I Don't Want to Get Hurt, So I'll Max Out My Defense-Chapter 1056 - 1057: Double Dealing with One Resource

Chapter 1056: Chapter 1057: Double Dealing with One Resource

Icy Frost Sect, Immovable Peak.

This place was Han Buzhu’s dwelling, it was said that in earlier years a great battle had occurred here. Mighty ones had wielded mountains as weapons, killing innumerable foes. After their fall, the mountains, now corpses, remained and were transformed into Immovable Peak.

The mountain exuded an ancient, robust aura, fortified for both offense and defense. Inside, one could still feel a slight oppressive force. Dwelling in Immovable Peak year-round was very beneficial for solidifying one’s foundation and resisting pressure. It was indeed a natural blessing.

Many sect disciples of Immovable Peak belonged to Han Buzhu’s lineage, though in comparison to the followers of the other two young masters, they were significantly fewer.

Following Han Meng, they rode a flying sword into the mountain of Immovable Peak.

“Third Young Master, I have brought you to the place, may I leave now?”

Han Meng sheathed his sword and asked.

“Yes, but before you leave, I would like to show you something,” Li Xiaobai jovially said, pulling out a small, tattered bowl from his bosom.

“What is so peculiar about this bowl?” Han Meng asked, puzzled.

“Look at this bowl, it’s big and round.”

“So what?”

“Come into the bowl!”

Swoosh!

A white light flashed and vanished; in an instant, the figure of Han Meng disappeared without a trace, sucked into the bowl.

“My Immortal Stones are not so easily taken.”

“Taking my money means you’re mine now.”

Li Xiaobai muttered to himself, tucking the small broken bowl back into his bag.

“Uh…Young Master Li is impressive.”

Uncle Huo didn’t know what to say, he had thought that Li Xiaobai was going to use money to pave his way, but instead, he had played this smart move. Not only had he retrieved the Immortal Stones, but he also made a small profit from the person taken.

Indeed, Young Master Li never loses out.

“Greetings to the Young Master!”

The two disciples guarding the entrance immediately bowed respectfully upon seeing Li Xiaobai and his party approaching.

“Go and fetch my steward,” Li Xiaobai ordered.

“Uh… the steward?”

The two disciples were puzzled.

“Am I not referring to my confidant?” Li Xiaobai asked.

“Could it be Senior Brother Huang?”

The two disciples, puzzled by the new term sprung by Li Xiaobai, were quite confused.

Why does the Young Master seem different from before all of a sudden?

“On normal days, summon whoever is closest to me; do I really need to point out such trivial things?”

Li Xiaobai glanced at the guard disciples coldly.

“Yes!”

“I will fetch Senior Brother Huang immediately!”

“Please rest inside the dwelling for a moment, Young Master!”

The two disciples turned pale under his gaze, bowing deeply and scurried off, fearful of displeasing the Young Master.

“This Han Buzhu’s residence seems rather remote, for a young master not to reside at the sect’s central location seems unusual. Who lives near Zhuo Dao Spring?”

As he entered Han Buzhu’s dwelling, Li Xiaobai looked around, his brow slightly furrowed. This man did not seem as impressive as he had shown on the ship.

It seems he isn’t just insignificant in front of his two brothers, even the Sect Leader doesn’t favor him, otherwise, why would he live in this mountain far from the center of the sect?

“Near Zhuo Dao Spring, the power of Immortal Yuan is rich. It’s a prime location, and it should be lived in by the head young master of the Icy Frost Sect, Han Buxia, the direct descendant and eldest son of the chief wife, and a proud talent. It is only right for the sect to invest the most effort into him.”

“Among the young generation of disciples in the Icy Frost Sect, he should be the most outstanding,” Uncle Huo explained.

“And the second young master, who is he and what is his cultivation level?”

There are some things one cannot ask in public, but now that they were within the dwelling, it was an opportunity to clarify his doubts.

“The second young master, Han Dezhu, also has the cultivation level of the Heavenly Immortal Realm. In terms of strength, he should be quite inferior to Han Buxia. After all, the resources given by the sect are not the same. Although he is also a chosen talent and heavily nurtured, it is said that his innate potential is slightly lesser than that of Han Buxia,” Huo Yuhao said.

“I heard that Han Buxia often cultivates on Ice Dragon Island. His vision and insights aren’t comparable to Han Dezhu and Han Buzhu. He, ambitious as the sky, had publicly challenged the leading talents of various sects, and my elder brother was miserably defeated by him.”

“Public challenge?”

“Is it him?”

“Wouldn’t the geniuses from the Super Sects beat him easily?”

Li Xiaobai frowned.

“Disciples from Super Sects certainly look down on him. This great young master of the Han Family is clever; he merely spreads the word and selectively challenges specific individuals. Those who actually show up for a duel are usually talents from ordinary sects. The real geniuses of the Super Sects would disdain to stoop so low to challenge him, as it would be a great dishonor to them.”

“That’s why this guy has been able to act unrestrainedly for a while,” Huo Yuhao said disdainfully. This kind of attention-seeking behavior seemed tasteless to him, but somehow, this man had indeed managed to raise his profile, and many young talents acknowledged him as an outstanding figure among the young generation, eager to make his acquaintance.

“However, I did hear that not long ago on the sea, he was put in his place by a girl clad in a beautiful skirt. He tried to kiss her but was utterly rebuffed and, in a rage, challenged the girl only to face a crushing defeat.”

The younger members of the Huo Family had also heard rumors about this great young master.

“All this, who told you? Don’t pay attention to rumors on the streets, better to spend time thinking about how to profit and expand the channels for the clan!”

Uncle Huo felt a headache; the younger generation spent their days not attending to serious matters but were extremely interested and well-informed about trivial rumors.

Their priorities were misplaced!

“Uncle, you might not know this, but my father personally told this to my elder brother to console him, and we were both standing right there!”

Huo Yuhao argued somewhat indignantly. The younger members of the Huo Family had been severely beaten, which had significantly impacted their cultivation. To encourage his eldest son and rebuild his confidence, the Family Head specially collected some information about Han Buxia.

“Yes, I heard it with my own ears; it’s not just some rumor!”

A young lady from the Huo Family also muttered.

“She was defeated by a woman in a splendid skirt?”

“What is the woman’s surname and name?”

Li Xiaobai’s expression shifted as he looked at the two and asked.

“That, I do not know. However, according to my father, that woman is also of the Heavenly Immortal Realm cultivation level and cultivates the Frost Qi. But compared to her, our Icy Frost Sect is vastly inferior. That woman merely opened her small umbrella, and with Thousand-Mile Frost, she froze an entire sea area, including Han Buxia’s Ice Frost Cultivation Technique. Her might was trivial, but her power was terrifying.”

Huo Yuhao explained.

It must be Wu Chengjue.

A woman in a splendid skirt, holding a small umbrella, and specializing in Frost Qi, there could be no one else but Wu Chengjue.

Edward from the Enforcement Team of the Eastern Continent had previously mentioned her movements. It seemed she had already arrived at Ice Dragon Island, but it was unclear why she appeared here, at this critical juncture. Could she also be planning to participate in the marital arts competition?

A peculiar thought surfaced in Li Xiaobai’s mind; could this woman be lesbian?

“What, Young Master Li, do you know this woman my nephew mentioned?”

Uncle Huo asked.

“It’s all just speculation; perhaps it’s not the person I know.”

Li Xiaobai waved his hand, not wanting to delve deeper into the topic. Not many knew of his acquaintance with Wu Chengjue. Perhaps once on the island, she could become a significant help to him, making him not utterly helpless.

“Young Master, Senior Brother Huang has been brought here.”

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From outside the cave, a respectful voice was heard; it was the guard disciple from earlier.

Li Xiaobai nodded. “Let him in.”

Outside the cave, a figure slowly walked in. He was a youth dressed in short, practical clothing, his face stern and his eyes gleaming with sharpness, clearly not a simple character.

“Huang Yuan greets the Young Master. May I ask what orders the Young Master has for me?”

After entering, Huang Yuan bowed deeply, showing considerable respect.

In fact, he was rather nervous; he was a spy sent by Han Buxia, tasked specifically to stay close to the third young master to monitor every single one of his actions. This sudden return of the third young master and his immediate summoning of him; could it be that the other party had discovered something and was settling accounts?

“Huang Yuan, let me ask you, how would you define our relationship on ordinary days, can we be considered friends?”

Li Xiaobai played with his fingers, asking casually.

“Responding to the Young Master, Huang Yuan is willing to be the Young Master’s confidant, but the term ‘friend’ is something I dare not claim. Please don’t embarrass me.”

Hearing this, Huang Yuan was shocked and responded hurriedly. He knew his place; as a spy placed by Han Buxia near the third young master, he had to be exceedingly cautious in every word and action. Clinging to a higher branch or seeking to speak as equals was something he would dare not do, for this was merely a test from the Young Master. If he carelessly spoke the truth, today might be the day he loses his life.

“Indeed modest of you. Since you are my confidant, let me test you today. Within the Icy Frost Sect, how many properties belong to me?”

Li Xiaobai asked, feeling a sigh of relief in his heart, as the newcomer was Han Buzhu’s confidant and was likely well-aware of the resources he controlled.

“Answering Young Master, Immovable Peak holds a total of twelve properties, all of which are herbal shops.”

Huang Yuan said, “Does the Young Master want to review their performance and replan the management of these shops?”

“Not at all, I want to consolidate resources, bundle these shops together, and sell them. Go and spread the news that I am selling these twelve herbal shops for a price ten times the value of the herbs stored in them.”

“Focus on spreading the message towards my eldest and second brothers, ensuring they see it.”

Li Xiaobai spoke indifferently. Owning these shops was like owning a piece of fatty meat, since whether for cultivating Elixirs or for Healing Saint Medicine, the necessary herbs were essential. Possessing those shops was equivalent to controlling the economic lifeline of Immovable Peak. Perhaps those two Young Masters might not be interested in the shop resources themselves, but if they could use this opportunity to crush the third young master of this sideline branch, they would probably be delighted to do so.

The wealthiest and most capable of buying the shops in the area were two Young Masters. To convert Han Buzhu’s resources into cash wasn’t about earning just one income. Doing business is about seeking sustainable development to achieve income while you sleep.

First, let those two Young Masters swallow up their own shops, they will definitely select some fine Immortal Plants. Once they reach Ice Dragon Island, then seize the opportunity to dispose of them both and then resell their precious herbs, which could be sold once again. Thus, not only do the two Young Masters serve the role of selecting precious materials, but they also provide a small fortune. Simply perfect.

Though he spoke without intention, Li Xiaobai’s words resounded in Huang Yuan’s ears like a thunderclap, causing his mind to buzz, particularly emphasizing that the other two Young Masters must be informed. Was this not a signal to him?

Had his identity been exposed?

“Do you understand? If you do, go handle it!” Li Xiaobai said.

Huang Yuan was confused, somewhat unclear about Li Xiaobai’s intentions.

“Young Master, why do we need to do this? Did you discover some secret?” Huang Yuan tentatively asked.

“These twelve shops were personally promised by the Sect Leader to our Immovable Peak. They can be considered the lifeline of our economic stability. Although the two Young Masters have always coveted them, they dare not openly fight for them. Selling them might just suit their desires.”

“And if really sold, then our future source of income will be cut off,” said Huang Yuan.

“No matter, this time, I will go to Ice Dragon Island to claim the champion title, win a beauty, and return. Selling these shops is also to prepare the betrothal gifts early. When I bring back my beauty, it will be when the Icy Frost Sect and Ice Dragon Island become in-laws. By then, will I still need to worry about economic sources?” Li Xiaobai waved his hand casually and said.

“Ah, this…”

This completely baffled Huang Yuan, making him look at Li Xiaobai incredulously, as if seeing the Young Master for the first time.

Good grief, speaking of becoming the son-in-law of the Island Master of Ice Dragon Island just like that?

Don’t you know your own strength and cultivation level? Not to mention fighting those top-tier elites, you can’t even defeat the geniuses within your own sect, yet you brazenly speak of marrying the Island Master’s daughter. Where does your confidence come from?

However, these words he dared only mutter in his heart, absolutely not daring to speak them aloud.

“Do as I said, and you will benefit greatly.”

Li Xiaobai gestured with his hand, indicating Huang Yuan could leave.

“Then, Young Master, I’ve actually noticed there have been spies from the eldest Young Master around our Immovable Peak recently, should we…”

Huang Yuan hesitated, not quite believing that Li Xiaobai would let him leave so easily, and he continued to test.

“Let them be. Spies are people too, needing to make a living. Let them stay in Immovable Peak. Also, send these shop-selling news to them, make sure my two brothers see it!”

Li Xiaobai said rather casually, not particularly concerned. In truth, he really didn’t care about this. Once the Immortal Stones were in his hands, he’d be the first to leave. What did he have to do with the intrigues within someone else’s sect? Those spies could go wherever they liked.

Huang Yuan: “…”