Qin Juan vibrated anxiously, pacing around the room to no end. She constantly let out frustrated huffs and shot aggrieved glares at a quiet and composed woman adopting a leisurely posture on a floor cushion.
"Would you stop that?" Ge Qu drawled. She still had the aura of a rank 4 gu master. However, Qin Juan knew better.
"Of course!" Qin Juan suddenly wore a pleasant smile. "Anything else? Should I dance on my toes? Or a performance like the one we saw while visiting Emperor City? Perhaps you've grown tired of the childish routine derived from Bandit Monkeys and want something more exciting?"
A sweet voice burst with excitement, interrupting the argument at its cusp before Qin Juan could add another sarcastic remark.
"A performance? I didn't know you were so talented, Senior Sister Qin!" The voice exclaimed.
Qin Juan and Feng Jin Huang paused before the former looked constipated. So be it if that remark was a mockery. However, the duo knew about their third sister's nature and believed all the earlier sarcasm flew over her head.
The duo turned and observed the innocent dark-haired woman. Like Feng Jin Huang and Qin Juan, she was of considerable age and the blue token on her belt revealed her position as an elite disciple. However, unlike Feng Jin Huang's otherworldly beauty, or Qin Juan's seductive one, this woman still looked pure and gullible. With a natural chubby face and doe-like features, she appeared a certain failure on both the ladies' part.
While slightly inexperienced, Qin Juan was quite sharp and understood things at an admirable pace. But she and Feng Jin Huang had sheltered their third junior sister despite being strict when it came to teaching her about matters of cultivation.
"No, Junior Sister Sun." Qin Juan massaged her forehead before shaking her head. Sun Yao was well aware of the dangers of the gu world, but she was so gullible that even the slightest trace of sarcasm or vindictiveness eluded her.
"Don't lose your cool, Junior Sister Qin." Feng Jin Huang relented after a moment. "Sect Leader Shu Zhe is known to maintain a mask of indifference. Her previous marriage was also for benefits and other private reasons but not love. You still have a chance."
"W-What?!"
Red dusting freckled Qin Juan's comely features as Sun Yao suddenly inhaled sharply, gasping in surprise.
"What? Senior Sister Qin likes Sect Leader Shu Zhe?! Wow!"
"It's not like that!" Qin Juan hissed.
"Hehe." Feng Jin Huang giggled fondly. "Oh, I still remember when you were a kid, Junior Sister. You were so adorable and loved eating candies from the stall and watching the Bandit Monkeys dance around."
"You remember it because you were right beside us, eating even more candies and ordering the gu master to make the Bandit Monkeys dance in a strange fashion."
Feng Jin Huang shrugged, shamelessly unapologetic.
"But you've grown so much." The woman teased. "All ready to spread your wings and build your own nest. I do hope it's only your wings you want to spread."
"Would you stop that?!" Qin Juan whined. She now had two Senior Sisters. Both were, for the lack of a better word, a monkey's bottom!
Sun Yao, ever gullible, added with a playful coo.
"Senior Sister Qin likes Sect Leader~!"
Qin Juan and Feng Jin Huang stared at each other flatly before releasing explosive sighs simultaneously.
"But Senior Sister Qin Juan would have to accept the role of a concubine, right?" Sun Yao continued. "She would be right under that disciple Bai Shou."
"Pfft!" Feng Jin Huang burst into a peal of giggles.
"Ugh!" Qin Juan covered her face as it turned crimson.
"Just get ready for the auction! You promised me a good reward for letting you borrow my gu set, Senior Sister!"
Their relationship was very close. Being friends from a young age and raised under the same mentoring, they grew closer as comrades and always had each other's best interests in their hearts. Even the usual taboo of exposing one's aperture rarely came between them even if they kept some trump cards close to their chests.
"Don't worry." Feng Jin Huang waved her hand. "But I must admit that Bai Shou's performance was astonishing. I'm looking forward to our bet."
She could effortlessly see-through Qin Juan's attempt to hide her worries. Feng Jin Huang's expression softened as she explained.
"I'm not acting out of malice, Junior Sister. Bai Shou is a truly brilliant individual. She… or as you suspect, he is as talented as they come. The fact he could raise his status to the point of being Senior Shu Zhe's consort demonstrates his experience and skills. But failure is a necessary part of our lives."
She continued after ensuring both Qin Juan and Sun Yao paid attention.
"Whatever his business model is, the claim of guaranteeing 100% refinement is an arrogant display and could be used against him. What if another party requests the same bet but tampers with the materials provided? But Bai Shou easily accepted my request without much hesitation."
"Perhaps he was cautious as a lone force. But it's not strange for his temperament to shift after becoming part of the sect. This failure will prove valuable for him in the long run. And he also displayed a righteous character by saving you, risking his life without knowing you had a way to save your life."
Qin Juan couldn't help but allow a tender and fond smile on her face.
"Why are you smiling like that, Senior Sister Qin?" Sun Yao blinked.
"No reason!" Qin Juan replied hastily.
Feng Jin Huang chuckled. "Regardless. Bai Shou becoming my follower won't be a bad thing. We can even find a way to reverse his gender if that's not against his wishes. Wouldn't you like that, Junior Sister Qin?"
"Senior Sister Bai… is fine however they are," Qin Juan muttered while lowering her head, bashful yet earnest. "Just… we must do something about how much Senior Sister Bai likes to tease others. I'm worried he might anger you to death."
"Hah!" Feng Jin Huang laughed. "I'd like to see Bai Shou try it. My challenge is not so effortlessly overcome. Even a hundred tries won't work to refine the gu worm I have in my mind!"
Qin Juan exhaled.
"Fine. Either you follow Bai Shou or vice versa. I'll still concede to the two of you, so it doesn't matter."
She shrugged, leaving Feng Jin Huang speechless before the latter prompted contemptuously.
"You changed, Junior Sister Qin. All those candies were wasted on you!"
Qin Juan stuck out her tongue before laughing.
<<<>>>
"Welcome. Welcome." Bai Shou smiled widely, a picture of politeness and warmth even when facing someone objectively inferior to her.
Jirou Yi quickly cupped his fists and bowed in return.
"I'm grateful to be invited to such a prestigious event, Senior Bai." His tone was ostentatiously respectful. He didn't bring his family along. Instead, he was accompanied by the enslavement path gu master who helped him capture many beasts Bai Shou posted missions for.
"No, Brother Jirou. I should be the grateful one." Bai Shou chuckled.
She spoke warmly, "How can I look down on brilliant heroes? Your performance left me in awe. It's because of you that I could research peacefully and at a rapid pace no less! Who else should I invite if not you?"
Jirou Yi's smile briefly widened before he entered the beautiful pavilion open enough to be in harmony with the greenery of Banlu Peak.
Being the host, Bai Shou greeted everyone. There were many more rank 5 gu masters from inner and elite disciples, but their greeting was short because Bai Shou had little to no exchange with them before the auction. There were also Yang Pao, Feng Bo, and other rank 5 gu masters from the outer disciples. However, they were notably more subdued around Bai Shou, her achievement of brutally murdering Violent Sword still fresh in their minds.
Bai Shou was then greeted by an arrogant voice.
"Enjoying yourself?"
The Little Giant couldn't help but smile broadly.
"Qu Ger!"
"It's Ge Qu!" the woman hissed, the slightest movement forcing her substantial bust to strain and wiggle against the prison she called clothes.
"Ah, yes." Bai Shou nodded, cupping her fist. "Welcome. I'm glad you made it. I'm excited what you might share with us during the second phase of the event."
"Hmph!" Ge Qu snorted, crossing her arms. "You're getting excited for nothing, Bai Shou. Don't forget your promise. Our challenge will commence soon."
"I look forward to it." Bai Shou welcomed her inside as she left with another scathing scoff.
Ge Qu was the beginning of more awkward and unsavory exchanges as the next individual to walk up to Bai Shou's residential mountain was someone she tried to kill.
However, her smile could melt the most stubborn ice caps.
"Elder Hum Dum! Welcome!"
Wind Scythe Hum Dum snorted and entered the venue without glancing at her.
As Shu Zhe informed earlier, the other nine great ancient sects sent an elder each with mysterious intentions. They all appeared arrogant on the surface, sparking a wave of discontent amongst many other guests. But they were a minority. Almost every guest was a rank 5 gu master and boasted a tolerant temperament for such profitable events. Only few cases like Jirou Yi or Ge Qu, who Bai Shou invited personally, or the guests of other rank 5 gu masters fell short of that rank.
Yet, despite the impressive size of the group, Bai Shou knew there were no legacy disciples aside from Feng Jin Huang. Also, a few elite disciples chose not to participate in the event or weren't present in the sect. As one of the ten great ancient sects, Spirit Affinity House nurtured many outstanding talents and put them to use to procure and defend many locations of interest.
Bai Shou was also positive that these members probably contacted several other guests beforehand to procure a few gu worms or materials.
So, it was going to be a lively event, nonetheless.
With all the guests settled, Bai Shou turned on her heels and made way to the stage. From up there, she could see everyone sitting on Finger Mushroom Chairs. It was a strange material that grew from one stem and divided into five sizable hoods in the shape of a comfortable chair with enough support.
And surrounding the venue was a formation she and Shu Zhe controlled, the latter of whom sat in the front row with a placid look.
There were no desks or podiums on the stage. Yet, Bai Shou was the last person to feel unnerved by so many gazes concentrated on her. Clearing her throat, she smiled vibrantly and began the event with her voice enhanced using the formation.
"Welcome, dear guests. We're all friends and comrades. I was once a lone gu master who suffered a lot at the hands of demonic forces. Ever since I joined the sect, I wondered if there was a way to effectively deal with the demons of the world. Unfortunately, I'm too small."
She sighed.
"I'm too week."
She mourned.
"And—I'm too poor!"
She yelled, frustration tainting her voice.
"But that doesn't mean we need to be without options. Through this event, I hope everyone here gets a step closer to understanding one another. By sharing materials, we share a story."
She looked around, noticing everyone appearing indifferent to speech. They could easily see through this farce.
But that did not matter.
She performed!
"Today, we share a moment! Let this be the first step to achieve a world where no demon exists, and righteousness prevails over the entire world!"
"…"
Bai Shou stared ahead with a straight face.
"Alright, the rules of the auction were already informed but let me repeat them in case someone got lazy."
"This event is divided into two phases. The first phase is to auction the few materials and gu worms prepared beforehand. To everyone who reached out to me before the event, please note that all the remuneration will be dispensed after the end of the first phase. Furthermore, the auction for the first phase can only be participated using primeval stones, and the time limit for auctioning each item will be no more than three minutes."
"The second phase is where everyone will get a chance to sell one item based for any materials they might require based on the random draws. It will also last for 36 hours! So, everyone might get a chance. Of course, everyone will be limited to five minutes each."
That got everyone's attention as a few nodded and Bai Shou began the auction with a soft smile.
"Let's begin," she chimed.
"The first item is the Rank 4 Four Tasks at Once Gu!"
"Everyone must know about this gu worm. While strictly an enslavement path gu worm, it can be used by other gu masters to divide their thoughts and multitask without feeling awkward. I also hear that an unorthodox use for this gu worm is to train the mind to multitask by getting used to the sensation!"
"The starting bid for this gu worm is 110,000 primeval stones!"
Four Tasks at Once was a reasonably rare gu worm that was a challenge to locate in the wild. But most of these gu masters were rich and had deep foundation. Such a rank 4 gu worm could also be exchanged for in the Exchange Hall using contribution points.
The low response did not dampen Bai Shou's mood. It wasn't her gu worm and belonged to one of the elders. Also, the members in the venue were more interested in a few key items before experiencing the second phase and exchanging the items they desired.
Bai Shou had a sales pitch ready for every gu worm, so she spoke about the rank 4 enslavement path gu for three minutes straight without missing a beat. She had prepared information related to various usages already demonstrated in history, but something about it caught a few elder's eyes. For instance, Di Qing.
Le Tao was now part of Di Qing's faction, and the former appeared very cold. He barely shot his former wife a glance and only conversed with a few elders and elite disciples.
"Dear." Di Qing prompted using a gu worm. "Shu Zhe might have bent a few rules. One of the stories Bai Shou recited is part of the information only available for the elite disciples. Granted it's not very informative, but it's not well known either."
Le Tao frowned.
"So, Shu Zhe already shared the contents of the Education Hall with Bai Shou?"
Disgust welled in his heart. The Education Hall had strict rules about sharing the knowledge held within. However, Shu Zhe could effortlessly toe a few lines and achieve her objectives due to her position and experience with sect rules. Seeing Bai Shou armed with more knowledge than ever did not inspire great confidence in the duo.
Di Qing felt complicated. She did love her late husband, but she also shared affection with Le Tao. When presented with a chance of a clean and cordial break, allowing Le Tao to enter her faction, Di Qing couldn't help but accept the deal and trade Bai Shou. Of course, deep down, she wished Shu Zhe failure when recruiting Bai Shou.
Yet, the opposite happened.
Bai Shou continued with the second item, and the more she spoke, the more other elders grew aware of Shu Zhe's bias.
"Do you see how she is blatantly playing with the rules?" Jirou Na contacted Elder Ya, trying to win him over.
"She doesn't even try to pretend being a decent sect leader. She has lost hope, Elder Ya. Sect Leader Shu only wishes to maximize her gains before stepping down. Why not make the correct decision?"
Elder Ya was expressionless and listened to Bai Shou's pitch on the surface. However, gears kept turning in his head.
"Oh? So, the rumors about injuries were true." An elder from Spirit Butterfly Valley Sect communicated with a disciplinary hall elder.
There was also another curious event for other elders from the nine great ancient sects.
"I heard the final item was not initially the Rank 5 Purple Crystal Relic Gu."
"I'm afraid that was just Bai Shou just trying to create more controversy for the event and attract more attention." The elder from the Spirit Affinity House replied without missing a beat.
What a joke!
There was a strict warning with an implied threat so severe from the supreme elder that every elder had to specifically contact each other and straighten their stories. Their conflict with Shu Zhe did not entail they could ignore a gu immortal's command.
So, all the other elders felt disappointed when they heard the same thing and were forced to accept the answer of the final item being a rank 5 relic gu from the beginning.
"The next item is the Rank 4 Piercing Knowledge Gu." She exclaimed loudly, instantly halting several conversations as the lukewarm atmosphere bubbled with renewed intensity.
"As others expect, it's not just the gu worm but the information inside it that is the truly valuable."
"I recovered this gu worm in dire circumstances. A great hero succumbed to the pool of malice inside him. While we fought, his heart also experienced an internal struggle. Brother Wang Nan was an upstanding man who held back and wanted someone to end his pain!"
She sighed deeply before letting out a choking noise.
"Sorry."
A lone tear slipped down the corner of Bai Shou's eye. "I—"
She choked again, feeling emotional.
Sniffing loudly, Bai Shou gracefully wiped the offending droplet of tear away before squeezing out a profoundly sad yet hopeful smile.
"I only wish for Brother Wang Nan's inheritance to fall in the right hands."
Taking a deep breath, she added, "The starting bid is 3,000,000 primeval stones."
It was lower than the 4.7 million primeval stones offered by the Inheritance Hall. But that did not matter.
Jirou Na suddenly spoke before letting Bai Shou finish.
"3.5 million primeval stones!"
"Hmph." Di Qing snorted. "4 million."
The elders were already aware the inheritance was present in the Inheritance Hall. But it would obviously sell it for more than the amount used to buy from Bai Shou. Why would any elders want to suffer a loss? Furthermore, they were aware of Bai Shou's intentions to sell the accompanying gu worms and needed to ensure Wang Nan's inheritance did not fall into the enemy's hands.
Elders from the other sects watched in amusement before a few of them raised the prices by a cautious hundred thousand or two, ensuring either Di Qing or Jirou Na waste more resources.
Even now the ten sects underwent hidden conflicts.
"5.1 million."
Shu Zhe's calm voice cut through the buzz as she felt Di Qing's and Jirou Na's incredulous stares.
Even Bai Shou appeared slight dissatisfied before exhaling under her breath.
'Petty schemes. The rotten couple just wants to earn more.' Hum Dum thought internally but made no motion to interfere.
Shu Zhe's bid of 5.1 million suddenly left everyone cautious. The price did not increase any further and she won the gu worm.
Clearing her throat, Bai Shou continued with the next item.
She had limited her business in the past month and rarely took on commissions for rank 4 gu worms. The rank 5 gu worms were out of question except for the one she promised Jirou Yi, the Rank 5 Elephant Steed.
Instead, she spent her time preparing for several gu worms.
"The next item isn't something available in the Exchange Halls." Her spirited voice dampened the uncertainty in the air after Shu Zhe's earlier act.
A flick of her hand revealed a rank 1 gu worm. It was a plump silkworm.
"This is a Rank 1 Liquor Worm Gu. Everyone knows about its ability to advance one's primeval essence by a minor realm unless you are already a peak stage rank 1 gu master."
She retrieved the gu worm with a smile.
"Its most popularly advanced to the Rank 3 Seven Fragrances Liquor Worm Gu. However, you all must understand the reason I was recruited into the sect."
She laughed loudly.
"It's because of my creativity and talent in refining gu worms and understanding the recipes like none other."
Her boast was shameless. Many sneered and rolled their eyes.
Yet, all of them suddenly focused on the rank 4 gu worm in Bai Shou's hand. It was no less plump than the rank 1 silkworm but had no eyes. Instead, there were nine spots on its body. They exuded a gem-like glow—red, blue, yellow, and so on.
"This is the Nine Eyes Liquor Worm!"
Bai Shou announced proudly.
"This will help a rank 4 gu master advance their primeval essence by a minor realm, allowing them to speed through their cultivation!"
Her smile widened as she observed everyone's undivided attention. She could hear the gears in their heads clicking and turning.
"The starting price is…"
Bai Shou smirked.
"70,000 primeval stones."
Many scoffed at her cheekiness when a voice was quick to raise the price!
"300,000!"
Several gazes focused on Ge Qu for once as she maintained a calm expression.
"Apologies but this gu worm is also useful to me." Jirou Yi spoke firmly, not cowering under the gazes of his higher-ups.
"350,000!"
"Foolish. You're a failure, Jirou Yi. Let my son have this." Jirou Na derided loudly.
Jirou Meng Hou was a rank 4 middle stage gu master and this gu worm was useful to him.
"500,000." Shu Zhe raised the bid before Jirou Na got the chance.
Several individuals frowned again. Di Qing thinned her lips. She also wanted such a gu worm. The Nine Eyes Liquor Worm wasn't the only gu worm that advanced the primeval essence by a minor realm. However, Bai Shou's appearance proved there was a recipe and this gu worm could be produced again. It was already better than gu worms like the Half-Effort and Soaked Wall Gu Worms. But they weren't present in the Exchange Halls!
'What is Shu Zhe's scheme?' Di Qing contemplated. First, Shu Zhe competed for Wang Nan's inheritance. Now, she was aiming for another lucrative gu worm.
'Do they not intend to sell the gu worms?' Jirou Na also cursed secretly.
'What if that is precisely the scheme? Shu Zhe will empower her allies. This auction may be an elaborate trick to play our minds and attract more allies!'
If it was as such, then it was working. Elder Ya stopped responding to Jirou Na and entered the fray.
"520,000!" He called out, his gaze equally curious and greedy.
Ge Qu frowned but didn't bid further. She sank in silence.
"Hmph! 550,000!" Jirou Yi felt slight heartache as he raised the bid.
"1.2 million."
Shu Zhe's rigid call forced the entire venue to choke back on their words again.
Bai Shou appeared more distressed compared to other participants as if she was forced to swallow someone's essence.
"Moving on," she grunted. The auction continued anew. The later items and materials attracted plenty of attention as several disciples began bidding. But they were all conscious about the price and withdrew when things grew too heated. Instead, they were planning to achieve a better deal during the second half of the auction.
"Lastly!" Bai Shou smiled thickly.
"The final item of the first half of the auction is the Rank 5 Purple Crystal Relic Gu Worm, starting at 5 million primeval stones. It's a treasure that will change your position in any sect and make you worthy of attention!"
She couldn't help but laugh wryly.
"I would have used it—"
"7 million!" Ge Qu's voice rose a notch, interrupting Bai Shou.
"7.1 million." Elder Ya stroked his beard.
"7.5 million!" Le Tao mustered.
'I was lucky to have obtained it as a reward.' Yang Pao sighed internally as he looked at Shu Zhe, who suddenly opened her mouth.
"9 million."
Jirou Na's and Di Qing's eyelids shot up.
"9.3 million!" Jirou Na licked her lips. She was already a middle stage Rank 5 gu master. Obtaining it would be perfect for her since she was near the upper stage!
"9.4 million." Di Qing's gaze grew vicious.
Le Tao frowned. He momentarily glanced at the quiet Shu Zhe. Knowing her for years, he instinctively believed that the sect leader cared little for the items she placed a bid for. She was planning something else. And Le Tao did not want to see her succeed!
The humiliation of having his residential mountain stripped was nothing compared to observing the intimate bruise on her neck the day she revealed her marriage with Bai Shou!
"Let's pool our resources. I have a bad feeling, Qing'er."
"Hmm." Di Qing agreed.
"9.6 million." Jirou Na countered as the elders of the other sects also raised the bid close to 10 million.
"11.1 million!" Di Qing suddenly raised the bid by a considerable margin!
'Crazy, the lot of them.' Elder Ya snorted in dissatisfaction.
'Tch.' Ge Qu clicked her tongue, feeling annoyed. She had more than enough resources to purchase the gu worm. However, she was unwilling to suffer such a loss. The bidding war was no longer about the gu worm but keeping the enemy faction from benefiting from such a rise in strength.
After all, the gap in cultivation between minor realms only grew wider the higher the gu master's rank!
"13 million."
Shu Zhe's voice sliced through the commotion.
"13.5 million." Di Qing didn't back down.
'All that in exchange for a rank 1 gu worm.' Bai Shou almost wept tears of joy. Her reserves of primeval essence were running dry. But now she won't have to worry about fluid cash for a while!
Elders from the other sect had stepped away from the competition and observed the intense competition between three major factions. They represented a certain future for the sect.
Shu Zhe was still the sect leader and maintained ridiculous resources.
Addition of Le Tao made Di Qing's faction a favorite second as the recently divorced elder attracted many elders to his side.
Finally, Jirou Na was a fierce rival to the previously mentioned duo. Her ambition was like a torch in the darkness, attracting several like-minded elders.
As for Elder Ya and his pack of refinement path fanatics? They watched from the sidelines.
"22 million!" Shu Zhe's final bid succeeded again, leaving many participants speechless.
Just what was going through her head.
***
Alternate Title: Sun Yao's Prophecy: Senior Sister Qin Will be Under Bai Shou *Qin Juan Red Faced and Feng Jin Huang Wheezing From Laughter*; Sun Yao's Second Prophecy: Senior Sister Feng's Candy Mouth Will be Performing on Bai Shou's Monkey *Feng Jin Huang and Qin Juan:…*; The Teasing Senior Sisters; Everyone Wants a Piece of Qin Juan; Qin Juan Suffering From Success; Qin Juan Really Likes Shu Zhe; Sun Yao is too Good for the World; Shang Xin Ci if She Ever Met Sun Yao: You're Mine; Bai Shou Called it Right: Qu Ger; Angry Qu Ger; Feng Jin Huang's Greatest Asset… Her Mind; The Auction; Bai Shou's Show; Bai Shou Really Likes Dancing on her Victim's Graves; Adding Wang Nan to the Special Place Gu Yue Mo Chen Resides In; Shu Zhe's Money Hack; The Elders' United Front; The Competition; Rotten Couple's Scheme?; Pooling Resources; Le Tao Low Key Jealous; The Amazing Di Qing; Bending Rules; More Knowledgeable Than Ever; The Ultimate Mortal Sugar Mommy; Beast Tamer in Emperor City? Meta Knowledge Meme
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Sun Yao (The artist I think made Shang Xin Ci. But this immediately reminded me of Sun Yao XD.)
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