Chapter 137: Chapter 105: Battle Against Li Qianfeng
“Indeed, Mother, you can rest assured, connections do not determine everything; otherwise, the Li Family’s True Dragon would have been left for His Majesty to select.”
Beside her, Li Qianfeng spoke calmly.
He gave the other young man a cold glance, then withdrew his gaze, feeling a slight disturbance in his heart at the imperial edict.
Some displeasure.
However, the thought of winning the True Dragon to astonish the emperor, making him realize his misjudgment, was quite satisfying!
“Hm.”
Hearing her son’s composed words, Liu Yue Rong revealed a slight smile on her face.
At that moment, Elder Chen Hefang emerged.
She had heard everything that was going on in the courtyard but had not shown herself.
Now, she greeted the full courtyard of guests with a few opening remarks and a smile, allowing everyone to continue with the banquet.
Eating was naturally secondary, but Li Hao did not hold back.
After all, how could he have the energy later if he did not eat his fill?
While he gorged himself, Li Tian Gang, Jian Wudao, Chu Jiuyue, and others were enjoying a lively conversation, discussing past events and praising Li Hao’s talents.
Of course, when the discussion came to Li Hao, Jian Wudao had considerably less to say.
He even refrained from mentioning the incident when he wanted to take Li Hao as his disciple, but was refused, to avoid embarrassment at the banquet and mockery from others.
Despite that, he did not regret his actions back then, for Li Hao was not a lover of swords and would have limited achievements in the art of the sword.
This was a realization he kept to himself; his disciples could understand it, but it might not be so for the common folk, who would think he lacked discernment.
Having feasted to his satisfaction, Li Hao got an empty plate, helped himself to some of the delicious dishes, and had Ren Qianqian standing behind him take it to the little white fox in the corner of the courtyard.
The little creature had also stealthily come to join in the fun but did not dare to get too close.
Ever since his father Li Tian Gang returned, the little white fox had been hiding in Li Hao’s room, no longer frolicking around the courtyard like before, let alone causing trouble in the kitchen of other courtyards.
Li Hao could also feel that the little creature was extremely afraid of his father.
This made him sigh, knowing the little creature was wronged.
Yet, what was his to pamper, he would cherish.
As everyone was nearly done eating, Chen Hefang once again stepped forward, bringing out the real feast, the selection of the Li Family’s True Dragon.
All the guests craned their necks in anticipation, their eyes shifting back and forth between the two young men.
A figure descended from the sky, landing in the courtyard with white hair fluttering, it was Li Qingzheng.
Seeing this elder of the Li Family, all present inevitably rose to their feet.
Even Jian Wudao treated the moment with a slightly more solemn look, though he remained seated without moving.
Decades ago, although Li Qingzheng did not obtain the position of the Li Family’s True Dragon, losing to Li Tian Gang’s father, he was an exceedingly formidable warrior.
But as the years passed, the once bloodthirsty demon of the Frontier Pass seemed to have cultivated his disposition, shedding his aura of killing and now bore a refined and gentle temperament.
“Sister-in-law.”
Li Qingzheng nodded slightly to Chen Hefang, their eyes meeting, but they did not exchange pleasantries.
“Descendants of the Li Family, step forward.”
Li Qingzheng turned and said.
Hearing this, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and others all stood out one after another.
Li Hao and Li Qianfeng did likewise, moving to the open space in the center of the courtyard.
“Those willing to bear the Li Family’s legacy, to protect the common folk, step forward!”
Li Qingzheng spoke again.
Upon hearing this, all eyes converged, falling upon the two figures.
Li Mingguang and others remained stationary, while Li Hao and Li Qianfeng both stepped forward simultaneously.
But at that moment, a slight commotion came from the back.
It was the daughter of Eight Aunt, Li Rumeng, who also stepped forward.
However, a soft reprimand from Eight Uncle Li Fenghua quickly followed from the side: “Rumeng, stop fooling around, come back!”
Li Rumeng, hearing her father’s call, pouted slightly, but still retracted her step.
That half step made her feel the weight of countless eyes on her and the oppressive atmosphere around her.
The small disturbance was quickly smoothed over, and many were surprised, giving the young girl a few extra glances, only to chuckle and shake their heads after realizing she was only in the initial Soul Succession Realm.
The girl was about the same age as Li Hao but only at the initial stage of the Soul Succession Realm—what audacity she had to step forward?
Soon, as Li Hao and Li Qianfeng settled into position, Li Qingzheng, seeing no one else moved, immediately said, “Others may step back now.”
Li Mingguang and the others promptly turned and left, returning to their seats, their gaze resting on the two cousins, curious to see just how capable they really were.
Cultivation level was one thing; actual strength was another, relating to the foundation of one’s cultivation, combat experience, and the level of one’s cultivation technique.
Just like the Li Family’s early Soul Succession Realm warriors, capable of slaying ordinary practitioners at the Eighth Layer!
“Have the two of you thought this through?”
Li Qingzheng looked down upon them, scrutinizing Li Hao and Li Qianfeng, and at this moment, he did not display the usual favoritism toward Li Hao, treating them equally:
“Once one becomes a True Dragon, they must dedicate their lives to the family, holding the family above all else. Are you prepared in your hearts for this?”
“Yes.”
Li Hao and Li Qianfeng spoke at the same time.
Li Qingzheng nodded and smiled, saying, “In that case, let us first test your character.”
He looked at Li Hao, “I’ve just heard the praise from Emperor Yu’s edict, and your character need not be tested. Li Qianfeng, please step forward.”
As he took out a censer, about to perform some act, someone from the opposite side of the banquet stood up.
It was Lin Wujing from Mount Wuliang, the Bodhisattva.
He murmured a short Buddhist chant and softly said, “Elder Li, just now our Buddha Master has gifted a strand of Qiankun Vajra Buddha Beads. The fact that Qiankun Vajra has received such a gift from our Buddha Master shows his pure nature. Should he become the Li Family’s True Dragon in the future, he shall surely be a benevolent and righteous leader with the world in his heart!”
Li Qingzheng frowned slightly, feeling somewhat uneasy, but he knew that the face of the Buddha Master had to be given its due respect.
To gift Buddha Beads was to bypass the test of character, and it also implied that if Li Qianfeng were to inherit the position of True Dragon, he might receive support from Mount Wuliang!
For hundreds of years, the Li Family had dealings with Mount Wuliang and other noble families’ offspring had been disciples there, but while their relationship was amiable, it was not particularly intimate.
If the position of the True Dragon were to be transferred to Li Qianfeng, who is a direct disciple of the Buddha, that relationship would surely ascend to a new level.
But.
This is the Li Family’s True Dragon.
All things considered, the future of the Li Family remains paramount.
Connections, temperament – frankly, they are merely icing on the cake.
For instance, if both parties are equally matched and their talents are similar, then the one with a better temperament and connections would naturally be chosen.
But if the gap in talent is vast, what use are connections? Could it be that in the future, everything will depend on connections, reducing the Li Family to mere puppets?
Therefore, it’s acceptable to extend this courtesy to the Buddha himself. If, after a thorough comparison, Li Qianfeng is found inferior to Li Hao, there can be no complaints if he fails to be chosen.
Upon reaching this conclusion, Li Qingzheng put away the incense burner and said with an indifferent smile, “Since the Buddha himself has scrutinised on behalf of my Li Family, then there’s no need to waste any more time. The character of my Li Family’s sons won’t be inferior.”
The crowd remained silent – what a way to seize the opportunity to boast.
Li Qingzheng smiled, then turned his gaze to the two in the middle, saying, “Both of you are of similar age and realm; my Li Family’s True Dragon will undoubtedly be the best of this generation and unrivaled in all the world.”
“You may discuss how to proceed amongst yourselves, or I can make the arrangements.”
Hearing his words, Li Qianfeng turned to face Li Hao with a cold gaze, but he looked directly at Li Hao:
“Since we are at the same realm, why not just spar directly, to avoid all the unnecessary formalities, what do you say?”
Li Hao smiled, “That sounds excellent.”
“Decisive!”
The corner of Li Qianfeng’s mouth curled slightly, then immediately he said, “I am four years your senior. When I was your age, I hadn’t yet reached the Fifteen Li Realm, so I shall bind one arm – what do you think?”
“Acceptable.”
Li Hao nodded.
But in reality, his opponent was taking advantage.
If Li Qianfeng reduced his cultivation level to that of when he was fourteen, before he’d reached the Fifteen Li Realm, there would be no point in sparring at all.
The assembled crowd realized that Li Qianfeng was taking advantage, but since most of the supportive voices were on Li Qianfeng’s side, naturally no one said anything.
On the side of Li Tiangang, however, brows were furrowed.
Li Tiangang wanted to speak up and suggest a different approach, but since Li Hao had already agreed, he could only frown, silently sighing to himself. Though his son was extremely talented, he was perhaps a bit too arrogant.
As a swordsman, Li Qianfeng would suffer little difference from binding an arm; it would simply mean wielding his sword with one hand.
Chu Jiuyue and Jian Wudao simply observed quietly, showing no emotion. They were there to lend their support, but the outcome of the battle for the True Dragon of the Li Family didn’t greatly affect them.
Even if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon in the future, they wouldn’t dare seek revenge; they would remain polite and courteous.
After all, who would want to establish a powerful enemy at the Four Stands Realm for their clan?
Seeing Li Hao agree so easily, a smile appeared on Li Qianfeng’s lips. He expected as much; the opponent was young and reckless. If he initiated the suggestion, the other party would most likely accept it before the public.
But he intended to let the other side realize that the four extra years he had lived were not in vain.
Among the crowd, Liu Yue Rong and Lin Wujing both secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Li Hao had forcefully demanded Li Qianfeng to suppress this cultivation level to that of when he was fourteen, it would have likely led to a more difficult verbal exchange.
They were already prepared to argue about it.
For example, they could claim that although Li Qianfeng was at the Divine Travel Realm at the age of fourteen, he had spent time studying other cultivation techniques, which had hindered his progress, and so on.
Whether these arguments would be convincing was not essential, but if brought up for debate, they could win some leverage.
After all, the guests present were not just there to enjoy the feast; shouting out a few words was expected.
If the Li Family’s True Dragon did not have outstanding strength, then rhetorical skills and connections would come into play.
But Li Hao’s youthful arrogance saved them the trouble of verbal sparring.
This was excellent.
“Since that is the case, then go ahead and prepare.”
Li Qingzheng hadn’t expected Li Hao to agree so readily. He usually found Li Hao to be not overly proud, which left him slightly surprised. But since Li Hao had already agreed, he too had no choice but to assent.
At that moment, he casually waved his hand, covering the tables, chairs, and houses in the courtyard with his power, and then stepped back, leaving the duel to them.
“Sword!”
Li Qianfeng’s eyes turned sharp as he called out lightly.
A metallic ring sounded, followed by a streak of snow-white silver light weaving through the seats towards him.
It came from the sword of the woman who had been holding it for him at his dining spot.
That woman was Murong Qiulan, who had accompanied Li Qianfeng. Her eyes shone with dazzling light as she focused on the extraordinary young man, poised and dignified in the middle of the courtyard.
This was the image of her ideal husband.
The figure that had stood in front of her in the demon forest reemerged in her mind.
At this moment, the sword was in hand.
Li Qianfeng’s expression was lofty as he glanced at Ren Qianqian, who was not far from Li Hao, holding the black sword box.
Internally, he felt somewhat uncomfortable.
With the battle for the True Dragon imminent, although he too had received a peerless technique, it required time to master, which meant it brought him no short-term benefits.
But the famed sword was different.
Even if Li Hao’s cultivation level was limited and couldn’t unleash its true might, its sheer sharpness was already terrifying.
If their swords were to clash directly later, he would have to avoid its edge for the time being.
“Draw your sword!”
Despite his wariness of the famed sword, Li Qianfeng spoke out loud.
Li Hao noticed his opponent’s gaze and caught the fleeting solemnity.
He smiled slightly. Use Eternal Night?
You are not worthy.
Li Hao did not even glance at Ren Qianqian. Instead, he turned around and summoned a pair of chopsticks from the table where he had been eating.