Follow the path of Dao from infancy

Li Tian Gang wanted to argue, but he was startled and said, "What?"

"It's snowing."

Li Muxiu stated.

"I know," Li Tian Gang replied.

"Besides the day that child left, this is the second snowfall."

Li Muxiu looked at Li Tian Gang and said, "You drove him out of the Li Family when the first snow fell. Now, during this second snowfall, you come to question me why I let an old friend protect him. Ha, those unaware would think you and he are not father and son but rather sworn enemies with deep-seated hatred!"

He looked directly into Li Tian Gang's eyes and said softly, "I wonder if the first thing that came to your mind upon seeing this Falling Snow was whether that child was cold, and whether he could eat well and stay warm at the border."

Li Tian Gang's face slightly changed, and he clenched his fists tightly as he said in a low voice:

"With your old friend's protection, I presume his journey has been quite comfortable. The Demon Kings of the Four Stands Realm dare not invade, and with Li He there, Hong Zhuang also does not provide peace of mind, staying there to look after him."

"This child is showered with love by many. What's a bit of snow to him?"

Li Muxiu gazed at him and said, "Let's not mention that old friend of mine. The Li He you arranged should only act when the child is not facing a deadly situation, shouldn't he?"

"Certainly," Li Tian Gang said. "Otherwise, how will he learn to retreat in the face of difficulties?"

Li Muxiu took a deep breath, no longer wanting to continue the conversation, and said, "You should go back. Don't bother me again if it's not important."

Li Tian Gang immediately said, "If you would have your old friend come back and stop spoiling him, I would have no reason to seek you out."

Li Muxiu laughed coldly and said, "Do you really think that my old friend is looking after Hao Er just to please me?"

Li Tian Gang raised his eyebrows, saying, "Could it be, Uncle, that you're suggesting Hao Er has befriended your old friend? He is a strong being of the Four Stands Realm; who would care about him?"

Li Muxiu was furious, but he held back his words at the last moment.

It was inconvenient to reveal Feng Boping's identity, as it could cause more trouble than necessary.

"You may leave!"

Li Muxiu said coldly, "Rest assured, my old friend knows what he's doing. He doesn't intervene in ordinary situations, only if a Demon King from the Four Stands Realm crosses the border."

"A Demon King from the Four Stands Realm doesn't have the gall to invade," Li Tian Gang stated.

"What if they do?" Li Muxiu locked eyes with him.

Li Tian Gang's expression changed slightly, and suddenly he fell silent.

"The interrogation results for Liu Yue Rong must be out soon, right? You would be better off seeking justice for your son with all this energy you have. As for the matter of Divine Blood, do you truly believe that Hao Er slandered her out of nowhere?" Li Muxiu said coldly.

Li Tian Gang, thinking of this, flashed a look in his eyes but said nothing, simply bowed, turned, and flew away with a flick of his sleeve.

Li Muxiu watched as the other's figure disappeared, the coldness on his face dissipating as he sighed.

His gaze fell upon the Demon Lake before him, and then slowly, it moved to a depression at his side.

Not far from where Li Tian Gang had stood was the fishing platform where his son fished.

"Second Uncle, I've got another one on the hook!"

"Haha, Second Uncle, come see, it looks like a big one this time!"

"Second Uncle, it's cooked, come and eat!"

Li Muxiu's eyes rimmed with red as he realized deep down that with the child's character, he would likely never return again.

...

...

In Dayu State, the imperial holy city of the capital.

Within the grand palace.

The civil and military officials stood on the sides of the dragon-skin long carpet, having reported the affairs of the various states, were now engaged in a fierce argument.

"Your Majesty, six days have passed; it's time for you to decide!"

"That Prince of Martial Punishment has just returned from victorious battles in Northern Yan, elevated to a third-rank duke. His son, spoiled by favor, has grown arrogant, relying on his unparalleled talent, he fought a great battle with the Prince of Martial Punishment. Father and son killing each other is completely contrary to natural laws and ethics!"

"If we do not severely punish him, it would merely corrupt public morals. If everyone were to follow suit, how would we uphold the duty and respect between sovereign and subject, parent and child!"

"Your Majesty, your servant believes there are underlying reasons for this matter. We still need to thoroughly investigate before making any hasty judgments,"

"It's said that the child possesses extraordinary talents, having reached the Heavenly Human Realm at only fourteen years old, even more fearsome than the ninth son of the Li Family in his day. It's inevitable he'd show some arrogance and recklessness, but he has already been chastised by King Xingwu, sent to guard Heavenly Gate Pass. That punishment is already severe enough!"

"That's just for show. I don't believe he wouldn't have someone secretly guard him. Hmph, if Heavenly Gate Pass were to fall, I'd like to see if his son could bear the responsibility!"

"To assign such a strategically crucial place to a child is utter nonsense. What if it were lost? Behind Heavenly Gate Pass lie billions of commoners in the Grand Liang State!"

"Those who are disrespectful deserve death!"

People argued fiercely, their views falling into two categories: one side believed in severe punishment, while the other thought there were mitigating factors worth investigating, or that it should be handled by the Li Family themselves, seeing it not as a matter of state but a private family affair.

Regardless of the viewpoint, each had its flaws ripe for rebuttal, so the debate went unresolved for several days.

Astride the dragon throne, the imposing Emperor Yu wore a gaze as inscrutable as the stars and moon, daunting any direct look.

As he heard the boisterous debate, the corner of his mouth curved slightly, reminiscing about the scene by Liu Shu Lake …

"That impertinent boy, such a fiery temper," Emperor Yu thought to himself.

His gaze swept across the room, landing on the quiet group of scholars on the other side, and he asked with interest,

"Members of the Hanlin Hall, what are your thoughts?"

When the Emperor spoke, the other debates ceased, and all eyes turned to the group of great scholars, with curiosity and puzzlement on their faces.

In such cases of impropriety in the past, these feeble scholars were always the first to protest, their sharp tongues even making them reluctant to engage.

After all, they were martial artists; in a battle of words, they were no match for those wielding pens.

Yet, on this occasion, these individuals were silent as bystanders, seemingly deaf to the arguments.

Fearing the Divine General Mansion? Fearing the Li Family?

That would be a spectacle indeed.

These fellows didn't hesitate to criticize even princes, so what was the Li Family to them, when each of the five divine families had faced their rebuke?

If not for their immeasurable contributions to history, which left them beyond reproach, they would have been silenced long ago.

Disregarding the proprieties is tantamount to killing the common people, a favored argument of these scholars. They persist in equating the two, much to the annoyance of those who care little for such trivialities.

Moreover, the Emperor held the Hanlin Hall in high esteem, and the status of civil officials within the court did not fall short of that of the military officers; in fact, their perceived weakness often garnered them greater protection from the Emperor.

While slaying demons was the duty of the martial artist, governing and bringing peace to the nation was the act of a civil servant.

This world is not solely plagued by demons; the hearts of the people can bring down great nations as well.

And in swaying the hearts of the people, civil officials excel!

"In response to Your Majesty, we believe that Li Hao, despite his youthful arrogance, is certainly not a wastrel indulging in arrogance. His aspirations are as boundless as the clouds spreading across ten thousand miles, and he bears a patriotic and sympathetic heart.

Surely, there is a reason behind this conflict, and we hope Your Majesty will thoroughly investigate and render justice to this youth,"

After a pause, the Grand Preceptor of the Hanlin Hall stepped forward respectfully and spoke as their representative.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the court was taken aback.

Was this the same Hanlin Hall they knew?

Was this the same obstinate Grand Preceptor they were familiar with?

He must be under a spell!

"Grand Preceptor, are you aware of what you are saying?"

Before the Emperor could speak, a military governor from Liangzhou who had earlier argued for severe punishment stood out, exclaiming,

"A son wounding his father, no matter the reason, should not draw his sword against his own father, no? That's his own flesh and blood!"

"Indeed, if even this can be tolerated, what atrocities will they not commit in the future?" another person quickly chimed in.

The Emperor's lips curled into a faint smile momentarily before he composed himself, unnoticed as none dared keep their eyes fixed on him. Speaking impassively, he queried,

"Esteemed official, what evidence do you see for such praise?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, we certainly have evidence,"

The Grand Preceptor glanced disdainfully at the Liangzhou military governor, his eyes filled with contempt. Although a civil official himself, with the backing of Emperor Yu, not one of the martial artists dared lay a finger on him.

Besides, he understood why the opponent had proposed such vehement measures—it was because King Xingwu had dispatched Li Hao to Heavenly Gate Pass, raising fears that it might fall, and the invading demons would necessitate his being on the front lines to slay them.

"Oh? What evidence?" Emperor Yu inquired with interest.