Feng Jin Huang pondered on the several suggestions Bai Shou offered. Anyone with a functioning brain and a working eye could understand Feng Jin Huang's dilemma, much less Bai Shou, who worked for her needs tirelessly for the past few months. Deep down, she sighed in relief.
Back then, masquerading as Ge Qu, Feng Jin Huang proposed a challenge to Bai Shou. The recipe she had in mind was very difficult. But seeing Bai Shou at work for such a long time left a deep impression in Jin Huang, making her realize that the previous bet wasn't as wise of a scheme she believed it to be. Her luck, however, proved to be superior. Bai Shou encountered a strange illness, leading them to work together either way in the end.
Bai Shou's suggestions could be divided into a few broad categories.
First, to capitalize one's advantage.
Second, to lower the deficit.
And third, to seek opportunities in the most disregarded sections.
In fact, Feng Jin Huang already received similar suggestions from her mentor and parents, raising Bai Shou's evaluation in her eyes. After all, Bai Shou managed to possess a similarly broad view like a few gu immortals.
First, Bai Shou suggested Feng Jin Huang began capitalizing on her advantage of Dang Hun Mountain and fox groups by cultivating enslavement path on the side and manipulating fox groups. It would help Feng Jin Huang understand foxes better and allow her to directly control their numbers. Enslavement path also required a deep soul foundation, something Guts Gu could effortlessly provide.
Second, to lower her losses. Bai Shou suggested a few methods. First, obviously, it was to use the rockmen against fox groups. The souls of the dead fox groups can also be used to irrigate Dang Hun Mountain. Experienced rockmen also received better prices when sold.
Lastly, Bai Shou had the idea of purchasing low-quality variant human slaves from other disciples before subjecting them to her killer move, allowing them to grow peacefully and become another source of business.
Unfortunately, however, Feng Jin Huang already digested these suggestions from others.
It also helped her make a few choices.
Instead of enslavement path, Feng Jin Huang leaned towards soul path. She was an aggressive metal path gu master.
Soul path was also known for its aggressive nature. It was just that… she did not have any decent 'outline.' Her foundation in metal path was extremely solid. Even her soul had been refined using a metal path gu worm, allowing her to wield them easier than usual.
Adding soul path impacted her deep foundation. It was a decision one needed to make carefully.
Bai Shou wasn't the only one filled with reckless desire. The thought of being able to dual cultivate also left Feng Jin Huang with deep emotions and greed. Alas, such method was too revolutionary! Not even her parents boasted such an ability!
Of course, Bai Shou wouldn't reveal her ideas for free. She requested an audience with Feng Jin Huang's father.
Feng Jin Huang almost laughed at the stupid slut's face but couldn't help but feel her voice caught in her throat when she heard her father's will conveying its agreement.
So, despite a few good ideas and more than pleased with Bai Shou's willingness to work for her…
Feng Jin Huang grumbled, quietly glaring at the busy Qin Juan and Sun Yao, who did not act out of place.
<<<>>>
"My deepest gratitude for this audience, Lord Supreme Elder!" Bai Shou kowtowed the second she appeared on Dang Hun's peak, not daring to look at the lifelike green colored will awaiting her.
Feng Jiu Ge's will smiled. It was not a type of will Bai Shou had seen before. It could be something the gu immortal created using several other gu worms.
"I should be the grateful one, Disciple Bai. You remain a competent support for my daughter."
"I wouldn't dare, Lord Elder." Bai Shou replied calmly. "I'm the only one benefitting from Sister Feng's support. Unfortunately, I'm useless and muddleheaded and couldn't alleviate her worries regarding the blessed land!"
Feng Jiu Ge sighed and shook his head.
"As per lord elder's command, I never stopped researching the recipe for that gu worm and wished to present my findings."
Her next words interested Feng Jiu Ge.
Waving his hand, Feng Jiu Ge summoned a strangely warm wind. It flew against Bai Shou, helping her up.
Without hesitating, Bai Shou retrieved a thin parchment as the same wind carried it over to Feng Jiu Ge.
It was the refinement recipe for Rank 2 Human Adaptive Qi Gu.
Feng Jiu Ge scrutinized it, restraining his surprise.
"You did well, Disciple Bai." He praised faintly.
"Thank you, Lord Elder!" Bai Shou bowed deeply. She continued while maintaining a subservient posture. "I also wished to contribute this recipe to the sect."
Another parchment flew over to Feng Jiu Ge.
"It is the recipe for Rank 3 Leader and Follower Gu, Lord Elder." Bai Shou supplanted. "Earlier, I realized it could be used on several civilians housed inside the public blessed land to make them more motivated! Once this gu is used on a few key figures, the sect can increase its efficiency when it comes to maintaining several resource points."
Feng Jiu Ge's gaze changed. He hadn't thought about extorting this recipe despite coming to similar conclusions. He was more than willing to let it remain in Bai Shou's and Feng Jin Huang's grasp.
"What did Elder Xu Hao want from you that day, Disciple Bai?"
Feng Jiu Ge questioned after storing both the recipes. Whether he planned to offer these to the sect was another matter.
Bai Shou hesitated and recalled the strange gu immortal from before.
Xu Hao.
So, that's his name.
Bai Shou noted it but shook her head, nonetheless.
"Nothing important, Lord Elder. Elder Xu merely wanted to inspect me and confirm my health."
Feng Jiu Ge could pressure Bai Shou, but he was of different stock when compared to Xu Hao.
'So, the secret is out. Sigh.'
Feng Jiu Ge thinned his lips. He didn't know what could drive someone as intelligent as Xu Hao to blow such a cover, but that was a matter to be discussed with someone else. Instead, he observed Bai Shou, questioning again.
"What rewards do you seek for such good work, Disciple Bai?"
Bai Shou shook her head again.
"Contributing to the sect is already a reward enough, Lord Elder! The sect already granted me such great opportunities. I don't have a thick enough face to request anything else."
Feng Jiu Ge stayed quiet.
'So, that's what Bai Shou wants.'
'Something must have prompted Xu Hao to try and extort Bai Shou. Doing so, however, might have allowed Bai Shou to realize a few things. I was already wondering if Bai Shou knew that we knew of her otherworldly status. This confirms it.'
Bai Shou did not seek any treasures or riches.
In Feng Jiu Ge's eyes, the object of Bai Shou's desires was much greater.
The daring disciple sought their—the Supreme Elder's—trust!
Why would she want that if not to show her sincerity?
But this wasn't a bad thing. Bai Shou's needs allowed Feng Jiu Ge to realize that she was willing to integrate into the sect system. She was willing enough to share outstanding trump cards like her human path gu worm recipes!
And best of all, it validated all of Feng Jiu Ge's investment! Heeding his earlier instincts, Feng Jiu Ge stopped meddling with Bai Shou and Feng Jin Huang, allowing fate to take its course. Soon, Bai Shou was caught in a strange dream, which led to her eventually working under Feng Jin Huang. Meanwhile, Xu Hao meddled and suffered losses both times!
Even if it was Bai Shou's mask…
A loyal mask was significantly better than a calculative one.
Feng Jiu Ge looked at Bai Shou deeply.
'He might just surpass our expectations.'
The gu immortal smiled appreciatively.
"Your sincerity is enough to move even those with a heart of stone, Disciple Bai," Feng Jiu Ge commented meaningfully.
'She is ready.'
Feng Jiu Ge decided.
"Do you wish to heal your wife, Disciple Bai?"
Bai Shou's face snapped up, indifferent to earlier etiquettes. Her mask of loyalty conveniently slipped, revealing an intense desire.
"More than you can imagine, Lord Elder!" Her expression was cold and dark. "But I cannot tolerate such jests. If the sect had a method, why wasn't it already used?"
If her words offended Feng Jiu Ge, his smiling expression didn't reveal any of it.
"Because both of you lack enough contributions. It is as you said, Disciple Bai. The sect granted you many opportunities. The same is true for Junior Shu. But to heal her implies opening her path of cultivation and the hope of advancing to our ranks."
Bai Shou grew reserved, nodding.
"As an elder, Junior Shu is responsible with many tasks." He added meaningfully. "Also, there are certain elements in the sect, which desire Junior Shu's current status."
"I can change that." Feng Jiu Ge hummed.
"I can grant you two an opportunity to fight for your growth."
Bai Shou's expression shifted as she kowtowed again.
"Thank you, Lord Elder!"
"You have three months based on blessed land's timing. Prepare well."
Bai Shou looked up, only seeing a rank 3 information path gu replacing Feng Jiu Ge's will.
Picking it up, Bai Shou inspected its content before she narrowed her eyes.
'It is… Reincarnation Battlefield!'
Smiling softly, Bai Shou called out to no one.
"Land spirit, transfer me to those rockmen. We need to start selling them now!"
<<<>>>
Rockmen were strange variant humans. One might expect them to lord over several regions by possessing a lifespan of thousand years. However, soul foundation also happened to be their limits. Their bodies were bulky and tiring. Constant activity exhausted their souls. Instead, the rockmen spent most of their lives sleeping and nurturing their souls.
When their souls reached a certain stage, it would break off and enter the nearest rock, producing a new rockman!
This is how the rockmen reproduced.
But the addition of Guts Gu changed things.
Right now, hundreds and thousands of rockmen filled the legendary mountain, consuming Guts Gu ceaselessly and growing exponentially.
Summoning her followers, Bai Shou instantly led a small colony of rockmen against the nearest fox group. As they fought, she discreetly used her killer move, directly affecting several other rockmen. This is also where Bai Shou understood her gu worm's limits.
It did not work on fox groups!
Leader and Follower Gu only affected humans and variant humans.
As such, Bai Shou continued to affect many rockmen until the number reached thousands.
It took her several days.
Meanwhile, she also discussed and revealed a few things to Shu Zhe, pleasantly surprising her.
It wasn't Shu Zhe's first time entering Reincarnation Battlefield and she had several suggestions on how to prepare for it.
Bai Shou did all this for one thing.
"They are ready."
She conveyed to an equally excited Feng Jin Huang.
Inside this chamber was a brilliant golden mirror floating in mid-air. It looked like a magical mirror, releasing a rank 5 gu worm's aura.
It was Rank 5 Connecting Heaven Gu.
Nobody else was present in this chamber aside from Bai Shou, Feng Jin Huang, and Little Hu Immortal. Even Qin Juan and Sun Yao were left out.
This Connecting Heaven Gu had the ability to connect the blessed land with a higher world. In this case, it was connected to the Treasure Yellow Heaven.
Bai Shou, of course, knew about it. But Feng Jin Huang still explained things.
"A gu immortal from Medieval Antiquity Era, Daoist Countless Treasures, left this grotto-heaven behind for all the gu immortals of the five regions to conduct trade. It soon grew to become the greatest market in the world!" Feng Jin Huang sighed with some emotion. "Us mortals cannot even use Rank 5 Connecting Heaven Gu to access this trade because this gu worm can drain a peak stage rank 5 gu master within a few breaths. Not to mention, it requires the use of the blessed land's heavenly power, something mortals do not possess. Lastly, one also needs to use Rank 5 Divine Sense Gu to communicate with several traders. Like Connecting Heaven, Divine Sense can also drain us gu master within a few breaths."
Bai Shou nodded in understanding.
"Little Hu."
Feng Jin Huang smiled as Little Hu Immortal perked up and activated the two gu worms. Connecting Heaven's surface briefly glowed before displaying a scene of gold. Treasure Yellow Heaven was unlike Hu Immortal Blessed Land. It did not have mountains or plains. There were no trees and animals. Instead, the shifting sight in the mirror revealed a scene of bustling market with hundreds of wills peddling their goods.
"Call them in."
Feng Jin Huang looked at Bai Shou, who momentarily left the room before bringing thousands of rockmen in a cordial line.
Bai Shou had gathered them, stating how someone else needed their help. As expected, a few rockmen had slightly greater intelligence as they voiced their concerns. However, they were nothing compared to Bai Shou's glib tongue. Soon, these rockmen entered the mirror obediently. This scene would be enough to shock plenty!
As the rockmen entered, Bai Shou observed how Treasure Yellow Heaven's heavenly power restrained them. Then, she witnessed a strange scene.
A brilliant treasure light glowed above the rockmen group, growing into a thick pillar as tall as four feet!
"This is the effect of Treasure Light Immortal Gu!" Feng Jin Huang flushed with excitement. "Immortal gu worms are unique. This gu worm is only present in Treasure Yellow Heaven and cannot be refined elsewhere! Look! Four feet!"
Even Little Hu vibrated in excitement.
"Is it too much or too little?" Bai Shou questioned, feigning ignorance.
"It's good!" Feng Jin Huang tossed her a sincere grin. They already knew each other for nearly two years now. "Ordinarily, ten thousand rockmen at peak condition would summon a treasure light nearly 3.5 feet tall. However, we got four feet for eight thousand rockmen. Ah, you might not know, but the treasure light is the initial check for the quality of the products. Treasure Light Immortal Gu can even appraise immortal materials!"
Bai Shou's eyebrows jumped in surprise.
"How much can we earn?" She questioned.
"I think—"
Little Hu suddenly interjected.
"Master! There is already a divine sense inquiring about the rockmen group."
Feng Jin Huang grew silent before taking a deep breath.
"Let me handle this." She spoke in a dignified manner. "Help me use the Divine Sense Gu, Little Hu."
"Yes!"
As Feng Jin Huang metaphorically locked in, Bai Shou took this chance to inquire many things from Little Hu, asking about the general prices and such. She revealed enough curiosity and wonder. Meanwhile, Little Hu answered quickly.
"Fuck this asshole!"
Feng Jin Huang cursed after a few breaths as her bountiful chest rose and fell.
Bai Shou did not speak and merely watched.
"That Great Immortal Ju Shi was just here to cause trouble. Instead of quoting a sincere price, he asked to purchase all these rockmen for a third of an immortal essence stone! The galls! Not only are my rockmen nourished using Guts Gu, but they are also obedient and will follow their next owner for a good while!"
Before Feng Jin Huang could finish, another gu immortal's divine sense contacted them. She began negotiating again. Her expression eased and slight joy flickered in her eyes.
Bai Shou could understand Feng Jin Huang's emotions.
If a gu master would kill for primeval stone, the same was true for gu immortals regarding immortal essence stones. Immortal Essence Stones were the only fluid currency accepted inside Treasure Yellow Heaven if the gu immortals were not engaging in a barter. Each immortal essence stone could also be converted into a rank 6 gu immortal's immortal essence, which could be diffused into infinite primeval essence virtually!
Its value was astounding, and its purchasing power in Treasure Yellow Heaven was quite high. According to Imaginative Strength's memories, a wealthy rank 6 gu immortal maintained a foundation of hundreds of immortal essence stones. Meanwhile, recently ascended gu immortals lived a frugal life, happy with a stone or two.
"Success!" Feng Jin Huang sighed. She couldn't help but laugh loudly, feeling a great burden being relieved from her shoulders.
"I just sold this batch for one and a half immortal essence stones. It's not too great, but newcomers like us cannot breakthrough the tough competition by acting hastily."
Feng Jin Huang looked over her shoulder, observing Bai Shou with a bright gaze.
She nodded at the illicit giant wordlessly.
Bai Shou smiled in return before producing a list of materials and gu worms.
"I want to buy all of this."
"Don't worry." Feng Jin Huang chuckled. "Father told me a few things. I have to look after you or Qin Juan will bite my head off."
Bai Shou taking a loyal step forward opened several doors for her. Feng Jin Huang's opinion about Bai Shou also underwent a considerable shift.
Skimming the list, Feng Jin Huang smirked.
"Many of these must be Elder Shu's suggestion. They aren't bad. But Reincarnation Battlefield's current status demands more aggression. Let me add a few more things. You can thank me later."
Bai Shou cupped her fist and sighed.
"Thank you, Sister Feng. My body is always yours to use."
"Fuck off!"
Feng Jin Huang cussed without missing a beat, too used to Bai Shou's provocation. Still, she smiled. An ambitious glint lit her gaze ablaze.
"After earning a bit more to cover up for emergency funding, we shall procure and modify many other variant humans."
Bai Shou already knew it was a terrible idea. But failure was the mother of success.
Instead of suggesting Feng Jin Huang focusing on her fox groups more and developing them, she left the room after procuring several materials and gu worms.
Like her body, Bai Shou was also willing to offer her counsel. But it would remain a thankless task until Feng Jin Huang took the next step.
Bai Shou already proved her worth and wasn't anxious to act more than necessary.
'Three months can be a lot when you have a clear plan. Also, Reincarnation Battlefield is just the opportunity I needed.'
After three months…
She could be free…
Free to spread her wings or even… dream.
So, she needed to prepare—a lot.
***
Alternate Title: HC Members Crying Tears of Joy Seeing the Great Dream Seed so Racially Motivated; A Loyal Disciple; Suggestions; Feng Jiu Ge Fucks With Bai Shou Indeed; Valuable Instincts; Fate or Luck?; Great Luck; Feng Jin Huang's Return on Investment; Revealed Methods; A Chance to Fight; Feng Jiu Ge Offers a Path; Next Step—Reincarnation; Treasure Yellow Heaven; The Gu Immortal's Market; An Immortal Bazaar; Feng Jin Huang Might Just Use Bai Shou's Body; The Loyal Rockmen; First Sale; Feng Jin Huang Locks In; A Shift; Qin Juan and Sun Yao in the Near Future Watching Bai Shou and Feng Jin Huang Demonstrate Mysteries of Smut Path; Finally a Way Out; Eagerness; For Shu Zhe; Shu Zhe Snagged a Good Giant; *Angry Shu Ye Noises*; Shu Ye Hitting Air Rn; Three Months; Preparations; Selling Thousands; Wildly Ambitious Feng Jin Huang
***
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