Chapter 1429: Chapter 1430: Bribery
Without a word, everyone followed Li Xiaobai’s footsteps directly across the threshold of the Baihe Family’s residence.
Not a single soul dared to stop them—their imposing presence was overwhelming, especially with a Heavenly God Academy Elder leading the group. Simply witnessing their arrival sent chills down one’s spine.
“This…”
“Senior, esteemed Daoists, are you truly leaving no room for the Baihe Family?”
“I, He Yannian, am currently investigating the Baihe Family from top to bottom. I implore you to grant me a bit more time!”
He Yannian’s expression darkened in dismay. The Academy Elder before him had not spared him a proper glance from the beginning to the end; it was clear that the Baihe Family was beneath his notice.
“You’ve had more than enough time. Since you cannot handle this yourself, allow this old man to assist you. Make no mistake—this old man is here to uncover the truth about the Pure Land atrocity. I have no interest in the power struggles between the factions of Cangtian City.”
“I have ample reason to believe that the one responsible for killing the Pure Land cultivators and kidnapping cultivators within Cangtian City is the very same individual—or at least the same group!”
“Do not cause further commotion here. Right and wrong, truth and lies—this old man will uncover them all!”
Li Xiaobai waved his hand dismissively, his expression cold and indifferent as he spoke.
“Patriarch He, stop wasting everyone’s time!”
“Heh heh heh, did you hear that? The senior has no interest in the schemes of your Baihe Family. You’d better focus on coming up with a satisfactory answer for the rest of us clans. If you can’t, I fear the Baihe Family will have no place in Cangtian City!”
The heads of several other families spoke in deep voices, their implication obvious as could be: money, resources, territory—offer enough of it, and perhaps they’d spare the Baihe Family.
He Yannian’s face turned green, then white, his heart in turmoil. He was utterly cornered. Without providing resources, the Baihe Family would lose its footing. However, if he allowed these major powers to carve up the Baihe Clan’s assets, his prestigious family might fall into ruin overnight, reduced to a minor clan.
“Gentlemen, let us speak privately. Name a price!”
Ultimately, He Yannian caved, pulling several major family heads aside for rapid negotiation.
Li Xiaobai paid no attention to their maneuvers and strolled leisurely through the Baihe Family’s grounds, his hands clasped behind his back. The younger generation of the family had already gathered in the courtyard, standing straight and upright, awaiting interrogation and questioning.
“Senior, do you require the cooperation of the Baihe Family members?”
At his side, Nangong Menglu prompted him softly. She was utterly unconcerned about the news of her bringing Li Xiaobai into the city being exposed. After all, the attendant who had accompanied them into the warehouse had already been “handled” by her in secret. Ruthless efficiency was the only way to withdraw safely from such precarious situations.
“No need. This old man already senses a tremendous life force—that unmistakable aura that only comes from a gathering of youths!”
Li Xiaobai made up nonsensical claims with a look of utter confidence. Naturally, he knew the exact location of the warehouse, since he had been the one who released the captives.
He strolled casually in the direction of the warehouse. Meanwhile, the family heads followed closely behind, forming a circle around him, heaping flattery upon flattery.
“Your Excellency, your wisdom is unparalleled. That old crane has already caved. The captives are indeed in a warehouse within the Baihe Family!”
“Many thanks to Your Excellency for rescuing our disciples from dire straits. Your boundless benevolence is truly awe-inspiring!”
“As expected of a Heavenly God Academy master—your actions are extraordinary, and your efficiency is unmatched!”
The family heads fawned over him, but their hands were just as busy—gradually pushing Nangong Menglu out of the group. It was clear they had private matters to discuss, ones not fit for outsiders to hear.
“There’s no need for such flattery. Distinguished figures such as yourselves can simply state your desires outright.”
Li Xiaobai cast them a sidelong glance, his mind as clear as a mirror.
“Heh heh heh, nothing escapes Senior’s Dharma Eye. We juniors understand that you may not be the Elder responsible for Cangtian City’s recruitment into the Academy. However, as a high-ranking member of the Heavenly God Academy, your words must carry considerable weight when it comes to recruiting disciples. If you would grant my Fu Family three slots, we are willing to pay any price you name!”
Patriarch Fu spoke bluntly. His daughter, Third Miss Fu Tao, had already informed him the previous day that this Academy Elder, though immensely powerful, was exceedingly fond of wealth. It was precisely what he needed—a solvable problem. After all, money could resolve almost any issue!
“Is that what all of you want as well?”
Li Xiaobai slowed his pace, glancing at the others with a faint, knowing smile.
“Precisely! Our hopes lie with our children. Surely Senior can understand a parent’s heart!”
The family heads spoke in unison.
“Do you realize that if the individual responsible for recruitment at the Heavenly God Academy were present, your families would immediately be struck from the list of candidates?”
“Bribing an Academy Elder is tantamount to flouting the Academy’s laws—a grave offense!”
“That said, this old man is not one to adhere rigidly to the rules. I understand your parental devotion. Gaining entry for a few disciples is no difficult task—provided I see your sincerity.”
Li Xiaobai chuckled warmly. His goal was to accumulate wealth, and he couldn’t be happier when others voluntarily offered money.
Take the money, finish the business, and leave without a trace—who could possibly track him down afterward?
Truly, having a distinguished identity made everything so much easier!
“Certainly! For one slot, how about this sum?”
Patriarch Fu’s eyes gleamed with excitement. His guess had been correct—this exalted individual was easy to negotiate with, so long as the price was right. Without hesitation, he pulled out a folded sheet of paper and handed it to Li Xiaobai.
He had prepared in advance. The paper listed an abundance of rare and valuable treasures. The other family heads stared fixedly at Li Xiaobai, scrutinizing his reaction to determine whether the offer met his expectations. If not, they were ready to adjust immediately.
Li Xiaobai took the paper, scanned it briefly, and his breathing grew visibly heavier. Most of the items listed were things he had never seen or even heard of, making it impossible to gauge their exact value. But one thing was certain—they were undoubtedly precious.
“There are many fine items listed here. However, given my cultivation realm, I would have little use for such things.”
“Instead of presenting these extraneous objects, it would be far more straightforward to exchange them for Rare Earth resources.”
“What do you all think?”
Li Xiaobai handed the paper back, his expression calm as he spoke.
At these words, the gathered family heads instantly understood. It was their oversight—such a formidable figure had needs beyond their imagination. Resources and artifacts that might serve them were of no value to him.
Indeed, for someone of his caliber, offering exorbitantly-priced treasures was less practical than providing Rare Earth—an undeniably universal currency in cultivation, usable at all levels.
“Rest assured, Senior. It was thoughtless of us. As long as you are willing to grant us a slot, my Fu Family is prepared to offer this amount!”
Patriarch Fu immediately responded, holding up five fingers.
“Fifty thousand Rare Earth?”
Li Xiaobai raised an eyebrow. Fifty thousand was significant, but it had yet to exceed his expectations.
Patriarch Fu shook his head, glanced around at the others, and whispered, “Five hundred thousand!”