Chapter Sixty-Nine: The King of Law’s Unease, A Master’s Exchange

“Since we can’t take action, we’ll have to negotiate.”
Yin Law King understood this well.

Moments later.

The hall was bright and spacious, with cups raised and laughter ringing. Attendants moved swiftly, clearing empty plates and bringing new delicacies, refilling wine glasses, so that the banquet seemed renewed once more. At the entrance, the severely wounded experts of the White Lotus Sect had been escorted away for treatment. At the table, host and guests appeared content, though the remaining White Lotus experts wore stiff smiles.

Who could truly smile when dining beside a human-shaped beast, a monstrous presence akin to a giant whale in human form? A mere bump could injure, a touch could kill—fear in their hearts left little room for cheer.

“A moment ago, there was a misunderstanding with Captain Bai Xuanji. Our holy sect has always been friendly with the Bai family. Now, I shall punish myself with a drink in apology.”
Yin Law King spoke with composure, lowering his stance as he stood and toasted Bai Xuanji.

Consider his status—a single gesture commands dozens of warriors who have thrice broken through their blood and qi, as if directing hunting hounds. His words alone could determine the fate of an entire fleet. Someone like Bai Xuanji, a mere captain, could be crushed at his fingertips. One utterance, and the pressure of his qi could render Bai Xuanji immobile!

Yet now...

“He’s apologizing to me… He’s nearly a Blood Refining Grandmaster, whose qi is like a river.”
Bai Xuanji was deeply moved.

At sea, encountering such a figure only meant respectful reverence—never daring to oppose. Yet, from a deadlock, the situation had suddenly turned.

“Yin Law King exhausts himself for the sect, just as I do for the Bai family. Some things must be done.”
Bai Xuanji stood and clinked glasses with Yin Law King.

He felt no elation.

“Without this unexpected guest, I would have been suppressed and imprisoned at Yin Law King’s whim.”
Bai Xuanji knew this well.

As a Bai clansman, he understood—the Bai family’s experts did not include such a grandmaster. He was deeply grateful to the newcomer, but could not fathom why such a terrifying master would deliberately intrude upon the banquet, boldly intervene, and protect him in the dragon’s den.

“Could it be that the Bai family once had ties with this man, and so he intervened out of old friendship?”
Bai Xuanji pondered.

Beside him, the uninvited guest resumed eating, still devouring with wild abandon.

“This monster meat is truly exquisite.”
Bai Xuan was feasting heartily.

His earlier attack had barely depleted his qi—a casual strike.

Yin Law King’s composure impressed him.

“I had thought, if matters became irreconcilable, I would have to slaughter everyone here. Yet, this man knows when to advance or retreat, understands reason—not worthy of his title as Law King of a great sect. It seems there is a difference between the White Lotus Sect and the Sea God Sect.”

Bai Xuan had refrained from violence partly because he had heard of the White Lotus Sect’s reputation.
They were professional rebels, yet not excessively cruel—rarely were there rumors of sacrifices or terror. Now, he ate dish after dish, consuming over a hundred pounds of monster meat before finally stopping.

A hot stream surged in his belly, his qi and blood increased by nearly twenty percent, making him even more robust!

At the head of the table, Yin Law King’s eyelid twitched.

Not at Bai Xuan’s strength, but at his astonishing appetite.

This monster meat, in such quantities, could rival a thousand pounds of deep-sea giant squid; its medicinal potency equaled half a pill refined from an ancient fungus! Even he ate only a dozen pounds a day—the price was exorbitant, and Bai Xuan’s single meal had consumed two months of his reserves.

“I’m full.”
Bai Xuan set down his plate.

Crack!

He had eaten so much that he accidentally bit through a piece of the plate. The sound was crisp, like chewing beans, shattering it completely.

The surrounding White Lotus experts all twitched their eyelids.

Was this a human?

He could surely chew through steel and digest it—already a monster, terrifying beyond belief!

“The Sea God Sect’s demon sharks are no more than this.”
Yin Law King considered.

He had discussed the matter of the Azure Water Sabers with Bai Xuanji. In the presence of a grandmaster, there was no reason to insist—after a few words, it was agreed: the sabers would be gradually handed over within half a month.

Yet, by custom, one matter remained.

He stood.

“Now that we’ve eaten our fill, today’s gathering may be called a joyful meeting for host and guest alike. I see that Grandmaster Bai’s martial body is extraordinary, and I am delighted. Shall we go outside for a stroll?”

“Very well.”
Bai Xuan agreed, looking at Bai Xuanji.

“The Bai family’s affairs are naturally supported by a grandmaster. If I do not act, outsiders may think the Bai family lacks strength!”

His words were light, but to Bai Xuanji, they carried immense weight.

Bai Xuanji’s heart warmed, and he bowed deeply. “Thank you for your assistance!”

“Go home.”
Bai Xuan was calm.

Having eaten and drunk his fill, it was time to take action.

...

Forging Knife Manor, martial field.

Flags fluttered, each bearing a lavish, flamboyant white lotus emblem, symbolizing this ancient and powerful sect.

“In the end, we must do battle.”
Bai Xuan knew this well.

The hospitality and courtesy earlier were a testament to Yin Law King’s profound cultivation, and also a sign of his wariness of Bai Xuan’s strength.

As Yin Law King had said, a grandmaster receives different treatment than Bai Xuanji.

Yet—

Bai Xuan had crashed the banquet, wounded many, and now discussed the matter of the Azure Water Sabers: three thousand sabers sought from the White Lotus Sect.

On the vast sea, strength is paramount.

If Yin Law King said nothing and let Bai Xuan succeed, it would be a farce!

Gurgle!

In moments, Bai Xuan had fully digested his meal, his martial body restored to peak condition!

“Today, entertaining you and Captain Bai, our White Lotus Sect has shown proper etiquette, sincerity, and goodwill.”
Yin Law King turned, continuing with courtesy and grace.

“Now, let us meet in friendly combat—merely a contest!”

“Just an exchange, a few moves for sport. Otherwise, if you leave without witnessing my martial skills, wouldn’t that be regrettable?”
His words displayed the bearing of a Law King of a great sect—noble and poised, revealing the highest cultivation.

Bai Xuan understood.

If he could not win, it would be exchanged with a single move; if he could, the fight might last indefinitely. This was a probe, a sign of caution.

He was utterly unafraid.

Bai Xuan extended a hand, speaking calmly, “Please, go ahead.”

“Please enlighten me!”
Yin Law King bowed as well, his expression suddenly solemn.

“To entertain Bai Xuanji, and draw out such a master… Today, I must test him.”

The subordinates of both grandmasters stepped back—it was finally time to measure their strength.

“Is this man an enemy or a friend?”
Yin Law King had his own standards.

If he captured Bai Xuan on the spot, Bai Xuan would be an enemy—worth half a fleet to exchange with the Bai family.

If Bai Xuan beat him soundly, then he would be a friend.

The White Lotus Sect was vast, but surrounded by foes: thorns in the eyes of the court, hunted by Star Pirates and opposed by the Sea God Sect—enemies on all sides.

In such circumstances, one must not make enemies lightly; choosing foes and allies became an essential matter.