Chapter 0936: Li Wuyuan
"Congratulations, Third Brother! It has been countless years since the Dragon's Fang Lineage has attained the top rank in the Fiendish Devil Cave!" Li Jingtao cheered. There was undisguised happiness in his tone as Li Luo's achievement had bolstered the Dragon's Fang Lineage’s reputation.
The Battle of the Dragon's Head was a demonstration of Li Luo's personal strength. The Fiendish Devil Cave, on the other hand, was a test of his ability to lead his banner in battle. The ranking directly proved that the Green Nether Banner was now the strongest amongst the twenty.
More importantly, it was also a setback for the Dragon's Blood Lineage. One could imagine that they wouldn’t be so domineering in the coming days.
Li Fengyi was also beaming from ear to ear, a hint of pride clear on her face. She moved forward and patted Li Luo's shoulder before proudly turning around and facing Li Fuling. "Cousin Fuling, as you can see, both the Dragon's Head and the top rank in the Fiendish Devil Cave belong to the Dragon's Fang Lineage now. What do you think?"
Li Fuling quickly sized Li Luo up, and her gaze lingered upon his face for a few moments. She could see the resemblance between him and Li Taixuan as the latter's image was something her mother often showed her.
She understood that when her mother was young, she spent time tempering herself in the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent. However, she found herself in a precarious situation and was fortunate enough to have been saved by Li Taixuan. His immense might coupled with his exceptional looks and demeanor were a deadly combination towards any lady, smiting their tender heart. It was from that point onwards that Li Taixuan's figure was firmly engraved into her heart. It was only that her mother never dared to reveal such feelings as Li Taixuan shone brightly like the glorious sun, and the women who similarly adored him were as plentiful as carps trying to cross the dragon gate.
Afterwards, the elders of their family arranged for her mother to marry someone she did not like. The two were forced to live together for several years, but they were simply unable to get along and ended up separating. Li Fuling then accompanied her mother and was gradually influenced to regard Li Taixuan as an unparalleled individual.
She was naturally exposed to Li Taixuan's exploits when she grew older and entered the Twenty Banners and then the Dragon's Fang Guardians. As a result, her sense of idolatry rose to the peak.
Thus, her heart felt complicated when she encountered Li Taixuan's son, Li Luo.
In a sense, she felt a unique sense of closeness towards him, having to thank his father for her existence, and at the same time similarly rejected him. How could someone possibly be comparable with Li Taixuan? Even his progeny was no exception. With a heart full of thoughts, Li Fuling smiled dryly. "Banner Leader Li Luo, you are truly talented. Being able to wrestle away the top position amongst the Twenty Banners is a commendable feat."
She did not belittle his achievements, as she had spent time in the Twenty Banners too. It was the gathering place of all of the talented sprouts in the Dragon's Fang Domain, and demeaning them would also include herself within the insult.
Li Fengyi followed up relentlessly. "So how do you think he compares to Third Uncle?"
Li Fuling harrumphed as she glared at her. "Hall Master Li Taixuan is peerless and without equal. After he left, no one in the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent has been able to reach his level. There are numerous Dragon's Heads... but only one Li Taixuan!"
After which, she swept her gaze over Li Luo meaningfully.
Li Luo, on the other hand, was a little confused. That last line seemed to be targeted at him. However, why was she so fanatical about his old man?
When they lived in House Luolan, Li Luo and him would constantly jostle for third place, but outside? If he reaaaaaally had to... he would defer to his father for the sake of face. Thus, he revealed a friendly smile. "I have to thank you for the praise on behalf of my father."
Faced with this response, Li Fuling could only snort coldly, unsure of how to reply.
Li Fengyi, however, was clearly trying to hold back her laughter, feeling her stomach cramp up. She then introduced the group to Li Luo. "Now that you're out, I would like to introduce the rest. This is Cousin Li Fuling, she was a Banner Leader in the previous generation and has now entered the Dragon's Fang Guardians. She will be participating in the Spiritual Resonance Cave."
At the same time, she also introduced the remaining individuals from the guardians as all of them possessed some sort of achievement in the past.
Li Luo then turned towards the other two. The previous generation's Gold Light Banner Leader, Lu Ze, and Green Nether Banner Leader, Li Xuan.
Lu Ze returned a wry smile, whereas Li Xuan had a complicated gaze as he cupped his hands together. "The Hall Master previously led the Green Nether Banner to achieve incomparable glory. Today, Banner Leader Li Luo, you helped restore its lost radiance. This is definitely an interesting story to be told in future."
Li Luo grinned and replied, "Still, it is the previous generations of Banner Leaders that have maintained the reputation of the Green Nether Banner till today. They allowed the Green Nether Banner and the hall to maintain a strand of hope. No amount of effort would have gotten me this far if it wasn’t for the foundation set by you and the rest."
Li Luo understood how Li Xuan felt. Li Xuan's accomplishments were mediocre at best when compared to his, but Li Luo had demonstrated a little humility so as not to aggravate the other party.
Li Xuan felt a little ashamed. "Banner Leader, you are overflowing with talent, so I'm sure you will truly shine when you enter the Dragon's Fang Guardians. Perhaps you might be able to gain a few points in the Green Nether Banner's favor."
Li Luo shook his head. "The Dragon's Fang Guardians are filled with the most exceptional of geniuses. How can I do so? There are no tigers on the mountain today, and that's why a monkey like me can reign supreme."
Li Fengyi pouted upon hearing this. "Hey, you hypocrite. If you're a monkey, what are we?"
This left Li Luo feeling a little helpless. He was just being modest! It couldn't be that the Dragon's Fang Guardians was full of dummies that he could dominate as soon as he arrived... right?
Li Fuling then glared at Li Luo and suddenly asked, "Banner Leader Li Luo, Fengyi has told me that you seem quite close to Li Lingjing. Is she in the Dragon's Fang Lineage right now?"
Hearing this question, Li Luo felt a little surprised. "Are you acquainted with Cousin Lingjing?"
"Of course I know her. We were of the same generation, and she had quite the reputation. I always hoped that she would return to the four banners so I could take her on, but alas..." Li Fuling replied.
Li Luo nodded slightly. "Cousin Lingjing has been very fortunate. Her strength has been restored and she will also participate in the Spiritual Resonance Cave."
"That is something I look forward to." A hint of eagerness could be seen in Fuling's gaze.
Li Fengyi was smirking at the side as she said, "Today is a day of celebration for the Dragon's Fang Lineage. I'll take the lead and treat everyone to eat and drink their fill!"
These words cause everyone to smile.
……
Whilst the Dragon's Fang Lineage was submerged in a celebratory atmosphere, the mood had turned chilly on the Dragon's Blood Lineage's end. The entire field was silent, with no one daring to speak.
Li Qingfeng raised his head and gloomily stared at the Fiendish Devil Cave rankings.
Behind him, Li Hongli and the other two Banner Leaders were similarly despondent.
They had lost their top position at the Fiendish Devil Cave, which was a great setback. This was their last saving grace, and without it, the Dragon's Blood Lineage was now firmly suppressed by the Green Nether Banner in every aspect.
"With how depressed you look, I thought the Fiendish Devil Cave had turned into a place of mourning." Untimely laughter echoed outwards amidst the gloomy atmosphere, breaking the silence. Several aggravated members turned their heads to see just who dared to act so presumptuously.
Their gazes fell upon a group of individuals who were walking into the field.
They possessed an uncommon presence and exuded a strong sense of suppression. What was most striking was their blood-red battlesuits, causing some banner members to blurt out uncontrollably, "Dragon's Blood Guardians?" Their gazes then focused upon the person in the lead. It was a slender youth with a heroic demeanor. His eyebrows were thin like sharp blades and he gave off an incisive aura.
Li Qingfeng and Li Hongli turned to face the source of the commotion, and when they recognized the youth in the front, they were taken aback.
Li Hongli's eyes immediately lit up and her cheerful voice rang out.
"Cousin Wuyuan?" When she shouted out his name, the atmosphere in the field seemed to have boiled over as their memories were jolted.
Li Wuyuan. This was the previous generation's Gold Blood Banner Leader. He was also the previous generation's Dragon's Head!