Calling rank 5 gu masters the peak of the mortal realm was not a mere exaggeration. Needless to say, only adequate rank 5 gu worms and intuitive killer moves could truly reveal their true potential for destruction, aspects which Violent Sword Wang Nan and Chained Wanderer had in spades!
Ju Lin's body lay not far away, lying on the only swathe of the ground untouched by deep scars and uneven trenches.
*Clang*
Two figures clashed in the arena of ruined forest and surprising curls of heated mist.
Sparks flew with every impact, sword shadows coalescing into powerful strikes that failed to harm the opponent too terribly.
"Hahaha! What a great Chained Wanderer!" Wang Nan's laugh resounded in the forest followed by the shrill noise of thousands of tiny sword lights shooting out rays of light.
*Swish*
A figure flashed ahead, their arms crossed. They tanked dozens of the sword lights, keeping the unconscious Ju Lin from harm.
*Fssh*
More mist seemed to escape the figure's pores before it settled on the ground, veiling its pitiful state.
Wang Nan exhaled softly, taking a moment to observe his opponent.
'To think she had such a trump card.'
Skin thicker than beast hides, bones tougher than iron, and muscles incomparable to the tautness of steel—the Little Giant sweeps.
It was a famous passage praising the rare strength path transformation gu worm. Should the gu master be capable of enduring its strain, it was a superb blend of offensive and defensive aspects. And Bai Shou appeared in her element when using this gu worm.
Of course, the Rank 4 Little Giant King would have fallen short against Wang Nan's extremely disastrous set of killer moves.
But Bai Shou no longer possessed the Rank 4 Little Giant King.
No.
Her body did not inflate despite transitioning into a familiar flesh suit of masculinity.
Those green eyes appeared glowing in the dim forest. Neck long black hair cascaded in a mess, even covering a good portion of her face. However, each breath released heated mist from her mouth. Hundreds of scars oozed similar mist as if Bai Shou's body was nothing short of a furnace enduring its boiling point. The injuries from the earlier attacks merely left shallow white scars on Bai Shou's body, her robes torn from several spots.
Rank 5 Little Giant Emperor.
The deep injuries Bai Shou suffered from before had already healed.
Where Wang Nan revealed several different killer moves, each of the offensive kind, Bai Shou chose limited methods that achieved the same. The duo was clear on who exhausted more primeval essence. On the surface, however, Wang Nan maintained an upper hand. He was a peak stage rank 5 gu master with more effective primeval essence, and Bai Shou also couldn't maintain the transformation forever. She had the limit of 30 minutes, or she risked injuring herself and the gu worm.
A good portion of the forest was already destroyed, and the lack of any other gu master appearing to reinforce the region through the inlaid formation affirmed Bai Shou's observation that this conflict stemmed from unnatural causes.
Of course, all was not lost.
Bai Shou's ability to instantly refine the Rank 4 Lightsaber gave Wang Nan enough fright to depend on killer moves that did not involve the gu worm directly leaving his body. Naturally, Bai Shou wouldn't be a 100% certain which killer move involved a gu worm leaving Wang Nan's aperture, but he nonetheless remained prudent.
"Your life will never be the same, Wang Nan." Bai Shou spoke in a deep, manly voice. "You failed to kill me."
She chuckled gruffly.
"And I'll ensure to turn your daughter's life into a living hell. She's engaged to Jirou Yi, right? I'll see to it that he dies after the first night and force different men to catch her fancy. She'll be like your wife, eventually settling for an outsider demonic gu master after having her fill of all the fun she could get from the sect's disciples."
She smirked coldly, observing the corner of Wang Nan's eyes twitch uncontrollably at the implications of her words.
"Maybe she will fancy a pathetic third-rate sword path gu master like her mommy did."
Bai Shou extended her hand, catching the sudden sword strike! She clenched her fist, shattering the blade into several strands of sword qi. These strands of sword qi did not dissipate but attacked Bai Shou again, aiming for her eyes. She closed her eyes as the sword qi barely left any scars. Instead, she moved sideways and threw a swift jab at Wang Nan's torso, who tried to take advantage of Bai Shou's eyes being closed.
Wang Nan's body flew back with a resounding bang. Again, his defensive gu worm scattered the impact, leaving the sword gu master uninjured.
"What's the matter, Wang Nan?" Bai Shou inquired coldly.
"Did you not want fun?" She grabbed her crotch with an indecent demeanour. "I suppose I'll also tutor your daughter about the ways a sect fairy must subdue a demonic gu master." She smiled thickly. "I'll make it pleasing for her."
Again, Wang Nan's exterior showed no hint of being affected by Bai Shou's words. But she kept toeing the line, coming up with lewder scenarios about the only person the former cared for, forcing his attacks to become fiercer!
They attacked each other again. Wang Nan's defensive gu worm was outstanding, capable of scattering the impacts left by the Giant Emperor or the combined use of Borrow Strength and Heaven Strength.
However…
*Crack*
What about using all the above?
The bones in Bai Shou's right arm shuddered as hairline fractures spread through her fingers!
Borrowing Heaven's strength on top of using the already straining Little Giant Emperor transformation was forcing Bai Shou to the end of her physical limits as Wang Nan's expression changed. The crack on the translucent gu worm's projection around Wang Nan sealed rapidly as he hurriedly rushed back.
"Hmph!"
Bai Shou snorted.
"Go meet your wife beyond the Door of Life and Death, that is, unless she is enjoying herself in the Death Obsession Domain!"
She roared and chased.
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Bang*
*Bang*
Bai Shou changed her posture. Instead of punching out and forcing Wang Nan away, she adjusted the trajectory of her fists to keep him in the same spot. Several cracks littered his defensive gu worm as Wang Nan gritted his teeth before releasing more attacks. The two combatants were in a sudden all-out brawl!
*Crack*
Wang Nan's expression changed as he forcibly swung his sword against Bai Shou's neck while revoking his defensive gu worm before it was destroyed.
Bai Shou raised her hand and defended with the back of her arm, only to be forced back by a sudden strength.
No.
Bai Shou's expression changed as she suddenly felt her knees giving out. Forcing herself to remain standing, she gritted her teeth and glared at the equally haggard Wang Nan. Her body reverted and lost the use of the Rank 5 Little Giant Emperor.
It was the work of Wang Nan's Rank 4 Cut Strength Gu. However, he suffered enough losses, too!
"Die!"
He slapped his palm before conjuring a long steel sword from the sword tattoo on his palm.
The Rank 4 Longsword Gu!
Bai Shou weakly raised her hands to enter a fighting stance.
*Swish*
She evaded the first strike as Wang Nan also avoided a liver shot.
Heavenly strength filled her veins, making her muscles slightly more tensed. However, the constant use of the Rank 4 Cut Strength gave Wang Nan the upper hand.
Their bodies moved about, with Wang Nan actively entering more close-combat scenario to keep Bai Shou from healing from her injuries.
It was in this tense state that both combatants realized something outstanding about each other.
'This is…' Wang Nan was shocked.
'Huh. How about that?' Bai Shou was calm despite the revelation.
The duo was close to becoming masters in combat, something similar to a martial artist and a sword user—a profession like flying.
They moved swiftly as Bai Shou slowly recovered, constantly avoiding each strike by the skin of her teeth. But all this was no coincidence. Like Bai Shou, Wang Nan was equally evasive in such a distance. He was fluid and lethal.
Bai Shou's face grew red with exertion. She was already injured from before, and her strength was being drained even more.
But such a pace ensured the battle would continue for hours! It was not feasible.
Killing intent rushed into Wang Nan's gaze as sword qi glinted across his sword, extending his reach.
*Cchhk*
He cut open a diagonal wound on Bai Shou's face from the right side of her lower jaw and across her nose to her left eye.
Blood instantly covered one side of Bai Shou's view as she grunted. Wang Nan was quick, taking advantage of such a weakness as he kicked Bai Shou's left leg, something she didn't instantly witness or sense through other methods.
Her balance broke, leading Bai Shou to fall with Wang Nan's sword stabbing down!
*Roar*
Bai Shou used the Dragon Travel Tiger Steps Gu—
"Hmph!"
Wang Nan also expected this!
A phantom sword covered him as he used his movement killer move, chasing Bai Shou. He was faster, appearing beside Bai Shou as he swung his sword while his eyes shot out two sword beams!
*Chhk*
Bai Shou's eyes were pierced through!
*Swish*
A clean strike almost lobbed off her right arm entirely, with a gaping wound leaking like a faucet, separating her right arm from her torso at her armpit.
Bai Shou's expression changed!
"Just give up!" Wang Nan snarled as Bai Shou used her movement gu worm again.
"Ungrateful wench! You don't deserve a clean death!"
Wang Nan suddenly stopped as Bai Shou… flew!
They were a pair of deep-red bat wings!
Rank 4 Crimson Bat Wings!
It was Bai Shou's trump card against the most fatal danger. She procured it through the sect's Exchange Hall.
"You thought I did not know about your purchases?" Wang Nan smirked coldly. He almost wondered how to force the flying gu worm out of Bai Shou. How can a human fly smoothly without practice? Even if Bai Shou had enough practice, Wang Nan was prepared.
"Go."
He gazed at Bai Shou's wings, releasing the earlier sword beams again!
They pierced through the frantic Bai Shou's left wing, injuring the gu worm as the woman unceremoniously plummeted to the ground.
*Thud*
Bai Shou was bleeding from her eyes, arms, and several other spots. Her mind was in a mess due to the backlash from the injured gu worm, and she also expended the use of her transformation, losing her defence against Wang Nan's sword attacks.
"You were fun to fight, Disciple Bai Shou."
Wang Nan approached Bai Shou, momentarily observing her injured and tattered state. A pool of blood already collected under her as she breathed roughly, gulping for air.
"F-Fuck you!" Bai Shou hissed. "Cure you, Wang Nan!"
Her left arm clenched tightly, attracting Wang Nan's attention. He was still cautious!
*Chhk*
A sword phantom struck her left wrist, finally slicing her hand off!
Even Wang Nan was tired after such a heated battle.
"Make your death less painful and stop resisting. Else, I would have to keep slashing at you until I tear through your tough skin."
Bai Shou grinned; her teeth were stained with blood.
"Sigh." Wang Nan shook his head. He met Bai Shou's bleeding eye sockets. Her eyes were gone, but he could feel her glaring at his skull! Such a keen battle intent only affirmed Wang Nan's caution as he prepared a killer move.
Violent Sword raised a gleaming sword above his head before swinging it down—
*Weng*
A sudden bout of weakness caught Wang Nan by surprise before he found Bai Shou disappeared from her spot save for her severed left hand.
It was quick.
Unfathomably quick!
Where Wang Nan's demonic ways would have him instantly destroy his gu set to leave nothing for the enemies when he felt the Little Giant Emperor's broad palm touch his head from the side, he couldn't help but have his memory flash before his eyes.
His kind wife…
His darling daughter…
Their smile, their laughter.
The corner of Wang Nan's lips curled up—
*Splat*
Bai Shou's right palm squeezed tight, crushing Wang Nan's head like a watermelon. Through a curtain of blood emerged gleaming green eyes bright with savagery and viciousness.
*Thud*
Wang Nan's headless corpse fell on the ground with a quiet thud as Bai Shou walked up to her severed left hand while reverting. Picking it up, Bai Shou pushed her severed hand against the rest of the arm while using the Rank 4 Self-Reliance alongside the Rank 5 Multiply!
She shockingly healed at a pace visible to the naked eye before she wiped the blood off her eyelids.
After a moment, indifferent of her tattered appearance, Bai Shou knelt besides Wang Nan before touching his stomach.
'Hmm. All that pain and risk was worth it. I got his entire gu set!'
Bai Shou's eyes brightened with excitement!
How could she not fly properly?
How could she not heal even quicker before?
Furthermore, like Wang Nan's Cut Strength, Bai Shou possessed the Rank 4 Expend Strength Gu!
The result of the battle greatly satisfied her.
'I didn't even have to use my strength path beast phantoms, or the killer move Last Arrow. The combined use of Heaven Strength, Borrow Strength, and Little Giant Emperor alongside Self-Reliance's healing potency is superb! If only I had its advancement recipe.'
She shook her head and plundered the corpse before storing everything.
Regarding Wang Nan coldly for a minute, Bai Shou scoffed and stored his corpse, too.
She glanced at the unconscious Ju Lin before rolling her eyes.
"What a heavy sleeper."
Her playful demeanour returned as she picked Ju Lin and moved while counting her losses.
Aside from her injuries and the ones she caused on Wang Nan's gu worms, which now belonged to her, Bai Shou's Rank 4 Crimson Bat Wings also suffered grievous injuries and needed to be restored.
'Though, Wang Nan got one thing right.' She smiled. 'It was a fun fight. Almost missed its thrill.' She rolled her shoulders as she felt… light. Relaxed.
The thought of being able to contend against most peak stage rank 5 gu masters surely aided that lightness in her heart. However, Bai Shou knew better. There was still a level beyond a peak stage rank 5 gu master.
A peak stage rank 5 gu master with an extreme physique.
She invariably recalled Empress Wu Ji… and that white-haired bitch.
'Still not at my best.'
<<<>>>
Whether Bai Shou was aware of it or not, her battle attracted the attention of other Gu Immortals to the point that several elders requested a recording from Fairy Li Jun Ying.
Hu Immortal Blessed Land.
Two women sat in lush greenery. Tall grass spread as far as one's gaze extended, curling and rustling with the gentle wind. All around the two women played a small group of fox pups. These pups had stubby and cute legs as they chased each other or hid behind tall clumps of grass. Their fur was snow-white and fluffy like the clouds. These were offspring of the ordinary beast cloud fox.
Unlike the playful and energetic fox pups, the two women appeared to blend with their surroundings. They sat in a leisure position, their legs extended forward, and their upper bodies supported by their arms. As the grass rustled and sand, the gentle wind also carried the duo's lush golden locks. They were dressed in elegant dresses, and their bright blue eyes, smooth skin, and beautiful features heavily resembled each other.
They observed the recording in the gu worm, witnessing the fierce battle between Wang Nan and Bai Shou. Fierce was a relative term for these two blonde women. Instead of the sight of destruction, they couldn't help but internally praise the participants.
"What do you think, Mother?" Fairy Bai Qing inquired. She was the Rank 6 Gu Immortal Supreme Elder of the Spirit Affinity House!
"Bai Shou has an admirable tolerance to pain," Bai Qing's mother, another Rank 6 Gu Immortal, spoke softly. Her temper didn't flare around her daughter or granddaughter unless the family's damnable son-in-law was present. Bai La never hid her distaste for Feng Jiu Ge, letting go of any civilized pretense between them once her daughter got together with the latter.
Unlike Bai Qing, Bai La appeared slightly younger. Still, the mother-daughter pair shared an eye-catching resemblance.
"Do you recall her refinement method?" Bai La continued. Slight appreciation bled into her voice. "She was ruthless to herself while advancing her body refinement. I tried to replicate such a thing on one of my prisoners, but they ended up dying."
Bai Qing didn't appear distressed by the news. Demonic Gu Masters littered the Central Continent. And some monsters among these ranks were not the usual run-of-the-mill isolated individuals who were forced by their circumstances and performed some questionable acts. No. Some filthy men and women enjoyed harming the innocents, torturing the undeserving.
Most Gu Immortals of the righteous factions tend to capture such gu masters, allowing the society to lick its wounds while performing several experiments on said prisoners.
"She kept leaving several traps for Wang Nan from the beginning. Again, she relied more on her wits than going all out." Bai Qing observed. "To defeat a peak stage rank 5 gu master at her rank is quite the feat. However, she was mindful of her benefits and losses, trying to maximize the former and minimize the latter. That truly stood out."
Meticulous creatures that they were, most Gu Immortals wished to understand Bai Shou now that Feng Jiu Ge spearheaded the investment in the mortal otherworldly demon. The quicker they understood Bai Shou, the better. So, they were all in the implicit agreement of conflicts to arise in the sect. They particularly wished to watch Bai Shou deal with several setbacks, or even better: surpass said setbacks.
Their concern about Bai Shou was beyond the mortal confines. She was the only one with the qualifications to accept that mysterious and unknown inheritance. However, its origins ensured that Bai Shou would experience several instances of scrutiny until most of the Supreme Elders were satisfied with her performance.
The battle with Wang Nan was merely the beginning, revealing her combat awareness and scheming potential. They duo Supreme Elders noted how Bai Shou received a sudden windfall in the form of Wang Nan's inheritance, his gu set. How she dealt with it would be taken into consideration.
"All things considered, she did well." Bai La suddenly smiled, a calculative glint in her blue eyes. "Bai Shou didn't sacrifice that unconscious lass. Instead, she used the little girl to enrich her scheme and tug at Wang Nan's heart strings."
Bai Qing nodded.
At this moment, the fox pup's fluffy white ears perked up. They instantly ran in several different directions, dispersing hastily and revealing their keen senses despite their age.
Moments later, a considerably older but strikingly similar woman flew down. She shared Bai La's and Bai Qing's golden hair, jewel-like blue eyes, and an attractive face. However, there was one sizable difference.
Where Bai La and Bai Qing possessed more lithe and graceful figures, with the former appearing the youngest. The newcomer was the opposite. She looked the eldest. Her dress smoothly settled on her ripe curves and massive bust.
The pair of golden wings with reflective, metal-like feathers behind the newcomer folded and disappeared. The phoenix coronet on the woman's head caught the light, reflecting beautiful hues.
"Mother!" The eldest-looking woman greeted Bai Qing before grinning at Bai La. "Grandmother!"
"Huang'er." Bai Qing smiled as unconcealed pride reflected in her eyes. Her daughter had exceeded everyone's expectations. She had successfully inherited this Hu Immortal Blessed land while competing with the other nine Ancient Sects!
It brought outstanding benefits to the sect, something the other Supreme Elders were still enjoying. Had it not been for them, some benefits would have already been opened for the Sect's best and brightest.
"I heard all Legacy Disciples, except that demon in the prison, were called away by their masters. What is going on in the sect?"
Bai Qing and Bai La glanced at each other before the former shook her head.
"Some mild changes, dear. It's nothing to be concerned about."
Feng Jin Huang watched her mother and grandmother, eyes flickering with skepticism.
"Oh? Then it would be alright for me to go back for a few days while I leave things to the Land Spirit, right?"
"Stop being cheeky, Huang'er," Bai La scoffed. She was the only one in their family who did not outright spoil the girl. Furthermore, she sternly instructed the youngest of the family in her metal path inheritance.
Feng Jin Huang scoffed under her breath.
"Do you have something to add?" Bai La raised an eyebrow.
The granddaughter quietly worked her jaw.
"It's not like anything will happen in the Blessed Land," she began. "My soul has also reached a bottleneck. Staying here or in my previous residence means the same thing. Besides, I wish to see Father."
Bai Qing exhaled.
"Your father is very busy, dear. But he will be here when it's time for the Blessed Land to endure its Earthly Calamity."
Feng Jin Huang furrowed her brows, only for Bai La to suddenly shrug.
"Well, let her go if she's being so stubborn."
Bai Qing froze, looking at her mother before gazing at her daughter.
"Really?!" Feng Jin Huang's eyes brightened.
"Yes," Bai La hummed as she closed her eyes. "Inform your pack of goons about their transfer, too."
"My friends." Feng Jin Huang corrected.
Bai La nonchalantly waved her granddaughter off as the latter used her flying gu worm and flew away.
"What is going on?" Bai Qing questioned, noticing that Bai La had adopted a serious expression.
"Huang'er was trained by all three of us, Qing'er. She always surpassed our expectations in most scenarios and always made us proud. But is constant winning healthy for her? Huang'er is proud. She is too proud. Furthermore, she is quick to get emotional."
Bai Qing's expression changed, instantly recalling how venomous Bai Shou was with her words. Such an opponent just might be Feng Jin Huang's utter counter.
"The sect will experience a significant shift even if Junior Shu Zhe somehow maintains her position as the Sect Leader. It is better for Feng Jin Huang to experience some troubles in such a controlled environment than fatal life-death battles."
"But…" Bai Qing began with a concerned look.
"Don't worry," Bai La assured. "I might hate that slimy flute-rubbing deceiver's guts. But you happen to unfortunately love the man. You trust your husband, no?"
Bai Qing thinned her lips after hearing such descriptive words.
Internally, Bai La was quite confident.
The truth was, Bai Qing constantly stopped Bai La or Feng Jiu Ge to encourage Feng Jin Huang to experience some hardships outside of cultivation. That, unfortunately, left quite a few flaws in Huang's character. Now, Bai Qing was obligated to stay in the Hu Immortal Blessed Land. So, Feng Jiu Ge would get a chance to temper his daughter's nature his way.
No matter how disgusted she felt by Feng Jiu Ge, Bai La had to respect a stronger individual's nature and methods. Feng Jiu Ge was a fine Gu Immortal… just not fit enough for her daughter.
Lastly, several other Legacy Disciples were called away for other missions, ranging from visits to the Reincarnation Battlefield to specific tasks of hunting peculiar demonic gu masters. All these served to enhance one's combat skills, which Feng Jin Huang refined to an artful degree.
Instead, entering the sect in such a situation served to test Feng Jin Huang's mind and political adaptability over her fighting prowess.
Bai La also held another selfish thought.
Bai Shou was currently a subject of great desire.
Despite being part of the Anti-Feng faction, Bai La wanted the best for her granddaughter because she was not part of any faction. As such, she secretly hoped for Feng Jin Huang to form a decent connection with Bai Shou using the common factor between them: Qin Juan.
Needless to say, Bai Qing would not approve of it because every Gu Immortal was aware that Bai Shou was a man.
***
Alternate Title: Schemes… Schemes Everywhere; The Emperor; Ruthless to Oneself and the Enemy; The Price of Battle; Counting Losses; Earning Profits; Bai Shou's Way is the Profitable Way; Through Thick and Thin; Trump Card?; First Step in Becoming Batman; Bat Wings; Bitch Can Fly Just Fine; The Recording; Calm Death; Bai Shou's Venomous Tongue is All For the Ladies; Bai Shou Cursing the Dead; The Lewd Master; Emperor's Crotch is Frightening; Luring Wang Nan; Killing a Temporary Ally; The Hot Three Generations; Gilf, Milf, and the Dilf (Dream Path Ven I'd Like to Fuck); Feng Jin Huang and Her Gooners; Bai La: Hates Feng Jiu Ge *Also Bai La: Sends Feng Jin Huang Near Brother Unchained*; Chained Wanderer Shows Op Strength Path; Brawns and Brains; A Level Beyond Peak Stage Rank 5; The White Haired Bitch; Goals; Cheeky Feng Jin Huang; To Temper Jin Huang; Bustiest; Feng Jin Huang Has Peaks
***
Bai La
Bai Qing (But with Blue Eyes)
Feng Jin Huang (Blue Eyes)
***
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