Chapter 265: Severing All Bonds
In the distance, a figure flew swiftly toward them. It was Li Tiangang.
Earlier, when Li Hao's roar had echoed through the entire city, he had naturally heard it. As he diverted his attention to observe, he saw the subsequent battles.
The sacrificial array he was setting up had been halted. After all, with all the demons slaughtered, there was no longer a need to summon the ancestors.
As his spirit soared into the sky, he saw Li Hao shielding Li Muxiu from the two demon leaders and heard He Jianlan and the others calling out. His heart trembled—could this boy truly be the child who had fallen into the abyss?
Now, he was filled with emotion, stepping on flames as he flew at full speed.
In front of Li Hao, Ji Qingqing, having heard Li Hao's words, felt each one pierce her heart like a needle. She couldn't help but say: "It was my fault, but now that you're back, what do I have to do for you to forgive me?"
Li Hao's previously calm eyes suddenly shot out cold light as he said: "I'm back, but your child died in that abyss. I came back by my own ability. It was by my own strength, not because of you or anyone else!"
Ji Qingqing was stunned, looking at the boy who had been calm moments ago but was now cold and stern. She realized she had misspoken. Tears streamed down her face:
"But I gave birth to you. Can't you give me a chance to make amends?"
Hearing this choked-up plea, Li Hao glanced at her and said: "A chance to make amends? Did I go to the Ji family seeking death? Did I go to Tiantian Island to explore the abyss?"
These two questions struck Ji Qingqing like a hammer. She felt as if all the warmth in her body had been drained, leaving her trembling with cold. Yes, that child had braved countless dangers and ventured alone into the great wilderness just to see her. She suddenly realized she was not worthy of speaking such words. Amends? The abandonment more than a decade ago and the abandonment more than a decade later—twice she had placed her child in danger. Could she still make amends?
Her tears flowed uncontrollably as she felt an unbearable pain in her heart.
"Qingqing!"
Li Tiangang landed nearby. Li Wushuang and the others saw the family head and made way for him.
Li Tiangang quickly walked up, glanced at Li Hao's cold eyes, and then looked at his wife, who was crying uncontrollably. His heart ached like a knife cutting through it.
"You cannot speak to your mother like this!"
Li Tiangang's eyes reddened slightly as he said to Li Hao: "It was my fault in the past. I was too harsh on you. I stubbornly believed my own conclusions without thoroughly investigating, causing you to suffer unjustly. You can treat me however you want, but you cannot treat your mother this way. She went through so much to give birth to you."
Li Hao's brows furrowed. The peace he had maintained now gave way to an inexplicable sense of annoyance and weariness.
He said indifferently: "Don't keep calling her my mother. You don't need to apologize to me either. The past is in the past. When I left the Divine General's Mansion, I severed all ties with you. I've repaid all that I used to eat, wear, and use. The demon blood you sent back to Yanbei, I've repaid you many times over. Now, I have nothing to do with you. Can't you see that I no longer carry any of your blood?"
As he spoke, Li Hao did not bother to conceal his aura, and he had long removed the temporary attribute of the Myriad Forms.
Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang was stunned, looking at him in shock. Ji Qingqing also froze, forgetting her tears, and quickly checked Li Hao's aura.
He Jianlan and the others were also bewildered. Li Hao's aura was so powerful that they hadn't noticed before. Now, hearing his words, they hastily released their own auras to probe his body.
"Hao'er!"
Nearby, Li Muxiu, who was healing on the back of the Candle Flame God, suddenly sat up, coughing up blood. One of his arms had already healed. His old face, covered in wrinkles, now showed a look of panic and distress as he gazed at Li Hao.
He knew Li Hao wouldn't lie easily. Despite the risk of offense, he quickly probed Li Hao's body, discovering that there was indeed no trace of the Li family's bloodline in him.
His frail body seemed to waver like a candle in the wind, appearing utterly lost.
Li Xiaoran and Li Qingzheng's faces also changed dramatically. They hurriedly checked, then stared blankly at the boy before them.
The many ancestral spirits of the Li family furrowed their brows, seemingly understanding the situation. As deceased spirits, they had a natural affinity for sensing the Li family's bloodline. They had long noticed Li Hao lacked this bloodline aura.
But hearing these words, they realized that this extraordinary genius might indeed have been part of the Li family's bloodline! But what had happened?
"Child, were you once a member of our Li family?" one of the ancestral spirits couldn't help but ask, their gaze gentle and filled with confusion.
Li Hao glanced at the spirit, his expression calm and indifferent, and said: "I am myself. There was once a child in your Li family similar to me, but that child is dead."
Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang's aura fluctuated violently, and he roared: "Impossible! I don't believe it! You cannot be him. Who are you?!"
"Tiangang!"
The pale-faced Li Muxiu suddenly roared, his Dao Realm power shaking Li Tiangang's mind, leaving him stunned.
"How much more wrong do you want to be?!"
Li Muxiu's eyes were bloodshot, staring intensely at him.
Li Tiangang stood there, then slowly looked up at Li Hao, his eyes filled with sorrow: "You severed the bloodline ties. How could you be so heartless?"
Li Hao raised an eyebrow, glancing at him, and felt a mixture of speechlessness and the urge to laugh.
He was too tired to say much more. "If heartless, then heartless," he said indifferently. "Regardless, we no longer have any ties. Don't bother me again. The past can be forgiven, but not necessarily the future!"
With that, he turned to Li Muxiu, seeing the old man's sorrowful gaze. His eyes seemed to shatter. Feeling a tinge of guilt, Li Hao said: "Old man, though I'm no longer part of the Li family, if you ever need a fishing buddy, just call me anytime. I'll always be there."
Li Muxiu gazed at Li Hao, realizing this child had truly severed his past. His heart ached with sorrow and regret. The child had severed his bloodline but had still come, merely out of past affection. That sword, capable of slaying millions of demons, couldn't sever this child's affection.
But he had severed his bond with his parents! What kind of disappointment must he have felt? Such an outstanding, impeccable child had been utterly lost by their Li family.
Li Muxiu was filled with sorrow, but in the end, it turned into a low, painful laugh. Yet, as he laughed, his eyes grew warm and gentle.
"You said it. I'll see if your fishing skills have gotten rusty."
In that moment, amidst the pain and sorrow, Li Muxiu found clarity. Severing ties with the Li family would not harm the child.
The ones who would suffer were they.
But at least the child wouldn't suffer anymore.
If so, wasn't that better? The Li family had lost this honor, but it wouldn't affect the entire Dayu Divine Dynasty.
Even if not a Li family member, this child had still come. Even without the Li family's blood, he had still saved Liangzhou and now Qingzhou City.
He remained who he was, never feeling burdened by his lineage.
He had a sincere heart, doing what he could for humanity, harboring the world within him.
Thinking this, Li Muxiu's tears flowed more freely, both for Li Hao's release and for the pain and irony of Li Tiangang's past doubts about Li Hao's character.
"Alright."
Seeing Li Muxiu's expression, Li Hao felt somewhat relieved. Then he looked at He Jianlan, the heavily armored matriarch: "If there's ever an opportunity, I'll have you taste my cooking."
Hearing Li Hao's address, the sadness in He Jianlan's heart broke into tears. She felt the child had come to Qingzhou to bid farewell, parting with his past identity.
She was no longer his aunt…
"Child, is there no way to return?" He Jianlan asked, holding back her tears.
Li Hao shook his head slightly: "The identity cannot be reclaimed, but the sentiment remains if you don't mind."
He Jianlan felt even sadder but held back her tears, not insisting any further. She knew Li Hao had always been firm in his decisions, hard to change.
Perhaps the Li family was a burden to him, and maybe Li Hao could live well on his own—that was enough.
Li Hao's gaze turned to Li Xiaoran and Li Qingzheng, his eyes gentle: "Thank you for everything in the past. If you don't mind, I could use some chess partners."
"Child…"
Li Qingzheng's lips trembled but said no more. He knew the matter was settled.
Like a chess piece placed, no regrets in the move.
Li Xiaoran clenched his fists. In his mind, he thought of his elder brother's last instructions before his soul dissipated, which they had failed to fulfill.
A wave of sorrow filled him, tightly gripping his knife. The veins on the back of his hand bulged, and when his eyes swept over Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing, they flashed with murderous intent. But in the end, he restrained himself, leaving only sorrow.
Li Hao glanced around, then said: "Since it's rare for me to visit Qingzhou, I've reserved a banquet at Yunxia Tower tonight. Let's gather and reminisce."
With that, he looked at the dazed Li Yuanzhao and smiled, patting his shoulder:
"Don't just stand there. Go to Yunxia Tower and tell the proprietress to prepare her best dishes."
Li Yuanzhao's body shook as if his soul had been brought back, his eyes wet.
Li Hao smiled and then turned to greet Song Yufeng and other Tangan Palace disciples, including the azure figure.
"You can't leave!"
Li Tiangang seemed to come to his senses, suddenly blocking Li Hao, his face angry: "Even if I…"
"Even if what?"
Li Hao paused and looked calmly at Li Tiangang. His peaceful gaze alone extinguished all of Li Tiangang's blood and anger as if drenched in cold water.
He stood there, realizing it was no longer two years ago.
Back then, he could have beaten Li Hao into submission, but now he couldn't.
He looked slightly dazed but soon gritted his teeth and said: "As a duke, I command you to stay in Qingzhou City!"
Li Hao glanced at him indifferently and said: "Thank you for reminding me. If I remember correctly, I was also granted the title of Duke after quelling Liangzhou. You are a second-tier duke, and I am a third-tier duke, lower by one rank, but you have no authority over me."
"Also, please return the imperial decree conferring my title. I will report to His Majesty that I have severed ties with the Li family. Any future awards or decrees can be sent directly to my fief."
At fourteen, when he guarded Cangyu City, he was conferred the title of earl and granted land. Though he hadn't visited, it still existed.
Hearing Li Hao's words, Li Tiangang trembled even more. Not yet sixteen, Li Hao was already a duke, the only one in the Dayu Divine Dynasty. He felt lost, wondering where he had gone wrong.
Li Hao walked past Li Tiangang and greeted Song Yufeng and the others.
Song Yufeng, aware of the situation, refrained from mentioning it, discussing other topics.
After a few words, they agreed to meet again that evening.
Li Hao turned to Song Qiumo, the woman standing in the sky, clear and distant, emitting a chilling aura. Her eyes, however, were soft, gazing at Li Hao.
They exchanged a look, conveying many unspoken words.
Both smiled.
...
Returning to Qingzhou City, as the Li family soldiers cleared the demon corpses from the city walls, Li Hao and Song Qiumo walked together through the city.
The Candle Flame God followed in its human form, while Xiyan returned to Li Hao's wrist. With Li Muxiu's injuries stabilized, she no longer needed to continue the treatment.
"Now I understand…"
As they walked and chatted, Song Qiumo inquired about Li Hao's supposed death.
Li Hao learned the Li family had held a funeral for him. Everyone believed he was dead.
He smiled slightly, feeling it was just as well. That child was indeed dead, buried forever in the abyss, and the funeral was not in vain.
Song Qiumo, understanding Li Hao's near-death escape from the demon saint, realized the Li family's certainty of his death wasn't unfounded.
She sighed inwardly, unable to fathom what Li Hao had endured.
"Now, you're much stronger than me."
Song Qiumo smiled.
Li Hao smiled back: "Training is useful for slaying demons, but I prefer praise for my paintings."
Song Qiumo's eyes twinkled as she laughed.
This boy was still as unique and different as ever.
"Uncle Liu!" Li Hao suddenly called out to a small shop along the street.
The shop opened a small door, peeking out cautiously, unsure if the demons were truly gone.
Hearing Li Hao's call, the middle-aged couple inside looked at him in confusion.
"Make me two portions of cotton jade crisp," Li Hao said with a smile.
The couple was unsure, thinking of the news from the Li family. They dared not question further, knowing the young master's preferred food and address.
"We're not open today."
The middle-aged man said.
Li Hao felt disappointed: "Alright then."
Song Qiumo's eyes sparkled slightly but said nothing.
The couple seemed to stiffen, their eyes becoming fearful, glancing at Li Hao with apprehension.
"Well, it's not that we can't make it. Just a moment."
The man quickly retreated into the house.
His wife smiled apologetically at Li Hao: "Yes, right away, just a moment."
Li Hao smiled: "Thank you."
The couple quickly retreated to prepare the food, despite not having prepared dough in advance.
Li Hao looked at Song Qiumo beside him and sighed: "Uncle Liu is kind. Don't scare them."
Song Qiumo looked innocent: "What?"
Li Hao smiled, knowing she had used a hidden technique.
Soon, several portions of cotton jade crisp were ready.
Li Hao took one and handed it to Song Qiumo, gave another to the Candle Flame God, and one to Xiyan: "Try this; it's a human delicacy."
Xiyan curiously used a red whisker to pick up the crisp, eating it with delight.
"So crispy and fragrant, is this what you humans eat?"
Xiyan's joyful voice accompanied the sound of munching.
"Eat as much as you like."
Li Hao smiled and asked for more.
With a bag of four or five portions, he and Song Qiumo continued their leisurely walk, eating along the way.
"This tastes good."
"It does. I followed Uncle Liu's stall to the base of the Tangan Palace School and decided to study there.
"...You're something else."
Song Qiumo was speechless, who could have thought such a legendary disciple joined the school because of a street vendor's charm.
Arriving at Yunxia Tower, Li Hao, familiar with the place, reserved the top-floor private room.
He asked Yunxia Tower to send invitations in his name.
As night fell, demon corpses piled outside the city were cleared, and Qingzhou City was declared safe.
The announcements continued from afternoon to night, and the city was again lit with countless lights.
The streets grew busier as people ventured out, feeling safe again.
Tea houses and taverns reopened, attracting those with money to gather and chat.
Those without money gathered in courtyards and alleys, discussing the day's events.
All conversations revolved around the call that shook the city and the battles against the demons.
"Have you heard? The demons called him Haotian. You know who that is? The star who quelled the chaos in Liangzhou!"
"Blessed by heaven, a star descending, shining across the sky. Too bad we didn't see him."
"He's about sixteen now, a duke and general. His fame will never be surpassed!"
"Is Haotian the Li family's?"
"Haotian is Haotian. The Li family's one is dead, right?"
"Yes, the Li family had a funeral not long ago. I saw the white streamers myself."
"Really? Then I must be mistaken. A pity, the Li family's genius was exceptional too."
"They're not the same person. The Li family must have been mistaken."
"Would the Divine General's Mansion make such a mistake?"
"I've never heard of Haotian's background…"
Street conversations mingled with fragmented information, turning the discussion to Haotian and gradually less about the Li family.
In Yunxia Tower, Li Hao waited for his old friends. His keen hearing picked up on the conversations, noting how people seemed to forget his surname.
Time smooths and buries everything.
Li Hao sipped his drink, gazing at the city lights, finding the night beautiful.
Meanwhile, in Tangan Palace and the Divine General's Mansion, invitations were received.
He Jianlan and the others, feeling a mix of emotions, took the invitations to attend the banquet.
With most people gone, only Shanhai Courtyard remained lit.
Li Tiangang and Ji Qingqing, seated at a table filled with dishes, seemed to have lost their appetite.
They sat in silence.
Hearing the sounds of carriages leaving, they extended their senses to find the carriages carrying He Jianlan and others leaving the mansion.
Their faces darkened, realizing the child hadn't invited them.
The steward, Zhao, looked at the scene, feeling deeply regretful, wishing things had been different.
The cold moonlight moved across the sky, making the night feel even quieter.
Carriage noises faded, indicating the banquet had likely started.
Li Tiangang, his expression darkening, picked up his chopsticks, forcing himself to eat:
"Eat, don't wait. After we're done, you go check the demon cleanup outside the city. I'll visit the ancestors and handle the situation in other cities. We cannot fall!"
Ji Qingqing, staring blankly at the food, remained motionless.
Li Tiangang forced a few bites but soon put down his chopsticks, unable to eat. Slamming the table, he growled:
"He severed the bloodline, but without the changes from our bloodline, his talent would diminish. He's strong now but will regret this decision. He could have reached sainthood, an eternal existence. He destroyed his unparalleled talent!"
Ji Qingqing, her eyes trembling, replied: "He's still excellent, even if it's our fault…"
Li Tiangang clenched his jaw, knowing she was right, but his anger needed an outlet.
"He was too ruthless. He'll regret this!"
With that, he stormed out of the hall.
As the night grew quieter, the round moon cast a serene glow.
In Yunxia Tower, Li Hao and his friends enjoyed the banquet. He Jianlan and the others, having given up on persuading Li Hao, ate and drank, enjoying the evening.
They often wanted to advise him, but Li Hao's smile stopped them, making it clear he was firm in his decision.
During the banquet, Tangan Palace disciples thanked Li Hao, mentioning the two princes had returned to the capital.
Their visit to Tangan Palace had indeed been to network and gather resources.
Li Hao, remembering the poetry-loving prince, felt a touch of regret at not seeing him again.
The banquet, filled with laughter and conversation, lasted deep into the night.
Li Hao then found a guesthouse to rest.
The next day, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, he felt rejuvenated.
He learned from Li Muxiu that the Li family had sent light cavalry with war banners and demon heads to reinforce other cities in Qingzhou.
The remaining troops would follow.
With no demon pressure outside Qingzhou City, the large forces retreating to the city could now fully mobilize.
Li Hao shook his head, feeling slightly dizzy from last night's drinking.
But soon recovered, his strength making it hard to stay drunk, needing special brews.