Chapter 0747: Grandfather's Chat
The atmosphere had turned jovial in the small courtyard.
Anyone could see that Li Jingzhe's mood was excellent. Although his most doted son had not returned, Li Luo had been sent back to the Dragon's Fang Lineage, and that gesture demonstrated his son's intentions. He no longer resented the Dragon's Fang Lineage for what happened in the past.
Li Luo's personality was also to his liking.
This grandson had talent that was not inferior to Li Taixuan's and had a determined and unswerving personality. At the same time, he was able to bide his time and hide his radiance when needed. This was one area which he surpa.s.sed his father in. Perhaps it was because his own experiences growing up were different. Li Taixuan had enjoyed an unfettered life, and with the Dragon's Fang Lineage's protection, he became a proud figure that trampled over all others without too much hards.h.i.+p.
Perhaps it was because his life was too easy-going that he lacked forbearance during certain critical moments.
It was important to stride forth confidently, but being too rigid also meant that they could snap.
Li Jingzhe placed his wine cup down and earnestly said, "Little Luo, you have no need to hide your brilliance in the Dragon's Fang Lineage. This is not the same place as the Xia Kingdom. There is no need to worry about people plotting against you in the dark, and even if there are little ghosts that haunt you, sweep past them with your incandescence. So long as you follow the rules, no one can touch you."
Li Luo was moved by these words. He nodded and asked directly, "Grandfather, it looks like things are not that peaceful in the Dragon's Fang Lineage, am I right?"
"Are you referring to Hall Master Zhao Xuanming?" Li Jingzhe asked.
Li Luo nodded. Judging from the previous atmosphere when his Eldest Uncle and Second Uncle had clashed with him, it seemed that a deep rift existed between them.
"He was recommended by the Dragon's Blood Lineage. As they are the Mountain Ruling Lineage, they have the right to do so. Of course, their aim is just to cause the Dragon's Fang Lineage a little bit of trouble, there's nothing too strange about this," Li Jingzhe indifferently replied.
"Grandfather, you should have been able to reject this, no?" Li Luo asked curiously. Li Jingzhe was the Dragon's Fang Lineage’s Lineage Chief, and all decisions would ultimately be made by him.
"If your dad was around, I would definitely have chosen to do so." Li Jingzhe smiled.
Li Luo was even more puzzled. If his dad were around, then Zhao Xuanming would have been an even less of a problem, no?
"When your dad was around, the four halls were like obedient sheep and were able to work together to display an even more intimidating strength, suppressing the other four lineages. At that point in time, I would naturally not allow for any outsider to break up the balance and unity we had. However, our four halls have weakened with him gone, and neither your Eldest Uncle nor Second Uncle were able to pick up the mantle he left behind. At this rate, our four halls would only progressively weaken. I allowed Zhao Xuanming to join because I knew it would provide a sense of pressure for your uncles to continue to improve," Li Jingzhe explained.
"So you're borrowing him to temper my uncles?" Li Luo felt a little shocked, and he hesitated a bit before saying, "Well, it looks like the results were not that great."
In the end, the Gold Light Hall had become the strongest, and it only amplified Zhao Xuanming's reputation. His uncles were unable to do anything to hamper him.
Li Jingzhe helplessly nodded in response. "My eldest son has always been ordinary and mild; he lacks the will to fight. My second son, on the other hand, is combative, but he lacks ability. The two are indeed not Taixuan's equal. Alas, if they truly cannot suppress Zhao Xuanming, then the Gold Light Hall will have the opportunity to take the lead. It's as Xuanming had previously said. The Gold Light Hall is part of the Dragon's Fang Lineage, and its performance reflects well upon us. With your father's departure, the Green Nether Hall has been full of strife, and a new bellwether is needed. Whether Zhao Xuanming was truly planted to be a nail in our foot or not is unimportant as I am still around." Li Jingzhe smiled at Li Luo.
A domineering aura radiated from his wizened expression, one that demonstrated his confidence to have the power to control everything. "So long as I remain as the chief of the Dragon's Fang Lineage, no matter how amazing Zhao Xuanming is, he will only be a poster boy for our lineage. Of course, when the day comes that I'm no longer around and there is no one to continue shouldering the lineage, then there will naturally be a change. At that point, our lineage will abdicate and we will let the best take over."
Li Luo was a little shocked as he had never expected Li Jingzhe to be so open-minded. If their lineage truly did not produce any talented individuals, he was willing to hand over the reins?
"There is nothing eternal in this world, and this applies to the Dragon's Fang Lineage. This is also applicable to the entire Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li and the other Heavenly Emperor Bloodlines. Over the pa.s.sing of time, who knows just how many have disappeared into dust?"
Li Jingzhe casually waved his hand before his tone changed. "However, the Dragon's Fang Lineage has decent luck. First came Li Taixuan, then you. Haha. I really do await the day when Taixuan returns and when you finally mature. Although having the two of you around would not guarantee that we will prosper forever, at the very least, things will be extremely interesting in the future."
Li Luo dryly smiled. "Grandfather, this meat pie of yours is just too heavy, I can't take it!"
"You sly little brat," Li Jingzhe berated him with a smile.
"Also, Grandfather, I have two important things I need your help with." Li Luo's expression suddenly turned serious.
"Speak."
"The first is regarding my parents’ good friend. His name is Ox Biaobiao, and on that day..."
Before Li Luo could finish speaking, Li Jingzhe nodded and continued for him. "I know him. When your parents were being chased, many fair weather friends had chosen to avoid them with the exception of one, who accompanied them the whole way. Although he had a fearsome reputation, he was an individual that heavily valued loyalty and righteousness, which was extremely admirable."
"Uncle Biao's Duke Bergfrieds were all shattered that year, and I'm looking for a way to restore them. Our family owes him too much, so I wish to help him, no matter how difficult it is. I feel that my parents would agree as well." Li Luo sighed deeply.
"You are a good child, able to recognize and treasure relations.h.i.+ps," Li Jingzhe praised. No one wished for their offspring to be thankless and cold individuals—Li Luo was quite similar to his father in this aspect.
"I will look for a way to restore his Duke Bergfrieds." Li Jingzhe did not hesitate to make this promise. Ox Biaobiao had protected Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan the whole time that year, and from a certain point of view, the Dragon's Fang Lineage owed him as well.
"Well then, what's the other matter? Hurry and speak."
Li Luo first thanked his grandfather happily before his expression turned heavy once again. "The other reason I returned to the clan is because I wish to obtain a treasure from the clan's treasure pavilion. It's known as the Nine Marks Sacred Heart Lotus, and it's extremely important to me. Do you know how I can obtain it?"
"Nine Marks Sacred Heart Lotus?" Li Jingzhe's gaze concentrated upon Li Luo. "You little brat, you really know how to aim high. It is a mystical treasure that the Ancestor had obtained from the World Border. It now sits in the treasury controlled by the Dragon's Blood Lineage. Do you still want this item?"
Li Luo nodded furiously.
Li Jingzhe sighed. "The average individual would have great difficulty just obtaining the opportunity to obtain such a treasure. Even if it were me, I would have to have a valid reason to negotiate for it with the other four lineages. Additionally, that item is eyed by numerous Hall Masters in the clan as refining it could possibly allow them to reach a new level in strength."
Li Luo's heart sank. Li Rouyun had said such a treasure existed, but she had not mentioned anything about its desirability. If even Hall Masters wanted the item, weren't his chances of obtaining it really low?"
"There is no need for you to worry about it. I will help you block and ensure that no one else redeems it. I will also help you think of a way to obtain it legitimately," Li Jingzhe stated.
"Thank you, Grandfather!" Li Luo was elated to no end. He would only have the opportunity to obtain this treasure through the a.s.sistance of his grandfather. Otherwise it was futile.
Li Jingzhe then waved his hand. "Your current focus will be setting a foothold in the Green Nether Banner. Otherwise, Zhong Yus.h.i.+ will continue to stir trouble and s.n.a.t.c.h away your father's position. In fact, your return has attracted the gazes of countless elders in the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li. I hope that-"
Li Luo nodded and directly answered, "You can rest a.s.sured, Grandfather, that I will do my best to dazzle their blinded eyes."
Li Jingzhe was taken aback by his abrupt reply before he burst into laughter. This grandson of his held no taboos, but his self-confidence was truly reminiscent of his father.
"Good. The Green Nether Banner Leader's position is empty right now. As a sub leader, you have the authority to issue challenges. If you are able to obtain the position of Banner Leader, I will give you an answer on how you can possibly obtain the Nine Marks Sacred Heart Lotus."
Li Luo raised his wine cup and downed it in a single go.
Banner Leader?
He would go through any ordeal just to obtain it. All for the Nine Marks Sacred Heart Lotus, for Sister Qing'e.