On the same day, after Li Xiaotian arrived in the capital, Li Shanhai received news of Li Xiaotian's arrival almost instantly. The very next moment, the capital's defense level was raised by one notch.
Concurrently, two pieces of news spread among the major aristocratic families in the capital. The first was that Li Shanhai was hosting a War God Banquet, inviting the major aristocratic families of the capital. The purpose was to welcome a War God from the War Department back.
The name of this War God was already known to the major aristocratic families in the capital.
Long Batian! A legendary figure.
Long Batian was originally an adopted son of the Long family in the capital. He had been in love with Lin Chu, the eldest daughter of the Lin family in the capital, for many years.
However, his elder brother, Long Aotian, stole her away, using his family connections to arrange a marriage with Lin Chu of the Lin family.
On the day of his elder brother's wedding, Long Batian eloped with Lin Chu and was discovered by the Long family.
The head of the Long family was furious and, under a fabricated charge, imprisoned Long Batian for seven years!
But no one expected that during these seven years, Long Batian encountered another opportunity. He was favored by a powerful figure and taken to the War Department to serve.
In just seven years, Long Batian made great contributions to the War Department, becoming one of the youngest War Gods!
Afterward, Long Batian returned forcefully, making the Long family yield, destroying half of the Lin family, and crippling his elder brother Long Aotian. He finally married the eldest daughter of the Lin family, and the lovers were united.
During this period, many family descendants challenged Long Batian, but he forcefully suppressed them. When Long Batian's identity as a War God was revealed, the major aristocratic families in the capital were collectively shocked.
Long Batian instantly became a rising star of power and wealth in the capital, and many families rushed to pledge allegiance, only to be rejected.
Unexpectedly, Li Shanhai was now hosting a War God Banquet for Long Batian, inviting the major aristocratic families to attend. This undoubtedly provided an opportunity for the major aristocratic families to foster good relations with Long Batian.
For a time, many families resorted to various means to obtain invitations from Li Shanhai to attend this grand feast.
It was likely that no one in the capital, not even Long Batian himself, knew the true purpose of this banquet. Ostensibly, it was a War God Banquet for Long Batian, but in reality, Li Shanhai was representing Da Qin to welcome Li Xiaotian.
As for the second matter, compared to the first, it seemed somewhat peculiar.
This was because it was related to the Li family in the capital.
Recently, the Li family's affiliated industries had been targeted by various forces. Many international partners had terminated their contracts with the Li family, and even within the country, some top aristocratic families had begun to target the Li family in various ways.
The forces targeting the Li family were all like colossal entities, and to outsiders, they seemed to have no connection to each other, as if they had agreed to attack the Li family together.
In just a few days, the Li family's industries had lost at least half of their value.
All the aristocratic families in the capital were watching in secret. However, today, news suddenly spread from an unknown source that a powerful figure had conveyed a message to the Li family patriarch, Li Weihai, asking him if he regretted sacrificing his son for the family?
Upon receiving this news, many aristocratic families fell silent. They secretly inquired among the elders of their respective families and thus learned about what had happened in the Li family ten years ago.
Ten years ago, for the sake of the family, the Li family patriarch had condoned his two sons in jointly killing his eldest son, Li Zhen. This was not a secret among the major aristocratic families in the capital, but no one had spoken of it.
But who would have thought that at this moment, someone would bring up this old matter?
"Bang!" In the Li family's manor, Li Weihai slammed the teacup in his hand onto the ground, his entire face turning green with anger. He shouted.
"Scoundrels! Scoundrels! Who is targeting our Li family? Who has such audacity to bring up that matter from back then?"
"You useless lot! My Li family has industries all over Da Qin. I ordered you to find out who is targeting our Li family, and you can't even investigate this small matter!"
Li Weihai berated Li Zhi, the head of the Li family, in the hall, his anger so intense that his breathing became heavy.
In the hall, Li Zhi and others stood trembling, not daring to utter a word. The Li family patriarch rarely got angry, but when he did, everyone in the Li family feared him.
"I'm so angry! I'm so angry! Useless, all useless!" Li Weihai sat on his chair, his face constantly changing with anger.
Seeing this, Li Zhi gave his son Li Wenbo a look. The latter nodded in understanding, then stepped forward to Li Weihai's side, gently patting his back to calm him down. He then spoke in a gentle tone.
"Grandfather, please calm your anger. This news that spread tonight was likely disseminated by the mastermind secretly targeting our Li family. Their purpose is nothing more than to force our Li family into chaos."
"At a time like this, you, the elder, must remain calm. I believe he will reveal himself soon, and then everything will be out in the open. Our Li family will definitely make him pay a heavy price and let him know the consequences of being an enemy of our Li family!"
Li Weihai took a deep breath, then sighed again, shaking his head.
"This matter is not simple! Our Li family still cannot ascertain the identity of the other party. It seems the other party's influence is not weaker than our Li family's. Once they truly reveal themselves, it's uncertain whether our Li family can contend with them."
A trace of disdain flashed in Li Wenbo's eyes upon hearing this. In his opinion, the person secretly targeting their Li family was merely afraid of their Li family's strength and dared not show their face, otherwise, they wouldn't resort to such underhanded methods.
Once the other party revealed themselves, with their Li family's strength, they could easily crush him!
"Grandfather, the losses our Li family has incurred recently are merely financial. No matter how much money is lost, it's just a string of numbers to our Li family. This will not cripple our Li family as the outside world suggests."
Li Wenbo spoke, continuing his analysis.
"Grandfather, don't forget, our Li family's influence is not just in commerce. In the nation of Da Qin, no matter what method is used, it's impossible to destroy the Li family. Not even the Emperor of Da Qin can!"
"Furthermore, if there is truly no other way, we can have Second Uncle bring back the Heavenly Army soldiers. On one hand, it's to avoid the pursuit of the Dragon King Hall, and on the other hand, it can eliminate some insignificant scoundrels!"
"Our Li family possesses an army!"
Li Weihai nodded, looking at Li Wenbo with admiration, and then said.
"You are very good. I can rest assured leaving the Li family to you in the future."
"Grandfather, Wenbo still has much to learn," Li Wenbo said humbly.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Li Weihai's eyes. He then looked at Li Zhi, his expression immediately turning grim, and asked through gritted teeth.
"Zhen'er, back then, are you certain that your elder brother and his family, not a single soul was left alive? And that child of your elder brother, his face was disfigured at the time. Did you confirm his true identity afterward?"