The second half of the auction swiftly drew around the corner as Bai Shou set the necessary information path gu for the display of names the formation would select randomly. Her pockets were already bursting with wealth after Shu Zhe unceremoniously paid for her bids.
Since most items in the first half of the auction belonged to Bai Shou, she earned nearly 40 million primeval stones!
Most of which, however, would not be used for cultivation but used in gu refinement.
Still, he felt a little dissatisfied by Shu Zhe's actions. Financial income was secondary for Bai Shou and her partner had unknowingly obstructed one of her schemes. Yet, somehow, it allowed Bai Shou to quickly exploit the opportunity.
Bai Shou sat down on the empty chair next to Shu Zhe, tossing the latter a warm smile, before activating the formation as everyone watched the name appear on the screen instantly.
Yan Tang.
A wave of surprised hum echoed among the spectators as a fierce-looking old man stood up with a quiet smile. He was the guest from Immortal Crane Sect. Shu Zhe offered the information about the man without any prompts, allowing Bai Shou to study Yan Tang.
He was a fire path gu master who boasted a decent refinement path gu set, rising to fame due to two offensive killer moves from each set.
Not standing on ceremony, Yan Tang revealed the item he wished to sell. His calculative eyes scanned the participants before he released a rank 4 bee.
Rank 4 Frenzy Needle Bee.
"This Frenzy Needle Bee can pierce through any defensive gu worm's protection if they are physical. It's a great addition for any offensive metal path gu master." Yan Tang introduced. "Only special gu worms can deal with its piercing power!"
"I will trade this gu worm for a refinement path gu worm."
A few gu masters began to bid, offering decent options. However, none of them caught Yan Tang's eye. Disappointed, he was soon forced to step down since his time ran out.
Bai Shou activated the formation again.
Dao Gang.
Dao Gang was the elder from the Myriad Dragon Dock, another outsider.
Seeing the item was of no interest to her, Bai Shou sank in silence and diverted her attention to something else.
Inside her aperture swam a strange insect.
Its head was round and attached to something like an eyeball but covered in a black carapace.
Rank 4 Evil Intentions Gu.
It was a rank 4 refinement path investigation gu worm. The conditions to use it were very specific.
Only in the process of refining a gu worm could this be used to mark the new product, allowing a gu master to spy upon someone else's secrets. Of course, Evil Intention Gu Worm's effects would disappear if the marked gu worm was refined again. It's why Bai Shou refrained from purchasing too many gu worms for her own use or store anything bought from the sect in her second aperture.
It was effortless for a gu immortal to strip away a mortal's secrets!
So, Bai Shou used this gu worm. All the gu worms in auctions refined by Bai Shou were marked by the Evil Intentions Gu and she manipulated a brave will to enter the gu worm.
Spending time with Shu Zhe's had its benefits. The off-handed comments about a few things a wisdom path gu master did commonly were huge inspiration for Bai Shou as she grew more experienced in manipulating will and thoughts, especially with the foundation of her master-level attainment in the wisdom path.
She did not use the gu worm in an orthodox fashion. Instead, a new brave will entered the gu worm, activating the gu worm before recording its effect.
The brave will returned to Bai Shou's mind and carried along specific memories.
Bai Shou's expression did not change when she witnessed the disaster that was Shu Zhe's aperture. What should be the picture of complete perfection, the thick crystalline walls of a peak stage rank 5 gu master, was instead a canvas of nightmare.
Glowing red veins pulsated through cracked crystal walls which were similarly stained red. Her aperture was dry, save for a small puddle barely visible through the crowd of sunken gu worms.
'There's no way reversing the effects of the aperture puncture gu alone would solve her issues.'
Bai Shou nearly sucked in a breath of cold air.
The Aperture Puncture's effects were merely a small addition to a disastrous whole. Just looking at the walls alone made Bai Shou fear they would need someone with decent experience in blood path to deal with the injuries on her aperture's walls.
'Or a gu worm that reconstructs her aperture whole.'
Bai Shou thought of the Heavenly Aperture Transformation Gu.
It was an incomparably rare and extinct wood path gu. Shu Zhe would have used something similar if she could.
However, even ancient sects weren't known to possess all the extinct gu worms!
'I also don't know about its recipe or the construct of the trace of dao inside it.'
She lamented.
Where Aperture Puncture Gu and its effects represent an uncertain but hopeful path, the Heavenly Aperture Transformation Gu was a certain but desolate path.
Then, Bai Shou observed the gu worms inside Shu Zhe's aperture.
'As expected, she's got a number of Beggar Moth Gu Worms.'
Beggar Moth was a storage gu worm that only stored one's primeval essence.
Beyond that, Bai Shou witnessed a host of wisdom path gu worms, which was like reading another inheritance since Shu Zhe's gu set was quite refined.
Then she saw something strange, leaving her speechless.
'She has a Soul Orchid Bloom Gu.'
Bai Shou stifled her surprise. It was a gu worm necessary to help Chen Jiu recover her sapience.
Shu Zhe already possessing such a gu worm displayed her foundation and deep intentions, not particularly malicious.
The most surprising discovery was a collection of rank 1 and 2 blood path gu worms.
Shu Zhe definitely tried several methods to heal her injuries.
Lastly, Bai Shou noticed two different lifesaving gu worms, each extraordinary.
Just one inspection left a lasting impression on Bai Shou. She was more taken by the state of Shu Zhe's injuries than her wealth.
Conveniently possessing substantial knowledge about blood path gu worms, Bai Shou couldn't help but scroll through the gu worm recipes mentally, wondering what the best and efficient method was to heal Shu Zhe.
Like her act of nurturing Ju Lin, Bai Shou had a deeper selfishness hidden in her attempts of connecting with Shu Zhe on a deeper level.
Shu Zhe was a peak stage rank 5 gu master with a deep foundation compared to other gu masters unable to exploit an ancient sect's resources. If someone around Bai Shou had a reasonable chance to advance as a gu immortal, it was Shu Zhe!
And mating with a gu immortal?
Bai Shou couldn't help but momentarily forget all her woes and sources of confusion when fantasizing about possible rewards from a gu immortal.
Dao Gang smiled, successfully securing a deal. Meanwhile, Yan Tang's expression soured considerably. Myriad Dragon Dock and Immortal Crane Sect were in constant competition and conflict due to existing in the same south-west region of the Central Continent. Seeing his opponent profiting left a bad taste in Yan Tang's mouth.
'Ok… who should be next?'
Bai Shou thought for a moment before choosing someone randomly.
As such, many rank 5 disciples, including Yang Pao, found themselves listed on the information path gu as the participants grew at ease and more excited with every successful trade. Such auction was also an outstanding source of information since many perceptive elders memorized who exchanged what in case, they encountered a need to require any of these gu worms or materials.
Unsurprisingly, two disciples also exchanged a chance for others to convert primeval stones into contribution points at a more profitable rate than the sect, effortlessly exchanging thousands of points for millions in profits!
Even Bai Shou exchanged a decent chunk of her primeval stones for more contribution points.
Finally, Bai Shou chose someone more interesting.
Ge Qu.
Ge Qu stood from her seat and reached the stage with confident steps.
"I found the video of her promotion test. She is a very skilled refinement path gu master, dear. Can you truly best her scheme?"
Shu Zhe glanced at Bai Shou, communicating with him again.
Bai Shou wasn't surprised that Feng Jin Huang's parents were able to doctor enough evidence to support Ge Qu's existence. Yet, she was composed. She had no doubt Feng Jin Huang's parents wouldn't let their daughter become her slave in all but name.
"I can. And even if I fail, I can refuse to respect the bet. I hope you will still cherish me if I lose some reputation."
"Be serious." Shu Zhe's exasperation was slightly more pointed as Bai Shou suddenly leaned against the sect leader, nudging the former with a cheeky smirk. Such an intimate act did not escape other's notice as Shu Zhe thinned her lips but didn't berate her partner for the act.
"I'm serious." Bai Shou smiled warmly, holding Shu Zhe's gaze. "I'm confident in the bets I make. How about I prove it to you? Wanna bet if I can help you with that without anyone's attention?"
Her gaze momentarily flicked down to Shu Zhe's crotch before looking up.
"That's alright. I believe you."
Shu Zhe's reply was dull, but her hand still crept near Bai Shou's before holding it lightly.
The corner of Ge Qu's eyes twitched. She continued once she felt other participant's confused stares and recalled she was allotted a limited time.
Considering her options, she decided on a somewhat enticing selection.
"I refined this gu worm."
She stated plainly, adding no other description as she let out a dark-blue centipede. Its carapace looked glossy and tough like polished steel.
"Bid as you wish."
Others observed the gu worm silently. A few tried to hide their confusion as they chose to contact others while the majority identified it.
The rank 5 centipede gu crawled up Ge Qu's arm as she waited for a response.
'She refined a Rank 5 Starfall Gu?' Bai Shou doubted Ge Qu since she knew of the latter's identity. Feng Jin Huang was a metal path gu master and had no reason to refine a rank 5 star path gu worm, that was well-known to be a challenging process among several refinement path gu masters' circles just to sell it. The more believable story was the gu worm being one of Feng Jin Huang's many plunders.
After all, she was known for mighty combat strength!
Still, this did not satisfy Bai Shou.
The auction continued after a moment as a few interested gu masters began to measure Ge Qu's interest by offering a few random things before bidding using refinement path gu and materials.
Soon, it was Bai Shou's turn as she stood up and sauntered up the stage.
"Hmm. I have something interesting to offer since it's useless to me. It's a complete set of sword path gu worms befitting a rank 5 gu master!"
She revealed all of Wang Nan's gu worms, described them concisely, and listed her demand.
"I seek a complete soul path inheritance related to strengthening and refining the soul."
She would ordinarily refuse to reveal such a desire since it was the same as admitting her weakness. However, she had taken a few measures to defend herself better, including the recent addition of the Strong Spirit Shield.
Instead, she was still pressured by the thought of accidentally entering a dream realm and dying in her sleep as it reduced her soul to nothingness.
She was also worried about gathering enough top-quality wine for the immortal gu. However, the choice between her and the gu worm's life was obvious.
Her request caused a few to click their tongues. But nobody could be underestimated as Elder Ya's confident voice resounded through the viewing seat.
"I possess a complete soul path inheritance to strengthen the soul. It's called Soul Bonding Inheritance. It will help you achieve hundred-man soul in less than 4 years and thousand-man soul within 10 years. However, you will need to supplant it with an inheritance offering methods to refine the soul."
Bai Shou caught slight smugness in Ge Qu's eyes before she quickly concealed it.
'Does she have a better method?' Bai Shou noted internally. She would leave no stone unturned.
"He asked for a complete inheritance, old fool!" The elder from Combat Immortal Sect derided as Elder Ya snorted in displeasure. They had some bad blood between them.
Jirou Na considered her options before refusing to bid. Di Qing was the same and so was Shu Zhe, who often competed for the goods offered by Bai Shou.
Surprisingly, Bai Shou chose not to sell the gu set after she heard no other offers.
Soon, it was Yang Pao's turn and then Jirou Na's. Finally, the event witnessed its first repeated name before everyone had the chance to auction.
Ge Qu briefly frowned before returning to the stage.
She was one of the few successful gu masters who sold their spoils. Since she was a metal path gu master who also had to buy a few refinement path material and gu worms, she settled for something that interested her and exchanged the Starfall Gu.
Being wealthier than most, Ge Qu soon exchanged a rank 4 wood path gu worm for a refinement path gu worm.
<<<>>>
7 hours later.
Everyone got a chance to step up the stage for the last seven hours. Bai Shou was among the minor few who received more chances than others. However, she was unsuccessful every turn.
After Wang Nan's set, she revealed a set of three Nine Eyes Liquor Worm, raising a commotion. But her demand of soul path inheritance went by unfulfilled every turn.
She was also studying her surroundings and learned many things.
"Please inspect this." She smiled and revealed one Nine Eyes Liquor Worm instead of a collection of three. After hours of observation, Bai Shou had a general idea of what the parties she was interested in wanted.
She listed a few materials and low-ranked gu worms in exchange, exciting most participants.
'Aren't stalks of sneaking grass a theft path material? They are incredibly rare for the ordinary, but the sect has many materials.' Ge Qu pondered. 'But other materials have nothing to do with the theft path.'
Indeed. The selection of materials Bai Shou desired stumped several interested parties, but they raised the bid regardless. Aside from a few rare materials, most of Bai Shou's demand was a doable trade.
Elder Ya, who studied Bai Shou's methods more closely, couldn't help but feel inspired.
'Is she trying to refine a new gu worm? So quickly?' He felt awestruck. Bai Shou's record of refining gu worms in such a short duration had already impressed many and made even more feel threatened.
Soon, Bai Shou exchanged one of the three liquor worms with a satisfied smile. Meanwhile, the elder from Heaven's Envy Manor successfully obtained one of the new gu worms felt even more contentment. After all, it would be great contribution to provide such gu worms to the sect and letting his superiors reverse refine its recipe.
In the next six hours, Bai Shou sold the remaining two liquor worms to, surprisingly, Hum Dum.
Heaven's Envy Manor, Spirit Affinity House, and Wind Cloud Manor were all established within Central Continent's eastern region. Hum Dum couldn't sit still knowing that Spirit Affinity House could gain even more rank 4 liquor worm and now that Heaven's Envy Manor also got one of the three gu worms. He needed to acquire the remaining two, else his opponents in the sect would accuse him of being useless and letting their competition advance unchecked!
Meanwhile, Bai Shou was more than pleased.
She couldn't acquire a soul path inheritance related to soul strengthening because its value was significantly greater than what she was offering. So, she had to shift her priorities and accomplish other objectives, one of which were the refinement of a Hairy Man Gu or the gu worm she was inspired to create from Thieving Heaven's true inheritance—Fake Aperture.
To nobody's shock, refining the Hairy Man Gu was more complicated because of Bai Shou's lacking research and her inability to retrieve and inspect the Dreamer Gu.
That wasn't true for the other gu worm.
"What else would you exchange Wang Nan's gu worm for?" Shu Zhe inquired out of nowhere.
Bai Shou blinked before shrugging.
"For you? There's no need to exchange it, dear. Just take it."
Shu Zhe narrowed her eyes briefly, letting her piercing blue eyes do the talking.
"Don't make the mistake of believing I wouldn't."
Bai Shou smiled calmly.
"Take it."
"… fine. Do you have any other Liquor Worms?"
"No more. But I can refine more for you."
"Let me guess. Spirit Valley Wine?"
"You know me so well, Sister Shu."
"Why not refine it for free? Be kinder to your wife."
"Hmm, refining for free isn't out of option." Bai Shou revealed, surprising Shu Zhe for once. "If you ask nicely, that is."
Shu Zhe truly wondered if Bai Shou was messing with her.
"Will you please refine more liquor worms for me?" She grew thoughtful and added. "I'd like to provide the necessary materials."
Bai Shou smirked and held Shu Zhe's hand. Leaning closer, she whispered into the sect leader's ear.
"Anything for you."
The corner of Shu Zhe's lips twitched since she was certain almost everyone with enhanced senses and investigation methods heard Bai Shou's whisper and most likely believed it to be something sexual, given her smirk and intimate action and all.
Shooting Bai Shou a nonplussed stare, Shu Zhe stared ahead without replying further.
"Oh, did I make you mad? I'm sorry."
"I'm not mad."
Well, Shu Zhe was certainly mad.
<<<>>>
The second half of the auction ended uneventfully. That wasn't to say it was not an exciting affair but not many things entered Bai Shou's eyes. After all, her various gu sets were almost complete. Nothing else needed to be said about her strength path set. In fact, it required more refinement in terms of use and could do with some trimming down. Meanwhile, the successful addition of Rank 5 Preservation completed what use Bai Shou wanted to derive from her refinement path set. Everything else in that regard was a bonus and her priorities returned to dealing with better methods against soul path and refining more gu worms capable of hiding her from a gu immortal.
Yet, the auction had also ruffled many feathers. There were still a few dissatisfied individuals who couldn't obtain what they required.
Shu Zhe, the kind sect leader she was, visited a couple a few days after the auction to rectify such disappointment.
No emotion reflected on Shu Zhe's feature as she sat across Le Tao and Di Qing.
"You wish to conduct trade?" Di Qing repeated after a moment as steam from their untouched teacups curled lazily.
"Indeed. Elder Le Tao can benefit from Wang Nan's gu set."
"And what if we don't want to trade with those of treacherous hearts?" Le Tao sneered, anger bubbling in his gut since he observed another bruise peeking out of the collar of her robes.
"I assure you Elder Jirou has no such limitations. And if I'm not wrong, she also possesses the Rank 5 Hidden Scabbard and Flying Sword Gu Worms, allowing anyone with Wang Nan's set to enhance their combat power by a few levels."
They were all clear about the other's stance.
Di Qing and Le Tao desired to change their position by becoming the next sect leader even if the latter's motivations were more personal and vindictive.
Meanwhile, Jirou Na was ambitious and undoubtedly vicious. Di Qing's and Le Tao's life would grow very difficult if Jirou Na obtained the sect leader's position.
"I'm surprised Bai Shou gave Wang Nan's gu set to you. What did you trade it for?" Le Tao scoffed.
"We're married," Shu Zhe explained softly. "I requested the gu set and she didn't hesitate in leaving Wang Nan's gu set in my care."
"Aside from Wang Nan's complete inheritance, I'm also here to trade the Nine Eyes Liquor Worm and Purple Crystal Relic Gu Worms."
Di Qing and Le Tao shared a glance, studying the surprise in their eyes.
"How ruthless." Le Tao laughed coldly. "Instead of helping your consort advance, you bring over such treasures for us. Bai Shou's efforts to be a decent partner are wasted on you."
Di Qing felt stifled since she didn't want to ruin such a lucrative trade out of personal hatred. Yet, she also empathized with her lover.
"Bai Shou was aware of my intentions to trade with you." Shu Zhe answered. "And she certainly got what she wanted."
Saying so, Shu Zhe casually adjusted her collar and hid the mark of the bruise.
Le Tao's gaze couldn't help but betray his disgust and discomfort.
"What do you require, Sect Leader Shu?" Di Qing prompted before Le Tao's reason lose against his rage.
Shu Zhe turned to look at Di Qing, replying without playing around the bush.
"Your inheritance, Elder Di Qing."
Di Qing and Le Tao were stunned.
***
Alternate Title: Fallen Schemes; Nightmare Aperture; Massive Injuries; Shu Ye Solidifies Her Position as the Greatest Hater; Difficult to Obtain Soul Path Inheritance; Bai Shou Struggling to Get a Decent Method for Soul Strengthening *Meanwhile, Feng Jin Huang Swimming in Guts Gu*; Shu Zhe's Insane Wealth; Leaving No Stone Unturned; Schemes of the Ancient Sects; Uneventful for Few, Exciting for Plenty; Bai Shou Did Not Read PDA Section in the Sect's Rule Book; Bai Shou's the Playful Slut in Every Relationship; Making Hu Mei Er Proud; Making Granny Mei Hua Proud; Shu Zhe Oozes Dignity *Also Shu Zhe: Marries Someone Who Oozes Everything but Dignity*; Seductive Giant; Selfishness; Grooming a Gu Immortal; Bai Shou's Motto: Invest Early; Shu Zhe Asks Nicely; Bai Shou: Ask Nicer and I'll Definitely Show You the Goods; Seducing the Sect Leader; The Mark of Honesty; Le Tao's Disgust; The Feeling of NTR is Unwarranted But Undeniable Still; Bai Shou Accrues More Haters
***
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