“The military letter shows no signs of being opened, and the secret runes on it are unbroken, the message is real, unless the demons have already invaded Liyang, forcing them to write this message.”
Xia Linglong spoke, but her words also suggested to everyone that the message was absolutely true, beyond doubt.
Because the sons of the Xia Family there could never betray their family.
Everyone understood the subtext of her words, and someone, their face lighting up with joy, said,
“Regardless, his willingness to come to our aid is a kindness. Since Liyang City has been defended and it is said that he can slay the Demon King and has the power to rival the Ultimate Study Realm, why not invite him over to discuss a joint campaign against the Gluttonous Valley Master?”
“Exactly, if he’s willing, we could ask the old madam to send him a chick,” added another.
Xia Linglong nodded slightly; she shared the same thought.
That ‘chick’ the old madam raised was no ordinary chick, but a Great Demon.
The cultivation techniques of the Xia Family lean towards Object Control and Refine the Spirit, therefore they are also adept at taming demons and warhorses.
The very best warhorses in the Dayu Divine Dynasty come from the Xia Family, as do the Flood Dragons used by the Imperial Family, which the Xia Family also rears and tames for them. They hold a position within the Imperial Court called the Dragon Tamer, a role traditionally filled by the Xia Family.
Many of the mixed-blood mounts of the Divine Dynasty’s high officials, like the Dragon Lions of Qingzhou, come from the Dragon Tamer’s office.
“With such a strong ally, no price is too great,” the elder said to Xia Linglong.
Xia Linglong nodded and immediately ordered someone to write a letter and send it back to Liyang.
…
Liyang City.
The sentry outside the city returned, reporting to the Xia Family’s old generals that the entire demonic army had withdrawn from outside the city.
Hearing this news, everyone was astonished; they had not expected the demon tide that had kept the people in the city in fear and unrest to retreat so easily and silently.
All because of the arrival of one young man.
A single person entered the city and scared away millions of demons outside it!
Was this the reputation of the young man?
Previously, they had only heard of the young man’s various deeds from all sides, feeling shock and envy, and even some jealousy, but at this moment, they truly realized the deterrent power the young man had among the demons!
All the disputes and rumors became tangible in that instant.
The young man merely rode into the city without speaking a word to the demons, and that alone proved more effective than their exhausted cries and desperate resistance!
This was the gap.
Several young generals of the Xia Family had complicated expressions. They were the young generation of the Xia Family, aiming to match the young generation of the Li Family, yet they had been utterly defeated.
Tying them up together, they were still no match for that young man, a fact that saddened them.
Li Hao did not stay in Liyang City for more than two days before receiving a reply from the Xia Family. The family head, Xia Linglong herself, had personally written a letter inviting him to the Divine General Mansion as a show of gratitude.
Li Hao was slightly surprised; he had planned to leave Liyang City after his stay was over, as it was time to return to Liangzhou. However, a personal and formal invitation from the head of the Xia Family was difficult to decline without excuse.
Fortunately, the journey from Liyang City to Youzhou City took less than half a day, so there was no significant delay.
What disappointed him was that the old general of the Xia Family had gathered some famous paintings and chess manuals for him, but none met the requirements to be considered “masterpieces” and be included in his collection.
Liyang City was a border fortress, constantly at war, and the supplies of bows, arrows, and food far surpassed literary treasures; they did not have what he was looking for.
“Perhaps it might not be a bad idea to have the Xia Family help look for such items when I meet with them.”
Li Hao thought to himself, mounted his horse, and received a travel pass from the old general of the Xia Family.
The old general wanted to accompany Li Hao to Youzhou, but Li Hao declined because the Candle Flame God did not agree to carry anyone.
With the travel pass, Li Hao no longer needed to disguise himself and let the Candle Flame God fly at full speed.
In an instant, the Candle Flame God took to the skies, revealing a body like that of a Fire Lion Dragon Tail, and quickly disappeared from sight within Liyang City.
“Is that… a demon mount?”
The old general of the Xia Family and Xia Qingshuang, among others, were shocked. They had dealt with demons their entire lives but had not recognized that Li Hao’s horse was a Great Demon in disguise!
Moreover, the aura emanating from that demon instilled fear in them; it was no ordinary Great Demon.
Youzhou City, Divine General Mansion.
Li Hao rode the Candle Flame God, and as he neared the city, he dismounted, allowing the Candle Flame God to transform into the likeness of a young man, following him into the city.
The city was bustling and lively. Li Hao wasn’t in a hurry, letting Xiyan, on his wrist, take in the sights along the way. Previously, in the small town, he had spent an evening with her at a play, which had made her happy for days.
The streets were lined with shops selling lanterns, paper umbrellas, and small stalls of rouge.
Li Hao bought a string of candied haws and held it in his hand, as Xiyan occasionally stretched out a tuft of Little Red-whisker to quietly dip in and steal a bite.
“So sweet~”
Xiyan secretly licked at the candied haws, her Little Red-whisker very agile, clearly enjoying herself: “Though it’s not very nutritious, it’s so tasty.”
Li Hao smiled, “I haven’t had much of a chance to cook for you, but one day, I’ll let you taste my culinary skills.”
“Sure!”
Xiyan agreed without hesitation.
Li Hao smiled faintly and strolled through the streets with her for a while before leisurely making his way to the Xia Family’s Divine General Mansion.
When the news of Li Hao’s arrival reached the mansion, the Xia Family was startled—they hadn’t expected Li Hao to arrive so quickly.
Upon hearing the news, Xia Linglong immediately set down her teacup, hurried out of the east courtyard, and went to the entrance of the mansion to greet him. Find your next read on empire
Upon seeing the young man and the teenager standing outside the mansion, Xia Linglong’s gaze immediately fell on Li Hao. She had never seen the transformed human form of the Candle Flame God; it had been in seclusion for too many years, and though it had appeared in Liangzhou before, it was enveloped by divine might, quite different from its current reserved demeanor. Besides, those who had seen it previously couldn’t describe its appearance to others.
“Haotian General, welcome to our Xia Family’s mansion.”
Xia Linglong said with a smile.