"Unexpected Encounters and Hidden Intentions: A Birthday Celebration at Li Mansion"

"So Long as Breaking Through Rank 3 by Year's End?" Huang Xiaolong's expression turned strange as he listened to his father's words.

Seeing his son's look, Huang Peng thought that the request for Huang Xiaolong to break through Rank 3 by the end of the year was too difficult, so he tried to console him, saying, "Actually, your mother and I also know that it's too challenging for you to break through Rank 3 by the end of the year, so Xiaolong, don't put too much pressure on yourself." Pausing for a moment, Huang Peng hesitated and continued, "As long as you can reach Rank 2 Late Stage Peak by the end of the year, it will be fine."

"Rank 2 Late Stage Peak?" Huang Xiaolong's expression turned strange.

"Yes, Xiaolong, if you can't achieve Rank 2 Late Stage Peak, reaching Rank 2 Late Stage would also make us very happy," Su Yan, Huang Xiaolong's mother, added.

Huang Xiaolong was speechless and helplessly smiled bitterly in his heart. Rank 3? Rank 2 Late Stage Peak? Rank 2 Late Stage?

"Father, Mother, I'll go back to the courtyard first," Huang Xiaolong said, fearing that if he spoke further, his parents might lower the request to Rank 2 Middle Stage Peak again. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to bear telling his parents that he had already reached Rank 4 Initial Stage Peak!

"Oh, by the way, Xiaolong," Huang Peng remembered something as Huang Xiaolong was about to leave. He spoke up, saying, "In a few days, it will be Old Patriarch Li's 80th birthday. He is hosting a birthday banquet and has invited our Huang Family Manor. And that Miss Li Lu specifically mentioned that she wants you to attend."

"She wants me to go?!" Huang Xiaolong was stunned. Could this little girl really be interested in him? Was it because he made quite an impression when he turned his face into a pig's head during the annual meeting, pretending to be graceful?

"Father, can't Mother not go?" Huang Xiaolong weakly asked.

"What did you say?" Su Yan stared at him.

Huang Xiaolong felt depressed. It seemed like it wouldn't work.

Seeing her son's expression, Su Yan teasingly said with a smile, "Don't be so modest, our son. That Li Lu is the granddaughter Old Patriarch Li loves the most. She has a Level 9 Martial Spirit and will definitely grow up to be a beautiful woman."

Huang Xiaolong was speechless. There was no connection between his Martial Spirit level and marrying Li Lu. If his mother knew that he had a Super-level Martial Spirit, not to mention twin Super-level Martial Spirits, she probably wouldn't think that way.

At that moment, Huang Peng chimed in with a smile, "Alright, Xiaolong, your mother is right. If you marry Old Patriarch Li's granddaughter, Li Lu, I and your mother..."

However, Huang Xiaolong interrupted his father, saying, "Alright, Father, I understand. Do I need to go? When should I go? Will you accompany me?"

Upon hearing this, Su Yan smiled and said, "Oh, our son is really shy." She stopped teasing and continued, "It's the day after tomorrow. But besides you and your father, your grandfather, uncle, and even Huang Wei will also be going."

Huang Xiaolong frowned and nodded, "Alright, I understand. If there's nothing else, I'll go back first."

Huang Peng and Su Yan nodded.

Huang Xiaolong turned around to leave.

Su Yan watched her son's back and sighed, saying, "If our Xiaolong can marry Li Lu, that would be great!"

Shaking his head, Huang Peng replied, "Given Li Lu's status and talent, she wouldn't be interested in our Xiaolong. Li Lu is just an eight-year-old child now. When she grows up, she will understand."

As the parents talked, Huang Xiaolong didn't hear them. After returning to the courtyard, he continued to practice the Infernal Wind technique.

Soon, two days passed, and on the appointed day, Huang Xiaolong was taken to the main hall by his father, Huang Peng. When they arrived, Huang Qide, Huang Ming, and the father-son duo of Huang Wei were already present.

Seeing Huang Xiaolong's arrival, Huang Wei's face filled with hatred, indicating that Huang Qide had already scolded him.

"Father." "Grandfather."

Huang Xiaolong and his father approached Huang Qide, disregarding Huang Wei's hostile gaze, and paid their respects to Huang Qide.

Huang Qide nodded and smiled, "Since you're here, let's go." With that, he lifted his step and moved forward, with Huang Xiaolong and the others following closely behind.

Although Huang Family Manor and Li Family were both influential forces in Canglan County, they were not located close to each other. Li Family was in Canglan County City, while Huang Family Manor was several hundred li (0.5 km) away from the city.

Therefore, when Huang Xiaolong, along with his grandfather and father, arrived in Canglan County City, it was already afternoon, approaching dusk.

"Brother Qide, you've come from far away for my birthday. I haven't properly welcomed you. Please forgive me!" Old Patriarch Li, Li Mu, greeted them with a smile. He had already been waiting with many others.

"No need to be so polite, Brother Li Mu!" Huang Qide smiled.

Huang Xiaolong looked around and saw Li Lu standing behind a plump, moon-faced middle-aged man. The man had a slightly overweight physique and small eyes, and he seemed to be smiling.

Is this Li Lu's father, Li Cheng, the only son of Old Patriarch Li? Huang Xiaolong wondered.

At that moment, Li Lu playfully stuck her tongue out at Huang Xiaolong, which made her look adorable.

Huang Xiaolong raised an eyebrow but ignored her.

Seeing Huang Xiaolong's reaction, Li Lu pouted.

This scene fell into Huang Wei's eyes, fueling his anger. During the annual meeting, his engagement with Li Lu had been affected because of Huang Xiaolong. But in his heart, Li Lu was his guaranteed wife. Now, his wife was openly flirting with Huang Xiaolong right in front of him?!

As the people exchanged greetings, they entered the city and made their way to Li Mansion.

Li Mansion was not located in the central area of the city but in the southern region. When Huang Xiaolong and the others arrived at Li Mansion, they saw a busy street in front of it, decorated with lanterns and streamers. The atmosphere was lively. As it was the eve of Li Mu's 80th birthday, many patriarchs from various families in Canglan County had come to attend.

However, some patriarchs had yet to arrive since the actual birthday celebration would take place the next day.

Upon entering Li Mansion, they were personally guided to their assigned courtyard by Li Mu.

"Brother Qide, if you need anything, feel free to let the mansion guards know. They

will take care of you. Please make yourself at home," Li Mu said with a smile to Huang Qide.

Huang Qide waved his hand and replied, "No need to be so polite. Alright, you go ahead and attend to your duties. We'll have a few drinks tomorrow."

Li Mu chuckled, "Definitely." With that, he bid them farewell and left.

However, to Huang Xiaolong's dismay, Li Lu appeared not long after Li Mu's departure. After exchanging greetings with Huang Qide, Huang Ming, and Huang Peng, she approached Huang Xiaolong and said in a tender voice, "Xiaolong, it's your first time in the city. Let's go out for a stroll!" Without waiting for Huang Xiaolong to respond, she took his hand and led him out of the courtyard.

Huang Wei stared fixedly at Li Lu holding Huang Xiaolong's hand, watching as the two of them left the courtyard. His face turned ugly, and Huang Ming naturally wore an unpleasant expression.

Huang Qide wanted to say something but ended up at a loss for words. Only Huang Peng stood there, his heart already overwhelmed.