The distinction between ordinary ancient martial arts families and hidden ancient martial arts families is significant. Ordinary ancient martial arts families cannot have all members be ancient martial artists; they can only say that a portion of them are. However, hidden ancient martial arts families have all members as ancient martial artists, placing them on entirely different levels of strength.
The entire Li family was astonished that the old matriarch was also an ancient martial artist, and one with formidable skills.
"Mom... you... you're an ancient martial artist?" Li Shengguo asked, somewhat surprised.
The old matriarch replied with pride, "I simply haven't made a move much. Not making a move doesn't mean I'm not an ancient martial artist. Many things cannot be judged by their surface appearance."
Li Se let out a cold snort. He had indeed underestimated the old matriarch, considering her an ancient martial artist was an oversight. Thus, he attacked again, launching an aerial kick.
The old matriarch scoffed dismissively and raised her hand to block. Immediately after, she unleashed a palm strike.
With a "bang," Li Se was pushed back by the old matriarch's palm strike. This old matriarch's strength was considerable, possessing at least peak Hua Jin level power.
*Swish, swish, swish...*
Li Se rapidly threw several silver needles, but the old matriarch dodged them all. As he threw the needles, he closed the distance, landing a fierce punch on the old matriarch's arms.
*Bang!*
With a resounding thud, the old matriarch was sent flying backward, crashing heavily against the wall. Despite her formidable strength, age had taken its toll. That punch had nearly shattered the bones in her arms.
The old matriarch began to breathe heavily. Ultimately, she was too old. Her gaze finally turned solemn. Li Se's prowess had somewhat exceeded her expectations. She slowly walked out, adjusted her breathing, and said, "I underestimated you. I didn't expect your strength to be nearing Houtian level. But what of it? Do you dare to kill me today?"
"Are you sure I don't dare to kill you?" Li Se's eyes turned icy.
"Nephew Li Se, don't be rash!" Li Shengguo quickly stepped in front of Li Se. "This is, after all, your grandmother. You cannot do anything so unfilial."
"If you harm the Li family's old matriarch, you are opposing the entire Li family!" Li Shengmin said coldly.
Li Zhongfu sighed, "Child, let it go. I will give you an explanation regarding what she did to you..."
"I don't need it!"
Li Se stated firmly, walking slowly towards the old matriarch as he spoke.
"What are you doing?" Li Shengguo exclaimed angrily.
Li Se gave him no face, raising his hand and tossing Li Shengguo aside.
"Li Se, you have some nerve!" Li Tian shouted, "Guards, someone is being presumptuous in the Li family! Guards, come out!"
*Dada da...*
The next moment, hurried footsteps approached, and a group of armed personnel rushed in. Each was equipped with firearms, their muzzles immediately pointing at Li Se.
"Li Se, Li Se, don't forget, my Li family is still a ruling family. How dare you act so presumptuously here?!" the old matriarch roared.
Li Se frowned and glanced at Li Zhongfu.
However, Li Zhongfu wore a face of helplessness and sorrow, appearing unable to control the current situation.
From this, it was evident that the old matriarch was the true authority in the Li family.
"White Lotus, why must you do this? Tell them to stand down!" Li Zhongfu finally spoke, after all, Li Se was his grandson.
"Li Zhongfu, what, you can't bear to see it?"
The old matriarch sneered repeatedly. "When he hit me just now, you didn't seem heartbroken. Now, just surrounding him, and you can't bear it? I'm telling you, I intend to keep him here today. Who can stop me?"
"Who dares?!" Li Se shouted coldly, then produced his Heavenly Dragon Sect instructor token, which was equivalent to a major general's rank.
"All of you, stand down!!!"
When the token appeared, these armed personnel became somewhat apprehensive.
The Li family's influence stemmed primarily from the military. After all, Li Shengjun was a War God. Thus, when Li Se produced this token, it effectively countered the military's authority.
"You are all protectors of the nation, not protectors of the Li family. I order you to stand down with my rank of major general!"
Li Se's voice echoed again, utterly cold.
These armed personnel exchanged glances, hesitant. But ultimately, they sheathed their weapons and quickly retreated.
"You..." the old matriarch was furious.
Li Tian roared even louder, "All of you, come back here!"
However, the armed personnel had already departed.
"Is the Li family very strong?" Li Se said with a hint of disdain.
"You are courting death!" the old matriarch gritted her teeth.
Li Se suddenly lunged forward, grabbed the old matriarch's arm, and lifted her entirely.
"Unacceptable!" Li Zhongfu cried anxiously.
"Li Se, don't be impulsive!"
"We can discuss anything, there's no need for this..."
"..."
The members of the Li family were also filled with burning anxiety.
Li Se seemed not to hear them, gazing coldly at the old matriarch as he said, "You sent people to kill me in Qingyun City. I've wanted to settle accounts with you for a long time. Also, the car accident twenty years ago was orchestrated by you, wasn't it?"
The old matriarch struggled continuously but could not break free. She was powerful, but too old, and her overall strength was inferior to Li Se's, making it impossible for her to escape.
"Li Se, how dare you act so outrageously?" the old matriarch panted.
"I'd like to see who can stop me from killing you today?" Li Se said disdainfully.
"Child, we can discuss things properly, there's no need for this..." Li Zhongfu said in a hoarse voice.
"Shut up!"
Li Se glanced coldly at Li Zhongfu. "You knew long ago that this old woman killed my mother, didn't you?"
Li Zhongfu's face was filled with bitterness, and his silence was the best answer.
"Heh heh!"
Li Se laughed, a laugh of utter contempt. "You want to groom me into the Li family's leader. Is it out of guilt? Or do you want to deal with the Bai family?"
Li Zhongfu still remained silent.
Perhaps it was both.
Guilt, and the desire to counter the Bai family. Because as long as this old matriarch was alive, the ultimate controller of the Li family would still be in the hands of the Bai family.
It was precisely because Li Zhongfu saw this clearly that he wanted Li Se to become the Li family head, to join forces with Li Shengjun, and with Li Se's maternal grandfather's family, they would certainly be able to contend with the Bai family.
At this moment, Li Se had figured out many things.
"Child... whether it's to counter the Bai family or out of guilt, my affection for you is real," Li Zhongfu said in a hoarse voice.