Covered by thin sheets, their bodies still reeling from earlier heat and drenched in sweat, the duo conversed softly. Bai Shou and Shu Zhe were brainstorming ideas. The Underwater Cavern House Gu cast a curtain of sapphire-like glow, illuminating their blissful expressions.
Shu Zhe was determined to use Bai Shou's arm as her pillow. Unfortunately, despite the effects of the Thickest Skin Gu ensuring the latter was no longer as vascular as before, Bai Shou's skin wasn't the supple sort and couldn't cushion the firmness of her musculature underneath. So, Shu Zhe had to make a show of letting out a weary sigh, some snark about Bai Shou being an unfit lover despite the hours the giant toiled to prove otherwise and placed a pillow between the arm and her head.
As for brainstorming ideas?
Shu Zhe never talked about her day or the issues with other elders. All she wanted to discuss with Bai Shou were the ways to heal her aperture.
"I need a prisoner." Bai Shou said finally.
"I respect your wishes and privacy, dear. The only time I wish to diagnose you now is when I have a decent method to heal others afflicted by the Aperture Puncture Gu."
"Prisoner…" Shu Zhe muttered under her breath. She wasn't above using test subjects. However, why would they wait if she had the chance to do just that?
With the so-called traitor releasing prisoners from the Disciplinary Hall, most of whom were already dead, such establishments were under strict lockdown. To deliver a prisoner to Bai Shou required Shu Zhe to bend a lot of rules currently under everyone's observation. It was different from appointing some additional resources to her allies and would directly threaten her position as the sect leader.
"Or." Bai Shou suddenly supplied with another option.
"We use it on one of your enemies."
Shu Zhe reflected quietly before shaking her head.
"It's not the right time. We will have our moment."
"I understand." Bai Shou smiled, gently pulling Shu Zhe closer.
"How's the business?" Shu Zhe changed the subject as her warm breath tickled Bai Shou's skin.
Bai Shou chuckled throatily.
"As well as you'd expect. Several disciples showed up at my doorsteps. But with the auction around the corner, I had to limit the requests and work on several things I wish to sell. I also prepared the list of the items in the first half. Tell me if I need something else to rouse interest."
Shu Zhe scanned through the list in the unassuming gu worm until her breath momentarily hitched.
"This is…"
Knowing which item attracted the sect leader's attention, Bai Shou smiled proudly. "It's good, isn't it? This and Wang Nan's Gu Set should be more than enough to inspire enough competition in everyone. Do you want me to contact Elder Ya and have him ask others what items they wish to auction?"
Shu Zhe returned the gu worm before smiling softly. Competence was the one thing she adored more than innocence.
"No. You leave that to me. After all, I'm also contacting the elders from the other ancient sects."
Bai Shou's expression froze. She considered the reasons Shu Zhe would want to do such a thing before choosing not to speak up. However, the weeks they spent together proved to be transformative enough for Shu Zhe to give Bai Shou slight hints. That was also one of her schemes perhaps. To determine if her giant could be trusted with secrets.
"A complete gu set is a rarity even among elders," she explained.
"Furthermore, Feng Jin Huang's most recent victory brought everyone's eyes on the sect. They want to form positive contact with the sect elders more than ever."
Bai Shou mused about said victory. She hadn't heard anything about it.
"You're my spouse," Shu Zhe claimed with slight heat. "I say you deserve this knowledge. Aren't you curious where your lovely Qin Juan went?"
"As it is said, curiosity killed the cat." Bai Shou smiled. "I stopped being curious about many things long ago. Only the dao grips my heart. And now you."
Shu Zhe rolled her eyes expressively before pecking Bai Shou's jaw and humming in response.
"Very well. I'll preserve your cat."
"I hope we're still talking about the cat."
"We are," Shu Zhe answered. She continued after a moment.
"The issues in the sect are strictly off the limits for other sects." Her words were meaningful.
"But birds die for food and humans for wealth."
"What do you mean?" Bai Shou blinked.
Shu Zhe did not answer directly. She suddenly climbed atop Bai Shou, looking down on the latter and peering through that deceptive innocence.
"I think you know," she spoke huskily.
Of course, Bai Shou knew. Still, she couldn't help but transform again as archaic mist obscured them, their silhouettes soon merging yet conflicting.
<<<>>>
The air around the gu immortals was thick with tension. They usually did not gather so often and maintained a leisurely schedule. However, a sudden strike forced them to assemble.
The supreme elders did not annoy each other as the second supreme elder listed the sudden losses the sect bore in a matter of days outside the sect's public blessed land.
"Xuanwu Mountain's surroundings were ransacked by three demon gu immortals before they attacked Supreme Elder Weng. We suffered grave losses despite driving away those demons."
Killing a gu immortal was a very costly affair and did not happen unless the aggressive party came prepared. Despite facing three demon gu immortals, the supreme elder from the ancient sect forced them to retreat, revealing the sheer difference in their foundations.
"The Golden Sand Cave almost sank, ruining years of investment."
"Several mortal resource points were attacked, and many talented disciples lost their lives."
"Furthermore, we were almost chased out of Reincarnation Battlefield. Immortal Crane Sect was the one against the ropes earlier, but our territory suffered from a sudden alliance, and it led to Supreme Elder Bu Zhen Zi suffering grave injuries alongside the sect losing two desolate beasts."
The more she announced things in a bland tone, the heavier the mood grew.
There were other losses, too.
Still, the injured supreme elders sent their multi-colored wills and bowed their heads.
The second supreme elder was not berating them. Everyone understood the losses were a result of the other nine sects not wanting to see the Spirit Affinity Sect grow.
Xu Hao's will spoke after a prolonged silence.
"They are trying to find our bottom line while ensuring we cannot effortlessly nurture our young disciples." He was the sect's wisdom path gu master and saw things very clearly.
"Of these losses, the greatest one the sect suffered is the loss of talented disciples securing several mortal resource points outside the sect. The mortal resources can be nurtured again but finding disciples with great affinities and raising them will take decades. The loss of territory in the Reincarnation Battlefield also raises the frequency with which the disciples inside get injured, forcing them out earlier than their peers from the other nine sects."
"They also did not attack Hu Immortal Blessed Land. But it wouldn't stop them from employing a third party to create more obstructions. Many demonic gu immortals wouldn't care about Tian Ti Mountain's significance if the price is right."
His words made Fairy Bai Qing momentarily relieved. Her daughter recently moved out of Hu Immortal Blessed Land and was inside the sect. She was safe from outside threats because several powerhouses protected the sect and the nearby territories.
"You must have a plan," another female supreme elder stated.
"I do." Xu Hao smiled as he cupped his fist towards the first supreme elder, who nodded slightly without opening her eyes.
"We all began receiving benefits from Dang Hun Mountain and reached our bottlenecks rather swiftly. I suggest it's time we let our disciples experience the same."
A wave of murmur spread within the council, but Xu Hao didn't interrupt. It wasn't a strange suggestion. Many gu immortals were already thinking about letting the disciples experience the taste of Dang Hun Mountain based on their contribution. However, they all felt strange that Xu Hao was agreeing with the sentiment.
It had to be known that Hu Immortal Blessed Land belonged to Feng Jin Huang. Although Xu Hao was temporarily responsible for the blessed land, the prestige and the benefit the legacy disciple stood to gain from such an act would put her in the front of the line for being considered the next sect fairy!
Why would Xu Hao want that to happen?
As if knowing such questions were brewing in their minds, Xu Hao spoke with a soft smile.
"I hope my next request doesn't offend anyone. However, the resources consumed in Dang Hun Mountain will rise at a great pace and the Rockmen Trade handled by Fairy Bai Qing must be paused. If possible, I require Fairy Bai Qing to coordinate with Fairy Li Jun Ying in collecting more souls."
The meeting came to a halt.
'Not only does Xu Hao want Bai Qing to stop her business but also work under his wife?'
The trend of needing more resources for cultivation only increased at an exponential rate of gu immortals and most of them created businesses to cover their costs and procure assets for future investments. The rockmen trade was already proving to be a very profitable venture, especially with the Dang Hun Mountain. But opening it for the disciples meant lower resources to raise rockmen!
Xu Hao wanted to block Bai Qing's finances.
"Of course, it's merely a request and I'm open for negotiations. But I feel this is a very reasonable path for the sect, especially due to recent conflict in the mortal side of the sect. We will soon see another batch of the cream of the crop rise and they will need further resources to grow. Providing gu worms and manufactured competition will only go so far."
"Meanwhile, we already have several talents waiting for more nurturing in several accomplished elite disciples, not to mention a host of talented rank 5 gu masters in the ranks of inner and outer disciples."
Xu Hao narrowed his eyes as he met Feng Jiu Ge's without fear.
"Unless of course, everyone here unanimously agrees that we all must focus on Bai Shou alone. Her recent battle with that Junior Wang Nan was impressive and the consequences of the auctions are yet to be witnessed. But I believe that investment in the form of manipulation of the sect is currently enough for Bai Shou. Let her prove her loyalty. In fact, she can be one of the few to enter the Reincarnation Battlefield after things settle down."
Others from Feng's faction began arguing only for Xu Hao to dismantle their points of critique.
There were also supreme elders who argued back, saying that Feng Jiu Ge's actions had already crossed certain lines due to how heavy-handed their kind was in manipulating the mortal side of the sect.
Bai Qing's will addressed the group before Feng Jiu Ge could argue.
"I agree with Elder Xu Hao. Now isn't the time to compete amongst ourselves. The sect needs to mobilize and nurture several talented disciples. I hope Elder Li Jun Yin also shares the same spirit."
Xu Hao's wife, Li Jun Ying, smiled and nodded cordially.
"Of course, Sister Bai," she spoke warmly like they were friends for generations.
Feng Jiu Ge's gaze flickered but he didn't speak during the meeting.
<<<>>>
"Are you convinced?" Xu Hao's will spoke in a friendly manner as Fairy Shu Ye entertained the rank 7 gu immortal.
"The Feng Faction is focused on Bai Shou." Xu Hao still had his doubts. Of course, there was a reason why he offered to slight his profits and future position. In return, he received valuable clues.
"Bai Shou's marriage with your granddaughter, alongside disciple Feng Jin Huang's proximity ensures she has a chance to surpass her previously set limits and injuries."
Shu Ye was silent.
Meanwhile, Feng Jiu Ge and Bai Qing discussed things.
"You were uncharacteristically quiet, dear." Bai Qing sighed before shaking her head. "I decided things without consulting with you. But this matter affected Huang'er. Bai Shou doesn't only represent the sect's ability to wield the mysterious inheritance left untouched for too long but also a way to uncover the secrets of the immortal gu inside Feng Jin Huang."
"And now Xu Hao knows that, too."
Feng Jiu Ge sighed after a while.
Bai Qing's expression froze.
The wisdom path gu masters weren't infallible but their ability to think several steps couldn't be underestimated. Not everyone was like Feng Jiu Ge and kept up with such masters of schemes. It was only with his indication that Bai Qing realized her mistake.
By temporarily pausing her business, Bai Qing didn't only reveal she was willing to suffer losses but also that Bai Shou was important to Feng Jin Huang. She now realized that Xu Hao targeting Bai Shou was an indirect method of targeting the couple. That, coupled with Feng Jiu Ge investing personal resources, exposed the couple's stance.
Feng Jiu Ge couldn't have invested in Bai Shou with the hopes of the mysterious inheritance alone because it took a lot of time and resources to study it. Currently, only Xu Hao had the most complete record of what could be inside the inheritance, and even that was a big if. So, the couple must have had other interest in Bai Shou. Someone like Xu Hao, who was well aware of their nature, understood their concerns instantly and finally confirmed the clue of their consideration rooted within Feng Jin Huang, their daughter.
"It's fine." Feng Jiu Ge smiled, consoling his wife's will. "Others aren't aware of the truth but would have arrived at similar conclusions sooner or later. But by investing my resources, I cleared way for Huang'er to form a connection with Bai Shou without others' interference."
"But that Xu Hao is a devious man." Bai Qing frowned. "His schemes always have different faces and exposing our interests won't be the only objective."
"You are correct, dear." Feng Jiu Ge laughed, but his eyes revealed surprising steel and coldness.
"Fairy Shu Ye encountered some issues and suddenly stopped all transactions with our allies, hoping to renegotiate the terms. Xu Hao wanted this matter to send her over the edge."
Fairy Bai Qing sighed bitterly.
"So, she made up her mind. That Shu Zhe is capable indeed. She is just a mortal, but her actions affected us gu immortals."
"Hmm. Capable indeed." Feng Jiu Ge spoke with sudden levity.
"Oh, Ge!" Bai Qing pouted. "You're terrible!"
Feng Jiu Ge laughed and took Bai Qing's will inside his blessed land before sinking into ponderous silence.
'I can't take any further actions after all.'
The second supreme elder's words and his inspiration related to the luck path weighed heavily on his mind.
His sharp intuitions warned him against taking further actions related to Feng Jin Huang and Bai Shou. While not many things should be left to coincidences and fate, in Feng Jiu Ge's mind that is, he couldn't help but feel slight suffocation in his heart.
He was missing something crucial.
No.
He felt everyone was ignoring something that must not be ignored.
After Xu Hao's revelations, Feng Jiu Ge also researched more on Gu Yue Lo Jik. However, there were no clues related to the latter's survival. Many super clans suffered losses when a demonic gu immortal attacked San Cha Mountain. Even Shang Mi Zhu failed to save anyone inside the blessed land.
But if Lo Jik was truly Bai Shou, how did he survive the winds of assimilation?
The timeline didn't add up.
Even if Lo Jik survived the winds of assimilation and changed his gender, how did he appear injured in the eastern region of the central continent?
'And if Bai Shou is not Lo Jik… then who is he?'
Feng Jiu Ge frowned before blinking.
'Her gu worms.'
He suddenly took out several reports and his findings related to Bai Shou.
Only after inspecting everything, did he notice an oddity he previously failed to focus on. That wasn't like him.
'When did regional qi suppression on few of Bai Shou's rank 5 gu worms lift?'
That was unnatural and very curious.
After all, he was the one to recruit Bai Shou and found many things about the latter after a few moments of inspection. With a targeted killer move, even a gu master's aperture was no longer their greatest secret.
So, he was aware that gu worms like the Rank 5 Stable Cauldron suffered from regional qi suppression. Yet, Bai Shou's records in the sect no mention of her purchasing another rank 5 refinement gu!
'How did this escape my attention?' Feng Jiu Ge grew alert.
It was then he was notified about something else. He paid close attention to the mortal side of the sect and Feng Jin Huang sent him the list of gu worms and materials Bai Shou was going to auction. After all, masquerading as Ge Qu, Feng Jin Huang was also invited alongside every elder, Rank 5 gu master, and another one of Bai Shou's associates, an inner disciple by the name of Jirou Yi.
Feng Jiu Ge's gaze briefly paused on a rank 4 gu worm he hadn't witnessed before. But it wasn't the final item set for the auction.
No.
Instead, it was a rank 1 gu worm that even stunned the rank 7 gu immortal!
His lips slowly parted.
'It cannot be revealed at all!' He almost lost his cool. He knew many things about the sect, both the short term and the long-term goals! Knowing that the list would soon be sent to the invited elders from the other nine sects, Feng Jiu Ge acted quickly.
This auction can happen.
Sure.
But that rank 1 gu worm must remain a secret!
<<<>>>
Bai Shou stepped onto Banlu Peak with a refreshed look. Shu Zhe hadn't wasted any time sending the list for the auction after their impromptu session and received a great response.
It was everything Bai Shou predicted. It was a chance to capitalize on the things she knew and earn rare materials that the elders and other rank 5 gu masters with deep pockets wouldn't eagerly part with.
Before she reached her hut, however, she paused and looked at the rank 3 yellow beetle letter gu flying in her direction. It was Shu Zhe's mode of conversation and Bai Shou accepted it after inspecting it slightly.
'Huh? The list is altered.'
Bai Shou's brows tightened. This surpassed her expectations because only a supreme elder could force Shu Zhe to change things so abruptly.
"Come on over." A smooth voice drifted from the peak, almost causing Bai Shou's spine to stiffen.
As resolute Bai Shou was, the encounter with Shang Mi Zhu had left a lasting scar which needed more time to fill. She still felt slightly on edge whenever a gu immortal got involved.
Stuffing her head to the brim with brave thought, Bai Shou scaled the mountain and soon arrived before her doorstep. Yet, the strangely serene voice guided her away.
"How will I be present inside a house protected by a formation?" It laughed slightly.
However, Bai Shou knew better. The unknown figure chose not to do just that. If Shu Zhe and Elder Ya could know the secrets of Empty Heart Formation, then why can't a gu immortal? It was a direct mockery of how careful Bai Shou was trying to be despite being so exposed, a valuable reminder in her books as she concealed the steel in her gaze and followed the directions before reaching a familiar opening.
As if attuned with his surroundings, a man as handsome as they come, stood straight with his hands behind his back. He turned slightly, looking over his shoulder. Garbed in red and white, the man's handsome features and the pool of compassionate brown eyes stood out the most.
"Supreme Elder."
Bai Shou kowtowed without feeling ashamed. When she first arrived, she boldly claimed to never kneel before anyone in the sect. But that was just a mask.
Kneeling, kowtowing, or even stripping naked and being humiliated in front of a stronger opponent for a chance of life would not kindle any spark of anger or shame in Bai Shou unless she was forced to cross her lines. Heck. Even now, Bai Shou did not hold any vengeful thought against Shang Mi Zhu.
Conflict was natural.
Death was natural.
And for Bai Shou, the urge to grow and surpass one's limits was also equally natural.
"Rise, Disciple Bai." The man spoke with an encouraging tone. "I hope you remember me."
"Of course, Supreme Elder Feng." Bai Shou nodded hastily. If she could lick his boots, she would. However, her words must suffice currently. "Qin Juan taught this foolish disciple about your legendary stature. I hope my previous actions did not offend you, Lord. Please ask anything of me."
As if that wasn't enough, Bai Shou added.
"Your wish is my command."
Feng Jiu Ge hummed, sparks of amusement dancing in his gaze.
"You must admit publicly that the Rank 1 Human Adaptive Qi Gu never existed, and you made it up to attract everyone. Can you do that for the sect?"
"As certainly as the sun rise in the east."
She answered instantly, not appearing hesitant at all.
"Good." Feng Jiu Ge smiled. "Very good, Disciple Bai. Do you understand your mistakes?"
"Yes!"
"Hmm. Seeing your sincerity, I will suggest other supreme elders to forgive you and the punishment you should be bearing. Very well. You do not need to ruin your reputation over such a simple matter. Exchange the Rank 1 Human Adaptive Qi Gu with this one in the auction."
Saying so, Feng Jiu Ge flicked his finger as a Rank 5 Gu Worm appeared before Bai Shou.
She carefully peeked up, ensuring her head remained low.
Rank 5 Purple Crystal Relic Gu!
Bai Shou accepted the gu worm with the reverence it deserved and stayed silent.
"Also." Feng Jiu Ge continued after seeing Bai Shou accept it. "Do not reveal the recipe of that Rank 1 Gu Worm to anyone. Instead, continue working on it. Contribute it to the sect."
"These are all my findings, Lord. I was planning to exchange it during the second half of the auction."
Bai Shou offered up a Heart Engraved Gu.
Accepting it, Feng Jiu Ge used it at once and then nodded appreciatively.
"Talented indeed." He praised, not knowing Bai Shou had long advanced the Human Adaptive Qi Gu to the Fickle Travel Gu.
"Oh, another thing, Disciple Lo Jik."
Bai Shou kept her head low but still let out a curious noise before nodding earnestly.
"Yes, Lord. My name will be Lo Jik from now on."
Feng Jiu Ge narrowed his eyes but failed to search for any deception. Of course, that was only because of the limitations set on him by the first supreme elder. She would have chewed him out for such direct contact had it not been for the Rank 1 Human Adaptive Qi Gu Worm's significance.
Even she was momentarily alarmed by the emergence of such a gu worm.
"No, never mind. Lo Jik sounds like a dog's name."
"Then I shall be a dog, Lord!"
Feng Jiu Ge thinned his lips.
"Do not let this recipe leak in any circumstance, Disciple Bai." He warned again.
As he turned around, Feng Jiu Ge stopped.
"Ah. I heard you got married."
Worried that the shameless demon might even offer his wife to the immortal lord, Feng Jiu Ge added without missing a beat.
"A gift for the blissful life ahead."
Bai Shou heard her surroundings rustle animatedly before peeking up. Feng Jiu Ge was gone. Instead, she saw a small leather sac placed on the spot where the man stood.
A wedding gift.
She gulped dryly and carefully reached for it before untying its mouth.
Inside were two pairs of custom chopsticks with the term 'happiness' imprinted on the top.
Chopsticks.
If Bai Shou wasn't turned into a woman by Bai Ning Bing, Feng Jiu Ge would have replaced that white-haired bimbo as one of the most annoying individuals he had the misfortune of encountering.
'Don't break it. Let's eat a few meals with this shit for good measure. Who knows what might set these gu immortals off.'
She ascertained in her heart before entering her residence.
Of course, she had plenty of questions. Why would Feng Jiu Ge be alarmed by a rank 1 gu worm? All it did was make travel easy between the other regions and boost the prospects of trade… unless the sect already had something else laid out for its future.
Naturally, she'd grown used to the mystery around her. The best way for the mortal Bai Shou to survive was not being a curious cat.
The price of curiosity these days was too much for her.
***
Alternate Title: Primordial Origin Immortal Venerable and Feng Jiu Ge: Shake Hands in Giving Nonsensical Wedding Related Gifts; Lo Jik Proposes, Feng Jiu Ge Disposes; Sharp Intuitions; Shu Zhe: Adores Competence and Innocence *Meanwhile Bai Shou: Competitively Appears Innocent*; Feng Jiu Ge's Trade Offer: You Lose a Rank 1 Gu, You Get a Rank 5 Gu; Somewhere in Northern Plains: Chopsticks Your Mother!; Shu Zhe Rides the Giant; Xu Hao's Little Scheme; A Sharp Mind and a Worried Mother; Relieved Bai Qing; Assault on Spirit Affinity House; Injuries; Almost Driven Off; Shu Ye Changes Side; Immortal Causality; Bai Shou Almost Casually Ruining Central Continent's Scheme in one Auction; Human Path Really About To Fuck Heaven's Court; I, Bai Shou, am Extraordinarily Humble; Bai Shou's Licks Boot; In Terms of Licking Boot, Bai Shou's Second to None; Shameless to the Core; Uncomfortable Feng Jiu Ge; Feng Jiu Ge's 'Encouragement'; Feng Jiu Ge: My Daughter Calls Me Father *Bai Shou Dancing As Daddy*; The Lustful Mist; Oh, Look. Feng Jiu Ge Trying Not to be Batman and Appear in Bai Shou's Crib; Bai Shou or Lo Jik; Feng Jiu Ge Tries a Sudden 'AHA' Moment *Bai Shou: From Now On I'm a Dog Named Lo Jik*; Feng Jiu Ge Feels a Disturbance in the Force and Instantly Hates on Lo Jik; Shang Mi Zhu Being the Most Righteous Man in the Gu World; Shang Mi Zhu Lokey Paradise Earth's Next Successor; Giant Sun in Shambles Once the Savior Shang Mi Zhu Runs the Era; Bai Shou: I Hate No One *Also Williams Logic When He Sees Kenny in the Dream Realm: KENNNNNYYYY—Levi Edition*; Shu Zhe Casually Earning Immortal Level Street Cred By Making a Loyal Waifu Out of the Hoe Giant; Bai Shou: Does Everything a Lover Does *Shu Zhe: Unfit, Woman! Fuck Me Again!*
***
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