My strength increases by one percent every day; I can destroy stars with my bare hands.

The Pei family decided to investigate Li Xuancang, but did not rush to invite him.

As a first-class official family in Anzhou, every move they made had to be respectable and proper.

One must achieve the goal of observing people without losing the demeanor of a distinguished family or appearing to be deliberately testing them.

Five days later, the steward of the Pei residence arrived at the gate of the Li residence, holding a letter and bowing respectfully.

"By order of the Prefect and the Elder, this old servant respectfully invites Commander Li to the residence for a refined banquet on a chosen day."

"In gratitude for Commander Li's numerous acts of protecting the city, ensuring the safety of the people, eliminating evil spirits, and maintaining peace in the region, we have prepared a small banquet to express our thanks."

The butler spoke humbly, using the occasion of thanking someone for their contribution and ostensibly a gathering of refined manners. His words were upright and honest, leaving no room for criticism.

Li Xuancang was dressed in a simple, close-fitting outfit, with an upright posture and a calm demeanor.

Having experienced the bloody battles on the battlefield and the baptism of military camp, he has long since shed his youthful impetuosity.

Li Xuancang reached out and took the invitation, his fingertips touching the warm, thick paper.

The elegant handwriting and neat signature represent the highest level of courtesy for formal banquets hosted by prominent families.

He was insightful and instantly saw through the Pei family's intentions.

This is not just a simple expression of gratitude or a casual gathering; it is a test.

They wanted to see this young man who rose from humble beginnings to fame at a young age.

Is she arrogant because of her achievements? Is she impetuous and frivolous? Is she worthy of being the eldest daughter of the Pei family?

If it were someone else, being scrutinized and tested in this way by top-level powerful figures, they would either be flattered and become reserved and humble, or feel resentful and arrogantly reject the invitation.

But Li Xuancang, having lived two lives, smiled calmly and nodded gently to the steward.

"I am deeply grateful for the kindness of the Pei family and the favor of my elders. I will gladly accept your invitation."

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in the steward's eyes. He bowed and turned to return to the mansion to report.

In the main hall of the Pei residence, Pei Hongwen and a group of clan elders sat upright, awaiting a report.

When the steward reported that Li Xuancang had accepted the invitation calmly, agreed readily, and displayed impeccable manners and composure, all the elders in the hall nodded slightly in approval.

The test didn't begin until Li Xuancang came to visit; it started when the invitation was sent.

"He showed no arrogance, no restraint; he was neither humble nor overbearing, and his demeanor was measured and appropriate."

"Just from the fact that he accepted the invitation, it is clear that this young man's character and foundation are far beyond those of ordinary young men."

Pei Hongwen's eyes also began to light up, and his doubts lessened by three points.

"Wait three days later," Pei Hongwen said softly.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. In order to allow Li Xuancang to settle his life's most important matter, Du Tianfeng gave him a few days of rest.

The sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.

The gates of the Pei residence were wide open, and the servants stood at attention, a stark contrast to the usual low-key and quiet atmosphere, revealing the solemnity and majesty of a powerful family.

Today's elegant banquet is publicly referred to as a "gathering to thank the local heroes and gentry for their service to the region."

Internally, however, it serves as an assessment for the entire Pei family to evaluate their future son-in-law and determine the clan's fortune for decades to come.

Ordinary guests, collateral relatives, and servants were all kept out.

Inside the main building of the mansion, the Qingya Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and quiet, without a trace of extravagance or noise.

The old patriarch, with his white hair and beard, sat upright in the main seat, having been in charge of the Pei family rules for decades.

The old man's eyes were cloudy and deep, reflecting his profound understanding of life's ups and downs, and he was adept at discerning people's character at a glance.

They sat in rows on the left and right.

The head of the family, Pei Hongwen, elders from various branches of the Pei family, learned scholars from the clan, and senior civil officials and relatives—more than a dozen core members of the Pei family gathered together.

No one was absent; everyone was present.

Such a grand spectacle would make even ordinary military commanders, let alone captains or county officials, feel awkward and uneasy.

The Pei family's move was deeply intentional; they wanted to see under their strict and solemn gaze whether Li Xuancang was arrogant and haughty or lacked proper humility.

Inside the hall, the elders chatted in hushed tones.

A middle-aged scholar spoke softly.

"This young man has been making waves lately, enjoying immense prestige in the army. He holds military power at a young age and is undoubtedly brave and fierce on the battlefield. However, young people who achieve success are most prone to forgetting their roots. Today, we can see the depth of his character."

Another elder slowly said, "Martial men are often fierce. When our Pei family's eldest daughter marries, we only seek someone who is stable, long-lasting, pure-hearted, and knows how to act appropriately."

Pei Hongwen sat upright in the seat, his expression calm.

If Li Xuancang fails the test today, the marriage will be called off.

As the appointed time approached, a servant from outside the mansion hurried inside to announce the arrival.

"Reporting to all gentlemen and elders, Commander Li's carriage has arrived at the gate."

The entire room fell silent instantly.

All eyes turned to the entrance of the hall, quietly awaiting this rising star in the military.

A moment later, a tall and straight figure slowly stepped into the Pei family compound.

Today, Li Xuancang was not wearing armor, official robes, or military attire. Instead, he wore a clean and elegant blue brocade casual dress, his posture upright and his steps composed.

Unassuming and poised.

As he walked through the courtyards, facing countless scrutinizing gazes from all around, his eyes remained calm and his expression unwavering.

From the gate of the mansion to the elegant hall, a mere few dozen steps, those secretly observing throughout the Pei household secretly praised him.

As he stepped into the Qingya Hall, his gaze swept over the Pei clan elders and high-ranking officials sitting in the hall.

Countless experienced and discerning eyes were fixed on him alone.

The aura of the superior descended like a tidal wave, its oppressive power permeating the air.

Li Xuancang remained calm, stepped forward, and bowed deeply with impeccable manners.

"Junior Li Xuancang, I am honored to be invited to this banquet by the Pei family and my elders. I would like to greet all the venerable elders and esteemed officials."

His voice was calm and clear, neither hurried nor arrogant.

There was no boasting of military achievements, nor any attempt by those from humble backgrounds to curry favor.

Upon first meeting, his demeanor and bearing already surpassed that of countless others.

The old patriarch of the Pei family, sitting in the main seat, had a slight glimmer in his cloudy eyes and nodded to himself.