I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

Chapter 818: Chapter 819: You Dare Stand Before Me in the Human Immortal Realm?
 

Sword Sect, atop the Second Peak.

Several days had passed.

Li Xiaobai and the others had enjoyed a few rare days of comfort. Since he had ascended to the top position on the Human Immortal Ranking List, disharmonious voices within the sect fell silent in an instant. Those disciples who had doubted Zhang Kuang’s failure to accept a challenge stopped speaking as well, especially after the Poop Scoopers’ exaggerated recounts.

For the time being, no one in the sect sought to trouble Li Xiaobai, at least not openly; after all, he was now considered a treasure of the Sword Sect. The sect’s standing naturally increased as its disciple reached the first place on the Human Immortal List—this could even lure in more resources into the sect, much to the disciples’ delight.

These days, more and more disciples were coming to the Second Peak to clean the latrines, and Li Xiaobai’s team of Poop Scoopers was growing larger. After several days of interaction, they had become quite familiar with each other. Now, after cleaning the latrines, the disciples would even take the initiative to be bound by Li Xiaobai, and then head to the Steward Hall to claim a huge number of Attribute Points for him.

The old beggar and Ergouzi had amassed a astronomical amount of Contribution Points. The sect’s most expensive cultivation technique required fifty thousand Contribution Points to borrow, yet they had saved up a terrifying one hundred thousand.

And this number was still growing exponentially as the ranks of the Poop Scoopers swelled. This situation caused even the sect’s Elders to frown repeatedly. However, out of consideration for Li Xiaobai, they did not say much. As long as it did not get out, everything was negotiable.

…

“Who is Li Xiaobai? Come with us.”

Outside, several figures walked into the bathhouse; they could not help but frown slightly at the sight before them.

In the Tangneng First-class bathhouse, Li Xiaobai and others were soaking with many disciples. The effects of both the bathhouse and Huazi’s establishment had spread throughout the entire sect in the past days, attracting numerous disciples like ducks to water. Of course, many others remained skeptical and did not want to get too close to Li Xiaobai.

In the meantime, the Four Villains had already reigned supreme in the domain of the latrines.

“Since when have Sword Sect disciples become so passive and neglectful in their duties?”

“Hmph, our speculation was indeed correct; you have all been poisoned by the sugar-coated bullets thrown by this guy. At this rate, you’ll only ruin yourselves!”

“Li Xiaobai, you actually came up with such a scandalous thing; it’s simply the shame of our sect!”

“The Sect Master wants to see you; come with us.”

These people looked down from on high, their eyes filled with disdain as they swept over the crowd, their words carrying an unquestionable commanding tone.

“Hm?”

“Has the time finally come?”

Li Xiaobai opened his eyes, unsurprised. After climbing to the top of the list and having a few days of peace, he knew it was just the calm before the storm. A newcomer topping the list was bound to stir up a huge commotion—surely the brewing tempest was about to erupt?

“What does the Sect Master want with me? Just tell me here.”

Li Xiaobai inquired indifferently, not showing the slightest intention of moving from his spot.

“You scoundrel, not showing respect and greeting us upon seeing us? Do you really think you’re number one?”

“Hmph, just an outer Sect new disciple, who knows by what method you climbed the rankings. Perhaps you opportunistically took advantage of the moment someone was in closed-door cultivation to ascend the list?”

“Boy, your good days are coming to an end. The Sect Master and the various Elders are waiting for you in the great hall. As for this Tangneng First-class and the well-managed shop, it will close down immediately, and someone will come to take over. How can such treasures be wasted by you worthless ones so extravagantly?”

The leader, a young man with a haughty demeanor, flashed a hint of anger in his eyes.

“Take over my shop?”

“Who is taking over?”

“Is it for your use after it’s taken over?”

Li Xiaobai asked.

“Those are not things you need to know. Just come with us.”

“You have one minute to get dressed. This is becoming more and more indecent!”

The group spoke coldly and then slowly walked out of the establishment with looks of utter disdain.

Although they concealed it well, Li Xiaobai still noticed the slight flaring of their nostrils and the eagerness in their eyes. Clearly, they were discreetly inhaling the lingering smoke of the Huazi, and he couldn’t help but sneer inwardly at their pretense.

…

“Kid, the news about the bathhouse and the Huazi has spread throughout the sect,” Ergouzi said in a drawl, exhaling clouds of smoke. “Even though most disciples are still skeptical, I’m afraid the higher-ups have already set their sights on you.”

“This is not good news. Anyone would be green with envy over the resources we have at our disposal. Those disciples who are watching from the sidelines are probably just waiting for the sect to take back the shop before they enjoy it themselves.”

“By then, this shop might become an exclusive and cherished resource for the core disciples, held by only a few familiar faces,” the ragged old beggar added loudly, intentionally making sure the nearby disciples could hear.

Such scenarios were not unusual; as the reputation of the Huazi and the bathhouse grew, it was only a matter of time before they drew envious looks.

“Ah, we even wanted to benefit the sect, yet it might be the last time the outer disciples get to bathe!” Ji Wuqing lamented, squinting his little eyes.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, the surrounding disciples grew restless. After several days under the influence of Huazi and the luxury of the bathhouse, they could no longer accept the idea of training step by step. If the sect were to designate this place for the exclusive use of the Inner Sect or True Disciples, they would be utterly helpless.

Moreover, based on their years of experience within the sect, this situation was very likely to occur.

“Damn it, the sect claims to treat all disciples equally on the surface, but isn’t it clear they favor the Inner Sect and True Disciples behind the scenes?”

“So what if they have better aptitude, talent, or a higher cultivation level? What’s there to be proud of?”

“Alas, some thrive while others suffer.”

“No wonder those high-and-mighty folks haven’t shown their faces these past few days; they must’ve known the sect would intervene. It’s just too domineering!”

“How are we supposed to manage in the future?”

The disciples looked mournful, their bright mood from cleaning up manure and looking forward to a comfortable bath was now gone, replaced by feelings of sorrow.

“Don’t worry, just stick with me and you’ll have all the Huazi and baths you want,” Li Xiaobai smiled and reassured them. “I’ll be right back.”

He had successfully incited these lower-level disciples’ emotions, ensuring they would follow him even more faithfully in the future.

…

Arriving at the door, a few people lingered at the entrance, inhaling the floating Huazi smoke and their eyes fogged with a misty look.

“Enjoying it?” Li Xiaobai asked with a slight smile.

“Enough talk, let’s go,” their eyes turned ice-cold.

“By the way, brothers, what realm are you at? Being able to enter the Inner Sect, you must also be a group of extraordinary talents, right?” Li Xiaobai seemed to ask casually, appearing somewhat nonchalant.

“Heh, everyone who enters the Inner Sect is a prodigy. Even if it’s just a cultivator at the Human Immortal Realm, their methods are beyond what an ordinary Outer Sect disciple can imagine. Resources are on a completely different level—no need for a lowly Outer Sect dweller like you to speculate,” they scoffed.

“I see. So, all of you are masters of the Human Immortal Realm?”

“What if we are?”

“What do you want to do?”

“Are you thinking of making a move against us?”

Suddenly, they saw the youth behind them produce a Purple Gold Gourd from seemingly nowhere and gently tapped them with it. The next second, before they could utter a scream, they were instantly sucked inside.

Li Xiaobai plugged the gourd’s mouth, muttering, “Damn it, when did Human Immortals dare to strut around and show off in front of me!”