66. Made It
From lowest to highest, the Shang Clan offers Nine Tokens: Black, White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Turquoise, Blue, and Purple. The top four Tokens are desired by every lone force due to the access to limited items and services, including lucrative services.
Only three individuals remained inside the courtyard after other Young Masters left once they invited Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. In Lo Jik’s and Bai Ning Bing’s grip is a palm-sized purple token made from Cersis Chinensis Wood. On one side of the token is Shang Clan’s Mini Map. On the other side is the bold print of the name—Shang Clan.
The token in their hands reveals a refracting light as if they are holding the reflective surface of a purple pond. This Token is not a Gu Worm. But the effect of Special Token Gu rests inside this Token. As long as it's held by others, the surface of the token will turn dull. Its value is only revealed once the blood owners of the token—Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing hold it.
‘I underestimate Shang Yan Fei’s generosity. I only hoped for a Green Thorn Token.’ Lo Jik stares at the token in his hand, feeling slightly hesitant. Shang Yan Fei isn’t a generous man. One thing Lo Jik is deeply aware of is that a manipulative man’s kindness is cruel, too. There must be a reason for—
Shang Xin Ci.
Lo Jik connects the dots. Shang Xin Ci may be the only mortal in the Shang Clan that can make Shang Yan Fei slightly decent.
‘I see. If I’m not wrong, Shang Yan Fei wants to capitalize on my relationship with Xin Ci to make us her supporters. But a Mortal cannot realistically gain a footing in the Shang Clan. So, Shang Yan Fei must be planning to use some Gu on Xin Ci to awaken her Aperture.’
He stares at the Purple Thorn Token.
“This is a significant reward, Brother Lo Jik,” Wei Yang suddenly speaks. The External Elder could empathize with their shock and waited a while before speaking.
“There are less than 200 Purple Thorn Tokens in the Clan. Your authority is no lower than a Young Master among the general population. Of course, there are limitations, too.”
“Please advise, Brother Wei,” Lo Jik speaks softly as his mind drifts elsewhere.
“Hmm.” Wei Yang reveals a content noise. He’s actually happy for Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing. They can use this Token to advance rapidly! Wei Yang isn’t afraid the duo will grow out of Shang Clan’s control. For one, their savings and earnings aren’t enough to tackle the depths of the Clan. The opportunities they can access with the Purple Thorn Token are massive, but they will be expensive, too.
“Although your authority can be considered half-step of an Elder, you must tread carefully. As they say, the highest tree attracts the storm. The Clan’s Rules now heavily apply to you. You two must be careful with each step and not lose the Purple Thorn Token.”
Wei Yang thinks before adding.
“And always remember. We don’t have the Shang name. Treat the Purole Thorn Token as an expression of resources, not authority.”
Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing nod before the former opens up.
“This is a joyous occasion, Brother Wei. I would like to invite you to Shi Tian restaurant tomorrow night. I remember Brother Xiao Yan treated us before. Could you please invite him, too?”
Wei Yang smiles broadly.
“Of course, Brother Lo Jik.” He also good-naturedly smiles, quirking his brows. “And would you like me to invite Lady Shang?”
“Please don’t tease me, Senior,” Lo Jik smiles wryly. “I’m slightly shaken, is all. I will look for Lady Shang and apologize for my behavior once I regain my composure.”
The duo departs from the courtyard. The Purple Thorn Token allows them to enter the Second Inner City. However, the first Inner City will always be inaccessible.
Once they leave, Shang Yan Fei retracts the colorful smoke in his study and enters a deep contemplation.
Conversing with Lo Jik deepened Shang Yan Fei’s intentions of recruiting him and Bai Ning Bing.
As Lo Jik suspects, it’s not for Shang Yan Fei but for Shang Xin Ci. The Clan Leader saw Lo Jik’s interactions with Wei Yang. Shang Yan Fei also directed Wei Yang to try and include Shang Xin Ci in their group to observe Lo Jik’s behavior.
There are several things Shang Yan Fei noticed.
‘First is Bai Ning Bing. She is the former Clan Mistress. The teachings of the Righteous Path are deeply ingrained in her. However, her Clan’s extermination and survival twisted these teachings into a sense of individualism. How else would she step back and let Lo Jik lead the topic? It also reveals Bai Ning Bing is astute enough to understand her weaknesses. A wise man submits to circumstances, and those two did.’
‘Lo Jik isn’t a former Young Clan Leader. His frivolity aside, his nature isn’t unappreciated. But Lo Jik is now used to independent growth, and Xin Ci’s appearance makes him unintentionally reluctant to get close to her. Politics is scary for the weak. However, Lo Jik hasn’t displayed any moment of weakness. So, Politics is not his strong suit, or he finds it time-consuming. After all, his desire was to have more time. But why would I give you time if I had more of it? Time is a commodity desired by everyone. It’s a market without supply.’
‘Ya Zi won’t be able to suppress them in the shops.’ Yan Fei knows about his son’s actions but is indifferent to them as long as he’s not caught by the Internal Affairs Hall. ‘He cannot suppress holders of Purple Thorn Tokens. That will be crossing a line, and Wei Yang will make a move. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing will enter a period of swift growth. But that will consume their savings. The next logical step is to enter the Battle Zone.’
Yan Fei frowns.
‘Gu Yue Lo Jik wants to walk the strength path. He must have some fortuitous encounters to use the Blue Blood Gu. That’s… hehe. Perfect. Once he fails in Strength Path and has no resources, it will be the best time to extend an olive branch.’
He thinks for a moment before revealing a determined expression.
‘No need to postpone this matter. I will exchange my Blood Handprint Gu for ‘that’ Gu Worm.’
<<<>>>
The Next Day.
After refusing to meet Shang Ya Zi, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing enter the Shi Tian restaurant’s private room, waiting for Wei Yang and Xiao Yan. The duo quickly settles as Xiao Yan looks at the duo with honest and unconcealed envy.
“Wow! Purple Thorn Tokens? To think you two saved Shang Clan Leader’s daughter. Haha! I’m so envious!”
The trio drinks as Bai Ning Bing sustains on water. Lo Jik still doesn’t touch any food, making Wei Yang secretly worry as he prompts.
“So? What are your plans?”
“Brother Wei already knows,” Lo Jik smiles. “We’re in Shang Clan to grow. We still have some useless Gu to sell and develop a set of complementary Gu to maximize our potential.”
Wei Yang nods with a smile, “Good. That’s the way, Brother Lo Jik. If you wish, I can recommend you a few shops.”
The External Elder did not reveal such pointers before. It meant entering the conflict between Shang Ya Zi and Lo Jik. However, things are different. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing possess the Purple Thorn Token. There is no need to fear these small matters, and Wei Yang can assist at his pace. After all, the Purple Thorn Token is Shang Yan Fei’s goodwill and future hope to recruit the duo.
“Oh? Thank you, Brother!” Lo Jik reveals an excited smile and cups his fist.
“You’re only walking to your defeat by helping us,” Bai Ning Bing reveals a sincere smirk as Wei Yang lets out a hollow chuckle.
“You two can ask Big Brother Wei about an outline of your path. He is very knowledgeable and helped me develop my Fire Path Gu Set. Of course, forget my words if it’s a secret or you wish to reveal it later.”
Lo Jik chuckles. Although he has an Immortal guidance, it cannot replace human relationships. As things are, Wei Yang is a great ally. It’s better to build a close bond than not.
There are differences in building human relationships. Lo Jik’s and Bai Ning Bing’s relationship developed rapidly after three points—the first night they slept together, killing Xuan Yuan Divine Pheasant, and Lo Jik leaving with the Grey Bone Inheritance to fuck around.
The first point made Bai Ning Bing willingly defenseless, the second event tested their possibility as a team, and the third event tested the result of Lo Jik showing similar trust in Bai Ning Bing. Of course, there were several other factors involved.
However, developing a human relationship in a safe environment is inherently different. Lo Jik has to use his eloquence to make Wei Yang feel close.
So, Lo Jik smiles widely.
“Although we have some education, we are bound to make mistakes. Hahaha. I must treat Brother Wei often if you keep advising us.”
Wei Yang laughs at the cheeky response before offering, “I won’t bore you two with the basics. You already know a Gu Master’s cultivation is divided into nine major realms and four minor realms. Rank 6 and onwards are called Gu Immortals. However, transcending to that realm is too far off. Let’s focus on mortals. Everyone around this table is a Rank 3 Gu Master. We will be considered Elders in an ordinary Clan.”
Wei Yang sips his wine.
“One of the crucial reasons for the Clans to adopt teams for Rank 2 Gu Masters is to help them choose a direction. There’s a Gu Master that attacks, another that heals, a Storage Gu Master for support, and more. These ‘Directions’ are classified into six aspects—attack, defense, healing, storage, movement, and investigation. Observing this, we realize all these directions are necessary to survive in the wilderness.”
“Of course, you see minor branches in the Shang Clan in the form of Substitute Refinement, Cooking, Caretaking, and more. Once you advance to Rank 3, you use the experience as a Rank 2 Gu Master to support your chosen direction.”
“So, the first step in developing a complementary Gu Set is to realize which of these six categories suits you.”
Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik readily answer.
“Attack.”
Wei Yang nods, unsurprised by their decision. The duo has a great talent for offense.
“An Attack Gu must be the core of your set. Ordinarily, this core is also your Lifebound Vital Gu. For instance, I’m a Movement Gu Master with the Rainbow Light Gu as my core. My next priority is to maximize this Gu Worm’s advantage and minimize its disadvantages. But you already know about me. Let’s take Little Xiao as an example.”
“He chose the red fire Gu as his main attack method, and then I advised him to use the duplicate Gu to increase the number of his flames. I next chose the Enlarge Gu, causing the flame to enlarge and become stronger. After that, I chose the fire source Gu to reduce his primeval essence expenditure. Finally, I chose the fire discharge Gu as his movement type Gu Worm.” Wei Yang patted Xiao Yan’s shoulders as he said.
Xiao Yan laughs bitterly.
“You exposed all my secrets, Big Brother Wei.”
“Who doesn’t know your Gu Set in the Battle Zone?” Wei Yang laughs. “However, as long as the Gu Set is solid, you can dismantle everything. Which path do you wish to develop?”
“Ice.”
“Strength.”
‘Here comes the hard part.’ Wei Yang sighs internally.
“Sister Bai has a Frost Demon Gu. I suppose that’s your Core Gu?”
Bai Ning Bing nods.
“Ice Path is outstanding for defense. Among the Rank 3 Gu, the Frost Demon, Snow Fairy, and Ice Crystal Gu are the great transformation Gu. Sister Bai combines Frost Demon Gu’s defense as offense, so it’s acceptable. Snow Fairy combines defense and movement. Meanwhile, Ice Crystal Gu is more suitable for men.”
Wei Yang closes his eyes before smiling.
“I have a few suggestions, Sister Bai.”
Bai Ning Bing listens carefully.
“Frost Demon Gu’s harmful effects can be reduced by Snow Skin, Ice Muscles, and Jade Bones Gu alongside the Vitality Gu. Vitality Gu can also act as a temporary Healing Gu. You have the Ice Edge Gu but lack a long-ranged option or the movement Gu to close distance. So, I recommend the Ice Skates Gu. Of course, if you wish to reduce your consumption, using the Ice Source Gu is a prevailing choice.”
“I’ll think about it,” Bai Ning Bing accepts the information.
Wei Yang then looks at Lo Jik and sighs.
“I won’t lie, Brother Lo Jik. You should give up on Strength Path.”
“Oh? Why?” Lo Jik muses.
“The Strength Path is in decline. The outstanding Gu of this path is either extinct or too expensive. What you can get your hands on is mediocre Gu. But these methods are relatively cheap. It’s hard to stand out among the masses using this path.”
Lo Jik smirks, “The competition is appreciated, Brother Wei.”
“I used to walk the same path,” Wei Yang sighs. “But I had to waste a lot of resources to remove the effects of Beast Strength from my body to use the Rainbow Light Gu.”
“I can’t give up, Brother Wei,” Lo Ji reveals with a surprising resolve. “No matter what anyone says, I can’t give up.”
‘Something from his past?’
Wei Yang frowns. But he tries to dissuade the notions, only for Lo Jik to reject him. Lo Jik has grave talents. His instincts are better used in Lightning Path. However, Wei Yang’s advice seems to fall on deaf ears.
Eventually, the slightly disappointed Wei Yang leaves with Xiao Yan.
Wei Yang hadn’t given up. But he knows trying to dissuade Lo Jik the day after he received the Purple Thorn Token is useless.
‘If he wants to waste some money. So be it. His mistakes will dampen his stubbornness and allow the Shang Clan to recruit him.’
<<<>>>
3 Days Later.
Lo Jik observes the nine Rank 2 Sky Bubble Gu before sitting cross-legged. The last three days have been simple. While Bai Ning Bing is busy developing her set, Lo Jik sells some of the Gu he won’t need. For instance, the Rank 2 Blood Rousing Incense and Smell Lock Gu. The Rank 3 preferable advancement of Blood Rousing Incense is the Spirited Blood Gu. However, Lo Jik prefers the Blue Blood Gu over the Spirited Blood Gu. Also, the Blood Rousing Incense’s effects will be negligible after today. As for the Smell Lock Gu, Lo Jik is out of beast shit. There isn’t a need to nurture or advance it unless there is a peculiar situation.
The constant addition of Strength and Body Refinement steadily increased the cost of using the Stealth Scales Gu to the point it injured itself. This is a conflict between the Gu’s effect. Wei Yang suffered something similar, forcing him to remove the Beast's Strengths from his body. Lo Jik also sold the Stealth Scales Gu after letting it heal.
He only has five Rank 2 Gu—Battle Instincts, Dismemberment, Bookworm, Heaven Piercing Eye, and Earth Hole.
One Rank 3 Gu and a Rank 4 Gu Worm appear on his hands with a thought.
On his left hand is a dark blue leech with spiral sections. Its squishy body rises and falls.
Rank 3 Blue Blood Gu!
On Lo Jik’s right hand is a patch of brown skin. This skin is neatly trimmed and bordered from its edges. It is soft to the touch.
Rank 4 Seamless Transformation Gu!
Even if it’s a consumable Gu, it falls on the rarer side that has permanent effects. So, it cost Lo Jik 57800 after a 15% discount. The discount from the shop for Purple Thorn Tokens depends on the Gu Worm’s rank. Rank 3 Gu receives a discount of 30%. Meanwhile, Rank 5 Gu, if sold, only has a discount of 2%.
‘Resources for cultivation are expensive. After all, a Gu Master’s cultivation involves nurturing the Gu. As one rises, the need for Primeval Stones shifts from recovering the essence to raising the Gu. But I’m different. The Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus’ use can support swift cultivation, too. I need more Primeval Stones. Sigh. I can’t focus on everything at once. I will sell the other Rank 3 Blood Gu I can’t use. They are just leeching money. But the Blood Qi and the Blood Torrent Python are essential. Once I refine the Rank 4 Blood Flood Gu, I can confidently explore the weaker tributaries and use them as escape paths in fatal situations.’
A Steed Gu Worm’s use of a Lone Gu Master is almost unparalleled.
‘The Blood Python Series, Earthwolf Spider Series, and the Cloud Essence Elephant Series are the three Great Steed Gu Worms in the Southern Border due to their simple feeding requirements. The Blood Python drinks blood, the Earthwolf Spider eats soil, and the Cloud Essence Elephant needs air. Getting all three is any demonic Gu Master’s dream.’
Lo Jik smirks and contains his drifting thoughts.
He mobilizes the Blue Blood Gu. The blue insect turns into a stream of light and enters Lo Jik's body through his skin. After everything he’s felt, the sensation of his bloodstream turning hot still may not be easy to bear, but he could do so without biting on something. Sweat pours down his body as he feels like lava is pouring through his veins! But it’s not Lava. It’s his blood.
This is the first phase of the Blue Blood Gu that mimics the use of Tough Bones Gu. Lo Jik can use this Gu only now after he’s spent seven days without food.
The situation lasts for 6 hours. When Lo Jik opens his eyes, intense dizziness makes his vision swim. However, he clenches his jaw and looks at the Rank 4 Seamless Transformation Gu.
Snow White Primeval Essence pours from his aperture. The brown patch floats midair and hovers above Lo Jik’s head. But 69% of Peak Stage essence isn’t enough. The Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus blooms, releasing 30% of Peak Stage essence thrice! Only after consuming 135% of his essence does the Rank 4 Gu radiate a soft brown glow.
This light descends on Lo Jik like a curtain of aurora. His expression pales as his head suddenly feels like it's reeling from the fatal aftermath of a car crash.
“Ugh.”
A soft groan leaks from his lips as Lo Jik falls back on his cultivation mat. The skin patch disperses into ash as Lo Jik’s body works overtime to complete all the changes in nine seconds!
Nobody said this path is painless.
It’s just more efficient!
Lo Jik endures and refuses to lose consciousness. His body isn’t injured. He’s at his peak physical condition. But his spirit is rattled by the sheer pain, and his mind is numb.
<<<>>>
“The Young Masters have the right to annually exchange one treasure from the Living Treasure Door. The Young Clan Leader can meet the Shang Clan’s Living Treasure thrice. The Elders with the Shang Surname can exchange five treasures. And the Clan Leader has no restrictions.”
Shang Yan Fei speaks softly, teaching his daughter. They are inside Shang Yan Fei’s residence in the First Inner City. Shang Xin Ci cannot help but look at the item in Shang Yan Fei’s hand. They are sitting in a garden. It’s just the two of them.
The item in Shang Yan Fei’s hand resembles a 1000-year-old ginseng root. Its body is yellow, with the upper portion like a human body and the lower roots mimicking its legs. If Xin Ci could sense aura, she would know it’s a Rank 5 Gu Worm!
“So, this is a treasure you exchanged from the Living Treasure Door… Father.”
Shang Yan Fei smiles broadly.
“I did. It isn’t worth much, so you shouldn’t worry about the cost.”
“You’re lying, Father,” Xin Ci lowers her head. “I don’t have an aptitude for cultivation. So, any Gu Worm that can change is invaluable. I…”
“The only way you can repay me is by standing strong,” Yan Fei reveals. He can already understand Xin Ci’s thoughts.
She looks at him with a complicated gaze.
“Do you know why I’m lucky?” Yan Fei questions while meeting her gaze. “Because Heaven blessed me with a child as kind as you. That’s why I’m also sorry, Ci’er.”
“You are afraid of what will happen because of your biased treatment,” Xin Ci smilingly lets out a verbal jab. “You should learn to treat your children better, Father.”
Yan Fei laughs.
“Oh, you.” He wags his brows. “Do you think your Brother Monkey is fair in what he does? Gu Masters are unfair, Ci’er. Since cultivation challenges Heaven, we are bound to be Unfair. Because only Heaven is the fairest existence.”
Xin Ci listens quietly before replying.
“I understand, Father. But you mustn’t apologize. Brother Monkey taught me how my Kindness is an expression of selfishness, too. If I were selflessly kind, I would do everything in my power, including all forms of traitorous acts, to reach the peak of this world and help everyone. But I’m incapable of that. My heart can’t bear such burdens. My kindness is a convenient one. Similarly, if I weren’t willing to accept your invitation to the banquet, you wouldn’t have forced me.”
Yan Fei smiles gently.
“It would have hurt you,” Xin Ci reveals. “I didn’t want that. So, I arrived at the Banquet. Now you’re feeling guilty about making me enter the whirlpool of Shang Clan’s politics.”
She meets his gaze, smiling gently.
“All I can do is promise to accept your teachings and grow. But defying the talents set by Heaven is a massive grace, Father. I need to know what you sacrificed so I can repay you in the future.”
Glimmering purple essence enters the Rank 5 Gu Worm’s body. Yan Fei reveals, “This is the Rank 5 Man Triumphing Heaven Gu. I will also tell you the only way to repay me is not by the Gu Worm or Primeval Stones. Your Brother Monkey stole my opportunity to nurture you into an able woman. So, I’ll settle to nurture an outstanding Gu Master.”
Xin Ci evades Yan Fei’s meaningful gaze as the Rank 5 Gu turns into light and covers Xin Ci.
***
Alternate Title: Half Elder; Wei Yang’s Advice; The Importance of Token; Smoothened Path; Status of a Young Master; Shang Clan’s VIP; Various Benefits; Shang Yan Fei’s Desires; Targeting the Duo; Another Banquet; Buying and Selling; No Issues; Blue Blood; A Painful Method; Not so Seamless; The Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus’ Use; The Shift of Primeval Stones; Resources; The Heaven Defying Gu; Xin Ci’s Thoughts; A Biased Treatment; The Smart and Biased Kindness; Brother Monkey Gonna Teach More; Guilty Yan Fei
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