Chapter 763 763: Each Fighting Their Own Battle
Li Qingyu wanted to give it some serious thought. "I think I must fight for marriage," he decided.
Although the words of the matchmaker arranged by his parents sounded comforting, one mustn't forget that Li Qingyu was an outstanding young man of the new era. What kind of dramas hadn't he seen already? He wouldn't just passively let it happen. Instead, he thought that having the freedom to choose his love would be better.
Still, his inner voice reminded him, "You're just a kid right now. Talking about marriage so coldly—dedicating oneself to practice is what truly serves the Kingdom. Of course, feelings should be cultivated first; after all, what kind of mentality a wife fosters is crucial."
"Li Yanran... A woman with immense potential. When she grows up, she may bring absolute disaster to the nation and its people," Li Qingyu murmured while rubbing his chin, his thoughts plunging inexplicably. "But Baidu Angle seems promising!"
"Wait a second. Why am I even thinking about that crazy woman? No, what's wrong with me?"
Suddenly, Li Qingyu felt he might have shrunken due to his mother's foreign languages.
Could it really be because spring has arrived?
Li Qingyu dared not delve further into such thoughts. His heart had already spoken—he should quickly put his emotions into action.
When he opened his eyes again, the sun had risen, and he'd unknowingly practiced throughout the entire night. That night, according to his plan, he focused deeply on controlling the five elements. First, he enhanced his mastery over the Fire God's elusive spirit, allowing him to make progress on top of recovery.
After an entire night's practice, Li Qingyu could now manipulate the Fire God at will.
However, he didn't feel too pleased. Even though fire's spirit was the easiest to control, the remaining four essences were the true challenges.
The room's table displayed empty rice bowls, likely leftovers from the meal Li San brought last night. As for why they weren't free to clean up, he should ask the sleeping beast beside him.
"Get up, lazy pig!"
The beast reluctantly opened its eyes, noticing Li Qingyu had already leapt out of bed and hurried outside.
Li Qingyu was practicing Tai Chi Boxing in the courtyard, eliciting curiosity from the beast. Eventually, the beast ended up mimicking Li Qingyu's movements. At first, it floundered awkwardly with hand-foot coordination, but gradually, it learned. Its progress even began surpassing what Li Mubai could previously achieve.
A man and a beast practiced tirelessly until Li San delivered breakfast. Upon seeing the little beast practicing Tai Chi Boxing, Li San was left in awe—martial arts practiced by a "monster beast"… That's quite a feat!
After breakfast and a bath, Li Qingyu resumed his practice again.
This routine continued for three consecutive days.
The little beast, without requiring much practice, roamed around freely, engaging in all kinds of escapades in Li Fu's domain, gleefully causing chaos. It returned punctually for dinner, then went off gallivanting again after finishing its meal. It had become well-known around Li Fu's territory that Li Zangfeng owned a charming beast companion, infamous for taking lively jumps on people's heads to antagonize monster creatures...
The nuisance of this beast earned it all sorts of curses. The Yin Yang duo mistakenly handed their scorn for the beast toward their sly elder brother instead. Haha—was it really so lucky?
It wasn't until midday on the fourth day that Li Mubai and Li Mingdong awoke Li Qingyu.
By now, after three days of continuous refinement, he'd harnessed the earthy essence among the five elemental energies.
Li Qingyu had only ever seen such scenes where countless nameless heroes returned triumphantly in television dramas. But now, the scene turned into reality—all the returning heroes embodied his father.
He couldn't help but admit this feeling... It was overwhelmingly enigmatic...
When Li Qingyu rushed outside the city gates, he realized he had grossly underestimated the people's enthusiasm. The greeting lines stretched far beyond, an awe-inspiring sight—crowds stood steadfast, extending ten miles out.
The scale made Li Qingyu tremble inwardly. Wasn't this entire phenomenon under the Emperor's decree to rally everyone?
He noticed an authentic smile etched on every face in the crowd, and nearly every woman held a child in her arms.
While passing through the central thoroughfare, Li Qingyu caught a glimpse of items symbolic of imperial exclusivity. Triggered, he recalled an old saying—"feasting from the royal pot!"
"Look! That's the third son of General Li!"
Without knowing who recognized Li Qingyu, a shout erupted. The previously solemn crowd instantly broke into a commotion.
"Where is he? Let me see!"
"Is that the so-called third son? Doesn't he seem a bit different from the legends?"
"You know, those are just rumors! This third son is remarkably refined and magnificent—the true heir of General Li's bloodline!"
The praises made those around nod instinctively, admiring Li Qingyu repeatedly.
Flustered, Li Qingyu could feel his face flush while reaching the city walls—and still, he couldn't help but quicken his steps, silently hurrying through the lines on either side.
Li Mubai followed, laughing as he teased, "Big Brother, how does it feel?"
Li Qingyu took a moment to think, then calmly replied, "It's nothing worth."
Li Mubai couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Big Brother, playing the aloof hero role is too dull for you!"
Li Qingyu considered this response—this was not being pretentious but rather his genuine outlook.
"Rather than being lauded solely because I'm Li Yaotian's son, I'd much prefer people's praises to be directed at me as an individual!"
At this moment, Li Qingyu suddenly felt envious of his father—someone capable of winning the love and admiration of so many people. A real hero, no doubt.
Li Qingyu had always believed that a man need not spend his life intoxicated under a dreamer's lap, nor must he awaken just for seeking power. But at the very least, he should live up to his parents' expectations.
Life should be heroic, and even in death, one should leave behind the legacy of a valiant spirit!
If only he could wage battle on the sands like Xiang Yu… How extraordinary would leaving behind a name of one's own for generations be!
He didn't know why, but his thoughts wandered. He envisioned becoming a hero someday, wondering what sort of reception people might give on the day of his ultimate victory.
Li Qingyu's eyes sparkled with newfound determination. "Let's get moving!"
Li Mubai, though bold, couldn't fully grasp Li Qingyu's statement earlier. However, Li Mintong understood its essence.
"As your lifelong younger brother, no matter what you choose to do, I'll wholeheartedly support you—even if it means becoming your shoulder or your arm. We will overcome every obstacle in your path!"
Li Mingdong silently made his pledge, flashing a grin at Li Mubai. "Second Brother, how about we help Big Brother become the protagonist of his story?"
Li Mubai's eyes lit up instantly. Though dim-witted at times, he wasn't foolish. Without hesitation, he declared firmly, "Of course!"
Both believed that someday, the glory would return to them—and that day would never be too far away...
"Mama!"
Ye Feifei nodded gently but refrained from questioning why Li Qingyu came to her at night. It was simply her way of expressing quick support.
With one glance, Li Qingyu quickly noticed Li Zangfeng standing silently behind Ye Feifei. He couldn't help but chuckle slightly, though his focus remained fixed on the beast perched atop Li Zangfeng—it was far too conspicuous.
A hushed murmur rippled among people near Li Fu regarding the little dragon beast. Snippets such as "unseen before," "death-defying prince hybrids," "shiny-scaled monsters annihilating minds," sprawled boundlessly.
The dragon beast seemed like a fateful bane for Li Zangfeng, who couldn't hide the embarrassment across his darkened face.
The Little Dragon Beast, however, remained unfazed, clinging shamelessly to Li Zangfeng. No matter how much anyone argued, it refused to leave his side. Those whispering about him claiming the beast found their claims hard to dispute regardless!
"Who can deceive anyone while this scene plays crystal-clearly?" some lamented.
Li Fu half-heartedly whispered apologies to his younger brother standing idly beside him. Then—to everyone's surprise—he silently demonstrated subtle encouragement toward the beast!
Li Qingyu scanned the surroundings and noticed that virtually everyone except their trio had arrived early—and felt a pang of slight shame.
Even Baidu Chang Feng, present at this critical junction, surprisingly refrained from sowing trouble outwardly. Signs of camaraderie between him and Li Fu seemed evident—formed during shared Treasure Vault excursions hosted by Baidu Corner.
Speaking of Baidu Angle… He wasn't visible. Likely portraying himself somewhere engaging affairs on noted matters of importance guaranteed.
Whether allied alongside or adversarial over historic enmities range within territories figures shifting shift alignments unexpectedly elsewhere assembled guests host.