Internally suspicious, Bai Shou maintained a friendly smile and spent some effort chatting with her customer. Coupled with her slightly tanned skin and inviting presence, Bai Shou was nothing short of a breath of fresh air for many disciples within Spirit Affinity House since she did not display the usual arrogance of a Rank 5 expert. There were already a few comparisons because Bai Shou and Yang Pao were not the only Rank 5 Outer Disciples. There were seven more such cases.
"How does it taste, Miss Bai?" inquired the beautiful blue-haired girl in her prime. Bai Shou's humble residence and lacking decorations did not dampen the company's mood. The green token on the lovely lady's left arm revealed her status as an Inner Disciple. Surprisingly, with Rank 4 Initial Stage cultivation to the boot, such an individual showed Bai Shou more than enough courtesy as the latter slightly sipped the wine from the small cup, closing her eyes before allowing a satisfied smile and warm exhale.
"Ah," Bai Shou hummed. Her expression eased considerably. "It tastes incredible, but the note is too sweet for me. I appreciate such a gift, Miss Di."
She was Di Loo, a prominent figure amongst other Inner Disciples, a Water Path Gu Master, and most importantly, one of Education Hall's Elders—Elder Di Qing's daughter.
"I suppose you wish I refine a Gu Worm for you, Miss Di?" Bai Shou poured some more wine that Di Loo brought, further serving some to the woman, making the latter even more appreciated and welcomed. "But why would you not seek one of the experts from Inner or Elite Disciples?"
"That isn't the case, Miss Bai," Di Loo explained as she drank her favorite wine with a pleased expression. "My mother convinced Elder Ya to refine the Wave Trace Gu. However, the Sect Leader needed him at the last second. To make matters more troublesome, my mother had active duties. As you might already understand, I wish to refine this Gu before the Essence Moon rises."
'Another urgent case?' Bai Shou grew quiet and indulged in the wine. 'She still didn't explain why she sought me. But Di Loo is an intriguing figure because of her mother. Di Qing… she is one of the few who likes collecting wine and hosting banquets to show off her collection. She is so popular and famous that even I know she has some Spirit Valley Wine. Even a small cup would extend Divine Travel's life by a day or two.'
Still, the desperate need did not blind Bai Shou about Di Loo's matter.
"Why do you want me to help you, Miss Di?" Bai Shou inquired pointedly even if she had her gaze enamored by the wine with a pinkish undertone.
Bai Shou's residence grew quiet before Di Loo sighed softly.
"Do you know of Elder Jirou?"
Bai Shou unconsciously recalled the conspicuously muscular female Elder during her meeting.
"I do," Bai Shou nodded. "She is a Strength Path Gu Master like myself."
Di Loo nodded.
"Before his accident outside the Sect, my father promised to marry me off to Elder Jirou Na's fourth son, Jirou Meng Hou. My mother and I opposed this marriage but my father wouldn't hear a thing. Well, now Elder Jirou Na isn't backing off and wants me to marry her fourth son. Needless to say, I do not like him."
"Of course, I cannot be forced to marry, but breaking things off in such a manner would make things difficult for Mother. She might be the Education Hall's Elder, but Jirou Na is one of the Internal Affairs Hall Elders. Only recently did Elder Le Tao, the Internal Affairs Hall leader, decide to step in and mediate."
"Elder Jirou Na is fierce and proud. She thinks my dislike towards her son is an insult… but he isn't my type. Truth is, I don't mind marrying him if push comes to the shove, but who can remain happy in such a coupling? But Elder Jirou didn't want to hear reason. She only accepted the terms that I needed to beat her son to back off from the marriage with the promise that she won't make things difficult behind the scenes."
"So open and brutish about her schemes," Bai Shou chuckled. "Elder Jirou would fit right into the Northern Plains."
"She was from the Northern Plains." Di Loo replied wryly, rendering Bai Shou speechless.
"As for the Rank 4 Wave Trace Gu… Jirou Meng Hou is a swimming expert and a proficient diver. He chose Lake Arena for our battle. Advancing my Water Trace Gu to Wave Trace turns the disadvantage into an advantage."
"I'm no battle expert," Bai Shou lied. "But how are you planning on winning by avoiding the opponent? I suspect you would be using Wave Trace Gu to continuously avoid this Meng fellow as he tries to drag you into the water where his advantages as a Diver are maximized, right?"
Di Loo blinked before observing Bai Shou again. Soon, she smirked slyly.
"I cannot reveal my battle tactics before the battle, Miss Bai. However, you are welcome to the battle if you can refine the Wave Trace Gu."
"Hah, I just might," Bai Shou chuckled, surprising Di Loo. "Before I do that, you still haven't revealed why you are here specifically—why me?"
"Is it necessary?" Di Loo lifted an eyebrow.
"Of course," Bai Shou replied without missing a beat. "I need to understand how you were convinced to procure my services. Any service provider would want to know the medium to attract the Sect's brightest and exploit that method."
Di Loo's gaze darted before she exhaled and relented.
"I understand. I heard about you from my mother. Apparently, there's a buzz about your methods among other Elders. They say things like you can refine several Rank 5 Gu within a few days…"
Her blue eyes fell upon Bai Shou's refined body.
"There isn't any stock of Wave Trace Gu in the Exchange Store appointed to me. Mother is busy and on the edge of the Blessed Land to tackle some beast's issues, and my other contacts have all been sent to missions. Furthermore, Elder Jirou also acted and must have bribed many other Elders because they are suddenly too busy. I admit, Miss… Senior Bai. I am desperate." She spoke resolutely. "I cannot risk injuries before the battle and need someone with enough credibility to accomplish the task. You… you are my only hope."
'Elders? Buzz?'
Bai Shou finished the wine and sniffed softly, realizing she was indeed under surveillance. But never did the Little Giant realize these Elders would be so open about it. Or was something else brewing behind the scenes? Either way, Bai Shou was glad her methods were recognized, increasing the chances of attracting some fruitful investments.
"If you win and your mother throws another one of her banquets… I expect to be invited. My efforts would deserve that much."
Di Loo visibly brightened at Bai Shou's grumpy remark.
"Of course!"
"And my payment?" Bai Shou's gaze gleamed. "Since it is a Rank 4 Gu, I want a corresponding Rank 4 material. Doesn't your Inner Disciple's Exchange Hall keep a few Void Anchor Grass? Bring me a stalk of it."
Di Loo's smile grew bitter.
Her 'wallet' was going to feel it.
<<<>>>
The first step in refining a Gu was to extensively study the recipe. Each recipe followed a distinct philosophy with which the refining ended, some even adding peculiar techniques to ensure the best results.
The Rank 4 Wave Trace Gu was a famous Water Path Movement Gu with effects no worse than ordinary Rank 5 Gu. It was a topnotch addition to a Water Path Gu Master's Set and could advance to Rank 5. Though, Bai Shou did not have relevant recipes for that. Additionally, this Gu was very well perceived because the Sect's founder had its Immortal variant—Worldly Wave Trace Immortal Gu.
Alongside Worldly Wave Trace, the Divine Travel and Fixed Immortal Travel Gu were renowned as the three great movement Gu if Imaginative Strength's sources happened to be true.
Among these three, Bai Shou already possessed the Divine Travel Gu. The third one on the list, the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu, was also a Legendary Gu Verdant Great Sun refined moments before his demise. Laughably so, Bai Shou could refine the Fixed Immortal Travel if she could fly to the Nine Heavens and gather appropriate materials, including the light of glory…
Her breath hitched.
'Xiao Mang's Extreme Light Gu could summon the Immemorial Light of Glory…'
A strange emotion suddenly filled Bai Shou. Her thoughts temporarily replayed several scenes and decisions—alongside their consequences—before she exhaled and shook her head.
'It's effortless to imagine everything that could have been possible. It's no use now.'
She cleared her head and studied the recipe.
Once she understood the thought process behind the recipe, Bai Shou began picking out the parts she could modify or enhance using her knowledge and experience.
Just this much took Bai Shou around 3 hours, which would have been considerably less had she also been a Water Path Master.
Taking another moment to rest her mind, Bai Shou prepared for accidental injuries by using the Healthy Mind Gu and creating several Derivation Thoughts to assist during the refinement. Needless to say, she wouldn't be going all out and using her Killer Move until she refined the Preservation Gu.
Once ensuring the materials weren't intentionally or accidentally tampered with, Bai Shou began the refinement of Di Loo's Wave Trace Gu.
The process was slightly unfamiliar to Bai Shou but not challenging. The active use of the Five Fusions At Once Gu Worm significantly increased her ability to maintain control over it.
The change was sudden and unpredictable.
A strange quake shook Bai Shou from her depths and an intense feeling of hunger momentarily distracted her. The two glowing orbs trembled and suddenly exploded. The Water Trace Gu could only remain safe due to using Green Mountain Remains.
However, because the Rank 4 Green Mountain Remains Gu Worm was suppressed by the regional Qi, Bai Shou could only protect one Rank 3 material instead of two.
A thin trail of blood seeped through the corner of her lips and the Healthy Mind Gu Worm's accumulated effects quickly healed the traces of injuries to Bai Shou's mind.
'Divine Travel Immortal Gu Worm's hunger is starting to affect me.' She thinned her lips, struggling to keep her expression from twisting with anxiousness. Divine Travel was the key component to refine the Second Aperture Gu, which, in Bai Shou's case, might grant her a THIRD Aperture!
Gritting her teeth, the Little Giant forcefully calmed herself and rested for an hour before restarting the refinement process. This time, she uneventfully succeeded in advancing the Rank 3 Water Trace into the Rank 4 Wave Trace.
Di Loo returned with the precious Space Path Rank 4 material—a stalk of Void Anchor Grass—alongside an invitation for Bai Shou to spectate her match with Jirou Meng Hou, another Rank 4 Middle Stage Inner Disciple.
<<<>>>
The Lake Arena, like many other Battle Stages, was surrounded by a sizable viewing area for seats and a few more private booths from which more reputable members could spectate. Being a private matter, only a few key figures and another face became a source of Elder Le Tao's displeasure as he secretly communicated with Elder Di Qing while being the match's fair and 'unbiased' referee.
"What is Bai Shou doing here?" Le Tao questioned. He was a relatively handsome man in his early forties. In contrast to someone like Shang Yan Fei, who often appeared younger and more striking than his children, Le Tao inspired another charm befitting a silver fox. He was also notably more approachable than his wife, the Sect Leader Shu Zhe, to the point that many Outer Disciples would secretly comment that the more ordinary looking Shu Zhe reached up from her 'ranks.'
"Hmph. Blame your wife. She deliberately had me shift to the edge of the Sect. I suffered minor losses just to make it back in time." Di Qing met the man's gaze without reeling back in fear. She was also a Rank 5 Gu Master. However, she was the 'Sect's Flower' type of woman in her younger years and boasted an outstanding natural beauty and warm charm when looking at her blue hair and comely physique.
"Shu Zhe isn't the kind to hold grudges like that. She doesn't care about us, Qing'er." Le Tao sighed and explained. He disliked Bai Shou due to the negative impression the latter left during the initial meeting.
"Let's not start this matter now, Tao," Di Qing brushed an errant blue strand behind her ear. "Bai Shou is Di Loo's benefactor this time, should she win. Besides, I'm slightly tired and too annoyed due to losing out precious materials. I'm afraid this discussion will quickly devolve into a fight."
Le Tao thinned his lips as he understood the meaning. It wasn't that Di Qing was trying to avoid the fight… she was too tired for it now. Furthermore, the result of the battle would also occupy the participants so there was no need to add more trouble to the plate with an argument.
"Listen," Le Tao began, smiling gently. "Everyone here is a comrade and the Sect's family. No matter the result of the battle, every party shall hold their end of the bargain. Is that understood?"
Di Loo and Jirou Meng Hou nodded. The Lake arena consisted of a small piece of land, barely enough for the trio to stand on, with a massive body of water surrounding them.
Jirou Na glanced at Di Qing as Le Tao issued the rules. The spectators stood close together.
"Don't worry, Elder Di. We are both peers and representatives of the Sect. I won't cause you more trouble once Hou'er wins and forces you to hold on to your late husband's promises."
Di Qing glared at the overly muscular woman with tanned skin. "I'm well aware of your schemes, Elder Jirou. Did you believe you could buy my daughter and force our Inheritance to fall in your hands?"
"I'm unaware of the rubbish you're spouting, Di Qing," Jirou Na laughed coldly. With her arms still crossed, she turned to look at Bai Shou. "As for you…" her stare was steely and knowing. "You would best remember not to interfere in my matters."
Bai Shou looked away from the stage and politely smiled at Jirou Na.
"Shut the fuck up, you Northern Whore."
Di Qing's and Jirou Na's expression froze as Bai Shou peacefully returned to observe the match.
"What did you say?" Elder Jirou blew up, growling with a furious expression as Bai Shou cleaned her right ear.
"You heard me fine, Elder Jirou. It's just… I cannot respect anyone who would force marriages. I believe in things like love at first sight and soul mates… of course, several soul mates for one person."
"Bai Shou," Di Qing interjected. Even though her voice was strict, a sense of delight danced in her eyes. Bai Shou's open rejection of Elder Jirou's prestige alongside helping her daughter made the mysterious Outer Disciple a great ally, especially if one considered her talent for Human Path!
"You cannot openly state such cruel truths! Elder Jirou Na is your senior." Her words and tones were entirely contradictory.
Instead of screaming or threatening the duo, Jirou narrowed her eyes and smiled venomously.
"Very good, Bai Shou. I planned to let you off with a warning. It seems you want to enjoy the air of the Disciplinary Hall."
"I wasn't aware stating honest opinions in the Sect was a punishable crime. Did the Sect update its rule? If so, I'll have to revisit the Education Hall." Bai Shou replied without looking at Jirou as the match had begun.
Le Tao remained on the small rock as Jirou's son instantly dove into the water with surprisingly no splash. The youth refined his body to make it resistant to pressure and also changed the properties of his skin to reduce the water's resistance to close to none. He was extremely swift underwater!
'Like a fish,' Bai Shou observed, intrigued by the battle. It wasn't the usual use of Gu and Jirou Meng Hou was a comparatively formidable opponent in such a setting.
Seeing that Bai Shou wasn't even responding to her threats, Jirou Na's gaze grew dark and gloomy. Born and raised in the cruel environment of the Northern Plains, she already had intentions of dealing with Bai Shou; if not due to her disrespect, the possibility of the talented disciple entering the Di Qing's faction.
As for Di Loo?
Her body suddenly blurred atop the water!
"This—!"
Jirou Na's eyes momentarily widened. Meanwhile, a triumphant smile appeared on Di Qing's face as she struck when the iron was hot and fully reduced any possibility of reconciliation between Bai Shou and the former in fear that they might accidentally become allies due to their Strength Path origins.
"Disciple Bai is very talented in refining Gu Worms. She helped my daughter advance her Water Trace to Wave Trace Gu. Ah, I have yet to thank you, Disciple Bai. I shall host a banquet after Di Loo's victory. I insist that you join us."
Bai Shou continued staring at the battle, her answer surprisingly noncommittal.
"Sister Di Loo hasn't won yet, Elder Di."
'Trying to avoid issues with Jirou Na?' Di Qing thought coldly. She wouldn't let Bai Shou maintain a neutral position in the Sect. It wasn't just Di Qing who would design schemes around her; every other Elder would. Some might have already started. So, Di Qing refused to back down at such an opportunity and smiled.
"She will win," Di Qing asserted, tossing Jirou Na a frosty look. "And your moronic plan would be a thing of the past. Say, Disciple Bai, do you know why Jirou Na wanted her remaining unwed son to marry my daughter? You said you believed in love at first sight. There was a time I thought the same when I married my husband."
Jirou Na gripped the railings, watching Di Loo streak across the water and dodge every water slice aimed at her ankles!
Water Trace Gu could increase a Gu Master's speed but it had a drawback. It left behind wet footprints and drenched the user's boots. Wave Trace Gu enhanced the effects even more! It was like Bai Shou's Inch of Life Dash Gu but more dexterous, allowing Di Loo to move however she wished with total control.
"My mother joined the sect with an Inheritance. It wasn't contributed to the Sect. Truthfully, several other Gu Masters are like me. The benefit of this Inheritance is that it ensures the offspring's Aptitude during its inception. Say, Di Loo has an A-Grade Aptitude. So, her daughter will also have the exact aptitude. As you might have guessed, it only works if the offspring is a female. It ensured our line's talent and kept us strong. My Husband, may the Gate of Life and Death rest his naive soul, was tempted to marry our daughter to Elder Jirou's son with a set of Gu Worms he had been seeking for years."
Though the act should make Di Qing despise her husband, everyone on the stage was all too aware of the temptation the 'right' Gu held for a Gu Master. Even Di Qing couldn't fault her late lover's moment of folly and weakness.
Bai Shou suddenly turned to Di Qing.
"Do you miss him?"
"Pardon me?"
Bai Shou narrowed her eyes.
"You fell in love with your former husband, right? He is gone now… do you miss him?"
Di Qing scrutinized the woman before staring at her daughter, a warm smile on her face.
"Every moment that I watch our daughter, I recall him."
Bai Shou stared ahead, her thoughts curious. Her gaze focused on Di Loo and an infantile figure overlapped her exerted features.
Bai Shou's son…
'I truly don't feel anything.' She sighed internally.
"Do you?" Di Qing suddenly questioned.
"Hmm?" Bai Shou blinked. "I didn't hear everything, Elder Di. Do I what?"
Di Qing smiled calmly.
"Do you miss them? The one you lost?"
Bai Shou chuckled.
"I never lost anything important," she replied while observing the match.
'But why ask me such a question?' Bai Shou remained collected and didn't speak further.
"Stay in one spot!"
A massive roar from the underwater managed to sound to the surface, creating a tidal wave. Meanwhile, Ji Loo scoffed.
"As you wish!"
She suddenly paused. The way her body stopped was downright eerie and Jirou Na's eyes widened.
'Oh, no.'
She yelled.
"DODGE!"
But it was too late.
A tremendous momentum gathered by Di Loo the entire time she ran suddenly separated from her body and exploded an entire section of the lake, destroying the tidal wave alongside severely injuring Jirou Meng Hou!
A Killer Move!
'Very well done,' Bai Shou nodded. The best Killer Move was the one that instantly ended the battle. Frankly, any method was outstanding if it was the most efficient way to accomplish a task.
Le Tao quickly controlled the arena to keep the participants from fighting further.
"Hmph," Jirou Na snorted. "I shall be seeing you soon, Disciple Bai Shou."
She flourished her sleeve and left, quickly healing her son and taking him away.
"You have our gratitude, Disciple Bai," Di Qing smiled. "Join us for the evening."
"That would be appropriate," Bai Shou laughed and cupped her fist before following the mother-daughter pair and the disgruntled Le Tao.
***
Alternate Title: Di Loo; Le Tao's Mistress?; Di Qing: Dislikes Shu Zhe; Le Tao: Dislikes Bai Shou; Author: Am I The Only One Seeing a Pattern Here?; Wave Trace Gu; The Three Great Movement Gu; Bai Shou Accidentally Uncoves The End of RI Volume 2; Bai Shou AF: Holy Fuck! Why Did I Destroy The Jade Sky Gu?; Bai Shou: Nothing Can Be Done Now *Fang Yuan With His Spring Autumn Cicada AF: Repeat Button*; Dream Travel In The Near Future: Only Three Great Travel Gu? Hmm?; Bai Shou Controls Two of The Three Great Travel Gu; Banquet; Source of Wine; The Match; Jirou Na And Her Son; Lost Battle; Jirou Na and Picollo: DOOOODDDDGGGGEEEEEEE!; A Path To Satiate Hunger; The Northern Whore?; Brute Vs Brute; Bai Shou Is Officially An Unreliable Narrator; Bai Shou: I Believe In True Love *Also Bai Shou: Let There Be a Harem*; Lost Lovers; Bai Shou Lying Her Ass Off The Entire Time; Bai Ning Bing: Nothing Important?! NOTHING IMPORTANT? Bend Over, Let Me Show You Something Important; Di Qing: May Gate of Life and Death Rest My Husband's Soul *SS When Any Soul Does Enter the Gates In The Rare Occasions: BURP*
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