Departure

Feeling the surging power within him, Bai Yu realized that after stepping into Foundation Establishment, with the enhancement of his aperture, he could now use killer moves exclusive to Gu Masters.

In this world, there were countless arts and techniques. Cultivators who specialized in a single path could combine their own traits to create killer moves suited to themselves.

Gu path killer moves drew upon the power of one's vital Gu, with the vital Gu taking the lead and combining with the other Gu one possessed to form methods of slaughter.

The aperture existed to provide a medium through which Gu with originally incompatible attributes could merge, ultimately forming killer moves.

At present, Bai Yu had only the Blood Mosquito Gu and the Evil Earth Stone Gu that could be combined into a killer move.

As for Black Charcoal, Zhao Yun, and the others, they could only make use of the enhancements granted by their vital Gu. To Bai Yu, that was far from enough. After all, since coming to this world, he had never felt particularly safe.

"At the end of the day, it's still about resources. Only with resources can I improve faster."

With a sigh, Bai Yu gathered his thoughts and slowly walked out of the secret chamber.

The atmosphere within the grotto-heaven was as harmonious as ever. Bai Yu could easily sense that the dragon corpse and dragon pearl were constantly changing the environment inside.

Unfortunately, this grotto-heaven still seemed somewhat small. Perhaps he should find something to expand it and construct more buildings.

The allocation of planting areas also needed to be properly planned.

"Young Master, you've broken through?"

Seeing Bai Yu emerge from the secret chamber, Yu Linglong hurried over, her expression brimming with excitement.

How long had it even been? Bai Yu had already advanced to Foundation Establishment. Wouldn't that raise her status again?

"I got lucky. Things went rather smoothly this time."

"Is everything ready on Senior Sister Li's side?"

Bai Yu nodded and asked.

"Yes. It's nighttime outside right now. At dawn, it will be the time Young Master agreed upon with Miss Li."

Yu Linglong answered quickly.

"There isn't much time. Though I'm only going to Iron Sword Sect as a spectator this time, I may gain quite a few benefits."

"For the next few days, you don't need to refine Three-Eyed Wine Worms. This is the Five Poisons Gu—try to refine one to keep by your side in the coming days."

"You should go out more in the future. As a cultivator, you can't stay inside the grotto-heaven all the time."

Bai Yu spoke swiftly.

Yu Linglong was highly talented; having her serve solely as logistical support was far too wasteful.

With the Heavenly Fox Bloodline, she was destined to become powerful. Since she was his attendant, Bai Yu would naturally devote the effort to nurturing her.

Looking at the jade slip in Bai Yu's hand, Yu Linglong nodded heavily, her eyes filled with longing.

After making some simple preparations, Bai Yu left the grotto-heaven at daybreak. Though he sensed countless gazes around him, he paid them no mind and headed straight for the place he had arranged to meet Li Shishi.

Before long, he arrived at the mountain gate of the Heavenly Demon Sect. A vast plaza lay here, with several enormous flying boats moored around it.

By the time Bai Yu arrived, quite a few people had already gathered in the plaza. These disciples were all preparing to use the flying boats to head out and gain experience.

Soon, Bai Yu spotted Li Shishi. Several disciples stood beside her, and it seemed they were all preparing to depart together.

"You're here?"

Seeing Bai Yu, Li Shishi smiled faintly and offered a simple greeting.

"Mm."

"Wait a little longer. The elder has already boarded the flying boat, but a few people still haven't arrived. Once everyone is here, we'll set off together."

Li Shishi explained.

Bai Yu's arrival naturally drew quite a few looks.

After all, there were only twelve people heading to Iron Sword Sect this time: one Spirit Transformation elder, two true disciples at the Nascent Soul level, and the rest were all Golden Core cultivators.

Bai Yu stood out rather conspicuously among them.

"Senior Sister, is this all the people going to Iron Sword Sect?"

"I thought the spectacle would be much grander."

Looking at the group before him, Bai Yu felt it differed somewhat from what he had imagined. With so few people, it was hard to imagine they were going to wipe out an entire sect.

"Iron Sword Sect isn't a particularly powerful sect. Their only backing is the Myriad Sword Sect."

"If we weren't wary of the Myriad Sword Sect, even Elder Tie wouldn't be going today."

A gentle voice rang out. A man dressed in brocade robes, styled like an elegant young gentleman, slowly approached. He first nodded at Li Shishi.

Then he explained the matter to Bai Yu.

"Little brother, I heard from Shishi about what happened at White Bone Mountain. We have you to thank for that. These days, you've become quite the celebrity in the Heavenly Demon Sect."

Li Xunhuan said with a smile.

Judging from the man's appearance and the aura he gave off, Bai Yu was certain he did not know him. Yet the man's familiar, easygoing manner gave him a faint sense of closeness.

"He's my eldest brother, Li Xunhuan. He's also a true disciple of Artifact Refining Peak."

Li Shishi explained.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Li."

Upon hearing this, Bai Yu replied politely.

"Hehe, no need to be so formal. Just call me Brother Li from now on!"

Li Xunhuan smiled. The more he looked at Bai Yu, the more pleasing he found him.

"Little Junior Brother, long time no see..."

Before Bai Yu could speak, a soft jade hand suddenly wrapped around his waist.

The sudden gesture made Bai Yu's body stiffen. Especially when he felt the softness behind him and heard that voice brimming with seduction, he was at a loss for what to do.

"Senior Sister Qin..."

Bai Yu did not turn around, merely offering a polite greeting.

Damn it, this vixen had gotten close without him even noticing her arrival. After breaking through to Nascent Soul, Qin Yuxi's strength had become terrifying indeed!

"Mmm..."

"Not bad at all. You've advanced to Foundation Establishment?"

"With progress like this, you really make people jealous."

"And this solid physique... I've missed it so much..."

"Little Junior Brother, how about you live on Joyous Union Peak from now on?"

Qin Yuxi's nose twitched, her tone growing ever more seductive. Bai Yu had no choice but to look at Li Shishi for help.

This woman's train of thought was a little abnormal, and she acted without restraint. Bai Yu simply could not get a read on her!

"Qin Yuxi, enough!"

"Take a look at where we are. So many people are watching."

Li Shishi frowned and said helplessly.

"That's right, Senior Sister, so many people are watching... Let's handle the serious business first."

Bai Yu chimed in.

At those words, Qin Yuxi gave a delicate smile. Then, still hugging Bai Yu's arm, she said indifferently, "Let them watch. From now on, Senior Sister will have your back anyway. They can serve as witnesses while they're at it. Everyone, wouldn't you agree?"

Qin Yuxi looked at the crowd and spoke slowly.

As soon as she said this, everyone hastened to agree, not daring to say anything more.

It was clear that Qin Yuxi was quite famous in the Heavenly Demon Sect. Ordinary people truly did not wish to provoke her.

"Come on, Little Junior Brother. Big Sister will take you aboard the flying boat."

With that, Qin Yuxi paid no heed to what Bai Yu thought and dragged him onto the flying boat.

"Little Sister, what's going on?"

"I've never seen that demoness Qin be this enthusiastic toward anyone before."

Li Xunhuan watched the pair's retreating backs, clearly still unable to process it.

"Hmph..."

"Maybe Bai Yu has something she wants."

Li Shishi was clearly a little unhappy. After letting out a cold snort, she followed after them.