boy is our hero, indicating troubled times have arrived," someone sighed.
"Let me go to Cang Ridge and prepare the formation," the elder said.
Xia Linglong nodded. "Thank you, Fourth Uncle."
"Slaying demons requires no thanks. Do not insult me," the elder huffed.
Xia Linglong's cold gaze softened. "My apologies."
The elder waved her off, preparing to leave. Suddenly, an arrow-like light flew into the mansion.
The elder sensed it, his face changing, and summoned the urgent message.
"Liyang?" he read, surprised. A message from Liyang?
Xia Linglong was also alarmed. "Has Liyang fallen already?"
The elder handed her the message.
Xia Linglong read it, her serious expression turning to surprise.
"Has Liyang fallen?" others asked, anxious.
Xia Linglong looked up, meeting the elder's questioning gaze.
"There's good news," she said, eyes gleaming. "Liyang is safe!"
"They won?"
"Despite being cut off, the demons intended a siege. They should have delayed."
Everyone was astonished but elated by the rare good news amid constant battle reports.
"Maybe my son, Xia Yuanming, broke through in battle?" someone suggested.
"Your son isn't as smart as Qingshuang. It must be her. But she just reached the Heaven-Man Realm. Can she turn the tide?" someone joked.
Their mood lightened, exchanging banter.
Xia Linglong didn't keep them guessing. "Remember the young duke who defended Liangzhou? He's here in Youzhou!"
"What?!"
Everyone reacted, recalling the only young duke in Dayu, the boy who saved Liangzhou.
His deeds were known, and many cities had banners inscribed with his name, ready to fly if demons attacked. His banner's deterrence was a strategic asset, his legendary status surpassing even the five God General Mansion ancestors.
"He's here to help?"
"Liangzhou isn't far. Maybe he heard about our plight?"
"But no news of him leaving Mohe. Demons left, attacking Qingzhou. Mohe's clear. Maybe he left quietly, so we didn't know?"
"Not a mistake?"
"He should aid Qingzhou first. Why come here?"
Xia Linglong realized, given the boy's actions, he must have cut ties with the Li family, choosing Youzhou over Qingzhou.
She pondered their estrangement, surprised he saved Liangzhou and selflessly lured away the Taixu Realm master, showing his noble character. What caused such a rift with the Li family?
"The letter is unbroken, its seal intact. The message is genuine unless demons forced them to write it."
Her words assured them, knowing Xia family members wouldn't betray their family.
Relieved, someone said, "If he's helping us, it's a great favor. If Liyang is safe and he can kill demon kings, maybe we should invite him to discuss strategies against the Gluttony Valley leader?"
"Indeed. If he agrees, we could offer a special gift," someone suggested.
Xia Linglong nodded, considering it.
The "chicken" was a powerful demon. The Xia family's techniques excelled in taming creatures.
Dayu's finest warhorses came from the Xia family, even the royal dragon-beasts. The family held the prestigious "Dragon Tamer" role, responsible for training royal mounts.
"We should invite him. Any cost is worth it," the elder urged.
Xia Linglong agreed, sending a letter to Liyang.
Meanwhile, in Liyang City, scouts reported the demons' sudden retreat, baffling Xia family officers.
Their fierce enemy retreated quietly because of one boy's arrival.
A single person frightened away millions of demons.
This was his reputation.
Once just envied and admired, they now witnessed the boy's immense deterrence firsthand.
All debates and rumors became reality.
He rode in, silencing the enemy more effectively than their shouts and desperate defenses.
This was the difference.
Young Xia officers felt mixed emotions, pitting themselves against the Li family's young, now outclassed by this boy. They couldn't compare, feeling disheartened.
Li Hao, planning a brief stay, received Xia Linglong's letter, inviting him to the God General Mansion in gratitude.
Surprised, he considered returning to Liangzhou but accepted the respectful invitation.
The Xia family's gifts disappointed him, not true masterpieces for his collection. Liyang's war-torn state prioritized military supplies over cultural treasures.
"Maybe they can help me find some," he mused, mounting his horse, and requesting a travel permit.
Declining the elder's company, he and Zhu Huoshen left quickly.
Zhu Huoshen revealed his fiery form, flying swiftly.
"Is that… a demon mount?" Xia family officers were stunned, never recognizing the disguised demon king.
In Youzhou City, Li Hao dismounted near the entrance, Zhu Huoshen reverting to human form.
Strolling leisurely, Li Hao enjoyed the bustling city, treating Yiyan to sights and sweets.
"Deliciously sweet!" Yiyan's tiny tendril eagerly tasted sugar-coated fruits. "No nutrition, but so tasty!"
Li Hao smiled. "Wait till you try my cooking."
"Sure!" Yiyan agreed happily.
They wandered, finally reaching the God General Mansion.
News of Li Hao's arrival spread quickly. Summer Linglong, setting down her teacup, hurried out to greet him.
Seeing the youth and his companion, her gaze focused on Li Hao. Not recognizing Zhu Huoshen's human form, she didn't suspect.
"General Haotian, welcome to the Xia family mansion," she greeted with a smile.