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

Chapter 519: Chapter 520 The Birthday Begins
The next morning, plumes of steam rose from the entire Li Family estate.

Overnight, the Li Mansion had been thoroughly transformed into a gathering place for Tangneng First-class.

However, this change had deeply resonated with everyone, and not just Zongdao’s family; the original disciples and Elders of the Zhang Family had never before experienced such miraculous benefits.

The moment they set foot in the bathhouse, they were wholeheartedly convinced to join Li Xiaobai, and for a simple reason: nearly everyone had made a breakthrough overnight, with some even advancing through two realms in succession.

Powerful auras rampaged through the air, a result of the cultivators breaking through one after another.

Every face bore a smile of genuine joy, a happiness that blended beautifully with this special day.

Seeing this harmonious scene, Li Xiaobai couldn’t help but smile; no one could resist the allure of Tangneng First-class. With the bathhouse, the bonds between the family scions and the Zong Family members would only strengthen.

Any past grudges could be washed away in this bathhouse.

Bathing away enmities!

The little brat Zong Hu mysteriously approached at some point and asked,

“Big Brother Li, I remember you came here to do important things. Is there anything I can help with?”

“Well, practice your cultivation diligently, and respect your elders—that’s what you should do,”

Li Xiaobai glanced at the little brat and said indifferently.

“Big Brother Li, don’t underestimate me because I’m young; I’m really quite clever. So, what’s the big deal? Let me lend a hand, huh?”

The little brat stood with his hands behind his back, mimicking the bearing of an experienced adult. He remembered what Li Xiaobai said when they first met—that he was here to accomplish something significant.

Sister Ya Ya once told him that significant deeds were those that leave a legacy for the ages. If he could make a name for himself, perhaps the Zong Family’s rise to power would be hopeful.

He wanted to prove to Zongdao that even if he was a mischievous child, he was the strongest there was.

“There’s no big deal, stop daydreaming and go play in the mud,”

Li Xiaobai said, his forehead creasing with frustration, as he gave the little brat a flick on the head with an impassive face.

The little brat had no other skills but did have an air of someone destined to command. With his hands behind his back, he certainly looked the part, but unfortunately, his childlike voice betrayed his insignificant stature.

“Big brother, the Zong Family has received so much of your care, so it’s only right that this young master helps you out. Don’t be shy, just tell me what needs to be done and I’ll handle it,”

The little brat remained calm, his composed and provocative demeanor seemingly cut from the same cloth as Li Xiaobai.

“Cough, later you go to the mansion gate and tell the guarding disciples to come inside the main hall for the birthday celebration,”

Li Xiaobai said somberly, his face dark.

“Understood, is there anything else?”

“Like, for instance, if there’s a plan to attack another family next, I could go soften up their disciples for you,”

The little brat continued, his cultivation level greatly enhanced by his recent bathhouse visits, and he possessed a misplaced confidence.

“That’s it, go play in the mud…”

Li Xiaobai waved him off, starting to shoo him away.

“Big Brother Li, I’m really strong, and I have a lot of confidence…”

The little brat wanted to say more, but he was directly thrown out by Li Xiaobai, who grabbed him by the collar.

Goddamn, such a brat, do you think you can dabble in the struggle for power and control?

Truly fearless of death.

Throughout the mansion, the Elders were busy making arrangements for the disciples’ birthday celebrations.

“Get ready, everyone, we’re going to the main hall for the birthday celebration. Today is Lady Zong’s birthday, so make sure you all perform well. This concerns how well we’ll be able to live in Li Mansion from here on out. Do you understand?”

Without needing any prompting from Li Xiaobai, one of the Family Elders took the initiative to start shouting, lecturing a group of disciples.

“Understood, today is Lady Zong’s birthday, and we will surely offer our heartfelt wishes!”

The disciples replied. They all understood the principle—this was the first major event since the Zong Family had moved into Li Mansion, and they had to make a good impression to dazzle the members of the Zong Family.

All the disciples and Elders of the clan were dressed impeccably, each carrying gifts they considered valuable, heading towards the main hall.

Half an hour later.

In the main hall, Zongdao and his wife sat in the center. Today being Lady Zong’s birthday, they were the protagonists.

In front of the hall, a group of cultivators had already gathered early in the main hall to wait. Lady Zong’s birthday was a matter of utmost importance. If Li Xiaobai was considered the main hand of the Li Mansion, then the Zong Family was undoubtedly the secondary.

The hearts of these clan disciples and Elders were like mirrors—they knew that Li Xiaobai’s stay in Aolai Country was not just for fun. He had his own goals, meaning he wouldn’t always be in Li Mansion. Once the grand tournament was over, he might very well leave directly.

At that time, the clan would fall under the control of the Zong Family. For the sake of long-term development, the Zong Family was the one they needed to attend to the most.

This was related to everyone’s future livelihood.

Zongdao was naturally aware of this, so he didn’t shy away from it. Now, he needed to take advantage of the time Li Xiaobai was here to establish his authority and solidify his status within the clan.

Looking at the crowd of disciples and Elders gathered in front of him, he felt overwhelmingly emotional; the last time he saw such a scene was decades ago.

Although he was more of an interloper at this moment, he had finally managed to find a temporary foothold, acquiring the capital and foundation to expand and develop further.

“Everyone, today is my wife’s birthday. I feel honored to be able to gather here with all of you on this auspicious day.”

Zongdao said with a smile, sincerely happy as he looked at the people below. After so many years, he finally had reasons to be proud, possessing a group of followers of his own.

“I thank everyone today. I did not expect that, as a mere woman, I would have the opportunity to receive blessings from so many seniors and rising talents. I am indeed pleasantly surprised and honored.”

Lady Zong also spoke with a gentle smile, her words polite. As the Lady of the Zong Family, such a small gathering could not intimidate her. However, for her husband’s sake and his future development in Li Mansion, she had to say many things that he could not say himself.

She was also well aware of the situation in the mansion. Today, these clan Elders and disciples were eagerly coming to celebrate her birthday, an outsider, to show respect and leave a good impression, hoping to stay peacefully in the mansion in the future.

But if they took it too far and started to overreach, becoming too self-important, they would be very disappointing, and Zongdao’s authority would diminish considerably. After that, uniting people’s hearts would not be so easy.

“You are too polite, Lady Zong!”

Lady Zong’s words were like a spring breeze, and the experienced members in front of her all smiled knowingly. She was a sensible person, not arrogant, understood people’s hearts, and spoke frankly, which was indeed better than the Zhang Family Head.

The hall was filled with laughter and cheerful voices, and just as everyone was enjoying their amiable conversations, a sudden shrill cry drifted into the great hall.

“The Situ Household has arrived!”

“The Situ Household, Young Master Situ Renjie is here to give birthday wishes!”

“Wishing Lady Zong happiness as vast as the Eastern Sea and a life as enduring as the southern mountains!”