Chapter 1418: Chapter 1419: Switched!
Wu Zhong of the Cangtian White Crane Sect?
As soon as these words were spoken, the surrounding crowd fell silent for a few seconds. Being someone who had left the Baihe Family, Wu Zhong was naturally well-known, but no one expected Li Xiaobai to say such a thing. Sustainable development strategy? Would Wu Zhong even say something like that?
“Kid, stop spouting nonsense! How could Wu Zhong possibly engage in such sneaky, dishonorable acts?”
“Besides, how could a genius of the Cangtian White Crane Sect be associated with the likes of you!”
Wu Yong glared angrily and reprimanded sternly.
“This Wu Yong is Wu Zhong’s cousin from the same family lineage. Fellow Daoist Li’s earlier words carried an air of veiled sarcasm, and given the recent unrest in the city, if certain people overheard, it might tarnish the Baihe Family’s reputation. When out in the world, it’s necessary to mind one’s speech and actions.”
Nangong Menglu offered advice. They were all part of the same family, and if Wu Zhong were somehow implicated with the kidnappers who had taken the city’s young talents, the entire Baihe Family would be caught up in the scandal, possibly even implicating the Cangtian White Crane Sect.
It should be noted that this matter isn’t merely about the abduction of disciples from major families. The most critical issue is that the kidnappers killed cultivators from the extremely vicious Pure Land—a major incident that everyone is desperate to avoid involvement in.
“Haha, I was just saying. If my words offended anyone, I ask for your forgiveness.”
Li Xiaobai laughed heartily, maintaining his carefree demeanor. To outsiders, this was just another of his reckless remarks, but unbeknownst to them, a seed had already been sown in the Baihe Family. Letting him into their ranks would prove to be their greatest mistake.
A ready scapegoat shouldn’t go to waste.
“Young Master Li’s recent technique was truly extraordinary. This Shui Yunzhou is right before us—would you be willing to lend the Baihe Family your aid? If you can help retrieve this treasure, our Baihe Family will certainly reward you handsomely!”
Bailu spoke up. The mysterious golden talismans Li Xiaobai had used earlier had left her intrigued. If he were to act again, perhaps they could effortlessly retrieve the treasure.
“Lately, I’ve been a bit tight on money. I’ve heard of a treasure called Rare Earth that might bring a warm glow to my humble life. Would you happen to have any of that?”
Li Xiaobai rubbed his fingers together, looking utterly conflicted.
“A small token of gratitude—please accept it, Brother!”
Bailu, ever straightforward, flipped her wrist and casually tossed over a Storage Bag. Li Xiaobai glanced inside and estimated there were roughly a thousand pieces of Rare Earth. He still lacked a clear concept of this world’s resources.
However, summoning even a basic temporary worker here would require at least ten thousand pieces of Rare Earth, suggesting such resources were quite valuable.
“They say a cultivator stands tall against injustice—when it’s time to act, one acts! Helping allies is what young cultivators like us should do!”
“Since the Immortal has made a request, I have no reason to refuse. Today, I’ll give it a try!”
Li Xiaobai’s eyes flashed with a subtle expression as he strolled leisurely to the riverbank, hands clasped behind his back, looking every bit like a charlatan. His carefree demeanor left the crowd deeply anxious.
The time was slipping away—if he kept dawdling, the Shui Yunzhou would drift away, and they wouldn’t be able to retrieve it.
“Li, what’s with the delay? My Baihe Family never owes anyone—don’t waste time!”
Wu Yong cursed impatiently. He shared the urgency but had to admit Li Xiaobai’s strange golden talisman was unparalleled, far superior to their own methods.
“What’s the rush? Haste makes waste!”
Li Xiaobai cast him a sidelong glance and spoke calmly.
He quietly pinched a golden talisman between his fingers, and as the crowd’s attention wavered, golden light flickered briefly. In just an instant, the Shui Yunzhou above the river subtly shifted but remained undisturbed, still nestled upon the water.
“It didn’t work?”
“The talisman should have activated!”
“It seems the Shui Yunzhou’s rank is too high for him to handle!”
The surrounding cultivators did not react with alarm upon witnessing this. After all, this was a rare treasure, and it was reasonable that an unknown talisman couldn’t move it.
“Haha, I thought he’d be more formidable, but he’s clearly incapable when it comes to the real treasures!”
“Step aside and watch closely as my Baihe Family handles this!”
“Such a waste of Bailu’s Rare Earth!”
Wu Yong mocked mercilessly as he shoved Li Xiaobai aside and led the Baihe Family disciples to begin their task. Fishing rods swung into action, dipping into the water and beginning their attempt to retrieve the treasure.
“Ah, that’s what happens when an outsider meddles—time wasted for nothing. We should be more cautious in the future!”
Disciples from the family voiced their discontent. Their time was running out.
Bailu said little, but a flicker of disappointment crossed her gaze. With a similar swing of her fishing rod, she joined in the effort.
Li Xiaobai stepped back without emotion on his face, as if indifferent. However, Nangong Menglu instinctively felt something was off. By all accounts, his skills should exceed this performance—had she missed a dramatic display just now?
“Young Master Li, would you consider selling the talisman in your possession? If you’re willing, my Nangong Family is prepared to pay handsomely!”
Nangong Menglu’s priorities differed from those of the other cultivators. As a disciple of Heavenly God Academy, she recognized Shui Yunzhou as an extraordinary treasure. However, her true interest lay in the Exchange Charm Li Xiaobai had used. Involving the Power of Space, its ability to swap objects instantly was a formidable asset, potentially becoming a secret weapon for the sect.
“I don’t have many left, and as the Immortal witnessed, the charm works fine on ordinary objects, but stronger treasures seem to exceed its capabilities.”
Li Xiaobai waved a hand dismissively, feigning an air of honesty.
At the riverbank.
Countless fishing hooks cautiously skimmed the surface of the water, carefully avoiding triggering any backlash. They curved methodically toward Shui Yunzhou, gently catching hold of its fabric before slowly pulling it shoreward.
The Shui Yunzhou gradually edged toward the bank.
“It’s working!”
“Could it really be this simple?”
The young cultivators were stunned. They had expected a tense struggle, yet the treasure was reeled in with minimal effort—a stroke of unbelievable fortune.
Yet Bailu’s brow furrowed. Handling this level of treasure shouldn’t be so effortless. The feedback from the fishing rod was unnervingly light, as if they were merely tugging at ordinary clothing.
She instinctively turned to glance back at Li Xiaobai, an ominous suspicion creeping into her mind.
Her cultivation erupted within her, and a silver hook shot forward through the void, forcefully snagging Shui Yunzhou. A powerful rush of energy roared forth—but the battle armor, revered as a priceless treasure, shattered into pieces in an instant, scattering into the wind.
“What the… It’s fake! Switched out!”