"That’s right, don’t underestimate the top-tier experts from remote regions. Being able to fight their way out of such harsh conditions and become Divine Power Martial Artists means their talent is certainly extraordinary. They might even have incredibly powerful Divine Skills!"
"I’m just curious about this Lu Changsheng—just how strong could his Divine Skills be to warrant such special treatment from Li Guang?"
For a moment, many experts focused their gazes on Lu Changsheng.
Those who had access to so much information about Lu Changsheng were certainly not ordinary individuals. Most were likely people of significant standing within the Li family.
It’s very possible that this intelligence was gathered by rivals competing with Li Guang.
Lu Changsheng’s Perception Domain naturally made him aware of the discussions around him.
He sat straight in the chair and immediately closed his eyes, remaining completely still and resting quietly. The source of thɪs content is ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
"The Lord and the Elders have arrived!"
After a quarter of an hour, the most authoritative figures entered the scene.
And a group of clan elders.
Surprisingly, there were eighteen elders present.
Of course, not all the elders.
But even so, it was quite shocking.
Becoming a clan elder was, in itself, a symbol of great achievement.
The elders of the Li family were bound by strict rules: one must possess peak Divine Power Martial Artist-level combat strength.
And they must have rendered outstanding service to the family.
Only through such overarching qualifications could one qualify as an elder.
Otherwise, they could only be considered ordinary Divine Power Martial Artists within the Li family.
The elders wielded great authority.
Their main role was essentially to monitor and limit the power of the Lord.
Thus, every Lord invariably clashed with the elders.
The two sides restrained each other while simultaneously keeping one another in check.
"Lord, is this the mysterious expert Li Guang recruited? Haha, judging by the Lord’s confidence, could it be this one has actually cultivated Great Divine Power?"
An elder asked with a mocking tone.
His voice was relaxed but was filled with sarcasm.
That was nothing more than a jest.
In all of Heavenly Saint City, countless geniuses had emerged, but those with Great Divine Power were few and far between.
Could a top-tier talent from some remote region possibly cultivate Great Divine Power?
Absolutely impossible!
Could shallow waters nurture a true Dragon?
Perhaps Lu Changsheng did possess some unique qualities.
Stronger than the average Divine Power Martial Artist.
But cultivating Great Divine Power? Such thoughts were mere fantasy to these elders.
Li Chengwu’s gaze flickered with a sharp light, and he soon smiled as he spoke: "Elder She, you jest. Throughout Heavenly Saint City, how many people can actually cultivate Great Divine Power? Even if it’s not Great Divine Power, the fact that Guang’er recruited this individual suggests he possesses some capabilities."
"Moreover, the competition for the Lord’s position hasn’t even begun yet, and Elder She is already so eager to dismiss the expert Guang’er recruited. That’s not very fair to Guang’er, is it?"
Upon hearing these words, Elder She’s expression shifted slightly.
"Heh, with you, Li Chengwu, around, is there ever any doubt that your son will get his ’fairness’?"
Elder She did not hold back, directly confronting Li Chengwu.
The atmosphere between the two grew increasingly tense, prompting other elders nearby to quickly mediate: "Lord, Elder She, whatever grievances you might have, once the selection process for the Lord’s successor begins, everything will be clear for all to see. Why squabble here and let the younger generation mock us?"
Indeed, anyone with keen insight could easily see that Elder She and the Lord were at odds.
This was, of course, not merely a personal grudge but also a clash of interests.
Elder She represented Li Feng.
Li Chengwu represented Li Guang.
The two sides were locked in fierce competition for the Lord’s seat, practically sworn enemies.
Li Chengwu smiled faintly upon hearing this and replied: "Indeed. Back then, Elder She’s son couldn’t outcompete me, leading to my becoming the Lord. Now Elder She is supporting Li Feng, trying to suppress Guang’er."
"But the Lord’s position belongs to the capable. Ultimately, it’s all up to you!"
Elder She’s face flushed red with anger as his sore spot was exposed.
Back then, Elder She’s son had ambitious dreams and competed with Li Chengwu for the Lord’s seat.
In the end, he was defeated by Li Chengwu and failed spectacularly.
Since that moment, Elder She and Li Chengwu had been at odds.
These matters were well-known to everyone.
"Hmph, boasting with words alone!"
"Let me see what Li Guang truly has to offer—what qualifies that useless, idle failure to compete for the Lord’s seat?"
Elder She spared no harshness in his words.
Li Chengwu, however, could not be bothered to argue with Elder She.
Ultimately, everything depended on how the upcoming competition for the Lord’s seat unfolded.
Honestly, even Li Chengwu didn’t feel entirely confident.
"Enough, Lord. Today marks the official beginning of the Li family’s selection process for the next Lord. You should do the honors and preside over the proceedings."
"To become the Lord, wisdom is indispensable."
"Of course, in Heavenly Saint City, martial prowess is just as important."
"Thus, to earn the title of Lord, both intellect and martial skill must be balanced!"
"The registration process begins now. Anyone aspiring to become the next Lord of the Li family may step forward and register! As long as you’re under a hundred years old—even if you are from the family’s collateral lines—you can register and have the opportunity to compete for the position of Lord!"
Li Chengwu announced loudly to the many members of the family gathered in the Martial Arts Arena.
For a while, the crowd buzzed with conversations and debates.
Some individuals were visibly eager to give it a try.
This was the Li family’s tradition for thousands of years regarding the selection process for the Lord.
No matter their status or closeness in the bloodline, as long as they were a member of the Li family and under a hundred years old, they could participate.
And they had a shot at becoming the Lord.
It was precisely this exceptionally open selection mechanism that had allowed the Li family to thrive for thousands of years.