Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1: Bestowing a Name, Li Hao
A throbbing, violent ache pulsed through him!
Li Hao struggled to force his eyelids open, but the effort felt nearly impossible.
Eventually, a thin sliver of light managed to penetrate the darkness before his vision.
In the faint illumination, he saw towering ancient halls that exuded a solemn and grand atmosphere. A rugged carpet, textured like dark golden dragon scales, stretched out across the floor in front of him.
At the summit of the stairs at the far end of the carpet sat a colossal, awe-inspiring figure. That person’s gaze was as sharp as a torch cutting through the midnight gloom, possessing a mesmerizing intensity.
Where... exactly am I?
Wasn't I just in the middle of a game?
Right, my phone had died, and I was about to plug it in to charge...
Li Hao’s consciousness remained sluggish and clouded as he surveyed his environment in a bewildered state.
Damn, did I pass out while holding my phone again?
However, this didn't feel like a dream at all.
“Nineteen years of age, a champion among the legions; he decapitated enemies at the Royal Court, wiped out Great Demons, and brought an end to a century of turmoil in Cangzhou. A hero of this caliber is not merely the grief of the Li Family, but the sorrow of every subject within the Great Yu Dynasty!”
“Marquis of Xingwu, come forward to accept the decree!”
A thunderous, authoritative voice resonated through the massive hall, nearly deafening him.
Li Hao fought to lift his head and noticed numerous figures dressed in official robes standing with gravity on either side of the carpet. Could this be... the imperial palace?
The Great Yu Dynasty... there isn't a dynasty by that name in the history books, is there?
While Li Hao was lost in confusion, a massive giant suddenly stepped out from beside him, standing as straight as a spear. Just by looking at his silhouette, one could almost catch the lingering scent of a bloody battlefield.
“Today, we bestow upon the ninth son of the Li Family, Li Jun Ye, the rank of first-class Zhen Guo Marquis. He is promoted to the rank of great general and granted burial within the imperial tomb. Furthermore, he is awarded ten carriages of ancient treasures, three Yu Dragon Orders, and ten dou of gold!”
“Starting today, the entire nation shall enter mourning for three days, and the court will refrain from meat for seven days to honor the courageous soul of the Zhen Guo Marquis!”
The sheer scale of these rewards left everyone in the hall breathless with shock.
Only nineteen years old, and already named a marquis and a general!
While typical marquises were given titles like Marquis of the North or Marquis Pingyuan, the title 'Zhen Guo' was an honor intended for eternal glory!
It was a feat without precedent and might never be repeated by future generations.
After all, being ennobled as a first-class marquis at the age of 19 was an incredible mark of prestige!
“Your Majesty, on behalf of my ninth brother, I accept the decree and offer thanks to Emperor Yu!”
The massive figure, as unyielding as a mountain or a lance, dropped to one knee. Though his deep voice lacked any sign of joy, it was heavy with a subtle sorrow and hoarse from exhaustion.
“This is what your Li Family has earned; it is I who am in your debt!”
“Marquis of Xingwu, that child there is yours, is he not? I wish to name him myself; would you be willing?” “Without any personal merit, I wouldn't dare to accept such a royal blessing!”
“The young men of the Li Family are all champions of Great Yu! Just as the Zhen Guo Marquis sacrificed his life for the realm beyond our borders, your son entered this world. Perhaps it is the cycle of the Heavens—Heaven has reclaimed My favorite general and gifted Great Yu another fine young man in return.” “I hereby name him... Hao!”
“It is my hope that he will carry on the legacy of the Zhen Guo Marquis to cleanse the world for Great Yu and bring Donghuang under one rule!”
“Your Majesty, that name is far too noble; your servant fears it is an honor too heavy to carry...”
“There is no need for concern; the sons of the Li Family are more than worthy of such a name!”
A single name, Hao?
Li Hao was stunned for a moment, then nearly burst out laughing. What a strange coincidence; it happened to be his actual name.
Wait a minute.
That child they’re discussing... it couldn't be me, could it?
Li Hao glanced down and was immediately paralyzed with shock; he was wrapped in swaddling clothes, his tiny hands and feet were adorably plump, and he was being held by a stunning woman in military armor.
“Bring the dragon blood jade pendant forward for Hao Er,” a voice commanded.
Shortly after, Li Hao saw a pale eunuch with a grave expression approach, carrying a dark red jade pendant carved with dragon patterns.
A graceful, pale hand reached out to take it, and the beautiful woman holding him murmured softly, “I thank Emperor Yu for your benevolent gift.”
What is happening here...
Li Hao blinked. Was this all a dream?
Suddenly, intense waves of vertigo hit him, and he could no longer stay conscious, drifting off into sleep.
Qingzhou City, the Divine General Mansion of the Li Family.
The Great Yu Dynasty recognized five Divine Generals, and the Li Family held one of those positions.
With nine generals emerging from a single household, all known for their loyalty and bravery, the Li Family was the pinnacle of nobility in the Great Yu Dynasty, surrounded by endless prestige and wealth.
Yet, beneath this vast prosperity lay the blood and lives of their family members.
Six of the nine Li sons had already fallen!
The youngest marquis had served in the military for only two years and had just reached the rank of colonel. Unexpectedly, during the conflict at Cangzhou, he led tens of thousands of riders directly to the enemy’s capital while still a mere colonel.
He captured fifteen cities and slaughtered a hundred demons!
With deeds that could last ten lifetimes, he became the sixth Li to die a hero's death for the state.
Now enshrined in the Temple of Valor, he was worshiped and honored by the masses.
At this time.
Roughly three months had passed since the title of “Zhen Guo Marquis” was bestowed.
During this period, the residents of the Li Mansion had slowly moved past their mourning, and the shadows on their faces had begun to lift.
Today, a celebratory event was taking place at the manor, bringing a rare sense of excitement to the residence.
Prominent families and high-ranking officials from various provinces either arrived in person or sent envoys to Qingzhou. A line of opulent and dignified carriages lined the front of the Li Family’s Divine General Mansion, causing many locals to stop and stare.
Today was the hundred-day celebration for the seventh young master of the Li family, the son of the Marquis of Xingwu, Li Hao.
This child of destiny, born into ultimate privilege, had been named by Emperor Yu himself at birth—a name known across the realm. As a descendant of a line of divine generals, there was no doubt he would hold a significant place in the world's future.
As the saying goes, it is wise to show favor early.
Inside the Divine General Mansion, within a room of the Mountain and River Courtyard.
Li Hao was nestled in the arms of his mother, Ji Qingqing, watching the commotion outside the courtyard with curiosity.
In just a few months, Li Hao had realized that this wasn't a dream but that he had... transmigrated.
This wasn't a historical era from his world, but the Ephemeral Realm.
It was a place of martial artists, Great Demons, wandering swordsmen, and ancient temples.
Luckily, the Great Yu Dynasty was formidable, demons were kept at bay, and few dared to cross the borders, so the common people lived well—especially someone born into a top-tier family like his.
The future looked incredibly promising!
“Hao Er, to tell the truth, your mother never wanted you to be born into the Li Family, did you know that?” Outside, the atmosphere was festive, but inside the room, Ji Qingqing looked troubled and spoke in a low, sad tone.
Li Hao glanced up at his mother, surprised.
Right now, his vocal cords weren't developed enough for speech. Even if he could talk, he wouldn't be able to ask why, as that would likely terrify the young woman.
Even though Ji Qingqing looked quite young to him—likely in her early twenties.
The constant care and affection she had shown him over the months had made him feel quite attached to this mother figure.
“Actually, I had already picked out a name for you: Le Ping, Li Le Ping! I only want you to be happy and safe, and to grow up in good health. Uniting the world is the ambition of the imperial family, not the Li family's goal, and certainly not mine...”
Ji Qingqing whispered to herself. The fawning faces of the nobles outside didn't bring her pride; instead, she found them irritating.
“Emperor Yu gave you that name hoping the Li Family would rise again after your ninth uncle's passing. That name carries the weight of the Great Yu royal family's hopes, serving as both a burden and a motivation for the Li Family...”
She stopped speaking.
Such a heavy burden placed on her child was easy to see; the more honors they received today, the more pressure he would have to endure later!
Li Hao observed the sadness in the young woman's eyes. In this moment, she wasn't the formidable Seventh Lady of the Divine General Mansion or the fierce female general who terrified enemies, but simply a mother.
Unable to speak, he merely pressed his head more firmly against her chest.
He tried to offer comfort through his warmth.
Feeling the movement, Ji Qingqing looked down at her child’s long lashes and cute face, her gaze softening instantly.
She held Li Hao and rocked him gently, her soft hand stroking the infant as if trying to soothe her own soul:
“Regardless of what happens, I will help you. Your father has already reached the ‘Immortal’ realm, so there is a chance you will inherit that Cultivation within you.”
“Even if your talent for martial arts is only average, the power your father passed down will be enough to keep you on pace with your ancestors when they were young. You won't fall behind your peers.”
“No matter what the future holds, Mother will always be your shield and won't let anyone hurt you...”
She murmured to herself.
“The hundred-day feast is starting; why are you still in here?”
At that moment, the powerful Marquis of Xingwu walked over, his large hand gently resting on Ji Qingqing’s waist. He asked in surprise, “What are you thinking about? You don't seem happy.”
“Of course I am.”
Ji Qingqing hid her emotions and looked up with a smile, choosing not to share her true feelings with her husband. She knew the men of the Li family were stubborn, finding pride in dying on the field of battle. Her maternal worries would never outweigh the thousand-year legacy of the Divine General Mansion.
“Have all the sisters-in-law arrived?” “They’re all here. They are just waiting for you and Hao Er.”
The Marquis of Xingwu looked at Li Hao and patted his small head, but his rough hand felt like a blade, making Li Hao roll his eyes.
Can’t this thick-headed father be a bit more careful?
Holding Li Hao, Ji Qingqing entered another room filled with the wives and ladies of the various house branches, and a wave of voices immediately washed over them.
“Oh my, Hao Er is so handsome, even more so than Jing Er was as a baby.”
“Indeed, Shuang Er, look at your little brother. Isn’t he precious?”
“Look at that, he’s staring right at me with those little eyes!”
Besides the ladies, their children were also present. The youngest, only a year or two old, grabbed onto the adults' legs, their round eyes sparkling with curiosity as they looked at Li Hao in his blankets.
The older children, around five or six, seemed mature for their age and weren't acting out at all. They stood to the side, looking somewhat bored but not daring to leave, showing little interest in their new brother.
“Come here, Hao Er, let your Fifth Aunt hold you.”
A lovely woman lifted Li Hao, her face beaming with affection, then asked in surprise, “Oh, is Hao Er hungry?”
“He just ate this morning.”
The woman didn't doubt her and, assuming Li Hao was just fussy, didn't worry further after Ji Qingqing’s reply. She simply gave Li Hao’s cheek a gentle pinch, laughing happily.
The other ladies crowded around to play with Li Hao, and once the time was right, they began to offer their gifts.
Ji Qingqing tried to refuse, but the gifts were pushed into her hands. These were priceless treasures. Today, the gifts for Li Hao’s hundred-day feast filled half of the Mountain and River Courtyard, all of them extraordinary items. Among them, a jade-like bracelet was placed on Li Hao’s wrist by Fifth Lady, who mentioned it helped nourish the spirit.
Li Hao, who had been annoyed by the constant chatter, was feeling sleepy; however, as soon as he wore the bracelet, a cool sensation flowed from his wrist into his body, making him feel much more alert.
His exhaustion vanished, and his mind became much sharper.
He squinted, and suddenly, blurry symbols began to float before his eyes.
Compared to the hazy mess he saw when he first transmigrated, the characters had grown clearer as he aged and his brain developed.
And now, as if a person with poor vision had finally put on glasses, everything became perfectly clear.