Chapter 16 Deal

Long Xi paused, her arm poised to throw another ball of shadow ink at Xuanyuan. Her expression grew strange as she slowly turned her head to face Yu Zhong Er, who just sat at her desk, legs crossed, blowing gently on a cup of hot tea.

A small smile marred her face, her demeanor gentle, soft, yet unmistakably dominant given the situation the three were in.

Long Xi just dismissed the ball of shadow ink, shrugging her shoulders crossing her arms under her chest.

"Ehem... I was just punishing this immature Junior Brother of mine. He dared to talk back to his beautiful and intelligent Senior Sister, so I was just reminding him his place in the hierarchy. Don't worry Zhong Er, I'll make sure he cleans up everything".

Xuanyuan just raised an eyebrow, scoffing at Long Xi's words. This black haired Senior Sister of his, sure knew how to twist things in her favor alright.

Yu Zhong Er just sipped on her tea peacefully, appearing as thought an Immortal fairy had just descended from Heaven. From Xuanyuan's understanding, both Long Xi and Yu Zhong Er joined the Sect two years ago, both becoming Inner Sect disciples after only a year. The former walked the Dark Path, but changed the Shadow Path shortly after, while the latter solely focused on the Light Path. 

She was unlike Xuanyuan who dared to take classes on multiple different Paths all at once. Shadow Path, Wisdom Path, Dark Path and Light Path. He wasn't some sort of savant who hyper focused on something that they were interested in, and he wasn't a polymath, capable of researching multiple fields all at once.

But both Long Xi and Yu Zhong Er had to admit, this little Junior Brother of theirs was extraordinarily blessed in terms of Talent and comprehension.

They knew he took martial arts classes and Gu refinement classes as well, and heard rumors from other teachers that Xuanyuan was nothing short of a perfect student. Manners, comprehension, logical and deductive reasoning. Even in martial arts class, Xuanyuan would assist his partner during sparing. 

After others understood why Xuanyuan pushed himself so hard, he became more approachable in the eyes of his fellow Gu Masters. He was neither arrogant, nor burdened by immense pride or lust or greed, so he had no reason to reject someone who sought him in order to improve their own shortcomings. 

The rumors of him being a spoilt young brat whose only redeeming talent was his 99% primeval essence sea had vanished, being replaced by the image of him being a white knight, gallant, just and always ready to help someone in need.

The image made Xuanyuan cringe a little when he heard people talking about him, but it was better than what they previously referred to him...

Yu Zhong Er just waved her hand, and a curtain of gentle light flowed through the room, temporarily banishing all shadows, and removing the splotches of shadow ink on the walls, tables, floors and ceiling.

"Little Dragon, please tell me you did not come all this way just to punish Xuanyuan here?".

Long Xi sat down in one of the free chairs, tossing her hair behind her back while shaking her head. He expression darkened for a moment, but she quickly hid it, remembering that Xuanyuan was still present.

"Those bastards from the Golden Soul Hall kept harassing me today. I swear, just because Huo Jin is the grandson of Elder Huo, all those bastards end up bending over backwards just to please him. I swear, if it wasn't for the fact that he was in possession of a Liquor Worm, I wouldn't even bother with him".

Xuanyuan's eyes widened at the mention of such a Gu, realizing that both Yu Zhong Er and Long Xi noticed his reaction.

The latter smiled, shaking her head at Xuanyuan.

"A Rank 2 Four Flavors Liquor Worm, Little Yuan. It is of no use to a Rank 1 Gu Master".

The hope in his chest was snuffed out before he could even think of the possibilities.

Long Xi just leaned back in her chair, letting out a sigh as she slowly slumped down into the desk chair. Despite her laziness and her unceremonious appearance, she appeared much more beautiful relaxed, not caring of her appearance or proper manners.

Yu Zhong Er placed her tea cup on her desk, she too letting out a small sigh.

"It is unfortunate that it has fallen into the hands of Huo Jin. I dare to say that he will undoubtably reach the peak of Rank 2 before us then. He is only a B Grade Talent, but with the Liquor Worm his cultivation would progress much more efficiently".

Xuanyuan looked at his two Senior Sisters, noticing their not so hidden distaste for the individual known as Huo Jin. From what they were saying, he was the grandson of Elder Huo, the Elder in charge of the Golden Soul Hall.

Earth Soul Hall was in charge of the defense and management of Earth Soul City.

Dark Soul Hall was in charge of the entrances and exits into the Earth Abyss.

Water Soul Hall managed and guarded the primeval essence springs that were in the vicinity of the Sect. 

Sky Soul Hall communed with the Gu Immortals of the Ancient Soul Sect.

Refinement Soul Hall managed the rooms used for Gu refinement, and also stored all of the Sect's refined Gu and completed Gu recipes.

Forgotten Soul Hall managed the incomplete recipes.

Wisdom Soul Hall the history of the Sect, as well as information about each and every Sect member.

While Golden Soul Hall managed the properties and tithes received from the surrounding Sects and smaller Clans. They communed with Sects which took in the C Grade and lower Talents, receiving primeval essence stones, Gu and Gu materials in exchange for protection.

There were other Halls such as Burning Soul Hall, used to punish disciples and execute demonic Gu Masters, and Dragon Soul Hall, which governed enslaved beasts tamed by the Sect, but these were the main Halls which governed the Ancient Soul Sect.

Long Xi and Yu Zhong Er did not like Huo Jin, the grandson of Elder Huo. No doubt the pair wanted to obtain the Rank 2 Four Flavors Liquor Worm, but for whatever reasons it ended up in Huo Jin's hands instead.

Xuanyuan didn't need to use Shadows As Thoughts Gu to know what Huo Jin wanted in exchange.

"I don't understand. Why don't you just purchase a Rank 1 Liquor Worm and then refine it into a Rank 2 Four Flavors Liquor Worm? The materials aren't that expensive, are they?".

Long Xi and Yu Zhong Er shared a look, before the former just shook her head.

"It isn't a matter of just refining a Liquor Worm to Rank 2. The recipe for Gu refinement is extraordinarily more expensive than the actual Gu itself. A Rank 2 Liquor Worm Gu costs in the Sect, like what, 3000 primeval essence stones? The Gu refinement Recipe for it costs more than 10,000 primeval essence stones".

Xuanyuan's eyes bulged, hearing the enormous prices associated with Gu recipes. A Liquor Worm Gu was beyond valuable for a Gu Master, but hearing the price of its recipe exceeded anything that Xuanyuan could've imagined.

"Ten thousand primeval essence stones! You could purchase a Relic Steel Relic Gu, or even a Rank 3 Seven Fragrances Liquor Worm for that price!".

Both of his Senior Sisters nodded, shrugging their shoulders at the same time. 

"Yep. That's the reality. It doesn't matter what Rank Gu Master you are in the Sect, there is always something more expensive to obtain Little Yuan. Unless you have the backing of an Elder, you just have to be patient and continue cultivating, earnestly breaking through to the next Rank".

The pair glanced at Xuanyuan enviously, who just furrowed his brows for a moment, before an unknown glint flashed in his eyes. There was something here that he could use... potentially use at least.

Xuanyuan lifted his head and bit his bottom lip for a moment, his eyes firmly meeting Yu Zhong Er's. 

The black and white haired young woman returned Xuanyuan's stare with one of her own. Despite her aloofness, he could see traces of emotion flashing through her eyes. She was defiant in the face of Huo Jin's suppression, she was resolute in her decision, and she was unwavering in her resolve.

Xuanyuan... might've just found what he was looking for. 

"What... what if I could get the refinement recipe? What could you give me in return for it?".

Yu Zhong Er raised an eyebrow, looking at Xuanyuan's clear black eyes. He didn't mean anything sexual or aggressive from his words, but just his words alone weren't enough for Hope to form in her heart.

Long Xi too frowned, waiting to hear Yu Zhong Er's response.

"... I would be willing to obtain another Liquor Worm Gu for your personal use Xuanyuan. Additionally, any three Rank 1 Gu from the Sect or any store in Earth Soul City. This is the limit of what I can obtain financially".

"What about knowledge? Attainment is hard to come by without the prerequisite knowledge".

Long Xi and Yu Zhong Er both raised an eyebrow hearing the word "attainment" leave Xuanyuan's lips, and the former spoke up in favor of her friend.

"The Paths we walk are all similar Little Yuan. You're comprehension is much too monstrous for either of us to compare to. You should know that while Zhong Er and I are talented, we lack academic knowledge more than anything".

Xuanyuan nodded, knowing that despite Elder Luo giving him books for free, each would cost a primeval essence stone in order to be normally read. Other than Shadows As Thought Gu, this was his greatest and most advantageous boon.

The otherworldly demon paused for a moment before thinking of his next offer.

"I want to accompany you on your Sect Missions. I do not expect a portion of the rewards, but I want to experience an actual fight".

"We might not be able to protect you during a fight Xuanyuan", Long Xi responded.

"That is fine. I am not completely defenseless", he replied.

Yu Zhong Er and Long Xi shared another look before the former nodded, accepting Xuanyuan's offer. 

"I take it you plan on accepting a share of the rewards once you reach Rank 2? Once the pair of us reach the peak of Rank 2, the Rank 2 Liquor Worm will be of no use to us. We will give it to you once both of us have become Rank 3 Gu Masters".

Xuanyuan smiled, giving her a thankful nod.

"I understand that this was... sudden, but I hope that the two of you can trust me when I say I can obtain the Gu recipe. If I am not mistaken, the process itself involves several hundred primeval essence stones, so obtaining the three additional Gu can wait until the refinement is complete".

Long Xi paused, raising her eyes and doing some mental calculations.

"I think it will be fine. Just give us the list of Gu, and we'll hand them over when you give us the refinement recipe... If you can get it that is".

Xuanyuan just nodded before standing up and giving his Senior Sisters a small bow.

"If you excuse me then. I am in desperate need of currying favors with a couple of Elders. I'll see you two next week during classes". 

The fifteen year old quickly left Yu Zhong Er's classroom, leaving the two beautiful Rank 2 Gu Masters to their own devices. Blue eyes met black, and the two shared a silent moment before a giggle unconsciously left Long Xi's mouth.

"I told you he was interesting", she spoke.

Yu Zhong Er just sipped on her tea again, giving her friend another nod.

"He is not trash. And his Talent is beyond praiseworthy. Unlike Huo Jin", the disgust barely concealed in her voice. Her mind going back to the appearance of Xuanyuan's eyes, so bright, yet so dark...

"Xuanyuan is an extraordinary Talent. His comprehension allows him to pursue multiple Paths at once, and his 99% primeval essence sea guarantees him a cultivation of at least Rank 4. With the assistance of Elder Luo, Rank 5 is practically guaranteed".

Long Xi nodded.

"From what I understand about his situation, Xuanyuan was born in the mortal world as a regular villager. I had to have an... extended discussion with Tang San about it, and found that he lived in the woods as a beggar after his parents died".

"Explains the lack of any arrogance or pride. He would've been forced to let go of useless things after experiencing life without food or shelter. The cold and the hunger could've killed him, so not taking advantage of opportunities given to him is against his nature".

"He only wanted Gu, knowledge and combat experience. For a minute there, I almost thought he liked men", Long Xi muttered, glancing at Yu Zhong Er and herself. Both of them were considered fairies by the men in the Ancient Soul Sect, and although she could obscure herself with shadows, Yu Zhong Er had no such luck.

Yu Zhong Er just smiled, glancing at her friend.

"He likes women, of that, I am completely sure".

Long Xi raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you say that?", she said.

Yu Zhong Er just smiled, enjoying another sip of her tea.

"Call it a woman's intuition".