Chapter 580: Chapter 580: 581 “Between Stocks and Palms

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“Bureaucratism! To what extent is Aolai Country of the Eastern Sea corrupted?”

“Li Xiaobai calls on the people within Aolai Country: We must stand up!”

“A masquerade incident shocks Aolai Country. Could it be a well-staged drama concocted by dozens of major families?”

“Strong xenophobic tendencies in the Eastern Sea have put several foreign prodigies currently in the region in severe danger to their lives. Caution is advised during their tribulations!”

“Bureaucratic strife and mutual protection among officials end up bringing suffering only to the people!”

“Scandalous revelation! The Situ Household, Aolai Country’s rising first family, is actually a den of iniquity!”

“…”

Li Xiaobai’s writing was vigorous and forceful, and he dashed off several articles, embellishing them with sensationalism and baseless accusations, all pinned on the Situ Household.

The others watched in stunned silence, finally understanding what Li Xiaobai meant by using the power of the masses to bring down the families.

They also finally realized why Elder Tianji was so keenly licking Li Xiaobai’s boots; the guy was a Money Tree for him!

If these reports were to be published, the sales of Immortal Spirit Daily would absolutely skyrocket. Recalling the clickbait headlines they had seen in the past, they had an epiphany — those were all penned by their own little junior brother!

“All reports, without exception, will be published tomorrow. What do you think, elder?”

Li Xiaobai asked, handing over the freshly inked pages to Elder Tianji.

“Hehe, rest assured, young master, the mission will be accomplished. Tomorrow’s Immortal Spirit Daily will only feature what you’ve written. We can put other sections on hold for the time being!”

Elder Tianji carefully took the papers and laughed heartily. What he held in his hands was not merely paper, but actual gold and silver!

Every one of these reports was explosively sensational, one could imagine cultivators across the land going crazy over them tomorrow.

“I’ll go rush the printing then. Until next time!”

Elder Tianji bowed with his hands clasped before vanishing into thin air.

“So that was your game. Brilliant, little junior brother!”

Liu Jinshui couldn’t praise enough, no wonder Li Xiaobai had been tolerating and keeping a low profile — he had been building up to this moment!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“This is about riding the momentum. Once the citizens of Aolai Country see this newspaper, they’ll surely flock toward the city center. By then, a single call to action from our junior brother would instantly create a force capable of confronting the many powerful families!”

“This is a mortal’s Divine Skills!”

Ye Wushuang also exclaimed in admiration. This strategy was indeed well-crafted, and with such manipulation, the situation in Aolai Country’s realm had become even more chaotic.

“The situation will likely be uncontrollable now, if we don’t resolve it promptly, it could explode at any moment,”

Yang Chen analyzed calmly.

“Exactly, the third head wants to pass the buck, expecting us to deal with it ourselves. There’s no way this matter can end peacefully. The more she doesn’t want to intervene, the more we must force her hand to stop this conflict!”

“Besides, why should we end what we arranged with our own strength?”

Li Xiaobai said indifferently, he could endure being manipulated as a pawn, but now they also expected him to be the scapegoat. There’s no such convenience in the world.

Those who want to harm him have no chance!

“So what’s our next move? Just sit here and do nothing?”

Su Yunbing asked with wide eyes. To be honest, she didn’t want to play tactics, didn’t understand them, and just wanted to hold a hammer and confront someone head-on for a good fight.

“Later tonight, I’ll make a visit to the Situ Household and set things up. My fellow seniors, please be patient. Just stay in the Punishment Hall and conserve your energy. The show starts tomorrow.”

Li Xiaobai spoke slowly, his eyes sparkling with an unusual light.

“`

…

In the dead of night, Li Xiaobai, wearing a Formation that concealed his aura, stealthily slipped away from the Punishment Hall.

Without lingering, he headed straight for the Situ Household. Both residences were in the city center, not far apart—it took just a few minutes to reach his destination.

At that moment, only two Disciples stood guard at the front gate, drowsily dozing off, swaying against the door, exuding a sleepy disposition.

“To be cultivators and yet doze off is truly disgraceful. Framing and setting up, huh? Today, let’s see how I’ll make everything about the Situ Household crystal clear!”

Li Xiaobai casually took out a bunch of masks, all identical to those worn by the masked individuals, without thinking threw them into the courtyard of the Situ Household, and then pulled out a sack filled with masks, scattering them along the way through the Situ Household.

He wanted to frame and set up openly, just as Situ Guixiong had done to him.

Tomorrow, he was eager to see how the guy would defend himself.

The number of masks was absurdly high, forming a complete circle around the entire Situ Household.

After pondering for a moment, Li Xiaobai flicked his wrist and pulled out a piece of female cultivator’s Inner Armor, emanating a faint fragrance and daringly designed, and hung it on a large tree branch not far from the entrance of the Situ Household.

Now, there was no room for excuses.

“Let me also drag in some hatred from the Sea Clan cultivators for you as a side service; don’t thank me too much.”

Li Xiaobai’s eyes shone with a cold light, and after completing his tasks, he silently vanished into the darkness.

Late at night, in the outskirts of Aolai Country.

At this very moment, Situ Guixiong was crouching outside a village, joined by many family disciples. They had been lying in ambush for a day, waiting for night to fall to ensure a safer operation.

The news of Li Xiaobai and others entering the Punishment Hall had only spread within the city center; these declining villages in the outskirts had yet to receive the news.

At present, Situ Guixiong’s mind was filled with thoughts of how to further scheme against Li Xiaobai.

“Heh heh, Brother Situ is indeed brilliant. As long as we make a big enough commotion, even the Third Master wouldn’t dare to openly protect him. This time, Li Xiaobai is dead for sure!”

“Exactly, just look at that annoying face of Li Xiaobai, I’ve been wanting to thrash him for a while now!”

“Li Xiaobai is nothing more than someone who relies on his talent. He has truly overestimated himself. In front of Brother Situ, he can’t even stir up a splash!”

“He’s completely at Brother Situ’s mercy, haha!”

A few family Disciples laughed heartily, flattering on the side. The thought of Li Xiaobai’s impending doom excited them deeply.

Such an arrogant and presumptuous guy should be trampled under their feet!

“Alright, keep it down. We still need to act cautiously, the Punishment Hall is not to be trifled with. Make sure the job’s done cleanly, without leaving any loose ends!”

Situ Guixiong said with some impatience, already tired of such flattering words.

“Yes!”

“Understood!”

The family Disciples responded solemnly, realizing the gravity of their task at hand—messing up could mean losing their heads, but quick action would ensure no issues.

Besides, with strong backing, what was there to fear?

“Let’s go!”

A minute later, flames soared to the sky from within the village, accompanied by the cries of children and the wails of women, as dark figures rose into the air and fled at high speed.

“Hahaha, this is the fate of those who cross me, Li Xiaobai. If you dare to complain to the Punishment Hall again, I’ll exterminate your entire clan!”