Chapter 106: Battle Against Li Qianfeng

"Not bad, Mother," Li Hao said calmly. "Connections don't decide anything. Otherwise, the True Dragon of the Li Family would’ve already been chosen by the Emperor."

Beside him, Li Qianfeng remained expressionless. He glanced briefly at the other boy across the courtyard, then turned away. Yet even so, the Emperor’s Imperial Edict still stirred a faint ripple within him—some resentment.

But then, a smirk tugged at his lips. To win the True Dragon, to shock the Emperor, to prove he had been mistaken in his judgment… that thought brought him no small satisfaction.

"Hmm." Liu Yuerong smiled, reassured by her son’s composure.

At that moment, Old Lady Chen Hefang stepped forward. She had overheard everything that happened at the dining table earlier, but had chosen not to appear until now. With a gentle smile, she exchanged a few polite words with the guests, then signaled for the feast to continue.

Eating was secondary, of course—but Li Hao wasn’t about to be courteous. After all, one needed strength to fight, and strength came from a full stomach.

While others chatted or dined slowly, Li Hao devoured his food with gusto. Meanwhile, Li Tiangang and Jian Wudao, along with Chu Jiuyue and the others, were deeply engrossed in conversation, reminiscing about the past and marveling at Li Hao’s natural talent.

Though when Li Hao’s name came up, Jian Wudao fell quiet. He said nothing of the time he had once refused to take Li Hao as a disciple—no need to reopen old wounds or embarrass the table. Though he still didn’t regret his decision. Li Hao wasn’t truly cut out for the Sword Dao, and his accomplishments there had been modest.

But such things were known only to those who understood. To outsiders, it might look like he’d missed a golden opportunity—like he’d failed to see brilliance when it stood before him. And that was a reputation he didn’t need.

Li Hao, still eating heartily, even reached for an empty plate and scooped up some of the finest dishes. He handed it to Ren Qianqian, who stood silently behind him, and instructed her to take it to the little white fox lurking in the corner of the yard.

The little fox had sneaked in for a peek, but dared not come closer. Ever since Li Tiangang’s return, it had been hiding in Li Hao’s room, afraid to wander freely like before—no longer daring to sneak into the kitchen of another household.

Li Hao sensed the fox’s fear. He understood. The creature was suffering. But that was alright. As long as he was its master, he would protect it.

When everyone had finished eating, Chen Hefang stepped forward once more, and the real feast began—the selection of the Li Family’s True Dragon.

All eyes were fixed on the two young men standing in the center of the courtyard. The air was thick with anticipation.

Then—whoosh—a figure descended from the sky, landing gracefully in the yard. White-haired and serene, it was none other than Li Qingzheng, the elder of the Li Clan.

The guests stood in unison, respectful. Even Jian Wudao, though seated, lowered his gaze slightly in solemn acknowledgment.

Though decades ago, Li Qingzheng had lost the True Dragon position to Li Tiangang’s father, he had once been a terrifying force—a bloodthirsty demon lord feared beyond the frontier. But now, he carried no trace of that old brutality. His presence was calm, refined, almost scholarly.

“Sister-in-law,” Li Qingzheng nodded to Chen Hefang. Their eyes met briefly, but no words were exchanged.

“Li Clan heirs, step forward.”

At his command, Li Mingguang, Li Sibei, and the others stepped out. Li Hao and Li Qianfeng followed, taking their place at the open space before the dining table.

“Whoever is willing to bear the burden of the Li Clan, to guard the realm and protect the people—step forward!”

All eyes turned to the two youths.

Li Mingguang and the others remained still. But Li Hao and Li Qianfeng both took a step forward.

Then—soft murmurs rose from behind.

It was Li Ruomeng, daughter of the Eighth Lady, who had stepped forward.

But before she could take another step, a sharp voice rang out from the dining table:

“Ruomeng! Don’t be foolish—step back!”

Li Ruomeng pouted slightly, but obeyed, retreating. That single half-step had drawn countless gazes—pressures that made her skin prickle.

The commotion settled quickly. Some were surprised, glancing at the girl. Then, realizing she was still only at the Continuation of Soul Realm—early, at that—most chuckled and shook their heads.

A girl her age, barely beyond the early stages of soul refinement… how could she possibly dare to step forward?

Soon, with Li Hao and Li Qianfeng now standing firm, Li Qingzheng looked around. Seeing no one else move, he said, “Others may return to your seats.”

Li Mingguang and the others turned and walked back, eyes fixed on the two cousins. They wanted to see—truly see—just how strong these two were.

Realm was just one part. Real strength came from cultivation depth, combat experience, mastery of combat scriptures, and inner foundation. Even the Li Clan’s Initial Soul Succession Stage could slaughter ordinary Continuation of Soul Realm cultivators seven or eight levels higher.

“Are you both certain?” Li Qingzheng looked down at them, his gaze piercing. No favoritism. No warmth. Just fairness. “Once chosen as True Dragon, you must dedicate your life to the family. The Li Clan must be your highest loyalty. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Both Li Hao and Li Qianfeng answered in unison.

Li Qingzheng nodded, smiling. “Then let us test your mental character first.”

He turned to Li Hao. “I’ve just heard the Emperor Yu’s Imperial Edict praising you. Your character is already proven. Li Qianfeng—step forward.”

As he reached for a censer, a voice cut through the air.

From the dining table rose a figure—Lin Wujing, the Bodhisattva of Mount Wu Liang.

With a soft chant, he spoke:

“Senior Brother Li, just now, the Buddha Lord bestowed upon the Qiankun Diamond Saint a string of Buddha beads. To receive such a gift from the Buddha Lord… it proves the Qiankun Diamond Saint’s character is pure, his heart benevolent. Should he become the Li Family’s True Dragon, he will surely be a righteous general, a man of compassion and justice for all under heaven.”

Li Qingzheng’s brow twitched. A flicker of annoyance passed through him. But he knew—this was the Buddha Lord’s favor. He couldn’t refuse.

The gift of the beads was not just a token. It was a pass—a way to skip the mental character trial. And it carried a clear message: should Li Qianfeng inherit the True Dragon position, Mount Wu Liang would stand beside him.

For thousands of years, the Li Clan and Mount Wu Liang had maintained friendly relations. Some Li heirs had even joined the mountain sect. But their bond had never been close.

But if the True Dragon were to be Li Qianfeng—Buddha’s direct disciple—then the alliance would rise to a new level.

Yet… this was still the Li Family’s True Dragon.

All decisions must be made with the future of the Li Clan in mind.

Connections. Character. These were just flourishes. When talent was equal, then yes—character and connections might tip the scale. But if one vastly outshone the other? Then all the connections in the world meant nothing.

Would the Li Clan become a puppet of outside influence?

So, the favor could be granted. And if, in the end, Li Qianfeng fell short of Li Hao? Then he would have no grounds to complain.

With that thought, Li Qingzheng set aside the censer, smiling faintly.

“Since the Buddha Lord has already examined his character, no further trial is needed. My Li Clan heirs are not lacking in virtue.”

The guests remained silent. Smooth talk, aren’t you? they thought. But no one dared speak.

Li Qingzheng chuckled, then turned to the two youths in the center.

“You are of similar age, of equal realm. The Li Family’s True Dragon must be the finest among your generation—unrivaled in this era.

You may decide how to proceed—discuss it yourselves, or let me arrange it.”

Li Qianfeng turned to Li Hao. His expression was cold, but his eyes locked onto his cousin’s with unwavering focus.

“Since our realms are equal, why not just spar? No need for formalities. What do you say?”

Li Hao smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

“Straightforward,” Li Qianfeng smirked. “I’m four years older than you. When I was your age, I hadn’t even reached the Fifteenth Li Stage. So I’ll seal one arm—how about that?”

“Agreed.” Li Hao nodded.

In truth, Li Qianfeng was gaining an unfair advantage. If he had claimed to be at the Fourteenth Li Stage, and Li Hao hadn’t even reached Fifteen, then there would’ve been no real contest.

But the crowd knew it. And yet, most of the voices in support came from Li Qianfeng’s side. No one spoke up.

Li Tiangang, however, frowned. He wanted to protest, to suggest another method. But Li Hao had already agreed. All he could do was sigh inwardly—his son was talented beyond measure, but… perhaps too proud.

Li Qianfeng was a swordsman. Sealing one arm meant nothing—just one hand to wield the sword.

Chu Jiuyue and Jian Wudao watched calmly, expressionless. They were here to cheer, not to judge. The outcome of the True Dragon selection mattered little to them.

Even if Li Qianfeng became True Dragon, they wouldn’t dare retaliate. They’d treat him with respect—just as they always had.

After all, who would willingly create a Four Foundations Realm enemy for their own family?

Seeing Li Hao agree so easily, Li Qianfeng’s lips curled into a triumphant smile. He had counted on it. A young man like Li Hao—so bold, so headstrong—wouldn’t refuse such a challenge in front of everyone.

But he’d show him—four extra years of life weren’t wasted.

Among the crowd, Liu Yuerong and Lin Wujing both exhaled in relief. If Li Hao had insisted Li Qianfeng lower his cultivation level to fourteen, they’d have been forced into a long, awkward debate.

They’d already prepared their arguments:

Yes, Li Qianfeng was only at the Divine Travel Realm at fourteen, but he’d spent time mastering other combat scriptures—delaying his progress.

It didn’t matter if the excuse held water. The point was, they could use it to stall, to argue, to gain time.

After all, the guests weren’t just here to eat. They’d be happy to stir the pot.

But now, Li Hao’s boldness spared them the trouble.

Perfect.

“Then prepare,” Li Qingzheng said, surprised by how easily Li Hao had agreed. He hadn’t seemed the type to rush into such a fight. But since Li Hao had said yes, he had no choice but to allow it.

With a flick of his hand, he wove a barrier of power over the courtyard—tables, chairs, even the houses—then stepped back, leaving the duel entirely to the two youths.

“Draw your sword!” Li Qianfeng’s eyes turned cold. He called out.

Clang—

A sword sang through the air. Silver-white light flashed as the blade leapt from its sheath, slicing through the courtyard.

It was the sword held by Mou Yulan, the woman who had been serving Li Qianfeng. Her eyes glimmered with admiration, fixed on the elegant, poised young man before her—this warrior with the aura of a true master.

This was the man she dreamed of. The same back she’d seen standing firm before her in the Spirit Beast Forest—unyielding, unshaken.

Now, the sword was in his hand.

Li Qianfeng’s gaze swept past Ren Qianqian, who stood near Li Hao, cradling a black sword case in her arms.

A flicker of irritation passed through him.

The True Dragon battle was imminent. He had mastered top-tier techniques, but mastery took time. His cultivation wouldn’t improve in the short term.

But this sword—this sword was different.

Even if Li Hao hadn’t reached his full potential, the blade was sharp enough to be deadly. If they clashed directly, he’d have to retreat.

“Draw your sword!” he declared, though inwardly, he was wary.

Li Hao had noticed the glance. He’d seen the flicker of unease.

He smiled faintly.

Eternal Night?

You really think you’re worthy of it?

Without even glancing at Ren Qianqian, Li Hao turned—and from the dining table behind him, he casually reached out and picked up a pair of chopsticks, freshly used for eating.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end