BXBX NOVEL Chapter 525: 526
“Situ, you are going too far!”
“I see now that today, you have not come to celebrate a birthday, but to pick a fight!”
Nangong Ritian’s eyes also flashed with a ruthless glint, murderous intent flickered and then vanished. Had there been no other people present, Situ Renjie’s head would already be separated from his body.
“Brother Renjie, behaving so arrogantly today, do you want to kneel again?”
“The image of you kneeling and begging for mercy that day is still vivid in my memory. Could it be that, Brother Renjie, you think that by having a Great Crossing Realm Cultivator by your side, you have the capital to contend with me?”
Li Xiaobai sipped his tea and said leisurely.
“Young man, you seem to be rather confident in your cultivation level?”
“It’s understandable for a rising star to have some pride, but one should also realize that there is always someone better in the world.”
Uncle Ying’s eyes slightly narrowed, and he spoke indifferently, a dangerous aura spilling out unconsciously, causing the disciples and elders of the Li Mansion to shiver uncontrollably.
“How should we speak on such a joyful day?”
Nangong Ritian glared and roared with great anger.
“Enough with the acting. Today, it’s clear that everyone here has their own agenda. Let’s just put our cards on the table and solve it all at once.”
Uncle Ying said coldly, the sudden visit of the three major clans to the Zong Family was obviously with ulterior motives.
“Then do tell, what is your Situ Household’s purpose?”
Nangong Ritian composed himself, instantly becoming an impassive old man, no longer showing the temperament he had before.
Li Xiaobai nodded inwardly. This was more like it; the big shots always kept their emotions concealed. The old man’s acting was too obvious.
“In the name of the family head, I invite Young Master Li to visit the Situ Household for a short while, have a cup of tea, and discuss life’s realizations.”
“I wonder what matters bring the rest of you here?”
Uncle Ying spoke indifferently.
“We are here to discuss a trade deal with Young Master Li. Of course, our birthday congratulations are also sincere; otherwise, we wouldn’t have prepared gifts with such care.”
“We had intended to wait until Lady Zong celebrated her birthday in peace before discussing business, but you, sir, seem to have no understanding of social etiquette at all,, truly ruining the atmosphere. Having mixed with the Situ Household for so long, could it be that you don’t know of something in the world called observing one’s words and expressions?”
Nangong Ritian stated directly. He was extremely displeased with the Situ Household’s behavior, but his words still showed respect towards Lady Zong.
Zongdao and his wife were completely taken aback; what was a peaceful scene had suddenly turned confrontational. Yet, the current situation was much better than they had anticipated.
At least they had so many notable seniors celebrating the occasion, and at this moment, the Zong Family was not fighting alone. Thanks to Li Xiaobai, they had the support of a few powerful clans.
“What business do the esteemed seniors wish to discuss?”
Li Xiaobai’s expression changed as he looked at Nangong Ritian and asked.
“We, the elders, would like to buy the recipe for Tangneng First-class from Young Master Li, and you may set any condition.”
Nangong Ritian said.
“Today, Young Master Li must follow me to visit the Situ Household. Otherwise, the Zong Family’s celebration might turn into a mourning,”
Uncle Ying said, tearing off the facade completely. He couldn’t be bothered to pretend anymore. Although the other three major families were present, he knew very well that these stubborn old men valued the rules of Aolai Country above all and would never break the law or strike at him privately.
As long as he could get Li Xiaobai onto the stage, these old fogeys would have no choice but to watch.
“You dare to make a move here?”
Li Xiaobai cocked his head and spoke with a rather peculiar expression.
“The only solution when disputes arise in Aolai Country was to go up to the arena for a bout, where the loser shows respect to the winner. However, I doubt Young Master Li would be foolish enough to actually duel with me on the arena, right?”
“The Situ Household is not unreasonable either, and will not make things difficult for Young Master Li,” Uncle Ying said indifferently and slowly.
In Aolai Country, there was only one way to resolve disputes: to take it to the arena. But with the drastic disparity in strength at this moment—he being a Great Crossing Realm Expert—it wasn’t necessary to go through with it. Li Xiaobai had only one path available to him, and that was to capitulate.
“And what if I neither wish to step onto the stage for a contest, nor do I wish to go to the Situ Household?”
Li Xiaobai chuckled.
“I am a local here, with a hundred ways of making it so you cannot stay, and you will be helpless against it!” Uncle Ying said coldly, the threat unmistakable and his demeanor full of arrogance.
“Situ, you dare to threaten the younger generation in front of us elders? You’ve got quite the nerve!”
“If this matter were reported to the Punishment Hall, you’d be in deep trouble, and your actions might even drag the Situ Household into it,” said Beichen Dao, who had been silent all the while. The bald elder with a scar on his face spoke softly, his words carrying a hint of the metallic ring of a blade—as though his words weren’t spoken but imbued with a deep sword intent.
“Heh, I am merely speaking based on the matter at hand. Whether to go on the arena or not is entirely up to Young Master Li’s own volition; I’ve not violated any laws of Aolai Country,” Uncle Ying retorted lightly.
“You…”
Old Man Nangong was at a loss for words. Uncle Ying was indeed skilled at exploiting loopholes. With the powerful influence of the Situ Household, they could easily crush a Zong Family behind the scenes without much effort. Although there was no overt coercion in his words, where did Li Xiaobai have any room to choose?
“If push comes to shove, we’ll just station people here to guard the Zong Family. I refuse to believe that the Situ Household would dare to lay a hand on our people!”
Nangong Ritian and Nangong Wan conversed in hushed tones, full of concern for the Zong Family. They had no doubt that the moment the major families left, the Situ Household would make an aggressive move.
For Uncle Ying, a Great Crossing Realm Cultivator, erasing a Zong Family without a trace wouldn’t be a big deal.
However, Li Xiaobai seemed utterly unconcerned, and said lightly, “Fine, if Uncle Ying wishes to step onto the stage, then let’s have a friendly sparring match. Let’s stop at the first touch, without endangering our lives.”
“How bold. It has been many years since any junior cultivator has dared to say such words to me. You are the first. Let’s stop at the first touch. Since Patriarch Situ has invited you today, I won’t make it too difficult for you,” Uncle Ying suddenly laughed, surprised that Li Xiaobai was so unappreciative of his position and actually wanted to engage with him.
His motive was clear enough, perhaps wishing to measure himself against a true expert, and in doing so, hone himself.
The Patriarch Situ still needed the secrets in Young Master Li’s mind and could not afford to harm his Primordial Spirit. Li Xiaobai had clearly seen through his unwillingness to go all-in!
“Then please,” Li Xiaobai gestured, inviting the other to take the stage.
Minutes later, on the arena deep within the bamboo grove of the Li Mansion.
Li Xiaobai and Uncle Zong stood with their hands behind their backs, facing each other from a distance.
The area around the arena was packed with people. Every cultivator in the Li Mansion had gathered today to see how the Li Family Patriarch would hold up against a Great Crossing Realm Cultivator.
“Do you think Young Master Li can win?” Dongfang Mingyue asked the others.
“Among the younger generation, the most prodigious cultivators known for their rapid progress are only at the Transcendance Tribulation Stage. I have not yet heard of a genius reaching the realm of the Great Crossing. I think Young Master Li is probably using this as an opportunity to test the waters and gauge the gap between himself and the Great Crossing Realm,” Nangong Wan said.
“Indeed, that’s what I believe as well,” Beichen Shixi nodded in agreement.
On the stage, Uncle Ying sneered.
“Kid, being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t reckless. Acting without thinking things through on some matters can lead to severe consequences.”