It was the enchanting season of spring, where the fragrant aroma of flowers permeated the air, and majestic mountains adorned in everlasting greenery basked in the gradually unfolding warmth of the sunlight.
Beneath the vast expanse of clear azure skies, billowing white clouds drifted leisurely like delicate cotton tufts.
Nestled within Qing Mao Mountain, the bamboo forest stood tall and straight, resembling spears that reached toward the heavens. Wild weeds thrived in abundance, while a myriad of unknown wildflower species adorned the lush grassy thickets. With each gentle breeze, the swaying of the wild grass dispersed a heady blend of floral pollen and the invigorating scent of verdant meadows, tantalizing the senses of any visitor.
Emerging from the Gu house, Fang Yuan hastened his steps toward the forest near Gu Yue Village. His destination was the inheritance cave of wine flower monk. There, he skillfully captured enough stone monkeys to sustain his jade skin Gu for an entire month, carefully collecting their jade eyes and stowing them away within his pouch.
"Alas, as of today, my access to the inheritance cave shall be compromised", Fang Yuan lamented inwardly. Once the distribution of Gu to the newly awakened Gu masters took place, an elder would be assigned to protect the gifted youths of the clan. As an A-grade talent, it was only natural for him to have an elder assigned to his care. Unless he could stealthily navigate his way into the cave, eluding the watchful gaze of a rank 3 elder.
Exiting the concealed cave, Fang Yuan proceeded to hunt a wild boar, feeding it to his white boar Gu. Delving deeper into the forest, he sought to encounter a shadow leopard. Eventually, he arrived at the outskirts of the forest's lower level, an area shrouded in darkness and dense foliage. Even during the morning hours, only faint slivers of light managed to penetrate the thick canopy of towering trees.
In a transitory instant, time seemed to hang suspended, as if the very essence of existence held its breath. With an unruly ferocity, a shadow hurtled towards Fang Yuan, propelled by an unyielding determination. Yet, his instincts were honed and tempered through the crucible of countless perilous battles, spanning the vast expanse of his previous lives. In a display of unparalleled agility, he gracefully sidestepped the imminent onslaught, evoking the image of a dancer in the throes of an ethereal performance. Each movement he made bore the imprint of his refined combat prowess, a testament to the indomitable spirit that had been forged in the crucible of relentless adversity.
As the tension-laden encounter unfolded, Fang Yuan's perceptive gaze pierced through the shroud of obscurity, unraveling the mysterious presence that had launched the attack. Revealed before him was a majestic black-furred leopard, its coat punctuated by entrancing white spots—a true embodiment of nature's artistic camouflage, flawlessly adapted to the muted illumination of their surroundings.
The creature growled menacingly before launching another assault, its claws aimed at his face. Reacting swiftly, Fang Yuan summoned three arcs of luminous light using his Moonlight Gu. Yet, the agile predator effortlessly evaded the attack. Undeterred, it lunged, teeth bared, targeting Fang Yuan's neck. Bathed in an emerald glow, Fang Yuan retaliated with a swift punch that sent the leopard hurtling into a nearby tree. Seizing the opportunity, he swiftly cleaved through the air with an arc of light, cleanly separating its head from its body as a crimson fountain of blood spurted from its severed neck. He meticulously harvested its heart, eyes, and fur, all crucial components for the refinement recipe of the Breath Concealment Gu. Additionally, he gathered a few stalks of shadow grass from the surrounding area, serving as sustenance for the Gu.
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Departing from the dense forest, Fang Yuan embarked on a direct route toward the Fang mansion, traversing the bustling thoroughfare that led to the eastern gate. Upon reaching his room, he conscientiously locked the door, creating an atmosphere of seclusion that would facilitate the meticulous refinement process of the Breath Concealment Gu. As a supreme grand master of the refinement path, this endeavor was akin to second nature, effortlessly flowing from his practiced hands. With each passing minute, the gu refinement underwent a metamorphosis, gradually revealing its true form—a delicate, pale yellow moth adorned with translucent wings.
With utmost care, Fang Yuan gently cradled the diminutive gu in his hands, proceeding to refine it . This intricate process unfolded seamlessly, taking a mere ten minutes to reach completion. True to its name, the Breath Concealment Gu possessed the ability to veil one's cultivation levels from prying eyes, enveloping its host in an ethereal shroud of concealment. During daylight hours, it blended harmoniously with the surroundings, affording a subtle form of stealth. However, its true efficacy manifested during the night, reaching its pinnacle under the cover of darkness.
Casting a discerning gaze upon the ethereal depths of his aperture, Fang Yuan observed the diligent efforts of the liquor worm, tirelessly producing the concentrated primordial essence of the upper stage. Notably, his aperture had already witnessed a conversion of twenty percent of his primal essence, propelling him toward the coveted upper stage.
With purposeful determination, he grasped a pristine primiveal stone, its raw power coursing through his veins. A quiet intensity settled upon him as he immersed himself in his cultivation, surrendering to the demanding path that lay before him. Throughout the late hours of the night, he dedicated his unwavering focus to the refinement of his primeval essence, traversing the intricate pathways of his own aparture. Each breath he took, each flicker of his consciousness, propelled him further along the arduous journey towards the eternal life. The ethereal stillness of the late night provided a fitting backdrop for his solitary pursuit, as he sought to harness the primiveal essence of the upper stage.
Under the cover of the late night, the moon emerged as a celestial sentinel, casting its gentle radiance upon the tranquil expanse of Gu Yue Village. Within the revered Clan Pavilion, the esteemed Clan Head engaged in a profound dialogue with the two newly promoted elders, Elder Jiang Hu and Elder Xiao Feng. These individuals had recently achieved the revered rank 3 status, a testament to their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication.
With a commanding presence, the Clan Head addressed the two elders, his voice resonating with authority and concern, "It is upon your capable shoulders rests the responsibility of safeguarding the future of our clan . Fang Yuan and Fang Zhen, both A-grade talents, embody the hopes and aspirations of our clan. I entrust you with the sacred duty of ensuring their well-being, shielding them from harm's reach."
Understanding the weight of their newfound role, Elder Jiang Hu and Elder Xiao Feng bowed respectfully, their voices echoing in unison, "Yes, Clan Head. We shall vigilantly protect Fang Yuan and Fang Zhen, standing as their steadfast guardians."
With a nod of approval, the Clan Head dismissed the elders, his eyes filled with unwavering trust. "You are dismissed for now. Commence your duties starting from tomorrow. May your watchful presence guide and safeguard the future of our esteemed clan."
As the echoes of their departure faded into the night, the Clan Pavilion stood as a testament to the collective determination and unity that lay at the heart of Gu Yue Village. The destinies of Fang Yuan and Fang Zhen now rested upon the watchful gaze of the newly appointed protectors, their fates intertwined with the fortunes of their illustrious clan.