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

Chapter 1031: Chapter 1032: Seamlessly Joining the Inner Chat
 

Riding on any family’s boat would do, he wasn’t lacking that one hundred top-grade Immortal Stones. Among the nearby fleets, it seemed that this old goat’s fleet was the largest. It was a good opportunity to see the world by sea and observe the cultivators on the boat, each exuding an extraordinary demeanor. Perhaps he could also use this chance to inquire about the situation in the Southern Continent and Ice Dragon Island.

“I don’t have these low-level resources like top-grade Immortal Stones. Here is an ultimate-grade Immortal Stone, take it, no need for change.”

Li Xiaobai casually tossed an ultimate-grade Immortal Stone toward the other party and spoke indifferently.

“Whoa, thank you, Young Master Li!”

“Young Master Li is really generous. I guarantee that you won’t regret spending this ultimate-grade Immortal Stone!”

The old goat was beaming with joy, it had been a long time since he’d met such a lavish young master who would give away an ultimate-grade Immortal Stone on the spot. One must know that for small fries like them, ultimate-grade Immortal Stones were generally not used for transactions.

That’s because the Immortal Yuan Power contained within ultimate-grade Immortal Stones far surpassed that of any other grade of Immortal Stones, making them the most precious and valuable resource for cultivation.

Those with such treasures would usually hide them away and only use them for their own cultivation needs. Where would you find someone as overbearing as the youngster before him, straightforwardly throwing one to him without even asking for the change?

“Set sail as soon as possible.”

Li Xiaobai spoke with a touch of indifference, still, one must maintain a sense of mystery when wandering the world. Being colder could effectively build the aura of a powerful being.

“Understood, Young Master, this way, please!”

The old goat called out respectfully and immediately hurried off towards the next target. Li Xiaobai’s ultimate-grade Immortal Stone allowed him to break even instantly; if he could get a few more cultivators on the boat, this trip would earn him quite a bit.

“This boat is quite sizable indeed.”

Following the path indicated by the old goat, Li Xiaobai slowly boarded the boat.

The boat was huge, a full two sizes larger than the usual boats, complete with teahouses and pavilions. Numerous young male and female cultivators were standing at the bow, gazing at the scenery.

No one paid any attention to the arrival of Li Xiaobai. Even if they did, they wouldn’t care much. Here, everyone was just a traveler heading to the Southern Continent, with no real connections.

Li Xiaobai found an unoccupied teahouse stall and sat down, squinting his eyes to observe everything on the boat.

At the front and back of the ship, a young man dressed in black was idly sitting on the deck, arms crossed with his eyes closed, resting his mind. No matter how noisy the surroundings were, they remained still. Without asking, these must be the two Earth Immortal Realm Ship Guards mentioned by the old goat.

They indeed seemed the part, quite professional.

Additionally, there were more than ten white-clothed cultivators repeatedly walking on the deck, continuously ensuring the safety of the ship. Occasionally, they would also help with the sails. These were Human Immortal Realm cultivators, also Ship Guards, but with different responsibilities than those from the Earth Immortal Realm. Should danger arise, they were to stand on the front lines at a moment’s notice, while on regular days, they helped the deckhands with miscellaneous work.

Overall, it was a well-trained team, though their cultivation levels were a bit inferior.

“Young man, care for some tea?”

A waiter came with a pot of tea, smilingly inquiring. Li Xiaobai was well-dressed, clearly not lacking in money. These stall owners preferred customers like him—generous and shrewd, often tipping beyond the cost of their consumption.

Sometimes, those tips were even more than what he earned in a month.

“Bring me a pot of your best tea, and keep the change.”

Li Xiaobai gave the waiter a glance and nonchalantly threw out another ultimate-grade Immortal Stone.

“Sure thing, sir, just a moment, it will be right up!”

The waiter was wide-eyed with excitement. That was an ultimate-grade Immortal Stone, casually given to him. This youth might come from an extraordinary background!

Truly, the disciple of a great household, casually giving out an ultimate-grade Immortal Stone, not even considering a top-grade.

“Feng’er, when we go to Ice Dragon Island this time, make sure to mind your manners. On someone else’s turf, don’t be as reckless as you are at home. If you offend the Island Master, I won’t let you off easily!”

On the deck, a group of cultivators slowly approached, led by a middle-aged man who was continuously admonishing a few young men and women following him.

The man had a refined appearance with slightly graying temples, exuding a scholarly aura. He sat down at the teahouse where Li Xiaobai was, accompanied by about a dozen servants and several young men and women.

“I got it, Uncle Huo. But tell me, what does the Island Master taking a disciple have to do with us? Is the family hoping that I could bring that Immortal back home?”

The young man being chastised expressed his displeasure, speaking with a grimace.

“Hmph, what do you know? Our Huo Family has properties on the Eastern Continent, the Southern Continent, and even Ice Dragon Island. This marriage proposal is not really about you winning the competition. It’s more about using the martial contest as an excuse to forge connections with the powerful and wealthy on Ice Dragon Island, which is the real deal for business dealings!”

“Moreover, I’ve heard that the Island Master’s newly accepted disciple is as beautiful as a celestial being and has awakened the Purple Dragon Bloodline Power. It’s almost certain that she will ascend to the Saint Realm in the future, and she might even contend for the title of Supreme Emperor, becoming the next Overlord of Ice Dragon Island. While she is still not fully developed and her influence hasn’t grown, getting to know her would be highly beneficial for you and the entire Huo Family!”

“Your uncle and the others are already waiting on Ice Dragon Island. Once we meet up, we can discuss the relevant matters.”

Uncle Huo seemed quite disappointed in his charge.

Ice Dragon Island?

Marriage proposal?

Island Master’s disciple?

Li Xiaobai quietly picked up his teacup and took a small sip, with a look of puzzlement flickering in his eyes.

Ice Dragon Island, located in a remote region, in the bitterly cold lands of the far north, was entirely inhabited by cultivators of the Dragon Race’s Bloodline. Li Xiaobai knew little about them.

But the fact that the Island Master’s disciple was going to hold a public martial arts competition for prospective suitors was no small matter. Regardless of the disciple’s own merits, simply being the Island Master’s disciple would surely create a sensation across the entire Ice Dragon Island, and even attract cultivators from the other three continents, all eager to catch a glimpse of the Immortal’s grace.

It was just unclear what relation Long Xue had to this grand event.

“Ha-ha-ha, Huo Yuhao, you really think you can marry the Island Master’s disciple? What wishful thinking. Instead of daydreaming, you should focus on how to expand the family business!”

The only girl among them covered her face and chuckled softly, her laughter making her bosom quiver, compelling the surrounding male cultivators to swallow hard.

“Who says that? Our Huo Family is also a well-known noble family, with a hundred-year history in commerce. Now, I also possess the strength of an Earth Immortal, what’s impossible? Maybe after I go onstage, I could defeat all the suitors of that Immortal in two to three moves and win the beauty!”

Huo Yuhao was indignant.

“You really are too dumb. I can’t even bother arguing with you. This kind of martial arts competition is clearly fixed. Outsiders don’t stand a chance. We’re just going to use this opportunity to network with influential and powerful figures to pave the way for our family’s future businesses. Don’t get your priorities wrong.”

“The so-called arena competition is nothing more than a stage for that future Prince Consort to showcase himself.”

The girl curled her lip in disdain.

“Ling’er’s right, when you have time, learn more from your sister Ling’er instead of wasting your years with those riff-raff friends. The future of our family will be in your hands.”

“In the Huo Family, you either cultivate to a high realm to assist the Family Head, or focus on managing the family’s wealth—there’s no third option. You’re all grown up; it’s time to get serious.”

Uncle Huo spoke lightly, the problem of the younger generation’s development a headache for every major family.

“Ling’er is as clever as ever, bearing much resemblance to Old Master Huo’s style!”

“Yes, there can’t be many girls like Ling’er in the world. In my opinion, she’s not inferior to that Immortal of Ice Dragon Island.”

“Exactly, our Ling’er has looks, figure, family background, and cultivation level. Even if the Island Master’s new disciple is extraordinarily talented, when it comes to femininity, I support Ling’er.”

“Huo Bro, I think you should just concentrate on supporting Ling’er in the future. If you handle the trading, you might lose everything—ha-ha-ha!”

The few young people brought along immediately started praising Huo Ling’er. They were all younger members of the Huo Family, though not of the direct lineage, and without blood ties to Huo Yuhao and Huo Ling’er. Having grown up together, they naturally had some aspirations.

It was just that they refrained from expressing their affection due to the presence of the family elders.

“Yes, Ling’er has been bright since she was a child.”

“The analysis is indeed rational and well-founded. Take the time to learn more.”

“Who would have thought that Ice Dragon Island would have such a grand event? It’s the perfect time to visit!”

Li Xiaobai, who had been quietly listening to the conversation all along, interjected smoothly, blending into the group’s talk without any sense of disharmony.

“See, as an elder brother, you’re not even as good as your own sister. You should study the art of business more after returning home…”

“What the heck!”

“Who are you, and why are you eavesdropping on our conversation!”

Uncle Huo was caught off-guard and followed Li Xiaobai’s words, but halfway through his sentence, he realized something was amiss. This young man wasn’t part of their group!

When did he get here?

Where did he spring from?

How could he so casually join in on their family’s private conversation with such a familiar air?

Do we know him?

“Hmm? It seems you all chose to sit beside me and speak freely—I thought it was an intention to chat with me.”

“But no matter, guests are always welcome. I’ll take care of the tea at our table—feel free to drink up!”

Li Xiaobai waved his hand and said cheerfully.

“You scoundrel, who do you think you are to speak with us? Get lost!”

“If the things you’ve heard just now get out, you’re dead!”

The rest of the young people were instantly furious. Not only had this upstart heard their conversation, but he also dared to call Huo Ling’er by name—and so affectionately at that. Even they could only address her as Miss Ling’er. Where did this guy come from to be so brazen?

“Young man, please give up your seat. Our family needs to discuss some matters together; it’s not appropriate for outsiders to listen in.”

The girl looked at Li Xiaobai with a disgusted expression and spoke.

Li Xiaobai still had a playful smile on his face, “Don’t be so distant. Come on, join our chat. What’s the deal with the martial competition on Ice Dragon Island?”