Li Xiaobaiâs objective was clear: to earn Spirit Stones.
He had no interest in royalty or power; only Spirit Stones and Attribute Points were his true pursuits.
To quickly earn Spirit Stones, it was necessary to start up Premium Soup Product and First-class Stores. As long as these people swore loyalty to him, incidents like the one in Ancient Moon City would not happen.
Earning Spirit Stones safely and resolving his concerns in the Northern Region was the ultimate strategy.
âWould the young master put away his sword first so that I can deactivate the Formation?â
Ouyang Di spoke, his face devoid of color.
âNo problem.â
Li Xiaobaiâs wrist twisted, sheathing the longsword, and deactivated the skill.
Everyone felt a relief of pressure as the inhibited Cultivation Technique in their bodies started functioning once again, regaining control over their bodies.
âSpirit Army Transformation, disband!â
âDefying the natural order, disperse!â
Ouyang Di, frantic, performed the Seal Spell as the crimson aura enveloping the hall slowly dissipated, the traces of the Formationâs Dao patterns gradually faded, and the bloody silhouettes in the void vanished, easing the oppressive atmosphere within the hall.
Feeling suddenly lighter, everyone hastily consumed Healing Pills, beginning to repair their continuously injured bodies.
This was Great Immortal Zhenyuanâs Formation, which also contained the Blood Demon Corrosion Force, endlessly corroding their flesh and internal organs; they dared not neglect it.
The noblewoman gasped for air, her face full of fear from the close call. She was already seriously wounded, and if it had been a few breaths later, she would have certainly died a gruesome death.
Ouyang Di collapsed on the ground. In this last exchange, five princesses had died, along with Zhenyuan Countryâs important officials, the king and queen, and several high-ranking ministers, all of whom had knelt down.
These people were almost the central pillar of Zhenyuan Country, and each of their actions was closely linked to the fate of the nation.
With this kneeling, the Dragon Qi was fractured, imperial authority lost, and the countryâs fate diminished by two-thirds, setting back the national power and Dragon Qi by twenty years.
To recover, it would take at least several years. As the king, his strength, including his cultivation progress, was intrinsically linked to Zhenyuan Country. If the country prospered, he would be powerful; if it weakened, his strength would be far less than cultivators of the same level.
âOuyang Di, can we now sit down and have a calm discussion? My main purpose for coming here was actually to talk business,â Li Xiaobai said with a smile.
âIf the young master has any requests, I have already sworn the oath of Dao heart, and I will not break it,â Ouyang Di said weakly.
âRest assured, Your Majesty. I have no interest in Zhenyuan Country; the realm is still yours. However, I have the Premium Soup Product and First-class Store, and I want you to set up my stores within a month, in the territory of Zhenyuan Country!â
âOnce theyâre operational and dumping stock to the outside world, I will leave a large inventory of goods. If the stock runs low later on, go directly to the Holy Demon Sectâs Misty Peak for resupply. All profits are to be handed over in full. Understood?â Li Xiaobai stated.
âWhat did you say?â
Ouyang Diâs eyes widened in disbelief.
âWhat? You donât agree?â
Li Xiaobai frowned, feeling that his request was not excessive, and after all, he had shown mercy by sparing everyone; it was the epitome of benevolence and righteousness.
âNo, no, no. I agree. Thereâs no need for a month; everything will be in place within a week!â
Ouyang Di hurriedly spoke, his face etched with bitterness. His emotions were very complex; opening shops wasnât a big deal for him, even something he could do with ease.
Yet, it was because of such a trivial matter that he lost his throne, lost the Dragon Qi, lost not only the royal familyâs dignity but even the face of the revered saint of the Confucian Path.
Moreover, it caused the entire Zhenyuan Country to lie heavily injured on the groundâall of this, merely due to his own greed.
âAlright, weâve discussed everything that needs to be discussed, so Iâll take my leave now. You should hurry up with the matter; this is also an opportunity for your Zhenyuan Country.â
Li Xiaobai tossed a Space Ring filled with Huazi and construction materials to Ouyang Di and then turned to leave with several people.
As long as he was involved in the construction of the bathhouse, it would possess wondrous effects. Later, when he found time to come and fill the pool with water, the vast Zhenyuan Country would benefit greatly. If the shops were fully operational, making a fortune daily wouldnât be a dream.
Inside the grand hall, everyone watched dully as Li Xiaobaiâs figure departed, feeling internally shattered.
Swearing by their Daoist hearts, this was the end result they got. Damn it, after fighting for so long, it turned out the other party only wanted to open a few shops. They handled this a bit hastily!
The beautiful woman felt powerless: âSo, he just left like that?ân/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
She had always thought the other was merely an ant at her mercy. Although a genius, he was still just a bigger ant in the presence of the enormous Zhenyuan Country.
But reality harshly slapped her faceâthe other party had never taken Zhenyuan Country seriously at all. The powerful figures in her eyes couldnât withstand even a single move from his hands; his cultivation level and realm were far beyond her imagination.
No wonder the Fire Qilin Cave Elder was so wary of him before. She was the frog in the well.
âWhy did we have to oppose him at every turn in the first place?â
âIt was Yueâer who said it. His cultivation level isnât high, yet he carries many treasures and also holds the secret of Premium Soup Product.â
âBeing a leader doesnât bring peace of mind. Fortunately, weâve sent him away. Otherwise, I surely would have killed her myself!â
Ouyang Diâs eyes flickered with cold light, his face showing anger and helplessness.
âSo what do we do now?â a few attendants asked.
âHurry and set up the shops. We will take action ourselves; even if we have to use Great Divine Power to move mountains and fill the seas, we must get this done in the shortest time possible. Li Xiaobaiâs cultivation is unfathomable. His not killing us this time probably means he never took us seriously at all!â
Ouyang Di said.
âUnderstood, weâll get on it right away!â
At the same time, Li Xiaobai and his party left the Imperial City.
The scene was very different from when they had arrived. In just an hour or two, the once thick Dragon Qi above the Imperial City had become exceedingly sparse, floating lightly.
The majestic presence in the void also dissipated, the clouds were dense, and a cold wind blew in gusts. The citizens inside the city, not understanding what was happening, stood on the streets, looking up at the sky with some panic.
âYoung Master Liangchen, I really owe you thanks this time. If it hadnât been for you, my grandfather and I might have died here,â Situ Yanyu said, feeling very happy to see Li Xiaobai again.
âMiss Yan Yu, my real name is Li Xiaobai. This time it was I who dragged you into this. I hadnât considered the consequences that Premium Soup Product could bring. From now on, follow me to the Holy Demon Sect. There, you can practice cultivation in peace and wonât encounter such problems,â Li Xiaobai said.
âYoung Master, you shouldnât say that. If it hadnât been for you back then, I wouldnât have achieved what I have today,â Situ Yanyu hurriedly replied.
âBesides, I saved your life that day, and now youâve saved me in return. It must be fate!â