Chapter 1253: Team Battle
On the next day, the members of the Dragon's Fang Guardians were all gathered in the field by the time Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e arrived. Numerous gazes full of anticipation were focused on them, and everyone was prepared to cheer them on.
Today was the Ceremony of Ascent for the Five Guardian Armies.
The Ceremony of Ascent was a day where the Five Guardian Armies announced any promotion in ranks. Then the Guardian Armies would initiate a friendly competition between themselves as a form of training.
Not much attention was paid to it most of the time as it was just another regular event.
However, this time it was different. The appearance of Jiang Qing'e and Li Luo had spiced things up.
There was a bet with 80,000 dragon essence at stake. It had been a hot topic of conversation amongst the Five Guardian Armies.
Most importantly, one party involved in the bet merely had an upper first-grade Duke and... a Greater Heavenly Resonance Tier junior on their side.
The other party was an upper third-grade Duke Dragon's Blood Envoy and an upper first-grade Duke Grand Commander.
There was a stark difference in their apparent strength. Yet the weaker-looking side had firmly accepted the bet.
Over the past few days, everyone in the other Guardian Armies had already learned that Jiang Qing'e was an unrivaled genius with a Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried. Her exceptional talent had stolen the limelight in the Heavenly Dragon’s Five Guardian Armies. Not only that, her beauty and temperament were, practically speaking, godly. In just a short time, her name was widely known throughout.
As for Li Luo, he had also gotten a lot of attention. Everyone knew that he was the Dragon's Head in his generation of the Twenty Banners. He had three resonant palaces and six resonances, and his achievements in battle had similarly been spectacular. Li Luo's achievements had surpassed all his peers from the Heavenly Origin Divine Continent. If he was given enough time, he would definitely rise up in the Dragon's Fang Guardians. No one had doubts about their potential. From the day they joined the Dragon's Fang Guardians, many people understood that the time where the Dragon's Blood Guardians stood as the leader was inevitably slated to end.
However, they ultimately required time to mature, and that was precisely what they were lacking.
Perhaps, this was why the Dragon's Blood Guardians wanted to grab hold of this opportunity and dampen their momentum. This would also suppress them a little.
The two of them were the center of everyone's attention right now. Li Luo was tall and handsome, with grayish-white hair that made him stand out in the crowd. At the very least, he would not lose in a battle when it came to exterior appearances. On the other hand, Jiang Qing'e was slender with charming curves. When she moved her long legs, her skin that was as white as jade peaked out from under her skirt from time to time. Every line on her stunning face exuded a sense of perfection. After forging a Ten-Pillar Duke Bergfried, even Li Luo had to admit that she, who was already dazzling, seemed to shine ever brighter and was even more eye-catching.
"Third Brother, all the best today. Don't drag Qing'e down!" A cheerful cry came out from the crowd. It was none other than Li Fengyi giving him her well wishes.
A smile appeared on Li Hongyou's cold face too. "Li Luo, my future is in your hands."
Despite the serious ramifications, the atmosphere remained light-hearted.
However, the jokes stopped as soon as Jiang Qing'e looked over. Some of them clicked their tongues secretly. The new Right Dragon Fang Envoy was simply too impressive. As a first-grade Duke, she possessed incredible might that surpassed her cultivation level. If she improved further in the near future, she could even leave Li Foluo in the dust.
At this point, Li Foluo walked over with a solemn expression. "When it comes to the martial arts competition that will take place after the Ceremony of Ascent, there are a few ways to exchange pointers. In fact, Li Zhihuo has sent someone over to bring a message to us. Do you plan to choose single combat or a team battle?"
"What do you mean?" Li Luo asked in response.
"In a team battle, both of you will go onto the stage at the same time. You'll fight against the other two together. Single combat means that each of you will fight your opponent alone."
Li Luo thought about it for a moment before he asked, "What did they choose?"
"A team battle," Li Foluo replied.
"They must have made some preparations for it. It seems like they're determined to win the bet," Li Foluo said as he looked over at Li Hongyou.
"Your performance back in the World's End River Falling Star Terrace was too spectacular. With assistance from Hongyou and your efficacy in purification, the Dragon's Fang Guardians’ strength will surely skyrocket in due time. Since they can't remove both of you from the Dragon's Fang Guardians, they will start by dealing with Li Hongyou. In my opinion, they will pull out all the stops to do so."
Li Luo pondered silently for a moment. He then looked over at Jiang Qing'e and asked, "What do you think?"
Jiang Qing'e also took a while to think about it carefully. "Let's choose the team battle."
If she fought together with Li Luo, she could share some of his burden. Although the other party would surely come prepared, they would similarly benefit from their synergy.
Li Foluo took a glance at Jiang Qing'e. "The Right Dragon's Blood Envoy of the Dragon's Blood Guardians is Li Yuanshan, an upper third-grade Duke. It will already be very taxing for you to handle him alone. If you're thinking of taking on some of Li Luo's burden, I am afraid you won't be able to handle it."
Clearly, he knew what Jiang Qing'e was thinking.
"I know." Jiang Qing'e nodded.
Li Luo smiled. "Don't worry, Guardian General. When my wife and I team up, the piddling Dragon's Blood Guardians will pose no threat to us. At all."
Li Foluo looked at him with a face full of disgust. Did he need to start bragging so early in the morning? It was not like no one knew that they were already together; there was no need to emphasize it.
"As you wish."
He understood their personalities. Since they had made their choice, they were sure to have plans of their own too.
"Let's go."
He waved his hand and then instantly soared off into the distant sky. The members of the Dragon's Fang Guardians followed him until they all arrived at the western part of Heavenly Dragon City.
At one corner, there was a giant martial stage. The place was already fully packed with people.
Apart from the members from the Five Guardian Armies, many other elites in Heavenly Dragon City had come to watch the fight as well. After all, the Heavenly Dragon’s Five Guardian Armies were well known and the Ceremony of Ascent was a chance for them to have a look at the strength of the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li.
Most importantly, rumors had it that the Lineage Chief of the Dragon's Fang Lineage would be attending as well.
The news of Li Jingzhe charging into Abyssal City had already spread all over the World's End River Region. Many elites from the various powers were shocked. Who would have expected that Li Jingzhe had q gotten so close to becoming a Triple Crowned King?
This man would stand guard over Heavenly Dragon Peak in the coming days. Without a doubt, it made many of them feel more at ease. When Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e arrived with the rest of the Dragon's Fang Guardians, there were already no seats left. Everyone was chatting excitedly.
The Dragon's Fang Guardians had a special district allocated to them. With thousands of members appearing together, a black shadow suddenly covered the sky. It was a truly grand sight. This made quite a few elites sigh in admiration.
The other four Guardian Armies also turned their eyes over.
Especially the Dragon's Blood Guardians. Li Hongque's face was completely dark as she glared at Li Hongyou. Her fists were clenched so tightly that green veins could be seen on the back of her hand.
In the end, she took a deep breath and got her frustration under control.
She would let that bitch have her way for a little while longer. After the Ceremony of Ascent, she would no longer be part of the Dragon's Fang Guardians. At that time, Li Hongque would make her understand that coming back for revenge was the most foolish choice she'd ever made in her life!
Amidst the bustling crowd, many people appeared in the highest seats of the arena. In front of them was an elderly man with a cold face.
Behind him stood other elders like Li Jiluo, Li Qingpeng, and Li Jinpan. Their appearance instantly elevated the atmosphere in the area.
Everyone stood up and greeted the old man respectfully.
The old man took a seat and waved his hand nonchalantly. His clear voice then echoed across the arena.
"No need to waste time, let's get started."