Shang City, the jewel of the Southern Border, gleamed under the midday sun. Its bustling streets were lined with traders hawking their goods, while powerful Gu Masters walked among them, their every step exuding authority. In this city, wealth was measured not just in gold or silver but in primeval stones—the lifeblood of cultivation. These stones, rich with primeval essence, were coveted by all, for within them lay the power to advance one's strength and secure one's future.

  High above the crowded streets, Shang Xuan stood on the balcony of one of the Shang Clan's grand estates. The Third Young Master, as he was known, was a figure both admired and envied. His striking features, inherited from his mother's unparalleled beauty, had earned him the admiration of many, but it was his mind—a mind sharpened by the memories of a past life—that set him apart.

  In another world, he had been a businessman, his fortune built on wit and strategy. But here, in this world where Gu and cultivation reigned supreme, he would need more than wealth to rise to the top. Today, that journey would begin with the aperture awakening ceremony—a rite of passage for every young member of the Shang Clan.

  Inside his room, his twin maids waited, their presence a comforting constant in his life. Lianhua, the elder by minutes, stood by the window, her cold beauty a reflection of her reserved nature. She was like a lotus flower, delicate yet untouchable, her icy demeanor masking a deep affection for her master. Meihua, on the other hand, lounged gracefully on a chaise, her every movement an expression of confidence. With a single, bold gesture, she could captivate anyone who dared to look her way.

  "My lord," Lianhua's voice was as cool as her gaze. "The ceremony is soon. Are you ready?"

  Shang Xuan turned to her, a calm smile on his lips. "Ready? That's an interesting question. Prepared, yes. But ready? Only time will tell."

  Meihua stretched, her movements languid and deliberate. "You worry too much, Lianhua. Our lord is always prepared. Besides, with looks like his, how could he not succeed?" She flashed Shang Xuan a teasing smile.

  He chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting the affection he felt for them both. "You always know how to lighten the mood, Meihua."

  Their bond was more than just that of master and maids; it was a connection forged over years of trust, affection, and shared ambition. The aperture awakening would be a test not just of their individual strengths but of the future they would build together.

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  The aperture awakening ceremony was one of the most significant events in a young Gu Master's life. It would determine their aptitude—their potential for cultivation. The ceremony would reveal the size and quality of their apertures, the internal spaces where primeval essence was stored. Aptitude was graded from A to E, with A being the highest, the rarest, and the most coveted.

  For Shang Xuan, the ceremony was a step toward the future he envisioned—a future where he would rise to the top of the Shang Clan and beyond. But even with the knowledge from his past life, there was a tension in the air, an uncertainty that could not be ignored.

  As they prepared to leave for the ceremony, the weight of the moment settled on them. Lianhua's usual calm was tinged with anxiety, while Meihua's playful demeanor was tempered by the seriousness of the occasion. They would face this together, as they had faced every challenge before.

  The corridors of the Shang Clan's estate were lined with portraits of ancestors, their stern faces a reminder of the legacy they were expected to uphold. Shang Xuan's thoughts turned inward as they walked, considering what lay ahead. The clan elders would be watching, their judgment sharp. The other young masters and mistresses would be there too, some looking to surpass him, others hoping to see him fail.

  But failure was not an option.

  As they reached the main hall, the tension in the air was palpable. The crowd had already gathered, their whispers filled with speculation and anticipation. The elders stood at the front, their expressions unreadable, their attention focused on the event that was about to unfold.

  Shang Xuan paused at the entrance, taking a deep breath. He glanced at Lianhua and Meihua, who gave him reassuring nods.

  "This is where it begins," he murmured, his resolve hardening.

  With that, they stepped into the hall, the doors closing behind them. The ceremony was about to begin, and with it, the first steps toward a future filled with power, ambition, and perhaps even danger.

...

  The main hall of the Shang Clan was a vast and imposing space, filled with the echoes of history and power. Tall pillars lined the room, each carved with intricate designs that depicted the clan's storied past. The floor was polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the grandeur of the hall and the anticipation of those gathered within it.

  Shang Xuan walked with measured steps, his expression calm and composed. The weight of many eyes fell upon him as he entered, but he remained unfazed. His twin maids, Lianhua and Meihua, flanked him on either side, their presence a silent yet strong support. They moved in unison, a perfect reflection of their loyalty and dedication to their master.

  At the front of the hall, the clan elders stood in a row, their faces solemn. These were the most powerful and respected members of the Shang Clan, each one a seasoned Gu Master who had earned their place through strength and wisdom. At the center stood Shang Yan Fei, the current patriarch of the Shang Clan and Shang Xuan's father. His gaze was sharp, assessing his son as he approached.