24. Caravan
Early March.
The wave of spring enchants Qing Mao Mountain with life, welcoming the returning Rainbow Parrots, tender sprouts of Spear Bamboo, chirping crickets, and some much-needed relief from the cold! The sky no longer looks a gloomy grey but brightens into a vibrant blue. White clouds of different shapes fly overhead. Sweet sunny morning encourages everyone to courageously face their days and responsibilities.
A parade of strange creatures climbs the mountain through the clearings. Colorful ostriches proudly pull their carts, fat, pitch-black beetles slog heavy loads, hairy, bull-sized spiders ignore terrain, and a massive winged serpent carries crates atop its back.
The Caravan is here!
Leading the group is the Rank 4 Gu Master Jia Fu, atop his Treasure Brass Toad. The caravan approaches the Gu Yue Village before settling in its outskirts, unraveling and setting up several camps. Meanwhile, Jia Fu’s Toad travels into the heart of the Gu Yue Clan, stopping beside the Clan Leader’s Pavilion and jumping down to meet Gu Yue Bo.
“Welcome, Brother Fu!” Gu Yue Bo warmly welcomes the Rank 4 Leader of the caravan. Jia Fu smiles pleasantly. However, the scar stretching diagonally from his brows to his cheeks surprises Gu Yue Bo internally.
How can Gu Yue Bo not know why the caravan arrived early? Jia Jin Sheng’s death caused Jia Fu to accuse his Second Brother of demonic scheming. Their conflict over family assets grew, and they battled. Jia Fu left with his Caravan quickly to earn more.
However, Gu Yue Bo plays the fool, questioning, “How come you’re so early, Brother Fu?”
“Early bird gets the worm, Brother Bo,” Jia Fu smiles. “I brought many rare goods this time. I’m sure the noble Gu Yue Clan will like our caravan’s collection.”
Gu Yue Bo’s gaze gleams. Jia Fu’s personal assurance carries its weight as the Gu Yue Clan Leader chuckles. “Good! I’m sure my Clan will benefit a lot. You’re our honored guest, Brother Fu. Our clan is holding the awakening ceremony 2 days later. Please join us on this auspicious occasion.”
Jia Fu doesn’t stand for formalities and promptly agrees before hesitating and opening up.
“I have a request, Brother Bo.”
“Please speak,” Gu Yue Bo smiles. “I will try to assist to the best of my capabilities.”
“My younger brother’s death roused many issues. I would like to investigate a few things again. I loved my younger brother, and his loss haunts me even to this day.”
It’s all a pretense, and the wise men can see that. Jia Fu is troubled with his family’s inheritance due to his younger brother’s mysterious death. How can he not do everything to straighten the situation?
As the Caravan unloads and the leaders converse, a dark-haired youth watches everything about the Caravan’s arrival from a distant hill. Spring wind waves his dark locks as his abyss-like gaze seems lost and dazed.
‘This Caravan will be one of the points to tackle future issues. I killed Jia Jin Sheng, and Jia Fu invited the Divine Investigator to tackle the situation. The Rank 5 expert arrived in time to save the Gu Yue and Bai Clan’s leader from the Lycan. Next, his daughter investigated the matter while I used Chi Lian and Mo Chen to collect resources and feed that Gu in the depths of the Inheritance Site.’ Killing intent brews in his eyes. ‘I killed Jia Jin Sheng due to surprising situations, leaving some hints. That Divine Investigator also planted a Share Sense Gu on me, capturing me before I could heal that Gu. However, the Gu Clan Leader mistook me for an Extreme Physique. Hehe, how close he was to the truth! Still, the most surprising thing was Fang Zheng stabbing me through the heart. Nobody expected that, and the Rank 5 expert’s hidden injuries erupted at that moment. I was forced to self-detonate and returned a few months before graduation.’
‘Ordinarily, I shouldn’t have moved so far back. But I think I know why it happened.’
His gaze regains its serenity.
‘I quickly progressed in the inheritance site due to my second life’s experiences. Only dealing with the Monkey King and taking its Gu remains before continuing. However, I’m too weak. I tried to walk the same path as before without causing any changes. Still, Qing Shu advanced to Rank 3. He died in wolf tide during my first life and was killed by the overuse of his special Gu against Bai Ning Bing in my second life. His advancement forced the Mo and Chi faction to raise another Rank 3 Gu Master. I heard Chi Shan advancing a few days ago. Chi Shan should have died in the Beast Tide, too.’
Fang Yuan shakes his head.
‘I also tried purchasing the Blood Python from Lo Jik. But he seems stubborn not to sell it. He probably knows the ease of fusing it into Rank 5 Gu. The knowledge of the Rank 1 Gu worm’s unique connection with its Rank 5 variant was only discovered during the Five Regions War. I was only intrigued because I was a Blood Path Immortal. The easiest way to take Gu from him is by assassinating him in the forest. However, he is a sharp warrior and stopped going out recently.’
‘Still, my first act is to get that Liquor Worm and Red Steel Relic Gu. I should display my talent and get that invitation token from Jia Fu to leave a way out for myself. Next, I will carefully destroy every thread that Tie Ruo Nan investigated to pin me as the culprit for Jia Jin Sheng’s murder. Finally, I need to raise 50000 Primeval Stones before the Father-Daughter pair’s arrival and get out of here!’
He has some plans for the latter.
‘There’s also Gu Yue Zie Qi,’ Fang Yuan’s lips curve into a wicked smirk. Anything exciting an old devil like Fang Yuan is bound to be exciting!
<<<>>>
Gu Yue Lo Jik walks between the tents. Unlike usual, he observes a tall tree almost 18 meters high and 10 meters wide from the base. Round windows carved on its surface allow natural sunlight to travel inside its hollow interiors. This is no ordinary tree but a Gu House called Three Star Cave. Its original form is that of a seed that grows to such an extent under a Gu Master’s Primeval Essence.
‘That’s the auction house?’
Lo Jik narrows his eyes.
The caravan is better this time. A Gu House isn’t something usual in a mid-sized caravan.
He enters the first Gu House of his life, brimming with curiosity. The interiors of the hollow tree are plain but refined. Rows of wooden counters display several Rank 1 Gu. Besides the Gu are paper and pen. He walks in and admires the collection. However, Lo Jik doesn’t think of stealing these Gu. A Gu Master controls the Gu House, surveilling everyone. He blinks as he finds Fang Yuan in the central crowd. Intrigued, Lo Jik slips past and glimpses at the Liquor Worm with the price tag of 500 Primeval Stones.
He is more surprised to see the Medicine Hall Elder with her Granddaughter.
‘500 stones is cheap. However, this Gu House operates more in silent auctions. There are several reasons for that. Jia Fu is a Rank 4 Gu Master. If he holds open auctions and the other two Clans find trouble, he won’t be able to suppress the situation alone. Not only that, but those auctions promote bitter rivalry. How can the Gu Yue Leader allow his Clansmen to tear pretenses away and bite each other’s throats for resources? Finally, influential Elders can curb others from making moves on precious Gu. However, these silent auctions allow others to aim at precious resources without being oppressed by their Elders!’
He muses before moving forward. None of these Gu interested him. The first floor only displayed Rank 1 Gu Worms. The second and third floors showcased Rank 2 and 3 Gu.
‘Others would be stuck in my situation,’ He roams the smaller second floor, reading through information about Rare Rank 2 Gu on the counters. ‘I have ten Rank 2 Gu! However, only White Jade Gu and Winged Carp Gu are difficult to feed.’ He sighs grimly. The most attractive Gu on the second floor is an attack-type Gu.
Lo Jik’s most immediate needs are a Storage-Type and Scouting Gu.
He already has an idea for Scouting Gu, preparing for it for a while now. However, Storage Gu is an issue. The recipes in his mind only provide Storage Gu of subpar quality. He wants something to sustain the materials he receives from his Trait. After all, some materials have already spoiled, forcing Lo Jik to tear and crush those items with Moonglow Gu.
So, he aims to sell his accumulated goods in these eight days and purchase adequate materials to refine a Storage Gu, Healing Gu, and Scouting Gu.
Preferably, he would like to purchase the first two and do away with refining them.
Not finding anything interesting, Lo Jik climbs upstairs, browsing Rank 3 Gu Worms. He chances upon Mo Yan on this floor. A white belt with a silver bracket replaces her red one. She barely spares him a glance, pretending not to know him well as she stares at the Gu in the center—White Silver Relic Gu!
Lo Jik eventually approaches the Gu Master on the doorstep, revealing his intention to sell.
He decided to sell his most expensive item available for sale.
Not the Ginseng, of course. It’s also used in refining precious Rank 3 Gu. Lo Jik wants to refine a Storage Gu to keep some items safe. Instead, he sells perishable goods of no immediate or foreseeable use.
Unfortunately, he fails to find Shen Cui and Fang Zheng in the crowd.
His relationship with Fang Zheng failed to worsen. Shen Cui didn’t show Lo Jik’s gift to Fang Zheng. Instead, she wears it to the Bazaar, dolling herself for her admirer by her side.
Lo Jik cannot have that.
He MUST find Fang Zheng and give that boy another doze of motivation!
Fortunately, he also finds a batch of Wavy Weeds at a lower price than the ones in the Clan’s stock.
<<<>>>
3 Days Later.
The entire clan is more active than usual. It was the Awakening Ceremony yesterday. The influx of new Gu Masters roused everyone’s spirits. However, some feel complicated.
“Everything will be fine, Young Master!” She Cui hugs Fang Zheng’s arms. She speaks with determination as they browse different stalls. Fang Zheng doesn’t talk and continues his silence.
‘Another A-grade Aptitude!’ Fang Zheng feels an invisible pressure because he knows more than the rest. ‘The Academy Elder lied about Gu Yue Zie Qi’s aptitude, saying 90%. However, that boy has 99% aptitude! Elder lied to prevent Jia Fu from forming any ideas, who was invited to view the ceremony.’
Fang Zheng feels complicated. He should feel happy for the clan. However, Fang Zheng cannot help but fear the loss of his status and reputation. He doesn’t want the Clan Leader and Brother Qing Shu to stop teaching him.
He snaps out of his thoughts when Shen Cui pauses midway.
The youth looks ahead, finding Lo Jik staring straight at them. Fang Zheng notices how Lo Jik seems… disappointed?
Should he not be gloating?
Fang Zheng frowns.
A disappointed Lo Jik feels worst than the Asshole variant!
Meanwhile, Shen Cui shudders and glances away. She feels naked under Lo Jik’s gaze. The seeping disappointment makes her hand clammy. After all, she isn’t wearing Lo Jik’s gift but Fang Zheng’s jade earrings. The couple interprets Lo Jik’s appearance in their own way.
“Why are you still with him?” Lo Jik opens his mouth.
“What?” Shen Cui squawks as Lo Jik crosses his arms. “Didn’t you hear the news? Batchmate Fang is no longer unique. There’s someone better. Look at him. He’s already given up. How can Fang Zheng ever satisfy anyone? He couldn’t keep his twin. He would probably lose Clan Leader’s and Elder Qing’s guidance, and he would probably lose you, too.”
The brown-haired youth smirks.
Fang Zheng clenches his fists while Shen Cui trembles.
“Is that all?” Fang Zheng coldly demands, surprising Lo Jik. Raising his brows, Lo Jik shrugs. “It seems you don’t need my encouragement, Batchmate Fang. Oh, Dear Cui.”
Fang Zheng's eyes snap with anger once Lo Jik regards his lover with such intimacy.
“You know where to find me when Fang Zheng leaves you alone while focusing on cultivation. Hehehe,” Lo Jik turns around, waving his hands. “Just knock on my doors.”
“Don’t listen to him, Cui,” Fang Zheng speaks softly, consoling the trembling and afraid Shen Cui. He is unaware of her thoughts.
‘He just demanded me out in the public while I stood beside Young Master… and nothing happened!’ Shen Cui slowly understands Gu Masters’ dynamics. ‘What would have happened if I had worn Lo Jik’s present?’
The thought stirs something eager yet ugly within her pale chest.
However, her watery eyes dim at the recollection of Lo Jik’s disappointment.
‘Will he still be at the Bazaar?’
Forgetting the duo, Lo Jik enters the Gu House. The appearance of another A-grader surprised the entire village! But it wasn’t worth noting. Lo Jik wholeheartedly cheers for Fang Zheng since he’s already invested a lot. Clearing his head, Lo Jik browses the Gu collection.
The caravan replaces Rank 1 Gu after half a day, Rank 2 Gu after a day, and Rank 3 Gu after 2 days.
The first floor showcases a Black Boar Gu. Lo Jik writes down a price for it. After all, he still possesses the Concealment Fur Gu. Buying a Black Boar and Green Silkworm to fuse a Black Mane Gu is still an option.
As luck would have it, the second floor displays a Black Mane Gu. Lo Jik writes down a price for that Gu, too. However, he’s incredibly attracted to an inconspicuous Wind Step Grass Gu!
Buy, Buy, Buy!
He wants that Gu Worm!
Concealment Mane Gu, alongside Feathered Boots Gu, can be a life-saving treasure during the Wolf Tides. So what if they are Rank 3 Gu? Using them for short periods during intense life-death situations is more than acceptable!
The central Gu today is a White Jade Gu.
As the day ends, Lo Jik fails to obtain the Black Boar Gu. However, he gets the Black Mane and Windstep Gu.
He quietly returns home while calculating his savings.
He lost a few hundred stones worth of materials to time and paid around 3100 for both Gu Worms. His cost of nurturing Gu isn’t anything to scoff at.
By now, he still has the 100-year-old Lunar Ginseng and a dispensable income of 6125 Primeval Stones.
Things change on the sixth day of the caravan!
Many Gu Masters surround the central spot, including a few elders. Lo Jik is among them, staring at a pair of displayed Gu. Both have the same shape and size, differing in color alone. The Gu on the right is a skull-sized spider with fuzzy golden fur and pitch-black eyes. The Gu on the left is a similar spider with raven-shaded fur and attractive golden eyes.
‘Solar and Lunar Spiders!’ Lo Jik and others can’t help but feel their desires stir.
These two Rank 2 are Healing-type Gu with effects no less than a Rank 3 Gu! The Solar Spider is useless at night, feeds on sunlight, and is incredibly potent during the day. The Lunar Spider is the opposite! Its ability is weaker than a Rank 1 Gu in the daytime, possessing incredible healing effects at Night! Both Gu are easy to feed and nurture.
They won’t stir much attention alone.
But together?
Even Medicinal Hall’s Elder came rushing in.
“Please advise, Elder Yao Ji,” one of the Gu Masters speaks as the wrinkled woman nods with a kind smile. “These two Gu match a Rank 3 Gu’s effect in their respective times. These two are some of the top Gu for a Healing Gu Master since they are easy to raise, too! Their best use is in the hands of a Rank 3 Gu Master since their fusion creates a Rank 3 Dawn To Dusk Spider Gu. Hehe, don’t let this price fool you, juniors. This is an old tactic. Even if I’m moved, I will save my wealth for tomorrow’s core Gu since it’s bound to be the best!”
She dissuades plenty with a few words, raising their hopes for tomorrow. However, Lo Jik is indifferent to her words.
‘Rank 3 Dawn To Dusk Spider Gu is complicated to feed, and its fusion recipe requires additional materials. But these two Gu have another fusion recipe! That Gu is the top Rank 3 Gu due to its use, effortless nurturing, and no additional materials for fusion. Heh. It only needs correct external factors! But this competition will be tense. I saved the Ginseng for later, but I can’t miss this opportunity.’
The only thing that can be better than these two Gu should be a Red Steel Relic Gu. Lo Jik already has one.
‘I will have to sell the ginseng and use excess Primeval Stones to bulk purchase more of my Gu Worm’s food. My priority now is the Storage Gu and the Scouting Gu. Everything else must wait, including Mo Yan and Shen Cui.’
Truthfully, Lo Jik looked forward to spending more time with Mo Yan. However, he can’t let his dick dictate his needs.
Even if he earns rewards from Mo Yan, he might lose out on other opportunities if he doesn’t fuse a good storage Gu.
Later.
“What?” Yao Ji scowls. “Someone else purchased the two Spider Gu?”
The guiding Gu Master expresses her regret as Yao Ji feels indignant rage burning in her heart.
‘First the Liquor Worm, and now those two Gu! I also cannot use my reputation to forcefully buy the Spider Gu since the caravan may not have spares like the Liquor Worm! Hateful! Don’t let me find out who purchased it!’
In a different spot in the village, Lo Jik smiles at Mo Yan. Although indignant, she accepts Lo Jik’s determination to focus while refining a Gu Worm. In fact, she is determined to use this chance and digest her gains from the caravan by refining Gu for herself, too.
As expected, a Red Steel Relic Gu shocked the village the next day.
But the caravan’s details don’t matter to him.
‘I sold the Ginseng for a slight loss and didn’t take the risk of playing with numbers, choosing to spend more for the two Spider Gu.’
He doesn’t regret spending 8800 for the pair of Healing Gu. They are already effective on Lo Jik, and he can wait to fuse them into Rank 3 once he advances to said realm. His total wealth after selling the ginseng and purchasing food for the Winged Carp and White Jade is 4075 Primeval Stones. He’s almost spent his entire year’s savings!
It’s time to Refine!
He has many Gu and awaiting projects. The risk of failure barely deters him.
‘I’ll start with Rank 2 Earth Hole. Easy to feed, hard to refine—worth the task.’
Since Lo Jik foresees several Gu Worms in his career as a lone Gu Master, he wants Gu with simple diets. He’s already feeling pressure caring for a few Rank 2 Gu. How can he survive if he cannot handle such issues? Nurturing the Gu has been a well-known thorn in a Gu Master’s side since ages ago!
***
Alternate Title: Spring Time! Daddy Jia Is Back; Comparing Past With Present; Killing Intent; Malicious Schemes; Lo Jik Dodging Bullets Left and Right; Rare Gu; Awakening Ceremony!; A New Talent Approaches; Fang Zheng Getting That Shounen Rival Boost; Shen Cui Getting That NTR Hentai Boost; Lo Jik Works His Ass Off to Help Fang Zheng In His Own Way; Spending Accumulated Wealth; Yao Ji About To Catch These Spider Hands; Old Bitch Loses Again; The Amazing Spiders; *Cue Spider-Man 2099 Racially Inclined OST*; Solar and Lunar; Rank 9 Cosmic Spiderman Gu; Going All-Out; A Romantic Shen Cui; Meeting Elder Yan; Understanding Yan; Everyone Must Grow; Cultivation Before Sex; Having Too Many Gu is a Happy Worry; Black Mane and Windstep Grass; Preparing a Refining Session