107. Prepared Demon
While worming his way into Hu Mei Er’s bosom and later—hopefully, her insides, Lo Jik spent the good portion of the morning with the Pink Seductress, pampering the woman who boasted a mysterious origin as the news of his confrontation with Li Xian spread in San Cha Mountain like wildfire. On the other hand, Bai Ning and others watched a thrilling battle unfold.
Although old, the remaining trio of Tie Elders weren’t weak. They gave up another chance to explore the Three Kings’ Inheritance to deal with Kong Ri Tian. Others could understand their thought process. Compared to Long Qing Tian, Kong Ri Tian was less tricky. They would eliminate the Pink Gentleman before surrounding and killing Long Qing Tian.
Despite Kong Ri Tian being a Rank 4 Peak Stage Gu Master, how could he claim to compete against three Rank 4 Upper Stage elders with deep foundations stemming from a Super Clan?
“Evil demon! Our youngest brother may have been poisoned to death, but we can still use this Killer Move to stop you!”
“Cease your pointless resistance! You still have a chance of redemption in Demon Suppression Tower!”
“Hmph! How long can you resist? Your Aperture is already running dry.”
The Tie Elders sat in three different spots, acting like a triangle’s vertices as purplish qi walls formed into a massive pyramid with a triangular base, sealing Kong Ri Tian in a spacious place with nowhere to hide.
The purple light wall might appear thin, but it was nigh indestructible against Rank 4 and most Rank 5 Gu Masters!
“Too dangerous… who knew these Tie Elders already formed a killer move using the Rank 4 Qi Flow and Iron Cabinet Gu Worms. The Tie Clan’s signature Iron Cabinet Gu is already a bane for us Demonic Forces… but their killer move is too dangerous.”
“Hmph. Their effectiveness fell the second one of their mates died. Look. They keep trying to break Kong Ri Tian’s morale. However, they can’t individually match his battle prowess.”
“Nobody expected these Old Timers to have invented such a killer move… what else are they hiding?”
They watched the battle unfold.
One of the Elders would leave their spot and attack Kong Ri Tian. Although Kong Ri Tian’s Phoenix Winged Golden Butterfly Gu Worm was fierce, it consumed a lot of Primeval Essence, and using the Rank 4 Dull Shield Gu countered Kong Ri Tian since it dampened the blade-like wings of the butterflies. The Tie Clan’s Elders came prepared as the Old Elder shouted, allowing a dull, carapace-like armor to form over his body as the sharp-bladed butterflies struck his body.
*Ting* *Ting* *Ting* *Ting* *Ting*
Kong Ri Tian had other moves but didn’t compare to his Vital Gu.
The butterflies soon clustered together, forming an indignant Kong Ri Tian. His nails looked injured and bleeding. His bald head had a few scratches and even his teeth appeared slightly cracked.
Any injury to the Phoenix Winged Golden Butterfly was a direct hit to his body!
The Tie Elder instantly retreated, recovering his essence. Meanwhile, another Elder moved forward, attacking Kong Ri Tian. The elder did not let Kong Ri Tian regain his essence or allow him to be near other elders.
“Don’t force me!”
Kong Ri Tian howled with a manic expression as a Rank 5 Gu Worm aura burst out of his body!
The spectators’ and the Elders’ expressions changed as Kong Ri Tian’s body twisted and turned. His body expanded, and a pair of elegant golden butterfly wings sprouted from his back. His skin shriveled and darkened, and his nose coiled and extended!
Killer Move—Half Butterfly!
Kong Ri Tian possessed a well-hidden trump card like his peers—a Rank 5 Half Transformation Gu.
He snarled and instantly rushed against the qi prison’s peak!
*Bang*
The three elders experienced a formless force as blood rushed up their mouths, forcing them to cough a mouthful. However, the barrier held on!
“Die!”
Kong Ri Tian roared, charging the Elder, who hadn’t taken his spot yet. He was an intelligent man. His killer move was incomplete, and he endured a severe backlash to make it work. His first thought was to escape. With that avenue disrupted by the stubborn elders, killing intent bloomed in Kong Ri Tian’s beady gaze as he spread his wings, aiming to use the blade-like wings to cleave the elder in half!
“Protect me!”
The Elder shouted with a pale expression, and the remaining duo gritted their teeth and moved from their positions, using several defensive Gu Worms successively.
*Crack*
The purplish prison formed from Qi Flow and Iron Cabinet Gu shattered like a thin glass panel.
Kong Ri Tian instantly flapped his wings, revealing a modest accomplishment in the flying profession as he flew away with laughter.
“Fools! Our grudge won’t end until I rape your granddaughters!”
Kong Ri Tian could have killed one of them. However, he had exhausted his Primeval Essence. He also feared other Demonic Gu Master’s attacks the second he lost all his defenses. After all, what could he do with his Rank 4 Peak Stage Cultivation when he didn’t have any Primeval Essence inside his Aperture? He would merely be a slightly stronger ant—effortless to crush.
“Fight us!”
“You dare eye Tie Clan’s daughters!”
“We’ll kill you, demon!”
The three elders shouted. However, Kong Ri Tian had flown away.
‘Should I attack them?’ Bai Ning Bing narrowed his eyes. He had always been more focused on the three Tie Elders. He didn’t know why Lo Jik wanted to kill them. However, murdering them meant Lo Jik’s full support in collecting the materials from others, aka looting!
Bai Ning Bing was a meticulous individual when it came to his survival. Killing the Tie Clan elders only benefitted Lo Jik. He had his reservations. First, he wanted to benefit from the situation, too. Second, Lo Jik’s support in collecting the materials for the Rank 5 Frost Profound Zombie Gu alone wasn’t worth the risk of irrecoverably offending the Tie Clan. Bai Ning Bing didn’t strive to live a colorful and exciting life to waste it all on Lo Jik’s whims.
Contradictorily, offending the Tie Clan would also allow Bai Ning Bing to encounter one of the best elites the World had to offer!
So, Bai Ning Bing was willing to kill the Tie Elders to earn more. Currently, the three elders weren’t exhausted enough. He could indeed attack and kill one of them. However, Bai Ning Bing had sensed something wrong a few moments ago.
As they say, what appeared confusing to the individual surrounded by a problem was merely a simple task for someone viewing the circumstances from a distance.
Bai Ning Bing noticed how the three Elders were holding back. They could surely kill Kong Ri Tian by making a few sacrifices. But they were too passive.
Why?
They weren’t cowards—Bai Ning Bing noticed that much.
Something else was afoot.
As he predicted, the Elders soon gathered under every one’s observation.
“Sigh,” Tie Xuan Zhi, the leader of the Elders, exhaled deeply. “We practiced this killer move with the youngest brother several times. Even if we suffer backlash, we must capture that Kong Ri Tian to recover our faces and Tie Clan’s prestige.”
“Eldest Brother is correct.”
“Our killer move worked best with four Gu Masters. However, we modified it a bit and can barely use it. Using it against Long Qing Tian would be less practical. Long-range methods work the best against a poison master like him. So, let’s establish Tie Clan’s might using that Kong Ri Tian.”
The trio faced each other and steadily knelt on one knee. The Elders extended their right arms, palms facing each other, while clasping their right wrists with their left hands.
*Whoosh*
A few Tie Clan experts exuding Rank 3 aura surrounded the Elders.
“What’s going on?”
“Something good is about to happen. I can feel a stirring in my nutsack!”
“Ack! Your nutsack?”
“Yeah, I slept with my brother’s wife the first time that happened. She got pissed, and my brother almost killed me. Never saw them again…”
“...”
Bai Ning Bing watched with an eager gaze.
The three elders suddenly roared—
“Limitless Search and Lock!”
Thick, black iron chains suddenly pierced out of the Elders’ open right palms. The chains had a sharp end, like an arrow’s blade, as they coiled like a poisonous serpent before crashing into each other. However, instead of unleashing heavy metallic noise, the chains seemingly phased out at the point of contact, entering a pitch-black void!
Interests rose as everyone began speculating.
Meanwhile, far from the clearing, Kong Ri Tian’s exhausted body descended on a shrub. His body reverted to its human form as he leaned against a tree before quickly retrieving a Primeval Stone to recover a fraction of his essence.
*Swish*
Kong Ri Tian’s expression changed when he felt something on his back. Half-naked, others could observe a blue star-like object glowing through his back.
A wave of dread emerged in Kong Ri Tian’s heart as he instantly jumped ahead—
*Clang*
Thick chains tore through the pitch-black void, wrapping around Kong Ri Tian before he could land on the ground. They firmly covered his entire body before dragging him through the void!
“What?!”
“That—”
“It can’t be! What killer move is that?!”
Others were in an uproar as Kong Ri Tian suddenly appeared in the center of the three Elders as they remained in their positions. The chains from the middle of their palms had bound Kong Ri Tian!
Pride flickered in the faces of Tie Clansmen as they firmly protected their elders.
“Hmph!” Although pale from the Primeval Essence expenditure, Tie Xuan Zhi exerted and spoke. “Your fate is sealed, Demon! You shall repent in Demon Suppression Tower!”
“What did you do?!” Kong Ri Tian screamed. “Why can’t I use my Gu?!”
The information shocked the witnesses as the three elders chuckled coldly.
“Seal him in the Iron Cabinet.”
Tie Xuan Zhi glanced at the sky, bathing in the sunlight. “Ah,” he sighed in relief. “You can rest, Youngest Brother. We’re going to deal with Long Qing Tian soon enough.”
One of the elders began using the Iron Cabinet Gu as Kong Ri Tian struggled against his confines to no avail.
Soon, the Elders called for one of their guards. They didn’t have enough Primeval Essence and couldn’t move from their spot. They also couldn’t use Primeval Stones since all their concentration was on Kong Ri Tian to keep his Gu sealed.
“Use the Iron Cabinet and lock this demon away. He shall never harm another innocent woman!”
“No!” Kong Ri Tian shrieked. “Get away! Leave!”
He began shaking with a terrified expression as if experiencing a manic episode.
The Rank 3 Peak Stage Gu Master snorted, activating the Iron Cabinet Gu.
There was another individual more anxious than Kong Ri Tian.
‘What should I do?’ Bai Ning Bing clenched his jaw. ‘I could take them all out. They won’t even notice me. However, they can destroy their Gu at a thought. I don’t have a Gu that can instantly crush their brains.’
He instantly realized his mistake. ‘They have a clear leader. The chance of the Leader holding the crucial Gu Worm for their Killer Move is the highest. I can only blame my luck if that’s not the case.’
Bai Ning Bing was intrigued by the Limitless Search and Lock. It inspired the Frost Devil, and he wished to study the crucial Gu for his gains. After all, the Ice Path also had several well-known sealing and burial Gu Worms.
All these thoughts were like a flash of light in Bai Ning Bing’s mind as he instantly rushed out. Ice encased his body, revealing his greenish skeleton and ghostly flames flickering in his eye sockets. He instantly pointed at Tie Xuan Zhi, shooting a frozen arrow!
Rank 4 Frost Arrow!
*Puchi*
The speed of Bai Ning Bing’s attack and determination were off the charts. Nobody would have been crazy enough to attack the Tie Clan Elders in broad daylight!
Their comfort in the Tie Clan’s prestige was wrong since Bai Ning Bing was a demon who selfishly cared about his growth and enjoyment, even at the expense of others’ suffering!
Rank 3 Ice Explosion!
The arrow instantly pierced the Tie Elder before moving ahead. It was about to pierce Kong Ri Tian’s head. However, the other two elders weren’t aligned with the shot.
So, Bai Ning Bing instantly exploded the arrow after achieving his primary objective!
*Boom*
Dust rose, and grass was uprooted as several bodies flew away due to the sudden impact. Feeling victory, the Tie Clansmen paid more attention to Kong Ri Tian than their surroundings. It was an honest mistake. After all, Kong Ri Tian’s captivity propelled their momentum to high heaven! Who would dare attack them?
Bai Ning Bing’s body moved like a ghastly white flash as he instantly caught the Leader’s corpse before also catching Kong Ri Tian’s corpse. His body skidded through the icy terrain, leaving others shocked!
Bai Ning Bing didn’t let his greed get the better of him. Two corpses were already his limit. As for the other elders… Bai Ning Bing didn’t confirm their deaths. The ice explosion using Frost Arrow was enough to injure them, not kill them. Even if they died, Bai Ning Bing felt they had enough time to self-detonate their Gu Worms. Meanwhile, Kong Ri Tian couldn’t sense his Gu. Bai Ning Bing made a bet that the Tie Clan’s killer move also prevented Kong Ri Tian from detonating them.
Besides, the Tie Clan’s Elders must have done something to Kong Ri Tian’s body during the battle to capture him. Bai Ning Bing wanted to observe that, too.
He didn’t stop for anyone and swiftly rushed to his residence. Others would be a fool to attack him near his spot. Besides, why would anyone risk attacking Bai Ning Bing and suffer a fatal retribution when they had something better to do?
Indeed…
“Attack!”
“Loot and kill them!”
Several Demonic figures struck the dazed Tie Clansmen as a bitter battle broke out mere breaths after Bai Ning Bing’s escape!
Even the Tie Clan lost its footing in San Cha Mountain!
<<<>>>
“Assist me in refining these Gu Worms,” Bai Ning Bing smiled kindly as Lo Jik continued staring at the two corpses in his cave. It was already beginning to stench. Bai Ning Bing lay Tie Xuan Zhi against the cave’s wall for some twisted humor. The Tie Clan’s elder was missing a good portion of his skull, with thick frost covering his brain matter and a few cold burns on its skin. Meanwhile, Kong Ri Tian was in Tie Xuan Zhi’s arms. The latter’s condition was even worse! Aside from half his skull disintegrated during the explosion, a thin layer of frost sealed the wound as the remainder of his lower face looked sickly purple. His trousers were tattered, and wounds of different intensity—all encased in ice—littered his cold body.
Currently, Tie Xuan Zhi and Kong Ri Tian mimicked an intimate position.
What was the humor?
Bai Ning Bing would be glad that you asked.
The humorous intent was twofold.
First, Kong Ri Tian and Tie Xuan Zhi would rather die than ever be in each others’ arms. Not to mention, Bai Ning Bing defiled Tie Clansman’s corpse’s integrity! One had to remember that the Tie Clansmen took pride in their martyrs. Their culture centered around being warriors of justice. The Tie Clan buried their dead on the spot they died! It was a matter of honor and courage. Not even the Demonic Experts tried defiling a Tie Clansman’s grave!
For instance, Long Qing Tian didn’t touch the Tie Elder’s body after poisoning him to death. The resulting backlash would be too much! But here Bai Ning Bing was, with a certified screw loose, forcing Tie Xuan Zhi’s corpse with Kong Ri Tian’s!
Second, the corpses mirrored the couple lying with a thin sheet, preserving their already reputably loose integrity. Back against the wall, Lo Jik had Hu Mei Er in his arms. A thin layer of perspiration covered their bodies as they stared at the corpses. Hu Mei Er couldn’t conceal her shock before it threatened to morph into terror!
Lo Jik merely narrowed his eyes before he smiled.
“Sure.”
Bai Ning Bing wasn’t a chucklefuck. Lo Jik realized Bai Ning Bing’s current action was a backlash against his relationship with Mei Er.
After all, Bai Ning Bing didn’t know why Lo Jik wanted the Tie Clan’s Elder dead. He was also astute enough not to be blunt, only stating how he saw the chance of killing the Elders for their Gu Worms. There wasn’t any peace in San Cha Mountain, and whoever fell into such a deceptive ‘peace’ would pay dearly—as exemplified by Bai Ning Bing.
One could say it was Bai Ning Bing’s way of showing concern…
However, wouldn’t it be shameful if Lo Jik didn’t use the opportunity? He had worked on Mei Er’s emotions well enough. Sure, the world called her a ruthless demon. But Lo Jik knew he would know a truly ruthless demon when he saw one—and Hu Mei Er didn’t fit the category. If anything, she was like every other Righteous Path Gu Master. Only she did not hide her dealings behind the curtain of justice, peace, and righteousness.
An actual demon would have been someone who saw through the lies of the Righteous and Demonic Path before accepting it all instead of rejecting them, using these concepts for their benefit and growth.
As for using this opportunity…
He had been chummy with Mei Er and now understood a few things about her. But it wasn’t enough. Lo Jik wasn’t merely seeking sexual relief from Hu Mei Er. He rarely slept with others without rewards and achievements. However, Mei Er was related to an Immortal and shared a deep connection with said relative. Lo Jik desired to build this relationship for future options.
Just because he aimed to enter a sect did not imply he was willing to be bound to a righteous faction.
Every social aspect of the Gu World served its purpose, and navigating them took time and consideration.
Being a Demonic Path Gu Master allowed a Gu Master to loot and kill, swiftly amassing profits and accruing strength.
A Righteous Path Gu Master enjoyed a developed network to build their worth steadily while bound to reputation and an organization.
And a Lone Gu Master, if lucky, could enjoy the benefits of both the aforementioned paths without experiencing their disadvantages.
So, after accepting Bai Ning Bing’s request, he couldn’t help but show a frown. He squeezed Hu Mei Er’s shoulders.
“You should leave,” he whispered. “The Tie Clan uses the Rust Flower Gu on every Gu Master that leaves the clan. Its effects rest in their souls and stain their killers. The Tie Clan can identify Bai Ning Bing. However, the Rust Flower Gu worm’s ‘scent’ spreads briefly, temporarily affecting the killer’s surroundings.”
Hu Mei Er’s expression changed before she glared at Bai Ning Bing.
“What are you still doing here?! Do you want to implicate us?”
Bai Ning Bing chuckled coldly and leaned against the wall, revealing no intentions of leaving.
“Hey,” Lo Jik pecked Hu Mei Er’s cheek. “I don’t want Bai Ning Bing’s actions to harm you. However, we are partners. I won’t abandon him. So, let’s stop meeting each other for now. I’ll find you after the inheritance’s matter blows over.”
Hu Mei Er bit her bottom lip.
She had her issues.
Lo Jik showed genuine concern and adoration for a while now, showering her with a few tips for the Inheritance’s exploration. How could Hu Mei Er leave all that?
Heck! His complete Inheritance, coupled with his talents and ‘techniques,’ almost persuaded Hu Mei Er to ignore rebuilding her networks later. But she couldn’t do that. It was a mission exclusively emphasized by her grandmother!
Needless to say, Hu Mei Er believed her grandmother’s intentions. She knew that her grandmother had her best interest at heart.
So, Lo Jik was supposed to be the talent that ‘accompanied’ Hu Mei Er after she finalized her Enchantment Path Cultivation.
She would be back to square one if she left Lo Jik longer.
After all, Lo Jik showed more concern for his partner instead of leaving with Hu Mei Er. The latter realized her methods had yet to firmly grip Lo Jik’s heart.
“Believe me.”
A gentle voice snapped Mei Er out of her reluctance.
She looked up, meeting Lo Jik’s eager orbs.
“It’s just the Tie Clan. They had the nerve of branding us as Demonic Gu Master when we suffered our Clan’s destruction. What of three Elders? We plan to kill more. But that would harm you more than necessary.”
He grinned cheekily. “Well, I wouldn’t mind if you stayed. After all, nobody would dare fall for your sweet lies if the Tie Clan targeted you.”
Sure, there was an unwritten policy of avoiding individuals like Hu Mei Er. However, her grandma alone couldn’t handle things if the Tie Clan chased her seriously.
Realizing she needed time to consider her options and perhaps request her Grandmother’s help, Hu Mei Er promptly left the cave after dressing up under Bai Ning Bing’s haughty gaze.
“I thought she’d never leave,” Bai Ning Bing mused as Lo Jik stretched his arms.
“I didn’t know our voices disturbed you so much,” he laughed as Bai Ning Bing rolled his eyes.
“What should we do with this corpse?” Bai Ning Bing inquired once Lo Jik had dressed up, merely donning an oversized robe that exposed his torso. Bai Ning Bing’s gaze showed a trace of wariness as he pondered over Tie Clan’s retaliation.
“Hmm, can you tell me everything from the start?”
“Of course, I can. You can hear my fluent speech, right? So…” Bai Ning Bing described everything after a compulsive verbal jab as Lo Jik nodded, feeling more than impressed. Killing the Tie Elders wasn’t the point—it was to remove their hold from San Cha Mountain! Considering that objective, Bai Ning Bing performed more admirably than Lo Jik’s assassination attempts.
“I’m not sure if the remaining two elders are dead,” Bai Ning Bing completed. “However, a portion of the Gu from my current loot should suffice to pay for the remaining service of refining the Rank 5 Gu. I already checked their apertures. Kong Ri Tian has a Rank 5 Half Transformation Gu. There’s also a suspicious Gu worm embedded in his back. It’s useless to me. Meanwhile, I’d keep the Gu worms on Tie Xuan Zhi.”
‘Half Transformation…’
Lo Jik grew silent. He was a Transformation Path Master and already realized a few ideas for using the Rank 5 Gu Worm.
The Half Transformation’s use allowed a Gu Master to transform into another creature while retaining their human body partially. However, it wasn’t an optimal display of its might.
Half Transformation could allow a Gu Master to transform into a mutated creature—a mix of several partial transformations—through a killer move! Of course, being reckless with one’s transformation was a quick way to die.
Still, it was a surprising boon, and Lo Jik accepted it as a payment for refining Bai Ning Bing’s Gu Worm. He had been racking his brain to help the latter. It felt like an opportune moment.
***
Alternate Title: Tie Elders Vs. Kong Ri Tian; Three Vs. One; Kong Ri Tian Is a Menace; Kong Ri Tian Whenever Someone Offends Him: I’m Going To Ra—; The Mysterious Killer Move: Search and Lock Gu; A Sudden Inspiration; Bai Ning Bing Does a World Favor and Rids It Of Tie Clan’s Members AND Kong Ri Tian; Righteous Bai Ning Bing; Sneak Attack; Prioritizing Loot; Running Off Into the Wind; The Frost Devil Strikes; Explosion; Ice Burns; Bai Ning Bing Plays Doll… With Corpses; Bai Ning Bing’s 4D Humor; Slighting The Dead and Living Alike; Gaining Enough Loot; Admirable Results; The Removal of Super Clans From San Cha; Remuneration; Early Profits
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