Chapter 1427: Chapter 1428: Protector
“It truly is a Heavenly God Academy Elder!”
“I knew this elder was extraordinary, but I didn’t expect him to really be an Elder from the Heavenly God Academy!”
“See? Like I said, the Heavenly God Academy wouldn’t do the same thing every year. This year, they’re trying to spice things up with something different.”
The cultivators became excited and thrilled—this was the Heavenly God Academy after all!
Their performance earlier seemed decent, as they hadn’t shown disrespect to this elder. It should leave a good impression.
“Respected Elder of the Heavenly God Academy, why mingle among us and joke around?”
Bai Hua’s mind was somewhat chaotic, unable to organize his thoughts. Even Young Master Fu was stunned—his third sister truly managed to latch onto a golden leg this time!
Judging by that earlier technique, which allowed most cultivators present to break through a realm, this person was undoubtedly a great master. Forget being an Elder; if he declared himself the headmaster of the Heavenly God Academy, they wouldn’t doubt it!
“So, is it true that you’re an Elder from the Heavenly God Academy, here to select disciples?”
Nangong Menglu’s expression was also slightly shocked. She had merely asked casually, not expecting the other party to admit it so readily. Something felt off, but she couldn’t pinpoint it at the moment.
“Not at all, not at all. Though I hail from the Heavenly God Academy, I am not responsible for recruiting talents. My visit this time pertains to another unresolved case.”
Li Xiaobai shook his head, looking the part of a mystic fraudster.
“May I ask, Elder, what kind of unresolved case this is?”
“There have been no reports of thieves causing trouble in Cangtian City.”
Bai Hua spoke up, his mind harboring a bad premonition. Considering the elder’s opening remarks, could he be here to target the Baihe Family?
“Speaking of recent unresolved cases in Cangtian City, it would naturally be none other than the mysterious figure who killed the malevolent Pure Land cultivators. This figure not only slew sinister Pure Land cultivators but also kidnapped many of the city’s promising young talents, likely in an effort to extort wealth. The Heavenly God Academy places great importance on this matter and has sent me to investigate. We must confront this criminal and provide the world an explanation.”
Li Xiaobai spoke slowly and methodically.
Posing as an Elder of the Heavenly God Academy? No problem. But pretending to be the recruiter of disciples? Definitely out of bounds—who knows if the actual recruiter is already in the city, possibly even hiding among this crowd. It was crucial to avoid overlapping identities for effective maneuverability.
“I see. This matter does ring familiar to me; I had heard some rumors in the Baihe Family.”
Nangong Menglu’s eyes flickered. She knew the 150-plus young cultivators weren’t kidnapped by the Baihe Family but rather by Li Xiaobai himself. She couldn’t reveal this, as he entered the city with her and even joined her in the Baihe Family. If the truth came out, she couldn’t escape blame. Thus, she had no choice but to stay silent and protect herself.
Moreover, this presented an excellent opportunity to rebalance the power factions within Cangtian City, preventing the Baihe Clan from becoming overwhelmingly dominant.
“The Baihe Family does indeed carry significant suspicion. Today, all the clan disciples have gathered here except the Baihe Family. Now, don’t you think that’s a bit fishy?”
“Old me has received reliable intelligence claiming that a total of over 150 young disciples are currently being detained in the Baihe Family’s warehouse. If we catch them with the goods, the evidence will be irrefutable. This would also offer an explanation to the malevolent Pure Land faction.”
Li Xiaobai spoke indifferently, shedding the playful demeanor from earlier. His expression grew solemn, and a chilling atmosphere began to sweep over the venue. The cultivators felt uneasy in their hearts. This was confidential information, not meant for their ears, yet the elder laid it bare—why?
“I see… Is there any service a disciple can offer? I shall spare no effort to assist!”
“Unnecessary. Just minor trifles. However, there is some involvement with the malevolent Pure Land, which makes it slightly tricky. I’ll handle it personally.”
Li Xiaobai chatted with the crowd, letting loose one cleverly fabricated story after another. The cultivators present were repeatedly left dumbfounded by his rhetoric.
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes hidden amidst the crowd silently observed everything. This observer, also a young man, sat at the rearmost seat, doubt evident in his gaze.
A Heavenly God Academy Elder is here?
And it’s for the Pure Land incident, to settle matters with the city’s cultivators? How come he hadn’t heard a peep about this while at the Academy?
Also, why would an Elder from the Heavenly God Academy act in such an ostentatious manner?
However, regarding the elder’s identity, he didn’t entertain much suspicion. The benefits brought by the elder, namely that “Huazi,” were too profound—he couldn’t resist taking a few more puffs himself. Although his cultivation hadn’t immediately broken through, it was almost there.
“On the path of cultivation, strength reigns supreme. Don’t play petty games; the Academy’s envoy will have their own judgment.”
Li Xiaobai said in a serious tone, glancing at Fu Tao behind him. With a slight smile, he flipped his wrist and tossed out a “Huazi,” saying, “You’re quite clever, young lady, but not malicious. I don’t dislike you. Consider this Huazi as your reward.”
“Thank you, Elder!”
Fu Tao eagerly cradled the Huazi, her eyes glowing with excitement and pride as she scanned the surrounding disciples. Who said latching onto a big shot’s coattails was useless?
Here was the payoff, wasn’t it?
The strong never like owing favors—this she understood well. As for the Huazi’s effects, there was no need for explanation. It was enough to elevate her cultivation by several realms in one go. Sucking up to powerful figures really worked wonders!
Disciples nearby stared enviously, their eyes burning with regret. If they’d known this earlier, they wouldn’t have hesitated and would have grovelled immediately. Who knew? Perhaps they could have snagged even a sip of soup. But now, they could only dream of that Huazi—just one puff brought instantaneous breakthroughs. The prospect of consuming an entire stick was unimaginable.
“Now that everything’s been clarified, old me has one more matter I hope you young friends can assist with.”
“Tomorrow, at dawn, I shall enter the Baihe Family for investigation. If the higher-ups from the families in the city could attend as witnesses, that would be ideal, ensuring it’s not merely my word alone.”
Li Xiaobai said with a smile, making his intentions crystal clear: tomorrow, he was targeting the Baihe Family, and he required the other families to join in.
“No problem!”
“Exactly what I was thinking!”
“At dawn tomorrow, our clan’s Elders will certainly be present. If this truly is the work of the Baihe Family, we shall show no leniency!”
Aside from Bai Hua, other cultivators readily expressed their stance. The Baihe Family and Baihe Sect shared origins; their fortunes were closely tied. With a Heavenly God Academy Elder making such assertions, the evidence seemed overwhelmingly solid. Bai Hua was uncertain—if this was indeed the Baihe Family’s doing, the Baihe Sect would inevitably bear consequences!
“Thank you, young friends. I also wish you success in entering the Heavenly God Academy to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Immortal Gods Realm!”
Li Xiaobai clasped his hands behind him. A golden talisman quietly activated, and his figure vanished without a trace in an instant.
…
A quarter-hour later.
At the foot of a mountain, inside a modest inn.
Li Xiaobai sipped wine alone, patiently waiting for the arrival of tomorrow. He could begin preparing to rake in profits soon. Using the identity of a Heavenly God Academy Elder to navigate between major factions, as long as the higher-ups from each clan were present, they’d inevitably exert mutual pressure. Even if someone grew suspicious, they’d hesitate to act against him openly.
As the saying goes, safety lies in numbers.
“Elder, it took the disciple quite a while to find you. This inn is rather humble—why not move to the disciple’s private courtyard for a more comfortable stay?”
A figure stepped into the room; Nangong Menglu entered respectfully, approaching Li Xiaobai.
“Speak if you have business.”
Li Xiaobai responded straightforwardly.
“Three days from now, this disciple will undergo Tribulation Crossing. I originally invited Baihe Family experts as Protectors, but this incident has disrupted plans.”
“Though this request may seem impudent, this junior dares to ask the elder to act as my Protector. As for compensation, I wouldn’t dare hold back!”
“Haha, well said, well said!”