Follow the path of Dao from infancy

Chapter 1288: Chapter 286: The Youngest Spiritual Official (Part 2)

Her grandfather is a Heavenly Master of the Demon Suppression Bureau; countless geniuses desire to become his disciple. Among them are top-notch talents cultivated by the Earth Sect, all trying their best to become his disciple through various connections, just to gain access to the Demon Suppression Bureau through him.

And now, someone actually refused?

The elder’s eyes flickered slightly, but he was not too surprised. Instead, the corners of his mouth curved slightly upward as he descended and said:

"I am Gu Changming, a three-star master of the Demon Suppression Bureau. Are you willing to join the Demon Suppression Bureau?"

Demon Suppression Bureau... Li Hao’s eyes shone. The elder’s words naturally meant that not only would they have him join, but they would also support him within the bureau and cultivate him.

"If I join the Demon Suppression Bureau... is it busy?"

Li Hao hesitated.

Gu Changming was taken aback, clearly not expecting Li Hao’s reaction. Over the years, when he invited some young talents he admired to join the bureau, apart from those who excitedly accepted, only a few politely declined, but it was the first time someone asked if it was busy.

He couldn’t help but laugh and said, "That depends on you. If you want a leisurely post, that’s possible too."

"There are leisurely posts?"

Li Hao thought for a moment and said, "Then there’s no problem."

"You..."

The young girl beside them was infuriated. Her grandfather’s rare invitation being bargained with seemed too much.

"Xingwan, go practice swordsmanship. I want to have a private chat with this young man."

Seeing his aggrieved granddaughter, Gu Changming chuckled and waved her away.

"Grandpa, do you think highly of him?"

Gu Xingwan was a bit surprised; it was rare to see her grandfather so gentle.

Gu Changming smiled slightly but didn’t answer.

Gu Xingwan took a deep look at Li Hao and obediently left.

Once Gu Xingwan was far away, Gu Changming folded his hands behind his back, walked in front of Li Hao, and with a nostalgic and sentimental look in his eyes, he said:

"Come with me."

He then led Li Hao into the Water Moon Palace.

Inside this towering hall, dense immortal power circled around. He led Li Hao to the depths of the hall, raised his hand and lightly tapped in mid-air, causing silver-gray ripples to sway, as if a barrier of secret power was being unlocked.

The wavering silver-gray ripples matched the pattern on the chariot tracks Li Hao had sat on in the ancient starry path.

In front, like rippling water, appeared a dark hall.

The light in this dark hall was extremely dim. Even with Li Hao’s Divine Sense, he could barely make out the surroundings, restricted by a formidable force suppressing his sense outward.

Where Li Hao could see, there stood a totem pole, with dragons and phoenixes coiled around its base, and Immortal Divines sculpted atop, stepping on dragons and phoenixes, exuding overwhelming might. But their postures were frantic, with blood-stained foreheads and a third eye seemingly gouged out.

Gu Changming halted after two steps, forcing the following Li Hao to stop.

"Previously, during a recap in the Main Marshal Hall, tallying the celestial merits of the generals, it was decided that besides slaying the Ancient Demon, you merited heroic contributions at the last moment in the battle and earned celestial merit of 1.92 million!"

Gu Changming spoke with his back to Li Hao, showing no hint of emotion.

Li Hao was taken aback, feeling a mix of joy and apprehension as he asked:

"How is this celestial merit calculated, what talent do I have to deserve it?"

Gu Changming turned around, his face even more enigmatic in the dark hall, and said, "The Ancient Demon Woman by your side, how did you encounter her, and did you know she was an Ancient Demon beforehand?"

His eyes, like cold stars in the night, fixed on Li Hao as he spoke.

Li Hao’s expression slightly shifted, feeling immense pressure. The elder’s words unmistakably indicated that they had witnessed everything on the battlefield.

"I knew."

After a brief silence, Li Hao answered, "But she was unaware that I knew her identity, so I used her to aid the Peacock Army."

He avoided mentioning how he knew Mi Xueyao and their months of interaction, speaking only the truth, thus very honestly.

This technique learned from the Lie Sky Saint, where the best lie avoids some truths, tells partial truths, and creates lies due to information disparity, making them hard to unravel.

Gu Changming observed Li Hao for a moment, nodding slightly, and said, "I believe your words, but others don’t; they suspect you as a spy for the Ancient Demons, wanting to have you examined."

Examination? Li Hao frowned though not overly reacting, but instead, stared at the elder before him, knowing there must be another purpose to the conversation.

Seeing Li Hao’s calm demeanor, Gu Changming’s eyes showed a hint of admiration, then seemingly sighed lightly, saying:

"You don’t need to worry. I told them you are part of the Demon Suppression Bureau. I have already ordered your dossier to be sent to the bureau; your Chong Er identity has been serving as a Demon Suppression Guard for three years!"

Li Hao froze slightly, the information revealed was significant, making him focus on the elder, uncertain of why he offered assistance.

"Qingtian Swordsmanship, Ancestor Immortal Body..."

Gu Changming gazed at Li Hao, with a smile on his lips, said, "Initially, I wasn’t entirely certain; it might have been some coincidence but after seeing you, I am convinced you are a descendant of the Heavenly Calamity Immortal Emperor, or are you a Direct Disciple of the Immortal Emperor?"

Li Hao’s expression subtly changed; it was the first time someone had seen through his identity.

Nonetheless, noticing no hostile intent from Gu Changming, his initially tensed body slightly relaxed.

Seeing Li Hao remain silent, Gu Changming’s admiration in his eyes did not diminish, and he said, "Don’t worry; my clan once received the favor of the Immortal Emperor. I will keep your identity secret. Bringing you here was also for this reason, and apart from me, even Xingwan won’t know. Although trustworthy, she is still too young..."