Chapter 1441: Chapter 1442: The 49th Battlefield Opens
“We can’t eat people, we’re not monsters!”
“Why not just dig a hole and bury it? That way, no one will find out!”
Li Xiaobai said calmly.
“Eating people is quite normal; in the Cangtian Realm, everyone eats meat.”
Hu Meizi blinked and said.
“Everyone eats meat?”
Li Xiaobai’s expression changed; this was the first he’d heard of this.
“Don’t… don’t eat me!”
Before they could say anything more, Su Yue, lying on the ground, suddenly started shaking, her eyes filled with fear. She took it seriously.
“Tie her up first, and later hand her over to the master for disposal.”
Li Xiaobai dug a hole and buried Su Yue, leaving only her head exposed.
Old Elder Fen Tian would surely demand accountability from him, and by then, he could send this woman over as a package deal.
“But earlier, you mentioned something about cultivators in the Cangtian Realm eating meat; what does that mean?”
Li Xiaobai looked at Hu Meizi and asked.
“Cultivators have demonic beast bloodlines in their bodies. Consuming them can enhance their own cultivation level; it’s highly beneficial!”
“Many of the usual ingredients are actually extracted from human bodies. Hasn’t the young master ever eaten any?”
Hu Meizi asked in confusion. Eating people was common sense here, but the young master seemed a bit dazed about it.
“I am a soldier of the Academy’s elite; how could I eat such crude things?”
“The young master has a point. People like you probably directly refine Divine Beast blood essence and disdain consuming human essences.”
Hu Meizi quickly said.
“You wait here, and I will hand this woman over to my master!”
Li Xiaobai threw out a sentence and left, fearing he’d reveal a flaw. Now he knew a secret about cultivators; the Immortal Gods Realm’s cultivators ate people, aligning with the tales of Central Origin Realm’s Immortal Gods invasion.
Is it true that there are no purely human cultivators? This is a question worth exploring.
He carried Su Yue all the way to Burn Heaven Peak. The young alchemy boy was still there, but his eyes on Li Xiaobai were cautious. Clearly, his powerful actions were now known to everyone, even among the young alchemy boys on the mountain.
Inside the Alchemy Hall, everything was as usual, with a huge cauldron floating in the void, and terrifyingly hot flames rising within it.
Elder Fen Tian seemed to never enter the main hall, always staying in the Alchemy Hall, causing the main hall to gather dust. If not for the cleaning by the young alchemy boy and formerly by Cai Kun, this mountain would have been desolate.
“Master, the disciple is back!”
Li Xiaobai said to the giant cauldron. He knew the old man was inside it, but what kind of obsession had taken hold of him to treat himself like an elixir to be refined? Didn’t he fear really being refined?
“Did you bring back the thief?”
The cauldron lid flew open, and a bony figure appeared before him, asking word by word.
“No, but I’ve brought back another thief. This woman dared to overturn master’s cauldron and didn’t repent, even seeking to pressure my master with the Baihe Clan cultivators. It’s a crime deserving death, so I’ve captured her and await your decision!”
Li Xiaobai threw Su Yue out, indignantly saying, as if he was standing up for old Elder Fen Tian.
“Oh?”
“I remember this girl was your beloved. Why have you changed your nature now?”
“For some reason, you seem different from before!”
Elder Fen Tian didn’t even glance at Su Yue but glared at Li Xiaobai with blood-red eyes, scanning him up and down. Though he had no evidence, intuition told him there was a problem with the person in front of him, and something was off about his disciple.
“Reporting to master, I’ve come to a realization, understood many things. One must rely on oneself on the path of cultivation. Heroism’s brevity and love’s length are not what I pursue. I wish to prove my longevity and earn fame in this world. I hope master gives me a chance!”
Li Xiaobai said calmly; surely Burning Heaven didn’t want to kill him, or he would have died at their last meeting.
“You’ve come to a realization?”
“An outing actually gave you such insight?”
“Then tell me how you plan to deal with this girl?”
Elder Fen Tian’s eyes reflected confusion, not comprehending this disciple’s mindset. Though his appearance and temperament were the same, his behavior had drastically changed!
“What master doesn’t know is that I am a filial son; once a master, you are a father for life. Though you don’t say it, I know you’ve long considered me your son. Since this woman dared to offend my adoptive father, it’s only natural for me to execute her on the spot!”
“Bringing her today was for killing or dismembering; it’s just a matter of an adoptive father’s word!”
Li Xiaobai cupped his hands, full of righteousness.
Elder Fen Tian was dumbfounded, as a single sentence accepted him as an adoptive father, and he couldn’t argue it. How did he end up with such a rebellious child out of nowhere?
Wasn’t Cai Kun just a tool? How did he become so capable?
“You want to be my adoptive son?”
“It’s not impossible, but I’ve been exploring the Path of Alchemy for many years, even testing medicine on myself, so you’re not my only disciple on Burn Heaven Peak. You are simply the last one left because your senior brothers were all used for alchemy!”
“Look at this cauldron. I’m brewing a potion but unfortunately lack enough demonic beast blood essence. Do you have any other materials? As my adoptive son, shouldn’t you contribute a little?”
Elder Fen Tian recovered, eyes filled with malice and strange glow, fixed on Li Xiaobai as he spoke deliberately.
The temperature in the hall suddenly dropped, making one’s spine cold.
“Of course, master orders, and a disciple complies, not to mention the adoptive father’s difficulties. Since the essence is insufficient, do you think her bloodline is enough? If not, I’ll capture a few more!”
Li Xiaobai shamelessly pointed to Su Yue on the ground and spoke unhurriedly.
Elder Fen Tian: “…”
He didn’t expect this answer; this disciple had become quite slick.
“I…”
“Elder Fen Tian, Brother Kun, I’m wrong, I truly am!”
“I’ve allied with Baihe Clan’s genius; you can’t kill me! Any issues should be discussed with Baihe Clan’s elders!”
“Just spare me, and I’ll offer whatever demonic beast blood essence you need!”
Su Yue was scared to death, her dress already slightly damp. Both Cai Kun’s ferocity and Elder Fen Tian’s terror were far beyond her imagination.
These two seemed like kings of death who killed without blinking! How did she end up mixed with these two kings of hell!
“Hmm? I didn’t plan to use you for alchemy, given your poor aptitude. Your blood essence is probably impure. But if you think invoking the Baihe Family can suppress me, then I’m getting excited!”
“Baihe Family elders never dared to voice anything before me. If they dare to act here, I’ll be the first to use them for alchemy!”
“Adopted son, today you’ve saved your life. Throw this girl into the pot, and I’ll let you go!”
Elder Fen Tian’s eyes shone with divine light as he spoke in a chilling tone.
“Alright!”
“Adoptive father, after you, please!”
Li Xiaobai dragged Su Yue towards the alchemy furnace, and Elder Fen Tian gave him a deep look before his body trembled and transformed into countless flames, merging with the furnace.
“Cai Kun, how dare you treat me like this!”
“I’m Bai Ge’s dual cultivation partner. If he finds out, he won’t let you off!”
“I know that back then you spent all your possessions to support my cultivation and even brought in the academy’s cultivation technique to help me enter the Heavenly God Academy for training, but I’ve been with you for so many years, it’s enough to offset your contributions. Let’s calm down and talk it over; don’t act impulsively!”
Su Yue’s eyes were full of terror, looking at the once familiar face. Suddenly, she felt so estranged. Is this still the guy who would do anything for her, the simp from before?
He chased her for so many years, though she never agreed, but always accompanied him. She still had a bright future ahead; how could she really spend her life with a poor guy? If he really loved her, he should learn to let go!
“Consider this your last words!”
Li Xiaobai’s face was calm. He wasn’t really Cai Kun, but the more he understood Su Yue, the more he felt this guy was pitiful.
This is beyond a cuckold storyline—it’s both cuckold and betrayal!
So pitiful, licking the dog only to end up with nothing; I don’t understand what’s so great about a woman worth licking.
“Femme Fatales, all roadblocks on the path of cultivation!”
Li Xiaobai sighed, tossed Su Yue into the alchemy furnace, thoughtfully closed the lid, and stepped away.
This matter is covered by Elder Fen Tian, unrelated to him. If something goes wrong, just blame the elder. This elder seems to have a high status in the academy and should be able to handle it.
“The forty-ninth battlefield is about to open. As my adopted son, you need to go there and bring back a drop of blood from a powerful cultivator, and if not, bring your head to see me!”
Inside the hall, an old voice leisurely echoed. As soon as it opened, it was an utterly impossible task.
The blood of a powerful cultivator, isn’t this asking him to obtain the blood essence of a master, perhaps from the river of the Baihe family’s lineage in Cangtian City? Finding a drop there should meet Elder Fen Tian’s demands, but that’s the ancestor’s blood. Touching it would incinerate an ordinary cultivator instantly; with his meager navigation skills, where could he find it!
This elder is intentionally making things difficult without considering his cultivation level.
“Dammit, if you want someone to do the task, give some benefits. Help me break through a few major realms, and I’ll get you not just the blood of powerful beings, but a drop right away!”
Once he walked far away, Li Xiaobai cursed.
This elder isn’t decent, but there’s no immediate danger; once he enters the forty-ninth battlefield, everything is negotiable. He can even switch to a new face and completely integrate into the Heavenly God Academy.
…
The number of cultivators within the academy gradually increased; this is because the forty-ninth battlefield is about to open.
Li Xiaobai slowed his steps, listening to the surrounding cultivators’ discussions.
“Did you hear? The tenth battlefield closed the other day, and General Yu returned. It’s said he encountered an unprecedented adversary on the battlefield and almost lost his life there!”
“That can’t be true, General Yu is like a War God figure, endowed with the Shrimp God Bloodline Power. How could he suffer a defeat? He must’ve been ambushed!”
“That’s possible; I’ve heard cultivators from outer realms typically prefer bullying the weak with numbers. Typical bullies!”
“Regardless of the truth, General Yu’s shrimp line was indeed severed—absolutely true!”
“It doesn’t concern us; the forty-ninth battlefield is our priority. Let’s hope to snatch some treasures this time!”
Cultivators discussed.
Li Xiaobai pulled a cultivator aside and said: “Brother, may I ask when the forty-ninth battlefield opens, is there anything I should know before entering?”
“You…”
The disciple’s eyes were alert, his face impatient, but upon seeing the bundle of storage bags in the other person’s hand, his expression softened slightly.
“New here, haven’t entered the ancient battlefield yet?”
The cultivator opened the storage bag, glanced over it, nodded satisfied, then looked at Li Xiaobai with a disdainful gaze.
“Yes, I’m new, don’t know anything yet, I hope elder brother can teach me the rules!”
“May I ask the elder brother’s esteemed name?”
Li Xiaobai smiled amicably.
“I’m Zhang Wei!”
“You’re quite sensible. On account of your respect for elder brother, let me enlighten you. No one knows the origin of the ancient battlefield; you don’t need to know. Just know that it opens periodically, sorted by danger based on battlefield numbers. Smaller numbers mean more danger; this time, the forty-ninth battlefield is opening, relatively safe—a good place for newcomers to train. Your luck’s good; unless you act recklessly, you’ll be fine!”
“It will open in a couple of days.”
The cultivator named Zhang Wei said.
“I heard some fellow brothers mention General Yu had his shrimp line severed, is he a great predecessor of our academy?”
Li Xiaobai continued to ask.
“General Yu is renowned, an old War God figure of the Heavenly God Academy. The academy’s reputation stands even with other domain forces, thanks to several War Gods, one of which is General Yu!”
“A strong figure from the Shrimp God clan, possessing the Shrimp God Bloodline, rumored to have even glimpsed the Law of Time!”
Zhang Wei showed envy; everyone wanted to reach such heights, able to peek into the power of laws, roam the universe, be invincible under heaven.
“How many battlefields are there in total?”
Li Xiaobai asked.
“The academy knows of fifty battlefields, but only ten can be controlled and opened by the academy.”
“It’s said forces from other realms know more ways to enter other battlefields, even some major forces can enter anytime, anywhere, but those are just rumors!”
“As a newcomer, it’s best to choose your team well and go with the main force. Though the rewards will be smaller, safety is much guaranteed!”
“Oh right, what’s your cultivation level?”
Zhang Wei asked.
“I’m but a humble cultivator at the Transcendent Second Layer!”
Li Xiaobai replied, cupping his fists and hands happily.
“Damn, weakling! Wasted my breath; Transcendent Realm, going to an ancient battlefield, just stay and train your legs!”
Hearing this, Zhang Wei’s face visibly fell, he grabbed the storage bag, turned, and left, without a hint of hesitation.
“Uh…”
“So heartless?”
Li Xiaobai felt confused; wasn’t Cai Kun an elite from the periphery?
Why despise him so much? He reported his cultivation as Transcendent Second Layer; casually grabbing a brother would hardly be Immortal Platform Realm, right?
Better find a Heavenly Tribulation fast; can’t keep going with my head hung low if my realm doesn’t improve!
…
Following the route etched in his memory, Li Xiaobai returned to the Peach Blossom Source Forest.
Yesterday, he had quite the clash with Su Yue here, attracting Flower Senior Brother’s discontent. Today, he’s here to make amends with the flora.
While at it, he wished to probe into the true nature of the man named Flower.
Unexpectedly, Hu Meizi beat him to it and was currently laughing and chatting away with Flower.
This chick is such a flirt, absolutely drawn to him just because he’s handsome, ready to throw herself at him.
“Flower Senior Brother, I’m terribly sorry about yesterday, here today to make amends with a token of apologies, not much, but heartfelt!”
Li Xiaobai took out a Storage Bag and handed it over, inside it lay a whopping ten thousand pieces of Rare Earth, undoubtedly a grand fortune.
He wanted to use wealth to gauge the other’s level—show greed, and you’re not that great; barely strong, not as formidable as one might think.
But Flower simply glanced over the Storage Bag, shook his head, casually tossed it back.
“That’s just dirt; all I want is for you to replow the surrounding plants!”
Flower said, smiling, showing no interest in the Rare Earth.
Li Xiaobai silently put away the Storage Bag, having gauged Flower as unfathomable; ignoring ten thousand Rare Earth spoke to powers far beyond an ordinary disciple’s. Just who was he? Peach Blossom Saint Lord’s disciple? Or something else?
The System Mall had many seeds of Immortal Plants; with a casual exchange of some, he scattered them over the soil Hu Meizi had refreshed.
They took root immediately, sprouting with faint glimmers of light. Li Xiaobai had no clue what he’d planted, randomly tossed a bunch, yet the effect was unexpectedly good.
“Friend, those seeds of yours seem curious, could I take a close look?”
Flower finally showed interest for the first time, eyeing the seeds with keen fascination.
“Ordinary seeds, really. If Flower Senior Brother likes them, they’re yours!”
Li Xiaobai tossed out another Storage Bag, grinning, having figured out the other’s penchant. As long as one isn’t entirely detached, there’ll be something to catch their fancy.
This time Flower didn’t refuse, instead examined them intently.
“These are rare specimens I’ve never encountered. May I know where you discovered them?”
“Do you have more? Flower is willing to exchange treasures!”
Flower grew increasingly astonished, unable even with years of planting experience to identify the seeds or their effects.
“Oh, nothing much, just some finds from a relic long ago, never knew what to do with them. Since Flower Senior Brother recognizes them, take them!”
“They’d be wasted in my hands; it’s Flower Senior Brother who can truly make them shine!”
Li Xiaobai packed up heaps of seeds, gifting them all to Flower. These were hardly costly in the System Mall, countless to come by.
Turned out Flower showed genuine interest, perfect chance for forging bonds.
“Then…”
“Flower won’t refuse this kindness!”
Flower reluctantly accepted, leaving behind a message: “Have needs in the future, come find me in Peach Blossom Source Forest.”
“Thank you, Flower Senior Brother!”
Li Xiaobai expressed gratitude, this assurance was what he sought.
With this promise, he would stand more firmly within the academy onward.
“Truth be told, I’ve run into a hassle lately; the forty-ninth battlefield is opening soon, but my cultivation level is weak, unsure how to find footing in the Ancient Battlefield!”
Li Xiaobai looked distressed, staring at Flower.
“Simple, the Ancient Battlefield will have experienced lead teams; stick with them, you’ll be fine!”
Flower chuckled, seemingly understanding.
“But I’m eager to improve strength, unwilling to cower under their protection…”
Li Xiaobai said, face turning bitter.
“No, no, cultivation is a matter of persistence, avoid aiming too high or rushing results, or risk Qi deviation. Young man, your mindset is dangerous!”
“Best to halt swiftly, cultivation must be step by step!”
“Never again say such words, must remember the path of cultivation!”
Flower sternly advised, wearing the guise of a strict mentor.
Li Xiaobai found himself speechless; this Flower fellow left nothing unsaid, both straight and twisted.
“Brother seeks defensive treasures, does Flower Senior Brother know where they might be?”
Li Xiaobai inquired.
The meaning was clear; he’s calling for a Magic Treasure.
Flower continued with his trademark smile: “Ah, that’s what Brother means! Just say it! Our academy frequently rewards Magic Treasures, be it through trading cultivation materials or earning academy accolades, excellent options aplenty.”
“Brother’s entry to the forty-ninth battlefield gives a great chance for merits; with good performance, resources and treasures await!”
“I’ll be cheering for you!”
Flower joyfully assured, confident as though instructing a keen pupil.
This fellow understands but feigns ignorance, uttering pretty words; when it comes time to offer wealth, he nimbly dodges, a miser indeed.
Tightfisted guzzler, leaving it to oneself to dig for benefits.
“Haha, many thanks then!”
Li Xiaobai sulked, quietly reclaiming the seeds scattered, covering them with soil.
Flower merely watched, smiling, utterly unperturbed.
“Battlefield approaches; I must prepare, bid farewell!”
Li Xiaobai said.
“Wish brother triumphant return!”
Flower grinned.
“Goodbye Flower Senior Brother!”
Hu Meizi said, eyes full of admiration, then vanished under Li Xiaobai’s tug, out of Peach Blossom Source Forest.
…
Time flew by.
The cultivators within the Heavenly God Academy were silently waiting for the opening of the forty-ninth battlefield.
This battlefield was not particularly dangerous and was filled with opportunities; most dangers came from fellow peers, greatly increasing the chances of survival.
At the foot of a certain mountain range, countless cultivators had already gathered early, having intense discussions about the upcoming events.
Li Xiaobai walked alone into the crowd.
At the forefront of this crowd stood several cultivators with terrifying auras, both male and female, who were the elders leading this expedition. Numerous other elders were also watching everything happening in the field.
These were the disciples choosing their guiding elders, for following the main group was always the safest.
Li Xiaobai chose an elder with fewer people and walked over to them, planning to act independently once inside the battlefield.
This was a female cultivator with a voluptuous devilish figure but a frosty expression, standing out among the old hands. She was a young elder which might explain why fewer cultivators chose her.
After all, when entering a dangerous place, strength matters more than appearance. No one wants to lose their life for admiring a beauty for an extra moment.
“Are you Cai Kun, Elder Fen Tian’s beloved disciple?”
Seeing Li Xiaobai approach, a flash of surprise crossed the female cultivator’s eyes.
“I’ve met the elder. I am Cai Kun, the adopted son of Elder Fen Tian!”
Li Xiaobai bowed and cupped his hands, speaking loudly.
His voice was not loud, yet it was full of energy and caused a stir among the surrounding cultivators.
All knew of Elder Fen Tian’s big name, as he was a true elder, although rarely mentioned due to his isolation in Alchemy. Being his adopted son was a drastically different status.
This status could even be compared to the inner circle elite disciples.
“You’re Elder Fen Tian’s adopted son?”
The female cultivator paused, realizing the great distinction between being a disciple and being an adopted son.
Wasn’t he supposedly the least favored disciple of Elder Fen Tian? When did he become the adopted son?
This development seemed swift—when did this happen?
“To report to Senior, that is indeed the case. I just succeeded in recognizing a father a few days ago; now I am Elder Fen Tian’s adopted son!”
“Anyone interested in joining my Fen Tian Peak can register at the mountain later. As Fen Tian’s adopted son, it is my duty to recruit talents for the mountain!”
Li Xiaobai happily said, cupping hands towards the surrounding crowd.
“Just a clown, really adept at attracting attention!”
“With your look, you could be Fen Tian’s adopted son? I bet Elder Fen Tian would want to skin you alive!”
The discordant voice came from Bai Ge, who was accompanied by several young men and women with profound, hidden auras, likely talented disciples of the Baihe Clan, on a cultivation level different from others.
“How dare you speak ill of my adoptive father!”
“Do you believe my adoptive father will uproot your Baihe family?”
“My adoptive father told me I can walk sideways at the Academy, and anyone who dares offend me will have their ancestral graves dug up!”
Li Xiaobai said coldly, causing Bai Ge to turn livid.
“Sharp-tongued, thought you were a figure of authority, but just a braggart. Once we enter the ancient battlefield, be careful, for punches and kicks have no eyes, and casualties are inevitable!”
“Be sure not to lose Lord Xue, otherwise, it will be very dangerous!”
A sinister youth alongside Bai Ge said flatly. Right now, banter was useless, but on the battlefield, skills spoke, and they had plenty of time to deal with Li Xiaobai.
“Enough, disciples must not harm one another. Anyone violating academy rules will be dealt with by family law!”
“As an elder, I must remind you that entering the battlefield involves not only cultivators from the Heavenly God Academy but also forces from other realms. If you’re not united, you won’t survive until the end!”
The frosty female elder warned sharply.
“Yes!”
Lord Xue was likely a newly promoted elder, and although disciples verbally agreed, they clearly did not take her seriously.
“Follow me upon entering the battlefield. As an adopted son of Elder Fen Tian, you should support each other!”
Lord Xue said to Li Xiaobai.
“Understood, thank you Senior Xue!”
Li Xiaobai nodded and replied respectfully.
The icy female elder nodded in satisfaction, but what Li Xiaobai said next made her facial muscles stiff.
“See that? Lord Xue is personally covering me. Who dares touch me?”
“Try touching me, and my Lord Xue will break your fingers on the spot!”
Li Xiaobai arrogantly declared, hands behind his back.
The icy female elder was almost driven to cough up blood by his words.
Not even entering the ancient battlefield yet, he was already racking up grievances like crazy.
“Silence!”
“If you have time to speak, better use it to adjust your state. The battlefield is extremely dangerous, and should you find yourself in peril, I may not be able to protect you!”
The icy female elder stated, her words pointedly directed at Li Xiaobai. His witticism was so irritating that she felt the urge to act.
How did Elder Fen Tian endure him?
With such a fiery temper, encountering an annoying brat like this would likely end up in the furnace!
Just as everyone quieted down and stopped talking, the void suddenly shook, and a once-empty cloud suddenly revealed an ancient battlefield. Numerous cultivators were engaged in bloody combat, with the scene gradually becoming clearer, and faintly, the thundering sounds of battle could be heard.
Cultivators battled on the ground, and powerful beings clashed in the skies, causing mountains to crumble and seas to roar, as if the apocalypse had arrived.
A bronze stone staircase was gradually lowered, leading directly into the Heavenly God Academy—this was the entrance. Ascending the staircase would take you into the battlefield.
“It’s open!”
“The forty-ninth battlefield is open!”
“Finally here, we’ve waited long enough, and just gaining a sliver of opportunity might allow us to become core disciples of the inner circle of the academy!”
“Indeed, maybe even catching the fancy of an elder!”
The cultivators were excited as they flickered into light, soaring upwards along the stone staircase, disappearing in the blink of an eye into the ripples of the void.
“Once inside the battlefield, follow my commands and don’t wander off. Understood?”
The icy female cultivator worriedly reminded once more.
“Rest assured, Senior Xue, got it!”