Chapter 808: 809: Challenge on the Arena
Li Xiaobai and his group arrived at the Steward Hall to receive their Contribution Points.
The daily task of cleaning the twelve peaks of the Sword Sect was quite heavy. It would take those mortals an entire day to clean, and even with their four people joining in, it would take most of the day to finish the cleaning, not to mention that the sect was full of shit-producing machines.
The productivity was just beginning.
They would need to find more people to help clean the toilets; this too would be a service to the local land and water.
Within the Steward Hall, Disciple cultivators came and went in an endless stream, but unexpectedly, as soon as they entered, they ran into an old acquaintance.
Outer Sect Elder Chen Jiannan!
This Elder Chen was the responsible Elder of the Steward Hall, usually in charge of distributing tasks to Disciples and recording Contribution Points. He just happened to run into Li Xiaobai face-to-face, and his eyes were filled with resentment and disdain.
“This old man was wondering why I could smell a stench from a distance. Turns out it’s you few shit shovelers who have come. This place is a crucial area of the sect, not just anyone is qualified to enter!”
“Exactly, exactly. Where did these beggars come from? They are a disgrace to our sect!”
“The stench is so foul it’s unbearable. Get lost quickly, don’t be an eyesore here!”
“Just standing here you’re polluting the environment!”
A few Disciples who were processing Contribution Points nearby suddenly lit up with enthusiasm and immediately echoed the sentiment, scolding Li Xiaobai harshly.
This was a great opportunity to ingratiate themselves with Elder Chen, and they would not let it pass easily.
Yesterday’s incident at Sword Peak had spread throughout the entire sect. Now everyone knew the infamous names of the four villains. However, for most Disciples, these were nothing but clownish upstarts. Newcomers relied on their bit of talent to defy the rules, but soon enough, they would get beaten up and face reality.
“A profession does not define one’s nobility or lowliness, neither do Contribution Points define magnitude. We are all cultivators who have contributed to the sect. I kindly ask Elder Chen to act impartially and not let personal feelings result in unfair treatment towards us!”
Li Xiaobai said cheerfully. He did smell a bit, as he had indeed crawled out of a dung pit.
“Heh, naturally, this Elder has always been fair in his dealings with people and matters.”
“Here are your Identity Tokens; they record your Contribution Points. Keep them safe.”
Elder Chen said indifferently, casually throwing out a few tokens. The names of the individuals were written on the front, while the back bore the record of Contribution Points, with a large “one” written on it.
“Did you happen to miss writing a few zeros? We’ve cleaned the latrines of twelve peaks.”
The old beggar inquired, frowning.
“It’s worth exactly that amount. If you’re not satisfied, you can give it back to this old man.”
Elder Chen’s eyes flashed with a mocking light as he coldly spoke.
“Fine, I’ll remember this.”
Li Xiaobai put away the Token and nodded.
“Li Xiaobai, this old man wasn’t looking for trouble with you, but you’ve walked right into a trap. How dare you tie up my grandson? From now on, you will have no place in this sect!”
Elder Chen’s eyes blazed with anger, the sight of his grandson’s sorry state the day before burned into his memory.
“Your grandson was the one looking for trouble first. Getting tied up because of his lack of skill is his own fault, and no one else can be blamed.”
“To be honest, he should be thanking me. If I hadn’t taught him a lesson, he might still not realize how dangerous the world outside is. Kind-hearted people like me are not common in this world.”
Li Xiaobai also spoke lightly.
“Hmph, I hear Xiong Ba has challenged you to a battle on the arena today. Consider these Contribution Points as your last meal, hold onto them and get lost. This Elder will personally be there to enjoy watching you beg for mercy. The more I think about it, the more I look forward to it!”
Elder Chen’s tone turned grim.
“Hehe, with Brother Xiong Ba taking action, your death is certain.”
“Exactly, no matter how talented you are, if you can’t understand the situation and act accordingly, there’s only one outcome for you: an early death!”
“Li Xiaobai, today will be your end. Brother Xiong Ba is a genius on the Human Immortal Ranking List, dealing with you will just take a moment!”
“You’re as good as dead!”
The other Disciples also joined in, each one’s words brimming with mockery, looking at the other party as if they were watching a clown.
“Oh? Well, let’s just wait and see!”
Li Xiaobai looked indifferent.
…
A few breaths later.
Outside the Steward Hall.
Four figures stealthily returned, crouching in the shadows, fixated on the entrance of the Enforcement Hall.
“Damn it, I just can’t swallow this anger!”
Ji Wuqing cursed under his breath.
“Pay attention. The moment those fellows come out, we snatch them and take them away, then return them to the Enforcement Hall to exchange for contribution points!”
“Rescuing Sect Disciples and returning them safe and sound to the sect, I’d like to see if that Elder Chen doesn’t give us trouble again or not!”
Li Xiaobai stubbed out his cigarette, stamped it out on the ground, and said in a low voice.
You had to create your own opportunities to earn contribution points, and with the right story, it could be a significant contribution to the sect.
“Heh heh, you always have a plan. This is much easier than blackmailing for us.”
Old Beggar chuckled as well.
“They’re coming out, they’re coming out!”
Ergouzi suddenly spoke up to alert everyone.
At that moment, several young men slowly exited the Enforcement Hall, their faces brimming with joyous smiles. Elder Chen had lavished praise on them just now, seizing the opportunity well and timing their flattery perfectly. Perhaps they could even build connections and reap benefits in the future.
All thanks to Li Xiaobai!
However, they were unaware that danger was already close at hand.
From the shadows, Ji Wuqing suddenly slapped his belly and bellowed, “I call you out, do you dare respond?”
In an instant, the laughing group was enveloped and captured.
“It’s done!”
“Let’s go!”
The perpetrators turned and left as if nothing happened, concealing their exploits and merit. Everything happened in the blink of an eye, without attracting the attention of other cultivators.
…
Noon time.
Old Beggar and the others stayed behind in the latrines, gathering merits.
Li Xiaobai arrived on time at the sect’s tournament area.
This place didn’t belong to any particular mountain peak but was a specially designated area for competition and sparring, serving both as a venue to resolve disputes among disciples and to promote their collective growth.
Now the place was packed with hundreds of cultivators. Some were there for the spectacle while others were cultivators who had once been fleeced by Li Xiaobai on Sword Peak.
They had come to witness this audacious newcomer being put in his place.
“Brother Xiong, when it’s your turn, make sure you fight well. Don’t finish it too quickly, take your time to torture him properly!”
A cultivator at the Earth Immortal Realm spoke up.
Because of the difference in cultivation levels, they couldn’t directly challenge Li Xiaobai to a match on the platform, so they could only watch from the spectator seats.
“Don’t worry, Senior Brother, I will take revenge for you all!”
“That newcomer injured my cousin and stole his Immortal Stone. I will kill him!”
On the platform, a burly man’s eyes sparkled with a sharp glow, a blood-red light emerged above his head, revealing a Sin Value: fifty thousand!