I Don't Want to Get Hurt, So I'll Max Out My Defense - Chapter 562:

Chapter 562: Chapter 563: Suspicion
Long Xue’s expression was indifferent, and the terrifying might that was strong to the extreme came crashing down; in an instant, the numbers on the System’s attribute panel jumped violently.

[Attribute Points +8000…]

This pressure was even more terrifying than that of the seventh level, and Long Xue’s strength was probably comparable to that of Senior Sister Su Yunbing; both were at the peak of the Transcendance Tribulation Stage, beginning to advance toward the realm of the Mahayana.

Li Xiaobai inwardly clicked his tongue; this woman’s cultivation was enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with several of his fellow brothers and sisters, a true genius.

However, his brothers and sisters harbored a terrifying secret within, their cultivation speed was unparalleled, and he believed it wouldn’t be long before they surpassed Long Xue.

Li Xiaobai looked up slightly, observing those enchanting purple pupils with calm composure.

“Lady Long, I have been continuously ascending the steps, and just now I saw that shadow dart down; if we pursue now, we might still be in time.”

“With Young Master Li’s exceptional strength, how could you be hindered by these mere third-level steps?”

Long Xue asked softly.

“Despite my inadequate strength, although my cultivation level is high, I have never cultivated my physical body. For a first attempt at climbing, reaching the third level is already quite satisfying,” said Li Xiaobai with a light laugh, speaking very humbly.

“But just now, this young lady did not see the young master on any of the steps, not on any level, and now that unfamiliar face has disappeared, yet the young master suddenly reappears; I cannot help but harbor suspicions. Could the cultivator who stole the Luminous Pearl be related to you?”

Long Xue stated calmly, her Primordial Spirit Power covering the entire Linglong Pagoda, confident that no one could act covertly under her watch.

“Of course not, I have been diligently trying to climb the third level all this time; perhaps the Immortal missed something, and moreover, everyone has witnessed the appearance of the thief—it’s not I. Immortal should go down and continue the search,” Li Xiaobai chuckled, undisturbed even if suspicion arose.

Without evidence, it was all empty talk; in Aolai Country, private fighting was not permitted. At this moment, Long Xue’s use of Primordial Spirit Power to suppress the crowd was already pushing the boundaries, making it impossible for her to attack rashly.

“I will report this matter to the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea. The theft of the ancestral corpse is a grave issue, enough to shake the entire clan. Should the young master know something, please inform this young lady. If the elder of the clan gets involved, it won’t be so easy to talk,” Long Xue said, casting a meaningful glance at Li Xiaobai, her words laden with implication.

The other party’s behavior was too abnormal; before climbing the tower, this person stirred up animosity and was extremely high-profile, but during the climb, suddenly became silent. That unfamiliar cultivator also emerged at this critical juncture.

In the Cultivation World, there are not a few Magic Treasures and items that can change one’s appearance, and the technique of altering one’s features is not rare.

She was seventy percent certain that the thief was Li Xiaobai but faced with his mysterious demeanor, she had no confidence in a direct confrontation. This matter had to be referred to the elders of the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea.

“Ha-ha, indeed, the theft of the corpse is no trivial matter—it concerns the face of the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea; the Immortal should indeed report it as soon as possible,” Li Xiaobai nodded, his face full of agreement, revealing no flaws.

Had she not been tracking the person from start to finish, even Long Xue might have been deceived.

The cultivators around now also understood; did the Immortal mean to suggest that the thief was related to this overseas cultivator, Li Xiaobai?

And from the looks of it, was it very possible that unfamiliar face was Li Xiaobai?

Beichen Shixi’s complexion turned a bit pale, cold sweat streaming down his forehead. He had brought the person here; if that was the case, his Beichen Family could not escape implication.

Moreover, after thinking carefully about the cause and effect, it indeed seemed very possible. Others might not know, but he was aware that Li Xiaobai’s strength was so formidable that he could instantly kill anyone in the Mahayana Realm, so why was he still on the third level until now?

There had to be something fishy going on!

Turning his head to look at the other two, the expressions on the faces of Nangong Wan and Dongfang Mingyue were also somewhat awkward at this moment. It was clear they too had thought of this, and given that their three families were known to be on good terms with Li Xiaobai, if he was discovered, they would likely suffer a huge blow.

This wasn’t the way to play the game!

They had been obsequiously fawning over him all along, only to be rewarded with such an outcome?

The big shot couldn’t let them down!

On the fifth level, Situ Guixiong’s face also changed drastically. He now understood why the unfamiliar cultivator had been targeting him all along, deceiving him of his Spirit Stones—it was revenge!

And in the field, the only person who had a grudge against him and dared to cause trouble in his face was Li Xiaobai.

Of course, there was not much need for careful consideration. In a fit of anger, he roared, “That stranger is none other than Li Xiaobai in disguise, cheating the Situ Household of Spirit Stones, barging into the Immortal’s boudoir, and stealing the remains of the ancestors of the Sea Clan. His crimes are unpardonable!”

“Immortal, hand this man over to the Punishment Hall for a severe interrogation. We must recover the Luminous Pearl!”

“That’s right, let him be subjected to the law!”

“Even if he is the prodigy brought back by the Vice Leader, he cannot act so recklessly, showing no respect for the law!”

“Finish him…”

The other cultivators also erupted in an instant, with the shadow of the unfamiliar cultivator overlapping with that of Li Xiaobai, triggering a new wave of hatred.

No wonder they felt something was strange in their hearts. How could such a genius suddenly appear in Aolai Country? It turned out to be Li Xiaobai in disguise!

Immortal Long held you in such high regard, yet you dared to steal the remains of her ancestors—this is absolutely intolerable!

“Silence!”

Long Xue scolded softly and said indifferently, “This matter will be decided by the Eastern Sea. However, for the time being, I ask that Young Master Li not leave the territory of Aolai Country. Otherwise, the Sea Clan might misunderstand, and the consequences would be severe.”

“The same goes for everyone else. It would be best not to leave Aolai Country at will before the thief is found, or you may be regarded by the Sea Clan as fleeing from guilt.”

“There have been quite a few disruptions at today’s tea party, and I’ve startled the gentlemen. How about calling an end to the tea party now?”

“When there’s another opportunity in the future, I will host another tea party to make it up to all of you,”

Long Xue said, understanding that with no evidence at hand, direct conflict was all loss and no gain for her. As long as Li Xiaobai was still in the Eastern Sea, the elders of her clan would be able to capture him with absolute certainty.

“That would be very good, and we apologize for disturbing the Immortal today. We too have been remiss,”

“We’ve troubled you, and thank you for your hospitality, Immortal,”

“We will report today’s events to our families and assist in the search for this thief,”

“The Immortal can rest assured that before the thief is found, no one will leave the territory of Aolai Country. Our families will supervise this together,”

The cultivators breathed a sigh of relief and immediately expressed their loyalty, glancing intentionally or otherwise towards Li Xiaobai. Long Xue didn’t say much, but it was enough to raise many suspicions.

Among those present, Li Xiaobai was the most suspect.

Seeing this scene, Li Xiaobai also smiled slightly, clasped his fist in salute, and said, “The Immortal can rest assured, I will do my utmost to cooperate and capture the thief, to avenge the Immortal!”