Chapter 1324: The Holy Slave is Dead, Heaven Tower Should Be Established

"There's no need for that!"

Shui Gui could guess Xu Xiaoshou's dirty thoughts without even listening. He had no real habit of joining anyone or fighting for them. Even in Sheng Nu, he was just a nominal member, so why would he settle for second best and abandon Ba Zun'an to choose Xu Xiaoshou?

"Say or not is my business; listen or not is yours."

Xu Xiaoshou clearly wasn't budging, speaking on his own: "Let's cooperate—Tian Shang Di Yi Lou and you personally. From now on, you won't have to look at his face anymore."

As he spoke, Xu Xiaoshou glanced at Ba Zun'an. The latter's expression remained calm and unruffled, showing no surprise, as if he had anticipated this bold statement.

Xiao Kong Dong and Zhu Yi Ke had already moved closer. Mei Ji Ren also took the initiative to approach, listening to the three of them talk and feeling moved by this straightforward declaration. It was too direct, without even a hint of politeness. Was he really trying to spread his wings and go independent?

Zhu Yi Ke's eyes held expectation. Xiao Kong Dong furrowed his brows secretly, his thoughts elsewhere. Mei Ji Ren remained indifferent; his presence was the best lubricant, preventing Sheng Nu and Tian Shang Di Yi Lou from breaking ties.

"Poaching right in front of me?"

Shui Gui looked amused. After waiting a moment and seeing Ba Zun'an say nothing, he continued: "Even if I leave Sheng Nu now, in the outside world, we're still seen as one. After this battle, I'm indistinguishable from Sheng Nu. So, even if I go, there'll still be dealings. As for your Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, what could possibly attract me?"

Xu Xiaoshou nodded emphatically: "Oh, there's plenty. Your Crystal Palace is still with me!"

Shui Gui's face darkened instantly. He recalled the repeated pain of his body exploding; Xu Xiaoshou had taken advantage of his ignorance multiple times, and now he was bringing it up again?

"Received glare, passive value, 1."

"Heh, just kidding... See, he doesn't object, so that's tacit approval." Xu Xiaoshou pointed at Ba Zun'an, whose expression was ambiguous.

"What's your take?" Shui Gui asked, looking over as well.

Xu Xiaoshou didn't give Ba Zun'an a chance to speak: "He said he won't restrict my freedom; I can separate anytime, and now's the perfect time. Tian Shang Di Yi Lou can grow alongside Sheng Nu's big tree while staying independent, bringing all sorts of help."

"For example, do you understand the strategy of mutual support?"

Xu Xiaoshou gestured a bit, seeing the playful looks on the two's faces, then sighed and dropped the explanation, getting straight to the point: "I'll soon ally with the war faction of Xu Yue Hui Gong, so it's not impossible to get on good terms with the conservative faction too—I have the Greed God in my hands."

He pulled out a small, chubby cat.

Lei Xi Er glared at him discontentedly. Was he really using the Greed God like this? But it was clearly effective. As soon as he said that, Shui Gui and Ba Zun'an exchanged glances.

The war faction of Xu Yue Hui Gong—had Xu Xiaoshou already hooked up with them? Unifying the dark forces of the Southern and Eastern Domains through Bai Wei Gongzhu, forming the mutual support alliance Xu Xiaoshou mentioned, was something Ba Zun'an had been pushing forward in secret. For that, Ban Yue Ju had helped Xu Yue Hui Gong a lot, nearly using up all their stock of cleanup herbs.

But Bai Wei Gongzhu was unpredictable, always dragging things out without giving a clear answer. Ba Zun'an understood why—Sheng Nu was too strong, and so was he; no one wanted to be used as a pawn. So, Bai Wei's choice made sense. Ba Zun'an had already started considering plans for a forceful takeover.

But if it were Tian Shang Di Yi Lou... Almost everyone present was sharp-minded and quickly grasped the weight of Xu Xiaoshou's words.

"Besides that, in terms of high-level combat power, I have my dear teacher." Xu Xiaoshou doubled down, pulling Mei Ji Ren over.

Mei Ji Ren symbolically twisted away in struggle, then heard his good student speak with starry eyes, as if seeking credit: "Teacher, I learned from you! The Prajna Wu that can cut down a saint with one sword—isn't it awesome?"

The old sword saint couldn't hold back anymore. He'd been holding this in for a while, never discussing it. Right after he had cleared out the No. 2 Saint's Mind on Void Island with one sword, Xu Xiaoshou had copied it to slash Rao Yao Yao. As a teacher, how could he not feel proud of his student's sword progress?

Now, with everyone's gazes turning his way, laced with respect, Mei Ji Ren cleared his throat, slightly lifted his chin, calmly flicked his sleeve, and fanned out the paper fan in his hand.

Everyone's eyes shifted accordingly: "It's nothing much."

So flashy... Xu Xiaoshou took the opportunity to shake his teacher's arm: "But there are so many sword techniques I haven't learned yet; I need to ask you more. Can you stay at Tian Shang Di Yi Lou afterward?"

Mei Ji Ren's smile froze, and his hand stopped. Xu Xiaoshou grabbed on with both hands, his immense strength pinning Mei Ji Ren's hand in place, making it impossible to switch the fan.

He looked down at the fan in surprise, overjoyed: "It's nothing much... Teacher, is that a yes? Great, finally someone to take charge for me."

Mei Ji Ren opened his mouth to speak but hadn't even started when Xu Xiaoshou's face changed faster than flipping a book, instantly turning to tragic sighing. He wiped away some viscous, disgusting transparent liquid he'd squeezed out, like snot and tears: "Think of my journey, full of bumps... I left Ling Gong, got tricked into Bai Ku, came back to Ba Gong, and only survived thanks to Sang old man taking the hit for me."

"But I lived, and he ended up in the Dead Sea!"

"Wah! It hurts! A child without a teacher is like a blade of grass. I was used from Yun Lun Mountains to Void Island and didn't even dare fight back..."

Ba Zun'an's lips twitched.

"But, but!" Xu Xiaoshou gripped Mei Ji Ren's arm tightly, subtly wiping on it: "But it's good!"

"It's good!" "It's good I met you! Now someone can stand up for me, speak for my grievances!"

Everyone: "..."

"Received contempt, passive value, 4." "Received curse, passive value, 1."

Lei Xi Er turned her head away. Hah, what a waste of those divine and demonic eyes—no way to look! Her ears were turning red from listening; how could Xu Xiaoshou say such things?

Only Mei Ji Ren took it to heart, shaking his head with genuine sympathy: "You child, you've suffered a lot."

"So, you're really agreeing to stay?" Xu Xiaoshou was straightforward; he knew his act only moved himself. Who in this group of sharp people couldn't see through it?

"An old man like me has agreed, so be it." Mei Ji Ren smiled and tapped Xu Xiaoshou's head with his folded fan.

He wasn't just indulging; he had his own calculations. Since he was already in the game, helping one side or the other was the same. Sheng Nu was full up, with its system in place. As an old-timer, squeezing in would be awkward among that group of youngsters. What rank would he get? Mei Ji Ren didn't care about such things, but others would. He wouldn't think about it, but they would.

Wise with age, he had already figured out the consequences of joining Sheng Nu. Taking the top spot was impossible, and settling for second meant they'd boss him around. So, mixing in as an elder at Tian Shang Di Yi Lou was the best option—as long as it truly became independent.

"Look, my people!" Xu Xiaoshou got the affirmative response, his eyes lighting up. Then he shouted into the air: "Han Ye!"

"Jee—"

At the edge of the Bai Hu Men, a piercing cry rang out. Han Ye, now shrunk to a palm-sized, plump white weasel, wagged his fluffy tail and used his Ultra Saint Escape, rushing over without delay.

"Hey!" "Just call me Xiao Han!" "Greetings to Ba Zun'an, to Mei Ji Ren, to Shui Gui, and to you all over there..."

Even though Xiao Kong Dong and Zhu Yi Ke were both at the Tai Xu level, standing and talking with Ba Zun'an made Han Ye feel inherently inferior. He was used to being humble. Now, trembling as he arrived, he waited for orders.

"Come here." Lei Xi Er beckoned.

Han Ye leaped onto her palm like he'd been pardoned, finally feeling secure.

As for status, she was the top one! Just earlier, when she and Xu Xiaoshou had stood hand in hand in the sky like immortal lovers, who hadn't seen it?

"Cough, this one's also a semi-saint..." Xu Xiaoshou felt a bit embarrassed introducing Han Ye like this, but he reacted quickly: "The thing."

"What thing?" Han Ye was stunned.

"A corner of the Divine Prison."

Han Ye hurriedly pulled it out. The Saint Emperor's power had faded from him, but all the strength had converged into this gift from Divine Prison's Qing Shi Da Ren, without any loss.

Xu Xiaoshou grabbed the corner of the Divine Prison and showed it to everyone: "Xiao Han, it's from Divine Prison's Qing Shi."

He then looked toward the Zhu Que Men: "Tian Ren Wu Sui, what you said in Sin One Hall—does it still count?"

The blood-red sky over Zhu Que Men had faded with the Four God Pillars' power, but the strength remained. Which inner island figure would give up a backup plan and truly return to their lair? The Seven Trees Emperor's power had all poured into the Blood World Pearl!

Tian Ren Wu Sui was still in death. Hearing this, the Blood World Pearl that replaced his semi-saint status jumped up, blooming with crimson light. Under the mask, Tian Ren Wu Sui opened his eyes.

"It counts..." "Naturally!"

He spoke in two voices: one his own weak one, the other from Seven Trees Emperor.

"Even Yan Wang has cooperated with me; Tian Ren Wu Sui is my most loyal ally, and so is Seven Trees Emperor." Xu Xiaoshou said calmly, then turned to Qing Long Men.

"Long Bao..."

Before he finished, "Roar—"

At Qing Long Men's edge, with the Four God Pillars gone, the Demon Emperor Black Dragon's power couldn't hold much longer. It turned into a streak of light, flying up and merging into Xu Xiaoshou's Saint Emperor Dragon Scale.

"Xu Xiaoshou, remember our agreement. This emperor awaits you on the inner island."

The Demon Emperor Black Dragon's relationship with Xu Xiaoshou was already this good? Hearing the Black Pulse lord's proactive goodwill and clear support, even Ba Zun'an showed more surprise. He knew of Black Dragon's pride. Had Xu Xiaoshou truly won it over in this game, making it willing to bet big?

"Received gaze, passive value, 8."

Feeling the admiring eyes around him, Xu Xiaoshou laughed boldly, suddenly exploding into a radiant pose. Golden spots bloomed, the subtle threat making everyone jump back in alarm.

Behind him unfolded massive wings, one ice and one fire, as he declared arrogantly: "Sheng Nu is dead; Tian Lou shall rise! My wings are full; I shall stand alone as king... Ba Zun'an, do you have any objections?"

Ba Zun'an's eyelid twitched, staring stiffly at this suddenly unhinged young man, even curling his toes. But seeing Xu Xiaoshou surveying all around, he quickly turned his gaze back to Shui Gui: "Shui Gui, I'll give you one more chance—will you join my Sheng Nu?"

"Ah, spit! Tian Shang Di Yi Lou!"

Shui Gui had been considering it seriously, but now his eyes lost all interest. He turned and walked away: "You all carry on; I'll take my leave."

"Hey, don't go!" Xu Xiaoshou panicked, retracting his abilities and shouting at his back: "If you don't cooperate, I'll use the Mimic to turn into you and pick a fight with Yu Ling Di!"

Shui Gui paused, then walked faster.

"I'll tell him, 'I raised you for half your life and missed your coming-of-age, and everything I taught went to the dogs?' 'You want the Yu Hai Shen Ji? Do you even deserve to be my son?'"

Shui Gui trembled, nearly turning back to deal with him.

"Then I'll tell him how you, with your hidden depths, protected your son in the Void Island game, oh my son, wah wah, and make him cry in emotion..."

"If that doesn't work, I'll transform, dress as a woman to deceive Yu Ling Di's feelings. Tsk, the kid's so naive; I'll make him experience the dangers of the heart... Uh! Lei Xi Er, what are you doing!"

Everyone stared in shock as the muffled Xu Xiaoshou was dragged away, like witnessing a terrifying ghost.

Even Ba Zun'an was dumbfounded, never seeing such a playbook. Was this even human? Just listening made them cringe for Shui Gui—how could Xu Xiaoshou say that? And... was that even sayable?

"Xu! Xiao! Shou!"

A roar echoed from the distance as the flushed Shui Gui charged back, spear in hand.

At that moment, his killing intent was real, no joke.

Lei Xi Er, Zhu Yi Ke, and Han Ye tensed up, stepping forward. Mei Ji Ren's gentle eyes turned fierce, his inner sword intent awakening as the Tai Cheng Sword flipped out.

"You think I'm joking?"

Freed from the muffling, Xu Xiaoshou, oblivious to restraint or consequence, shouted defiantly: "Believe me, I can broadcast it everywhere! I'll say you're that outwardly cold but inwardly flashy guy who actually likes pink and purple stripes..."

Shui Gui's face changed drastically, like hitting a snake's weak spot, nearly choking: "Shut up! I'll agree, okay?"

"Hey."

Xu Xiaoshou rushed forward, waving off Lei Xi Er and the others, and pressed down Mei Ji Ren's Tai Cheng Sword. "What's all this? Shui Gui's just joking with me, testing my sincerity. Why draw swords?"

Calming everyone's overreaction, he hurried to Shui Gui and extended his hand.

Shui Gui was shaking with anger, in no mood to shake.

"Just a handshake." Xu Xiaoshou grinned, glancing at Shui Gui's waist before looking back.

Shui Gui's face nearly froze, almost awakening an ice attribute, but he soon relented, forcing a smile as he relaxed his icy expression. He raised his hand and shook lightly.

"Both hands."

Dammit... Shui Gui lifted his other hand and shook firmly with his new close friend.

"Pleasure working together." Xu Xiaoshou swung their hands vigorously, nearly dislocating Shui Gui's arm.

"It's just cooperation; we'll see about specifics later. I'll only be a nominal member at Tian Shang Di Yi Lou."

"Received lock-on, passive value, 1." "Received thoughts, passive value, 1." "Received threat, passive value, 1."

"Sure, sure, we'll talk later..." Xu Xiaoshou didn't even glance at the messages; he wasn't afraid of Shui Gui. After all, he was under him now.

Everyone watching was numb from the spectacle. This historic moment... Why? Why did all those threats fail, but one line made Shui Gui give up? What had happened between them?

Even Ba Zun'an couldn't help his curiosity: "Xu Xiaoshou, pink and purple what?"

Lei Xi Er's suspicious gaze darted between Xu and Shui, her brows furrowing as her delicate nose wrinkled in faint disgust.

"Received curse, passive value, 1, 1, 1, 1..."

"How about it?" Xu Xiaoshou lovingly stroked Shui Gui's smooth hand, showing off their closeness to everyone, and looked at Ba Zun'an.

Ba Zun'an laughed and reached into his robe: "You've grown indeed. Tian Shang Di Yi Lou can go independent; it's part of my plan too."

Really? Xu Xiaoshou hadn't expected it to be so straightforward—Ba Zun'an actually agreed! He thought he'd have to argue more. If not, he'd just pretend to follow while secretly undermining Sheng Nu step by step, hollowing it out to build himself up. Tian Shang Di Yi Lou would absolutely become the greatest righteous force!

How could he agree so easily...

Ba Zun'an smiled and pulled something from his robe, tossing it over: "Congratulations; you now have the qualifications to take what your master left you. Catch it."

Xu Xiaoshou instinctively caught it. A token.