Little Pink Starfish

The moment they stepped into the underground arena, every gaze in the vicinity snapped toward them.

Amid the chaos of awakened demons fighting to the death, their grotesque forms drenched in blood and gore, stood a man dressed in pristine white. He looked as if he had descended from the heavens—a vision of ethereal beauty.

What the hell? This aesthetic is all wrong! Gu Bai’s presence in the blood-soaked arena was jarringly out of place, as though a creature from another dimension had wandered in and stolen the spotlight. Everyone knew that a spotless white robe was a surefire way to max out your charisma stat.

If a man wore white:

• A noble scion would appear more refined.
• A renowned hero would seem more righteous.
• A peerless master would exude icy indifference.

If a woman wore white:

• A beautiful face would evoke the image of a celestial maiden.
• A plainer face would suddenly appear delicate and ethereal.
• Subtle features would seem fragile and pitiable, while striking ones would gain a frosty allure.

Now, combine perfect looks, an innate aura, powerful martial skills, and the purity of white robes…
Gu Bai’s presence seemed to cleanse the bloodlust within ten feet of him. Add his impassive expression, and the effect was both ascetic and irresistibly tempting.

In that instant, many of the gazes directed at him became laced with greed.

The demons began to murmur amongst themselves, speculating about this peculiar figure. Who was he? His strength was apparent—an advanced Wu Jun—but not overwhelming. If there’s a chance… hehe… The entire exchange lasted only a moment.

Qiguan Rui was faster than Gu Bai in sensing the unspoken intentions around them. His expression darkened, and with a subtle step, he positioned himself in front of Gu Bai. Then, he sent out a wave of oppressive hostility, daring anyone to meet his gaze.

Most of the offenders flinched and hastily looked away. Those who had spent time in the underground arena knew Qiguan Rui had awakened a strange and formidable bloodline. Though its exact nature remained unclear, his power was undeniable.

In under a month, he had advanced from an advanced Wu Jun to an advanced Wu Wang. At this rate, his ascent to Wu Di was only a matter of time.

His rapid rise was unprecedented, and even the most foolish demons recognised that provoking him was unwise. Some also recalled the man Qiguan Rui was protecting: Ziche Shubai, the City Lord of Tiandu. The rumours painted him as a formidable figure in his own right, not someone to be trifled with.

Gu Bai, meanwhile, maintained his usual stoic demeanour, disregarding the stares entirely. Internally, though, he was lamenting. Reality really outdoes imagination. No amount of descriptive writing could capture the grotesque spectacle of this place. The stench alone was unbearable. When I get back, I’m scrubbing myself three times. And the pervert is getting five. As his sharp eyes scanned the arena, Gu Bai noted the grisly scene around him:

The cages serving as combat platforms were surrounded by demons nursing mangled limbs, watching the fights. On one stage, a demon tore open its opponent’s abdomen, spilling intestines across the floor.

The wounded demon quickly conceded, scooping its guts back into its stomach while others were too preoccupied ogling Gu Bai to pay it any attention.

Gross thought Gu Bai. Utterly disgusting.

Still, the resilience of these demons was impressive. Thanks to their carnivorous habits, their recovery abilities far exceeded those of martial artists. While the arena’s brutal rules claimed lives, the death toll remained surprisingly low.

Despite Qiguan Rui’s initial intimidation, a handful of Wu Di-level demons continued to eye Gu Bai, their pride and strength rendering them undeterred.

Qiguan Rui noted each face, memorising their features with icy precision. Any threat to him is a threat to me.His thoughts were interrupted by a demon maiden who approached him and whispered in his ear. Qiguan Rui nodded thoughtfully before turning to Gu Bai. “Gege, someone has invited us.”

Gu Bai replied with a curt nod. “Good.” Finally, a way out of this cesspool.

If Gu Bai had initially been interested in sparring with demons to improve his combat skills, that desire evaporated the moment he saw the arena.

Though the experience might increase his knowledge of demon techniques, his Wu Qi could not reverse flow like Qiguan Rui’s. Hence, no matter how many battles he fought, his strength wouldn’t increase.

It was better to spar with the pervert directly than endure this madness.

Gu Bai followed Qiguan Rui up a set of stairs to a private viewing box. Inside, several burly men sat surrounded by sycophants, their presence radiating authority. Gu Bai immediately recognised them as the Five Elders of Demon Domain and their kin.

As usual, Gu Bai maintained his blank expression, leaving Qiguan Rui to handle the pleasantries.

Qiguan Rui, ever composed and confident, greeted the elders with neither arrogance nor servility before leading Gu Bai to stand behind Xin Xinba. This gesture reaffirmed their allegiance to the Xin family.

Xin Xinba’s smile brimmed with satisfaction. After investigating their backgrounds, he couldn’t be prouder of his foresight. By taking them in when they were vulnerable, he had secured their loyalty. Magnificent! he thought. The other elders can’t poach them now!

Gu Bai, however, was silently observing the room. He knew the original story well:

Qiguan Rui had risen to prominence in the underground arena, earning the attention of the Five Elders. Using his rapidly growing strength, he infiltrated their circles, strategically placing his loyalists while playing the factions against one another.

By the time the elders realised the extent of his influence, it was too late.

Qiguan Rui’s bloodline was simply too powerful—his figurative golden finger too overwhelming. What other protagonists struggled to achieve; he accomplished with ease.

Gu Bai could only shake his head at how much of the original plot relied on Qiguan Rui’s dual role as both protagonist and ultimate villain. Everything else was secondary fluff.

And here we are again, Gu Bai thought as he noted the cold glances from Liu Wuheng (Earth-Splitting Elephant King) and Lou Pao (Thunder Leopard King).

These two had been scheming together in the original story. The recent assassination attempt on him likely stemmed from their machinations, as neither Cang Yao (Sky-howl Wolf King) nor Yan Hong (Sea-Dragon King) had any reason to act.

Gu Bai watched as Qiguan Rui exchanged pleasantries, his poker face betraying no emotion.

Yet, the spectators misinterpreted this as proof of deep affection.

Seriously? Gu Bai thought. Why does everyone think we’re a couple?

Across the room, Liu Wuheng and Lou Pao exchanged a glance.

Lou Pao’s interest in Gu Bai was thinly veiled, while Liu Wuheng remained focused on exploiting any rift between Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui.

Their silent exchange cemented their plans, though Liu Wuheng privately scoffed at Lou Pao’s lust-driven motives.

As tensions simmered, a knock sounded at the door. The room fell silent as someone went to open it.

Liu Wuheng’s eyes glinted with a dark light.

When the door swung open, a woman stepped in, her presence radiating heat that seemed to stoke the very air around her.

****

Pinky says: I fricken love when some random cunt comes in and goes “Mmmmm…. Yummy main character… Gimme!” Always the favourite part of these novels for me.