Bab 46: Family Reunion 3
"I'm happy to see you around, big brother." Li Kang spoke this time.
Although Li Kang was not the oldest, he had a shock of silver hair. It was impeccably combed and maintained, which added to their scholarly aura. Every strand seemed to bear the weight of countless strategies and tactics learned and honed over a distinguished career.
Li Xian did not join in the conversation with her big brothers. As there was a large age gap, ever since she was little, she was not close with any of them. Only Li Kang had a more friendly disposition towards her as compared to the other two. She just chose to listen to the side as well.
"Father, why not say something to everyone here?" Li Bu gave the stage to the Patriarch.
Li Kui stood up from his seat slowly. Over the past decade, past injuries had started to catch up to him now that he was almost eighty. Even then, the old man could still put up an even fight with a Rank 8 Demonic Beast if he needed to.
With eyes that seemed to have seen and weathered through decades of fighting and destruction, Li Kui raised his glass of aged wine as he spoke with clarity.
"It's been a very long time since the Li's have gathered like this," he began, his words measured and thoughtful. "I'm grateful to see that each one of you is here, gathered in good health and high spirits."
"As a family, we've faced our share of trials and tribulations, both on and off the battlefield," Li Kui continued, his gaze drifting around the room to encompass each member of the Li clan. "Through it all, we have remained steadfast and united. Our bonds have been forged in the fires of challenge and adversity, and they have only grown stronger with time."
"Tonight, as I look around this room and see the faces of those I hold dear, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. We have faced battles that would have broken lesser families, but we have emerged stronger and more resilient. Our legacy is one of courage, honor, and unyielding strength. To that, I say cheers to all of us! Cheers to our future!"
"Cheers!!!" Everyone's blood was riled up with the Li Patriarch's speech.
It was undeniable that every single sibling of the Li Patriarch's Family was involved in some way or another in defending the Land of Hua. Their children too, have also joined the army after their graduation and begun serving the country.
For those that have yet to step foot in the Li Army, a change in their heart have started to occur. They knew of what to expect and what to do in the future. There was only one idea, one vision in mind.
'To defend their country from the Demonic Beasts and potential invaders from other countries.'
…
The mood toned down a little after the invigorating speech by Li Kui. The older people started to discuss about work-related news. The Li brother updated their father on certain mission's progress.
"For the past few months, it seemed that the Sun Scorch Desert has finally started to calm down a lot. Venomclaw's injury must've been pretty huge considering how she had retreated most of her minions back into the inner circle of the desert." Li Bu explained the current circumstance of the main battlefield for the Li Army.
Ever since a decade ago, when the Li Clan decided to take on a radical approach and chose to go on the offense, not only had their forces continue to go stronger with every passing year, their continuous attacks started to pose more and more problems for the ruler of the Sun Scorch Desert, Venomclaw.
The Rank 8 Scorpion-tailed Lion was a powerful beast that could lay waste to hundreds of kilometres of land just with her deadly poison. Sadly, with the smart planning by the Head of Strategies, Li Kang, the Li Army would always avoid going too far into the enemy's terrain and just targeted the Rank 6 commanders under Venomclaw. With Li Kong's lead, many Demonic Beasts were brutally killed and it brought much honour to humankind.
On the other hand, tensions along the Southern Border grew stronger with each and every year. Back when Li Tian was one years old, Al-Qazir's plan to launch a simultaneous attack alongside a Demonic Beast invasion had been foiled due to Li Clan's sudden offensive strike. After that, they had been launching small skirmishes that have gradually been growing bigger and bigger over time.
"At the moment, Al-Qazir's sentiment of starting a war with Hua is becoming more and more real." Li Bu's killing intent got stronger as he described the situation. "Ever since King Arabiata passed on and his degenerate son took over the country, things between our two countries have soured."
A year before Li Tian was reincarnated into this world, King Arabiata Turosa of Al-Qazir had passed on due to illness. His nineteen-year-old son, Rajuman Turosa, who was next in line on the throne, became king and started enacting radical rules and sanctions in his country.
The country adopted a dictatorial nature where the citizens had no say on any matter. King Rajuman also started to have ideas about their neighbouring country, The Land of Hua. What was originally a peaceful alliance had suddenly become enemies overnight.
"Let me guess," Li Kui pulled on his white beard gently as he spoke, "The reason why you were called back to Central was because of Al Qazir's war threats."
"Correct, father. Our spies within Al Qazir has confirmed that their side had already begun war preparation efforts." Li Bu looked at all the youngsters gathered at the table today who were going to hear something he did not wish for to happen ever in their generation.
He stood up from his seat as he continued in a stern voice, "Let this be known that the Li Army will be starting our own war preparations very soon. For those in University, there will be war recruitment conducted on school grounds, where those that participate in the war, will be granted school credits for their contributions. High schoolers will not take part in this war. Nevertheless, remember that each of you bears the responsibility of the Li Clan, and I trust that you will understand your duty to our country. Is that understood?!"
"Yes, sir!!" Every grandchild of the Li Patriarch immediately stood up and gave a salute to Li Bu. Li Bu scanned through them individually as a sign of respect. Each and every one of them knew where their hearts laid when it came to protecting the sovereignty of their country.
Even Li Tian did not want anything to happen to his family. He had lost them once before in the past. This time, he would not let anything or anyone get to his family. At least, not only he had faced off with them and perished from this world.
Li Bu saluted the group of youngsters back and the briefing session soon came to an end.
PERTIMBANGAN PENCIPTA 
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Status Power Mingguan
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Power 
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stone