The Name of Eternals

Chapter 197: Foundation Building, Extraordinary Talent

"Haoy'er..."

Li Xuanli clenched his fists, his heart aching with sorrow.

The Li family soldiers and the Liangzhou commander beside him also fell silent, their smiles fading away.

The elders of the Xia and Chen families, who had come to aid, were visibly stunned by the mountain-shaking call of "Haoy'er" from the soldiers. They had never seen a general with such renown.

Among the voices were many proud family soldiers from various cities, shouting louder than the regular army.

In Dayu Dynasty, the noble families and the military often mingled but generally looked down on each other. The military despised the nobles for their greed and cowardice, seeing them as parasites. In turn, the nobles, intimidated by the military's power and disdain, looked down on them as stubborn and inflexible.

This unified shout was truly a miraculous sight.

"Li Hao..."

Li Wushuang, covered in blood from the battle, asked her father with a pale face, "Should we go look for him?"

Li Xuanli felt a sharp pain in his heart, as if a spike had pierced it. With a hoarse voice, he replied, "Look for him? Where do we even start?"

Li Wushuang's face turned even paler. Yes, the world is vast, where could they possibly find him? That boy... they had lost him.

She felt an overwhelming sadness.

As someone of the same generation as Li Hao, she knew he had done more than enough, yet he met such a tragic end.

Nearby, Li Tiangang also heard Li Xuanli's words. His face changed, his massive body trembling slightly as his blood ran cold.

Where to search...

Three supreme cultivators chasing after him was extremely dangerous, especially when one was half a step into the Taiping Dao Realm!

After a long silence, he spoke in a deep voice, "Fifth Brother, first treat the wounded and regroup our forces. We'll deal with the remaining demons in Liangzhou later."

"Once the battle is over, I'll go look for him."

Li Xuanli glanced at him, knowing that any consolation would be futile. He said, "I'll send out two light cavalry squads to track him. Perhaps Haoy'er is fortunate enough to have escaped."

Li Tiangang's eyes flickered, thinking of how blessed the boy was, always favored by luck.

He nodded, "Yes, and have them take his banners... His banners might offer some protection against any demons they encounter."

Now, he had to admit that his son's reputation surpassed even that of the Li family's Yuanzi Battalion.

At least in this Liangzhou battle, everyone would know his name, including the demons.

Li Xuanli nodded. He understood this well. In Liangzhou, Li Hao's banners were the most effective. Other banners might still face resistance or even be attacked, but with Li Hao's banners, the demons would hesitate.

No one knew if the banner was genuine, but with the boy's outstanding achievements, demons would spread the tales of his prowess. They were often well-informed, except for some ignorant wild demons.

"Let's patrol elsewhere. Since we're here, let's see how many remnants are left."

An elder from the Chen family, his eyes cold, spoke. His battle robe stained with blood from earlier fights, though white-haired and aged, he exuded a fierce killing intent.

The elder from the Xia family nodded, glancing at Li Tiangang. Hearing the discussions around him and the family soldiers' calls, he quickly grasped the situation.

This second line of defense held out thanks to Li Tiangang's son.

Having slain seven demon kings, their corpses still scattered across the battlefield like hills, he was astonished. Such feats, even these old veterans could not guarantee achieving.

Furthermore, the boy lured away three supreme cultivators. The master of Taixu Realm, Candlefire God, revealed an incredible secret: he was half a step into the Taiping Dao Realm, nearing the level of a Buddha.

"It seems our next generation in the Five Great Generals' families has lost..."

"The Li family's true dragon is unparalleled..."

The Xia family elder sighed inwardly, comparing his own exceptional descendants, and shook his head.

The gap was too wide.

However, the Li family's true dragon, being so extraordinary, was a good omen for the upcoming challenges.

Thinking of numerous secret reports, his expression grew solemn.

"In times of crisis, it is our duty to protect the people. This old Daoist will accompany you two on another patrol."

Thousand Machine Daoist lightly shook his whisk and spoke to the two elders.

He glanced at his disciple in the distance, a complex emotion in his eyes. When he recruited Wushuang from the Li family, the boy standing nearby was unnoticed.

Who could have imagined that today, the boy would outshine everyone, saving even him and earning his gratitude?

After living for centuries, he finally realized he had overlooked a true gem...

Regretting his past judgment, he advised Li Wushuang to be careful and then left with the two elders to sweep through Liangzhou, hunting down the remaining demons.

Outside Liangzhou, in the Nether River of Death within Dragon City.

Within the God-General's Mansion, in Qinglian Courtyard.

After absorbing swordsmanship knowledge and sleeping again, Li Hao was now three years old.

In the courtyard, he was sitting with a young Li Xiaoran.

Now that Li Hao could speak, they could communicate.

"Others don't matter, but in front of your grandfather, my eldest brother, you must hide your true identity. Never let him know you're from outside the Nether River."

Li Xiaoran, setting up a soundproof barrier, whispered, "Others might not notice if you're occasionally strange, but not him. His obsession has self-awareness, and the entire Dragon City exists because of him."

"If he senses something off, knowing you're not really his son Li Shilang, he might drive you away or even kill you. Remember that."

Li Hao nodded solemnly.

Li Xiaoran, cautious even when visiting him, must also be hiding his true identity.

Strangely, here he had no name, only the title of Li Shilang.

Perhaps, the old man had nine sons in his lifetime, making Li Hao an exception, hence the odd title.

"Did you start as a baby too?" Li Hao asked curiously.

"More or less, we all start from the beginning."

Li Xiaoran nodded, his eyes showing a trace of melancholy. "My eldest brother believed he wasn't diligent enough, leading to his defeat."

"Maybe this thought made the Nether River's rules unique. Other Nether Rivers have different rules."

So that's it... Li Hao understood. He asked, "You've been here much longer than me, right?"

"Yes, this place is strange. You've felt it. I've been here a long time. Besides training, I've been hunting hidden demons. When you're eighteen, they'll reveal themselves during the Dragon City battle."

"I must kill them in advance!" Li Xiaoran's eyes gleamed with killing intent.

Sensing his intense aura, Li Hao noticed Li Xiaoran was already in the Three Immortal Realm.

Li Xiaoran, reading his thoughts, explained, "My identity gives me some advantages here. That's why I've always guarded this Nether River. Each time I enter, I'm my original self. I believe my brother's obsession arranged it."

"He wants to be freed, wants me to bring him home..."

His eyes showed a trace of sorrow.

Li Hao, after a moment of silence, asked, "If I display extraordinary talent, will it be suspicious?"

"No."

Li Xiaoran quickly composed himself and shook his head. "No matter how extraordinary, it's fine. Just avoid saying things you shouldn't know in his perception."

Li Hao understood, as long as he followed the expected trajectory.

"If we stay here for years, how much time will pass outside?" Li Hao asked, concerned about this issue.

"You're worried about the demon kings outside?"

Li Xiaoran saw through Li Hao's worry and smiled. "Don't worry. They're here too. Years before you were born, the Candlefire God breached the Taiping Dao Realm's rules, reaching Dragon City to kill us."

"But he underestimated our family's strength and my brother's obsession."

"A great battle years ago forced him back. Now, he's likely lurking outside, waiting for the Dragon City siege."

Li Hao was stunned. The enemy had arrived years before?

He had just entered the Nether River, and despite entering after them, their timeline was ahead?

"If Taiping Dao Realm can bypass rules, can a Buddha easily resolve this?" Li Hao asked, thinking the Li family could request the Buddha's help.

"Only some rules, and even Taiping Dao Realm can barely ensure safety. Violating certain taboos is dangerous. This place is too mysterious. You'll understand with time." Li Xiaoran explained.

Li Hao's heart tightened. Even a Buddha-level expert faced risks. What lay hidden here?

"Besides the Candlefire God, I suspect the old dragon Lu Yuan also came. His wife likely stayed outside."

Li Xiaoran added, "They chased you because of your talent, right? I remember your birthday coincides with Little Nine's death anniversary. You're fifteen this year?"

Li Hao nodded.

Li Xiaoran sighed, "That explains why they pursued you. A fifteen-year-old Three Immortal Realm with such power is terrifying. No wonder they want you dead. You're even scarier than Little Nine. Tiangang truly has a remarkable son!"

Not noticing Li Hao's frown, he continued:

"This Nether River's timeline is odd. Your wakeful time here matches outside. If Lu Yuan entered, he likely brought information from a previous demon king. He and the Candlefire God are here. The Dragon City defense will be tougher."

He looked serious, "But this is also an opportunity for you. Re-training can refine your martial path. The insights you gain here will stay with you after you leave."

"You're only two now, though you have sixteen years, your actual training time is less. Only when you reach the Divine Wanderer Realm can you stay awake for years without sleep."

"Your training time here is shorter, so you must work harder!"

Li Hao understood, "Got it. You take care too."

Seeing a maid looking for Li Hao, Li Xiaoran handed him over, playfully teasing as they parted.

Li Hao played his role, smiling cheerfully.

"Young master, there you are."

The maid, relieved, bowed to Li Xiaoran.

Li Xiaoran waved her off with a smile, saying goodbye to Li Hao.

Li Hao, in the maid's arms, closed his eyes in thought.

In the courtyard, Li Hao soaked in a large medicinal tub.

Now three years old, in the God-General's Mansion, children began training at three, refined their blood at four, measured their bones at five, and formally started cultivation at six. This process was refined over centuries as optimal.

Starting too early could harm the bones, stunting growth.

Li Hao fast-forwarded to three years old to start foundation building.

Once he finished, he would have more time for other pursuits.

In the courtyard, many figures gathered.

His "mother" Chen Hefang, "grandfather" Li Tianzong, and his siblings, including the one-year-old Li Hongzhuang.

Foundation building was significant. Li Tianzong personally supervised, with the siblings watching.

Li Hao recognized uncles, aunts, and cousins, now young boys and girls, some showing early signs of valor.

He paid little attention to them, focusing on "father" Li Tianzong, feeling a bit tense.

Li Xiaoran warned that his awareness was keen, so he must be careful not to reveal anything.

"Light the incense."

Li Tianzong ordered.

A middle-aged steward obeyed, lighting incense in a nearby burner.

Li Hao recognized the younger Zhao Bo, his face youthful and back straight.

He felt an unexpected warmth and sorrow, remembering the loyal steward.

He wondered how Zhao Bo was now. Did Qingzhi still chatter? Was Yuan Zhao taking care of himself, training and eating well?

"How fast!"

Li Tianzong's exclamation interrupted Li Hao's thoughts.

Li Hao looked down at the tub.

He saw the dark medicinal liquid, with deeper black streams attaching to his body.

Li Hao was stunned.

He blinked, calling up his panel, seeing no restriction on absorbing the liquid.

What's happening?

He remembered he should be unable to absorb it, relying only on panel points.

Yet he felt a hot, strange energy entering his body, making it warm.

Is this foundation building?

Was he building his foundation?

Li Hao was shocked, fearing his panel was broken.

He checked repeatedly, finding it responsive.

Could it be the Nether River?

This mysterious place, its origin unknown, impossible to fathom.

Li Hao pondered, realizing his panel blocked his original body, not this infant form, allowing absorption.

He understood, though it didn't bring joy.

Mystery solved, he wondered if he could test his limits here, pushing growth with panel points.

Feeling the soothing energy, he enjoyed the process.

Outside, Li Tianzong and Chen Hefang were astonished.

His siblings watched, shocked at the speed, far exceeding theirs.

"So fast, within one incense stick's time?" The eldest, Li Xingbei, said.

"Far quicker than me, even faster than Ninth Brother, amazing!" The second, Li Fengping, exclaimed.

Li Tianzong watched the dark liquid clearing, flowing into Li Hao, first shocked, then laughing heartily.

"Good, good! Truly my son!"

He laughed, filled with joy.

Li Hao felt the comfort.

Half an incense stick's time, and the liquid cleared. Zhao Bo brought a second tub, pouring it in.

Three tubs later, Li Hao's body was full.

Li Tianzong was astonished, "Twice as much as Little Nine!"

Li Hao felt light and strong, his body changed, his constitution vastly improved.

He didn't stop, quickly jumping ahead five days.

His body, stronger each time, indicated continued absorption.

Satisfied, he kept jumping days, checking his progress each time.

Soon, a year passed.

Four years old, blood refinement.

Li Tianzong killed a demon king, using its blood for Li Hao, diluted for safety.

Refining with heavenly blood was rare, usually reserved for the wealthy or top disciples. Demon king blood was almost unheard of due to rarity and potency.

Li Tianzong cautiously tested, giving little at first.

Li Hao's absorption speed amazed him again, quickly taking in the diluted blood.

"Good, good."

Li Tianzong, overjoyed, saw his youngest son's exceptional talent as the best in a thousand years!

At four, Li Hao, though still a child, showed remarkable strength.

He didn't skip ahead, instead using free time to request a chessboard from Zhao Bo.

Surprised by the request, Zhao Bo indulged the talented young master, having a servant fetch one.

Li Hao, finding quiet moments, recited poetry and practiced painting.

The courtyard, quiet with his siblings at the training ground, allowed him to work undisturbed.

The two-year-old Li Hongzhuang, unusually attached to him, often followed him.

Though Li Hao felt odd, he let her stay, giving her snacks to keep her occupied while he painted.

This scene reminded him of his past, painting and playing chess in the courtyard with a young companion.

A nostalgic smile, he focused on his painting.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Li Tianzong, towering and imposing, entered, seeing Li Hao and Li Hongzhuang.

"What are you doing?"

Li Hao, startled, could only admit, "Painting."

Li Tianzong, glancing at the artwork, softened his stern expression.

"Why hide here? Your mother was worried."