In Fang Yuan's two preceding lives, he was deemed a mere C-grade talent, scarcely warranting significant investment and cultivation. Despite the option to feign a B-grade talent, akin to Gu Yue Chi Chen's strategy in his second life, Fang Yuan consciously chose to abstain from such pretense, primarily due to his absence of influential patronage from a clan elder. However, in his current existence, the inheritance of the flower wine monk bestowed upon him a newfound liberation from these limitations. Empowered by this advantage, Fang Yuan perceptively recognized that there was no justification for subjecting himself to unnecessary hardships when presented with the opportunity to pursue a smoother path. With the assistance of the Liquor worm, his cultivation speed would rival that of an A-grade talent prodigy, including his own brother, and he even possessed the potential to surpass them.

Amid the prying gazes of the onlookers, Fang Yuan confidently traversed the river, arriving safely on the opposite bank. As he progressed, he sensed a distinct pressure weighing upon him, emanating from the spirit spring deep within the flower sea. This spring, abundant with primeval qi, created an atmosphere of palpable intensity.

Yet, without delay, shimmering specks of light emerged from the blossoms beneath Fang Yuan's feet, gradually enveloping his entire body before eventually entering him. These luminous particles, he discerned, were the Hope Gu. Although the person in charge had not explicitly revealed their nature, Fang Yuan possessed a clear understanding. Each glimmering speck represented a Hope Gu, converging into a stream of light that swiftly entered Fang Yuan's body, under the external pressure of spirit spring. Fang Yuan counted in his heart; when he walked the 27th step he could hear a bang and the ball of light in between his two kidneys was vibrating.

This energetic burst remained confined within Fang Yuan's body, invisible to outsiders. Only he could feel the earthshaking reaction at that moment, causing the fine hairs on his body to stand up and his pores to tighten. The intense energy gathered spontaneously in his abdomen, forming a concentrated cluster three inches below his navel.

As the pressure subsided, Fang Yuan continued his forward progress. With each step he took, more and more Hope Gu emerged from the sea of flowers, seamlessly entering his body and joining the radiant ball of light. The intensity of the ball of light grew increasingly brilliant, but the person in charge on the opposite riverbank frowned, noticing that the number of Hope Gu was lower than anticipated. Several elders observing Fang Yuan from the shadows expressed their concern, and even the clan head wore a troubled expression. This was not the characteristic display of an A-grade talent!

Nevertheless, Fang Yuan persevered under the pressure, steadily advancing—10 steps, 20 steps... 23... 25... 28...

With each step, Fang Yuan maintained a mental count. When he reached the 29th step, a resounding bang echoed, and the ball of light in his abdomen reached its limit and exploded.

This explosion of energy remained internal, imperceptible to outsiders. Fang Yuan alone felt the seismic reaction within his body. Instantly, every fine hair on his body stood on end, his pores sealed shut, and his mind stretched to its limits. It was at this moment that he sensed his aperture awakening, accompanied by the weakened presence of the spring autumn cicada. Utilizing the aura of rank seven gu, Fang Yuan exerted his will, compelling the Hope Gu to enter his aperture and forcefully expand its capacity. The strain on his aperture wall caused it to crack, resulting in excruciating pain that gripped his entire being. Nonetheless, Fang Yuan persisted, resolutely advancing through the river, step by step, until his aperture could bear no more.

Amidst the mounting pressure and the concerned

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gazes of the onlookers, Fang Yuan pressed forward, undeterred. The tally continued—30... 35... 38... 41... 45... 47... 49... 50... 51...

With each successive step, the burden on Fang Yuan's body intensified, yet he persisted, fueled by unwavering determination and his untapped potential. The power of the Hope Gu surged through his veins, propelling him on a path that surpassed even the prodigious talents of the A-grade level. Upon reaching the 51st step, Fang Yuan sat down and meditated to stabilize his crack-riddled aperture. A serene atmosphere replaced the bustling commotion as everyone wore dumbstruck expressions. The Academy elder exclaimed in excitement, "Gu Yue Fang Yuan, an A-grade talent!"

" A grade? Truly an A grade!?"

"After three years, a genius with A-grade talent has finally emerged in the Gu Yue clan!"

The clan elders observing from the darkness also screamed out simultaneously, losing their composure.

"Well, the Fang bloodline originated from our Chi bloodline. Therefore, the Chi family will adopt this Gu Yue Fang Yuan," Gue Yue Chi Lian announced promptly.

"How is that possible? You old bag Chi Lian, your morals and abilities are out of order, but you're definitely good at misleading young boys. It's better to pass this kid to I, Gu Yue Mo Chen to raise!" Gu Yue Mo Chen roared back instantly.

"Enough with the arguments. No one is more qualified to raise this child than the current clan leader. Anyone who objects is going against me, Gu Yue Bo!" The Gu Yue clan head's voice reverberated with authority, commanding the attention of all present. His fiery red gaze scanned the disappointed and discouraged faces, silencing any lingering objections.

As the heated debates subsided, a moment of silence settled over the gathering. In that stillness, the academy elder's voice resonated once again, delivering another astonishing revelation, "Gu Yue Feng Zheng, an A-grade talent!"

The announcement rippled through the crowd, eliciting a mix of disbelief and awe. "Another A-grade talent? Is this a dream?" murmured some in astonishment.

"He's Fang Yuan's younger brother," someone whispered, causing a wave of realization to sweep through the onlookers. "Both brothers possess A-grade talent! Incredible!"

The Clan Head's elation was palpable as he whispered, "This marks the golden age of the Gu Yue Clan." The prospect of possessing two A-grade talents filled him with eager anticipation and renewed hope. The Clan Elders, swept up in the fervor of the moment, wholeheartedly shared in his enthusiasm, almost as if ancestral spirits were awakening and stirring in their graves.

Undoubtedly, the Gu Yue Clan was on an unstoppable path to greatness with the emergence of these extraordinary talents. The future of the clan radiated with unprecedented brilliance, evoking a profound sense of pride and ambition among its members.

With great enthusiasm, the Clan Head extended a gracious invitation to the Fang twins, welcoming them into the revered Clan Pavilion. His gaze fell upon the pair: one stood tall, displaying impeccable posture and sharp, discerning eyes, while the other appeared more timid, head bowed and body trembling. Nonetheless, both siblings executed a customary bow, paying utmost respect to the esteemed Clan Head and the revered Elders.

"In unison, they spoke, "Greetings to our esteemed Clan Head."

They added, "We extend our greetings to the revered Elders."

Fang Zheng's mind froze as he ascended the 30th step, his thoughts unable to grasp the reality of possessing an A-grade talent that could rival his elder brother's. With this newfound talent, he could now stand side by side with his brother, liberated from the shadow that had previously engulfed him. It felt akin to an enchanting dream, almost too surreal to comprehend. The grand invitation to the illustrious clan pavilion, where the legendary Clan Head—a fourth-level cultivator—and the esteemed third-level cultivator Elders resided, unleashed a wave of exhilaration and nervousness, causing his body to tremble involuntarily. Even his uncle, a low-ranking clan elder, had only encountered the Clan Head on rare occasions.

With a nod of acknowledgment, the Clan Head spoke with sincerity, "First and foremost, I offer my heartfelt congratulations on your successful awakening. This marks your inaugural step into the vast realm of cultivation. Your attainment of A-grade talents fills the entire clan with immense pride. I am personally committed to nurturing your exceptional abilities, and the clan will spare no effort in providing you with abundant cultivation resources. In return, it shall be your sacred duty to protect and serve the clan."

With a profound sense of respect, the siblings humbly bowed before the Clan Head, their gestures infused with sincerity and gratitude. Offering a humble fist palm greeting, their actions conveyed a deep reverence for the clan and its esteemed leadership.

In response to the Clan Head's words, Fang Yuan's voice resonated with a calm and composed demeanor , saying, "I'll be in the clan's care."

Fang Zheng, embodying a modest nature, responded with humility, acknowledging the immense debt of gratitude he felt towards the clan. His words carried a sincere appreciation for the generosity and support extended to him, as he expressed, "I shall forever remain indebted to the clan." Through his modest reply, he conveyed his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the clan's well-being.