The Name of Eternals

Chapter 239: Your Son is a Prodigy

When news spread that Li Hao had finished his training, Ji Yun Yue and others quickly came to visit him.

Upon seeing him again, they all noticed that Li Hao's aura seemed to have subtly changed.

However, with his ability to mask his true attributes, they couldn't discern the specifics.

Li Hao inquired and learned that his time spent mastering the art of drawing and cultivating the Qi meridians had taken five days.

"When can I see my mother?" Li Hao asked.

"The Archaic Sea is about to calm down; you will see her soon," Ji Yun Yue said gently as she took out an ancient mirror about ten inches tall from her storage and handed it to Li Hao. "This is the Saint Treasure, the Sky-Watching Mirror. The patriarch and I have borrowed it for you. It can observe the situation on the Prison Island. You can see Qing Qing right now."

Li Hao thanked her and, following Ji Yun Yue's instructions, infused the mirror with his energy. Instantly, he felt his consciousness merge into the mirror, and a vast map appeared in his mind.

This map encompassed the entire sacred land of the Ji family. By focusing his thoughts, Li Hao could observe the entire secret realm of the sacred land.

Being granted this artifact also indicated the Ji family's recognition of Li Hao.

He could sense their goodwill but chose not to intrude on other areas, instead focusing his thoughts on the extreme northern part of the secret realm, as Ji Yun Yue had mentioned.

The mirror's image seemed to pierce through the clouds, revealing a vast sea with dark red depths, as if stained with blood. The surface churned with waves and gathered clouds, occasionally swept by gusts of wind.

Li Hao was secretly amazed by the boundless expanse of the Ji family's secret realm, far beyond his imagination. The sacred land he had seen before seemed to occupy only one percent of the map.

At the center of this vast sea was a dark abyss, like a gigantic eye in the middle of the ocean. Above this abyss floated an island, swaying slightly with the high winds. Three massive chains anchored the island at three points, preventing it from being blown away.

Li Hao focused on the island, observing several mountain caves and a small hut on one of the peaks. In front of the hut, a figure was bending over, moving stones to repair a collapsed wall. Her clothes were tattered, and her hair was matted, looking like it hadn't been washed in a long time. Her face and arms were covered in dirt and dried mud.

Despite her disheveled appearance, Li Hao instantly recognized her as the woman who had held him in her arms fifteen years ago.

Li Hao hadn't expected their reunion to be under such wretched circumstances. The once elegantly dressed, gentle woman from his memories was now in stark contrast.

Li Hao's face darkened, and a complex mix of anger and emotion welled up within him. He took a deep breath and asked, "With my mother's cultivation, she shouldn't be in such a state. Could her cultivation have been crippled?"

Ji Yun Yue and the others also saw the scene in the mirror and their expressions changed. They understood the harsh conditions on the Prison Island.

"It's not that Qing Qing's cultivation was crippled," Ji Yun Qing quickly explained, fearing Li Hao might misunderstand. "If her cultivation had been crippled, she wouldn't have survived on Prison Island for more than a few days. It would be no different from being executed."

"Exactly. Moreover, Qing Qing has a pure bloodline and was considered a prodigy in our clan, reaching the Three Immortals Realm in her teens. It would be a waste to cripple her cultivation," Ji Yun Yue added.

She looked at the scene in the mirror and said, "The reason for this state is the unique laws of the Prison Island."

"The Archaic Sea surrounding the island is impassable for ordinary people, not even those in the Absolute Art Realm, unless they possess a Domain to counter the sea's laws."

"And the Archaic Abyss at the center is an absolute no-fly zone, where sound and energy are completely cut off."

"Thus, on Prison Island, cultivation is impossible. Any energy used is lost and can't be replenished."

"Prisoners on the island rely solely on their physical strength to survive. If they can't endure, they die."

"When Qing Qing was sent to Prison Island, we filled her spatial ring with food and supplies. The patriarch turned a blind eye, and we planned to send more every ten years, though too frequent visits might raise suspicions. She doesn't lack food, but the environment is indeed harsh."

Ji Yun Qing nodded and sighed, "Fortunately, Tian Chao ensured that the other prisoners don't dare to provoke her. Most of the prisoners hope to be released one day and avoid offending those with connections outside. So, aside from the harsh living conditions, you don't need to worry too much about her safety."

Li Hao continued to focus on the mirror. The woman in front of the hut finished moving the stones and walked into the hut to rest, wiping the sweat from her forehead. She seemed to sense something, looking up at the sky, her gaze seemingly piercing through the mirror to meet Li Hao's.

Li Hao felt an indescribable connection, like a bond of blood.

But the woman in the mirror only looked up briefly, puzzled, then walked back into the hut to rest.

Li Hao shifted his gaze to other parts of Prison Island, seeing numerous caves with prisoners dressed in rags, resembling savages, with disheveled hair and filthy bodies. Some sat in a daze, while others carved marks on the walls, seemingly recording the passage of time.

The number of prisoners was not large, but Li Hao could sense the desolation and despair permeating the island.

He stopped his observation and put away the mirror, asking Ji Yun Yue, "How soon will the Archaic Sea calm down enough for a Domain to cross it?"

"Don't worry, child. It should be calm by tomorrow. You saw that the sea is almost calm now. Even with a Domain, there's no energy to replenish on the sea, making the return journey difficult. The safest way is still by boat."

Ji Yun Yue immediately advised, "I'll go with you tomorrow. We need to collect the Twin Flower first to detoxify your mother. Without it, leaving the island and the Archaic Sea's unique environment will cause the poison to act quickly."

"She's poisoned?" Li Hao's face changed slightly.

"Not the kind of poison you might think. It's a special poison all Prison Island prisoners take, designed to prevent them from being rescued or escaping. As long as they stay on the island, they're fine. But if they leave, there will be serious consequences."

Li Hao understood the strict control the Ji family had over its prisoners.

"Child, let your aunt accompany you tomorrow. Since you've finished your training today, why don't you visit your grandfather first? He's been eager to meet you since hearing about you."

Ji Yun Qing suggested gently.

Li Hao saw the hope in their eyes and remembered Li Tianzong's lingering obsession. Feeling a pang of sympathy, he nodded.

Seeing Li Hao agree, they were delighted and immediately took him to the Ji family ancestral hall.

On the way, Li Hao asked why he hadn't seen the elder, Ji Tian Chao.

Ji Yun Qing and Ji Yun Yue exchanged a peculiar look and explained, "Recently, there have been Qin family members roaming outside the secret realm, causing trouble. They claimed someone saw a young man calling himself an Archaic God Clan member enter the secret realm and disappear. They wanted to investigate."

Both looked at Li Hao.

Li Hao was surprised, having not noticed anyone spying on him during his journey.

"The Qin family's description matches a young man who defeated their prodigy, Qin Tian Chen, who is one of their top ten prodigies and very strong. They said the young man was only fourteen or fifteen..."

Ji Yun Qing looked at Li Hao with a knowing smile, laying out the details.

Li Hao saw their expressions and realized they had figured out it was him. He smiled wryly.

He didn't hide it and asked, "Will this cause trouble for the Ji family? Should I go solve it myself?"

"Is it really you?" Ji Yun Qing laughed.

Li Hao nodded.

They exchanged a glance, their suspicions confirmed, and burst into laughter.

"We've heard about you, the prodigious youth from the Archaic God Clan, defeating opponents everywhere. We suspected it might be you."

"Are the rumors true? Are you really from the Archaic God Clan? I thought your father was from outside the Great Wilderness?"

They looked at him curiously.

"Just rumors. I said that to make it easier for them to accept."

Li Hao explained.

"..."

They were speechless.

They had imagined various reasons, but never this.

To make it easier to accept? To avoid breaking their spirits?

You're quite considerate… they thought, smiling. Given Li Hao's strength, many young people had indeed been deeply affected.

Some fell into despair, while others idolized him as a deity.

Other prodigies' reputations paled before his.

After all, in the Archaic families, strength was respected above all.

"The patriarch guessed it was you and sent Tian Chao to deal with the Qin family, so he didn't come," Ji Yun Qing smiled.

"They wouldn't dare make trouble here. This is our territory. If they push us too far, we can cut them down and see how the Qin family responds. At worst, we go to war, and we have the advantage of striking first," Ji Yun Yue said, her eyes flashing with a cold light despite being a woman.

Li Hao was speechless, gaining insight into the ways of the Archaic families.

Soon, they arrived at the Ji family ancestral hall, where he met his grandfather.

Seeing the ancestral tablets of the Ji family, Li Hao followed the family rituals, bowing respectfully.

Ji Yun Qing introduced Li Hao and then left the hall with Ji Yun Yue.

Ji Yun Zhan, Li Hao's grandfather, was overjoyed to see his grandson, eagerly pulling him to ask about his life.

Li Hao sat on a mat, chatting with the old man's spirit.

Though it was their first meeting, they felt no awkwardness. Li Hao was relaxed and friendly, talking about his mother's childhood.

Laughter occasionally echoed from the hall.

Ji Yun Qing stood outside, listening to the conversation with a pleased expression.

The next day, news came that the Archaic Sea had calmed.

Ji Yun Yue arrived early. Li Hao, who had been waiting, got up and, with his aunt, flew north to the secret realm's extreme edge.

Thinking of finally meeting his mother face to face, Li Hao felt a mix of emotions. It wasn't deep affection but more like meeting an old friend after many years.

He remembered the concern in the seven family letters, keeping them in his heart.

The woman's feelings were not forgotten.

...

Outside the Ji family's territory, in a desolate area of rocks, a figure lurked. It was Li Tian Gang.

He watched the distant commotion, drawn by the energy released in a fierce battle, realizing it was the Ji family territory he had sought for days.

He had circled the area for four or five days, seemingly going in circles.

He realized he was trapped in a formation.

At first, he suspected his wife left false information to keep him from finding her and dying. But considering she had provided the route to the Great Wilderness, there was no need for deception.

If she wanted to deceive, she wouldn't have given any clues.

"Qing Qing, Hao'er..."

Li Tian Gang's eyes gleamed with determination as he took a deep breath.

He concealed his aura, waiting for the commotion to end and the group to leave. Then, he quietly approached.

Seeing the group with the character "Ji" on their clothes, he felt both excited and nervous, knowing he had finally found the Ji family's secret realm.

The character "Ji" was one of the few ancient characters he recognized, his wife's surname.

As the group prepared to leave, Li Tian Gang took a deep breath and decided to take a risk. He couldn't let his son bear the consequences of his mistakes, including his wife.

"Wait!"

He stepped forward, calling out.

The Ji family members turned, eyes focused on Li Tian Gang.

"Who are you?!"

Someone shouted warily.

Li Tian Gang quickly said, "I am Ji Qing Qing's husband, here to find my wife."

He didn't reveal his full identity, fearing immediate danger to his family.

If the Ji family sought revenge, his family would need royal protection.

Hearing his words, the Ji family members were stunned.

An elder, Ji Yun Yu, Ji Yun Ge's fourth brother, looked at Li Tian Gang with bright eyes.

"You are Qing Qing's husband?"

Ji Yun Yu asked, thinking of the boy and looking intrigued.

"Yes..."

Li Tian Gang felt immense pressure from the elder, reminiscent of the power of a Taiping Daoist. The Ji family was indeed formidable, with elders of such strength. His wife had been right; coming here without reaching a Daoist level was suicidal.

He tensed, ready to beg for his wife and son's lives, but the elder suddenly spoke warmly:

"Did you get separated from your son? Why are you only here now?"

Li Tian Gang, seasoned in military affairs, heard no killing intent and was surprised but hopeful:

"Have you seen my son?"

He asked nervously.

Ji Yun Yu laughed, "Your son arrived days ago. Why are you late? Lost in the formation?"

Li Tian Gang's face paled but seeing the elder's smile, he felt a glimmer of hope:

"Yes, I was trapped. But, Senior, did my son offend anyone? I am willing to take any punishment for him, even at the cost of my life, but please spare Qing Qing and my son, Li Hao."

"Li Hao?"

Ji Yun Yu's smile faded, looking sharply at Li Tian Gang. "You said you're Qing Qing's husband?"

Li Tian Gang, sensing a shift in the elder's tone, grew anxious:

"Yes."

"You said your son's name is Li Hao?"

"... Yes."

"Ridiculous!"

Ji Yun Yu's face darkened, "Think carefully. What's your son's name?"

"My son..." Li Tian Gang felt absurd, needing to think of his son's name.

"Do you know Ji Le Ping?"

Ji Yun Yu asked, suspecting the boy had taken his mother's name, given the situation. The man before him was at the Daoist level, unlikely to lie.

"Ji Le Ping..." Li Tian Gang murmured.

Suddenly, a long-buried memory flashed—his pregnant wife suggesting the name "Le Ping."

"Yes, let's name him Le Ping, Li Le Ping. How about that?"

"Alright, as you wish..."

Le Ping, Le Ping...

Li Tian Gang's pupils shrank, heart pounding as he remembered the interrogation when his brother admitted to poisoning, and the confrontation when the boy insisted he remembered everything.

The boy truly remembered everything.

But no one mentioned the name after he was named Li Hao. How did he know?

Had his wife whispered it to him?

Li Tian Gang trembled, feeling pain but realizing the boy had taken his mother's name, now Ji Le Ping.

He gritted his teeth, knowing now wasn't the time to argue. He only wanted Li Hao safe, so he smiled:

"Yes, that's my son's nickname."

"Really your son?"

Ji Yun Yu asked.

Li Tian Gang quickly confirmed:

"No lies. I know marrying Qing Qing broke your rules, but I am willing to take full responsibility. Please don't harm them."

Ji Yun Yu saw his sincerity, his tone softening with a smile:

"Don't worry. Come with me."

Li Tian Gang, sensing the elder's goodwill, felt slightly relieved but remained anxious. He knew the Ji family's strict rules, as his wife had warned him.

Without the strength of a real Daoist, he was risking his life.

But he had no choice.

"Yes, Senior."

Li Tian Gang bowed and followed.

The Ji family members, surprised by the boy's father, watched closely, curious about the man who raised such a prodigious son.

Entering the secret realm, Li Tian Gang was awestruck by the majestic mountains and floating islands, realizing his wife's warnings were true.

This was an ancient holy clan.

His heart pounded, feeling hope slipping away.

He gritted his teeth, feeling small and powerless, a familiar, hated sensation.

His father's death, his brothers' deaths, his wife leaving—all moments of helplessness.

Now, he felt it again.

"Don't worry. Your son is doing well, and Qing Qing will soon be released,"

Ji Yun Yu reassured, seeing Li Tian Gang's tension.

Li Tian Gang, shocked, looked up:

"Senior, is this true?"

"Of course. Your son is a prodigy of our clan!"