Chapter 84: Recruitment

She gritted her teeth and slapped her beast pouch, summoning another three-zhang golden-backed mantis before her.

Gecian’s strike had nearly exhausted all his spiritual power, but he swiftly uncapped a jade vial and swallowed a bottle of Bone-Washing Pills. Liu Xixi watched him down the pills in large quantities and sneered inwardly; wasn’t this just drinking poison to quench thirst, courting death? Yet what happened next was beyond her wildest expectations.

Not only was Gecian unharmed, but his spirit was invigorated, his energy overflowing, and the feather fan in his hand shone brilliantly, gathering boundless power.

Gecian sneered coldly at Liu Xixi, “This fan is for you. I’m no longer interested in your injured insect. Don’t think about running — in the presence of resentment, no one escapes the pursuit of vengeful spirits.”

No sooner had his words fallen than a resentful scream echoed from the demonic mist; the mist, crimson as blood, was drawn back into the demon gourd, leaving the ground empty save for a storage pouch and a small floral umbrella, both taken up by the vengeful spirit.

Approaching Gecian, the vengeful spirit respectfully presented them, then turned to Liu Xixi with a cold smile. “See the fate of your companion? That’s what happens when you oppose the master. Now it’s your turn. Master, please rest; let me handle this large woman.”

The pressure from the vengeful spirit made Liu Xixi’s legs tremble. Was she truly destined to perish here?

Just then, Gecian waved his hand. “Liu Xixi, I don’t wish to commit more killings. If you swear never to reveal what happened today, nor my slaying of Sima Tu, I’ll let you go. Otherwise, I’ll show no mercy.”

“Think carefully. Master is merciful, giving you a chance. Don’t throw it away and seek your own doom,” Hongmei said with her usual sarcastic tone.

Liu Xixi’s gaze flickered, her thoughts racing. She lacked the courage to linger any longer, and being at the mercy of another was unbearable. Keeping a secret was preferable to angering this demon and being killed. Better to live now; the future held possibilities.

With that in mind, she solemnly said, “Very well, I’ll keep your secret. But you mustn’t push me too far. Beast Tamer Sect’s strength is not something Starfall Sect can contend with.”

Having no alternative, she raised her hand to the sky and swore an oath of inner demon.

At that moment, Bai Ruyu circled back to Gecian’s side, and not far away, Jue Ming landed, his gaze flickering with realization. He’d been played — Liu Mei’s aura was gone, likely slain. Seeing Liu Xixi’s helpless expression was no good sign.

Gecian spoke, “Senior sister, Liu Xixi and I have reached an agreement. Let’s not press further. As for this monk, what do you suggest?”

Bai Ruyu was deeply dissatisfied but lacked the strength to object. Originally, she’d intended to use Gecian to kill all three; now that one was spared, the other must not leave alive.

Her brows arched as she said, “Since you’ve made an agreement with Liu Xixi, so be it. But Jue Ming must die. He pursued me relentlessly with murderous intent — he cannot be allowed to live.”

Jue Ming was no fool; he saw the situation clearly. The Starfall Sect disciple was too strong. The best plan was to escape. He shone with Buddhist light, stepped onto his sword, and shot up toward the sky.

“You won’t escape so easily. ‘Phoenix Song Slash!’” Bai Ruyu’s Ice Machine Sword, infused with spiritual power, slashed fiercely. A milky-white ice blade cut through the resentment, targeting Jue Ming’s back. Though its power was diminished without the blood of the Ice Phoenix, it remained deadly, beyond ordinary cultivators.

Jue Ming sensed mortal danger behind him, the terrifying force pressing in. Helpless, he drew forth a Buddhist bead to throw.

Gecian cast the spell “Stealing the Pillar,” and the bead instantly vanished, swapped with the ice blade. The three-foot blade, razor-sharp, immediately severed Jue Ming’s right hand.

Unable to bear the pain, Jue Ming screamed. Cold qi entered his body through the wound, and a layer of frost rapidly spread from his wrist inward.

Jue Ming summoned his spiritual power; golden light flashed, shattering the frost. He spat out a breath of icy air, showing his remarkable strength.

Gecian seized the opportunity, using Cloud-Stepping Steps to approach. His body flashed with black light as he leapt and punched. “Take my fist!”

It seemed an ordinary punch, but it contained three divine techniques: going against the current, pushing with the flow, and crashing waves. Each flowed into the next, amplifying its power.

Jue Ming realized that survival today was unlikely. He hadn’t expected Starfall Sect to harbor such a master, stronger even than Bai Ruyu, hidden until now. Yet, to compete with him in strength was suicidal — he’d cultivated the Buddhist body technique “Vajra Art.”

With this thought, Jue Ming’s spiritual power surged, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. “Well then, Mighty Vajra Fist!”

His arm turned golden and doubled in size, the golden fist tearing through the air in a mighty blow.

Their fists collided instantly, a thunderous boom echoing like the thunder of the Ninth Heaven, deafening. Bai Ruyu and Liu Xixi felt their ears ring.

Both unleashed their ultimate strength; the seemingly simple clash was a full display of their power.

Gecian was knocked backward, his legs planted firmly in the earth, like an unyielding mountain.

Jue Ming, like a sandbag, was sent flying. Blood spurted from his seven orifices as he crashed heavily to the ground, terror-stricken. “Your strength is immense! Are you also cultivating both arts and body?”

Gecian smiled faintly. “Who says only Buddhists can do both? Why can’t Starfall Sect? Never underestimate your opponent — you only live once.”

Hongmei slapped the demon gourd, enveloping the severely wounded Jue Ming in mist and drawing him in. The gourd spat out a golden storage pouch, which the vengeful spirit seized.

Master and servant cooperated seamlessly, striking like lightning and killing decisively. Both Liu Xixi and Bai Ruyu felt a chill in their hearts — this was someone not to be crossed, lest they die miserably, without even a chance for reincarnation, doomed to be fodder for the demon gourd.

Liu Xixi exhaled deeply and recalled the golden-backed mantis. If the other party had wanted to kill her, they would have done so already.

She forced a smile. “Fellow Daoist Gecian, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Go ahead; just remember your oath,” Gecian replied indifferently.

Liu Xixi nodded, then suddenly said, “Gecian, I think you’re a rare talent. Why humble yourself in a declining sect? Join my Beast Tamer Sect — your status will be higher than mine, with limitless resources for cultivation. Better than being an ordinary disciple.”

Bai Ruyu’s brows shot up, her face dark as water. She snapped, “Liu Xixi, stop sowing discord! Junior brother Gecian would never associate with a pack of beasts. If you know what’s good for you, leave now, or don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

She raised the Ice Machine Sword, ready to strike. She’d wanted an excuse to eliminate Liu Xixi, and now was the perfect time.

Liu Xixi sneered at Bai Ruyu. “Don’t put on airs, Bai Ruyu. If not for Gecian, you’d be dead eight times over!”

“You’re courting death!” Bai Ruyu could no longer restrain her fury, about to attack.