Cultivation Begins from Infancy - Chapter 232

Volume 3 - Chapter 5: Foundation Building, An Unparalleled Talent - Part 1

"Hao'er..."

Li Xuanli clenched his fists, his heart overwhelmed with grief.

The Li Family soldiers and the Liang Province Commander beside him had their smiles wiped away, their faces somber and silent.

The senior members of the Xia and Chen families, who had rushed to provide reinforcements, froze momentarily upon hearing the deafening chorus of cheers. They had never witnessed a general command such an awe-inspiring reputation.

What was even more remarkable was the reaction from the proud soldiers of various noble families, assembled from different cities. These usually haughty troops were now shouting louder than the regular army soldiers, their enthusiasm unmatched.

It was well-known that in the Great Yu Divine Dynasty, noble families and military factions had a complicated and often antagonistic relationship.

The military scorned the noble families for their greed and cowardice, seeing them as parasites of Great Yu.

Conversely, the noble families, wary of the military's influence and offended by their disdain, viewed the soldiers as obstinate and overly loyal fools incapable of adaptation.

That such disparate factions could come together in unison at this moment was truly an unprecedented spectacle.

"Li Hao..."

Li Wushuang, her body bloodstained from battle, had charged alongside the soldiers, slaying scattered demons and monsters. Now utterly exhausted, her arms weak and trembling, she heard the calls of the young man's name echoing all around her.

Pale-faced, she turned to her father and asked, "Are we going to look for him?"

Li Xuanli's heart shuddered as if pierced by a sharp needle. His voice was hoarse as he replied, "Search? Where would we even begin?"

Li Wushuang's face grew even paler. Yes, the world was vast—where could they possibly find him?

That boy... had already been lost by the Li Family.

Her heart ached.

As someone of the same generation as Li Hao, she knew he had already done more than enough, yet his end was to perish in his youth.

Nearby, Li Tiangang also heard Li Xuanli's words. His face shifted, and his massive, burly frame trembled slightly, as if his very blood had turned cold.

"Where to search..."

Three Absolute Technique Stage experts had been sent to hunt him down. The danger was immense, to say nothing of the fact that one of them had even reached the Half-Step Supreme Dao Stage!

After a long silence, Li Tiangang finally said in a low voice, "Fifth Brother, prioritize treating the wounded and reorganizing our remaining forces. Let’s deal with the demonic threats across Liang Province first."

"Once the campaign concludes, I will personally go search for him."

Li Xuanli glanced at him, understanding that any words of comfort would be futile at this moment. He said, "I will send out two light cavalry units to track him. Perhaps Hao'er’s exceptional fortune might allow him to narrowly escape disaster."

Li Tiangang's eyes flickered. That boy had indeed been blessed with the favor of many. Perhaps his fortune would prove true once again.

Nodding, he added, "Have them carry his battle flag as well. Along the way, if they encounter demons, the flag might offer some protection."

By now, even he had to admit that the renown of his son far surpassed that of the Li Family’s Yuan Battalion.

At least in this Liang Province campaign, in this land of Liang Province, his name would henceforth be known by all.

Even the demons.

Li Xuanli nodded, already aware of this. In Liang Province, Li Hao's battle flag was the most effective. If they raised the Li Family’s Yuan Battalion flag, demons would likely resist or even launch counterattacks depending on the situation. But with Li Hao's battle flag, the outcome would be unpredictable.

No one could be certain if the flag was real or a bluff. However, the boy’s remarkable feats—turning the tide of battle, slaying seven demon kings, sweeping through all opposition, and establishing dominion under his banner—were undeniable.

These accomplishments would surely spread throughout the demon circles.

Among the demons, some members of the Tianji Hall were known for their intelligence-gathering prowess. Only the ignorant wilderness creatures would remain unaware.

"We three should also search elsewhere. Since we’re here, let’s see how many remnants are left."

The elder of the Chen family, his gaze cold and murderous, spoke up. His battle robe was blood-soaked from the earlier clash with the demons. Though white-haired, his presence exuded a bloodthirsty ferocity.

The Xia family elder nodded, casting a glance at Li Tiangang. The discussions around them and the shouts from the noble family soldiers had not escaped his sharp hearing. From these fragmented remarks, he had pieced together the situation.

This second defensive line had endured thus far entirely due to Li Tiangang’s son.

He had slain seven demon kings. Their corpses still lay scattered across the battlefield like towering hills, a terrifying sight.

Such achievements were beyond even the capabilities of these seasoned veterans.

Moreover, the boy had drawn away three Absolute Technique Stage experts. Among them, the ruler of the Void Supreme Stage, the Candlefire God, had revealed a shocking secret: he was only a Half-Step Supreme Dao Stage away from rivaling the Buddha Lord himself.

...

...

Outside Liang Province, in the River of Death near Dragon City...

Within the Divine General Mansion, in the Qinglian Courtyard...

After absorbing swordsmanship knowledge earlier and taking a nap, Li Hao had already reached two years of age.

At this moment, in a corner of the courtyard, Li Hao was sitting with the young Li Xiaoran.

Now able to speak, Li Hao could converse with him.

"Others don’t matter, but in front of your grandfather—my elder brother—you must conceal your identity. Never let him find out that you came from beyond the River of Death," Li Xiaoran said cautiously, setting up a soundproof barrier as he spoke.

"If you act oddly in front of others, it’s fine as long as it’s not too frequent. But not in front of him. His obsession has developed a self-awareness, and the entire Dragon City exists because of him."

"If he detects anything unusual and discovers you’re not his son, Li Shilang, he will expel or even eliminate you. Remember this well!"

Li Hao’s expression turned serious as he nodded.

Li Xiaoran himself was cautious in his visits, likely also pretending to be someone else.

Strangely, in this place, he had no name—just the title of Li Shilang.

Perhaps this was because the old man had only nine sons in his lifetime. The presence of an unexpected tenth child was never anticipated, so no name was prepared, leaving him with this odd title.

“Did you also enter this place starting as a baby?” Li Hao asked curiously.

“More or less, everyone starts from the beginning,” Li Xiaoran replied, his gaze tinged with melancholy. “Before my elder brother passed, he always believed that he hadn’t worked hard enough, which led to his defeat.”

“It might be this conviction that gave the River of Death its unique rules. Other Netherworld-level Rivers of Death each have their own distinct peculiarities.”

“I see...” Li Hao nodded thoughtfully, then asked, “So we both entered this place, but you came in years before me?”

“Yes. Time here is strange, as you’ve likely noticed. I’ve actually been here for a long time. During this period, aside from cultivating, I’ve been searching for traces of the demons. They’ve already infiltrated Dragon City, waiting for the Dragon City Battle to erupt when you turn eighteen. When that time comes, they’ll reveal themselves.”

“I need to eliminate them in advance!” Li Xiaoran’s eyes flashed with killing intent.

Li Hao could sense the surging energy emanating from him. This Fourth Uncle had already reached the Three Immortals Realm.

Seeing Li Hao’s expression, Li Xiaoran seemed to guess his thoughts and said, “My identity does give me certain advantages in passing through this River of Death. That’s why I am its guardian. Every time I enter, I retain my original identity. I suspect this is another arrangement made by my elder brother’s lingering obsession.”

“My elder brother wishes to be freed and hopes I can take him home...”

His eyes revealed a flicker of sadness as he spoke.

Li Hao fell silent for a moment before asking, “If I display extraordinary talent, will that expose me?”

“No.”

Li Xiaoran quickly collected his emotions and shook his head. “No matter how exceptional you are, it won’t matter as long as you don’t say anything out of place or show knowledge you’re not supposed to have. As far as he’s concerned, everything you know should align with the trajectory of your current life.”

Li Hao understood. As long as his development fit the expected path, it would be fine.

“If we spend years slowly growing up here, how much time will pass outside?” Li Hao asked, voicing a concern he’d been dwelling on.

“Are you worried about the demons outside?”

Seeing his nephew’s worry, Li Xiaoran smiled. “Don’t worry. They’ve entered this River of Death as well. Several years before your arrival, the Candlefire God used his impending Supreme Dao Stage to bypass certain rules of this realm. He invaded Dragon City, intending to kill us swiftly.”

“But he underestimated the strength of the Li Family and, more importantly, my elder brother’s obsession!”

“A great battle occurred years ago. Led by my elder brother, the ancestral spirits of the Li Family’s ancestral shrine drove him back. Now, he’s likely lying dormant outside Dragon City, waiting for the battle over the city to commence in the future before making another attempt.”

Li Hao was taken aback. The enemy had come for them years earlier?

He had only just entered the River of Death, yet these enemies had somehow arrived ahead of him within its strange timeline?

“If the Supreme Dao Stage can bypass some of the rules here, wouldn’t the Buddha Lord’s intervention easily resolve the situation?” Li Hao asked curiously.

Given the Li Family’s connections, requesting the Buddha Lord’s assistance wouldn’t be out of the question, provided the price was right.

“They can only bypass some of the rules, and even the Supreme Dao Stage, with their domain abilities, can at best protect themselves. Violating certain taboos would still endanger them. The depths of this place are beyond comprehension. You’ll come to understand it gradually,” Li Xiaoran explained.

Li Hao felt a chill run through him. Even a figure as powerful as the Buddha Lord would face dangers here—just what was this place hiding?

“Besides the Candlefire God, I suspect that the old dragon Lu Yuan has entered too. The one watching over things outside is likely the Yin Lady,” Li Xiaoran said. “They pursued you here because of your talent, correct? If I recall, your birth coincided with Xiao Jiu’s death anniversary. You’re fifteen this year?”

Li Hao nodded.

Li Xiaoran couldn’t help but sigh. “That explains why they’re so desperate to kill you. A fifteen-year-old at the Three Immortals Realm, with the ability to unleash terrifying power in a desperate situation—it’s no wonder they’re so crazed. You’re even more remarkable than Xiao Jiu. That bear Tiangang truly fathered an extraordinary son!”

He didn’t notice the slight frown on Li Hao’s face as he continued, “The timeline in the River of Death is bizarre. However long you remain conscious here is the same amount of time that will pass outside. That old dragon Lu Yuan is almost certainly here as well. The demon kings must have shared their knowledge of this place with the Dragon Gate, giving him an edge. With the Candlefire God also involved, it’s highly likely he joined forces to enter.”

“This time, defending Dragon City will be more challenging than ever.”

Li Xiaoran’s expression turned serious. He said to Li Hao, “But for you, this is also an opportunity. Re-cultivating here allows you to refine your original martial path and identify flaws. The insights you gain during cultivation here will remain with you when you leave the River of Death.”

“When you merge them with your martial path outside, your growth will be significant.”

“You’re only two years old now. Although you have sixteen years left, your actual cultivation time will be much shorter unless you reach the Spiritual Wandering Realm, which would allow you to go without sleep for years.”

“Therefore, the time you have for training here is far less than it seems. You must work twice as hard!”

Li Hao nodded, understanding. “I will. You take care as well.”

Noticing a maid searching for Li Hao in the distance, Li Xiaoran realized their time was up. He carried Li Hao to the maid, playfully teasing him along the way.

Li Hao, acting the part of a two-year-old, responded with cheerful laughter.

“Young Master, there you are!”

The maid breathed a sigh of relief upon finding him, then bowed respectfully to Li Xiaoran.

Li Xiaoran waved dismissively, wearing a playful smile as he bid Li Hao farewell.

Watching his Fourth Uncle leave the courtyard, Li Hao sat quietly in the maid’s arms, deep in thought, before closing his eyes.

...

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