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

Chapter 543: Chapter 544: Enterprise-Level Understanding
Feelings of respect welled up in Long Xue’s heart. Li Xiaobai seemed carefree and unrestrained, yet he was secretly attentive and meticulous, pointing out her deficiencies in such an inconspicuous way, a method known only between the two of them. It not only preserved her dignity but also allowed her to gain insight.

She realized that he had instantly pinpointed the deficiencies in her Path of Qin Music, which was indeed extraordinary. The youth before her was truly powerful.

Long Xue bowed slightly, wanting to earnestly express her gratitude to Li Xiaobai.

His words had been an epiphany for her, a favor as great as the heavens!

However, just as she was about to bow deeply to show her thanks, that grating voice once again reached her ears.

“The rhythm of the qin music is completely chaotic, it’s like blind plucking…”

“Moreover, the most outrageous part is, you actually played a tune of slaughter during this tea meeting. Do you realize, you have hurt me!”

Li Xiaobai spread his hands with a look of being hurt and spoke slowly.

“Ah, this…”

Long Xue was stunned. Hurt?

You were clearly enjoying your meal with the accompaniment of the qin music, weren’t you?

How did it hurt you? Besides, the killing intent contained in the qin music was not conspicuous, but merely carried a hint of vigilance. She might reluctantly accept if low-ranking cultivators at the Golden Core Stage or Foundation Establishment Stage were hurt, but how could someone as unfathomable as you be affected?

“Young master, how about I play another piece to soothe your wounds?”

Long Xue’s face still wore a smile, her good upbringing ensuring she maintained the most graceful demeanor at all times.

Li Xiaobai waved his hand casually, looking very magnanimous as he said, “No need, as for playing the qin, wait until you have learned it. Just be more careful in the future. Not everyone has such a good temper as me.”

Long Xue was momentarily choked up, her chest heaving with indignation. All her feelings of gratitude towards Li Xiaobai had instantly vanished.

How could he speak so unpleasantly—what did he mean by “wait until you have learned it”?

She was obviously very good at playing the qin, wasn’t she?

“Shut up! How dare you be so rude to Lady Long, you insolent fool, get out of here quickly!”

“Nonsense, utter Luanyu, to say that Lady Long is playing the qin in disarray—you know music?”

“Do you even play the qin? How dare you spout such nonsense here, speaking recklessly. Have you ever heard of showing off before experts?”

“How are you qualified to judge the Immortal’s qin music?”

The cultivators had metaphorical black lines on their foreheads, their anger reaching a peak. Their goddess was being targeted by an outsider, and as they looked at the pitiable silhouette on the stage, their hearts felt shattered.

This Li Xiaobai, was too arrogant. No matter what background he had, this was the Eastern Sea, their territory. They would not allow a foreigner to show off here!

Just as the crowd was about to join hands and throw Li Xiaobai out, Long Xue on the stage stopped them.

“Everyone, what Young Master Li said is actually not wrong. I have focused too much on technique in my performance, so much so that I have overlooked the essence of a piece of music. After all, a piece of music is just that. Even if it can evoke visions and lead cultivators to comprehend many marvelous methods, it cannot deviate from the essence of the music.”

“That is rhythm and melody, the most fundamental of the basics. Yet, I became lost in the artistic conception to the point of neglecting these simplest things. I am thankful for Young Master Li’s reminder today, or else I would have had to take many more detours.”

Long Xue looked towards Li Xiaobai and bowed slightly, her expression very serious.

This time, not only were the surrounding cultivators dumbstruck, but even Li Xiaobai himself was taken aback.

What’s going on?

He had intended merely to boast a little and attract some enmity on a whim, but how had it suddenly turned into guiding this young dragon?

Li Xiaobai was wholly without cultivation; not to mention the Path of Qin Music, he was utterly ignorant about cultivation itself. How could he identify the issues within this young dragon’s qin music?

This girl is no simple character!

This was an enterprise-level misunderstanding!

“Did Li Xiaobai actually speak the truth?”

“The Immortal has actually accepted Li Xiaobai’s guidance, and by the looks of it, has benefited greatly, even achieving new insights?”

“It must be just a coincidence, right? How could someone as careless as him be a master of qin music?”

“Definitely a coincidence, no doubt about it. A true connoisseur of elegance, like the Immortal, would remain unmoved by honor or disgrace. How could they ever utter such crude language so freely?”

“Exactly, exactly. This Li Xiaobai really hit the jackpot, gaining the Immortal’s favor. Damn it!”

All the young elites had a change of expression. The Immortal’s recognition of Li Xiaobai’s prowess, even offering thanks publicly, was akin to a slap in their faces. Their gaze towards Li Xiaobai turned even colder.

This boy is a great disaster that must not be left unchecked!

“Ahem, Immortal, you give me too much credit. It was just an offhand remark of mine. If the Immortal deems it agreeable, then all the better,” Li Xiaobai said, slightly embarrassed, waving his hand dismissively.

“May I ask which Sect Young Master Li belongs to, who is your mentor, and isn’t your behavior at today’s tea gathering a bit too casual?” said a young man from the Situ Household, his tone indifferent. He was called Situ Guixiong, the elder brother of Situ Renjie, and Li Xiaobai had noticed him the moment he entered.

“Without Sect, without affiliation, I possess a pure and childlike heart, comprehending the great Dao of heaven and earth amidst the mountains and forests. This is my nature. I act with sincerity, following that which my heart dictates, so what is this talk of being casual?” Li Xiaobai said with a cheery smile.

“So-called purity of heart—is that another way to say pleasant to the ear?”

“Young Master Li’s understanding of a pure and childlike heart seems rather limited. Or is it simply an excuse for your behavior?”

“While Young Master Li has indeed pointed out a flaw in the qin music today, it was still an act of great disrespect towards Lady Long in the beginning. Shouldn’t you give everyone an explanation?” Situ Guixiong asked calmly, sipping his tea without haste.

His expression remained unchanged from start to finish, exuding the air of a strategist. Li Xiaobai wondered if the man might have facial paralysis.

“Today’s gathering in Aolai Country brings together young elites, a joint appreciation of both the elegant and the common. There is both high art and folk entertainment, and I believe this will be a diverse and grand occasion,”

“Yet, it seems that since entering the Linglong Pagoda, there have been those who seek fame and fish for compliments, stirring up public sentiment and seeking attention. It looks like the gentlemen present cannot tolerate any voice but their own. May I ask, is today’s tea gathering dominated solely by the word of the Situ Household?” Li Xiaobai glanced at the cultivator, speaking faintly. This fellow was Situ Renjie’s brother, clearly not the pleasant sort, so naturally, Li Xiaobai would not show much courtesy.

The cultivators from Situ Guixiong’s party changed their expressions, not expecting him to be so articulate.

A glint of cold light flashed through Situ Guixiong’s eyes.

“I have long heard of Young Master Li’s eloquence, and today I have seen it firsthand. However, it appears that you are quite familiar with the Gentleman in White. May I ask if you know who he is?”