Chapter 182: You always want to freeload, it makes things difficult for me

"Not too much, but it's very embarrassing for me, the Sect Leader, to just let you wander around the sect with a word from your mouth," Elder Tianwu said.

Ou Yezi smacked his lips, showing a troubled expression.

"I understand the rules."

The Tianwu Sect Leader threw out a Space Ring, his expression not looking too good. Giving a gift to his own rival, this was the first time in more than a decade.

"Hmm, not bad, not bad, worthy of being the Tianwu Sect Leader, sensible, and on the right path."

Ou Yezi quickly scanned through the items in the ring, nodded in satisfaction, and stood up to lead everyone up to Misty Peak.

Along the way, the cultivators of the Tianwu Sect were shocked beyond belief. Misty Peak was completely different from the other peaks, far more prosperous in many ways.

All the Sect Disciples were soaking in baths, puffing on Huazi.

Each disciple exuded a subtle aura, and occasionally a disciple would breakthrough, their bodies overflowing with radiant light, their vitality and spirit reaching the pinnacle.

The visitors were astounded. Compared to their own sect disciples, the disciples of the Holy Demon Sect had much stronger cultivation levels. Overall, they were a whole level above those of the Tianwu Sect.

Unbeknownst to them, the Tianwu Sect had been surpassed yet again.

The scent wafting from the Tangneng First-class bathhouse and Huazi kiosks intoxicated the cultivators of the Tianwu Sect. Merely breathing in the fragrant smoke seemed to greatly enhance their comprehension, resolving all the perplexing issues that had plagued their cultivation and suggesting the potential to break through their current restraints.

"Is this a Spiritual Spring?"

"To think there are so many Spiritual Springs! And what is this smoke that the disciples are exhaling? Just a moment of breathing it in seems to have granted an indication of a breakthrough in my cultivation level!"

"It's somewhat like Enlightenment Tea Leaves."

"Could all this be the work of our ancestor?"

Chen Kun's face was filled with amazement; these miraculous treasures could greatly enhance the overall strength of the sect's disciples.

The rest all shared the same thought. Ou Yezi had only just advanced to the Mahayana Realm and didn't have this capability; the only explanation must be the masterpiece of Elder Tianwu.

"All this was built by Misty Peak's Peak Master, Li Xiaobai," Ou Yezi declared.

"Demon Sword Li Xiaobai!"

"He actually has such ability?"

The Tianwu Sect Leader was surprised. Such treasures were not just for increasing an individual's cultivation level—they could enhance the overall strength of a sect and drive its development. That such a contribution came from a junior cultivator was astonishing.

"In the future, Tangneng First-class and Huazi will be marketed across the Mainland, and the cultivators of the Tianwu Sect will also be able to make purchases."

Li Xiaobai said cheerfully. The people from the Tianwu Sect had already been deeply attracted by the bathhouse and Huazi; these were all his potential customers, guaranteed to be repeat buyers.

The crowd fell silent; they couldn't see through Li Xiaobai.

Atop the peak.

An old beggar was soaking in the bathhouse, emitting clouds of smoke, in front of him the cultivators of the Tianwu Sect stood in a row, looking very much like disciples being punished by their master.

"Stop standing there like fools, come in and soak."

"Our ancestor is bathing; our place is but to serve!" The Tianwu Sect Leader said fearfully.

"You are now the Tianwu Sect Leader, what is your name?"

"Answering to the elder ancestor, this junior is a martial cultivator, currently serving as the Sect Leader of Tianwu Sect," the martial cultivator clasped his fist in salute and earnestly said, "I hope the elder ancestor could take some time to visit the sect and offer some guidance to the juniors on their cultivation."

"The cultivation techniques of this old beggar are not something you can learn; the path of cultivation relies heavily on self-comprehension. This old beggar, in this lifetime, has always explored the path on his own, remained dedicated, and after years of relentless practice, has ultimately obtained invincible power."

The old beggar's expression was calm, with an imposing air filling the surroundings. Li Xiaobai knew that the old man had begun to show off his prowess without form or substance.

What does he mean by exploring on his own? The old man doesn't even fully understand the power within himself, let alone have the spare time to guide others.

However, the people from Tianwu Sect didn't understand the old beggar, and they listened intently, nodding frequently, taking their notes very seriously.

"It is truly worthy of Elder Tianwu, his path to cultivation is different from ordinary people."

"Yes, our Tianwu Sect having an ancestor of such an unparalleled character is indeed a fortune for our sect!"

Hearing the genuine compliments from the disciples, the smile on the old beggar's face grew wider, relishing the feeling and the sense of accomplishment.

"You have some discernment. The old beggar understands your intentions. There's no need to return to the sect. The old beggar has some relationship with Boss Li, and in the future, when your sect comes to purchase Huazi, I believe Boss Li won't refuse," the old beggar said.

"Always welcome."

Li Xiaobai held no sect prejudices, as long as he could earn Spirit Stones. Selling to anyone was the same, intending to eventually establish a chain throughout the Mainland.

The people from Tianwu Sect wanted to prolong the conversation, but the old beggar sent them off, telling them to hurry back to cultivate instead of wasting time on such worldly matters.

"Why doesn't the elder wish to return to the sect?" Li Xiaobai asked.

"There's nothing worth returning for; in the cultivation path, no one can be relied upon. The only one to rely on is oneself. If the old beggar were to return, I'm afraid the disciples would become complacent thinking they have someone to depend on."

The old beggar smacked his lips and lit another Huazi.

"The senior is truly considerate. I believe the martial cultivators will understand," Li Xiaobai said appreciatively.

Ou Yezi chuckled, regardless of the reason, he was pleased to see Tianwu Sect at a disadvantage, knowing that with the current prosperity and renown of the Holy Demon Sect, it wouldn't be long before they completely outpaced the other.

"You've blood-sacrificed the geniuses of the major forces in Central Province; you're in big trouble. After the old beggar leaves, a continuous stream of people will come looking for you."

"The senior is leaving?"

"The old beggar likes to wander around and won't stay here for too long."

"Where does the elder plan to go? Let's go together," Li Xiaobai moved closer.

"Heh, the place the old beggar is going to is not somewhere you can go. Chaotic times are about to begin, and as a strong man with invincible power, the old beggar must save the world. The greater the power, the greater the responsibility, as the saying goes."

The old beggar spoke softly with his hands behind his back, displaying yet another round of invisible grandstanding.

Li Xiaobai: "..."

Ou Yezi pondered thoughtfully, "Could it be because of the issue with Flesh Mountain?"

"Not exactly, the revival of Flesh Mountain is just a beginning. The old beggar has sensed the life essences of several old fellows reappearing in the world; it's time to get moving and have a chat with them," the old beggar said.

Li Xiaobai felt that the old man was bragging again; this old man was incredibly unreliable. To say that he cared for the common folk and wanted to ensure peace for all generations was something Li Xiaobai would not believe for a single word.

"It's just that there are indeed issues with my cultivation level. If only I could have a few more bottles of a certain treasure, then the old beggar could seek more blessings for all living beings," the old beggar shook his head and sighed, his gaze inadvertently drifting towards Li Xiaobai.

"Elder, these things are very precious. You always think about getting them for free; it makes it very hard for me."