The martial arts hall's courtyard was filling with people now, martial practitioners mingling and chatting. As they finished talking, Li Jian turned to Li Feng, his expression turning sly. "Li Feng... you've never drank wine, right?" Li Feng looked up, curious, his eyes wide like a cute rabbit. "Uh, no, Father..."
Li Jian smiled, a mischievous grin twinkle in his eye. "Today's a win. We'll have a drink tonight. Celebrate. Willow Spring Wine, best wine in Win City. We'll make it a night to remember." Li Ming grinned. "Hehe. Li Feng'll get tipsy." Li Feng's eyes widened. "I won't!
The group chuckled, and Li Jian ruffled Li Feng's hair. "We'll see. Let's go. Eat first, drink later. I'm starving." As they walked off, whispers followed: "Li Clan's rising... Li Ming's Fēng Lí Qiáng, Li Feng's learning my Qiang Ya Long..."
Li Jian heard the whispers, smiling . The future's looking bright. He glanced at his sons, his heart filled with pride. Li Ming and Li Feng, both talented in their own ways.
The Li family celebrated their victory at a nearby tavern, feasting on delicious food and drinking Willow Spring Wine. The aroma of roasted meats and steaming vegetables filled the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and clinking cups.
Li Feng giggled as Li Ming teased him about getting tipsy, his cheeks flushed with excitement. Li Jian smiled, enjoying the moment with his sons, his eyes crinning at the corners as he watched Li Ming and Li Feng banter like siblings. The tavern's patrons cheered and applauded as Li Ming recounted his battle at the martial arts hall, his Fēng Lí Qiáng moves drawing admiring nods from the other patrons.
As they finished their meal, the Li family headed back home in their carriage, the evening darkness enveloped them like a soft blanket. The sound of horse hooves on the dirt road was soothing, and Li Ming turned to Li Jian, his expression turning serious.
"Father," Li Ming said, his voice low and sincere. "I... I never thought I'd be able to rise the Li family name like this. To represent us at the Heng Mountain tournament... I'm honored. It's more than I ever hoped for. I still remember the days we trained in the backyard, practicing Fēng Lí Qiáng till the sun went down."
Li Jian looked at Li Ming, his eyes filled with pride. "Li Ming, you've done more than just rise the family name. You've made us proud. Very proud." He paused, his voice filled with emotion. "Your mother would be smiling right now. She always believed in you, even when things were tough. She'd be telling everyone about your achievements, with that proud look in her eyes."
Li Ming's eyes dropped slightly, a mix of emotions on his face. "I wish she could see this," he said softly. "I wish she could be here. Sometimes I still feel like she's watching me, guiding me from somewhere."
Li Jian nodded, his expression understanding. "She's watching, I'm sure. And I'm proud, Li Ming. Not just of your skills, but of the person you've become. You've got a good heart, and that's what matters most. You've learned to balance strength with kindness, like a true martial artist."
Li Feng, who was tipsy from the wine, suddenly slurred, "Haha... Li Weizhi... grand elder's grandson... I'll beat him... Qiang Ya Long... gonna show him... _burp_ I'll make him taste the Dragon Fang Spear Art!"
Li Ming chuckled. "Haha, Li Feng's got confidence. But don't get too cocky, little bro."
Li Jian smiled, amused. "Li Feng, don't get too arrogant. You've got to back it up with skills. You've shown potential, but there's a long way to go."
Li Feng grinned, eyes half-closed. "Got it... Dapa Li Ming... we'll show 'em... _yawn_ Qiang Ya Long's gonna be famous..."
The carriage interior was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of the horses' hooves and Li Feng's soft snoring breaking the silence. Li Ming looked at Li Feng, a fond smile on his face. "He's something else when he's got wine in him."
Li Jian chuckled low. "He's got spirit. Like you did at his age. Reminds me of when I first took you to the martial arts hall..."
Li Ming's eyes lit up with interest. "Tell me about it, Father. I don't remember much from back then."
Li Jian's face took on a nostalgic look. "Hmm... you were about Li Feng's age. You insisted on trying the Strength Testing Pillar the first day... almost broke your arm, haha. But you got up, and you kept going."
Li Ming laughed. "Sounds like me. Or Li Feng."
As they reminisced, the carriage suddenly jolted to a stop. The driver shouted, "Tuskan raiders! They're blocking the road!"
Li Jian's expression turned serious. "Li Ming, Li Feng, stay close. We'll handle this. Li Ming, you're in charge."
The sound of horses and rough voices filled the night air. Li Ming and Li Feng readied themselves, hands on their spears. Li Jian pushed open the carriage door, stepping out into the darkness...