Chapter 57: The Best of Both Worlds

Bai Feiyu grew ever more fierce, and soon, the two disciples of the Golden Light Sect were forced onto the defensive. During this time, Bai Feiyu’s cultivation began to soar, bolstered by his ability to absorb attributes, which made his strength increase with each passing moment.

Meanwhile, the two disciples started to fear Bai Feiyu. This was far from normal—a disciple at the sixth level of the Haoyi Realm should not be able to contend against both of them, let alone grow stronger as the fight progressed.

Both men came to the same conclusion.

A prodigy!

He must be one of the hidden prodigies within the Void Returning Sect—otherwise, it would be impossible for him to be so formidable. No wonder he had dared to intervene earlier; with such confidence, his status and background within the sect must be considerable.

They recalled how, just moments ago, they’d asked Bai Feiyu to state his name, planning to call upon friends within the Void Returning Sect to teach him a lesson. Now, it seemed laughable—how could those few playboys the fat one knew possibly handle someone like Bai Feiyu? If they weren’t killed in the attempt, surviving would already be fortunate.

The more they considered it, the more terrified they became. Any desire to continue fighting evaporated.

But Bai Feiyu would not allow them to escape so easily. He pressed his attack, thrusting his spear at them, and before long, both were utterly defeated.

“Don’t kill us, don’t kill us! We were wrong, isn’t that enough?” they pleaded, fear thick in their voices.

After all, Bai Feiyu had dared to cripple an elder’s son—what were they, compared to that? Though they were considered talents in their own right, they were far weaker than Bai Feiyu.

As for their backgrounds, they couldn’t compare. Even if Bai Feiyu killed them, their sect would be powerless to retaliate. Moreover, Bai Feiyu was someone who didn’t shy away from killing.

He stood before them like a mountain, looking down as if from a great height. Then, glancing around, he asked,

“Now that things have come to this, do you still wish to return to the Golden Light Sect?”

The two exchanged a glance and nodded.

Though they had failed to protect the young master, their eligibility to be here meant they were considered outstanding by the elders. On their return, their treatment would certainly diminish, but a dead camel is still bigger than a horse—they would still be stronger than most. Even if the elder was furious about his son being crippled, he would not kill them. At their level, elders couldn’t simply execute them; even if death was demanded, it had to be reported. The elders might secretly reassign them as private guards or use other means.

Restoring their former status wasn’t entirely impossible—if, for example, they obtained great fortune in the Toba Ruins or rendered significant service to the sect, they could petition the Sect Master to replace the elder. But such hopes were faint.

Bai Feiyu studied them, then after a moment’s thought, spoke:

“Very well. I’ll give you a chance to live. You will patrol this city for me. Anyone who dares harass the residents—you are to stop them. Don’t let them escape. If there are any problems, I’ll take responsibility.”

“Don’t attempt to run. I’ll have the old city lord assign people to watch you. If you flee, I will hunt you down myself.”

Killing them would serve no purpose—worse, it would intensify conflict between the two sects. Bai Feiyu had no wish to trouble the Sect Master. For now, he was simply displaying his talent, not yet fully grown into someone the sect would truly value.

If he courted trouble everywhere, the Sect Master and others would become displeased, and his position would become precarious. After all, no leader would believe an arrogant person could mature into someone dependable.

Having given his word to the old city lord, Bai Feiyu intended to see it through. This fight had improved him greatly, and to continue progressing, he needed more opponents. These two would help intercept troublemakers.

From what had just happened, it was clear that if real trouble arose, the old city lord might not be able to stop the offenders—if they escaped, Bai Feiyu would have no way to pursue them. If he was at a critical stage of cultivation and unable to leave, these two could handle things in his stead—a mutually beneficial arrangement.

On hearing Bai Feiyu’s terms, the two men, though bitterly resentful, knew they had no choice.

Surviving was already a blessing. Bai Feiyu was utterly intolerant of any abuse against the native residents; they had no alternative.

Under his domination, they had no choice but to comply.

Yet, to their surprise, Bai Feiyu wasn’t finished. He took their storage pouches, rifling through them for spirit stones, cultivation techniques, and other treasures.

As for these belongings? Naturally, Bai Feiyu kept them. His brothers in the dormitory had made a fortune and were hoping to advance to the inner sect, and as their leader, Bai Feiyu had to spend money to support them—at the very least, he owed them some techniques and weapons.

With the contributions from these two, everything was settled.

In truth, Bai Feiyu secretly wished to take the two away as his enforcers, but that was impossible—if the Golden Light Sect traced it back, it would all come to nothing. So, this was all he could do.

“Brother Bai Feiyu, I cannot thank you enough,” the old city lord said, bowing deeply after the two had departed. “Without you, I truly don’t know what I would have done. I am deeply grateful.”

Whatever the case, Bai Feiyu had done a fine job safeguarding the city, even if his initial motive was the compass.

Now, it seemed he was not just after the compass, but also the possessions of these disciples.

But the old city lord cared little for that. Bai Feiyu was not one of the city’s own; it was natural for him to seek something in return. If he wanted nothing, that would be strange—in truth, it would trouble the city lord so much he’d lose sleep.

“No need for thanks, city lord. This is my duty. You needn’t worry—from now on, no one from other sects will dare bully you. Rest assured.”

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