Taking on Private Work

At dawn, the sky had only just taken on the pale hue of a fish belly.

When Bai Yu left, he saw that Yu Linglong's face seemed to have been smeared with some kind of ointment, turning it jet-black. Her originally charming features had become exceedingly ugly.

He also understood where that pungent medicinal smell from last night had come from.

However, Bai Yu had no intention of exposing her. Compared to an unknown new roommate, Yu Linglong could be said to have a weakness in his grasp.

If she dared expose his secrets, Bai Yu was confident he could make her wish she were dead!

The menial disciples traveled in twos and threes. Just as he was preparing to head to the cutting room, Yu Linglong suddenly grabbed the hem of his robe.

"Senior Brother, can you take care of me? I can give you some contribution points."

Yu Linglong's voice was full of pleading.

Bai Yu understood Yu Linglong's thoughts as well. She was afraid of dying, so she was looking to find herself someone to lean on.

After all, in a place like this, someone like her could not survive alone and without support. This was the very way of survival in a demonic sect.

Just like Li Daniu, who was walking ahead of him. At this moment, he had his arm around the terrified young girl from last night as they walked forward. Clearly, the girl had already accepted this outcome last night.

As if to put Bai Yu at ease, she continued.

"Please, can we talk again tonight?"

"I still have something to tell you."

Seeing this, Bai Yu nodded as well.

"Then stay by my side later."

Without another word, Bai Yu entered the cutting room and arranged Yu Linglong at the worktable beside his. He first demonstrated how to cut, then reminded her what she needed to be careful of.

Afterward, he began seriously processing the Tiger-Striped Green Snakes.

Bai Yu's movements were meticulous. Even though he was already thoroughly familiar with this work, he did not relax in the slightest. His swift movements delighted the fat supervisor.

[Cutting +1]

[Dragon Qi +0.01]

[Cutting +1]

[Dragon Qi +0.03]

[Dragon Qi +0.1!]

...

Because of Bai Yu's efficient work, and because he continued cutting while others rested, the fat supervisor felt quite pleased. As a result, he showed a little more tolerance toward the new disciples, lowering the casualty rate by a few points.

Three shichen later.

Bai Yu reached toward the cage and discovered that all the Tiger-Striped Green Snakes beside him had already been cut up. Without realizing it, he had actually completed today's task!

As Bai Yu marveled, a wave of exhaustion surged through him. After rubbing his aching temples, he looked at his panel.

[Technique: Qi Drawing Art (Minor Mastery) 920/3500]

[Skill: cutting (Minor Mastery)]

[Progress: (1200/1500]

[Yin-Yang Mystic Dragon Gu (Lifebound Gu) (Unformed)]

[Dragon Qi Progress: 40/500]

[Yin-Yang Qi: 52/500]

Looking at the rising values on the panel, Bai Yu let out a long breath. He had not expected that in four shichen, he could cut up five hundred and one snakes, gaining quite a bit of Dragon Qi from them.

Sometimes, luck was also part of success.

"Supervisor Pang, I've already exceeded today's task. But the sky is still early. Could you assign me a little more work? After all, there are still three shichen until nightfall."

Bai Yu handed the cut Tiger-Striped Green Snakes to the fat supervisor. After receiving fifty-one contribution points, he knew the extra point had been a reward from the other man.

After respectfully thanking him, Bai Yu asked to do more work.

Seeing Bai Yu's manner, the fat supervisor burst into laughter, looking thoroughly satisfied.

"Bai Yu, I know you're eager to improve, eager to become an ordinary disciple like me."

"But look at the cutting room. There's only so much work each day, and those above know roughly how much we can complete. If we increase it, then fail to finish it next month, we'll be punished."

"So it's better to maintain the current state of affairs."

Pang Tong said with a smile.

Hearing this, Bai Yu understood what he meant. Sometimes, when a group exceeded its task quota, it was not necessarily a good thing. Though they might receive praise, the next thing waiting for them would be increased tasks.

"However, I've seen your diligence. As a supervisor, I can't stand in the way of your progress, can I?"

"I have a private job here. It's a little dangerous, though. I wonder if you're willing to take it?"

After thinking for a moment, Pang Tong tempted him.

At those words, Bai Yu raised his head in confusion.

"Please explain, Supervisor."

"I just saw that your cutting technique has been getting better and better."

"You also know that even ordinary disciples have cutting tasks every month, meant to help them build a foundation."

"But everyone is unwilling to take on such tedious work. I can build a bridge for you. From now on, you can help ordinary disciples complete their cutting tasks in the cutting room."

"Although those venomous creatures are much more dangerous than Tiger-Striped Green Snakes, each one is worth 0.5 contribution points. I can also make the decision to let you keep their venom..."

"Bai Yu, I have great faith in your skills."

Pang Tong patted Bai Yu on the shoulder, tempting him.

In truth, he had long had this idea. If he helped ordinary disciples complete their tasks, he might not want anything in return, but the favor they owed him would be firmly in his hands.

Moreover, he was helping Bai Yu this way. Even if Bai Yu became an ordinary disciple in the future, he would still have forged a good relationship.

As for contribution points, the contribution points of these hundreds or thousands of menial disciples were no burden to him at all.

Hearing Pang Tong's words, Bai Yu's eyes lit up. Though this dead fat man was shrewd as a fox, the path he had offered really was a fast route to increasing his strength.

"Thank you for your guidance, Supervisor. I'm willing to give it a try."

Bai Yu answered quickly.

"Since that's the case, then help me complete this month's task first."

With that, Pang Tong called over two menial disciples nearby and had them bring out two enormous iron cages. Inside were dozens of pitch-black venomous snakes.

The black snakes had crimson eyes and were as thick as bowls. Compared to the Tiger-Striped Green Snakes, they carried a far greater sense of oppression.

"These are Black-Scaled Snakes. Each one is at the ninth level of Body Tempering. Their snake gallbladders are a Gu insect's favorite."

"But don't worry. Sprinkle this medicinal powder over them, and they'll be at your mercy."

"Remember this: secure the head first, in case it lashes back on its own. That is what will keep you alive."

"Also, the Black-Scaled Snake's skin is extremely tough. You need to find this vital point on its lower belly, then channel spiritual power into the blade and cut from here, following this black line. That way, you can peel off the skin using the least amount of spiritual power."

"I want the snake gallbladders, snake bones, snake skins, and snake fangs. You can deal with the rest as you please. Their meat is also slightly beneficial to Gu insects, and you can eat it yourself too."

Pang Tong personally demonstrated for Bai Yu and pointed out the crucial details.

Bai Yu listened carefully, not daring to be distracted in the slightest.

It was not until Pang Tong handed the dagger before him that Bai Yu came back to his senses.

"Give it a try."

Seeing this, Bai Yu took the dagger and closed his eyes, recalling Pang Tong's movements once.

Very quickly, he reached out and grabbed at the Black-Scaled Snake lying limp inside the cage!