The Name of Eternals

Chapter 105: Battle Against Li Qianfeng

"Indeed, Mother, rest assured. Connections can't decide everything; otherwise, the Li family's True Dragon would be chosen by His Majesty."

Beside her, Li Qianfeng spoke calmly.

He glanced coldly at the young man on the other side, then withdrew his gaze. The imperial decree had indeed stirred a bit of unrest in his heart.

He felt some resentment.

But the thought of becoming the True Dragon and shocking that Emperor, showing him he was wrong, was quite satisfying!

"Mm."

Hearing her son's calm words, Liu Yurong smiled.

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

She had heard everything happening in the courtyard but had not shown herself.

Now, with a smile, she exchanged a few pleasantries with the guests, then let them continue their meal.

The meal was secondary, but Li Hao didn't hold back.

After all, how could he have the strength later without eating enough?

While he was feasting, Li Tiangang chatted happily with Jian Wudao, Chu Jiuyue, and others, discussing past events and Li Hao's extraordinary talent.

Of course, when discussing Li Hao, Jian Wudao's words were fewer.

He didn't even mention the time when he rejected Li Hao as a disciple to avoid embarrassment and ridicule.

Though he didn't regret his decision, believing Li Hao wasn't passionate about the sword and thus had limited potential in swordsmanship.

But he kept this to himself. Telling his disciples was one thing, but others might see it as him being blind to talent.

Li Hao enjoyed his meal and even got an empty plate, putting some delicious dishes on it and handing it to Ren Qianqian, who was standing by. She took it to a small white fox hiding in the corner of the yard.

The little creature had come to join the fun but didn't dare get too close.

Since Li Tiangang returned, the little white fox had been hiding in Li Hao's room, afraid to roam around the yard or cause trouble in other courtyards.

Li Hao sensed the little fox's fear of his father, which made him sigh, knowing the creature felt wronged.

But his pet, his responsibility to cherish.

Once everyone had mostly finished eating, Chen Hefang reappeared, bringing the main event: the selection of the Li family's True Dragon.

The guests eagerly awaited this moment, their eyes shifting between the two young men.

A figure descended from the sky, landing in the courtyard with flowing white hair. It was Li Qingzheng.

Seeing this senior member of the Li family, everyone rose to their feet.

Even Jian Wudao showed a bit of respect, though he remained seated.

Decades ago, Li Qingzheng had not won the True Dragon position, losing to Li Tiangang's father, but he was still a formidable figure.

Over the years, the once bloodthirsty warrior who terrorized the borders had become refined and cultured, exuding a gentle and elegant aura.

"Sister-in-law."

Li Qingzheng nodded slightly at Chen Hefang. Their eyes met, but they exchanged few words.

"Li family sons, step forward."

Li Qingzheng turned and said.

Hearing this, Li Mingguang, Li Sibai, and others all stepped forward.

Li Hao and Li Qianfeng also moved to the open space in the courtyard.

"Those willing to bear the Li family name, to protect the common people, step forward!"

Li Qingzheng said again.

Hearing this, all eyes fell on the two figures.

Li Mingguang and the others remained still, while Li Hao and Li Qianfeng both stepped forward.

At this moment, a slight commotion came from behind.

It turned out to be the children of Eighth Madam, with Li Rumeng stepping forward.

But soon, a stern voice came from the table: "Rumeng, don't cause trouble, come back!"

Hearing her father's call, Li Rumeng pouted slightly but stepped back.

Even this half-step made her feel the countless eyes on her, conveying a sense of pressure.

The small commotion quickly subsided, with many glancing at the girl. When they saw she was only at the Jihun Realm, they shook their heads with a smile.

This girl, the same age as Li Hao, was only at the initial stage of the Jihun Realm. Where did she get the courage to step forward?

Soon, as Li Hao and Li Qianfeng stood firm, Li Qingzheng saw no one else stepping forward and said, "The rest of you can step back."

Li Mingguang and the others turned and left, returning to their seats. Their eyes focused on the two cousins, eager to see their true strength.

Realm was one thing, actual combat strength was another. It involved the foundation of their realm, combat experience, the level of their martial arts, and more.

The Li family's Jihun Realm could easily defeat an ordinary Jihun Realm expert of the seventh or eighth level!

"Have you two made up your minds?"

Li Qingzheng looked down, gazing at Li Hao and Li Qianfeng. He showed no favoritism, treating them equally: "Once you become the True Dragon, you must devote your life to the family, placing it above all else. Are you mentally prepared for this?"

"Yes."

Li Hao and Li Qianfeng spoke in unison.

Li Qingzheng nodded with a smile, "In that case, let's first test your character."

He looked at Li Hao, "I've heard the Yu Emperor's decree highly praises your character, so no need to test you. Li Qianfeng, step forward."

He took out an incense burner, but before he could act, someone stood up from the other side.

It was the Bodhisattva from Wuliang Mountain, Lin Wujing.

He softly chanted a Buddhist verse, then said, "Elder Li, the Buddha has gifted Qian Kun Jin Gang with a string of prayer beads. This shows the Buddha's recognition of his pure character. If he becomes the Li family's True Dragon, he will undoubtedly be a benevolent and righteous leader!"

Li Qingzheng frowned slightly, feeling uncomfortable, but he knew he had to give face to the Buddha.

The gift of the prayer beads was to skip the character test and also hinted that if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon, he would have Wuliang Mountain's support! For centuries, the Li family and Wuliang Mountain had interactions, with some family members joining the mountain. However, the relationship was friendly but not particularly close. If the True Dragon position went to Li Qianfeng, a direct disciple of Wuliang Mountain, the relationship would instantly become closer.

But.

This was about the Li family's True Dragon.

The primary consideration was the future of the Li family.

Connections and character were just embellishments.

For example, if both were equally talented, then character and connections would determine the choice.

If there was a significant talent gap, connections alone wouldn't suffice. The Li family couldn't rely solely on connections, or they'd become puppets.

So, he put away the incense burner, smiling calmly, "Since the Buddha has vouched for his character, there's no need to waste time. The character of the Li family sons won't be lacking."

The crowd remained silent, though some thought he was good at self-praise.

Li Qingzheng smiled, then looked at the two young men, "You are of similar age and realm. The Li family's True Dragon must be a peerless figure among your generation."

"You can discuss how to decide, or I can arrange it."

Hearing his words, Li Qianfeng turned to Li Hao, his gaze cold but direct:

"Since we are of the same realm, let's have a direct duel and save the trouble. How about it?"

Li Hao smiled, "Sounds good."

"Straightforward!"

Li Qianfeng's mouth curved into a slight smile, "I am four years older than you. When I was your age, I hadn't reached the Fifteen Mile Realm. So, I'll fight with one arm restrained. How about that?"

"Fine."

Li Hao nodded.

In reality, Li Qianfeng was taking advantage.

If he suppressed his realm to his fourteen-year-old level, he wouldn't even be at the Fifteen Mile Realm, making a duel unnecessary.

The crowd knew this but didn't comment since most were there to support Li Qianfeng.

Li Tiangang frowned.

He wanted to suggest another method, but since Li Hao had already agreed, he could only sigh. His son was exceptionally talented but perhaps a bit too arrogant.

Li Qianfeng, being a swordsman, didn't mind fighting with one arm, as it only meant single-handed swordsmanship.

Chu Jiuyue and Jian Wudao watched calmly, showing no emotion. They were there to support, and the outcome didn't affect them much.

Even if Li Qianfeng became the True Dragon, he wouldn't dare retaliate against them and would remain polite.

No family would make a Four Establishment Realm expert an enemy.

Seeing Li Hao agree so easily, Li Qianfeng smiled. He expected the young man to agree, feeling the pressure of the crowd.

He planned to show the young man that living four extra years wasn't in vain.

In the crowd, Liu Yurong and Lin Wujing sighed in relief. If Li Hao had insisted on suppressing Li Qianfeng's realm to his fourteen-year-old level, it would have required more argument.

They had prepared to argue that although Li Qianfeng was only at the Shenyou Realm at fourteen, he had spent time practicing other techniques, which delayed his progress.

Whether or not people believed it wasn't crucial. The argument itself could gain some advantage.

After all, the guests weren't just there to eat; they'd voice their opinions.

If the Li family's True Dragon wasn't overwhelmingly powerful, then rhetoric and connections would matter.

But Li Hao's youthful arrogance saved them the trouble.

"Very well, prepare yourselves."

Li Qingzheng hadn't expected Li Hao to agree so quickly. He usually didn't seem arrogant, which surprised him. But since Li Hao agreed, he had to go along.

He waved his hand, enveloping the courtyard in his power, protecting the tables and buildings, leaving the duel to the two young men.

"Sword!"

Li Qianfeng's eyes turned cold, and he called out.

With a flash, a sword flew into his hand, shimmering like silver.

It came from a woman holding his sword at the table.

The woman, Murong Qiulan, looked at the elegant and confident young man in the courtyard with admiration.

This was her ideal husband.

The figure who had protected her in the demon forest appeared in her mind again.

Now, the sword was in his hand.

Li Qianfeng glanced at Ren Qianqian, who held the black sword box, feeling uncomfortable.

Despite receiving top-tier techniques, practice took time, offering no short-term benefits.

But a famed sword was different.

Even if Li Hao couldn't fully wield its power, its sharpness alone was formidable.

If their swords clashed later, he'd have to avoid the sharp edge.

"Draw your sword!"

Despite his fear of the famed sword, Li Qianfeng spoke loudly.

Li Hao noticed his gaze and the brief seriousness.

He smiled. Use Yongye? You're not worthy. Without looking at Ren Qianqian, he turned and summoned a chopstick from the table where he had been eating.