Facing Li Qianfeng
"That's right, Mother. Don't worry. Connections don't determine anything; otherwise, His Majesty would have been in charge of choosing the Li Family True Dragon."
Beside him, Li Qianfeng spoke calmly.
He glanced indifferently at the other boy before looking away, though the Imperial Edict still stirred something within him.
Somewhat resentful.
But the thought of winning the True Dragon, shocking the emperor, and letting him know that he had misjudged it was quite satisfying!
"Um."
Hearing her son's calm and composed words, Liu Yuerong smiled.
At this moment, the old lady Chen Hefang came out.
She had heard everything that happened at the banquet in the courtyard, but she didn't show herself.
He smiled and exchanged a few opening remarks with the guests in the courtyard before letting them continue their meal.
The banquet was secondary, but Li Hao didn't stand on ceremony.
After all, how can you have the energy if you don't eat your fill?
While he was enjoying his meal, Li Tiangang chatted happily with Sword Wudao, Chu Jiuyue, and others, reminiscing about the past and discussing Li Hao's Heavenly Talent.
Of course, Sword Wudao spoke much less when Li Hao was mentioned.
They didn't even mention the time they refused Li Hao's request to become his apprentice, to avoid awkwardness and ridicule during the meal.
Although he does not regret his actions back then, after all, Li Hao was not a sword enthusiast and had limited achievements in Sword Dao.
He knows this himself, and when he tells his disciples, they can understand. But other ordinary people might not be able to understand, and instead think he is blind.
After eating and drinking his fill, Li Hao found an empty plate, filled it with some delicious dishes, and had Ren Qianqian, who was standing behind him, take it and give it to the Little White Fox in the corner of the yard.
The little creature also sneaked over to join the fun, but dared not get close.
Since her father, Li Tiangang, returned, the Little White Fox has been hiding in Li Hao's room, no longer daring to roam freely in the yard as before, let alone cause trouble in the Kitchen of other courtyards.
Li Hao could also sense that the little thing was extremely afraid of its father.
This made him sigh, knowing that the little thing had been wronged.
However, you can pamper your own pet as you please.
After everyone had almost finished eating, Chen Hefang stepped forward again and served the real feast, which Li Family True Dragon selected.
All the guests eagerly awaited this moment, their eyes darting back and forth between the two young men.
A figure descended from the sky and flew into the courtyard; his white hair fluttered in the wind—it was Li Qingzheng.
Upon seeing this member of the Li Family's previous generation, everyone present Forbidden Zone stand up.
Even Sword Wudao's gaze turned slightly solemn, but he remained seated and motionless.
Decades ago, although Li Qingzheng failed to seize the True Dragon Position of the Li Family and was defeated by Li Tiangang's father, he was still an extremely formidable powerhouse.
However, as the years Past, the Bloodlust demon who once stood on the Outside the Pass seems to have cultivated himself, washed away his Killing Aura, and now possesses a refined and gentle temperament.
"Sister in law."
Li Qingzheng nodded slightly to Chen Hefang, their eyes met, and the two did not reminisce for long.
"The sons of the Li Family, step forward!"
Li Qingzheng turned around and said.
Upon hearing this, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and the others all stood up.
Li Hao and Li Qianfeng also arrived at the open space between the tables.
"Those who are willing to shoulder the burden of the Li Family and protect the common people, step forward!"
Li Qingzheng spoke again.
Upon hearing this, everyone's gazes converged, all falling upon the two figures.
Li Mingguang and the others remained standing still, while Li Hao and Li Qianfeng both stepped forward at the same time.
But then, a slight commotion came from behind.
It turned out to be the children of Eighth Mother who were standing behind. Li Rumeng also stepped forward.
But soon, a soft shout came from the next table from Uncle Li Fenghua: "Ru Meng, stop fooling around, come back!"
Hearing her father call out, Li Rumeng slightly pursed her lips, but still stopped in her tracks.
With just that small half-step, she felt the pressure from countless gazes directed at her from all around.
The minor disturbance was quickly quelled. Many people were slightly surprised and glanced at the girl a few more times. When they realized that she was only at the Soul Succession Realm, they shook their heads and smiled.
This girl was about the same age as Li Hao, but she was only at the Soul Succession Realm, seemingly still in the early stages. Where did she get the courage to step out?
Soon, as Li Hao and Li Qianfeng came to a stop, Li Qingzheng no one else was making any further moves, immediately said, "The rest of you may leave."
Li Mingguang and the others immediately turned around and left, returning to their positions. Their eyes fell on their two cousins, wanting to see just how strong these two really were.
Realm is one thing, but strength is actual combat power, which relates to the foundation of the realm, combat experience, the level of cultivation of Cultivation Method, and so on.
Just like the Li Family's Early Soul Succession Realm, they can kill ordinary Soul Succession Realm at the seventh or eighth level!
"Have you two thought this through?"
Li Qingzheng looked down at Li Hao and Li Qianfeng, but at this moment he did not show the favor he usually showed Li Hao, treating them equally:
"Once you become True Dragon, you will dedicate your lives to your Lineage and regard Lineage as the highest priority. Are you mentally prepared for this?"
"Yes."
Li Hao and Li Qianfeng spoke at the same time.
Li Qingzheng nodded, a smile appearing on his face, and said, "In that case, let's first test your character."
He looked at Li Hao and said, "I just heard about Yu Emperor's Edict, which praised you highly. There's no need to test your character. Li Qianfeng, please step forward."
As he spoke, he took out an incense burner. Just as he was about to do something, someone stood up from the other side of the table.
It was the Bodhisattva of Boundless Mountain, Lin Wujing.
He murmured a Buddhist chant and said softly, "Elder Li, just now, the Buddha Master bestowed upon Qiankun Vajra a string of Buddhist Prayer Beads. To receive such a gift from the Buddha Master shows that Qiankun Vajra is of pure heart. If he becomes Li Family True Dragon in the Future, he will surely be a benevolent and righteous general with the All Under Heaven in his heart!"
Li Qingzheng frowned slightly. Although he felt a little uncomfortable, he knew that since the other party had said those words, he still had to give face to the Buddha Master.
The gift of Buddhist Prayer Beads was intended to help Li Qianfeng pass the test of his character, and it also served as an implication that if Li Qianfeng were to inherit the True Dragon in the future, he would receive support from Boundless Mountain!
For thousands of years, although the Li Family and Boundless Mountain have had exchanges, and other Lineage have also sent their descendants to Boundless Mountain, the relationship has been friendly but not close.
If the position of True Dragon were given to Li Qianfeng, who is Personal Disciple of the Buddhist Sect, the relationship would be elevated to a new level.
But.
This is the Li Family True Dragon.
All considerations still prioritize the future of the Li Family.
Connections and character, frankly speaking, are just icing on the cake.
For example, if both sides are evenly matched and have similar Heavenly Talent, then in terms of temperament and connections, the one who is more outstanding will naturally be chosen.
If there's a huge difference in Heavenly Talent, what use are connections if you can't rely on them all in the future? Wouldn't that turn the Li Family into puppets?
Therefore, it wouldn't hurt to give face to the Buddha Master. If, in the final comparison, Li Qianfeng inferior to Li Hao, then the other party can have no complaints about being eliminated.
Thinking of this, Li Qingzheng put away the incense burner and smiled calmly, "Since the Buddha Master has already examined it for my Li Family, there's no need to waste any more time. The character of my Li Family's sons won't be too bad."
Everyone was speechless. You really know how to seize an opportunity to boast.
Li Qingzheng smiled, then looked at the two people in the arena and said, "You are of similar age and have the same cultivation level. My Li Family True Dragon must be the best of his generation, unparalleled in the world."
"You can discuss how you want to choose, or I can arrange it."
Upon hearing his words, Li Qianfeng turned to look at Li Hao, his gaze cold, yet he stared directly at Li Hao:
"Since we're at the same level, why don't we just Sparring to save ourselves the trouble? What do you say?"
Li Hao smiled, "That's excellent."
"Readily!"
Li Qianfeng's lips curled slightly, and he immediately said, "I'm four years older than you. When I was your age, I hadn't yet reached the Fifteen Li Realm in cultivation. So, I'll seal off one of my arms. What do you think?"
"Can."
Li Hao nodded.
But in reality, the other party benefited.
If Li Qianfeng had suppressed his cultivation level to that of a fourteen-year-old, he wouldn't have even reached the Fifteen Li Realm, so there would have been no need for Sparring.
Everyone present knew that Li Qianfeng had gotten the better deal when they heard his words, but most of the people who came to support him were on Li Qianfeng's side, so naturally no one said anything.
Li Tiangang, on the other hand, frowned.
Li Tiangang wanted to suggest another solution, but Li Hao had already agreed. He could only frown and sigh inwardly, realizing that although his son was exceptionally talented, he was a bit too arrogant.
Li Qianfeng, being a swordsman, could easily have one arm sealed off; it would simply mean he was wielding the sword with one hand.
Chu Jiuyue and Sword Wudao Li Family True Dragon's prize was of little concern to them.
Even if Li Qianfeng becomes True Dragon in the future, he will not dare to retaliate against them and will still treat them with courtesy.
After all, who would want to create a formidable enemy at the Four Establishments Realm for their Lineage?
Seeing how easily Li Hao agreed, Li Qianfeng smiled. He had anticipated that the other party, being young and impetuous, would most likely agree if he took the initiative and was in the presence of others.
But he will let the other person know that his extra four years of life were not wasted.
Among the crowd, Liu Yuerong and Lin Wujing both breathed a sigh of relief. If Li Hao had insisted that Li Qianfeng lower his cultivation level to that of a fourteen-year-old, it would have inevitably led to a lot of arguments.
They were prepared to argue with them.
For example, although Li Qianfeng was in the Spirit Wandering Realm at the age of fourteen, he spent time practicing other Cultivation Method, thus wasting his time, and so on.
Whether this statement is credible or not is not important, but at least bringing it up for debate can yield some results.
After all, the guests present weren't just there to eat; they'd at least shout a few words.
If the Li Family True Dragon doesn't possess unparalleled strength, then his words and connections will come in handy.
But Li Hao's youthful arrogance saved them from a verbal argument.
That would be excellent.
"In that case, you should get ready."
Li Qingzheng was surprised that Li Hao agreed so easily. He had never seen Li Hao as an arrogant person before, so he was slightly taken aback. But since Li Hao had already agreed, he had no choice but to agree as well.
At that moment, he casually waved his hand, covering the tables, chairs, and houses in the courtyard with his power, and then left the duel to the two of them.
"Sword, come!"
Li Qianfeng's eyes turned cold, and he gave a soft shout.
A sword hum rang out, followed by a streak of Silver Light that swept through the room.
The sword that had been held by the woman who had carried his sword at the banquet was drawn from its sheath.
The woman was Murong Qiulan, who had come with Li Qianfeng. Her eyes gleamed with a strange light as she stared at the elegant and imposing young man in the arena.
This is the image of her ideal husband.
The image of the figure blocking his way in the Demon Forest that day flashed through his mind once again.
At this moment, the sword had already fallen into his hand.
Li Qianfeng glanced disdainfully at Ren Qianqian, who was standing not far from Li Hao, and noticed the Black Sword Case in her arms.
He was actually somewhat uncomfortable about this.
With the battle against the True Dragon imminent, although I have also obtained top-tier Signature Technique, practicing them takes time, meaning they will not be of any benefit to me in the short term.
But this Famous Swords is different.
Even if Li Hao's cultivation level is limited and he cannot unleash its true power, its sharpness alone is already terrifying.
If they were to clash head-on later, he would have no choice but to temporarily avoid a direct confrontation.
"Draw your sword!"
Despite his apprehension about the Famous Swords, Li Qianfeng still spoke loudly.
Li Hao naturally noticed the other person's gaze and saw the fleeting seriousness in it.
He smiled slightly, using Eternal Night?
You think you're worthy?
Li Hao didn't even glance at Ren Qianqian. He simply turned around and beckoned a pair of chopsticks that had just been used for eating from the table behind him.