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

Chapter 1073: Chapter 1074: Holy shit, it’s Bei Bingyang!

Lingxue Pavilion, an ancient and imposing building sculpted from precious Zitan wood, carries the aroma of historical vicissitudes.

At the top of the pavilion, a plaque with the characters “Lingxue Pavilion” is inscribed in a lively dragon and phoenix dance script.

From the outside, it indeed looked like an ancient inn with a long history, but that didn’t stop it from being costly, a fact Li Xiaobai understood from the moment he stepped in.

The décor inside the inn was antiquated and elegant. Faint traces of music seemed to linger around the beams above, creating a profound ambiance.

“It’s actually Lingxue Pavilion!”

“Those young men have some skills to have brought us here, this trip must bring them a good share of profits,”

Old Goat remarked with a cluck of his tongue.

“Old Brother Goat, have you heard of Lingxue Pavilion before?”

Li Xiaobai asked, looking towards Old Goat. The place didn’t seem like a shady joint.

“Of course, I’ve heard of Lingxue Pavilion’s great name. This isn’t any shady inn. On the contrary, it is one of the finest inns on Ice Dragon Island, frequented by many wealthy and noble people. It’s popular among the young and talented, adding to its scenic beauty. That’s why the prices are unparalleled; even the shady inns can’t compete,” Old Goat explained.

“Lingxue Pavilion has a long history; it used to be an assassin organization on Ice Dragon Island. After a major reshuffle on the island, the pavilion shifted from hidden operations to openly running as a tea house. See that ancient sword on the wall? It was personally presented by the previous Island Master of Ice Dragon Island. With that sword hanging there, no one of great influence dares to make trouble here,” Old Goat said solemnly.

“That sword is indeed extraordinary,”

Li Xiaobai followed Old Goat’s gaze to the wall behind the counter where an ancient sword hung, exuding faint traces of chill. Even without drawing it, he could sense its hidden sharpness; it was truly a fine sword.

“Where are the distinguished guests from? Would you like to stay?” The manager approached them. In the store, there were no waiters, only him alone.

However, from the flitting gazes of the four women from the Hundred Flowers Sect, Li Xiaobai could tell that the place wasn’t nearly as empty as it seemed; numerous cultivators were likely hidden in the shadows.

This manager was a stout middle-aged man with an appearance akin to a Buddha statue, spoiled only by the goat beard at the corners of his mouth and paired with his shifty small eyes, which gave him a somewhat cunning look.

“Manager, these four are distinguished disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect, and this gentleman here is my young master, Han Buzhu, the young master of the Icy Frost Sect. He’s here to stay for a few days, so please make sure they receive the best service,” Old Goat flexed his influence while discussing the illustrious identities, looking every bit the part as if he were from a Great Sect himself.

When the manager heard of the Icy Frost Sect, he didn’t react much, but his eyes lit up when he heard that the four ladies were from the Hundred Flowers Sect—a Super Sect, one of the few mighty powers in the entire Central Origin Realm, known for their hefty spending power.

“So, they are distinguished disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect, an oversight, truly. Also, the Icy Frost Sect has always had ties with Ice Dragon Island. It truly honors my humble inn to have the young master rest here,”

“I am Wang Qiangzhu at your service,”

“How long do you wish to stay, and how many rooms would you like?” Wang, the manager, asked with a cheerful and slightly obsequious smile.

The Icy Frost Sect was large enough to warrant significant attention, let alone the presence of four disciples from the Hundred Flowers Sect. This was a major transaction; serving such influential sect’s disciples well would lead to a steady inflow of Immortal Stones and significantly boost the inn’s reputation.

“One room for each person, six rooms in total, only the best ones. We will stay for three nights, and make sure there’s no negligence,” Li Xiaobai spoke indifferently.

Whether the inn was shady wasn’t his concern, as he had as many top-grade Immortal Stones as he needed. How much could a few nights cost?

“Six Heavenly rooms, a hundred top-grade Immortal Stones per room per night, three nights make three hundred; a total of eighteen hundred top-grade Immortal Stones for all six of you,”

“Here you go.”

Li Xiaobai was just about to pay when Bai Hehua, quick as lightning, tossed out a Storage Bag containing eighteen hundred top-grade Immortal Stones.

“Young Master Han just shared interests with us sisters, quite a bit of fate between us, and since the cost of the carriage earlier was also borne by you, it wouldn’t be good for us to always take advantage of you.”

Bai Hehua said with a smile.

“It really made the Immortal spend money.”

Li Xiaobai nodded; it seemed that these extravagant women were quite wealthy. Since someone was voluntarily paying for him, he naturally didn’t refuse.

However, he gained a new understanding of this shop—it was truly a money pit. Staying for three nights had cost eighteen hundred stones; the manager made a killing.

“No wonder you are disciples from a Great Sect, truly generous. Manager Wang will arrange for someone to escort you to your rooms and take good care of you!”

Manager Wang took over the Storage Bag, glanced inside, and immediately beamed with joy. Today’s business had been too easy, the guests had paid with high-grade Immortal Stones without a word, truly from a Super Sect.

“Thump, thump, thump!”

A series of footsteps sounded as several people descended from the upper floor, coming face to face with Li Xiaobai, which made him pause for a moment.

“Oh, isn’t this the Third Young Master of the Han Family? I didn’t expect to meet you here. What, are you also here to take part in the martial competition for marriage?”

The speaker was a cultivator with light blue hair, almond-shaped eyes, peach-blossom cheeks, and a handsome face, surrounded by a bevy of slender beauties, enshrined like stars holding the moon.

“Hmm?”

“Who are you?”

Li Xiaobai asked, puzzled. This must be an acquaintance of Han Buzhu, but unfortunately, he didn’t recognize him.

“After a long time, you’ve become much bolder. Haven’t forgotten the humiliation from before, right? I see neither of your brothers are here; could it be you want to experience it again?”

The blue-haired cultivator’s eyes narrowed slightly, a mocking expression quickly darkening his face.

“Who are you, sir, to be so overbearing and aggressive? Young Master Han is a friend of ours, and treating him with such disrespect is not the conduct of a gentleman.”

Bai Hehua said coldly.

“I am Bei Feng, an external disciple of Ice Dragon Island. I have not yet asked for the names of the Immortals here. You may not know, but this man is the third young master of the Icy Frost Sect, born from a concubine and not well-regarded, typically arrogant and bullying the weak. Ladies, I fear you have been misled by him into this unworthy association.”

The blue-haired young man said with a faint smile, his eyes brightening at the beauty of the four women, each beautiful in their own right and varying in stature.

“It seems disciples of Ice Dragon Island have no manners, to speak so lightly of a friend of the Hundred Flowers Sect; I must certainly reprimand you when I return!”

Bai Hehua’s eyes were cold; it was clear this man was fond of women, and yet he dared spout such nonsense, truly shameless.

“A disciple of the Hundred Flowers Sect!”

Bei Feng’s pupils contracted, and a trace of alarm appeared on his face.

“So, you are a cultivator of Ice Dragon Island, do you recognize this?”

Li Xiaobai thought for a moment and then took out a Token from his Space Ring and threw it over.

The Token was bone-chillingly cold, engraved with the swirling characters: Bei Bingyang!

This had been given by a disciple of Ice Dragon Island he had saved within the borders of the Buddha Country, who seemed to be of high status on the island. Since he had encountered cultivators from Ice Dragon Island, it seemed worth a try.

“What rubbish do you dare to throw, Young Master Han; I know very well who you are, no need to pretend anymore, this Token…”

Bei Feng was dismissive, didn’t even bother to catch it, letting the Token fall to the ground with a disdainful face. But the casual glance made his expression change drastically, and cold sweat broke out instantly.

“Fuck, it’s Bei Bingyang!”