Chapter 1408: Divine River City, The Contest for the Grand Commander

Dragon Fang Line, northwestern border.

Divine River City.

This is the most majestic fortress city on the northwestern border. Now, due to the strange calamity that has spread from the line of Qin Li Tianwang, this place has become the focus of attention for the entire line of Li Li Tianwang.

Strong experts from every line kept streaming in.

The countless forces, large and small, under the command of Li Li Tianwang's line were also conscripted, required to send a quota of Marquis-level experts to reinforce Divine River City and guard this barrier.

During this half year, the area stretching tens of thousands of miles outside Divine River City had become a battlefield.

Countless aberrations surged out like a tide, trying to tear cracks in Divine River City's long defensive line, then invade Dragon Fang Line's territory, cause slaughter, and trigger even greater negative emotions—emotions that were the breeding ground for aberrations.

Fortunately, Li Li Tianwang's line had long been prepared. Moreover, with Dantai Lan personally stationed at Divine River City, a Grand Unparalleled Marquis was undoubtedly like a stabilizing sea needle, settling the people's hearts and keeping morale high.

Thus, the defensive line at Divine River City had grown increasingly stable over this half year. However, the line was simply too long, requiring massive manpower to continuously exterminate the aberrations attempting to bypass it.

But it had to be said that this strange calamity had also forced Li Li Tianwang's line to pour enormous manpower and resources into this northwestern border.

In a sense, the line of Qin Li Tianwang's strategy of diverting trouble eastward had indeed brought Li Li Tianwang's line no small amount of trouble.

Divine River City, east of the city.

A majestic battle platform stood tall, and a tremendous roar of excitement spread from it, sweeping across the entire city, drawing the sidelong glances of countless passersby within.

"I heard today is the selection day for the Grand Commander of the Sky Dragon Guard. The Dantai Line Leader, in order to boost morale, has specially opened this competition to the public. If you're interested, you can all go watch."

"Oh? The Grand Commander of the Sky Dragon Guard—that's quite a resounding title."

"Right now, the one with the best chance of taking the Grand Commander seat is the Dragon Blood Guard Commander, Li Zhihuo. This man's strength has risen over the past half year; he's already stepped into the Upper Fifth Grade Marquis Realm. And I heard his fifth Marquis Platform is a Nine-Pillar Marquis Platform, enough to show the depth of his foundation."

"This Grand Commander seat probably won't fall to Li Zhihuo, right? Didn't the Tianyuan Record note that the Dragon Fang Guard produced two top prodigies who stepped onto the Unparalleled Path—Jiang Qing and Li Luo?"

"Jiang Jiang Qinge is at the Unparalleled Upper Second Grade. If she were here, Li Zhihuo naturally wouldn't stand a chance. But reportedly she's already left Dragon Fang Line. And Li Luo, in order to slay Qin Qin Lian within the Boundary River Treasure Domain, self-severed a Ten-Pillar Golden Platform, dropping down to Unparalleled First Grade. In that state, if he were truly to clash with Li Zhihuo, he might not necessarily win."

"Moreover, after Li Luo returned from the Boundary River Treasure Domain, he's been in closed-door recuperation. I suppose the aftereffects of self-severing a Ten-Pillar Golden Platform are just too severe. What a pity..."

"Truly a pity. I was hoping to witness the rumored might of the Unparalleled."

"......"

Countless discussions rose everywhere within Divine River City. Today, the "Contest for the Grand Commander" was undoubtedly a grand event on the northwestern border, one that could ease the tension and oppressive feeling brought by the border warfare of recent days.

The higher-ups of Li Li Tianwang's line deciding to hold the "Contest for the Grand Commander" at this time likely had this consideration in mind as well.

East of the city, on the battle platform, the spectator stands were a sea of surging black heads, and the roar of excitement shot straight into the clouds.

At the highest spectator stand, two figures in particular became the focus of attention for the entire venue. Every gaze cast their way was filled with reverence.

An old man and a woman.

The old man was Li Li Tianji, who had just rushed over from the Dragon Blood Line to preside over the "Contest for the Grand Commander." The woman, wearing a purple greatcoat and exuding an elegant yet commanding air, was naturally the current new Line Leader of Dragon Fang Line, Dantai Lan.

Quite a few curious gazes were directed at Dantai Lan.

After all, while King-level experts were usually hard to see on ordinary days, they still couldn't compare to the rarity of a Grand Unparalleled Marquis. Moreover, almost all the experts present were at the Marquis Realm, and the Unparalleled Marquis represented the most perfect path within that realm.

Step into the Unparalleled, and a Marquis can overcome a King!

What majestic spirit, what a magnificent feat.

But the Unparalleled Path was simply too arduous. Even a single Ten-Pillar Golden Platform was enough to make people flinch, let alone the fact that achieving Unparalleled Marquis required forging seven Ten-Pillar Golden Platforms!

The two figures under the gaze of ten thousand people were now seated in high-backed stone chairs.

"Line Leader Li Tianji, you've chosen quite a good time for this Contest for the Grand Commander." Dantai Lan's gaze swept indifferently over the arena as she spoke.

Li Li Tianji heard this and laughed mildly, "What are you saying, Line Leader Dantai? Didn't this timing also have your approval?"

Dantai Lan pursed her lips and said, "From the day Jiang Jiang Qinge left, you've been taking turns pressuring me, using every kind of grand justification. How could I possibly refuse?"

Li Li Tianji said, "Line Leader Dantai, please don't overthink it. The main reason is that the war on the northwestern border is intense, and we need a grand ceremony to lift morale. After much thought, only this 'Contest for the Grand Commander' seemed suitable."

"If Line Leader Dantai wishes to secure a 'Minor Holy Seed' for Li Luo, we can discuss it further afterward."

Dantai Lan neither agreed nor disagreed upon hearing this.

However, she didn't continue to say more. After all, after dragging things out for some time, she had ultimately nodded regarding the exact timing of the "Contest for the Grand Commander."

The reason she agreed was not that she had backed down, but that she had received intelligence that Li Luo had come out of seclusion.

Calculating the time, he should be able to arrive in time.

The people of Dragon Blood Line liked to scheme under various pretexts, but she couldn't be bothered with such things. Because once Li Luo arrived, the schemes of Li Li Tianji and the others would naturally come to nothing.

Before true strength, all schemes crumbled at a single blow.

She had enough confidence in her own son.

As the two spoke, five imposing figures had also taken their places on the battle platform that was the focus of ten thousand gazes.

They were precisely the five Guard Commanders who would contend for this Grand Commander position.

Dragon Blood Guard Commander, Li Zhihuo.

Dragon Fang Guard Commander, Li Fuluo.

Dragon Scale Guard Commander, Li Tingyue.

Dragon Bone Guard Commander, Li Jushen.

Dragon Horn Guard Commander, Li Boyuan.

These five were the strongest beneath the higher-ups of Li Li Tianwang's line. If they advanced to Upper Marquis in the future, they would become the backbone of Li Li Tianwang's line.

Around the battle platform, all five divisions of the Sky Dragon Guard had gathered, erupting in deafening cheers of encouragement for their own Guard Commanders.

The atmosphere on the Dragon Fang Guard's side was somewhat subdued, with displeasure showing on many faces.

Among them, Li Li Fengyi was the most irate, saying, "This is too hateful! Why couldn't the Contest for the Grand Commander wait until Li Luo comes out of seclusion? Is the Dragon Blood Guard afraid they can't afford to lose?"

Li Li Jingtao tried helplessly to calm her down, but was silenced with a single glare from Li Li Fengyi.

Other Dragon Fang Guard members nearby chimed in loudly, booing toward the Dragon Blood Guard's side.

In response, Dragon Fang Envoys and Commanders like Luo Jiang and Xia Yu did not stop them, because they too were somewhat displeased. Previously, when Jiang Jiang Qinge had stayed in Divine River City for a month, the Dragon Blood Line hadn't dared mention the Contest for the Grand Commander at all. But after Li Luo went into seclusion and Jiang Jiang Qinge left, the matter was pushed forward again.

Li Hongyou's eyes also revealed a trace of regret. Although Li Luo no longer needed to prove anything here, the Grand Commander seat was indeed his by rights.

Facing the provocation from the Dragon Fang Guard, the expressions on the Dragon Blood Guard side were slightly complicated. Ever since the Boundary River Treasure Domain, Li Luo and Jiang Qing's fame within the Five Heavenly Dragon Guards had already surpassed Li Zhihuo's. The feat of the two of them joining forces to slay Qin Qin Lian was simply too terrifying.

Within the Dragon Blood Guard, Li Hongque, upon hearing Li Li Fengyi's mockery, had an uncertain expression on her face as she retorted, "The timing of this Great Guard Leader competition was approved by the Dantai Faction Head with a nod, and Li Luo is currently only at Unparalleled First Rank. Even if he comes out of seclusion, he may not necessarily be able to compete for our Guard Leader."

If this had been before the Boundary River Treasure Domain, given Li Hongque's temperament, upon hearing Li Li Fengyi say that Li Luo was going to compete for Great Guard Leader, she would have retaliated tenfold. But now, she only dared to say some conservative words.

There was no helping it. Although Li Luo was only at Unparalleled First Rank, his battle record in the Boundary River Treasure Domain was simply too terrifying, so Li Hongque no longer dared to view Li Luo the way she used to.

Almost everyone understood that in the future, beneath the upper echelons of the Li Li Tianwang branch, Li Luo would undoubtedly reign supreme. After all, the talent, foundation, and potential this fellow had revealed were all far too terrifying.

And perhaps precisely because of this, the upper echelons of the Dragon Blood branch were very eager to let Li Zhihuo obtain the usage rights to a "Lesser Holy Seed," to be used in the future to check and balance Li Luo.

"When Jiang Jiang Qinge was here, you wouldn't dare act so cocky!" Li Li Fengyi sneered coldly.

Li Hongque was furious in her heart, but she had no way to retort. Jiang Jiang Qinge was at Unparalleled Upper Second Rank, with terrifying combat power. Even though Li Zhihuo had now advanced into Upper Fifth Rank Marquis, it would still be very difficult for him to contend against her.

Behind Li Hongque stood Li Li Qingfeng, Li Li Hongli, and others of the same generation as Li Luo, but at this moment their expressions were all extremely complicated, because they had witnessed step by step how Li Luo had risen to prominence.

When Li Luo had first arrived at the Dragon Fang branch, they had only mockingly called him the country bumpkin who had returned from the Outer Shenzhou.

But in the days that followed, they thoroughly experienced the terror of being dominated by this "country bumpkin."

And now, this terror had also come for Li Zhihuo, Li Hongque, and the others to feel.

Li Li Qingfeng and Li Li Hongli exchanged a glance, both secretly sighing. In the days to come, perhaps those older generation powerhouses among the Five Branches would also experience this terror.

Outside the arena, the various guards argued endlessly, while the five Guard Leaders on the battle platform also wore varied expressions.

Li Zhihuo's face was calm, but a trace of excitement flickered in his eyes, because he had waited too long for this position. As long as he seized the Great Guard Leader seat, he would obtain the usage rights to a "Lesser Holy Seed," which would allow him to be reborn. If he seized this opportunity, when he broke through to Sixth Rank Marquis, he might well attempt to forge a Ten-Pillar Golden Platform.

By then, even Jiang Jiang Qinge would no longer be something he feared.

Moreover, the timing of this "Great Guard Leader competition" was also the most opportune moment. Jiang Jiang Qinge had left the Dragon Fang Guard a few months ago, and with this greatest competitor gone, Li Zhihuo's previously suppressed ambitions immediately reignited.

Additionally, Li Luo had not appeared for half a year either. It was heard that he was in closed-door cultivation recovering from injuries, which was reasonable enough. After all, he had self-severed a Ten-Pillar Golden Platform—how could that not come at a price?

Therefore, holding the "Great Guard Leader competition" at this time was simply perfect for Li Zhihuo.

Behind this, there might also be some pushing from the upper echelons of the Dragon Blood branch.

After all, the current Dragon Fang branch, although it had lost Li Li Jingzhe, had recovered all its momentum thanks to the return of Dantai Lan, who had achieved the Great Unparalleled Marquis. Moreover, Dantai Lan acted more aggressively than Li Li Jingzhe. It was said that during this half year, Dantai Lan and Faction Head Li Li Tianji had quite a few disputes over the handling of some affairs.

The upper echelons of the Dragon Blood branch probably did not want to see the "Lesser Holy Seed" fall into the hands of Jiang Jiang Qinge or Li Luo.

So they took advantage of the moment when both were absent to first settle the position of "Great Guard Leader."

While Li Zhihuo was secretly delighted, Li Foluo's expression was rather unsightly. He stared at the former for a glance and coldly snorted, "Even if you take this Great Guard Leader seat, it's an unfair victory."

Facing Li Foluo's attack, Li Zhihuo said, "This is a decision from above. What can I do about it?"

"In terms of strength, in terms of contribution in the Boundary River Treasure Domain, whether it's Jiang Jiang Qinge or Li Luo, both are more suited for this Great Guard Leader position than you. And you can only steal this Great Guard Leader while they're not here," Li Foluo mocked.

Li Zhihuo's face couldn't quite hold up, and he frowned, "Jiang Jiang Qinge I may not necessarily be her match, but Li Luo is currently only at Unparalleled First Rank. Even if he were here, I wouldn't fear him."

"Li Foluo, the arrangements are as they are. There's no point in you making trouble here."

Li Foluo's face darkened.

The other three Guard Leaders did not participate in the dispute between the two. In fact, they also knew that this "Great Guard Leader competition" was somewhat hasty, but the upper echelons also had an extremely appropriate reason: they wanted to use this competition to ease the tense atmosphere at the border, and at the same time let the various forces see the standard beneath the upper echelons of the Li Li Tianwang branch.

Dong!

At this moment, the chime of a bell echoed across the battle platform, drowning out the surging sounds of the crowd.

It announced the start of the Great Guard Leader competition.

However, just as a referee stepped onto the platform, preparing to announce the method of competition, suddenly a sharp sound of something tearing through the air rang out across the heavens and earth.

On the high platform, both Dantai Lan and Li Li Tianji's expressions shifted. The former had a smile curl at the corner of her lips, while the latter sighed helplessly in his heart—so it turned out they were waiting here.

And just as the two were each in different states of mind, a clear, bright laughter descended from the heavens, drowning out the surging crowd and rolling thunderously.

"Guard Leader Li Foluo, may I borrow the Guard Leader seat for a bit?"

Upon hearing this extremely familiar voice, Li Foluo was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but burst into laughter.

That man had finally arrived!

A beam of light descended from the heavens amid countless astonished gazes, landing in the middle of the battle platform.

That distinctive grayish-white hair, the chiseled handsome face, and the brilliant smile upon it caused the Dragon Fang Guard's side to fall silent for a few breaths, before suddenly erupting into earth-shattering cheers.

"Commander Li Luo is mighty!"

On the battle platform, the Guard Leaders of the other four guards were also stunned for a few breaths, and then Li Zhihuo's face couldn't help but turn ugly.

Damn it, who taught him to time it like this?!

Way too hard on people's nerves!