Chapter 105: The Battle Against Li Qianfeng
“Indeed, Mother, please rest assured. Connections cannot determine everything; otherwise, the True Dragon of the Li family would be selected by His Majesty.”
Beside her, Li Qianfeng spoke calmly.
He cast a cold glance at the young man standing elsewhere before withdrawing his gaze. However, the imperial edict from the Emperor had caused a ripple in his heart.
A trace of indignation.
But when he thought of claiming the title of True Dragon and shocking the Emperor, making him realize his misjudgment, he felt a sense of satisfaction.
“Mm.”
Hearing her son's composed and confident words, Liu Yurong smiled.
At that moment, the elderly matriarch, Chen Hefang, stepped out.
She had heard everything that transpired among the seated guests in the courtyard but had not made an appearance earlier.
Now, with a smile, she exchanged a few pleasantries with the guests to open the conversation, then invited everyone to continue enjoying their meal.
The banquet was naturally secondary, but Li Hao was not particularly reserved.
After all, if he didn’t eat his fill now, how would he have the energy later?
While he was busy enjoying himself, Li Tiangang was chatting with Jian Wudao, Chu Jiuyue, and others. They reminisced about past events and discussed Li Hao’s remarkable talent.
Of course, when the conversation turned to Li Hao, Jian Wudao noticeably said much less.
He even avoided mentioning the time when he had rejected Li Hao as a disciple, not wanting to cause awkwardness or invite ridicule.
Although he still did not regret his decision back then—believing that Li Hao, not being passionate about swordsmanship, would achieve little in that area—he knew that this was a sentiment best shared with his disciples. Outsiders would likely dismiss it as shortsightedness.
Meanwhile, Li Hao, fully engrossed in his food and drink, took an empty plate and set aside some delicacies, asking Ren Qianqian, who stood behind him, to bring it to the little white fox in the corner of the courtyard.
The little creature had sneaked over to join the fun but didn’t dare come closer.
Ever since his father, Li Tiangang, had returned, the little white fox had spent most of its days hiding in Li Hao’s room, afraid to frolic around the courtyard as it used to, let alone sneak into the kitchens of other courtyards to cause mischief.
Li Hao could sense how terrified the little creature was of his father, which left him sighing in pity, knowing it had been wronged.
But his pet was his to cherish.
...
When most of the guests had nearly finished eating, Chen Hefang made another appearance, presenting the main event: the selection of the Li family’s True Dragon.
The guests eagerly awaited the moment, their gazes shifting back and forth between two young figures.
A figure descended from the sky, his white hair flowing as he landed in the courtyard—it was Li Qingzheng.
Seeing this elder of the previous generation of the Li family, the seated guests couldn’t help but rise.
Even Jian Wudao’s gaze turned slightly solemn, though he remained seated.
Decades ago, although Li Qingzheng had not claimed the True Dragon seat of the Li family, losing to Li Tiangang’s father, he was still an exceptionally fearsome expert.
Over the years, however, the once bloodthirsty fiend from the borderlands seemed to have tempered himself, shedding his murderous aura for a refined and gentle demeanor.
“Sister-in-law.”
Li Qingzheng nodded slightly to Chen Hefang, their gazes briefly meeting without further pleasantries.
“All descendants of the Li family, step forward.”
Li Qingzheng turned and commanded.
At his words, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and the others all stepped forward.
Li Hao and Li Qianfeng also moved to the clearing in the courtyard.
“Those willing to bear the burden of the Li family and guard the common people, step forward!”
Li Qingzheng’s voice resounded again.
The crowd’s eyes focused intently, finally settling on the two figures.
Li Mingguang and the others remained still, while both Li Hao and Li Qianfeng took a step forward simultaneously.
However, a commotion arose from behind them.
It was Li Rumeng, the daughter of Eighth Aunt, who had also taken a step forward.
But a stern reprimand came from Eighth Uncle Li Fenghua at the table: “Rumeng, don’t mess around. Come back!”
Li Rumeng pursed her lips slightly at her father’s shout but obediently stepped back.
That half-step had already drawn countless gazes filled with pressure.
The brief commotion subsided quickly. Many were surprised, giving the young girl an extra glance before shaking their heads with a smile upon noticing she was merely at the early stage of the Soul Fusion Realm.
At her age, comparable to Li Hao’s, she was only at the Soul Fusion Realm’s early stage. Where had she found the courage to step forward?
...
Once Li Hao and Li Qianfeng stood still and no one else moved, Li Qingzheng declared, “The rest may withdraw.”
Li Mingguang and the others returned to their seats, their gazes fixed on their two younger cousins, curious to see what the two would reveal in terms of true strength.
Cultivation realm was one thing, but actual combat ability was another. It depended on the depth of their foundation, combat experience, and mastery of their techniques.
In the Li family, even those at the early stages of the Soul Fusion Realm could slay others several levels above them.
“Have you two made up your minds?”
Li Qingzheng’s gaze swept over Li Hao and Li Qianfeng. He didn’t show any favoritism, treating both equally.
“If you become the True Dragon, you must dedicate your life to the family, holding the family as supreme. Are you mentally prepared for this?”
“Yes,” both Li Hao and Li Qianfeng replied in unison.
Li Qingzheng nodded and smiled. “Very well. Let us first test your resolve.”
He turned to Li Hao. “I heard that the Emperor praised you highly in his imperial edict. Your resolve does not need to be tested. Li Qianfeng, step forward.”
Just as he prepared to take action, a voice rang out from the table.
It was Lin Wujing, a Bodhisattva of Boundless Mountain.
He softly chanted a Buddhist mantra before speaking gently, “Elder Li, earlier, my Lord Buddha bestowed a set of Qian Kun Vajra prayer beads. For the Buddha to grant such a treasure demonstrates that the possessor, Li Qianfeng, has a heart of unparalleled purity. Should he become the Li family’s True Dragon, he will surely be a benevolent protector of the people, with righteousness and compassion in his heart.”
Li Qingzheng’s brows furrowed slightly. Though he felt somewhat uncomfortable, he knew he had to honor the Buddha’s intentions.
The presentation of the prayer beads served to bypass the test of resolve, while also carrying a subtle message: if Li Qianfeng were to inherit the title of True Dragon, he would gain the backing of Boundless Mountain.
For centuries, while the Li family and Boundless Mountain had maintained friendly relations, they were not particularly close. If the True Dragon seat went to Li Qianfeng, a personal disciple of the Buddhist sect, it would elevate their relationship to a new level.
That said, this was the matter of the Li family’s True Dragon.
All considerations had to prioritize the family’s future above all else.
Connections and resolve were ultimately secondary.
If the two candidates were equally matched in talent and strength, then factors like resolve and connections might tip the scales.
But if there was a significant disparity in talent, then no amount of connections could make up for it. Would the family’s future rely solely on external relations? That would only make the Li family a puppet.
Having considered this, Li Qingzheng put away the incense burner and smiled faintly. “Since the Buddha has already evaluated Li Qianfeng’s resolve, there is no need to spend more time on this matter. Besides, the resolve of the Li family’s sons will not fall short in any case.”
The crowd was momentarily speechless. It seemed Li Qingzheng was adept at turning any opportunity into praise for the family.
Li Qingzheng chuckled before addressing the two young men in the clearing. “You are of similar age and cultivation. The True Dragon of the Li family must be the most outstanding of their generation, unmatched among their peers.”
“You may decide for yourselves how to proceed, or I can make the arrangements.”
At these words, Li Qianfeng turned to Li Hao, his gaze cold and unwavering. “Since our cultivation levels are the same, why not settle this with a direct contest? It’ll save us time and effort. What do you say?”
Li Hao smiled faintly. “That suits me perfectly.”
“Straightforward!”
A slight smirk appeared on Li Qianfeng’s lips before he continued, “I am four years older than you. At your age, I had not yet reached the Fifteen Li Realm. To make it fair, I will seal one of my arms. Does that sound acceptable?”
“That’s fine,” Li Hao replied with a nod.
In truth, the terms favored Li Qianfeng.
If Li Qianfeng had suppressed his cultivation to the level he had achieved at fourteen, he wouldn’t have even reached the Fifteen Li Realm, making any contest meaningless.
The onlookers could tell Li Qianfeng was taking advantage, but most of those present supported his side and refrained from speaking out.
On the other hand, Li Tiangang frowned deeply.
He wanted to intervene and suggest a fairer arrangement, but Li Hao had already agreed. Left with no choice, he sighed inwardly. His son, while gifted, was undeniably a bit too arrogant.
As a sword user, Li Qianfeng wouldn’t be significantly hindered by sealing one arm. He could still wield his blade with a single hand.
Chu Jiuyue and Jian Wudao observed the proceedings with calm expressions, showing no particular reaction. They had come to support their side, but the outcome of the True Dragon selection wouldn’t greatly affect them personally.
Even if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon, he wouldn’t dare provoke them. Courtesy and respect would remain intact.
After all, who would risk making an enemy of a Fourth Pillar Realm powerhouse for the sake of family disputes?
Seeing Li Hao agree so readily, Li Qianfeng smirked inwardly. As he expected, the young and proud often found it hard to refuse a challenge under such circumstances.
But Li Qianfeng would ensure his opponent understood that those extra four years of experience were not wasted.
Among the guests, Liu Yurong and Lin Wujing both breathed sighs of relief.
If Li Hao had insisted on having Li Qianfeng suppress his cultivation to his fourteen-year-old level, a lengthy debate would have ensued. They had already prepared their arguments.
For example, they would claim that although Li Qianfeng had reached the Spirit Wandering Realm at fourteen, his progress had been delayed by his studies of auxiliary techniques.
Whether or not the guests believed such arguments didn’t matter. Raising such points would at least create some leverage in the debate.
The guests, after all, weren’t just there for the banquet. They could be persuaded to cheer or voice support when needed.
If the Li family’s True Dragon lacked the strength to dominate his peers, then connections and rhetoric could come into play.
However, Li Hao’s youthful arrogance had saved them the trouble.
How fortunate.
“Well then, prepare yourselves,” Li Qingzheng declared, surprised by Li Hao’s easy agreement. He had not thought of the young man as arrogant in the past, but since he had accepted, there was nothing more to say.
With a wave of his hand, Li Qingzheng infused the courtyard’s tables, chairs, and structures with protective energy, ensuring they wouldn’t be damaged in the coming fight.
“Draw your sword!”
Li Qianfeng’s gaze turned cold, and he called out softly.
A sharp sword hum rang through the air, followed by a flash of silver light as a sword streaked toward the clearing.
It was a blade that had been held by Murong Qiulan, the young woman who accompanied Li Qianfeng.
She watched the scene intently, her eyes glowing with admiration for the poised and dignified young man.
This was the image of the ideal husband she had envisioned.
The memory of the backlit figure who had shielded her in the Demon Forest resurfaced in her mind.
By now, the sword had landed in Li Qianfeng’s hand.
Li Qianfeng swept his gaze toward Ren Qianqian, who stood not far behind Li Hao, holding a black sword case.
Though he remained composed, a trace of displeasure flickered in his heart.
A duel for the title of True Dragon was at hand. While he, too, had acquired top-tier techniques, they required time to master, providing no immediate advantage.
But that sword in Li Hao’s possession was different.
Even if Li Hao couldn’t wield its full potential due to his cultivation level, its sheer sharpness made it a fearsome weapon.
In a direct clash, Li Qianfeng would have to avoid its edge.
“Draw your sword!” he repeated in a clear voice, though wariness lingered in his eyes.
Li Hao, noticing the subtle apprehension in his opponent’s gaze, smiled faintly.
Use Eternal Night?
He’s not worthy.
Without sparing Ren Qianqian a glance, Li Hao turned around and summoned a chopstick from the dining table behind him.