The Name of Eternals

Chapter 216: A Thief for Himself, a Great Thief for the World

Outside Cangya City, Liangzhou, several hundred miles away.

The violent sounds of clashes resounded as two beams of red and green light battled, their fierce powers causing the ground to tremble. The residual heat from their fight shattered rocks and ignited the forest, setting it ablaze.

Boom! A green light, like a towering pagoda, descended toward Li Tiangang.

Li Tiangang's eyes shot out cold lightning as he swung a divine blade engulfed in red flames. The powerful blade deflected the green pagoda with a clang.

However, he was forced to take several steps back, his aura surging. He roared, "Order of all things, fire come forth!"

Out of thin air, divine fire manifested, transforming into a fire dragon that pursued the figure in green light.

The green figure retreated rapidly but suddenly vanished in front of the fire dragon.

Before Li Tiangang could react, a hand pressed against the divine armor on his chest, releasing a powerful shockwave that sent him crashing into a mountain.

Blood surged within Li Tiangang as he struggled free from the rubble, his expression dark.

He had long heard of the legendary thief Feng Boping, whose agility was unmatched even by those at the pinnacle of martial arts. Today, he found the reputation well-deserved.

"If I hadn't been occupied escorting Hao'er to Tianmen Pass, I would have beaten you senseless when you were just at the Three Immortal Stage!"

Feng Boping's figure appeared ahead, his hand summoning the green pagoda to suppress the fire dragon. He spoke calmly.

Li Tiangang, now at the Four Pillars of the Dao Heart Stage and a true dragon of the Li family, had martial talent that, while not surpassing Li Junye, was considered top-tier even outside the General's Manor. If not for Feng Boping's previous merits in protecting Hao'er, Li Tiangang would have used his full strength.

"Too bad you will never have that chance again!"

Li Tiangang's eyes were icy as he shook his divine flame blade and charged forward.

This time, he took nine steps in quick succession, his aura reaching its peak, matching that of a Fate-Reversal Stage warrior.

Feng Boping's face turned cold. "You really want to fight for real? Then let me teach you a lesson on behalf of your elders!"

"You dare!"

Li Tiangang roared, slashing his blade. The void seemed to burn as the blade's heat withered and incinerated the vegetation below.

The blade light, guided by Dao's resonance, reached Feng Boping in an instant.

But Feng Boping vanished, ignoring the Dao's lock, shocking Li Tiangang.

Boom! The green light flickered, and Feng Boping appeared behind Li Tiangang like a ghost. The Heaven and Earth Invisibility Technique, his creation, was executed to perfection, just a step away from pushing him into the pinnacle of martial arts.

His palm struck Li Tiangang's back, but suddenly, a burst of flame from Li Tiangang's back materialized into a Great Flame Demon Hand, meeting Feng Boping's palm.

Caught off guard, Feng Boping's face changed, his body retreating. He disappeared and reappeared two to three miles away.

His hand was charred, veins scorched, still bleeding despite self-healing.

The extreme heat of the Great Flame Demon Hand burned through his blood, causing excruciating pain throughout his body.

"Hah, used to stealing things all your life, so what if your cultivation is higher than mine?"

Seeing his opponent injured, Li Tiangang sneered, "I, Li Tiangang, have fought countless battles. My experience in killing enemies is beyond your imagination!"

Feng Boping glanced at his burnt hand, then at Li Tiangang, saying, "Then let's test that again."

His robes billowed as he vanished.

Li Tiangang's eyes narrowed, scanning around but unable to spot his opponent.

Suddenly, a whistling sound came from behind.

He smirked, flames gathering behind him, but the whistling stopped, shifting to his side.

Li Tiangang remained unfazed, expecting the feint. He had prepared his back as a decoy, ready to counter the real attack from the side.

Boom! A sharp force hit him from behind, despite his battle armor. It felt like a blade cutting through his spine.

He stumbled forward, retaliating with a furious palm strike.

But the whistling had already vanished. As he turned, a sharp force hit him from the front, sending him flying, spitting blood, into a ravine.

Moments later, he emerged from the riverbed, armor steaming, glaring around.

He soon spotted a figure standing calmly on a treetop.

"Is this your experience in killing? Understanding human nature, I, Feng Boping, have never failed in a mission. Can you imagine that?"

Feng Boping sneered, returning Li Tiangang's earlier words.

Li Tiangang's eyes burned with divine fire, flames rising from his body. "You court death!!"

He roared, stepping nine times rapidly, appearing before Feng Boping.

Just then, a distant dragon's roar echoed, and a golden sword light slashed at his blade, sparking.

Li Tiangang turned, seeing Li Hao's avatar, fury blazing in his eyes:

"Bastard, you dare help this thief attack your father?!"

Dark Li Hao's face was cold, unmoved, his aura locking onto his opponent, ready to strike at any moment.

"Hao'er, return now."

Seeing Li Hao, Feng Boping's face changed. "You must not face this invader alone."

Dark Li Hao shook his head. "I can't let you face him alone."

Li Tiangang laughed, "An invader?"

His divine flames burned brighter as he stepped toward Li Hao:

"I've tried to make amends, but you repeatedly disappoint me. You are truly disappointing!!"

Seeing his aura, Feng Boping stepped forward, shouting: "Li Tiangang, what are you doing? If his avatar fights, it might affect his true body. You will regret it!"

Li Tiangang paused, anger boiling, but controlled himself.

There were many types of martial avatars. Some lived independently but were weak, merging memories with the true body. Some shared vision, acting as scouts, while others were blood-linked, affecting each other.

Some demonic avatars shared one life with the true body, possessing great power but causing mutual destruction if one died. He couldn't tell which kind Li Hao's avatar was yet.

Seeing Li Tiangang's rationality, Feng Boping sighed with relief, urging Li Hao, "Hao'er, listen to me. Return now."

"I can't."

Dark Li Hao shook his head.

Li Tiangang laughed bitterly, "As a Li family general, you protect a thief and defend him. You are truly my good son!"

Feng Boping retorted, "Shut up! Hao'er is no longer your son. You remember the three-year agreement when he left your family. What right do you have to criticize him?"

"This is a Li family matter. If not for your protection of Hao'er, I would have dealt with you long ago!"

Li Tiangang's eyes were cold. "Interfere again, and it will not end well for you!"

"I will protect Hao'er, whether you like it or not!"

Feng Boping retorted angrily.

Li Tiangang's eyes turned icy, about to speak when a distant whistling approached.

The sound was loud, making all three turn.

A figure in a black robe flew over.

"It's you."

Seeing Feng Boping and Li Tiangang, the newcomer's face changed.

Feng Boping was surprised but relaxed, coldly saying, "You're finally here. Your nephew needs your guidance!"

He shielded Li Hao's avatar, stepping away from Li Tiangang.

Li Tiangang was stunned, recognizing the figure, "Second Uncle, you came here? What about the General's Manor…"

"Hao'er?"

Li Muxiu interrupted, stunned by Li Hao's avatar, his face quickly turning emotional: "When did Hao'er escape? Wasn't he in the River of Death? Where's Fourth Brother?"

Feng Boping sneered, "Not escaped. This is his avatar."

Li Muxiu was shocked, the excitement cooling. He glanced at Li Tiangang and the surroundings, his expression darkening, "I sensed your auras from afar. What's going on here?"

Li Tiangang glanced at him and then at Feng Boping, narrowing his eyes, "Second Uncle, you know this thief?"

Feng Boping's attitude revealed their acquaintance.

If Li Hao knew him, it was suspicious unless facilitated by a relative.

Li Muxiu sighed, "Yes, your Uncle Feng and I have been friends for years. What's happening here? Were you fighting?"

Confirming his suspicion, Li Tiangang's anger surged. "Second Uncle, you are my father's brother, my uncle! They say you were reckless in youth, but even now, you remain so?!"

Li Muxiu's face changed, "Watch your tone! Our friendship has never affected the General's Manor. Do you think you can lecture me?"

"Your actions are none of my business, but befriending a thief?!"

Li Tiangang clenched his fists, "Dragging Hao'er into it, corrupting him. Second Uncle, how could you be so foolish?!"

Li Muxiu's face turned red with anger, "Li Tiangang! He is not a thief. A petty thief steals for himself; a great thief aids the world. Your Uncle Feng is a saint!"

"As for dragging Hao'er down, that's nonsense. Hao'er is exceptional, and you are the one who has harmed him!"

"Are you saying he robs the rich to help the poor?"

Li Tiangang sneered. "Don't tell me about some Uncle Feng. There are many ways to serve the world: slaying demons, joining the army, guarding the borders. Why must he choose theft?"

Feng Boping coldly replied, "Indeed, Old Li. Don't call me uncle; I don't deserve to be the uncle of your family's true dragon!"

Li Muxiu knew his old friend was angry. He sighed deeply, looking at Li Tiangang's mocking expression.

"Tiangang, you have been practicing martial arts since childhood and leading troops afterward. You've experienced too little of the world and too much of the court. You don't know the countless grievances and helplessness in the world. If everyone could act heroically and openly, who wouldn't want to leave a good name?"

"The world has thousands of sufferings, and you can't experience them all. You should understand, not look down from the heights of the court with a cold eye."

Li Tiangang said coldly, "Seeing that he protected Hao'er, I can forgive him, but he must never approach Hao'er again. Second Uncle, you should know, if people learn that our General's Manor is connected to a thief, how will the other Generals and the Emperor view us?"

Li Muxiu fell silent.

He naturally understood this, which was why he only interacted with Feng Boping privately.

Initially, they did not know each other's identities and became friends through mutual respect. Once they revealed their true identities, it was already impossible to sever their relationship.

Although there were many difficulties and concerns, their friendship only deepened over the years.

Hearing Li Tiangang's words now, Li Muxiu sighed deeply. He remembered his childhood, unloved and resentful, wishing he was not part of the General's Manor. Now, he felt that sentiment again.

But the burdens he carried now were too great, far beyond the spirited youth he once was, who could ride freely, careless of the world's judgment.

"My relationship with Feng is known only to you. If you don't speak of it, no one will know."

Li Muxiu said.

Li Tiangang sneered. "Second Uncle, you should know that paper can't wrap fire."

Li Muxiu took a deep breath and said, "Let's not discuss this now. I came here to meet Hao'er at the Dragon City River of Death. Passing by Tianmen Pass, I thought I'd stop by. Why were you fighting? What's the situation at the Dragon City River of Death? Bringing Hao'er back safely is the priority."

Li Tiangang said, "I was going to talk to you. Did you scout Qingzhou? Was your presence concealed? If they know you're not there, Qingzhou will be in grave danger!"

"Trust my methods."

Li Muxiu replied, "How is Hao'er?"

Li Tiangang smirked slightly. Initially, he was confident, but after returning from Yannan, he grew increasingly distrustful of the family.

"Hao'er has Fourth Uncle looking after him; he should be safe."

Li Tiangang said, "Unless there's an unforeseen change, it's unclear. I came to Tianmen Pass to gather information from his avatar but uncovered this major secret!"

His eyes flashed with anger.

Li Muxiu ignored him, turning to Li Hao's avatar with a gentle gaze.

"Hao'er, can you sense your true body in the River of Death?"

Dark Li Hao shook his head slightly. "I can't sense it."

"Is it because of the River of Death, or something else?"

Li Muxiu asked in detail.

Dark Li Hao explained everything.

Seeing Li Hao so obedient and forthcoming with Li Muxiu, Li Tiangang's face grew darker. A complex feeling of discomfort and anger welled within him.

I am your father! Soon, Li Muxiu gathered all the information. The avatar did not know about Li Hao's true body's condition.

However, the avatar revealed that Li Hao's combat strength was formidable, comparable to that of a peak-level demonic king. With his special techniques, he could even reach the pinnacle of martial prowess.

Li Tiangang had Li Muxiu inquire about the battle flags. Upon asking, the avatar thought for a moment and transmitted the details.

Seeing Li Hao deliberately avoid him, Li Tiangang's face grew even darker.

But he had to rely on Li Muxiu to relay the information. Learning that the battle flags were indeed made by Li Hao himself, Li Tiangang was shocked.

But this was followed by joy. Li Hao's talent was a gift from the heavens!

When Li Hao returned, if he could fully utilize this talent, its significance would surpass his martial prowess.

No matter how strong one's martial path was, reaching the Peace Dao stage could only guard one province. But if the battle flags were mass-produced, they could protect the entire Great Yu Divine Dynasty! "With Hao'er's strength and Fourth Uncle's support, as long as there's no sudden change in the River of Death, they should be fine..."

Li Muxiu, after understanding the situation from the avatar, felt slightly reassured.

But without seeing Li Hao in person, he couldn't fully relax.

"Second Uncle, let's head to the Dragon City River of Death."

Li Tiangang said to Li Muxiu, "But you need to remain hidden. If you're exposed on the battlefield, the demons might change their strategy and attack Qingzhou, causing great trouble for the General's Manor."

"I understand." Li Muxiu replied.

Li Tiangang glanced at Feng Boping, then said, "One more thing, you must sever ties with him!"

"Hmm?"

Li Muxiu's face changed. Feng Boping frowned but remained silent, waiting for Li Muxiu's decision.

If Li Muxiu chose to sever ties for the sake of the General's Manor, Feng Boping wouldn't blame him.

From the moment they revealed their identities to each other, they both anticipated this day.

His identity and the General's Manor were ultimately incompatible.

"Tiangang, this is my personal matter. Don't interfere!" Li Muxiu didn't look at his old friend's face but coldly told Li Tiangang.

Li Tiangang coldly replied, "Second Uncle, you should know the consequences if this gets out. It's not just your personal matter but concerns the entire Li family. Do you want our ancestors to be ashamed?"

Li Muxiu's face turned grim.

"I've known Feng for over sixty years. I understand his character..." Li Muxiu began.

But Li Tiangang interrupted, "I'm not here to discuss his character. I know that once he's associated with the Li family, it benefits neither side. Even if he's a good person, so what? I can listen to your explanation, but can the world?"

Li Muxiu's face shifted. He knew this was true. His explanation was merely an attempt to deflect.

"Old Li, if it's really necessary, we can part ways. We can still drink under the same sky, even if miles apart."

Feng Boping finally spoke.

Knowing his identity was exposed and foreseeing this outcome, he didn't want to make it harder for Li Muxiu.

Li Muxiu trembled slightly. He glanced at his old friend, feeling a deep sadness. He lowered his head, slowly shaking it.

"I've cut off enough in my life. I won't cut off anything more!"