Under the cerulean sky and billowy white clouds, a panorama of lush mountains unfolded into the horizon. Nestled nearby, a grove of bamboo thrived. This particular bamboo species, known as Qing Mao Mountain's distinctive spear bamboo. Each slender stalk stood tall and true, resembling a perfectly straight line, while their pointed tips glistened with exceptional sharpness, akin to the piercing end of a spear.

Not too far off, the surrounding woods exhibited the first signs of verdant growth. Tender shoots emerged, painting the landscape in a vibrant sea of yellow-green hues. Every now and then, delightful sparrows adorned the branches, flaunting their beautiful and colorful plumage. The spring breeze danced through the air, carrying with it the invigorating essence of the mountains and rivers, and dispersing it throughout the world.

Nestled on the western periphery of the clan pavilion, the clan's academy provided a serene sanctuary, offering respite from the outside world. Within the hushed confines of a classroom, an esteemed academy elder delivered a profound speech to a group of recently awakened gu masters, who eagerly sought to unlock their latent potential.

"Man, the quintessence of all living beings, possesses the highest intelligence and cognitive prowess. Among the myriad forms of life that inhabit our world, humans stand atop the hierarchical pyramid. Gu Masters, driven by an insatiable thirst for comprehending the intricate nature of heaven and earth, embark on a noble pursuit—the quest to experience the Great Dao," the elder expounded, his voice filled with wisdom and authority.

"The Dao permeates every facet of our existence—it flows like water cascading downwards, manifests in the anguish of hunger-stricken souls, and fuels the growth of trees nurtured by rain and fertilizers. All these manifestations are but expressions of the Dao. Gu Masters, by harnessing the power of Gu, embark on a transformative journey to experience the profoundness of the Great Dao. Through these magnificent conduits, they kindle fires, command rivers to defy gravity, summon lightning, and mend wounds, all of which are intricate facets of the Dao."

"After yesterday's awakening ceremony, you have unlocked your primordial sea, a sacred realm where you nurture and refine your Gu to reach its full potential. It is essential to understand that you will be acknowledged as a true Gu master only upon successfully refining at least one Gu. The path of gu master is divided into nine ranks, each further delineated into four stages: early, middle, upper, and peak stages," the elder proclaimed, his penetrating gaze sweeping over the assembly of young Gu masters, their eyes brimming with eager anticipation.

As his observant eyes scanned the room, they came to rest upon Fang Yuan, who had taken a seat by the window. Lost in his own thoughts, Fang Yuan gazed outside, seemingly oblivious to the elder's lecture. A sigh escaped the elder's lips, his voice laced with gentle admonishment, "Fang Yuan, I acknowledge your remarkable intellect, but talent alone will not carry you far without discipline. Now, pay heed to my words."

Resuming his lecture, the elder forged ahead, imparting his wisdom upon the attentive audience, urging them to seize the opportunities before them and embrace the arduous path that lay ahead.

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A curious student raised their hand and asked, "Teacher, is it possible for us to refine a Gu of a higher rank than that of a Gu master?"

The elder paused, considering the question, before responding, "Indeed, it is possible, but such an endeavor would demand a tremendous amount of primordial essence. Additionally, it should not be overlooked that nurturing and sustaining a higher-ranked Gu would require a substantial fortune."

Another student murmured, "Teacher, could you explain the nine ranks of a Gu master?"

The elder took a moment to collect his thoughts, then proceeded to shed light on the intricacies of the nine ranks. "A Gu master's journey encompasses nine ranks, starting from the lowest rank one and progressing to the highest rank nine. While each of you can attain the pinnacle of rank one through sheer hard work, advancing beyond that relies on your innate talent. Let me elucidate further: a practitioner with a D-grade talent can fill their aperture up to 39 percent, thus achieving rank two. Moving ahead, those with C-grade talent can fill their aperture from 40 to 59 percent, reaching the pinnacle of rank two. As for B-grade talent, they can fill their aperture from 60 to 79 percent, attaining the peak of rank three. Lastly, those gifted with A-grade talent can fill their aperture from 80 to 89 percent, reaching the pinnacle of rank four and harboring the potential to break through to rank five," the elder explained.

Curiosity sparked another question, "What about rank six?"

"Rank six is a realm shrouded in legend and mystery. Throughout the history of the Gu Yue Clan, no one has ever reached that stage," the elder responded, emphasizing the rarity and significance of such an achievement.

After the conclusion of the class, Fang Yuan exited the classroom with a graceful stride, making his way towards the Fang Mansion. Upon reaching his room, he settled himself comfortably on the futon, assuming a cross-legged position. With a primiveal stone clasped in his hand, he embarked on the intricate process of transforming it into primordial essence.

Deep within his aperture, the liquor worm diligently condensed concentrated primordial essence, successfully converting 35 percent of the essence within his aperture into mid-level essence. Unfazed by the passage of time, Fang Yuan persevered in his cultivation until the moon graced the night sky with its presence.

However, Fang Yuan faced a predicament with his white boar gu, which possessed an insatiable appetite requiring the sustenance of a mature wild boar for a span of five days. Acquiring such an amount of meat seemed implausible within the confines of the small village, where the availability of wild boar was scarce. The potential purchase of such a quantity from a butcher would undoubtedly impose a significant financial burden.

Moreover, Fang Yuan found himself unable to venture into the forest without an attack gu to protect himself. In a few days' time, the newly initiated gu masters would be bestowed with a gu from the clan gu house, but until then, his white boar gu would have to endure patiently, awaiting its turn for sustenance.

Abruptly, a knock resounded through the door of Fang Yuan's chamber, capturing his attention.

"Young master, it is time for dinner. Madam and Master, along with your younger brother, await your presence in the dining room," Shen Cui announced, her voice emanating from beyond the room's confines.

"I shall not be joining them. Kindly procure a portion for me and bring it to my room," Fang Yuan responded firmly, his decision resolute.

"But... I will promptly arrange for your meal to be delivered," Shen Cui acquiesced, her words conveying a sense of urgency, before departing to fulfill his request.

In due course, Shen Cui reappeared, bearing a meticulously arranged tray adorned with a tantalizing portion of food. She entered Fang Yuan's room, adroitly setting up a small table to accommodate his meal. With grace befitting his demeanor, he partook of the sustenance laid before him, savoring each morsel with a discerning palate. Standing quietly by his side, Shen Cui attentively observed as he dined, poised to cater to any further requirements that may arise.

Once Fang Yuan had concluded his repast, Shen Cui promptly commenced the process of tidying the table, efficiently ensuring that the remnants were swiftly cleared away. With a warm smile gracing her countenance, she bid him goodnight, her words laced with genuine regard.

"Good night, young master," she uttered, the sincerity evident in her voice, before taking her leave, departing from his chamber.