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

Chapter 1070: Chapter 1071: The Female Disciple of the Hundred Flowers Sect

Ice Dragon Island, true to its name, is an island truly occupied by a colossal ice dragon.

The whole island is covered with snow and ice, displaying a scene of blue and white that is marvelously beautiful. Right in front of the island, there stands a dragon head, sculpted from ice and snow, with a terrifying and fierce expression. Its eyes, bloodshot red, dominate the atmosphere, bestowing a daunting presence even from afar.

This island is extremely large, situated atop the Northern Sea, resembling a gigantic beast in slumber for a thousand years, looking down upon the myriad forms of life.

The speed of the ship gradually decreased. Old Goat was clearly very familiar with this area. Ice Dragon Island, for several miles around, was covered by huge slabs of ice. Many cultivators and pedestrians were walking on them. Here in this area, most people chose to disembark and walk the rest of the way, but he did not. Navigating his large ship through the gaps between the layers of ice, he skillfully weaved in and out and eventually reached a spacious harbor to dock.

This harbor was a fan-shaped lake, and from here the layers of ice were tightly sealed without any gaps. Ships couldn’t sail through but could dock here. However, this place was hard to find, and ships arriving for the first time would not be able to locate such an inward harbor. Looking at the harbor where only a few large ships docked, Li Xiaobai mused that appearances could indeed be deceiving. Every profession has its own elites and talents, and though Old Goat seemed subservient, he was actually a seasoned hand who likely knew more about the sea than most.

With a bit more strength in his cultivation, he could easily assemble a fleet with his capabilities for seafaring adventures.

“Young Master Li, we have arrived. Ice Dragon Island is winter all year round, and the surrounding sea area is also influenced by the climate of the island, forming ice. You’ll need to walk from here.”

Old Goat anchored the boat expertly and said respectfully.

“Very well, from now on, remember my identity, the sole Young Master of Icy Frost Sect on this trip, the third Young Master, Han Buzhu. Forget everything that happened at sea as soon as possible, and don’t slip up and talk about it on the island.”

“Don’t worry, Young Master. This old one has a very tight lip.”

Old Goat assured him, his heart mixed with joy and anxiety. The joy was from latching onto such a powerful patron, a being capable of slaying a Half-Saint Realm cultivator, whose strength in this world was definitely top-notch. The nervousness stemmed from the saying that serving a lord was like sleeping with a tiger—accompanying such a powerhouse to Ice Dragon Island could mean facing great danger, a single misstep could lead to irreversible doom.

However, if he could use this opportunity to make a good acquaintance with such a formidable being, it would not be a misfortune. Serving under such a powerhouse and showing just a bit of competence could earn him rewards like an ancient tome or an elixir that could benefit him immensely.

Moreover, with such a deity for protection, he would have greater confidence traveling the sea. At the very least, he could increase the fare for his passengers; a price of one top-quality Immortal Stone per person would be quite nice, especially on a ship that had experienced the battle of the strong.

“That’s excellent.”

Li Xiaobai nodded and led the group off the ship. Below their feet was the ice, and there were no buildings or cultivators to greet and entertain them, as cold and unwelcoming as the name of the island suggested.

The ice layer was no different from solid ground. With many people walking over it, a few paths had naturally formed. On both sides, cultivators could be seen setting up stalls, selling resources and materials from various strange and bizarre Demonic Beasts.

Aside from being scarce, everything was not much different from the coastal life on the Mainland.

“Gentlemen, at first glance, you all appear to be talented and handsome young men, surely here to participate in the martial arts competition for marriage. If you don’t mind, I can lead you to the cheapest inn on the island and ensure it’s not far from the arena for the grand competition—how does that sound?”

As they reached a crowded area, a cultivator approached them, his voice steeped in mystery. He was an old man, and behind him, there were about a dozen strong young men, their eyes unblinking as they stared at Li Xiaobai with a glint of greed, like wolves eyeing their prey.

“No need, no need, go scam someone else. And did you even ask who my Young Master is?”

“Scram!”

Old Goat darted forward in a single leap, kicking the old man with an angry face.

“Oh, isn’t this Brother Goat? It seems you’re the guide. My apologies for the offense, and please forgive us!”

The elder recognized Old Goat, and a sign of surprise flashed across his face. “May I ask which sect’s Young Master is this fine gentleman?”

“The third Young Master of Icy Frost Sect, Han Buzhu!”

Old Goat snorted through his nose, his demeanor nonchalant as he stated, putting on quite the authoritative air that truly looked the part.

“Icy Frost Sect Young Master, my apologies!”

The old man gave a slight nod of his head and cupped his fists in a greeting before he squatted back down to his original spot, awaiting the next passerby without speaking further.

“Young Master, this way, please.”

“What are those people doing? They seem to be quite familiar with you,” Li Xiaobai asked.

“These cultivators peddle their business by bringing customers to designated inns for rest, earning a commission for their service. The more customers they bring, the larger their reward. However, the inns they take you to are usually a rip-off—nine out of ten. The remaining one is involved in special services. In short, if you go to their inn, you won’t be able to leave without spending quite a few top-grade Immortal Stones. The situation here is very murky and dark.”

“This little old one has mixed in with these livelihood-seeking cultivators on the island for some time, so I have a decent understanding of the way things work around here,” the old goat explained while walking. With a high volume of foot traffic on the island, inns naturally became hot commodities. With regular inns filled to capacity, the shady ones started to stir, especially during the martial competition for marriage proposals, when many newbies arrive on Ice Dragon Island. It’s the perfect time to fleece them.

It’s said that the backings for these shady inns come from the high-ups on Ice Dragon Island who have their fingers in every pie, which is why these places have remained indomitable.

“Are they also cultivators from Ice Dragon Island?” Li Xiaobai asked.

“That’s correct. They are cultivators with the red Bloodline Power, which is at the very bottom tier on Ice Dragon Island, quite diluted. Because of such low-quality bloodlines, the sects and families on the island are unwilling to provide them with cultivation resources. Everything must be fought for by themselves,” said the old goat.

In the midst of their conversation, another group of cultivators surrounded them. This time, a young man led the group with several young girls in tow, their attire lavish and obviously hailing from noble families.

“Are you looking for a place to stay? We can go together. I can introduce the best inn to you, sirs.”

The leader of the young men spoke.

“No need; we have a place to stay,” Li Xiaobai refused, glancing at the few girls. They looked inexperienced and easily led astray, probably about to be thoroughly exploited.

“You fellow daoists are here to participate in the martial competition, right? We are disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect. We have just settled into an inn and were about to head there once we gather a few more people. Since you’re new to the island, why don’t we go together? Staying together would also provide some mutual support,” one of the charming young girls, a graceful female cultivator, suggested.

“The girls from Hundred Flowers Sect!”

Uncle Huo and the old goat’s pupils shrank slightly—the allure of martial competition for marriage proposals was indeed powerful. They had just arrived on the island and already encountered female disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect, promising young talents from a Super Sect. If they could foster good relations now, it could be a valuable connection for them in the Southern Continent in the future.

Li Xiaobai felt somewhat speechless; these girls were about to be taken advantage of and they were still speaking in favor of these people—literally being sold and still helping count the money!

However, it seemed that the Hundred Flowers Sect was the same sect his senior sister had been a part of. Since they had encountered them, it would be right to offer some assistance.

“Here’s what we’ll do: Uncle Huo, you go on to the Huo Family first. Old Brother Goat, come with me to check out that inn. Once everything is settled, we’ll have a good drink and chat, how about that?”

“Good!”

“Excellent!”