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Liangzhou, on Dragon Pass Road.
Dressed in the Marshal’s golden armor, Li Tian Gang sped along.
Although Liangzhou was now peaceful, a great battle might erupt at any moment near the Mo River in Dragon City just beyond the border, which is why he had not yet removed his armor.
After many years, setting foot on Dragon Pass Road again, Li Tian Gang felt nostalgic. When he saw the clean and empty road, he was somewhat surprised.
Ever since his third and sixth brothers died defending Dragon Pass Road, the demons there had grown increasingly rampant. He heard that travelers who ventured out from nearby borders were repeatedly attacked by demons, indicating that quite a few had infiltrated the region.
However, he couldn’t blame his younger sister Li Hongzhuang, who had taken over the defense of this place. Despite being a woman, she not only donned armor and went into battle but also faced relentless demon forces outside Heavenly Gate Pass and three formidable Demon Kings. It was already an achievement to hold that pass.
The yearly military reports spoke of heavy losses, illustrating just how difficult it was to defend this place.
That was also the reason to shrink the defenses and abandon Heavenly Gate Pass.
He had originally wanted that child to experience the perils of the battlefield. Unexpectedly, that soon-to-be-abandoned pass had now become the safest place in Liangzhou.
Even such a catastrophe, a demon army numbering in the millions, chose to avoid that route and attack elsewhere.
Li Tian Gang’s eyes flickered as he gazed at the ancient road’s thriving cypresses, feeling surprised and also a trace of quiet pride.
Thinking of soon seeing that child’s face, his eyes grew eager. Although it was only a split-off part of him, his heart had shattered when he saw Li Hao purposefully lure away the three Demon Kings, his and Qingqing’s only son.
Whenever others discussed Li Hao’s extraordinary talent and how stunning he was, he appeared cool and even somewhat aloof on the surface, but inside, he couldn’t help feeling proud and pleased.
After all, that was his son, Li Tian Gang’s son! Your journey continues at M V L
“Guest, would you like a cup of tea?”
A cheerful voice interrupted Li Tian Gang’s thoughts.
Li Tian Gang walked over leisurely, and seeing a tea stall nearby, he slightly raised his eyebrows and asked,
“Old man, there are no patrols around Dragon Pass Road, and demons could appear at any time. You dare to set up a stall here?”
The tea stall owner smiled and said, “General, you speak of the past. This place isn’t like that anymore. Don’t you know? Ever since General Haotian took charge of Heavenly Gate Pass, no demons dare to step foot here. In my opinion, even the Imperial City might not be as safe as this!”
Li Tian Gang’s eyes darkened, “Old man, you are of age. The Imperial City is not something that should be lightly disrespected. You should be more careful in the future!”
The tea stall owner realized his faux pas and hurriedly made a placating smile, “Yes, yes, I spoke too much. General, would you like to have a cup of tea?”
“Even if there are no demon attacks, with no one around, how can you have any business?”
Li Tian Gang glanced at the deserted Dragon Pass Road, thought for a moment, then casually took out a piece of silver coin.
Although he was a general, he had the habit of carrying some money when he traveled. He had been taught by his father, Li Tianzong, from a young age that as a Dayu General, one must never casually use things belonging to the common people; otherwise, how would soldiers differ from bandits?
“This is too much.”
The tea stall owner, taken aback by the sight of the silver coin, hurriedly went to give him change.
But Li Tian Gang had already strode forward, “No need for change.”
“Hey, General, I haven’t served you tea yet!”
“Drink a cup yourself.”
Watching the golden-armored general leaving, the elder at the tea stall wiped the silver coin and tucked it away, his face breaking into a joyful smile,
“He carries a fierce aura, but he is indeed a kind-hearted person.”
In front of Cangya City.
Li Tian Gang gazed at the majestic and imposing new city, his eyes focused. The city walls were filled with fluttering flags, bearing that familiar and revered symbol.
Along Dragon Pass Road, he had also seen several battle flags, surmising it must be these flags that brought such tranquility to the road.
At this moment, the city’s defending commander noticed Li Tian Gang, immediately recognizing the Marshal’s armor, and was surprised. Someone immediately flew from the city walls to greet him respectfully,
“Greetings, Marshal!”
Li Tian Gang gave a slight nod, “Where is Li Hao?”
The commander’s heart skipped a beat. Inside their city, they referred to him as Marshal Haotian, forbidden to mention Li Hao’s real name.
But the man in front of him, he recognized as the legendary Duke, the Great Warrior.
“Are you asking about the real Haotian General or…?”
“What do you think?”
Li Tian Gang interrupted him coldly.
The commander’s face shifted slightly, thinking he had been foolish. With Marshal Haotian’s support, Liangzhou achieved remarkable military exploits, which had spread to the Imperial City. They all knew that Marshal Haotian’s real self wasn’t there, so how could the Great Warrior in front of them not know.
“Marshal Haotian is in the city…”
“Take me to him.”
Li Tian Gang commanded.
The commander respectfully agreed and immediately led the way.
As the commander entered the city and walked briskly, Li Tian Gang proceeded slowly, observing his surroundings.
Seeing this, the commander quickly adjusted his pace to match his.
Li Tian Gang surveyed the city. Along the way, he saw shops, vendors, and elegantly dressed young nobles—aristocratic young masters, ladies in fine silk—creating a harmonious atmosphere of content citizens.
The interactions between these noble offspring and humble vendors were quite cordial, indicating competent management.
The bustling and orderly scenes resembled those of a central regional state city.
At that moment, many people on the street, noticing Li Tian Gang’s golden armor, looked on in surprise and started whispering among themselves.
Li Tian Gang intended to look around more, but seeing the curious gazes of the people, his brows furrowed. He abruptly took to the air and instructed the commander:
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