Chapter 1354: Chapter 1355: Clear, Understandable
“Where did that flame come from? Was there any trace of Xueshenzi?”
Li Xiaobai asked.
“There was no anomaly, the flame appeared suddenly, without any sign!”
The Second Elder replied indifferently.
“It seems Xueshenzi hasn’t truly made his move yet, just probing for now.”
Li Xiaobai murmured to himself.
“But is Xueshenzi about to make a comeback?”
“If that’s the case, as long as Sect Master Li raises the banner, our Ice Dragon Island will surely follow!”
The Second Elder spoke slowly.
“Thank you, Second Elder. This Peak Master will remember Ice Dragon Island’s resolution!”
Li Xiaobai nodded. This Second Elder of Ice Dragon Island was a remarkable figure, perceptive and adaptable to the times.
Departing Ice Dragon Island, returning to the Eastern Continent.
The Hellfire was a signal—Xueshenzi had already begun moving, and the next wave of attacks would arrive soon, though it was uncertain in what manner it would unfold.
…
Eastern Continent.
On the Second Peak of the Sword Sect.
All was as usual. The news of the Hellfire had not yet reached their ears, and the disciples within the sect were still filled with laughter and cheer.
Inside the grand hall.
Li Xiaobai sat at the center, with the Sword Sect Master Ying Diao and the sect masters of various super sects on either side. The Hellfire incident this time had completely exceeded their capabilities, shattering the last traces of hope in their hearts.
The methods Xueshenzi was using now were entirely beyond their ability to guard against. They had previously thought that, although Xueshenzi was mysterious and terrifying, he still fell within the scope of Saint Realm cultivators. As long as he was within the realm of Saint cultivators, they figured they could at least put up some resistance here and there. In that way, they wouldn’t always have to rely on Li Xiaobai’s assistance and gifts, and might owe him fewer favors in the future.
But it now seemed that Xueshenzi’s methods were completely different from what they had imagined. Across the entire Central Origin Realm, aside from Li Xiaobai, it appeared that no one could confront Xueshenzi head-on!
Without this Villain’s Guild Leader and Second Peak’s Peak Master, they likely wouldn’t survive even a single day.
Aside from completely submitting to him, they had no other options available.
“Sect Master Li, we’ve heard that this black flame was unleashed by Xueshenzi. Does this mean that the Blood Demon Sect is about to re-emerge and make a comeback?”
“Indeed, if Xueshenzi is making a comeback, he is bound to come prepared. When that happens, how are we to respond, and how should the various sects position themselves?”
Inside the hall, the gathered cultivators appeared somewhat anxious and uneasy.
“If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. What are you all so afraid of?”
Li Xiaobai cast a sidelong glance at the multitude below, speaking lazily with a detached tone. Even before he entered the Saint Realm, he hadn’t taken these sect masters seriously, let alone now.
“But aren’t we, the super sects, supposed to be the ‘tall ones’? If that demon head returns to the Central Origin Realm, it will surely bring calamity to all living beings. As the top powers of the Central Origin Realm, we are duty-bound to stand and protect all life!”
“However, our sects’ strength is still too far behind compared to Xueshenzi’s. We humbly implore Sect Master Li to demonstrate your magnanimity and lend us a few Saint Realm demonic beasts to face the enemy together!”
The sect masters cupped their hands and spoke solemnly. Their words were neutral on the surface, but their hidden intentions were quickly exposed as soon as they finished speaking.
This group, aware of their own inadequacy against Xueshenzi, had set their sights on Godzilla.
“Back then on the Western Continent, you all had already demonstrated to the world just how utterly useless you were. Do you think the world needs your protection?”
Li Xiaobai sneered with a faint smile, mocking them openly.
This lot was good for nothing except self-preservation.
When adversity arose, their first instinct was to protect themselves and scramble for benefits, while avoiding any contribution of effort. Keeping them around was purely to cultivate their Power of Faith as mere crops to harvest. As long as they stayed obediently within their own territories and refrained from courting death, that was good enough.
“Sect Master Li, what is the meaning of your words? Why speak like this?”
“While our super sects may lack the foundation of the Blood Demon Sect and the Sword Sect, we are still considered among the top powers of the Central Origin Realm. Surely you understand our heartfelt intentions to protect the world and its people!”
The speaker was an elder of the Golden Blade Sect, whose fiery temper flared up as soon as Li Xiaobai’s remarks struck a nerve.
“It seems you all have misunderstood something—who said that you are the top powers of the Central Origin Realm?”
“The assault of Xueshenzi is a life-and-death battle between him and my Villain’s Guild. Given your capabilities, you’d likely only get in the way. If you want to help, the best thing you can do is stay in your territories and not meddle!”
“The peak forces of the Central Origin Realm have never included the so-called super sects. This is a critical moment for the survival of the realm, a life-and-death confrontation between me and Xueshenzi. Anyone who dares interfere—don’t expect mercy from me!”
Li Xiaobai sneered, emitting a frosty humph as he spoke.
He wasn’t protecting these sect forces; rather, the conflict had escalated to a level far beyond their understanding. Any reckless involvement from them would only serve to turn themselves into resources for Xueshenzi to amplify his strength, greatly complicating Li Xiaobai’s efforts. This was an outcome he wouldn’t tolerate.
“This…”
“We’re… not the peak forces…”
For many of the Saint Realm sect masters, this was the first time they had heard such blunt honesty. Faced with the resurgence of the demon head, the entire Central Origin Realm was on edge. Wasn’t this the time to rally every last bit of manpower to collectively confront the threat?
Why was Li Xiaobai pushing the capable forces away instead? Such an unconventional approach!
What they failed to grasp was that the current battlefield had ascended to the highest echelons—the ultimate playing field where quality mattered far more than sheer quantity. Mere numbers, without quality to match, were utterly useless.
“Sect Master Li, so what is your meaning?”
“My meaning is simple: everyone here is trash. You can leave now. When you go back, restrain your clansmen—do not act recklessly, and absolutely do not provoke Xueshenzi. If you find any trace of him, report it immediately!”
Li Xiaobai spoke slowly. He was genuinely worried that someone foolish might try to probe Xueshenzi. Though he didn’t hold these people’s strength in high regard, they were still figures who held two Divine Fires, with vast amounts of blood essence. Should they fall victim to the Heart of the Blood Demon, Xueshenzi’s strength would undoubtedly rise another notch.
“You gotta be kidding me…”
The Golden Blade Sect Master nearly lost his temper. These words were downright infuriating—Li Xiaobai wasn’t taking them seriously in the least. He wanted to erupt, but the moment murderous intent crossed his mind, a chill coursed through his spine, and he felt his scalp tingle. Instantly, he calmed down and looked at the young man above with terror in his eyes. The man had done nothing, yet his instincts as a strong cultivator warned him that had he acted rashly, his head would already be rolling on the ground.
The strength of that young man was such that he could kill him!
“Have I made myself clear enough?”
“Crystal clear!”