In 548, Lý Bôn was killed by Lǎo (ms. 獠) tribesmen (a Tai-Kadai ethnic group)[5] while on retreat from the Hong River Plain.
By this time, Triệu Quang Phục had followed his father's footsteps as a notable resistance leader in the Hong River Plain.
Recognizing the superior strength of the Liang army, Triệu Quang Phục often retreated to more favorable terrain, mainly in the swamps and marshlands.
Lý Thiên Bảo died of an illness in 555 and left no heirs, which prompted the military and officials to elect Triệu Quang Phục as leader and de facto ruler.
However, his election was not undisputed as other prominent family members of Lý Nam Đế challenged Triệu Quang Phục's leadership.
As strong as the Chinese were, they could not make any headway against Triệu Quang Phục's style of warfare This indecisive period lasted until 557 when finally a respite came for the Lý forces.
[citation needed] In 571, Lý Phật Tự broke the truce and attacked Triệu Quang Phục's domain.
Triệu Quang Phục's remaining forces and territories surrendered and were incorporated into Lý Phật Tự's domains.