Follow the path of Dao from infancy

“That is of course welcome.”

Li Tian Gang was slightly surprised, feeling a hint of barb in the Sword Saint’s words, and glancing at Li Hao beside him, he immediately understood. It must be due to Li Hao’s casual nature and the lack of proper reception.

He immediately said with a smile, “Old Sword, please follow me to the inner courtyard. Xue’er is a child of bright talent and intelligence. Being able to study under the tutelage of the Sword Saint is indeed good fortune for the child.”

Seeing this Marshal, who had controlled the troops for many years, being so polite, a smile appeared on Jian Wudao’s face. He followed into the courtyard without paying any more attention to Li Hao. After all, their seniority differed too much, and it was pointless to squabble with the junior.

The disciples following behind Jian Wudao also realized there was no point in arguing with Li Hao.

They had come to offer goodwill, but to have a falling out over a verbal dispute would be too costly.

But deep down, they held a bit more discontent and dislike for the youth who was famous throughout Qingzhou.

After they had left, Bian Ruxue stood next to Li Hao, her expression hesitant, and said, “Brother Hao, are you angry?”

Li Hao sat back down on the chair and smiled, “No, there’s nothing to be angry about.”

Bian Ruxue said, “My master takes the way of the sword very seriously, and sometimes he may speak in an unpleasant manner. Brother Hao, don’t take it to heart.”

Li Hao smiled, “Don’t worry, I’m not angry.”

Bian Ruxue looked at him carefully, and seeing that he truly wasn’t angry, she sighed with relief and said, “I see that Li Qianfeng has sought support from the Bodhisattva of Mount Wuliang, and thus invited my master.”

“You have worried needlessly.”

Li Hao understood her kindness and smiled, “Go accompany your master. He is a stranger here; I’ll continue to bask in the sun a bit longer.”

“Alright.”

Bian Ruxue nodded at his words.

After Bian Ruxue had left, Li Hao reopened the book of poetry, placing it on his face, and continued to bask in the sunlight.

Next to him, Ren Qianqian held the Sword Box, frequently glancing towards the inner courtyard.

Just now, her heart had been in her throat—the Sword Saint’s aura was too powerful, and she felt a trembling throughout her body.

This was the world-renowned Sword Saint!

But the young man before her had responded with ease, without the slightest hint of fear. She was very worried that in his anger, the other party would make a move to teach Li Hao a lesson.

But Ren Qianqian’s concerns were needless. In the Divine General Mansion, no matter whether Li Hao was at fault or not, Jian Wudao would not lay a hand on him even if he was quick-tempered, as doing so would not only be hitting Li Hao but also damaging the face of the entire Divine General Mansion.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast to the cold and limited connections at Mountain and River Courtyard, the Shuihua Courtyard was extremely bustling and lively.

The guests filled the hall, and the inner courtyard was already packed, while the outside courtyard was seething with people.

Maidens and house servants bustled about among guests, busy attending to them.

…

…

Inside Tan Palace Academy.

The many disciples in White Hall wanted to descend the mountain to join the excitement at the Divine General Mansion, to support Li Hao and incidentally see how the Li Family’s True Dragon would make his choice.

But a single decree from Song Yufeng stopped them all.

Sun Hongdian, who was teaching the class and was very experienced with social customs, slowly explained the reasons behind the decree to the disciples.

There were two reasons.

The first was that with Li Hao’s talent, securing the True Dragon was a certainty, and there was no need for others to back him up.

The second was that Tan Palace Academy did not need to join in on the success, thereby attracting trouble.

Immediately, a disciple from the floor yelled out, “But Zhou Zheng went!”

Sun Hongdian chastised bluntly, “He went with his father, who was a follower of the Marquis of Martial Justice. Is your father one?”

The disciple immediately fell silent; clearly, his father was not.

At the edge of the Cold Pond Abyss.

Two figures stood there, looking down at the distant mountains below, faintly sensing the prosperity and the gathering of many strong presences there.

“That kid drew you so many pictures, are you not going to see for yourself?”

Song Yufeng stood with his hands behind his back, smiling at Song Qiumo beside him.

Song Qiumo glanced at him and said, “If I went, aren’t you afraid I’d drag Tan Palace into it?”

“Of course, I’m not afraid.”

Song Yufeng said with a smile, “The Li Family is also reasonable, and besides, the child will certainly secure the True Dragon. What is there to fear in supporting him?”

Song Qiumo huffed, “If you’re not afraid, why did you come to see me?”

“The little guy hasn’t been up the mountain for several days, and I see you standing here every day, waiting. I was worried you were bored,” Song Yufeng chuckled.

Song Qiumo rolled her eyes, “I’m waiting for him to bring little pastries.”

“I never said what you were waiting for,” Song Yufeng replied with a smile. “Besides, you can go down the mountain to buy them yourself.”

Song Qiumo responded gruffly, “I promised your ancestor I would stay here.”

“Why confine yourself to a promise for your whole life?”

Song Yufeng then sighed, “Moreover, you’ve already guarded here for nearly a thousand years. My Song family is indebted to you.”

Song Qiumo remained silent.

After a moment, she finally said, “Speaking of which, he is also a teacher at your Tan Palace. Why don’t you go?”

Song Yufeng started to laugh, his hands still behind his back, as he said,

“I’m only good at offering help in hard times, not at adding splendor to what’s already splendid.”

…

…

In Mountain and River Courtyard, apart from the Sword Saint and his company, some more people had arrived one after another.

Most of them were individuals Li Tian Gang had visited in recent times; they all came to the courtyard to show their support for Li Hao.

In the inner courtyard, the guests filled the hall with Li Tian Gang sitting at the main hall, chatting and entertaining everyone, from time to time laughter from the middle-aged men could be heard.

The few young people, not many in number, stayed in the inner courtyard, sneaking peeks at the young master sunbathing in the front courtyard, their eyes filled with curiosity but not daring to come closer.

The title ‘Fifteen Li Realm by the age of fourteen’ was too intimidating, enough to induce awe.

“Teacher Li.”

A figure appeared beside Li Hao, who lifted the book of poetry and saw a familiar face.

When alone with Li Hao, Zhou Zheng looked somewhat tense, especially remembering the hundred poems at the brothel. He admired and looked up to this peer of the same age.