Follow the path of Dao from infancy

The Xia Family's old general, just as he was about to return, suddenly heard the sound of bones and blood bursting, and couldn't help but be stunned, turning his head to look. What he saw was a horrifying scene.

The Great Demon, who had just been arrogant with a relaxed face, now had a body that seemed to have been exploded by something, and had not even revealed its original form. In the exploding flesh and blood, a figure struggled to break free, but as soon as it flew out, it was subjected to extreme pressure and vanished in a wail, with both body and soul destroyed.

The pitiful and tragic scream before death caused many of the Xia Family's soldiers on the city walls to be shocked and watch this eerie scene in bewilderment.

On the official road below the city wall, a young man rode his horse lightly toward the tightly closed city gate and looked up, saying,

"Old sir, could you have them open the city gate?"

The young man's call in front of the city gate brought the Xia Family's old general, floating midair, back to his senses. He looked down and was immediately horrified.

The young man sat on his horse with a calm and breezy demeanor, dressed in simple coarse hemp clothes. Yet, his handsome features were as exquisite as flowing clouds in a painting, his unique aura unforgettable, giving people a feeling of tranquility and leisure.

His gaze extended to behind the young man, where he instantly saw that the official road, already soaked with the blood of noble family descendants, and the demons lurking on both sides of the road had all fallen, lifeless.

"You..."

The Xia Family's old general's pupils constricted, shocked as he looked toward the young man, who appeared more terrifying than the demons.

Meanwhile, atop the city wall, as the Great Demon of the Three Immortal Realms mysteriously perished, the other few generals of the Xia Family were also horrified and rushed to the Array. Once they saw the situation outside the city and found only a young man on horseback,

"Was it you who killed that demon?"

The Xia Family's old general did not dare to fly, quickly landing in front of the young man. If this young man had killed the Great Demon, his strength must be horrifying, surely of the Four Stands Realm.

And being so young yet comparable to the Four Stands Realm, he could only think of one name.

The one from Liangzhou.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Yes."

Li Hao nodded slightly. There was no need to hide such a minor matter:

"I heard the Xia family was in trouble and just happened to be passing by, so I helped resolve it."

Hearing the young man admit it, the Xia Family's old general's pupils narrowed, and he tremulously said, "You, you are General Haotian?!"

His face filled with bewildered shock, soon turning into excitement.

The deeds from Liangzhou had already spread everywhere. Although it was not under the Xia family's jurisdiction, the young man's reputation was known across the armies of the Nineteen Provinces.

Single-handedly vanquishing demons, rescuing the completely fallen borders of Liangzhou, this act was like that of the young man who guarded Cangzhou decades ago, emerging like a dazzling star.

Furthermore, the young man had the capability to slay the Demon King, and now appearing here, Liyang City was saved!

Seeing Li Hao's smiling demeanor, the Xia Family's old general suddenly came to his senses, realizing he had been rude and quickly bowed deeply:

"I've seen Duke Haotian!"

Before, they had always referred to him as "Junior General," purely out of habit from listening to rumors.

But since Liangzhou had turned from peril to safety, and after long debates in the court, his honors had already been bestowed.

After all, it had been two months since that great battle.

The honor had been delivered to Qingzhou, to that prominent Divine General Mansion, and was received on his behalf, while the bestowed title was proclaimed from the Imperial City to the whole world.

Promoted to a Duke of the third rank!

Directly leapfrogging from Earl to Duke Dayu, merely his title alone placed him above countless power-holders, his status requiring even princes to treat him carefully.

Besides promotion in title, from the position of Junior General, he had also been promoted to the Commander-in-Chief of Liangzhou, a tangible official position ranked as a First Grade Official.

Almost equal to the Prime Minister, within the entire Divine Dynasty, except for a few existences, no one currently in office could surpass this young man by official rank.

And his noble title was one that only elders in the five major Divine General Mansions could barely reach. Find exclusive stories on empire

"Duke?"

Li Hao was somewhat surprised, knowing he would be honored, but he had not expected to directly skip the rank of Marquis.

Back then, "Uncle Jiu," who rescued Cangzhou, had merits no less than his, only the demonic forces plaguing Cangzhou then were not as numerous or strong, but there were manipulations by vassal states behind it, hence he had pursued them out to the Royal Court, which also led to his own demise.

"Please, rise."

Seeing the other continuously bowing deeply, Li Hao immediately said.

The Xia Family's old general raised his head, excitedly saying, "Duke, with your arrival here, the people of Liyang City are saved. Thank you for your assistance; on behalf of the people of Liyang City, I thank Duke for your great kindness!"

After speaking, he was about to kneel.

Before, Liyang City had been besieged for many days, and the city was panic-stricken, with everyone already sensing the smell of a demon-led massacre. But now, it was like clearing the clouds to see the sun, suddenly dispelling all the gloom.

Li Hao raised his hand to support him, saying, "It was just a convenient act; there's no need for such courtesy. If you really want to thank me, see if there are any famous paintings or chess manuals in your city, and collect some for me."

The Xia Family's old general was surprised, but he had also heard that the young man, apart from Martial Arts, seemed to excel in all aspects of the arts and was thoroughly accomplished in both literary and military skills. Feeling deeply moved, he quickly smiled and said:

"Of course, we have them all. I will have them search for them right away."

So saying, he ordered the city gates to be opened and invited Li Hao inside.

Simultaneously, several other young generals raced over.

The Xia Family's old general quickly informed them of the slaying of the demons outside the city by this young man, and upon learning Li Hao's identity, they were all stunned, shocked as they looked at the young man.