Li Xiaobai's expression turned dark, realizing that his senior brother and sister were at a standoff over the bathhouse issue.
Indeed, this bunch of people was always so out of tune.
"Senior sister, there's really no need for that. The little junior brother is still here, if you want to take a bath, just ask him directly."
Liu Jinshui forced a smile. His senior sister was excellent in every way, except that she was a bit stubborn-minded.
"No, when we are out on a mission, accidents abound. We could be thrown into battle the moment we arrive at our destination. Where would the little junior brother find the time to build a bathhouse for us? We must take it with us just in case," she insisted.
Su Yunbing was very determined, intending to use her Great Divine Power to simply collect the entire simplified version of the bathhouse.
The ground rumbled, covered with cracks like spider webs, and the occasional burst of energy sheer through all the surrounding trees, scaring Li Xiaobai into waving his hands again and again in protest.
"Senior sister, there really is no need for this. I have already stored enough water for bathing. When we get there, we just need to build a small reservoir, it doesn't need to be this complicated."
The bathhouse was a product of the System. It didn't require preparing anything specific—just a plot of land to set up a simple water reservoir.
Hearing this, Su Yunbing's expression also softened considerably.
"Okay, then let's go with what the little junior brother says."
...
At the gate of the mountain, many disciples had already made their preparations. Li Xiaobai and the others were late to arrive, but the look on the State Preceptor's face bore not the slightest hint of displeasure.
On the contrary, upon seeing Su Yunbing and Ye Wushuang, his face broke into a smile, and he was exceedingly enthusiastic.
Elder Sun from the Punishment Hall was leading the team, standing at the very front of the group, muttering to himself, making some complaints to Li Shejin.
He felt immense pressure about this trip because he was one hundred percent convinced that those from Misty Peak would definitely not let Li Shejin off the hook. It wasn't just Misty Peak—there was also something suspicious about the look in the eyes of the Immortal Feather Sect's top disciple, Feng Wuxie.
Things seemed to be moving in the direction he feared the most.
This group of disciples was not the kind to suffer losses quietly. If Li Shejin courted death, there would be no stopping them.
All he could do was leave it to fate.
Behind Li Shejin was docked a massive warship, its wooden structure was ancient and dignified, with dragons carved on the prow and swirling divine patterns faintly visible on the hull.
The big characters for Zhenyuan were inscribed at the bow, giving off an extraordinary aura.
Li Xiaobai had never seen such a design before. Could one really sail a ship on land?
"Senior brother, what's this ship for? Can it sail on land?"
Li Xiaobai nudged Liu Jinshui who was standing beside him.
"Little junior brother, this thing is called a warship, a toy of the rich. It's a type of flying vehicle that allows you to soar through the sky, but it runs on spirit stones as fuel, which is quite costly," Liu Jinshui explained.
Li Xiaobai suddenly understood. Minister Li's swagger was quite high, to be riding such a lavish vehicle.
"You disciples have probably never seen such an advanced magic treasure in your lives. Let me tell you, this is called a warship, a treasure of Zhenyuan Country. You are truly fortunate today to have the opportunity to ride such a high-level vehicle magic treasure," Li Shejin announced.
"This warship can fly through the sky and burrow into the earth, travel a thousand miles in a day; it is the pride of Zhenyuan Country. You'll see more similar things once you reach your destination, but for now, come aboard!"
Li Shejin's greedy gaze swept over Su Yunbing and Ye Wushuang a few times, evidently scheming something.
One by one, the people boarded the ship. The ship was large, with rooms inside, complete with all the necessary furniture, very luxurious indeed.
"Heh, the two female disciples from Misty Peak may go rest in the rooms, while the rest of you just stay on the ship for now," Li Shejin graciously gestured, playing the gentleman.
Ye Wushuang covered her face and giggled slightly, walking slowly into the room with Su Yunbing.
"Minister Li, what is this..."
At this point, Elder Sun could clearly see what Li Shejin intended to do.
"Elder Sun, just do your part well. I'm simply concerned that the two young female disciples from Misty Peak are delicate and frail, fearing they might overexert themselves. Thus, I wish to take care of them a bit, please ensure that your Immortal Feather Sect disciples watch their words. When we arrive at Zhenyuan Country, don't let them speak carelessly!"
Li Shejin spoke indifferently, sneered coldly, and turned to enter the interior of the ship.
After he left, the group from Misty Peak could no longer hold back their laughter and burst into hearty chuckles. Feng Wuxie's expression also relaxed; now, anyone could tell that the State Preceptor was doomed.
Li Shejin started the ship's engine, and the hull buzzed, the air trembled, and a resounding roar filled the air.
The air currents were tumultuous, the hull slowly floated upwards, and gradually accelerated forward. In the air, without any obstacles, it traveled in a straight line.
Li Xiaobai lay on the ship's railing, admiring the outside scenery with envy. The life of the wealthy was indeed grand, even flying was done with such style.
He wondered if the shop had any similar flying devices; if he had Spirit Stones in the future, he would get a set for himself.
Most disciples of the Immortal Feather Sect were on a ship for the first time and appeared very curious, patting and examining the deck, eager to explore the structure of the ship.
Lin Mang and Hao Jian whispered together in a corner, their expressions dark and their gaze drifting towards Li Xiaobai from time to time.
Clearly, these two had premeditated plans.
"Are you two discussing strategies to deal with Li Xiaobai?" Feng Wuxie asked with a smile as he sat down.
"Brother, this is a personal grudge between Li Xiaobai and me that must be settled. Please, brother, do not intervene," Lin Mang urged solemnly, determined to vent his anger.
"Heh, don't worry. If you want to deal with Li Xiaobai, I can help you."
Lin Mang and Hao Jian were both startled. On the surface, it seemed that Feng Wuxie had no significant interaction with Li Xiaobai, so why would he consider dealing with him?
"Brother, why would you do this?"
"You don't need to know the reason. You just need to understand that Li Xiaobai's power has already surpassed yours. If you want to lay hands on him, you need to take advantage of a situation."
"How do we take advantage?" Lin Mang was puzzled; his brain was quite simple.
"Entering the Divine Beast Mountain Range is our best opportunity to make a move. The range is full of Demonic Beasts, and it's quite normal for one or two disciples to die. Making a move there is foolproof. As long as you follow my instructions, I can ensure that you'll have your revenge."
"As for now, you'd better keep a low profile and not blow your cover!"
Feng Wuxie looked indifferent, knowing that with two fools beside him, there was no need for him to act personally. They could even take a hit for him if necessary, killing two birds with one stone.
After exchanging glances, Lin Mang and Hao Jian nodded; they all had a common enemy and could collaborate.
At that moment, Li Shejin came out again, finding Elder Sun to give a few more instructions, and then with a beaming smile, he headed towards Su Yunbing's room.
Elder Sun's face showed discomfort, constantly explaining something to Li Shejin, who wouldn't listen to a word he said. In the end, Li Shejin's expression became stern and fierce, leaving Elder Sun with no choice but to give up.
It seemed he was worried that someone would disturb his good time, little did he know that what was truly awaiting him was a nightmare.
Li Shejin was in a very good mood at this moment, his feet almost floating as he walked.
In truth, he had originally looked down on the disciples of the Immortal Feather Sect. To him, it was but a small sect, and even the Sect Leader was merely at the Great Perfection of the Golden Core Stage, far inferior to the major sects.
Yet, to his surprise, he had found a Phoenix in this barren den, coming across such ravishing beauties.
Fate hadn't treated him unfairly; the thought of the two women soon writhing beneath him, with tender cries, stirred his heart incessantly.
He pushed open the door in front of him.
"Hehehe, my little beauties, I'm here!"