Chapter 1847: This Battle, You Must Go

"Godfather, this Splendid Crane Feather Robe was acquired by Hao'er at great cost from a True God powerhouse. This Celestial Mysterious Treasure suits Sister Qiuling perfectly—it's the most exquisite thing."

In Leng Hongxiu's private courtyard, Leng Hao stood with a respectful, somewhat fawning, and cautious demeanor.

To be fair, Leng Hao was a man of ambition.

Many years ago, before Leng Hongxiu became the family head, he had already sworn fealty to him as his godfather, currying favor in every way.

One could say he was a smooth and versatile character.

Though born of a concubine, he still held a fairly high position within the clan.

He was brothers with the young master and godfather to the second-in-command—such capability was not something anyone could achieve.

Of course, Leng Hao did all this simply to make his own life better and his future brighter.

He succeeded.

But even he hadn't expected that one day Leng Hongxiu would become the family head, and his good brother Leng Xu would become a marginal figure in the Leng family.

That was when he began to have ideas.

In terms of talent, he was no match for Leng Xu, but Leng Hao always felt that it was only because he had fewer resources than Leng Xu.

After all, he had paid so much to get where he was today!

If only he could become the young master, with power in his hands, his cultivation speed would surely increase, and his position would become more stable.

Perhaps one day, he could rule the Leng family!

It must be said, Leng Hao's schemes were quite intricate.

Leng Hongxiu's eyes lit up at the sight of the magnificent Splendid Crane Feather Robe.

This garment, worn by his daughter Leng Qiuling, would surely make her look like a celestial maiden.

The most talented junior in the Leng family was not Leng Xu, nor even Leng Hao, but Leng Qiuling, known as the Ice Beauty.

Hundreds of years ago, at the age of five hundred, Leng Qiuling had attained enlightenment on Mount Tongtian and stepped into the realm of the True God.

Now, another few hundred years had passed, and Leng Qiuling had broken through to the Fifth Heaven of the True God!

Such talent was dazzling even in the entire imperial capital.

In comparison, even Leng Xu paled significantly.

What Leng Hongxiu valued most was this daughter.

What did it matter that he had no sons?

With this daughter, it was enough!

That Leng Hongxiu could become the family head was naturally closely related to Leng Qiuling.

Among his peers, Leng Hongxiu was not without competitors, but the council of elders unanimously agreed to let him succeed as family head.

In truth, Leng Qiuling was not only Leng Hongxiu's pride but also the pride of the entire Leng family.

The reason Leng Hao invested so much effort in Leng Hongxiu was naturally also because of Leng Qiuling.

"Not bad, very good! Hehe, Hao'er, you have a thoughtful heart!" Leng Hongxiu nodded approvingly.

For a martial artist, beauty was naturally secondary; the most important thing was that this Splendid Crane Feather Robe was a Celestial Mysterious Treasure with extremely strong defensive power.

But when beauty and practicality came together, who could refuse?

Leng Hao smiled and said, "This is what a son should do! Over the years, godfather has taken good care of me. Sister Qiuling and I are closer than blood siblings. What is such a small matter?"

Leng Hongxiu glanced at Leng Hao and smiled, "Hao'er, a few days ago I discussed with the council of elders. They feel that it's indeed awkward for Xu'er to continue as young master now. Of course, you must also demonstrate corresponding strength. Ten days from now, you and Xu'er will have a contest. The winner will become the new young master! I have no sons; you will be my son!"

Hearing this, Leng Hao bowed his head in obeisance, tears streaming down his face, and said, "Godfather, I... I really don't know what to say."

Leng Hongxiu helped him up and laughed, "After all these years, do I not know your character? You are different from others. Back when I had not yet risen and Qiuling's talent had not yet shown, you were already quite close to our family."

Leng Hao's face was full of feigned emotion, but inside he was ecstatic.

After years of investment, the time for returns had finally come. How could he not be excited?

Leng Hao was different from others. When others clung to the family head's thigh, he did not.

Because he didn't have the qualifications.

So he deliberately approached Leng Xu and Leng Qiuling.

When Leng Qiuling was very young, he once saw her terrifying cultivation talent and decided right then to invest in her.

As Leng Hao's status rose, so did his ambition.

Leng Hongxiu said, "I know your strength surpasses Xu'er's, but this contest is crucial. Sharpening the spear on the battlefield—though not perfect, it helps. In these ten days, cultivate well and don't let yourself be distracted."

Leng Hao took his leave, and a graceful figure stepped out from the void.

"Father!"

Leng Hongxiu looked at his daughter with a doting smile and said, "You and Hao'er grew up together. Why is it that now you don't even want to see him?"

Leng Qiuling frowned slightly and said, "Brother Leng Hao... he has changed!"

Leng Hongxiu said, "People always change. Come, try on this Splendid Crane Feather Robe. That boy has put thought into it."

Leng Qiuling instinctively felt some resistance, but seeing her father's enthusiasm, she finally put it on.

...

In Leng Xu's private courtyard, Leng Xu was again drowning his sorrows in wine.

Ye Yuan smiled and said, "There are only ten days left until the young master contest, and you're wallowing here. Is that really okay?"

Leng Xu directly raised the jar and said to Ye Yuan, "Drink! Why bother with such trivial matters?"

Ye Yuan pressed down his wine jar and shook his head, "I consider you a brother, so I'll speak a few heartfelt words. If you don't want to hear them, pretend I said nothing."

Seeing Ye Yuan's serious tone, Leng Xu was startled.

These days, Ye Yuan had been drinking with him to drown his sorrows, never saying much.

Today, for some reason, he was so solemn.

Leng Xu now regarded Ye Yuan as his only brother and valued his opinion greatly.

He nodded, put down the wine jar, and said, "Speak."

Ye Yuan said, "This battle, you must go! And you must win!"

Leng Xu frowned and said, "Why? Brother Ye, I..."

Ye Yuan interrupted him, "I know you have no interest in the position of young master, but precisely because of that, you must go! You may not care about these empty titles, but if you lose your martial heart, you'll become a walking corpse from now on! Who would think highly of such a person? I'm willing to drink with you because I think you're free-spirited and unrestrained, not because you're a waste! Besides, your father made you the young master. Do you want to tell everyone that the previous family head appointed a good-for-nothing?"

Ye Yuan's words struck like thunderclaps in Leng Xu's heart.

Ye Yuan continued, "Your father was killed, your brother betrayed you—you have every reason to be despondent. But ask yourself, are you willing to accept this? Will you not avenge your father? And Leng Hao—he already wants you dead. Once he gains power, do you think he'll let you live? So, this battle, you must win! Even if after winning, you tell everyone that you disdain to be the young master!"

Leng Xu's eyes gradually changed.

From dazed, they became resolute.

Indeed, he had too many things to do!

Tilting his head back, Leng Xu drained the jar of wine in one gulp and said, "Brother Ye, thank you!"