I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, So I’ll Max Out My Defense

498  Chapter 499 Seeking Revenge

Zhang Xu recognized him at a glance; the person in the portrait was indeed Li Xiaobai. The image was identical to the one Zong Hu had shown him, only he did not know why the Family Head also had a copy.

"Indeed, Father, it was this man who injured your son. Now that my cultivation level has been destroyed, I beg you to avenge me!"

Zhang Xu's eyes were fixedly staring at the portrait.

"Big Brother, take a good look. This person is a distinguished guest invited by the Second Leader of Aolai Country. I have no interest in knowing what exactly happened between you and him, but because of you, you've put our Zhang Family in the eye of the storm."

"Having offended a distinguished guest of the Second Leader, the road ahead for our Zhang Family will be very difficult."

The youth standing aside flashed a mocking look in his eyes and sneered.

He was the second son of the Zhang Family, Zhang Xu, who had always been firmly suppressed by Zhang Xu. Now that Zhang Xu had been crippled, he finally had the chance to shine. Moreover, what he said was the truth; the Zhang Family was not a major clan, lacking profound resources and simply not in a position to converse with an entity like the Second Leader.

The only option was to attach themselves to a large family like the Sima Family for survival and development.

"Second Brother, you..."

A hint of vindictive resentment flashed in Zhang Xu's eyes, not expecting his own brother to turn against him so quickly. Truly, the human heart was full of malice.

Back when he was on top of the world, the other party was keen to curry favor with him, and that obsequious smile was still fresh in his memory.

Observing the cold, mocking face before him, Zhang Xu's heart surged with boundless fury.

"Enough, all of you!"

The middle-aged man on the high platform shouted angrily, his eyes brimming with rage, then turned his head to ask the elders seated on both sides, "What do you all think about this matter?"

"Reporting to the Family Head, our stance is not important. What is important is how the Situ Household perceives the matter, or rather, what the Third Leader thinks."

"At this critical juncture, the Second Leader has suddenly brought back a young genius who has crippled the cultivation level of a disciple of our clan. Could this action imply involvement in a struggle for power?"

"The Situ Household has already sent word that the Second Leader's position is unfathomable, but the news about Li Xiaobai was released by the Third Leader. I believe this is a signal. As we are dependent on the Situ Household, it is necessary for us to clarify the situation for the Third Leader."

"Now we have a reason and a purpose to make contact with Li Xiaobai. Should we not dispatch some experts to test and probe this person's depth?"

An elder suggested, as the sudden arrival of the genius by the Second Leader was puzzling, unclear whether it was a whim or a directive from the Great Family Head? n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

We must attend to the matter in every detail and from every angle.

"Indeed, that's what I'm thinking, but outwardly, we have no connection with the Third Leader. This time it's purely because my son's cultivation level was destroyed, and as the Family Head, I must reclaim our standing!"

"Xu'er, in a while I will choose two elders to accompany you to the Zong Family to check on that young man!"

The middle-aged man spoke gravely, a mere Zong Family daring to provoke the disciples of his Zhang Family was courting death, if not for the fact that the young master of the Situ Household had taken a fancy to a girl from the Zong Family, he would have flattened the Zong Family long ago.

As for Zhang Xu, now that his cultivation level was gone, it was not worth the resources to restore him to his peak; he should just be left to his own devices.

By shifting resources towards Zhang Xu, he believed a higher return could be expected.

"Yes, Xu'er will certainly secure justice for Big Brother and won't disappoint you, Father!"

Zhang Xu's heart swelled with joy—his father was finally starting to rely on him. Zhang Xu's days of turning the tables were over.

Glancing at the ashen-faced Zhang Xu, a hint of scorn flashed in his eyes.

Big Brother, from now on, just live as an ordinary person!

...

Half an hour later, within the Zong Family's mansion.

Li Xiaobai picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and frowned slightly, tasting nothing.

The incident's origin, course, and outcome were relayed in full by the little rascal Zong Hu, and the expressions of the Zong Family couple shifted uncertainly. It appeared that Zong Hu was entirely at fault for causing the trouble, and Li Xiaobai turned out to be an innocent victim dragged into the mess.

With a look between them that revealed a grave understanding, they resolved not to let Li Xiaobai leave.

The wastage of Young Master Zhang's cultivation level was no trivial matter, and the Zhang Family would surely seek retribution. If Li Xiaobai had the ability to resist even a little, that would be ideal. If he didn't, then they would present him as a scapegoat. Regardless of the reason, they couldn't let him leave.

"So it was a misunderstanding, and I falsely accused Young Master Li. I am Zongdao, the Patriarch of the Zong Family. I owe Young Master Li an apology. Please don't take it to heart," Zongdao said solemnly, bowing with his hands clasped in front of him.

His expression was stern as he offered his respects.

"If the young master doesn't mind, how about staying at our Zong residence for one night? My wife and I would like to extend the hospitality due to a host, as a token of our gratitude for your life-saving help to Hu'er," the woman said, sounding somewhat apologetic.

"It's a small matter. Since both of you are so kind to invite me, I will impose on you," Li Xiaobai said, waving his hand lightly.

"Father, Mother, this is..."

"It's you!"

The door to a room flew open, and a girl in a white dress rubbing her sleepy eyes stepped out. As soon as she clearly saw Li Xiaobai, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yao'er, do you know Young Master Li?" Zongdao asked with a hint of surprise.

"Father, I bought my Jade Ruyi from Young Master Li!" the girl in the white dress said.

"I see."

The Zong couple nodded, their expressions growing even more solemn. They had heard about their daughter's encounter at the harbor where a mysterious and powerful stranger had humiliated the Situ Household by making them kneel in public. This was no ordinary feud.

Their hearts sank as they realized the feared calamity stood before them now.

Having offended both the Zhang and Situ Families, the Zong Family probably wouldn't escape this disaster unscathed.

Li Xiaobai nodded slightly. He was already aware of Zong Yao's existence but didn't know who this 'Sister Ya Ya' that Zong Hu couldn't stop talking about was, or how significant she was. The little ruffian revered her so, kindling a spark of interest in Li Xiaobai.

"Why would a senior appear at the Zong Mansion?" Zong Yao asked with wide eyes, a hint of fear hidden in her gaze towards Li Xiaobai.

"Sister Ya Ya, he's the big brother I just acknowledged, an invincible being on the path of martial arts!" Zong Hu declared, puffing out his chest with pride.

"Hu'er, don't be rude. Young Master Li is a VIP of our Zong Family!" the middle-aged woman scolded, about to add more when her expression suddenly changed.

The sound of horse hooves thundered at the gates of Zong Mansion.

The wheels rolled, the horses neighed, and the ground trembled slightly.

"How dare you cripple the cultivation level of a scion of the Zhang Family! Members of the Zong Family, come out and face your death!"

A hint of amusement flickered in Li Xiaobai's eyes. The avengers had arrived.

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