I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

Chapter 548: Chapter 549: Master of Psychology

“Young Master Li’s painting is indeed exceptional, extraordinary beyond normal appreciation,”

Long Xue’s expression was one of astonishment. To be fair, the painting was somewhat hard on the eyes, but since it was done by Li Xiaobai, she felt it wouldn’t be proper to judge it too harshly.

She could only sigh inwardly. Were all cultivators from overseas so unconventional in their approaches?

She truly wished for the monotony of life to be disrupted, yet the disruption before her now seemed too extreme; from beginning to end, not a single thing had gone as she expected.

These overseas cultivators expertly avoided the usual moves of ordinary people—quite a feat indeed.

“Hehe, Immortal, you flatter me. In truth, I’m well aware of the concerns harbored in the hearts of all you chosen talents. However, one undeniable fact is that regardless of the era, the things of greatest value are often those with the deepest meaning.”

“From that perspective, it seems I am one step ahead, surpassing all rivals with my skill,”

“There’s a common saying: ‘The world laughs at me for being too crazy; I laugh at others for not seeing through,’ my dear fellow cultivators, on the road of art, we all need to strive persistently,” Xiaobai chuckled, projecting an air of inscrutable profundity.

“I’m…”

Situ Guixiong and others cursed in their hearts, having their eyes opened today to the existence of someone who’d jump into the fray without a care in the world.

Surpass all rivals with skill?

How can you spout such nonsense?

“Hehe, what the Young Master said is true. Indeed, we are but at the foot of the mountain on the path of painting, with a long journey of exploration still ahead,”

Long Xue had run out of words, so she could only nod repeatedly.

“Hmm, a talented man indeed.”

The man in white commented from the side, acknowledging Xiaobai’s enterprise-level understanding, as one couldn’t produce such a “masterpiece” without quite thick-skinned ingenuity.

“Cough cough, everyone, let’s have a cup of tea to calm your surprise,”

Long Xue performed a Seal Spell with her hands, and a Spiritual Spring surged out of thin air, filling the tea cups in front of the cultivators.

S wisps of serene aura wafted about.

“This tea has a clear fragrance and remarkable flavor, true to Lady Long’s expertise. Since Young Master Li has traveled extensively across the Immortal Spirit Continent, do you recognize this tea?” Situ Guixiong asked after taking a sip of the tea, his tone casual.

“Hehe, nothing difficult at all, observe: This tea’s aroma is superior and clear, its color a lustrous greenish-yellow, its leaves tender and blooming like flowers. Upon the first taste, it is rich and sweet, refreshing, stimulating saliva, with a lingering aftertaste. I believe this tea should be, from Eastern Sea, a fine tea!”

Xiaobai finished the tea in his hand in one gulp, speaking blandly. The flavor was quite good indeed, sweeter and less bitter than those offered by the dignitaries.

“This…”

Long Xue was numb to it all, preferring not to comment on Xiaobai’s way of gulping down the drink.

“Young Master Li has wandered far and wide but has not been to the Eastern Sea; It’s understandable not to recognize this tea. This tea is made by infusing with a Spiritual Spring that has nourished Heavenly Mountain Snow Lotuses for many years. Often, cultivators who taste it—even just one sip—will find their organs invigorated and their Primordial Spirits purified, making it a rare treasure indeed,”

Situ Guixiong said with a smile, his eyes twinkling mischievously, “Young Master Li drinking it so hastily really is a bit of a waste.”

His gaze was full of playful mockery; this man was truly a bumpkin.

“Young Master Situ need not laugh. After all, it’s Young Master Li’s first taste of this tea. It’s only natural not to know its profound qualities. I’ll simply pour another cup for the Young Master,”

Lady Long still maintained her pleasant demeanor, and with a casual gesture, she filled Li Xiaobai’s teacup with water, speaking with a smile.

“Thank you, Immortal.”

Li Xiaobai cupped his hands in salute, his eyes mischievously darting around. While no one was paying attention, he stashed the cup of tea in his bag, figuring it would undoubtedly prove useful later on, according to his guess.

“The platform tournament is only a few days away. I wonder if the Immortal has any plans to compete this year?”

Situ Guixiong suddenly asked.

“Hmm, with my modest skills, witnessing so many talented youths brings me great joy. I didn’t expect to also have the opportunity to experience the elegance of overseas cultivators. I will participate in this year’s platform tournament, so I ask everyone to please be gentle!”

Lady Long unconsciously glanced at Li Xiaobai with a faint smile.

Originally, she had no intention of competing on stage. The platform competition in Aolai Country was merely a contest among the various family clan disciples. In her view, it was somewhat beneath her. If she were to compete, it would be nothing more than bullying, with no other excitement to be had.

However, this year was different. The mystery surrounding Li Xiaobai filled her with eager anticipation, and the information relayed by the Vice Leader suggested that he could perhaps be a formidable opponent.

Moreover, the presence of the few overseas cultivators beside him gave her a subtle sense of pressure. These people seemed quite extraordinary.

The chance to clash with peers of equal talent is not often encountered; this was an opportunity.

“Good, then I eagerly await Lady Long’s arrival at the event!”

Situ Guixiong was thrilled. He had asked merely out of formality and did not expect her to actually agree.

However, upon noticing that Lady Long’s attention was continuously on Li Xiaobai, a flicker of envious rage flashed through his eyes. Li Xiaobai was indeed inscrutable in his cultivation level, but the major families were already preparing. Before long, this fellow would sink to the bottom of the sea, becoming a meal in the belly of a Demonic Beast.

“With all the major families participating in this platform tournament, and now with the Immortal joining, this is sure to be an unprecedented grand event!”

“I just wonder if Young Master Li will also take part in the platform tournament this time?”

Ao Gou asked with a feigned smile, while inwardly seething with anger at the fat man. However, the Precious Horse Divine Steed that Li Xiaobai possessed enticed him even more.

If he could seize the other’s mount during the tournament, his strength was bound to soar to the next level.

As a direct lineage descendant from a Beast Tamer family, he was confident he could subdue Li Xiaobai’s mount and make it his own!

At this statement, the whole assembly of cultivators grew solemn, waiting for Li Xiaobai’s response.

If this brash and arrogant man were to join the competition, they were determined to give him a hard lesson!

Down below, they dared not act rashly, but once on the stage, it was a different story—everything would be according to the rules!

“Of course I will participate. The Vice Leader went to great lengths to invite me here so that I could teach the Aolai Country’s younger generation a few tricks and temper the mindset of today’s youth.”

“When the time comes, all of you watch closely and learn, and see how I do it.”

Li Xiaobai nodded, speaking indifferently, with an air that it was all perfectly natural.

“Quite the show-off,” muttered the man in white, somewhat at a loss. This guy, even more of an actor than he was.

“Good, very good!”

“Then I will be sure to watch closely and see just how Young Master will enlighten us in our cultivation!”

Ao Gou sneered, not angry in the least—everything would be settled on the stage.