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Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Complacent State Preceptor
"But with the demonic beast upheaval, there must be some treasure that has emerged. Shall we just sit here idly!"
"No matter what, I just can't stand it. We both know full well Zhenyuan Country's behavior. I'm afraid they've already formed an alliance with the Great Sect, and our role will just be cannon fodder!"
The Elders argued non-stop, with most of them unwilling to aid Zhenyuan Country amidst the demonic beast turmoil.
Ultimately, it was because the people of Zhenyuan Country were too unpopular. Not only were they arrogant, but they were also selfish, always centering themselves in everything, which resulted in no one wanting to side with them.
"Although Zhenyuan Country has its character flaws, its strength is not to be underestimated. They may not have Nascent Soul Stage powerhouses, but they do have up to a hundred Golden Core Stage experts. This time, they've sent a State Preceptor in person, which likely means they have discovered something and they want a batch of cannon fodder to scout ahead for them."
"We shouldn't pass up this opportunity."
The Great Elder spoke, well-informed about these matters. Zhenyuan Country's history of exploiting smaller sects wasn't new, but this also indicated there indeed was a treasure to be found, an opportunity.
Hearing this, the Elders quieted down, considering the interests at stake.
"I have made a decision on this matter. Elder Sun will lead the team. Aside from the disciples who ranked in the top ten of the grand competition, a few Inner Sect Disciples should also go out to gain experience and broaden their horizons!"
"The Great Elder is right; this mission isn't simply a rescue. There has to be an origin for the demonic beasts' rage. If we find it, and if there's a chance, we could also get a share."
The Sect Leader declared definitively.
He also disapproved of Zhenyuan Country's behavior, but the issue at hand was critical. Given that Zhenyuan Country was the closest to the Divine Beast Mountain Range, various other forces would likely send people to station there.
If the Immortal Feather Sect didn't make a move, they would inevitably face criticism.
Moreover, this time, he truly wanted to see if he could gain some advantages from the incident.
"So be it, then. That's decided."
"Hehe, with those lads from Misty Peak around, do we need to worry about our people being bullied by Zhenyuan Country?"
"That's right, we might even have a shot at grabbing the treasure for ourselves!"
"Now that it's settled, let's go meet this envoy from Zhenyuan Country. Let's not keep them waiting too long..."
"..."
The following morning,
Li Xiaobai opened his eyes to find he was still soaking in the pool, surrounded by a few fellow brothers and sisters. It seemed that everyone had gotten used to sleeping in the pool.
He checked the System panel before him.
[Defensive Power: Copper Skin, Iron Bone (4000/5000) can advance.]
After soaking all night, Attribute Points had increased by another thousand, all of which had been added to defensive power.
The feeling was exhilarating; this was the kind of operation where one could get stronger by simply bathing. This was the privilege of a transmigrator.
This System was indeed well-suited for him.
According to what Feng Lingzi said, the Sect Leader would announce the expedition to Zhenyuan Country today. Li Xiaobai was very much looking forward to subduing the demonic beasts.
Being away from home, with fewer eyes watching, he could be bolder in acquiring Attribute Points.
He exchanged for several bottles of discarded elixirs and swallowed them all at once, as his Attribute Points continued to rise.
Li Xiaobai stood up, "Senior brothers and sisters, it's time to set off."
The joy of bathing was always fleeting; today's task was the competition, coupled with listening to the Sect Leader's speech. The group climbed out leisurely, realizing the day was already bright, and without further ado, they dragged Li Xiaobai down the mountain.
Today, the Sect Leader would talk about the Divine Beast Mountain Range; this was a major event, and they dared not treat it lightly.
By the arena, the Sect Leader and all the Elders were already waiting, and the disciples of Misty Peak, arriving belatedly, merged into the crowd.
Seeing that all the disciples had gathered, the Sect Leader's expression was very serious as he began to speak about the Divine Beast Mountain Range matters.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a major event has recently taken place in our Northern Region, and I believe the well-informed disciples have already received the news. There has been a Demonic Beast rampage in the Divine Beast Mountain Range."
"Many nearby nations and villages have suffered serious Demonic Beast attacks, and our neighboring Zhenyuan Country sent an envoy yesterday to explain the situation."
"In order to strengthen the friendly relations between our two states, the Immortal Feather Sect has decided that Elder Sun will lead a team, taking the top ten from the grand competition and the top twenty Inner Sect Disciples to the Divine Beast Mountain Range to slay the Demonic Beasts!"
"This person beside me is the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country, Li Shejin!"
The Sect Leader introduced him with great importance, giving plenty of face to this Li Shejin. However, the other party did not give the Sect Leader any face at all.
He snorted lightly, brandished the whisk in his hand, and strode forward two steps with an air of importance.
Sitting below, Li Xiaobai wore a strange expression on his face. Li Shejin? Was there actually someone with this name?
Indeed, it was a vast and strange world where anything could happen. Today was an eye-opener for him. Li Shejin was a skinny middle-aged man.
His face was gaunt, his eye sockets deep, and his vigor severely lacking, clearly the type who indulged in alcohol and was given to excesses, a complete wastrel.
Just this arrogant attitude alone was enough to make numerous disciples feel disgust.
The senior brothers and sisters were right; these people from Zhenyuan Country really had a high opinion of themselves and a strong sense of superiority.
They came to ask for help from the Immortal Feather Sect and yet behaved so condescendingly; it was truly the height of arrogance.
"I am the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country, Li Shejin. You can refer to me as Lord Li. My cultivation level is at the third layer of the Golden Core Stage!"
"Speaking of which, you disciples who have never traveled far should thank me. Originally, I was just going to give you a heads up, but your Sect Leader insisted so politely that this time, I will take you to experience the real Cultivation World and let you sheltered flowers see some blood!"
Li Shejin held his head high and chest out, full of pride.
Only, his sharp, thin voice was quite grating on the ears, making it uncomfortable to listen to.
The faces of the crowd darkened. This behavior of the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country clearly showed disdain for the Immortal Feather Sect, and anger burned fiercely in their hearts.
Su Yunbing, who was beside them, couldn't hold back anymore and was about to open her mouth to curse, but Ye Wushuang quickly covered her mouth with his hand.
"Senior Sister, we are within our Sect right now. It's not appropriate for us to create too much friction. Once we go outside, we'll let him know who really is the sheltered flower!"
Ye Wushuang's eyes flashed coldly, clearly extremely displeased as well.
"Heh heh, not bad, this guy probably thinks he's the boss and hasn't figured out the situation yet. Once we're out there, we'll just let him bleed a bit!"
Liu Jinshui also chuckled.
Li Xiaobai watched Li Shejin on stage, who continued to talk without pause, and inwardly paid a silent tribute to the man for three minutes.
This guy probably didn't know that his next few hours had already been clearly arranged by others.
Li Shejin, oblivious to the disciples' reactions, continued to be engrossed in his self-aggrandizing mode, talking on and on incessantly.
When it came to theories, he was very impressive, which irritated the Sect Leader and the Elders so much that they were about to turn green.
No matter what, they were still a Sect. They had never been humiliated like this; even in front of great Sects, they hadn't lost face to such an extent.
This mere State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country was now acting superior and pointing fingers at their disciples!
"Hehe, State Preceptor, with the Demonic Beasts rampaging, we must suppress them quickly!"
"This time, we will trouble you to lead these unaccomplished disciples of mine to Zhenyuan Country to see the world..."