"I don't think you should try something like this, Senior Sister…"
"Hmph! Will you stop being a worrywart? Why are you so concerned? Do you not trust me? I wouldn't harm your savior. However, Mother said to be careful of 'him.' I need to ensure if that person approached you for selfish reasons."
"… I was the one who approached Senior Sister."
"Stop calling her your Senior Sister! She isn't one unless she has my approval. Don't worry. I won't be harsh."
"I'm more worried about you…"
"…"
<<<>>>
Bai Shou absorbed the last of the primeval stones, watching it disintegrate into dust in her palm among the sizable mound of powder before her. As one progressed in their cultivation, the more primeval stones they required. One of the reasons a cultivation-assistant gu worm was so treasured at the higher rank was the time wasted absorbing hundreds and thousands of primeval stones to refill a few percent of the primeval sea. At such a stage, a gu master's natural regeneration was already more than what the primeval stones could fulfill.
So, the tactic of using the primeval stones to recover the primeval sea instantly was easier said than done.
The Rank 5 Lotus Gu was incomparably superior, but Bai Shou wouldn't use it recklessly, not when a wave of uncertainty blanketed the sect. That gu worm could provide a second wind.
Picking a broom, Bai Shou began cleaning away the dust. There wasn't a need to use gu worms for something so mundane.
Not long after, her expression stiffened, and she felt an unimaginable cramp near her stomach.
'Uh… the Divine Travel Gu is feeling hungry again.'
It was inevitable.
The amount of wine Bai Shou drank before could barely ease the gu worm's starvation. Furthermore, she was drinking the wine, and the immortal gu worm's satiety must have taken a hit.
Still, she worked without any other shift in her expression.
It wasn't long before Bai Shou stepped outside. The rudimentary disadvantages of the Empty Cube Gu did not plague the formation around the residence as she could perceive her surroundings at will.
The morning glow created from the sources within the blessed land, instead of the sun in the main world, hit Bai Shou's face as the slightly visible link of the silver necklace around her caught the light.
'Chen Jiu is becoming more of a burden.'
Bai Shou cursed in her heart. Her pact with Chen Jiu was quite firm and unforgiving. Soul Path was never her forte, and the Soul Oath Gu was like an accidental counter to her current circumstances. Only she knew the issues she faced while duking it out against Wang Nan and having to keep the artifact on her body the entire time without it being damaged even once.
Still, the desire to successfully walk down the path of dual cultivation was too intense to ignore.
The stronger Bai Shou grew, the greater the greed was for Chen Jiu's inheritance.
'Even if I get the Soul Orchid Bloom Gu, it will be merely the first step in healing Chen Jiu. Her consciousness must be restored, and then I must get her body back using Man Defying Dead Gu or something similar. That is the only way to deal with the effects of the Soul Oath Gu.'
Bai Shou's impression of Chen Jiu worsened drastically. It was more because of how the woman covered all her bases and even added the clauses related to seeking other ways of tampering with the Soul Oath Gu Worm's effects. She truly did not want the Unchained Vagabond free. Alas, that was the price of her inheritance, and Bai Shou stepped in with both eyes open, albeit half-lidded with lust.
Of course, nothing was foolproof. For instance, Ba Gui Blessed Land could suppress Soul Oath's effects, allowing the duo to form a more implicit and intimate understanding. However, at the moment, such nostalgia was truly a decoration around Bai Shou. It achieved nothing.
She strolled through the settlement. Her mind was as adrift as her body.
The once warm and welcoming faces around her were curtained with fear and awe. The previous reverence she built for her name based around kindness was torn like the fickle layer it was with one notorious feat of killing Violent Sword Wang Nan.
Compared to kindness and fear, Bai Shou would always prefer the former. But she could make the latter work, too. Ironically, being feared simplified things for the Chained Wanderer.
Bai Shou predicted her day to end idly. Her stall would be filled with more interesting parties than ever after the commotion of her battle strength fizzled. This was an Ancient Sect. Being powerful was the norm, but it was survival that set the cream of the crop apart from the rest. Such a bold wave of chaos could never come to pass without a Supreme Elder's attention. However, their silence spoke volumes.
Just like several evaluations, ranging from the eligibility tests for the outer disciples, or more specific examinations for the inner and elite disciples, this, too, was a trial.
A particularly ruthless trial.
'And I was the first target.'
Bai Shou lamented, unaware of the truth due to the lack of crucial hints.
It wasn't over.
Again, surviving was the only requirement in these troubled times.
A familiar aura abruptly chased away all of Bai Shou's musings as she paused in her track. It wasn't Ju Lin. The girl was training religiously, but her motivations were born from fear. It would impede her growth eventually, but Bai Shou didn't have much to say about it. Getting over one's fears was part of life's experiences, and it wasn't like Ju Lin was an orphan and required guidance.
Ju Lin's mother was also an outer disciple with decent experience and knew the inner workings of the sect. At times like this, Bai Shou knew when to step back and observe as an outsider to glean crucial moments of inspiration.
Like Bai Shou, many outer disciples sensed the unbridled aura. Concealment gu worms were already rare, and the ones capable of dampening a peak stage rank 5 gu master's presence, though available in the exchange halls, were a challenge to acquire due to their costs.
The small settlement was instantly alert and fearful. Blatant gazes snuck glances from the cracks of windows and doors. Meanwhile, the gu masters with appropriate investigation gu worms observed from a distance.
Bai Shou quickly walked to the edge of the settlement, a bright smile on her face.
"Brother Yang." She greeted the guest spiritedly. "Congratulations!"
Standing before Bai Shou was Yang Pao, who didn't put any air despite his sudden and suspicious advancement.
"Sister Chained."
Yang Pao chimed, cupping his fist in return. Despite his rank, it was hard to look down on someone who had just recently violently murdered a peak stage rank 5 gu master known for his outrageously fatal killer moves.
"I was fortunate." Yang Pao began, his smile hearty. Bai Shou could understand Yang Pao's emotions. She was a peak stage Rank 5 gu master, too. The idea of being at the top of the food chain, the mortal one at least, introduced quite the sensation. "I was waiting for the right opportunity to use the Purple Crystal Relic Gu that I found in a ruin. There was no need to save it once I advanced to the upper stage."
"Fortune is part of one's strength." Bai Shou nodded. "Brother Yang's luck makes me bow my head with envy. Please, come inside. Let's chat without making other sect brothers and sisters uncomfortable."
"Hmm."
Yang Pao followed Bai Shou to her residence before momentarily observing the formation.
The duo relaxed once they stepped inside.
"Sigh." Yang Pao shook his head, peering into the cup of wine placed before him. "Even this breakthrough fails to satisfy me, Sister Chained."
"Naturally."
Bai Shou smirked, downing bitter wine from her gourd. "We are being reminded of our helplessness at this very moment. Being a rank 5 gu master or a plain mortal holds no difference in a Gu Immortal's eyes."
Yang Pao sank in silence before drinking the wine.
"Please inspect this."
He spoke rather respectfully as he retrieved a rank 3 gu worm.
Her gaze brightened with a curious light as Bai Shou picked the tiny thing from Yang Pao's outstretched hand.
It was like a crystallized mosquito, clear and quiet.
"Aperture Puncture Gu."
Bai Shou muttered. That was the name she settled for after finalizing its recipe.
"Indeed." Yang Pao smiled. "I refined it when I got the chance. There were still a few steps, the results of which caught me off guard. But that is due to the recipe being the first creation."
"How many tries?" Bai Shou questioned. "I still didn't get the chance to refine it. Though I already purchased enough materials."
"Four." Yang Pao sighed. It was merely a rank 3 gu worm, something an experience refinement path rank 5 gu master like Yang Pao should find effortless to refine. However, the results of the refinement were not always 100% unless a gu master used peculiar gu worms, like the Undefeated Hundred Battles Gu. Furthermore, there were times when a gu master was not in the right state of mind and kept failing continuously.
She observed the Rank 3 Aperture Puncture from every angle, noting every difference between the one Yang Pao refined and the one in her aperture.
"Should we use it on someone? Like those escaped prisoners?" Bai Shou chuckled as she returned the gu worm.
"Perhaps," Yang Pao nodded. "And that is why I'm here. First, I ask for your understanding regarding my inappropriate behavior earlier."
Bai Shou knew he was referring to the lie about refining the Aperture Puncture for his own use when it was Shu Zhe who sent him. Ordinarily, Yang Pao wouldn't reveal such a humble demeanor despite his somewhat gentle and easygoing nature. However, Shu Zhe was in a tight spot, and Yang Pao couldn't effortlessly jump ships. So, he chose to take the initiative to smooth things out with Bai Shou.
"There was no harm done, Brother Yang." Bai Shou poured him some more wine as she smiled peacefully. "Let us discuss what's to come."
Yang Pao nodded appreciatively.
Shu Zhe wouldn't have waited long to recruit Bai Shou, especially after Le Tao publicly joined Di Qing's faction. It gave more weight to the rumors regarding the two elders. Furthermore, being part of Di Qing's faction meant opposing Shu Zhe, which Bai Shou didn't want to do because the latter was a better source to get more top-quality wine from. Of course, Bai Shou would have had a complete 180 had she known about the animosity Shu Ye nurtured for her granddaughter.
"Sect Leader Shu sends her warm regards. She would have invited you. However, she is busy with many pressing matters."
"I understand, Brother Yang." Bai Shou quantified. "How can I be of service to the sect? Sect Leader Shu is the one who rightfully took responsibility for the sect, unlike many other greedy elders. Hmph. And now those ingrates have the nerve to bare their fangs after all of Sect Leader's sacrifices? Let me prove my loyalty to the sect with my actions."
Yang Pao nodded continuously.
"Indeed." He also spoke with rousing emotions, each working their acts shamelessly. "It was our goal since the days in Yuan Yang City to enter one of the Ten Ancient Sects! People like us claw for every advantage to get in such a world of growth. Yet, humans' greed is maybe beyond the heights the white and black heaven could hope to cover."
Being the previous mayor's son, Yang Pao never needed to claw anything.
"Sect Leader informed me to discuss a crucial matter."
"She advised us against releasing the recipe for the Aperture Puncture Gu Worm in any capacity. It is a powerful trump card, and the malicious parties can use it to further deepen Sect Leader Shu's wounds."
Bai Shou agreed.
"Indeed. I would hate for my invention to hurt Sect Leader Shu."
It was Legacy Disciple Nu Wu, or rather the Third Elder, acting as Kong Ri Yi, who conceptualized most of the gu recipe. Bai Shou was already aware of the challenges related to inventing a gu recipe. She has had several ideas for several gu worms, including many fruitful inspirations. However, the task was still pitifully at the beginning stage itself.
Yet, Nu Wu was imprisoned. And Bai Shou wasn't above stealing credit. Understanding her intentions, Yang Pao smiled.
"Yes, your contribution in completing the recipe for the Aperture Puncture Gu was outstanding, Sister Chained. But Sect Leader Shu decided against giving you contribution points. As outer disciples, what we could gain from the exchange hall is limited. She also cannot break the sect's rules by giving you the gu worms from the Education Halls to supplant our knowledge of the gu world."
Education Halls across the sect never supplied information related to a gu worm's recipe. That was strictly under the Inheritance and Exchange Halls. However, the Education Hall was a great source of information related to the Gu World and its wonders. It also had thousands of biographies and knowledge about historical feats, including the legends of the Venerable. It further broadened the disciples' horizons at inner and elite ranks by offering information from the other four continents!
Knowledge of such nature would have truly been beneficial.
Still, an elite disciple cannot offer this information to the lower class without repercussions.
Instead, Shu Zhe directly offered Bai Shou a formation and its relevant gu worms.
"Sect Leader Shu didn't mistreat me." Bai Shou smiled. "But please inspect this, Brother Yang."
Yang Pao sighed internally as he accepted an information path gu worm from Bai Shou. It was never going to be easy, or Shu Zhe would not have sent a seasoned character like Yang Pao to recruit Bai Shou.
'Hmm? An invitation letter from Di Qing?'
Yang Pao kept his expression from turning grim.
Bai Shou casually revealing the letter from Di Qing also revealed the lengths she was willing to go to recruit someone like Bai Shou.
'All legacy disciples were sent out of the sect. Chaos cannot be predicted, and even the Supreme Elders did not want their carefully nurtured disciples to end up dead due to accidents.' Yang Pao thought. 'And while elite disciples might have a better foundation due to greater access to rarer gu worms, someone like Bai Shou holds immense value.'
Yet, Bai Shou would not have revealed the letter without ulterior motives.
"Sect Leader Shu can offer all these," Yang Pao stated without hesitation, making Bai Shou shake her head.
"Elder Di listed many things in her letter. However, I refused her invitation. I'm merely an outer disciple. While I am loyal to the sect and admire Sect Leader Shu…" She sighed. "I cannot allow myself to be surrounded by enemies. I entered the sect to grow peacefully. I am but a pitiful refinement path gu master with meager attainment in combat."
Yang Pao: "…"
"But one thing remains constant."
Bai Shou revealed a familiar, flushed, and dazed look.
"How about this, Brother Yang?"
"I shall continue running my business peacefully. I have more confidence in my ability to refine the gu worms compared to my combat skills. But to refine the gu worms for Sect Leader Shu's potential opponents does not sit right with me."
She smiled.
"What if Sect Leader Shu had a say in whom I refined the gu worms for from this point onwards?"
Yang Pao furrowed his brows, predicting the compensation.
"For Thousand-Year Spirit Valley Wine?" He sighed.
Bai Shou's smile brightened as she joyfully clapped her hands.
"Indeed. Let us discuss the amount needed each time for Sect Leader Shu to avail such services."
It was a joke!
Bai Shou wanted to stay away from the conflict while maximizing her gains. However, there wasn't much Yang Pao could do.
If one couldn't befriend a powerful bystander, then they needed to ensure they bought the individual's neutrality. Bai Shou knew her worth damn well and wasn't afraid to put it to use. Well, it could be said that Bai Shou still wasn't aware of the complete extent of her worth!
Why should Bai Shou have to play the Supreme Elders' game when she had no interest in the sect's politics, and neither did the higher-ups have any interest in enforcing such politics on Bai Shou? Blindly following one faction and making an enemy out of the rest was very dangerous because Bai Shou was also unaware of the trump cards held by the elders. For all she knew, they might have another Rank 5 Life-Death Rotation Gu which could instantly kill her!
Understanding all this and already informed about several circumstances and how to deal with them from Shu Zhe, Yang Pao took the best possible route of action and eventually formed a deal.
'If this is how Bai Shou is playing things, then what did Di Qing's faction promise her?' Yang Pao pondered before his thoughts shook. 'Could it be…'
Bai Shou spoke up again, forcing an end to Yang Pao's thoughts.
"There is also another matter I would like to discuss, Brother Yang."
Saying so, Bai Shou revealed Wang Nan's gu set.
"Would Sect Leader Shu be interested in co-hosting a private auction with me?" Bai Shou inquired.
"An auction?" Yang Pao blinked. He never expected such a proposition, and clearly neither did Shu Zhe. Hearing what Bai Shou had to say, Yang Pao nodded and replied smilingly. "I will inform your thoughts to Sect Leader Shu, Sister Chained."
They conversed for a few more minutes before Bai Shou saw Yang Pao off.
'Huff.'
Bai Shou settled in her seat. She ignited a dangerous game. There were two other factions, including Elder Ya's neutral one, that contacted Bai Shou. She set similar arrangements with all of them for different forms of compensation. By never denying her old customers, she opened a path for ALL the factions to eventually refine gu worms from her store.
The more success she attained, the more attention she stood to gain. As such, she would eventually wear all the parties' patience thin! It would be inevitable. Why would other factions just act like sitting ducks and watch Bai Shou maximize her gains?
This scheme had a time limit; Bai Shou was well aware of that.
But it was also one of the best paths to fulfill her short-term needs!
'Now, I need to choose between Soul and Formation Paths.'
Bai Shou had a use for both these paths.
First, the soul path. It had remained a pain in Bai Shou's ass for too long! The recent dwellings into dreams formed from her memories were also concerning. It reduced all the advancements she had made in strengthening her soul. As such, Bai Shou wanted to protect her soul. Of course, there were gu worms like the Void Soul Gu and Robust Spirit Shield Gu. But they did not defend against dreams.
On the other hand, Bai Shou also needed to understand the formation path to build a haven.
The best way to achieve either of these was by visiting the Inheritance Hall, exchanging Wang Nan's inheritance for another one.
Or, Bai Shou could seek other interested parties and compare her options.
Auctioning Wang Nan's gu set while releasing the information about his inheritance helped Bai Shou achieve that.
It was never going to be easy.
'Wait. It's going to be a large-scale conflict, and many elders would want to nurture their young ones as quickly as possible.'
She had a crazy idea.
'How about I create my own inheritance?'
She had gained too much from her traits over the years, and while she planned to keep the most valuable inheritances private, there wasn't any harm in exchanging other, slightly useless ones for more pressing information from the Inheritance Hall.
Also… she had a way to ensure everyone sought her business for gu refinement.
Bai Shou grinned.
She was excited.
'I also now have a direction to heal Shu Zhe!'
Her excitement was shattered when she felt distress from the Rank 4 Formation Heart Gu. There was someone outside her residence.
"Come out, Chained Wanderer! I challenge you to refine a gu worm for me!"
***
Alternate Title: Qin Juan Being More Concerned For Feng Jin Huang; A New Peak Stage Appears; Bai Shou With a Broom? Hol Up; The Cramps?; Hungry Again; Perpetual Starvation; Scheming to Fill the Stomach; Yang Pao Enters Peak; A Peak Dies, a Peak Emerges; Putting the Relic Gu to Good Use; Shu Zhe's New Subordinate; Neutral; Bai Shou Speaks One Thing and Does Another; Bai Shou: Nobody is More Loyal Than Me *Yang Pao: Nuh-uh. I'm the Most Loyal*; Mosquito Gu; Message; Scrambling for Allies; Fear Over the Settlement; Another Aperture Puncture?; Auction; Setting Trading Relationships; Knowing Worth; Time Limit to a Scheme; A New Direction; Bai Shou's Inheritance?; Auction Arc Coming Soon to Your Nearest Theaters; Bai Shou's Weakness: Spectral Soul; HW Sighing in Relief Due to Another Demon Restrained by a Niche Method; Meanwhile Bai Shou: Imma Get an Inheritance
***
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