Elder Li Tianquan never would have imagined that Qian Ye could fight the witch to a stalemate, leaving both grievously wounded.
As the second elder of the Li Family, Li Tianquan was no fool. He lacked neither intelligence nor background, and his experience was vast. Even if he had never seen the witch in person, he could still make educated guesses about her combat prowess. A witch who could drive Zhao Jundu into a corner was not someone he, Li Tianquan, could hope to defeat.
Yet, Qian Ye had managed to wound her as well!
This meant that Qian Ye could also kill him, Li Tianquan. The thought of almost having come to blows with Qian Ye made him shudder.
The trembling of his right hand was not just from fear, but also from tension and a sense of helplessness. When this news reached him, Li Tianquan’s first thought was that Qian Ye must not be allowed to live! If Qian Ye were to rise to greatness, the pressure on the Li Family might become unbearable, and they might even sacrifice him to appease the situation.
The younger Li Tianquan, bold and fearless, was long gone. Now, he had attachments, power, a family, and a luxurious life, but he no longer had the courage for a desperate battle. Many in high positions shared this trait, but they did not face such a difficult situation as Li Tianquan did now.
Li Tianquan turned and looked at the large landscape painting hanging on the wall. Behind it was a hidden cabinet, containing the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence. This item had been acquired by Li Tianquan with great effort, intended to fulfill his bet with Qian Ye. When the Li Family purchased it, they reduced the price by half, making it affordable for him.
Officially, the Li Family claimed to preserve their reputation, but how much of that was due to Zhao Jundu or the execution of Count Jia De, no one could say for sure.
To his left, the guest room held the emissary from the Zhao Family, sent to collect the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence. To his right, in a secret chamber, was an advocate who had just arrived to stop the handover. This advocate’s identity was mysterious, but his background was formidable. Li Tianquan, with his years of experience, had already discerned who stood behind this man.
The terms offered by the advocate made Li Tianquan’s heart race. The most significant was the promise of support from a powerful figure in the imperial court to establish a new branch of the family. Such an offer was extremely sincere. In the entire empire, only a few people had the power to make such a promise.
Their sole condition was that he must not hand over the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence.
Thus, Li Tianquan found himself in a difficult position. He realized that even the mighty figures in the imperial court were secretly intervening to prevent Qian Ye’s awakening. This suggested that Qian Ye’s importance had reached a level that could incite conflicts in the highest echelons. Would he, Li Tianquan, still be able to harm Qian Ye if he woke up? What would the Zhao Family do for such a Qian Ye?
From the silent confrontation between the mighty figures, Li Tianquan understood the significance of the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence. It was likely that Qian Ye would live if he had it, and die without it.
So, should he give it or not?
At that moment, Li Tianquan wished he did not possess the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence, sparing him this life-or-death decision.
But time was against him. Suddenly, a loud boom shook the office, and dust fell from the ceiling. A small piece of wood struck Li Tianquan on the head.
Enraged, he shouted, “What is going on?!”
The female secretary burst in, panicked, “Elder, the Zhao Family’s envoy has started smashing things. He said if he doesn’t get a response, he’ll tear this place apart!”
Furious, Li Tianquan laughed bitterly, “How dare they not take the Li Family seriously! Come, I want to see how he plans to demolish my building right in front of me!”
Before he could leave, another boom shook the building, and screams filled the air.
In the guest room, the Zhao Family general smirked, paying no attention to the Li Family soldiers around him. He stomped on the ground, and the building shook, cracks appearing on the walls. But the floor remained unharmed. This was the famous “Earthquake Strike” of the Zhao Family, capable of destroying structures a hundred meters away with a single stomp.
Finally, Li Tianquan emerged from the dust, standing at the door of the guest room, roaring, “How dare you, a mere brigade commander, act so brazenly here? If not for the Zhao Family’s sake, I would crush you with one blow!”
The commotion drew a crowd, and within moments, dozens gathered, including several influential figures. The Li Family officers hesitated to clear the area, as some of these newcomers were as important as Li Tianquan. Moreover, whether the Li Family base could hold depended on these families’ willingness to stay. A single Heavenly Cloud Smoke Pearl could not compensate for the mounting losses of the families. With only one pearl, who would get it was uncertain. Thus, the Li Family had been walking on eggshells, wary of offending these families.
Despite Li Tianquan’s fury, the Zhao Family general was unfazed. Laughing, he said, “I, Duan Chengpeng, am just a rough man, and my life is cheap. I came here with no intention of returning alive. But I ask, where do you, Li Tianquan, get the nerve to withhold the medicine we need? Do you think the Li Family’s honor is worth less than a dose of Mirror Water Cleansing Essence?”
Li Tianquan’s face darkened, and he roared, “Lies! The Mirror Water Cleansing Essence is not in my possession.”
But before he finished, Duan Chengpeng interrupted, “Haha! You dare to say that? The Mirror Water Cleansing Essence is in your office. Let’s check it out. What if I find it?”
Li Tianquan was speechless. He knew there must be a spy from the Zhao Family among his people. Duan Chengpeng was crafty, using a crude demeanor as a cover to force Li Tianquan into a corner.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Li Tianquan dared not let Duan Chengpeng search his office. Any attempt to tamper with the evidence would be noticed.
His face changing, he forced out, “Ridiculous! This is the Li Family’s territory. Even if the Duke of Yu himself came, he would have no right to search my office!”
Duan Chengpeng’s face turned serious, and he said, “So, Elder Li, you are determined to keep the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence? You know how valuable General Qian Ye’s life is. Can you bear the consequences?”
Li Tianquan was shocked by Duan Chengpeng’s bluntness. He knew the value of Qian Ye’s life and could not afford to take the blame. He retorted, “Nonsense! The Mirror Water Cleansing Essence is a treasure of the Li Family, and its distribution is our decision. Furthermore, I admire General Qian Ye’s dedication to the country. Why would I harm him?”
Duan Chengpeng sneered, “Elder Li, I won’t waste words. Delaying is tantamount to murder. If you don’t hand it over, you are declaring war on the Zhao Family. Think carefully, for this is a matter of life and death. Once decided, there is no turning back.”
Li Tianquan glared, “You go too far! The Zhao Family may be powerful, but the Li Family is not to be trifled with. Seize him!”
The Li Family soldiers hesitated but obeyed. The watching families were surprised by the rapid escalation. The Zhao Family envoy left no room for negotiation, indicating the critical importance of the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence for Qian Ye.
The ownership of the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence was not in dispute. Everyone knew of the bet between Li Tianquan and Qian Ye. Given Li Tianquan’s status, he should have kept his word. Holding onto the Mirror Water Cleansing Essence was a sinister act.
However, no one dared to intervene in the conflict between the Li and Zhao Families. Any involvement required the head of the family and the council’s approval. Thus, they remained silent, watching the events unfold.
As the Li Family soldiers approached, Duan Chengpeng charged forward, shouting, “I will spill my blood today, and the fourth prince will carry this banner to avenge me! Remember, the fourth prince has yet to fire his gun!”
Duan Chengpeng’s voice echoed through the base, and the main building shook again, collapsing partially. As the dust settled, Li Tianquan hovered in the air, looking down at the rubble, his hands trembling.
Duan Chengpeng lay motionless in the ruins, his fate unknown.
At the last moment, Li Tianquan had struck, severely injuring Duan Chengpeng. Yet, Duan Chengpeng lived, and Li Tianquan hesitated to deliver the final blow.
It was clear to all that wounding and killing Duan Chengpeng made little difference; both delayed Qian Ye’s treatment. The Zhao Family’s wrath was certain. With Zhao Jundu’s temper, war was inevitable. However, many wondered why Li Tianquan, though brash, would risk such a confrontation. This was not a decision for a mere elder.
Some began to ponder deeper implications.
“Take this arrogant man and lock him up,” Li Tianquan ordered. His voice was steady, but a hint of panic lingered. His hands trembled, even when hidden in his sleeves.
With that, the incident concluded, and the onlookers dispersed, eager to report the news to their respective families for further action.
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