71. Resurfacing Strength Path (2)
Reverse Refining and Fusion are two well-known methods of refining a Gu Worm. As the name suggests, Reverse Refining is to convert a high-ranked Gu into a weak-ranked one. Meanwhile, the Fusion of the Gu means to combine two or more Gu into a higher-ranked Gu.
Why would anyone Reverse Refine?
Different roads can lead to the same destination. When a Gu Master combines the Gu, they combine the Dao Marks carried within. However, other Gu and processes can result in the same conclusion! Some of these paths stem from immemorial times, and some emerged recently. This is the foundation for the Particle Viewing Gu and Imaginative Strength’s aspirations to revive ancient recipes.
If one considers a modern approach—
2+2=4
Also…
1+3=4
What Reverse Refining does is deconstruct the result into its possible components. The Imaginative Strength Immortal did not wish to revive ancient recipes for the betterment of the world. As long as he produces ancient Gu, he can deconstruct them again and gain extinct components! He planned to bridge the present with the past!
Based on Reverse Refining emerged Parallel Refining or Horizontal Refining.
After all…
2+2=1+3
With adequate materials and means, a Gu Master can target the fragment of Dao and convert it! That’s the essence of Parallel/Horizontal Refinement. Meanwhile, the Fusion and Reverse Refinement express Vertical movement.
Lo Jik carefully digs a hole inside the 1000-year-old Meat Root Tree’s Log. The wood is deep purple, and the sap is blood-red. He cleans the hole before filling it with golden star amber. The viscous shimmering Golden Liquid enters the hole as Lo Jik lets the Rank 2 Beast Skin Gu enter the syrup. The Gu shines brightly under Lo Jik’s control as it rests inside the hole before consuming the amber. The previous Brown glow turns Golden-Brown as the Gu starts eating the log.
With everything done, the purple-gold orb floats in the air.
‘Position Swap Gu,’ Lo Jik focuses as another orb flies out. This Gu is a deep purple grasshopper.
Although Parallel Refining has a higher chance of success, Lo Jik released another Gu.
Rank 4 Green Mountain Remains. The green dragonfly glows sharply, letting a stream of green light interact with the Position Swap Gu before losing a pair of its wings.
‘Combine.’
Lo Jik retrieves the Rank 4 Gu before combining the Gu. The two orbs of light resist each other for some time before fusing.
The glow shifts from purple-gold to brown-green as Lo Jik releases the Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus. He consumes Primeval Essence and uses fresh essence instead of the Gu Worm’s daily reserve. Lo Jik does this because Primeval Essence from the Lotus’ ability will have the remnants of the Grass Gu’s dao marks. Meanwhile, using the recently devoured Primeval Stones doesn’t have such issues.
‘Success!’
Lo Jik feels a new connection forming as the burden on his mind eases.
The glowing orb contracts and forms a strange wooden arc with green fur on one end and brown fur on the other. The size of this Gu is close to an Infant’s skull.
‘Rank 3 Phantom Bow Gu.’
Lo Jik beams.
He always lacked a long-ranged method. But Li Hao’s appearance gave him hope. Refining this Phantom Bow would have been a messy task. But Parallel Refining the Position Swap Gu made things effortless.
‘Phantom Bow, pulling phantom arrows and turning real. I have nine Rank 3 ‘phantoms’ on my body that can fuel nine types of arrows! I will have to test these arrows. Since there are different beasts, the arrow’s weight, resistance, piercing, and balance will need proper testing.’
‘If I have a Strength Qi Gu, my beast strength path can be considered to have reached a Greater Success. I could then move on to fusing the two Strength classifications using that Gu. But the food requirement will also increase.’
Lo Jik stores the Gu and rests his mind.
Before refining the Strength Qi or another Gu, Lo Jik will focus on the Earth and Heaven Piercing Eye Gu.
Resting a while, Lo Jik orders the courtyard’s servant to bring over a few pillars of rocks. Dismissing them after guiding them to arrange the pillars, Lo Jik stands fifteen meters away. Their courtyard isn’t too big, and this is already the limit.
The Phantom Bow rests inside Lo Jik’s left wrist as a green bow’s mark. The tattoo glistens under Lo Jik’s prompt before revealing a phantom-like form that swiftly turns into a fur-tipped wooden bow. He appraises the Rank 3 Bow before using the Gu. Less than 1 portion of his peak stage essence gets consumed as a slim thread of green light connects the two ends.
Lo Jik tugs the formless string, feeling some resistance. At this resistance, with Lo Jik’s thought, a grey arrow of light shimmers and materializes. The grey-fur-tipped arrow has a strangely round and flat end.
‘An arrow made from the Iron-Headed Boar Phantom.’
Lo Jik aims at the wooden pillar before releasing the string.
The arrow shoots straight, impacting the rock pillar with a dull thud. However, Lo Jik already noticed something.
‘Too flat. The arrow receives too much air resistance. Even the impact on the rock pillar was weak after all the drag.’ The arrow steadily dematerializes after falling to the ground.
He continues and creates an arrow from a White Ape. This arrow has fur at the end, and the tip is made from a sharp claw. However, once Lo Jik releases the arrow, he finds that the balance of the arrow is skewed. It arcs on its own and misses the target entirely! Also, the claw tip of the arrow isn’t straight. It’s curved, making it a poor-piercing shot.
Undeterred, Lo Jik creates a Stone-Skinned Underwater Hippo’s arrow. It’s a rock arrow with great mass that doesn’t fly too far under the Bow’s strength.
After testing others, Lo Jik finds two suitable candidates.
Eagle and the Black Coiling Python!
Eagle Phantom materializes a brown fletched arrow with a sharp tip that effortlessly pierces past the stone pillar. The Black Coiling Python materializes a black-coiled arrow that is somewhat flexible. When pulled back, the coils extend slightly and take the shape of a proper arrow before smashing into the stone pillar. Unlike the Eagle Arrow, the tip of the Python Arrow has a python’s head opening up to reveal the sharp, poison-tipped blade. However, the slightly broader tip provides a crushing effect!
Just this demonstration allowed Lo Jik to understand more about the Phantom Bow.
‘Unlike other Arrow Gu that follow the user’s will or have a homing ability, this Bow needs practice. However, it also has its benefits. It offers a wide range of arrows. If I planned on being a long-range Gu Master, I would have used different Strength Phantoms. However, the Bow is only a stopgap to fill my lack of a long-ranged option. Second, its Primeval Essence consumption is significantly lower than its counterparts. That’s a shared benefit between almost all the Strength Path Gu.’
Lo Jik stores the Bow with satisfaction.
He is more than content about his pace of growth. The Shang Clan can allow anyone with enough knowledge to develop by leaps and bounds.
‘Let’s hit some auctions and see if anything intriguing is listed. Hah! I should also explore other shop’s wares. Shang Ya Zi isn’t a Young Master, and the Shang Clan already began tests for the open Young Master’s position.’
Lo Jik’s initial Gu Set is already complete. With the All-Out Effort Gu as the core, he has the Little Giant Gu for defense, Self-Reliance for healing, Wise Cat Steps Gu for movement, and Phantom Bow for long-ranged method.
He also extended the set from the basic needs to Fight Poison Gu for dealing with poison and Hateful Strength as support.
The next step is to wait for the Eye Gu to develop. But Lo Jik can also seek other options since he has a month until the Eye Gu forms. There is also the thought of refining One’s Closed Fist Gu. It’s an ancient Strength Path storage Gu capable of storing materials and the Gu, maintaining their state at the expense of the Gu Master’s physical stamina. It’s the Rank 4 variant developed from the Determined Fist Gu.
‘But things are not too bad. I’ve only been in the Shang Clan for about 4 months. I only need to focus on myself until I advance to Rank 4. Seeing that the materials for the next refinement will be rare…’
He hesitates.
‘Could I try my hand at learning how to modify a recipe? Or I can fuse the Rank 4 Blood Flood Python.’
Given the circumstances, Lo Jik leans on the latter. Once he advances to the Fourth Inner City’s Battle Zone, he won’t get this peace for some time. But refining the Rank 4 Blood Flood Python also increases its food. It needs a lot of blood!
‘Wait!’ Lo Jik’s eyes shine. ‘I have the recipe for Nine Eyes Liquor Worm. I should prepare for that, too.’
He walks with an aim in his mind.
<<<>>>
No matter Lo Jik’s plan, things changed by the middle of April.
An extremely fortunate customer opened an All-Out Effort Gu from the Lan Chao Gambling Rock establishment!
Li Ran!
The name spreads wide.
However, before Lo Jik or others can do a thing, they find that Li Ran dropped out of the Battle Stage to preserve the All-Out Effort Gu from getting snatched.
Another All-Out Effort Gu.
Lo Jik cannot help but fall into a deep thought.
Meanwhile, others are full of amazement.
“First the Little Giant Gu and now the All-Out Effort Gu?”
“Is this the rise of the Strength Path?”
“Tch! I wanted to see the All-Out Effort Gu in action. But that Li Ran ran away.”
“Hehe! He didn’t run. He retreated. Li Ran took a hefty loan and purchased several Gu to complement the All-Out Effort Gu. He intends to fight.”
Many Gu Masters knew Li Ran. He’s been inside the Shang Clan for years and used to have a wife and a son before he left them for his vices. Li Ran enjoyed wasting his money on lavish feasts, whores, and gambling. Unable to support a family, he left them! However, his luck changed one day.
When walking inside the Lan Chao Gambling den, he hit his toe against a scrap-grade Stellar Rock. This Gambling Rock was used to hold one of the tables stable. Li Ran decided to buy the rock and open it to calm the annoyance in his heart.
However, he opened an Extinct Gu!
Li Ran’s story is spoken for several days as more news surges.
The change in luck awakened the man as he ignored all the women trying to get him. Instead, he publicly begged his wife to return. Such a character moved several hearts within the Shang Clan. Li Ran revealed a warm nature to other Refinement Experts who wished to study the Gu. Li Ran only allowed a few Gu Masters to study the All-Out Effort Gu for a few hours in his presence.
Some sources revealed how Li Ran used some Rare Gu to swiftly use the Body Refinement and Beast Strength Gu.
However, Lo Jik returned to his goals after the initial surprise.
He has his thoughts about Li Ran. But Lo Jik is restricted from doing anything to Li Ran or the All-Out Effort Gu. Hope isn’t lost. Li Ran will step on the Battle Stage to earn money and repay his debt.
<<<>>>
The battle stage in the Fifth Inner City is filled to the brim. Other Gu Masters soon notice a few figures. Two of them gather the most attention.
“Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik are here, too!”
Others soon focus on two figures. The youth with a buzz cut sits with his arms sprawled on the back of the seats. His loose robes allow the viewers to peek past his collars as his languid appearance doesn’t reconcile with his terrifying might. His arm seems to slightly pass the peerless beauty’s shoulder as other men and women envy the ‘couple.’
Bai Ning Bing’s appearance in the Battle Zone several weeks ago shocked many. However, others quickly faced her might as she killed many opponents. Currently, Bai Ning Bing sits with a calm and serene look. The knowledge of Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik living in the same courtyard is already popular information. Several men would have challenged Lo Jik if he didn’t already display his fearsome might. These days, Lo Jik comes to the Battle Stage to collect Primeval Stones.
“Even Lo Jik is interested in the All-Out Effort Gu.”
Someone whispers, “Why wouldn’t he be? Don’t you see the trend? It’s Li Ran’s first battle after he obtained the All-Out Effort Gu. Li Ran’s combat prowess will double if he gets Lo Jik’s Little Giant Gu. The same is true for Lo Jik!”
“That’s right! Controlling these two Gu may allow them to eventually face the Sky of the Battle Zone!”
“Hmph! You are fantasizing. How can Rank 3 Gu Masters battle against Rank 4 Experts?”
Lo Jik yawns as Bai Ning Bing questions, “Already bored?”
“Just tired,” he mutters. He can feel a slight chill emanating from Bai Ning Bing. She’s getting progressively closer to recovering her Physique.
“Maybe I should forcefully challenge you,” she smirks.
“No need to let others watch it. We can spar by restricting a battle stage using our Purple Thorn Token,” Lo Jik accepts the offer. “But you would want to fight me at my peak, right?”
“And my peak, too,” Bai Ning Bing nods. Appreciation appears in her gaze as she whispers. “I want to fight at least once before using the Yang Rotation Gu to see where I stand.”
Lo Jik glances at her before smiling.
“Where do you stand? I planted my foot on top of your head the last time.”
She doesn’t get angry and laughs instead.
“Which one was that? I’ll break it and shove it up your ass once I win.”
“Do we bet something?” Lo Jik questions.
“It shouldn’t be material,” Bai Ning Bing thoughtfully squints. “Since we’re doing this for fun, the prize should be fun, too. I know. The loser walks on his knees and follows the winner for a day.”
“One day is too long,” Lo Jik shakes his head. “We’re also here to develop. I don’t want you to waste 24 hours. Let’s do that for six hours.”
Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes. “Should we use a Poison Vow Gu?”
Lo Jik shrugs. “Don’t worry. I trust you will keep your promise of walking on your fours for six hours.”
She rolls her eyes and stays silent.
Soon, the star of the show steps on the stage. Li Ran is a modest-looking man with fading signs of alcoholism and other vices from his body. He looks around the stage. The middle-aged man’s gaze momentarily rests on Lo Jik before he stares at the opponent.
It’s already been 20 Days since Li Ran opened the All-Out Effort Gu. It’s his first match, and he already has the seats filled!
Li Ran’s opponent is Wang Han. Both parties have Rank 3 Initial Stage cultivation. Others grow silent once the battle begins. Wang Han is a water path Gu Master who keeps his distance as Li Ran dashes at the opponent. The latter activates his movement Gu and—
*Roar*
A beast’s roar alongside the phantom of a green charging bull erupts behind Li Ran as his speed increases several times! His figure leaves shadowy flickers as Li Ran almost slams into the shocked Wang Han.
Water Arrow!
Wang Han points at Li Ran as a sharp water arrow shoots out, chasing Li Ran.
*Thud*
Li Ran suddenly stomps. A golden light erupts around Li Ran as he smacks his hand against the arrow. With another roar, the phantom of a Brown Bear erupts from his back.
*Pah*
The water arrow shatters as Wang Han pales. He forcefully holds the blood in his mouth before putting distance between Li Ran and himself.
However, Li Ran charges ahead with a cold expression. A Boar’s Beast Phantom emerges behind him as he explosively covers the small distance, smashing his fist against Wang Han. The latter uses his defensive Gu Worm as the defensive light dims and flickers. Wang Han’s expression changes as he shouts—“I give up!”
The silent arena erupts!
“What?”
“That quickly?”
“Fight, you coward!”
Almost everyone was mesmerized by Li Ran’s ability to command and use 100% of a Beast’s Strength! That, coupled with the sum of other Beast Strengths, allowed Li Ran to demonstrate a terrifying might and speed!
“Amazing! The Strength Path can be so great!”
“No wonder All-Out Effort Gu is called a Legendary Gu. Empress Wu Ji used it to establish her might!”
“Hmph, comparing Empress Wu Ji to a Li Ran?”
“Stuff your sour nuts elsewhere!”
“I’m not jealous. Hehe. If anyone is feeling jealous, it must be that man.”
Others glance in Lo Jik’s direction as he keeps his eyes closed.
“Hehehe. Look. Lo Jik envies Li Ran so much that he’s pretending to sleep!”
“How can Heaven be so unfair? Li Ran changed for the better after his fortune. He was lenient with Wang Han. But this Lo Jik has a bloody nature. He tries to kill everyone in his path.”
“His demonic nature is too intense.”
“Exactly! How can someone like him stay with Fairy Bai Ning Bing?”
Others slowly disperse as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing are a few of the last to move.
“I wouldn’t have been staying with you if it wasn’t for the high prices. Sigh. My reputation is dragged through the mud because of you,” Bai Ning Bing shakes her head.
“As if you cared about it in the first place,” Lo Jik sleepily opens his eyes and yawns again. He is mentally tired after failing to refine the Rank 4 Blood Flood Python two weeks ago. The Rank 4 Green Mountain Remains worked to save the two Gu Worms. However, Blood Torrent and Blood Qi are injured. Even though he can increase his success rate by refining the Gu inside a Blood Pond, crafting something like that inside the Shang Clan isn’t practical. Instead, he failed despite using the Filthy Powder Rose and Refinement Qi Gu.
“It’s not my reputation that annoys me,” Bai Ning Bing exhales. “I don’t understand why others will consider us a couple.”
Lo Jik looks at his arm around Bai Ning Bing’s shoulder before glancing at the woman.
“Yeah,” he shrugs. “People are blind.”
“Are you going to challenge Li Ran?” Bai Ning Bing questions. “He seems entertaining to fight with!”
“Others will forcefully challenge Li Ran. I want to see what other Gu and Beast Phantom he has before challenging him,” Lo Jik nods. “I need that All-Out Effort Gu.”
<<<>>>
‘Challenging Li Ran right away is the most suitable,’ Lo Jik narrows his eyes. All sleepiness fades from his gaze once he steps inside the secret room. ‘But I have other priorities. I may have failed to refine the Blood Flood Python. But the backlash was limited to the two Gu. They need some time to rest and recover. In this time, I managed to refine two Earth Piercing Eye Gu! I’m already refining one into the Rank 4 Earth Piercing Eye Gu. How can I divert my focus now?’
A cauldron replaces the Sky Bubble Gu inside his meditative room. Calming his heart after recalling Li Ran’s dominant might, Lo Jik works the cauldron’s heat and carefully prepares several materials. He also retrieves different thousand-beast king eyes. Most of these eyes belong to earth path beasts.
Taking off the loose robes, Lo Jik wears a more comfortable tunic before picking one of the eyes and crushing it. He lets the material drop into the small cauldron before picking another eye and crushing it.
Lo Jik fills the cauldron until the thick, milky-reddish paste begins bubbling. He lets the concoction boil with an icy expression.
His gaze remains sharp as he begins the refinement process. Despite what he may believe, his refining pace is improving ever so slightly.
***
Alternative Title: Math and Refinement; The Three Basic Paths; Vertical and Horizontal; The Phantom Bow; Varied Options; Selecting the Best Choices; Lo Jik Has Serpent Arrows; Ancient Glory; Sudden Revelation; A Gambler’s Fortune; A Changed Man; Opposite of Lo Jik; Lucky Li Ran; Packed; Spectators; Rumors; Bet; The Nonchalant Duo; Amazing All-Out Effort; The Core of Strength Path; Easily Defeating an Opponent; Too Outstanding; Power Doesn’t Always Corrupt?; Failed Refinement; Snek Almost Died; Li Ran Goes All-Out With His Debt; The Earth Piercing Gaze Project; Challenge
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