Chapter 1: The Emergence of the Martial God (3)

Liu Jiannan sensed a strong implication of reproach in his tone, and he felt quite displeased. Moreover, he had never been fond of Dongfang Tianying's arrogant demeanor. He thought to himself, "So you, the 'Dongfang Fortress,' are so impressive that you can bully others? Is it possible that our Liu family is inferior to your Dongfang family?" Although he harbored such thoughts, his face remained adorned with a broad smile: "This brother Li has some connections with our Liu family. How about this: I will have brother Li apologize to you. You, Dongfang brother, are magnanimous, so let us let this matter pass." His face still wore a broad smile: "This brother Li has some connections with our Liu family. How about this: I will have brother Li apologize to you. You, Dongfang brother, are magnanimous, so let us let this matter pass."

Dongfang Tianying said: "What if I want to teach this kid a lesson today?" Liu Jiannan retorted sharply, showing no signs of backing down: "The 'Dongfang Fortress' is a family of martial arts, and we do not wish to provoke anyone. However, the Liu family is not one to be bullied." The guests were taken aback as the situation unexpectedly escalated into a conflict between the Dongfang family and the Liu family.

Li Yueqian was so focused on eating that he completely failed to notice these changes. He immediately interjected, "The gap is too wide; there's no comparison." Zheng Qianli knew that the effect he desired had been achieved, so he decided to stoke the flames further, pretending he hadn't heard clearly, and asked, "Who is too far behind whom?" Li Yueqian replied, "That person with the surname Dongfang is far inferior to me; there's no comparison." As he spoke, he continued to eat while shaking his head vigorously.

Dongfang Tianying was taken aback and asked, "Why? You have the courage to speak, but not to act?" However, Li Yueqian replied, "I promised my elder brother not to cause trouble and not to leave this table." Dongfang Tianying sneered and said, "Today, if you make a move, I fear it will not be up to you to decide."

Zheng Qianli's voice had grown loud enough to be heard in every corner of the courtyard. Upon hearing this sudden, provocative remark, everyone knew that something was about to happen. Naturally, all fell silent and turned their gaze towards Li Yue's table. The originally noisy courtyard became instantly quiet, and the young lord of the Eastern Fortress, Dongfang Tianying, shot two cold glints from his eyes, scrutinizing every person at this table.

Clearing the crowd, Dongfang Tianying approached Li Yueqian. The onlookers knew that the show was about to begin and gathered around without exception. Dongfang Tianying cupped his hands in salute and said, "Brother, did you not just say that my martial arts are far inferior to yours?" Although Dongfang Tianying's tone was humble, his expression was ashen, and anyone could tell that he was suppressing his anger.

Dongfang Tianying originally intended to leverage the reputation of "Dongfang Fort" to intimidate Li Yueqian. However, he was unexpectedly seen through by Li Yueqian, who even mocked him, causing Dongfang Tianying to feel a mix of anger and embarrassment. Meanwhile, Zheng Qianli noticed that Li Yueqian had suddenly become clear-headed and his words were quite sharp. This made Zheng Qianli begin to worry about his own earlier rashness and recklessness.

Li Yueqian raised his head and glanced at him, greatly astonished, and said: "Not bad, but how did you know? Why did you come over?" As his thoughts shifted, he quickly understood what was going on. He angrily said to Zheng Qianli: "Did you betray me?!" His eyes immediately emitted a fierce, beast-like glare, causing Zheng Qianli to feel a chill run down his spine. Meanwhile, Liu Hanyan secretly nodded, thinking: "This kid is not truly foolish; he simply lacks worldly experience. If he were really a fool, his martial arts skills wouldn't be so formidable."

On the other hand, Liu Jianxi was also unwilling to see this matter truly escalate into a conflict between the Liu family and "Oriental Fortress." He said, "Second brother, let it be. Justice will reveal itself in people's hearts; we have already done our best. Even if we see Father, we can explain the past." Liu Jiannan thought about Liu Jianxi's words and found them to be reasonable, so he let out a cold laugh and decided to withdraw.

Zheng Qianli pretended not to know, pointed at the two people at the neighboring table, and smiled at Li Yueqian, saying: "So, Brother Li, what do you think those two are practicing?" Li Yueqian, unaware of the malice in people's hearts, answered honestly, and his response was completely accurate. Zheng Qianli nodded, then pointed to a table of young people in the middle of the courtyard, saying: "Brother Li, do you know who those people are?" The others at the table, seeing Zheng Qianli's gesture, mostly understood his intentions and began to watch the spectacle with glee. Only Liu Hanyan's eyes flickered with an unpredictable light, appearing profound and inscrutable.

Dongfang Tianying noticed that Liu Jiannan no longer inquired about the matter, and a stone that had been weighing on his heart finally fell to the ground. In truth, he still held a considerable apprehension towards the Liu family. If the Dongfang family were to truly engage in conflict with the Liu family, setting aside the Liu family's strength for the moment, it was likely that a significant portion of the martial arts community in Central Plains would rally to support the Liu family. Indeed, having such a formidable enemy was not what "Dongfang Fortress" desired.

At that moment, without asking if Dongfang Tianying agreed, he turned to Li Yueqian and said: "Li, my younger brother, why aren't you quickly apologizing to Brother Dongfang? Otherwise, when your elder brother Wu returns, we won't have a good explanation!" As he spoke, he also gave Li Yueqian a knowing glance.

Li Yueqian said: "It should be that person with the surname Dongfang. His 'Seven Star Seven Absolute Sword', 'Tianyi True Qi', and 'Duan Yu Palm' have all reached about sixty to seventy percent proficiency. However, the martial arts of the two individuals behind him are even higher than his. " Zheng Qianli nodded and suddenly raised his voice, saying: "Then, compared to the young lord of the Dongfang family, whose martial arts are superior?"

Upon witnessing this situation, Li Yueqian understood that Liu Jiannan was defending him, and naturally felt a sense of gratitude. He then said: "Brother Liu, you need not worry. He cannot do anything to me. I will take responsibility for this matter myself"

However, Li Yue no longer paid any attention to Zheng Qianli and said to Dongfang Tianying: "It was I who spoke, what do you want to do to me?" Dongfang Tianying was taken aback; in the past, when he roamed the martial world, as soon as others heard he was the young lord of the "Dongfang Fortress," they would invariably show him some respect. Yet, the young man before him seemed to completely disregard the "Dongfang Fortress."

Li Yueqian did not even take a look this time and said, "Those are the younger generations of the Dongfang, Nangong, Duanmu, and Situ families among the five great families of the martial world." This time, it was Zheng Qianli who was surprised and asked, "So you know them?" Li Yueqian replied, "I don't know them." Zheng Qianli asked in astonishment, "Then how do you know they are the younger generations of the five great families of the martial world?" Li Yueqian said, "Why are you so foolish? When I entered, I saw that they each possessed the martial arts of the four great families of the martial world. These martial arts are not passed down easily, and they are so young, so they must be the younger generations of the four great families of the martial world."

At that moment, the second young master Liu Jianan and the third young master Liu Jianxi of the Liu residence had already arrived. The two were aware that Wu Tianyuan was a distinguished guest of their father and that Li Yueqian was a brother of Wu Tianyuan, so they naturally did not wish for the matter to escalate. Liu Jianan quickly said, "Brother Dongfang, please hold on!" Dongfang Tianying turned around to see Liu Jianan. Although he felt quite displeased, this was Liu's territory, and he had to give the host some face. He then asked Liu Jianan, "Do you know this kid? Are you going to stand up for him?" Liu Jianan hurriedly replied, "Brother Dongfang, please hold on!" Dongfang Tianying turned around to see Liu Jianan. Although he felt quite displeased, this was Liu's territory, and he had to give the host some face. He then asked Liu Jianan, "Do you know this kid? Are you going to stand up for him?"

Dongfang Tianying looked up to the sky and said: "This fellow looks down on me, Dongfang Fortress. Does Liu brother expect me to swallow this indignation?" Liu Jiannan replied coldly: "The reputation of Dongfang Fortress is known throughout the world, and we have always held it in high regard. Even if Dongfang brother defeats the Li brothers, it will not enhance the prestige of Dongfang Fortress. Moreover, since Dongfang brother has come to celebrate the birthday, you should at least show respect to our residence and refrain from engaging in violence here. Today is a day of great joy for my father, and I do not wish for this matter to cause him any unhappiness."

Hearing the foolish boy Li Yueqian call him stupid, Zheng Qianli naturally flew into a rage, thinking to himself: "I originally thought that if you were acquainted with this young scion of the four great families of the martial world, it would indeed be quite troublesome. Since you are not familiar with each other, then don't blame me." He suppressed his anger and asked, "Among these people, who possesses the highest martial arts skills?"

At that moment, he drew the long sword from his waist and said to Li Yueqian: "Kid, go ahead and make your move!" Li Yueqian saw that the long sword resembled a pool of autumn water, and before it even approached, a chilling aura had already seeped into his skin. He smiled and said: "So it turns out to be a fine sword. I really want to see how I fare against you. Unfortunately, I will not engage in a fight with anyone until my elder brother returns."

Yet Li Yue remained motionless, allowing Dongfang Tianying's seven swords to sweep past him, and said: "I have said that if my elder brother does not come, I will not fight you." The onlookers, witnessing his composure in the face of the sword light, couldn't help but admire him from the bottom of their hearts

The expression on Dongfang Tianying's face turned crimson due to Li Yueqian's mockery, and he angrily said: "It is one thing for you to look down on me, but since you disdain my 'Dongfang Fortress', I must seek your guidance today." Upon hearing Dongfang Tianying's words, the crowd understood that the two were about to engage in a duel and immediately cleared a space. Li Yueqian had previously heard his elder brother Wu Tianyuan mention that in the martial world, the term 'seeking guidance' meant a challenge. Realizing this, he shook his head and said: "I will not fight you."

Zheng Qianli thought to himself: "It turns out that after practicing the 'Vermilion Palm' of the Sichuan Li family, there is a dark red mark on the palm, which is something I have never heard of before. It seems this brat actually has some skills; I should try this kid again." Just as he was about to say something to Li Yueqian, he noticed the middle-aged man beside Liu Hanyan glaring at him fiercely, as if blaming him for speaking too much to Li Yueqian, and it seemed that the mark of the 'Vermilion Palm' was something shameful that should not be mentioned in public. He was just about to say something to Li Yueqian when he saw the middle-aged man beside Liu Hanyan glaring at him fiercely, as if blaming him for speaking too much to Li Yueqian, and it seemed that the mark of the 'Vermilion Palm' was something shameful that should not be mentioned in public.

Dongfang Tianying coldly said: "Do you know who I am? Dare to boast here?" Li Yueqian, however, did not back down and replied: "Does it matter if I know who you are? Should I tremble in fear just because I know who you are? Or should I be scared to the point of losing control? Even if you really are the so-called young lord of 'Dongfang Fortress', why should I be afraid of you? Is 'Dongfang Fortress' really that impressive?"

Dongfang Tianying, upon seeing Li Yue, refused to settle any accounts with anyone, and could not help but laugh in anger, saying: "Liu brother, look, it is not that I do not give you face. This fellow is truly too arrogant. If I do not teach him a lesson today, he will never know what it means to understand the heights of heaven and the depths of the earth." Liu Jiannan, however, replied: "Today is my father's fiftieth birthday. Even if you intend to fight, it should not be at our Liu family."

Dongfang Tianying sneered, "However, this fellow just said that he would not leave this table. Are you suggesting that I should move this table outside your residence? It seems that Brother Liu is determined to protect this fellow today?" Liu Jiannan replied, "I wouldn't dare. I treat all guests equally and naturally do not wish for any guests who have come to celebrate my father's birthday to be harmed here."

How could he know that, although his words were indeed meaningless, his expression was equally so. Li Yue shook his head and said, "I have no intention of apologizing to him! His martial arts are inferior to mine; why should I apologize to him and for what?" Upon hearing this, Liu Jiannan felt a surge of anger in his heart, thinking, "I am doing this for your own good. Do you really think that with your limited skills, you can surpass Dongfang Tianying? Moreover, even if you were to defeat Dongfang Tianying, the 'Dongfang Fortress' is wealthy and powerful; how could it be easily provoked?" He was inclined to ignore the situation, but he feared that if he did, Li Yue's father would blame him later. He wanted to intervene but did not know how to start, leaving him in a dilemma.

Upon witnessing this situation, Zheng Qianli realized that Li Yueqian was not the foolish young man he had initially thought. However, given the circumstances, he could only muster the courage to say: "Brother Li, those were your own words; do not blame others recklessly. If you say it like that, are you going to back out? If you lack the courage, then do not speak!"

Seeing that he showed no signs of fear, Dongfang Tianying couldn't help but feel a sense of doubt in his heart. However, if he were to back down now, it would only bring him greater shame. Thus, he sneered and said, "Whether or not to strike is not for you to decide." He then wielded his sword like the wind, and in an instant, he thrust seven times towards Li Yueqian. Without even mentioning the intricacy of his swordsmanship, each of these seven strikes passed closely by Li Yueqian, so much so that if any one of them had deviated by even half a point, it could have injured him. This level of skill alone was already quite remarkable. The guests, being discerning individuals, naturally understood the underlying intricacies and realized that the reputation of "Dongfang Fortress" was well-deserved, prompting them to cheer loudly. Each of these seven strikes passed closely by Li Yueqian, so much so that if any one of them had deviated by even half a point, it could have injured him. This level of skill alone was already quite remarkable. The guests, being discerning individuals, naturally understood the underlying intricacies and realized that the reputation of "Dongfang Fortress" was well-deserved, prompting them to cheer loudly.

Upon hearing this, Li Yueqian let out a cold laugh twice and said, "Zheng, we will settle this account later." In front of all the heroes of the world, Zheng Qianli naturally would not allow himself to lose face, so he replied, "You, a mere child still reeking of milk, what if we settle this account right now? Am I afraid of you?" Liu Hanyan and the other guests all understood that if Li Yueqian truly was not as skilled as Dongfang Tianying, then it would be acceptable. However, if Li Yueqian's martial arts were indeed superior to Dongfang Tianying's, then Zheng Qianli would be in serious trouble.

However, as soon as he uttered this sentence, the entire Liu residence erupted in an uproar. Dongfang Tianying was especially furious. Since he began his journey in the martial world, he had not encountered any rivals in the past two or three years, which had made his already high and mighty spirit even more arrogant and overbearing. Yet today, a mere young lad dared to say that his martial arts were vastly inferior, and to do so in front of all the heroes of the world—how could he possibly swallow this indignation