The first step in every Gu Master's path was to refine their Vital Gu. The Gu Master and their Vital Gu shared a mysterious connection. Calling it an intimate one wouldn't be too far from the truth since the Gu Master's death signified the Gu Worm's death. However, a Vital Gu Worm would never die due to injuries or hunger as long as their Gu Masters were alive—unless someone made an expendable Gu as their Vital Gu. Still, a consumable Gu would only disappear and injure the Gu Master should they use it. As long as the Gu Master limited themselves to nurture and refine the consumable Gu Worm, it would not perish.
And, of course, by the Gu World's law, there was always that one motherfucker who looked at their Vital Gu and pondered—What if?
The creator of Granny Mei Hua's inheritance was that one motherfucker.
The existence of Vital Gu inspired them to seek a realm of longevity within humanity—Vital Human.
Necessity is the mother of invention, and a living being's need to live longer and fuller is unmatched. This led to several Gu Worms' and Killer Moves' inventions that tried to mimic the Lifespan Gu Worm's effects.
There was already one example in San Cha Mountain, Century Boy.
His body was of a kid's since he used a Gu Worm that condensed his life force and released it slower, allowing him to live longer than most.
So, it began with the unnamed creator of the Inheritance wanting to become someone's or something's vital human. As long as the target remained, so would the creator.
However, the technique evolved until it became its current iteration under Rank 6 Gu Immortal—Granny Mei Hua.
Truthfully, Hu Mei Er was… plan C.
Plan A was always to enter the Central Continent, seeking better targets and stabilizing his foundations.
Plan B was to live with Bai Lin as the Bai Clan Leader's consort, enjoying the luxury of a Clan's resources.
The third backup plan was Lo Jik's plan to enact the perfectly enamored simp to get closer to Granny Mei Hua through Hu Mei Er.
After all, he had to think a few steps ahead. He had to prepare for his Immortal ascension as a Mortal, and he knew that his desires would only make the final moment more challenging compared to that of other Gu Masters.
Knowing what he did about the ascension from Imaginative Strength's memories, Lo Jik's ascension was doomed unless he salvaged support from the unlikeliest allies.
Yet, he never expected… Vital Humans.
Why?
He felt complicated.
Heaven and Earth could not compromise his boundaries, yet Hu Mei Er did so unintentionally.
Was it even correct to call it a mind fuck?
To an extent, yes.
"Vital Human?" Lo Jik questioned again as Mei Er purred in his embrace.
"Yes," she needily pecked his jaw, exchanging their warmth under the blanket. Hu Mei Er felt satisfied after his arms looped around her waist.
"Grandma never explained the intricacies of a Vital Human at the Immortal Realm. As your Vital Human, everything I have is yours to obtain, and with your will, everything yours is mine to enjoy~!" She snuggled over his chest like a clingy kitten.
"Lifespan, cultivation, dao marks—after all, Grandma says the essence of everything is Dao Marks. The Vital Human Killer Move synchronizes our distinctive aura, allowing everything to be interchangeable whenever we engage in intercourse. Hmm, but don't take my virginity yet," she giggled. "I haven't mastered my Inheritance. We just need to find a few hundred talented Gu Masters for me to devour, and then we'll be able to enjoy the Wisdom Path and Illusion Path Dao Marks!"
Lo Jik felt numb.
Hu Mei Er might not understand what happened, but how could Lo Jik not accept the answer staring him in the eye?
Human Path.
Vital Human was a Human Path Killer Move!
Didn't Grey Bone Scholar create the Flesh Bone Unity to share one's Primeval Essence with another?
This Killer Move was like that, AND more!
However, there could only be one Vital Human.
Though the Killer Move sounded otherworldly, it was strangely fair. As a Vital Human, Lo Jik could take everything from Hu Mei Er. In return… her soul would remain bound to his, living through every injury imaginable until he could recover her body.
In a way, it was a life-extension Killer Move.
And it wasn't 'easy' to take from one's Vital Human. Aside from the Primeval Essence and Soul's foundation, one needed precise Killer Moves to share one's Dao Marks.
In essence, cultivating a Vital Human was like cultivating two Paths.
Because Lo Jik boasted Master-Level Attainment in so many paths, he kept uncovering a new layer to the sophisticated Killer Move every hour!
It was shocking!
But his shock wasn't over because Lo Jik discovered that Granny Mei Hua was also a Vital Human. Instead of committing a grave error like Hu Mei Er, Granny Mei Hua became a Lake's Vital Human, maintaining her independence save for being extraordinarily obsessed over that lake. According to Hu Mei Er, Granny Mei Hua did have a Vital Human before her ascension, whom she thoroughly consumed before she chose to become a Vital Human herself right before her ascension to preserve her life to tackle any accidents.
As for Hu Mei Er?
She was technically a slave.
Lo Jik wasn't the kind to enslave others for sexual relief, but he also wasn't the kind to bitch and moan about these accidents. Hu Mei Er merely fucked around and found out—it had nothing to do with him.
But Lo Jik continuously thought about the formation Hu Mei Er mentioned.
"So," he began after clearing his throat, slightly marveling at how the Human Path achieved a case of voluntary enslavement since the Killer Move's backlash altered Hu Mei Er's entire mindset, making her feel, nay, believe, that she wanted to be Lo Jik's Vital Human. "That formation… consumes your targets and turns them into Wisdom and Illusion Path Dao Marks?"
"Yes," Hu Mei Er nodded. "But Grandma believes understanding the core of the Formation would make other Immortals target me. So, I only know the basics."
Li Mei Hua was correct.
Lo Jik couldn't help but paint a target on that Immortal's back since he possessed the memories of one.
'It has to be a Food Path formation… amazing. And Granny Mei Hua is still a Rank 6 Immortal? She must have a crazy foundation, at least.'
"But that Formation should only work once," Mei Er shrugged. "Grandma isn't a virgin and can't use it again. She said the best time to use that was to prepare for Immortal Ascension."
Lo Jik nodded before pecking the top of her head.
"It's fascinating, Mei Er," he tightened his hug as she grunted in relief. "But please don't contact your Grandmother yet. I'm afraid she might attack me."
"Eh?" she pouted. "She wouldn't! Grandma is very generous, Lo Jik. She even taught me all the moves I showed you a few hours ago."
The corner of Lo Jik's lips twitched.
This was another facet of the Vital Human Killer Move—it might have altered some of Mei Er's objectives, but she was still frighteningly 'free.'
The love and obsession she might feel for Lo Jik might be the real deal. However, it did not snatch Hu Mei Er's anger, sadness, jealousy, and more.
Treating Hu Mei Er like a slave would be a grand mistake since she might retaliate out of 'love.'
But Lo Jik was well-versed in the Dao of Riz. He declined his head and kissed her ear. "Wouldn't it be better for us to return with results? Wouldn't your Grandmother be proud of you when we're both Rank 5 Peak Stage Experts?"
"That long?" Hu Mei Er huffed, slightly turning her body to meet his gaze. "Fine, on one condition! You let me shove a dildo up Bai Ning Bing's ass once you fuck!"
"Okay," Lo Jik agreed without hesitation. Why should he care about the Frost Devil's ass? Hu Mei Er blasting the icy fucker's ass might be the highlight of Lo Jik's day.
"Hmm." Hu Mei Er smirked coyly. "So, Brother Lo Jik," she breathed on his lips. "I sense you want to learn about the Vital Human Killer Move. I had to plant some Gu Worms in my anal cavity. We might have to shove some within your Peehole—"
"How about we just talk?" Lo Jik will spend years if he has to—to modify the Killer Move. But nothing is entering his urethra!
"Nice!" Hu Mei Er hugged the man. "Tell me about your years in Qing Mao Mountain? What was Sister Mo Yan like?"
Lo Jik chuckled and began to uncover more information about Hu Mei Er and her relatives.
One thing was for sure—Granny Mei Hua was no longer Plan C since she would try her best to kill him and Hu Mei Er should she realize Hu Mei Er was compromised.
{A/N: I can already predict a few readers being dissatisfied by the new Li Mei Hua and Hua Mei Er plotline—yes, my Wisdom Path Attainment is that awesome, allowing me to predict the future. However, I assure you their inheritance will fit just nicely in the grand lore of RI. All this isn't far off the bat because Hu Mei Er canonically entered a mountain as a Rank 4 Gu Master with hundreds of followers and emerged as a Rank 5 Gu Master nearly a century later. Since she has Immortal's support, it wouldn't be weird to create the fanon lore of Hu Mei Er waiting for so long, perhaps already consuming the lifespan of a few Vital Humans till then, to fully prepare for her Immortal Ascension. And if Vital Human's effects sound similar to a Killer Move we know and detest, I assure you, the resemblance is 1000% intentional.}
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Tie Ruo Nan investigated her surroundings after Li Xian left her near a cave. Locating Li Xian was objectively more challenging than getting to this point since the Rank 4 Gu Master was known to be an unscrupulous merchant with several Gu Worms capable of hiding him and his tracks.
But she was a good tracker. The lack of clues prevented Ruo Nan from tracking Lo Jik down. The same wasn't true for Li Xian since the latter's business only grew more intense and impressive, with several competitors dying to the Wu Clan and the Tie Clan's relentless assault against evil.
Wu Yu Tan had been peculiarly impressive in Ruo Nan's eyes. She was once an Enslavement Path Gu Master and boasted the same ability in managing beast groups as the Wu Clan's remaining Enslavement Path elder.
Instead of entering the cave, Tie Ruo Nan followed the tracks before entering a dry clearing. The sun was almost upon the Southern Border, and her sharp gaze located the indifferent Gu Master perched atop a boulder near the other side of the spacious spot.
"We should maintain that much distance," he greeted, "Wouldn't you agree, Young Master Tie?"
Tie Ruo Nan veiled all her complicated emotions under a calm gaze. She nodded, "I agree. Give me one reason why I shouldn't inform Old Lord Tie Mu Bai about your current location?"
"One reason? I don't need to give you any!" Lo Jik chuckled. "Call Tie Mu Bai. What can he do that he hasn't tried before?"
"The Wu Clan interrupted Old Elder," Tie Ruo Nan snorted as Lo Jik shrugged. "Whatever helps you sleep better at night. So? I was told you were searching for me. Why?"
"Don't pull that crap!" Tie Ruo Nan snapped. "What was that nonsense about marrying me?"
"Considering you're here, I believe my intentions were well-received," Lo Jik smiled. "I wish for us to talk. I believe you owe me."
"I do?" Tie Ruo Nan lifted an eyebrow.
"I heard you out back in the Shang Clan," he answered. "It's only fair."
"Was killing the innocent members of my clan fair?" Tie Ruo Nan snarled. She only felt more annoyed when Lo Jik tossed her a deadpanned look.
"What?" she scoffed.
"Why do you care?" Lo Jik frowned. "It's just us, Ruo Nan. You can be honest. I won't judge."
"What do you mean?" She frowned with a stormy expression.
"I don't think you care who I killed," Lo Jik met her gaze despite the distance.
Tie Ruo Nan worked her jaw, letting the silence sink as the sky brightened.
Lo Jik was correct. Tie Ruo Nan hadn't cared about the Tie Clan for some time. Instead, she had been more annoyed because being on Lo Jik's wrong side meant the loss of a likely ally. Of course, it would be a moot point should any trio fail in their Immortal Ascension.
As long as they were mortals, planning to strike a Super Force was similar to toddlers conspiring against a group of veterans.
"I heard about Fang Zheng and his Wisdom Path Inheritance," Lo Jik continued. "How good is he with that? Does his interests align with yours?"
Tie Ruo Nan fell silent for a few breaths before exhaling, "Yes."
"A Wisdom Path expert," Lo Jik whistled. "I suppose he's a better candidate to ally yourself with. I can only imagine the terror of a Wisdom Path Gu Immortal strategizing against someone with extreme prejudice. So? Does Fang Zheng know yet?"
"He doesn't."
"Huh. Why didn't you tell him until now?" Lo Jik inquired. "What would you do once Fang Zheng learns about your betrayal?"
Ruo Nan bristled, "I did not betray him—"
"Come on," Lo Jik snickered. "Remember? I won't judge."
"This is pointless," Tie Ruo Nan snapped. "I'm only here for one thing."
"Please, let me hear it."
"What would it take for you and Bai Ning Bing to join us later?"
"Bai Ning Bing?"
"His Zombification Killer Move is best used against a crowd," Ruo Nan explained with a vicious look in her eyes. "Ascending to the Immortal Realm is still a distant dream. However, hurting the Ancient Sect is possible through other means."
Lo Jik stroked his chin before shaking his head.
"I apologize, but I cannot trust your intentions yet."
"What?! I came alone, didn't I?"
"And I have gracefully refrained from revealing your traitorous thoughts to your clansmen," Lo Jik shot back with a narrowed gaze. "However, you still attacked Bai Ning Bing and me. The fact we're talking is only due to the remaining respect I have left for your father. Clearly, your clansmen don't share that respect with me."
"You killed Elder Mo Xie!" Tie Ruo Nan clenched her fist. "What respect?!"
Lo Jik snorted.
"I might have intentions to go against an Ancient Sect, but it will never blind me enough to trust someone like you, who has a Wisdom Path Gu Master's council and has tried attacking me before. Of course, you can show your sincerity in other ways."
Tie Ruo Nan felt his gaze map every inch of her body as fury spewed from her gaze.
"I will never sleep with a man like you!"
"Excuse me?" Lo Jik blinked. "Who's bedding you? I want you to do something for me."
Tie Ruo Nan paused as he continued. "Besides, you should be willing to sleep with anyone for your vengeance… isn't that the most basic requirement? Just saying."
"What. Do. You. Want?"
"Since you're being so polite and nice about it," Lo Jik sneered. "I want you to broker peace between the Tie Clan and our group. I want those bounties gone and the Tie Clan to stop pursuing us."
Ruo Nan's eyes widened with disbelief.
"That's impossible!"
"You want an ally that made an impossible situation possible," Lo Jik smirked. "The Tie Clan's ambush failed. Why wouldn't I desire an ally that can achieve the same?"
Tie Ruo Nan was stunned beyond belief. Her mouth opened and closed a few times before her nose crinkled, and the flesh between her brows wrinkled into a frown.
"I offered to remove your bounty when we conversed within the Shang Clan. You said—"
"I'm aware of what I said," Lo Jik interjected. "However, I have nothing else to prove. Now, the bounty is more of a hassle. If anything, it gives me more reasons to kill the Tie Clan's members chasing me down—which is pointless. I want you to discontinue that bounty before I even think of persuading Bai Ning Bing to partner with you and Fang Zheng."
Lo Jik claimed he wanted to use the bounty as motivation back then. But things had drastically escalated, leaving Ruo Nan with a bitter taste. After all, she DID want someone like Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. Their performance even put a Super Clan's well-thought ambush to shame.
"Clan Leader won't make your bounty disappear—"
"Then it's great Fang Zheng uncovered a Wisdom Path Inheritance. You get to test its effectiveness by resolving the current issue," Lo Jik calmly stood from his boulder. "Find a way, or never try finding me again."
"Lo Jik! Be reasonable. You two did too much damage. There's nothing we can do. However, I can inform you—"
"No more sneaking around," Lo Jik leveled his gaze on Tie Ruo Nan. "I need to enter the Three Kings' Inheritance, and it's troublesome with Wu Ji's steed guarding the entrance. I cannot have two Super Clans trying to kill me."
He retrieved the Thousand Li Earthwolf Spider before drilling out of the clearing, leaving Tie Ruo Nan troubled and indignant.
***
Alternate Title: Vital Gu And Human: Trade Offer: I Get Immortality, You Get The Rest; The Ultimate Protection Act; Gangsters Be Like: Gimme Money, and You Live (They Deadass Invented Vital Human Killer Move); Hu Mei Er Truly Did Defile Lo Jik's Core Boundary; Lo Jik: I Will Never Mind Fuck Others (ProceeWds To Get The Most Mind Fuck Killer Move—It's Wasted On Him); Every Degenerate Harem Mc's Favorite Technique; We Had Mind Flayer, Now Prepare For The Urethra Flayed!; Freaky Hu Mei Er's Freaky Family; Freaky Family's Freaky Inheritance; Freaky Granny; Li Mei Hua Belongs To a Lake; Lo Jik Dodged a Whole Nuke; Distant Giant Sun Grunting Noises; The Human Path Supremacy; Heaven's Will (Sees The Vital Human Killer Move): See? That's Why I Suppress This Shit Path; A Sophisticated Killer Move; Li Xian Is a Messenger; Tracking Ruo Nan; Lo Jik Just Loves Fucking With Tie Ruo Nan; (Whenever Tie Clan Does Anything) Lo Jik: You're Lucky I Respect Tie Xue Leng; Making Impossible Possible; Fang Zheng's Wisdom Path; Put In a Spot; Lo Jik Gave Ruo Nan The Answer Key For Fang Zheng To Interpret