Chapter 1218: Jiang Qing'e's Challenge
Chapter 1218: Jiang Qing'e's Challenge
The field erupted into a furor despite Li Foluo's strict management of the guardians. It was unbelievable that Jiang Qing'e would directly choose to contest for the position of Dragon Fang Envoy. Seeing someone challenge the two envoys despite just entering the Dragon's Fang Guardians was rare.
It was important to note that Left Dragon Fang Envoy Luo Jiang was an upper third-grade Duke and Right Dragon Fang Envoy Li Changfeng was a lower third-grade Duke.
Both had undergone countless bloody battles in the World End's River Region and had bountiful combat experience. Their techniques and cultivation foundation were not weak either. They had defeated numerous rogue cultivators of their own level and were high-ranking figures even when taking Heavenly Dragon Peak as a whole. Meanwhile, Jiang Qing'e was just a youthful newcomer. Just what did she have to dare to challenge them?
Although everyone was impressed by her looks, she would have to demonstrate her strength and take one of their seats through force. Whilst the crowd was still in an uproar, Jiang Qing'e did not say anything. Sacred light flowed around her and then boundless amounts of light resonant power burst out of her.
A single towering Duke Bergfried quietly materialized within the radiant light.
The surface of the Duke Bergfried was like glazed glass, almost like an exquisite work of art. The ten golden pillars around it gave off an abstruse sort of charm as it devoured worldly natural energy.
The entire field turned silent and shocked expressions surfaced on everyone's faces. They could only stare blankly at her Duke Bergfried.
"This is..." Some were so taken aback that they could barely speak.
"Ten golden pillars?!"
"This is the legendary Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried!"
"My God, I’m actually seeing a Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried in person?"
"She has such demonic talent! Which sacred god is this young lady the reincarnation of? How did she end up coming to the Dragon's Fang Guardians?"
The appearance of a Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried triggered another round of commotion from the audience. Those who had entered the Dragon's Fang Guardians could be considered the elites of the Dragon's Fang Lineage and had access to much more information than normal people. Thus, they understood what this represented.
Even within the Heavenly Dragon’s Five Guardian Armies, it had been several generations since such a genius had appeared.
Although a single Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried was merely the starting point of the Path of Ascension, it also represented that her body contained exceptional amounts of talent and potential. Thus, everyone understood why this youthful lady before them had the confidence to directly fight for the role of Dragon Fang Envoy.
Despite their surprise, they were also extremely curious. Just why would someone so unrivaled choose to join the Dragon's Fang Guardians?
She was a true treasure that would be cherished by any power!
If not for the fact that it was not in line with the rules, they even thought that the Guardian General or either of the Dragon Fang Envoys could directly give her the position she sought.
Amongst the crowd, Li Fuling's eyes were also like saucers as they focused on Jiang Qing'e. She couldn't help but ask Li Fengyi, "Fengyi, where did this young lady come from? Which power would be willing to let her go? How did Li Luo manage to snag such a catch?"
Li Fengyi gave an arrogant smile before she quietly answered, "Do you remember what Third Brother used to say? How he has a fiancee in the outer divine continent? Well, that's her."
Li Fuling was so shocked by this revelation that her voice turned high-pitched. "That's Li Luo's fiancee??" She did remember hearing Li Luo brag about his unrivaled fiancee. At that point in time, no one knew if what he was saying was true or not. However, now that she was seeing Jiang Qing'e in person, she finally understood that Li Luo was actually a very mature brat.
Someone with Jiang Qing'e’s temperament and talent truly deserved to be called unparalleled.
What was incomprehensible to people was that she was from the outer divine continent... How had such a radiant phoenix risen from such a barren wasteland?
"That brat Li Luo is truly a winner in life," Li Fuling muttered to herself with a hint of jealousy.
As the two continued to chat amongst themselves, the two Dragon Fang Envoys sitting atop their stone seats looked at the perfect Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried with looks of bewilderment. The looks of ease on their faces changed into solemnity.
A tall male with light-blue hair stood up, respectfully bowing towards her. "I am the Left Dragon Fang Envoy, Luo Jiang, upper third-grade Duke."
"I am the Right Dragon Fang Envoy, Li Changfeng, lower third-grade Duke." He was a heroic-looking man clad in armor, and a golden metal staff was laid across his legs. Following his greeting, he grabbed his staff and stood up, his voice bellowing across the field.
When Li Foluo saw this, he knew that Jiang Qing'e's desire for battle had already ignited and there was no point in speaking superfluous words. He asked, "Jiang Qing'e, who do you wish to challenge?"
Jiang Qing'e fell silent for a moment as she looked at her two opponents. Then she answered, "I'll challenge the Right Dragon Fang Envoy, Li Changfeng."
She had not chosen to battle the upper third-grade Duke but instead the slightly weaker of the two, Li Changfeng. One couldn't simply disrespect a third-grade Duke, and since it was her first battle in the Dragon's Fang Guardians, she would rather play it safe.
When he heard her choice, the man in armor wielding the heavy staff walked forward. In a blink, he appeared in mid-air before her.
"I have never exchanged blows with someone with a Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried. I hope you'll be able to give me some pointers." Li Changfeng's gaze blazed with excitement and intent to battle as his heroic voice resounded throughout the field.
"Do your best, Sister Qing'e!" Li Luo cheered.
Jiang Qing'e slightly nodded as she rose into the air.
When both parties were in position, Li Foluo waved his sleeve, and light began to rise from all corners of the field, eventually forming a gigantic shield made of light that covered the area.
This was a measure to protect the area around them; it also isolated them from prying eyes. After all, there were many people in Heavenly Dragon City that weren’t members of the Five Guardian Armies, including numerous rogue cultivators.
Li Changfeng glanced at Jiang Qing'e's beautiful face as he said in a deep and calm voice, "Miss Jiang, you have unlimited potential, so having you in the Dragon's Fang Guardians is our fortune. Logically speaking, it would be fine for me to give up my position of Dragon Fang Envoy, but it looks like you do not wish for this concession."
He understood her intention very well. She had to demonstrate her power, and no matter how rare someone like her was, strength was still king. Thus, Li Changfeng knew that he had been designated as a stepping stone for her.
That said, he was not angry. As a veteran of the Dragon's Fang Guardians, he always looked at the bigger picture. He understood the benefits that she would bring them in the future. She was merely a first-grade Duke today, but who could guess how far she would go? What if her second Duke Bergfried was also a Ten-Pillar one? Even Li Foluo would be hard-pressed to hold an advantage over her then. Her potential was terrifying.
Thus, for the sake of strengthening the Dragon's Fang Guardians, Li Changfeng was willing to be a stepping stone for her.
However, this did not mean that he would go easy on her.
He believed that she wouldn't need him to do so in order to eke out a victory. Just standing before her, he could feel the pride hidden behind her indifferent expression.
No one was qualified to go easy on someone on the Path of Ascension.
Thus, Li Changfeng's expression turned solemn and he swung his golden staff. The air shook and dark-yellow resonant power blasted into the air.
As the majestic amounts of resonant power buffeted the skies, three towering yellow Duke Bergfrieds began to ravenously devour worldly natural energy.
Behind him, yellow sand raged across the sky, and a gigantic figure took shape inside it. It partially resembled a dragon and partially a rhinoceros. Frightening fluctuations of energy could be felt coming from it.
Upper eighth-grade Rhinoceros Dragon resonance.
Upper eighth-grade sand resonance.