Follow the path of Dao from infancy Chapter 1898 Chapter 509: Trial (Part 2)

As Li Hao reflected deeply, the Star Empress's words echoed in his mind just prior to entering the Illusion Realm: forget about judging good and evil, simply follow your genuine heart.

Genuine heart... Li Hao mused for a short while, a sense of ease appearing on his face. He glanced at the couple ahead who appeared to be the child's parents and moved closer to chide them.

Without uttering a word, he swung his hand, unleashing his Control Force to bind everyone's movements nearby, forcing them down to the ground in silence.

Next, he drew near the child and lifted him up.

Right then, the child stared in fear with eyes wide. Li Hao's stare remained icy as he delivered two firm smacks to the child's rear and then flung him away:

"You dirtied my robes. You couldn't possibly pay for them, and I don't expect you to. Consider this a memorable lesson."

Those two strikes would leave the child in pain for at least half a month.

Ignoring the stares from those around, Li Hao spun around and departed.

By following one's true heart, there's no obligation to worry about how others see right or wrong. Such an action stands neither as good nor evil, yet it settles matters within one's own conscience.

"To a leader, offering excuses shows frailty; blending mercy with authority proves masterful."

From the emptiness, a watchful eye penetrated this scene, observing the youth's conduct with evident approval.

Rather than wasting effort and moments on justifications, showing strength might appear domineering, but it settles issues rapidly.

Furthermore, that force also instructs onlookers to stay composed and think about the cause, instead of acting on impulse.

Li Hao proceeded along the road, aiming for Tan Palace Academy, when abruptly, the thunder of charging horses echoed past, rushing toward the Divine General Mansion.

Spotting the banners on the speeding steeds, Li Hao's brows furrowed faintly, recognizing them as signs of army messengers.

A faint doubt began to stir in his thoughts.

Yet, after eyeing the Divine General Mansion, he decided against entering.

Rather, he veered off and made his way toward the distant Tan Palace Academy.

Upon reaching Tan Palace Academy and beholding the well-known peaks, long-buried recollections surged through his mind.

Li Hao ascended skyward, arriving at the Emerald Pond on one particular summit.

He neared the pool, dipping his fingers into the water; it felt freezing and piercing, akin to solid frost.

All at once, with a surging noise, a massive dark form burst from the depths, resembling a colossal beast from below.

Li Hao showed no surprise; his eyes lit up instead. He retreated a bit to watch a enormous Qilin vault forth, shaking its coat and spraying frigid droplets all around.

"Who is this brat? Leave me in peace here."

The Qilin uttered words in human tongue, clearly unaware of Li Hao's identity. After that, its attention shifted to the edges of Qingzhou City, its face grave.

Li Hao traced its line of sight, and even within the Fifteen Li Realm, he dimly perceived a ominous cloud advancing beyond the walls.

"Demons assaulting the city?"

Li Hao's gaze shifted subtly; this could be the core challenge of the trial. Perhaps to test if he possesses the command skills to unite and guide Qingzhou's troops and citizens against this Demon onslaught?

If that's the case, then he ought to head to the Divine General Mansion.

However... deep down, he resisted returning to that estate.

"Four trials... the third concerns good and evil, the fourth involves command!"

Li Hao's eyes gleamed, abruptly grasping that this trial might not demand he prove his prowess in leading troops to war.

Should he heed his heart, then... start by gauging the Demon Tide's magnitude and give his all.

"It's been ages. Allow me to craft a portrait for you first."

Li Hao swiveled, eyeing the Mo Qilin nearby, his gaze warm and devoid of any dread.

The Mo Qilin paused in astonishment, hardly anticipating this Human Race youth to lack fear of her. Those clear eyes held honesty and warmth, free from deceit or terror.

She gazed steadily for a while, then huffed dismissively, stating, "Suit yourself, but I can't spare time for your company."

As she geared up to soar on the winds and confer with the headmaster, a silhouette hurried near, none other than Tan Palace's principal.

Encountering another known figure, Li Hao's sense of reminiscence grew stronger.

The Tan Palace headmaster spotted Li Hao too and felt a touch of astonishment. This back-mountain zone was off-limits, home to the Mo Qilin. What brought a pupil here?

Yet soon, he noted Li Hao wasn't a typical student; his attire was elegant, sleeves adorned with that prestigious emblem.

Li!

He swiftly comprehended that this youth was the Li Family's prized son, and his demeanor warmed, though surprise lingered as he inquired, "Young Master of the Li Family, have you come from the Divine General Mansion to warn us of the Demon assault on the city?"

Li Hao froze briefly, then understood his garb had betrayed him. He creased his brow momentarily but soon composed himself, grinning as he replied, "I've merely come to take in the views."

"Take in the views…"

The Tan Palace headmaster faltered, an odd expression crossing his features as he studied Li Hao, but he held his tongue, opting instead to share silent words with the Mo Qilin via transmission.

Noticing the pair excluding him, Li Hao remained unperturbed and instead drew forth brush and ink to sketch by the pond for their sake.

However, upon completing the artwork, no prompt for experience appeared.

Li Hao chuckled softly and shook his head, examining the image in his grasp for a few beats; despite years apart from the subject, it captured their essence with striking vitality.

Just then, the earth quaked, and the shadowy clouds loomed from the skyline.

Li Hao drew in a steadying breath and questioned the Mo Qilin and Tan Palace headmaster at his side, "Do you intend to battle until the end?"

The Tan Palace headmaster eyed Li Hao, reckoning that as the Divine General Mansion's heir, this query served as a test. He declared gravely, "Of course, Tan Palace has endured in Qingzhou for eight centuries and shall share its fate!"

Li Hao inclined his head. He trusted that, even in this Illusion Realm, the Tan Palace headmaster would choose identically to the real world.