Reverend Rizzsanity

Why does Heaven dictate the Human?

<<<>>>

The discovery of a Blessed Land will always remain a subject of interest and greed for every Gu Immortal. Indeed, they are collectively mysterious and distant from the mortal realm. However, it was the Gu World's culture.

How common was it for an ordinary mortal to interact with a Rank 5 Gu Master sitting on the mortal's throne of peak performance and ability? Rank 5 Gu Masters were legendary figures within the mortal side of the Gu World with admirable accomplishments—from the Sky Crown Marquis braving the journey to Fei Hou's peak and arm wrestling the Bandit Monkey Emperor to create another trade route within the Southern Border to the likes of living legends Tie Mu Bai, known to have conquered a mountain of Demonic Gu Masters!

These exemplary figures rarely appeared in public. Even Shang Yan Fei had yet to achieve such a reputation. His might was far eclipsed by another living legend, Empress Wu Ji, and the recently deceased Tie Xue Leng, who proved himself to be the extraordinary one out of the group by being humble around mortals and solving any crime and injustice entering his view.

Gu Immortals were similar.

They were not interested in interacting with mortals unless they shared a special bond. As illusive as they were, the journey of Gu Cultivation did not end for anyone. How could the Gu Immortals waste their time after achieving so much?

Who among them wasn't outstanding yet had felt helpless to fate's whims in their lifetime?

So, they were no better than vultures circling their prey. They latched onto every benefit. Survival was, is, and will remain the name of the game—something the discovery of another Blessed Land unguarded by any Land Spirit boosted significantly.

Few figures appeared beyond the clouds above the smooth crater—that was once San Cha Mountain. One of them was an emerald-eyed, raven-haired seductress. Although she was dressed in a relatively modest robe with little skin to display, the way her clothes chose to cling to her ripe form was nothing less than ravishing. Her full lips puckered as indifference curtained the worry in her gaze.

Like others, she was silent.

There were seven individuals around San Cha. Some floated without support. Like the woman, others sat on clouds or other floating Gu Worms, and one wore a brilliant pair of red wings.

Seven Immortals.

Seven sets of gazes observed the sizeable swirl of green winds as they whipped without any obstruction. No immortal dared interact with the Winds of Assimilation!

The Winds multiplied, and the expressions of several Gu Immortals soon turned ugly.

After all, changes occurred relatively quickly in the real world.

Hu Mei Er wasn't the only one who had contacted outsiders.

The only thing on their mind was to discover the daring Gu Immortal willing to harm their interests and 'kin' before skinning them alive. Ultimately, none thought about the survival of the individuals caught inside…

They knew the terror of the Winds of Assimilation all too well.

But why would they still gather around San Cha's crater after the Winds of Assimilation neutralized the corrosive fog?

How could any Immortal, after suffering countless life and death instances, lose hope?

Their survival proved the existence of miracles…

And they might witness it again!

<<<>>>

Why does the Human struggle?

<<<>>>

"Hngh?"

A pair of crystal-blue eyes suddenly snapped open. They momentarily observed the lavish bronze ceiling before instantly sitting up.

"I'm alive?" Bai Ning Bing blurted, his eyes blinking to overcome his daze before he regained his guard and noticed the slutty pinkette not far from him, sobbing with a quiet Lo Jik lying on her lap.

'Eh, he can wait,' Bai Ning Bing ignored his mischievous partner-in-crime. He didn't want to waste time mourning the dead, and if he was alive… well, he could wait another minute for Bai Ning Bing to assess their surroundings.

Right?

His gaze roamed the intricate relief sculptures decorating the bluish bronze walls. Despite the beauty of the hall, a stomach-churning scent of the worst kind of shit sank within the mysterious location.

Indeed, the air was heavy with the nauseating scent.

Maybe that's what reduced Lo Jik to his current state?

Bai Ning Bing finally glanced at the massive elephant in the room—a house-sized ancient tortoise with dragon-like floating whiskers growing out of his face and mimicking majestic celestial ribbons.

Their gazes met, and Bai Ning Bing instantly noticed profound exhaustion flickering in the tortoise's eyes.

"You are the Land Spirit." The Frost Devil identified the strange entity without emotions in his cold voice. "Are you not?"

A still quietness filled the air, and Hu Mei Er's sobs continued to break—

"Stop crying!" Bai Ning Bing snapped, instantly turning on his heels and stomping his way to Lo Jik. "What? Is he dead?" The peerless figure loomed over the duo before meeting Lo Jik's blank gaze.

"Brain-dead?" The youth blinked before—

"Pfft! HAHAHAHAHAHA! He can finally be a proper Strength Path Gu Master!"

"Shut up!" Hu Mei Er hissed amidst her sobs. "He's not dead! He can still experience everything!"

Bai Ning Bing's laughter dampened before he shrugged. "Poor him. So?" He glanced at the giant tortoise as his eyes roamed two corpses in the distance near a layer of putrid soil, most likely composed of beast shit.

"I am Ba Gui, the Ba Gui Blessed Land's Land Spirit," an aged and tired voice echoed in everyone's mind. "I saved you from your deaths because your companion fulfilled the requirements to accept the test to inherit everything my real body left behind."

"And those conditions are?" Bai Ning Bing crossed his arms, not allowing curiosity to betray his expression.

"The Inheritor must be a Strength Path Gu Master with Beast Phantoms meeting predetermined quality," Ba Gui Land Spirit began. "He must also be at death's door and in a desperate condition."

"Please heal him!" Hu Mei Er suddenly pleaded. "I tried many Gu Worms. But the injuries to his soul—"

"His soul is fragmented and needs time to heal itself," Ba Gui Land Spirit interjected with surprising sadness in his voice. "I cannot heal his injuries… I do not possess the required Gu Worms to remove the fraction of that Gu Immortal's attack's Dao Marks. That man was ruthless with his attack."

"Furthermore, your companion continuously lost several defensive Gu Worms, which created a backlash that strained his mind and soul. I was surprised how the injuries hadn't outright killed him… your companion has a strange constitution."

"So I've known," Bai Ning Bing smirked, jabbing his thumb in Lo Jik's fallen direction. "He fucks that slut a lot. Maybe it finally got to him."

"How can you be so indifferent?!" Hu Mei Er cried. "He's your only friend!"

"He's not my friend!" Bai Ning Bing snapped at the woman. "And he isn't dead, right? Just… what? Paralyzed? Soul-Paralyzed? Bah! I'm sticking with calling him a fucking Vegetable. He deserves it."

"So?" still cool-headed, Bai Ning Bing glanced at the Land Spirit. "Everyone thought you didn't exist. Why did you save us? What's the test? And can't you expel that Immortal?" Though rapid, his questions dove into the heart of the matter, leaving no room for excuses.

"I had to hibernate once a Tribulation injured the Blessed Land's core." The Land Spirit was candid and truthful. "I was awakened from slumber when the Three Kings modified the Blessed Land. However, I did not stop them because it was a suitable method to seek my inheritor. As for saving you two, I did it to assist the chosen candidate. And before you expect anything more, the test is only for your companion, Lo Jik."

The Land Spirit confessed after a moment. "And I cannot expel the Immortal. I don't have enough essence to control the Blessed Land… it's about to conjure the Winds of Assimilation."

"It can't be!" Hu Mei Er gasped.

"Stop being so dramatic," Bai Ning Bing rolled his eyes. "What's the point of humming and hawing over how we die when the result will remain the same?"

The man began to stretch.

"Answer me this, Land Spirit. Can inheriting whatever inheritance you have stowed help us defeat the Immortal?"

"No…"

Bai Ning Bing snorted a chuckle.

"Those two there," he pointed at the corpse. "They died trying to complete the challenge?"

"Yes."

The devil's frost gaze suddenly grew intense. "You are hiding something!"

"It's a Land Spirit," Hu Mei Er snorted. "They only speak the truth."

"Bitch, I said he's hiding something, not lying."

Hu Mei Er frowned before exhaling. She wiped her tears and gently kissed Lo Jik's forehead before setting his head on the floor and standing up.

"I know that," she responded sharply, regaining her ruthlessness. "I was worried you didn't know anything about things outside your class."

Their glares clashed midair before Hu Mei Er glanced at the Land Spirit. "And what the Land Spirit is hiding is also blatant—an escape. He said he saved us to help Lo Jik complete the challenge. But how can my dearest move and do anything in this state?"

She was half-a-wisdom Path Gu Master. Finding loopholes between the tired Land Spirit's speech was child's play for Hu Mei Er.

"He must have already informed Lo Jik about everything. After all, he isn't brain-dead and can perceive everything. So, how can we assist? By stalling for the Land Spirit to entrust the last bit of hope onto Lo Jik and helping him escape!"

An odd silence filled the hall before the Tortoise's head bobbed up and down.

"Indeed."

<<<>>>

Why must the Human struggle, I wonder?

<<<>>>

"Elder Brother…" Fang Zheng stayed dazed for a full minute. Emotions overwhelmed and snapped out of his controlling mind. His nose soured as he called weakly.

"Elder Brother… it's me! Fang Zheng!"

He never expected to reunite with Fang Yuan!

What was going on?

Where was Lord Desolate?

Fang Zheng knew the answer, but he couldn't believe his eyes.

"Elder Brother," Fang Zheng suddenly snapped back to reality. "Let go! Look at the formation! It's a trap!"

However, Fang Yuan remained utterly unmoved as more of his flesh entered the formation. He did not look back or acknowledge Fang Zheng.

"What are you doing?"

Fang Zheng suddenly stopped Lu Zuan Feng as the latter clicked his tongue and snapped.

"You want to save your twin, right? I also don't want to lose the treasure. Can't you sense the aura? The only method is to break the formation!"

Fang Zheng gritted his teeth before glancing in Fang Yuan's direction.

'Elder Brother… I must repay you for all the times you sacrificed your comfort for me. I must redeem myself and apologize for how I treated you before.'

"Fine," Fang Zheng nodded with unbridled determination.

<<<>>>

O' Fickle Consort! Ye' Dreamer! Oppressed by Heaven and its cruel fate! I ask you—

<<<>>>

Ba Gui Land Spirit's reply filled the duo's expression with killing intent.

"What I desire is for Lo Jik to survive. He's my only hope… However, you two aren't alone in the struggle against the Gu Immortal." The Land Spirit displayed the battlefield scene when Wu Ji sent Wu Lan Shan to gather other survivors into their minds.

"You two may not have realized it, but the one who calls herself Wu Ji hosts a few secrets. She might be the trump card to kill the Gu Immortal. I hope that happens and plan to use my remaining strength to teleport Lo Jik into the fallen Gu Immortal's Blessed Land to avoid the Winds of Assimilation."

Bai Ning Bing instantly fell thoughtful.

"That's crazy," Hu Mei Er muttered. "Mortals cannot best Immortals."

"And if that doesn't work, you still have a way for Lo Jik to escape?" Bai Ning Bing suddenly inquired.

"I do, but it is precarious and the last resort I hope I don't have to rely upon."

The duo sank in silence.

"Tch," Bai Ning Bing shot Lo Jik an annoyed look. "It's because of you, isn't it?" He suddenly kicked Lo Jik, making Hu Mei Er cry out in shock. "That crazy bastard was chasing you! You took someone from that asshole! Who?"

He crouched upon Lo Jik with killing intent. "Maybe I should snuff everyone's hope and kill you."

"Stop!" Hu Mei Er instantly mobilized a Gu Worm to attack Bai Ning Bing as the latter scoffed and got up. "Relax—"

The trio looked at the space above Lo Jik's torso as two glowing orbs—green and purple—appeared out of nowhere.

"That's the Life Death Rotation Gu," Ba Gui gasped.

Bai Ning Bing was definitely interested in the Rank 5 Gu Worm. His eyes opened wide once Ba Gui explained its use.

"So," Bai Ning Bing instantly smiled. "We can kill Lo Jik and revive him. He'll be healed, right?"

The Gu instantly disappeared within Lo Jik as if expressing his discontent… or disappointment?

"It doesn't work like that," Hu Mei Er suddenly spoke. "The Rank 5 Life Rotation Gu recovers the body and summons the soul. It cannot 'create' or fill the gaps in the soul."

The Rank 5 Gu reappeared above Lo Jik.

"Hmph," Bai Ning Bing snorted. "Bastard, you want us to fight for you?!"

Another Gu appeared above Lo Jik's torso.

It was a dark silver cloak without embroidery or decorations and another Rank 5 Gu Worm!

"The Invisibility Gu?" Bai Ning Bing hummed. "So, a sneak attack." He instantly understood Lo Jik's intentions.

"Indeed!" Ba Gui spoke with a tinge of joy. "The Gu Immortal senses others through the soul. However, the Invisibility Gu will hide your soul fluctuations and allow you to unleash a sneak attack."

Bai Ning Bing nodded with a crafty look.

"That's cool. However, our raw strength wouldn't be enough to destroy the Gu Immortal's defense. Even if one of us uses the Invisibility Gu and the other focuses on a Killer Move… well, we'll still be fucked."

He gazed at Lo Jik, expecting another treasure of a Gu Worm. Evidently, Lo Jik was loaded!

Of course, Bai Ning Bing wasn't about to ignore how the existence of the Rank 5 Invisibility Gu introduced the former's doubt about Lo Jik's and Li Xian's relationship.

To what extent did they join hands?

However, Lo Jik wasn't easy to fool.

"Fucking Vegetable," Bai Ning Bing spat coldly as Ba Gui shared his vision of the battlefield again.

It was the sight of Yan Jun's sudden death.

"Don't you have anything, Ba Gui Land Spirit?" Hu Mei Er glanced at the tortoise. "We need every bit of strength in his battle. How can we compete with an Immortal without your assistance?"

The relief sculptures in the hall glowed brightly and revealed an assortment of Gu Worms!

There were hundreds of Gu Worms, each dazzling the duo due to its rarity and effects. Ba Gui didn't wait another second to explain its uses.

"Relic Gu Worms!" Hu Mei Er squeaked! "There are 10 Gold Relics and 8 Purple Relics. We can advance to Peak Stage Rank 5 Rank!"

"But we don't have enough time…" Bai Ning Bing momentarily frowned before his eyes glowed like bright torches.

"Wait!" He hissed. The devil's body vibrated excitedly as he glanced at the Life Death Rotation Gu. "We have a chance!"

At that exact moment, Empress Wu Ji also declared her intent to win after helping Wu Lan Shan escape.

<<<>>>

—will you continue to struggle? Will you continue the desperate path beyond the Doors of Life and Death?

<<<>>>

Fang Yuan didn't lose his will and struggled.

He'd been exposed, and there was nowhere else to run but go all in. And if he failed…

He had another hope.

The protective formation around Fang Yuan shrank at a pace visible to the naked eye, but the demon's expression did not reveal concern or fear.

Determination and Will forged by bloody battles and heart-rending encounters thrummed in his chest. Almost half his body had become a wiry mess of flesh consumed and pulled into the tributary's node. But Fang Yuan sensed something.

A trap could never be so painless and time-consuming.

It was something else.

But Fang Yuan wasn't sure it was anything beneficial for him!

<<<>>>

If you will struggle. O' Fickle one. If it is despair you seek. Beware of the Heaven's Will. It watches you.

<<<>>>

Peak Stage Rank 5 Aura oozed from Bai Ning Bing and Hu Mei Er as they basked in the sensation of utter power. Using the Relic Gu took time. However, the Land Spirit possessed a horde of Time Path Gu capable of increasing the time flow by varying degrees.

Among them was the famous Rank 5 Third Watch Gu. It was a consumable Gu with permanent effects on the Gu Master's body in the form of a silver tattoo on their chests. The Gu Master's body experienced time three times as quickly as others.

The Land Spirit never stopped transmitting the state of the Battlefield as the duo gathered their composure.

It had to be done…

Someone had to fight!

Nay, they wanted to fight for their survival!

Bai Ning Bing and Hu Mei Er had collected every offensive Gu Worm.

However, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing were aware of another secret.

98%.

The Peak Stage Rank 5 Crystal Purple Essence nourishment was too much. That, coupled with the boost in the flow of time, shot Bai Ning Bing's essence regeneration to the peak—

99%.

He sighed softly.

"Ready?" Hu Mei Er gulped as Bai Ning Bing glanced at her indifferently before smiling uncharacteristically gently.

"Give me a minute with him…"

Hu Mei Er hesitated before quickly closing the distance with Lo Jik. She pecked his lips before smiling comfortingly.

"I'll be right back, sweetheart… You did so much for us. Let me repay the favor!"

She grinned before standing and turning around. However, the weight of their next battle weighed on the woman as her smile faded. She glanced at Bai Ning Bing, offering a silent truce, and shared the latter's gentle smile.

Bai Ning Bing waited for Hu Mei Er to leave the hall before towering over Lo Jik.

"Always with the mysterious plans," he regarded the Little Vegetable King.

"Always with the need of being better than me!" The Frost Demon hissed as he planted his foot atop Lo Jik's chest. "Look who fucked up now!"

The recollection of their first shared 'moment' flashed in Bai Ning Bing's mind. Back then, he still had a quim and was forced on her knees in front of Shang Xin Ci and Xiao Die, no less! So, vindictive glee rushed in Bai Ning Bing's veins as he smiled sadistically.

"Look at you now!" His smile turned into a grin. His foot pressed firmer, knowingly hurting his partner. "How are you going to repay me, eh? I don't fight for free!"

The Vegetable was alive, that Bai Ning Bing knew. He noticed the slight guilt in Lo Jik's gaze.

A gentle glow bloomed above Lo Jik's torso as he revealed another Gu Worm.

"That's the Rank 5 Multiply Gu. It is more versatile than the Amplify Effect Gu since it can also increase the number of attacks by five times alongside increasing the attack's power by five times!" The Land Spirit introduced the Gu Worm as Bai Ning Bing's lips twisted in disgust.

"Another Gu?!" He snapped, descending on Lo Jik's chest with his knees. "Gu Worm won't cover for the shit you pulled!"

His hands wrapped around Lo Jik's neck under Ba Gui's panicked gaze. "You asshole!" He hissed. "You've toyed with me enough!"

Bai Ning Bing's voice rose.

"You know how it will end, don't you?! Really? Gu Worm?!" His grip tightened as Lo Jik's gaze remained unchanged. Bai Ning Bing could not verify if it was sincere guilt or another lie. He could not confirm or identify the sensation fluttering in his stomach when he saw the Bastard so defenseless.

"You better pray I live," Bai Ning Bing whispered. He suddenly smiled, allowing his hand to travel upward and caress Lo Jik's lips. "I can do whatever I want, right, Asshole?"

"But I'm what you shall consider the Paragon of Virtue and Kindness," He chuckled. "I know you wouldn't like it."

It was the same as before.

Bai Ning Bing was again on top, and he loved it!

"And I don't fucking care."

He sank down as his hair again veiled them from the world. Sparkling blue eyes teeming with excitement and joy matched guilt-ridden dark orbs.

Bai Ning Bing pulled back with the widest grin as he turned around. His back was broader than Lo Jik ever recalled.

"Ba Gui," his cold, valiant tone filled the emptied Bronze Hall. "You better not stop transmitting everything to Lo Jik. I want him… heh, to watch my most glorious battle until the end! Understood?!"

"Thank You," Ba Gui whispered.

"Bitch," Bai Ning Bing looked over his shoulder, tossing Lo Jik a smug look. "I live and die for myself!"

<<<>>>

Struggle; It's in your blood and right!

<<<>>>

Corpses littered the Ba Gui Blessed Land's infertile ground. Thick gales of Assimilation blew deeper, constricting every survivor closer and closer to the Blessed Land's central spot.

One of the peculiar corpses belonged to a woman who tanned her hide by training strenuously under the harsh sun. She vowed to achieve fairness among the mortal and those beyond when alive. The Gu Master was filled with promise and future—

*Chhk*

A pair of slender feet stepped on her face with a surprising force, ruining the corpse's determined yet blood-stained face. There were many like her scattered around the crazed Gu Immortal.

"Two," Shang Mi Zhu smiled. "Only two remain. Heh, give up. The Land Spirit has no strength to afford."

Twisted glee reflected in his smile as he urged the most surprising duo of the younger generation to surrender. It made the joy and the wild rush in his veins all the more satisfying.

Covered in bruises and barely healed injuries were Mo Wu Tian and Empress Wu Ji.

However, words did not sway the duo, who possessed determination bordering insanity!

"Hihi~ Are you still planning to kill me?" Shang Mi Zhu spread his arm. "Come on. Try it. After all, I don't have all day and must return—

*Crack*

The ice suddenly materialized around his face before an unknown force shattered it and downed Shang Mi Zhu in a single hit. Although surprised, Wu Ji's and Mo Wu Tian's bodies moved instinctively to capitalize on the time provided by the attack.

The purple-eyed demonic Gu Master attacked Shang Mi Zhu's soul again. Meanwhile, Wu Ji suddenly sat cross-legged and summoned a specter.

"Supreme Elder, now!"

She hissed as the floating specter formed the image of a sad-looking man birthed using the Sad Will Gu. It glanced at Shang Mi Zhu with lifelike hatred before nodding and diving into Wu Ji's body.

"Who?!" Shang Mi Zhu roared in rage. His eyes glowed before he locked onto someone as he clapped his hands.

A massive, humanoid projection fashioned from wind followed Shang Mi Zhu's movement and attacked the targeted region.

"So, that much force wasn't enough?"

Already seen-through, the hidden duo barely dodged the attack and stopped using the Invisibility Gu. For several reasons, Wu Ji and Mo Wu Tian glanced at the newcomers with surprise.

Rank 5 Peak Stage?!

But there was something more.

Wu Ji couldn't help but notice the chilly mist oozing from Bai Ning Bing's pores. Similarly, Bai Ning Bing met Wu Ji's gaze and somehow detected the sheer physical strength of Brobdingnagian proportions pumping within the latter after she took the chance to summon the Sad Will.

Meanwhile, Mo Wu Tian cautiously sized Hu Mei Er. After all, they had shared a history where the seductress tried and failed to charm the rising Demonic Star.

Shang Mi Zhu regarded the newcomers with utter fury. His chest heaved up and down as he snarled.

"I'm done entertaining you ungrateful sacks of shit!"

<<<>>>

Struggle; Lest I loathe you.

<<<>>>

"Die!" Shang Mi Zhu hissed. He did not conjure weaker attacks like before. He was an Enchantment Path Gu Master under the Wisdom Path and dabbled in the Rule Path. His actual output was unimaginable for a mortal ant.

A deep pink swirl of energy suddenly appeared before him.

Haunting whispers echoed and spread throughout the scenery of carnage and slaughter as Hu Mei Er and Mo Wu Tian, despite their expertise, succumbed to the lustful noises. Their faces flushed as they felt a lover's touch on their cheeks. They felt electrifying pleasure once the noises kissed their earlobes with unmatched seduction.

"Hmph! Pathetic!" Bai Ning Bing's skin rapidly greyed and turned crystalline blue. He suddenly attacked with the Rank 5 Ice Blade Gu. A mere swipe created a massive burst of frost that left Shang Mi Zhu reeling with shock.

"These tricks?" Wu Ji's figure flickered as she jumped, leaving a trail of dust and cratered earth. She timed her attack and suddenly punched!

*Weng*

Whatever remained of the sky—unconsumed by the endless Winds of Assimilation—experienced a shift as a massive force impacted Shang Mi Zhu, slamming him into the ground.

"Hahahaha! I'm free!" Wu Ji laughed boisterously! "Again!" She punched as the ground shattered and consumed Shang Mi Zhu!

"Again!" She attacked!

"Die!" Bai Ning Bing grinned, his visage no different from a wild animal.

Interrupted by Wu Ji and Bai Ning Bing, Shang Mi Zhu's Killer Move faded into nothingness. So, Mo Wu Tian and Hu Mei Er stood in a daze.

What was happening?

Bai Ning Bing conjured his usual Killer Move—The Frost Packed Stream Punch.

However, its size and intensity were nothing compared to its previous iteration. It was like comparing Earth to Heaven or an ant to a human!

The wind screamed shrilly around the massive arrow as the blizzard streamed, making the surroundings chilly. The corpses and blood around Bai Ning Bing froze solid as he stepped forward and chucked the disastrous Killer Move into the massive crater created by Wu Ji's punches.

"How long?" Wu Ji suddenly shouted at Bai Ning Bing.

"I can barely control it using the Zombie Gu," Bai Ning Bing hissed. "Don't stop, you dumb broad!"

"They are…" Mo Wu Tian sucked in a breath of cold air.

100%

"Extreme Physique…" Hu Mei Er exhaled.

<<<>>>

Struggle; It's the Human's meaning of life!

<<<>>>

*Crack*

Massive tree branches tore from the frozen ground. The land cracked open, tossed away by the sudden growth. The dry purple leaves oozed a mystical scent, tickling everyone's senses, and forced even Bai Ning Bing and Wu Ji to enter a daze.

"Hmph! Extreme Physiques will never cover the gap!" Shang Mi Zhu emerged from the ground upon one of the branches as the soothing scent pulled his opponent into an illusory world. However, his expression betrayed caution.

'That was Wu Liao's Sad Will. To think the Wu Clan nurtured an Extreme Physique Gu Master to such an extent… How dangerous will she become if she successfully becomes a Gu Immortal?' Killing intent dripped in Shang Mi Zhu's gaze. His thoughts were lightning-quick.

'I need to end them quickly before they self-destruct.'

"Die!"

A massive tree branch slammed on Shang Mi Zhu's enemies, instantly crushing them into gory bits!

'Huff!'

He scoffed under his breath. To think he needed to fear these useless scum—

<<<>>>

STRUGGLE!

<<<>>>

Ice crystals froze into life as they collected to shape a human silhouette. Meanwhile, all of Wu Ji's blood, flesh, and organs flew into a spot to form a disgusting mesh of swirling human body as it grew into a naked figure at a pace visible to the naked eye.

"Phew!"

Both—Bai Ning Bing and Wu Ji—exhaled simultaneously!

"Fuck," Wu Ji cursed and touched her recovered nose. Fury spewed from her gaze as if she didn't care about her nude status. "You'll pay for this insult!"

"I was in pieces, right?" Bai Ning Bing hummed, observing his rapidly crystallizing arms. "Oh! Haha!" He laughed carefreely. "Having the Northern Dark Ice Soul Physique has its benefits—crystal balls!"

Wu Ji glanced at the man before frowning. "What are you so happy about? Those aren't balls… pea-sized."

"What even are you?" Bai Ning Bing scoffed.

"I just punched. Didn't you catch that? I got the Great Strength True Martial Physique."

Like Bai Ning Bing's physique allowed him to display greater strength with Ice, Snow, and Soul Path Gu Worms, the Great Strength True Martial Physique prospered with the Strength Path Gu.

Shang Mi Zhu vibrated with anger at the utter disrespect.

"Oh? That's boring…" Bai Ning Bing sneered while calculating inside.

The previous attack killed their Gu Worms. Whatever attack Shang Mi Zhu used surpassed a mortal Extreme Physique's resistance.

'I wouldn't have thought any less of a Gu Immortal,' Bai Ning Bing brimmed with battle intent.

*Shiing*

Frost suddenly extended from Bai Ning Bing's limbs as his gaze widened. He'd never been forced to this extent, even by Lo Jik, and the thrill of understanding new things about his strength never failed to intoxicate the Demonic Youth.

"I can control Ice…" Bai Ning Bing's gaze sharpened as he suddenly shot forth!

"Brat," Wu Ji scoffed with a smirk before she tossed caution to the wind and rushed ahead. Her speed was remarkably more boosted than before!

Veins mapped Shang Mi Zhu's features as he let loose a bestial roar. Emotions overwhelmed the once calculative Gu Immortal as he used several Killer Moves in his arsenal, entirely focused on the duo and ignoring a gentle lotus growing despite the harsh cold.

*Bang*

Shang Mi Zhu possessed an Immortal Gu. However, it was not an Offensive Gu Worm, and he couldn't incorporate it into any other Killer Move. Whatever Shang Mi Zhu could afford never surpassed the mortal realm despite boasting unlimited Primeval Essence to deploy said Killer Moves dozens if not hundreds of times!

The Winds of Assimilation around them thickened at an increasing pace as one naked blur and another crystal-like humanoid figure raised a storm. The former's punch generated tremendous gusts of deadly wind. Meanwhile, the swipe of the latter's icy blade turned those gusts into chilling blades that chipped away at the Immortal's defenses!

However, the situation wasn't in their favor.

Frost built around Bai Ning Bing every time he breathed. Meanwhile, despite boasting unlimited stamina as the Great Strength True Martial Physique's quirk, Wu Ji felt a desolate pressure upon her Aperture.

Their expressions, though ecstatic, also hid the relentless annoyance at their inability to kill the opponent!

Attack!

Attack!

ATTACK!

Volleys of relentless forces battered Shang Mi Zhu's body. Though an Immortal, he didn't find any breather throughout the assault!

'Shit! They will explode soon!'

Shang Mi Zhu waved his hand and bisected the duo for the umpteenth time. However, Bai Ning Bing regenerated everything waist-down as those icy limbs appeared even more haunting. On the other hand, flesh extended and regrew on the left side of Wu Ji's body, and her muscles became tauter than before.

"Just die!"

Shang Mi Zhu grew more desperate with each attack!

"That's the plan, Moron!" Bai Ning Bing howled and laughed. Air froze around Shang Mi Zhu and cut off his retreat before Wu Ji flickered and appeared above the Immortal. Her arms, tense and flexed, smashed into Mi Zhu's chest and sent him flying into the growing Winds of Assimilation!

"Hmph!" Mi Zhu snorted and instantly adjusted the flight path before zipping at the duo!

<<<>>>

When ye despair; When ye mourn; When ye incur Heaven's Just tribulation—

<<<>>>

A beautiful blue lotus grew to a human's height before blooming as a lithe figure swiftly emerged from the middle.

It was Hu Mei Er!

The blue lotus was the effect of her life-saving treasure. It was something her grandmother had searched for a long time before acquiring it. And its effects were indeed worthy of being sought even by the Immortals!

The Rank 5 Lotus Through The River Gu.

It was a Time Path consumable Gu that needed to be used beforehand. The Gu emerged into existence the second a Gu Master died. The shard of its dao pieced the Gu Master's body to the condition moment before said demise!

So, unlike Bai Ning Bing and Wu Ji…

*Fwip*

Hu Mei Er swiftly dressed before disappearing using the Rank 5 Invisibility Gu.

Her approach to the disastrous battlefield was cautious since any stray attack would end her—and she wouldn't revive so effortlessly this time!

However, Hu Mei Er understood the crucial role she could play in the Immortal's demise! There was still a chance of survival!

'There!'

She noticed an opening after Wu Ji's attack, which sent Shang Mi Zhu into another raging freak-out. A purple orb flew out of Hu Mei Er's aperture and targeted the Immortal.

The Death Rotation Gu!

The attack was swift and deadly, catching Shang Mi Zhu by surprise. Although it only worked on Mortal Gu Masters, it was enough against Shang Mi Zhu's defenses.

"Ugh!"

Shang Mi Zhu's mind shook as the chilling sensation of Death crept through his body. Tens of the Gu Worms among the hundreds forming his defensive Killer Move suddenly dropped dead, causing Shang Mi Zhu to suffer a backlash.

'Finally!'

Bai Ning Bing and Wu Ji's gazes brightened as the duo instantly unleashed their most potent attack at once!

Needless to say, the two monsters aimed at the head!

Shang Mi Zhu's gaze grew desperate as the attacks were already upon him. Surprisingly, mortals matched an Immortal and—

*Swish*

A dark-brown sphered surrounded Shang Mi Zhu, barely surviving a few seconds against the attacks before shattering into nothingness. However, that was all Shang Mi Zhu needed to recover his Killer Move. How can an Immortal not have some defenses carved into their bodies for such desperate moments? If Hu Mei Er can have life-saving treasures, then so can an Immortal!

The attack flung him away as grave expressions touched the trio's faces.

"Now… what?" Hu Mei Er sighed defeatedly.

"We fight," Wu Ji regained her composure and smiled.

No matter how many times they had to—

"It's the most exciting battle ever!" Already a crystal-like figure, Bai Ning Bing's chilling voice filled the surroundings.

However, their determination was short-lived.

Bai Ning Bing suddenly lost control of his body. He began ascending while releasing a massive blizzard.

"Shit!" Wu Ji cursed before sighing. "We have a better chance of killing him… if we both go out, eh?"

She let go of the last strand of resistance as her body ascended. Unlike Bai Ning Bing, who whipped up an icy storm, Wu Ji's body released pulses of massive Strength Qi!

Hu Mei Er instantly began to retreat. She had no other choice!

Knowing what was to come, Hu Mei Er rushed towards the exposed bronze hall.

She needed to see Lo Jik another time!

Hu Mei Er wasn't afraid of death at this point!

But she also understood one thing—

'I won't make it in time!'

"Ba Gui! Can you hear me?!" Hu Mei Er screamed through the screeching blizzard. "Ba Gui!"

'I hear you, Friend.' The Tortoise's tired voice echoed. 'But I cannot teleport you. My essence isn't enough. Your mass is too much, and I must preserve Lo Jik's escape.'

"I know!" She suddenly grinned brightly. "Fulfill my request! I don't want you to teleport me!"

"I will not die!" Shang Mi Zhu finally came to be as he watched the dual forces of nature release a burst of snowstorm and shocking strength qi that disintegrated everything it touched save for the equally terrifying ice blast and the Winds of Assimilation

The self-destruction of an Extreme Physique was nothing short of a calamity similar to the worst tribulation…

Imagine the self-destruction of two Extreme Physiques!

Shang Mi Zhu's eyes widened as the massive force swept everything in its path!

Meanwhile, everyone observing the Blessed Land from the outside witnessed the Winds of Assimilation snuffed out of existence.

No survivors.

Granny Mei Hua trembled before closing her eyes.

<<<>>>

—O' Dreamer! O' Fickle Consort! O' Pursuer of Reckless Imagination! Promise ye shall—

<<<>>>

*Crackle*

The protective formation around Fang Yuan cracked apart as the node's suction force increased exponentially, devouring most of the Gu Master's body.

"Take my hand, Elder Brother!"

Fang Yuan finally looked back. His eyes were pools of a depth-less abyss, lacking affection or warmth. However, a gentle smile bloomed on his face.

There was an Immortal Gu! He was sure.

No trap existed for so long.

Fang Yuan was more than willing to bet his life. His smile widened as he stopped resisting the pull and instantly vanished into the node!

"BROTHER!"

Fang Zheng jumped in, only for Lu Zuan Feng to pull the youth back suddenly. His instincts flared, and he didn't waste another second to create a defensive layer around them.

*Boom*

A massive explosion spewed forth from the traps Fang Yuan discreetly set within the protective region to clear any other evidence!

<<<>>>

RISE!

***

A/N: I hope you liked the climax of the second volume. I wanted to write something distinctly different from the ending of volume 1, where Lo Jik just hid. Of course, the second volume's end didn't take away that form of helplessness. It was intentional. If you recall, Volume 2 is named Another Slap. I didn't mean Lo Jik would slap faces left and right. No, it was the Heaven's Will that attained the last laugh to an extent.

I also liked the tiny tweaks to Bai Ning Bing's character made earlier, shaping her in such a fashion while already adding some emotion to Wu Ji and firming the speculation about her Extreme Physique in this FF—because why not?

The second volume mostly depicted the extent of human planning and how it could mean nothing in the grand scheme. Lo Jik tried his best to remain in the driver's seat despite the spot Chen Jiu put him in. However, Fang Zheng's request to Lu Zuan Feng for the Heavenly Aperture Transformation changed everything. It could also be Lo Jik's just karma, lol.

As for the voice mimicking Elden Ring's opening? Well, they shall play an interesting part after the fate war itself (if we can get that far).

Finally, Fang Yuan. We won't see him again until the mid-late portions of the volume 4! However, I already mapped out everything until that point, so it shouldn't be too nerve-wracking to write that much.

The next chapter opens up Volume 3 in a VERY interesting fashion. Whatever it is you read in the next chapter, I just ask you to trust in me… I don't enjoy putting my readers in an uncomfortable spot unnecessarily and will try to make the best of it. Just remember, I did everything based on how I've already written and expressed different characters. (Yet, I'm still nervous about the next chapter!)

Vol 3 is—Three Paths, Two Apertures, One Body!

***

Alternate Title: The Mysterious Voice; Based Bai Ning Bing; Gu Immortals Unironically Would Capitalize on The Power of Miracles And Friendship; New Title: Saving This Weird Gu World With The Power of Friendship; Survival; The Bronze Hall; Bai Ning Bing Roasted The Entire Strength Path; Bai Ning Bing: You Follow The Unga Bunga Strength Path?; Bai Ning Bing, The Leviathan Class Tsundere; Hu Mei Er: You Two Are Buddies! (Bai Ning Bing: Nuh-uh! I Wanna Be Fuck Buddy! *unzips his trousers and reveals the crystal jewels*); No One Is Safe Around Bai Ning Bing; Bai Ning Bing's Sass Increases In Proportion To His Cultivation; Bai Ning Bing Is The Kind of Guy To Toss a Cripple In Soup Just Because It Needed Veggies; Hu Mei Er's Wits; Lo Jik's Top Tier Slut Program Winner: Hu Mei Er; An Escape?; Lo Jik Arming Them Like Charlie's Angels; Loaded Partner; Bai Ning Bing Has No Chill… Ironic; Fang Zheng's Resolve; Fang Yuan's Predicament; Third Watch Gu Benefits; Peak; The Little Vegetable King Is The New Meta; A Demon Till The End; Bai Ning Bing Is Indeed The Paragon of Kindness and Virtue; Bai Ning Bing Kisses His Homies But No Homo Tho; Shang Mi Zhu When He Cannot Torture The Way He Wants: You Ungrateful Pieces of Shit; Wu Ji and Bai Ning Bing; Demons Against An Immortal; Tie Ruo Nan And Others… Dead; So Much For Their MC Moment In The Previous Chapter; Frost And Strength; When Two Siblings Reunite; A Proud Extreme Moment; Matching With An Immortal; Going Toe-To-Toe; A Physique So Toxic It Would Not Die But ONLY Self-Destruct; Wu Ji Is Not Longer Voldemort; Crystal BALLS; Bai Ning Bing Likes His Dick Icy Bruh; Extreme Physiques May Just Be True Human Path Killer Moves; Wu Ji Truly Is The Eldest Sister; Always Aim For The Head; MVP Hu Mei Er; Clutch; If You Can't Defeat Them, Blast 'Em; Most Toxic Trait of an Extreme Physique: Boom; The Unlikely Friend: Tortoise; Hu Mei Er's Got a Friend In Ba Gui; Hu Mei Er's Request; Demon Until The End; Betting One's Life; The Most Hype Voice; A Promise of Struggle and RISE!

***

MEME