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

Li Hao reflected deeply and abruptly remembered the Star Empress's words from before he entered the Illusion Realm: there's no need to speculate on standards of good and evil, simply follow your true intentions.

True intentions... Li Hao mused for a short while, then showed a relaxed look on his face. He gazed at the pair ahead who appeared to be the child's parents and moved closer to scold them.

He remained silent, but with a flick of his hand, he unleashed his Control Force, locking down the movements of all nearby, pressing them to the ground and silencing them completely.

Next, he went to the child and lifted him up.

Right then, the child, filled with fear, had eyes wide with terror. Li Hao's stare was icy as he firmly smacked the child's rear twice before throwing him away:

"You dirtied my robes. You couldn't possibly make up for it, and I don't demand it. This is merely a lesson for you to keep in mind."

Those two smacks were sufficient to cause the child pain for half a month.

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

When one follows their true intentions, there's no reason to worry about how others judge right and wrong. This deed isn't good or evil, yet it settles matters with one's own conscience.

"For a leader, offering explanations shows frailty; blending mercy with authority is the better way."

From the emptiness, a watchful eye penetrated this scene, observing the youth's actions with evident approval in its gaze.

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

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

Li Hao proceeded along the road, aiming to reach Tan Palace Academy, yet abruptly, the thunder of racing hooves dashed by, directing toward the Divine General Mansion.

Li Hao noticed the banners on the speeding steed and creased his brow faintly, recognizing it as a military messenger.

A hazy doubt arose in his thoughts.

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

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

Upon reaching Tan Palace Academy and viewing the well-known hills, recollections from years past surged into his mind.

Li Hao ascended into the air, arriving at the Emerald Pond on a particular peak.

He neared the pond, dipped his hand to stir the water; it felt freezing and piercing to the bones, akin to solid ice.

Suddenly, with a surging noise, a massive dark form burst from the pond, resembling a colossal beast from the abyss.

Li Hao felt no alarm; on the contrary, his eyes lit up a bit. He retreated several steps to watch as a huge Qilin vaulted out, shaking its coat and spraying frigid water all over.

"From where does this youngster hail? Leave me in peace here."

The Qilin uttered human speech, apparently failing to identify Li Hao. After her words, her eyes shifted to the edges of Qingzhou City, her face bearing utmost gravity.

Li Hao traced her line of sight, and though limited to the Fifteen Li Realm, he faintly perceived a gloomy cloud advancing beyond the city.

"Demons assaulting the city?"

Li Hao's gaze shifted; this could well be the core trial of this examination. Perhaps it's to test his capacity to unite and guide Qingzhou's troops and residents in repelling this Demon onslaught?

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

Yet... deep down, he resisted returning to that residence.

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

Li Hao's eyes flashed, abruptly grasping that this examination might not evaluate his skill in commanding troops to fight.

Should he heed his heart, then... first, gauge the Demon Tide's magnitude and exert his utmost effort.

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

Li Hao swiveled his head, eyed the Mo Qilin nearby, and his gaze held warmth devoid of any dread.

The Mo Qilin paused in surprise, clearly not anticipating this Human Race individual to lack fear of her. Those clear eyes shone with honesty and genuineness, free of deceit or fright.

She gazed intently for a prolonged instant, then huffed disdainfully, declaring, "Suit yourself, but I won't waste time with you."

As she readied to harness the winds and confer with the headmaster, a silhouette hurried over, none other than Tan Palace's principal.

Encountering another known face, Li Hao sensed deeper reminiscence.

The Tan Palace headmaster spotted Li Hao too and showed some astonishment. This back mountain zone was off-limits, home to the Mo Qilin. How might a pupil enter here?

But he soon deduced Li Hao wasn't a pupil, dressed in elegant attire with sleeve embroidery displaying that prestigious mark.

Li!

He promptly comprehended the youth was the Li Family's prodigy, and his demeanor eased greatly, despite the surprise, as he inquired, "Young Master of the Li Family, have you come for the Divine General Mansion to alert us of the Demon assault on the city?"

Li Hao paused briefly, then understood his garb exposed his status. He furrowed his brow lightly but soon composed himself, grinning as he replied, "I've merely come to admire the views."

"Admire the views…"

The Tan Palace headmaster faltered, a strange expression crossing his features as he looked at Li Hao, but he held his tongue, opting to share a look with the Mo Qilin and converse via mental transmission.

Observing the pair sideline him, Li Hao paid it no heed, instead retrieving brush and ink to sketch by the pond for their benefit.

Yet upon completing the artwork, no prompt for experience points emerged.

Li Hao chuckled softly while shaking his head, examined the artwork in his grasp for a few moments; despite years apart from the subject, it captured their lifelike essence.

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

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

The Tan Palace headmaster regarded Li Hao, figuring as the Divine General Mansion's heir, this query was probably 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 within the Illusion Realm, this Tan Palace headmaster would choose identically as in the real world.