Everyone was already accustomed to his sudden appearances and disappearances and didn't pay him much attention, focusing instead on the new arrival outside the courtyard.
Li Hongzhuang took a close look, and couldn't help but be slightly stunned, "Chu Jiuyue?"
She recognized the visitor; it was he who had come to deliver the imperial edict in person when her father had received orders during her childhood.
As Chu Jiuyue rode into the frontier pass and saw the devastation as well as the pockmarked and cratered ground, his eyes also couldn't help but grow more solemn.
The soil here was reddish-brown, as if it had been soaked with countless fresh bloodstains.
He looked out and quickly spotted the chaotic encampment, with many tents torn and heaped together.
On the other side, however, was a dark mass, shockingly a mound-like pile of Demon corpses, some of which were already showing signs of decay.
He smelled the stench of blood and decay, his expression slightly worsened, but he quickly regained his composure, his gaze settling on the center of the camp, where surprise briefly flashed through his eyes.
In contrast to the surrounding devastation and piles of corpses, at the center of the camp was a picturesque fenced courtyard.
Inside the small courtyard, smoke curled up from cooking fires, like that of a farmhouse.
But how could there be a farmhouse at the border pass?
He rode forward, followed by several court guards.
Arriving at the front of the fenced courtyard, Chu Jiuyue clearly saw the scene inside, his gaze briefly meeting Song Qiumo, who was sitting before the firewood, the latter's eyes indifferent, without much reaction.
Chu Jiuyue noticed Li Hao and Li Hongzhuang on the other side and suddenly understood why the ambiance was so tranquil; it turned out the Great Demon King was in charge here.
He felt somewhat surprised; Tan Palace's principle of keeping to itself seemed to have been broken this time.
Dismounting from his horse, Chu Jiuyue entered the courtyard.
"The Imperial Edict of Emperor Yu has arrived, inviting Count Li Hao to receive the decree."
Chu Jiuyue announced softly.
Li Hao also noticed this familiar figure and immediately dusted off the flour on his hands, stepping forward with a slight bow, "Chu Gonggong, it's been a long time."
"Is Young Master Li faring well?" Chu Jiuyue asked with a smile.
Li Hao frowned slightly and nodded, "Everything is well."
"Emperor Yu is grateful for the Count's bravery in going to the frontier to guard the pass and has specially bestowed a precious sword, please accept it," Chu Jiuyue said simply.
There were no bystanders here, so he didn't need to speak too grandly.
Li Hao, somewhat surprised by the dark golden sword presented to him, still accepted it with both hands, "Thank you, Your Majesty Emperor Yu, and thank you, Chu Gonggong."
"There's no need to thank me; I'm just the messenger," Chu Jiuyue replied with a smile, then added immediately, "His Majesty has instructed that should the Count wish, he may go to Dayu State at any time to study at the outer palace of Gan Tao Palace and listen to the sage's teachings."
Upon hearing this, both Li Hongzhuang and Li He stood up, looking at Li Hao with shocked faces.
So the young master was held in such high esteem by Emperor Yu?
To cultivate in Gan Tao Palace was a privilege historically reserved only for royal progeny.
Moreover, even among the royal progeny, competition was fierce, and not every prince was eligible.
As the young master of the Divine General Mansion, Li Hao was very likely to be the future True Dragon. If he were to study in Gan Tao Palace, his relationship with the royal family could become too intimate, leading to concerns from the other four Divine General Mansions.
This showed how frighteningly generous the favor he had received was.
Li Hao also understood the significance of Chu Jiuyue's words and couldn't help but feel astonished. Had Emperor Yu really seen him before? Could it be that it was indeed the old man he had played Go with under the willow tree?
Besides that, there seemed no other possibility.
Looking into Chu Jiuyue's kind and smiling eyes, Li Hao bowed, "Thank you for His Majesty's kind intentions, but I am committed to my duty and hope His Majesty will forgive me."
Chu Jiuyue was slightly surprised, sizing up Li Hao carefully. Was the boy making a wild guess, or did he genuinely want to stay and defend this place?
Having heard about the fierce battle between father and son and understanding the details more clearly, it seemed from Li Hao's intentions that he really wanted to sever ties with his father?
To forsake such a noble surname and wealth, and now to give up the opportunity to cultivate in Gan Tao Palace—was he determined to cut all ties, regardless of the cost?
Looking at Li Hao, Chu Jiuyue said, "You are still young, some decisions should not be made impulsively."
"Thank you for relaying the message," Li Hao replied.
Knowing he could not persuade him otherwise, Chu Jiuyue did not say more. He nodded slightly and said, "Since you are determined, I will bring back your original words."
Li Hao nodded.
Chu Jiuyue gave him one last look, without lingering, mounted his horse, and departed.
When he had ridden several dozen miles out of the camp, Chu Jiuyue suddenly thought of something and murmured to himself, "It seems I left a bit early; the scent of the roasted meat in that courtyard was quite nice…"
His stomach growled softly.
Shaking his head, a good horse doesn't eat the grass behind it, and he couldn't bring himself to turn back now, so he just spurred his horse and set off at full speed.
...
...
Inside the courtyard.
Since Chu Jiuyue's departure, Li Hongzhuang and Li He had heard the conversation and deduced from Li Hao's responses how resolute he was; they wanted to say something but found themselves speechless, each of them sighing inwardly.
To be able to give up training in Gan Tao Palace showed how strong the child's determination was; they knew their persuasion would be futile.
Li Hao returned to the fire, Song Qiumo's gaze falling on the sword in his hand, said indifferently, "The sword is indeed fine."
At these words, Li Hao gripped the hilt and gently drew the sword.
With a whoosh, the sword came out of its sheath, and a dragon-like cry seemed to echo in the air, as if a streak of light flashed through the world.
The sheer brilliance of the blade's edge during its unsheathing felt capable of cutting through one's vision.
"It's Dragon Soar!" Li He exclaimed softly, his eyes showing shock and gravity.
Li Hongzhuang's expression also changed slightly, not expecting Emperor Yu to bestow such a precious named sword.