Chapter 20: Must Take the Bathhouse Away

"Hehe, I have my own plans in mind, all of your Immortal Feather Sect disciples look like they've never seen the world before, I'm just giving them a precautionary admonition in advance," he said.

Hindered in his speech, the State Preceptor was obviously displeased.

"Rest assured, State Preceptor, we have already warned them, life and death are predestined, these are experiences they must go through," the Sect Leader stated.

"This time, we're indeed troubling the State Preceptor," the Sect Leader said with a fist-bump salute, smiling as he spoke.

"Hmm, don't worry, which disciples will be accompanying me to Zhenyuan Country? There's no need for those with too weak abilities to go," said Li Shejin leisurely, his eyes darting around until they landed on a few from Misty Peak.

Su Yunbing and Ye Wushuang were both beauties, with an ethereal quality to their presence.

Li Shejin's small eyes glinted with excitement as he pointed toward the people from Misty Peak: "Those disciples over there are good, I'll take them!"

As soon as these words were uttered, the whole place mourned for him in silence.

The State Preceptor's lustful nature was undisguised, he didn't even try to hide it. He actually set his sights on two female disciples from Misty Peak, guaranteeing there would be no peace on this trip.

The Sect Leader by his side was also breaking out in a cold sweat; he feared that as soon as those from Misty Peak left the sect, they would slaughter the State Preceptor on the spot.

Instinct told him that the people from Misty Peak were absolutely capable of doing such a thing.

"Hehe, honored by the State Preceptor's favor, then this humble girl will obediently comply. The seven of us, brother and sisters, will accompany you," Su Yunbing said out of character, with a bloom of smiles that made Li Shejin salivate aggressively.

In his mind, he was already fantasizing about rollicking with these sisters in Zhenyuan Country. In his view, these disciples were all naïve; he thought he could easily manipulate them into submission with just a bit of scheming.

What Zhenyuan Country wanted, it never failed to obtain.

But what he failed to notice was the strange, cold glint in the eyes of those from Misty Peak.

Li Xiaobai felt a sense of trepidation; his fellow disciples were lawless, if they were let loose, this State Preceptor might not stay alive for more than five seconds.

The Sect Leader and the Elders had the same thought. While everyone really wanted to teach the State Preceptor a lesson, after all, he was a cultivator from a great nation, and killing him would cause great trouble.

"Cough cough, I guess that's about everything that needs to be said. You all go back and prepare, gather at the sect gates in two hours. This mission will be led by the Great Elder of the Holy Demon Sect. The top ten disciples of the competition will directly follow him back to the Holy Demon Sect, without needing to continue the contest," the Sect Leader instructed.

"This time, we must uphold a friendly attitude in our exchanges and do our utmost to help Zhenyuan Country eradicate the Demonic Beasts," the Sect Leader couldn't help but admonish again.

"Understood!"

The demeanor of the people from Misty Peak was surprisingly agreeable, which was out of character for them. Whatever the Sect Leader said went.

But the more compliant they were, the more the Sect Leader worried. Nevertheless, it wasn't appropriate to say more at the moment, and he could only hope for Li Shejin to be lucky. If you want to play with fire, I can't stop you.

The disciples below dispersed in an uproar, going back to start preparing for their departure. They truly didn't want to linger for even one more second; Li Shejin was just too repulsive.

With his greasy appearance and lecherous gaze, he really made one feel uncomfortable.

Li Xiaobai always wondered why Li Shejin seemed not very strong, yet he had such a domineering attitude. Could it be because of Zhenyuan Country's formidable strength?

He quietly approached Liu Jinshui, who seemed to have a clear understanding of many things.

"Brother Liu, do you know why the State Preceptor is so arrogant? It feels like his strength isn't very impressive," Li Xiaobai inquired.

"Hehe, well, that's a long story. This involves many historical issues, and the story of Zhenyuan Country actually begins with one person," Liu Jinshui responded with a smirk.

"Over a thousand years ago, a person from our Immortal Spirit Continent broke through the Feathering Stage and ascended to the Upper Realm. His name was Great Immortal Zhenyuan, born in a nation known as Dayuan Country. After his ascension, that country was renamed Zhenyuan Country,"

"Since Great Immortal Zhenyuan had walked the path of Confucianism, proving his way with vast and upright Qi, he exuded an abundant scholarly aura. The cultivators of Zhenyuan Country aren't very strong, but they've managed to mimic that scholarly air quite well, looking down on everyone with an air of superiority."

"Moreover, it's said that they have connections with some of the powers in Central Province. Although they keep tight-lipped about it, it's quite evident, especially since they have hundreds of Golden Core Cultivators. We all understand that very clearly."

"It's precisely because of this that everyone gives them face,"

Liu Jinshui went on to explain.

Li Xiaobai understood in his heart that this was a nation that had once produced an Immortal and had ties with the forces in Central Province, which was why they were so arrogant.

Indeed, this world still values strength above all else, but to think that Zhenyuan Country, with its hundreds of Golden Core cultivators, was deemed worthless by Senior Brother, seems even more arrogant than Li Shejin.

"But this Li Shejin has angered Senior Sister. He's as good as dead. Senior Sister's temperament won't care who's backing him. She'll swing her hammer without hesitation!"

Li Xiaobai deeply agreed. Senior Sister's behavior was quite odd; it was clear that she was looking to stir up trouble.

Just as he had expected, they probably hadn't even reached Zhenyuan Country yet, but were already on the brink of maxing out their hatred.

Back in his cave dwelling,

Li Xiaobai quickly checked his system panel. He was about to head out and confront demonic beasts, so he was making a last-minute check to see if there was anything he might use.

[Host: Li Xiaobai.]

[...]

[Defense: Copper Skin, Iron Bone (4200/5000).]

[Skills: Hatred Hundred Percent, Muscle Flaccidity, Sword Shattering the Sky.]

[Items: Somewhat Careful Helmet, Golden Silk Soft Armor.]

[Attribute Points: 0]

[Store: Opened.]

After browsing through the store, Li Xiaobai was well aware of his role; he had no offensive power of his own. To defeat his opponents, he had to rely on skills and items.

Acquiring skills depended on chance. What he could control were the items available in the store.

After looking around the store, although he had over a thousand Lower Grade Spirit Stones in hand, compared to the prices in the store, it was a drop in the bucket, and he couldn't purchase just anything.

After some selection, Li Xiaobai identified a few nice items.

[Thousand Mile Transmission Talisman]: Upon using this talisman, instantly move a thousand miles away to a random location. (Price: 1000 Lower Grade Spirit Stones)

[Flying Broom]: A flying mount. Ride the Flying Broom to soar across the heavens and earth, powered by Spirit Stones. One Lower Grade Spirit Stone can be used for one hour. (Price: 1000 Lower Grade Spirit Stones)

[Golden Body Talisman]: Upon use, it can block one hit from a Nascent Soul Cultivator. (Price: 1000 Lower Grade Spirit Stones)

Each of these items was a lifesaver, and coincidentally, their prices matched his entire wealth.

For the time being, he would take note of these items and purchase them when needed.

It was at this moment that the voices of a few Senior Brothers and Sisters arguing came from outside the house.

"We must take the bathhouse with us!"