Wusheng Finger

"Wusheng Laomu, Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!"

Ethereal echoes reverberated in his ears, a delicate jade finger lightly tapping before his eyes—Du'er Cha suddenly felt as if his soul had left his body, drifting beyond the material world.

He knew this was bad, rapidly shifting his form, trying to evade that finger, but the surrounding air grew heavy, layer by layer collapsing toward her, as if a massive vortex lurked there. Helplessly, he was "sucked" toward the whirlpool, as though welcoming that finger.

After Gu Xiaosang pointed, Meng Qi and the others only saw Du'er Cha, as if losing his soul, abandon resistance and evasion, actively moving forward like a wandering son impatient to return home.

"Is this sorcery..." Meng Qi watched the bizarre scene in shock.

Her finger brushed Du'er Cha's brow, Gu Xiaosang spoke with solemn grace, her voice like silver bells, crisp and ethereal: "Wusheng Laomu, Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!"

A hair-raising event unfolded—Du'er Cha actually revealed a peaceful, joyful smile and murmured in follow: "Wusheng Laomu, Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!"

The body below his head suddenly swelled, then rapidly contracted. Skin withered, muscles collapsed, streaks of blood light coalesced, gathered at his brow, and surged into Gu Xiaosang's index and middle fingers.

Gu Xiaosang's jade-like face grew even more radiant, as if it could drip with moisture.

"Wusheng Laomu, Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss..." Du'er Cha collapsed softly, chanting this mantra-like scripture with calm delight, his voice growing fainter.

Gu Xiaosang withdrew her right hand, looked toward Meng Qi and the others, more spirited and dazzling than before, beautiful enough to make one feel inferior.

"If not for the mishap last time wasting my Merit Points, why would I have hesitated to act myself? But killing one person's worth of Merit Points is still enough." Gu Xiaosang casually snapped a twig, smiling as she walked toward the entrance, "The Great General has been struck by the Wusheng Finger; it'll take a moment for him to return to the 'Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.' Though brief, it's more than enough to kill."

She looked at the wary Meng Qi and the others, laughing as she lightly shook the twig: "Hehe, it's fate, really. If not for that mishap, why would I have used that thing and been tossed to you as a newcomer? Who should I kill? I'm so torn—why don't you pick one? After I kill them, we go our separate ways. We won't meet again back home anyway."

She pressed her left index finger to her chin, brows furrowed as if this problem was too vexing. Such a lovely sight—if any lecherous sort were here, they'd likely volunteer to ease the beauty's troubles.

Meng Qi and the others had just opened their hearts, deepening their bond, and all had clear minds, so they didn't fall for this sowing of discord. Each guarded the entrance with heightened vigilance, minds racing for a countermeasure.

Gu Xiaosang's eyes sparkled, her smile charming: "You're troubled too? Then let me think carefully. Hmm, an ordinary disciple of the Flower Washing Sword Sect—killing them is worthless, just dirtying my hands and wasting my Merit Points."

Qi Zhengyan's face was ashen. Though he knew this was Gu Xiaosang's provocation, he still felt insulted and resentful. Why was he considered inferior to others?

Her gaze shifted to Zhang Yuanshan's face, nodding slightly: "Among the True Martial Sect's lay disciples, the Zhang family is one of the three pillars. If I kill you here and fake a True Martial Sect technique, it wouldn't be hard to stir internal strife."

Zhang Yuanshan's eyes sharpened, and he spoke steadily: "Witch, do you think our sect's elders are reckless and ignorant?"

"True." Gu Xiaosang nodded cheerfully in agreement. "I don't know divination, and I didn't guess this situation would arise, so I didn't exchange for True Martial Sect secrets. Framing you would be a bit difficult."

"And if I can't stir internal strife, killing you alone feels like a waste of Merit Points. Within the True Martial Sect, this generation—whether Yang Tai, Yang He, or the Yao Family Brothers—all have more martial talent and far surpass you in strength. Unlike you, who failed to comprehend the true intent in the Qi-accumulation chapters of either the True Martial Seven Sections Scripture or the Taiji Divine Art. They just can't match your steady competence to win the elders' favor."

She smiled like a blooming flower, speaking sarcastic words laced with provocation.

Zhang Yuanshan suddenly laughed: "My martial talent being inferior to my peers is a matter of birth—why despair? Heaven's way balances all; diligence can make up for dullness. What do I have to fear?"

Since Gu Xiaosang wanted to kill with words and sow discord, Zhang Yuanshan was happy to banter with her, stalling until Du'er Cha died—then all would be well.

Gu Xiaosang paused, biting her lower lip, a half-smile playing on her face: "Hearing that, I really do want to kill you."

She "forced" herself to turn, smiling at Jiang Zhiwei: "I heard rumors before that Miss Jiang is the most promising figure of the younger generation, destined to become a Sword God like Senior Su, suppressing the nine heretical sects. That made me itch with curiosity, eager to meet you and eliminate you. Now it seems I have that chance."

Jiang Zhiwei showed no anger or fear, speaking calmly: "Whether you have that chance depends first on the sword in my hand."

Gu Xiaosang looked at Jiang Zhiwei's unruffled demeanor, as if possessed by Su Wuming, and frowned lightly: "Do you still have strength to fight? Can you still use 'Sword Comes Without Self'? With injuries this severe, it doesn't add up. Did you exchange for a life-risking technique like the Heavenly Demon Dissolution Great Law?"

She frankly voiced her doubts.

"Try and find out." Jiang Zhiwei smiled faintly, her bright beauty enhanced by her pale complexion, adding a touch of pitiable charm.

Gu Xiaosang pondered a moment, then grinned at Meng Qi: "'Master,' actually, you're the one I most want to kill."

"Huh?" Meng Qi was baffled. He figured he and Qi Zhengyan were on the same level, maybe even weaker, at least for now.

Gu Xiaosang lowered her head slightly, cheeks flushing: "Because Xiao Zi seems to have a bit of a liking for you."

"What kind of reason is that?" Meng Qi was happy to keep rambling, stalling for time.

Gu Xiaosang looked up, smiling like a fox: "It's the best reason. Anything she likes or wants, I destroy."

Damn! That was Meng Qi's only thought.

"So, 'Master,' rest in peace. Amitabha Buddha." Gu Xiaosang dropped the twig, pressing her hands together in a cute prayer.

Meng Qi took a deep breath. The surrounding noise faded, his eyes fixed only on Gu Xiaosang, his mind clear and pure. Then he raised his Monastic Blade, pointing toward the unseen.

Gu Xiaosang smiled, stepping lightly toward Meng Qi, ignoring Jiang Zhiwei and the others.

Suddenly, she felt all sounds around her vanish—no wind, no rain, no slithering of insects. Peace, tranquility, pure ease.

Her smile froze as she saw Meng Qi raise his blade, a flash of light, and an illusory crack appeared.

The peace shattered, noise returned, and Gu Xiaosang's ears suddenly rang with the childish voice of "Mama, Mama." Her mind involuntarily recalled past events, joys and sorrows, emotions churning.

Her expression shifted sharply. She stumbled back several steps, breaking free from the Saber Intent's assault.

When did this monk learn such advanced saber techniques?

Seeing Gu Xiaosang retreat, Meng Qi, ignoring his drained stamina and weak legs, lunged for the mechanism and pulled it.

Creaking, before Gu Xiaosang could recover, Meng Qi threw his Monastic Blade and sealed the entrance.

Clang! The blade struck a hidden protrusion behind a nearby Crimson Boulder, while Meng Qi in the secret passage gritted his teeth, swung his right fist, and destroyed the inner mechanism too.

"What are you doing?" Qi Zhengyan asked in shock.

"Destroy the mechanism, and we can't get out, but she won't get in either!" Meng Qi slumped against the stone wall nearby, his limbs trembling uncontrollably.

Jiang Zhiwei nodded. "As long as Du'er Cha dies, we can return directly. Being trapped here to die is no big deal."

"That's actually a good plan." Zhang Yuanshan revealed a faint smile.

Qi Zhengyan, sword in hand, stood near the entrance, still worried that the mechanism outside hadn't been completely destroyed.

Jiang Zhiwei smiled as she looked at Meng Qi. "I didn't expect you to have already grasped the saber intent of 'Severing Purity.'"

She could tell Meng Qi was just bluffing, relying on a fraction of that saber intent to scare off Gu Xiaosang and buy precious time to seal the entrance.

"The first part of this move isn't incomplete. As long as you grasp it in your heart and prepare according to the mental method's changes, the saber intent naturally erupts." Meng Qi had somewhat recovered his strength.

Qi Zhengyan didn't know much about techniques at this level and didn't ask further. Zhang Yuanshan, having failed to gain any insight from the true intent transmissions of the introductory parts of the True Martial Seven Sections Scripture and Taiji Divine Art, could only practice based on the manuals rewritten by his sect's predecessors from their own experience, so he wasn't too clear on saber intent either.

Only Jiang Zhiwei gave Meng Qi a knowing, half-smiling look. When the other two weren't paying attention, she quietly mouthed a word.

Meng Qi, who had worked closely with her before, immediately understood her meaning: "Spar!"

In front of the mountain wall, Gu Xiaosang stared blankly at the sealed entrance, then suddenly a sly smile curled on her lips.

She turned and walked out of the forest. As she passed Du'er Cha, she flicked her sleeve, and he closed his eyes forever.

"I wonder who Gu Xiaosang is?" Meng Qi quickly changed the subject, genuinely curious about her identity.

Zhang Yuanshan spoke solemnly. "Do you know about the Nine Demonic Paths?"

"I do." Meng Qi had heard about them from Xuan Xin.

Zhang Yuanshan nodded. "Gu Xiaosang is the Saintess of the Luo Sect, one of the Nine Demonic Paths. It's a sect that reveres 'Wusheng Laomu,' who was formidable during the Mythological Era, and deceives people into returning to the 'Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.' According to rumors spread by the Luo Sect, Gu Xiaosang is the current reincarnation of Wusheng Laomu."

"We know of her because she has made three moves, each time killing enemies above her rank. With eight apertures opened, she's ranked fourth on the Human Ranking, a name that carries weight." Jiang Zhiwei added.

"What's the Human Ranking? I've heard there's also an Earth Ranking and a Heaven Ranking?" Meng Qi had always wanted to learn about this but never had the chance.

Zhang Yuanshan chuckled lightly. "This is a ranking established by the Great Jin Imperial Family, listing the world's top experts to stir up competitive spirits, incite mutual slaughter, and weaken each other. Hmm, the original list is kept at the Shendu Six Doors Headquarters."

"Although everyone knows the Zhao Clan's intentions, among those who walk the martial world, some may not care for profit, some may not crave wealth, some may not seek power, wine, or gambling—but aside from enlightened masters and the truly humble, who doesn't love fame? So everyone tacitly accepted the rankings, adding many hidden conflicts."

Jiang Zhiwei nodded. "The Heaven Ranking is for Dharma Body masters. Since its inception, at most there have been fourteen or fifteen, and at fewest, only seven or eight. Currently, there are ten. Your Abbot is ranked third. The Earth Ranking lists famous experts below Land Immortals, only the top two hundred, basically peak figures at Outer Scenery seventh heaven and above. My master is currently first on the Earth Ranking."

She said this with a hint of pride.

"The Human Ranking is for young experts. Since many at the Orifice Opening stage can defeat those above their rank, even opening nine apertures doesn't guarantee a high spot. This ranking currently only lists fifty." Zhang Yuanshan added.

Just as Meng Qi was about to ask if Jiang Zhiwei was on the Human Ranking, lines of gray text appeared on the wall:

"Great General Du'er Cha has died. Side Quest Two completed. Reward: Gu Xiaosang 200 Merit Points, Jiang Zhiwei 100 Merit Points, Zhang Yuanshan 50 Merit Points."

"Du'er Cha has died. Shaolin has fallen. Main Quest Two completed early. Each rewarded 100 Merit Points."

"Returning immediately."