I Don't Want to Get Hurt, So I'll Max Out My Defense-Chapter 1097 - 1098 The Gathering of the Unrivaled
Chapter 1097: Chapter 1098: The Gathering of the Unrivaled Geniuses
Chapter 1097 -1098: The Gathering of the Unrivaled Geniuses
As soon as these words came out, the cultivators were in an uproar.
The person concerned personally stood up and clarified that there was no pre-arrangement, she would only marry the final victor of the arena. This was deliberately contradicting Ice Dragon Island!
Everyone knew that such a grand stage was purely Ice Dragon Island creating a spectacle, building momentum to win over various powers through this opportunity, to befriend the major sects, and to pave the way for the predetermined future son-in-law to be introduced to everyone.
But now that Long Xue had stepped forward to clarify the facts in front of so many people, the nature of the event had changed significantly. Doesn’t it mean that everyone present now had a chance?
If this were a lie, then it would mean Ice Dragon Island was untrustworthy!
Only Li Xiaobai knew that these words were spoken for him. His wife-to-be was feeling playful and didn’t want to sneak away with him like this, wishing for him to openly take her away from Ice Dragon Island. Perhaps this was the kind of romance women anticipate.
However, his original plan had already fallen through. Now, if he wanted to take Long Xue away, naturally, he had to participate in the martial contest for marriage and see it through to the end before making any plans.
“Xue’er, what nonsense are you talking about? The martial contest for marriage is personally set by the Island Master. Naturally, there can be no foul play, otherwise, wouldn’t it mean all these geniuses have come here in vain?”
“Do not speak carelessly and cause unnecessary misunderstandings. That wouldn’t be good.”
The Great Elder spoke in a stern voice. He did not expect his disciple to publicly make such a statement. Fortunately, the influential figures from the major sects had not yet arrived today, otherwise, their lifeline might have really been seized by others, which was quite worrisome.
The Island Master did not say much, but his expression and eyes were slightly frosty, it was unclear whether it was because of Long Xue or because the Great Elder had said too much.
“Since there is no foul play, why can’t the disciple speak directly? In doing so, the enthusiasm of all the geniuses would be spurred even more. If they could give their all in the arena and gain something, it would make the trip worthwhile.”
Long Xue spoke slowly.
“Oh? No foul play?”
“This old man thought the martial contest for marriage was just a formality, and that the Island Master had secretly betrothed his precious disciple to Ao Tian.”
The Second Elder interjected sarcastically.
“Ha ha ha, the Second Elder is overthinking it. This is an internal affair of Ice Dragon Island, and there will certainly be no such shady dealings.”
The Great Elder laughed heartily and glanced at the Second Elder, emphasizing the words “internal affair,” his eyes flashing with cold light.
Sadly, the Second Elder didn’t care: “So it seems, my precious disciple also has a chance, well, I’ll go back and fully arm my favorite disciple. Even if he can’t win first place, he at least has to kill your disciple, right?”
“The old man’s intention is clear, to have Long Xue join my lineage, but alas, the Island Master was not willing. However, now that there is an opportunity to compete fairly, the old man must also strive for it. The old man can’t wait to share this great news with all the major sects.”
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Assisted by two enchanting women, Elder Zhang slowly got up and disappeared in an instant, leaving behind a crowd of stunned onlookers.
“This…”
The remaining people appeared shocked. Today’s development was somewhat unexpected, and many geniuses’ minds were once again enlivened.
“There’s nothing interesting, I thought I could easily get rid of a few night prowlers today. Now it seems there’s no fight to be had, I’ll sort you out in the arena later, I’m leaving now.”
Su Yunbing stood up and stretched, yawning as she wove through the crowd in a dazed manner.
“Young Master Han, you also need to make an effort. Don’t lose to those who form cliques. I have great expectations for you.”
Ye Wushuang covered her face and chuckled lightly, standing up and walking away without giving any face to Ice Dragon Island. With their status and background, they certainly didn’t need to show much respect to the other party.
“Geniuses do not flock together.”
“Geniuses do not conspire.”
“Geniuses never rely on anyone.”
“Today’s gathering of geniuses has disappointed Lin. A full house, yet not one worthy of Lin’s attention, just a motley crew.”
Lin Yin spoke leisurely, his eyes looking down disdainfully.
“It seems that only among us few can we truly fight. I’m really looking forward to it. I wonder if after many days, the skills of my brothers have improved. I intend to fight fiercely in this arena and won’t be blamed for breaking arms and legs.”
Yang Chen shook his fan lightly, patting Ling Feng on the shoulder and departing with a wave of his sleeve.
“What a pity, along the way, the only worthy opponents are still the few of us. Perhaps that’s what being a prodigy is?”
Ling Feng put his hands in his pockets, looking cool.
“Gentlemen, I am Liu Jinshui, responsible for the betting. Those who want to place sure bets can come to Ol’Fatty. Whether you want to bet on who wins or loses, Ol’Fatty will arrange it for you, making sure you earn a fortune. I will be waiting for you in the most prominent position tomorrow!”
Liu Jinshui, not forgetting his old trade, chuckled and said, “All prodigies have their pride, all like to make predictions, all care about their face, and the money of prodigies is the easiest to earn.”
The remaining two old men, along with Wu Chengjue, had left at some point, and what had been a bustling White Jade Tower now suddenly seemed empty, as if it had lost a great deal of its significance in an instant.
If previously staying in the White Jade Tower and holding forth was like gilding their own faces, then now they felt that if they continued to sit here without leaving, it would be somewhat embarrassing.
The prodigies of the Super Sect had directly declared their disdain for them, proclaiming that prodigies do not flock together, do not scheme, and never rely on others. It seemed as though none of these statements applied to them; they had violated them all. So, was it that they were having a great time chatting, but in the eyes of others, they were nothing at all?
Long Aotian’s complexion was also quite ugly. After all, he was the one who started forming cliques as soon as he entered, and during his poetry recital, he thought highly of himself due to the overwhelming responses. He assumed he was respected, but they didn’t take him seriously at all!
These geniuses who emerged from who knows where were completely different from the prodigies of the Super Sect he was familiar with; it seemed they had no understanding of social niceties at all!
“Is the meeting over just like that?”
“What about the talk of taking sides?”
“Madam, wait for me to emerge victorious in all directions, and then I will formally take you away from this island.”
Li Xiaobai looked around, stood up, and said to Long Xue, speaking loudly without any intention to hide his words. To others, it appeared to be a provocation toward Long Aotian and the like. Only the two of them, husband and wife, knew the real meaning behind it.
“Young Master Han, you are very confident, and I like confident people. However, sometimes being too confident is not good; it can bring disasters upon oneself!”
“Tomorrow on the arena, Long would indeed look forward to crossing hands with Young Master Han, just to see if your skills are as sharp as your tongue!”
Long Aotian said coldly, his face gloomy.
“Hahaha, if that’s the case, I’m afraid Brother Ao Tian will be eliminated in the first round. It’s better that you go back and discuss with your master how to fix the matches. In my opinion, it’s best for Brother Ao Tian to pass each round by default. It would be more face-saving for you to be quickly defeated by me in the end.”
“If you get defeated right at the start, it would be the face of Ice Dragon Island that’s lost!”
Li Xiaobai laughed heartily, taunting without restraint.
Too many masters had arrived on the island, and rigging the fights was no longer dependable; even with fixed matches, they still had to win on the stage. Against one or two strong opponents, perhaps the victory could still be secured. But facing the seven brothers and sisters as his disciples, Wu Chengjue, and several royal prodigies from the Sea Clan, plus possibly some hidden genius monks, Long Aotian was likely nothing to be concerned about.
Ice Dragon Island, even if they intended to scheme, couldn’t possibly calculate that accurately, to include all the top prodigies. Overlook just one or two, and Long Aotian would be devastated.
Being a king on an island doesn’t mean one can dominate the entire Central Origin Realm.
Long Aotian’s eyes were icy cold, “I hope you can maintain this tough attitude when you get on the platform!”
“It’s a pity to have disrupted today’s tea meeting; it’s a waste of the Island Master’s good intentions. I should go back and prepare.”
Li Xiaobai chuckled and, without giving Long Aotian a second glance, turned around and left.
“Cough cough, Brother Long, we shall take our leave first.”
“We will surely support you tomorrow! You must beat that arrogant, conceited brat!”
The cultivators dispersed one after another, not daring to linger. The atmosphere in the White Jade Tower was a bit off, somewhat frightening. The Island Master would probably discuss family affairs next, which were not suitable for their ears.
After a short while, the disciples were all gone, leaving only the Island Master, the Great Elder, Long Aotian, and Long Xue.
“Xue’er, why do this?”
After a moment of silence, the Island Master asked.
“Master, I have said before, I already have a husband, someone I cherish. I will not marry another in this lifetime,” Long Xue said indifferently.
Long Aotian’s expression became utterly cold: “Li Xiaobai, right? I know, just a bandit being hunted by the Buddhist Sect. What’s so good about him? How can he compare with me? You belong with me!”
“You can’t compare with him. He will come to get me during this platform contest.”
“Master need not worry. Even if the day comes when you are no longer in this world, as long as he is by my side, I will not be harmed,” Long Xue said softly, paying no heed to Long Aotian. She had seen many geniuses of his caliber, including Li Xiaobai, his brothers, and sisters. Each one of them was incredibly talented.
How could Long Aotian compare with them? He was just a slightly more outstanding youth within the Sect, ultimately a flower in a greenhouse—more pretentious, less sincere.
The Great Elder frowned, “Nonsense, who taught you to speak so disrespectfully of your elders? Your teacher is worried about you; it’s a kindness. If you truly have filial piety, you should accept the Sect’s arrangement!”
The Island Master gently tapped on his desk, his tone still unhurried and calm, “Since you insist, let us see what this so-called husband of yours is capable of. If he can take you from my hands and escort you from well-guarded Ice Dragon Island!”
