Chapter 0815 – Gathering
Chapter 0815: Gathering
When Li Luo felt the surrounding fluctuations dissipate, he opened his eyes only to be greeted by a flood of dazzling, gold light.
He squinted as he gradually adapted to the light. It was then that he noticed that the golden light was coming from the countless golden and majestic temples that stood before him.
Above these structures, light continued to sweep past in a never-ending flow.
Endless noise filled up the entire world.
"This is where the Dragon's Blood Lineage's headquarters is?" Li Luo curiously sized up the area. The architectural style was completely different from that of the Dragon's Fang Lineage. Golden colors dazzled the eye in every direction. It was said that dragon's blood was actually golden, and true to their namesake, the lineage decorated everything accordingly.
Even the clouds above seemed to exude a golden glow. This was not an illusion—a massive, golden dragon manifestation loomed overhead above the layer of clouds, clearly acting as some sort of guardian formation.
It was luxurious, grand, and mysterious.
This was the first impression Li Luo had of the Dragon's Blood Lineage.
Li Luo then looked around as a group of individuals approached them. They seemed to be the elders of the Dragon's Blood Lineage, as they treated Li Jingzhe with great respect.
After the two sides spoke for a bit, Li Jingzhe was invited away, seemingly to meet the Dragon's Blood Lineage's Mountain Ruling Chief.
The four banners were then arranged to be brought to their lodgings.
The actual celebration would take place the next day. They would be given a day to rest and recuperate.
When Li Luo was about to leave with the banner, Li Fengyi came looking for him. "There will be a gathering tonight. It is organized by the Dragon's Blood Lineage's Li Qingfeng. He has invited all of the esteemed individuals from the younger generation and some other guests from other powers who have come to pay their respects. Li Qingfeng hopes that the twenty Banner Leaders can participate. I'm not sure what he's planning to discuss."
"The Gold Blood Banner's Banner Leader Li Qingfeng, huh?" Li Luo's gaze flickered. This name was relatively well known throughout the Heavenly Dragon's Five Lineages. Everyone had touted him to be the Dragon's Head of the current generation.
"That brat. Does he really think that he is the leading figure in our generation? Acting like the Dragon's Head already… Psh. The battle for it has yet to start, and who knows who will be the eventual victor." Li Fengyi lightly pouted as she grumbled. Clearly, she didn't feel very positively about Li Qingfeng.
Regardless, she was well aware that Li Qingfeng was truly a peak genius. He possessed outstanding talent, and whether it was his personal strength or the banner that he led, both were the top of his generation.
It wouldn't be wrong to label him as the poster boy for the current generation of the Heavenly Dragon's Five Lineages.
Still, Li Fengyi felt dissatisfied. She might be a female, but her personality was headstrong and combative. She had always idolized her Third Uncle, Li Taixuan, and was in awe at how he had suppressed all of the individuals of his generation with sheer strength. Thus, she had spent as much effort as she could to become like him.
It was a pity that in terms of talent, despite being exceptional herself, an insurmountable gap still existed between her and Li Qingfeng.
Li Luo sighed deeply and then said with a smile, "Well, let's see what the supposed Dragon's Head wants with us." Either way, he was free right now, and it would be good to take a look at Li Qingfeng. It was likely that the two of them would meet each other at the Mystical Yellow Dragonbreath Pool either way.
Li Fengyi then led the way. Since Li Qingfeng had so graciously invited them, she would have to give him some face.
"Let's go, then." She glanced at the setting sun as she spoke.
Li Luo nodded, and the two left to find Li Jingtao. That fellow was actually trying to escape, but when he came into contact with Li Fengyi's fierce glare, he unwillingly had to follow.
The trio were then led by a serving lady from the Dragon's Blood Lineage, arriving at a well-lit, golden palace situated in the middle of a lake an hour later.
The sun had already set and the sky was dark. However, the golden palace shone resplendently, illuminating the surface of the lake.
The palace was bustling with activity, and countless guests were constantly being guided into the area by servants.
When the trio arrived, they attracted the gazes of several individuals. Most of them were young ladies who looked upon Li Luo with a hint of interest and curiosity.
They did not recognize him, but they felt that this youth with his slender build and head of grayish-white hair seemed to stand out with a certain unique air in the lantern light.
"Little Brother, you really are quite outstanding. If you wish, you can easily have a night full of amorous adventures,'' Li Fengyi joked.
Li Luo helplessly smiled before rejecting her. "That isn't possible. I am already engaged, and I have to preserve my chastity for the chosen one."
"You're actually engaged? Did Third Uncle arrange for this in the outer divine continent?" Li Jingtao asked in surprise before rubbing his chin and speaking in a wise tone. "That is not a good thing. Now that you're in the inner divine continent and she has been left behind, the gap between the two of you will only widen. It will inevitably lead to some form of estrangement between the two of you..."
Li Fengyi also had a dissatisfied expression on her face. "Yes, that is not proper. You should back out of that engagement quickly. Otherwise, letting things drag on will not be beneficial for either of you."
Li Luo sighed worriedly. He had suddenly remembered that when Jiang Qing'e left, they had truly annulled their engagement... In fact, this was of his own doing.
From that point of view, the two of them were no longer engaged.
Li Luo rubbed his face, feeling the urge to slap himself. Li Luo, oh, Li Luo! There was no need to continue acting. Now that he had finally gotten what he wanted and annulled the marriage, perhaps he might spend the rest of his life seeking her. However, he squashed all of these emotions. He understood Jiang Qing'e all too well. The feelings between them would not be affected by such minor matters.
As they continued to walk and chat, the trio arrived at the doors to the gilded palace.
At this point, some individuals approached with mocking laughter. "Li Fengyi, it has been quite some time. You are as energetic as always."
In the middle of the doorway was a young, purple-garbed female. Her face was delicate and beautiful, her skin as white as snow. Her eyes were spirited, and a lifelike red carp was embroidered upon her dress.
The presence of this lady immediately caused the gazes of numerous men around her to blaze with passion.
Li Fengyi merely glanced at her before retorting snidely, "Li Hongli, you're still up to no good, acting all pretentious and fake."
When Li Luo heard this, he gave that lady a second glance. “This is the Fiendish Devil Cave's third placed Banner Leader, the Violet Blood Banner's Li Hongli?
“However, it seems as though the relationship between her and Li Fengyi wasn't the best.”
When faced with Li Fengyi's snide reply, Li Hongli gave a slight smile. "If the Crimson Cloud Banner was as good as your way with words, your rank wouldn’t be so low."
"So what? Do you think the Violet Blood Banner's rank has anything to do with you? I heard it was because your father was so concerned about you that he personally sought out all sorts of experts to support you and your lacking abilities," Li Fengyi icily replied.
Li Hongli's gaze shrank and her voice turned cold. "Even without the Violet Blood Banner, I can easily deal with you."
"Why don't you try it?" Li Fengyi replied with piercing words.
Li Hongli coldly harrumphed as she felt the gazes around her focus upon her. This was not the place to scuffle with Li Fengyi, so her gaze turned towards the handsome youth with grayish-white hair beside her.
"Are you Li Luo?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
Well, he didn't lack anything when it came to looks.
Li Luo smiled and did not reply. He could tell from her condescending eyes that she didn't hold much goodwill towards him either.
Seeing his lack of response, a trace of fury arose on Li Hongli's face as she coolly said, "The son does resemble the father. I just wonder how much of his capability was inherited."
Li Luo attentively replied, "Well, why don't you see for yourself? Well, regardless, I hope that you will not follow in the footsteps of your father and pass down your grievances to the next generation."
Li Luo had long found out from Li Fengyi that Li Hongli's father was one of his father's rivals in the past. They had competed in everything, but the result was clear: absolute defeat.
As a result, Li Hongli's father had always held a trace of resentment towards Li Taixuan, and her attitude must have been the result of her upbringing.
Li Hongli was the princess whom all desired in the Dragon's Blood Lineage's younger generation. Thus, Li Luo's preaching tone caused her to raise her eyebrow in anger.
Just as Li Hongli was about to explode in anger, a hoarse, female voice called out from behind her, "Li Hongli, we have invited countless guests today. Are you planning to throw a temper tantrum tonight?"
This was a familiar voice.
Li Luo's heart trembled slightly and he turned his head. Amidst the numerous figures in the crowd, a girl wearing dark clothes with a pair of fair, oval cheeks and a head of short hair that only reached her ears stood out with her own flair.
A pair of straight, slender, long legs captivated the audience around them.
It was Lu Qingmei, the Banner Leader of the Holy Scale Banner.