After a simple exchange of memory information, the two women began testing the effects and range of their respective system abilities within the surrounding frozen time-space.
After a series of tests, they discovered that they indeed had a certain immunity to each other’s powers.
When they were within twenty meters of each other, their abilities would not affect one another.
When the distance stretched to forty meters, Gu Qingying’s Cognitive Modification would still take effect, but Gong Shangyu could detect some irregularities.
At the same time, Gong Shangyu’s Time Stop Barrier would cause Gu Qingying’s movements and thoughts to slow down and become sluggish.
As for greater distances—both women, each harboring their own suspicions, didn’t dare to test further.
After all, if they left the Immune Range, with Gu Qingying’s ability, if she truly decided to escape, Gong Shangyu wouldn’t be able to catch her even if she tried.
Gu Qingying also feared that if she strayed too far from her Second Disciple, Gong Shangyu, and crossed beyond the immunity range, she could be frozen by her own second sister’s Time Stop Barrier, turning their Master into Gong Shangyu’s plaything.
So after confirming at the forty-meter range that as long as they kept enough distance, their system abilities would still affect each other, the two women stopped testing.
“So… what do we do next?”
Back in the secret chamber, Gu Qingying looked at the unconscious Lu Li and asked Gong Shangyu.
Gong Shangyu responded with a tone full of confidence.
“Since we were able to reincarnate and awaken special system abilities after rebirth, and those abilities don’t affect each other, Qingying, what do you think this means?”
She answered her own question passionately:
“It means that the powerful existence who granted us rebirth and bestowed these systems upon us does not want us Reincarnators to fight among ourselves.”
“I believe they want us sisters to work together, complement each other, and complete some Great Mission!”
“And do you remember what the system said to you when you awakened it?”
Gong Shangyu imitated the cold, measured tone of the Time Stop system, repeating word by word to her junior sister.
“‘Do you want to change Fate? Do you want to save your beloved and rewrite the tragedy?’ Listen! Isn’t the system’s true intention obvious?”
Growing more impassioned, Gong Shangyu stood up like a master strategist pointing out the path forward.
Though dressed in moon-white robes, she somehow gave off the effect of a billowing cloak.
“The system wants us to unite and help Master break free from his fatal destiny!”
“I’ve already analyzed it. Whether in your past life or mine, the Major Tribulation caused by the clash between the Demon Realm and Kongxuan Realm was the fuse that triggered Master’s Dismemberment by Soldiers.”
At this, Gong Shangyu abruptly turned, her gaze burning fiercely on Gu Qingying, finally revealing her true intentions.
“Heh heh~ So, it’s clear what our next strategic move should be!”
Gu Qingying, inspired by the passionate speech, sat up straighter, her violet eyes filled with trust and hope toward her Second Disciple.
“Yes! Senior Sister, you tell me! What should we do?”
Gong Shangyu took a deep breath, a suspicious blush coloring her face as a mischievous smile curled on her lips, though her tone remained “upright” and “big picture focused.”
“We must immediately join forces and mobilize all resources and connections to fully push for a Marriage Alliance between Master and me, the Pill Cauldron Pavilion’s leader!”
“Ah?”
The hope on Gu Qingying’s face froze instantly, replaced by confusion and shock.
Ignoring her expression, Gong Shangyu continued to analyze passionately:
“Think about it! If I become Master’s legitimate Marriage Partner…”
“I will be able to protect Master openly with the full strength of the Pill Cauldron Pavilion!”
“Pills, Magic Treasures, Intelligence, Manpower…”
“All the resources inside the Pill Cauldron Pavilion can be provided as my dowry to Master without reservation, completely isolating him from those damn conspiracies and dangers!”
“I can even help Master easily reach the Great Success stage! This is the optimal solution to save Master and rewrite his death Fate!”
Gong Shangyu’s excitement grew as she imagined herself as the ultimate filial disciple sacrificing herself for Master’s safety, her expression radiating righteous resolve—if one ignored her sinister chuckles.
Gu Qingying was stunned for a good half minute.
Then her delicate face flushed visibly—not from shyness but pure anger.
“Ah ah ah! Gong·Shang·Yu——”
She almost screamed as she lunged forward, reaching to tear at Gong Shangyu’s absurd mouth.
“Hmph! Dream on! Why on earth should I help you arrange a marriage between you and Master?”
“Even if it has to happen, it should be you helping to arrange a Marriage Alliance between me and Master!”
“My Gu family is also a great clan of Xianyang! Our influence is not necessarily weaker than your lousy Pill Cauldron Pavilion!”
Caught off guard by the sudden outburst, Gong Shangyu hastily leaned back, dodging her little sister’s claws, still unwilling to admit defeat as she stubbornly played the Senior Sister card.
“Hmph… Why? Because I’m older! Because I joined the sect before you!”
“You little brat, don’t you know about seniority and order? Do you understand filial duty? Can’t you just be happy letting your Senior Sister fulfill her wish by arranging a marriage for her and Master?”
“I think your butt must be itchy!”
“Pfft!”
Gu Qingying, seeing her attack miss, angrily retorted,
“What Senior Sister? That’s all outdated history you pulled out of nowhere! This lifetime, I joined the sect first!”
“So I am Master’s Head Disciple, his legitimate First Disciple!”
“Even if you just joined now, you’re still the Second Disciple!”
“Hmph… Gong Shangyu! You second-rate Eight Precepts disciple! Why don’t you hurry and call me Senior Sister to hear it?”
“You…”
The nickname “Eight Precepts Second Disciple” almost made Gong Shangyu jump in anger, her long pink hair behind her flickering like tentacles in a windless room.
“Gu Qingying! How many times have I warned you? Don’t call me by that pig’s nickname! Call me that again and I’ll put you under a silencing pill for three days so you can’t say a word!”
But Gu Qingying wasn’t scared at all.
Instead, she smugly raised her chin, hands on hips, clearly daring her:
“Hmph… Tell me to shut up? Why?”
She shook her head, deliberately dragging out her words, each syllable dancing on Gong Shangyu’s nerves.
“Anyway, that nickname wasn’t even given by me~”
Gu Qingying stepped closer, blinking her big eyes with a mischievous smile like a mouse who just stole some oil:
“It was personally bestowed on you by our wise, mighty, and far-sighted Master!”
“Bullying me? That’s nothing! If you’ve got the guts, go argue with Master! Why be so fierce with me here?”
Gong Shangyu was rendered speechless by Gu Qingying’s words, about to retort when Gu Qingying suddenly covered her mouth, emitting a laugh full of schadenfreude.
“Oh right, oh right—I almost forgot—this lifetime Master doesn’t even recognize you yet, Second·Sister~”
Tilting her head and dragging out the words, each one like a tiny needle piercing Gong Shangyu’s heart.
“Heh heh… In Master’s eyes, you’re just a strange pink-haired alchemist who popped out of nowhere with a little bit of skill~”
“He might even think your behavior is suspicious and consider you a dangerous person needing special investigation~”
Gu Qingying’s words hit like a bucket of ice water, instantly dousing all the flames of pride that had just risen in Gong Shangyu.
Gong Shangyu opened her mouth but found no words.
Then, visibly deflated, even her gorgeous pink hair seemed to dull.