âYou are⦠the Martial Lunatic?â
âElder Tianwu?â
Master Rong and Huahuoâs eyes widened in disbelief as they gazed at the person before them. From that shabby and unkempt countenance, they could faintly make out some familiar shadows.
Time had passed too long, and ordinary people could no longer recognize the true face of the beggarly elder. But as the two heads of Aolai Country, who had lived over a hundred years, their era was not far removed from that of Elder Tianwu.
Even back in the day, the Vice Leader frequently crossed swords with him, their battles so fierce that the heavens and earth would shatter. They knew him to an extreme degree.
This was a man to be feared; a man who dominated an era with overwhelming power, crushing everything in his path, undefeated by any foe. Even the Vice Leader had suffered defeat at his hands.
Latterly, it was heard that he had suffered major health issues, prompting his retreat from the world to live in seclusion. Only recently had they heard from the Liuren that Elder Tianwu had been spotted on the frontier.
But they had never expected to suddenly come face to face with him now, and moreover, it seemed he had a close relationship with Li Xiaobai. He had actually dared to enter the Eastern Sea Aolai Country for him, which was truly inconceivable.
âHmm?â
âSince the two beauties recognize the beggarly elder, you must also be renowned experts that remained from days of old. Itâs surprising that after all these years, your charms are still intact!â
âTo be able to call out my name at first sight shows the position the beggarly elder holds in the hearts of you two Immortals. Sadly, the only thing that occupies the eyes of this beggarly elder is the Universe, as women would only slow down the speed of my swordplay!â
The beggarly elder watched the two women before him, smiling amiably, feeling a sense of déjà vu, but unable to recall where he had seen them before.
In Aolai Country, he was only familiar with the Vice Leader.
âI am Master Rong, the third head of Aolai Country.â
âI am Huahuo, the Great Family Head of Aolai Country.â
âSo itâs the two family heads. In the absence of Miss Liuren, the beggarly elder didnât recognize you. Please donât take offense.â
The beggarly elder waved his hand, his face full of smiles, looking at the two beautiful women before him who looked like heavenly Immortals. He felt that even his originally somewhat anxious mood had improved considerably.
Indeed, beauty is a feast for the eyes.
âElder Tianwu?â
âThe Martial Lunatic who once dominated the Immortal Spirit Continent over a hundred years ago, overpowering an entire era?â
âElder Tianwu, impressive and noble, made extraordinary contributions to the Immortal Spirit Continent. How could he present such an unkempt appearance?â
There was a commotion among the cultivators of Aolai Country from behind, disbelief that this old tramp before them was the legendary figure from the tales.
Elder Tianwuâs reputation was known to all. He was the epitome of a peerless expert, his immortal essence ethereal. How could he be in such a state as now?
âWho would have thought that after so many years, the younger generation would still remember me. It truly makes one sigh; indeed, time is a butcherâs knife.â
âCorrect, this beggarly elder is indeed Elder Tianwu, one who walks the path of invincibility, the strongest in the Immortal Spirit Continent without equal!â
The beggarly elder spoke proudly, without the least bit of the reserve expected of a senior power, acting completely like a ruffian at a casual brawl.
âCough cough, may I ask Elder, what brings you here today?â
Huahuo cleared her throat and asked.
âIâm here, of course, for Li Xiaobai. Iâve heard that there was a skirmish here, with Half-step Human Immortals everywhere. He is alright, isnât he? Why do I not see him here?â
The beggarly elder looked around, not seeing Li Xiaobai among the crowd.
He had specifically come to help, at the request of Su Yunbing upon her return to the frontier. Hearing that Li Xiaobai might encounter danger in Aolai Country, he had rushed over without delay.
âThatâs a long story, but from my observations, Young Master Li should not be in any danger.â
Huahuo spoke, facing the issue head-on.
âIs there a situation?â
âWhat happened to him?â
The old beggar asked with some confusion.
âHe was taken away by the Old Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, who says he wants him to be the son-in-law of the Eastern Sea.â
Huahuo said.
The old beggar: â???â
â¦
At the same time, deep under the boundless Eastern Sea, Li Xiaobai was sinking at an extremely terrifying speed. Even underwater, the azure dragon claw caused a series of sonic booms, and any creature that came close would burst open without exception, turning into a cloud of blood mist.
However, within the giant clawâs palm, layers of flowing light swirled, keeping all the dangerous energy completely at bay.
This caused some annoyance in Li Xiaobaiâs heart. This old thing wouldnât stop when he should have and unnecessary protected him when he shouldnât, which was really superfluous, causing the loss of quite a few Attribute Points.
He twisted his wrist around, took out a Luminous Pearl, and swallowed it.
This was an item from the Mermaidâs Essence of the Eastern Sea, with the effect of avoiding water. Once consumed, even ordinary people could survive underwater. Since Li Xiaobai couldnât cultivate and had no Cultivation Technique, consuming these pearls was his best option.
âMermaidâs Essence of the Eastern Sea, boy, you still claim that the thief inside the Linglong Pagoda wasnât you!â
âTo dare consume it right before me, youâve got guts!â
An aged voice came through, rumbling in Li Xiaobaiâs ear and exploding in waves.
âCough cough, these werenât stolen from inside the Linglong Pagoda.â
Li Xiaobai said indifferently. He had more or less figured out the Old Dragon Kingâs temperament; the other party wanted him to become the son-in-law of the Eastern Sea and due to Long Xueâs face, likely wouldnât kill him.
âThen tell me, where did that Mermaidâs Essence of the Eastern Sea come from?â
âI stole it before entering the Linglong Pagoda.â
Li Xiaobai said seriously. Besides, could that even be considered stealing? Rows and rows of Luminous Pearls laid out casually on the groundâhe had merely picked up a few along the way.
The Old Dragon King was silent for a moment, then said, âDo you think youâre funny?â
âLet me tell you the truth, Iâm not fond of you. Xueâer has been betrothed since she was young, and yet you, boy, have suddenly disrupted everything. Our clan will set trials for you, and if you pass, all is wellâyou will be our Dragon-Riding Groom of the Eastern Sea. But if you donât, then youâll die at the bottom of the sea, sleeping forever in its depths!â
A thick killing intent swept over suddenly, causing Li Xiaobaiâs hair to stand on end again.
This was the first time he felt such a sense of powerlessness, his trump cards fully revealed yet unable to affect his opponent.
âCough cough, junior understands. I ask the elder to please show mercy.â
Li Xiaobai spoke slowly, now in the palm of someone elseâs hand, he could only take things one step at a time.
âHeh, trying to pull strings and go through back doors wonât work.â
âHowever, speaking of which, youâre the most talented young cultivator Iâve ever seen. Barely past your twenties, youâve already joined the Mahayana Realm, and youâve tamed a group of Demonic Beasts at the peak of the Mahayana Realm.â
âNot to mention now, even in the ancient times, those with stunning talents couldnât match you. Although you come with no power or influence, as a partner for Xueâer, youâre still quite pleasing to the eye.â
The Old Dragon King was particularly talkative, having not stopped all this while.
Li Xiaobai was curious to catch a glimpse of the complete appearance of this Dragon King, but the sea was too deep, everything around was pitch black, and he could see nothing; he could only feel the currents constantly brushing against his skin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
After an unknown amount of time.
In the darkness, Li Xiaobai saw a faint light. It was the brightness made up of a large number of lights, shining through from even deeper below.
The Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea had arrived!