Chapter 576: Chapter 577: Stole Home
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Li Xiaobai’s plan was simple and rough. It was a huge event that had attracted much attention: masked cultivators were burning, killing, and looting in the villagers’ homes, and there had even been murders.

The severity of the incident could no longer be measured by mere cultivation levels.

Even though these great families had Great Crossing Realm Cultivators in residence, they would not dare to become entangled in such matters with carelessness, for it meant provoking the authority of the three ruling elders. A single misstep could lead to their doom.

One might say it was a case of touch-and-go; during this period, the common people were regarded as deities, and everyone had to treat them with utmost reverence. Should there be any mishaps, the label of murderer and looter attached to them could not be removed even by the gods.

At this time, Li Xiaobai was going to lead these commoners and form a large army marching through the streets of Aolai Country, serving both as a powerful weapon to urge the Punishment Hall into action and as his own life-saving talisman.

This time, he was curious to see what tricks these great families would play with so many eyes watching. Even if the third ruler arrived, they would have to follow the rules!

Although the villagers were commoners, their cultivation levels ranged from Qi Cultivation Stage to Foundation Establishment Stage, so there was no issue with them making the journey.

In half a day’s time, a vocal army marched powerfully into the city center, ignoring the startled passersby, and headed straight for the Punishment Hall.

“I am Li Xiaobai, and I have uncovered the true faces behind the masked gang!”

“Now, I bring the entire population of the village to the Punishment Hall, simply seeking justice!”

Li Xiaobai spoke loudly—his voice wasn’t very loud, but the cultivators nearby heard everything clearly. Their eyes widened in shock; they had seen the reports from the Immortal Spirit Daily.

But they had not expected Li Xiaobai to cast himself into the net and show up at their doorstep of his own accord, much less bring an entire village with him.

What was he trying to do—stage a rebellion?

“Li Xiaobai, this matter doesn’t concern you. It was the six overseas cultivators around you who committed these deeds. Hand them over now, and you may yet live. If you continue in willful ignorance, do not blame us for being ruthless!”

Several young cultivators emerged from the door, glancing briefly at Mei Youdie and his companions, their eyes flickering with a hint of panic, but then they spoke harshly.

Li Xiaobai saw their performance and took careful note. They were so young, and yet uttered unforgivable charges against his senior brothers and sisters from the start, which meant they must be insiders from some of the families.

“Bullshit, full of nonsense, absolutely unbearable to hear!”

“Inverting right and wrong, what use is there for the Punishment Hall? Just one hammer from Granny here will crush you to death!”

Su Yunbing was enraged, her wrist flipped, and a massive golden hammer smashed down, cracking the ground inch by inch with a terrifying force.

The young cultivators involuntarily took several steps back, their eyes showing a flicker of fear, which quickly changed to delight. Her actions were exactly what they had hoped for.

The leader pointed at Su Yunbing and commanded arrogantly, “Unrepentant and daring to cause a scene at the Punishment Hall, do you not take the king’s law seriously?”

“You have been causing trouble in Aolai Country, seen by countless commoners. Today, you come here to make trouble again, utterly defiant and arrogant. Do you really think the Punishment Hall is just for show?”

“We implore the elders to take action, to subdue these criminals and restore peace and order to Aolai Country!”

The corners of the young cultivators’ mouths curved into a cruel smile as their eyes roamed over Su Yunbing and Ye Wushuang. These two women were beauties of the highest order, every bit as magnificent as Long Xue. Such rare beauties—if they could savor them, it would be a stroke of great fortune!

And to think, they had already grown tired of the village women they had kidnapped lately and had been wanting to change their taste.

“Honorable elders, there has been a misunderstanding. The masked cultivators were disciples from various great families in disguise. We’ve come here to clarify the matter and clear Young Master Li and others of any wrongdoing. We also hope that the Punishment Hall will punish the real villains and vindicate us!”

The village chief frowned slightly but continued to explain patiently.

“Nonsense. It is widely known that these overseas cultivators have ulterior motives. If you say they’re not the masterminds, then tell us—who are the people behind the masks?”

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The young leader spoke with a fierce expression, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

“This… naturally is Young Master Situ from the Situ Household. He is the true mastermind behind the scenes!”

The village chief said stiffly.

“Nonsense, Young Master Situ comes from a noble family, why would he covet the treasure of your rundown village?”

“Exactly, a single hair from Young Master Situ is more precious than your entire village combined!”

“Old man, you can eat whatever you want, but you can’t just say whatever you want, huh!”

A few youths, furious as if their tails had been stepped on, vehemently chastised the speaker.

The elderly village chief was intimidated, too frightened to make a sound.

“Gentlemen, the sea of bitterness is boundless, but turning back is the shore. Take advantage of the time while our Young Master Li is speaking kindly and let us in quickly; otherwise, you can’t afford the consequences!”

Observing Li Xiaobai’s slightly grim face, Mei Youdie seized the moment to step forward proudly.

This was an excellent opportunity to show off, and he would not easily let it slip by.

“Why all the fuss? These guys don’t look like good people anyway, wouldn’t a soul search reveal everything?”

Third Senior Brother Lin Yin had run out of patience. His idea was to simply capture a promising young man and search his soul; there was no need for such a fuss.

Moreover, it was a disgrace to be blocked on their path by these inconsequential people right now.

No sooner had he spoken than the group of youths fell silent, exchanging wary glances. These were overseas cultivators with a weak sense of law, each a peerless genius. If they made a move, they could genuinely be taken down in a single strike.

“What is the cause of this commotion?”

Just then, an elderly voice rang out, and another figure emerged from within, with a youthful appearance despite his white hair, full of energy and remarkable poise.

“Elder Sun, these people are lawless and have come to create trouble at the Punishment Hall. I urge you to capture them immediately!”

The leading youth, eyes lighting up, quickly said.

“Hm?”

“I am Sun Mu of the Punishment Hall, have you gentlemen considered the consequences of causing trouble here?”

“All of you… give me…”

The old man’s gaze swept indifferently over the crowd, and suddenly, he broke out in a cold sweat. The reason was none other than seeing Li Xiaobai among the crowd.

Others might not know, but as one of the high-ranking officials of the Punishment Hall, he was well aware of the events occurring in Aolai Country. The recent slew of heinous incidents was actually the major families deliberately framing each other. However, the third chief’s intent was that Aolai Country should not intervene, letting Li Xiaobai handle it himself.

If handled well, all would be peaceful.

If not, they would proceed with the legal formalities.

But now… why had the other party directly stormed the Punishment Hall?

This was like coming to rob the place!