Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 391

Volume 3 - Chapter 101: Suppression - Part 1

“How could this happen?”

“Quick, leave this place immediately.”

“The exit has disappeared, and I can’t summon the River of Death List.”

The Wang family members who had followed Li Hao into the area hurriedly tried various methods, growing increasingly anxious. It wasn’t merely the fear of death—many of them were key figures in the Wang family. If all of them were to perish here, it would deal a massive blow to the family.

The fusion of two Rivers of Death was an incredibly rare phenomenon, yet they had encountered it—a situation so unlikely it felt like a curse.

“Uncle Zhendong, why aren’t you leaving?”

Wang Yongzhi, who had also attempted to summon the River of Death List to no avail, turned to look at Wang Zhendong.

This pillar of the Wang family still gave them a sense of security, even in this perilous moment.

“Of course I intend to leave,” Wang Zhendong replied, frowning. “But I plan to observe the fusion of this River of Death and that Infernal River of Death a bit longer...”

He added with a grim expression, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we leave now, the next time we try to come in, this place may already have been entirely assimilated by the Infernal River of Death. Without the simple rules of this Netherworld-level River of Death to protect us, entering directly into the hellish rules would be suicidal. Even I might not survive. This is a rare chance to study the nature of an Infernal-level River of Death up close.”

“But you lot just had to rush in with so many people,” he said, glancing at Wang Yongzhi with clear disapproval.

Wang Yongzhi immediately understood his uncle’s displeasure. With the fusion of the two Rivers of Death, although they were currently constrained by the rules of the Netherworld-level River of Death, this same river was also resisting the hellish laws of the Infernal-level River of Death. In a way, these rules were protecting them.

If the oppressive laws of the Infernal River of Death were to take over, the consequences would be terrifying—even a Dao Domain might not withstand them.

“Uncle Zhendong, do you know how we can leave?” Wang Yongzhi asked urgently.

They had initially intended to see how Li Hao dealt with the Netherworld-level River of Death while taking the opportunity to build a closer relationship with him.

Now, their ill-fated journey felt like being caught in a sudden hailstorm—complete with ice pellets.

Wang Zhendong, seeing their nervous expressions, snorted coldly. He knew this was not the time for reprimands, so he said, “The rules here have reversed, and the original exit path has disappeared. The only way out is deeper inside. You all have your tokens, don’t you? I’ll take you there.”

Hearing that there was still a way out, Wang Yongzhi exhaled in relief, quickly regaining his composed demeanor—or at least pretending to.

“Yes, we have them,” Wang Yongzhi said, nodding. He had come prepared, already aware of the dangers of the Netherworld-level River of Death. Each member carried a token to ensure a means of escape.

He turned to Li Hao and said, “Haotian Divine General, you’ve heard the situation. This place will soon become extremely dangerous. We must leave as soon as possible.”

Before Li Hao could respond, Wang Zhendong raised an eyebrow and asked sharply, “What did you just call him?”

Although he had paid little attention to Li Hao earlier, Wang Zhendong had noticed his remarkable presence. Such a young individual with control over a Dao Domain could only be the Haotian General of Liang Province.

He had come here on an imperial order to assist this general in clearing the Netherworld-level River of Death.

Given how highly the emperor regarded him, Wang Zhendong could understand why. After all, this young general was exceptionally talented—a source of envy and regret for any Divine General Mansion without such a prodigy among their sons.

However, there was a vast difference between a general and a Divine General, and such a mistake in address could not be ignored.

“Haotian...”

The two young members beside Wang Zhendong froze, their gazes fixed on Li Hao in astonishment.

Wang Yongzhi noticed his uncle’s rising displeasure and quickly sent him a mental transmission to explain.

“What?”

Wang Zhendong’s previously stern expression faltered for a moment as he processed the transmission. Then he looked at Li Hao with visible surprise.

Chong Er?

The individual at the very top of the Merit Ranking?

The one who had achieved feats across three provinces, opened the Merit Treasury, and stood peerless?

Wang Zhendong was momentarily stunned, staring at the young face before him, finding it difficult to believe.

But he quickly understood. No wonder Wang Yongzhi and the others had so recklessly ventured in—they likely wanted to see if this Chong Er had some unique method for clearing the river.

His anger toward Wang Yongzhi and the others diminished considerably as he thought about it. In their place, he might have done the same.

“You’re truly exceptional, young and accomplished,” Wang Zhendong said with a sigh, his mood visibly improving. Without further delay, he stood up and said, “Let’s get you out of here. This place is too perilous.”

...

While they were talking, Li Hao’s spirit had been observing the pitch-black fault line outside the small town. He noted its slow but steady advance—comparable to an ant crawling—but relentless, moving closer every second. At its current pace, it would reach the town’s buildings in a dozen hours or so.

Given the accelerated decay of the river, the fusion might speed up later.

Time was running out.

Li Hao turned to the Wang family members preparing to leave and asked Wang Zhendong, “Elder, do you have any clues or methods for clearing this River of Death?”

“You still want to clear it?”

Wang Zhendong’s face darkened as he stared at Li Hao. “It’s impossible now. There were ways before, but with the river being assimilated, the hellish laws of the Infernal River of Death will interfere. Clearing it is near impossible!”

“I’d like to try,” Li Hao replied earnestly. “But I’ll make sure to get you all out of here first. I’ll stay and handle it myself.”

He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. If he didn’t give it his all, it would weigh on his heart.

The Wang family members looked visibly alarmed. They hadn’t expected Li Hao to be so determined. Could it be that the Phantom Thief was his relative?

“Haotian Divine General, you’re still young, with a bright future ahead of you. There’s no need to take such a risk here,” Wang Yongzhi advised solemnly.

Li Hao glanced at him briefly and shook his head slightly. “That’s a separate matter.”

Wang Yongzhi opened his mouth to speak again but fell silent.

It was indeed a separate matter. Achieving personal fame and assisting others weren’t mutually exclusive. However, in history, those who had already risen above often didn’t choose to sacrifice themselves, stepping back into the mire.

Wang Zhendong studied Li Hao deeply, then turned his gaze toward the encroaching black mist outside the small town. He spoke in a low voice, “Once I’ve escorted them out, I’ll help you find a way.”

“Uncle Zhendong…”

“Move it! Stop dithering!”

Wang Zhendong was decisive in action. His Dao Domain quickly spread to envelop the Wang family members. However, the moment it came into contact with Li Hao’s Dao Domain, it met immense resistance and couldn’t penetrate.

He was startled. This young man’s Dao Domain was incredibly strong.

Wang Zhendong wasn’t privy to the details of how Li Hao had defeated the Boundless Buddhist Lord, but the battle in Qingzhou City, where Li Hao slew two Great Demon Kings, had been witnessed by all. Now, feeling the strength of his Dao Domain firsthand, Wang Zhendong realized that the young general’s reputation was well-earned.

Seeing Li Hao about to speak, Wang Zhendong interjected quickly, “Don’t worry about causing me trouble. I’m also interested in studying the peculiarities of this Infernal River of Death.”

An Infernal-level River of Death, according to their estimates, could grant over ten thousand merit points if destroyed.

If cleared, the reward might reach a million!

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