The Name of Eternals

Chapter 214: The Wrath of Li Tiangang

Li Tiangang, clad in his marshal's golden armor, rode swiftly along Longguan Road in Liangzhou. Although peace had returned to Liangzhou, the River of Death outside Dragon City could erupt into conflict at any moment, so he hadn't yet removed his armor.

As he set foot on Longguan Road again after many years, Li Tiangang felt a sense of nostalgia. Seeing the clean and empty road, he was somewhat surprised. After his third and sixth brothers died defending Longguan Road, the demons had become increasingly rampant, with travelers often being attacked, indicating many demons had infiltrated the border.

However, he couldn't blame his younger sister, Li Hongzhuang, who had taken over the defense. Despite being a woman, she donned armor and defended Tianmen Pass against the rampant demon forces and three demon kings, making it difficult to hold the pass.

Reports sent back each year showed heavy casualties, demonstrating the difficulty of defending the area. This was why they had planned to withdraw the defense line and abandon Tianmen Pass. Initially, he intended for his son to experience the harsh realities of the battlefield, but now, the once-abandoned pass had become the safest place in Liangzhou.

Even millions of demon troops chose to avoid the route and attack from elsewhere. Li Tiangang's eyes glinted as he looked at the ancient road lined with green cypress, feeling both surprise and pride. He thought of seeing his son soon, and his eyes grew eager. Although it was just a doppelganger, seeing Li Hao risking his life to lure away three demon kings had broken his heart. After all, Li Hao was his and Qingqing's only son.

Whenever others spoke of Li Hao's extraordinary talent and brilliance, Li Tiangang, despite appearing indifferent and even stern, couldn't help but feel proud and satisfied inside. After all, this was his son.

"Sir, would you like some tea?"

A clear voice interrupted Li Tiangang's thoughts. He saw an elderly man running a tea stall and raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Old man, there's no patrol around here, and demons could appear at any time. Aren't you afraid to set up a stall here?"

The tea stall owner smiled. "General, that was in the past. Don't you know? Since General Haotian took charge at Tianmen Pass, no demons dare to come near. I'd say this place is safer than the capital."

Li Tiangang's eyes darkened. "Old man, you're getting on in years. Be careful with your words about the capital."

The tea stall owner realized his slip and quickly smiled apologetically. "Yes, you're right. I talk too much. General, would you like a cup of tea?"

"Even if there are no demon attacks, there's no one around here. How do you expect to have any business?"

Li Tiangang glanced at the empty Longguan Road, thought for a moment, and took out a piece of silver.

Although he was a general, he had the habit of carrying some money, having been taught by his father, Li Tianzong, that as a general of Dayu, he should never take from the people. Otherwise, how would he be different from a bandit?

"That's too much," the tea stall owner said, startled by the generous amount, and hurriedly tried to give change.

But Li Tiangang was already walking away. "Keep it."

"Hey, General, I haven't given you your tea yet!"

"Have a cup yourself."

Watching the golden-armored general leave, the tea stall owner smiled happily as he pocketed the silver.

"A man with such a fierce aura, yet kind-hearted."

Outside Cangya City, Li Tiangang looked at the grand and imposing new city, his eyes narrowing. The city walls were lined with banners flying a familiar emblem. He had seen several of these banners along Longguan Road, likely explaining the road's tranquility.

The city guard on the wall spotted Li Tiangang, recognizing the marshal's armor, and hurriedly flew down to greet him respectfully.

"Greetings, Marshal!"

Li Tiangang nodded slightly. "Where is Li Hao?"

The guard's heart skipped a beat. In the city, they referred to him as General Haotian and avoided mentioning his original name. But the man before him, Marshal Xingwu, was well-known and likely aware of Li Hao's current status.

"Are you asking about General Haotian's original self, or…"

"What do you think?"

Li Tiangang cut him off coldly.

The guard's face changed. Realizing his mistake, he quickly replied, "General Haotian is inside the city…"

"Take me to him."

Li Tiangang commanded.

The guard obeyed respectfully, leading the way. They walked quickly, but Li Tiangang's pace was slow, as he observed the surroundings. The guard matched his pace, following his lead.

Li Tiangang looked around the city, seeing shops, vendors, and well-dressed young people, including noble sons and ladies, creating a scene of peaceful prosperity. The interaction between nobles and commoners seemed harmonious, suggesting good governance.

The bustling yet orderly scene was akin to the central regions of a grand state. Many people on the street noticed Li Tiangang's golden armor, whispering among themselves. Annoyed by the curious stares, Li Tiangang floated into the air, instructing the guard to speed up.

They arrived at a spacious area that appeared to be the city lord's residence. Surrounding buildings were grand, but the central area was a humble fenced courtyard, patrolled by guards, giving it a certain dignity.

"Is this where he lives?"

Li Tiangang frowned. "If there's room to build houses, why not a proper city lord's residence?"

"Marshal, General Haotian said his old friend likes this small courtyard, so he kept it as it is."

Li Tiangang raised an eyebrow, thinking of his son's carefree nature. He sighed inwardly, realizing that his son's character remained unchanged, even in the borderlands. People often said that an undisciplined youth would be hard to change for life. He knew his son's nature was now set in stone.

However, considering Li Hao's reputation and deeds in Liangzhou, he felt it was pointless to dwell on this. Soon, they landed outside the small courtyard.

"Who is this?"

The two guards at the gate were from Haotian's army, composed of martial artists and masters from various states. They recognized Li Tiangang's grand appearance but didn't immediately identify him.

"This is Duke Xingwu, Marshal Xingwu!"

The guiding guard quickly introduced.

Li Tiangang frowned slightly, feeling displeased. He had just decided not to criticize his son's carefree nature, but seeing his soldiers unable to recognize him, he felt this laxity might extend to his troops. Such undisciplined soldiers would be problematic on the battlefield.

Although he knew Li Hao was strong, he couldn't handle everything alone, especially if he were to become the True Dragon.

The two guards, hearing the introduction, were shocked. Though they hadn't recognized Li Tiangang, Marshal Xingwu's name was well-known, and they realized the middle-aged man before them was Li Hao's father.

They hurriedly bowed, their nervous behavior deepening Li Tiangang's frown. He spoke coldly:

"Doesn't he train you? You lack discipline. How can you maintain order on the battlefield?"

The two guards lowered their heads, one muttering, "General Haotian said that with him around, we don't need to fight. We've received strict training and won't make mistakes unless there's an emergency…"

Li Tiangang couldn't help but sneer. "Such arrogance. What's the point of having you if he handles everything himself? Who does he think he is, with how many lives?"

Seeing the guards tremble, he decided not to scold further. "Open the gate."

"Marshal, please wait. I need to inform General Haotian…"

One guard hurriedly ran inside.

Li Tiangang's expression changed. The remaining guard quickly explained, "Marshal, please calm down. Our general said no one can enter without notice, to avoid disturbing him."

"What's he doing that can't be interrupted?"

The guard, seeing the marshal's anger, nervously replied, "General Haotian likes to nap, play chess, or paint. If he's disturbed…"

Li Tiangang's face darkened, learning that his son was still indulging in leisure activities at the border. He had expected Li Hao to be diligently training, inspired by him, but found him unchanged, still enjoying himself.

He hadn't changed at all!

Li Tiangang took a deep breath, his rising anger subsiding as he recalled Li Hao's achievements in Liangzhou. Despite his unchanged habits, Li Hao's extraordinary talent had saved millions in Liangzhou. His merits were undeniable.

He knew his son's stubborn nature. This visit was to mend their relationship.

The guard returned, looking nervous. Li Tiangang's face darkened.

"Um…"

The guard stammered, "General Haotian said he's not seeing guests. Please return."

"Impudent!"

Li Tiangang was furious. As a father visiting his son, he was already lowering himself, yet he was refused entry? Where was the filial respect?

"Did he say this himself? Have him come out!"

Li Tiangang restrained his anger, knowing the doppelganger might lack the original's memories.

"General Haotian is painting."

"What painting? As a general, what masterpiece does he think he can create?"

Li Tiangang, losing patience, pushed past the guards. They tried to stop him, but his intimidating aura froze them in place.

Kicking the gate open, he walked inside, finding two figures. One was meditating with a sword across his lap, the other painting.

Both were startled by the commotion, looking at Li Tiangang.

Ren Qianqian recognized him and quickly stood. "Uncle."

The dark Li Hao frowned. He had few memories, mainly of painting, playing chess, and gazing at the stars in an ancient courtyard, with occasional glimpses of richly dressed women.

He found the face before him unfamiliar but slightly recognizable, yet felt a deep sense of rejection.

"This is the General's residence. Who allowed you to trespass?"

Dark Li Hao's face turned cold, assuming a combat stance.

His directive was to guard Cangya City with his life.

"Quite leisurely, aren't you?"

Li Tiangang, seeing his son painting, felt both anger and amusement at his unchanged nature.

"Do you know who I am?" he asked coldly.

"It doesn't matter who you are. Here, you follow my rules," Dark Li Hao replied coldly.

"Does the doppelganger lack memories?" Li Tiangang frowned. He knew about doppelganger techniques, rare and difficult to master, but offering limited benefits. A doppelganger inheriting a tenth of the original's power was already good.

Despite its benefits for minor tasks, strong warriors had no shortage of servants. In battle, a doppelganger was not very useful. Had Li Hao been by his side, he would never have endorsed this technique.

Yet, he had grown accustomed to his son's whims, unable to curb his hobbies, let alone his training choices.

"You followed Hao here. Do you know if there's a life-and-death link between this doppelganger and his original?"

Li Tiangang asked Ren Qianqian.

She nervously replied, "I don't know much about the young master's matters."

"Aren't you his personal maid?" Li Tiangang frowned.

"…But I never meddle in his affairs," Ren Qianqian lowered her head.

Li Tiangang snorted angrily, turning to the doppelganger. "Your original is in the River of Death. Do you know? Can you sense it? Is there a life-and-death link?"

"That's my business, no need to answer you. Leave, or don't blame me for being rude."

The doppelganger said coldly.

"I am the marshal of Liangzhou. Tianmen Pass is under my jurisdiction. I say what goes here. You want me to leave?"

"You can stay in the city, but not in this courtyard."

Dark Li Hao frowned.

Li Tiangang's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm here to take you back, hoping you can sense your original's situation. You want to drive me away?"

"Qianqian, see the guest out."

Dark Li Hao ordered coldly.

Ren Qianqian hesitated. "Uncle, perhaps you should wait for the young master to return?"

"Who asked you to speak!"

Li Tiangang's cold gaze made her pale, stepping back.

Dark Li Hao's face changed, cold light flashing in his eyes. Raising his hand, the Dragon Xiao Sword beside Ren Qianqian shot up, roaring with golden light.

The divine sword, gathering power, struck out without hesitation.

Li Tiangang, angry, countered with a palm strike. The golden light shattered, but he was taken aback.

The sword's power exceeded his expectations, stronger than he anticipated.

He retreated two steps, stabilizing himself.

"Are you the original or the doppelganger?"

Li Tiangang, suspicious, looked at Dark Li Hao.

Dark Li Hao's eyes were cold, the golden sword light poised before him. "Stay any longer, and I'll treat you as an intruder."

Li Tiangang's face darkened.

"I'd like to see how you handle your father!"

Li Tiangang clenched his fists, his aura intensifying.

At that moment, a figure appeared like the wind, standing between Li Tiangang and Li Hao.

"That's enough!"

The cold voice came from Feng Boping, who looked sternly at Li Tiangang.

When Li Tiangang arrived, Feng Boping had sensed him, moving to the courtyard's edge.

But seeing conflict arise, he couldn't stay hidden.

"Hao is in the River of Death, a dangerous place. His life is uncertain. Are you trying to kill his doppelganger too?"

Feng Boping said coldly.