The Name of Eternals

Chapter 213: The Chess Pieces of the Emperor of Yu

"It's a shame no one but us believes in this."

The emaciated middle-aged man snorted coldly. "They think our Wang family is just trying to lure them in for help. These people won't act unless there's something in it for them. Even if the River of Death extended to their homeland, they would choose to move rather than clear the River of Death!"

"People are like that. You can't blame them."

The elder shook his head slightly. "It's a pity that ten thousand merit points are too difficult to achieve. It requires destroying the Youdu-level River of Death ten times, and only because Zhendong is at the Taiping Dao Realm. Otherwise, it would be impossible to accomplish."

"Let's talk about the River of Death in Dragon City, Liangzhou."

The stern-faced middle-aged man said, "That Li family lad lured those three demon kings into the Dragon City River of Death, probably intending to perish together with them."

"That River of Death is extremely dangerous, more troublesome than other Youdu-level Rivers of Death, ranking among the top ten."

"Li Xiaoran has the Li family's bloodline, giving him a natural advantage, but he hasn't made much progress over the years. This time, he may not gain anything either."

"This is indeed a rare opportunity to trap and kill that ruler of the Taixu Realm. It would heavily damage the Taixu Realm and weaken them as a top force, allowing the Demon Suppression Division to send people for a cleanup, reducing pressure on the border."

"But other forces like the Sacred Palace and Longmen are unlikely to stand by idly. They might anticipate our actions, leading to a major conflict."

"What do you think? Should we bring out Uncle Zhendong, or should we handle it ourselves? If the old lady from the Xia family chooses not to intervene, we can retreat in time."

"I think it's not worth it."

The emaciated middle-aged man said, "Uncle Zhendong has already worked hard to clear the River of Death. Running around for this is too much. We agreed they would guard the borders, and we'd handle the River of Death. Now they want us to handle their troubles too. Isn't that absurd?"

The stern-faced man looked at the elder, who remained silent for a moment before saying:

"I'll go myself. I'll check the situation first. If necessary, we can call Uncle Zhendong after he rests."

"Uncle, are you really going?"

The emaciated middle-aged man was stunned. "Didn't we cut ties with these demons? Over the years, they've fought demons and built a reputation. Although the Li family lost six sons, they've been diligent and earned respect."

"But who remembers our Wang family members who died in the River of Death? Their names are even erased from the merit list. If you ask the world now, who remembers our Wang family was also part of the Divine General's Mansion?!"

"Who will help us clear the River of Death?"

The elder listened to his emotional words, then looked up at him, saying:

"I'm not going for the Wang family's duties, but for the conscience of a warrior!"

"Humans and demons cannot coexist. Slaying demons is the path of a warrior. If we have martial skills but live as cowards, what's the point?"

"The Wang family's achievements may be unknown to the world, but heaven and earth know, the Emperor knows, and our descendants remember. That's enough!"

The emaciated middle-aged man was stunned by his resolute gaze. He trembled slightly, but said nothing more.

...

...

Dayu Prefecture, the Imperial Capital.

In the majestic imperial palace, within a deep courtyard.

With a crisp sound, in a courtyard full of blooming peach blossoms, two figures sat in a pavilion playing chess.

One was the Emperor of Yu, the other wore a luxurious dragon robe, about forty years old, with a few gray hairs at his temples.

His waist tag bore the character "Qing," a symbol known throughout the imperial capital. It represented Prince Qing, Jiang Qingshan.

In the martial world beyond the court, he was also known as Daoist Master Qingshan.

"Brother, you've won again."

Jiang Qingshan saw the black pieces block his path, cutting his territory into pieces, and smiled bitterly, cupping his hands in acknowledgment.

The Emperor of Yu chuckled, "You always let me win. It makes the game boring."

"Your chess skills are superior, brother. How could I dare to hold back? I've given my all, but my skills are lacking. I need more practice when I return." Jiang Qingshan smiled bitterly.

The Emperor of Yu was pleased, his smile widening. He said:

"Your chess skills indeed need improvement. You should find a good player to practice with. It's been decades, and you're still no better than a child."

Jiang Qingshan was speechless, smiling bitterly. "Brother, you're mocking me. My chess skills may not match yours, but I can still spar with the little chess master. How could I be worse than a child?"

The Emperor of Yu laughed but then grew solemn, thinking of a carefree youth under a willow tree. He stopped his move, saying softly, "You're aware of the situation in Liangzhou. What are your plans?"

Jiang Qingshan, seeing this, also stopped playing and said seriously: "The Sacred Palace, Longmen, and Taixu Realm attacked Liangzhou, with other demon forces eyeing other states. They want to use Liangzhou as a breach, advancing through the Weihe River demons to attack other states, using Liangzhou's terrain for defense and offense. They mean to truly challenge Dayu!"

The Emperor of Yu nodded slightly. "You know their intentions."

Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed, then he nodded, "I heard the Li family lad lured the Taixu Realm ruler to the Dragon City River of Death. It's a rare chance to trap them. Did you summon me to join the hunt?"

"Yes, but not for the Dragon City River of Death."

The Emperor of Yu's fingers lightly tapped the chessboard, his eyes on a piece that had fallen off the board, smiling:

"Sometimes, the outcome of the game is decided not on the board, but outside it."

"Longmen's Grand Elder Lu Yuan joined forces with Zhuhuo Shen to attack Liangzhou. According to the frontline reports, Zhuhuo Shen hadn't intended to show himself, but he was forced to by that child's prowess."

"But the Longmen Sect Leader and many elders from the Sacred Palace didn't participate in this battle."

"Where do you think they are?"

Jiang Qingshan's heart stirred. He quickly had an answer but shook his head. "I'm slow-witted. Please enlighten me."

The Emperor of Yu said calmly, "The elder Li family members didn't show up, aware of the problem. Besides wanting to take Liangzhou, they aim for something bigger—to bring down the Divine General's Mansion."

"Three major forces have shown their hands, but the Li family wisely stayed put."

"Now they're gathered in Qingzhou, leaving their territory exposed. It's a perfect time for a hunt!"

Jiang Qingshan's eyes narrowed. "Are you suggesting I destroy their bases and uproot them?"

"After fifteen years in the north, the Sacred Palace should pay a price."

The Emperor of Yu nodded slightly, looking at the blooming peach blossoms in the courtyard. "My courtyard is evergreen, but outside, it's autumn."

"It's been years since we hunted together in autumn. I wonder if your hunting skills have improved."

Jiang Qingshan smiled, "I'm no match for you, brother, but I can clear a mountain of enemies, leaving none alive."

"Then we'll drink to your return!"

The Emperor of Yu laughed.

Jiang Qingshan stood, bowing respectfully, formally accepting the mission.

After sending Jiang Qingshan away.

Chu Jiuyue walked slowly back to the pavilion, seeing the Emperor of Yu still staring at the chessboard in a daze. He said,

"Your Majesty, are you thinking of that child?"

The Emperor's gaze shifted to him. "Do you think the fortunes of our Dayu Dynasty have truly declined?"

Chu Jiuyue's face changed slightly. "Your Majesty, our Dayu Dynasty, blessed by the ancestors, will prosper forever. How can it decline?"

"If it hasn't declined, why did the Li family's Jiu Lang die young on the border, his body never found?"

"Why, at only fifteen, is that child now in mortal danger? They are the future hope and pillars of our dynasty, but heaven seems unwilling to give them time."

The Emperor of Yu gazed at the distant sky, whispering, "If only that child had ten more years, even just ten…"

Chu Jiuyue remained silent, thinking of the secret reports from Liangzhou, knowing these words were true.

At fifteen, reaching the Third Immortal Realm with solid cultivation, slaying demon kings, even fighting experts, it was unbelievable!

Such a genius could be said to have the potential to become a sage.

Perhaps that's why the ruler of the Taixu Realm abandoned the battlefield to hunt him down… Chu Jiuyue thought.

"Your Majesty, what about the River of Death in Liangzhou…"

The Emperor of Yu fell silent for a long time, then said: "Summon the Ninth Prince. Have him go personally. At all costs, bring him back!"

Chu Jiuyue's pupils contracted slightly. Was he really going to release that madman?

"Your Majesty, but if…"

"Are you afraid?"

The Emperor of Yu looked at him calmly, his expression serene. "If he comes out, his first sword might strike me, but it doesn't matter. I'll bear it for that child."

"Your Majesty…"

Chu Jiuyue was shaken, not expecting the Emperor to take such a risk.

The Ninth Prince… was not someone to be trifled with!

In this vast imperial palace and capital, even among all the royalty and nobility, his existence was taboo.

He was the one who almost shattered the imperial city with a single sword in the past!

...

As the battle in Liangzhou ended, dark currents flowed everywhere.

The fifty thousand royal troops remained stationed in Liangzhou, awaiting the situation outside the River of Death.

After discussing with the two princes, Li Tiangang united the Liangzhou army, dispatching a total of two hundred thousand elite troops to the Dragon City River of Death.

They set up camp outside the river, forming military formations, ready to rescue Li Hao and Li Xiaoran if they emerged and to ambush the ruler of the Taixu Realm.

Although two hundred thousand troops couldn't harm a domain, the army included many hidden experts.

Messages about the movements and refusals of various experts had reached Li Tiangang and his team, allowing them to plan strategically.

However, time passed.

There was no conflict outside the River of Death. Instead, a major event occurred in the north.

Prince Qing led a million-strong army to attack the Sacred Palace, destroying their sacred mountain and temple, reducing it to ruins. This news spread among the demons, reaching those gathered in Qingzhou.

"Damn it, that Daoist Master Qingshan is ruthless!"

"He personally led the attack. The Sacred Palace Lord was severely injured and fled."

"The other Sacred Palace elders returned, but it was too late."

In a secret location in Qingzhou, many ferocious figures gathered, all elders of Longmen.

As the situation in Liangzhou turned, some Sacred Palace elders knew the ambush plan in Qingzhou had failed.

With Liangzhou stabilized, the elder Li family members had no reason to leave the Divine General's Mansion.

Their ambush was now meaningless.

But just as the Sacred Palace elders retreated, the northern calamity struck.

No one expected Daoist Master Qingshan to seize the opportunity, not aiding Liangzhou but targeting the Sacred Palace's base!

The news was reported by the Tianji Hall's bird demon elder, shocking and enraging the Longmen elders and the sect leader.

They realized their defenses at their base were weaker. Another prince's raid could spell disaster.

After much discussion, they reluctantly chose to retreat.

The elder Li family members, staying put, had anticipated their actions. Continuing the ambush was pointless.

"Contact the Sacred Palace. We must rescue Zhuhuo Shen from the River of Death."

"That useless half-step Dao Realm fool! He can't even handle a kid!"

"The Taixu Realm has been secluded too long. Have they forgotten how to fight?"

The Longmen elders were furious.

Their plan had failed, with neither Liangzhou conquered nor the Li family's Qingzhou base destroyed.

Reports from the Tianji Hall revealed the plan's failure was due to a single variable—the young general named Haotian!

He was from the Li family, again! Not only Longmen but the Sacred Palace demon kings were also seething.

...

In the Divine General's Mansion.

Li Muxiu, learning of the northern Sacred Palace's destruction, laughed heartily.

He knew the Emperor would not disappoint.

The Sacred Palace's stronghold was destroyed, the Palace Lord severely wounded by Prince Qing, both wielding Taiping Dao Realm power, hidden deeply.

But Prince Qing triumphed, his million-strong army sweeping the area, all royal elites. The entire sacred mountain was flattened.

This battle resonated in the demon world, showing that the aging lion could still strike, breaking enemy necks!

"The Qingzhou lot must be terrified."

"Wait a few more days. I'll sneak to Liangzhou."

Li Muxiu shared his plan with Li Qingzheng: "You know the situation in Liangzhou. They won't sit idly by. We can't let Zhuhuo Shen live, or their alliance will crumble."

"But Zhuhuo Shen must die!"

Li Muxiu's eyes flashed coldly. "I'll bring Hao and Fourth Brother back, or they'll be in danger."

"But Zhuhuo Shen is half-step Dao Realm. Can you handle him?"

Li Qingzheng looked worried.

Li Muxiu squinted. "Only half-step Dao Realm. So am I."

Li Qingzheng was stunned. "You've reached that level too?"

Li Muxiu nodded, looking sad. "Years of fishing and chatting with Hao brought an epiphany. I should thank him…"

Li Qingzheng was excited, but seeing Li Muxiu's mention of Hao, he thought of the boy who played chess with him for years, feeling a pang of sorrow.

"It's a shame Tiangang is so stubborn, and Hao is so headstrong. But you've caught up with Big Brother's footsteps."

"Big Brother…"

Li Muxiu recalled his elder brother, ambushed and killed by the Longmen sect leader and demon kings in the Dragon City battle. His fists clenched.

At that time, he was out pursuing his beloved girl.

When he learned the news, he returned to the Li family, replacing Fourth Brother, guarding the Rain Listening Pavilion, and severing ties with the girl.

Though many said it wasn't his fault, as Li Tianzong personally led the defense, others were in their posts.

But Li Muxiu felt differently.

His father never favored him, seeing him as idle.

Feeling guilty, he returned to shoulder the burden, avoiding past memories.

"I heard Hao reached the Third Immortal Realm, battling demon kings. How did he train?"

Li Qingzheng, seeing his brother's sorrow, changed the topic, smiling: "He should be named True Dragon without competing with Li Qianfeng. His merits are undeniable. He should be made a marquis!"

Hearing this, Li Muxiu's anger flared. "Of course. His merit equals that of Jiu Lang. At fifteen, becoming a general and marquis, let's see Tiangang dismiss him as lacking character!"

"It was a misunderstanding. Why was Tiangang so rash? He didn't let Hao finish speaking."

Li Muxiu's expression changed, whispering: "Will Hao return and recognize me as his uncle?"

Li Qingzheng, recalling the boy leaving the mansion alone in the snow, fell silent.

...

With time, peace returned to Liangzhou.

Focus shifted to the River of Death outside the border.

Originally part of Dayu, it was ceded due to the River of Death's threat, a testament to its danger.

Li Tiangang guarded the western border, closest to the river, watching for any movement.

After another month, Li Tiangang couldn't wait. He found Li Xuanli, leaving him in charge.

"I'm going to Tianmen Pass."

Li Tiangang said.

"You want to see Hao? But I heard it's just his martial avatar."

Li Xuanli knew his intent.

While reclaiming Liangzhou, they checked Tianmen Pass and found no demon traces.

They understood, given Hao's battle flag's deterrent power, demons wouldn't dare approach.

Reports from captured Tianji Hall bird demons confirmed Hao's situation.

Five thousand li outside the pass, cleared of demons! Additionally, demons avoided Tianmen Pass during the attack!

These reports shocked and silenced everyone.

No one expected the demon army to face millions in the east and west but avoid the south guarded by one boy! One man against a million!

Considering Hao's battlefield prowess, everyone was in awe.

The boy's strength matched the demons' respect.

Knowing your weakness is best learned from your opponent.

They hadn't realized the boy's growth, but the demons outside Tianmen Pass had.

Li Tiangang wrote to the Emperor, requesting more battle flags for Liangzhou.

The reply came days later: the Celestial Supervisor had no such means. Li Tiangang should ask Hao about the flags.

This reply left Li Tiangang bewildered.

He recalled Zhuhuo Shen's words, feeling his blood surge.

Did the boy create the flag array? Who helped him?

Li Tiangang realized he knew too little about his son.

Besides the Emperor's favor and family elders' affection, the boy had secrets.

He asked his uncle but got a sarcastic reply: He's your son. Who should I ask? Knowing his uncle's temper, Li Tiangang wasn't angry.

He realized his uncle didn't know either.

This was serious, and his uncle wouldn't joke about it.

He had to ask Hao directly.

With Hao's fate unknown in the River of Death, Li Tiangang decided to visit Tianmen Pass.

Hao's martial avatar might hold memories.

Besides the flags, he wanted to know if Hao could escape the River of Death.

With the experienced Fourth Uncle, there was hope…