Chapter 0899: Head of the Dragon's Fang Lineage's Four Banners
After leaving the grand hall, Li Luo headed straight for Fiendish Devil Peak.
When he arrived, he saw that the four banners were already congregating around the field before the Fiendish Devil Cave, and things were bustling with activity.
The aura around the four banners was starkly different from half a year ago.
In the past, the Gold Light Banner possessed the most vigorous morale. Its members were also proud and had undamped spirits that were unrivaled by the rest. The Green Nether Banner, on the other hand, was the least impressive; they would disperse into the crowd during gatherings, much like a pile of loose sand.
However, the Green Nether Banner was now the most enthusiastic one of the lot with a vigor that far surpassed the rest.
The members were now brimming with confidence and their morale was flourishing. Even their voices carried excitement and energy.
This was only natural. They had obtained an exceptional Banner Leader and elevated their declining position into one that was firmly entrenched within the top few ranks in the short span of half a year.
In a way, they were still the same as before—there had been no huge changes among the people within the banner. The key difference was just the new Banner Leader.
They had even managed to surpass the Gold Light Banner in terms of layers conquered in the Fiendish Devil Cave, landing them in the top five. This transformation was all because of Li Luo.
He had catalyzed a qualitative change within them, and his prestige and status within the banner was at a peak. No one would doubt his words—everyone would obey him without question.
The Gold Light Banner nearby glanced at the raucous Green Nether Banner with complicated expressions. Although they were dissatisfied at their relative decline, they had to reluctantly accept the surprising results brought about by Li Luo.
Most importantly, Li Luo was only at the Fiend Palace Tier when he first joined. However, he had now reached completion in the Glass Fiend Body Tier, and the gap between him and the rest of the strongest Banner Leaders had shrunk significantly.
Additionally, no one, including the likes of Li Qingfeng, Lu Qingmei, and Deng Fengxian, knew exactly how large the gap was now.
However, the answer to this question would finally be known today.
They had all received the news that the gathering of the four banners today would lead to a new leader amongst them. This was all in preparation for the Battle of the Dragon's Head.
This was a very normal occurrence. The four banners of each lineage required an overall representative that would help maintain the harmony amongst the troops, or to unite their hearts against a common foe.
In the past, the Gold Light Banner felt that Deng Fengxian was naturally suited for the task. Although Li Fengyi and Li Jingtao held special positions by virtue of their fathers, Deng Fengxian was on top when it came to both influence and strength.
That was, of course, before the black horse Li Luo had appeared. His presence threw everything into flux.
Even the members of the Gold Light Banner would not dare to declare that Deng Fengxian would be the best representative without seeing the results of a battle between them.
This caused the members to feel complicated. Six months ago, they would never have believed that an individual raised in an outer divine continent would work his way up to challenge Deng Fengxian. As the thoughts of the countless banner members continued to churn, Li Luo arrived. At the same time, a commotion burst out from within the middle of the field as numerous gazes shot towards him.
"Banner Leader!" The members of the Green Nether Banner immediately saluted him with booming voices that caused the nearby wildlife to fly away in fear.
Li Luo grinned and waved his hand, indicating for them to be at ease as he walked towards the field. He was the last to arrive, and the other Banner Leaders were already in the stone pavilion shrouded in greenery.
At the front of the Green Nether Banner stood Zhao Yanzhi, whose beautiful gaze was affixed upon Li Luo. A sweet smile surfaced on her face. "It looks like we are going to be treated to a great show today."
Li Shi replied, "Li Jingtao actually has the strength to contest for the position of leader. He is so adept at defense that even Deng Fengxian's Gilded Armor Spirit Blade is unable to triumph over him. Alas, his personality is genial and he dislikes conflict. He would take the initiative to surrender if he could. Li Fengyi, on the other hand, is simply too weak compared to Deng Fengxian. In the end, it's all up to the Boss."
"Can the Boss beat Deng Fengxian? This fight does not allow him to tap upon Harmony and we cannot assist him. Additionally, I understand that Deng Fengxian has been cultivating fervently for months and has become significantly stronger. With his personality, he would not hold back in this battle," Mu Bi asked worriedly.
Zhao Yanzhi smiled. "No matter what the white-dressed gilded-armor fellow tries to do, he will be left ragged and tattered if he dares to clash against our Banner Leader."
Mu Bi sighed helplessly. He was simply trying to be logical, yet he was met with an irrational response. They might as well not have spoken. Still, what else could he do? The beauty would simply have her way.
Li Shi grinned. "Most people feel that the only reason the Boss has had so much success is because of Harmony. However, I feel that the truth is the opposite. The state of Harmony has covered up how truly frightening he is. Perhaps during the Battle of the Dragon's Head, the other lineages will truly experience the kind of amazing talent the Boss possesses for themselves, despite coming from an outer divine continent."
Mu Bi scratched his head. Wait... this seemed like even more exaggerated bragging than before!
Meanwhile, Li Luo had made his way to the stone pavilion. He greeted the trio with a smile. "My apologies, I'm late."
His eyes swept over Li Jingtao, Li Fengyi, and then paused briefly on Deng Fengxian. They had not met for half a month, and his strength seemed to have soared. The resonant power around him had become even more dense.
"Banner Leader Deng Fengxian, you have improved yet again," Li Luo stated.
Deng Fengxian cooly replied, "One cannot simply languish in their current position. Otherwise, I would very quickly be overtaken by you, Banner Leader Li Luo."
Li Luo smiled and had a quick chat with the other three before turning to the topic on everyone's minds. "I think you all understand why I've gathered you all today. The Battle of the Dragon's Head is at hand and the four banners of our Dragon's Fang Lineage have to select an overall representative. Otherwise, the other four lineages will only gossip that we are leaderless. I wonder, do the three of you have any opinions on this?"
Li Jingtao simply yawned and beamed at him. "Nope."
"We will naturally have to battle. The winner will be the leader. How else can we convince the masses?" Deng Fengxian calmly replied.
BANG!
Li Fengyi slammed her palm against the table as she glared at Deng Fengxian with an icy smile. "What you say is right. Only after a battle can we decide things fairly. How about this? You'll challenge Li Jingtao first. Then I'll take you on for a second round. Li Luo will finally challenge you at the end. If you can emerge victorious, you will be the one to represent the Dragon's Fang Lineage!"
The corners of Deng Fengxian's lips twitched a little upon hearing those words.
Why not just get the three of them to team up against him? What was this crap about three battles!?
Deng Fengxian couldn't help but to blurt out, "Banner Leader Li Fengyi, that doesn't seem very reasonable."
"Huh? Are you saying that I'm unreasonable? That I'm illogical?" Li Fengyi glared dangerously at Deng Fengxian, and the sound of her teeth gritting could be heard. Li Luo facepalmed. If she wasn't his Second Sister... he'd actually be inclined to agree with him.
Deng Fengxian did not reply as he was uninterested in bickering with her. He simply could not win in a battle of tongues. He turned towards Li Luo and Li Jingtao, the former in deep thought whilst the other was laughing foolishly.
He felt a little helpless and almost wanted to curse in frustration. "So, do you want to battle or not?"
"Hehe, anything works for me." Li Jingtao smiled.
Seeing that Deng Fengxian was about to leave in anger, Li Luo gave a wry smile. "Let's follow the rules. Otherwise, others may not be convinced."
"Ah, you guys can go ahead. I didn't sleep very well yesterday and I feel a little weak today..." Li Jingtao scratched his head whilst ruffling his hair, a shameless and self-mocking expression on his face.
His answer was not out of anyone's expectations. Deng Fengxian's gaze turned sharp and a hint of fervor could be seen within his eyes as he turned towards Li Luo. "Banner Leader Li Luo, I suppose you won't let me take this position so easily, would you?"
Li Luo faced his piercing gaze with his own wry smirk.
"I suppose I'll have to experience Banner Leader Deng Fengxian's Gilded Armor Spirit Blade for myself today."