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

There was no need to say what it was being changed into—the signboard reading “Tangneng First-class” at the entrance was explanation enough.

“Well, I’ll be—Young Master Li really took down the Zhang Family. Looking at this scene, it seems he wants to transform the entire Zhang Family into Tangneng First-class!”

Zongdao watched the busy crowd with a somewhat dazed expression.

“Clan Leader Zong has arrived!”

“Greetings, Clan Leader Zong. I’ve heard tomorrow is Lady Zong’s birthday. I wish her blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and a longevity that surpasses the southern mountains!”

“Yes, yes, in the blink of an eye, Hu’er has grown so much, he’s become a real man now!”

“Hahaha…”

Many cultivators who saw Zongdao greeted him very warmly, trying to ingratiate themselves, and even proactively gave some small gifts to several of Zong Hu’s juniors, appearing very familiar, which left him somewhat flattered.

To think that these familiar faces, who had previously often used their power to press down on others and take advantage of the Zong Family, now bowed and scraped to him with considerable servility—it was somewhat disconcerting.

“Clan Leader Zong, how do you feel about this place? Doesn’t it seem much more spacious?”

Upon seeing the Zong Family party, Li Xiaobai came over with a smile and said.

“Uncle Zong, I told you Boss Li would be reliable. With the Zhang Family Patriarch dead, he’s indeed rid the people of a scourge!”

“Yes, Daddy, Big Brother Li is the most powerful!”

Seeing Li Xiaobai, the juniors of the Zong Family’s eyes lit up. Although they had not been in contact for long, the other party had somehow given them a sense of trust.

It was as if nothing was unsolvable with him around.

All of this naturally owed to the mysterious aura that Li Xiaobai exuded—a cultivation level that was unfathomable, cultivation treasures that elicited awe, and an ever sarcastic and composed attitude that gave a peculiar sense of conviction.

“Young Master Li, what exactly is your cultivation level?”

“The Zhang Family Patriarch was no ordinary cultivator, and you were able to slay him. Could it be that you’re already a high-level Transcendance Tribulation Stage cultivator?”

In Zongdao’s eyes, the shock still flickered. He found he could not see through the other person at all.

Not only was his cultivation formidable, but the treasures he casually produced could help them achieve continuous breakthroughs. If it weren’t for his youthful appearance, Zongdao would even believe him to be a Mahayana Realm elder.

“Heh, just a small trick, nothing more. The Zhang Family Patriarch was nothing but a trifling matter that could be wiped out with a wave of my hand,” Li Xiaobai said nonchalantly, waving his hand.

“If you do not mind, from now on, the Li Family can serve as your base.”

“I will continue to provide resources for cultivation, and, in return, I want to completely transform the original Zong Mansion into a Tangneng First-class shop to expand the profit scale.”

“What do you think, Clan Leader Zong?” Li Xiaobai said, laughing cheerfully.

“This… can members of the Zong Family also stay here?”

Zongdao asked in disbelief. They were neither kin nor kith to Li Xiaobai, merely acquaintances through Zong Hu’s connection. Why would the other party offer such help?

Was it simply because he wanted to turn the Zong Mansion into a shop?

Although the reason was valid, he always felt somewhat uneasy at heart, constantly suspecting that Li Xiaobai had more profound objectives.

“Hehe, of course, I intend to use the Zong Family as the base for my first shop established in Aolai Country, and naturally, I need to solve your living arrangements. If Clan Leader Zong agrees, then from now on, this mansion will become the home of members of the Zong Family; everything will be decided by the Zong Family,”

Li Xiaobai spoke slowly, presenting conditions that were hugely tempting for the Zong Family, which had fallen into the utmost decline.

Compared to the Zhang Family, whether it was their sect disciples or the surrounding environment, everything was countless times stronger than that of the Zong Family. Such a mansion could truly be called a family home.

Wanting to restore the former glory of the Zong Family, they naturally wouldn’t reject such benefits.

“Dad, we can live here from now on!”

Zong Hu burst out in excitement, his small face brimming with exhilaration. This courtyard was much larger than their previous acre of land, and having servants and disciples at their disposal, this was the standard configuration a family should have.

And handing over their original home to Li Xiaobai to manage as a shop meant they no longer needed to deal with anything, and they could visit when they missed it.

“Yes, Dad, if we could celebrate Mother’s birthday here tomorrow, it would be very impressive!”

Zong Yao said as well, her eyes filled with joy. Li Xiaobai had taken down the Zhang Family and showed no intention of monopolizing their assets, which genuinely surprised her.

“However, behind the Zhang Family lies the Situ Household. Young Master Li has eliminated the Zhang Family Patriarch and taken possession of the Zhang Family’s property. I fear the Situ Household won’t agree,”

Lady Zong expressed her worries. Taking down the Zhang Family didn’t mean that the Zong Family was definitely safe.

The Situ Household and those other clans lurking in the shadows certainly wouldn’t just stand by and watch the Zong Family enjoy good days.

Moreover, having eliminated a minion of the Situ Household, they would undoubtedly seek revenge. Could they withstand the fury of the Situ Household?

“Don’t worry, on the morrow, during Lady’s birthday, the sons of the Situ Household will also come over. At that time, Zongdao will say a few good words and act submissively if need be,”

Zongdao said with a distressed face. They had already bound themselves to Li Xiaobai, and if the Zhang Family was in trouble, the Zong Family could also not escape blame.

“Both of you are worrying too much. As long as I am here, all your concerns won’t come to pass. Just stay at ease in this mansion, enjoy your baths, improve your cultivation levels, and don’t worry about anything else,”

Li Xiaobai said with an indifferent expression.

The people of the Zong Family were prone to overthinking and hadn’t yet realized they were standing in front of a mountain of such towering stature.

“Yes, with Boss Li here, Uncle Zong, don’t worry. The tall will stand firm even if the sky falls, and now, even if we wanted to clarify boundaries, the Situ Household wouldn’t let us go. It’s better to calmly improve our cultivation levels and watch our niece show her skills in the grand competition!”

Zong Ya also consoled, then turned her gaze to Li Xiaobai.

“Boss, where is the bathhouse?”

“Miss wants to become strong, hurry and take Miss for a bath!”

“Cough cough, that bamboo building over there is it,”

Li Xiaobai pointed to a bamboo building nearby a bit awkwardly.

The young miss hadn’t realized the ambiguity in her words and left in a hurry. She was eager to seize every moment to improve her cultivation level.

“In that case, we are in debt to Young Master Li’s troubles. If there’s any way Zongdao can be of use, just say the word. I will never forget today’s immense kindness!”

Zongdao bowed to Li Xiaobai, saying in a serious tone.

They had to address each issue individually. Although worried about the Situ Household’s potential attack, Li Xiaobai had not only saved their family but also eliminated their rival, providing the Zong Family with a place of refuge. This was a favor as vast as the heavens.

Even if they were to be annihilated by the Situ Household later, he wouldn’t blame Li Xiaobai.

“It was merely a small effort, not worth mentioning,”