A gentle gust of wind, as delicate as a lover's caress, graced the vast expanse of the sky, gracefully parting the billowing clouds. Like a master painter's stroke, the clouds obediently scattered, allowing the resplendent morning sun to emerge from its celestial hiding place. The sun's luminous rays, akin to liquid gold, cascaded upon the enchanting landscape that lay before Fang Yuan's eyes.
Nestled within this picturesque tableau, a lush bamboo forest swayed in harmony with the breeze, its emerald-green foliage creating a soothing symphony of rustling leaves. Towering mountain rocks, weathered by time's gentle touch, added a rugged elegance to the scene, their stoic presence lending an air of ancient wisdom to the surroundings. The pristine rivers and streams, like silver ribbons, meandered through the peaks, their tranquil currents weaving tales of serenity and rejuvenation.
Amidst this awe-inspiring panorama, Fang Yuan, attired in unassuming garments, stood as a lone figure, a testament to the harmony between man and nature. His flowing tresses, as dark as the night sky, danced with ethereal grace upon the wind's playful whispers, echoing the untamed spirit that resided within him. The sleeves of his attire, billowing like elegant wings, embraced the air with a sense of liberation and profound purpose. Six days had passed since he meticulously refined the White Boar Gu, and he could sense a distinct halt in the growth of his newfound strength. It appeared that he had reached a plateau, his power now comparable to that of a formidable wild boar.
As he made his way through the serene waterfall hidden behind the majestic Qing Mao Mountain range, he stood before a narrow crack between a colossal boulder and the rugged mountain wall. This narrow passage granted him access to the Flower Wine Monk inheritance cave.
As Fang Yuan traversed the enclosed path, he once again stood in front of the towering obstacle—the giant rock obstructing his way. The chill in the air prompted him to don a simple yet practical garment, its long sleeves offering respite from the growing cold. However, a significant change had taken place within his physical form during these few days.
No longer possessing a slender frame, Fang Yuan's chest, arms, legs, and abdomen displayed distinct signs of well-defined muscle. These muscles, although not bulging like stone, took on a streamlined appearance, harmoniously complementing Fang Yuan's gradually maturing physique. Coupled with his fair complexion, they exuded a youthful energy and vitality that captivated those who beheld him.
With a composed and collected demeanor, Fang Yuan took a deliberate stride, his right leg leading while his left leg positioned behind, forming a poised bow step. His hands made contact with the surface of the rounded boulder as he inhaled deeply, gathering his strength. With a resolute push, he exerted all his might against the immovable mass.
Under the force of Fang Yuan's arms, the large boulder began to stir, slowly gaining momentum and rolling forward. The path ahead, inclined and skillfully sculpted by the Flower Wine Monk, facilitated the boulder's movement, as if designed specifically for it to be pushed aside by the inheritor.
"One step, two steps, three steps..." Fang Yuan advanced steadily, silently keeping count in his heart.
Ten steps, twenty steps, thirty steps... the journey continued as Fang Yuan persisted, his physical exhaustion becoming increasingly apparent.
Forty steps, forty-five steps...
Despite the mounting weariness, Fang Yuan pressed on, unwilling to yield. His determination propelled him forward, inch by arduous inch.
Forty-six steps, forty-seven steps...
With each strained effort, Fang Yuan could feel his stamina dwindling, yet he pushed himself further.
Forty-eight steps, forty-nine steps...
Summoning his remaining reservoir of strength, Fang Yuan summoned his willpower and eked out two more steps. Finally reaching his limit, he braced himself, using his shoulder and leg to anchor the rock in place, while taking several deep breaths to replenish his depleted energy.
"Just a few more steps," he whispered to himself, the voice of determination cutting through the heavy air.
Fiftieth step.
A surge of relief coursed through Fang Yuan as he felt the burden of the immense rock begin to lighten. To his astonishment, it rolled onto a level platform, clearing his path.
Summoning his last vestiges of strength, Fang Yuan pushed a few more steps. And with that, he found himself standing in a secret room—a hidden chamber within the rock crevice. Provisionally naming it the "second secret room," he took in his surroundings.
The room was devoid of any furnishings, its four walls composed of an unusual reddish soil that emitted a faint crimson glow. At the far end of the secret room, a simple grey-colored rock door beckoned, intriguing and enigmatic.
Fang Yuan seized the opportunity to rejuvenate his fatigued body, allowing himself a well-deserved respite. Yet, he exercised caution, refraining from immediately unlocking the enigmatic rock door that stood before him.
He found that the ground before the rock door was Noticing that the ground in front of the rock door was slightly damp, Fang Yuan bent down, extending his arms and loosening the soil. He uncovered the second Earth Treasury flower—a precious find. With a smile gracing his lips, he delicately plucked the flower petals and retrieved the dormant Gu worm from the golden nectar.
This was a Jade Skin Gu. Its appearance was like The newly acquired Gu worm was a Jade Skin Gu. Resembling a flat and wide bedbug with a small head, its oval-shaped green body emitted a subtle jade-colored glow. This marked Fang Yuan's third Gu worm, and unlike the previous ones, the Jade Skin Gu held defensive capabilities. With this addition, he could compensate for his previous vulnerability in defense.
Indeed, defense often served as a means of offense. Fang Yuan understood this principle well. Take, for instance, his own physical strength. Thanks to the White Boar Gu, his power had reached that of a wild boar. In theory, he could deliver a devastating blow capable of shattering a rock with a single punch. However, he refrained from such acts, aware that his defense was inadequate. A forceful strike might break the rock, but his fists would be left bloodied and damaged in the process.
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Now, with the Jade Skin Gu in his possession, Fang Yuan could supplement his strength with enhanced defense. It was a trade-off, but one that carried its own advantages and disadvantages. The Jade Skin Gu held considerable value, ranking among the top defensive Gu worms at the first rank. However, it required regular feeding, consuming two pieces of jade rock every ten days. Given the high market price of jade rock and its scarcity, this presented a potential challenge. Fortunately, the inheritance cave boasted a colony of jade eye stone monkeys in its stone forest, providing a viable source of nourishment.
Temporarily housing the Jade Skin Gu within his aperture, Fang Yuan proceeded to gradually open the weighty rock door. Its substantial mass would have been insurmountable had it not been for the augmented strength bestowed upon him by the White Boar Gu. With measured force, Fang Yuan pushed against the door, causing it to creak and slowly reveal the scene beyond.
As the rock door unveiled its secrets, Fang Yuan's field of vision expanded exponentially. No longer confined to a narrow tunnel or a secluded chamber, he now beheld a vast underground expanse—a spacious plot of stone forest.
Making an initial approximation, Fang Yuan estimated the size of the stone forest to be over thirty Mu—an impressive scale, surpassing that of a standard football field on Earth. The stone walls rose to a towering height of over sixteen meters, and the ceiling, too, was composed of solid stone. From above, imposing dark red pillars stood erect, emitting a faint crimson glow—much like the tunnel and secret room he had traversed. Although the light remained dim, it provided enough illumination for Fang Yuan to discern his surroundings.
His gaze extended into the distance, taking in the sight of each stone pillar resembling an inverted tree, devoid of branches and resembling mere sturdy stems. The surface of the pillars bore an irregular texture, adorned with foreboding dark holes. Countless pillars extended downward, forming an inverted stone forest within the mountain—an intriguing spectacle shaped by the forces of nature.
With his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience, Fang Yuan remained composed and unfazed by the enigmatic dark holes that adorned the stone pillars. He fixed his gaze upon the openings, patiently awaiting for any sign of movement or a lurking presence to unveil itself from within the depths of the holes. The silence hung heavy in the air as anticipation coursed through Fang Yuan's veins, ready to confront whatever shadow or entity dared to reveal itself.
Instantly, a piercing and enraged screech reverberated from one of the dark holes. Swift as the wind, a gray monkey darted out of the crevice, launching itself towards Fang Yuan with a fierce leap.
Reacting with instinctive swiftness, Fang Yuan's body emitted a radiant green glow as he unleashed a powerful punch in response to the incoming assailant. The forceful impact struck the monkey squarely in the face, instantly snapping its neck and causing its lifeless body to go limp.
As the monkey's body turned to stone, its once-gray form transformed into a motionless statue, faithfully capturing the monkey's final moments. After a brief pause, the stone monkey's surface began to crack, spreading across its entire form. With a resounding boom, the statue shattered into countless tiny fragments of rock.
Kneeling down, Fang Yuan meticulously cleared away the debris, uncovering two exquisite jade green pearls. These precious orbs were none other than the eyes of the jade eye stone monkey. Each pearl possessed considerable weight, easily surpassing fifty grams.
By hunting and slaying the jade eye stone monkeys, Fang Yuan could secure a consistent supply of food for his Jade Skin Gu, effectively resolving the challenge of its sustenance.
Suddenly, a monkey emerged from one of the holes, swiftly followed by three more. With lightning speed, they sprinted towards Fang Yuan, poised to pounce on him with predatory intent.
Confronted with the formidable threat posed by the jade eye stone monkeys, Fang Yuan exercised sound judgment and made a prudent decision. He astutely recognized the limitations of his current abilities and the grave danger that lay ahead. Acknowledging the potential consequences of engaging with more than three of these creatures, he resolved to exit the inheritance cave and abandon the pursuit of further confrontation.
Even with the protection afforded by the Jade Skin Gu, Fang Yuan grasped the stark reality that it would prove inadequate against the relentless onslaught of the jade eye stone monkeys. To risk a confrontation would invite a perilous outcome, with a high probability of being overwhelmed and meeting a tragic demise.
Emerging from the secluded depths of the concealed cave, Fang Yuan embarked on a resolute expedition through the dense foliage of the forest. His profound familiarity with the forest's intricacies served as his trusted guide, leading him with unwavering precision towards the area brimming with a vibrant multitude of wild boars. However, amidst his journey, he was acutely aware of neglecting to provide sustenance to the refined white boar gu since its refinement. As a consequence, within the confines of his aparture, the once-sprightly creature now languished in hunger, emitting plaintive cries that echoed with an undeniable plea for nourishment.
Due to the absence of any formidable attack gu, Fang Yuan hesitated to venture deeper into the treacherous forest of Qing Mao Mountain, aware of the dangers that awaited. However, with the newfound protection of the jade skin gu, he now possessed the freedom to utilize the formidable strength of the wild boar gu without reservation.
The autumn wind whispered through the air, causing the crimson leaves to sway aimlessly in a mesmerizing dance. The wild grass had turned a dry shade of yellow, while brilliant red and orange fruits adorned the branches of the trees.
A black-colored wild boar charged furiously, its four hooves pounding against the ground, its mane standing on end. The surface of the mountain was covered with a thick layer of fallen leaves, and as the wild boar raced forward, a gust of wind trailed in its wake, sending the fallen leaves swirling in a graceful flurry.
Silently, Fang Yuan stood his ground, his expression cold and calculating as the wild boar closed in. In an instant, he made a decisive move, taking a bold stride forward and firmly planting his legs, facing the wild boar head-on. The wild boar's menacing tusks sliced through the air with deadly intent.
Fang Yuan swiftly maneuvered his body, evading the tusks as his shoulder made forceful contact with the wild boar's skull. At that critical moment, a faint green glow emanated from his shoulder— the manifestation of the Jade Skin Gu.
With a resounding crash, the two collided. Fang Yuan took three steps back, while the wild boar staggered only a single step. Although Fang Yuan possessed superior strength compared to his adversary, the wild boar's four-legged stance and lower center of gravity provided stability.
Despite this, the forceful impact delivered by Fang Yuan rattled the wild boar, causing its bulky body to waver. Unfazed, Fang Yuan let out a roar and surged forward once again. His left hand grasped the wild boar's tusk while his right hand raised high into the air. A thin layer of light green jade glow enveloped his fist, forming a protective barrier.
With a powerful strike, his fist descended upon the wild boar, eliciting a pained scream and fierce resistance. Fang Yuan's left arm tensed, bulging muscles and pulsating green veins displaying his immense strength as he grappled with the wild boar.
Meanwhile, his right fist continued its relentless assault, repeatedly hammering the boar's head. Each impact was accompanied by a luminous flash of the green-colored glow surrounding his fist. Gradually, the wild boar's struggles weakened, overwhelmed by Fang Yuan's onslaught.
"One final blow!" Fang Yuan's eyes gleamed like lightning. He loosened his upper body, extending his right arm straight and raising it to its zenith before unleashing a full-force strike. The green jade light clung to his arm, tracing a vibrant arc in the air.
With a resounding thud, Fang Yuan knelt on one knee, his elbow forcefully connecting with the wild boar's skull. Before the creature could utter a cry, its voice was abruptly silenced.
The boar's entire head contorted, its shattered white skull piercing through its blackened skin, revealing a grotesque display. Blood and fragments of brain matter oozed out, staining the surrounding leaf litter with a vivid red hue.
As the autumn wind blew, leaves twirled in the air, carrying the scent of fresh pig's blood.
"Life, akin to the resplendent summer flowers. Death, delicate as the autumn leaves," Fang Yuan murmured softly, his gaze lingering upon the carcass before him.
He contemplated the stark contrast between the vibrancy of the living and the solitude of the departed, a reflection of nature's unforgiving cruelty and the exhilaration that accompanies existence.
"In every realm, the victor basks in glory, while the defeated wallows in the unforgiving world. Victory and defeat, to me, are akin to life and death. As one who treads the path of darkness, a loss would inevitably lead to my demise."
As Fang Yuan approached the motionless boar's carcass, he gracefully positioned himself on the ground, his focus fixated on the task at hand. Carefully retrieving the White Boar Gu from his aparture, he presented the succulent meat to the gu, facilitating its nourishment and subsequent restoration. Meanwhile, his own consciousness delved deep into the profound recesses of his aperture.
Within the inner realms of his aparture, Fang Yuan keenly sensed the depletion of his essence reserves, which had diminished by a substantial 30 percent. His gaze traced the intricate network of cracks that marred the walls, tangible evidence of the forceful expansion and strengthening he had undertaken to increase its capacity. However, amidst the cracks, signs of repair were apparent, with approximately 50 percent of the damage rectified through the nourishing influence of the pale green primiveal essence.
furthermore, the diligent efforts of the liquor worm manifested in the remarkable transformation of fang yuan's essence. the worm had successfully transmuted 80 percent of his essence into the middle stage, bestowing upon him heightened battle powers and fortifying his overall combat prowess.