Little Pink Starfish

Qiguan Rui was both obedient and efficient. With a single movement, his entire body transformed into an enormous python, its inky-black scales appearing as though they had been drenched in ink.

This was not even his largest form, yet even so, as soon as he stretched out, his massive head nearly touched the cave’s ceiling. It was truly terrifying.

Gu Bai, who was not short by any means, appeared utterly insignificant in comparison to the immense python. He was like a tiny ant; even tilting his head back, he could barely make out the top.

At that moment, a soft voice rang out—not from the python’s mouth, but as if transmitted directly into his consciousness. “Gege, move back to the cave entrance. I don’t want to accidentally hurt you.”

Gu Bai nodded—then quickly realised that this guy was probably too tall to see the gesture, so he simply said, “Mm,” before transforming into a flurry of drifting petals, effortlessly floating to the front of the narrow passageway.

Here, even the Heaven-Devouring Python’s tail wouldn’t be able to squeeze in. …It was simply too thick.

Then, Qiguan Rui began his battle against the imperial will.

Following Gu Bai’s instructions, the massive python lifted its head and opened its enormous maw. A vast cloud of energy, thick with a pungent odour and a terrifying aura, surged forth and enveloped the surface of the groove. Immediately, the groove absorbed the energy greedily, as though drinking it in. Yet, the giant python could not stop its actions, for the pure white pillar showed no signs of change.

Thus, the massive python that was Qiguan Rui continued to spew out wave after wave of energy, which the pillar absorbed continuously. As this process went on, what had once appeared to be a solid “fake pillar” gradually became more transparent, tainted by the relentless infusion of wu qi.

Simultaneously, what was hidden within began to reveal itself—a razor-sharp spear, entirely jet-black, as though capable of piercing through heaven and earth. But within the pillar, there was only this single spear.

Gu Bai immediately understood: this spear was the manifestation of the first-generation imperial consciousness. And Qiguan Rui, after activating the pillar, would have to battle the spear at once!

Sure enough, the moment the pillar became fully transparent, a jet-black light shot out from the spear, piercing straight through the groove that was still greedily absorbing wu qi—heading directly for the python’s head!

Qiguan Rui let out a long cry and swallowed the black light in one gulp!

The next moment, the massive python became utterly motionless, like a statue. However, its enormous serpent eyes flickered, their light shifting unpredictably, shining with a fierce radiance!

Gu Bai’s face remained expressionless, but internally, he was frantic. Ahhhhh it’s starting, it’s starting! So damn exciting, what do I do?! Sick pervert, good luck! You absolutely cannot lose to the original story, ahhhh!I’ve already explained everything so clearly—if you dare to die on me, I’ll absolutely dig up your corpse and marry a hundred beautiful women, ahhhhhhh! I’ll steal all your remaining wives, believe it or not! Awooo!

Perhaps his mental threats truly resonated with Qiguan Rui, for after a long while, the light in the serpent’s eyes flickered a few more times before its long tail lashed out—slamming into the pillar that held the black spear.

At this moment, the pillar had no protection and snapped apart with a brittle crack. At the same time, the spear shot forward, aiming directly for the python’s vital point!

Gu Bai: You! Fucking! Bastard! In an instant, his palms surged with power, forming two elongated ice pillars that shot out to intercept the incoming spear.

The spear struck the ice pillars, piercing through layer after layer without slowing down in the slightest.

However, Gu Bai’s speed in creating new ice barriers was just as swift. For every layer the spear broke through, he created two more. The spear was fast—he was faster!

Gradually, the spear’s momentum weakened. The more ice pillars it pierced through, the slower it became.

Meanwhile, the python’s tail, having shattered the pillar, pursued the spear’s path and closed in from behind, ready to swat it away!

In this unconscious yet perfect cooperation, the spear’s energy dwindled. By the time the long tail arrived, the spear’s strength had weakened significantly. With a heavy strike, the spear was decisively… knocked to the ground. The sharp aura surrounding it also faded considerably.

Gu Bai let out a breath of relief.

Now, it was a battle of wills between the pervert and the first-generation imperial consciousness. No matter how powerful the original consciousness had been, it had been dormant for countless years. Meanwhile, the pervert had the Heaven-Devouring Python’s boost—there was no reason he should lose. Moreover, his current strength was no weaker than in the original story! If the original protagonist could handle this, there was no reason why he couldn’t now!

Sure enough, after another half an hour, the light in the massive python’s eyes stabilised. Its immense tail firmly pressed down on the still-twitching spear, but the killing intent emanating from it gradually subsided, eventually settling into complete tranquillity.

At this moment, the spear ceased its struggle.

Gu Bai nodded in satisfaction. Done.

The enormous python also appeared pleased. It coiled its massive body and shrank down, transforming into a much smaller serpent, only about ten metres long and as thick as a human thigh, which slithered toward Gu Bai.

Upon reaching him, it sprang up and coiled around Gu Bai’s body.

A soft hissing voice sounded in his ear: “Gege, did I do well?”

Gu Bai didn’t hesitate to praise him: “Very well.”

The snake grew even more delighted, tightening its coils around Gu Bai. “Then, gege… will you reward me?”

Gu Bai: “……”

This guy is blatantly demanding to use his snake form for a round! Bloody hell, you want to play hardcore now?! You think I’ll give in?! Do you even remember there are a bunch of underlings waiting outside, ready to barge in at any moment?! Damn it! Gu Bai smacked the snake’s head away. “No.”

The snake coiled more insistently. “…Why? I really want to…”

Gu Bai remained expressionless. “There are others here.” He paused, deciding that to prevent the pervert from going berserk, he should offer some reassurance. “Let’s deal with things first, in case of unexpected trouble.” You might not care about your reputation, but I do! Now hurry up and sort out the treasure, mate!

The snake wriggled for a long time, realising that Gu Bai wasn’t going to yield, before sulkingly uncoiling itself. With a flick of its tail, it slithered toward the black spear. Then, with a twist, it transformed into a handsome young man with a gentle smile. He glanced back at Gu Bai, his expression tinged with grievance.

Gu Bai remained resolute. Like hell I’ll give in. It’s bad enough getting wrecked at home—now you want to do it in front of an audience?! How can I maintain my dignity? My high-class, aloof image?! Absolutely not happening!

Qiguan Rui sighed, nudging the spear with his foot before injecting wu qi into it.

With a whoosh, the black spear turned into smoke and disappeared into his palm, while a flood of information surged into his mind.

The boiling desire and battle fervour in his heart were instantly doused as though by a bucket of ice water.

Only then did Gu Bai walk over. “How is it?”

Qiguan Rui gathered his thoughts.

To be honest, he hadn’t noticed before, but now that he had calmed down, he realised—his strength had risen once again.

He was now a high-level wu huang.

****

Scooby says: A racrifice?