31 Preparations and a Trap!

Ying's freakishly large sword split the air apart as it came crashing down towards Hu Tao. Hu Tao stood with the same confidence that's always showing in his mannerisms. He yawned in the face of Ying's attack. Within the next second, an ear-piercing sound pierced the air. Bing was forced to cover his ears from the sound but didn't dare stop watching the battle between the two. His future with this group will definitely include many more fights of this nature and with his luck even worse. If he doesn't take the necessary steps to get as much experience as he can, he will die in no time.

With the freaks his Empress keeps recruiting, something tells him that things are only going to get crazier as time goes on. He'd have to be a naïve fool to believe otherwise. He's already dreading tomorrow with the meet up with the other members. If they are anything like those two, he's going to have to up his training more than he already has just to keep up with this insane group. Just watching the way Ying swings that enormous sword with such a petite and frail-looking body makes him shiver in terror. It's just unnatural.

Hu Tao was something to be frightful of as well. He was able to dodge the wind-slicing swings of Ying's blade with a crazed smile on his face. If just one of those slashes even managed to touch him, he won't be coming out of this fight as a whole. Bing knew if he was up against Ying when she's out for blood, he would have to do everything he could to come out in one piece. Holding back against her just makes her want to try even harder to make you show everything you have. She drags you into her pace, a pace that seemed lower than yours to begin with but somehow near the end of the battle, you find yourself on equal terms or below hers.

It's a mystery how she does it but Bing just chalked it up to her being a freak. It's how he usually classifies those that defy common sense. The fact that she can swing that big thing around with a grin on her face as well and not a single drop of sweat to be found despite that this battle has been going on for around 10 minutes only proves his point. They are complete monsters and they are only becoming even worse as they get stronger.

'I will do whatever I can to avoid such a fate. I won't be like these freaks, no matter what.' Bing vows.

The battle, if you could call it that, ended within half an hour. Neither sides had any injuries but only one was out of breath.

"You little mouse bastard..." Ying insulted.

"You got more than enough power under your belt princess but you're still not an opponent for me with that speed. I could spank your ass ten times before you could even graze me."

"Why don't you... put your mouth where your money is... Coward." Ying pointed her blade's tip at him.

Hu Tao only shook his head and sighed.

"You're not my type princess. Big tits and no ass ain't it for me. I'm an ass man all the way. Gotta have the right shape, firmness, and pop!"

"Kill yourself degenerate..."

"I'll see you tomorrow Princess, Shield Boy. That was a nice stretch. Peace!" Hu Tao hopped off the dueling ring and started walking away.

"Get back here!" Ying shouted. "Don't you dare humiliate me like this! Fight me to the end!"

"Maybe when you get stronger. You're too weak to be of any interest to me right now. I'll be looking forward to the future though your highness." He sarcastically bowed before leaving out of their sights.

Ying smashed her fist against the stage, nearly cracking in half in her anger. Bing arrived on stage and sat next to Ying. He chose not to say anything. He didn't need to say anything. Getting stronger was a fact of life for any cultivator. Some of those strengths may differ from one another but regardless, it's a never-ending climb upward for those that choose the path of cultivation. Ying is just lucky that it is an ally that is pushing her for strength. An enemy would kill her before she could gain that determination and future strength. Bing knew he would kill any future threats to his safety immediately in the bud. Life just isn't that forgiving for those that aren't cautious.

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"Welcome everyone. For now, this is my entire faction. These are the people you will be working with in the future for any tasks I need you to accomplish or just in general. You are to never kill each other or cripple another in any way. I don't care if you fight but if I send you on a task together and mess it up by fighting during it, I'll show you a fate worse than death. Don't ever get in contact with me unless I give explicit permission or it's an emergency regarding our faction or me. Don't even act like I exist if you see me in public. If you are ever captured and questioned about my origins or the leader of this group, do not reveal a single thing about me. Even if you are killed afterwards, I will still find a way to make you suffer for your betrayal. Now any questions?" She finished with a frightening smile.

"How are we supposed to get in contact with you if we aren't to visit you or act like you exist?" Lei Zhi asked.

"I'm glad you asked. Here take these talismans." Jing placed four talismans in front of them.

They picked it up and looked at it. It looked no different from any blank talisman. Jing showed a small smile before taking out a similar slip. She channeled her qi into it and soon all four of their talismans lit up with words and a slight vibration. The words looked as if they were written with qi but that's impossible. Qi doesn't work in a way where you can draw in the air or on materials with it.

'Channel your qi through this talisman slip and think of the person you want to send a message to and the message you want to send them. It will only work with those who I gave a slip to. Keep these on you at all times.' It read.

"Anything else?" Jing asked.

"Yeah, when do I get to fight someone? I heard that the princess and shield boy has been getting in fights on every little errand you send them on while I haven't had anything like that! What's with the favoritism huh?" Hu Tao asked annoyed.

"Ah you just reminded me about that. It seems Ying and Bing got a bounty for their heads recently. Mind sharing with the rest of us how you got this bounty?" Jing asked cheekily.

"There's a bounty on my head?!" Bing exclaimed.

"So that's why there's been so many annoying pests coming for me." Ying said with her hand resting on her face.

"Why isn't there a bounty on my head?!" Hu Tao whined.

"Your reputation is quite fearsome within the sect Tao. You also have the might to deter any would be foes no matter the spirit stones offered." Lei Zhi informed.

"I'm too strong for my own good! What a curse it is to be such a god-like young man. If only I could be less handsome, less godly, and less of a genius, maybe I could get a bounty of my own."

"Shut up you ass. If you want people after you, why don't you just place a bounty on yourself? Arrogant prick." Ying huffed.

"Princess!" Hu Tao shouted. "You're a genius!"

"You're not doing that." Jing said.

"What!? How unfair!"

"I'll give you a fight soon. Just be patient till I give the order."

"Will they be strong?" He questioned dubiously.

"If you're not careful, you'll die. Is that strong enough for you?"

"Perfect!"

"What about us Jing? Do we have tasks to do?" Ying asked.

"For now, no. Just Hu Tao. But besides that, all of you start training for the Treasured Plains that's opening up in a few months. I will not be giving you anymore techniques and spirit stones. If you want to get stronger, get strong enough to take what you want. I'm not your mother. During the Treasured Plain's event, I'm going to give you all very simple instructions before it begins and trust you all will accomplish it to my liking."

"I'll tell you when the time comes but you're all free to leave now and socialize to your liking. This will be the last time we're meeting at my home by the way. Don't ever come back without my approval."

"Hey before we go Jing, I wanna know why you are gathering followers in the first place." Ying asked.

"I dislike the way things are run in the sect. Disciples are bullied with no one caring in the slightest. The strong are free to do what they wish with no repercussions. Elders are arrogant blowhards with little substance and use. Connections are too valued within the sect instead of loyalty and skill. I wish to change it all into something much better. Into a paradise for those who wish to grasp immortality with their own hands."

The looks on her followers were in contemplation about her words. She guessed she has never really spoke about her ambitions to anyone besides Lei Zhi and Li Li. But it's good that she got it stated in front of them now. Can't be leading them completely blind after all.

"Make sure to frequently share any new information with the communication tags. Information is power, don't forget that."

"I think we're all good Jing. It's time we end this little meet up so that I can get on with my task." Hu Tao stated.

"I think so as well. You have a week to prepare for your task Hu Tao. If you aren't careful, you'll die."

"Hell yes!"

Ying, Bing, Hu Tao, and Lei Zhi soon left Jing's home for the possible last time and parted ways.

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Ying figured that this reunion would happen eventually. If anything, she's just surprised that she wasn't the one to initiate it. The timing of it couldn't be any better though. Just as she was out on a hunting task for the sect and after successfully killing the spirit beast without slicing it apart, she just so happened to be surrounded by Xiaohui, her bitches, and some weaklings.

"Took you long enough to find me Xiaohui. I've been looking all over for you but you've been avoiding me lately. I wonder why?" Ying smirked.

"Hmph. Of course, I would avoid a mutt like you. Your stench is bad enough to ward off anyone." Xiaohui mocked, causing laughter to sound out from her group.

"That's a funny one. It seems you didn't have any problems with my smell before. Or is it because I've gotten stronger that it took you so long to come get me? It's why you set this little trap for me and brought along more than just your little group.

"You're scared of me, aren't you? I think it's funny how I used to think of you as one of my closest friends and all it took was a little power to show your true self."

Xiaohui's body started shaking. She balled her fists before screaming.

"No one's scared of a loser like you! I was never your friend Ying, I was only pretending to be close to you because of your family. Without that, you were nothing and that's why I stopped acting like your friend!"

"I see, so you were always this terrible of a person then? Good, I don't need to hear anymore. You're going to die here anyway."

"Kill her and shut her mouth up for good! I'll put in a good word to Cheng Chi for you all when she's dead."

"That's all I need to hear. You don't mind if we have some fun before we kill her do you?" One of the 5th stage Qi Gatherers asked.

"Do whatever you want just make sure she dies!" Xiaohui commanded.

Ying couldn't even laugh anymore. It was all just so funny but she couldn't muster even a single "Ha." Maybe she's gone crazy with joy and that's the explanation. It doesn't matter anymore though. Even if she was surrounded by ten times as many enemies, she would still pay back those that did her wrong. A Yue never forgives its enemies and she wasn't going to go back on her family's principles anytime soon.

A majority of the cultivators gathered for her were either the same cultivation rank as her or one step above it. Ying thought that Xiaohui could have done better if she tried, considering who her boyfriend is but maybe she was looking down on her and didn't think it was necessary. She'll make sure to make her regret making that choice. She crushed her fist and lifted her blade from the ground.

With a single wave of her sword, she already caused those charging her from the front to halt. The ones behind her didn't get the message and with a twist of her torso, smashed her sword's blunt side into them. Their cries of surprise and pain only served to frighten her attackers more. She was sure she managed to shatter their rib cages with that hit.

"What are you waiting for! Kill her already!" Xiaohui screamed.

They didn't mindlessly listen to her however. They approached her with far more caution than she's used to. Well if they won't come to her, she doesn't mind going to them! Ying leaped towards those in front of her and frightened them so badly they jumped away as soon as she advanced.

"Weren't you going to kill me?! Come on I'm right here!" Ying taunted.

If this came down to a game of cat and mouse, she would definitely lose. Her speed is impressive but it's only good for short bursts. The longer the battle goes on, the more she would lose in the long run. She would have to figure something out or they'll tire her out like a wild animal. She looked towards Xiaohui who had an impatient look on her face.

'This'll work.' She smiled.

Ying gathered qi within her legs and ran towards Xiaohui with her blade raised overhead. The huge smile on Ying's face couldn't be helped when watching that bitch's eyes pop like that. She never expected her to go directly after her, did she? Using her head might not be something she does often but when in the heat of battle, any idea is a good one. Well as long as it works anyway.

Shing! Ying's blade clashed against Xiaohui's defensive magic treasure. It formed a qi shield that could stand against her strength. The pale look on the bitch's face only made Ying's grin look even more terrifying. She used all her strength against the spirit tool but damn was it strong. It had to be earth-rank at the very least to be able to withstand against her sword.

Ying ignited her qi within herself. Her body blazed in a crimson flame, starting with her hair all the way down to her legs. It wasn't just her body that was taken by the flames though, her sword also transformed along with her! The searing heat was bearing down on Xiaohui and her shield. It was cracking! Her head would soon be separated from her body in no time!

Well, that's how she thought it would turn out. She managed to shatter the necklace but before she could perform the finishing blow, she was attacked and knocked away. The force of that attack was strong enough to nearly pierce right through her stomach. If she didn't use her flames to defend herself, she wouldn't have got off lightly.

"Who the hell?"

"Baby?!" Xiaohui exclaimed while heavily sweating.

"Is that The Cheng Chi!?"

"The #5 ranked Outer Disciple?!"

"We're saved!"

Cheng Chi has shown up. This wasn't looking so good anymore. Ying knew her own strength well. It wasn't enough to match a genius like this without going all out and even then, she doubted she could pull the win from him. He has to have some skills or treasures that he hasn't shown in any of his ranking matches while she only has her body and martial arts to rely on. This is going to be one of the hardest fights in her life. Surprisingly enough though, a smile still formed itself on her face. This'll be the first time she can truly go all out in a while.