90. Auspicious Gains
Lo Jik spent his time digesting his gains. There was much to do. But he also spent time with Xin Ci. A moment’s haste can ruin big plans. How can he not continue working? Besides, Xin Ci is like a breath of fresh air for Lo Jik every time he spends hours cultivating. First, Lo Jik began using the Eleven Dreamer Gu. The Rank 4 Dreamer Gu continues using condensed dreams. Meanwhile, the ten other Dreamers use portions of the Dao marks to increase their Dream Cycles and refine themselves to a higher Rank.
This progress was smooth due to the Soothing Mist and Heavenly Soul Dew Gu. Even though Lo Jik’s Transformation Path attainment rose to the master level, he didn’t waste his accumulated Gambling Rocks and began exhausting them. This was merely set up in a day due to Lo Jik’s prior experience.
Next, Lo Jik used the Polished Gold Gu before depending on the Half Effort and the dual Heavenly Essence Treasure King Lotus. To say Lo Jik’s cultivation soared would be an understatement.
He also had TEN Rank 5 Purple Crystal Gu!
However, Lo Jik was careful. Aside from saving six Relic Gu for his two apertures, he spent the three remaining Relics on the Dreamer. He doesn’t know what path the Relic Gu belongs to. However, Lo Jik has an ordinary attainment in it. No, it should be between Ordinary and Master level—Quasi-Master Attainment.
Lo Jik also used the Rank 3 Heavenly Essence Treasure Lotus for the Ordinary Wood Path Attainment. Lo Jik knew he had too much. Rewards from Chen Jiu tipped him to another extremity where his Aperture feels pressured by all the good stuff. Of course, he doesn’t waste his time reaching Rank 5. Others may have naive notions that one needs to ‘train’ before using the Relic Gu, or they will have a weak ‘foundation.’
Bitch, Please!
That’s merely a way for the elders to suppress the juniors to hog the resources. Anyone who believes Shang Yan Fei keeps his children to the Rank 3 Cultivation for ‘training’ is a fool! Shang Yan Fei does it to maintain the Clan’s balance. He tied position with power. How can Shang Yan Fei let his children become Elders through cultivation? Would that not dilute power and cause political instability?
Such notions don’t exist for ‘individuals.’
Should Lo Jik sacrifice his growth just because Shang Yan Fei wishes to recruit him?
Should he stop because Xin Ci likes him?
He can’t. Lo Jik doesn’t even look down on them. But he could never lie to himself.
Despite everything, Lo Jik keeps up the pretense of having a Rank 3 Peak Stage Cultivation.
A month is too short. Lo Jik barely consumed the remaining Gambling Rocks from the Trait. The best thing about the Dreamer Gu is that it doesn’t need rest as long as Lo Jik supports it. Using the Heavenly Soul Dew becomes the norm for Lo Jik with the Peak Stage Rank 5 Essence as he also uses the Soothing Mist to increase his Soul Path Attainment. The fifteen Gambling rocks range from one-time consumable Rank 5 Wisdom Gu to more mysterious Star and Sword Path.
Unable to leave more hints by purchasing their food, Lo Jik increased his attainment.
After all, his efficiency shot through the roof with several Dreamers. But the questions still remain.
What is so mysterious about Chen Jiu’s background that he can get many Dreamer Gu?
The most subtle surprise in the Gambling Rocks was the Rank 5 Food Gu—Monster Meat Gu. It can prepare and cook any meat, including Beast Emperor’s flesh. However, Lo Jik didn’t have its food.
So, by the end, Lo Jik raised his attainment of several paths to the Ordinary realm. Meanwhile, all his Dreamer Gu rose to Rank 4. However, Lo Jik still doesn’t let them only create dreams from portions of the Dao Mark. Even if he can support Rank 5 Gu, he doesn’t want a Dreamer Gu to advance to Rank 6. That will create a massive scene that may cause his death.
It’s simple to understand.
Even all the Platinum Rewards did not reward anything ‘Immortal.’ Sure. Every reward was suitable. But it doesn’t change the facts.
Mortals and Immortals have a gap.
This ‘gap’ is an abyss.
One cannot charge recklessly…
Even if the mighty Reckless Savage Demon Venerable has something else to say.
But Lo Jik’s gains surpass one’s imagination.
He now has Master level attainment in Strength, Refinement, Earth, Poison, and Transformation Paths.
Meanwhile, he has Ordinary (Quasi-Master) level attainment in Flying, Qi, Enslavement, Space, Soul, Phantom, Wood, Wisdom, Star, Sword, Food, Darkness, and the Path the Relic Gu emerges from.
<<<>>>
It’s a beautiful crystal world. One look at it shall leave others in awe. Crystals of varying sizes connect and contain everything inside. It reflects deep purple. An enchanting purple sea glistening like crystal fills the aperture to the brim, leaving 1% of it untouched. It gently ebbs and flows. An aura of fulfillment emanates from the glistening purple sea.
This is the Crystal Purple essence of a Rank 5 Peak Stage Gu Master!
It’s one of the most enchanting sights in the world. This Essence represents one’s grit and determination to cultivate.
It represents one’s hopes and dreams.
A Gu Master faces conflicts, losses, and heartaches before reaching this stage. Lo Jik didn’t have to suffer all that. But it did not lower his appreciation for the cultivation. The Otherworldly Demon has an unhindered view. Just because he didn’t suffer much doesn’t mean his life never had and will never present tribulations.
He also won’t feel apologetic over his gifts.
Lo Jik calmly inspects the state of his Second Aperture.
He stands at the peak of the mortal realm. But he understands his limits.
With such might, should he not be able to fulfill his deal with Chen Jiu?
She needs freedom. Can’t Lo Jik smack Shang Yan Fei around?
No.
Cultivation is one aspect of power, and attainment is the other.
But concrete power lies in the Gu. Lo Jik’s Gu Set didn’t change in the past month. He also didn’t bother feeding and nurturing the weak Rank 5 Gu since they were the Dreamer Gu Worms’ nourishment.
Lo Jik only reached the Rank 5 cultivation’s Peak three days ago. He didn’t wait to use the Purple Relic Gu. Each use lasted nearly 8-9 hours! So, he only used one daily and focused the rest on other tasks.
His two apertures also had a limit of 99%.
‘It should be the Human Path,’ Lo Jik stares at the glowing ‘sun’ inside the Purple Crystal Sea. It’s the Rank 5 Hope Gu. Presently, the White Form Immortal Snake leisurely swims in the Essence instead of trying to cover the Hope Gu.
‘Human Path is layered in mystery. Its six aspects of attack, defense, movement, investigation, support, and healing are unknown. All outstanding Gu Masters turn to the Human Path. After all, if Humans exist, there must be a Human Path. I also don’t want to change my Vital Gu. My Second Aperture is linked to the Hope Gu. What if changing the Vital Gu collapses the Aperture instead? I know too little about these mysteries.’
‘I wish I had some Gu about the Human Path. But I don’t know anything besides speculations from the Imaginative Strength Gu. He believed the Human Path is a source of great benefits. But he never got to fulfill his research before dying due to his tribulations.’
‘I must learn more about the Human Path to become an Immortal using the Second Aperture. The benefits of possessing two Apertures cannot be quantified.’
But today is a special day.
He anticipated reaching this stage.
For a Refinement Path Gu master, the intuition to understand and modify the recipes is the greatest.
Lo Jik possesses an invaluable Gu for that.
A stream of white light shoots out from the aperture inside his heart, turning into an arm-sized transparent crystal cone. Inside the crystal cone is a translucent blue sphere touching the cone at its tangent. Within the sapphire sphere is a pitch-black cube touching the sphere at its vertices.
The Rank 5 Particle Viewing Gu.
This is Imaginative Strength’s proudest achievement, and Lo Jik gets to witness why.
He stares at the floating cone as it rotates around its vertical axis.
Lo Jik quietly takes out an enticing Gu. Others will kill for this Gu since its value exceeds millions!
It’s a Purple Crystal Gu with an archaic branch of thorns surrounding it. A noble aura emerges from this Gu.
‘Refining and fusing the Gu means combining the Dao Marks and traces of its fragments to form something complete and different. Imaginative Strength Immortal never got to use the Particle Viewing on the Purple Crystal Relic Gu. Even I agree with his sentiments. How can Polish Gu’s recipe exist and not the Relic’s recipe? Is it because others tried and failed to refine it? How can the countless geniuses not develop and research the Relic Gu.’
‘Anyone with talent and ambitions seeks to solve problems. So, there MUST be a recipe. Gu Masters have derived recipes for naturally occurring Gu since ancient times. Why not the Relic Gu?’
Lo Jik controls the Relic Gu.
He had 10 Purple Crystal Relic Gu.
He used three of them on Dreamer Gu to advance his attainment of the unknown path to the Ordinary realm. Lo Jik then used three more Relic Gu for his Second Aperture, reaching Rank 5 Peak Stage in three days.
Lo Jik saves the other three for his first Aperture. Meanwhile, the remaining one is meant for this moment.
The Relic Gu touches the Crystal Cone. The former Gu suddenly shudders and turns smaller as it enters the cone.
As the Relic Gu enters the cone, Lo Jik feels the Crystal Cone devouring 10% of his Peak Stage Essence!
Ten portions of Rank 5 Peak Stage essence is nearly 3000 portions of Rank 3 Peak Stage essence! This explosive climb in Primeval Essence is why advancing to Rank 4 and 5 takes the masses their entire lifetime. Lo Jik could not have hoped to use this Gu a month before.
The Relic Gu turns even smaller once it touches the sapphire sphere. Lo Jik expends another 10 portions of his Peak Stage Primeval Essence.
Finally, the Crystal Cone momentarily shakes as the Relic Gu touches the pitch-black cube. It doesn’t consume Lo Jik’s essence as the Particle Viewing Gu ‘eats’ the Rank 5 Relic Gu. Lo Jik loses his connection with the Relic Gu once it fully enters the cube.
Lo Jik observes everything. He’s afraid to miss any moment.
The rotating cone stops. It suddenly begins rotating anti-clockwise.
The pitch-black cube slowly turns white as Lo Jik feels 10 portions of his Essence consumed. The white cube has the outlines of the Relic Gu on its six surfaces. These imprints slowly leave the cube and mark the sapphire sphere’s interior. Lo Jik feels another 10 portions of his Essence gone.
The six markings of the Purple Crystal Relic Gu steadily break apart. The lines move around the sphere’s interior, joining different parts and forming a complex three-dimensional pattern.
Lo Jik wills as the crystal cone turns into light and enters his head.
*Boom*
Lo Jik feels his shoulders tremble as the ‘mark’ appears in his mind.
This ‘mark’ is the Dao Fragment carried in the Crystal Relic Gu!
The use of the Particle Viewing Gu is to let the Gu Master analyze the Dao! It mixes modern sciences with Gu World’s ingenuity.
‘Amazing!’ Lo Jik gushes. ‘It takes 40% to assess a material. However, I already inherited a deep library of materials. Unfortunately, most of these Immortal Materials aren’t practical.’
The Particle Viewing Gu allows the Gu Master to inspect the Dao Fragment in lines and colors. A Gu Master can match these marks with their mental ‘library’ formed through years of inspection to realize a suitable Gu Recipe!
For instance, Lo Jik remembers the brown zig-zag section of one of the several Dao Marks.
This dao mark is found in Nine-Petaled Deep Swamp Lotus!
‘Truly incredible,’ Lo Jik sighs in amazement. This Gu is revolutionary for Gu Refinement as long as a Gu Master has a steady flow of materials to ‘record.’
It can also allow the Gu Master to refine extinct Gu using modern materials. The possibilities are endless!
‘Should I consume a Dreamer Gu?’
‘No. Not yet. Those are useful in increasing my attainment.’
‘Sigh. The only issue is the high consumption. 40 Portions of Rank 5 Peak Stage equals 12960 portions of Rank 3 Peak Stage Essence. I can also use the two Rank 5 Heavenly Essence Treasure King Lotus to pick the numbers. Calculating all of it, I can use this Gu 14 times daily. Meanwhile, an Immortal can use it as many times as they wish. The difference is almost discouraging.
Lo Jik sighs.
The more one grows, the more one understands their helplessness.
It’s almost surreal that he managed to achieve all this. Of course, the issues aren’t solved. He had such startling growth by conspiring with Chen Jiu. She has Immortal Gu Master’s attention. Lo Jik must remain vigilant.
‘I should start preparing food for my Strength Gu. It won’t be eye-catching since several Gu Masters left for the Three Kings’ Inheritance. I should also fill my coffers with useable Gambling Rocks. Shang Clan’s economy won’t matter once I depart. Hmm. I also need to prepare for Chen Jiu’s Gu. Although, I will fossilize almost all of them.’
Chen Jiu’s Gu Set revolves around healing. She is also a Rule Path Gu Master with a few Enchantment Path Gu. Most of the latter are useless. Lo Jik might as well feed them to the Dreamer Gu and have some instinctual reactions against the Enchantment Path.
Lo Jik won’t have much time to refine the Gu, too. Well, refining Rank 5 Gu is easier said than done. He may have a Master’s attainment. But he needs some experience to wield it. In contrast, he can make efficient use of Master level Strength Attainment!
<<<>>>
Bright lanterns and colorful streamers decorate the Inner Cities as several establishments, including the 24x7 Brothels, are closed. Everyone let the cheerful atmosphere relax their spirits as they wear brighter clothes. It’s the annual Auspicious Festival of the Shang Clan. It’s to commemorate the day when the Shang Clan’s Ancestor set his first stall.
The Shang Clan’s Ancestor was a Legendary Figure. He rose from the dirt after gaining a Gu Master’s Inheritance, steadily climbing the ladder and transcending into the Immortal’s realm. He earned through businesses rather than killing others like several Demonic Gu Masters, establishing a Righteous force once he experienced qualitative growth.
The Shang Clan’s rules to test its successors through Trade come from this Ancestor.
“You all came,” Shang Chi Wen walks out from the banquet hall to greet her guests. Her pretty eyes pleasantly squint as she smiles. Shang Chi Wen adorns a slightly more ceremonial red garb with golden jewelry. She invites Shang Xin Ci, Lo Jik, Bai Ning Bing, Xiao Die, and Xiao Lan. Shang Xin Ci also wears a beautiful gold-trimmed red skirt with a matching red clip. But the lack of other superficial decorations only adds to her beauty.
“Thank you for inviting us, Sister Wen,” Xin Ci politely hugs her sister as the latter giggles before pouting and glancing at Lo Jik.
“Huff! You are incorrigible, Brother Lo Jik! You should wear something appropriate!”
Lo Jik shrugs, wearing a scarlet robe loose enough to possess a neckline nearing his abdomen. He doesn’t even care enough to style his hair. In comparison, Bai Ning Bing appears prim and proper. The red of his robes contrasts with his pale skin and silken white hair.
“You should understand these are preparations, Sister Chi,” Lo Jik smiles. “It’s not our first Auspicious Festival in the Clan. But several women crowd me whenever I go out. I wouldn’t know when I would need to lose these clothes.”
Not having a giant bug up her ass, Chi-Wen snickers at the cheeky joke before welcoming Bai Ning Bing.
The Young Masters always set a banquet during the Auspicious Festival. It’s almost a tradition for Xin Ci to join Chi-Wen’s Banquet. Their appearance attracts considerable attention as Lo Jik sticks around with Xiao Die instead.
It’s a festival. Lo Jik can ‘work’ AND have fun.
Xiao Die is always fun.
“Look at that man, Xiao Die,” Lo Jik finds a good table before offering the latter a seat. She only sits after Xin Ci’s helpless nod before turning to look at the man pointed out. He looks fierce and has massive muscles. His clothes tense around his body whenever he moves.
“Sister Chi manages the Battle Stage. So, she invites several prominent Gu Masters from the Third Inner City aside from some Refinement Experts. That man is Dou Yan.”
“Yes, Lord Monkey!” Xiao Die gushes. “Missy and I watched your match against him. He had to grovel to you to keep his Vital Gu!”
It’s only Lo Jik and Xiao Die since Xiao Lan follows Xin Ci as the latter greets other guests with Chi-Wen. Bai Ning Bing is also looking around. He strikes up a conversation with a Refinement Path expert after tossing Lo Jik a glance. It’s an unusual thing for Bai Ning Bing.
Not paying it any heed, Lo Jik smirks at Xiao Die. “Oh? You did? It’s the first time I’ve heard about it.”
The girl stammers before lowering her head.
“Ah,” he sighs. “Could it be you did not like it?”
“N-No!” Xiao Die snaps her gaze up. She flushes before pouting. “You’re always teasing me when I’m alone, Lord Monkey!”
“Can you blame me?” He shrugs. “It’s these conversations I’m going to remember the most.”
Xiao Die’s shoulders slightly shiver as he shakes his head. “Don’t feel sad. How can Ning Bing and I not desire that inheritance? But it’s going to be dangerous. San Cha Mountain is a gathering of experts.”
“Lord Monkey…” she hesitates. “Is it necessary? Aren’t you already strong? You even defeated Ju Kai Bei!”
“Do you know why I tease you?” Lo Jik replies with a question. “People like us don’t like staying in one spot without reason. My Clan doesn’t exist. But that event also let me out into this World. Who knows when I will die?”
Xiao Die bites her bottom lip.
“They say a person’s life flashes before their eyes before death. I want these memories. So, when they flash before my eyes, I will accept my death without issues.”
“You shouldn’t say things like that,” Xiao Die whispers as she feels Lo Jik patting her head. “Silly. You only became a Gu Master. I’m sure you’d find a decent lad to share happy memories with. Of course, none compares to me.”
Xiao Die sniffs loudly before straightening her head and pushing against Lo Jik’s hand. “Hmph! Good lad? You talk as if you’re my senior, Lord Monkey! You’re only a few years old.”
Lo Jik smirks as Xin Ci and Xiao Lan return by this time.
“What are you talking about?” Xin Ci smiles.
“Ah, it’s good you’re here, Xin Ci,” Lo Jik gasps. “You wouldn’t believe it even if I told you! Xiao Die says she can fit inside my robe, and we should make the best use of this time in some corner!”
“I- I- I never said that!”
The blushing servant girl stands up quickly and walks behind the deadpanning Xin Ci. But the girls can’t help but glance at Lo Jik’s loose robes.
They CAN fit… if he used the Giant Transformation, right?
Xin Ci quietly flushes before sitting as Bai Ning Bing also returns.
They enjoy their time before visiting several stalls and a few Gambling Dens to quell Lo Jik’s ‘curiosity.’
***
Alternate Title: Righteous Path: No! You Must Sacrifice Personal Growth for Stability! *Demonic Path: Individualism Rules, Bitch*; Growing; The Relic Gu; Peak Stage; Crystal Aperture; At The Mortal Peak; A Step That is as Wide as an Abyss; Intrusive Thoughts Be Like: Break The Aperture and Charge to the Immortal Realm; Attainment; Enlightened Mind; Army of Dreamers; One of the Most OP Gu in Existence; Dream Venerable’s Got Nothing; Other Righteous Forces Trying To Refine a Single Dream Path Gu: No! You Can’t Use the Dream Gu to Refine Other Dream Gu; Dreamers Gu Brrrr; Seeing The Dao Fragment; The Epitome of Information and Refinement Path; Condensed Results in Lo Jik’s Hands; Lo Jik: I Wanna Refine the Very Best Like No One Ever Has *Dun-Dun-Du-un*; The Auspicious Festival; Banquet; Keep Working; Focusing On the Girl; Lo Jik: Baby, I’m a Heartbreaker; Also Lo Jik: Offering To Hold Girls Like Koala; Bai Ning Bing’s Suspicions
Join the discord through the link in the synopsis.
Read 60 chapters ahead @ Patron and Subscribe Star (Links in the synopsis.)
Support the Fanfic through comments, likes, reviews and such (if the published site allows it.)