Chapter 586: My Name Is Haotian
Li Hao sensed the intent behind the question and fell silent for a moment before replying quietly, "It was given to me by a senior."
"Which senior?" the noblewoman pressed, her tone turning sharper.
Li Hao felt the atmosphere inside the hall grow suddenly cold, the pressure in the air far surpassing what an Immortal Lord could normally bear. His skin tingled as the oppressive aura weighed on him. Yet he had just crossed from the Southern Region, where he had endured the gaze of the Supreme's avatar—how could he be intimidated here?
"I'm afraid I cannot say," Li Hao replied, bowing slightly while maintaining full decorum.
The noblewoman hadn't expected this seemingly ordinary young man, apart from his good looks, to show such calm. A trace of surprise flickered in her eyes as she stepped gracefully into the hall, her regal figure moving toward the main seat. A maid handed her a cup of immortal tea, from which a curling white dragon of mist rose, carrying the essence of dragon blood.
Drinking this tea could strengthen the body, infusing the immortal body with dragon Qi—just one cup was worth years of cultivation for an ordinary True Immortal.
But the noblewoman didn't even glance at the tea. Her gaze remained fixed on the boy below, naturally radiating an imposing air as she sat above him.
"And what is your relationship with this senior?" she asked softly.
Seeing her continued probing, Li Hao frowned slightly. He realized there must be a misunderstanding—the item he delivered turned out to be a marriage agreement. No wonder the Black Tortoise Imperial Soul had said that bringing it to the Su Clan would get him what he sought. If it was a betrothal agreement, he would indeed have free access to the Su residence—and could easily meet Ying Xiaoxiao's reincarnated body.
But entering the family through marriage wasn't what he wanted. He only wished to stay by that girl's side.
"May I know how I should address Madam?" Li Hao countered instead of answering.
"Impudent!" the maid beside the noblewoman snapped, her eyes flashing like icy stars as she glared fiercely.
The noblewoman's brows twitched slightly. Seeing the boy's simple appearance, she thought it understandable he was unfamiliar with proper etiquette. She had no interest in fussing over minor breaches of manners. "I am the matriarch of the Su Clan," she said coolly. "All affairs of the Su household fall under my control, especially the marriages in the inner court."
Li Hao had thought she was the clan head himself and wondered how it could be a woman. Now he understood. Bowing his head slightly, he said, "Madam Su, I came only to meet one person, hoping to stay by her side if possible. I ask your permission."
"Who?" Madam Su's eyes narrowed, a cold smile curling at the corners of her lips. Her question came sharp and icy. She already suspected the answer.
But to her surprise, the young man shook his head. "I do not yet know her name. I only know she is here in the Su Clan."
"Oh?" Madam Su's brows lifted slightly as she gazed into his earnest eyes. Beneath his sincere expression, she scoffed inwardly. How many lifetimes of soul age did he think he could fake innocence before her? Many concubines in her courtyard, far more skilled at feigning sweetness, had long since learned to behave in her presence.
"You came with a marriage agreement—a promise made by an ancestor of the Su Clan. My descendants cannot ignore it," she said in a measured tone. "But the agreement only said it was for a descendant of exceptional talent, not specifying a branch or person. I have four unmarried daughters, all outstanding among Gusu Emperor Star's younger generation. You are handsome, and since you possess a marriage agreement granted by such a senior, you must be extraordinary yourself. I would offer you my most beloved daughter. Would that be acceptable?"
Li Hao froze, his expression darkening. He had no wish to marry into the Su Clan. And he wasn't foolish—though Madam Su now spoke graciously, her earlier icy attitude told him she was displeased with this betrothal. If neither side wanted this marriage, why force it?
"Madam Su, I only came seeking someone. I have no intention of marriage," Li Hao said firmly, rising with a bow.
A cold glint flickered in Madam Su's eyes, though she maintained a gentle smile. "What, do you look down on my daughters? If you refuse, and that senior comes questioning us, the Su Clan cannot bear the blame for spurning our ancestor's wishes. We'd appear to have forced you—please, do not put us in such a position."
"I can explain to that senior myself. I would never cause trouble for your Su Clan," Li Hao insisted.
Madam Su's eyes narrowed faintly. "You must be tired after your journey. Yaoqin, take him to rest," she ordered, before pausing to add, "What is your name?"
Li Hao realized only then he hadn't introduced himself. After a moment's thought, he said quietly, "I am Haotian."
The Black Tortoise Imperial Soul had told him before that among the countless humans in the True Realm—millions in a single immortal city, billions in an immortal dynasty—shared names were common. There was no need to hide his name. Besides, with his aura severed and appearance slightly altered by the Black Tortoise's power, even if geniuses from the Southern Region stood before him, they would only suspect, never confirm. Auras, like fingerprints, were the true markers of identity.
"Haotian…" Madam Su nodded lightly before instructing her maid to escort him out.
"Madam Su, I wish—" Li Hao began, eager to meet Ying Xiaoxiao's reincarnated body or Shimiaodi's reincarnation.
But the maid in a moon-blue dress beside Madam Su stepped forward coldly. "Master Haotian, this way, please."
Li Hao looked back at Madam Su, but she only smiled faintly, offering no reply.
"I truly did not come for marriage," he said earnestly one last time, taking a deep breath.
"You are tired. Rest first. Otherwise, people will say my Su Clan treats guests poorly," Madam Su replied gently.
"Please," the maid said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Li Hao's face darkened slightly, but he forced himself to remain calm. Until he found Ying Xiaoxiao's reincarnated body, he couldn't risk conflict with the Su Clan.
Once Li Hao had been led away, the maid Zhiyuan glanced nervously at her mistress's growing chill and asked quietly, "Madam, is that boy feigning ignorance to maneuver into this marriage? If we agree, wouldn't he rise instantly from nothing?"
Madam Su's gaze fell coldly on the doorway where Li Hao had just left. "You know nothing," she said icily. "That scroll was a supreme Dao treasure—how could such a thing be discarded? It still bears the aura of an Imperial Monarch. He is likely a descendant of that Imperial Monarch, or someone favored by him…" She suddenly paused, realizing she had forgotten one thing—she hadn't used the soul lifespan mirror in the Jingwei Hall to check the boy's soul age.
However, Madam Su quickly calmed herself. For a youth at the Immortal Lord Realm to arrive with the marriage agreement, he must indeed be an outstanding human genius. Her earlier words hadn't been entirely polite flattery. But there were so many geniuses among the human race—thinking to marry her daughter was nothing short of overestimating oneself. Besides, when it came to true talent, could any human truly compare to the Lin Clan's young master?
"We'll wait for the clan head to return before deciding. Even if someone must marry, it will not be Muqing. The marriage agreement demands marriage to the most talented Su descendant of the generation, but if Muqing is already engaged, it can't mean tearing apart her union," Madam Su mused. Her eyes flickered with cold calculation. The marriage agreement was hastily drafted, full of loopholes to exploit. Back then, her ancestor and that Imperial Monarch were both supreme beings, and likely didn't take this casual promise too seriously. But now, as matriarch of the Su Clan, she couldn't afford to be careless. She had to consider the Su Clan's future, the entire balance of power on Gusu Emperor Star, and even the human race's standing in the Northern Region. Such matters could never be decided by an offhand promise.
The cause of the past led to the consequences of today—even an Imperial Monarch could not predict every twist that endless years would bring.
"For now, arrange for him to stay in a side courtyard. Don't let him disturb the other children in the rear compound. If he sees too much of our grandeur, his greed will only grow," she instructed softly.
Zhiyuan bowed and immediately sent a transmission using her jade token to Yaoqin, who had taken the youth away.
…
Side Courtyard.
Receiving the order, Yaoqin understood at once. Having served Madam Su for ten thousand years, her mind was sharp and clear; she instantly grasped her mistress's intention. She turned gracefully along the rainbow bridge, changing course without hesitation, and said coldly to the boy behind her, "This way, please."
Though she said "please," her tone was frosty and devoid of any warmth.
Li Hao noticed her obvious disdain but didn't care. His brow furrowed tightly, and he couldn't help feeling frustrated and anxious. He had believed that presenting the ancient item would immediately let him see Ying Xiaoxiao's reincarnated body—but clearly, things were not so simple.
His eyes scanned around as they walked. In every courtyard he passed were immortal gardens planted with divine trees and spiritual herbs, and the maidservants and attendants he glimpsed were all extraordinary, most at the True Immortal Realm, with Immortal Lord-level supervisors overseeing them.
"Sir, it is improper to stare," Yaoqin admonished icily when she noticed his searching gaze, her eyes flashing with contempt. 'Not even married yet and already eager to plunge into this life of luxury—what a fool.'
But since Madam Su hadn't ordered the boy thrown out, Yaoqin didn't dare show open hostility. Soon she led Li Hao to a quieter western section of the Su estate, where the courtyards and halls were more understated than those he had passed, yet still more splendid than mortal palaces.
This was the Small Guest Garden, reserved for entertaining ordinary visiting families, a place where all manner of guests were received.
"This is Haiyue Hall. You will stay here for now. Madam will summon you if needed," Yaoqin said, stopping in front of a grand courtyard.
Her gaze flicked sharply as she signaled to the staff inside. Instantly, stewards and maids hurried over, kneeling to greet her with respectful cries of "Greetings, Miss Yaoqin!" Their fawning smiles showed her immense status as Madam Su's closest attendant.
"Summoned?" Li Hao's frown deepened. Wasn't this essentially house arrest? "Am I allowed to look around in the meantime?" he asked.
Yaoqin had expected this question. Without hesitation, she answered coolly, "You may walk freely within the Small Guest Garden, but elsewhere, where the women of the family reside, you must not intrude."
Her reply sounded perfectly reasonable.
Li Hao fell silent. So much was already beyond his control—just like back in the Southern Region, now here in the Su Clan, everything was the same.
Seeing his silence, Yaoqin's lips curved with a hint of satisfaction. Watching him stifled filled her with a subtle pleasure. She despised those who tried to climb the ladder through connections, and thinking of Madam Su's brilliant daughters—especially the one who might be forced to marry him—made her feel it would be like burying a priceless jewel in the mud.
"You all must serve this honored guest well. If anything happens, you alone will be held responsible," Yaoqin warned the middle-aged steward.
That steward, an Immortal Lord himself, smiled obsequiously and bowed repeatedly. The moment Yaoqin left, he and the maids rushed up to Li Hao, asking whether he wished to rest or explore the garden, offering to guide him wherever he liked.
Li Hao had no desire to sit idly, but neither did he plan to wait quietly. He told the steward to lead him around the Small Guest Garden, hoping luck might lead him to Ying Xiaoxiao's reincarnated body.
The steward eagerly complied, accompanying Li Hao as they wandered the vast garden—larger than a royal capital—where every courtyard had barriers blocking divine sense from peeking inside.
They toured the grounds, but many halls were off-limits or clearly inhabited. Li Hao could only marvel at the Su Clan's opulence, unable to find the person he sought. Sighing softly, he resigned himself to returning to Haiyue Hall to wait.
Since Madam Su hadn't thrown him out outright, she must intend to resolve the matter soon.
Just as he started back, a sudden roar split the air above a distant courtyard. Swordlight clashed with a thunderous dragon-like cry, and a massive phantom figure appeared briefly, sending shockwaves crashing outward. But as the force neared the garden walls, it met invisible barriers and dissipated harmlessly.
Li Hao froze, sensing two Immortal Lords locked in fierce combat. One wielded a sword with a Dao mastery reaching the fifth-level origin realm.
'Someone dares fight so openly within the Su Clan?' he thought in surprise.
The steward hurried to explain, "Sir, that is the Su Clan's Earth-Rank Martial Arena, where the young masters often spar."
Li Hao nodded in understanding, about to turn away—when two rainbow streaks suddenly shot across the sky. Draped in fluttering robes, one figure in deep blue appeared, like the cool shade of midsummer.
Li Hao's eyes widened. His vision zoomed in instantly on the figure, each detail enlarging until her face was clear: those lively eyes, that flawless delicate visage—it was Ying Xiaoxiao!
'It's her—she's really here!' His mind buzzed, his blood surging with sudden heat.
Whoosh!
His figure shot skyward, space tearing beneath him as he erupted forward with all his strength. His extreme movement techniques activated unconsciously, flashing him straight in front of the woman in the blue dress.