LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 69 - I Don't Want Your Life But For Your Wisdom
In the Frost River Manor's guest chamberlain courtyard, Huo Bai perched on the rooftop, her chin cradled in her hands, her elbows propped against her bent knees. Her gaze drifted vacantly over the unoccupied courtyard.
Since those cultivators departed, the Frost River Manor had enjoyed a tranquil period. Today was no exception, with no significant events to break the monotony. Consequently, she found herself gazing idly from the rooftop.
Huo Bai observed the sky and surroundings, noting that today seemed to mark the sixth day since his departure.
She wondered how he and that genuine disciple of the Wide Ocean Sect were faring. Would he join an immortal sect as a son-in-law, or would he return to marry Gu Yaling?
Speaking of Yaling, she had refrained from eating and drinking for the past few days. Her conversation was dominated by Mr. Xiaobo, praising him and calling for his return. She was practically mimicking Guo Fan's mannerisms.
“I'm so envious…”
Huo Bai murmured to herself. She wasn't quite sure what she was envious of. Perhaps it was Gu Yaling's ability to express her emotions so openly, or maybe it was the carefree life that came with belonging to a prosperous family, akin to Little Phoenix.
“Would he still remember to bring me wine to drink? Chances are, he forgot. With so many beauties around him, how could he possibly recollect a flask of wine from a friend like me? Hmph, forsaking loyalty at the sight of a pretty face.”
She kicked a stone lying at her feet off the rooftop, startling a few sparrows as it fell.
Unbeknownst to her, her tone had acquired a tang of bitterness, akin to seventeen or eighteen lemons.
How did she look like a friend again?
“Huo Bai!”
From below, a voice filled with excitement suddenly rang out. Huo Bai didn't need to look to recognize it as Xiong Zexi's, another guest.
A scion of a martial arts family who had attained the Divine Soul Realm at a tender age, he was equivalent to a Foundation Establishing Stage Immortal Cultivator. He had come to Frost River Manor as a foreign envoy, strategically fostering connections for the future.
He had been at Frost River Manor for only a few days, yet since laying eyes on Huo Bai, he'd been diligently trying to win her favor.
Huo Bai understood that this young hero, renowned as the “ElmShadow Sword” in the martial world, was probably both proud and well-known. He had a soft spot for young women captivated by the martial realm. Observing Huo Bai's beauty and formidable martial skills, he wanted to pursue someone distinct from the usual.
Yet, Huo Bai couldn't be bothered with him. She hadn't come to Frost River Manor as a diplomatic representative and wasn't interested in romantic entanglements. Especially not with a man who persistently flirted with various women.
This kind of individual, disregarding his family background, was essentially hollow.
Nevertheless, “ElmShadow Sword” Xiong Zexi found Huo Bai particularly intriguing. Driven by ambition, he initially aimed for Gu Yaling, the cherished daughter of the Gu family. Initially, she had been engaged to the Cheng family's worthless heir. Xiong Zexi had to navigate complex waters to become involved. When the engagement was later broken off and Gu Yaling tragically killed by the Wide Ocean Sect, Xiong Zexi shifted his sights.
Currently, the members of the Wide Ocean Sect had all returned following an incident, and Gu Yaling's impending marriage was now postponed indefinitely. Chances were, the plan was falling apart.
During this period, Xiong Zexi had taken on the role of a foreign envoy at the Frost River Manor. His intentions were easily guessed.
However, Gu Yaling's temperament was undeniably defiant and stubborn. Those who were compliant in front of Guo Fan turned into little devils when dealing with others.
This unruly disposition of Gu Yaling irritated Xiong Zexi immensely. Eventually, he found himself cultivating a romantic interest within the Frost River Manor. Remarkably, he became taken with Huo Bai.
Xiong Zexi's gaze settled upon Huo Bai, who stood slightly above him. It was unfortunate that she was dressed in attire that clung to her body. Furthermore, she concealed her face behind a mask. Nonetheless, her voice, once heard, could not be forgotten. He sensed that a stunning woman was concealed beneath the mask's mystery, and the curiosity to unveil her captivating countenance consumed him.
Unbeknownst to him, beneath the guise of a youthful voice, lay the potential of a 58-year-old elderly lady.
“Huo Bai, I recently came into possession of a new technique cultivation manual named ‘Storm Flush, Hardening Snow'. If you find it intriguing, I'll happily bestow it upon you. It's of no use to me.”
Xiong Zexi confidently raised the book he held and beamed. “I've heard about your affinity for martial arts practice and your mastery of movement techniques. This Snow Treading and Wind Chasing Scroll suits you perfectly!”
Huo Bai nodded, her gaze flickering to the movement technique on offer. Even though temptation tugged at her, she was aware that if she accepted this guy's gift, he would gain an inch in his pursuit.
“No need, and thank you for your generosity, Young Hero Wei. I'm already using a specific form of movement technique. Switching to another might hinder my martial arts progress rather than advance it. It wouldn't be suitable.” freeweb(n)ovel
Xiong Zexi's smile remained unwavering as he responded, “Well, this movement technique has no such issue. I had the elders in my family thoroughly examine it. I've altered the energy circulation path, ensuring it won't interfere with your existing meridians.”
Taking a deep breath, Huo Bai sensed that the matter would keep dragging on if she continued to contest. So, she said somewhat impatiently, “Really, no need. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, but I genuinely don't require it.”
Xiong Zexi still sported a shameless expression. He seemed intent on pursuing a path of relentless persistence, aiming to accomplish the feat of “persistence until the very end.”
Besides, everyone was aware he was a guest at Frost River Manor. It wouldn't bode well if he ended up harming or offending the hosts.
Huo Bai was caught in a dilemma; she couldn't just accept it, nor could she outright refuse. She furrowed her brows and let out a sigh. “I don't have the luxury of time to switch to another martial technique for cultivation. I practice martial arts, albeit in a haphazard and complicated manner just to survive. Learning carelessly is too risky for me now.”
It's a far cry from the experiences of young ladies and gentlemen from esteemed families like yours.
Seeing her repeatedly decline and his patience wearing thin, Xiong Zexi frowned and raised his voice, “Aren't you showing disrespect to the third young master of the Wei Family? I'm extending an offer to you. Just take it. What's the point in refusing? Listen up, don't decline an offer and end up being coerced into accepting a penalty!”
“I'm aware of your background, or rather the lack of it. If I call upon the Frost River Manor for support, I can easily rid myself of you, a mere guest. Marrying you would then be a boon for you. You won't even be afforded the time to think it through!”
Huo Bai fell silent momentarily and responded, “You might be right about my lack of background, but I possess martial skills. You're merely at the third level of the Divine Soul Realm, while I'm at the seventh. There's no one around to hear us, so you can speak disrespectfully if you wish, but I can just as easily unleash my fury and teach you a lesson.”
Xiong Zexi, however, chuckled. “Do you truly dare to strike me? Aren't you concerned that your parents will suffer the consequences? Given the Wei Family's influence, we can easily imprison your family for life, and I doubt you wish that for them. You'd rather see them languish in jail, in pain and unable to extricate themselves, am I right?”
Huo Bai clenched her fists, her eyes burning with fury, yet a hint of sadness also gnawing at her heart.
This world… background, could it be that it really cannot be surpassed?
Xiong Zexi observed her suppress her anger and leap onto the roof. He extended his hand, removing Huo Bai's mask, revealing a smug smile. “See, this is the predicament. If you're obedient, I'll provide you with any cultivation method you desire…”
“I believe she doesn't require any of your cultivation techniques.”
A voice suddenly emerged from behind. Xiong Zexi tensed, quickly summoning assistance. He whirled around to find an unfamiliar young man, his face adorned with a cold smile.
His short black hair and handsome visage contained a trace of anger. His dark attire bore intricate golden patterns that only became visible from certain angles. The snug clothes highlighted his tall, straight form, lending him a youthful appearance. Yet, he stood with an air of authority, hands clasped behind his back.
“Who are you?” Xiong Zexi's eyes widened. “This is Frost River Manor; you don't have the ri—Ah!”
Guo Fan swung his leg, knocking the guy to the ground. “You darned NPC in a Cultivation Online Game. Does the game's design grant you audacity? You dared to harass my mom—you're in for it now!”
Before Xiong Zexi could react, he tumbled several times on the ground. He raised his head, infuriated, ready to curse when the young man's figure materialized before him like a phantom. He extended a finger, lightly touching his Niwan Palace.
“I don't want your life. I want your intelligence.”
Spirit Devouring Destruction!
This move added deb, adding confusion and madness!
The Spiritual Energy on Guo Fan's fingertip infiltrated Xiong Zexi's Niwan Palace, shattering his upper dantian. His martial skills could no longer advance. He'd remain a mere fool for the next three days.
Withdrawing his hand, Guo Fan glanced at Huo Bai, her face a portrait of astonishment, and tossed her the jar of Jixin Wine in his hand. He grinned and remarked, “I did promise to give it to you. Remember that well.”
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