Chapter 291: Are You Chong Er?
After bidding farewell to his companions, Li Hao set off for the Wang family estate in Yunzhou, accompanied by Zhu Huoshen (the God of Fire) and Xi Yan. Their journey was swift, traversing mountains, rivers, and lakes. Despite taking a direct route, they crossed six or seven major provinces, covering nearly a million miles. This time, Li Hao had no inclination to savor the scenery or indulge in leisure; his sole focus was reaching his destination.
Zhu Huoshen galloped with fiery hooves that tore through the sky. After a day's travel, they arrived at the borders of Yunzhou. The province was teeming with various forces and martial arts sects, all under the subtle influence of the Wang family. Following the capital's decision to strip them of military command, the Wang family had extended their reach into these martial arts factions, using them as fronts to train soldiers. Should demons ever invade Yunzhou, these seemingly disparate groups would unify, revealing a well-prepared and formidable defense.
These martial arts sects, though appearing as scattered forces, possessed high-quality armor and weaponry capable of deterring even the fiercest demons. Whether the elder in the capital was aware or chose to ignore this setup remained a matter of speculation.
Zhu Huoshen descended and landed outside the grand gates of the Wang family's Divine General Mansion. The mansion, both magnificent and imposing, dominated the center of Yunzhou City. Its entrance boasted the inscription "Divine General Mansion of Tianzhao," shining brilliantly and evoking awe.
Sensing the demonic aura emanating from Zhu Huoshen, the guards at the mansion's entrance were momentarily startled but quickly composed themselves, rushing inside to report the arrival. The news sent ripples through the Tianzhao Divine General Mansion.
The legendary Haotian General, Li Hao, had arrived in Yunzhou!
Curiosity buzzed among the residents. This young general had recently become the talk of the realm, achieving feats that many seasoned warriors could only dream of. At just sixteen, he had amassed numerous battle accolades, engaging in countless confrontations. His very name stirred excitement and admiration.
"Is it true? Has the Haotian General really come to our Wang family?" someone exclaimed.
"I heard from my father that he has never seen the general in court. Despite his numerous honors, he's never appeared there!" another added.
"Why would he come here?" a third wondered aloud.
"I've heard it's related to the River of the Dead," came the reply.
"The River of the Dead? That's intriguing. Maybe he's here to consult with our Wang family or perhaps he's eyeing treasures in the Merit Treasure Vault," someone speculated.
"Well, who wouldn't be tempted by the Merit Treasure Vault? If not for it, I wouldn't even know about the 'Extreme Realm' in martial arts," another mused.
"Come on, let's go and see," urged one of the younger members.
The younger generation of the Wang family was abuzz with excitement. In an era where the Dayu Dynasty was transitioning from prosperity to decline, Li Hao's emergence was like a beacon. His name had been mentioned countless times over the past two years, making even the proud scions of the Divine General Mansion set aside their arrogance, replaced by genuine curiosity. The vast gap between them and Li Hao rendered any thought of competition futile. Even their esteemed elders paled in comparison to his achievements.
Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhi, the patriarch of the Wang family, appearing in his forties, led a delegation of influential family members to personally welcome Li Hao. Though the gesture was grand, Wang Yongzhi's keen insights, especially after the recent Buddhist incident, made him recognize Li Hao's extraordinary nature—a force not to be underestimated.
Soon, at the gates of the Divine General Mansion, they witnessed Li Hao astride the fiery Zhu Huoshen. The young general was a vision—fair-skinned, handsome, with deep, dark eyes that gleamed like polished jade. Contrary to their expectations of arrogance, he exuded a restrained and profound demeanor, reminiscent of a solitary figure atop a mountain peak.
Wang Yongzhi's eyes narrowed with respect, but his face broke into a warm smile. He cupped his hands in greeting, "You must be the Haotian General. Though we've never met, your reputation precedes you—truly legendary!"
Li Hao recognized Wang Yongzhi's central position among the group, indicating his leadership. He gracefully dismounted from the now smaller Zhu Huoshen and returned the salute. Zhu Huoshen, transforming from his majestic form, emerged as a youthful figure wreathed in flames, standing protectively behind Li Hao.
Two elders beside Wang Yongzhi observed with solemn eyes, a chill running down their spines. Despite prior rumors, witnessing the Taixu realm master, Zhu Huoshen, so submissive to Li Hao was startling. Since the battle in Liangzhou, Zhu Huoshen had revealed his strength, standing as a half-step into the Dao realm. In the echelons of the Divine General Mansions, he was a top-tier combatant, now serving as Li Hao's mount.
"Greetings, Haotian General," the Wang family's influential figures chorused, their demeanor respectful. Despite their age and status, they recognized Li Hao's superior achievements and titles.
"Haotian General, please," Wang Yongzhi warmly invited Li Hao inside, with others echoing the sentiment. Initially, upon hearing of Li Hao's victory over the Buddha Lord, they were surprised. But as detailed reports surfaced, revealing that the Buddha Lord had been in the Wen Dao realm when defeated, their respect deepened. The Buddha Lord's previously displayed strength had been in the Taiping Dao realm. While formidable, the Wang family's centuries-old foundation, bolstered by geniuses who had ventured into the immortal realm a millennium ago, felt confident. However, Li Hao's capability to vanquish a Wen Dao realm opponent was a testament to his unparalleled prowess. Coupled with the emperor's decree in his favor, revealing the royal family's deep-seated support, it became evident that Li Hao was a force to be reckoned with.
Inside the grand hall of the Wang family estate, after some cordial exchanges, Li Hao couldn't contain his urgency, "Patriarch Wang, earlier you mentioned that you've located Feng Boping's missing soul?"
Wang Yongzhi, recalling Li Hao's fierce loyalty—evidenced by his wrathful confrontation with the Buddha Lord for the Thief Saint—responded earnestly, "Haotian General, there's no need for haste. Feng Boping's soul seems fragmented, and its lingering attachments are weak. Currently, it's trapped within a Netherworld-level River of the Dead. Upon discovery, my second uncle, Wang Zhendong, personally ventured to attempt its rescue."
"A Netherworld-level?" Li Hao echoed, a sigh of relief escaping him. As long as it wasn't a Youdu-level River, the task was manageable. His previous experience in the Longcheng River of the Dead had been perilous. Even with his current Taiping Dao realm strength, confronting other Youdu-level Rivers was daunting, given their unique and unpredictable challenges. While his Dao domain could suppress certain rules, clearing a River of the Dead required more than sheer force.
"May I also attempt the rescue?" Li Hao inquired, determination evident in his voice.
"You?" Wang Yongzhi replied, a hint of surprise. He smiled warmly, "Haotian General, it's not a matter of trust. Rest assured, we would never be complacent. While the Thief Saint's reputation is... colorful, our Wang family holds no animosity. After all, he aided us in resolving numerous River of the Dead challenges."
"Really?" Li Hao mused, recalling his first venture into the River of the Dead and the Merit List where Feng Lao's name had appeared with over three thousand points, ranking around thirty. In contrast, the Sword Saint from the Sword Hut was ranked around eighty or ninety. At that time, clearing Rivers of the Dead offered no rewards—purely acts of altruism.
"Did you know his alias in the River of the Dead?" Li Hao probed.
"Bu Liuxing (No Name Walking). As they say, a thief never leaves empty-handed or a name. For a Thief Saint, 'Saint' translates to 'Bu Liuxing.' We've long been aware it was him," Wang Yongzhi chuckled, then sighed, "Good and evil aren't easily defined. Though the Thief Saint visited our estate, any thefts were seen as our oversight. In the process, he also helped us uncover internal corruption. Beyond that, his ranking in the top fifty of the Merit List earns our respect."
Li Hao regarded Wang Yongzhi, appreciating his magnanimity. He recalled that nearly twenty of the top thirty names on the Merit List bore the Wang surname—a testament to the family's dedication and honor.
"Moreover, with the recent surge of the Knife Saints and Sword Saints into the top fifty, thanks to the opening of the Merit Treasure Vault, the River of the Dead has transformed from a calamity to a treasure trove," Wang Yongzhi remarked, a hint of mockery in his eyes. Previously, without the Merit Treasure Vault, these renowned figures had shown little interest in clearing the Rivers, preferring to meditate or confront demons at the borders. The Wang family's past appeals for assistance were often met with indifference or exorbitant demands. Now, the tables had turned.
Given their past experiences, the Wang family harbored no ill will towards Feng Boping. Actions spoke louder than reputations, and everyone had their story. Unless Feng Boping had somehow foreseen the opening of the Merit Treasure Vault—a notion they dismissed—his deeds were genuine.
"With my second uncle's involvement, Haotian General, rest assured. If the first attempt fails, we'll try again. Nowadays, we avoid destroying these Rivers," Wang Yongzhi assured. Destroying them led to their disappearance, while clearing them yielded a hundredfold in merit. Presently, Rivers of the Dead were scarce resources, once difficult to eliminate, now criminal to destroy clandestinely—a testament to changing times.
"It's alright. More hands make light work. I'd like to try as well," Li Hao insisted. He was concerned that prolonged entrapment might further erode Feng Lao's soul.
"Do you truly wish to?" Wang Yongzhi confirmed, sensing Li Hao's resolve.
"Haotian General," interjected an elder, Wang Zhenping, with a measured tone, "The River of the Dead isn't akin to battling demons. High cultivation alone doesn't guarantee success. Experience and strategy are paramount." Wang Zhenping, an elder of the Wang family and father to Wang Xiangru, held reservations towards Li Hao, influenced by past grievances. However, recognizing Li Hao's current stature, he refrained from overt hostility.
"Indeed, Haotian General," others echoed, their expressions sincere. "The River of the Dead is fraught with peril."
"It's alright," Wang Yongzhi intervened, "Allow Haotian General to experience it firsthand. Have you ventured into the River of the Dead before?"
"I've entered once or twice," Li Hao replied.
"Haotian General possesses a commendable spirit," Wang Yongzhi acknowledged, growing fond of Li Hao. "Before you enter, it's essential to familiarize yourself with certain intricacies and rules of the River of the Dead to mitigate unforeseen dangers."
"Agreed," Li Hao nodded, eager to glean insights from the Wang family's centuries of research.
Wang Yongzhi proceeded to elucidate various nuances and precautions, ensuring Li Hao was well-prepared. Once the briefing concluded, they departed the grand hall. The younger members of the Wang family, observing from afar, buzzed with excitement.
"That's the Haotian General? He seems so at ease conversing with our patriarch," one commented.
"Even in Grandpa Zhenping's presence, he appears unflustered. I'd be trembling!" another added.
"You're spineless! Do you think the Haotian General is like us? Grandpa Zhenping wouldn't stand a chance against him," a bolder voice retorted.
"Shh! Grandpa Zhenping is glaring at you," someone warned.
"Miss, look! That's the Haotian General, one of the two people you've always wanted to meet," a maid exclaimed to her mistress—a woman of ethereal beauty, standing gracefully as her maid shielded her with an umbrella.
"He's so young. I wonder what Mr. Chong Er looks like. Probably an old man?" the maid teased.
"Don't speak nonsense. You've never met him," the woman chided gently.
The maid giggled, unfazed, accustomed to playful banter with her mistress.
Soon, Wang Yongzhi led Li Hao to a secret chamber within the Tianzhao Divine General Mansion. The younger onlookers were kept at a distance, respecting the sanctity of the location. Before them stood a mountain, seemingly hollowed out, revealing a vast, cavernous space. The mountain's peak allowed a single beam of light to illuminate a black statue at its center.
"This is the Ksitigarbha Buddha," Wang Yongzhi explained. "An ancient artifact retrieved by an ancestor from a River of the Dead. Through research, we've discovered its unique property: by feeding it mud from the local temple outside a specific River of the Dead, we can establish a direct connection. In essence, from here, we can access any River of the Dead under our jurisdiction."
Li Hao was intrigued. The enigmatic nature of the Rivers of the Dead had always fascinated him, and this artifact added another layer to their mystery.
"Haotian General, since you've previously entered a River of the Dead, you should possess a registry," Wang Yongzhi continued. "Simply activate it here, select your desired River, and we'll guide you accordingly."
Li Hao complied, approaching the half-human-sized Ksitigarbha Buddha. The statue, while exuding a benevolent aura, also bore an eerie presence, its squinted eyes hinting at a sly smile. From his palm, a golden light emerged, releasing a golden parchment representing the River of the Dead. In response, the Buddha emitted its own golden glow, producing a booklet that began to flip its pages. Li Hao's parchment was drawn into the booklet, seemingly verifying his identity. Moments later, the parchment returned, hovering before him.
Wang Yongzhi observed intently. The golden parchment detailed Li Hao's interactions with the River of the Dead—his name, accumulated merits, and notable events. However, upon reading the two simple characters inscribed, Wang Yongzhi was momentarily stunned, his heart pounding in realization.
"You're Chong Er?!" he exclaimed, astonishment evident in his voice.