Chapter 696: Chapter 697: So Strong, It’s Fake?
“`

Hearing this, prisoners couldn’t help but widen their eyes, staring at the young man before them like they were looking at a monster.

Come for a walk?

Experience life?

Good gracious, this person looks pretty refined on the outside, but his words are even crazier than the Fearsome Foursome!

Do you even know where this is?

This is the Celestial Prison, the sturdiest cell in the Eastern Sea, even across the entire Immortal Spirit Continent, where even a Half-step Human Immortal wouldn’t think about leaving, and yet this guy says he’s just here for a stroll, feeling like a major understatement—they probably can’t afford to provoke him.

“Heh heh, Brother Li really knows how to joke around, coming to the Celestial Prison to experience life, quite unique indeed.”

An older prisoner laughed somewhat awkwardly, not knowing what to say, wanting to teach the newcomer the rules of the Celestial Prison, but uncertain about the newcomer’s actual level of cultivation.

What years in the Celestial Prison had taught him was one thing: never get too cocky. There were plenty of big shots in this prison, just take the guy on the floor above, for example, who might come down unannounced if he got displeased.

Therefore, he didn’t dare to neglect the mysterious Li Xiaobai at all.

“I’m not joking, I’ll be out in a month, during which time I’ll be under your care, elder brothers.”

Li Xiaobai said with a smile.

This level had only seven people, but, like the first level, they seemed to be a very friendly bunch, not the ferocious and heinous type at all.

Given that, he felt it would be unkind to find an excuse to rob them of their resources.

Looking at the smiling faces before him, Li Xiaobai wondered why, considering they were all criminals in the Celestial Prison and would be heavy hitters on the Immortal Spirit Continent if they were outside, they were all so modest?

With this attitude, it was going to be hard for him to cause any trouble!

What he didn’t know was his words had caused a storm in the minds of the few people listening, leaving them dumbfounded.

What did the young man just say?

Just staying here in the Celestial Prison for one month?

And he seemingly intends to leave afterwards?

The several prisoners exchanged glances, the same thought flashing through their minds: “Jailbreak!”

Anyone who could walk directly up from the first level was definitely a big shot. Of course, they couldn’t imagine that Li Xiaobai would be picked up by the Old Dragon King after a month, in their view, a prisoner of the Celestial Prison simply couldn’t leave. So if someone dared to speak of leaving, that certainly meant a jailbreak!

“Sure thing, sure thing, Brother Li, the same goes for us. If any good fortune comes our way, please don’t forget about your brothers.”

“If there’s anything you need help with, just say the word, we’re all eager to help—you can count on our hearty support!”

The older prisoner hurriedly said, with the rest of the prisoners also assuring with pats on their chests, ready to move heaven and earth for Li Xiaobai.

Li Xiaobai felt flattered by the reception; the inmates on the second level seemed even more welcoming than those on the first, treating him like family, making him feel somewhat ashamed!

Indeed, true powerhouses are humble and friendly, far from comparable to those deceivers outside in the world.

“Thanks for your kind intentions, I didn’t expect prisoners in the Celestial Prison to be so amicable. I thought the first level’s inmates were already something, but the brothers on the second level are even more impressive; you’ve given me the warmth of home!”

Li Xiaobai said, moved.

“It’s only right, only right. May I ask what brings Brother Li here?”

Upon hearing these words, the prisoners’ eyes lit up even more, as they gleaned an important piece of information from his words: he had already dealt with the prisoners on the first level, and now by joining forces with the inmates on the second level, their chances of a successful jailbreak were even greater!

“I plan to climb the tower, making a round on each level, making friends.”

“`

Li Xiaobai laughed.

“Brother Li has virtue and talent. Even in the depths of hardship, he never forgets to unite everyone. To be acquainted with Brother Li is truly a fortunate event in our lives!”

The hearts of the prisoners were beyond excited. They hadn’t expected that this mysterious leader wasn’t content with just uniting the first and second levels—he had even set his sights on the levels above, where people they didn’t even dare to dream about resided. Truly, none but a leader planning to escape from prison would have such ambition!

“But why is the second level so dim? Where are your Luminous Pearls?”

After quickly integrating with the prisoners, Li Xiaobai looked around and asked curiously.

The level was exceedingly dark; not a single Luminous Pearl could be seen.

“This is exactly what we wanted to discuss with Brother Li. This second level used to have Luminous Pearls, but they were all taken by the ‘Poor’ on the third level. That person’s cultivation level is unfathomable, and like you, Brother Li, he can move through the barriers with sheer strength.”

“After stripping the second level bare, he settled on the third level. He’s an extremely dangerous individual, and you must be extra careful when dealing with him, Brother Li!”

An older prisoner warned, shivering at the mention of ‘Poor’, grinding his teeth in impotence.

“What kind of person is this ‘Poor’ exactly?”

Li Xiaobai frowned and asked. Why did it seem like everyone from the first level to the second level was so afraid of him?

“I am a fourth-level practitioner within the Mahayana Realm, but I couldn’t last a single move against him. I would guess that he is at least on the sixth or even seventh level of the Mahayana Realm—a top expert.”

“Moreover, the foundation of his cultivation technique is extremely strong, far surpassing cultivators of the same level. He’s definitely a genius.”

An elderly prisoner recounted, having had a hand-to-hand encounter with that person. Although it was a one-sided bloodbath, the impression left on him was profoundly deep.

“And he’s incredibly greedy!”

“He strips a goose of its feathers, leaves behind only the hide of a beast—that’s him!”

“Once he has his eyes on you, he could even strip off your underwear!”

Another prisoner added, feeling utterly powerless thinking about how the little private money they had scraped together had all become someone else’s dowry.

At least, they were relieved that the other party didn’t intend to take their lives.

“So, is it like this: you’re now very poor? Is your situation even worse than that on the first level?”

“Well… Each level has roughly similar living conditions. Overall, yes, pretty much… indeed so, especially since we don’t even have a light source now.”

The prisoners’ faces were embarrassed. In theory, living on the second level should mean they held a status above those on the first level, but there was no help for it. After being robbed by “Poor,” they were indeed the poorest group in the tower.

“I understand, thank you for telling me, brothers. I will now go up for a chat with ‘Poor’.”

Li Xiaobai nodded, having confirmed that the System had no reaction and the Blood Sacrifice Fragment was not on this level. He turned and continued walking up the stairs to the third level.

“Brother, take care!”

“I’m rooting for you!”

“Go for it!”

A few of the prisoners watched with wide eyes as they all wished to witness once again the moment the boss’s supreme strength forced his way through the barrier.

However, they soon were dumbfounded. Unlike the “Poor” from more than a decade ago, it seemed as if the barrier offered no resistance at all. The young man on the stairs moved through effortlessly, passing through without a sound, disappearing into the second level.

“This…”

“No way, he’s that strong?”