Northern Plains was a barbaric land with women held only slightly above slaves in terms of political power, yet hailed as a land known for constant innovations due to the continuous battles and conquests waged by the tribes spread across the gentle slopes and long stretches of grassland without any natural terrain to protect the settlements. Such a world had long twisted Jirou Na, who wished to break her shackles and grow. Her decisions led to the only sound judgment—to leave the Northern Plains.
Vicious and power hungry, Jirou Na understood there was no place for her in the Northern Plains and that her desires would soon lead her to a certain doom if she remained there. Since entering the Central Continent nearly three decades ago, Jirou Na rose to become a respectable figure soon scouted by the Spirit Affinity House, placing women at a higher sitting than most men.
The rest was history.
Indeed, in her glamorous history of bloodshed and consistent victories, none dared to harm her kin with such vicious attitude.
She was Jirou Na, and she wanted to—
"I will kill you!"
Her roar resounded in the blue-gold hall built upon one of the Sect's Peak as she darted into the meeting with nimble steps and tense body, a Killer Move at the ready which caused her body to enter a period of overheat, leaving her skin red and steaming. Nobody moved from their seats as several gazes condensed upon Bai Shou, who tilted sideways, a wave of strength filling her body—Borrow Strength and Heaven Strength Gu!
Unlike before, where her body had yet to reach its mortal limits, Bai Shou could now effortlessly maintain the continuous use of her Rank 5 Gu Worms. Unfortunately, being a Rank 4 Gu, the amount of strength the Borrow Strength Gu could siphon was limited and slightly paled compared to Jirou Na's killer move.
*Bang*
Two fists collided, creating a noise as if two rocks slammed into each other before Bai Shou was sent several steps away, a trace of blood seeping through the corner of her lips. Meanwhile, Jirou Na barely retreated by a step, a trace of astonishment giving way to cold killing intent when the duo suddenly felt weak and drained.
The several Gu Worms in the meeting hall brightened, threatening a Battlefield Killer Move.
"Enough," Shu Zhe hummed, a picture of control and elegance as she remained seated. Her blue irides momentarily shimmered until Jirou Na snorted and lowered her rebellious gaze. Though the popular Elder had moved away from the Northern Plains, she did not grow out of a few traditions characteristic of a typical northerner. Being a savage land of conquest and innovation alike, those who hailed from these lands respected individuals with superior skill and power. Shu Zhe's might and expertise were unquestionable within the sect, something even the proud Jirou Na accepted.
"I want answers!" But her son had been beaten and broken. "I want her aperture destroyed and a minimum of 50 years of imprisonment within the Disciplinary Hall!"
Bai Shou used the Self-Reliance Gu to heal as other Elders exchanged glances.
"Your son had the nerve of molesting a woman," Di Qing sneered, "Remember where we are, Jirou Na. This is not Northern Plains where we treat women as commodities. Though, you can be excused for making such a mistake. Even if you were born a woman, you are no more than a Northerner Brute."
"Impossible," Jirou Na instantly retorted. "My son would never do something like this. I raised him better! This outsider is lying!"
"Lying?" Another Elder began with a grave look. She was part of Di Qing's faction. "Would you consider false charges against the Sect Disciples and their families lying? Outer Disciple Bai Shou recorded the entire event where a few Disciplinary Hall members confessed their corruption—blaming Jirou Meng Hou."
Among Jirou Na's four sons, her youngest was also the most talented and well-accomplished. He had hopes of rising as an Elite Disciple within a few years. As such, she ensured her son wasn't raised stupid and understood the consequences of his actions. So, even if he were to do something malicious, Jirou Meng Hou would cover his base.
Trusting her son's ability, and by extension her teaching, Jirou Na demanded with narrowed eyes.
"Just a bunch of shitty juniors lie and you believe them? Where's the proof of Hou'er's corruption? Hmm? As opposed to investigating Hou'er, are you sure the intel he acted on wasn't already verified?"
Her words caused a few Elders to grow silent.
"And what about your son's illicit actions?" Di Qing pressed. "Is that why you wanted your son to marry as swiftly as possible? Has he no control?"
"Preposterous!" Jirou Na snapped. "Everything will be clear once we use a few necessary Gu on this criminal!" She pointed at Bai Shou, eyes as vicious as an animal out for a pound of flesh. "Who's to say she did not beguile my son using a Gu Worm? I met him. He told me how his surroundings felt modified and tampered as if he was in an illusion."
Jirou Na was correct. Bai Shou used one of Hu Mei Er's consumable Rank 3 Gu Worm to control Jirou Meng Hou's unprotected mind. Hu Mei Er walked the sub-path of Enchantment and Illusions.
"That is to say, we should use such Gu Worm on every disciple?" Le Tao suddenly began. "Speak carefully about such matters, Elder Jirou. Such statements tossed casually before the Sect Leader is how you open yourself for a rightful investigation, too. With all the evidence already present, trying to control a Sect Disciple's mind is an act nothing short of… demonic."
Quiet murmurs echoed in the hall as Jirou Na's gaze turned cold. She clenched her fist and glared at her superior. They were part of the Internal Affairs Hall but Le Tao led the group. The duo was not friendly. The factions among the Elders spread across the different Halls, so the elders in each hall often competed with their peers. Refinement Hall was a rare organization without such internal strife due to the peaceful nature of several Refinement Path experts.
"This is a serious matter," Shu Zhe offered with a soft hum, recalling her superiors' objectives. While Bai Shou needed to work on Shu Zhe's injuries, the latter had to ensure Bai Shou did not fall out with the Sect. She was also aware of Bai Shou's true gender and realized that the Outer Disciple used her current feminine form to simultaneously trap Jirou Meng Hou and Jirou Na.
"As Elder Le Tao informed, recklessly controlling someone's mind or prying away at their secrets is a taboo. We would discuss how you appropriately compensate for your ill-mannered words, Elder Jirou. However, given your anxiousness about your son's health, I shall ignore this matter. Be warned, the next time the Sect will not be kind."
Jirou Na gritted her teeth before nodding forcefully.
Shu Zhe quietly drummed her fingers, focusing on the healed Bai Shou.
"It's as you say, Elder Jirou. Either of the parties could be lying. If you say that Disciple Bai Shou controlled Jirou Meng Hou, an argument could be made that Jirou Meng Hou is lying—leading to an eventual need to conduct a similar search upon both parties. You should understand it would not be beneficial to anyone."
"I suggest using the Bamboo Gentleman Gu," one of the Elders chimed.
"Hmph, impossible," Jirou Na retorted. "The aperture is a Gu Master's secret. Why should my son be forced to tamper with it due to your whims?"
"Then how do you suggest we settle this matter?" Another woman spoke. "The video evidence and testimonies from other Outer Disciples all indicate that Inner Disciple Jirou Meng Hou walked over to Disciple Bai Shou and took inappropriate liberties."
"And she just stood there?" Jirou Na snorted. "Why didn't Disciple Bai do something? Why did she just stand still?"
"I can answer that question," Bai Shou interrupted, commenting coldly. "I was shocked by Disciple Jirou's actions. My body was frozen in anger! Nobody has ever dared commit such an inappropriate action with me."
"Lies!" Jirou Na hissed.
"I'm not lying," Bai Shou shook her head as she sighed. "Not only that, after experiencing such sexual assault from your son, you had the nerve to attack me. You're merely an elder, Jirou Na. Such a position would do you little good in a real battle against me."
"Oh?" Jirou Na's gaze brightened.
"Disciple Bai Shou did not—" Jirou Na ignored Di Qing's hasty words and spoke quicker.
"Do you dare challenge me?"
"If the prize is the permit of stripping your son in front of the entire sect before I'm allowed to jam a brick up his ass—sure."
Jirou Na choked on her spit as she glared at Bai Shou, who only met her northern freak since the beginning.
"Sigh, this is going nowhere," Elder Ya muttered loud enough.
"I agree," another Elder voiced. "Decide how you want to end this conflict now, Elder Jirou."
"How to end it?" Jirou Na sneered. "Of course, that would be a battle. My son is innocent and Disciple Bai Shou used a Gu Worm on him without others' knowledge."
Several gazes landed on Shu Zhe, who slowly looked at Bai Shou. Surprising others, a soft smirk appeared on the usually monotone Sect Leader.
"You won't be allowed to publicly humiliate Jirou Meng Hou. However, you are due for a compensation. Either you could accept Jirou Na's compensation or enjoy items worth 500 contribution points deducted from Disciple Jirou Meng Hou's token."
500 contribution points equaled a purchasing power of 500000 Primeval Stones!
However, Bai Shou didn't need more contribution points. She was too wealthy to care.
With that, Bai Shou glanced at Elder Jirou Na, her expression curious.
'I could take her on.' Bai Shou narrowed her eyes. 'However, I'm unaware of her trump cards. Realistically, my chances of victory would be about 20% despite my Gu Set because I would have to restrict my output.'
Much to the disappointment of several elders, Bai Shou adopted the safer option. She'd acted rashly before, her mind and emotions tossed into chaos by Mo Yan's sudden and inexplicable appearance. Now, she had gotten a chance to grow calm.
"I do not require anything from the sect. As before, my interest in treasures is as little as Jirou Meng Hou's emotional sensitivity and maturity regarding respecting a fairer Disciple. I would like the Sect to thoroughly investigate the Disciples blamed for theft. I also wish for the Sect to scrutinize Disciple Jirou Meng Hou's actions in case he has been harassing another female disciple… or worse."
Jirou Na let out a frustrated growl but didn't speak anymore. It was futile. Either she allowed both parties to experience 'in-depth' investigation or none of them. Of course, Jirou Na would never permit anyone to seek her son's secrets or fortunes. So, she was at an inherent disadvantage. Other Elders also had little sway over Bai Shou because no one forgot that a mysterious Supreme Elder brought the Outer Disciple to the sect! Furthermore, most Elders secretly held thoughts about learning what else Bai Shou had researched.
Nonetheless, Bai Shou's apparently 'selfless' request impressed the Elders. None actually believed Bai Shou possessed a pure heart. After all, they were all aware of their disciple's conflict with the Wind Cloud Manor. But her attitude was well-noted.
"It shall be done," Shu Zhe nodded before adjourning the meeting.
'All I needed to do was momentarily occupy Elder Ya and Di Qing with other tasks, forcing Di Loo to seek Bai Shou after rumors spread about her stellar achievement of advancing her Body Refinement to Rank 5 within a week. But that was one move, and the consequences after the fact have remained in my range of prediction. I can continue with my act.'
<<<>>>
Bai Shou stretched her arms and looked around. There was some crust in her eyes, and her well-combed brown hair was now a tangled nest.
Indeed… after nearly two weeks, Bai Shou finally enjoyed deep sleep.
Her surroundings appeared extraordinary. If observed through a 3D modeling software, she resided in a four-sectioned 'cube' with each portion a smaller-sized cube stuck together. A short staircase connected the upper two cubes with the lower ones as Bai Shou moved freely. However, the lack of windows in her residence prevented anyone from looking outside. There was not a single door to leave or enter the residence. Instead, in the core of the residence was another small cube.
It was the Rank 4 Empty Cube Gu!
'Rank 5 Battle Space, Void Domain, and several other Space Path Gu and material were used to refine this one.' Bai Shou felt satisfied. She began her business to discover more materials related to the Preservation Gu and refining the Rank 4 Space Path House Gu was merely a side effect.
It was a rare Rank 4 Gu that even required a Rank 5 Gu as a material, involving a complicated reverse refinement step during the fusion process!
Being her own product, Bai Shou trusted the Gu Worm's security because a successful refinement undid any and all modifications to the material.
Like most House Gu, the Empty Cube Gu served the essential purpose of housing a Gu Master. However, it was… less stellar.
For instance, the Rank 3 Reflective Pond Cave held by Qin Juan could consume water sources to expand its interiors.
The Underwater Sea Cave could create recreational pools.
Back in Qing Mao Mountain, the Jia Clan brought the Rank 3 Three Star Cave, which could control its interior with enough primeval essence.
However, the Empty Cube Gu only had one effect—it did not take physical space in the real world. The House Gu would become an imperceptible 'dot' in the real world when activated. It couldn't move or even dispense excrement, leading the Gu Master to clean after themselves. But it was inherently spacious and a challenge to invade!
It was a safe haven.
Regardless, the excitement did not blind Bai Shou to the truth. It wasn't perfect. Although rare, finding necessary methods to deal with a regular Space Path House Gu was inconsequential for an Immortal. So, Bai Shou needed to devise a Killer Move using this Gu to heighten her security before returning to using the Dreamer Gu.
It was a step in the right direction, is all.
'At least, I can research in peace.'
A lot had occurred since Bai Shou was tossed into the Central Continent like the mortal rag doll she was—a few events were under her control, and several were the opposite.
Ignoring the latter, Bai Shou focused on her next set of tasks.
'It's time I push my Beast Phantoms to Rank 5. Once I do that, the Beasts must be different enough to not connect myself to Lo Jik's identity. I might even use a few Gu to remove my current Beast Phantoms and add new ones.'
Back in the Shang Clan, Bai Shou intended to eventually discover the Lightning Strength Gu to utilize Imaginative Strength Immortal's Killer Move. However, that never came to be. Instead, she got the Heaven Strength Gu but possessed no beast phantom of a similar element to use it. The same issue might extend because the requirements of the Killer Move using the Heaven Strength would not make it less challenging.
Being in an ancient sect also had benefits, so locating a lightning or wind strength should not be too difficult.
That aside…
*Fwish*
Bai Shou used a Strength Path Gu, conjuring a surprising figure behind her.
It was a tall male with a sculpted body and untamed brown hair.
Lo Jik.
'Self Strength Gu is outstanding… but directly shows my true identity.' Bai Shou sighed. Rank 4 Self Strength Gu conjured 'self' phantom similar to a Beast Phantom. However, this 'self' phantom contained all the strength stored in the body. In a layman's term, Bai Shou did not need to use the Bitter Strength with All-Out Effort Gu to conjure several beast phantoms. Furthermore, since the Self Strength Phantom created a human phantom, Bai Shou could use regular martial arts to their peak potential instead of waving her arm like a bear or a monkey!
However, as depicted, the human phantom appeared as the 'self' inside Bai Shou—Lo Jik.
Bai Shou relied on this Gu, alongside the Strength Qi and Multiply Gu, to quickly deal with several Blood-Path Beast Emperors when protecting Qin Juan. The latter could not even experience the attack for more than a second since the deadly phantom left nothing in its path. It also had a disadvantage. As long as the Self Strength Phantom was outside the Body, Bai Shou was weak without any Beast Phantoms! One of her most powerful moments was also her weakest moment unless she increased her defense or remained transformed.
'I'd be able to achieve quite a few things once my Strength Path set reaches Grand Completion.'
Bai Shou heaved.
'I didn't care about it before but I suppose things would be simpler if I went ahead and did it.'
When she arrived, Bai Shou did not predict a need to create a Killer Move to preserve the Human Adaptive Qi Gu. In her mind, she could constantly rely on Yuan Yang City's population to refine more of these consumable Gu. However, her current conditions posed a challenge for her in collecting others' adaptive qi. Furthermore, she had several Rank 5 Gu Worms to free from the regional qi suppression.
It was another shift in priorities.
'Let's keep things simple. Not that I can afford to perform crazy stunts…'
'Everything else will have to wait as I take the final step in recovering the effectiveness of my previous Gu Worms. I suppose creating a Killer Move for Human Adaptive Qi would be slightly less challenging compared to a killer move using this House Gu…'
While a master in Human and Space Paths, Bai Shou was significantly more experienced in the former.
After a while, Bai Shou returned to the core of the House Gu and touched the central cube, injecting her primeval essence into the article.
*Pop*
Her vision shifted and Bai Shou was in her ordinary residence, instantly understanding another issue.
'The scouting ability inside the Empty Cube Gu is also severely restricted. Unlike the Reflective Pond Cave, which allows users to look through the walls, I'm entirely unaware of the outside world. Anyone can set a trap outside while I remain within the Rank 4 House Gu.'
This is where the chance to remain in such an organization or cities like Shang Clan City and Yuan Yang City shone the brightest. Bai Shou had a decent amount of time to deal with her issues without any care in the world. After all, she was unlike other Outer Disciples and had a lot of wealth to sit back and cultivate peacefully for years!
With a satisfied huff, Bai Shou looked at her hand. The Empty Cube Gu was a pure-white, translucent-looking cicada with nothing inside. She suddenly thought about another issue.
'This Gu only brings one individual into its space. I cannot invite others inside it with regular means.'
She shook her head and prepared for the day.
***
Join the discord through the link in the synopsis.
Read 60 chapters ahead @ Patron and Subscribe Star (Links in the synopsis.)
Support the Fanfic through comments, likes, reviews and such (if the published site allows it.)