In the following half a month, Li Luo remained within Godriver City and led the Five Guardian Armies into the territories with the most intense Other Disasters. Under their heavy suppressive might, even high-grade True Devils fell to their onslaught and the territories were purified. As the Grand Guardian General, Li Luo was capable of mobilizing all Five Guardian Armies simultaneously, and his strength was nothing short of terrifying. Nothing beneath a King could stand before him. After all, when the Five Guardian Armies joined together and formed the true Heavenly Dragon Formation, he had strength comparable to that of a King. This was the strongest power that Li Luo had experienced personally thus far. The only pity was that once the overall formation’s power reached such a level, the Heavenly Emperor Edict that was protecting the stream of water from the World's End River would take effect.

Thus, borrowing this strength to delve into the depths of the Other Disaster to purify it wasn't very realistic.

That said, just being able to control the Five Guardian Armies meant that he was only second to Tantai Lan in terms of battle strength.

His reputation quickly spread throughout the northwestern border in this short time.

Even the high-grade Dukes from the numerous powers who were stationed nearby felt a begrudging sense of fear and inevitable respect when Li Luo mobilized all Five Guardian Armies.

Furthermore, Li Luo had embarked on the Path of Ascension, a journey fraught with difficulty and obstacles. If he succeeded, he would ascend to the heavens in a single step. They were Dukes who could challenge Kings. Since ancient times, this was the dream of every Duke.

Thus, Li Luo’s achievements in this short period caused his reputation to truly soar within the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li.

Even the older generation could no longer see him as a simple kid.

Li Luo's achievements had already surpassed those of Li Taixuan. From a certain point of view, he was the most outstanding individual from the younger generation for the last hundred years. In fact, his reputation preceded him as he had even entered the eyes of other peak powers on the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent.

Everyone now knew.

After many years, the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li had given birth to yet another rising dragon.

……

Half a month passed by in the blink of an eye.

Li Luo knew that it was time to leave.

He could no longer leave Jiang Qing'e to struggle in the Celestial Mirror Pagoda all alone.

"Senior Hongyou, what are your current plans? If you wish to stay in the Dragon's Fang Guardians, I'll raise you to the position of Dragon Fang Envoy. With your amazing supportive prowess, no one would bat a single eyelid at this position," Li Luo asked Li Hongyou on the eve of his departure.

The two were on top of an ancient wall that encircled Godriver City. Li Hongyou was leaning against the battlements, and her gaze was focused on black mountains a distance away as she smiled. "It's rare for the busy Grand Guardian General to come and pay me a visit."

When faced with her mocking words, Li Luo only grinned. "I brought you to the Dragon's Fang Guardians, so I naturally have to watch over you till the end."

He paused before asking, "I heard that Li Yuanzhen came looking for you?"

Li Yuanzhen was her father and also an elder of the Dragon's Blood Lineage. He had similarly been dispatched to the northwestern border, and Li Hongque had informed her of the situation.

It was said that when Li Yuanzhen heard the news, he was infuriated and rushed into the Dragon's Fang Guardians, planning to grab Li Hongyou and leave.

Alas, he had failed because Li Luo had appeared to stop him. When faced with the rising star, even an elder like Li Yuanzhen had to restrain his temper. He couldn't force his way in with Li Luo around, and if they truly were to fight, he was in the Dragon's Fang Guardians' territory and wouldn't be Li Luo's match.

Furthermore, what if he managed to win? He'd attract Tantai Lan's attention, and the one on the losing end would inevitably be him. This was on top of the fact that Tantai Lan was the strongest expert on the northwestern border. Even if Li Tianji were here, he would have to show some respect to her. Thus, Li Yuanzhen left fuming in failure.

Li Hongyou nodded, and a mocking smile appeared on her cold expression. "Indeed. He said that I had disobeyed him and he was very angry. He then tried to use all sorts of soft and hard tactics to force me to return with him."

"He felt that me being in the Dragon's Fang Guardians was a thorn in his eye. It would lead to him losing face in the Dragon's Blood Guardians. He tried to display his authority as a father, but he couldn't even remember my birthday. How could anyone acknowledge such a parent? I joined the Dragon's Fang Guardians precisely because I wanted to see him completely enraged. Thus, the angrier he is, the lower the chance he’ll get his way." Li Hongyou's smiled even more deeply.

"Afterwards, I told him that I would return with him to the Dragon's Blood Guardians so long as he kowtowed before my mother's grave thrice. Alas, he simply stomped away in anger. After seeing his reaction, I knew that returning with you to the Dragon's Fang Guardians was the right decision. Thus, I not only wish to remain with the Dragon's Fang Guardians, I plan to become one of the supporting pillars of the Dragon's Fang Lineage. The higher I ascend, the more embarrassed he will be. This can be counted as a way of me venting on behalf of my mother." �

Li Hongyou then laughed softly. "Thus, Li Luo, I really am very thankful to you for this opportunity."

Li Luo nodded. "The Dragon's Fang Lineage and I will always support you. So do you still plan to remain here?"

Li Hongyou pursed her red lips. "What do you think I should do? Since you made a special trip to come see me, I assume you're not just saying goodbye."

Li Luo paused for a moment before speaking frankly. "I want you to come with me to the Celestial Mirror Pagoda. There are opportunities there that can allow you to soar even higher into the skies. Of course, the most important thing is that I will need your help."

As a second-grade Transcendent, he could overpower a sixth-grade Duke on his own. However, the location he was planning to go to was where the most talented elites from the divine continents congregated. There would naturally be others with Ten-Pillar Golden Duke Bergfrieds there who had started on the Path of Ascension as well. Those were the true prodigies he would be facing. With Li Hongyou's help and her supportive powers, it would give him greater confidence in succeeding.

Li Hongyou's beautiful eyes curved when she heard his words, and her mood seemed to improve. "It looks like you still need my help."

"Well, of course! You're my trusted aide." Li Luo grinned. "So, what is your answer?"

Li Hongyou smiled before staring right into Li Luo's eyes and nodding solemnly.

"That was exactly what I was looking for." Li Luo smirked in response.

……

The next day, in the city lord's manor.

Tantai Lan stood before the youth who was leaving and stretched her hand out to reluctantly tidy up his appearance. She then turned towards Ox Biaobiao and Li Rouyun beside her. "Old Ox, I'll have to trouble the two of you to escort them to the Heavenly Origin Ancient College safely."

Ox Biaobiao smiled. "You can rest assured. I'll make sure he gets there in one piece."

Tantai Lan nodded. She wasn't the indecisive type, so she brushed Li Luo's face gently and said to him, "When you arrive at the Celestial Mirror Pagoda, make sure to take good care of Qing'e. If anyone dares to bully her, you'll have to viciously beat them up, to the point that they won't even be able to recognize their parents. If you can't do that, send me a message and I'll have a go."

Li Luo didn't know whether to laugh or to cry, but he stretched his hands out and embraced his mother.

"Mother, I'll leave the Dragon's Fang Lineage in your capable hands."

After which, he no longer hesitated and soared into the air with Li Rouyun, Li Hongyou, and Ox Biaobiao. The four of them quickly vanished into the distance.