A tall, well-built middle-aged man moved through a hall with calm steps. The gentle moonlight reflected over the nearby pond in the garden's center, which the hall bisected. Massive, consistent openings on each side of the hall allowed the Rank 5 Gu Master to enjoy the serene beauty carefully maintained by the manor's servants. The apparent Lord turned and entered the garden, his figure cutting a graceful arc through the cobblestoned path to prevent damage to the lush dew grass.
The surroundings teemed with the sweet and refreshing scent of lush dew grass. It brightened one's mood, something Yuan Yang City's mayor needed before sitting in a marbled gazebo.
He activated the Bookworm Gu in his mind.
The task of sorting through the answers fell on the City's Refinement Expert—usually an external guest with enough trust and business in the city.
The word 'usual' wasn't entirely correct. With the convention occurring once a Century, the current Lord's grandfather handled the city's events.
However, the current Mayor was a Refinement Path Gu Master, and his future was strictly laid out by his late father—may his vicious soul remain without peace.
The Mayor exhaled, unwilling to dampen his mood with familial matters. Whoever spoke about being unconditionally familial to one's parents probably never met his father.
—How do you mix water stones and fire whiskers? With my hairy balls, you asshole! Come, kiss my nut sac in your mother's bedroom for raising the taxes again this year! My address? Your mom's cunt!—
The Mayor took a deep breath and moved on, already prepared for these answers. However, it was the necessary work to get beyond the first round. Those were his orders. He had already known that many citizens would purposely leave infuriating answers. And if not the citizens then it could be malicious external parties wanting to lure the Mayor into a trap.
—I'm your bastard, Lord Father. Pay me 100,000 Primeval Stones, please!—
The following answer didn't even say anything about Water Stones and Fire Whiskers.
—If I knew that, wouldn't I be running the city? Stop wasting our time and reduce the damn taxes already, you dumb broad!—
'No, you still wouldn't run the city.' The Mayor rubbed his forehead. It was the same story every time. Give the general populace a chance to make fun of the administration, and they will let their creativity loose.
And what was that about taxes?
Taxes consistently increased with inflation. The Mayor, trying to grow out of his father's ruthless and unreasonable shadow, ensured better living conditions. Still, there were no limits to being ungrateful in the world.
'Fuck it.'
The Mayor fished out a gourd of wine and began drinking as he read the answers. He didn't want to risk ignoring and offending a master by leaving this task to his subordinates. After all, the question had too many answers, and the Mayor was one of the few with more knowledge than most.
So, he began the grueling task of sifting through all the verbal shit show and appreciating genuine answers.
'Hmm, boiling them together in a vat of purple water acid? Close. Purple water acid has heat properties. But it's an incomplete method with a high failure rate unless you add brown coals.'
Another one of the answers caught his eye.
'Drying the water stones and combining the powder with crushed fire whiskers? Since they remain dry, they become particles of different powders instead of mixing. Who is this joker?'
Still, the Mayor appreciated the honest attempt.
There were many Gu Masters who needed the rewards, even from the first round.
Yuan Yang City's Mayor did not lose his concentration despite getting drunk, a side-effect of utilizing the Still Heart Gu to refine his body. A few answers made him sit straight and mull over them. There were also a few clear-cut answers that he already knew. The Mayor noted all these winners since they were eligible to enter the second contest, the results of which would constantly be posted for the public to witness.
The word of the competition's beginning should increase the population flow into the city. However, they would still have more conventions and competitions as they approach the Grand Refinement Path Convention. Yuan Yang City had set aside a reserve to attract all sorts of talents by capitalizing on the Refinement Path Convention's reputation.
'Oh?'
The Mayor's eyelids shot open.
—Let a mortal boil the water stones and consume the resulting liquid before eating the fire whiskers with precisely 500 grams of crushed pepper stems. Inspect the resulting vomit.—
'What is this?' The Mayor remained dazed for a few seconds before frowning. He had never heard of… this. It could be a joke, but being an accomplished Refinement Path Gu Master allowed the Mayor to realize there was indeed a synergy between crushed pepper stems and fire whiskers. However, the responder seemed very confident that any number of water stones and fire whiskers could be combined with just 500 grams of crushed pepper stems.
'Is this a superbly-veiled suggestion for me to poison myself?' The Mayor mused, unable to shake off the feeling the responder might be onto something. So, he instantly woke his subordinates and beelined towards the City's prison.
"Lord? Are you sure?" His buxom subordinate questioned with a weird look on her face.
"Did I ask for your opinion? Use the Sleep Gu on this idiot."
The small crowd watched another subordinate forcing down the boiling liquid from the water stones into the unconscious prisoner's mouth. Yet, the mortal did not burn. Even when boiling, the liquid from the water stones contained all the heat in a bubbly air pocket inside the liquid. Then went an unequal amount of Fire Whiskers with 500 grams of crushed pepper stems.
And… nothing…
If anything, the sleeping prisoner violently coughed out everything in a ruined mixture.
"I don't think it will work, Lord," One of the guards prompted as the Mayor continued staring at the prisoner before nodding.
"Heal him. I don't want his sentence to be cut short because we accidentally poisoned him."
"Now, onto the next one."
"Next one?" questioned one of the subordinates.
"Yes," the Mayor suddenly smiled. "And do not use any Gu Worm on the next subject."
<<<>>>
Sweat was never an issue for Bai Shou, and even getting used to pain and the flowing blood from her facial orifices didn't make refining the Gu any less of a pain for the woman. What was even with the Gu World? Successfully refining a Gu Worm resulted in injuries and exhaustion—the same as failure!
"Ugh!" Bai Shou groaned and wiped the blood flowing from her ears with a towel. Her private courtyard's cultivation room was sturdy enough, but it did not mean Bai Shou was excited about going through the same.
Well, the results should have been better.
However, forcibly trying to stop the Gu Refinement from failing was a testament to Bai Shou's massively improved skills just as much as an indication of her understanding of the Refinement and Strength Paths.
'It's the surroundings. Or rather, every recipe successfully invented is always based on the inventor's surroundings. The slightest difference between the location of the invention and another Gu Master mimicking the same thing boasts differing success rates. That is the truth behind the aspect of the Gu Refinement never being a 100% success. Can Gu Masters control the environment itself?'
She mused before shaking her head. Her current workload and list of objectives were already enough to make anyone else dizzy. She wasn't about to waste her time being distracted since it would lead to a downfall in her efficiency.
'At least I succeeded. That is the only thing that matters in the end.'
In Bai Shou's first aperture floated an arm-sized black-capped mushroom. Despite the same shape, the Rank 5 Gu Worm was drastically more vicious-looking than its Rank 4 variant. Aside from the mushroom cap's color changing from purple to black, the white marks on the cap's surface were like skeletal skulls. Shooting out from the mushroom's length were two thick trunks shaped like muscular, vein-mapped, flexing arms with clenched fists.
The Rank 5 Violently Beat Poison Gu!
'While the advancement dealt with the suppression and can now quickly deal with most poisons except for the rare ones like the Jade Sky, the Gu Worm's feeding properties changed. It feeds every 10 months and requires 650 kg of Meat Root Tree Wood. Meanwhile, the Rank 4 variant would have consumed only 450 kg in ten months… that's an additional cost. And while I won't always encounter a Poison Path Gu Master, unlike its previous two variants, the Violently Beat Poison Gu is an excellent counter and 'buff' for a Strength Path Gu Master.'
She was rather satisfied with the results and began healing her mind and body.
Once finished, Bai Shou checked the time and realized it had almost been three days. Still, it wasn't morning yet.
'Back to deducing the clone's recipe.'
She only emerged from her room until late afternoon, appearing clean and fresh as if she wasn't struggling to hold onto the Rank 5 Gu Worm's dear life, refusing to take failure for an answer. However, she was only slightly more fortunate this time around.
"Senior, the City Guard's Commander is waiting for you. He already stopped by the last three days."
The courtyard's customary guard boy instantly came running over, pale as a sheet of paper.
"Is that so?" Bai Shou smiled and ruffled the boy's hair. "I'll go meet him. Keep up the good work."
Her casual attitude left the boy momentarily dazed before he instantly heard the commander's terrified squeak from outside the courtyard.
"My deepest apologies, Senior! I did not mean to be rude!"
The boy hurriedly ran out, only to find the mighty Rank 3 Commander bowing deeply. Of course, being a mortal ensured the boy did not feel a Gu Master's aura. However, he knew the Commander was a Rank 3 Gu Master, even an undefeated expert in the same rank!
"Nobody was rude," Bai Shou fished out a flask of alcohol, taking an indifferent sip. "Would you like to talk inside?"
"T- The Mayor wished to see you," the Commander chattered. "But I can relay your intentions if you wish otherwise!"
The boy was almost floored. When did the arrogant commander become so… such…
'Such a fucking pussy…' the boy kept his thoughts from the outside world. More than that, the Mayor was the elusive and mighty Rank 5 Lord!
A King amongst Gu Masters!
The boy quietly gazed at the Elder Sister's back. Such a gentle-looking, albeit alcoholic, Gu Master had the authority to make the Mayor wait for her?
"It's fine," Bai Shou smiled. "Let's go now. Lead the way."
"As you wish, Senior."
The Commander straightened his back and led Bai Shou into the nearby carriage before sitting outside with the driver, commanding the latter to move instead of gawking in disbelief.
<<<>>>
"Congratulations are in order, Sister Chained. I'm this humble city's Mayor, Yang Pao." The Mayor introduced himself with a warm smile as he entered the central manor's guest room. His body language was inviting, and his strides confident as if unaffected by the Initial Stage Rank 5 aura escaping the lone brunette admiring the paintings hanging from the walls.
"My breakthrough was an eventuality," she stood up, gracefully cupping her fist despite the heavy air of alcohol around her. "This humble one's name is lackluster, and I eventually adopted a fitting title—Chained Wanderer. It's an honor to meet a Lord of your capacity, Mayor Yang."
"Haha," Yang Pao chuckled as he sat, his cultivation a notch above Chained Wanderer, as he gestured to her to return to her seat. "What use are the ceremonies among us, Sister Chained Wanderer? Would you like something before we get to the heart of the matter?"
"No, I have all that I need, Brother Yang," Chained Wanderer revealed an equally warm smile before patting the gourd beside her.
"Hmm." Yang Pao nodded, letting the slight tension between them settle before he breached the topic.
"Your reply to the event's inquiry was unique, to say the least. Never before have I witnessed a human's stomach acting as a refinement space to converge different materials. An even more outstanding aspect of your method was the resulting process, which left the subject mortal entirely unharmed." Yang Pao made himself comfortable as he spoke, slightly leaning into his chair and folding his legs. "It's no mystery that we both understand Yuan Yang City's events will not be able to test your limits."
"A Gu Master nurtures, refines, and uses the Gu Worm," Chained Wanderer punctuated humbly. "Each aspect of the Gu Cultivation is depthless, an abyss of unending folds. I can't claim mastery of the Refinement aspect. My limits can exist from an ant struggling to survive after being accidentally stepped on and crushed—to the clouds drifting in the sky. Perhaps the True Yang Mountain Range's gem has experiences to offer I have never felt and sensed."
"Impressive," Yang Pao smiled widely. "Not only your understanding and outlook of the Dao but your experience with the Central Continent's language. I hear a little Southern in your accent. Of course, others wouldn't notice it and chalk it up to an isolated, local tone. But I've made a few friends from our southern neighbors."
Chained Wanderer Bai Shou spoke without missing a beat or allowing her expression to betray any surprise.
The Immortals have their way of communicating with each other irrespective of the Regional Qi Walls, so the Imaginative Strength knew the language of all the five regions—and now so did Bai Shou. However, even she hadn't mastered the accent well—not yet, anyway.
As Yang Pao revealed, she didn't need to. Everybody else, until now, had paid little attention to it.
"My past chains me, yet my heart thirsts exploration," Chained Wanderer channeled her Unchained Vagabond. "Destined to return, I only wander to understand my limits. Perhaps I shall master the chains around me and turn those shackles into nothing but decorations. Having heard of the Refinement Path Convention, I wished to witness its glory with my own eyes. Who knows if I'll live another century."
At least she had the nerve to speak the truth. Surviving another century was indeed a dubious proposition with the dangers she encountered.
"I assure you," Bai Shou finished. "My stay is merely temporary. I can't seem to stay away from my home for too long."
Yang Pao laughed. "I suppose the Regional Qi suppression didn't leave a good impression." The humor in his eyes veiled the assessing gaze trying to pry Bai Shou's secrets within the moment.
His words could either be a threat or an olive branch. More than aware of how the Leaders examined the target based on the latter's choices, Bai Shou saw it fitting to ease Yang Pao's worries. After all, she wasn't out for a brawl with everyone.
"It is true the Central Continent's air has not been too kind to me, forcing me to take up my not-so-pleasant vices." Bai Shou's fingers brushed across the gourd almost in an 'instinct.'
"I planned to eventually obtain some much-needed rewards during the Convention's flair. If I'm not wrong, several cities and sects would also host smaller Refinement Conventions as we near the Grand Event, right?"
Yang Pao's smile broadened. "Indeed," he answered. "The air of our Continent almost electrifies with excitement and anticipation every century. In fact, you aren't the first Southerner I met. Several Gu Masters arrived years ago, the earliest of them almost a decade from now. Some experts spend even more preparing for this event."
Bai Shou smiled bitterly. "I suppose my chances of achieving anything noteworthy is less than possible."
"On the contrary," Yang Pao shook his head. "We're both capable and understand the true source of our inspiration, what sets the elites and talented from the commoners—a talent more desired than aptitude itself."
Bai Shou grew quiet before sighing and nodding.
"Such is our world, Brother Yang. Some of us are born unfair."
'And some of us fucked our way into getting a butt load of Dreamer Gu Worms.'
Still, it was effortless for Bai Shou to notice how they had been skirting around the heart of the matter despite Yang Pao stating he was about to cut to the chase earlier. So, sighing helplessly, Bai Shou began.
"It's rude for me to expect anything after Yuan Yang City's grand hospitality, Brother Yang. But is it alright for me to make a request?"
"Of course, Sister Chained." Yang Pao's gaze brightened.
"Could I ask for resources… of course, I'd exchange for them. Still, whatever I gathered since my arrival in the Central Continent cannot display my true skills." Her words were purposefully vague. She didn't mention any concrete requirements, skills, or current abilities. So, Yang Pao only heard—a variable salary, most likely based on the task itself—like the missions from the Mission Halls.
The man adopted a serious expression.
"There are still a few years till Convention's color paints the continent. Hmm… it will be a costly affair. And, of course, not everything can happen at once. I just wished to meet the talented Refinement Path Expert with such unique ideas. Would you be staying in the city for long?"
Bai Shou chuckled and sipped her wine.
"True Yang Mountain Range is a beautiful sight whether it be the day or night. I'd probably be exploring it for till my heart's content."
"Ah, wonderful," Yang Pao clapped with a satisfied nod.
"May I ask something, Sister Chained?" He began.
"Of course, Brother."
"Have you been to the Shang Clan?"
The innocent question almost tested Bai Shou's acting as she shrugged shamelessly.
"My teacher took me there once when I was little. However, I haven't been fortunate enough to visit the heart of Southern Border's trade since then."
"Sigh. It's a shame," Yang Pao shook his head. "I hear the Shang Clan covers an entire named mountain and further modified its interior. The auctions in the Shang Clan favor a few Gu Masters possessing specialized tokens. Now, I'm ashamed to admit Yuan Yang City is nothing compared to the Shang Clan in scale or trade. However, our city also has its fair share of activity, and we host an auction every month."
The man tapped his armrest.
"It doesn't feel right to not receive you with a gift. So, I'm willing to bend some rules—just this once. I'd like to offer you the list of resources sold in the auction in advance. I'd let you buy any goods of your choice except the final auction piece if you wish. And do not let our Southern friends hear from you that we from the Central Continent are incompetent. You may use the Primeval Stones you saved from the Southern Border to exchange for the resources. I believe the other region's Primeval Stones value is a smidgen less. But the Yuan Yang City had its share of trade with travelers and assisted them in converting their wealth to a more… suited appearance."
Bai Shou grew quiet before exhaling and nodding with a heartfelt, sincere expression.
"Thank you, Brother Yang. Yes, I would like to accept those gifts… but I understand how much you're offering and won't forget this favor."
Yang Pao was more than pleased to hear these words.
They were all calculative. Not every Rank 5 Gu Master was as dim-witted as Xiao Mang. In fact, Xiao Mang was a rare outlier. Very few of his kind existed in the Gu World, almost eradicated by its ruthlessness.
In the entire conversation, Yang Pao had never offered any substantial gift like a Gu Worm or whatnot to congratulate Bai Shou's ascension. It revealed his caution against another Rank 5 Gu Master. Why would he knowingly arm an unknown party without a fair price? Furthermore, he intended to establish a positive relationship because of the trace of skills Bai Shou displayed. She also didn't shy away from the implications and confidently declared she was indeed what Yang Pao pegged her for. So, the best way to walk the thin line of forming a decent relationship without overstepping his hand was to let Bai Shou pay for whatever advantages she could gain through an Auction's advanced listing.
Even if Bai Shou might end up buying nothing, accepting the man's kind intentions was enough to open up the possibilities for future, meaningful trade.
<<<>>>
'Sigh, nothing was noteworthy for that woman in the auction listing. Even the Rank 4 Heavenly Essence Treasure Monarch Lotus as the final item barely attracted her attention. Well, its use is severely mitigated for a Rank 5 Gu Master, and I doubt she has its advancement recipe.' Yang Pao fell into deep thought.
He already had a brief overview of the so-called Chained Wanderer's routine. The woman was a mess, randomly drinking in different pubs within the red light district, shameless enough to openly humor several women, and getting addicted to gambling.
Or rather, Chained Wanderer returned to her vices. Still, she was an expert. The way she carried herself proved that observation well enough.
'She is already a Rank 5 Gu Master and would require many rare materials. Traveling through the regional wall isn't as simple and temporary. Ignoring the risks within the regional walls, the Gu Master needs to reassemble their Gu Set for maximum efficiency. Her words about being a temporary resident are likely to be nothing more than horse shit.'
'But that is even better. If fully committed to rebuilding her foundations, Chained Wanderer would prove to be a slightly more convenient tool to achieve several missions. Refining Rank 5 Gu Worms is also no easy task even for a Refinement Path expert—at least not without relevant Gu Worms.'
'I could hold back and keep a few rare Refinement Path Gu Worms that might emerge as we near the Convention.'
Ordinarily, the Refinement Path experts were stubborn and focused. This wasn't only because of the simplicity behind the aspect of Refinement but also because these experts spent years in solitary study, absorbing knowledge from unorthodox sources and trying to understand every bit about a recipe—the how and why.
It eventually molded their natures as such.
But Yang Pao was the city's mayor first and then an established Refinement Path Expert. It was his family's legacy. He was always shrewd, yet he also boasted the most righteous Refinement Path Gu Master's decency, letting him indulge in his view of trying to help a few when convenient.
In some manner, he was like Bai Shou.
Then again, it wasn't rare—convenient kindness, that is.
Even the world's cruelest demon may display a moment of spontaneous, undeserving kindness.
***
Alternate Title: The Unchained Vagabond's Sluttier Counterpart—Chained Wanderer; Truly Shameless; A Rank 5 Gu; The Elden Ring Poison Buff Is Going To Be Crazy On This One; The City Mayor; Trolling Transcends Space, Time, and The Chaos Sea Around The Gu World; Yang Pao's Bastards?; A Human Path Refinement Technique; Bai Shou, The Human Rights Supporter; Make The Gu World Great Again; The Results; The Meeting; Bai Shou Better Not Use Her Alias To Sleep Around Again; Bai Lin: Hmm. I Sense a Disturbance In The Force; A Fucking Pussy; Ruthless and Quick-Witted Gu Masters; No Kindness Goes Unpunished