A dull ache reverberated through Shu Zhe’s core as she sat across Bai Shou on the table. She scanned the spread of scrumptious als as her deceptively sharp thoughts ca to terms with the lines she and Bai Shou crossed together.
On her neck throbbed a conspicuous bruise Bai Shou so tenderly planted in a mont of heated demonstration. True to her words, Shu Zhe did not heal the mark and stared ahead.
“Good morning.”
Bai Shou smiled widely, a complete and rejuvenated contrast to the slightly ruined sect leader.
“You did not cook this.” Shu Zhe observed before speaking with an air of certainty. Her tone and features were no longer as loose as last night. “I was promised a hearty al cooked by you.”
“Ah. I never said anything about cooking.” Bai Shou smirked, tiptoeing her way through the wisdom path gu master’s need to vent her annoyance rather effortlessly. “I only said I would prepare it.”
“Hmm.”
Shu Zhe wasn’t as talkative as last night. Bai Shou already understood that cheese was the gu world’s love language and recalled all the cheesy lines she exchanged with the sect leader.
As they ate, the couple couldn’t help but reflect and admire how perfectly their sches led them to this mont.
‘I initially wanted every elder to go against Bai Shou, leaving him to rely on .’ Shu Zhe began eating. The food was delicious, but it failed to introduce any shift to her expression. She was a thodical woman and slowly chewed small portions.
Her sche to isolate Bai Shou served one purpose: expediting her recovery.
Despite overestimating Bai Shou’s assud talents and fortunes, Shu Zhe found herself at the shorter end of the stick since she never expected the completion of the Rank 3 Aperture Puncture Gu to occur so quickly. It brought a wave of expectations—which she carefully suppressed—regarding her recovery.
Furthermore, Shu Zhe also inaccurately assessed Bai Shou’s value in the eyes of the supre elders. It was already uncharacteristic of the elders to recruit an outsider in such a blunt manner. However, their manipulation didn’t end and led the sect’s mortal side into a period of uncertain conflict.
Shu Zhe was all too clear that this scenario was created for the sole purpose to finally let Bai Shou carve out a place for herself in the sect. And the sect leader was happy to assist in that because she wanted to secure her future beyond her recovery. There was still Shu Ye. The revelations in Nu Wu’s prison enlightened Shu Zhe that relying on the supre elders for assistance during her ascension was not possible.
No supre elder, whether Shu Ye’s competitor or ally, would go out of their way to invest in Shu Zhe.
First, it was clear that Shu Ye’s allies will oppose Shu Zhe’s progress just because of their strained relationship.
Second, there was no reason for any of Shu Ye’s opponent to spend any number of resources into Shu Zhe—a mortal. A Gu Master’s ascension was never a certain success and was often filled with dangers.
That’s where Bai Shou fit in.
Bai Shou, by being a mortal and not knowledgeable about Shu Zhe’s conflict with Shu Ye, did not share other supre elders’ concerns. As such, she was the key in assisting Shu Zhe deal with Shu Ye’s suppression.
Why Bai Shou?
Because Shu Zhe had never perceived the supre elders going through so many troubles for a legacy disciple, much less an outsider. Bai Shou undoubtedly represented another valuable resource for the sect’s higher-ups besides her human path achievents.
‘But…’
Shu Zhe hesitated about sothing.
Like Shu Zhe, Bai Shou was also lost in her thoughts,
‘I wanted a way to secure many more resources to deal with my soul’s weakness and finding a way to suppress getting dragged into dreams related to Nina.’
Bai Shou ate with a gusto. Her body was refined to the utmost limits known to most gu masters. It demanded more than usual portions for the day.
Still, she couldn’t help but conceal her thoughts using several brave thoughts while reflecting on the past.
‘Things shifted too suddenly in the sect. Even Shu Zhe was impacted. There is only one body of power capable of flipping the sect’s peace.’
The Gu Immortals.
‘But it’s also an unusual ti to do such a thing. While others must be preparing for the Refinent Path Convention, the supre elders want the sect’s mortal side to fall into chaos.’
She had a sneaking suspicion it was because of her. Even if she tried to undervalue her achievents, the circumstances of her recruitnt and the subsequent lack of interaction, forced or otherwise, with the supre elders already revealed many things.
‘I decided to seek an alliance with Shu Zhe once I knew I could make her dependent on . But I also thought about forming a connection with Feng Jin Huang.’
There were many reasons for that.
First, by Qin Juan’s admission, it was Feng Jin Huang’s father who brought her to the sect. Second, Feng Jin Huang was hailed as the most brilliant mber of the current generation, far surpassing Shu Zhe in terms of popularity. Lastly, allying with Feng Jin Huang could help Shu Zhe understand the reasons why she was sought by the Spirit Affinity Sect.
All this led Bai Shou to a similarly dubious conclusion.
Her eyes flicked upward the sa ti Shu Zhe was looking at her.
Their eyes t but instead of looking away, the two won held the other’s gazes without betraying the threads of sches, reflections, and questions weaving a complicated net in their minds.
Smiling, the two won returned to enjoying their breakfast.
‘It’s too convenient.’
They both concluded at once.
‘I was looking for a way to seduce Bai Shou. But wasn’t she too easy? What could she possibly gain aside from the obvious resources? Does she seek to capitalize on my relationship with my loving grandmother?’ Shu Zhe sneered.
‘Shu Zhe tried seducing . But she never struck as a woman too eager to form an intimate relationship, especially after divorcing her husband not long ago. And when did I ever get what I wanted so… quickly?’ Bai Shou also sneered internally.
Fortune?
Coincidence?
Why did her entire being seem to be screaming—I think not!
They soon finished their breakfast but didn’t appear in a hurry to leave. While their bodies surely struck several areas of understanding last night, there was much to be discussed.
“There are clear laws and traditions related to marriage within the sect.” Shu Zhe began, her expression briefly softening. “I wish to discuss the matter of betrothal, dowry, and our submission to our ancestors. Since you have no relatives, and my grandmother has her issues to attend, I suggest we write her a letter and postpone the familial traditions.”
Bai Shou nodded. Unlike mortals, they weren’t as tightly bound to rules and traditions. For instance, seeing a homosexual relationship among commoners was almost unheard of. But the sa social pressure didn’t an anything to the many female sect disciples living a harmonious lifestyle of squared yin.
Similarly, many other marital traditions could be overlooked. In fact, Lo Jik and Mo Yan had also skipped several traditions, but their marriage was still socially accepted, allowing the forr to earn a reward from honeymoon.
“Right.” Bai Shou coughed. “Betrothal, then.”
An odd silence blanketed the duo.
“While Le Tao married into my family, he did not have to change his family na. The sa was true when my father married into mother’s family.”
Shu Zhe offered kindly.
The corner of Bai Shou’s lips twitched.
Such an issue did not exist within the clan system since everyone was sohow connected to another and shared the sa clan’s na. It was another tradition that bound mortals more than the gu masters.
“So…” Bai Shou extended the silence before sighing and smiling.
“You’re going to offer a betrothal starting with Thousand-Year Spirit Valley Wine, I hope.”
The corner of the Shu Zhe’s eyelids slightly flicked.
Noticing her silence, Bai Shou gasped loudly. Her exhale was sharp and hurt. She clutched her breast.
“Don’t tell . You think I’m not even worth that much? You play with my heart too much, Zhe’er!”
Zhe’er…
Shu Zhe admitted the sudden change with which Bai Shou addressed her spiked the effort needed to control her emotions.
“I will prepare a proper list of betrothal,” Shu Zhe answered. She added after a brief silence and pointed stare. “It will have two jars of wine. However, I need you clear-headed. Rember that.”
Even Shu Zhe in her wildest dreams could not have imagined Bai Shou used the top-quality wine to feed an Immortal Gu!
“And I will offer my heart as dowry, Dear.” Bai Shou replied sincerely, her smile caring and warm.
Dowry was usually a counter to betrothal, but it still belonged to the ‘bride’ or the person marrying into the other family, be it a woman or a man. It was the wealth the person brought to the new ho and established their social standing in said household. However, if Bai Shou’s playful deanor upset Shu Zhe, she did not let it be shown on her face.
“It’s fine.” Shu Zhe humd. “As my consort, you’ll be showered with many lucrative responsibilities. It’s the least I can do.”
“You just want to use for my body.”
Bai Shou scoffed, crossing her arms.
“Your body, mind, and soul. I’ll put everything to use.” The corner of Shu Zhe’s lips slightly curled as Bai Shou snorted softly before smirking slyly.
“Very well. Let’s discuss how we should divide the gifts the elders will be forced to offer. I doubt it would be anything outstanding given the state of the sect. However, there can be a few surprises.”
“You can either pick one rank 4 gu worm or three rank 3 gu worms.” Shu Zhe gave a concise number. “We’ll be only getting the gifts because of my standing.”
“You’re forgetting it took a dick last night to seal the deal.”
“I’m not denying you’re a dick, dearest Shou’er.”
‘Walked right into that one.’ Bai Shou thinned her lips before sighing and shrugging. She was already getting two jars of top-quality wine as opposed to a few ounces or a small gourd. It provided as enough reserves for the immortal gu worm’s critical period. However, Bai Shou still needed a lot of wine. The consumption requirent for a gu worm rose with its rank, and feeding a rank 6 immortal gu worm was no joke!
As their discussions concluded, Bai Shou sauntered over to Shu Zhe before lifting the latter’s chin with her index finger and thumb.
“Let know when you wish for to move, Senior Sister Shu.”
She leaned down, planting a light kiss on Shu Zhe’s lips, prompting the latter to blink.
“I thought intimacy in your female body was uncomfortable for you.”
“Oh, that kiss was not intimate enough.” Bai Shou shrugged. “And I’ll return by the night, sweetheart.” She left for the cave’s exit, waving her hand without looking back.
“And it’ll be your turn to… prepare the dinner.”
Shu Zhe paused before smiling slightly as she looked at the table, suddenly freezing.
‘Who’s going to clean this ss?’
The culprit had already escaped!
‘A consort...’
Bai Shou humd a soft tune as she settled into her residence after inspecting the surrounding formation.
Without another thought, she dove into studying the Empty Heart Formation. It was one of the two inheritances she exchanged for Bai Shou and Wang Nan inheritance from the Inheritance Hall. The other was the Liu Xue inheritance, a blood path healing gu worm using one’s own blood.
The Empty Heart Formation Inheritance contained information about seven formations using the Empty Cube as the core alongside several recipes for relevant gu worms. Strictly speaking, it was an inheritance using space path gu worms for formation, but it also contained bits about other paths.
One of the reasons why formation path had a high barrier to entry was because it required information and experience with several other paths, more so than the necessary level for a refinent path gu master.
Fortunately, Bai Shou’s master-level attainnt in space path allowed her to comprehend the seven formations at a heightened pace as she not only understood its intricacies but could even modify it to so extent.
It wasn’t long before she was greeted by soone.
Her neighbors hurried to greet a white-haired old man.
“Elder Ya!”
Bai Shou welcod the elder with a warm smile, swiftly bringing him through the entrance as his experienced gaze shifted from her to the formation around him.
“Ah. The Empty Heart Formation.” He identified the source of his surroundings after a few monts as he sat and accepted the cup of wine with a bright smile.
“Indeed.” Bai Shou nodded without putting airs. She wasn’t the only rich individual in the sect. Elder Ya had many years of experience and wealth over her, including several chances to collect and exchange for many interesting inheritances to study and deepen his foundations.
“It’s a space path formation and primarily focused on storage of various elents, including living organisms as it tries to get rid of the Empty Cube’s disadvantages,” Elder Ya spoke after a while. His tone was strangely patient and instructive, like an elder caring for their junior.
Similarly, Bai Shou had experienced said disadvantages. While the Empty Cube Gu ford a sizable space and didn’t take more than a dot’s worth of space, it also did not allow the gu master to view the outside world, which could lead to them getting trapped by the enemy. Furthermore, many gu worms were slightly suppressed inside the Empty Cube Gu because they weren’t space path gu worms and the dao shards hosted inside the gu worms conflicted with the space path dao shard contained inside the Empty Cube Gu.
The Empty Heart Formation dealt with most of these issues.
“Ah, also, congratulations are in order.” Elder Ya revealed the reason for his arrival after another sip of wine. “Sect Leader Shu gathered everyone and announced her coupling with you, Consort Bai Shou.”
Bai Shou smiled brightly.
“Thank you, Elder Ya. I hope Senior Sister Shu at least managed a small smile while announcing her undying love for .”
Elder Ya couldn’t help but chuckle at that.
“That she did. A small smile. But…”
His brows furrowed and his gaze darkened.
“Troubled tis are ahead, Sister Bai. You… sigh.” He shook his head.
“Please don’t worry, Elder Ya.” Bai Shou ‘consoled’ the man with a considerate tone.
“Love is indifferent to circumstances and strikes when we least expect. I’m aware how this exchange might impact my business and others around us.”
Still, Bai Shou didn’t care about the conflict. She still had her sches and didn’t intend to end her neutrality she sustained with all the factions after rounds of letters. After all, every elder could now send their proxies to ask for gu refinent without lowering their heads. Bai Shou had even refined one peculiarly challenging rank 3 gu worm for Elder Ya’s ‘disciple.’
“Then I can rest assured. Ah, I almost forgot. Take this. Consider it my well wishes for your married life, Sister Bai.”
He offered a Bookworm Gu.
Bai Shou knew she wasn’t going to be the recipient for most of the marital gifts because of Shu Zhe’s status. This was Elder Ya’s thod of currying favor with her especially after being saddled with the responsibility of helping Chen Jiu recover.
She scanned the gu worm’s content before realizing they contained Elder Ya’s notes about the Empty Heart Formation. It was undoubtedly a valuable addition because Elder Ya, after years of experience, managed to slightly modify one of the seven formations and made it relative to the refinent path instead.
“Thank you,” Bai Shou spoke gratefully.
“Oh, think nothing of it.” Elder Ya laughed. “I’m also here for another matter, Sister Bai.”
“Please.”
“A few of the materials related to refining the Soul Orchid Bloom Gu suddenly beca much more difficult to obtain. The connections I had with a few elders related to experinting with the necessary materials fell cold. I seek your understanding on the matter.”
“Of course.” Bai Shou nodded.
“You are doing your best, Elder Ya. How can I ever bla you?” She continued after a mont.
“I will also share any inspiration I get about its refinent. It’s just that the circumstances have forced to get busy with other things. Sigh. I wished to reunite with my ntor as quickly as possible.”
It was Elder Ya’s turn to console Bai Shou.
“Everything will turn out for the better, Sister Bai,” he said.
“I’m sure your ntor would have been very pleased by your filial nature. Also, don’t hesitate to seek for matters related to refinent or modification of a gu recipe. Perhaps my assistance will give you a chance to focus on your human path research.”
They exchanged a few more statents before Elder Ya asked Bai Shou to follow him.
“Where are we going?”
Bai Shou asked curiously as Elder Ya smiled mysteriously.
‘How will you maintain your business now, Bai Shou?’ Elder Ya refrained from goading.
He was no slouch regarding sect politics and knew about the negotiations Bai Shou had achieved with other elders and factions. Everyone understood her sches, but they also stood to gain a lot and didn’t do anything to jeopardize the deal. However, Shu Zhe had suddenly tossed sothing new at Bai Shou to deal with.
‘Is it because I left the cleaning for her?’ Bai Shou almost smiled. But she did not think Shu Zhe acted out of malice.
“This is great!”
The thinly veiled amazent in Bai Shou’s words montarily froze Elder Ya as they stood before a mountain!
Banlu Peak.
‘How is this great?’ Elder Ya almost questioned. Le Tao almost lost his cool when Shu Zhe appointed his forr residential mountain to Bai Shou. It had to be known that such mountains were reserved for the Sect Leader, Elders, and Legacy Disciples! Furthermore, this mountain belonged to Le Tao until a few hours ago before Shu Zhe decided to humiliate him in everyone’s presence.
It was no exaggeration to say that Le Tao and Shu Zhe’s relationship had forever been ruined. Earlier, many elders could empathize with Shu Zhe’s position and how her injuries forced her to adopt drastic asures. Of course, they weren’t above using it as an excuse to deal with Shu Zhe and try to get the leader’s position.
However, the act of stripping the mountain from Le Tao forced him to temporarily live with Di Qing until he could apply for another residence. It was a heavy humiliation for the second-most important elder of the sect and many secretly felt giddy at how Shu Zhe did sothing so foolish despite her usual cleverness.
Many elders speculated that Shu Zhe wanted to make a public statent and display her commitnt to Bai Shou. After all, the Banlu Peak was popularly known to house the sect leader’s spouse and was very close to Quanwei Peak, the sect leader’s residence.
Bai Shou didn’t bother clearing Elder Ya’s doubts. Instead, she spun on her heels and looked at the man with renewed intensity.
“Did Le Tao hand over the list of materials and layout of the mountain?”
Elder Ya nodded slowly.
“Great!” Bai Shou repeated with a pleased look. As if unable to contain herself, she burst into a peal of loud laughter!
“Elder Ya, I need a favor. I hope you don’t take any offense.”
“Of course, not. I’ll help as long as it’s feasible for , Sister Bai.”
“Hmm. I want everyone to know that the Giant King’s Refinent Stall is holding a special event! Every custor is welcod to visit , and I will lower the requirent of the sets of materials needed for refinent from three to two until the auction starts.”
Elder Ya’s eyes briefly widened. But he refrained from speaking unnecessarily. From Shu Zhe suddenly making a mortal enemy out of Le Tao and Di Qing’s faction to Shu Zhe doing sothing so damning to her profits made the elder wonder if he had unknowingly traveled to a world where everyone sought losses instead of profit, and prized stupidity over wisdom.
“Well.” Instead, Elder Ya’s gaze glead. “Would you like to start your business now, Sister Bai?”
She suddenly shook her head.
“I apologize. I wished to first inspect the mountain and understand its layout. That’s why I wanted you to help spread the news.”
“Of course. Here, this is the information about the mountain from Elder Le Tao’s side. Be well, Sister Bai.”
“Yes. Thank you for everything, Elder Ya.”
Bai Shou saw Elder Ya off before staring at the mountain.
‘So, that’s how Shu Zhe wants to play this.’
Bai Shou began climbing the mountain at a leisurely pace.
‘She will take more extre actions and help others co to a decision about their position. Her allies were gradually lower, but those who remain would have proved their loyalty. It’s different from the usual thod used by a wisdom path gu master. But that’s why it might work. She is still the sect leader and can empower her loyal allies, allowing them to contend with her enemies while stoking the flas inside their hearts.’
‘The enemy will eventually lose their patience.’
‘This is the ti to prepare for that eventuality.’
Bai Shou could be wrong, but she had enough information about the conflict and felt Shu Zhe’s options were limited unless she involved her Gu Immortal ancestor—which would be counterproductive and send out the statent that Shu Zhe was not competent enough.
***
Alternate Title: Shu Zhe, the Based Wisdom Path Gu Master; Let Bai Shou Cook; The Sect Leader’s Hickey; The Higher Forces Manipulating Others; Not Even Fate Controls Love; The Higher Power?; Bai Shou and Shu Zhe: Planning to Make the Other Rely on Oneself *Also Bai Shou and Shu Zhe: Confused Why the Other Party was so Eager*; Bai Shou: I Cook, You Clean *Shu Zhe: I Bend, you Fuck*; Discussing Paynts; Bai Shou’s Innocent Heart; Bai Shou AF: Please Be Gentle, Senior Sister *Also Bai Shou: Hulk Smash*; Elder Ya’s Swift Arrival; Humiliation; Shu Zhe Strikes; Le Tao’s Anger; Making Enemies; Making Enemies Before Planning to Destroy Them; Banlu Peak; Bai Shou’s New Residence; Bai Shou’s Core: Getting Sugar Mommies; New Sche; A Sumr Sale at the Refinent Stall; Qin Juan Hearing Her Senior Sister Got Married: What The?!; Bai Shou’s New Crib; The Satisfying Betrothal; Shaless Bai Shou; Shu Zhe Already Limiting Her Waifu’s Wealth Like a True Husbando; That Ti Elder Ya Got Reincarnated Into the World of Opposites
***
A/N: Banlu, or伴侣 (bànlǚ) ans Romantic Partner/Life Partner in a romantic context. I was looking for what a consort ans in traditional chinese and ca across this term and felt it was more appropriate for naming a mountain. anwhile, Bai Shou is a consort, not to be confused with a concubine. Basically, this version of consort ans more like the imperial wife or husband in this case. I also watched a video on how traditional marriages worked in china in earlier dynasties… welp, it was educational at least. But they had a lot of traditions, which I decided to skip but implied that they still exist for mortals without any apertures or a few weaker gu masters like rank 1 leaders in smaller villages.
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