Volume 3 - Chapter 418: Opening the Final Realm (Part 5)
At the foot of the mountain, Su Zhenyuan was waiting.
As soon as Li Hao returned, he swiftly moved to his side, eagerly asking, “Haotian, did the Ancestor give you any guidance? What did he say to you?”
“Hmph!”
Fourth Uncle snorted coldly and stepped in front of Li Hao, grumbling, “You even have to ask about something like that? Have you no shame?”
Su Zhenyuan froze, scratching his head awkwardly. As the head of the family, it was rare for him to look so sheepish.
“Don’t mind him.”
Fourth Uncle pulled Li Hao aside and lowered his voice. “Child, what did the Ancestor tell you?”
Li Hao: “…”
“You two, come up here.”
At that moment, Su Jiuzhe’s voice drifted down from Peach Blossom Hill.
Fourth Uncle and Su Zhenyuan exchanged glances, both a little embarrassed, and no longer pressed Li Hao for answers.
Su Zhenyuan turned to him and said, “You know the way back, right? Why don’t you head back on your own?”
Li Hao nodded.
Then the two elders quickly made their way into the mountain, while Li Hao turned and headed back to the Zhexian Courtyard.
But as soon as he returned, he was met with a surprisingly lively scene—many guests had gathered, making the courtyard unusually bustling.
Li Hao saw Wu Ma respectfully attending to them, and when he looked closer, he recognized the guests—they were the twenty former war captives from before.
Only now, they were washed clean and dressed in fresh robes. Their injuries had mostly healed, and their spirit was restored. Compared to their previous disheveled and wretched state, they were nearly unrecognizable.
“He’s back!”
“Haotian, it’s Haotian!”
The people gathered in the courtyard quickly sensed his presence and turned toward him with surprise and joy.
Li Hao descended into the courtyard, instinctively glancing toward the main hall. The doors remained tightly shut, and a hint of guilt flickered in his eyes.
“Young Master, you’re finally back. They’ve all come to see you,” said Wu Ma, hurrying up to him. Her tone was now filled with utmost respect and reverence.
Though a servant, Wu Ma held deep admiration for Li Hao after what he had done. His deeds had extraordinary significance for the Human Clan of the Northern Region.
Li Hao nodded, then quietly said, “Wu Ma, please let her know. Tell her I’ve disturbed her, and I hope she won’t mind.”
Wu Ma blinked, instantly understanding who “she” was.
Disturbed? She glanced at the crowd. Naturally, with so many people chatting, the usually serene courtyard had become quite chaotic—an intrusion for someone who valued peace and quiet.
She inwardly admired how thoughtful Li Hao was and quickly nodded.
By then, the others had already crowded around him.
“Haotian, I am Lin Yeqiu. There are no words for your saving grace. From this day forth, just give the word, and I will follow you unto death!”
Lin Yeqiu was the first to speak, his expression emotional.
It was Li Hao who had allowed him to return home, reunite with his family, and sit with his old father again. The bond between father and son was preserved thanks to him.
“Haotian, I’m Su Wenyue, elder sister of Su Muqing. I will never forget what you’ve done,” said a graceful, dignified young woman in the crowd, her tone soft and gentle.
“Haotian, my life is yours. Say the word, and I’m there.”
“Haotian, my Zhao family…”
“Haotian…”
All twenty stepped forward to express their gratitude, their emotions sincere. One by one, they also presented various treasures they had brought with them.
Li Hao had no real use for the items—most were divine medicines. Unless used for cooking, he couldn't absorb them. And at the moment, he barely had time to process the corpse of the Ancient Demon, let alone these herbs. Better they remain with their rightful owners, put to good use in the Northern Region’s struggles.
“The sentiment is appreciated. As members of the Human Clan, this is simply what I must do,” Li Hao said modestly.
After exchanging some polite words and explaining that he needed time for rest and cultivation, the guests took their leave, each leaving behind their gifts.
Soon, the courtyard was filled with treasures. Li Hao could only sigh helplessly and ask Wu Ma to register everything and have the Su Clan send them back to their original owners.
Inside the main hall, Su Muqing had been keeping an ear on what was happening outside. When Wu Ma came in and relayed Li Hao’s message, Su Muqing froze. If this had been before, she might have felt annoyed. But these captives were border heroes—newly freed from demonic hands. How could she begrudge them their heartfelt thanks?
What surprised her more was that Li Hao had been so considerate—apologizing to her for such a trivial matter.
This same youth had never bowed his head even after claiming the laurel in the Sword Pool trials, and now, here he was, apologizing over something so small.
She felt a strange, indescribable sensation stir in her heart.
Then she remembered her father’s arrangement—and her expression grew more complicated.
…
Time passed quietly.
Since the battle outside Gusu City, the Su Clan had become a hub of activity.
Many came knocking at their gates seeking an audience with Li Hao. Numerous families, some from distant regions, arrived just to meet him, express their gratitude, and present valuable gifts.
So many came that the Su Clan’s doorstep was nearly worn down. Even a top-tier clan like theirs couldn’t afford to turn away such sincere goodwill.
Word of these visits spread quickly through the Su Clan. Lately, wherever the clan’s disciples went, they’d be asked if they’d seen Haotian, what he was doing, and whether they could arrange a meeting.
This flurry of attention made even ordinary Su Clan servants—those who ran errands or bought supplies—feel immensely proud.
Not even during the heyday of Su Muqing or Lin Zhexuan had there been such reverence.
To avoid disturbing Su Muqing, Li Hao declined all visitations.
Even Jiang Huanhuan and Lin Jinrou had to beg Su Wanqing for quite some time before they were granted permission to enter the Zhexian Courtyard and see him.
Once inside, they surrounded him, chattering incessantly.
This scene, of course, did not go unnoticed by a certain pair of eyes within the main hall.
Seeing the two proud daughters of great clans flitting around Li Hao like cheerful handmaidens, Su Muqing’s expression darkened slightly.
Since when had he become so dazzling?
Even Lin Zhexuan had never been like this.
After all, Lin Zhexuan had always kept others at arm’s length. Other than her, he rarely let anyone get close. He had an air of aloofness.
Li Hao, on the other hand, was affable and all smiles. He could strike up a friendly conversation with anyone.
Su Muqing frowned, her heart unexpectedly sour and irritated.
He could be so distant with her—yet so warm with everyone else?
In her cultivation chamber, she stomped her foot in frustration, a rare show of agitation.
“You’re so young in soul age… I don’t think calling you Haotian-gege is quite right. Can I call you Haotian-didi instead?” Jiang Huanhuan asked, bending forward playfully like a mischievous young girl.
Li Hao sighed inwardly. While his soul age was technically young, he felt far more mature than them. He replied, “For Immortals and Gods, a few hundred years of soul age hardly matters. Just call me Haotian.”
Jiang Huanhuan thought that made sense. Then she asked curiously, “I heard you’re marrying Su Muqing. Have you two set a date yet?”
At that, Su Wanqing, Lin Jinrou, and even Su Wanxue—all turned toward him.
Su Wanxue had once harbored deep prejudice against Li Hao, but after the recent war, her view had changed drastically. Deep down, she now admired Su Muqing a bit. First she had Lin Zhexuan, now Li Hao—two of the greatest geniuses of their time.
As her older sister, she couldn’t help feeling a hint of jealousy.
Not out of malice—just pure, heartfelt envy.
Inside the hall, Su Muqing’s eyes flickered.
She suddenly paused what she was doing and focused her attention on the youth.
“…Not yet.”
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