After Becoming a High-Risk Master, I Flipped the Script Chapter 44

Luofeng Pavilion. Upon sensing the birth of the immortal-grade weapon, Morning Snow trembled gently in Gu Baiqing’s hair.

Gu Baiqing steadied Morning Snow, smoothed his hair. Just as he was about to rise to join the bustle, outside came Three Bean’s delighted meowing.

Gu Baiqing instantly understood—Mo Xuanli had returned.

Mo Xuanli had been in seclusion on the Forging Peak for five whole months, devoting himself to refining. Not to mention Three Bean, even Gu Baiqing had somewhat missed him.

Stepping just outside the door, he saw Mo Xuanli being entangled by Three Bean.

By now Mo Xuanli had grown very tall, his golden-ratio figure filling out the purple-gray disciple robes in sharp, distinct lines. Standing amid a grove of maples, he even made the forest seem small behind him. The male lead had grown up. Gu Baiqing still remembered their first meeting—he had only come up to his shoulder then, just a tender youth. Now, at a glance, he already looked taller than himself.

Gu Baiqing really didn’t want to admit this. After all, in Master-and-Disciple stories, if the master happened to be shorter than the disciple, he almost always couldn’t escape being the “shou.”

But his own figure was set, impossible to change. The only thing to do was silently stand on higher ground for a bit of psychological comfort.

Suddenly, a pair of eyes, as if starry fragments had been crushed into them, looked over. With a faint smile in them, they gave the pitch-black pupils a luster.

Gu Baiqing was inexplicably dazed for a moment. The once-pure, clear innocence seemed to have quietly withdrawn, leaving only a profoundness impossible to grasp, yet with a powerful allure.

“Master.” Mo Xuanli’s voice was still as pleasant as ever, like jade striking jade, warm and clear. His tone unconsciously lifted, carrying the joy of long absence, enough to make anyone’s mood lighten with it.

Watching Mo Xuanli race swiftly toward him, Gu Baiqing finally made out more details of his change.

His dark hair was tied high, still neatly bound with the customary dark-purple head cord. But with it, the contours of his face seemed sharper, his skin faintly glowing, proof that through forging cultivation he had further refined and fused his inner spiritual power.

He seemed a little thinner, making his features even more sculpted and striking, handsome to the extreme yet carrying an innate attraction.

Especially when that attraction was aimed with intent—it was downright fatal.

Gu Baiqing could clearly sense Mo Xuanli’s speed spiraling out of control. At this rate he was about to pounce for a bear hug. For a moment, Gu Baiqing actually forgot to dodge.

But the disciple still strictly abided by rules, highly self-disciplined.

So he abruptly halted, paused as if restraining something, then immediately dropped to his knees to salute.

“Master, this disciple did not disappoint. I have successfully refined my life-bound artifact, and came especially to report to Master.” Mo Xuanli’s tone carried excitement, like a child who had scored full marks rushing to tell his parents.

Gu Baiqing looked at Mo Xuanli kneeling there, his figure lean and upright, like a jade tree in a forest, nurtured by heaven and earth’s essence. Like a fine gem fallen into a clear abyss, giving off a restrained yet luxurious glow.

Worthy indeed of being the novel’s protagonist—the more he grew, the less he resembled something humanly possible.

Mo Xuanli’s looks were now completely unleashed, enough to even stir envy in Gu Baiqing’s heart.

After finishing his words, Mo Xuanli removed a silver bracelet from his wrist. Shallow patterns were carved into it, with a red cord coiled around one side. From the end of the red cord dangled a short tassel. At first glance it looked just like an ordinary ornament. But as spiritual power rippled, in Mo Xuanli’s hand it stretched and transformed into a silver longsword. The sword was etched with patterns, and from blade to hilt the red cord remained, simple and elegant.

Gu Baiqing had just gotten a good look when it flashed again—the longsword turned into a silver long-blade, unrestrained and dashing.

Then again—an umbrella, a bow, a staff. The forms shifted endlessly, but the ancient, understated patterns and the fine red cord were constant elements.

It was practically a transformer.

“These are the forms this disciple can control it into. It can still evolve further, but for now I’ve only mastered these five.”

And these five forms were exactly the strongest types of weapons Mo Xuanli had truly seen from each sect during their time in the secret realm.

“You’ve done very well.” This time Gu Baiqing’s praise was sincere. Although he already knew from the original text what would happen, actually seeing Mo Xuanli create a shape-shifting weapon—a feat unprecedented—still made Gu Baiqing marvel at his talent.

If this weapon really evolved according to the original setting, there would be no other weapon in the cultivation world that could compare. The only ones that might surpass it were the divine weapon Godslayer Sword, said to be birthed by Heaven itself, and the Demon Sword, born from condensed demonic qi. But both were long gone: one shattered into fragments scattered across the mortal world, whereabouts unknown; the other smashed into dust.

So, in other words, once this weapon developed, there would be no rival under heaven.

Yet now it was merely a newborn infant. At least its appearance was pleasant for the moment—though in the future, some of its forms would cause the master in the original text plenty of suffering.

Mo Xuanli, rarely directly praised by Gu Baiqing, was inwardly thrilled. Suddenly, he respectfully said: “I ask Master to bestow a name upon my weapon.”

Gu Baiqing was taken aback. In the original story, hadn’t he named it himself?

“This is your personally forged life-bound weapon. You should be the one to name it—that’s the respect due to an immortal-grade artifact.” Gu Baiqing could already sense that this weapon had spirit. How could he allow anyone but its master to name it?

“From the moment I began forging it, I had already decided—I must ask Master to name it. After all, without Master, I would never have been able to create it. Since it is my weapon, then surely it will be the same as me, and acknowledge the name given by Master.”

As Mo Xuanli finished speaking, the bracelet truly lit up with a soft radiance, as if agreeing with its master’s words.

“Then let it be called God Nine Transformations.”

Mo Xuanli froze, staring blankly at Gu Baiqing.

“What is it?” Isn’t that the name from the original text?

“No… it’s just surprising. My initial design for it was precisely nine transformations.” And at that time, a name had inexplicably sprouted in his mind—God Nine Transformations.

But since he was set on having Master name it, he hadn’t taken it seriously. Who would have thought he and Master would think of the exact same name?

Mo Xuanli was delighted, yet oddly uneasy. Such a small chance—could it be… hearts linked in tacit understanding?

If Gu Baiqing knew what Mo Xuanli was thinking, he would certainly say: No, boy, it’s just spoilers.

“Many thanks for Master’s naming. From this moment forth, it shall be called God Nine Transformations.”

The words had scarcely fallen when God Nine Transformations burst out with dazzling light, as though having gained a name had elevated its power even higher. Accompanied by a humming sound, it seemed as if God Nine Transformations were laughing. Truly, it had spirit.

【First Mission Quest, Task 3: Acquire a life-bound weapon. Successfully complete Foundation Establishment (late stage). Cultivation progress: Foundation Establishment 90%. Reward: 300 points. Account balance: 350 points.】

Gu Baiqing let out a great sigh of relief. This task was d*mnably long, finally it was complete.

His account was suddenly flush with points.

Looking at God Nine Transformations, Gu Baiqing also wanted to give it a try. Since he had plenty of points now, he exchanged five on the spot.

Exchange successful. Instantly, Gu Baiqing drew Morning Snow.

Morning Snow seemed excited as well, radiating blue light.

“Now that your life-bound weapon is complete, let me help you open its edge.”

Mo Xuanli was first startled that his master once again had spiritual power. At once he transformed God Nine Transformations into its longsword form to meet the sudden attack.

“Master…”

“Focus!”

When Fu Zhiyi and Chu Fei arrived, they saw the master and disciple already fighting in midair.

“Looks like Junior Brother has spiritual power again.” Fu Zhiyi muttered in puzzlement. “Why is it that as soon as his disciple returns, he regains power? For five months before this he was completely silent.”

Chu Fei, however, was far more intrigued by God Nine Transformations. Seeing it clash with Morning Snow without yielding an inch, even glowing brighter, he knew God Nine Transformations stood among the very peak of immortal artifacts.

Just as he was thinking of finding an opportunity to spar with it himself, suddenly, under Gu Baiqing’s near-crushing assault, Mo Xuanli transformed the sword into a blade. Directly switching to blade techniques, the flame-wreathed knife clashed against the lightning-entwined sword, even seeming to gain the upper hand.

“Heavens, did you see that? Is it the same weapon?” Fu Zhiyi exclaimed in shock. In the cultivation world, weapons didn’t change their form of attack.

Chu Fei’s eyes went rigid, all attention focused, unable to spare a word.

Then, as Gu Baiqing unleashed a thunderous strike, the blade instantly became an umbrella. With a flick of the handle, the umbrella opened, dispersing and channeling away the force of the blow.

Chu Fei and Fu Zhiyi were both stunned—an umbrella? The umbrella handle spun, flying out, circling around Gu Baiqing once as if to attack, but without approaching, before returning back into Mo Xuanli’s hand.

Hovering in the air, Gu Baiqing paused, displeasure in his gaze. “Your fighting is fine, but why only defense and no attack? Are you afraid I can’t take it? Rest assured, my spiritual power is sufficient now.”

Mo Xuanli looked troubled. “Master, no… I don’t know why either. Perhaps I’m not yet accustomed to using God Nine Transformations. It just feels… a little awkward. I’ll try again.”

Gu Baiqing frowned slightly, an ominous premonition rising. He stopped moving and said flatly: “Attack me.”

Mo Xuanli hesitated, then turned the umbrella into a bow and arrow, loosing an arrow toward his master.

As the arrow neared, Mo Xuanli thought surely Gu Baiqing would dodge. But he didn’t. Alarmed, Mo Xuanli rushed forward. “Master!”

But at that instant, something strange happened—the arrow stopped a full arm’s length before Gu Baiqing, then its tip curved, flying back to Mo Xuanli’s side.

Everyone was dumbfounded. What was going on? Could it be God Nine Transformations couldn’t harm anyone?

Gu Baiqing simply pointed at Chu Fei below. “Try it on him.”

Fu Zhiyi: Hm? (Immediately backs away.)

Chu Fei frowned, making a ready gesture toward Mo Xuanli.

Only then did Mo Xuanli shoot an arrow toward Chu Fei.

The arrow was wrapped in wind-element magic, its force so sharp it seemed to split the air itself—terrifyingly powerful.

Chu Fei drew his sword to block, but the arrow didn’t get knocked aside. Instead, like a drill, it stubbornly pushed forward for a while before Chu Fei finally flung it away with great effort.

The arrow flew back into Mo Xuanli’s hand, while the longsword in Chu Fei’s grip buzzed violently, as if it had just been bullied by an arrogant tyrant. This was nothing like the calm duel he’d just had with Gu Baiqing.

“What’s going on? Kid Mo, you’re not doing this on purpose, are you? You don’t dare strike at your master, but you’re going all out against your martial uncle,” Fu Zhiyi teased.

The two of them descended from the sky. Gu Baiqing had already sensed that God Nine Transformations carried no killing intent when directed at him. Now it was confirmed, and his heart gave a jolt.

Suddenly, a scene from the original text came to mind.

…

“Xuanli, are you even taking this fight seriously?” Gu Baiqing said angrily.

“Master, it’s not my fault. God Nine Transformations has a spirit. It seems to like Master as much as I do. So even if I wield it, it refuses to hurt you.”

“What did you say?” Gu Baiqing froze, his expression uneasy. At this time their relationship hadn’t broken through yet—it was still in that ambiguous stage.

Mo Xuanli immediately tried to cover, “No, I mean God Nine Transformations respects Master as I do, so… it won’t act against you. But see? When it’s against Little Senior Uncle, it’s very serious.”

Gu Baiqing frowned, a little disappointed. Mo Xuanli suddenly pressed close, rubbing against him in a certain place with a tormented look, startling Gu Baiqing so much he nearly dropped Morning Snow.

“You again—”

“Master, I… we should dual cultivate.”

Gu Baiqing’s face flushed red. “Back to the room.”

“Okay.”

“And don’t use God Nine Transformations again. It’s getting stranger and stranger. And you… you’re getting more and more improper.”

“Master, in this matter, how could one be proper?”

“Either way, no!”

…

Remembering this scene, Gu Baiqing’s expression stiffened. God Nine Transformations truly had no killing intent toward him, just like in the original. Could it be that Mo Xuanli…

Thinking of this, Gu Baiqing couldn’t help but glance at God Nine Transformations, now transformed into a longsword. He struck out quickly, slamming his palm toward the blade.

Seeing Gu Baiqing’s pale hand about to be sliced open, Mo Xuanli tried to withdraw but was too late.

But something miraculous happened again: God Nine Transformations suddenly emitted a radiance, and that light acted like an invisible barrier, preventing Gu Baiqing from striking the blade.

Yet when Gu Baiqing eased his strength, he could touch the sword easily.

As his slender fingers rested on the blade, the red cord entwined around it seemed to come alive, climbing up along the sword toward Gu Baiqing’s hand. Finally, trembling and lingering, it wrapped itself around his fingers like a little dog currying favor with its master.

“What… what’s going on? Can a magical weapon even acknowledge two masters?” Chu Fei said in shock.

“Impossible. It must be because your master-disciple relationship is good, so God Nine Transformations also likes you,” Fu Zhiyi said, patting Gu Baiqing’s shoulder.

But that explanation was even more frightening. Wasn’t this exactly like the setup in the original text? Couldn’t this kind of special plot device be arranged for a female lead instead of creating such blatant ambiguity?

Gu Baiqing’s expression darkened. He was even beginning to suspect Mo Xuanli. But before their separation, everything had been normal. They hadn’t seen each other for five months—how could the relationship have changed? It made no sense!

At that moment, Mo Xuanli suddenly said, “I think it’s because of the materials.”

His tone was serious, as if he had truly reasoned out something useful—nothing like the ambiguous way it was written in the original.

“Materials?” Gu Baiqing asked.

“Yes. Master, did you forget the Twin Sprouts after they evolved? One of them was originally yours, and this red cord is residue from refining the Twin Immortal Sprouts. So God Nine Transformations won’t harm you—it may really see you as half a master. But since only my blood was added into God Nine Transformations, you can’t control it.” Mo Xuanli explained while handing God Nine Transformations over for Gu Baiqing to test.

Gu Baiqing tried, and sure enough, he couldn’t control it. But once the sword was in his hand, it clung even more, the red cord winding tighter, as if it wanted to coil around every finger and even reach his wrist.

“So it really is because of that.” Fu Zhiyi nodded.

“Likely.” Chu Fei agreed.

Gu Baiqing thought carefully. It did seem different from the original. There, God Nine Transformations’s behavior was due to its master’s will; there had been no such red cord. Later, when the two turned against each other, God Nine Transformations had injured him.

But now, God Nine Transformations truly seemed incapable of harming him—its composition simply wouldn’t allow it. That meant it had nothing to do with Mo Xuanli’s will. In other words, if one day Mo Xuanli wanted to use God Nine Transformations against him, the sword still wouldn’t obey.

So, in the original, God Nine Transformations was its master’s accomplice. In this version, God Nine Transformations was half Gu Baiqing’s.

Thinking this way, the weapon suddenly seemed much more endearing—and he no longer had to worry about falling into some story cliché.

But just then, Morning Snow sensed something and suddenly shot upward uncontrollably, slashing at the red cord as it tried to slip into Gu Baiqing’s sleeve—nearly severing it.

God Nine Transformations instantly broke away from Gu Baiqing’s hand and rammed into Morning Snow, clearly gentle toward its master but merciless toward its master’s weapon.

Mo Xuanli hurriedly recalled God Nine Transformations, lest it provoke Morning Snow further. Morning Snow, seeing no opponent left, angrily transformed back into a small hairpin and returned to the bun on Gu Baiqing’s head, nearly knocking it askew—obviously furious.

Well, clearly these two magical weapons still had some relationship issues to work out.

Since Gu Baiqing couldn’t spar anymore, Chu Fei eagerly stepped in. Just as well—Mo Xuanli wanted to further hone his use of God Nine Transformations, to become more skilled in combat. The two quickly clashed fiercely above Luofeng Pavilion.

Chu Fei suppressed his cultivation and fought to his heart’s content, while clearly feeling that with God Nine Transformations and the support of the Void Spirit Space, Mo Xuanli was much more difficult to deal with than before. If Nan Zhi were to face him now, she would no longer have absolute confidence of victory.

Down below, Gu Baiqing and Fu Zhiyi were also discussing God Nine Transformations.

“A Void Spirit Space alone is already eye-catching. Add a forged divine artifact like God Nine Transformations, and it’s certain many people’s eyes will fall on Mo Xuanli—some good, some bad.” Fu Zhiyi spoke in a rare, solemn tone. “Originally, after the Void Spirit Secret Realm, he should have descended the mountain for cleansing evil. But now he’s far too easy a target. Why not wait until he forms his Golden Core?”

The Zixiao Sect actually had its own rules. By Mo Xuanli’s cultivation level, he should have gone down the mountain to cleanse evil already. Dragging it until now was already an exceptional indulgence. Clearly, Fu Zhiyi was more and more pleased with Mo Xuanli, frequently relaxing the requirements.

“No,” Gu Baiqing still wore that cold and unfeeling expression. “The reason he didn’t go on a cleansing mission before was because he had no life-bound artifact. Now things should proceed as they should.”

“How can you be like this? You have only this one precious disciple with such talent.” Fu Zhiyi couldn’t help but say, “This level of aptitude is unprecedented. Aren’t you afraid something will happen to him?”

“Mortals say that overindulgence of a child is like killing them. Overprotecting him will do no good. He needs to grow strong quickly to be able to bear everything he now possesses. My disciple must be tempered this way. Who among the successful hasn’t endured countless trials? Even you, senior brother, back then—you too only reached this step after life-and-death experiences.”

Fu Zhiyi was stunned into silence. Each time he thought this junior brother was being abnormal, he would always be struck by such blunt words, only to realize his junior was entirely reasonable.

Yes, if they truly wanted to cultivate Mo Xuanli as a future sect leader candidate, then a genius raised in a greenhouse could never lead the sect. Only someone who bloomed beautifully after enduring hardships could safeguard Zixiao Sect.

“Fine then. I’ll arrange for him to descend the mountain for cleansing evil. But your Luofeng Pavilion has only one disciple… we can’t just let him go alone, we’ll have to assign other disciples to form a team.” As Fu Zhiyi spoke, he lowered his head in thought.

Gu Baiqing didn’t interrupt. After all, Mo Xuanli certainly wouldn’t be traveling alone, nor with ordinary companions, but with his master by his side.

【First mission set complete. Second mission set initiated: Help the bound target complete Golden Core stage cultivation.】

【Second mission quest, Task 1: Successfully form a Golden Core, and begin early-stage Golden Core cultivation. Hint: requires Spirit Crystals and Spirit-Gathering Pills. Pay attention to a stable mindset. May go to Star-Stepping City to seek opportunities.】