28. Lightning Thought
The red-haired Chi Cheng smiles as other Gu Masters from his batch fawn over him in the get-together. He has always been short, his features riddled with pockmarks. But beauty is secondary in this world. Even an Ugly Croak with power is several times more attractive to the most beautiful mortal. Of course, the initial attraction only carves a path for future relationship goals that Chi Cheng can’t focus on. He isn’t alone, as the Gu Masters in the tavern discuss things with Mo Bei.
Inviting one and not the other may be seen as offending the uninvited party, so the hosting Gu Masters will always invite Fang Zheng, Chi Cheng, and Mo Bei.
Fang Zheng used to participate in these meetings, conversing with his friends and bickering with a few. However, he hasn’t accepted the invitation for some time, choosing to focus on his cultivation.
The one whom Fang Zheng spoke against the most was Chi Cheng. Fang Zheng never forgot how Chi Cheng almost ‘took’ Shen Cui if Lo Jik’s words are to be believed. He confirmed it from Shen Cui, and she revealed she was too scared to think straight. That started Fang Zheng’s modest distaste for Chi Cheng.
“Here, Brother Chi,” one of the female Gu Masters smiles meaningfully, pouring wine for him. On the other hand, a few Gu Masters smile and try to please Mo Bei.
“Today is a joyous occasion. Hehe,” a male Gu Master toasts. “Brother Mo and Chi will soon reach Rank 2 Upper Stage. I can feel it!”
Chi Cheng and Mo Bei nod with soft smiles. However, they now understand the differences in talent. Fang Zheng is already an Upper Stage Rank 2 Gu Master. Meanwhile, they are left stranded behind. It’s partly to chase after the title of the Top Rank 2 Gu Master. They can match Fang Zheng’s speed with their resources, but how can they readily forsake social interactions?
They must spread their name and influence for more power!
Yet, even a Gu Master like Fang Zheng realizes that cultivation and Gu are power. Lo Jik made a man out of that boy.
Their get-together eventually ends as Mo Bei and Chi Cheng walk different paths.
The former’s muscled, bulky physique cuts through the stream of people. He looks tired, but the brilliance flashing in his gaze after several successful missions is hard to hide.
Mo Yan’s Gu set might not be worthy of an elite. But it was customized to the scout’s movement, investigation, and communication. Mo Bei learned to use her former Gu, not needing to develop a set himself since he would be a fool not to accept his Grandfather’s gift. Since Mo Yan always doted on him, he expected her to embrace the change. Mo Bei didn’t plan to take her Gu permanently. He wanted to return them once she apologized to their Grandfather.
That day never came. Mo Yan snapped at Mo Bei and the family, eventually advancing to Rank 3 and becoming an Elder.
That wasn’t all.
Mo Bei recalled how Mo Chen wanted Mo Yan to get close to Gu Yue Zie Qi. His stomach churned with disgust, not because his Grandfather was sending his sister away. He knew she must marry someone. However, he had other intentions…
So, Mo Bei couldn’t bear the thought of Mo Yan being with another man.
All that changed when Mo Yan emerged from her room a few days later with jade studs pierced in her earlobes.
Mo Bei vomited that night.
How could his sister do that?
When confronted, she only gave him a sidelong glance before mockingly sneering and leaving. He tried following her. However, Mo Bei used Mo Yan’s former Gu. How can she not understand Mo Bei’s methods? She continuously slipped past.
It wasn’t a one-time thing.
Mo Bei knew he loved his sister too much and would forgive her… if she named the audacious man so that Mo Bei could slaughter him. However, it wasn’t a one-time thing.
She’s left their estate a few times.
Mo Bei snaps out of his thoughts when he finds a familiar figure leaving the gates under the evening sky.
“Elder Sister,” he speaks with a scowl. “Where are you going?”
Mo Yan blinks.
The sibling shares some features. Like Mo Bei, Mo Yan’s nose is slightly longer. However, it barely takes anything from her delicate figure. Her Gu uniform wraps around her prominent bust and shapely ass, hiding a trained body that she uses to please her lover with.
‘It will be slightly weird, and he didn’t persist it. But he did say he was interested in trying to do it with my feet. Maybe we can try that tonight?’ Mo Yan notes. She isn’t the kind to deny Lo Jik anything. He barely asks for any assistance from her. So, she wants to fulfill any wish he might have.
Mo Yan didn’t try it with her feet because… she wanted to train her movements on some similar items first. Now, she has some confidence in pleasing him with her toes.
“Elder Sister!”
“Oh,” Mo Yan snaps from her thoughts, drawling, “You’re still here? I can go wherever I please.”
“Please, Elder Sister,” Mo Bei clenches his fists. “Can’t you see? You’re hurting Grandfather. I miss those days when we laughed together. Please, stop this!”
Mo Yan tilts her head. Mo Bei wonders if she loves him and pretends to hurt him.
"Being the Family’s man, eh?” Mo Yan smiles gently. Mo Bei’s expression eases when she continues.
“Do you know where I’m going?” Mo Yan leans forward with a husky tone. She stares into his surprised eyes. “A man must know where the family’s women are, right? Grandfather doesn’t pretend to stop me. He knows and accepts it. What about you, Little Brother? Do you want to hear all the sloppy details?”
“Elder Sister!” He snaps.
“Hush,” an index finger on his lips stops him. Mo Yan smiles sweetly. “Don’t you want your Elder Sister to be happy? I’m blissful, Bei. We barely get to meet, but he treats me right. Do you want to hear the positions we do it in? Hmm. Just thinking about it makes me giddy!”
His body shudders.
“It’s nothing like what you did with Cao. My man uses me,” she throatily whispers. “Then he loves me. Now you know where I’m going and what I’ll do—for hours. Hmm. You can try following me. I will let you follow me one of these days. But will you still admire your Elder Sister once you see me covered in someone else’s pale essence? He is always so eager to meet me. Sigh.”
She leans back, straightening her back. Her gaze turns cold as she ruffles Mo Bei’s hair before leaving him.
Meanwhile, Mo Bei doesn’t move from the estate’s entrance for a few minutes. His expression shifts from disgust to anger, anger to helplessness, and helplessness to disgust!
If Lo Jik sees it, he’ll instantly point out—the Cuck cycle!
Mo Bei is disgusted by the thought of Mo Yan with another man, making him angry. His anger turns to helplessness once he realizes he can do nothing to Mo Yan even if he becomes an Elder. If Mo Chen cannot openly criticize her, how can the inexperienced Mo Bei? This helplessness makes him imagine all the scenarios Mo Yan put in his head. He feels disgusted again—with himself. After all, he feels something stir within.
<<<>>>
Her oiled feet rub his veiny shaft. Curiosity blazes in Mo Yan’s heart as she steadily becomes less awkward and tries different motions, including pressing her feet against his throbbing cock, making it struggle.
He grunts the final time as Mo Yan smirks and giggles, cupping his tip with her slightly curled feet as hot jets of cum stain her toes, dripping on their mattress.
“Was it that good?” Mo Yan wags her brows, jumping into Lo Jik’s embrace as he huffs, regaining his composure. “It felt good,” he sighs. “But I don’t think I’ll get used to it.”
“It’s fine,” Mo Yan pecks his jaw. “I’m glad we tried it. What next?”
“Next?” Lo Jik his brows in amusement as she scoffs with a blush. “Well,” she mutters. “It’s fascinating to try other stuff.” She inadvertently yawns when she says that, grumbling, “I’m already sleepy…”
He notes the guilt in her voice, prompting him to gently kiss her forehead. “Do you think I blame you, Silly? Let’s sleep. I’m just sad I didn’t get to return the favor.”
She hums with a broad smile, muttering softly, “I can’t let my man owe anyone. I must have you take care of me twice as much the next time.”
“Of course!”
Mo Yan leaves the next day as Lo Jik stares at his rewards.
[Feet Sandwich (Silver): Experience an Orgasm Through Mo Yan’s Feet. Parties Involved—Host, Gu Yue Mo Yan. Rewards Stored.]
[A Taboo Makeout (Bronze/Repeatable): Made out with Mo Yan. Parties Involved—Host, Gu Yue Mo Yan. Rewards Stored.]
Lo Jik stares at the rewards.
Rank 2 Red Steel Relic Gu.
And…
A Rank 3 Gu?
Lo Jik keeps the Red Steel Relic Gu, deciding to expose it at the right time to explain his cultivation speed. However, the Rank 3 Gu is something new.
‘It’s injured,’ Lo Jik narrows his eyes. This Gu is like a skull-sized blue jellyfish lying feebly on his lap. Its feelers are thin and almost dry. Meanwhile, a fist-sized hole on its body buzzes with electricity. ‘I didn’t know I could get injured, Rank 3 Gu. It was from a Bronze-tier reward. What if it was a Silver gift?’ Such thoughts appear in his mind.
‘Rank 3 Lightning Thoughts Gu,’ Lo Jik narrows his eyes. ‘Scouts need to have lightning-quick decision-making. This Gu is very valuable. However, it will also take a small fortune to heal it to its full health. Feeding it is also a headache.’
Lo Jik sighs, letting the Gu hanging to its life by a thread into his second aperture.
‘There is a way to quickly heal it. The Rank 2 Spider Gu cannot heal Gu Worms. However, it’s Rank 3 fusion can. But if I advance it to Rank 3, I will have to consider the cost of using it. After all, Rank 3 Gu displays their optimal might through Rank 3 essence.’ He frowns. ‘Or I try finding a Rank 2 Plasma Flesh Gu to heal it. Lightning Gu are rare in Qing Mao Mountain. But they are available in large numbers during the Wolf Tide. The clan should have this Gu, but it’s not for the public.’
{A/N: To avoid confusion, the Rank 3 Spider Gu can only heal outer injuries of the similar-ranked Gu and not the kinds like the one on Extreme Light Gu. Also, it’s ineffective on higher-ranked Gu, or the kind that directly opposes the Spider Gu Worm’s path.}
Lo Jik narrows his eyes before snickering.
‘It would be an issue if I had no backing. Didn’t I work hard? I can ask Mo Yan. Clan Elders have a higher clearance and more resources available. And the last thing I’m afraid of is revealing an injured Rank 3 Gu to Mo Yan.’
He has confidence in the matter. Lo Jik knows he must display some trust to maintain his relationship with Mo Yan. Oh. He can continue requesting her assistance without telling her shit. But it will eventually ruin his steady supply of Bronze-tier rewards. Isn’t this Gu from Mo Yan in the first place?
‘I can even use her to purchase jade rocks,’ Lo Jik groans. ‘I’m almost out of White Jade’s food. I must start showing more results and earn more stones on paper. That will clear Mo Yan’s doubts about my repayment. She won’t want to accept it, of course. But Lo Jik, in her mind, is a stubborn youth who always returns the favor.’
He plans his contact with Mo Yan.
‘Now that I think about it, what’s taking Mo Bei and Chi Cheng so long to cultivate? Fang Zheng is breaking the village’s records by solely focusing on improvements while those two scums are still eager to join parties.’
He doesn’t want more unwanted attention on himself, so he wants to advance his ‘Public’ cultivation after their breakthrough. He can use the Red Steel Relic as an excuse. For instance, he can reveal he chanced upon a Red Steel Relic Gu, displaying it publicly. Of course, he won’t use it but advance using his Primeval Essence. He will break through to the peak stage using the Relic Gu.
‘But people can’t constantly experience fortuitous encounters. Using such methods will eventually invite suspicion.’
Lo Jik is suffering from success. He wants others to grow so he can, too!
‘I never had such an issue in my past life since I didn’t have to ‘nurture’ my bazookas and tanks!’ Lo Jik was an avid collector in his previous.
<<<>>>
A crowd gathers near Gu Yue Village’s southern entrance as Fang Zheng clenches his bloodied fists. The team from the Xiong Clan is aghast as their leader kneels on a knee while clutching his chest with a pale expression.
“Hmph! These Xiong Clan’s members were too arrogant.”
“To think they will claim Xiong Li to be the strongest physically. Hah!”
The crowd cheers for Fang Zheng as the youth quietly helps Xiong Li, earning him a grateful look from the latter.
“We fought fairly. This match of pure martial arts is your win.” Xiong Li nods reluctantly. He never expected a junior to pack such a punch!
The rise of wolf packs compelled Bai and Xiong village to send their diplomatic teams and negotiate the terms of the alliance. However, such benefits are divided through competition. Xiong Li was Chi Shan’s rival. However, Chi Shan quickly climbed the ladders with his family’s help. Xiong Li could not challenge an Elder, so he challenged the number one talent of the clan.
Xiong Li already has bear’s strength and can add another one with his Gu. However, this was not a Gu fight!
‘The Elders promised to lend me some of their supporting Gu Worms to advance into Rank 3 if I gain advantages for the clan. Sigh.’
“You went easy on me, Senior,” Fang Zheng claims. “You did not use your Gu worms.”
Other Gu Masters from Xiong Clan look at Fang Zheng gratefully as the crowd cheers more for Fang Zheng until one voice echoes.
“These Xiong members cannot even handle Fang Zheng. How will they ever take on someone like Fang Yuan? He effortlessly moved the River Swallowing Toad Gu!”
Xiong Li’s pupils shrink as Fang Zheng’s expression darkens.
His bleeding fists creak as he forcibly calms himself.
Fang Yuan again!
Why did Fang Zheng spar against Xiong Li for several minutes, injuring the bones in his hands?
For Fang Yuan?
No!
Fang Zheng’s disappointment is immeasurable, and his day is ruined.
<<<>>>
“Fang Yuan? Upper Stage?”
Lo Jik blinks in surprise.
How?
He doesn’t linger around in the tavern. Fang Yuan’s cultivation speed is shockingly fast. One might assume it’s due to the resources earned from his Vitality Leaf business. However, Fang Yuan’s prices aren’t sky-high! He must also have his weekly cost of living. Anyone can calculate the number of leaves sold and understand that much.
Even Mo Bei and Chi Cheng aren’t at the Upper Stage yet!
‘I want to strangle those two sons of bitches. If only Chi Cheng had a sister or a mother. The bastard won’t even marry someone.’
Lo Jik scoffs. Yet, he understands he must endure and live.
‘The contract on the rental cabin will expire next year, too. I still have that small property where I built my cabin.’
His burdens eased once he requested Mo Yan’s assistance. She secretly sent him the Rank 2 Gu to heal the Lightning Thoughts Gu. Even though she refuses to take his money, he knows he will have to forcefully give it to her.
Returning home, Lo Jik settles atop his mattress and glances inside his aperture. The Lightning Thoughts Gu is a blue jellyfish swimming within his Primeval Sea.
With a thought, 22.5% of his peak-stage essence enters the Gu! The Gu joyfully frolics around, releasing bone-chilling crackling noises as he feels something in his mind. Closing his eyes, he can visualize an orb of crackling lightning. It’s white-hot in the center, with arcs of blue lightning dancing around it.
A Lightning Thought!
Rank 3 Lightning Thoughts Gu consumes 10% of Initial Stage Rank 3 essence to produce one Lightning Thought.
This is a mystical Gu. After all, Lightning Thought represents a ‘manifestation’ of Lo Jik’s thought. He ‘stares’ at it with his mind’s eye before allowing it to leave his body.
*Bzzt*
A nail-sized orb of phantom lightning flies out from the middle of his forehead, floating midair.
‘I want Fang Zheng to marry Shen Cui. What should I do?’ As he thinks this, he uses the Lightning Thought floating ahead.
It lets out a static noise before rushing into his head.
An answer appears in Lo Jik’s mind—Kidnap the two and wed them.
Quick and efficient!
This is the beauty of this Gu. It allows a Gu Master to form answers of a decisive, no-nonsense nature! However, a Gu Master uses the Gu. Lo Jik will never agree to this thought process.
Indeed, what he achieved with the Thoughts Gu was the ‘manifestation’ of one’s thought process.
Would Lo Jik kidnap the duo?
No.
Because there is deep context.
He has a Trait to exploit its use when Shen Cui marries an Elder. It needs to be done in a process where Shen Cui’s affection for him doesn’t lower but rises instead.
How can one thought account for all this?
To reveal this Gu’s might, he must be a Rank 3 Gu Master. Even then, he must be at the Peak Stage!
‘How amazing,’ Lo Jik smiles. ‘The ability to form thoughts and organize decision-making is undoubtedly beneficial!
‘Tian-Yan’s recipes reveal similar Gu. Some of these Gu produce thoughts that help in Gu refinement, others create beneficial thoughts that think about others, and so on. As I grow, I will have to choose and specialize. But I can’t help but wonder how insane it would be to do it all—to have physical strength capable of destroying mountains with a punch and the smarts to survive the consequence.’
He sighs.
‘There may be a way or not. I can only seek answers. For now, I must depend on Mo Yan to feed this Gu and focus on slaughtering wolf packs to earn more money on paper.
<<<>>>
Fang Yuan feels several gazes on him. It’s unavoidable.
‘I got the Four Flavors Liquor Worm months before the River Swallowing Toad’s arrival. My cultivation is quicker than my previous timeline. However, I’ll take this risk. I snatched a Red Steel Relic from Bai Ning Bing when she almost died. I used that Gu to reach the Peak Stage. But things won’t be the same since Qing Shu is already a Rank 3 Gu Master. He won’t be there to hold Bai Ning Bing back. But I can maintain my previous speed since I advanced the Liquor worm earlier.’
Fang Yuan purchases a few things before returning to his room.
‘Elders won’t try prying my secrets during the Wolf Tide. Like last time, Gu Yue Yao Ji might target me for my Nine Leaf Vitality Grass Gu. Heh! Fate is funny. I managed to invent a new Gu altogether during the wolf tide.’
Expectations bloom in Fang Yuan’s heart before he ruthlessly stomps them down. Things might not be the same, so he needs to remain calm!
***
Alternate Title: Partying; Strength is Attractive; Chi Cheng and Fang Zheng’s Bad Blood; Mo Bei’s Frustrations; A Brother’s Plea; Lewd Intentions; Confronting Mo Yan; Shocked!; Dirty Sis; Digging Her Claws into Mo Bei; Corrupted Mo Yan; The Cuck Cycle; A Descriptive Sister; Finally! Foot Job!; A Slick Play; Tired and Happy; New Category of Rewards; Injured Gu; An Elder’s Backing; Xiong Clan; Fang Zheng Wins!; The Hero’s Name; Fang Zheng Rolling Inside; If Only Chi Cheng Had Female Family Members; Lo Jik in Alternate Universe: I Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife. Let’s Fuck!; Efficient Decision-Making; Mysteries of Gu; Mo Yan Being Wifey Material AF; Risks; Fang Yuan Advances; Bubbling Excitement