Chapter 106: Battle Against Li Qianfeng

"Not bad, Mother, you can rest assured. Connections can't decide anything, otherwise the Li family True Dragon would be chosen by His Majesty."

Beside her, Li Qianfeng said calmly.

He looked coldly at the young man in another place, but withdrew his gaze. That imperial edict still made his heart fluctuate a little.

Somewhat indignant.

However, thinking of himself winning the True Dragon and shocking that Emperor, letting him know that he had misjudged, it felt refreshing!

"Mhm."

Hearing her son's calm and composed words, Liu Liu Yuerong showed a smile on her face.

At this time, the old lady Chen Chen Hefang walked out.

She had already heard about the things in the banquet hall, but hadn't shown herself.

At this moment, she smiled and exchanged a few opening words with the guests in the hall, then let everyone continue the banquet.

Eating the banquet was naturally secondary, but Li Hao didn't stand on ceremony.

After all, if he didn't eat

While he was eating heartily, Li Li Tiangang was chatting happily with Xue Jian Xue Jian Wudao, Chu Chu Jiuyue, and others, discussing past events and Li Hao's talent.

Of course, when Li Hao was mentioned, Xue Jian Xue Jian Wudao's words became much fewer.

He didn't even bring up the matter of rejecting Li Hao when he sought to be an apprentice years ago, to avoid awkwardness at the table and being mocked.

Although he didn't regret his actions back then—after all, Li Hao was not a lover of the sword and had limited achievements in Sword Dao.

But while he knew this himself, and his disciples could understand it, other laypeople might not grasp it and would instead think he was blind.

After Li Hao had eaten his fill, he found an empty plate, picked up some delicious dishes, and had Ren Ren Qianqian, who stood behind him, take them to the little white fox in the corner of the courtyard.

This little creature had also snuck in to join the fun, but didn't dare get close.

Ever since his father Li Li Tiangang returned, the little white fox had been hiding in Li Hao's room every day, not daring to romp around the courtyard as it used to, let alone cause trouble in the kitchens 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 had been wronged.

However, his own pet, he would cherish himself.

When everyone had eaten their fill, Chen Chen Hefang appeared again to serve the true main course: the selection of the Li Clan's True Dragon.

The guests looked forward with anticipation, waiting for this moment, their eyes darting back and forth between the two youths.

A figure descended from the sky and flew into the courtyard, hair white and flowing—it was Li Li Qingzheng.

Seeing this elder of the Li Clan, everyone present couldn't help but stand up.

Even Xue Jian Xue Jian Wudao's gaze turned slightly solemn, though he remained seated.

Decades ago, although Li Li Qingzheng hadn't won the position of the Li Clan's True Dragon, losing to Li Li Tiangang's father, he was still an extremely terrifying powerhouse.

Yet, as years passed, that bloodthirsty human demon who once stood outside the frontier now seemed to have cultivated his character, washing away his killing intent, and even possessed a scholarly and gentle temperament.

"Sister-in-law."

Li Li Qingzheng nodded slightly at Chen Chen Hefang, their eyes meeting, but the two didn't reminisce much.

"Li Clan sons, step forward."

Li Li Qingzheng turned and said.

Hearing this, Li Li Mingguang, Li Li Sibei, and others all stood up one after another.

Li Hao and Li Qianfeng also came to the open space in the banquet area.

"Those willing to carry the Li Clan forward and guard the common people, step forward!"

Li Li Qingzheng said again.

Hearing this, everyone's gaze converged, all falling upon those two figures.

Li Mingguang and the others remained standing, while Li Hao and Li Qianfeng both stepped forward at the same time.

But just then, a slight commotion came from behind.

It turned out to be the children of the Eighth Aunt, Li Li Rumeng, who also took a step forward.

But soon, a soft shout came from the Eighth Uncle, Li Li Fenghua, at the side table: "Li Rumeng, don't be silly, come back!"

Hearing her father's call, Li Li Rumeng pouted slightly but withdrew her step.

Just that half-step made her feel the countless gazes shooting toward her and the pressure they transmitted.

This small disturbance was quickly smoothed over; many were slightly surprised and took a few extra looks at the girl, but upon discovering she was only in the Ji Hun Realm, they shook their heads and smiled.

This girl was about the same age as Li Hao, yet only in the Soul Gathering Realm, and seemingly in the early stage—where did she get the courage to step out? Soon, as Li Hao and Li Qianfeng stood firm, Li Qingzheng saw that no one else was moving and immediately said: "Others may step back."

Li Li Mingguang and the others turned and left, returning to their seats, their eyes falling on these two cousins, also wanting to see what their actual strength was.

A realm is a realm, but strength is actual combat power, which relates to the foundation of the realm, combat experience, cultivation level of techniques, and so on.

Just like the Li Clan's early Ji Hun Realm, which can kill ordinary Ji Hun Realm cultivators of the seventh or eighth level!

"You two, have you thought it through?"

Li Qingzheng looked down, staring at Li Hao and Li Qianfeng. At this moment, he didn't show the favor he usually showed Li Hao, appearing impartial: "Once you become the True Dragon, you will dedicate your life to the family, viewing the family as supreme. Are you mentally prepared?"

"Yes."

Li Hao and Li Qianfeng spoke at the same time.

Li Li Qingzheng nodded, smiling, and said: "Since that is the case, let's first test your character."

He looked at Li Hao and said: "I just heard the Emperor's edict, which praised you quite a bit, so your character doesn't need testing. Li Qianfeng, you step forward."

As he spoke, he took out an incense burner, but just as he was about to act, someone stood up from the other side.

It was the Bodhisattva of Mount Mount Wuliang, Lin Lin Wujing.

He chanted a Buddhist name and said softly: "Elder Li, just now my Buddha gifted the Universe Vajra a string of prayer beads. To be granted such an item by my Buddha shows that the Universe Vajra's character is pure and kind. If he becomes the Li Clan's True Dragon in the future, he will surely be a benevolent general who cares for the world!"

Li Li Qingzheng frowned slightly. Although he felt uncomfortable, he knew he had to give the Buddha face.

Gifting the prayer beads was meant to skip the character test and also served as a hint that if Li Qianfeng inherited the True Dragon position, he could receive support from Mount Wuliang! For thousands of years, although the Li Clan and Mount Wuliang had dealings, and other family members had joined Mount Wuliang, the relationship was friendly but not intimate. If the True Dragon position were handed to Li Qianfeng, who was a direct disciple of Buddhism, the relationship would jump up a level.

But.

This is the Li Clan's True Dragon.

Every consideration must still prioritize the Li Clan's future.

Connections and character, to put it bluntly, are just icing on the cake.

For example, if both sides were evenly matched and their talent was similar, then character and connections would naturally favor the more excellent one.

If the gap in talent is huge, what use are your connections? Surely you wouldn't rely entirely on connections in the future, or the Li Clan would become a puppet? Therefore, selling this face to the Buddha didn't matter. If, after final comparison, Li Qianfeng was inferior to Li Hao, then he would have nothing to say if he lost.

Thinking of this, Li Li Qingzheng put away the incense burner and said with an indifferent smile: "Since the Buddha has already examined him for our Li Clan, there is no need to waste more time. The character of our Li Clan's sons won't be bad either."

Everyone was speechless—you really know how to seize the opportunity to brag.

Li Li Qingzheng smiled, then looked at the two in the field, saying: "You are of similar age and the same realm. Our Li Clan's True Dragon must be the pride of the generation, supreme in the world."

"How you wish to choose, you can discuss among yourselves, or I can arrange it."

Hearing his words, Li Qianfeng turned to look at Li Hao, his eyes cold, yet staring straight at Li Hao:

"Since we are in the same realm, why don't we just have a spar? It saves all that trouble, what do you think?"

Li Hao smiled: "That would be excellent."

"Straightforward!"

Li Qianfeng's mouth curled up, and he immediately said: "I am four years older than you. At your age, I hadn't yet cultivated to the Fifteen-Li Realm. How about I seal one arm?"

"Fine."

Li Hao nodded.

But in reality, the other party was taking advantage.

If Li Qianfeng had suppressed his realm to when he was fourteen, he wouldn't even have reached the Fifteen-Li Realm, and there would be no need for a spar.

Everyone present heard Li Qianfeng's words and knew he was taking advantage, but most of those who came to support were on Li Qianfeng's side, so naturally, no one said anything.

On Li Li Tiangang's side, however, they frowned.

Li Li Tiangang wanted to speak up and change the method, but Li Hao had already agreed, so he could only frown and sigh secretly; although his son had excellent talent, he was a bit too arrogant.

Li Qianfeng was a sword user; sealing one arm made no difference, just holding the sword with one hand.

Chu Chu Jiuyue and Xue Jian Xue Jian Wudao just observed calmly, showing no expression; they were here to cheer, and as for who would become the Li Clan's True Dragon, it had little impact on them.

Even if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon in the future, he wouldn't dare retaliate against them and would still treat them with courtesy.

After all, who would make a Four Standing Realm powerhouse an enemy for the sake of the family?

Seeing Li Hao agree so easily, Li Qianfeng smiled; he had calculated that the other party was young and arrogant, and by proposing it himself in front of the public, the other party would likely agree.

But he would let the other party know that the four extra years he had lived were not in vain.

In the crowd, Liu Yuerong and Lin Wujing both secretly breathed a sigh of relief; if Li Hao had forced Li Qianfeng to suppress his realm to when he was fourteen, it would have been hard to avoid a dispute.

They had already prepared to argue with him.

For example, saying that although Li Qianfeng was in the Spirit Wandering Realm at fourteen, he had spent time practicing other techniques, thus delaying his progress, and so on.

Whether these words could convince anyone didn't matter, but at least bringing them up to argue could achieve something.

After all, the guests present weren't just here to eat; shouting a few words was always possible.

If the Li Clan's True Dragon didn't have the strength to surpass everyone, then glib tongues and connections would have their uses.

But Li Hao's youthful arrogance saved them the trouble of a verbal dispute.

That was excellent.

"Since that's the case, then prepare yourselves."

Li Li Qingzheng hadn't expected Li Hao to agree so easily; he didn't usually see Li Hao as an arrogant person, so he felt slightly surprised, but since Li Hao had agreed, he had to consent.

At this moment, he waved his hand, covering the tables, chairs, and houses in the courtyard with his power, and stopped interfering, leaving the duel to the two.

"Sword, come!"

Li Qianfeng's eyes turned cold, and he gave a light shout.

With a *clink*, a sword hummed, and a white light like snow wove through the banquet.

It was the sword being drawn from the hand of Murong Murong Qiulan, who had been holding it for him at his seat.

Murong Murong Qiulan's eyes flashed with strange light, staring at the elegant and heroic youth in the field.

This was the image of the husband in her heart.

The back that had blocked her in the demon forest that day surfaced in her mind once again.

At this moment, the sword was in his hand.

Li Qianfeng looked down, glancing at the black sword box in the arms of Ren Qianqian, who stood not far from Li Hao.

He actually felt uncomfortable about this.

The True Dragon duel was imminent; although he had also obtained top-tier techniques, practice took time, meaning it would be of no benefit to him in the short term.

But this famous sword was different.

Even if Li Hao had limited cultivation and couldn't unleash its true power, it was sharp enough to be terrifying.

If the swords clashed later, he would have to avoid its edge.

"Draw your sword!"

Despite the fear of that famous sword in his heart, Li Qianfeng still said loudly.

Li Hao naturally noticed the other party's gaze and the flash of solemnity.

He smiled slightly—use Eternal Night? Are you worthy? Li Hao didn't even look at Ren Qianqian, just turned and summoned a chopstick he had been eating with from the table behind him.

(End of chapter)