"Thatâs right, donât underestimate the top-tier experts from remote regions. Being able to fight their way out of such harsh conditions and become Divine Power Martial Artists means their talent is certainly extraordinary. They might even have incredibly powerful Divine Skills!"
"Iâm just curious about this Lu Changshengâjust how strong could his Divine Skills be to warrant such special treatment from Li Guang?"
For a moment, many experts focused their gazes on Lu Changsheng.
Those who had access to so much information about Lu Changsheng were certainly not ordinary individuals. Most were likely people of significant standing within the Li family.
Itâs very possible that this intelligence was gathered by rivals competing with Li Guang.
Lu Changshengâs Perception Domain naturally made him aware of the discussions around him.
But he didnât care.
He sat straight in the chair and immediately closed his eyes, remaining completely still and resting quietly.
"The Lord and the Elders have arrived!"
After a quarter of an hour, the most authoritative figures entered the scene.
Lord Li Chengwu.
And a group of clan elders.
Surprisingly, there were eighteen elders present.
Of course, not all the elders.
Only a portion.
But even so, it was quite shocking.
Becoming a clan elder was, in itself, a symbol of great achievement.
The elders of the Li family were bound by strict rules: one must possess peak Divine Power Martial Artist-level combat strength.
And they must have rendered outstanding service to the family.
Only through such overarching qualifications could one qualify as an elder.
Otherwise, they could only be considered ordinary Divine Power Martial Artists within the Li family.
The elders wielded great authority.
Their main role was essentially to monitor and limit the power of the Lord.
Thus, every Lord invariably clashed with the elders.
The two sides restrained each other while simultaneously keeping one another in check.
"Lord, is this the mysterious expert Li Guang recruited? Haha, judging by the Lordâs confidence, could it be this one has actually cultivated Great Divine Power?"
An elder asked with a mocking tone.
His voice was relaxed but was filled with sarcasm.
Great Divine Power?
That was nothing more than a jest.
In all of Heavenly Saint City, countless geniuses had emerged, but those with Great Divine Power were few and far between.
Could a top-tier talent from some remote region possibly cultivate Great Divine Power?
Absolutely impossible!
Could shallow waters nurture a true Dragon?
Perhaps Lu Changsheng did possess some unique qualities.
Stronger than the average Divine Power Martial Artist.
But cultivating Great Divine Power? Such thoughts were mere fantasy to these elders.
Li Chengwuâs gaze flickered with a sharp light, and he soon smiled as he spoke: "Elder She, you jest. Throughout Heavenly Saint City, how many people can actually cultivate Great Divine Power? Even if itâs not Great Divine Power, the fact that Guangâer recruited this individual suggests he possesses some capabilities."
"Moreover, the competition for the Lordâs position hasnât even begun yet, and Elder She is already so eager to dismiss the expert Guangâer recruited. Thatâs not very fair to Guangâer, is it?"
Upon hearing these words, Elder Sheâs expression shifted slightly.
"Fairness?"
"Heh, with you, Li Chengwu, around, is there ever any doubt that your son will get his âfairnessâ?"
Elder She did not hold back, directly confronting Li Chengwu.
The atmosphere between the two grew increasingly tense, prompting other elders nearby to quickly mediate: "Lord, Elder She, whatever grievances you might have, once the selection process for the Lordâs successor begins, everything will be clear for all to see. Why squabble here and let the younger generation mock us?"
Indeed, anyone with keen insight could easily see that Elder She and the Lord were at odds.
This was, of course, not merely a personal grudge but also a clash of interests.
Elder She represented Li Feng.
Li Chengwu represented Li Guang.
The two sides were locked in fierce competition for the Lordâs seat, practically sworn enemies.
Li Chengwu smiled faintly upon hearing this and replied: "Indeed. Back then, Elder Sheâs son couldnât outcompete me, leading to my becoming the Lord. Now Elder She is supporting Li Feng, trying to suppress Guangâer."
"But the Lordâs position belongs to the capable. Ultimately, itâs all up to you!"
Elder Sheâs face flushed red with anger as his sore spot was exposed.
But he said nothing.
It was the truth!
Back then, Elder Sheâs son had ambitious dreams and competed with Li Chengwu for the Lordâs seat.
In the end, he was defeated by Li Chengwu and failed spectacularly.
Since that moment, Elder She and Li Chengwu had been at odds.
These matters were well-known to everyone.
"Hmph, boasting with words alone!"
"Let me see what Li Guang truly has to offerâwhat qualifies that useless, idle failure to compete for the Lordâs seat?"
Elder She spared no harshness in his words.
Li Chengwu, however, could not be bothered to argue with Elder She.
Ultimately, everything depended on how the upcoming competition for the Lordâs seat unfolded.
Honestly, even Li Chengwu didnât feel entirely confident.
"Enough, Lord. Today marks the official beginning of the Li familyâs selection process for the next Lord. You should do the honors and preside over the proceedings."
An elder spoke up.
Li Chengwu nodded.
"To become the Lord, wisdom is indispensable."
"Of course, in Heavenly Saint City, martial prowess is just as important."
"Thus, to earn the title of Lord, both intellect and martial skill must be balanced!"
"The registration process begins now. Anyone aspiring to become the next Lord of the Li family may step forward and register! As long as youâre under a hundred years oldâeven if you are from the familyâs collateral linesâyou can register and have the opportunity to compete for the position of Lord!"
Li Chengwu announced loudly to the many members of the family gathered in the Martial Arts Arena.
For a while, the crowd buzzed with conversations and debates.
Some individuals were visibly eager to give it a try.
This was the Li familyâs tradition for thousands of years regarding the selection process for the Lord.
No matter their status or closeness in the bloodline, as long as they were a member of the Li family and under a hundred years old, they could participate.
And they had a shot at becoming the Lord.
It was precisely this exceptionally open selection mechanism that had allowed the Li family to thrive for thousands of years.