Elder

Chapter 93: Elder

Seeing the visitors, Fang Yuan had a moment of doubt, but it was quickly resolved. He immediately deduced the reason for their arrival—it was because of the Gu Yue Clan's ancestor, who had transformed into a Blood Zombie beneath the mountain. Their presence meant that events were accelerating faster than he had anticipated.

Recognizing the urgency, Fang Yuan decided to push his plans forward. He would reveal to the clan elders that he had reached Rank 3, gaining their trust and further embedding himself within the clan's hierarchy. With this newfound influence, he would begin manipulating the clan from within, ensuring that once the Divine Investigator, Tie Xue Long had finished exterminating the Mydrid beast, they too would be eliminated, preventing any further interference with his schemes.

Fang Yuan really wanted to eliminate these two people, especially Tie Ruo Nan, because in the memories of the future, he saw that she would become a major obstacle for him. Even though he needed her to refine the Fixed Immortal Gu, he can still refine it by using the philosphers stone, so he doesn't need her for now she can die, as she was useless to him.

Fang Yuan informed the elders that he had reached Rank 3. As they prepared to inspect his aperture, he calmly raised a hand to stop them. "Elders, I prefer not to have my aperture checked, as there are some secrets I wish to keep hidden. However, I propose a duel against a Rank 3 opponent—this way, you can witness my strength firsthand."

The elders exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. Given Fang Yuan's exceptional contributions during the beast wave, they had no reason to doubt him. The decision was made—his strength would be tested in battle.

Fang Yuan, at this moment, was relying on his primary Gu—Chainsaw Golden Centipede, a Rank 3 offensive Gu with sharp, serrated limbs capable of tearing through enemies. For defense, he utilized Sky Canopy Gu, forming a protective barrier around him. His healing Gu was Tustia Flower, which he had refined earlier after acquiring the recipe, providing him with rapid recovery during battle. For movement, he used Lightning Wings Gu, allowing him to dart across the battlefield with speed and agility.

Despite possessing other Gu, Fang Yuan deliberately chose to limit his usage, focusing only on these for now. His goal was to shift toward Strength Path once he left this place, ensuring that his techniques remained untraceable. The Tie Clan, known for their righteousness, would undoubtedly investigatel. To avoid unnecessary attention, Fang Yuan meticulously planned his actions, ensuring no direct links could be traced back to him. 

For the duel to test Fang Yuan, the weakest Rank 3 elder, Gu Yue Nan Gu, was chosen as his opponent.

Gu Yue Nan Gu stood tall, activating his primary Gu—the Crescent Moon Slash Gu, a Rank 3 offensive Gu that generated razor-sharp crescent-shaped energy blades. With a flick of his wrist, multiple moon-shaped slashes shot toward Fang Yuan, slicing through the air with deadly precision.

Fang Yuan reacted instantly, activating Lightning Wings Gu to propel himself sideways at high speed, narrowly dodging the incoming attacks. Without hesitation, he summoned Chainsaw Golden Centipede, the segmented creature coiling around his arm, transforming into a vicious serrated blade.

Nan Gu frowned at Fang Yuan's speed but remained composed, activating his Shifting Shadow Gu, a movement-type Gu that allowed him to flicker unpredictably around the battlefield. As he reappeared behind Fang Yuan, he launched another barrage of crescent blades, aiming for his exposed back.

Fang Yuan's reaction was immediate—he activated Sky Canopy Gu, forming a crystalline barrier just in time to deflect the attack. The crescent slashes shattered against the solid defense, sending sparks flying.

Without missing a beat, Fang Yuan retaliated, slashing forward with Chainsaw Golden Centipede, its saw-like edge roaring to life as it tore through the air toward Nan Gu.

Nan Gu twisted his body, barely evading the strike, and countered with Whirling Gale Gu, conjuring a fierce windstorm that swept toward Fang Yuan, aiming to throw him off balance. However, Fang Yuan remained unfazed. He flapped his Lightning Wings Gu, pushing against the gale with a burst of speed, using the momentum to launch himself forward.

The battle escalated, both fighters exchanging blows in rapid succession, their Rank 3 Gu clashing violently. However, despite Nan Gu's efforts, Fang Yuan's superior combat instincts and refined techniques made the outcome inevitable.

Fang Yuan's Chainsaw Golden Centipede struck with overwhelming force, effortlessly tearing through Nan Gu's defenses. His Sky Canopy Gu nullified every incoming attack, rendering his opponent's efforts futile. The moment Nan Gu attempted to reposition with Shifting Shadow Gu, Fang Yuan's Lightning Wings Gu accelerated him forward, closing the distance instantly.

With a single decisive strike, Fang Yuan's centipede blade crashed into Nan Gu's weapon, shattering it completely. The elder staggered backward, his primeval essence nearly depleted, unable to mount a further defense.

Fang Yuan did not press further. He took a step back and calmly said, "This should be enough to prove my strength."

The elders, who had been watching intently, exchanged glances, clearly impressed. They had expected a hard-fought duel, yet Fang Yuan had won with absolute ease, barely breaking a sweat. His dominance was undeniable.

"There is no doubt," one elder finally spoke. "Fang Yuan has indeed reached Rank 3."

"Yes, this is excellent news," the Clan Leader declared, nodding approvingly. "With this, we gain another Rank 3 elder in our clan." His voice carried authority as he raised his hand, officially acknowledging Fang Yuan's advancement. The surrounding elders murmured in agreement, impressed by his rapid growth. Without further words, the Clan Leader turned and strode toward his residence, signaling the conclusion of the duel.