章 52: Bai Inherits the Bone (1)
Currently, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing stand across a giant bone skull statue set above a bone pyramid with a flattened peak. The pyramid with stairs leading to the sculpture is the only thing in this hall. Past this hall is an exit leading to a precipice. This sculpture is as high as half an adult. It looks like a fierce beast mixed between a Tiger and a Lion.
"Gemini with one mind, three spirits unite. Fated or not, do not be forceful," Bai Ning Bing reads the passage carved on the creature's fang. "This should be the spot where two individuals are needed."
"Looks like it," Lo Jik observes the skull. Inside it are coals and a pottery container. Lo Jik cannot look past the pottery container due to the Earth Qi.
"Gemini means two," Lo Jik mutters.
"Palms, eyes, and the mind are the three spirits," Bia Ning Bing narrows her eyes.
"It also says Gemini unites. I think we should sleep together," Lo Jik glances at her with a smirk.
"Maybe," she shrugs. "But I vowed to turn my first lover into a sculpture. I hear that a man's penis goes flaccid. That's too boring. As a sculpture, you will always be erect."
Lo Jik rolls his eyes. The duo simultaneously place their hands atop the ruby-red crystal eyes of the sculpture.
The skull trembles as it slowly opens, revealing a scroll atop the pottery container.
"This is it," Lo Jik exhales. He still believes this Inheritance should have some insight into a cultivation-type Gu. Shen Cui's rewards have been somewhat consistent in that regard.
Bai Ning Bing looks over his shoulders, reading the scroll alongside him.
As it turns out, the Grey Bone Scholar had a weak cultivation talent. He spent years trying to popularize a method that can help countless other Gu Masters like him. Several Gu, like the Liquor Worm, Polished Metal Gu, and other Gu Worms, assist in cultivation by different means. However, these Gu are too rare and cannot be used widely.
Grey Bone had to think of a different way.
What's the most common method of assisting in cultivation?
An Elder using his essence to nurture a Junior's aperture. But this method leaves the Elder's aura, restricting the development of the Junior's cultivation.
No leaf is the same in this world. Similarly, everyone's Primeval Essence is unique. So, this method cannot be used too. However, an inspiration struct Grey Bone Scholar before his death.
What if he could refine the 'aura' to match the target's aperture? Then, an Elder can freely help a Junior grow!
Grey Bone Scholar performed several experiments before realizing a recipe. This experiment is called—Bone Flesh Unity Gu.
{A/N: I found this passage from Fandom Wiki Comments. So, I'm taking it.}
This Bone Flesh Unity Gu is a series of Gu.
Rank 1 Fratricidal Gu.
Rank 2 Friendly Relation Gu.
Rank 3 Indissoluble Relation Gu.
Rank 4 Familial Relation Gu.
Rank 5 Blood Kin Relation Gu.
The materials prepared can actually refine a Rank 5 Gu!
However, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing cannot help but feel disappointed in their hearts.
First and foremost, this process requires two Gu Masters with blood relationships to work together. To achieve the highest level of the Gu, these two Gu Masters must have a good relationship. A Blood Relationship does not ensure goodwill. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing aren't blood relatives. Even if they have built a bond, what use is it if they don't share blood?
Second, Bai Ning Bing has an Extreme Physique. If anything, she's trying to stall her cultivation, not increase it. Meanwhile, Lo Jik has a second aperture that performs a similar function.
Third, this Gu is too heaven-defying. It can lead to the rise of any Gu Organization! Others will madly scramble for its recipe, even if it means labeling the duo as Demonic Gu Masters and killing them for it. Even Super Clans will lust after it!
"Well, I'm sorry things didn't work out," Bai Ning Bing sighs. "This Gu sounds too amazing. But you saved the wrong person."
"I didn't save you for the Gu Worm," Lo Jik smiles bitterly. "It's more fun to have you around."
"Flattery won't drop my panties."
"I bet beating you three times would," Lo Jik regains his mood. He suddenly recalls something. They have the recipe. So, it's not a total bust. They also have the materials! They can at least try refining it!
But…
He can't help but want something else.
Bai Ning Bing notices his gaze, feeling ominous.
'Twins and a single Mother. A Rank 4 Leader. The difference alone, alongside her status as a Mother, should be worth Golden. She also uses Strength Gu. Even if the rewards are Silver, they will be beneficial!'
Lo Jik spent years manipulating Shen Cui for two Golden Achievements. The status between an Elder and a Clan Leader is incomparable. Lo Jik wholeheartedly believes Golden Achievements are waiting for him in that camp.
"Oi! Whatever you're thinking—snap out of it!"
Lo Jik's gaze instead brightens.
He can do it.
He has an instinct for women.
Heck! He believes he can get it on with Bai Ning Bing in a few years, too!
"Are you listening to me?!"
She grabs his collar, shaking him.
"I need you to trust me," Lo Jik smiles.
"I would rather fall off a cliff."
"It's something similar," he beams. "I think I can make this work. Even if it doesn't, I need five days at most."
"Don't screw around with me!" Bai Ning Bing glares. "You have the Yin Rotation Gu—"
"I will lend it to you," Lo Jik states, shocking Bai Ning Bing. "If I don't return in five days, you can refine the Yin Rotation Gu. My Will inside the Gu won't stop you."
Bai Ning Bing slowly loosens his collar. She quietly stares at him as Lo Jik shrugs.
"You have ways to brighten your life, and I have mine. I can't stop myself, Bai. You should be aware of that."
The woman narrows her eyes. "And you trust me to wait for you? How do you know I won't leave?"
"Nothing was stopping you before, too," He chuckles.
Lo Jik doesn't say much. He directly hands her the Yin Rotation Gu before leaving.
"Five days!" she shouts. "And try getting a more comfortable outfit for me from whatever woman you're going to dupe! Your clothes stink!"
"Got it!"
Lo Jik snickers, leaving Bai Ning Bing alone.
'Right. 5 Days. Let's practice using those spears.'
She can use the Spiral Bone Spears as her go-to attack Gu instead of the weakened Light Gu from the Xuan Yuan Divine Pheasant.
'Fucker,' she curses unconsciously. Having sex can't feel that good, right? 'But he wouldn't have left just for the sex. He must know how to refine the Bone Flesh Unity Gu.' Bai Ning Bing could have never imagined that Lo Jik didn't need such a Heaven-Defying Gu.
<<<>>>
It's the third day of the competition. However, Bai Lin's night does not end with the Banquet. She quietly reflects while staring at the Bai Gu's Map. Several spots are marked out.
'Where is it?' She thinks. 'Where is the Spirit Spring? It's been two years. I also sent secret scouts to check the region. But our progress is slow. Such pace may take us around 7-8 years to locate the Spirit Spring.'
She brushes the loose white strands near her ears. She's relatively young. However, the Clan's dire situation haunts her every moment. It shows on her face. She looks a few years older than she is.
"Clan Leader, Young Mistress Hua is outside the tent."
The guarding Gu Master informs as Bai Lin rolls the scroll, hiding her worries and smiling brightly.
"Hua? Come in, Little Darling!"
A dark-haired girl enters the tent with a sad look. She looks about 8 years old.
"Aren't you going to sleep, Mom? It's so late!" She pouts.
"Oh?" Bai Lin smirks. "I will, I will." She gets up, holding her daughter's hand. "And do you want Mommy to take you to the toilet?"
The girl lowers her head, muttering, "Sorry. I promise I won't be afraid of the dark tomorrow!"
"Of course," Bai Lin encourages. "My daughter is the strongest daughter in the world!"
"Yes!"
Bai Hua nods.
The Mother-Daughter pair eventually returns to a spacious tent as the scouting and other Gu Masters on patrol bow to her.
Inside, her son, Bai Sheng, is already asleep. Bai Lin climbs into her children's bed as Bai Hua hugs her and sleeps with a smile.
However, Bai Lin does not sleep. Being near her children soothes her heart as she cultivates. With her A-grade Aptitude, Bai Lin has the qualifications to advance to Rank 5. How can she not train?
In a few hours, her son digs his hand into her back while Bai Hua sleepily climbs atop Bai Lin and sleeps on her.
'How cute,' Bai Lin smirks.
But her peace and quiet are disrupted when a scout sends her a message.
She sighs deeply before carefully leaving the bed to not wake her children.
"What is it?" Bai Lin school her expression and questions the Elder scouting the area.
"It's like this, Lord Clan Leader," the Elder explains. "We found a Lone Gu Master near the Mountain's foot. He was close to the Bone-Licking Lion's Den."
Bai Lin blinks.
A lone Gu Master?
"Are you sure he's not a demonic Gu Master?"
There are differences between these two sides.
"We checked our bounty list and didn't find anyone of the matching description, Clan Leader. He also has a refined demeanor despite his condition. Also… he's a Rank 3 Gu Master and young."
Bai Lin's gaze flashes. A young Rank 3 Gu Master? Even if he isn't 'demonic,' it can also mean others aren't aware of the Lone Gu Master's crimes.
'A Lone Gu Master in Bai Gu… does he know something that attracted him here?'
"Bring him to the secondary tent," Bai Lin commands. "I will assess this Lone Gu Master."
"Right away!"
Bai Lin enters her tent before sitting behind her desk. She ponders the situation, wondering why Bai Gu Mountain may interest someone. She lands on two most realistic possibilities—the local ecosystem for a Gu Material, an Inheritance. The light from lamps and torches cast a shadow over her serene expression.
'Of course, things will be different if he is a Demonic Gu Master or a spy sent by others to check on us.'
Her expression turns cold.
Bai Lin hears the sound of the Elder gently consoling someone.
"There is no need to worry, Brother Unchained Vagabond. You must also know that Righteous Factions have their own worries. Please, this way."
'Unchained Vagabond? Such a powerful intent behind his name?' Bai Lin knows it's the Elder's way of letting her know the new information. 'Only… is this an expression of his aspirations or combat strength? If it's the former, he may be arrogant. The latter may prove an impatient nature. However, the name expressing his ambitions and power will make him a tough nut to crack.'
Several thoughts flash in Bai Lin's head as the tent's entrance flips open. The corner of her eyes twitch. The first thing she notices on the man is dried mud. It's light brown and somewhat yellowish. As a Gu Master, Bai Lin has put her hand 'in' several materials. Some of these refinement materials are not something ordinary mortals can stomach. For instance, beast shit. Beast excrement is one of the most common refinement materials and Gu Food. So, she can tell the difference between caked mud and shit despite the stench emanating from the youth.
Bai Lin doesn't need to see the face beyond caked mud to know he is young. Shadows from the flickering torch dance on his face as Bai Lin feels surprised by the look the youth reveals.
He looks shocked and sad. However, this man quickly conceals his expression and stands calmly. The tent descends into silence save for the torches' crackling noise. Bai Lin quietly raises her eyebrow.
Such a rude fellow?
A mere Initial Stage Rank 3 Gu Master refuses to pay his respects? However, Bai Lin notices the pained look in the man's eyes whenever he glances at her.
What's going on?
But curiosity will not kill this cat.
Bai Lin had been in her position for decades before she gave birth to her children. She knows men have different intentions. The first impression can never be the last! What if this Lone Gu Master is a brilliant actor setting the stage?
Rapists, murderers, corpse defilers—Demonic AND Lone Gu Masters are only differentiated by the popularities of their crime.
The two refuse to speak until the youth smiles bitterly. The man tilts his waist, requesting, "May this drifter leave?"
"Not yet," Bai Lin replies drily. The Youth nods and doesn't move.
"Sit," she points at the seat. The Vagabond hesitates before taking a seat. Before Bai Lin says anything, she feels his observant gaze. His eyes do not drift anywhere inappropriate. Instead, he stares at her nose and ears. The flashing sadness and heartache in his eyes betray his stoic expression.
"Water," he whispers. "May I get some water?" The Vagabond smiles.
Bai Lin replies, "Our Bai Clan welcomes anyone with a Righteous heart, Junior Unchained. It does not matter if they are from other Righteous Factions or Lone Gu Masters. However, my Bai Clan will never lend a hand to a Demonic Beast in Human's flesh."
Unchained Vagabond lowers his gaze and glances at the table.
"This drifter has experienced kindness from the devils and incurred wanton greed from the heroes. I'm not a Demon or a Lone Hero, Leader Bai. I'm merely a spectator. I hear stories from one place and drift to another to hear one more. Heart Unchained, Eyes Open. Secrets Fail to Hide."
Bai Lin nods internally. Lone Gu Masters will always have a complicated outlook on the two other factions. Not all Demonic Gu Masters are heartless, and not all Righteous Factions are honest. Vagabond's words also reveal he experienced numerous fortunes and misfortunes—or just a big one. Why else would Unchained incur greed from a Righteous Faction. His last words also explain that he knows Bai Lin noticed his peculiar looks.
"Stories?" Bai Lin picks the first topic.
"For a pail of water, this drifter will share a tale. However, I caution you, Leader Bai."
She coldly narrows her eyes as the Vagabond sighs softly.
"It may break your heart as it broke mine."
Bai Lin scoffs internally.
What a good actor! She would already be enamored if she were a mortal without experiences.
"Bring a bucket of water and a towel," she glances at the youth's state, correcting, "two towels."
"Right away!"
A voice sounds from the outside.
A Gu Master soon brings a small bucket filled with clear water and two towels. Since it's already December, the nights are cold. The water, too, is freezing! However, Lo Jik stands from his seat and places the bucket on the stool. Bai Lin is cautious. There are several Gu that can use water for dangerous acts. She keeps her Defensive Gu prepared, unwilling to look down on a junior who can explore the wilderness.
"I'm grateful," Unchained sighs as he dips his hand in the cold water. "I had to use the smelly yellow mud to escape the chase of Iron-Skinned Boars. Rolling his dirty sleeves, the Vagabond pushes his hand further into the water. "For this tale, the drifter must search deep. It's painful, Leader Bai. Heaven must be punishing me for my crimes for me to be brought here." He slowly brings his hands out and grips the bucket's rim. This tale is not mythical like Ren Zu's or filled with painful lessons. It's merely a tale of heartbreak."
He brings his wet hand to his face, gently scrubbing his skin.
"I met a woman, Leader Bai. She… looked like you."
Bai Lin's gaze turns slightly furious as the Vagabond glances at her with utter pain. So sincere that the mother's heart shudders for an unknown reason. "I won't insult you, Leader Bai. That woman… your nose, eyes, ears, and lips—everything…"
He shudders and glances away.
"It's the tale about that woman and another man." He wipes his face with water. He introduces more mud into the once clear and freezing water. The water taints as he speaks and washes his face. Unchained Vagabond does not look at Bai Lin even once.
"The love of my life was a woman of many virtues. I could not shoulder them, for I was a fool that chased tales of the mighty. I found fortunes and left the village. I loved her, but I loved those tales and legends. I did not want to experience them. I… wanted to know more. But time waits for no man. She married someone else. Of course, Leader Bai. Tales are empty. The stories I chased were not mine, and I soon felt lost. Secretly returning to the village, I found her with another man."
He brushes his wet fingers into his hair, filtering filth.
"Seeing her with the Chieftain's son shattered my heart. I could not experience a life with my lover. And it became another cold tale for me to witness. Heaven is fair, heh. It gave me such a resounding story. It's what I was fated to observe. To see a sweet babe in her mother's arms. Leader Bai, she was my daughter."
Bai Lin's eyelids jump in surprise.
"That face, that smile… I will never forget it. My lover… my Cui, married someone else to protect my daughter. She was pregnant when I left."
Lo Jik grits his teeth. "I dared not get close to them. I feared I would hate myself and do something terrible."
He splashes water on his face.
"Kill him, I thought."
*Splash*
"Kill her and take my daughter, I thought."
*Splash*
"I was just angry!—not at them. Myself. My lover did all that for my daughter. She married someone so our daughter would not be labeled a bastard! But I would do anything for my daughter! I was willing to kill the bastard who lovingly called my daughter his!"
He breathes deeply.
Unchained Vagabond is already lost in his thoughts. It's no longer a tale for Bai Lin as she purses her lips. Deep anguish aches her heart at the mere thought of being away from her children.
"But why could I not hate that man? That's the sad tale. By what right does a Chieftain hang a son who protects his wife? The Daughter runs into a Gu Master. By WHAT right does the Gu Master execute a little girl?" He snarls. "What law calls the woman screaming for her dying babe a demon? Because she spat at the monster?"
His fingers tear into the steel pail as water drips on the carpet.
He grows silent as Bai Lin can imagine what happened.
The youth's daughter must have run into a Gu Master. The Gu Master must have arrogantly killed the mortal. The Chieftain's son, rightfully angered, protected his wife until his father hanged him!
"Leader Bai."
A gentle whisper snaps her out. She looks up at the tall youth, facing the Vagabond's sharp features for the first time.
Water slides down his face. Are those tears or the water from the bucket? She will never know.
No…
She already knows.
"By what right a drifter is a demon to assassinate a Chieftain and a Gu Master?"
Bai Lin remains silent.
He smiles bitterly.
At a glance, this Unchained Vagabond is a chiseled brown-haired youth. However, the pain in his eyes whenever he glances at her leaves Bai Lin in turmoil. How can she not recognize the pain birthed from one's utter love for their children? She finally understands the distant longing in his gaze when he glances at her. Bai Lin's position and beauty incites lust among plenty. Her first husband was no better. But a youth half her age seems like a long-lost kin.
"This drifter is grateful for the pail of water. And I apologize for reciprocating such favor with a heart-breaking tale. I don't know if Leader Bai is blessed with motherhood. But hear this drifter, I know in my bones that your children will want for nothing. They will possess all the love they will ever need."
His sad smile widens, and he places the towel down. Cupping his fists, he reveals a complicated expression.
"An introduction is done, a kindness received. A tale is spoken; this Drifter now takes his leave."
Bai Lin snaps out. What about possible information on Bai Gu Mountain? Deep down, Bai Lin already believes this Lone Gu Master's presence here is an accident. However, she MUST be careful and cover all the bases!
"Wait, Junior Unchained," she calls out. "The Bai Clan is hosting a competition. I believe there are many tails to be witnessed here, too. Let this Bai Lin host you, and hear more tales in exchange.
Unchained Vagabond looks deep into her eyes. There is reluctance and longing. He opens his lips several times before closing them.
Bai Lin already knows what the answer will be.
Between them is a pail of muddied water.
The once-clear water is disturbed and tainted. It's no longer freezing or clear, all because of the mud and warmth of his body.
***
Alternate Title: United Gemini; Shooting Shots; Bai Ning Bing is Chill Like That; The Flesh Bone Unity Gu; The Amazing Disappointment; A Crazy Idea; The Will to Act and Sacrifice; Spears; Bai Lin; Unchained Vagabond; The Distant Affection; A Heartbreaking Tale; Bai Lin: I've Seen Many Actors *Lo Jik: Aight, Bet*; Shen Cui's Presence Keeps on Giving; The Gu Bard; Lo Jik about To Open Bai Lin's Eyes and More!; Muddied Water; Tainted Clarity
***
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