50 RI

With Wei Yang's successful bid of heavenly essence treasure monarch lotus's recipe, the auction ended.

Ju clan was after all a clan which had stood for centuries; it possessed deep foundations. Many auction participants obtained something from their collection while others were able to experience new perspectives.

"It is rare for everyone to gather together, do not leave now, let me host a feast." Fang Yuan urged everyone to stay.

In a restaurant, there were all kinds of delicacies, fine food and liquor, placed on jade plates.

"Brother Fang Zheng, this is the recipe you wanted." After three cups of wine, Wei Yang took out a heart engraved Gu and gave to Fang Yuan.

Heart engraved Gu was like a ladybug and was finger sized. Its whole body was scarlet red, and on its round carapace were four white heart shaped spots.

Heart engraved Gu was a storage type Gu.

It was almost the same as bookworm; they were used to store information.

Heart engraved Gu was a series of Gu that could range from rank one to rank five. A rank one heart engraved Gu only had one white heart shaped spot on its carapace, while rank two had two and so on.

This heart engraved Gu Wei Yang took out had four spots which meant it was rank four.

But, using a rank four heart engraved Gu to store the recipe of heavenly essence treasure monarch lotus was also normal.

Fang Yuan had spent six hundred and seventy thousand primeval stones for this recipe. He had made Wei Yang bid to avoid suspicions.

Seeing this heart engraved Gu, Fang Yuan did not accept it but said: "Since Brother Wei Yang had already refined it, it will be better for you to use it now so that I do not have to refine it again."

"That works too." Wei Yang nodded his head and poured his primeval essence.

The heart engraved Gu turned into a thin flow of pink light with a soft crackling sound. Under Wei Yang's control, the light flow entered Fang Yuan's heart and disappeared instantly.

Immediately, a recipe appeared in Fang Yuan's mind containing the method to refine heavenly essence treasure monarch lotus.

The main Gu worm for the fusion, all the supplementary materials, every step and every matter that needed attention was mentioned in it.

The contents could not be forgotten even if Fang Yuan wanted to forget them as if they were deeply imprinted into his heart. This was the ability of heart engraved Gu; granting a deep memory like it was etched into one's bones and heart.

A feeling of happiness emerged in Fang Yuan's heart: "I have heavenly essence treasure lotus but it is only rank three. It is still worth using now, but when I reach rank four, its use will immediately dwindle. Now that I have this recipe, if I can refine heavenly essence treasure monarch lotus in the future, it will no doubt be a great help to me."

Fang Yuan did not know heavenly essence treasure lotus' recipe. Obtaining this recipe was an unexpected joy.

Although this recipe had yet to be appraised, with Fang Yuan's plentiful experiences, he was able to give an initial judgement that the probability of this recipe being fake was very small. Otherwise, Shang clan would not have put it in the auction.

"But I still need some Gu to deduce it further and prevent any traps or errors."

"Now that I have bought this recipe, I am afraid some people have some thoughts about it. There will definitely be many people guessing if I have a heavenly essence treasure lotus."

"However, heavenly essence treasure lotus might be rare and precious, but it is not one of a kind and troublesome like the blood skull Gu. Otherwise, I would not be able to brazenly buy this recipe. Now, my Gu set assembly is nearing completion and with my cultivation breakthrough, I have fewer worries and there are not many problems in buying this recipe."

If it was before, Fang Yuan would not have bought this recipe so openly.

But now, he was only half a step away from rank three upper stage which he could reach in a few days.

After that, he would use white silver relic Gu and reach rank three peak stage!

His strength was completely different from when he first came, with the purple thorn token protecting him, plus most people were only guessing, the consequences were something he could accept.

"Calculating the time, Fang Zheng had already been in Shang clan city for over two years. His rapid development was really shocking. Heavenly essence treasure lotus..." Wei Yang thought while drinking wine, but did not speak out.

"Could it be Big Brother Hei Tu has heavenly essence treasure lotus?" Shang Xin Ci also inwardly guessed but did not ask.

On her first day of cultivation, Shang Yan Fei told her about the many taboos of Gu Masters. One of the taboos was to not casually inquire about the Gu worms other Gu Masters possessed.

To Gu Masters, their Gu were their butter and bread. It was their private matter, their secret and their trump card.

Once their Gu worms were exposed, it was very easy for others to target them.

Thus, among Gu Masters, it was a great taboo to ask what Gu worms the other held.

"Fang Yuan has heavenly essence treasure lotus, so he bought the recipe. This is understandable. But why did he give up bitter strength Gu to buy atmosphere Gu?"

Bai Ning Bing was sitting without speaking. She thought for a while but she could not see through Fang Yuan's move.

"Sigh, it would have been good if I was able to become a young master. Shang clan young master has an opportunity to apply for three Gu worms every year from the clan and the clan will search for the Gu without any charge." Shang Xin Ci said with a sigh.

This was a great policy by Shang clan to nurture their young masters. As long as the requests were not absurd, Shang clan would gather its strength to get the Gu the young masters wanted.

If Shang Xin Ci became a young master, it would be as easy as flipping her palm to get a bitter strength Gu by borrowing the whole clan's strength.

Fang Yuan had been searching for bitter strength Gu since long ago. One finally appeared in the auction, but Shang Ya Zi prevented him from obtaining it. Shang Xin Ci wanted to help Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan patted Shang Xin Ci's shoulder and smiled: "It does not matter. Who knows, maybe that Shang Ya Zi might hand over the bitter strength Gu to me."

"Second brother spent eight hundred and ten thousand to buy that bitter strength Gu, he has already become a laughingstock due to it. Wanting him to hand it over of his own accord, I am afraid it would not be possible..." Shang Chi Wen shook her head from the side, thinking Fang Yuan was indulging in fantasy.

"Could it be Big Brother Hei Tu has already thought of a plan?" Shang Xin Ci's eyes flashed with brilliance.

Wei Yang and others also looked over curiously.

Fang Yuan pointed at Bai Ning Bing, looking confident: "Everything is thanks to Ning Bing."

"Me?" Bai Ning Bing was stupefied.

"Speak quickly, what clever idea do you have?" Everyone could not help becoming more curious.

"You will find out in two to three days. Please wait till then." Fang Yuan laughed.

He then looked at Shang Xin Ci with a solemn expression: "Xin Ci, do you really want to become a young master? Becoming a young master means entering the political whirlpool and you will no longer have the freedom to act independently. You are now clearer of Shang clan's situation than me. The competition between Shang clan young masters is very intense, the struggle is even more bloody. If you want to become a young master, you will fall into this dangerous conflict."

This was the most crucial of matters; Fang Yuan needed a clear answer.

If Shang Xin Ci did not have such an aspiration, there was no point in helping her.

Under Fang Yuan's shining gaze, Shang Xin Ci smiled: "Big Brother Hei Tu, even now, do I really have freedom? I am also completely helpless in this."

"The whole journey to Shang clan city after joining the caravan was filled with untold dangers, I narrowly escaped death many times. I have reflected upon it; the world is an ocean and we are small boats on it. The small boats seem to be drifting freely with the flow, but most of them are helpless. Only with high cultivation and influence, can the small boat turn into a big boat and be able to resist the trials and hardships, to provide a safe area for the ones we care about."

Shang Xin Ci's words were ordinary and did not seem to contain any passion, but everyone could feel a heroic emotion from her.

"Great. You have aspiration." Wei Yang laughed.

Shang Chi Wen also threw an amazed look.

She had interacted with Shang Xin Ci for a fairly long time now but had never expected the latter to conceal such grand aspirations under her gentle appearance.

"My missy is a genius in business, she is more than capable of being a Shang clan young master." Xiao Die stood behind Shang Xin Ci and interjected proudly.

"Xiao Die..." Shang Xin Ci was embarrassed as she gave Xiao Die a stare.

Xiao Die simply stuck out her tongue.

"Haha, she is right. In that case, both of us will lend you a hand and help you become Shang clan young master." Fang Yuan laughed loudly as he felt a relief.

It was not strange for Shang Xin Ci to have such an aspiration.

Poor children matured early, Shang Xin Ci's childhood was not blessed as she was frequently bullied by her clansmen. She became clear of the cruelty of the world even more in the caravan due to her own negligible weak self. No matter how gentle the person was, they would still be greatly affected by such experiences.

However, Shang Xin Ci's nature was kind, different from Fang and Bai. She wanted to become strong, not only for herself, but more for the happiness of the people around her.

"Hehehe, this year's young master examination has already passed. Sister Xin Ci will have a chance in the coming year. But, the competition for the young master's position is very intense. Lord father has a lot of children; while there is only one young master position available every year, the number of competitors can amount to hundreds." Shang Chi Wen chuckled and gave advice to Shang Xin Ci.

However, she disapproved of this in her heart.

Shang Xin Ci's cultivation was very low, only at rank one upper stage now. Her aptitude also was not enough, not even having a B grade aptitude, so she did not have potential for development.

Her mother was from Zhang clan which had deep hatred against Shang clan. This was her greatest political disadvantage.

She was alone with no supporters, who would help her?

Her only advantage was that Shang Yan Fei doted on her. For her, Shang Yan Fei paid an enormous price, almost defying heaven, changing her hopeless aptitude into one which could cultivate. This was a treatment that none of his other children received.

However, this advantage was also a disadvantage in some aspect.

Shang Xin Ci was isolated. And even Shang Chi Wen was envious of her inwardly.

All these reasons made Shang Xin Ci unlikely to get the young master position, the chances were extremely slim.

Fang Yuan naturally was clear of these disadvantages. In his previous life, Shang Xin Ci became a young master only after six years. But things have changed, Shang Xin Ci was a lone force in his previous life, but in this life she has Fang Yuan's help...

"Xin Ci, do not worry. With me helping you, there is no need for next year, I will help you become a young master this year!" Fang Yuan laughed loudly

"Then I will wait and see." Shang Chi Wen had a smile on her face while inwarding curling her lips in disdain, feeling that the more Fang Yuan spoke, the more unreasonable he became, boasting so wildly.

Wei Yang put down his wine cup: "Brother Fang Zheng, the competition for Shang clan's young master position is not a small matter. As an elder of the clan, I cannot interfere in this."

"There is no need for Brother Wei Yang's help. The plan had already been made two years ago, and it is all thanks to Ning Bing." Fang Yuan smiled.

"Eh?"

Instantly, the gazes of everyone concentrated on Bai Ning Bing.

Becoming the center of attention, Bai Ning Bing still maintained her indifferent expression, but doubts started rising in her mind and she could not help but curse secretly.

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Ning Bing, Ning Bing, calling my name so affectionately, does he really think our relation is that great!"

-x-X-x-

In the blink of an eye, three to four days passed.

"Bitter strength Gu..." In the study room, Shang Ya Zi held the Gu in his hand, his eyebrows folding into a crease, as he had an overwhelming urge — to crush this Gu worm to death!

But he had to control himself.

This bitter strength Gu cost him eight hundred and ten thousand primeval stones, if he crushed it, his heart will ache.

Every time he looked at this Gu, Shang Ya Zi felt extremely gloomy.

He had an illusion that the bitter strength Gu was soundlessly mocking him, reminding him of his stupidity every single second!

At the auction a few days ago, he was tricked by Fang Yuan in front of everybody.

Right now, he was a laughing stock. Even his surrounding clansmen refused to meet him.

Nevermind if he was an idiot, but he was a Shang clan young master, such a deed brought shame to the entire Shang clan!

As a Shang clan young master, Shang Ya Zi's every action represented Shang clan and carried its image. His performance at the auction was not only a humiliation to himself, but also dragged the pride and glory of his Shang clansmen through the mud.

As for Shang Yan Fei, he did not say a word regarding this matter.

But this made Shang Ya Zi feel even more uneasy.

"No, I must salvage my reputation. I have to make sure father looks at me in a different light, I must change my clansmen's impression of me!" Shang Ya Zi gritted his teeth, deciding in his heart.

"Fang Zheng, you dare to oppose me, and played me like a fool. I will make sure you pay a terrible price!" His eyes shone with a dark sinister glow, flickering as he thought of ways to deal with Fang Yuan.

After this matter, his hatred towards Fang Yuan had reached a tipping point, it was hatred that seeped into his soul.

"Young master, young master, there is trouble!"

At this moment, a loyal servant came over, shouting in front of the study room.

"Why are you so frantic, is this the proper decorum? Get in here!" Shang Ya Zi scolded unhappily.

The room door was pushed open, as the servant kneeled on the floor, his face flushed with terror: "Young master, there is trouble. There's a rumor going around, it has spread all over Shang clan city. It says that you and Fang Zheng had once competed for Lady An Yu but you lost to him. That resulted in a grudge between you two, thus you went to find trouble with Fang Zheng."

"Lady An Yu? That Qin Yan brothel's prostitute? What rubbish is that." Shang Ya Zi curled his lips, laughing in disdain.

But the servant continued: "They are also saying, you had a secret deal with Fang Zheng in order to pass the yearly assessment, and... and faked the accounts."

"What?!" Shang Ya Zi heard this and howled, his expression changing. He jumped out of his seat, causing the brush and ink on his table to vibrate and fall.

The servant continued carefully but anxiously: "Young master, the rumor is so elaborate, they even have the transaction time, and the exact amount of the account is circulated. It seems the clan's internal affairs hall has been alerted, and they are sending Gu Masters here to investigate the matter."

"Huh?!"

Shang Ya Zi was dumbfounded, as if lightning struck his brain.

At that instant, his face went pale, like blood drained out of his body.

His heart palpitated, his body went soft as he almost fell onto the ground. Holding on to the study table weakly, he propped himself up.

This impact was too quick, too heavy, too sudden!

"I'm finished, completely finished. Once the matter of the fake accounting is exposed, I will lose the position of young master. This violates the clan rules, even mother cannot protect me. There is no point in begging father either! Once I lose this position, there are countless people waiting to devour me."

As the crisis struck, Shang Ya Zi was extremely frightened, falling into a state of panic.

"How can such news circulate? I was completely careful during the deal, other than Fang Zheng, no other person knew. Impossible, it's impossible..."

Shang Ya Zi muttered to himself as his expression was in a daze.

He was still too young, without any life-threatening dangers to train him, although he managed the shops for two years, and had good management skills, he only scratched the surface. Once a problem occurs, he becomes shocked and helpless.

...

Nan Qiu garden, the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

Light winds blew, causing small waves to form on the surface of the lake.

The lake was not big, the edges were made of stacked up rockery stones.

On the surface of the lake, there were large lotus leaves, connected together like a chain, the pink-white flowerbud had not opened yet. Gold and orange carps swam in the water, surfacing at times.

The pavilion was made of bricks and had a colorful roof and red pillars, it was obviously meticulously designed.

In the pavilion there was a chessboard, and two youngsters were playing.

One young man wore black clothing, his eyes dark like the abyss. The other was a female wearing white clothing, having silver hair and blue eyes, showing a cold expression.

It was Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing.

Bai Ning Bing played for a bit, before looking outside at the lake: "This Shang Ya Zi is really stupid, his reaction speed is so slow. I sent out the rumor long ago, why hasn't he come here yet?"

"No worries, I have instructed the guards to let him in, he will come." Fang Yuan smiled, showing his confidence of being in control of the situation.

After panicking, Shang Ya Zi would definitely suspect Fang Yuan. Thus, he would come over and investigate the situation, even if he had no suspicions, he would come to convince Fang Yuan to cover up for him, to survive this investigation by Shang clan.

Bai Ning Bing squinted her eyes, sighing: "Fang Yuan, I am really impressed, you actually managed to exploit this 'loophole' in the poison vow Gu. You planned this from two years ago, didn't you? Just waiting and enduring, until the time was ripe to activate this trap." @@novelbin@@

Fang Yuan smiled, playing his chess piece as he answered: "Shang Ya Zi is a petty man, he will definitely take revenge. Why would I leave such a threat around? I did not use this earlier because Shang Xin Ci just had arrived in Shang clan and did not have a foundation. Gone with Shang Ya Zi, and in comes Shang Xin Ci, that is beneficial to both of us."

Bai Ning Bing did not speak anymore, but her eyes were shining with blue light.

In her heart, she felt a chill.

Fang Yuan's schemes came one after another, closely connected, once a person steps into it, it is like being in quicksand, trapped and helpless. The most shocking part was, he planned this two years ago after predicting this situation. Such foresight, it gave people chills, Shang Ya Zi was courting death by being enemies with him!

"Fang Zheng, where are you? Get out here now!" Shang Ya Zi's furious screams finally came.

The pavilion on the lake was not concealed at all, after Shang Ya Zi was informed by the doorboy, he quickly found Fang and Bai.

"Fang Zheng, you still have the mood to play chess? Do you know how far the rumors have spread? Tell me, was this all done by you!" Shang Ya Zi came to the pavilion, pointing at Fang Yuan as he shouted furiously.

Fang Yuan turned his body around, speaking plainly: "If this was done by me, would I be alive? Shang Ya Zi, I can't believe you are getting dumber and dumber. Did you forget that we used the poison vow Gu together?"

Shang Ya Zi snorted, his anger subsiding slightly. Fang Yuan was right, if he was the culprit, he would have been dead already. Now that he was sitting there safe and sound, it meant the rumors were not due to him.

But Fang Yuan's next sentence sent him into pure rage.

"Although I did not create the rumor, my companion Bai Ning Bing did."

Shang Ya Zi was stunned, his relaxed face turned bright red, like a meteor entering the atmosphere.

An intense rage grew in his heart.

"It was you, it was done by you! You bitch, I am going to kill you!" He screamed, his eyes red with anger, as he stared at Bai Ning Bing like he was going to devour her. His aura was insane, like a leopard or wolf trying to attack its prey.

"Oh? You want to strike here? Attack me?" Bai Ning Bing slowly stood up, her absolutely stunning face was cold as ice, as her icy tone contained strong disdain: "I am rank three peak stage, I have never lost a single battle in the battle stage, and I possess the purple thorn token, do you really want to fight to the death with me?"

Shang Ya Zi's facial muscles twitched, as he gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with fire as he stared fiercely at Bai Ning Bing.

He did not attack in the end.

He was rank three upper stage, and lived in an ivory tower all his life, he was not Bai Ning Bing's match. At the same time, Bai Ning Bing had the purple thorn token, something Shang Yan Fei gave her personally.

"Fang Zheng, you went back on your word, you will die a painful death! How did she know our deal? No wait, you went back on your word, why are you still alive?! Did you find some way to disable the poison vow Gu?" Shang Ya Zi turned to look at Fang Yuan, feeling uncertain.

"No, no." Fang Yuan shook his head: "The poison vow was — You and I will keep it a secret, and we 'cannot divulge the information to an unknowing third party'. But before the poison vow Gu was used, I already told Bai Ning Bing this matter. Thus, she was a 'knowing third party'. The rumor was also not let out by me. It was all Bai Ning Bing's effort. Thus, I did not violate the poison vow at all."

Shang Ya Zi opened his mouth wide, showing a dumbstruck expression.

Now that Fang Yuan mentioned it, the vow was indeed like this.

Then why did he not find out this loophole back then?

One, because of his mindset, he did not think Fang Yuan would tell Bai Ning Bing before they even discussed the issue. 'Cannot divulge the information to an unknowing third party', just looking at this sentence, there was no problems.

Second was because he was the one who initiated the use of the poison vow Gu, Fang Yuan looked unprepared and caught off guard, but he had actually predicted it long ago and was just trying to numb Shang Ya Zi's senses.

Third, Shang Ya Zi wanted to remain as a young master, and had no other ways. He was anxious and because the vow reciting was extremely painful, he could not think properly.

But now that he knew, it was already too late...

"Fang Zheng, you shameless scoundrel! You dare to trick me and deceive me like this! You are a despicable scum, so extremely despicable and shameless!"

-x-X-x-

Shang Ya Zi breathed raggedly, the more he scolded Fang Yuan the angrier he got.

"Ah!" He howled, no longer able to suppress his anger, and flipped the stone table.

The chess pieces were sent flying, and the table almost hit Fang Yuan's leg, but he dodged in time.

Shang Ya Zi took three steps backwards, his head dizzy and two traces of blood flowed down his nose.

"Shang Ya Zi, I'd advise you to calm down. The poison vow states you cannot harm me. Thank me for dodging, if the stone table hit my leg, your injuries would be more severe." Fang Yuan laughed lightly.

"Ah! Fang Zheng, I will tear you to shred, I want to pull out your tendons, skin you alive and devour every drop of blood and piece of flesh you have!"

Fang Yuan's smile became wider.

Bai Ning Bing frowned: "Shang Ya Zi, you had better shut up. If not, I'll throw you out by force! You are a Shang clan young master now, but that does not mean you'll stay one for long. You are finished now, the internal affairs hall has started investigating, you do not have many days left here."

Her words were like a bucket of cold water pouring on Shang Ya Zi.

That's right, he was going to lose his young master position! Saving his position was the crucial thing!

But how could he save it?

Whoever started the trouble should end it, he had to look at the source. He could only ally with Fang Yuan, to announce his innocence and deny any acts of fake accounting.

In fact, his original intent in coming to Nan Qiu garden was to find Fang Yuan to collude with him!

Shang Ya Zi felt a disgusting sickness in his heart as he thought about it.

"These two scoundrels, they are the culprits in causing my situation! I want to eat their flesh and drink their blood, but now I have to beg them to cooperate with me?"

Shang Ya Zi could not accept such an ending, his heart could not take it.

Fang Yuan observed his expression, and saw Shang Ya Zi in turmoil, thus he said: "Shang Ya Zi, I am actually a kind person, I always repay kindness with gratitude and hatred with revenge. If you did not find trouble with me multiple times, caused trouble for me secretly, even going to the extent of snatching the bitter strength Gu from me at the auction, why would I find trouble with you?"

"I admit, the poison vow did contain a loophole. But it has been two years since I came to Shang clan city. Have you seen me use it? If it was not you who went overboard, why would we reach such a state? All of these problems were single-handedly caused by you. I told the guards to let you in because I want you to know — your Shang clan is strong and I cannot afford to offend it, but you are just a young master, I am not afraid of going against you. Leave, I do not wish to make your life harder."

" Loosening the reins to grasp them better ... what beautiful words." Bai Ning Bing glanced at Fang Yuan, a cold ridicule showing in her eyes.

But Shang Ya Zi did not leave.

He stood on the spot, motionless like a wooden pole.

His expression was constantly changing, turning pale and green alternatively, sometimes he looked ruthless while at times he frowned in deep thought. In no time his forehead was full of sweat, as he had evidently fallen into great conflict with himself.

Fang Yuan's words made Shang Ya Zi realize that their relationship had not reached the worst stage yet, there was a chance to salvage the situation.

It also reminded him that the bitter strength Gu was the reason for this.

"To protect my young master position, I have to make sure Fang Zheng cooperates with me. Cooperate..." Shang Ya Zi gritted his teeth, thinking of the bitter strength Gu.

"Do I really give it to him? I spent eight hundred and ten thousand on this!"

"What would others think of me if I give it to him? They might laugh their socks off!"

"But if I don't, how can I show my sincerity? How could I salvage our relationship?"

"I am indignant, in the end, I bought the Gu just for his sake! This is the biggest humiliation of my life!"

"Because of Fang Zheng, I spent eight hundred and ten thousand to buy a bitter strength Gu, causing everyone to mock me. Now, I have to hand the Gu over to him, isn't this just pathetic?"

"No, the bitter strength Gu is not the point, what's important is protecting my young master position. Without it, I am nothing, I will have nothing..."

In a short period of time, Shang Ya Zi considered his options, thinking until his ear were buzzing.

Fang Yuan knew it was time when he saw that pale face, dazed look, and swaying body.

"Shang Ya Zi, we told you to leave, why are you still here? Forget it, you pitiful soul, I do not want to bully you. Let's go Bai Ning Bing, I heard Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu are fighting in the battle stage today. If we want to dominate the battle stage, we need to battle them, this is a good opportunity to learn about them." Fang Yuan sent a signal towards Bai Ning Bing.

Bai Ning Bing stood up and pretended to leave, just as she took two steps, Shang Ya Zi spoke.

"Please stay here." His voice was coarse.

As he spoke, he called out the bitter strength Gu, and held it out with shaking arms.

"Fang Zheng, it was my fault earlier. This is the bitter strength Gu as an apology." As he said this, Shang Ya Zi felt extremely reluctant, but he got used to it as he spoke, and towards the end, Shang Ya Zi felt the huge burden lifted off his shoulders.

"This is the bitter strength Gu?" Bai Ning Bing stopped her steps, taking a glance.

This bitter strength Gu was like a beetle. A small body and large body, it's body was oval and palm-size. Its body was yellow brown, and had an uneven surface, as lumps grew on its back.

"He handed over the bitter strength Gu as expected, Fang Yuan must be overjoyed now huh?" Bai Ning Bing sighed in her heart, Fang Yuan's grasp at human behavior was way beyond her level.

Fang Yuan laughed loudly, but said: "Shang Ya Zi, I know what you mean, but do you think I can't survive without the bitter strength Gu? Although it is hard to refine, if I persevere, I will eventually obtain it. Do you think you can create problems for me when you feel like it, then reconcile when you need to? Fighting when you want to, making peace when you feel like it, is this world such an easy place? I, Gu Yue Fang Zheng, have my own dignity, are you trying to humiliate me?"

"You are mistaken." Shang Ya Zi quickly explained.

Fang Yuan snorted.

Shang Ya Zi elaborated anxiously: "I, Shang Ya Zi, swear, from today onwards, I will not create problems for you. The two of us can become good alliance mates, fighting among ourselves will only entertain outsiders. Other than the bitter strength Gu, I can make other compensations. Primeval stones, Gu worms, Gu refinement material, I am in charge of the shops, I can give them to you."

"Is that so..." Fang Yuan's expression relaxed.

Shang Ya Zi continued urging.

Bai Ning Bing became an outsider, watching this speechlessly.

Shang Ya Zi not only took out the bitter strength Gu, begging Fang Yuan to take it, but also had to compensate other materials.

But she knew that he was just trying to get over this crisis. Shang Ya Zi was a petty man, he would definitely take revenge in the future.

"I'll keep the bitter strength Gu, I need time to think about it." Eventually, Fang Yuan did not make a decision.

But this was enough for Shang Ya Zi to rejoice.

He thought that Fang Yuan was too proud and was trying to make use of the situation to ask for more compensation.

"I'll agree to all of them, in the future, I'll make sure you die horribly!" Vicious thoughts appeared in Shang Ya Zi's mind, as he smiled even more sincerely.

"Brother Fang Zheng, I am very sincere. Please do not take too long to consider, the internal affairs hall's investigation will be held these few days. Without the young master position, I would not be able to compensate you."

Fang Yuan nodded, no longer talking.

Shang Ya Zi left in a better mood, as Fang Yuan look at him from behind, he said to Bai Ning Bing: "Okay, you can go report the case at the internal affairs hall already."

Bai Ning Bing nodded, thinking: Tonight, I must go back and reread the vow I made with Fang Yuan, word by word!

...

A few days later.

In the study room, a sigh was echoing.

Shang Yan Fei placed his paperwork down expressionlessly.

The content was sent from internal affairs hall, involving Shang Ya Zi's fake accounting case.

Such a thing, it was okay to do it secretly. But once exposed, how could the clan tolerate it?

Shang Ya Zi was Shang Yan Fei's second son, the sigh earlier was a father's disappointment in his son.

"Revoke his young master status and punish him to join the slave capturing group, he is not to return here for three years." Shang Yan Fei raised his brush and wrote the punishment for Shang Ya Zi.

He is the Shang clan leader, because of this identity, he had to represent the entire clan. His every action and word had considerable consequence. @@novelbin@@

"Fang Zheng, Bai Ning Bing..." Shang Yan Fei's eyes were glowing with a bright light.

After settling Shang Ya Zi's case, this matter was not over.

Shang Ya Zi was a young master of Shang clan, but was schemed by two young outsiders, this was not respecting Shang clan, and him Shang Yan Fei!

"Hmph, Shang Ya Zi is after all my second son, is my son someone you guys can just toy with?"

Although Fang and Bai had once saved Shang Xin Ci, family was still family, in Shang Yan Fei's heart, his bloodline was closer.

Thus, he willed.

A bright red paper crane Gu flew out.

"Scheming against my son, as his father, I will have to take revenge for him! This is the punishment for you two, but it is also a test." Shang Yan Fei muttered.

The paper crane Gu's speed was extremely fast, entering a secret room.

"The clan leader has sent a letter!"

"Clan leader wants us to forcefully challenge Fang Zheng and Bai Ning Bing?"

In the secret room, there were two people.

One was tall as a tower, the other was thin like a matchstick, both of them looked at this letter and each other wordlessly.

It was the rank four Gu Masters Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu!

Weren't they at odds?

If outsiders saw them sitting peacefully together, discussing matters, their jaws might drop.

Both of them were rank four initial stage, dominating the battle stage as they competed against each other. They both swore that they will not leave the battle stage unless they defeat the other.

But the truth is, they were Shang Yan Fei's secret pawn pieces.

Shang clan had rules, any Gu Master who dominates the battle stage, and reach Wei Yang's level, would be promoted to an external clan elder in Shang clan.

Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu were Shang Yan Fei's way of controlling the battle stage!

-x-X-x-

Nan Qiu garden, secret room.

The room was covered with darkness, the only source of light was a thin ray of starlight that was flowing like water towards the center of the room.

At the center, Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing were sitting cross-legged on mats. Bai Ning Bing's palms were placed on Fang Yuan's back; she was transferring rank three peak stage snow silver primeval essence to Fang Yuan.

It was completely silent in the secret room.

However, in Fang Yuan's heart, waves continued to surge.

Rumble!

A snow silver waterfall - chilly and majestic - came crashing down into Fang Yuan's primeval sea from his aperture.

It was the rank three peak stage snow silver primeval essence that had gone through bone flesh unity Gu.

Rank three Gu Master's primeval essence was silver. Initial stage primeval essence only had a thin layer of silver color, thus was called light silver primeval essence. Middle stage had varying amounts of silver color; some a lot and some little, thus was called blossom silver primeval essence.

Upper stage primeval essence was shining silver thus was called bright silver primeval essence.

Peak stage primeval essence was snow white silver, a magnificent sight, and was called snow silver primeval essence.

Right now, Fang Yuan was using snow silver primeval essence as the primary force and blossom silver primeval essence as supplementary; under his control, they formed surging waves and continually cleansed the aperture walls.

The aperture that was originally a water membrane, with light flowing as water, was shaking. After the cleansing process went for a while, the quantitative change accumulated to become a qualitative change; light poured out of the water membrane and just like water freezing into ice, it no longer moved, settling down to form stone membrane.

The stone membrane was radiant and glorious, and was even thicker and more stable than the water membrane.

With the formation of stone membrane, Fang Yuan advanced from rank three middle stage to rank three upper stage.

Building a stable foundation, success will come naturally.

Since the cultivation was finished, Bai Ning Bing slowly withdrew her hands, her blue pupils fluctuating with emotions.

With her help, Fang Yuan's cultivation had advanced rapidly and was finally catching up with her step-by-step.

She knew Fang Yuan still had a white silver relic Gu on him. He had not used it and was saving it for this moment.

That is to say, after tonight, Fang Yuan's cultivation would advance to rank three peak stage, at the same level as her.

"This guy is a cunning fox and is extremely treacherous. Although I haven't found any flaws in the poison vow, that doesn't mean there are no flaws within the poison vow." Bai Ning Bing was silent but her thoughts kept on moving rapidly.

Shang Ya Zi's downfall was a grim reminder.

The mental pressure Fang Yuan was giving her was becoming bigger and bigger, and now she was starting to have some doubts.

"Don't worry, I am sincere in cooperating with you. There are no problems with the poison vow." As if he knew what Bai Ning Bing was thinking, Fang Yuan suddenly opened his mouth.

"Hmph." Having her thoughts exposed, Bai Ning Bing's eyes revealed a trace of chill and said with cold irony, "I hope so."

Fang Yuan heaved a sigh, he had already expected Bai Ning Bing's reaction when he planned against Shang Ya Zi.

Everything had its merits and demerits.

Now, Shang Ya Zi was removed from his position, leaving a young master's seat vacant and gave an opportunity for Shang Xin Ci to advance. However, this created a crack in Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing's collaboration.

At the same time, it also forced Shang Yan Fei to make his move.

Just yesterday, Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu had issued forced challenge towards Fang Yuan and Bai Ning Bing at the same time.

Once the news spread, it immediately caused a huge commotion in the battle stage and attracted countless people's attention.

Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu were both rank four initial stage Gu Masters and were also called 'half the sky of the battle stage'. With two 'half skies' cooperating, they became the entire sky.

These nicknames gave a clear description of their status and strength.

Fang and Bai were the two rising stars of the battle stage. They were dazzling, winning all their matches without a single loss. Such strength was rarely seen in the battle stage even in the past.

Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu were the two heroes of battle stage, standing proudly at the summit. These few years, there were many Gu Masters who wanted to stand out and become an external elder of the Shang clan, but they were stopped by these two and lost their hopes of advancing.

But now, these two jointly challenged Fang and Bai, naturally making everyone curious and also doubtful.

Someone said Fang and Bai were advancing too strongly, causing the seniors Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu to feel uneasy and thus they were going to eliminate this problem early. Another said, Ju and Yan made a bet, and were using Fang and Bai to determine victory or defeat.

Almost no one thought Fang and Bai had the chance of winning against these two.

The formidable strength of Ju Kai Bei and Yan Tu was already deeply engraved in people's hearts. Even more importantly; one side was rank four Gu Masters, while the other side was rank three Gu Masters. There was a huge difference between their levels.

As Gu Master advance to higher ranks, the difference between each realm gets bigger and fighting across ranks become extremely difficult.

....

From behind, there was the sound of Bai Ning Bing standing up.

"Tomorrow is the match between you and Yan Tu, how are your preparations going, do you need my heavenly essence treasure lotus? According to our vow, I will do my best to help you." Fang Yuan slowly spoke from the darkness.

"No need." Bai Ning Bing coldly replied.

Fang Yuan was sitting cross-legged, he said without turning around: "You are really confident."

"So what if he is rank four? In these two years, you are not the only one who improved." Bai Ning Bing turned around and left.

Heavenly essence treasure lotus was Fang Yuan's, it would not represent Bai Ning Bing's true strength.

She wanted to check her progress using the match with Yan Tu.

The door to the secret room opened and closed.

After Bai Ning Bing left, the corner of Fang Yuan's lips slightly raised into a smile.

"Rejecting heavenly essence treasure lotus... it seems a trace of self-doubt has grown in her heart. This insecurity is very small, maybe she herself might not be aware of it. Bai Ning Bing, you are still too inexperienced..."

Fang Yuan muttered before organizing his cluttered thoughts.

He took out white silver relic Gu.

This Gu was like a round pearl and was white silver in color, with a size of a finger. @@novelbin@@

Since rebirth, Fang Yuan had seen it once on Qing Mao mountain. It was during the Jia clan's caravan, the white silver relic Gu was priced at fifty thousand primeval stones, it was an unattainable dream for Fang Yuan at that time.

The series of Relic Gu were extremely expensive. After all, with one use, they could raise a Gu Master's cultivation by a small realm, saving a lot of time and energy. At the same time, they provided a stable foundation and did not have any side-effects.

Gu worms were bought to be used.

Fang Yuan did not have any hesitation in activating white silver relic Gu; immediately, dazzling and magnificent lights shone upon the aperture walls.

About four hours later, Fang Yuan had leaped from rank three upper stage to rank three peak stage.

"Since rebirth, I have once again reached rank three peak stage!" Fang Yuan's eyes shone brilliantly and he could not help but clench his fists, his heart surged with emotions and joy.

It was different from the time on Qing Mao mountain, Fang Yuan had used stone aperture Gu at that time and paid a disastrous price of losing his future prospects to advance to rank three peak stage.

This time, Fang Yuan advanced to rank three peak stage while retaining his enormous potential for development. After all, he has A grade aptitude now.

Looking at the Spring Autumn Cicada.

After recuperating for over two years, its condition was recovering at a rapid speed.

Its withered body was gradually becoming glossy. The wings that were dried up like dead leaves, now had a layer of green that was full of life energy.

Its recovery naturally caused great pressure on Fang Yuan's aperture.

However, compared to the previous time, Fang Yuan's cultivation was rising rapidly because of Bai Ning Bing and bone flesh unity Gu, his rank three peak stage aperture was still enough to bear this pressure.

The situation had been truly pressing back at Qing Mao mountain, but now Fang Yuan was handling this with ease.

"But I cannot relax yet. Spring Autumn Cicada's recovery gets faster and faster. My cultivation speeds needs to surpass it, otherwise the same situation will happen again."

Time quietly passed and soon it was the next day.

The audiences were all waiting for the battle between Bai Ning Bing and Yan Tu.

There were green grass all over this super-size battle stage.

This was a grass terrain and was very commonly seen at Northern Plains.

A crowd of spectating Gu Masters had formed a circle around the battle stage, all of their gazes landing on the two protagonists on the battle stage.

The match had not started but the people were already commenting.

"Everything is against Bai Ning Bing this time!"

"Facing Lord Yan Tu, she is certain to lose."

"She is as beautiful as a fairy, it really makes people sympathize with her. Just thinking about her suffering a defeat breaks my heart into pieces..."

In the course of over a year, Bai Ning Bing had earned an impressive reputation, receiving strong publicity. Her appearance and temperament that was like a snow fairy got her a huge amount of attention.

On the stage, Bai Ning Bing and Yan Tu stood opposite each other.

Yan Tu was an old man and had a head full of unkempt and long hair.

He was thin like a stick and his legs were bare. Whether it was his fingernails or toenails, they had not been cut for a long time and were long and crooked.

He was wearing rags and had a hunched back, like an old beggar on the roadside.

"Hehehe, little girl you have such smooth skin, you are really beautiful." Yan Tu sized up Bai Ning Bing and said with a hoarse voice.

Wearing a white robe, the blue pupils and silver hair Bai Ning Bing immediately frowned, killing intent filling her heart: "Old geezer, stop your shamelessness."

"Little girl, you have no manners." Yan Tu laughed dryly, his ten fingers rubbing each other: "It seems I have to teach you how important it is to respect your seniors."

"Pointless banter." Bai Ning Bing had a cool expression, her gaze cold as ice as she stared at Yan Tu, her every movement containing vigorous fighting spirit.

Ding.

The sound of the bell signalled the start of the match.

Icicle Gu!

Fire pellet Gu!

Almost at the same time, Bai Ning Bing and Yan Tu made their moves.

Four white icicles and three balls of fire pellets shot towards one another.

Bang.

An icicle and a fire pellet collided in midair; the icicle melted, but the fire pellet still flew towards Bai Ning Bing, just that its power had greatly fallen.

Bai Ning Bing's icicle Gu was only rank two, while Yan Tu's fire pellet Gu was rank three.

Naturally, fire pellet was a notch above the icicle.

"I can only suppress the fire pellet if I use ice explosion Gu to detonate the icicles. However, my primeval essence will be greatly expended if I do that. This battle had just started..."

Bai Ning Bing's blue pupils flashed with an eerie light.

She jumped agilely and dodged the fire pellets, causing them to miss their target.

At the same time, she waved her hand.

Whooshh.

Three icicles flew towards Yan Tu.

Yan Tu gave a dry laugh, he took a step forward and twisted his body, dodging the icicles with a weird body posture as he began running at the same time.

His index finger repeatedly pointed and balls of fire pellets formed into a dense attack as they engulfed Bai Ning Bing.

Bai Ning Bing coldly snorted; not to be outdone, she also repeatedly stomped and struck back with icicles.

For a moment, the two kept on contesting against each other while running around the big grassland. Icicles and fire pellets flew, the two dodged and attacked without stopping.

The match had just begun but its intensity had already surpassed everyone's expectations.

-x-X-x-

Time slowly passed, the spectators were gradually moved by the match.

"To think Bai Ning Bing is actually so strong, being able to fight so evenly against Lord Yan Tu."

"She is using rank two icicle Gu against Yan Tu, but isn't at a disadvantage."

"Being able to use Gu worms to attack properly while moving is basic in Gu Master battles, but Bai Ning Bing is executing it perfectly."

"No doubt, Bai Ning Bing is a genius and her foundation is also extremely sturdy. No wonder, she has not been defeated till now."

Fang Yuan was among the crowd and was watching the match calmly.

Wei Yang and Shang Xin Ci had also come, and were standing beside him.

The three were in disguise, hiding among the crowd.

"Bai Ning Bing is fighting very forcefully. Even though she is using icicle Gu, once the numbers of icicles go up, her primeval essence consumption will also go up." Wei Yang was worried.

"There is a difference between the primeval essence of rank three and rank four. But Yan Tu is similarly using fire pellet Gu and his primeval essence is also continuously depleting. He might be rank four but he only has B grade aptitude. Bai Ning Bing is using the primeval essence recovery speed of her A grade aptitude to contend Yan Tu's rank four cultivation." Fang Yuan understood Bai Ning Bing's battle tactic with one glance.

"If that is so, then this will be an uphill battle for Bai Ning Bing." Shang Xin Ci exclaimed.

Now, she was also a Gu Master. With Shang Yan Fei's careful teachings, her vision was expanded and she could see through a lot of things.

As the three conversed, the situation on the battle stage suddenly took a turn.

"Little girl, you really like jumping around." Yan Tu's lips curled into a smile that did not resemble a smile. He suddenly raised his right hand and grabbed towards Bai Ning Bing from dozens of steps away.

As his right hand made a clawing motion, the imprint of a Gu worm on his palm flashed.

Whoosh!

There was the sound of flames blazing and in a blink of an eye, a giant fiery claw formed and flew towards Bai Ning Bing.

The giant claw only had three fingers, looking like an eagle's claw, except it was orange-red. Flames were scorching and even before the claw reached her, Bai Ning Bing could already feel the intense heat.

This was a rank three fiery claw Gu!

Bai Ning Bing immediately used her movement Gu to increase her speed and pull apart some distance between them.

She had already inquired about the information on Yan Tu and made preparations. She knew this fiery claw's attack range was smaller than fire pellets; it could only move several meters away from Yan Tu.

However, Yan Tu cackled and used his movement Gu as well, quickly closing in on Bai Ning Bing.

His movement Gu was rank four and had superior effects compared to Bai Ning Bing's. Thus, not only was Bai Ning Bing not able to widen their distance, Yan Tu was getting closer instead.

The fiery claw continuously descended on her and made grabbing motions.

It was difficult for Bai Ning Bing to evade the fiery claw as it was quick and stable under Yan Tu's skilled manipulation.

Bai Ning Bing's situation was becoming more miserable as she repeatedly rolled on the grassland.

Boom.

The fiery claw brushed past Bai Ning Bing's shoulder and fell on the grassland, immediately setting that part of the grassland on fire. The flames blazed furiously and started spreading.

Yan Tu willed it and the fiery claw once again rose from within the flames, it was just that it looked less threatening than when it had just been summoned.

However, with a slight decrease in Yan Tu's primeval sea level, the fiery claw instantly regained its splendor, wiping away all sluggishness.

Frost arrow Gu!

Bai Ning Bing regained her footing and stretched out her little finger; frost arrow Gu was residing in it and had formed a blue tattoo.

A ball of icy blue vapor condensed.

In a blink of an eye, the frost vapor formed into an arrow.

The arrow struck the fiery claw and suppressed its imposing flames.

Frost arrow Gu was a rank four Gu bought by Bai Ning Bing during the auction. It immediately established its dominance once used.

The fiery claw looked like it was about to be extinguished; Yan Tu slightly furrowed his brows, then without considering the expenditure, he poured in primeval essence and the fiery claw showed signs of recovering.

However, how could Bai Ning Bing let him do as he wanted?

Whoosh whoosh whoosh @@novelbin@@

She activated icicle Gu and at the same time, secretly activated ice explosion Gu.

Bang , the icicles exploded as they struck the fiery claw. The violent explosion completely extinguished the fiery claw.

Fiery claw Gu flew back, Yan Tu did not want to lose it so he immediately took several steps and used his hand to catch the fiery claw Gu as it turned back into an imprint.

Bai Ning Bing did not miss this chance; she formed two long ice blades, dual wielding them as she slashed towards Yan Tu.

Before the blades reached his body, Yan Tu felt the intense killing intent blowing at his face like an icy wind.

"That's a good blade!" Yan Tu gave a weird smile and then suddenly snorted, two fiery snakes flew out of his nose.

The fiery snakes were initially only the size of a necklace but rapidly expanded, and in the blink of an eye, changed into two large pythons that were several meters long and had the width of a bucket.

A fiery snake moved ahead in front of Bai Ning Bing and blocked Bai Ning Bing's two blades; while the other fiery snake wriggled around from the side to the back of Bai Ning Bing and started its attacks.

"They appeared, Lord Yan Tu's twin snake attack!"

"Sigh, I was defeated by this move."

"Yan Tu's control over the two snakes is really exquisite; the opponent is left unable to defend against both, they are really difficult to deal with."

The blazing snakes caused an uproar in the audience.

Bai Ning Bing's expression was solemn, the fighting intent in her blue pupils gathered into ice. The fiery snakes gave her a tremendous pressure, but this instead stimulated her fighting spirit even further.

Bai Ning Bing wielded her two blades and fought the two fiery snakes while Yan Tu stood outside the range of the battle and manipulated the snakes.

Yan Tu was able to use his mind to do three tasks at once; although he was only controlling two fiery snakes now, the movement was exquisite and the control was precise, this instead caused him to expend more of his mental energy.

Fiery snake Gu was a rank four Gu and under the pincer attack from two rank four Gu, Bai Ning Bing was slowly falling into a disadvantage.

She was finding it more and more difficult to defend against the attacks, after all her movement Gu and defensive Gu were not outstanding.

Bai Ning Bing was an offense type Gu Master and her Gu set placed attack as the main priority, while movement and defense were on the weaker side.

There was nothing she could do about this.

Gu Master's primeval essence had a limit and was not infinite. Thus, one needed to allocate the use of their primeval essence properly. Bai Ning Bing proportioned most of her primeval essence into the attack aspect while the primeval essence left for movement and defense were relatively lower.

Because of this, the movement Gu and defensive Gu she assembled were the Gu which consumed less primeval essence.

The Gu worms that consumed less primeval essence were naturally slightly less effective. After all, you get what you pay for.

"These two fiery snakes are restricting Bai Ning Bing's options. Just look, if the fiery snakes gets damaged from Bai Ning Bing's attacks, Yan Tu will just expend his primeval essence and heal them. It won't be good if this continues." Wei Yang stood beside the stage, his brows furrowed.

Fang Yuan's gaze flashed, he didn't speak but was looking forward to Bai Ning Bing's response.

Bai Ning Bing suddenly burst out with attacks.

She used frost breath Gu and frost arrow Gu one after another.

The continuous frost aura slowed and restrained the fiery snakes' offense.

However, this barrage of attacks sharply increased her primeval essence expenditure.

"Little girl, stop struggling." Yan Tu laughed and shot out balls of fire pellets.

Some of these fire pellets shot towards Bai Ning Bing, forcing her to dodge and waste her energy. The other pellets shot towards the fiery snakes and fused into them, causing the weakened fiery snakes to become even more vigorous.

This was the combination battle tactic of fire pellet Gu and fiery snake Gu.

Yan Tu had refined and perfected this tactic after having gone through hundreds of battles at the battle stage.

Compared to him, although Bai Ning Bing had the talent, was smart and had high comprehension, the time she had spent was too short and did not have as much accumulated experience as Yan Tu.

Bai Ning Bing wanted to make explosive attacks and defeat the two fiery snakes, but this was seen through by Yan Tu and he immediately struck back, twarting Bai Ning Bing's attempt and displaying his shrewdness as well as his experience.

"How is she going to deal with this?" Wei Yang's brows were tightly knitted.

"The situation is not looking good..." Shang Xin Ci also slowly analyzed the match.

Bai Ning Bing's dark blue pupils flashed with a decisive light.

Ice crystal Gu!

She used her vital Gu, her true trump card!

She had not intended to use it this early, but she could do nothing about it; since the match started, besides the deadlock at the start, Yan Tu was gradually gaining the initiative and suppressing her.

Bai Ning Bing was an attack type Gu Master, if she wanted to take back the initiative, she had to increase her offense even more!

Creak...

Bai Ning Bing's whole body emitted creaking sounds like water freezing into ice.

In a blink of an eye, she changed into a humanoid ice crystal. Her body slightly expanded and her silver hair was covered with frost, becoming rigid. Ice crystals spread towards the two ice blades, making them sharper, colder and even more firm.

"Oh, little girl, you're going all out now?" Yan Tu spoke but soon his smile froze on his face.

Bai Ning Bing's whole body turned into ice crystals and had no more hesitation as her attack and defense had integrated into one. She directly charged through the fiery snakes' attacks, heading towards Yan Tu.

To shoot a horseman, first shoot his horse. To catch bandits, first catch their ringleader.

Yan Tu immediately mobilized another fiery snake and blocked Bai Ning Bing.

Frost breath Gu.

Bai Ning Bing breathed out blue frost.

In her ice form, the frost aura that she breathed out was of a higher level.

The fiery snake immediately shrunk from this frost breath aura.

Bai Ning Bing continued to charge towards Yan Tu: "Old man Yan Tu, come fight with me if you have guts!"

Yan Tu turned grave, he did not specialize in close combat. Bai Ning Bing's might was awe-inspiring, he would definitely be in trouble if he fought with her in close combat.

He might be at rank four and walked the powerful fire path, but Yan Tu's fighting style was hit-and-run and because of his shrewd nature, he was not incited by Bai Ning Bing's remarks and started retreating with his movement Gu.

Bai Ning Bing's heart sank.

Her body had turned into that of ice crystals, so her movement Gu was less effective than before.

She would have to slow down Yan Tu if she wanted to catch up to him.

Thereupon, Bai Ning Bing repeatedly shot out frost arrows; the cold, frosty aura of the frost arrows had the effect of freezing muscles and blood, thus slowing down the target's movement.

However, Yan Tu easily dodged with his superb technique; none of the frost arrows landed on him.

The frost arrows could not hit Yan Tu, causing the distance between Bai Ning Bing and him to become larger.

Yan Tu laughed coldly, he felt no embarrassment while being chased by a junior.

He made the best judgement.

Ice crystal Gu could not be used frequently; if it was used for longer periods of time, it could cause the user to completely change into ice crystal and become an ice sculpture.

Thus, Bai Ning Bing used vitality Gu at the same time as ice crystal Gu, to maintain her life force.

However, even vitality Gu could only prolong the time the ice crystal Gu could be used.

Yan Tu knew this clearly. Bai Ning Bing had investigated him, he had also investigated Bai Ning Bing. As long as he prolonged this match, victory would be his for certain.

Although such a method did not display even a little of the dominance of fire path Gu Masters, this was no doubt the most optimal tactic.

Bai Ning Bing stopped.

"I am not able to strike this old guy, only that move can change the situation now."

Her eyes flashed with a trace of hesitation.

"Should I use this move or not?"

-x-X-x-

Bai Ning Bing hesitated for only a second before her blue eyes shone with decisive light.

"Ice blade storm, reappear once more." Bai Ning Bing sighed softly. @@novelbin@@

She raised her arms, sharp ice blades acting as an extension of her arms.

Her ice crystal form gave a grim domineering aura. Vitality Gu gave out a warm current and flowed through her heart, liver and other organs, maintaining a part of her life force and preventing Bai Ning Bing from completely turning into ice crystal.

Vitality Gu had another advantage, that is once activated, it turned into a warm current filled with vitality and moved by itself. There was no need consciously control it.

Swirl Gu!

Tornado Gu!

Bai Ning Bing successively used these two Gu.

Swirl Gu was a movement Gu that increased the Gu Master's turning speed. Now that it was activated, Bai Ning Bing's whole body started rotating rapidly.

And the activation of tornado Gu immediately created a whirlwind. The whirlwind covered Bai Ning Bing and in a few seconds, enlarged into a tornado.

The dark blue tornado was like a young blue dragon rising into the air.

Ice edge Gu, ice crystal Gu, swirl Gu and tornado Gu; Bai Ning Bing was using her mind to do four tasks at once.

No, it was still not over.

Frost breath Gu!

Bai Ning Bing exhaled and frost aura instantly pervaded her surroundings.

With her mortal flesh body, she could only activate frost breath Gu in intervals to prevent her mouth and tongue from freezing. However, after turning into ice crystal, she could continuously breathe out the frost breath.

The frost aura mixed into the tornado, changing it into an icy tornado.

The wind blew everywhere, grass was sent flying, a light blue icy frost formed on the grassland.

At this moment, Bai Ning Bing was doing five tasks at once!

This was the talent of the ten extreme physique that could look down upon the world. On this aspect, Bai Ning Bing had already surpassed Fang Yuan.

The killer move appeared again, ice blade storm!

Cold wind rose, and the temperature in the surroundings drastically fell. The sharp ice blades gave the tornado even more power.

The two fiery snakes ignorantly charged towards the tornado and suffered severe injuries. The snake heads as well as most of their bodies were cut down by the icy storm.

The fiery snakes hurriedly retreated.

Flames merged into them, as the snake heads and their bodies reformed again. But their bodies were not even half the size of before.

The icy storm was increasing in power, large amounts of frost spread over the grassland.

The parts of the grassland that were burning were already showing signs of extinguishing because of the frost.

Yan Tu's eyes shrunk at this sight and he recalled the fiery snakes back into his nose.

"What move is this?"

"I have never seen Bai Ning Bing use this move."

"Killer move, this is absolutely a killer move!"

The audiences were thrown into a commotion as they started discussing loudly.

Even Wei Yang showed an amazed look: "Such an extremely powerful killer move. How many Gu did Bai Ning Bing use for this attack?"

Shang Xin Ci's gaze were nervous and expectant: "This move is so strong, she might be able to win against Yan Tu."

Fang Yuan was silent as he concentrated on the match.

He had already seen Bai Ning Bing use ice blade storm before, but the power of the ice blade storm now had jumped to a whole new level.

Bai Ning Bing's growth was astonishing.

She had exceptional aptitude and talent, combined with her Gu set, she was a unique Gu Master.

Looking at it now, she had not discarded her meticulously designed killer move, ice blade storm, but instead improved it.

"You still had such a trump card left..." Yan Tu was no longer calm, the moment the ice blade storm appeared, he lost a bit of his confidence.

His heart started to palpitate rapidly. He was actually getting such a feeling from a junior, a rank three Gu Master!

Bai Ning Bing's strength surpassed Yan Tu's expectations and caused him to feel an intense threat.

Killer move.

Often formed by using several Gu worms at once, through meticulous pairing, an extremely strong move is born.

A killer move was not something all Gu Masters possessed. Only those with plentiful experiences or great talent could develop their killer moves.

Killers moves often consumed a lot of primeval essence and was very taxing on the mind, but their might were no doubt formidable beyond imagination.

"This is not good, this move is getting stronger, I have to suppress it early. If I let it grow and accumulate momentum, it will truly be unstoppable." Yan Tu was a veteran with great experience and soon saw a weakness.

If it were other Gu Masters, most of them would be scared witless and choose to watch the change quietly. However, Yan Tu was extremely shrewd and saw through this killer move's weakness.

"It will be difficult to restrain her with ordinary moves, I will just be wasting primeval essence. Since it is so... I shall use my killer move against her killer move!" Yan Tu resolved himself.

Fuel oil Gu!

He opened his mouth wide and spurted out large amounts of fuel oil.

The amber colored fuel oil gave a pungent odor. Yan Tu used all his strength in activating the fuel oil Gu, not daring to have the slightest of reservation.

The fuel oil poured out like a small waterfall onto the grassland and became waves. The fuel oil waves submerged the whole battlefield within seconds.

Ice blade storm was getting bigger and bigger, the cold aura spreading further; the fuel oil's momentum immediately slowed down as it approached the storm, as large amounts of oil was sent flying.

Ice blade storm had explosive power but the the coldness was not enough to freeze the fuel oil.

At once, fuel oil rained down on the whole battlefield.

Besides the vicinity of the ice blade storm, a thick layer of fuel oil covered all the other areas of the grassland, almost forming a swamp.

Fiery snake Gu.

Yan Tu snorted and the earlier two fiery snakes appeared again.

Twenty percent of yellow gold primeval essence was spent to let the fiery snakes get back to their peak size and power once more.

The fiery snakes landed on the ground and immediately created blazing flames.

The red flames quickly spread, as the whole battle stage instantly changed into a sea of fire.

The flames blazed intensely on the grassland, the green grass wilted and turned into ashes which then further fuelled the growth of the blazing fire.

Only one place remained safe from the fire in the super-size battle stage, and was instead frozen in ice.

That was where Bai Ning Bing's ice blade storm was at.

She and Yan Tu had changed the grassy terrain into one of ice and fire, the clash of two extremes.

The two fire snakes moved in the sea of fire with joy, circling the rotating ice blade storm and were not in a hurry to attack.

Bai Ning Bing's ice blade storm was also continuously enlarging and accumulating in power, the top of the tornado had already changed into a dome shaped form due to the constant movement..

Whoosh whoosh whoosh!

The icy tornado created violent sounds and gave a majestic aura; causing the audience to smack their lips in anticipation.

"I'm not done yet, fiery claw Gu!" Yan Tu suddenly shouted.

He had four fiery claws Gu on him, and right now he sent them all out.

His primeval essence took a severe hit, the primeval sea in his aperture rapidly fluctuated as the brilliant golden sea level fell sharply.

The four fiercy claw Gu did not charge towards the ice blade storm, instead they flew towards the fiery snakes and merged.

In an instant, the two fiery snakes grew a pair of claws.

Snakes with claws were no longer snakes but dragons!

The two fiery dragons flew with their heads high in the sea of fire, brandishing their claws and revealing a defiant aggressiveness.

"Lord Yan Tu has combined fiery snake Gu and fiery claw Gu to display a portion of the might of the rank five fiery dragon Gu."

"To think that in this match, we would get to see Lord Yan Tu's killer move — fire sea twin dragon kill."

"Bai Ning Bing is just a newbie, she can be proud of herself, being able to force Yan Tu into using his killer move!"

The audiences were all excited at this scene.

Both sides brought out their killer moves, the battle had suddenly reached the climax.

Killer move vs killer move!

Would the winner be Yan Tu's fire sea twin dragon kill with its huge and majestic power? Or would it be Bai Ning Bing's world engulfing ice blade storm that will beat 'half the sky of the battle stage'?

Everyone fixed their gaze on the battle stage, waiting in anticipation.

The fiery dragons raised their heads and let out a soundless hiss before pouncing forward from two sides.

The fiery dragons struck the icy storm, tearing at it with their fiery claws. Their entire body coiled around the icy storm.

The white and blue ice storm was like a huge pillar, standing straight against the attacks.

The sharp ice blades clashed against the fiery claws and continuously slashed the fiery dragons' bodies.

After some time, the two fiery dragons could no longer endure it and retreated.

They submerged into the sea of fire and absorbed the flames, immediately recovering their power.

The grassland was burning, this overflowing inferno provided enough replenishment for the fiery dragons!

Yan Tu had fully used this grassland.

The two fiery dragons attacked again and again, and were defeated each time.

After the defeat, they would attack again relentlessly.

"Fire sea twin dragon kill can't push down Bai Ning Bing?"

"Is the sky collapsing? If this goes on, Bai Ning Bing has hope of winning against Yan Tu!"

The audience were amazed again and again.

"No, ice blade storm has been restrained. The wind flow has been forcefully cut and can't accumulate more power. Bai Ning Bing should start moving and start kiting her opponent!" Wei Yang's expression was grave, his specialty in battle was kiting.

Fang Yuan's brows slightly furrowed, an obscure light flashed in his eyes.

He could tell something was wrong.

With Bai Ning Bing's wisdom, she definitely knew that she could not resist it head on and should fight while moving. However, she did not do that.

"It seems, this killer move is still imperfect..." Fang Yuan inwardly speculated.

Right now, Bai Ning Bing was powerless to dictate her movement!

This was the first time she's used the revised ice blade storm in battle, she had planned it well but now she discovered a serious problem.

The ice blade storm lacked a forward momentum, it could only rotate on the spot. This was truly an unspeakable embarrassment.

"I changed into ice crystal form and continuously used frost breath, now the tornado has become too dense and there is no way I can move forward!"

Bai Ning Bing used all her effort to activate her movement Gu to change this situation.

However, she was already doing five tasks at once and this was her limit, her mind was already stretched to its limit and did not have any spare energy left.

Fortunately, Yan Tu had still not discovered this.

He took the initiative to attack to block Bai Ning Bing from accumulating more power, but this instead helped her to cover this fault.

"There is only one method left now, to continue walking down this desperate path. Continue to expand the ice blade storm, maybe the wind flow will become strong enough to move it."

Bai Ning Bing's fighting spirit had not disappeared, this predicament instead bolstered it.

However, whether it was her or Yan Tu, both of their primeval essence were sharply decreasing.

The audience had also fallen into silence.

The majestic ice blade storm and the terrifying orange sea of fire divided the battle stage into completely different terrains.

The barrier around the battle stage isolated most of the power, but wind still blew out.

This wind was sometimes hot and sometimes cold, giving the audience a personal experience of the intensity of the battle.

The sea of fire blazed, the two orange fiery dragons shook the ice blade storm. They were defeated again and again, but charged forward each time, advancing without losing their spirits.

"This is the strength of Lord Yan Tu, the power of a rank four Gu Master." Someone sighed.

"Being able to fight Lord Yan Tu to this extent, Bai Ning Bing can be said to be the third strongest in the battle stage." Someone commented with a visible shock on his face.

In the battle stage, Yan Tu and Ju Kai Bei had fought dozens of battles, but a clear winner had not been determined. They were the strongest two in the battle stage.

Through this battle, Bai Ning Bing's battle strength was also recognized by the people and was regarded as third strongest.

Time passed by minutes and seconds, the ice blade storm gradually slowed down, as the wind flow decreased.

Meanwhile, the blazing inferno was also mostly extinguished.

The fuel oil was expended and the green grass had all turned into ashes.

However, the fiery dragons were mighty as before; they not only had the replenishment from the sea of fire, but also the support of Yan Tu's yellow gold primeval essence.

Bai Ning Bing's primeval essence gradually became insufficient in supporting her expenditure, at this stage, the gap between the cultivation levels was clearly shown.

If she had the heavenly essence treasure lotus, she could still have the strength to fight on. Unfortunately, she refused Fang Yuan's good intent.

"It is over." Yan Tu laughed and with a shift of his mind, the two fiery dragons suddenly merged into one, forming an even larger fiery dragon.

This change made many people involuntarily gasp in surprise.

This move was Yan Tu's secret move and had never been revealed, but now he no longer cared about secrecy in order to pierce Bai Ning Bing's ice blade storm.

The fiery dragon opened its mouth, the four fiery claws waved together and ruthlessly clawed at the ice blade storm.

But suddenly, the storm exploded.

Bai Ning Bing furiously activated frost breath Gu and froze all of the fiery claws!

Ice blade storm suddenly inflated and engulfed most of the fiery dragon's body like a monster!

"What?!" Yan Tu turned pale with fright, he suddenly realized that the weakening earlier was only Bai Ning Bing's pretense.

He immediately willed the fiery dragon to retreat.

The fiery dragon suffered serious injuries, its might had diminished; it lost two fiery claws and its size also decreased to less than half.

The audiences immediately rose in uproar at this.

"Is Bai Ning Bing going to win?"

"They had been fighting intensely for so long but she actually has energy left?"

Yan Tu's expression was grave, Bai Ning Bing's sudden attack inflicted a disastrous damage to him.

In an instant, he had lost a fiery snake Gu and two fiery claw Gu.

The ice blade storm suddenly dispersed completely.

Bai Ning Bing revoked the ice crystal Gu and returned to her original mortal body. She had used up her primeval essence, her aperture was completely dry.

"I admit defeat." She coldly announced.

There was a temporary silence, but the whole battle stage erupted in an uproar next.

Bai Ning Bing was admitting defeat?

The audience had not expected this.

"She should have exhausted all her primeval essence when she used that final explosion to inflict heavy losses to Yan Tu." Fang Yuan realized.

Even if I cannot win, I will make you feel worse.

Bai Ning Bing's choice was sensible and she did it decisively and ruthlessly.

After realizing this, Yan Tu was furious but a formless force pressed down from above and suppressed him.

He could not move.

This was the ability of the battle stage.

The hosting Gu Master walked into the battle stage that had changed beyond recognition and announced the result.

According to the rules, the winner has the right to demand the loser to hand over a Gu.

"I want your ice crystal Gu." Yan Tu said with hatred.

"Take it." Bai Ning Bing coldly snorted and handed over the ice crystal Gu.

The two completed the transfer on the spot.

Ice crystal Gu was Bai Ning Bing's vital Gu, the moment she lost it, blood flowed out from her seven orifices.

Yan Tu's expression was still unsightly, he had chosen ice crystal Gu to teach Bai Ning Bing a lesson. But even so, his losses were much greater, a rank three ice crystal Gu could not cover his losses.

After this battle, Bai Ning Bing might have lost but it established her fame.

One could say, she had gone down in flying colors.

Shang Xin Ci let out a breath of turbid air and calmed down her mind.

"It is a pity, if Bai Ning Bing had listened to my advice and chose frost demon Gu at that time, the situation would have been much better." Wei Yang lamented.

Ice crystal Gu was suitable for men while frost demon Gu was suitable for women.

"Bai Ning Bing lost ice crystal Gu, maybe this is a chance for her to choose frost demon Gu." Wei Yang said with an expectant tone.