Chapter 4: The Grindset of a Gu Master (No Cap)

Chapter 4: The Grindset of a Gu Master (No Cap)

The Academy Flex (It's Giving Lecture Vibes)

A week had passed since the Awakening Ceremony, and the academy elder was dropping knowledge like a TikTok influencer. "Humans are the GOAT of creatures, and Gu are the essence of the universe. They're everywhere—in the dirt, in the bushes, even on your dog. Gu Masters are the ones who've unlocked their apertures and use primeval essence to feed, refine, and flex with Gu. Congrats, y'all are now Rank one Gu Masters."

The students were hyped. One kid raised his hand. "Elder, what's the deal with the ranks?"

The elder nodded. "Gu Masters have nine ranks, from Rank one to Rank nine. Each rank has four stages: initial, middle, upper, and peak. Right now, you're all Rank one initial stage. The higher your talent, the bigger your flex. D-grade talents can hit Rank two, C-grade to Rank three, B-grade to Rank four, and A-grade to Rank five. Rank six and above? That's main character energy."

The kids glanced at Fang Zheng, the A-grade prodigy, with envy. Meanwhile, Fang Yuan was in the corner, asleep. The whispers started. "Bro's still sleeping?" "He's been like this for a week." "Guess the 'genius' act was just cap."

The elder frowned. Fang Yuan had been a disappointment—sleeping through class, wandering drunk at night. The elder had tried to talk to him, but Fang Yuan didn't care. "He's just a C-grade," the elder thought. "Not worth the effort."

The Flower Wine Monk Tea (It's Giving Drama)

The elder continued, "In our clan's history, we've had two Rank five masters. The first was our ancestor, who founded the village. The second was the fourth clan leader, who died fighting the Flower Wine Monk."

The kids erupted in anger. "That Flower Wine Monk was a demon!" "If only we were there, we'd have clapped him!"

Fang Yuan, now awake, smirked. "Flower Wine Monk, huh? Where's your treasure? I've been searching for days, but no luck."

The Gu Room Grind (It's Giving Loot Box Energy)

After class, the kids rushed to the Gu room to pick their first Gu. Fang Yuan strolled in, unbothered. The room was filled with containers holding all kinds of Gu—some silent, some chirping, some straight-up vibing.

Fang Yuan knew the drill. "All these Gu are Rank one. I need to pick one to refine as my vital Gu. My first choice would've been the Liquor Worm, but since I can't find it, I'll go with the Moonrizz Gu."

He grabbed a Moonrizz Gu, a crescent-shaped Gu that glowed like a blue moon. "This'll do for now," he thought, pocketing it.

The Wine Hunt (It's Giving Sigma Energy)

Fang Yuan left the Gu room and headed to the tavern. "Two jars of aged wine," he said, slapping some primeval stones on the counter. The shopkeeper, a chubby dude with an oily smile, handed over the jars.

Fang Yuan had been buying wine every night, wandering the village outskirts to attract the Liquor Worm. But so far, no luck. "I'm running out of primeval stones," he thought. "If I don't find the Liquor Worm soon, I'll have to settle for the Moonrizz Gu."

Fang Zheng's Glow-Up (It's Giving Main Character Energy)

As Fang Yuan walked, Fang Zheng called out to him. "Big brother, Aunt and Uncle want to see you."

Fang Yuan turned around. Fang Zheng was standing tall, his confidence radiating. The once-shy kid was now the clan's golden child. "Big brother, you need to stop drinking. You're worrying everyone."

Fang Yuan just smirked. "The road to the future will be interesting," he said, walking away.

The Family Drama (It's Giving Toxic Vibes)

Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng went to see Aunt and Uncle. Uncle handed them each a bag of primeval stones. "Fang Zheng, you're our son now. Fang Yuan, you can be independent if you want."

Fang Zheng beamed. "Thank you, Father, Mother!"

Fang Yuan just shook his head. "I'm good," he said, leaving without another word.

Aunt and Uncle exchanged glances. "That brat's too clever," Uncle muttered. "We'll have to frame him."

The Seduction Plot (It's Giving Sus Energy)

That night, Shen Cui, Fang Yuan's servant, showed up at his door with food and wine. "Young master, let me comfort you," she said, sitting on his lap.

Fang Yuan wasn't fooled. "So it's just a power play," he said, grabbing her neck. "Uncle and Aunt sent you to frame me, huh?"

Shen Cui panicked. "Young master, I—"

Fang Yuan smirked. "You can leave."

Shen Cui fled, shaken. Fang Yuan packed his things and left the house. "A wise man avoids danger," he thought. "Time to find an inn."

The Inn Grind (It's Giving Side Quest Energy)

Fang Yuan checked into the village's only inn. "Give me a room and some food," he said, handing over two primeval stones.

The innkeeper nodded. "Done. Eat in the hall or your room?"

"The hall," Fang Yuan said, sitting down to eat. As he ate, he planned his next move. "I need more primeval stones to refine the Moonrizz Gu. If I find the Flower Wine Monk's treasure, I'll be set."

The Liquor Worm Hunt (It's Giving Treasure Hunt Vibes)

After dinner, Fang Yuan headed to the village outskirts. The rain had stopped, and the night was clear. "If I can find the Liquor Worm, I'll have a huge advantage," he thought. "But if not, the Moonrizz Gu will have to do."

As he searched, he thought about the future. "The road ahead will be interesting. No matter what, I'll keep grinding."

Key Points (TL;DR)

Fang Yuan picked the Moonrizz Gu as his vital Gu but still hunted for the Liquor Worm.

Fang Zheng became the clan's golden child, while Fang Yuan stayed unbothered.

Aunt and Uncle tried to frame Fang Yuan, but he saw through their plot.

Fang Yuan moved to an inn and continued his search for the Flower Wine Monk's treasure.