Always being a resource-intensive approach, a Gu Master's cultivation could either skyrocket in days or remain stagnant for decades. Theoretically, with enough assistance, it was possible to push the most untalented Gu Master in existence beyond the realm of Rank 5, much less someone like Bai Shou, who merely needed another opportunity as great as the Shang Clan to digest her ridiculous gains over the years.
The duration of 120 days was not enough for a recently broken through Initial Stage Rank 5 Gu Master to advance another minor realm without the corresponding Relic Gu. However, it was more than enough for someone like Bai Shou to go through her accumulated materials, advancing her stagnated Strength Set.
Refining most Gu Worms to their Rank 5 variants didn't make sense on the parchment. First, a few Rank 5 Gu Worms had different abilities and effects compared to their desired counterparts. Second, the cost of nurturing said Gu Worms also increased drastically despite the longer duration for feeding. And third, the impact on the primeval essence consumption would be too outrageous.
Even a Peak Stage Rank 5 Gu Master, in the end, was limited by their primeval essence. Thus, Bai Shou needed to be smart about her current Strength Set despite her ability to advance almost all the Gu Worms in her Strength Set to Rank 5. Just look at Tie Mu Bai and the Wisdom Carriage Master, especially the former. Tie Mu Bai was a Peak Stage Rank 5 Gu Master and the Tie Clan's former Clan Leader. Why did he have so few Rank 5 Gu Worms?
As a Clan Leader in contact with the Clan's Supreme Elders, one would assume Tie Mu Bai to be drowning in riches.
However, Tie Mu Bai was an ambitious man with goals beyond the realm of Rank 5. Stepping past even further than the peak of mortality required the Gu Master to invest in their paths in both body and mind.
It required the experts at Rank 5 to prepare by optimizing their Gu Set foremost and their survival second because achieving the former already boosted one's chances of surviving the perilous advancement.
Tie Mu Bai's body was refined by the necessary Metal Path Gu Worms. His soul was most likely beyond Bai Shou's current height as he had the confidence of making the Rank 5 Vajra Stare Gu his trump card, which relied on the user's soul. All Tie Mu Bai lacked to complete his preparations for advancement was a mere opportunity capable of fine-tuning his mind and thoughts—one step away from the needed attainment!
Of course, an attainment was not a mandatory requirement to ascend. However, one's preparations for the ascension included growth on all fronts and not just the Gu Worm.
Bai Shou considered all this and spent her days wisely.
First, her Strength Path Vital Gu could not remain at Rank 4. It was no longer viable.
Advancing Borrow Strength to Rank 5 meant doing the same for a few other crucial Strength Path Gu, eventually transforming the state of the occupants of her first aperture.
Within her first aperture, a picture of stability as ever was the Borrow Strength Gu—now refined into Rank 5.
Its size and appearance did not change, but its cost of maintenance certainly did.
Instead of consuming 160 kg of powdered elemental stones every four months, the Rank 5 Gu Worm now consumed 720 kg annually. It was a considerable increase in expenses despite the large gap.
Similarly, Bai Shou refined the All-Out Effort Gu. Unlike Borrow Strength, the All-Out Effort's appearance also experienced a significant shift. Another pair of limbs was added onto its existing four pairs, and its size expanded beyond the capabilities of two adult palms to hold it up. Now, the Rank 5 All-Out Effort Gu was nearly two meters long and insanely heavy, weighing about 650 kg, a plaything for someone like Bai Shou but a death sentence for ordinary civilians if dropped on their heads. The brown rhinoceros beetle horn on its head appeared no worse than a gorgeous artifact, and the aura of stability it boasted was a testament to the Strength Path's cornerstone. Additionally, the Rank 5 All-Out Effort consumed 450 kg (50/month) of strong vines every nine months as opposed to its current ratio of 270 kg (30/month).
After a decent duration of consideration, Bai Shou chose the Little Giant King to advance to Rank 5 as opposed to her other options. There were several reasons for that.
For instance, her long-range killer move involving the Rank 4 Phantom Longbow did not require any additional changes. Unless she added nearly a hundred more Gu Worms, her current output would never reach the power demonstrated by an Immortal using Mortal Killer Moves. And as one might expect, Bai Shou naturally couldn't afford the use of hundreds of Gu Worms at once without consuming her reserves in a fraction of a second.
Strength Qi was also the same. It could be the basis of a mid-range killer move. However, advancing it to Rank 5 didn't help much aside from increasing Bai Shou's costs when one considered the existence of the Rank 5 Multiply Gu.
There was also Rank 4 Self Strength Gu. Bai Shou almost decided to advance it to Rank 5, but she knew using the Gu without additional modifications meant risking the exposure of Lo Jik's identity. And if she were to use it in a Killer Move, adding other Rank 5 Strength Path Gu Worms made more sense, like the Bitter Strength Gu, which shared some effects with the Self Strength.
So, at the bottom of Bai Shou's first aperture sat a man-sized skull. The features of this Gu Worm did not deviate from its Rank 4 counterpart, aside from appearing even more intense. The green in its eyes was sharper.
Rank 5 Little Giant Emperor.
Like the series of Little Giants, the higher the grade, the less apparent the change in the user's size during the transformation.
Finally, the Brave Thoughts and Brave Will experienced refinement, too.
Bai Shou's advancement didn't stop at the refinement of the Gu Worms.
With her body refined to her current peak, she could hold several times the strength she possessed.
So, she was currently on the lookout for the hearts of Beast Emperors or Mutated Beast Kings.
The search still continued.
At the end of the day, Bai Shou's Strength Path Set looked something like this:
Rank 5 Borrow Strength Gu: Lifebound Vital Gu.
Rank 5 All-Out Effort Gu: Strength Path second core.
Rank 5 Heaven Strength Gu: Support.
Rank 5 Bitter Strength Gu: Support.
Rank 5 Little Giant Emperor Gu: Offensive.
Rank 5 Violently Beat Poison Gu: Healing/Detoxification.
Rank 5 Beating Refinement Gu: Support.
Rank 5 Fickle Heart Strength Gu: Body Refinement.
Rank 4 Self Strength Gu: Strength Path third core.
Rank 4 Self-Reliance Gu: Healing.
Rank 4 Dragon Travel Tiger Steps Gu: Movement.
Rank 4 Strength Qi Gu: Mid-range support.
Rank 4 Expend Strength Gu: Enemy debuff.
Rank 4 One's Closed Fist Gu: Storage.
Rank 4 Brave Thoughts Gu: Mental support.
Rank 4 Brave Will Gu: Soul defense.
Eight Rank 5 and eight Rank 4 Gu Worms!
'But it's still not the most optimized set.' Bai Shou's mind was clear.
First, the Phantom Longbow was not a Strength Path Gu despite her constant use of it. Second, Bai Shou's movement was still not at its peak stage since she lacked a decent flying Gu Worm. And third, her soul remained a weakness even now.
She may have tapped into her advantages, but it did not diminish her disadvantages. Compared to others like Tie Mu Bai, who had others' support and didn't need to invest more in support options, Bai Shou had to rely on herself for everything.
In a perfect world, she should have already deduced a way to tap into the effects of the Heaven Strength Gu. Well, she could use the Borrow Strength and Heaven Strength as is, something she planned to do. But Bai Shou was still locked out of one of the strongest Strength Path Killer Moves she possessed without a Strength Path Beast Phantom resonating with the Dao Shard inside the Heaven Strength. For that, Bai Shou needed at least another Rank 4 Elemental Strength Gu and a corresponding Strength Path Beast Phantom.
Meanwhile, the growth of her soul remained as painfully slow as ever.
She could do nothing about it—not yet, anyway.
Regardless, she was still in search of the required materials to evolve her Strength Beast Phantoms. At least the Rank 5 Fickle Strength Phantom remained a boon in that regard!
Also, she never forgot about seeking a dedicated Strength Path defensive Gu Worm for the soul.
For instance, the Robust Spirit Shield Gu!
<<<>>>
"Ah, Senior Sister! Greetings!"
"Have a pleasant day, Senior Sister!"
"You look really beautiful today, Senior Sister!"
At the end of the day, despite her research and goals, Bai Shou was no recluse. She was not the kind to slave away for the promised neverland and miss the sky's beauty when both could be achieved with some time management. Granted, she had been out less these days, but her presence was as appreciated as any other benefactor.
Even if Bai Shou wanted to spread a scandalous reputation, wearing a loose outfit that lined her curves all too seductively would not be the right way to do it, not when she'd earned favors from several outer and inner disciples alike. Since her Rank 5 Little Giant Emperor boasted little to no physical growth during the transformation, Bai Shou finally decided to wear something decent for a change.
Appearing distinct, Bai Shou wore her brown hair short, thick locks not flowing past the back of her neck and the frames ahead cut shorter to style up and sometimes tied into a short tail. A modest-looking dark grey robe lined with white edges covered a white tunic and flowed past the knees. She wore darker trousers and thick boots that lined up to her calves. Affixed on her grey belt was the outer disciple's white-colored sect token.
"Master Bai!"
A sweet girl no older than 15 jogged up to Bai Shou, her lush hair bouncing with each step. She was Ju Lin, the same girl Bai Shou had gifted the Rank 1 Jade Skin Gu Worm to.
"I'm hardly a master," Bai Shou lied with a pleasant smile. "But how can I help you, Lin?"
The girl blinked and tilted her head. Being the daughter of an outer disciple, Ju Lin was soon afforded a Heart Engraved Gu with the basics of the Gu Master's professions, including the basic etiquette and taboo subjects.
"Why would you think that, Master Bai?" Ju Lin skipped beside Bai Shou, as energetic as ever. However, the elder of the duo already understood that such behavior from Ju Lin was reserved only for those the young lass considered close. Ever since Jirou Meng Hou's incident, Ju Lin was comparatively reserved.
"Because you only seek me when you want something."
Ju Lin paused as Bai Shou moved ahead with a breezy smirk.
Pouting, the lass swiftly caught up.
"That's not true! I'm just training and helping around. The only way Mom ever gets anything from the Exchange Hall for me is when I do something for her."
"Like a proper adult," Bai Shou concluded, nodding. "Your parents are looking out for you well. Unlike me. Perhaps I should be stricter."
The girl gasped audibly, almost making Bai Shou chuckle.
"How could you hate me, Master?!"
"Oh?" Bai Shou hummed. "Is that what it is? Hate? I must be doing something wrong since you're still walking fine."
Ju Lin recalled the treatment Jirou Meng Hou received, but her grin instead widened into something darker. The expected fear was nowhere to be seen.
"Pain builds character," Ju Lin scoffed, her eyes bright. "I'll only become better."
"Right, right," Bai Shou sighed, her tone now dry as she questioned flatly. "And you wanted something, yes?"
"I wanted you to inspect my form," Ju Lin replied casually before freezing. Red dusted her cheeks. Clearing her throat, the girl grumbled under her breath. "But I didn't just seek you out for help. Truly! I like being around you, Master."
Bai Shou smiled and nodded.
"We share the same emotions, Lin. Your appearance always adds a pleasant note to my day."
Ju Lin grinned at her words before Bai Shou observed the girl's martial form and offered sincere advice to correct minor mistakes. Such suggestions from a Strength Path Master with a mainstream method of using martial arts would leave others drooling. However, this was the… Sect Effect.
The boundaries between the Gu Master's rank meant little within such an Ancient Sect, and the Disciple's official ranks mattered more. Such an environment created a more integrated population that could still hold someone at a higher disciple rank in check. For instance, Bai Shou, being an Outer Disciple, aside from making the woman more approachable by other Outer Disciples, did not take anything from her. She could still confront Sect Elders, much less Legacy Disciples.
The more aware Bai Shou became of such a system, the more she recalled how suppressed every Gu Master was in other continents. That did not mean the Sect System wasn't without faults.
Qin Juan and Ju Lin represented the major, naive force nurtured by such a hidden and reclusive Sect. In fact, Spirit Affinity House had to pay extra attention to nurturing the disciple's nature rather than their killer moves and Gu Set, the information on which was somewhat readily available.
"Like this, Master Bai?" Ju Lin's inquiry snapped Bai Shou out of her thoughts as the latter continued to patiently instruct the former.
"Alright," Bai Shou scoffed. "Run along now, brat. I'm done sharing free courses."
Emphasizing the sheer difference in mentality within the Ancient Sect from others, even a few mid-sized and large-sized sects, Ju Lin, a Middle Stage Rank 1 Gu Master, pouted and offered a cheeky response to an Initial Stage Rank 5 Gu Master like Bai Shou.
"But those are the best ones!"
Needless to say, such cheek was effortlessly avoidable if Bai Shou carried herself like other Rank 5 Outer Disciples like Feng Bo or Yang Pao.
However…
Someone else's face flashed across Ju Lin's face. That face belonged to a soft and innocent being Bai Shou believed she could have never created. Her features softened as she extended her arm, flicking Ju Lin's forehead.
"Your tongue's going to be the death of your mother, kid."
"That's why I only show it to you~!" Ju Lin preened, sticking out her tongue before her expression froze.
"Oh?"
A cold chuckle interrupted Ju Lin's and her not-so-much-of-a-master's moment.
"I see. Your father was right to inform me about your actions."
Color drained from Ju Lin's features as Bai Shou looked over her shoulder, greeting Ju Lin's mother with a warm smile.
"Don't leave any permanent marks on your daughter, Junior Sister. We wouldn't want little Lin confusing violence with discipline."
Such warmth did little to inspire confidence in Ju Lin, who gingerly stepped back.
"Of course." Ju Lin's mother looked all too pleasant as she stepped past Bai Shou, her hand visibly hardening into a rock.
"I was entirely proper, Mother," Ju Lin explained, fighting for her case since betrayal always came from those close to you, seeing her 'Master' merely waved at them in farewell before going on her merry way.
"So will I," promised Ju Lin's mother.
<<<>>>
Where Bai Shou enjoyed her time in the Sect's southern territories occupied by the Outer Disciples, her expression couldn't help but return to neutral once she stepped into the central territory. She eventually entered one of the central Refinement Halls, the one housing Elder Ya and Yang Pao.
Elder Ya had consistently delayed any work towards the refinement of the Rank 4 Soul Orchid Bloom Gu. His requests never changed from more of Bai Shou's research materials, and the lack of said studies didn't seem to annoy the aged Elder. Instead, Elder Ya appeared to be betting against Bai Shou's patience, wanting her to explode. Meanwhile, Bai Shou was more than happy maintaining the status quo. The agreement was already set.
Someone will have to eventually heal Chen Jiu, but the lack of time constraint worked in Bai Shou's favor.
Her figure cut through the dignified halls, several inner and elite disciples within the Refinement Hall straightening their backs at her presence as unconcealed admiration gathered on many faces, and several others merely used it as a mask to either hide their envy or something more malicious—the usual.
"Brother Yang," her voice was neither loud nor small, instantly attracting Yang Pao's attention. The room was off limits for inner and outer disciples. However, Yang Pao and Bai Shou were not pushed to such limits under Elder Ya's discretion.
There were a few benches in the room, and a pleasant incense was lit to freshen the surroundings. Such a thing would never be present in an actual refinement room, where even one wrong wisp could entail the failure of the Gu Refinement. The room was for the occupant's rest.
Her arrival attracted the attention of the few remaining elite disciples in the room. They all adopted warm smiles; a pair even stopped their match of chess and stood to greet Bai Shou.
Returning all the warm gestures, Bai Shou eventually settled beside Yang Pao, her gaze attracted to the parchment in his hand.
"Is that for me?" She inquired, her eyes unable to hide her innocent curiosity. But already aware of the dangers surrounding the woman, much less her deviously scheming mind, Yang Pao knew better to fall for such an act.
He knew the kind of person Bai Shou was—ordinarily calm and reasonable, striving to maintain a decent and amicable reputation. However, such a curtain of righteousness was merely a layer on the mystery called Bai Shou. And if that wasn't the making of the most righteous character, Yang Pao didn't know what was.
"Why else would I keep this portion of the recipe separate?" Yang Pao smiled. "Your knack of seeing through the challenges in a recipe has me in shame, Sister Chained."
"Don't be coy, Brother Yang," Bai Shou smirked. "I just get lucky most of the time."
'Solving 13 issues, which even Elder Ya had issues with, is not being lucky but skilled.' Yang Pao refrained from letting his thoughts see the light of day. He, amongst several others, was more than aware of Bai Shou's skills and the mastery they indicated. However, such matters were best left to one's privy.
'Since you want to build a good reputation, why wouldn't I help you?' Yang Pao hummed internally, allowing Bai Shou to inspect the tiny portion of the recipe that Yang Pao had trouble optimizing.
Unlike what Bai Shou did, credits to multiple master-level attainments, the modifications for others did not mean the shift in the entire recipe or thought process, but a mere alteration of a material or technique.
'It won't be long before Bai Shou stops offering her assistance for free.' Yang Pao was all too clear on the matter, choosing to take advantage of the situation. Nobody sane would consistently offer such valuable pieces of advice free of charge forever! Bai Shou was too smart, and Yang Pao felt that helping others was a way to boost her Giant King's Refinement Stall.
Even now, Bai Shou retained little to no contact with other elite and legacy disciples. Her skills were unquestionable, but attracting such a tough crowd needed more than talent since the Ancient Sect was filled with it.
No, a Gu Master needed a network.
Factions existed for a reason and several Elders stopped the disciples in their groups from approaching Bai Shou since the latter publicly belonged to the Elder Di Qing's faction. As such, Bai Shou's greatest support was in the Education Hall where Di Qing.
"You should look into the petals of the nether lotus for this process. Naturally, I could be incorrect since I don't have the entire recipe. However, a nether lotus has the same properties as the nine-star yin leaves. Nether lotus being available in large quantities compared to the exceptionally rare nine-star yin leaves should help you in experimenting with the quantity."
Yang Pao considered Bai Shou's words carefully.
"What about the Yin Threat Toad's heart?"
"Adds more complication to the refinement process," Bai Shou replied with a shrug. "I wouldn't use it, but it's a viable option if the recipe has a process related to the yin poison in the toad's heart."
Yang Pao asked a few more things, knowing full well the attention of the other elite disciples was onto the duo as they shared mental notes. However, Bai Shou rarely offered suggestions in private and only took someone else's business in discreet setting.
"Sister Chained," Yang Pao spoke after ending the previous discussion. "The time for our agreement is almost up." His tone was light, but his expression was anything but that.
"Don't worry, don't worry," Bai Shou smiled, easing the man. "I'm almost done, Brother Yang. You know how challenging refining such a recipe can be. Our agreement included unforeseen delays by virtue of the Refinement Path being such a mystery even to the likes of us. I just need a few more days."
Yang Pao repressed a sigh and nodded with a smile.
"Of course. I shall await the good news."
Bai Shou nodded and eventually inquired about Elder Ya, who had recently entered 'another' closed-door cultivation to ponder upon the Rank 4 Soul Orchid Bloom Gu Worm. Just this time, Bai Shou hoped the session didn't end in a mere week but last for a decade at the very least!
"Oh, and about my request?" Bai Shou questioned, making Yang Pao nod.
"I found a seller, Sister Chained. But he's…"
Bai Shou quietly lifted an eyebrow.
"He's Elder Jirou Na's eldest son."
"I see," Bai Shou nodded. "I will rely on you to set a meeting, Brother Yang."
Yang Pao appeared inquisitive but didn't question any further and steered the conversation away from such matters, chatting about the rumors and changes in the Sect, appearing cordial and very welcoming to Bai Shou.
Such was life.
The pair of Rank 5 Gu Masters were the most qualified to act like peers for one another.
'It's about time I set a meeting with the Sect Leader.'
Bai Shou mused once she noticed Yang Pao being impatient for the recipe. She had stalled enough and wouldn't be able to extend time any further unless a divine opportunity just fell onto her lap. She just hoped to be able to notice said opportunity for what it was if she did encounter something like that.
***
Alternate Title: Bai Shou With Heaven's Strength: Unlimited Powah!; The Cockroach Path of Growth and Survival; Upgrades!; The Gu Evolves; Little Giant Emperor?; The Emperor In The Gu World; Bai Shou and Eren: Shake Hands In Tatakae; Reputation; Benefactor; Ju Lin; Ju Lin Already Got Dom Tendencies; Ju Lin Likes The Strength Path; A Master Indeed; The Proper Way of Disciplining; Ju Lin's Mom Knows What's Up; The Woman of the Household; Ju Lin's Dad Is a Snitch; The Thin Boundary Between Gu Ranks; Ancient Sect: Happy Seeing Everyone Focus on Cultivation *Also Ancient Sects: Panik When The Gu Masters Are Socially Awkward*; The Greedy Ya; Chen Jiu Can Stay As Is; Jirou Na's Eldest Son; Seeking Hearts; Approacheth Peak; Bai Shou Stops Acting Like a Hoe… But For How Long?
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