Several days later.
The news of the Sword Sectâs restoration of the Second Peak spread like a virus, rapidly permeating throughout the entire Eastern Continent in just a few days. With the story being passed from person to person, Ying Diaoâs methods that day became increasingly mystical. From the initial impressive Star-reaching Hand, it evolved into the creation of things out of thin air. Now, a legend circulated in every street and alley: With a mere thought, Sect Master Ying Diao could raise a towering peak from flat ground, and with a casual scattering of beans, they would miraculously transform into hundreds of thousands of cultivators, each at the Transformative Realm, seemingly with the power of a creator.
Although the rumors were greatly exaggerated, everyone knew that the Sword Sect was no longer what it once was. The sect master had experienced a qualitative leap, and it was very likely that the sect would no longer be under the thumb of the Blade Sect. The long-standing dominance of the Blade Sect over the Eastern Continent might soon be overturned.
Internal disciples of the Sword Sect gradually returned to calm, all finding ways to leave their original peaks and join the Second Peak for cultivation. The outhouses, once looked upon with furrowed brows and a sense of dread by the sect disciples, now seemed unexpectedly sweet and enticing.
Perhaps this was a change of heart. They thanked Brother Li for lifting their mentality and cultivation level to a higher plane, unshaken by such worldly filth, capable of maintaining equanimity in the face of all things.
Within the Peak Masterâs hall, steam rose, and thick white mist drifted about.
A small yellow chicken floated belly-up in the center of the pond, its face radiating contentment, enjoying a sensation it hadnât felt in a long time.
Li Xiaobai soaked in the bathhouse, meticulously reviewing the Attribute Points panel before him.
[Host: Li Xiaobai.]
[â¦]
[Defensive Power: Earth Immortal Body (Five Hundred Million / One Billion) (Earth Dragon Grass: Not Acquired) Can Advance.]
[Attribute Points: Zero.]
[Skills: Hundred Percent Barehanded Blade Catch, Hellfire, Heart of the Blood Demon, Demon Sealing Sword Evocationâ¦]
[Mall: Now Open.]
[Pet: Pudong Rooster (Current Death Count: Fifteen).]
[Undying Phoenix Bloodline: 0.01% (Activatable).]
[â¦]
During his time with the Sword Sect, Li Xiaobai had accumulated a massive amount of Attribute Points. His journeys to the Sword Peak, the Sword Tomb, and his participation in the Enforcement Teamâs assessment had helped him secure half of the needed one billion points. With an infinite leveling spot like Sword Peak, Li Xiaobai was not worried about Attribute Points.
âI must find out about the Earth Dragon Grassâs whereabouts as soon as possible. I still donât know what kind of heavenly material or earthly treasure it is,â Li Xiaobai murmured to himself.
It was then that he felt a vibration from an indescribable part of his body. Reaching back, he pulled out a bamboo slip, the Identity Token of the Enforcement Team. His name, Li Xiaobai, was engraved on the back, and the previously blank side now bore a message.
âProceed to the Western Continent and assist the local Enforcement Team cultivators in capturing the Buddhist renegade Jiumozhi and bringing him to justice. Time limit: Six months.â
The bamboo slip contained only this sentence and did not reveal too much information.
âThe Enforcement Teamâs efficiency leaves much to be desired, tying someone up without even specifying the basic time and place can reduce work efficiency,â Li Xiaobai frowned. The six-month deadline was generous. There was no hurry; he would first accumulate enough Attribute Points to add wings to a tiger on his future outings.
âThat damn dog seems to have scampered off to the Western Continent to become a Bald Donkey. Iâll find a chance to trim it down,â Ji Wuqing said.
âWith its Merit Value, it might really be able to secure a position in the holy lands of Buddhism,â Li Xiaobai recalled Ergouziâs words. It wanted to become a teacher to mankind, guiding them to cultivate well. He wondered what had become of it now.
âBuzz, buzz, buzz!â
The sound of breaking through the air came from outside the hall, followed by the resonant hum of longswords. One by one, ancient swords flew into the Peak Masterâs hall and into the pond, seeming extremely content.
These were all the ancient swords he had sold a few days ago, now flying back on their own.
Leading them were still the three swords, the Ice Essence Sword, Bronze, and Huo Yun.
âIâm back.â
The Huo Yun Sword carved words in the void, filled with excitement. It was a petty and vindictive ancient sword with a grudge against Ying Diao that had built up over a long time. Now it had the opportunity to thoroughly trick him, and it couldnât have been happier.
A deep-seated resentment had been thoroughly purged, years of grudges finally released.
âWell done!â
âDid anyone see you on your way here?â
Li Xiaobai asked with a faint smile.
Huo Yun Sword: âOf course. When the Lord of Evil Deity makes an appearance, there has to be fanfare. We not only came back but also strutted around the Sword Sect with over a hundred underlings. We took a big detour before returning. Itâs just a pity that Ying Diao, that bastard, was meditating behind closed doors. Otherwise, I wouldâve really liked to see his expression. It mustâve been priceless!â
Ice Essence Sword: âThat was so thrilling!â
âWho told you to strut around like that?â
âIâm freaking out!â
Watching his own image continually appearing in the void, the expression on Li Xiaobaiâs face instantly stiffened.
Strutting around in front of the Sword Sect disciples and flying back to the Second Peak?
Wasnât that just openly telling everyone that he, Li Xiaobai, was the one setting them up?
He had made a mistake. Indeed, Huo Yun Sword was not exactly bright, having made such a brain-dead move. By now, the whole Sect was probably pointing fingers at him.
Bronze Sword: âI warned them, but theyâre still too young and failed to grasp your intentions.â
Huo Yun Sword: âKid, whatâs there to fear? Indifference in the face of life and death is my lifeâs attitude. If you disagree, prove it with actionâthatâs my art of living. To be in this world is to be ready to fight!â
Li Xiaobai: ââ¦â
âSplash!â
A splash of water arose as Li Xiaobai leaped out of the pool, waved his hand to collect all the ancient swords into his bag, and the golden chariot appeared beneath his feet. He grabbed Ji Wuqing and dashed towards the exit.
âKid, where are you going?â
Ji Wuqing was somewhat bewildered.
âTo run away, what else? Should I stay here and wait to be chopped up?â
Li Xiaobai cursed, let alone the disciples who had spent their entire fortunes, just Ying Diao alone had been tricked out of an entire mountain peak by him. If this were discovered, wouldnât he be beaten to death?
The golden light flashed like lightning, turning into a streak of light racing across the Second Peak.
âChen Yuan, Li Chen, the Peak Master is going to the Western Continent to capture the renegade of the Buddhist Sect, Jiumozhi. I leave the Second Peak to you two!â
Li Xiaobai barked, the golden light speeding away from the shocked eyes of many disciples, leaving the Sword Sect in a cloud of dust.
Outside the latrines, Chen Yuan and Li Chen couldnât help showing admiration.
The Peak Master was indeed the Peak Master. He had only just returned and was already setting out again to champion justice, this time heading straight for the Western Continent. Indeed, was there no longer anyone on the Eastern Continent who could rival the Peak Master?
Itâs lonely at the top, as lonely as the white snow!
â¦
What they didnât know was that at that very moment, blood-curdling roars of fury were erupting from the peaks of the Sword Sect.
âDamn you, Li Xiaobai! Damn the Second Peak! I will never coexist with you in peace!â