Beneath the vast expanse of a cerulean sky and amidst billowing white clouds, lush mountains extended into the horizon, their once-dormant woods now adorned in vibrant shades of green. Like a sea of youthful life, tender shoots emerged, blanketing the landscape in a resplendent yellow-green hue. Here and there, a symphony of beautiful, multicolored sparrows alighted upon the swaying branches, adding an enchanting touch to the scenery. Carried by the gentle spring breeze, the essence of freshness that enveloped the mountains and rivers was carried forth, dispersing its rejuvenating presence throughout the world.

Within the village academy, the esteemed academy elder exuded confidence and composure as he addressed his attentive audience of fifty-seven students. Their eyes fixed intently upon him, they absorbed his words with unwavering focus, eager to embrace the wisdom he imparted.

Unbeknownst to the students, the class was approaching its conclusion. With a poised demeanor, the academy elder addressed the attentive audience, delivering the long-awaited information. "Throughout this week, I have imparted upon you the knowledge of contemplating and examining your own aperture's primeval sea, as well as the art of meditating and manipulating the primeval essence within your bodies. Now, the time has come for you all to refine your vital Gu."

As soon as the class concluded, the academy elder further instructed, "Upon leaving this class, each of you will proceed to the academy's designated Gu house, where you will carefully select a Gu worm. Once you have made your choice, I encourage you to return home and dedicate your focus to refining the chosen Gu. Only when you have successfully refined it should you return to the academy and resume your attendance in class."

Simultaneously, the academy elder unveiled an additional incentive, marking this as the inaugural assessment for the students. "Furthermore, consider this your first assessment. The student who successfully completes this task with utmost proficiency and expediency shall be richly rewarded with an esteemed sum of 20 primeval stones."

Adjacent to the academy stood the Gu house, its modest size spanning a mere 60 square meters. In the arduous journey of a Gu Master's cultivation, the Gu itself served as the key to unlocking strength and potential.

As the class drew to a close, a wave of anticipation surged through the young teenagers, propelling them towards the Gu room with eager enthusiasm. "Form a line and enter one by one!" bellowed the authoritative voices, a testament to the presence of vigilant guards stationed outside the room. With disciplined order, the youths proceeded inside individually, emerging with their chosen Gu. Finally, it was Fang Yuan's turn to step into the mysterious confines of the Gu house.

The room exuded an aura of enigma, its four walls adorned with a myriad of square cells, each embedded with yet another square opening. These holes varied in size, ranging from larger ones resembling earthenware cooking pots to smaller ones no smaller than a clenched fist.

Within these countless square cells lay an assortment of containers—a grey stone basin, a verdant jade plate, an exquisite grass cage, an earthen stove, and more—each housing a diverse array of Gu. Some Gu remained silent, while others emitted a cacophony of sounds, producing chirping, clucking, rustling, and various other auditory melodies that blended harmoniously, resembling a symphony of life.

"Gu are categorized into nine major levels, mirroring the concept of the nine-rank realms of Gu Masters. All the Gu present in this room belong to Rank one," Fang Yuan observed, quickly discerning the arrangement.

Traditionally, Rank one Gu Masters could only utilize Rank one Gu, as employing higher-level Gu came at an exorbitant cost. Moreover, Gu required sustenance, and the expenses associated with feeding higher-level Gu were often beyond the means of lower-ranked Gu Masters. Hence, newcomers in the Gu Master world typically selected a Rank one Gu worm as their first refined Gu, unless presented with exceptional circumstances.

The significance of the first Gu a Gu Master refines is immense—it becomes their vital Gu, forging an interconnected bond with their life force. Should it perish, the Gu Master would suffer a devastating blow.

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"I have a liquor worm to enhance my cultivation speed, a white bore gu to amplify my physical strength, and a jade skin for defensive purposes. Now, what I lack is a gu for movement or long-range offensive capabilities. Unfortunately, rare gu like the concealment gu are scarce in a secluded village like Gu Yue Village. I suppose I will settle for a moonlight gu," Fang Yuan contemplated, his thoughts echoing in his mind as he continued along the path along the left wall.

Among the upper layers of holes on this wall, a row of silver plates was displayed, each housing a Gu. These crystalline Gu possessed a crescent-like shape, resembling blue quartz. Against the backdrop of the silver dish, they emitted a serene and captivating aura.

Referred to as the Moonlight Gu, this particular variety was native to the Gu Yue clan, with many clansmen choosing it as their vital Gu. The Moonlight Gu was not a naturally occurring species; it was a meticulously cultivated breed exclusive to the Gu Yue clan. Found nowhere else, this Gu stood as a symbol of the clan's heritage.

Given that all the Gu presented were Rank one Moonlight Gu, their differences were minute. Fang Yuan casually selected one, holding it delicately in his palm. The Moonlight Gu was incredibly lightweight, akin to a feather-light piece of paper. The insect occupied a small space on his hand, roughly the size of a common jade pendant. As Fang Yuan examined it closely, he could see through its translucent form, gazing upon the intricate lines of his own palm.

Satisfied with his choice, Fang Yuan carefully placed the Moonlight Gu into his pocket and departed from the Gu room. Outside, the queue of eager individuals still stretched on, the sight of Fang Yuan's departure igniting excitement in the next person in line, hastening their entry into the room.

After departing from the Gu house, Fang Yuan made his way directly to his room in the Fang mansion. Securing the door behind him, he settled onto his bed and assumed a cross-legged position. Swiftly and skillfully, he commenced the refinement of the moonlight gu, aided by the assistance of his vital gu. With unwavering focus, he directed his consciousness into his aperture, filled with delight upon witnessing the complete repair of the previously cracked walls and the presence of a vibrant green copper primeval sea. The liquor worm had successfully refined all of the essence, transforming it into a pale green middle stage primeval essence.

"Rise," Fang Yuan commanded, and the tranquil green copper primeval sea began to stir.

Gradually, the commotion escalated, giving birth to growing waves that surged within the aperture.

Splash, splash, splash...

The tides collided, racing towards the surrounding walls of the aperture.

Upon impact, most of the primeval essence dispersed into emerald ripples, merging back into the sea. However, a small portion of the essence expended transformed into imperceptible energy, penetrating the white-colored light wall.

"Rise once more," Fang Yuan willed, and the emerald ripples swelled in magnitude. The previously scattered waves now resembled galloping troops of horses, charging towards the aperture walls.

With rapid consumption, the water level of the primeval sea receded.

Splash, splash, splash...

The relentless waves eventually yielded a significant change. The previously serene white light wall suddenly trembled, emanating a piercing brilliance that surpassed its initial mild radiance.

Witnessing this transformation, Fang Yuan's joy knew no bounds, realizing that the crucial moment had arrived. Without delay, he activated all of his remaining primeval essence, propelling it towards the walls.

The white light intensified, its rays distorting and intertwining, creating an illusion of thickness. After a dozen breaths, white strips of luminous bands emerged on the light wall, colliding and merging with one another like an unending flow of water. Through the process of collision, the strips gradually fused and united, forming a unified, flowing white light.

Finally, the flowing light converged into a single cohesive entity, completely enveloping the light wall.

As the white light gradually dimmed, the original white light wall of the aperture vanished, replaced by a layer of spherical white water wall. Its surface was impeccably smooth, devoid of any impurities. The water wall possessed a greater thickness compared to its predecessor, with undulating ripples of light flowing and shimmering upon it.

The primeval sea returned to its tranquil state, while the aperture retained 60% of its primeval essence.

"I have advanced to the middle stage!" Fang Yuan exulted, his laughter resounding as he opened his eyes, a sense of accomplishment and progress coursing through him.

Satisfied with his achievements, Fang Yuan proceeded to take a refreshing bath before retiring to his bed. Wrapped in the comforting embrace of a deep slumber, he allowed his body and mind to rest, rejuvenating himself for the challenges that awaited him on the morrow.