"Xu Madman returned from Wangbei Gate this time, indeed formidable. Last year, he was recruited by the Western Qin Second Star Sect Wangbei Gate, at that time only at the Second Meridian Connection Realm. This time, he came back, and I heard he has reached the Sixth Meridian Connection Realm!"
The steward's expression was also somewhat solemn. In less than a year, Xu Madman from the Xu family had actually advanced by four minor levels, reaching the Sixth Meridian Connection Realm.
This level is extremely rare among the younger generation in Donglin City, especially considering that Xu Madman is only eighteen this year. His future achievements will undoubtedly surpass the simplicity of the Meridian Connection Realm.
As the master and servant spoke, a sense of desolation pervaded. Originally, if Xu Madman hadn't returned to the Xu family, the Luli family would have a certain chance of victory this year. However, with Xu Madman's return, everything seemed to have changed.
"Master, there's no need to worry too much. Young Master Yan has long been at the Sixth Meridian Connection Realm, not inferior to that Xu Madman! In terms of strength, Young Master Yan has been in the Sixth Realm for quite some time, not comparable to Xu Madman who just entered the realm!"
"Now in the family, only Xiong'er can compete with him. However, Xiong'er is already twenty-two this year, and in three years, he won't be able to participate in the major competition!"
Originally, these major competitions were held every three years among the great families of Donglin City. It determined the power distribution in the city and allocated resources outside the city. It could be said that it was the most significant event in Donglin City every three years.
Initially, this rule was not limited to the Luli, Xu, and Lin families. However, over the years, other families' performances were too poor, gradually leading to their withdrawal from the competition. Going there would only be disgraceful, even risking their lives, turning it into the major competition of these three families.
Family members participating in the major competition must meet three conditions: First, they must be male members of the family; second, they must be under twenty-four years old; third, they must be martial artists.
"Master, who knows what will happen three years from now? Not long ago, Young Master Li could still cultivate. We never expected this before."
"True. By the way, what has Li'er been doing these days? Has he been to the family's martial arts arena?"
When Yan Song mentioned Li Li, Luli Tianxiong casually asked. After Luli Tianxiong finished speaking, seeing Yan Song's expression change, his face also darkened.
"Master, Young Master Li has not been to the martial arts arena so far. As for what he has been doing these days, I am not entirely sure. There are too many matters in the mansion. I only know that after Young Master Li recovered, he went out for two days and then stayed in the mansion, rarely leaving his courtyard!"
"This disobedient child!"
Luli Tianxiong slapped the table hard, shattering the thick wooden tabletop. If he hadn't restrained his strength in time, this entire table would have turned into powder.
"Before, it was acceptable that he couldn't cultivate. Now that he can, he's not diligent in improving himself. He stays in the courtyard every day instead of going to the martial arts arena. It's infuriating!"
"Master, the Third Young Master is still young and somewhat ignorant. There's something, Master may not be aware of it, and I'm not sure whether to speak or not!"
"Speak!"
"A few days ago, the Third Young Master asked for a maidservant from Madam Er, named Xiaoqing. From what I know, this maidservant, after being requested by the Third Young Master, has never left his courtyard!"
Yan Song didn't say much, but how could Luli Tianxiong not understand what he meant.
"Rascal! Knowing how to fool around with the maids in the mansion, not having the slightest martial spirit. I was excited when I knew he could cultivate, but he's not making any progress."
"Steward Yan!"
"Master, I'm here!"
"Send Xiaoxing back to the Western Wing Courtyard! If I remember correctly, he still has a maidservant there, send her along to the Western Wing Courtyard too!"
"Yes, Master. Does the Third Young Master need someone to attend to him in the Western Wing Courtyard?"
"Humph! Such a wayward child, does he need someone to attend to him!"
"But..."
"What 'but'? How could I, Luli Tianxiong, have such a disobedient son!"
Luli Tianxiong's anger was burning. Originally troubled by the matter of the three-family competition, hearing about Li Li's incompetence made him even more furious.
Steward Yan knew that Luli Tianxiong was currently in a bad mood, so he retreated.
At this time, Li Li was practicing. Suddenly, a few house servants, led by Steward Yan, barged into the courtyard.
"Steward Yan, is there something urgent?"
Li Li saw Steward Yan entering the courtyard and didn't show much respect to this old servant of the Luli family.
"Master instructed that Xiaoxing and Xiaozhao, the two maidservants, should go to the Western Wing Courtyard to attend to him!"
Li Li suddenly looked at the old steward, and in an instant, Yan Song inexplicably felt like he was being stared at by a demonic beast. His heart felt cold. Fortunately, this feeling came and went quickly!
"Why?"
Li Li's voice at this moment had lost any warmth. He seemed to have guessed something, just needing confirmation.
"Master is also considering Young Master's well-being. Young Master has just recovered, and some matters may be detrimental to his health. Moreover, now that Young Master can cultivate, he should focus more on martial arts."
"Is that so?"
"You all, bring those two maidservants. Take them to the Western Wing Courtyard!"
With such a commotion in the courtyard, Xiaoqing and Xiaozhao had already come out.
"I won't go to the Western Wing Courtyard. I want to stay with Young Master!"
As she said this, Xiaozhao walked to Li Li's side, grabbing Li Li's hand in front of everyone, as if afraid that these people would take her away.
Since being bought into the Luli family, she had been sent to Li Li's mother and son to serve. Over the years, despite the hardships and grievances, she had never left Li Li and his mother.
Now, when asked to go to the Western Wing Courtyard, Xiaozhao strongly opposed it. Holding Li Li's hand, she seemed to want to make herself feel a little more secure in front of everyone.
Being held by Xiaozhao, Li Li felt her hand was ice-cold and trembling violently. He tightened his grip on Xiaozhao's hand, and the spasmodic shivering gradually subsided.
"I won't go to the Western Wing Courtyard either!"
Unexpectedly, Xiaoqing also spoke up, but she didn't dare to be as
bold as Xiaozhao, not daring to hold Li Li's hand.
"Humph! Two maidservants, it's not your turn to speak here. You are just commodities bought by the Luli family. The sale contract is still here. Where you go depends on the Master's decision!"
"If you are unwilling to go to the Western Wing Courtyard, I will have to sell you both to the brothel. Then, don't regret it!"
Hearing Yan Song's words, Li Li's eyes had already become ice-cold. Looking at Yan Song, who was being stared at by Li Li, he held back the words he was about to say.
"Xiaozhao, Xiaoqing, you two go with Steward Yan to the Second Madam's place."
Li Li's voice was calm but exceptionally cold. At this moment, no one noticed that Li Li's hand was already clenching with visible veins and joints.
These two maidservants were indeed bought by the Luli family. According to the rules of this world, the Luli family could treat them as goods, buying and selling them at will. If Li Li acted impulsively now, it would only harm the two maidservants. There was a chance that Li Tianxiong would indeed sell them to the brothel.
So, Li Li endured it. The contracts of the two maidservants were still in the possession of the Luli family. Even if there was resentment and anger in his heart, Li Li endured it. If he acted impulsively now, he would only harm the two maidservants.
And so, Li Li concealed his restraint.