The Great Elder's Proposal: The Li Clan Grand Competition

After accepting the Fire Phoenix Fan, Li Xuantong paused for a moment before saying, "Patriarch, I have a proposal."

Li Xinge immediately became interested. "What proposal? I'm all ears."

Li Xuantong took a deep breath and gathered his thoughts before speaking in a solemn voice. "Patriarch, our Li Family now rules Yang Province, and our power is at its zenith. But our family has grown vast, and the number of clansmen keeps increasing. The Main Branch, collateral branches, and Branch Families are spread far and wide. If this continues, we're bound to grow distant from one another, and resentment may even arise over how resources are allocated and status is assigned."

Li Xinge's expression showed his agreement. He nodded, signaling for Li Xuantong to continue.

"We owe everything we have today to the Patriarch, but we're old now. The family's future will ultimately rest on the shoulders of the younger generation. Our family has abundant resources, and there are plenty of fine talents among the younger generation. But without proper incentives and competition, even a fine talent may be left to gather dust, while an ordinary talent may occupy a high position. That is no way to ensure the family's long-term prosperity."

"Elder, you mean..."

Li Xinge had already guessed part of what he was getting at.

"Patriarch, this old man proposes that a year from now, our Li Family hold a grand Li Clan Grand Competition at Green Maple Valley! Anyone bearing the Li Family Bloodline may enter, whether from the Main Branch, a collateral branch, or one of the Branch Families scattered across the land. As long as they're under thirty, they can sign up!"

"This competition won't just test cultivation and combat strength. We can also hold assessments in alchemy, Artifact Refining, formations, spirit cultivation, and the