The Pot River and its tributaries nourished the Central Continent's eastern half, occupied by several sects. Ignoring the few super forces based on this part of the continent, it created several territories for large-sized sects and cities, Yuan Yang City being one example. Blood Pot Sect, at its peak, was also a large sect until Wisdom Carriage Master emerged and destroyed it for good.
However, except for his lifebound Vital Gu, Bai Shou robbed Wisdom Carriage's entire Gu Set. Lifebound Vital Gu maintained a mysterious connection with a gu master and Bai Shou was worried it could be tracked through an unorthodox means. So, she had decided to leave it as is before killing Wisdom Carriage Master. She believed someone of that eccentric-looking Gu Master's caliber would finish the job because he also possessed profound tracking abilities.
He didn't.
Wisdom Carriage Master wanted Blood Pot Sect Master to live and regrow.
Why?
Bai Shou believed she could answer that question—to maintain a balance.
Jiu Loong Long belonged to an Ancient Sect and possessed every resource required to deal with mortal demonic forces. But what if the Demonic Forces were needed to suppress the consistent rise of Sects?
Any Gu Master with enough wit and capabilities could create a Sect, leading to constant conflict for resources. At some point, the competition stopped benefiting the Continent, leading to its decline. So, the pragmatic Leaders wished for a ruthless force to act as their blades—the Demonic Gu Masters.
Blood Pot Sect Master either understood all this, or he became a non-consenting pawn for the Continent's 'Administration.'
Its reemergence was bound to create waves. A Rank 5 Blood Path Gu Master could not be ignored. The various Sect Leaders and Mayors will move—most of them, at least.
Bai Shou was Yang Pao's proxy, possessing enough rank in cultivation to make it appear less offensive to the Blood Pot Sect Master than the proposition sounded.
But…
*Step*
She did not seek out the inauguration site. Her mind was occupied by the recent developments.
Bai Shou also did not return to the Yuan Yang City. She couldn't, not until she was assured enough. But her mind was a pot of deviousness, consistently wafting with ill-minded plans bound to cause other losses.
Could she not use the information of the Sects and Cities invited to the inauguration?
*Step*
Another discreet step and Bai Shou stood near a massive metal slab, her surroundings more similar to a dangerous vault than a natural cave.
<<<>>>
Before its destruction, the Blood Pot Sect was built surrounded by a concentric ring of blood. Now, it paled compared to its former glory. The ring of the bloody pool was dried, leaving the soil on the surface a deep shade of crimson. Connected with four bridges to its entrance was a modest-looking building made to resemble a red pine cone. Previously, the Sect was nothing short of a massive manor with blood tiles and blood-red jades carved into tigers.
The new building barely covered 5% of the entire territory.
Donning a lavish red-golden robe, the Blood Pot Sect Leader invited the Sect Leaders and the City Ambassadors into the establishment with an imperial look as if he had not lost all his elders and disciples. Undoubtedly, the rise of the Blood Pot Sect would be met with several perils and tribulations, leaving many wondering if they would suffer the same danger from the Blood Pot Sect.
Love thy neighbors didn't exactly apply to a Demonic Sect.
Despite a few Sect Leaders being Rank 4 Gu Masters, leading middle-sized sects, they did not suffer any arrogance from the Blood Pot Sect Leader. One of these leaders was a thin and dignified man, the Rhino Stomp Sect's Leader. He greeted some known leaders and ambassadors, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.
'She hasn't arrived yet.' Sect Leader Lin looked around, unable to find the familiar figure that entered the Sect's Prison to test a Killer Move. His heart drowned with a bitter emotion, something his even expression did not betray.
His son died because the eccentric Wisdom Carriage Master needed to investigate the culprit. However, the emergence of another—stronger—Rank 5 Middle Stage Gu Master soon pinpointed a youth named Yin-Yin who had some connections with the culprit. A swift soul searching did leave the youth to a fate worse than death. However, the Rhino Stomp Sect didn't care about a single B-Grade Aptitude disciple and focused on the woman named Bai Shou.
There was a plan in place.
'Did Senior Jin kill her?' Sect Leader Lin wondered, a little stifled. He wanted to torture the woman, too. Still, he could live knowing that Rhino Stomp Sect's humiliation and his unfilial son's untimely passage were rightfully avenged.
"Oh, it's starting."
Sect Leader Lin heard one of his peers mutter as Rank 4 Leaders stood around each other, unworthy of mingling with the smaller group of Rank 5 elites after a few toasts. Several gazes stopped roaming the dazed, scantily-dressed women—undoubtedly mind-controlled by the Blood Pot Sect Leader. They were all mortals and didn't need such absolute control. However, there was a rumor about the Blood Pot Sect Leader enjoying taking away his victim's free will—which might just be the truth.
"Everyone," a bold voice spread across the banquet. "Welcome!"
The Blood Pot Sect Leader grinned, eying his guests. The warm smile did little to veil the bloodthirsty look in his eyes.
"I'm sure everyone would like to get to the point—fun can be delegated for later. The Blood Pot Sect will surely rise again. You might form alliances against me…"
His words caused the earlier tensions to explode in the massive hall. Several cold gazes pierced into the Blood Pot Sect Leader's body.
"You might seek 'just' reasons to do so…"
His words lingered.
"But I assure you, all of it will lead to failure. Please, inspect this."
Blood Pot Sect Leader extended his hand, allowing brilliant red light to condense above his palm until revealing a beating red heart. An eerie hush fell over the small crowd of the Sect Leaders, their gazes converging upon the Rank 5 Gu Worm.
"What… Gu Worm is that?"
"It has the aura of a Blood Path Gu Worm, but I have never known about a Rank 5 Gu Worm that resembles a human's heart."
"Didn't Blood Pot Sect Leader only uncover an ordinary inheritance? We've yet to see his Bladewing Blood Bat groups."
"Indeed. Blood Pot Sect Leader was accomplished in controlling those Blood Bats… but it seems our information wasn't complete."
A soft buzz arose as the Blood Pot Sect Leader did not interrupt the conversing Sect Leaders.
Although famed across the entire Gu World, the Blood Path was heavily prosecuted, and its information was consistently censored by the powerful to keep the flames of ambition from burning within the masses. It wasn't strange that other Gu Masters, Sect Leaders no less, were unaware of more Blood Path Gu Worms than they would like to admit.
"This is one of my most prized possessions," claimed the Demonic Sect Leader, letting the Gu Worm return to his Aperture. "Rank 5 Distant Heart Gu." He revealed the name, causing even more confusion among the gathered experts. The way the Blood Pot Sect Leader said the name could be interpreted into several things, but a few astute Sect Leaders soon felt their hearts turn cold.
"I exist across the entire Eastern Region," chuckled the Blood Pot Sect Leader, "The hearts of my 'supporters' thoroughly modified by this Gu Worm. When I die, I will revive into their bodies."
Several breaths stalled, and even more eyes popped wide open.
"Yes," the Demonic Sect Leader grinned viciously. "This Gu is a miraculous life-extending Gu Worm of the Blood Path!"
"This is the inheritance I obtained—the hope to live for as long as possible. Fortunately, the Demon called Wisdom Carriage Master failed to kill me after ambushing my sect. However, I'm willing to end the misunderstood conflict between us all and offer my services to the heroes gathered in this hall—for a small fee, of course."
Even Sect Leader Lin gulped.
Truly, every surviving expert in their Ranks was brilliant!
Many Rank 4 Leaders expected to witness a battle between the Blood Pot Sect Leader and other Rank 5 Leaders to restructure shared resources in the region that weren't already claimed by the Super Forces. However… this? There was no need to fight!
If what the Blood Pot Sect Leader spoke was the truth… they couldn't hopefully kill him off right away.
"Hmph!"
A cold snort rang, allowing several eyes to fall upon a tall, fat man. His golden hair flowed back, with loose tresses cascading over his shoulders and almost melting with an equally thick and long beard.
Like the Blood Pot Sect Leader, the interrupting Sect Leader was a Rank 5 Initial Stage Gu Master—Sect Leader Ning, a Wind Path Gu Master known for his speed despite his deceptive appearance.
"You think our righteousness can be persuaded by the promise of a longer life?" The man stepped forward, formless wind spiraling around him as his hair and beard waved about. "A meaningless proposition, Demon. A life is only prosperous under the splendor of righteousness. It only surpasses the confines of time and guides the future generation when decorated with just accomplishments."
Blood Pot Sect Leader's expression grew cold.
"Sect Leader Ning, imagine the prosperity your Elusive Wind Sect would gain under your long and fruitful leadership—"
"Cut the shit," Sect Leader Ning grinned. "How many resources did you lose against Wisdom Carriage Master? Hmm? What authority do you have to negotiate with us?"
The Demonic Sect Leader chuckled, no longer restraining his aura.
"A fight? Is that it? Why be coy about such a demand and use flowery words to veil your intentions to probe? I was born an ordinary man. Your poems and couplets tire me."
Their smiles matched as both figures flickered in an unrestrained fashion. A grayish-golden blur impacted against a crimson shadow, forcing several Rank 4 Gu Masters, especially those with Initial or Middle Stage cultivation, to step back. Meanwhile, the few Rank 5 Sect Leaders stood their ground, eating leisurely and observing the battle.
Rank 5 Gu Worms were rare for everyone unless they emerged from a Super Force. So, the initial battle between the Demonic Sect Leader and Sect Leader Ning involved several Rank 4 Gu Worms—probing attacks. There were no Killer Moves or serious attacks. Wind Scythes dispersed against the Blood Jade Armor, and a Blood Tide exploded due to a massive wind cannon. The two Sect Leaders also engaged in close-quarter combat from time to time, displaying their violent nature.
"Take this!"
Sect Leader Ning hissed, unleashing a stream of swift bluish wind. The entire hall experienced a sudden drop in temperature, leaving the scantily dressed mortals shivering, their bodies growing purple. After all, every Sect Leader experienced some measure of body refinement to further their offense or defense, so the cold of the Rank 5 Frozen Wind Gu wasn't as fatal to them as it was for the mortals. Yet, the mortals' demise didn't seem to register in their eyes. They focused on how the Demonic Sect Leader would deal with the attack.
"About time!" Blood Pot Sect Leader laughed.
Blood-colored liquid erupted from his body, covering him from head to toe until he looked like a blood-colored human golem, valiantly standing the impact of the cold blizzard-like wind before attacking Sect Leader Ning.
The sheer combat ability dissuaded several Sect Leaders from attacking the Demonic Sect Leader, their hearts persuaded by the effects of the Distant Heart Gu. Of course, they could already consider various disadvantages of using this Gu Worm. For instance, they might lose their cultivation, and their target might not even have the talent to become a Gu Master. However, the group was willing to hear—
"Ugh!"
Sect Leader Ning suddenly stalled. He suddenly vomited a mouthful of blood out of nowhere, his eyes widening in horror, no longer displaying the same courage with which he challenged the Demonic Sect Leader.
"Wait—"
He could not put up enough defense as Blood Pot Sect Leader's attack blew a skull-sized hole through the man's chest.
"What?!"
Even the Demonic Sect Leader was shocked. What happened? Why did Sect Leader Ning… commit suicide?
Alarmed, the Demonic Sect Leader pulled back and observed the group cautiously, shouting, "Who dared sneak attack the prodigious Sect Leader Ning? Reveal yourself, Demon!"
Even more shocked was the group of Righteous Sect Leaders, who instantly blamed the Demon.
"You liar! How dare you kill our brother-in-arms?! Did you invite us to kill us, Sect Leader Ron?"
A wave of confusion consumed and stalled what should have been a smooth negotiation for the Demonic Sect Leader Ron.
<<<>>>
The Elusive Plateau, Elusive Wind Sect.
The metal slab of a door was behind Bai Shou. She roamed the empty treasury, once filled to the brim with Primeval Stones, Gu Worms, Gu Food, and Rare Materials.
Now?
Empty.
Robbed clean.
Bai Shou toyed with a Rank 5 Gu Worm. It looked like a dark green kidney bean.
'I'll have to thank Yang Pao for the information.' She knew about the guest list for the Blood Pot Sect's inauguration due to the deceptive City Mayor. Heck, most of what she knew came from Yang Pao, including the existence of the Rank 5 Fresh Air Gu. It was a Wind Path Gu Worm capable of inspiring Gu Masters in the same vein as someone pent-up going outside to enjoy some fresh air. Unlike a few other Gu Worms meant to mimic inspiration, the Rank 5 Gu Worm was a reusable Gu but couldn't be used consistently since it consumed several thoughts simultaneously.
'It was connected to the Sect Leader, and I needed to use Divine Travel's aura to refine the Gu Worm. Although I made sure not to leave any traces of the aura… I can never be too sure.'
With that, Bai Shou reduced the vault to dust, disappearing before the alerted Sect Leader could return.
'Should I continue? No… the risks are greater. Elusive Wind Sect's Leader must have alerted others about the theft.'
'Theft…'
'If only I could create several Qualitative Dream Gu to increase my Theft Path attainment, too…'
Bai Shou didn't stop moving until the nightfall. Her mood hadn't changed despite the sudden growth in her inventory or the attempt on her life. In fact, she felt more guarded after the theft. When the sky turned dark, Bai Shou stopped using the White Form Immortal Snake Gu and began traveling through the ground using the Thousand-Li Earthwolf Spider Gu.
Of course, her destination was Yuan Yang City!
<<<>>>
Yang Pao paced around, his heart slightly restless as the scent of his garden remained unable to ease his nerves. It had been two days since the disastrous inauguration, the news of which reached the Mayor later than he would have liked.
What happened?
How did it end?
Who emerged?
No, Yang Pao wasn't wondering about the Blood Pot Sect Leader, who was ganged upon and killed by the Righteous Sect Leaders. Where the greed for the Life-Extension Method should have allowed them to work together, it transformed into fear against the Demonic Sect Leader once he murdered Sect Leader Ning in front of everyone.
Even if the group wanted to work with the demon, they couldn't. It would no longer be righteous, not after one of their own was killed in cold blood.
And they couldn't let the Demonic Expert live with his Gu Set after understanding the use of the Distant Heart Gu.
Distant Heart Gu…
Even Yang Pao was surprised by such a Blood Path Gu and thoroughly appreciated the Blood Path from a Refinement Path Gu Master's point of view. However, these traitorous thoughts must not be expressed to anyone else.
Yet, it had been two days.
The night brought Yang Pao no relief, and the resulting morning only worsened his mood as his subordinate approached with a terrible piece of news.
"You thieves!"
"How dare you invade our sect?"
"End them, Elder! They deserve death!"
"Did they think we wouldn't track them?"
"Hmph! Where's the City Mayor? He has to answer for these crimes!"
A large crowd watched from a distance as seven Rank 4 Elders wearing grayish-golden robes surrounded a building many were familiar with—the Gambling Rock Den. The workers and the owner stayed kneeling on the ground, scared witless. Even the surrounding guards and the City's Watch Commander sported terrible expressions, unable to do anything to the brazen group oozing with killing intent.
"What is going on?"
The Seven Elders instantly glanced at the approaching middle-aged man. Their expressions eased, and as if it was an illusion, their blood lust evaporated into the thin air. However, they weren't deterred by the approaching individual's Rank 5 aura. Instead, they gave the man a respectful bow before the eldest of the seven Elders spoke formally.
"You must preserve justice, Honorable Mayor," he began, pointing at the terrified employers. "These juniors colluded with a thief—look at the evidence. These are the materials and Gu Worms from our Sect's vault smuggled through the daily load of Gambling Rocks they purchased!"
One of the elders overturned a cart, and several gambling rocks rolled over to reveal even more rare resources hidden underneath.
"N- No! We didn't do anything!" One of the women screamed. She was a Rank 1 Gu Master who had great success in attracting one drunken lady. "Please, Lord. Believe us. We would never—"
The group of workers fell pale, their bodies paralyzed. Yang Pao tossed them a cold glance, their tears unable to move his cold heart.
"Take them away," Yang Pao ordered before observing the seven Elders. His impassive expression did not curtain the cold fury directed at the group. However, the seven remained unfazed.
"Elders of Elusive Wind Sect, welcome." Yang Pao turned sideways, eying the City Watch's Rank 3 Commander. "Lead the crowd away. You did well holding on till now."
"Yes…" The Rank 3 Commander gulped and nodded. He quickly moved the crowd away, ensuring nobody stayed near the confronting group's vicinity.
"Ehm," the Eldest of the Elders cleared his throat. "We're thankful for your swift justice. However, what was stolen from our vault wasn't just this. It's merely a fraction, Honored Mayor. Your righteous nature fills our hearts with joy. We have no doubt that you would help us seek other lost treasures—"
"Watch your tongue lest I tear it out," Yang Pao interrupted with a cool expression. His words instantly froze the elders in their tracks.
"H-Honored Mayor!" The eldest gasped. "The Elusive Wind Sect—"
"The Elusive Wind Sect will cease to exist in a few days, its resource points snatched by the neighboring sects, and its disciples divided and digested by others, too. Some may even create their own Sects or base themselves within the nearby settlements," Yang Pao smiled. "Sect Leader Ning was killed by a Demon, and your vault was looted by another thief. The Elusive Wind Sect lost all its foundation in one go."
The seven looked pale as the Rank 5 Elite continued in a cold tone.
"And you seven, deserters that you are, instantly sought to recover the treasures for yourselves or create another Sect, too."
Yang Pao understood their thoughts too well.
"Do not call us that!" One of the Elders hissed. "We are loyal to the Sect and merely wish to recover what was stolen."
Yang Pao narrowed his eyes before he smiled.
"I see. Elders," he cleared his throat. "It is true that these treasures were found in an establishment within Yuan Yang City. These are yours. I welcome all of you to stay in the city, and my men will cooperate with you all to help you recover what you lost."
The seven elders exchanged discreet glances, noticing the joy in their peers' gazes.
Yang Pao beckoned over a few subordinates before hurrying back.
He had an ominous premonition once he realized the city treasury's Elder wasn't responding.
Yang Pao soon entered the tunnel leading to the treasury and found everything was… safe?
His pupils shrunk when he noticed an odd slip of black paper on the floor. On its surface was the familiar image of a white gourd. On the gourd's top half, a lone white lotus was painted into a golden sun.
It said…
***
Alternative Title: Cause and Effect; Fresh Wind; Distant Heart; Opportunistic As Fuck; Negotiations?; Demonic Sect Leader: I've Come To Negotiate *Fate Mechanism: Kekw*; The Collection of Leaders; A Prime Moment For a Thief; Theft Path Potential; Thieving Heaven Demon Is Pleased; The Restlessness; Yang Pao Fucked Up?; Set Up; The Seven Elders; Lost Elusive Wind Sect; A Victim In Another's Play; Lost Bet; Foiled Plans; Invaded Treasury; White Gourd