Chapter 433: He Is So Special

"A mere Grandmaster Ling Zhen?"

Such arrogant words truly startled everyone present.

The crowd gazed at the nested Ling Zhen that had trapped the four Grandmaster Ling Zhen experts, feeling a surge of heated blood.

"Stop me, all of you stop me, or I'll rush out and beat Xu Xiaoshou to death."

"This guy is talking way too wildly!"

"Can a Grandmaster Ling Zhen be kicked away with one foot?"

Someone couldn't hold back their anger, grabbing the person next to them as if about to charge out.

"But... he really did kick that Ling Zhen away with one foot!"

The people around had their sleeves tugged, their expressions stunned: "We're not stopping you, go ahead and beat him. If it's Xu Xiaoshou, everyone here would... support you in spirit."

"Forget it."

That person charged a couple of steps but realized their hand was about to be forcibly pulled away, so they deflated immediately.

"What Xu Xiaoshou says, you can't judge by common sense."

"That's the body of a Grandmaster— even a casual kick from him is equivalent to someone else's Grandmaster Ling Ji."

"Besides, this guy has all sorts of weird abilities, advancing to attack or retreating to defend."

"Honestly, it seems he wasn't exaggerating at all."

"A mere Grandmaster trapping array is indeed just worthless trash that can be kicked away..."

Everyone fell silent.

The scene was wordless, filled with resentment yet laced with utter helplessness.

If anyone else said this, it might be bragging, but Xu Xiaoshou...

"He was just stating an ordinary truth, as plain as can be."

Shou Ye stared dumbly at Xu Xiaoshou.

He was also shocked by this guy's train of thought.

While everyone else was racking their brains to solve the array, Xu Xiaoshou had opted for the most direct and effective method.

Kick it open!

Thinking about it carefully, there really wasn't anything wrong with that.

If violence could solve the problem, why bother with roundabout tactics and unnecessary complications?

Shaking his head, deciding not to dwell on such trivial matters, Shou Ye said seriously: "Xu Xiaoshou, were you serious about what you just said?"

"Think it through. If you got that inside information from somewhere else, tell me the truth, and I can understand."

"But if you're lying to my face, and then we go to the Bai Ku site and you know nothing, the consequences are on you."

Shou Ye's tone was extremely grave.

But Xu Xiaoshou wasn't buying it.

"Believe it or not, whatever."

He rolled his eyes, placed the jade slip on the table, and turned to leave.

Since he'd already solved it, with his "perception," he probably wouldn't forget the Bai Ku Ling Zhen diagram for three to five years.

Whether he took the jade slip or not was just about a few Bai Ku spots.

Did Xu Xiaoshou, who already had over ten Bai Ku spots, care about that?

"I'm out of here, you guys have fun on your own!"

Shou Ye watched Xu Xiaoshou turn and leave with a disheartened look, and instead, he hesitated.

But to say that this kid, at such a young age, could unravel the Bai Ku Ling Zhen diagram—he still didn't believe it.

Not one bit!

Yet the facts were right in front of him...

"Hold on."

Shou Ye called out, having made his decision.

He wasn't the type to be impulsive.

Since Xu Xiaoshou could spout professional terms like "thirty-six layers of nesting" and "Tianji Shu" in front of him, even if he didn't believe it, he wouldn't go back on his word and withhold the Bai Ku spots.

He casually tossed the jade slip over and said: "Kid, you might not look reliable, but I'll trust you this time."

"Remember, you're requisitioned."

"When we get to Bai Ku, someone will contact you, and there'll be professional Ling Zhen masters to verify your identity."

As he spoke, Shou Ye tossed another item—a red jade stone flew over.

Xu Xiaoshou caught both with one hand each, his heart skipping a beat.

"Requisitioned?"

"What's that mean?"

Shou Ye chuckled: "If you've got the skills, don't worry. Once we're at Bai Ku, we won't let you lose out. Follow Hong Yi, and you'll get the biggest gains."

The crowd below instantly turned green with envy.

From the sound of it, Xu Xiaoshou had been singled out by the Hong Yi organization because of his extraordinary Ling Zhen prowess?

That was huge!

Everyone knew that the Sheng Shen Hall's Hong Yi specialized in ghost beasts and other-dimensional spaces.

They must have in-depth research on Bai Ku!

If you could tag along with them, even just sipping the soup, you'd end up rolling in riches.

But Xu Xiaoshou didn't think that way.

It was like he'd grabbed a hot potato—he immediately threw the red jade stone back.

"Are you kidding? I haven't even agreed, and you're deciding for me?"

"Requisitioned?"

"I'm not going with you."

Never mind that Lao Sang might have other plans; just the Greed God still playing in his Yuan Fu wouldn't allow him to have too much contact with Hong Yi!

He could bluff Shou Ye for now.

But what if he dealt with other, more vigilant Hong Yi members later?

Maybe following this lead from Shou Ye, with his abilities, he could eventually contact or even join the Hong Yi organization and skyrocket to success.

But what if? If Hong Yi was that easy to join, would its existence be so special in this world?

Xu Xiaoshou figured it was more likely that he'd just be used as a tool during the Bai Ku opening phase.

Once things were done, he'd probably be discarded like trash.

So, for his choices now:

Either give up the Greed God, become a tool, and gamble on that slim chance to join the most powerful official force.

Or continue living freely, at his own pace.

Without thinking much, Xu Xiaoshou chose the second path.

If he really needed connections, back at Tianxuan Gate, he could have agreed to Luo Leilei and hitched a ride on the "Sheng Nu," which might also be a top-tier force.

Shou Ye never expected Xu Xiaoshou's thoughts to race so fast, basically planning out his whole life in an instant.

He was just surprised that this young man could so easily reject the olive branch from Hong Yi.

"Are you sure that wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment thing?"

"I'll give you a chance to take it back." Shou Ye tried to persuade him.

Xu Xiaoshou shook his head firmly.

"Sorry."

The crowd below erupted in an uproar.

No one could understand Xu Xiaoshou's choice.

Even Su Qianqian was puzzled.

Hong Yi was affiliated with the Sheng Shen Hall, the headquarters, not some branch in the various domains or cities.

Even within the Sheng Shen Hall, it was an exceptionally transcendent existence.

How many people spent their lives striving, switching forces countless times, just to join the most official power on Sheng Shen Continent, the Sheng Shen Hall?

Yet even then, organizations like "Bai Yi" and "Hong Yi" were out of reach.

And Xu Xiaoshou just tossed it away so casually?

"He's crazy! What a great opportunity—I'm regretting it for him."

"If he took it, he might directly leave Tian Sang County and explore the various domains."

"Xu Xiaoshou, sigh, he's just too naive, doesn't know anything..."

Sighs of regret echoed from the crowd below.

"Mocked, passive value: 232."

"Regretted, passive value: 1211."

Shou Ye stared blankly as Xu Xiaoshou decisively turned and walked away, back to his seat.

Only then did he truly sense how different this young man was.

Honestly, even though he had thoughts of recruiting the kid deep down,

Shou Ye felt he should still hold his ground a bit.

After all, Hong Yi's status was too lofty.

Even if Xu Xiaoshou was a genius, once he left Tian Sang County, there were plenty his age who surpassed him... uh, well, not none!

There were quite a few!

But that wasn't the point.

The point was, in past years, as soon as Hong Yi showed any interest, which young person didn't come running?

Xu Xiaoshou was insane to reject it so bluntly!

People could be masochistic sometimes.

Shou Ye, who had been acting superior, suddenly felt Xu Xiaoshou's uniqueness upon being rejected.

It was like getting used to people fawning over you, then meeting someone who gives you the cold shoulder— even the most aloof person would feel off.

"He's so special..."

Shou Ye stroked the red jade stone in his hand.

Now, his interest in Xu Xiaoshou hadn't diminished at all from the rejection.

In fact, it had grown— he felt like his heart had been stolen.

"Xu Xiaoshou, you've successfully caught my attention."

Suppressing the odd feeling in his heart, under everyone's watchful eyes, Shou Ye actually stood up and walked toward Xu Xiaoshou.

"Hmm? Something's off— is this Hong Yi senior not giving up?"

Everyone watched in surprise as he drew closer, their curiosity rising.

"Oh my god, could Xu Xiaoshou be so outstanding that even Hong Yi wants to snatch him? This..."

"Damn, I feel like I've taken a critical hit— why doesn't anyone value me like that? I need a patron too!"

The crowd chattered away.

But no one dared speak too loudly.

Xu Xiaoshou had just sat down, about to talk to his junior sister, when he sensed the atmosphere shift. Turning his head, he saw Shou Ye right in front of him.

"What are you doing?"

He crossed his arms, on guard: "I just rejected you— you're not going to hit me, are you?"

Shou Ye's mouth twitched.

That pose, those words...

Anyone who didn't know would think I was about to do something to you!

"No."

He shook his head: "But as someone who can research something like the 'Thirty-Six Heavens Sealing Wuhen Array,' you really deserve this jade stone."

With that, Shou Ye pushed the jade stone toward him again.

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at it: "I don't want it."

Shou Ye's eye corner twitched.

In front of everyone, this guy wasn't giving him any face at all!

When had Hong Yi ever been rejected like this?

"Take it."

He snapped, and Xu Xiaoshou jumped, quickly grabbing the jade stone.

"What can I do with this thing? I'm not planning to go with you anyway."

"Besides, if I went with you, someone else might not agree."

Shou Ye sneered: "Who dares disagree?"

Xu Xiaoshou subconsciously wanted to blame it on Lao Sang, but then he remembered the "three chapters of the agreement" and held back.

"Shi Ti— Shi Ti the president doesn't agree. He said he wanted to take me as his disciple, but I didn't say yes."

"I rejected him first, then accepted you— wouldn't that mean I'm saying Shi Ti the president is inferior to you?"

Shi Ti, sitting carefree in the distance, nearly fell off his chair.

This Xu Xiaoshou is nuts!

Using me as a shield isn't done like this!

How did I get dragged in from so far away?

He immediately wanted to retort, but thinking of Old Sang...

If that old man found out his disciple was out training and got forcibly taken, Tian Sang City would be in chaos!

Hong Yi would definitely go after him, but before that, that old guy's wrath would land on someone— and who'd it be? Me, the one standing by idly!

"This is too much."

Shi Ti stood up righteously: "Hong Yi is indeed transcendent, but if Xu Xiaoshou clearly rejected your invitation, I think we should all back off."

At least, don't let this happen under my nose.

If you're going to fight, do it privately.

Even though he didn't say the last two parts, the crowd already sensed the atmosphere growing tense.

"How's that? Is there something between Xu Xiaoshou and Shi Ti the president?"

"Aren't those two just linked by the grudge of blowing up the Dan Tower and being blown up?"

"Could an explosion spark feelings?"

Shou Ye was equally baffled as he looked back.

Why would Shi Ti speak up for Xu Xiaoshou?

Was the sun rising from the west?

That guy had been at odds with Xu Xiaoshou from the start!

He said such harsh things like "rejected," and Shi Ti was still on his side?

But Shou Ye didn't want a confrontation.

He composed himself and waved his hand: "You're overthinking it. I'm giving him this jade stone just to stay in touch."

"When Bai Ku opens and something unusual happens, we'll use this to contact the relevant Ling Zhen masters, gather everyone, and break through the array together."

At this point, Shou Ye, an outsider to Ling Zhen, clearly didn't realize that Xu Xiaoshou's earlier words showed he already had a deep understanding of the "Thirty-Six Heavens Sealing Wuhen Array."

He still thought the kid had only glimpsed a bit, like everyone else.

Xu Xiaoshou nodded as if enlightened.

He already knew his "textile mastery" was shockingly advanced to others.

From the four old Ling Zhen masters on site who couldn't even crack the basic threshold, that was clear.

So now, he shouldn't show off; he needed to lay low.

"I see."

Xu Xiaoshou eyed Shou Ye and didn't refuse: "In that case, I'll take it."

Shou Ye nodded, satisfied.

As long as Xu Xiaoshou took the jade stone, he wouldn't lose him.

With contact established, he could ask for opinions from Hong Yi internally later. If Xu Xiaoshou's Ling Zhen talent was indeed explosive, they could still get him back.

Hah, if Hong Yi wants someone, is there anyone in this world they can't get?

For now, he turned and left.

The Ling Dao competition wasn't over yet.

Xu Xiaoshou's quick array-solving was just an accident.

He had to wait for the other old Ling Dao masters to break through and earn the qualification to study the "Thirty-Six Heavens Sealing Wuhen Array"— only then would his task end.

As he took a step, Xu Xiaoshou's indifferent voice came from behind.

"Good-looking?"

Xu Xiaoshou turned to Mu Zixi and held up the red jade stone.

"A bit."

Mu Zixi nodded.

It was like a ruby, and since Shou Ye from Hong Yi had given it, even if it were a plain pebble, everyone would think it was attractive.

"If you think it's good, I'll give it to you."

Xu Xiaoshou smiled and handed the red jade stone over.

"Huh?"

Shou Ye stumbled mid-step.

He stopped with a dark face and turned around.

"Xu Xiaoshou!"

"Huh?" Xu Xiaoshou looked back.

"What do you mean by this?"

Shou Ye asked sternly, startling Mu Zixi so much that her outstretched hand retracted.

"Can this jade stone be given to just anyone?"

Xu Xiaoshou was taken aback.

"Can't it?"

"Of course not!"

"But..."

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at his junior sister: "But I didn't give it to just anyone. Besides, she's not just anyone to me."

Shou Ye: ???

He was momentarily stunned but quickly reacted.

Is this the time to discuss that?

Just anyone? Not just anyone?

Your focus is so weird— what I mean is, you can't give this jade stone to people!

Shi Ti, watching from afar as Shou Ye's face turned purple with anger and his chest heaved without a word, suddenly felt a sense of empathy.

But to prevent Xu Xiaoshou from getting slapped, he still spoke up.

"Be tolerant... ah, forget it."

Shi Ti felt that saying that would just add fuel to the fire, so he smiled and held back, sending a message: "Hold back, just hold back."

"This guy's like that. First time dealing with him? Get used to it, and it'll be fine."

Shou Ye calmed his breathing, his lips trembling as he gritted out: "Don't mess around, kid. This thing is important; we need it as a way to find people!"

Feeling he'd lost his composure, he didn't want to stay in front of Xu Xiaoshou any longer and turned to leave.

"Oh?"

Xu Xiaoshou was surprised.

He knew Hong Yi had ulterior motives.

Forcing something on him— what good could it be?

"So, you're saying you'll use this to monitor me?"

Even if it was a stretch, Xu Xia Xiaoshou felt he had to confront Hong Yi until it was clear.

Shou Ye felt his kidneys ache.

Was this guy's thinking different from normal people?

"No!"

He trembled with anger: "It's just an ordinary communication stone, nothing more! Of course, it only connects to the Hong Yi side."

"Oh, oh."

Xu Xiaoshou pouted suspiciously: "Then... there's no spiritual imprint or anything attached to it, right?"

"Cursed, passive value: 1."

Shou Ye was exhausted.

He felt that if he stayed in front of Xu Xiaoshou any longer, he might not suppress the urge to kill someone out of frustration.

"Just take it for now. This thing isn't as scary as you think— it's really just an ordinary communication stone."

"Oh."

Xu Xiaoshou nodded: "If it's that ordinary, I don't really need it, so why can't I give it to my junior sister?"

Shou Ye slipped, nearly falling over.

This twist left not only him, the Hong Yi member, baffled, but the entire crowd as well.

"It's got a point, damn it!" someone exclaimed.

"If I didn't step back and look, I'd be totally led astray by Xu Xiaoshou."

"Oh my god, this guy's got some nerve— he already has the jade stone, and now he's downplaying its value?"

Xu Xiaoshou couldn't take that: "Who said I was downplaying it? He said it's not important himself."

Shou Ye's fingers trembled as he snapped: "Everyone, shut up!"

The whole place went quiet.

So silent you could hear a pin drop.

Shi Ti, sitting up front, suddenly felt an urge to laugh.

So, watching someone else get twisted up by Xu Xiaoshou feels this satisfying?

Then he thought about how people looked at him when he got angry at the Dan Tower— was it the same?

Now he couldn't laugh anymore.

He immediately aligned with Shou Ye, glaring at Xu Xiaoshou.

Xu Xiaoshou stammered: "I'm just speaking normally... speaking, is that not allowed? Did I break the law?"

"Urgh."

Shou Ye's pent-up anger turned into a helpless groan.

He straightened his face and said gruffly: "Take the jade stone, and if you dare give it away, I'll kill you!"

"Threatened, passive value: 1."

Now Xu Xiaoshou behaved, not daring to joke around.

"Oh."

He quickly snatched the jade stone from Mu Zixi's hand and tossed it into his ring.

Only then did Shou Ye slowly exhale.

So, the real way to talk to Xu Xiaoshou effectively wasn't to drag it out but to use absolute force to suppress him?

This guy...

Shou Ye admitted it.

In his half-life, this was the most infuriating one he'd ever met.

He did whatever was most outrageous.

And yet, he had logic on his side!

Damn it...

After dealing with Xu Xiaoshou, he didn't dare delay any longer and headed straight for the high platform.

After all, besides this kid, there were other Ling Zhen Grandmasters he needed to approach and assess.

"Once those old guys are out, I should get my Bai Ku spots, right?"

Xu Xiaoshou murmured to himself.

Looking at the situation in the arena, it didn't seem like it would resolve quickly, so he thought for a moment.

"The Ling Dao competition ends, and then there's just the final challenge match, right?" Xu Xiaoshou turned and asked.

He'd heard the rules from Fu Xing before he passed out.

The last part was after the four competitions ended.

Because some people's combat strength might be special, there'd be a challenge match, giving a final chance to challenge those who had already secured Bai Ku spots.

This included the five major forces who got spots without fighting.

In past years, this was basically a formality.

After all, anyone who got spots under everyone's eyes had visible strength.

But this year was different.

Su Qianqian, nearby, heard this and her pretty face grew serious.

"Yes."

She nodded, then smiled with relief, lifting her eyes as if stars were shining in them.

"This time, I came here precisely for that battle."

"It might not be just one battle," Xu Xiaoshou said.

Su Qianqian shook her head: "Though the Su family has declined, as long as I'm here today, they won't take the spot from me."

Xu Xiaoshou didn't comment, but asked further: "But have you thought about it? The Su family only has you left."

"If you fall tonight, the title of Tian Sang City's top genius will be gone for good, and the Su family will truly be finished!"

"Only when one of the four great families completely falls can the others have a chance to rise."

Su Qianqian was stunned.

She had considered this, but tried not to think about the worst.

Xu Xiaoshou, however, ripped off that bandage bluntly.

"I..."

"Don't doubt it. In the end, you'll face not just other county geniuses hungering for Bai Ku spots, but also the wheel warfare from Tian Sang City's many families who want to take you down."

Xu Xiaoshou sighed: "The real challenge is just beginning."

Su Qianqian's face turned bitter; she knew how terrifying that was.

But from the moment "Mu Ming Cheng Xue" was lost, and the masked person in the back mountain calmly laid out that brutal reality,

She knew these were things she had to face.

Reality is cruel, but in the end, everyone has to face it with a smile, right?

Smiling brightly, Su Qianqian looked at Xu Xiaoshou: "I know, little beast brother, don't worry. Even if it's wheel warfare, I can handle it."