After the successful aperture awakening ceremony, Shang Xuan, Lianhua, and Meihua made their way to the private chambers of Shang Xuan's mother. The grand estate of the Shang Clan felt especially alive today, with whispers and admiration circulating throughout the clan. However, for Shang Xuan, the only opinion that mattered now was his mother's.

  The moment they entered her chambers, they were greeted by a figure whose beauty radiated like a sunbeam. Shang Yueying, the well-acknowledged number one beauty of the Southern Border, sat gracefully by the window. Her presence commanded attention; her long, flowing dark hair framed her soft, delicate features, and her skin was like flawless jade, glowing under the natural light. Her almond-shaped eyes, deep and intelligent, seemed to hold the secrets of the world, and her full lips carried both warmth and authority. She was dressed in an elegant, form-fitting robe that accentuated her shapely figure, an embodiment of grace and poise. But beneath her gentle demeanor lay a cunning and ruthless mind, a woman who would do anything for her son's future.

  Shang Yueying smiled tenderly as her gaze fell on her son. "My dear Xuan'er," she said softly, her voice like a gentle breeze. "You've made me so proud today." Her tone was warm, but there was always an air of command in her words. She was a woman feared by many, but to her son, she was the kindest soul in the world.

  "Mother," Shang Xuan greeted with a respectful bow, Lianhua and Meihua following suit.

  "You and your maids, achieving A-grade aptitudes together... it brings me great joy," she said, her smile widening slightly. "It's rare to see such potential in a single ceremony, even for our Shang Clan. You have done well."

  Shang Xuan smiled at the praise, but deep down, he knew how much his mother's approval meant. She had guided him from birth, molding him to be the man he was today.

  "And Lianhua, Meihua," she continued, addressing the twins. "You have also proven your worth. Serve my son well, and you will always have a place in this family."

  The twins bowed again, their faces showing gratitude and unwavering loyalty.

  Her eyes then shifted back to Shang Xuan, and for a moment, they gleamed with something more. "You've always exceeded my expectations, and for that, I have something special for you," she said, standing up gracefully. From a drawer within her ornate desk, she retrieved a small, silver box.

  Shang Xuan watched with curiosity as his mother opened the box, revealing a small, radiant Gu worm inside. "This is a Clear Mind Gu," she explained, her voice soft but firm. "It's a Rank 1 Wisdom Path Gu that is incredibly rare in the Southern Border. I obtained it from a merchant in the Central Continent with great difficulty."

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  Shang Xuan's eyes widened slightly. Wisdom Path Gu were among the most coveted in the world, and a Clear Mind Gu, though low in rank, was a precious tool for cultivators just starting their journey.

  "This Gu will help you achieve clarity in your cultivation, giving you focus and insight that only experienced veterans usually have. Use it wisely, my son." She closed the box and handed it to him, her delicate fingers brushing his hand.

  Shang Xuan accepted the gift with deep gratitude. "Thank you, Mother. I will make good use of it."

  Her smile softened, the warmth of a mother's pride radiating from her. "I have high hopes for you, Xuan'er. With your intelligence and ambition, you will reach heights greater than anyone in the Shang Clan has ever seen."

  With that, she leaned in and gently kissed his forehead, a rare display of affection from a woman who was known for her cold and calculating demeanor outside the family. "I'll take my leave now," she said, turning towards the door. "There are matters I must attend to."

  As Shang Xuan watched his mother depart, he felt a deep sense of motivation. Her words echoed in his mind as he glanced down at the Clear Mind Gu she had gifted him. This was just the beginning.

  Once she was gone, the room fell into a comfortable silence. Lianhua and Meihua remained by his side, ever loyal. "Let's return to our duties," Shang Xuan said, his voice calm and measured. The maids nodded, ready to resume their responsibilities.

  As soon as Shang Xuan returned to his private chambers, he sat cross-legged on his cultivation mat, ready to refine the Clear Mind Gu. The wisdom path Gu his mother had gifted him was a rare treasure, and he knew the importance of refining it as soon as possible. It was time to delve into the intricacies of Gu refinement.

  Taking a deep breath, Shang Xuan activated his primeval essence, which surged through his aperture like a mighty river. He carefully guided the essence toward the Clear Mind Gu, allowing it to envelop the Gu worm. As the primeval essence made contact, the Clear Mind Gu began to react, glowing faintly as it resonated with Shang Xuan's energy.

  The process of refining a Gu required absolute focus. Shang Xuan's primeval essence flowed into the worm steadily, bit by bit, wrapping around it like a cocoon. His mind sharpened, and every breath he took became synchronized with the rhythm of his essence. Over the next few hours, Shang Xuan remained in deep concentration, utilizing the Shang Clan's nearly limitless supply of primeval stones to keep his essence strong.

  This is why I'm so lucky to be reborn into the Shang Clan, Shang Xuan thought to himself during brief moments of reflection. Other cultivators struggle for resources, while I have access to nearly unlimited primeval stones, allowing me to refine Gu without fear of running out of essence.

  He felt a sense of gratitude toward his mother, knowing that she had always paved the way for his success. But more than that, he knew that his rebirth into this world had given him a unique advantage. Not only did he have his past life's knowledge, but he was also born into a position of immense privilege, something that most Gu Masters could only dream of.

  After hours of effort, Shang Xuan finally reached the last stage of the refinement. The Clear Mind Gu pulsed with a soft, steady light, fully refined and synchronized with his primeval essence. A sense of clarity washed over him as if the fog in his mind had lifted, leaving only sharp, focused thoughts. His cultivation would be smoother, more efficient from now on.

  Shang Xuan smiled to himself. He had taken another significant step in his journey, thanks to the Clear Mind Gu.