Chapter 19: The Complacent State Preceptor

"But this time, the rampage of the demonic beasts must signify the emergence of a treasure. Are we just going to sit around and do nothing?"

"No matter what, I'm just not pleased. We both know Zhenyuan Country's behavior all too well. I fear they have already formed an alliance with the Great Sect, and our role will simply be cannon fodder!"

The elders argued noisily. Most of them were unwilling to assist Zhenyuan Country amid the chaos caused by the rampaging beasts.

Ultimately, it was because the people of Zhenyuan Country had such poor relations with others—arrogant and selfish, always putting themselves at the center, which led no one wanting to join forces with them.

"Though Zhenyuan Country's conduct is deplorable, their strength is indeed noteworthy. Though lacking Nascent Soul Stage experts, they have as many as a hundred at the Golden Core Stage. This time, they've sent a State Preceptor in person which likely means they've discovered something and want a group of cannon fodder to scout ahead for them."

"We shouldn't pass up this opportunity."

The Great Elder spoke. He was, after all, well-versed in these matters. Zhenyuan Country had cheated smaller sects more than once or twice, but this also indicated that there was indeed a treasure that had surfaced—an opportunity.

Hearing this, the elders fell silent, needing to consider the interests involved.

"I have made a decision on this matter," announced the Sect Leader. "Elder Sun will lead the team. Besides the top ten disciples from the recent competition, take several Inner Sect Disciples to go on a training expedition, to broaden their horizons!"

"The Great Elder is right. This rescue is not as simple as it appears. There must be an underlying cause for the beast rampage, and if we find it, we might have a chance to share in the spoils."

The Sect Leader declared with finality.

He, too, disdained the conduct of Zhenyuan Country, but this affair was of great significance. As the nation closest to the Divine Beast Mountain Range, other factions would inevitably send people to station there. If the Immortal Feather Sect showed no response, it would certainly face criticism.

Moreover, this time, he was truly interested in seeing if they could reap any benefits from the incident.

"Well then, let's settle on that."

"Heh, with that group of brats from Misty Peak, are we afraid our subordinates will be bullied by Zhenyuan Country?"

"That's true. We might even stand a chance to snatch the treasure for ourselves!"

"Now that we've reached an agreement, let's go meet the envoy from Zhenyuan Country. Let's not keep them waiting too long..."

"..."

The next morning,

Li Xiaobai opened his eyes and found he was still soaking in the pool, along with several fellow disciples. It seemed that everyone had now grown accustomed to sleeping in the water.

He checked the System panel in front of him.

[Defensive Power: Copper Skin, Iron Bone (4000/5000) ready for advancement.]

After soaking all night, his Attribute Points had increased by a thousand, all allocated to defensive power.

It was a thrilling sensation, this kind of strength gained simply from soaking in a bath—this was the true benefit for a transmigrator.

The System was certainly well-suited for him.

According to Feng Lingzi, the Sect Leader was going to announce their journey to Zhenyuan Country today, and Li Xiaobai was very much looking forward to subduing the demonic beasts.

Outside the sect, with fewer eyes watching, he could acquire Attribute Points more boldly.

He exchanged several bottles of discarded Elixirs and gulped them down, continuously raising his Attribute Points.

Li Xiaobai stood up: "Fellow disciples, it's time to head out."

The joyful time of bathing was always brief. Today's mission included the competition and listening to the Sect Leader's address; the disciples got up leisurely. Realizing it was bright daylight, they hurriedly dragged Li Xiaobai down the mountain.

Today the Sect Leader would speak about the Divine Beast Mountain Range, and it was a matter of great importance that they did not dare to delay.

By the arena, the Sect Leader and Elders were already waiting. The disciples of Misty Peak arrived last and blended into the crowd.

Seeing that all the disciples had arrived, the Sect Leader's expression was very serious as he began to speak about the situation in the Divine Beast Mountain Range.

"Gentlemen, a major event has recently occurred in our Northern Region, and I believe the well-informed disciples have already received the news. There has been a monster outbreak in the Divine Beast Mountain Range."

"Many nearby countries and villages have been severely attacked by demonic beasts, and our neighboring country, Zhenyuan Country, sent an envoy yesterday to explain the situation."

"To strengthen our friendly relations with them, the Immortal Feather Sect has decided to send Elder Sun to lead our top ten disciples from the competition and the top twenty from the Inner Sect rankings to the Divine Beast Mountain Range to slay demonic beasts!"

"This person beside me is the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country, Li Shejin!"

The Sect Leader introduced him with great formality, giving plenty of face to Li Shejin, but the latter didn't give an inch of courtesy in return.

He snorted lightly, waved his whisk, and took two leisurely steps forward, full of style.

Li Xiaobai, sitting below, had an odd expression on his face. Li Shejin?

Someone actually had this name?

Indeed, the world is full of wonders; every day is a learning experience. Li Shejin was a thin middle-aged man.

His face was gaunt, his eye sockets deep, and he was severely lacking in vigor and spirit, clearly someone who indulged too much in alcohol and sensual pleasures, a complete wastrel.

Just his arrogant demeanor alone was enough to make countless disciples feel repulsed.

The senior brothers and sisters were right; these people from Zhenyuan Country really did have an air of superiority.

They had the gall to act so condescending, despite seeking assistance from the Immortal Feather Sect; it was truly the epitome of arrogance.

"I am Li Shejin, the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country. You can address me as Master Li, and my cultivation is at the third layer of the Golden Core Stage!"

"To speak the truth, you sheltered disciples should thank me. I was just going to notify you, but your Sect Leader insisted, so this time I will take you to experience the real Cultivation World and let you greenhouse flowers see some blood!"

Li Shejin stood tall and proud, full of arrogance.

However, his sharp and thin voice was particularly grating, making it uncomfortable to listen to.

Everyone had a gloomy expression. With the State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country behaving this way, it was apparent he didn't respect the Immortal Feather Sect, and their anger was blazing within them.

Su Yunbing next to them couldn't hold back any longer and was about to burst out swearing, but Ye Wushuang was quick to cover her mouth.

"Sister, we're within our Sect now. It's not suitable for us to cause too much friction. Once we're outside, we'll let him know who the real greenhouse flowers are!"

A cold glint flashed in Ye Wushuang's eyes, clearly quite displeased.

"Heh heh, that's right, this guy is probably used to throwing his weight around. He hasn't figured out the situation yet. After we go out, let's spill some of his blood!"

Liu Jinshui laughed as well.

Li Xiaobai watched Li Shejin on the stage, still going on and on, and inwardly mourned for him for three minutes.

This guy probably didn't know that his next few hours had already been clearly planned out by others.

Li Shejin was completely oblivious to the disciples' reactions, still lost in his self-aggrandizing mode, speaking as if there was no end.

He spoke with an air of authority, angering the Sect Leader and the Elders behind him to the point their faces turned green.

After all, they were a Sect; when had they ever been humiliated like this? Even before major Sects, they had never lost face to such an extent.

This mere State Preceptor of Zhenyuan Country was now adopting the attitude of a superior, dictating to and lecturing their disciples!

"Heh, State Preceptor, with the demonic beast rampage, we must suppress it swiftly!"

"This time we must trouble the State Preceptor to bring these unworthy disciples of mine to Zhenyuan Country to see the world indeed..."