The Name of Eternals

Chapter 171: Learning from Tianji Tower

On the western border of Liangzhou, within a deep lake two thousand miles away.

In the lake, dark shadows slowly rose and fell beneath the surface, like giant creatures lurking in the abyss, exuding a terrifying aura.

Suddenly, a red bird swooped down.

Upon nearing the lake, it transformed into a girl in a red dress.

She stopped above the deep lake, bowed, and respectfully said, "Hongyun from Tianji Hall greets the elders of Longmen."

On the calm surface of the lake, a dark shadow suddenly emerged, quickly shrinking to take the form of an old man.

"What is it?" The old man asked calmly, looking at the girl in the long dress.

"Just received news that Haotian Major General of Tianmen Pass has just left the pass and seems to be heading to Tianji Tower, temporarily leaving Liangzhou. Our hall believes now is a good opportunity to attack Liangzhou," Hongyun said respectfully.

Although their forces were different, Tianji Hall treated these great demons and demon kings with extreme courtesy.

"Is that the young Li family brat?"

The old man raised an eyebrow slightly. He had heard of the events at Tianmen Pass, which had spread among the demons outside Liangzhou, making it a place to avoid.

From the information provided by Fengshan Jun, who had joined the Sacred Palace, he knew the boy indeed had the ability to kill demon kings. The death of Wanku Ghost Maiden at his hands was a testament to his ferocity.

Splash~!

The water surface suddenly rippled, and then a ferocious dragon head emerged, covered in golden light, transforming into a serene-looking elderly Daoist, the notorious Dragon Lord.

He had joined Longmen and had now become an elder within it.

"Did you see it with your own eyes?" Dragon Lord immediately asked, staring at Hongyun.

Hongyun respectfully replied, "No, we did not see it with our own eyes, but based on our intelligence, there is a ninety percent chance it is true."

"Do you want to ambush that boy?"

The old man beside him saw through Dragon Lord's intention at a glance, his eyes cold as he said:

"Don't get any ideas. According to previous information, it takes at least three demon kings working together to kill that boy. Set aside your personal vendetta. Now that you're with Longmen, prioritize Longmen."

Dragon Lord frowned slightly, his face dark as he said, "It's not personal. This is a rare opportunity. The boy's growth rate far exceeds your expectations. If we don't kill him now, the Dayu Dynasty will have another real immortal!"

"You're overthinking."

The old man shook his head. "Do you really think we would let him grow? Even if he's a prodigy, what can he achieve in ten years? Five years? Hmph, not even five months!"

"When our Grand Elder comes out of seclusion, he'll be dealt with. No one can stop it!"

Dragon Lord's expression shifted slightly, and he nodded, "If that's the case, I won't say more."

Hongyun cautiously asked, "Are you waiting for the Grand Elder to come out of seclusion before attacking Liangzhou?"

"We'll consider this. Thank you for the information, Miss Hongyun."

The old man smiled.

Hongyun immediately understood this was a dismissal.

She cursed inwardly but maintained a smile, exchanging a few pleasantries. Seeing their indifferent responses, she didn't linger and left.

"Hmph, trying to get information without giving anything."

The old man watched her leave, his smile fading. He turned to Dragon Lord and said:

"The Grand Elder will come out of seclusion ahead of schedule, likely in a few days. Whether that boy is in Liangzhou or not doesn't matter. Notify all branches of Longmen to assemble!"

"Is it finally time to attack?"

Dragon Lord took a deep breath, his serene face revealing a fierce and bloodthirsty gleam.

...

...

The main tower of Tianji Tower was located in Yongzhou, adjacent to Liangzhou.

Unlike the sparsely populated Liangzhou, Yongzhou was in the south, enjoying spring all year round, with abundant resources. It was heavily guarded by the Hélian family, one of the Five Great General's Mansions.

For three hundred years, no demon had breached a city in Yongzhou.

People lived and worked in peace, attracting many noble families to migrate there. Over time, many prominent families emerged.

From Tianmen Pass in Liangzhou to the main tower of Tianji in Yongzhou was a six-day journey on horseback.

Li Hao and the three-indestructible guide from Tianji Tower, flying through the air, could make the round trip in two days.

If Li Hao traveled at full speed alone, it would take just one day.

The guide was the Tianji Hermit, who hosted the Dao Debate Tournament. Having witnessed Li Hao kill a small demon king, he was very courteous to Li Hao, showing no seniority.

Warriors respected strength, unlike civil officials who preached that knowledge was the highest virtue but often valued seniority.

Even a young top scholar could be criticized by ignorant elders, while warriors like the Tianji Hermit valued true strength.

"The Tower Master said you could stay as long as you want, Major General Haotian."

The Tianji Hermit smiled at Li Hao.

"If you say that, I might just move in permanently," Li Hao joked.

"We'd be delighted."

The Tianji Hermit laughed heartily.

Knowing Li Hao was tasked with guarding Tianmen Pass for three years, Tianji Tower knew he couldn't stay long.

Soon, they arrived at Tianji City in the heart of Yongzhou.

Li Hao surveyed the bustling city, seeing crowds on the streets and the majestic Tianji Tower.

The prosperous Yongzhou had a different atmosphere from other provinces, with many youths in fine clothes and horses, even in the wilderness, hunting demons.

The demon population was visibly lower here.

The peace and prosperity were evident.

Only in such a place could youths, full of ambition, seek glory by hunting demons.

Soon, they reached the main Tianji Tower.

Tianji Tower had seven towers, each overseen by a Tower Master.

The Tianji Hermit, although called a Tower Master, was actually a "floor master."

Each Tianji Tower had nine floors, with three floor masters and one main branch master, making them formidable.

This was one reason demons rarely invaded Yongzhou.

Li Hao was brought before the main tower.

In the dojo outside, many Tianji Tower disciples were training, with mountains, waterfalls, and deep ravines in the distance, giving it a celestial ambiance.

As Li Hao landed and looked up at the tower's plaque, a voice called out:

"Major General, tea is ready. Please come up."

It was the Tower Master, Lu Chunsheng.

Li Hao looked up to see a white-clad figure smiling at him from the tower top.

"The Tower Master is waiting for you."

The Tianji Hermit smiled.

Such hospitality was usually reserved for Four-Indestructible Realm experts, not even for most royal princes. Li Hao was an exception.

"Thank you for guiding me."

Li Hao smiled, bidding farewell to the hermit, and flew to the top, entering the pavilion.

The top floor was a refined space with incense, a guqin, and the fragrance of tea.

"Please."

Lu Chunsheng, dressed in white, appeared scholarly and calm, gesturing to Li Hao.

Li Hao sat on a cushion by the tea table, smiling, "Thank you for the invitation, Tower Master Lu."

"It's the reward you earned."

Lu Chunsheng smiled, observing Li Hao, his eyes narrowing slightly before relaxing. "It seems the rumors are true. Have you reached the Three-Indestructible Realm, Major General?"

At fifteen, this question might seem absurd for most, but for Li Hao, it was plausible.

"Yes."

Li Hao didn't hide it, knowing his demon-slaying feats outside the pass were known.

Hearing Li Hao's confirmation, Lu Chunsheng, though prepared, still felt a ripple in his teacup.

"Truly remarkable."

Lu Chunsheng sighed in admiration.

Even with his vast knowledge, Li Hao's talent amazed him, increasing his respect for the discerning emperor.

Li Hao smiled, sipping his tea, "Good tea."

"It's made with spring dew from March, slightly sweet," Lu Chunsheng said, satisfied with Li Hao's praise.

Li Hao, seeing his satisfaction, drank more, then noticed the guqin, "Do you also play the guqin, Tower Master?"

"A bit."

Lu Chunsheng smiled, "I've heard you have many interests and talents. Would you like to play a piece?"

"Why don't you play first, Tower Master? I'll listen."

Lu Chunsheng smiled and didn't decline, taking his seat at the guqin.

He played, filling the pavilion with gentle music.

Li Hao listened, surprised at the modest skill level, realizing "a bit" was quite literal.

Seeing Lu Chunsheng immersed in his playing, Li Hao continued sipping tea, finding it more enjoyable than the music.

Lu Chunsheng's skill seemed around the second stage, decent but not extraordinary.

Soon, the piece ended, and Lu Chunsheng smiled at Li Hao, "I apologize for my poor performance."

Indeed… Li Hao thought, but he smiled, "Not at all. Your skill is quite good. You've been playing for a long time?"

"Almost half a century," Lu Chunsheng laughed.

"Well played."

Next time, please don't… Li Hao thought, but he praised sincerely.

"Would you like to play, Major General?" Lu Chunsheng's smile grew, seeing Li Hao as more relatable.

Li Hao shook his head, "I'm not very skilled. I don't want to embarrass myself."

"Nonsense. For someone so young to have such varied interests is commendable," Lu Chunsheng reassured, feeling a bit guilty for overshadowing Li Hao.

Li Hao shook his head, "Tower Master, I need to return to Tianmen Pass soon. Can I look at the techniques now?"

Lu Chunsheng sighed inwardly but smiled, "Of course, follow me."

He led Li Hao downstairs, explaining the classification of techniques and leaving him to browse.

Li Hao wasn't a Four-Indestructible, so they didn't worry about theft. With records of every technique, there was no fear of loss.