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

“Pfft!”

Long Tian coughed up a mouthful of blood; the operation of his cultivation technique had been forcefully disrupted, causing him considerable backlash. His primordial spirit felt as if it were being torn apart forcibly—a pain so intense it was almost unbearable.

In his eyes was a look of sheer horror. In the span of a mere second, his most prized ability had broken without being attacked, and it had even reflected damage onto himself. Most crucially, from beginning to end, he had not perceived what technique Li Xiaobai had used.

It was merely a casual flick of the sword—how could it possess such a miraculous power?

“How is this possible?”

“Who exactly are you? With such a cultivation level, you have surely stepped into the pinnacle. Why would you infiltrate the Sea Clan? What are you plotting?”

Long Tian asked weakly. Unlike other leaders, upon facing Li Xiaobai, he immediately thought of the other’s secret entry into the Sea Clan, harboring a secret not to be shared openly. If someone claimed that this person was a half-step human immortal, he would believe it. Shouldn’t a being of this caliber be confined in the Celestial Prison, not languishing in a dungeon?

Intuition told him that the other party must be planning something.

“My purpose is for you to help me with a task. I’ve said it earlier, but you refused to listen,” Li Xiaobai spoke with a cold expression.

“You have two choices—first, you help me, and I will not only spare you but also give you a bonus. Second, I waste your cultivation right now, take over your territory, and you can make your choice,” Li Xiaobai said coldly.

“I am willing to assist. What would you have me do?”

Ultimately, Long Tian submitted, as it was better to cling to a miserable life than to die. Cultivation was his foundation—if it were truly wasted, it would be no different from being dead.

“It’s simple. Gather all Luminous Pearls within your jurisdiction. Later, someone will come to collect them. Remember, not one less—no one is allowed to hide any,” Li Xiaobai instructed.

“Is it really that simple?”

Long Tian was somewhat astounded, having not expected that after so much turmoil, the task would turn out to be collecting Luminous Pearls. This was hardly a challenge—he was merely asked to harvest pearls. Why the need for such a grand mobilization?

“That’s how simple it is. Get it done quickly; this is your reward,” Li Xiaobai said as he tossed a bag of top-quality spirit stones and then, taking out a Lamborghini, transformed into a streak of light before Long Tian’s astonished gaze and sped away.

Long Tian picked up the bag from the ground, glanced at it, and saw roughly a few hundred top-quality spirit stones. He couldn’t help but curl his lip: “Is this it? Who are you looking down on?”

Meanwhile, at the same time.

In the Imperial Palace of the Sea Clan, within the grand hall.

Everyone was silent, staring at the immense image in the void, unsure of what to say.

As expected, Li Xiaobai had crushed all the ringleaders of the prisoners with lightning speed, and now all the inmates of the dungeon were collecting Luminous Pearls for him—the worst possible outcome.

And as the plot unfolded, people increasingly agreed with Long Zhan’s assessment; this young man named Li Xiaobai had an unfathomable strength, without encountering the slightest resistance, he had conquered the entire dungeon.

Even Long Tian, who possessed the Sea Clan’s royal bloodline, had lost so thoroughly. The civil officials were somewhat restless—what kind of being had the Old Dragon King brought back?

“What do my beloved ministers now think of this young man?”

The Old Dragon King looked around and said with a light smile.

“Your Majesty, in this humble servant’s view, this person’s cultivation level has surpassed all of us. Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would hardly believe that such a prodigy exists in the world, one who is indeed worthy of the princess!”

“Such an expert should be drawn to our side, to cement the unshakeable foundation of our Sea Clan for eternity!”

General Long spoke with grave seriousness.

“The young man’s methods are indeed somewhat strange. However, he is not yet a Half-step Human Immortal, and there is a fundamental difference between him and a cultivator such as myself. During the next distribution of the Immortal Spirit Qi, I might lend him a hand depending on his performance,” the Old Dragon King said with a nod and a casual tone. If the other party was willing to agree to this marriage, then helping him obtain the Immortal Spirit Qi would be no trouble at all.

“Your Majesty, this old servant believes that we must not proceed in such a way. Marriage is a serious matter that depends on the future of two people. Only those with mutual affection and true love for one another are qualified to marry the princess. It is obvious that Li Xiaobai lacks this,” said the Tortoise Prime Minister, his voice heavy, the three words ‘not pleased’ nearly written on his face.

“According to this old one’s observations, since the boy entered the Celestial Prison, he has not once mentioned the princess. I’m afraid she is not at all in his heart!”

“Such a person, this old servant absolutely cannot condone as a son-in-law of the Eastern Sea!” the Tortoise Prime Minister said gravely.

“Prime Minister, this person’s cultivation level defies the heavens. If our Sea Clan can form a marital alliance with him, it would be a union of formidable powers, significantly strengthening our forces. Could the Prime Minister please consider the future of the Eastern Sea?” General Long was at the end of his patience and directly tore away the Tortoise Prime Minister’s veneer of respectability.

“General Long, this old tortoise has always considered the princess’s future,” the Tortoise Prime Minister countered with a sidelong glance at General Long, his words full of righteousness.

“Marriage is a matter for two. With the princess evidently absent from Li Xiaobai’s heart, how can we entrust her to him?”

“General Long, while considering the future of the Sea Clan, please also give some thought to the princess’s future!” the Tortoise Prime Minister retorted.

“I’ll be damned…” General Long cursed inwardly, you’re not being fair, old tortoise. Just like that, the Tortoise Prime Minister did a complete one-eighty, suddenly showing concern for Long Xue’s well-being and using it as a rebuttal against him.

It was exactly his own line from before—this was shameless!

Unbelievably so.

“How things stand, I already have a decision in my heart. However, since the Tortoise Prime Minister’s grandson also shows interest in Xue’er, why not let the two young ones compete? How does that sound?” the Old Dragon King suggested.

“Ultimately, who should be chosen, we shall leave it to Xue’er to judge,” said the Old Dragon King.

“Your Majesty, with Li Xiaobai’s cultivation level being inscrutable, wouldn’t it be somewhat unfair to have my grandson compete against him?” the Tortoise Prime Minister asked with a slight frown. His grandson was only at the fifth level of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, and that was with the aid of precious elixirs. His true strength was comparable to the fourth level of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage. Against Li Xiaobai, he wouldn’t even measure up.

“Haha, the Tortoise Prime Minister need not worry. It’s naturally impossible to have them compete in terms of cultivation level and strength,” responded the Old Dragon King with a chuckle.

“Since we have decided to let Xue’er be the judge, the test should naturally measure the true feelings of both young men. I will personally inscribe a Formation and infuse it with Immortal Spirit Qi. Even Li Xiaobai would not be able to discern it. With this, we can test their true feelings for Xue’er. What do you think?”