Chapter 174: Now We''re Getting Somewhere!


    Jing stood in therge sea of disciples. Due to her short stature, it was difficult for anyone to spot her within it. This was only important because of thetest message she just sent to her followers, telling them to meet up with her. There were some things she wanted to discuss and give them before the tournament started. Most notably, Bing and Lei Zhi for sessfullypleting her given tasks on such short notice.


    Above a glorious and uncountable number of stairs, the three Head Elders and Supreme Commander stood looking down on them all. Behind them were several other elders of various rankings doing the same. Jing saw no signs of the Sect Leader but that was starting to be a regr pattern from what she noticed. All the disciples in the sect were gathered here in this part of the sect, talking, discussing, and chatting together. There was no disciple that was excluded from this tournament and it was a requirement to participate or you would be crippled and expelled from the sect for your cowardice.


    Jing wasnt particrly excited to see most of those faces up there looking directly at her but expected it nheless. She kept her back straight, eyes forward, and stared back at them. From Wens report, she knew that most of them would be watching her in this tournament. It would be unusual if they werent, especially after her visit to the Supreme Commander.


    She didnt know if hes spoken to anyone about her gift. Besides him, that elder that worked under him, and the Sect Leader, Jing figured no one else knew. Hopefully, that was the case. If people outside the sect began to learn about her, that would be more trouble than it''s worth. She hasnt gained a solid enough footing in the world for something like that yet. This was why she was nning to take over this sect before moving on to bigger goals. How could someone like herself be satisfied with just a sect like this?


    Oi! Where the fuck are you at Jing? Hu Tao messaged her.


    Im having trouble finding you too. Ying added.


    I cant find anyone at all. Bing said in his message.


    Jing created arge arrow of water above her head that pointed down at herself. In a few moments, all of Heavens Angels were gathered together. Her eyes met Bings and she held out her hand. He looked confused and soon became uneasy. Maybe he didnt understand what she was requesting from him.


    Soap. She rified.


    Ooh! Here! He handed it to her and bowed his head.


    Everyone, open your mouths. She demanded.


    Im not putting that shit in my mouth again. Hu Tao refused.


    The taste is nasty...Ying,for once, found herself agreeing with him.


    No one looked pleased about having their tongues scrubbed with SCP-1331 again. Jing didnt ask for their permission though. Either they gave her their tongues, or she would make them. This wasnt up for discussion and everyone soon understood that they needed to open their mouths or else. Hu Tao showed everyone a good example of what would happen if they didnt.


    He showed a toothy grin as he saw Jing slowly walking towards him. Hu Tao prepared himself for a fight despite being surrounded by thousands of other disciples. Having a proper fight or battle in a ce like this was basically impossible. Impossible for anyone sane anyway. The mad man struck out to defend himself from the horrible tasting soap. Jing swayed her head and got in close enough to grab him.


    Hu Tao struck out with his knee to gain some distance from her. His knee met with Jings shin as she forced his mouth open with her hand. He tried biting down on her fingers but this wasnt enough to stop her, she ignored being bitten as if he didnt use most of his jaw muscles to do so and gave his tongue a scrub with the soap. After doing so, Jing removed her hand and the soap from his mouth before striking him across the face into the ground with an insanely quick high kick.


    Biting me? Have you lost your mind? She stomped on his handsome face without regard to his well-being. Dont forget your ce ve just because I''ve been a little nicetely. She rubbed her foot on his face, crushing him into the ground.


    Jie and Runt immediately feared for their lives seeing Bleep take out Hu Tao so easily. They knew that she was the leader of the group but never really saw how strong she was. If she could take out Hu Tao without much problem, then it wouldnt even take her half a second to deal with them! No wonder everyone treated her with respect!


    Ying and Wan Qingughed at Hu Taos beating. Ying thought the prick deserved it and it''s been a while since shes saw him being put in his ce by Jing. Wan Qing thought it was only natural. A ve saying no to their master? A beating is all but deserved. If anything, Hu Taos punishment was too light in Wans opinion. She wouldve broken more bones if it was up to her.


    Bing understood that couldve easily been him in Hu Taos ce. He was her ve as well. This was something that hes never forgotten. How could he? Your life being in someone elses hands isnt something that can just easily slip the mind.


    Lei Zhi thought that maybe Jing was a bit too harsh with Hu Tao but maybe this was the universes way of giving some karma to him from all his actions. This was most likely nothingpared to the pain hes given to others throughout his lifetime. Despite being old, he wasnt stupid. He knew what type of person Hu Tao was after working alongside him for so long. All those people he hurt without rhyme or reason. It was in his ns to reform Hu Tao as well once he gets enough strength. Xiang wouldnt be able to help him reform Hu Tao, hes already seen what it did to him. For someone like Hu Tao, only by besting the boy could he force him into changing. Using his great talent for good, dealing with those that cannot be helped no matter what. Unless he turns into one of those people himself. Then, Lei Zhi would have to put an end to the boy himself if he wants to stay true to his goal.


    LiLididnt think much of it. He liked Hu Tao but he does forget his ce sometimes. As his mothers ve he needed to listen to her. A beating like this looked bad but it wasnt anything much for him. His mom didnt need to hold back against him but he was tougher than he looked. From time to time, he even sparred with him. It was fun to fight against him.


    Now. Lets see those tongues, Angels. Jing gave Hu Tao onest kick across the face before turning to the rest.


    Everyone immediately put out their tongues without a shred of hesitation. A satisfied smile grew on Jings face as she scrubbed their mouths with the soap. After hearing them gag, wipe their tongues with their hands, and retch, Jing tossed the soap into her inventory. Now it was time to move onto other matters.


    Say my name. Jingmanded.


    Jing? Ying went first.


    Jing. Lei Zhi went second.


    You really dont hold back Jing! I dont expect anything less from the woman I love! Hu Tao put his dislocated jaw back in ce with an audible crack and grinned.


    Her name is Jing?! Runt and Jie eximed.


    You dont need to hide anymore? Wan asked.


    Theres no need. Ive told you all my ns for the sect, right? Jing asked.


    To change it for the better or something like that, right? Ying asked.


    Thats right. I hate the way the sect is currently run and once I be Sect Leader, I will improve it to a level that will shame the way it''s currently run. Jing nodded.


    Im d to see you havent forgotten. Lei smiled.


    I havent forgotten your reasons for joining me. Today will be the true start of our factions rise. You will be my Head Elders that will shape and structure the sect for me. She told them all.


    Can I be the Supreme Commander? Wan Qing asked.


    Well see if youre suited for the position. Ill tell you now, that my Supreme Commander will need more than just strength. Her eyes zed over all of them.


    I will do my best. Wan bowed her head, confusing everyone else.


    Why are you being so nice, Freak? Hu Tao asked.


    You are acting a little differently... Ying supported.


    After giving me the one thing, I''ve always wanted. Ive decided to give Jing my everything. Loyalty, mind, body, and soul. She exined.


    Good to hear. Now, there are a few things that I need to give to some of you before the Grand Tournament begins. Bing. She called out to him.


    Yes, Empress? He got on one knee and bowed.


    Forpleting a task that I thought was impossible for the current you, take this. Jing handed him a small bottle with golden liquid floating inside it.


    Thank you for your benevolence and kindness! He shouted.


    Ying rolled her eyes at his exaggerated behavior while Wan snickered.


    Do you know what a Golden Blood Elixir does? Jing asked.


    I do not!


    Golden Blood Elixir...?! Jie unintentionally squeaked. Jings eyes nced over to her.


    Feel free to exin for those who dont know. Jing gave her the go-ahead.


    Well, I heard that it was the perfect concoction for body cultivators. Only a master alchemist could produce something as valuable as that. Once a body cultivator has drunk it, their blood would turn into gold and they would be nearly priceless! The strength that a body cultivator gains from the golden blood is as if they were strengthened more than 2 or 3 times! Plus, anyone that regrly drinks their blood would gain the same prowess as them. Meaning that people with this blood are invaluable to alchemists all over the world! If he drinks that, hes going to be wanted by everyone who realizes he has it! She exined.


    Why does he get something like that? I want people all over wanting to try and get me. Hu Taoined.


    Dont they do that anyway? Ying asked.


    They dont count. Hu Tao waved off those from the Inner Court.


    Can I pass on my reward...? Being wanted by numerous powerful people is not something he was looking forward to.


    Pass? Jing questioned.


    I mean, I am eternally grateful!


    Good. Drink up then. Shesaid.


    Bing was nning to put it away and never drink it at all but now that the Empress has ordered him to drink it in front of her, he has no choice but to do so. With obvious hesitation, he opened the top and gulped it down in one drink. The effects were instant as his body puffed up. He felt the strength in his body rising without control. Keeping himself from breaking through into the next cultivation realm was basically impossible if it wasnt for the help of Lei Zhi. Lei Zhi stabbed his body with his needles, helping him properly control and direct this transformation happening inside him.


    Once he could control himself again, he definitely felt stronger just like Hu Taos girlfriend said. So, strong that dealing with Leng wouldve probably been much easier if he took this before his fight. This strength... The Empress... Just why would she give him so much power? Is being her ve really this great? Even if he somehow made it through the Golden Serpent Sects recruitment test, he knew that he wouldnt have gained anywhere near as much strength as he does now. Not even 1% of his current strength would probably match the strength of that version of him.


    I can only thank you... His dream of living life how he wants doesnt seem so impossible anymore.


    [Ai Bings loyalty has reached 100%]


    [Heis now able to receive an SCP from the Host as a gift for his loyalty.]