Chapter 593: Chapter 594: Visitors from Central Province
The next day.

Within the Punishment Hall.

Li Xiaobai and his companions, bored to death, marvelled at the Immortal Spirit Daily in their hands.

“The third in command really has a way, just by showing up he pacified all the residents. Little junior brother, your efforts were in vain.”

Liu Jinshui tossed aside the newspaper in his hand, feeling somewhat depressed.

“But why didn’t Elder Tianji consult with you before publishing such news? Aren’t you two best buddies, partners in crime?”

Su Yunbing also frowned and said, this old man was going about things unethically. For news that benefits the enemy, how could he broadcast it so widely? It should be suppressed to make the situation worse!

“Ahem, senior sister, you can be reckless with food, but not with words. My dealings with Elder Tianji are above board.”

Li Xiaobai was somewhat speechless; to Elder Tianji, who cares about allies? As long as the story is sensational and can earn Spirit Stones, he doesn’t care who the other party is.

This old guy is just so, completely lacking professional ethics, every gesture conveys only one thing: money!

“Moreover, this matter cannot be considered settled. The third in command only temporarily suppressed the situation.”

“The common people might trust him, but in the eyes of the great clans, this is outright protection, a signal that battle is about to break out. It seems that the third in command is going to make a move soon.”

Li Xiaobai examined the report on the Immortal Spirit Daily closely, his gaze narrowing slightly.

Despite being sly and vicious, you have to admit the third in command’s wisdom and audacity. Choosing to publicly protect the Situ Household, he must be confident of rooting out the hidden fish—in fact, he might have found them already.

He had a premonition that Master Rong would act soon, and the forces in Aolai Country were about to reshuffle.

“The power struggle is their own private matter, and it involves Half-step Human Immortal experts, so it’s not advisable for outsiders to interfere. Let’s retreat.”

Third Senior Brother Lin Yin said indifferently, in his view, this dispute was completely fruitless, and there was no need to keep meddling.

As for revenge, they only needed a year and a half; by then, they could become Great Crossing Realm Cultivators and then directly wipe out the Situ Household, which would not only be satisfying but also highly efficient.

“No rush, I haven’t participated in the martial arts competition yet. My dear seniors, you can leave first; I still want to exchange a few moves with the pride of Aolai Country.”

Li Xiaobai said with a faint smile, leaving was out of the question. Opportunities to face Half-step Human Immortals didn’t come by so often. This excellent chance for leveling up couldn’t just be missed.

“Little junior brother, you’re not still hung up on that Sea Clan girl, are you?”

“Listen to your senior brother’s advice, a Sea Clan girl indeed has exotic charm, but their true forms are transformed from Sea Beasts, with a physical strength not any ordinary cultivator can match, not to mention the Bloodline Power. Your frail body might not be able to withstand it.”

Liu Jinshui said, shaking his head and looking extremely sleazy.

“I’ll be damned…”

“Senior brother is taking it too far. My destiny is the Universe, women only slow down the speed of my sword draw!”

Li Xiaobai cursed the fatso in his heart for not being decent, implicating his own impure thoughts.

“Hmm, if you can think that way, I’m relieved, little junior brother. If that dragon-blooded girl insists on clinging to you and doesn’t want to let go, your senior brother is willing to take your place and marry into the Sea Clan!”

Liu Jinshui patted Li Xiaobai’s shoulder, his face full of righteous indignation, looking out for the other’s best interest.

Li Xiaobai was speechless inside; not want her? It’s you who doesn’t want her, isn’t it? Such a big fat man, how can you be so shameless and thick-skinned?

“Junior Brother, are you set on getting involved?”

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but this is a battle between Half-step Human Immortals. Whether there are hidden powerhouses within Aolai Country, nobody knows. If something goes wrong, we don’t have the ability to protect you.”

Yang Chen’s brows furrowed slightly; he, too, could not fathom the purpose behind Li Xiaobai’s actions.

Logically speaking, the opponents were capable of killing Great Crossing Realm Cultivators in seconds. Why would they be fixated on a martial arts competition? There must be more to it. Could it be that there was still some treasure they hadn’t yet obtained?

“Senior Brother, rest assured, I have made my decision regarding this matter. It’s not necessary for the other Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters to help anymore. The Immortal Spirit Qi will soon be released, and mysterious cultivators from the Upper Realm will also take action. Before that happens, we must strengthen our own powers as much as possible.”

“These trivial matters I’ve been involved in have truly been a waste of time.”

Li Xiaobai spoke slowly. No one knew better than he did that his Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters were cultivation fanatics. Yet, they had not cultivated for two whole days because of him.

It also came to pass because of the changes within his body that prevented the others from deliberately cultivating. However, time waits for no one. With the unknown situation of the Upper Realm looming, breaking through their cultivation levels was the primary task.

“You’re right, with just the Tribulation Crossing Stage cultivation, indeed, we can’t be of much help.”

“I will go to the border and call Elder Tianwu for assistance. With him present, I believe we can handle whatever situation arises.”

“Then I’ll go to Southern Ming to request the King’s aid. The King, being first in line to the throne, may not take action personally, but showing his face should still be no issue.”

“I don’t know anybody of note, so I’ll go back to the Holy Demon Sect to cultivate. I won’t come out until I’ve reached the Great Crossing Realm.”

“Me too. The Tangneng First-class and quality shops are most complete in the Northern Region, making it a great place for cultivating. We will return to the Northern Region first.”

After a brief moment of contemplation, the others’ plans astonishingly aligned.

Compared to the resources of the bathhouse and Huazi, everything else seemed to pale in comparison. Since they had decided to focus on cultivating, naturally, they would go where the richest resources were, in the Northern Region.

“Very well, thank you all, and take care!”

Li Xiaobai nodded seriously and spoke.

If Old Man Tianji could come, that would completely put his mind at ease. The old man’s strength had almost recovered, and with him present, not even Half-step Human Immortals could pose a threat.

In the evening, deep into the night, within the Situ Household.

A shadow passed through the clan gate unhindered and leisurely entered the main hall, unnoticed by any of the surrounding guard disciples.

“Situ, calling me here in such a hurry, what’s the matter?”

From within the shadow, a slightly hoarse voice asked.

“Heh, Senior Qi, I’ve called you here, naturally, for a good thing—a very good thing!”

Patriarch Situ said with a smile.

“Oh? What good thing?”

Interest tinged the voice as it asked.

“Please allow me to keep you in suspense a bit longer. In a few days, you’ll know. I can assure you, the gift I plan to give you is something you’ve longed for day and night, and I believe you will be very satisfied with it.”

Patriarch Situ said mysteriously.

“Heh, it’s been many years since we met, and you’ve learned to whet someone’s appetite. No matter, I’m looking forward to your tribute. Let’s hear your request. What do you want me to do?”