Chapter 121: Ling Guanghan’s Decision

Chapter 121: Ling Guanghan’s Decision

Du Jinlong knew it all too well. When Kui Hu said he would break his four limbs, he certainly wouldn’t stop at three. Not only had Kui Hu shattered all of his ribs, but his internal organs had also been severely traumatized. To top it off, he had to offer compensation and an apology—it was truly a case of losing both the battle and the treasure.

Although Du Jinlong felt an immense sense of resentment, he had no other choice. Compared to his four limbs, the one million copper soul coins were a price he had to pay.

For Du Jinlong, he had never felt such humiliation in his twenty-plus years of life. This was undoubtedly his most wretched and regretful day.

He spoke to Kui Hu:
"I will pay. I will give you the one million copper soul coins."

Upon hearing this satisfactory answer, Kui Hu immediately reached out his hand, looking exactly like a desperate debtor demanding payment.

When Du Jinlong managed to pull out one hundred gold soul coins and handed them over with great difficulty, he asked:
"Can you let me go now?"

Kui Hu shook his head.

Thinking Kui Hu was going back on his word, Du Jinlong felt a surge of fury and pointed at him, about to let out a string of curses. Seeing Du Jinlong’s expression, Kui Hu merely gave him a cold, indifferent look. Du Jinlong instantly shut his mouth, swallowing all the vitriol he had intended to spew.

With the soul coins in hand, Kui Hu said:
"My dear Young Master Poison Dragon, you haven't apologized yet! How could you possibly leave?"

Du Jinlong’s injuries were severe; at this moment, even rising to his feet was an arduous task. Seeing his miserable state, Kui Hu’s mind stirred, quickly gathering the laws of heaven and earth to form a barrier that enveloped Du Jinlong.

Enclosed within the barrier, Du Jinlong was carried by Kui Hu as they flew toward the mountain peak where Li Hao and the others were gathered.

Upon arriving before Li Hao, Kui Hu sought his approval:
"Young Master, are you satisfied?"

Li Hao wore his signature gentle smile as he replied:
"Yes, brother Kui Hu, you have done very well!"

Only now did Du Jinlong clearly see the youth who had spoken. Dressed in a luxurious red robe, the young man had sharp, star-like brows and clear, bright eyes. His build was lithe and his features handsome, yet there was nothing particularly extraordinary about him.

To Du Jinlong, Li Hao lacked any overbearing pressure or an air of superiority. Even though Li Hao addressed Kui Hu as "brother," Du Jinlong knew this youth was surely the leader of the group.

Hearing Li Hao's praise, Kui Hu felt a surge of excitement. Since he had known Li Hao, this was his best performance yet, and gaining his leader's approval felt truly special.

Among this group of youths, Li Hao was their soul. Without him, such a gathering of young prodigies would never have occurred.

Kui Hu asked:
"Young Master, how should we deal with him?"

Li Hao replied:
"You’ve worked hard, brother Kui Hu. Leave the rest to me."

Moved by his leader's consideration, Kui Hu nodded and replied, "Very well!" He then stepped aside to watch how Li Hao would handle Du Jinlong.

Li Hao looked at Du Jinlong and said:
"My name is Li Hao. I’m the one who broke Du Qingfeng’s legs on the day of registration. Your greed today didn’t cause any grave consequences. If you sincerely apologize to brother Ling Guanghan, I won’t make things difficult for you and will let you go. By the way, in the future, it’s best I don’t hear of you doing anything unjust. If you remain stubborn and unrepentant, I don’t know what the consequences will be, but they certainly won’t be lighter than this. Remember, my name is Li Hao. If you’re not convinced, feel free to challenge me anytime."

Hearing Li Hao’s righteous words, Ling Guanghan decided to himself: "If possible, I must make friends with this person. This youth is truly remarkable."

As Ling Guanghan was lost in thought, Du Jinlong felt a sense of relief upon hearing Li Hao’s words. When Kui Hu had been dragging him over, he feared the situation would only get worse, but he hadn't expected Li Hao to be so reasonable. He was stunned that Li Hao chose not to pile on more torment.

Once Li Hao finished, Du Jinlong said:
"Du Jinlong thanks you for your magnanimity, Young Master. I dare not seek revenge against you."

Hearing this, Li Hao noted the implication—that he might still seek revenge against those around him. Li Hao replied:
"You may seek revenge against me, but you must not touch my brothers or my friends. If you dare to retaliate against them, your end will be ten times more miserable."

Du Jinlong hadn't considered this, but hearing it now, he thought, "What a sharp-minded youth. He is not simple. Such an opponent is truly terrifying."

If Kui Hu was the demon in Du Jinlong’s heart, then Li Hao was the god-demon he dared not provoke.

Suppressing these thoughts, Du Jinlong said to Li Hao:
"I will keep your warning in mind. After today, I shall seclude myself and reflect on my actions."

Du Jinlong then turned to Ling Guanghan:
"I was shortsighted and blinded by greed, leading me to act in such a despicable manner. I hope you can forgive me."

Sensing the sincerity in Du Jinlong’s voice, Ling Guanghan accepted the apology:
"It is fine. I forgive you, but do not be so greedy in the future. My elders often taught me that greed is a blade hanging over one's head. I hope you take care of yourself, Young Master Du."

Having met Li Hao, Du Jinlong’s mindset had subtly shifted. Hearing Ling Guanghan’s lecture, he felt no resentment, only replying:
"I will certainly remember your teachings today."

Seeing that the apology and compensation were settled, Li Hao said:
"You may go."

Du Jinlong attempted to move, but his injuries were too severe to channel the laws of heaven and earth to support his body. Seeing his struggle, Li Hao said, "Wait."

Du Jinlong stopped, fearing Li Hao had changed his mind. Li Hao walked over and placed his jade-white palm on Du Jinlong’s chest. Instead of feeling a strike, Du Jinlong felt a soothing sensation. After a few breaths, his injuries had improved significantly. Though not fully healed, he could now channel the laws of heaven and earth to support himself.

He realized in shock that Li Hao had actually been healing him. Just as he was about to ask why, Li Hao spoke first:
"I have no other intentions. I am simply helping you because I see your genuine remorse. You may go now."

Du Jinlong said nothing more, simply uttering two words: "Thank you." He then channeled the laws, lifted his body, and flew away.

Once he was gone, those around Li Hao looked at him with confusion. Understanding their gaze, Li Hao explained:
"I saw that he truly felt remorse, so I helped him slightly. We can afford to lose a friend, but we should try not to add an enemy."

The group was deeply moved by Li Hao’s benevolence. Ling Guanghan, witnessing this, became even more determined to follow him. In the short hours he had known Li Hao, the youth had already occupied an untouchable place in his heart. Who could resist the charm of such a handsome, magnanimous, righteous, and kind-hearted soul?

As Du Jinlong’s figure disappeared, Li Hao looked into the distance and recited:
"Living in the bustling city, yet feeling the chill of solitude; when can one abandon the vanity of wealth?
Nostalgia is but empty talk; I only seek to have no regrets in this moment.
Drifting like duckweed through the world a thousand times; at the end of hardship lies true wealth.
Today I write a poem for you, let it remain as a monument of memory.
Where in life is there no ugliness? Perhaps it is merely a pure dream within the heart."

The others reacted differently to his reflections on life. Lu Yao said with admiration: "Brother Li Hao speaks so well."

Qin Zhen added: "Sister Lu Yao is right. We should collect these classic quotes from the Young Master."

Li Zhan agreed: "Yes, yes, we should collect them and compile them into a book."

Li Hao laughed: "Enough, enough. Don't be ridiculous. If you make a book out of every casual thing I say, it won't be worth much."

They did not know that because of Qin Zhen’s words, a few years later, after Li Hao left the Lujia Mountain Star Domain, a textbook of classic quotes titled *View of Life* became a bestseller. It was a limited edition, reserved only for the elite, and ordinary people could hardly get their hands on it.

Ling Guanghan finally found an opening to speak: "I believe Young Master Qin Zhen is right. This is not nonsense. The so-called classics were all left behind by our predecessors. If we don't leave behind things worthy of learning, what will future generations have to study? If we don't preserve these good things, they will eventually scatter in the wind."

Lin Xueyou nodded: "I think so too. If you feel Li Hao’s words are meaningful, then write them down. Ling Guanghan is right."

With the matter of the book settled, Lin Xueyou sighed:
"It’s been so long, and we still haven't found my brother and the others. It’s highly likely we have been traveling in the opposite direction. It will be dark soon; let’s head in a different direction tomorrow."

The first night had been filled with thunder. The second night, thunder and a fierce storm. What would tonight bring? The group felt both anticipation and deep concern.