Chapter 450: If I Beat You

"Any situation?"

Xu Xiaojiji's reaction was so intense that it completely surprised Xu Xiaoshou.

This sudden event even made Xin Gugu, who had been listless, and A Jie, the diligent three-good student, turn their heads in astonishment.

"Zhi-ge—"

Accompanied by an extremely strange cry, Xu Xiaojiji's blurry form seemed on the verge of dispersing entirely.

But just as it neared the brink of collapse, the creature suddenly regained its calm.

The scene fell into dead silence.

"Whoosh!"

A swift wind rushed by, and Xu Xiaojiji's form turned into a phantom, vanishing from everyone's sight.

However, the other three present could still track his movements.

His target?

The bronze carving piece!

Xu Xiaoshou reacted quickly enough.

But he didn't move, letting Xu Xiaojiji grab the object.

He was curious to see what would happen when the weak Xu Xiaojiji touched this bronze piece, which held the terrifying mo sha power.

A fierce wind howled.

The moment Xu Xiaojiji gripped the bronze carving piece, sword intent spread out in all directions.

"This aura..."

Xu Xiaoshou felt a chill in his heart.

This strange sword intent seemed to transcend the usual measures of "xian tian" or "zong shi" levels.

It was like a school of its own.

Xu Xiaojiji's sword intent was inexplicable.

Even more so, it was beyond Xu Xiaoshou's current ability to judge its level.

"Buzz—"

With a trembling sound, the bronze carving piece instantly demonized Xu Xiaojiji.

Black mo patterns spread across his face, then his limbs and body.

And in his hand, the bronze piece, after a light ring, transformed into a black sword.

The sword was long, with mo sha power etched upon it, making its details impossible to discern.

Xu Xiaoshou narrowed his eyes.

"Something's off!"

He was now certain.

Even if Xu Xiaojiji wasn't the sword spirit of "You Si Jian," he must have a deep connection to it.

Of course, this was all based on the premise that the bronze piece had indeed broken off from the sword body of You Si Jian.

"So, is it really 'You Si Jian'?"

Xu Xiaoshou pondered silently.

Even if he pushed his "perception" to its limit, he couldn't glimpse the true form of the sword transformed from the bronze piece through that terrifying mo sha power.

Black killing intent and sharp sword energy intertwined in the air.

The poisonous flowers and grasses that Yuan Fu space had painstakingly nurtured couldn't withstand this immense force and shattered into dust.

"Roar!"

With a furious roar, Xu Xiaojiji seemed like a different person, leaping at Xu Xiaoshou with the sword in hand and slashing down.

A black shadow flashed through the void, and a half-moon mo arc suddenly appeared.

This fearsome sword, carrying mo sha power, seemed capable of splitting mountains and seas, striking straight at the young man below.

"What the hell?"

This turn of events shocked Xin Gugu.

He couldn't worry about his poor mental state anymore.

He dashed directly in front of Xu Xiaoshou.

This guy couldn't die.

Aside from the instructions from the scruffy uncle, just considering the ghost beast host favored by the Greedy God, he couldn't stand by and watch the young man in front of him.

However, Xin Gugu's action was still a bit too slow.

Someone else was faster.

A Jie appeared like a ghost directly beneath the black mo arc, as if he had been standing there since ancient times.

Facing this terrifying strike, he showed no ripple of emotion, slowly raising two fingers.

"Clang—"

The exploding sound wave forced the ling pond water to splash upward.

The mo sha sword from Xu Xiaojiji, in front of A Jie, seemed to lose all its attack power entirely.

With just two fingers,

It was easily caught!

"Mama..."

A Jie tilted his head.

The air froze.

Even the demonized Xu Xiaojiji was stunned for a moment.

As if he never expected his earth-shattering strike to be caught so easily.

"Shh!"

A soft sound.

The black mo gas from the bronze piece flowed directly along A Jie's fingers into his body.

The mo patterns on Xu Xiaojiji's body also vanished.

He shook his head, seemingly waking up.

But upon seeing the scene in front of him, his entire face turned pale in an instant.

"My mom, what happened?"

"Jie brother, I didn't mean it..."

Holding the sword that had shattered and reverted to its original ancient bronze form, Xu Xiaojiji quickly backed away.

But A Jie was no one to be trifled with.

In return for the sword, he delivered a punch.

With a flick of his two fingers, his form vanished and reappeared instantly in front of Xu Xiaojiji.

"Help!"

Xu Xiaojiji screamed in terror.

"No!"

Xu Xiaoshou shouted as well.

But it was too late—A Jie's punch had already landed.

"Thud!"

With a dull sound, Xu Xiaojiji curled up like a shrimp and was blasted away like a cannonball, disappearing into the surging chaotic mist.

"Sizzle sizzle..."

Corrosion sounds immediately followed, along with Xu Xiaojiji's painful cries.

"Ah—"

"Urgh—"

"Gah, help—"

Xu Xiaoshou pressed his forehead.

How miserable!

What gave you the courage, Xu Xiaojiji, to attack in front of Xin Gugu and A Jie?

Was it the bronze piece?

Mo gas only amplifies one's inner obsessions.

That means, deep down, this guy really wanted you dead.

"Tsk tsk..."

Xu Xiaoshou deliberately waited for a while.

After a while, he waited some more.

Only when the strange cries from the chaotic mist were about to die down did he shoot out a thick spiderweb ling line from his hand.

"Whoosh!"

In an instant, the bucket-thick concentrated ling yuan was corroded into fine threads.

But in that instant, Xu Xiaoshou had already pulled the blasted-away Xu Xiaojiji out, rescuing him from the sea of suffering.

"Good one."

Looking at the utterly mangled Xu Xiaojiji, Xu Xiaoshou exclaimed.

This guy was truly a mess now.

The power of the chaotic mist was no joke.

It had corroded the defenseless Xu Xiaojiji almost to dissolution.

Bloody and raw, he looked like a monster just fished out of a furnace.

"You're quite bold!"

Xu Xiaoshou said with a smile.

Xu Xiaojiji couldn't speak anymore.

Fortunately, this guy's recovery ability was on par with Xu Xiaoshou's. Even with such severe injuries, he was gradually recovering amid the painful groans.

In no time, he regained human form.

"Bro, I was wrong. Just now, I really didn't mean it."

Xu Xiaojiji was truly frightened, saying it with tears and blood streaming from his eyes.

He was scared!

Why was he so impulsive?

That was A Jie, Jie brother!

The memory of being completely overpowered like a meat bun was still fresh, so how did he think he could handle it now?

"Were you conscious just now?" Xu Xiaoshou asked.

Xu Xiaojiji immediately shook his head.

Even if he had the slightest bit of consciousness, he wouldn't admit it now.

"I had no... damn it... uh, I mean, I had no consciousness."

"The moment I saw that thing of yours, I couldn't hold back. I was forced into it!"

Xu Xiaojiji chose his words carefully; he didn't dare anger the person in front of him anymore.

Xu Xiaoshou looked at the bronze piece in his hand.

Yes, he hadn't been wrong.

This guy was holding it purely with his physical body.

Impressive!

"Do you recognize this thing?"

"No."

A hint of confusion flashed in Xu Xiaojiji's eyes.

Honestly, he didn't recognize it.

As for why he reacted so strongly, even he didn't know.

"Ignorance is bliss, huh?"

Xu Xiaoshou murmured.

Xu Xiaojiji was instantly scared, scrambling backward on the ground.

"Bro, my dear bro, I really don't recognize it. I'm not lying to you on purpose."

"If I knew anything, I'd spill it all now. There's no reason to deceive you."

Xu Xiaoshou nodded: "You better not be."

"I really am not..."

Xu Xiaojiji's tears flowed freely.

What a terrifying hellhole this was!

He shouldn't have escaped from that small space back then.

At least there, he could see void cracks every day and have some hope.

But now, in Yuan Fu,

Without Xu Xiaoshou's permission, no one could leave!

It was like jumping from one den of tigers to another wolf's lair.

"Mama..."

Xu Xiaojiji muttered absentmindedly, completely unaware that he was mimicking A Jie.

"You Si Jian..."

Xu Xiaoshou hadn't been very interested in the sword before.

After all, with so many big shots competing for it, how could he possibly get the sword of the former eighth sword immortal from Bai Ku?

But things turned out unexpectedly.

Tian Shu Ji Pan, the bronze piece, Xu Xiaojiji...

All things closely related to Bai Ku and You Si Jian had fallen into his hands under his carefree attitude.

"Planting willows unintentionally?"

Honestly, after all these surprises,

Xu Xiaoshou admitted he was a bit tempted by You Si Jian.

What if?

What if he was that legendary chosen one, and with all these prerequisites, he could successfully obtain "You Si Jian"?

"No, no, no."

Xu Xiaoshou quickly dismissed the idea.

The world was dangerous.

Looking at his experiences so far, he knew he wasn't on a smooth chosen one path.

He wasn't even a chosen one.

So, even if he got You Si Jian in Bai Ku,

What then?

It was the relic of the eighth sword immortal!

Who knew if it would attract experts far beyond wang zuo or zhan dao levels.

Even if the sword immortal didn't come, just any tai xu showing up would doom him.

And how many tai xu would be interested in the eighth sword immortal's relic?

Xu Xiaoshou thought there would be plenty.

You Si Jian was like a hot potato—whoever took it would die.

Only major clans or forces could afford to fight for it; any ordinary person fixated on it would be foolish.

"You just stay here for now!"

After deciding Xu Xiaojiji's fate with a word, Xu Xiaoshou didn't bother saying more.

He couldn't get any useful information from this guy.

The effective info he had was all inferred from his behavior and external clues.

Of course, based on his deductions, Xu Xiaojiji was likely the newborn sword spirit of "You Si Jian."

In that case, he couldn't die.

In fact, once they entered Bai Ku, Xu Xiaojiji might be the most valuable asset.

Xu Xiaoshou stared at Xu Xiaojiji, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"Even if I find someone to sell him, it might be more worthwhile than just killing him outright?"

Xu Xiaojiji's eyes went from streaming tears to streaming blood on the spot.

"Bro, bro, don't look at me like that. I'm scared..."

"Request received, passive value, 1."

"What are your plans?"

"Go or stay?"

After wrapping up the matter with Xu Xiaojiji, Xu Xiaoshou approached Xin Gugu again.

He had come in with a plan.

Xin Gugu hesitated.

"If you have no more business here, I might need to leave first."

"After all, I have a mission this time."

"You know, Jiao Tangtang is waiting for me."

Xu Xiaoshou nodded.

He knew that.

"I can contact Jiao Tangtang... uh, with a transmission jade slip. That shouldn't be a problem."

"And if your goal is to enter Bai Ku, maybe you don't need to leave so soon."

"Yuan Fu can hide people."

"At worst, I have sixteen spots for Bai Ku. I can give you one, and even throw in an extra."

"What do you say?"

Xu Xiaoshou smiled innocently: "Instead of struggling to sneak in, why not call Jiao Tangtang over? I'll take you both in."

Xin Gugu's face darkened instantly.

He knew exactly what Xu Xiaoshou was thinking.

This guy had gotten used to ordering around wang zuo-level fighters!

One wasn't enough; he wanted to rope in Jiao Tangtang too?

"She probably can't come."

"She has her own internal channels to enter Bai Ku."

"On the contrary, being in the Eight Palaces now, Jiao Tangtang is surely being watched by Hong Yi. If she suddenly appears by your side,"

"And then we all enter Bai Ku together, you'd be in danger."

Xin Gugu said seriously.

Matters involving Hong Yi were no joke.

The Xu Yue Gray Palace had its own channels, but they were full of risks.

His task was to ensure Xu Xiaoshou's safety as much as possible, not bring danger to him.

"In that case, what a shame."

Xu Xiaoshou sighed.

But he hadn't held out much hope anyway.

With that backup plan in mind, he asked again: "What about you? It shouldn't be a big issue for you, right? Come with me. We'll conquer Bai Ku together and take down those guys."

Xin Gugu: "..."

"Cursed, passive value, 1."

That was your real goal, wasn't it!

"I probably can't..."

"A man doesn't say he can't—you can do it!"

Xu Xiaoshou patted Xin Gugu's shoulder firmly: "You're not exposed to Hong Yi. In fact, with Shou Ye's reverse testimony, you might be safer by my side."

"Besides, if you suddenly show up with Jiao Tangtang, unless Shou Ye has lost his mind, he'd suspect you again."

"Your appearance would only cause trouble for her."

"Sticking with me is the best move!"

Xin Gugu was stunned.

Why did this sound so familiar?

Wasn't this exactly what he had said earlier to refuse Xu Xiaoshou's attempt to bring Jiao Tangtang in?

He suddenly felt a headache.

Xu Xiaoshou's words made too much sense.

He hadn't thought of that.

According to this logic, staying by Xu Xiaoshou's side really seemed like the smartest choice.

But...

Something felt off.

Had he been tricked again?

How could following Xu Xiaoshou as a fighter feel like a win-win?

What about me?

Who considers my feelings?

In the end, he'd have to shoulder everything himself?

"I can stay by your side."

Xin Gugu let out a long sigh, helplessly: "But not for long. Once we enter Bai Ku, you have to let me go."

Xu Xiaoshou breathed a sigh of relief and nodded vigorously: "Got it, I understand. You have a mission."

Xin Gugu's face stiffened.

He agreed just like that?

Xu Xiaoshou was being so agreeable?

There must be a trap!

"You're not planning to keep me in until it's dangerous, right?" he questioned.

"How could I?"

Xu Xiaoshou rolled his eyes: "Do I seem like that kind of person?"

"Not at all."

Xin Gugu snorted coldly: "You are!"

"Relax."

Xu Xiaoshou chuckled: "I'll definitely let you go. By the time we enter Bai Ku, you might not even want to leave my side."

"Of course, I'm not one to force anyone."

"Go or stay, your choice."

"Heh."

Xin Gugu rolled his eyes even harder, almost flipping them out of his head.

I must be out of my mind to believe you!

Leave?

I'd love to go right now!

Who wants to stick with you?

It's thrilling, sure, but my heart can't take it.

I haven't encountered Hong Yi in half a lifetime, and because of you, I almost faced her head-on.

If I keep following, I might lose my life!

"So, you're not leaving, right? Now."

Xu Xiaoshou's face lit up with excitement.

"What are you up to?"

Xin Gugu instinctively stepped back.

"I have an idea..."

Xu Xiaoshou saw his alert expression and laughed.

"Don't worry, it's not about you. I just want to help you train a bit."

"Help me train?" Xin Gugu raised an eyebrow.

"I don't need it."

He refused outright.

Anything from Xu Xiaoshou's mouth was bound to be trouble.

Train what? How?

No need to ask.

Asking would just lead to regret!

"Why so resistant?"

Xu Xiaoshou was unhappy. "What a great opportunity! We're finally sharing a space as brothers. If we don't do something, how can we make the most of this short time together?"

Xin Gugu subconsciously clenched his backside.

"What exactly do you want?"

"Heh heh."

Xu Xiaoshou rubbed his hands: "Here's the thing. I have a plan. You saw it that day—I can transform into a golden giant."

Xin Gugu frowned: "Vaguely remember."

"But this spirit skill isn't fully mastered yet. I can't control it completely." Xu Xiaoshou added.

"So, you want me to help you here, beating that golden giant until you can control it?"

Xin Gugu figured it out immediately.

This guy really doesn't waste any resources!

Can't I just rest here for a bit?

My mental state isn't great right now!

"You have A Jie."

Xin Gugu pointed at A Jie.

"Mama?"

A Jie tilted his head, sounding questioning.

Xu Xiaoshou pouted: "That guy? He doesn't know his own strength. I'm afraid he'd slap me to death."

"You're perfect—gentle and measured. I like that."

"Of course, as long as you don't transform."

Xin Gugu's eyes went white.

He looked up at the sky.

Then he realized there was no sky in Yuan Fu space.

Damn it...

Am I getting exploited again?

"Bring it on!"

It's just a spirit skill. Even if you turn into a giant, with my wang zuo cultivation, can I not handle it?

Do you really think you're invincible at yuan ting realm?

There's still a zong shi level between us!

Of course, Xin Gugu didn't underestimate him.

He knew this young man's combat power couldn't be measured by ordinary cultivation.

"You..."

Xu Xiaoshou picked up the bronze piece, paused, and said: "If I end up beating you, remember, I'll be unconscious."

"You absolutely cannot go into ghost beast form!"

Xin Gugu sneered.

"No need."

Xu Xiaoshou still felt uneasy.

"No, you should swear. I'm worried you'll act impulsively."

Xin Gugu was amused and angry.

Damn Xu Xiaoshou, you're really full of yourself!

Do I need ghost beast form against you?

"Swear? Let's just fight. Enough talk. If you're scared I'll use ghost beast form and kill you, then hurry up and master that crappy spirit skill."

"So many unnecessary complications..."

"Crappy nonsense, so annoying!"

Xu Xiaoshou realized Xin Gugu had misunderstood.

"Not about killing me."

"I mean, if I lose control, and you can't handle it, just have A Jie calm me down."

"If you go berserk too, I'm afraid it won't be you killing me or me killing you."

"It might end with two corpses here."

Xin Gugu was taken aback.

He followed Xu Xiaoshou's gaze to A Jie.

"This..."

It made too much sense.

If everything went out of control, A Jie might smack them both down with one palm.

"Forget it, I'll be careful."

"You being careful is good."

Xu Xiaoshou weighed the bronze piece.

Without another word, he withdrew his ling yuan and gripped it firmly.

"Roar!"

With a roar, the berserk giant returned.

Xin Gugu was directly roared into the air.

The instantly shredded clothes left him completely baffled.

"Is that the golden giant?"

Back then, he was also out of control, so his memory was fuzzy.

Observing the energy fluctuations of the berserk giant in a sober state was truly astonishing.

"What's that?"

Xin Gugu barely stabilized in the void to avoid being blasted into the chaotic mist.

When he looked again, he saw golden light points blooming on the berserk giant.

"Whoosh!"

A whooshing sound came.

His vision was instantly covered in gold.

Xin Gugu was shocked.

"Such size and such speed?"

He didn't dare slack off.

He slightly loosened his golden zen staff.

"Blood sea summon..."

"Thud!"

An explosion rang out, and the void mist surged.

The berserk giant swept a palm, sending Xin Gugu flying straight into the chaotic mist.

"You son of a—"

Xin Gugu lost his composure.

He instinctively wanted to transform into a ghost beast of equal size.

But Xu Xiaoshou's warning flashed in his mind.

"This guy did that on purpose! He wants me to get beaten!" Xin Gugu gritted his teeth.

But to be fair, Xu Xiaoshou's words had some truth.

With A Jie watching...

Forget it!

He barely wrapped himself in blood energy to block some of the chaotic mist's damage.

Xin Gugu stopped his flung body in the mist and was about to charge out to teach Xu Xiaoshou a lesson.

Suddenly,

That sudden golden light pierced his eyes again.

Xin Gugu: ???

Damn it!

You charged in too?

"Thud!"

"Cursed, passive value, 1."