23 RI

"Lord Fang Yuan, this way towards the secret room, please enter." In the dark eerie tunnel, a Rank two old Gu Master walked in front, leading the way for Fang Yuan.

The secret room that held all the Gu worm combination recipes of the clan, was not far ahead.

Fang Yuan advanced to Rank three, thus his status had a 180 degree change. All the fusion recipes kept in the clan - as long as they were not Rank four or five recipes, he had the authority to look through.

If it was a Rank one or two Gu Master, to look through the recipes, they would need to pay primeval stones or exchange using merit points.

This secret room was in the basement of the village, at a very hidden location. Even if the village was eradicated, this secret room would still remain.

Back then, the Gu Yue clan's creator, the first generation clan leader, found a primeval essence spring inside this underground cave, thus deciding to build his village here.

Through the generations of development and growth by the clan leaders, Gu Yue clan's underground cave had become the Gu Yue clan secret base.

Normally, ordinary Gu Masters did not have the rights to appear at this location. Only clan elders, the clan leader, and the Dark Hall's Gu Masters in charge of protecting the place had such authority.

Many Gu Masters had only been there once in their lives.

That is during the awakening ceremony, where the youngsters would come to the primeval spring sea, hoping to awaken their aperture.

Other than this, unless there is a special reason, entry to this underground cave is prohibited for all people. Even the Gu Master guarding the place is picked after careful consideration.

After all, the primeval spring in this underground cave is the entire foundation of the Gu Yue village. From the spring center, large amounts of primeval stones are produced, and that sustains the Gu Master cultivation of the entire clan.

In the tunnel, two sets of footsteps could be heard.

Far away, the sound of river water flowing sounded — that is the underground river in the cave.

A moment later, the Gu Master leading the way brought Fang Yuan to a rock door.

He patted his belly, and a Gu worm flew out of his aperture. As sparks flied, it knocked onto the rock door.

The rock door's surface rippled, like a rock thrown into the water. Soon after, the rock wall blinked and gradually faded away, showing the secret room behind.

The secret room's size was rather small, being only 666 ⅔ m². Every few steps, there would be a rock table half the height of a person. Tens of rock tables had a white jade plate on them, and on the plate there was a Gu worm silently resting.

These Gu worms had all sorts of colours, being around the size of a fist; they had very similar appearances, like silkworms. On its head, there were two compound eyes like bees or dragonflies, it was colourful and looked like shiny glass. However the surface was not soft, but covered in a layer of insect shell, and the shell even had golden lustre.

"Lord Fang Yuan, this is your first time to the secret room, so let me explain. These are Rank two Digital Shade Gu, all have recipes recorded in them. In the green Digital Shade Gu worms, almost all the Rank one recipes can be found in them. As for the red-black coloured Gu, there are Rank two recipes. White contains the Rank three recipes, and orange has the Rank four recipes. As for Rank five, it is contained in the most central purple Digital Shade Gu worms."

Beside him, the old Gu Master introduced appropriately.

Digital Shade Gu was a recording type of Gu worm. Just one step further in advancement, and it would be the Rank three Photo-audio Gu.

After the Photo-audio Gu is refined, it not only can store a recording, but can also record the voices as well. In the rock crack secret cave, the Flower Wine Monk used a Photo-audio Gu to inform Fang Yuan of the inheritance details.

But to record down recipes, voices are not necessary, thus the Digital Shade Gu is enough.

Fusion recipes, these were very precious. Using normal bamboo paper to record them, if they were stolen, not only can they refine the Gu Yue clan's specialty Gu worms, it is also a huge leak of the clan's information.

Knowing the enemy leads to easier battles, and experienced Gu Masters can learn about the strengths and weaknesses of a Gu worm from the refinement recipe.

Once it is leaked, towards a clan the loss would be severe. In future when they battle, the Gu Masters from that clan may also be disadvantaged in Gu worms.

Thus, recipes were strictly controlled, and as classified by ranks, stored appropriately.

Digital Shade Gu was easier to refine and had a low cost, thus it was a common method to contain recipes.

"Lord Fang Yuan, these Digital Shade Gu all belong to the Secret Hall clan elder. But it would not impede you from using primeval essence and browsing through. Just that with your current identity, you cannot browse the Rank four and five recipes. There's also two more things — the secret room is the clan's red zone, your every action here is observed fully in secret. Everyday, you can only stay here for fifteen minutes. Once the time is up, you must leave," the Gu Master continued speaking.

"Mm, I understand." Fang Yuan nodded.

"Lord Fang Yuan, this subordinate has no authority to enter, thus I will wait at the door. Once the time is up, I will bring you out," the old man bowed.

Fang Yuan walked into the secret room. Once he entered, the rock door turned from virtual to solid, trapping him in the room alone.

Walking in the secret room, it was peaceful. The echoes of his footsteps could be heard bouncing off the walls as the surrounding walls had Water Light Gu in them.

Their bodies emitted a light, wavering like water, interchanging between light and shadow, with layers after layers shining indefinitely.

Fang Yuan took a red-black coloured Gu worm and injected his white silver primeval essence inside. Immediately two beams of light shot out from the Digital Shade Gu's compound eyes.

He raised the Gu up, and pointed the eyes at the white jade plate on the table.

Two beams of light hit the white jade plate, and after some fluctuations, words started to appear.

This was the recipe on how to refine the Moonscar Gu.

First it listed the Moonscar Gu's strengths, which was the increase in attack distance, twice of the Moonlight Gu. The weakness was the subpar attack.

Next was the refinement recipe — Moonscar Gu is refined from fusing the Moonlight Gu and Scar Rock Gu.

Next is the important points for refining this Gu, the crux was — if during the refinement, some jade rock is added in, or done during a night when there is abundant moonlight and exposed to it, there would be a higher chance of success.

Lastly, it is the experiences of the Gu Masters who had attempted to fuse this Gu. This had the greatest content, almost up to ten thousand words.

Fang Yuan took a look and memorised some things to heart.

It was after all countless people's experiments and tries, and the experienced gathered from numerous attempts. Some information, even Fang Yuan did not know.

After all, Moonlight Gu is a unique Gu to the Gu Yue clan. In his previous life, he had never become a clan elder or came here to browse the recipes.

Time was limited, so Fang Yuan quickly took a look and placed the Digital Shade Gu back to its spot, then picked up a white coloured Gu to observe.

In the white Digital Shade Gu, there was the Rank three fusion recipes.

Most of the recipes did not suit Fang Yuan, as they needed Gu worms like Moonwhirl or Moonscar Gu as the base.

Fang Yuan did not look through closely; to save time, he skimmed through.

He first used the Moonlight Gu to fuse with the Little Light Gu to form Moonglow Gu. On that basis, there was only three refinement recipes worth using.

First was the Rank three Golden moon, with the same ten steps of shooting distance, but the attack power is increased once again. Once shot out, the golden coloured crescent moon would nearly be half a man tall, and had a strong imposing aura.

Second was the Frost Moon Gu. The moonblade becomes eerie white and icy, having an element of ice to it. Whoever it hurts will be invaded by the coldness, moving slowly.

The third is the Illusory Moon Gu. This Gu was more unique — it is not used to attack, but once activated, it can allow the Gu Master to create a shadow clone to attract attacks and confuse the enemy.

Especially when this Illusory moon Gu, once refined, can be used as the basis for the Rank four Moonshadow Gu.

"Moonshadow Gu can be implanted into a Gu Master's aperture and suppress them from using primeval essence." In the information on the Illusory Moon Gu, there was only some vaguely explained information about the Moonshadow Gu, as reference.

"Moonshadow Gu... isn't that the Gu worm used by the fourth generation clan leader to sneak an attack on the Flower Wine Monk?" Fang Yuan seeing this, frowned deeply.

In this world, there are countless Gu worms, and even with his five hundred years of experience, he only knew less than 0.001% of all the Gu worms in this world.

He originally had a rough idea of the Moonshadow Gu, but now that he knew the Gu worm's effect, suspicion rose in his heart.

Moonshadow Gu had a unique use. It was able to suppress 30% of the primeval essence in a Rank four Gu Master's aperture, 15% of a Rank five, and 60% of a Rank three Gu Master. That means, with a C grade talent like Fang Yuan, only having 40~50%, if they were hit by this Moonshadow Gu, they would be unable to deploy a single ounce of primeval essence, losing all their battle strength and were as good as crippled.

Of course, if it were Fang Yuan, if the Moonshadow Gu was used on him, it would be 'throwing a meatbun at the dog' - what's gone can never come back.

That is because once the Moonshadow Gu enters his aperture, the Spring Autumn Cicada will demonstrate its dominance, and under its aura, the Moonshadow Gu would be instantly refined by him, and become his.

What puzzled Fang Yuan, was not the Moonshadow Gu's effect, but the Flower Wine Monk.

"I remember that on the shadow wall, the Flower Wine Monk was bathed in blood, full of injuries. Firstly, his battle with the fourth generation clan leader and elders only gave him mild injuries. I thought those severe injuries were caused by this Moonshadow Gu, but to think that this Moonshadow Gu is only used to suppress primeval essence, crippling the Gu Master. Then where did the Flower Wine Monk get his severe injuries from?"

Fang Yuan's thoughts were meticulous, thus becoming more suspicious. Back then, when the Flower Wine Monk lost to the clan elders and escaped, what actually happened?

Moonshadow Gu was not the cause of his death. So then, what was?

At once, the originally clear Flower Wine Monk inheritance, became a complete mystery to Fang Yuan again.

"Lord Fang Yuan, it has been fifteen minutes, I believe you have had some gains. No matter what, please come again tomorrow." At this point, the door turned into an astral state again, as the old Gu Master stood outside and said respectfully.

"Okay." Fang Yuan's gaze shone as he put down the Digital Shadow Gu, leaving the secret room.

Regardless of whether it is the Golden moon, Frost moon, or Illusory moon, these refinement recipes were not what he wanted. That is because they all consumed large amounts of moon orchid flower petals.

Moon orchid flower petals were hard to store, only able to live for a few days. In Fang Yuan's plans, he wanted to leave the Gu Yue clan and roam the world. If he refined these Gu, without any food they would die in half a year. He might as well not refine them.

However, there were still Rank three recipes that he did not manage to see.

"I'll come again tomorrow, I guess." Such a thought flashed across his mind.

-x-X-x-

Second day, secret room.

On the shiny white jade plate, there was a recipe —

Blood Moon Gu.

Using Rank two Moonglow Gu and Blood Essence Gu to combine and form the Rank three Gu worm.

Once activated, the moonblade glows blood red, with the size of a face. If one gets injured by it, there would be a continuous bleeding effect.

"That's it." Fang Yuan's gaze swept through the information and memorised this recipe at heart. Then he closed his eyes and recited again, and opened his eyes to check. After several times, he checked that he had completely memorised this recipe in his heart, with no margin of error.

Compared to the Golden Moon, Frost Moon and Illusionary Moon Gu - the three classics, this Blood Moon Gu was much more unorthodox.

The former three's refinement recipes had almost a hundred thousand words of refinement experience. But this Blood Moon Gu barely had a few thousand.

It can be seen that through history, Gu Masters who chose this Blood Moon Gu were rare.

The Blood Moon Gu's attacking capability was average. It only had a ten meter range, and even the bleeding effect after attacking isn't optimal.

Gu Masters from Rank one to five had limited primeval essence, and could not sustain for a long battle to decide the victor. A bleeding effect, in the real battlefield, was only a small problem. Against a Gu Master experienced in healing, they could even have the ability to counter this.

Furthermore, the Blood Moon Gu had the biggest flaw.

Every few days of the month, it would ooze fresh blood out. The blood would flow uncontrollably and during this period, its attack power would be reduced to a third of the original.

But it had the greatest advantage that Fang Yuan liked.

It was easy to feed.

Much easier than the Golden Moon, Frost Moon and Illusionary Moon.

The food it needed was no longer moon orchid flower petals, but fresh blood.

Although the blood required was a lot, it was not limited to one type. In the Western Desert it might be a problem, but the Southern Border had all sorts of wild beasts in its forested and mountainous areas.

Killing them would allow easy extraction of blood. To the Blood Moon Gu, its food was all over the Southern Border, everywhere.

"Next, all I have to do is refine this Blood Moon Gu." Fang Yuan decided in his heart.

The refinement steps, as well as things to take note of, were all memorised by him. In his hand, there was already the Moonglow Gu, but the Blood Essence Gu was slightly harder to get a hold of.

The Blood Essence Gu was precious, being able to replenish the blood of a Gu Master. Those Gu Masters with it were always energetic and even if they got injured and lost a lot of blood, they could replenish it easily. Thus, their survivability in battle was much higher than others.

Xiong Jiang once desired a Blood Essence Gu badly.

If the Blood Essence Gu was paired up with the Roaming Zombie Gu, it would greatly reduce the side effects. It would allow him to be a zombie for a longer period without any worries for backlashes.

He was already a well to do Rank two Gu Master, and had a rather high position, but until he died, he did not get his wish fulfilled.

In the secret room, Fang Yuan looked at the Digital Shade Gu on the rock tables again.

There was still ample time today. Out of the fifteen minutes, he only used five minutes, so there was still ten minutes left.

The yellow Digital Shade Gu recorded the Rank four recipes. The purple Digital Shade Gu recorded Rank five recipes.

The owner of these Digital Shade Gu had always been the generations of each Secret Hall clan elder. But the one responsible for feeding them, is the clan.

Gu worms can be borrowed, as long as the will on the Gu worms concedes to it.

The will in the Digital Shade Gu is one with the Secret Hall clan elder. Fang Yuan as a newly advanced clan elder, is recognised by the Secret Hall clan elder thus he can freely use a portion of the Digital Shade Gu.

But the Secret Hall clan elder does not think Fang Yuan has the authority to browse the Rank four and five recipes, thus the yellow and purple Digital Shade Gu, even if he used primeval essence, there would not be any reaction.

The truth is, even if it's a wild natural Gu worm, it is possible to gain their recognition as well.

Those beast kings are like this, thus able to borrow the Gu worm's ability. Among humans, such situations occur as well, like the story of the Rank five River Swallowing Toad and Jiang Fan.

Of course, Fang Yuan could rely on the Spring Autumn Cicada's aura to refine these Gu worms and obtain the recipes, that was definitely possible.

But the consequences of doing that, is something Fang Yuan cannot handle yet. The benefits involved is not sufficient for him to act either.

"Actually the most precious recipe is not these Rank four or five recipes, but how to reverse engineer a Moonlight Gu. This Gu originated from the first generation clan leader, and on that basis, after hundreds of years, developed into such a scale and structure," Fang Yuan thought.

Gu fusion is to turn low ranking Gu worms into higher ranking ones, while reverse fusion is to turn the high ranking Gu worms, back to their lower forms.

Between rising and falling, because of different processes, what is obtained can be entirely different Gu worms.

The Moonlight Gu is not a natural Gu worm, but something gotten from reverse fusion by the first generation clan leader.

The Gu worms in this world were mostly new species created by many Gu Masters on the basis of natural Gu worms. Thus, even with Fang Yuan's five hundred years of experience, he still had limited knowledge of the entire Gu worm ecology. @@novelbin@@

And for the clan, they would definitely have one or a few unique Gu worms. These Gu worms were not the rare natural species, but a new species created through reverse fusion.

On this basis, Gu Masters can develop a strength unique to their clan.

Gu Yue clan's Moonlight Gu, Xiong clan's Bear Strength Gu, Bai clan's Stream Gu, these were all the same.

If they used a common and well-known Gu worm, they would be easy to deal with, and easily targeted.

A clan's foundation lies in the primeval spring, as it can produce primeval stones. Next is a unique Gu worm that can prevent one's strength from being completely deciphered. Lastly it is bloodline, bloodline and kinship are an important chain that ties a clan together.

Thus, don't look down on the Rank one Moonlight Gu - the worth of its reverse fusion recipe is far greater than Rank four or five recipes.

The recipe to reverse fuse the Moonlight Gu is normally kept by the clan leader. Other than the clan leader, the most loyal clan elder of that generation would also know the recipe's secret. At the same time, the Moonlight Gu recipe's Digital Shade Gu is also hidden appropriately.

Fang Yuan could obviously not obtain the recipe from this secret room.

"This recipe's value is very high, thus if I can obtain it before I leave, that would naturally be the best. But I do not have to force it." Fang Yuan was very plain about this matter.

For starters, he was not planning to create an organisation or force. The Moonlight Gu's recipe to him, was not a necessity.

"However, the Blood Moon Gu and the other Rank three recipes are what I need."

Although Fang Yuan was Rank three now and had white silver primeval essence, not all his Gu worms were Rank three, thus he could not display the true fighting power of a Rank three Gu Master.

"I have the Thunderwings Gu and Sky Canopy Gu, so if I manage to refine the Blood Moon Gu, I will have three Rank three Gu worms. But that is nowhere near enough."

Ordinary Gu Masters can rely on the clan. With the cooperation of their clansmen, as well as ample resources, they only needed three to four Gu worms.

But Fang Yuan wanted to roam the Southern Border and leave his homeland, thus he needed at least six Gu worms to deal with all situations.

With his experience, the six Gu worms had to be attack, defense, healing, storage, recon and movement - six attributes to provide him ample support.

For attack, the Blood Moon Gu barely qualifies. For defense he has the Sky Canopy Gu. Movement wise, even though the Thunderwings Gu uses a lot of primeval essence, it can allow temporary flight and is very powerful.

For healing, the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass is slightly weak. It is afterall a Rank two Gu, and even the advancement option is not satisfactory to Fang Yuan.

The Rank two Nine Leaf Vitality Grass did not have outstanding healing abilities. Its only advantage was creating the Rank one vitality leaves and from selling that, Fang Yuan can get a continuous supply of primeval stones, akin to a money tree.

But thereafter, Fang Yuan is going to travel to places where there are no inhabitants, so even if he creates the vitality leaves, no Gu Masters would buy them using primeval stones.

For recon, Earth Communication Ear Grass had a huge range, so even as a Rank two, it was still usable.

For storage, Fang Yuan had no such Gu. This was however, the Gu of the utmost importance. This is because after he starts travelling alone, the supplies are the most important, it can single-handedly become the basis of the other five categories.

Storing food to feed the Gu worms, his own food, and storing primeval stones.

Without primeval stones, Gu Master lose the power to cultivate.

On this matter, Fang Yuan had no progress. Before he obtains a satisfactory storage-type Gu worm, he will not leave the village.

"Gu worms for storage, the first condition is a wide utility, able to store food and primeval stones. Next, they have to be easy to feed, and lastly, it is best if they have the ability to prolong the expiry date of the items stored. But even in the resource board of the three clans, there is no Gu worm that I like. It seems I can only make use of the Chi faction and squeeze out the last of their savings."

Once fifteen minutes was up, Fang Yuan walked out of the tunnel as he continued to ponder.

"Lord Fang Yuan, hello." A middle-aged Gu Master stood outside, specifically waiting for Fang Yuan.

"You are?"

The person smiled, "I am Gu Yue Chi Zhong, the current acting medicine hall clan elder."

"So that's him," Fang Yuan realized, starting a close inspection of this person.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong had a proper appearance with a squarish face, and he showed an aura of stability. Similar to Fang Yuan, he was also a clan elder, but his cultivation was Rank three middle stage.

After Fang Yuan caused Gu Yue Yao Ji to faint, Gu Yue Chi Zhong had been ordered to temporarily lead the medicine hall, and his wife was an important member of the medicine faction, thus this was Gu Yue Bo's political approach to balance the two faction's rivalry.

But no matter what, Gu Yue Chi Zhong still managed to ascend to this role.

"This is three hundred primeval stones, the payout to the clan elders for this week. I know that you are here, thus I brought this over as well. I hope you do not mind me taking matters into my own hands," Gu Yue Chi Zhong said, handing a money bag to Fang Yuan.

"This man..." Fang Yuan squinted, taking the bag.

The clan elders' payout needed to be collected by the clan elder themselves. But Gu Yue Chi Zhong could collect it for him, so in some ways, this was hinting to Fang Yuan his status in the clan as well as his social network.

But this hint was also well-timed, as it showed a sign of goodwill, and was not aggressive.

"To speak the truth, I took the initiative to find Lord Fang Yuan this time, because I have a matter to ask of you."

Soon after, he went straight to the topic and mentioned his intention.

"Oh, you want me to turn in the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass?" Fang Yuan showed a deep profound expression.

-x-X-x-

Gu Yue Yao Ji had longed after Fang Yuan's Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, and thus, she exploited her authority to set a policy for the transfer of Nine Leaf Vitality Grass.

However, Fang Yuan advanced to Rank three and became an elder, responding with a powerful counterattack which caused Gu Yue Yao Ji to faint on the spot and let Gu Yue Chi Zhong take the stage.

A new officer in power has to display his authority, Gu Yue Chi Zhong took the initiative to find Fang Yuan and persuade him to hand over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass.

"Handing over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, it's not that it cannot be done," Fang Yuan said after muttering to himself for a bit.

There was a saying: what was true then isn't true now.

And now, the situation was different from before....

Previously, Gu Yue Yao Ji wanted Fang Yuan to hand over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass; that was an order, you had to hand it over whether you wanted to or not.

However, Fang Yuan was already an elder now and his status was equal to Gu Yue Yao Ji and others, and only lower than clan leader Gu Yue Bo. Thus, Gu Yue Chi Zhong asking Fang Yuan to hand over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass was not an order, but instead it was a type of transaction with equal benefits.

Nine Leaf Vitality Grass was indeed very precious; with its ability to produce vitality leaves, it was by itself a micro-scale source of revenue and was in high demand. Fang Yuan was now raising many Gu worms and a large part of their food expenses was supported solely by it.

However, this world didn't have anything that couldn't be sold. It was only a matter of the profits being too small to move the heart.

Nine Leaf Vitality Grass was precious but if an appropriate price was provided, why couldn't it be sold?

Gu worms were only tools; methods to achieve one's desires and ambitions. So what if it was the Spring Autumn Cicada? As long as the circumstances were suitable, why couldn't one give it up to exchange for an even larger benefit?

If one wants to obtain benefits, they need to learn to give up first.

Naturally, Fang Yuan had the awareness of this and looked at Gu Yue Chi Zhong.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong understood and smiled, "If sire is willing to hand over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, I will willingly compensate you with this command token."

Saying so, he took out a token.

This token's design was simple; it was triangular-shaped with smooth corners. There were words written on the front, pilling up in a pyramid shape —'Prize Token'; similarly on the back said —'Reward Contributions'.

Prize Token, Reward Contributions.

"Sire is a newly promoted elder, and may not be clear on some matters. This Prize Token is issued to the Gu Masters who have made great contributions to the clan. Even among elders, few possess it. With this token, you can go down to the clan's underground Gu cave and choose any Gu worm you like. The underground cave holds many rare, precious Gu worms. Among the top ten Gu worms in the exchange board, four of them have been selected from the underground Gu cave," Gu Yue Chi Zhong explained.

Fang Yuan was instantly moved.

He wasn't surprised about this, for Gu Yue Clan had stood high for centuries and it was impossible for there not to be any trump cards and accumulations.

In fact, any long-established clan would also have secret places to store Gu like the Gu underground cave.

But to obtain such Gu worms, one needed to have made great contributions and also should be loyal to the clan.

Fang Yuan only recently became an elder, so he was very far away from having such qualifications.

"I want to leave the clan so I need a storage Gu. This token is a good choice, but...." Fang Yuan had some worries.

If he had to give up the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, so be it; it was a great help to Fang Yuan, but he wouldn't have any use for it in the future.

Its healing ability was not outstanding and one couldn't continuously use the vitality leaves to heal.

Fang Yuan's worry was that there might not necessarily be his ideal Gu worm in the Gu underground cave.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong had been observing Fang Yuan's expression and he misunderstood the latter's hesitation, saying, "The underground cave holds not only Rank three Gu worms but also Rank four. Elder Fang Yuan, you won't be at a disadvantage. But, if somehow you regret it, we could re-exchange them. That can be done after some time, secretly."

Fang Yuan raised his eyes, unable to refrain from looking at Chi Zhong again.

"This is an outstanding guy," he sighed inwardly.

A new officer in power has to display his authority, Chi Zhong clearly understood why he was promoted; he had to strike a balance with not only the clan leader but also Chi and medicine faction. And at the same time, he needed to display his ability.

Fang Yuan transferring the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass over, held a special significance to him and he was willing to pay a high price for it.

"The world is vast, countless outstanding talents are everywhere! Under the wolf tide, the old timers are being sacrificed and newcomers are advancing. From a certain point, this can also be said to be a reform which allows the clan to preserve its vitality and stand high without falling," Fang Yuan thought inwardly.

Too many old timers will only create a rotting organization. Thus the process of elimination is the only way for an organization to continue working.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong was a representative of this.

The world was all about the survival of the fittest. A human body continues to live through the process of metabolism. A Gu Master shouldn't stick with the same Gu worms, only with change could they progress.

At this thought, Fang Yuan accepted the token from Gu Yue Chi Zhong and then handed over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass. As he had transferred it himself, Chi Zhong could quickly refine the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass.

Only after keeping this grass Gu into his aperture did he let out a big sigh of relief.

He had his own ambitions and being able to act as the temporary medicine hall elder was an extremely important opportunity to him. If he could grasp this, he might even assume the official post instead of temporary.

However, he would have to make compromises with the three sides if he wanted to achieve this. After all, politics was an art of compromising.

Yao Ji couldn't do anything to Fang Yuan while she was reigning. But after taking the seat, he was able to get Fang Yuan to hand over his Nine Leaf Vitality Grass. This not only showed goodwill to the medicine faction, being able to handle the political matters left behind by Yao Ji and subtly display his own ability.

Thus, he didn't hesitate to give up the prize token which he had got with great difficulty.

"Lord Chi Zhong, it's really delightful to chat with you. I wonder if you still have some time now?" Fang Yuan asked as he stored the token.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong's eyes flashed; he was puzzled.

After a while.

In a hall.

"We pay respects to the two elders!" Fang Yuan's uncle and aunt bowed and greeted. They were very respectful and even a little afraid.

After the news of Fang Yuan becoming an elder was announced, he became a model example for young Gu Masters, whereas it brought astonishment and panic to the uncle and aunt pair.

He was clearly a C grade talent, how could he advance to Rank three and become an elder so fast?

Even Gu Yue Fang Zheng who was an A grade talent was only at Rank two upper stage currently.

After the astonishment was fear.

They couldn't help but be afraid.

When they thought of how they had bullied and been so hard on Fang Yuan, their hearts trembled with fear.

What goes around comes back around!

It was not the same once he had an elder's identity.

They were afraid of Fang Yuan taking revenge on them after achieving success.

But still, in the end Fang Yuan came to their door, and also brought another elder with him.

"They came with bad intentions, bad intentions!" Gu Yue Dong Tu sighed in his heart.

Fang Yuan chuckled, "Uncle, Aunt, no need to be so courteous. Although I have become an elder, I am still your nephew. Come, let's all take a seat."

Saying so, he sat down on the main seat.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong sat beside him.

These two positions were usually where Uncle and Aunt sat; the seats of the family heads.

Uncle and Aunt, however, weren't the least bit discontent with the seatings. They were even full of hesitation and fearful when sitting in the lower seats.

This was the power of the clan elders.

Uncle and Aunt glanced at each other, they were on tenterhooks as they sat stiffly; only sitting near the edge of the chairs.

The servants came in with some tea.

Gu Yue Chi Zhong maintained his silence and didn't drink. Fang Yuan, however, took a sip calmly and asked, "How has Uncle and Aunt been these days?"

Fang Yuan was smiling as he asked, but in Uncle and Aunt's eyes it felt even more terrifying than him flying into a rage.

It was especially so for Aunt; when she thought of how she had insulted Fang Yuan, she started trembling with fear.

"Sigh, life had been in upheaval due to the wolf tide. The tavern was forced to close down and the rent of the bamboo houses has been decreasing. In fact, we are so poor that we're reaching the point of starvation," Uncle said, and then tears fell down from his eyes unexpectedly.

He used to maintain his health very well before, but now his face was no longer ruddy, while the hair near his temples had gone white and the wrinkles on his face had increased. His predicament was even more obvious due to the forceful enlistment.

However, Fang Yuan knew his uncle had managed the tavern for many years, so he definitely had some savings. The miserable appearance he was putting on now was because he was afraid of Fang Yuan's revenge, and wanted to use his pathetic look to gain Fang Yuan's sympathy.

"Uncle is usually so astute, but how could he be so stupid when the matter involves himself? If I had come to take revenge, why would I bring Gu Yue Chi Zhong with me?"

Fang Yuan sneered in his mind. He greatly disliked and had no respect towards his uncle and aunt, but this didn't mean they had no use.

"Uncle, Aunt, you have taken good care of me for so long, all my current accomplishments are due to your nurturing. I have just received the elder payout from the clan; these three hundred primeval stones, please take them." Saying so, Fang Yuan handed the money bag to uncle.

"What? This...." Gu Yue Dong Tu's expression was really wonderful at this moment.

His astonishment contained unease, the unease was close to fear, and under the fear was incredulousness.

Aunt who was at the side was also dumbstruck as she blankly looked at the money bag in Fang Yuan's hand.

What in the world was going on?

There was none of the revenge they had imagined, but instead, they were being gifted three hundred primeval stones?

Fang Yuan's words were ear-piercing, no matter how they looked at it. The words 'taken good care' and 'nurturing' were full of sarcasm which made them feel the whole situation was even more bizarre.

"What is he scheming?"

"What the heck does he want to do? How does he want to torment us!?"

Uncle and Aunt glanced at each other. Both were hesitating and didn't dare to receive the money bag. @@novelbin@@

"It is Elder Fang Yuan's filial piety, do accept it," Gu Yue Chi Zhong expressionlessly spoke from his seat.

"Yes, yes, yes." Uncle repeatedly nodded his head and hurriedly accepted the money bag. Even if he was called the hidden elder, that was nothing in front of the medicine hall elder.

He used both hands to hold the bag full of three hundred primeval stones. He normally loved money, but right now, he felt like the money bag was scalding hot and wanted to immediately throw it!

"Since uncle has received it, I will take my leave," Fang Yuan said and started leaving.

Uncle and Aunt immediately tried to see them off, but were stopped by Fang Yuan.

"Don't look anymore," At the corner, Mother Shen let out a breath of relief and said to her daughter Shen Cui.

Shen Cui's expression was gloomy, and she looked at Fang Yuan and Chi Zhong's figures from behind until they were completely gone.

"Mother, did I make a wrong choice?" She said.

An elder could take in a wife and two concubines; if she had been faithful from the start, who is to say that she couldn't be Fang Yuan's concubine at this moment.

"I really hadn't expected this. This Fang Yuan advanced to today's stage with only a C grade aptitude!" Mother Shen helplessly shook her head, "Daughter, cheer up. Fang Zheng has an A grade aptitude, his accomplishments won't be any less!"

"Yes," Shen Cui responded, and some luster emerged within her dark pupils.

In this world, the status of a common mortal was so petty and low!

How many things did she have that could move the great Gu Masters' hearts?

She had already given her body to Fang Zheng, that was the gamble of her life and she couldn't turn back anymore.

-x-X-x-

Howl—!

Four frenzy lightning wolves raised their heads and howled loudly.

Pit pat pit pat.

The rain poured from above as the curtains of water interweaved, and dark clouds roamed the sky. It caused the weather to turn dark, obstructing the vision of many.

"Quick, the northern gate has a breach, quickly go there, Sheng Nan group!"

"Healing Gu Master? We have a heavily injured person here!!"

"Kill, kill, kill! Kill all these bastard wolves!"

The wolves' cries were countered by the Gu Masters' shouting.

Almost everyone was bathed in blood as they battled ferociously.

Surrounding the village, battles ensued, spreading like wildfire.

The people's cheers, the wolves' cries, the sound of the rain, mixed in with the sound of the wind.

Uncountable number of lightning wolves rushed towards the village walls. The pitfall trap before the walls had already been flattened by a thick layer of wolf corpses, and as they were led by the numerous bold lightning wolves, the lightning wolves had a strong charging force together.

Rank one and Rank two Gu Masters fought bravely on the frontlines. Large amounts of moonblades flew towards the wolf packs, slaughtering numerous lightning wolves.

But the wolf packs still sent out lightning currents and lightning balls towards the village, bringing injuries and fatalities to the clan.

"Elder Fang Yuan, this is the medicine hall's newest injury report, please take a look!" A Gu Master in charge of transmitting information quickly arrived, and after seeing Fang Yuan, greeted him and handed over the report with both hands.

Fang Yuan was now a Rank three Gu Master, thus as a clan elder, his mission by the clan was to lead the Gu Masters in suppressing the western area.

Fang Yuan removed his attention from the battlefield and took the report, saying to the Gu Master, "You may leave."

The Gu Master paid his respects before taking his leave.

His speed was fast, and by using Gu worm to accelerate his body, he quickly left to the next area.

Any Gu Master in charge of information dissemination had at least one movement assist-type Gu worm, while some even had two.

Fang Yuan opened the report, taking a glance.

The injury toll on the report gave a feeling of considerable shock.

Until now, the wolf tide had attacked the village over ten times. The injury and death of the clan's Gu Masters was very severe. This led the clan elders to be so frantic, and the Gu Master that took over the medicine hall, Gu Yue Chi Zhong, felt even greater pressure. As a middle-aged man, he even had several white hair growing out some days ago!

But Fang Yuan had his previous life's memories and was mentally prepared, thus he was not surprised.

"This wolf tide is one of the most severe ones in the Gu Yue clan's history. Such injuries and death is unavoidable."

He thought this in his heart, and as moonlight gathered in his palm, he reduced this report to ashes.

This report, only clan elders had the authority to view it. If it was released to the masses, it would cause social instability.

Despite this, the Gu Yue clan was already in a panicky state, as the feelings of instability got stronger by the day.

At this point, the moonlight in Fang Yuan's palm was no longer the eerie blue colour, but of blood colour.

This is the Rank three Blood Moon Gu.

To refine this Gu, Fang Yuan had failed once, and only on his second attempt did he succeed.

As for the refinement ingredients, he naturally extorted Gu Yue Chi Lian for it.

Fang Yuan closed his eyes, his mind entering into his aperture.

In the aperture, the aperture walls were shining and dimming at regular intervals without a single drop of impurity; it was a pure white state.

His primeval essence was fully white in colour, but also emitted a lustre of a silver metallic glow — this is the Rank three Gu Master's white silver primeval essence.

Water gathers into a sea - in his aperture it was a white silver primeval sea.

On the surface, there was originally a black red residue, but now it was no longer there.

The Cleansing Water Gu he forced out of Gu Yue Chi Lian had long been used. The Man-beast Life Burial Gu's side effect was completely eliminated.

But this was not without a price.

Fang Yuan's aptitude lowered a little from 44% C grade — due to the Man-beast Life Burial Gu, it dropped by 2%, to a maximum capacity of 42%.

But this price, Fang Yuan was prepared for it.

In fact, it was all thanks to Gu Yue Chi Lian. If not for the Cleansing Water Gu and letting that black red residue corrupt the primeval essence any longer, Fang Yuan's aptitude would decrease even further.

A white-shell, black spotted ladybug danced in the air above the sea. This was the Sky Canopy Gu.

The Stealth Scales Gu with a stonefish appearance was deep inside the primeval sea.

Four Flavors Liquor worm was playing with the waves above the sea surface.

As for the newly refined Blood Moon Gu, its appearance was similar to the Moonlight Gu, residing in Fang Yuan's right palm, turning into a red crescent insignia.

As for the Rank three Thunderwings Gu, it resided in Fang Yuan's back as two lightning bolt tattoos.

To be worth mentioning is the Spring Autumn Cicada.

Its condition was getting better, and was recovering quicker. This situation caused Fang Yuan to rejoice and at the same time worry.

Spring Autumn Cicada is Rank six, but he is still Rank three, and at this time his aperture is unable to hold a fully recovered Spring Autumn Cicada.

The Spring Autumn Cicada's aura was getting stronger. Like using a paper tube to contain rocks, the aperture would not be able to handle the load.

"If I'm left with no choice, I can only raise it outside of my body," Fang Yuan sighed.

That had great implications.

Rank six Gu worms are implicated with Dao, containing the law fragments of heaven and earth. If left outside for extended periods, it would create a resonance with the natural laws, unless the Gu worm is slumbering. Otherwise the commotion would be huge, as it would cause all sorts of natural phenomena, attracting the attention and greed of other experts.

But this was a solution out of necessity.

Howl!

At this point, a loud shrill wolf howl suddenly entered everyone's ears.

Fang Yuan gathered his spirits.

"Lord clan elder, the frenzy lightning wolf has entered the battle! Gu Yue Jiang Jian and two others elders are at the eastern gate blocking them, they hope you can go and assist," a Gu Master frantically reported.

Crack!

The sound of lightning cracked as two wings sprouted from Fang Yuan's back.

These two wings were formed by blue lightning, the form abstract and simple. But with a flap, it brought Fang Yuan high into the sky, and with a fast speed, he sped towards the eastern gate.

Flying in a straight line in the air, Fang Yuan got to the battlefield in a few breath's time.

The frenzy lightning wolf was trying to break through the eastern gate, and a few clan elders were near the door aggressively engaging in battle.

The frenzy lightning wolf jumped abruptly out of the battlefield and with a swing of its tail, swept at a female Rank one Gu Master at the corner.

This Gu Master's face went pale. She could only hear the sound of the winds blowing as the wolf tail swept at her, and in her heart she screamed - "I'm doomed!"

With her ability, she could neither dodge nor take the hit.

But at this crucial moment, a shadow descended from the sky, hugging her.

The young girl felt the world spinning before her. When she finally recovered, all she saw was that she was flying in mid-air, while the wolf tail swept right below her; a two storey bamboo building took the hit and was shaking violently.

Her expression got dimmer. If she was hit right on by this tail, she would've turned into meat pulp.

Soon after, she realized that she was saved.

Who saved her?

She stared at this person, and was stunned.

It's him?

Gu Yue Fang Yuan!

At once, the young girl's heart was filled with complexity; it was impossible to describe with words.

She and Fang Yuan were classmates. Fang Yuan had formerly extorted her primeval stones, thus she hated him greatly.

But she had to be amazed at his achievements, especially after news of him advancing to clan elder spread, causing her to be in shock and admiration.

Compared to Fang Yuan, she was also a C grade talent, but was now only a Rank one.

Now, she was saved by Fang Yuan once.

He was a true lifesaver!

She was filled with gratitude towards Fang Yuan, and under her shock and admiration, her lingering hatred was also gone with this.

"The battlefield here is dangerous, retreat far away." Fang Yuan's wings flapped, landing on the ground and placing her down gently.

He had some impression towards this young girl. They were possibly classmates, but he could not remember her name.

Saying so, he turned around and left, no longer flying. Instead he sprinted, entering the battlefield.

The Thunderwings Gu's speed was fast, but its primeval expenditure was faster. Fang Yuan being only C grade talent, among the Rank three Gu Masters in terms of purely primeval essence storage, he is the lowest tier possible, thus he needed to conserve his primeval essence more than others.

Blood Moon Gu!

He threw a moonblade out.

The moonblade was blood red in color, and upon hitting the frenzy lightning wolf's body, it caused an injury that bled continuously.

The young girl's sight remained on Fang Yuan, staring at his shadow blankly. Slowly, her eyes started to shine in a mysterious manner.

Seventeen to eighteen years of age, this is the prime of youth.

"This Fang Yuan, what do you think of him?" Far away, Gu Yue Bo looked at this scene and asked a close aid.

The aid replied, "I heard that elder Fang Yuan had already answered the call of the medicine hall and handed in the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass in his possession. After getting the first payout, he gave it all to his uncle and aunt as a filial gesture. These days, he had struck personally and participated in killing lightning wolves. His aggressive and ruthless attacks have gained him much battle merits. Not only that, after saving many clansmen this time, his reputation is improving. The clan already has rumors—him turning over a new leaf, the Fang faction's new clan elder etc."

"This subordinate thinks that, although he is only a C grade talent, with his impressive battle capabilities, he had gotten great opportunities. First with his parents inheritance, the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass became a continuous source of income. Using two red steel Relic Gu, he managed to cultivate to Rank three, but also had an element of luck."

Saying so, this close aid showed an expression of slight jealousy.

He was also a C grade talent, but was only Rank two. Getting to this stage, he spent half his life doing so. But that Fang Yuan was merely seventeen years old, yet he was already a clan elder.

Competing with others, is really infuriating.

Hearing his aid's words, Gu Yue Bo nodded unnoticeably.

His close aid's words represented the view of majority of the people in the clan, but was slightly shallow.

Gu Yue Bo had been the clan leader for many years, thus he had greater foresight.

Fang Yuan handing in the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, he had obviously struck a deal with Gu Yue Chi Zhong. Handing his payout to his aunt and uncle was not out of goodwill, but a political show.

The person who spread news on this matter, was Gu Yue Chi Zhong.

As for saving people...whether it's true and sincere, there remains doubt.

But no matter what, Fang Yuan no longer isolated himself, and his actions were indeed worthy of praise.

Him advancing to clan elder and his actions thereafter, this was an initiative to get close to the clan and contribute to the clan. The clan's prosperity requires these contributions and relationships.

Thinking so, Gu Yue Bo instructed, "Those people in the Hidden hall, these few days they also did not find anything from their investigations. Forget it, withdraw the investigations on Fang Yuan for now."

"Yes, this subordinate shall inform them now." Saying so, he took his leave.

Gu Yue Bo stood on the ground, squinting.

He thought in his heart, "No matter what's the reason, his cultivation still rose too quickly. This Fang Yuan, he has a great secret on him! However in this period, with the severity of the wolf tide, every bit of strength is needed, and wasting it on Fang Yuan is too wasteful. Investigation is still necessary, but this can only wait after the wolf tide."

-x-X-x-

With a bam, the frenzy lightning wolf fell on the ground like a giant elephant.

It opened its mouth wide, but its eyes lost focus as life slowly exited its body.

On its body, there were injuries all over. As wolf blood poured out endlessly, the environment was dyed red.

The rain continued to pour as it diluted the wolf blood, and caused the blood to spread further into the ground.

The ground was muddy, and some elders were standing beside the frenzy lightning wolf corpse, taking deep breaths as their bodies were drenched by the rain. They were also covered in wolf blood and mud, looking like beggars.

"Finally killed it!"

"This frenzy lightning wolf actually had a defensive Gu worm in its body, and was so difficult to take down..."

"Luckily we had elder Fang Yuan's Blood Moon Gu accumulating injuries on it, or else it would have been even more difficult trying to kill it."

When the elders said this, they looked towards Fang Yuan.

Initially when they heard that Fang Yuan had refined the Blood Moon Gu, they felt disapproving towards it. But it seems now that, it was very effective in dealing with frenzy lightning wolves.

"I am flattered, fellow esteemed elders, if not for your assistance and protection, I would not have been able to attack so relentlessly." Fang Yuan wiped the rain water off his face as he said politely.

"No, no, it is our duty."

"We are old people already. We didn't feel it before, but after fighting together with elder Fang Yuan, we feel that we have truly aged."

"Indeed, indeed."

The several elders laughed together.

In this earlier battle, Fang Yuan had a strong grasp of when to attack and retreat. With his ruthless and savage attacks, many times his methods were even more effective than normal elders, causing the clan elders to see him in a different light.

Especially with his polite and humble attitude and no sense of arrogance, he is definitely not what the rumors said - that aloof and unruly person - thus the elders had a good impression of him.

"I still have many aspects that need to be learnt from all of you," Fang Yuan said respectfully, but his eyes shone with a dark light.

The Blood Moon Gu had pros and cons.

After using it for so many times, he had some insights about it.

The Blood Moon Gu specialized in prolonged battles, causing unhealable injuries. As time passed, the enemy's injuries would get more and more severe.

But this is established on the fact that there is no healing-type Gu worm.

Nature is balanced, there is no strongest Gu worm. Each Gu was bound to have strengths and weaknesses.

"Blood Moon Gu's greatest drawback is the few days of the month where it oozes blood and faces a rapid drop in battle strength. It is my main attacking method, so this makes it too unstable. But, after I get the Chainsaw Golden Centipede in the Flower Wine inheritance ground, I can cover this weakness."

These few days were a high alert period where the wolf tide continued to attack the village, so as a clan elder, Fang Yuan attracted even more attention than before and had no chance to go to that rock crack's secret cave.

"Quick, save our clansmen!"

"Sweep the battlefield, don't miss a single Gu worm!"

Seeing the frenzy lightning wolf fall, a group of healing Gu Masters immediately came forth.

"Esteemed elders, you all have exerted yourselves, please accept special treatment from our medicine hall." The leading Gu Master bowed towards Fang Yuan and the elders.

"Oh... medicine faction's Li Chen." The few clan elders recognised this person, nodding and changing their expression.

They were courteous to Fang Yuan, putting on a face full of smiles. But towards this person, they kept their emotions and displayed the authority of a higher-up.

This is the difference in status!

This Gu Yue Li Chen, is only a Rank two Gu Master.

"I have no injuries, I do not require treatment. Elders, let's talk again when we are free." Fang Yuan nodded to the elders.

"Elder Fang Yuan is so outstanding, he's not even injured from such a battle, what a true young hero!"

"Sigh, compared to elder Fang Yuan, we are really old."

"Hehe, take care of yourself elder Fang Yuan."

The few elders started to laugh as they said.

"Elder Fang Yuan, please pardon my rudeness, but do allow our medicine hall healing Gu Master to do a check up for you," Gu Yue Li Chen insisted.

He was a member of the medicine faction, and after Fang Yuan angered Gu Yue Yao Ji to the point of fainting, causing her downfall, he naturally had hatred towards Fang Yuan. But with his position and job, as the leader he cannot ignore Fang Yuan.

"Thanks for your goodwill, but it's fine. I'll see everyone again!" Fang Yuan patted Gu Yue Li Chen's shoulder, leaving with a smile.

The elders smiled or nodded to reply him.

Only after he left did their expression change rapidly, turning solemn.

This Fang Yuan, although only C grade, had grown to this point, it is truly hard to come by! Fighting together with him, they could feel his heartlessness and ruthlessness, but when thinking about it, they felt threatened. When they were seventeen, did they have such achievements?

Especially when they saw him smile as he patted the medicine faction member's shoulder, such talent in politics and scheming, it is truly stunning!

... @@novelbin@@

"Lord Fang Yuan, do you recognise me?" Along the road, a person showed a respectful expression as he greeted Fang Yuan.

"You are..." Fang Yuan squinted, recognising this person as his classmate. Only that he could not remember the name, but when he extorted primeval stones from him, this person always handed them up nicely. It shows his brilliance under that meek personality.

"Lord Fang Yuan, I am Gu Yue Ding Zong. To have the fortune to be your classmate, that is my honor. Actually, after news that you had advanced to a clan elder spread, many of our classmates admired and were envious of you lord, wanting to find an opportunity to discuss cultivation experiences with you. Are you free tonight, lord?" Gu Yue Ding Zong rubbed his hands, his eyes smiling into a line.

"Oh, is that so..." Fang Yuan's eyebrows raised, nodding, "Okay, but let me change my clothes first, this drenched attire is making me uncomfortable."

"I have already prepared warm water and new clothes, and several beautiful attendants are waiting for serve you Lord!" Gu Yue Ding Zong smiled, his expression very eager.

Fang Yuan shook his head to reject, "No, before that, I have to go to the underground tunnel."

"Ah I see." Gu Yue Ding Zong expression changed. The underground tunnel was only accessible to the clan elders, and to people like them, it was a forbidden ground in the clan.

Next, his smile become even more subservient, and his back was arched even further, as his tone carried a servant feeling, "Lord, go ahead with your business, this lowly one's time is not valuable, waiting for you is also an honor of mine."

Fang Yuan nodded, not speaking anymore and continued to walk away.

Gu Yue Ding Zong took a step back quickly, opening a path as he bent his back and sent Fang Yuan off with his gaze.

Entering the underground cavern again.

This secret room that contained precious Gu worms was very large, almost as big as the village square.

But the Gu worms contained inside were not many; there was only a few dozen.

Cave Declaration Grass, Air Return Cicada, Dried Bone Dragonfly, Phoenix Wing Butterfly... there were Gu worms varying from Rank two to four.

It was only that there was very little Rank two Gu, and among them was a Love Separation Gu — this is the number 1 poison Gu among the Rank twos, and injuries caused by it cannot be healed even by a Rank three healing Gu.

This Love Separation, is the one Wang Er owned back then. After obtaining it, the clan kept it here.

The most was Rank three Gu, while Rank four Gu was relatively little.

Fang Yuan did not have high hopes. Although the clan had some fortune, it is still a middle-sized clan and has competition with two other villages, as well as the pressure of the wolf tide.

But to think that, he actually found a desirable Gu.

Tusita flower.

This was a Rank three grass Gu shaped like a red lantern, and had round green leaves. The leaves were thick and fat, a total of three pointing at three directions in symmetry.

This tusita flower is the same as the tusita grass. Not only was it able to store food, but it could also store primeval stones and is one of the most ideal Gu in Fang Yuan's mind.

"To think that this Gu Yue village had the tusita flower. With it, I can cover the weakness of storage," Fang Yuan rejoiced, choosing it immediately.

"Actually, in the village there definitely is a Rank five Gu. Gu Yue clan had two Rank five experts in history, they were bound to leave behind some Gu worms. Except they cannot be placed here, these Rank five Gu are the trump cards of the village, fed by the village with all their resources. Though to say 'feed', it is actually more like offerings."

Fang Yuan left the tunnel. The rain had stopped but the weather was still gloomy. The air was also not fresh, as there was the smell of blood.

Fang Yuan changed to a clean shirt and slowly moved towards the gathering point.

"Elder Fang Yuan, you are here, it is our greatest honor to have you with us!" Gu Yue Ding Zong stood at the door, staring with wide eyes. From afar he could see Fang Yuan walking across the street, and he quickly smiled and received him.

He brought Fang Yuan into the bamboo building. There was already a feast prepared as many people were sitting there.

On seeing Fang Yuan, they quickly got up.

Soon after, all sorts of praises and flattering rushed like water towards Fang Yuan.

"Greetings to lord Fang Yuan."

"After so long, elder Fang Yuan's glamor is greater than ever, this lowly one truly admires you!"

"To be lord Fang Yuan's classmate, it is my luck from three lifetimes! Even thinking about it now, it feels like the experience of a dream..."

Fang Yuan's gaze swept across the table, seeing all his classmates; they were familiar faces, all of them people who he had extorted.

"My pleasure." He lightly smiled, sitting at the highest position.

"Serve the dishes, serve the best wine!" Gu Yue Ding Zong shouted, and the servants quickly got to work.

All sorts of dishes were served, their flavors top notch; this Gu Yue Ding Zong's family sure had some assets. To be able to serve such dishes during the wolf tide, it showed that he really paid a big price, showing his sincerity.

"Elder Fang Yuan, this lowly one toasts you!"

"Elder Fang Yuan, take your time to drink, I'll down this first!"

Fang Yuan was really very casual. With a cup of wine, he only took a small sip every time, but the people had no complaints towards this.

After toasting almost everyone and having drunk a decent amount, he suddenly held his cup and stood up, laughing, "The young are foolish, I was immature in the past and did some horrible things, I hope everyone can forgive me, and do not mind the past."

Once he stood up, no one else dared to continue sitting, and all of them quickly got up.

Everyone knew that the matter Fang Yuan was referring to was the primeval stone extortion.

They quickly shouted, "Not at all, not at all!"

"Elder Fang Yuan truly has character, a true hero!"

"To have my primeval stones eyed by elder Fang Yuan, that is our greatest honor!"

"That's right, that's right, elder Fang Yuan's glamor and heroism has always been engraved in my heart..."

Fang Yuan drank this cup of wine in one mouthful, as everyone cheered and clapped.

-x-X-x-

Fang Yuan put down his cup, sitting down.

Only then did everyone dare to sit down. Among them, not all the classmates were present. For example, Mo Bei, Chi Cheng, and the others with strong backgrounds, were not among the ones present.

"It's about time, I have to go. This was a well-organised meetup." Fang Yuan showed his inclination to leave.

Gu Yue Ding Zong upon hearing the praise, was overjoyed and quickly stood up, taking out a money bag from his pocket.

The bag was filled with primeval stones.

He smiled and bowed, "Upon hearing lord's wisdom today, I've felt a strong sense of enlightenment, reaping a great reward. This is a small gift, but I hope lord can accept my token of gratitude."

He talked a bunch of crap, and from the start of the banquet, he had been flattering Fang Yuan non-stop, so how could he have gotten any enlightenment?

But everyone else acted as if this indeed really happened, shouting loudly and urging Fang Yuan to accept his gratitude.

Fang Yuan did not reject, smiling lightly and naturally taking over this money bag.

Next, was the second, and the third, simultaneously coming up to offer their gifts, all primeval stones!

"Alright, alright." Fang Yuan smiled as he accepted them all.

Tens of bags filled with primeval stones, how could Fang Yuan carry them all? Gu Yue Ding Zong on seeing this, quickly summoned a few family servants to carry his load for him.

In this short amount of time, Fang Yuan gained almost ten thousand primeval stones!

Lastly, Fang Yuan slowly stood up, raising his cup once again, "Our encounter is by fate; this classmate relationship, both you and I remember it at heart. This is truly worth drinking over."

"Yes!"

"Well said, Lord Fang Yuan."

"Such perfect phrasing, taking the words right out of our hearts, this is talent no doubt!"

Everyone stood up, praising as they raised their cups.

They either had no background, or their background was not strong enough. Fang Yuan advanced to clan elder, and they were afraid of his revenge, but at the same time they also wanted to enter Fang Yuan's social network.

Fang Yuan smiled lightly, raising his hand and toasting with his wine cup.

At this point, the dark clouds dissipated, showing the lustrous moonlight enveloping the garden outside. The cool air was mixed with the smell of blood, and reality was extremely cruel.

But in this hall, it was exquisite with beautiful lights and decorations, overflowing with wine and fortune, and everyone smiled superficially as if they were in heaven on earth.

"This is the allure of the system." Fang Yuan's eyes glinted; as he stared at the wine in his cup, his mind thought about it.

Back then, when he extorted his classmates, it was only several primeval stones, but he incurred public outcry.

However right now, he didn't even have to say a word. Yet these people were all willing, fighting to be the first to give him primeval stones, each bag having over a hundred primeval stones!

This differential treatment - on the surface it looked like the result of Fang Yuan's elder status.

In reality, the truth was because he had previously been outside the system. Right now however, he had entered the organisation's higher management.

Under the system, the members are all exploited willingly. Even without any hints from Fang Yuan, they would come forth and bribe him. Some would use their network to get into his faction, while women used their charms to get closer.

It works this way in this world, and the same goes on Earth as well.

"This world's people are hilarious. Being robbed and extorted only for a meagre loss and they resist violently, screaming injustice. But bribing the higher-ups, sending gifts, bodies and virginities, they do it willingly. And they are even afraid that it's not enough! Being able to get so many primeval stones today, this is all borrowing the power of the system."

Fang Yuan laughed coldly in his heart, thinking of Gu Yue Qing Shu, Mo Yan and Chi Shan.

Talented people like Gu Yue Qing Shu having B grade talent, they had much greater cultivating talent than Fang Yuan!

But all of them cultivated slowly, staying at Rank two realm for a long time.

Did they not work hard enough?

Hehe.

Let's laugh a little.

This is the deprivation and pressure from the system.

Such deprivation and pressure, it is invisible. Ordinary people cannot even feel it!

Taking Fang Yuan's situation for example. The primeval stones these people gifted, if used on themselves, would definitely be a driving force towards their own cultivation.

Thus, bribery is a form of deprivation!

Numerous lower rankers fight to bribe the higher-ups. This was a form of gathering resources and fortifying the authority of the higher ups.

Other than monetary fortune, there is also the deprivation of time.

Elites like Gu Yue Qing Shu did not need to bribe others, but their time was used up. Telling you to do this and that on a daily basis, running errands, doing missions, but acting rightfully so - this is for the higher-ups' attention and favor!

If this time was used to cultivate, Gu Yue Qing Shu would've broken through Rank two peak stage and reached Rank three. Then using the Wood Charm Gu, he might've even been able to kill Bai Ning Bing!

The amazing part was that, the clan elders did not want this junior Gu Yue Qing Shu to advance to Rank three so quickly.

For such a useful pawn piece, if he really became Rank three and was on the same status as them, how can they make use of him?

Who is willing to have their authority shaved?

Thus, they consciously dragged and suppressed him, even using the reason of —— I think well of this lad, but he needs to train. Only by refining can he become a true jade...

Hehe.

"This is the truth of the system. If one cannot see beyond this, regardless of how heroic they are or how talented one is, they are merely tigers and dragons chained up, only being slaves. People like Gu Yue Qing Shu and Chi Zhong, no matter how intelligent or talented they are, so what?"

Although he had so many thoughts, his thoughts flashed in an instant, and only a second passed in real life.

"Everyone, please drink up!" Fang Yuan moved the cup to his lips, downing the drink in one mouthful.

Everyone quickly toasted him, not daring to leave behind a single drop.

"Goodbye." Fang Yuan cupped his fists, taking his leave. The family servants held the primeval stones as they followed behind him.

Everyone quickly sent him off.

"Please continue drinking, you don't have to send me off," Fang Yuan said, but everyone did not do so. Instead, they left their seats and continued their flattery.

Fang Yuan continued, "I like peace and quiet."

Seeing his expression, everyone finally got his intentions and remained in the hall.

Seeing Fang Yuan's figure leaving, some people sighed, while others remained silent, and someone exclaimed, "Elder Fang Yuan truly is a legend, such elegance..."

They were all frogs in the well, only able to see the moon from below, thinking about Fang Yuan's unrestrained position but not being able to see beyond the system's restrictions.

Actually, as long as one joins the system, they would be weakened, and their benefits would be sacrificed.

Even the clan leader has to sacrifice. He needed to manage the clan, and with this he contributed much of time and effort.

It is just that the members at the bottom of the chain are deprived more severely. The higher one's status is, the more benefits one will enjoy.

Initially, when Fang Yuan extorted primeval stones, he worked against the system, acting alone and not even sparing his own brother. That was to avoid this deprivation. Thus, he had ample time and energy to advance to Rank three and become a clan elder, causing numerous people to scream in wonder.

But now that he had undergone a huge transformation, becoming a clan elder, his temperament became mild and respectful with authority and status, enjoying the benefits of a clan elder, causing many to be filled with envy.

This separation and joining, entering and leaving, is filled with deep wisdom and knowledge.

But how many people can see clearly across this fact?

Fang Yuan was not exploited, but he still enjoyed the benefits. In the eyes of mortals, this is unrestrain and elegance.

...

"Alright, put the things on the table and you can go," Fang Yuan said.

The family servants did not dare to have an opinion, quietly placing down the items and bowing to Fang Yuan before taking their leave.

This is no longer the rented apartment Fang Yuan stayed in before. @@novelbin@@

After advancing to elder, the clan allocated him a brand new bamboo building.

There was a study room and a secret room for closed door cultivation in the bamboo building, but there were no family servants; Fang Yuan needed to find them himself.

"Tusita flower, come out."

Fang Yuan willed in his heart and with the injection of his white silver primeval essence, the tusita flower residing on his tongue as a tattoo came alive immediately.

He opened his mouth and spit out, only to see red light appearing as the tusita flower rotated gradually like a lantern in mid-air, floating and appearing in front of him.

Fang Yuan activated the tusita flower. Instantly, red light flashed and caused the entire area to be lit in a red hue.

When the red light shone upon the pieces of primeval stones, there was a formless attraction and all the stones flew out of their bags and entered the tusita flower.

A moment later, the red light dissipated and Fang Yuan opened his mouth. The tusita flower entered his mouth once more, landing on his tongue and turning into a red flower lantern tattoo.

"This tusita flower is a Rank three Gu, able to store primeval stones and other things. Among the Rank three storage Gu, this is one of the better ones, being able to store a max of thirty thousand primeval stones. But considering that I have to store other things as well, the most would probably be around fifteen thousand primeval stones."

Although it was his first time using this Gu worm, with his previous life's experience, he could quickly estimate the limit of the Gu.

Primeval stones are the most basic resource for a Gu Master's cultivation, undeniably.

Without primeval stones, Gu Masters would lack a driving force severely.

And primeval stones also help in quickly restoring primeval essence, so in battle it has a lot of help.

Especially for Gu Masters who travel alone, primeval stones are the most basic assurance for travelling. Normally, they would need at least ten thousand primeval stones to ensure that a Gu Master has the basic needs covered for a period of time. And every once in a while, they require replenishment.

A saving of fifteen thousand primeval stones, to Fang Yuan, was still too little, but also at an acceptable range.

"First I borrowed three thousand primeval stones from Chi Lian, and with today's earnings, I do not have to fret over primeval stones for a while. In the six classifications, I have the Blood Moon Gu and Sky Canopy Gu for attack and defense, Thunderwings for movement, tusita flower for storage, and Earth Communication Ear Grass for recon. I only lack a healing Gu," Fang Yuan calculated.

He previously had a Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, but Fang Yuan handed it up already, thus being able to get the tusita flower.

But for this Rank two Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, even in Fang Yuan's possession, the healing ability was not satisfactory.

"Rank three healing Gu worms, there are a few desirable ones. Endless Vitality Gu can sustain healing and expends little primeval essence. On this note, it is the best for Gu Masters like me with low aptitude. There's also the Undying Grass, a Gu that can save me as long as I have a single breath left, this is the best life-preservation type of Gu. The most optimum is the Self-reliance Gu, relying on the Gu Master's own strength. The larger the Gu Master's strength, the more it can stimulate the metabolism of the Gu Master and thus recover injuries faster."

But for these three Gu worms, how can Fang Yuan obtain them?

In the Gu Yue clan, he even checked the underground cavern, but found no such Gu.

On the resource board, they would also not display such a precious Gu.

The only hope lies in the Flower Wine Monk's inheritance.

But the chances were slim, Fang Yuan barely held any hope. He could feel that the Flower Wine Monk's inheritance was coming to an end. How could there be the exact Gu that Fang Yuan needs right at the end?

If that was the case, it would be too perfect, too idealistic.

But Fang Yuan knew how cruel this world was. Placing your faith in such a thing, that's naivety!

"But even so, I have to finish exploring this inheritance ground. At least for that Chainsaw Golden Centipede, I have to subdue it," Fang Yuan thought in his heart.

-x-X-x-