The commercial district of Gu Yue village hummed with vibrant activity as a diverse array of vendors passionately advertised their wares, employing the art of persuasion to entice potential customers. The bustling shop fronts, meticulously aligned along the main road, exuded an air of order and efficiency. Bullock carts traversed the bustling thoroughfare, transporting both passengers and a myriad of merchant goods.
Fang Yuan discreetly slipped away from the lively pavilion, forging ahead towards the bustling commercial district of Gu Yue Village. Adorning his waist, a pouch brimmed with a precious bounty of primiveal stones. A generous gift from the esteemed clan head added thirty stones to his collection, while his personal savings amounted to an additional seven stones, resulting in an impressive total of thirty-seven primiveal stones at his disposal.
A profound sense of urgency enveloped Fang Yuan as he grappled with the dire need to repair his crack-riddled aperture—a need that necessitated a copious supply of primiveal stones. Casting his gaze upon the aperture, he couldn't help but sigh at the distressing sight of its weakened state.
He forcefully expanded the capacity of the aperture, pulling the Hope Gu inside. This action resulted in an elevation of his talent to B grade, allowing for the infusion of up to 78 percent of primiveal essence. However, the daunting task of repairing the aperture would require a significant investment of time, approximately a week, and a copious amount of primiveal stones.
With unwavering determination, Fang Yuan embarked on his mission for the day, giving top priority to the retrieval of the liquor worm and white boar Gu from the inheritance cave of the wine flower monk. Recognising his current limitations, he was aware that the remaining portions of the inheritance lay beyond his present strength and would need to be addressed at a later time.
Fang came to a halt in front of the Wine Tavern, strategically positioned on the eastern side of the village near the bustling eastern gate, where the steady stream of people created a vibrant atmosphere. Its prime location made it an ideal spot for conducting business. With a graceful stride, he entered the tavern, and an elderly man promptly greeted him with respect.
"Welcome, esteemed young master," the old man said cordially. "Please allow me to find you a comfortable seat."
A few waiters approached with genuine smiles, diligently wiping the benches and tables, their manner reflecting their eagerness to please the customers. The tavern exuded a delightful and inviting ambiance, providing a cozy setting for patrons to unwind and enjoy their time.
"Bring me a jar of the esteemed Jade Bamboo wine," Fang Yuan ordered the old shopkeeper. The elderly man hesitated and respectfully inquired, "Are you certain, young master? The cost of one jar is 5 Primiveal Stones."
Fang Yuan replied confidently, "Do you doubt my ability to afford it?"
"Apologies, young master. It's not every day that someone purchases the Jade Bamboo wine," the old shopkeeper responded, realizing his misstep.
Fang Yuan continued, unperturbed, "How many jars of the Bamboo wine remain in your stock?"
"Only five jars, young master," the shopkeeper informed him.
"Pack them for me and arrange for their delivery to Fang Mansion," Fang Yuan instructed, placing 25 primiveal stones on the table as payment.
Fang Yuan carefully selected a jar of the renowned Jade Bamboo Wine and made his way out of the tavern. As he ventured towards the eastern gate, he encountered a bustling scene filled with the continuous flow of bullock and horse carts, as well as a multitude of pedestrians. Progressing past the gate, , he entered the enchanting bamboo forest that surrounded the village. The forest exuded a sense of tranquility and beauty, with lush green grass, endless white flowers, and straight, pencil-like green spear bamboo stalks, resembling a cluster of jade rods.
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Fang Yuan unsealed the jar, instantly releasing a rich and fragrant aroma of the green bamboo wine. It was renowned as the finest wine in Gu Yue Village. Taking a sip to savor its flavor, he continued his journey. The setting sun cast gentle rays, while a calm and steady breeze brushed against his skin. Within the bamboo forest, like a clear pond, the green spear bamboo stalks swiftly passed by, receding behind him. The ground beneath him was a verdant carpet of grass adorned with blooming wildflowers. Moss-covered stones and sprouting yellow bamboo shoots added to the picturesque scene.
Fang Yuan's faint shadow raced ahead on the ground, gliding through the intricate patterns created by the bamboo stalks, resembling black lines cast by each one. The refreshing mountain air invigorated his spirits. He continued walking until he arrived at a sea of white flowers, with a yellow spot in the center, which swayed with the wind, scattering their petals. A group of Dragonpill crickets, resembling a flowing poem, coincidentally moved to the forefront. As Fang Yuan dashed through, a swooshing sound accompanied a blossoming red cloud, dispersing a myriad of red star fireflies that emerged from it, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Ahead, a tranquil mountain stream, adorned with pebbles, meandered gracefully through the landscape. Its gurgling waters mirrored the ethereal glow of the setting sun and the moon that began to emerge in the night sky. With graceful steps, Fang Yuan traversed the stream, causing thousands of shimmering silver ripples to ripple across its surface, like an ephemeral symphony of nature's artistry.
Regrettably, this stream, after countless ages, had its beautiful and precious stones trampled upon and broken, bearing the marks of its unfortunate fate.
Ascending the mountain stream, Fang Yuan could already discern the distant sound of a cascading waterfall. Observing his surroundings, he discovered that he had arrived at a shallow benchland. The ground was adorned with pebbles of various sizes, and the river's surface barely concealed the small stones beneath. Scattered throughout the area were sizable gray boulders, adding to the natural ruggedness of the terrain.
Behind Qing Mao Mountain loomed a colossal waterfall, its intensity dictated by the weather conditions. The water plunged forcefully, carving a deep pool upon impact with the earth. Adjacent to the profound pool resided Bai Clan Village, a powerful clan whose influence rivaled that of Gu Yue Village.
The grand waterfall branched off into numerous smaller tributaries, and Fang Yuan found himself standing before one of these branching streams. Typically, this benchland remained dry, but the recent deluge of relentless rainfall, persisting for three days and three nights, had given rise to a shallow stream at this location.
The source of this flowing stream could be traced back to a massive boulder, which leaned against a vertical mountain wall. Small cascades branched off from the main waterfall, resembling silver pythons as they gracefully descended the mountain wall, crashing against the colossal boulder. Over time, the unyielding force of the water had eroded the center of the boulder, forming a distinct crevice.
In the present moment, as the cascading waterfall thundered down, the water current surged and roared, resembling a magnificent white curtain that completely obscured the gap within the boulder.
Upon surveying his surroundings, Fang Yuan swiftly advanced towards the towering boulder. The gap within it proved to be surprisingly sizable, with ample room for two adult humans to walk side by side without obstruction. This was especially true for Fang Yuan, a mere fifteen-year-old teenager.
With measured steps, Fang Yuan ventured further into the fissure, greeted instantly by the relentless force of rushing currents that pressed forcefully against his body. Simultaneously, the frigid water swiftly engulfed him, enveloping every inch from head to toe. Undeterred by the challenging circumstances, Fang Yuan fortified himself, bracing against the relentless pressure of the water, and advanced with nimble strides. Progressing several dozen steps forward, he observed a gradual weakening of the water's relentless force, easing his passage through the gap.
However, the space within the fissure began to constrict, compelling Fang Yuan to walk sideways. The sound of roaring water filled his ears, while the top of his head became a vision of pure white, and further ahead, a blanket of darkness engulfed the interior of the boulder.
Resolutely, Fang Yuan continued his sideways journey, cautiously venturing into the darkness. The water no longer cascaded over his head; instead, the stone walls, coated in moss, grazed against his skin, imparting a slippery sensation. Before long, he found himself consumed by the darkness, the crevice narrowing and compressing around him. Even the movement of his skull gradually became restricted. Yet, undeterred, Fang Yuan maintained his composure and pressed onward.
After traversing an additional twenty steps, a crimson hue emerged amidst the darkness. With determination, he continued his stride, covering another fifty to sixty steps, as the intensity of the red glow steadily increased. Before his eyes, the light expanded, transforming into a long, vertical, and slender seam.
Extending his left arm, Fang Yuan suddenly felt the wall in front of him curve away. A surge of elation coursed through him, as he realized that an enclosed space existed within the colossal boulder. Taking a few more steps, he eagerly rushed into the luminous seam.
His eyes were met with the sight of a concealed chamber spanning approximately 80 square meters. Assessing the hidden space, he flexed his limbs, moving his hands and legs to alleviate the strain.
The entire room was bathed in a subdued red glow, its origin elusive. The stone walls, damp and adorned with moss, contrasted with the remarkably dry air within. Twisting vines adorned the walls, intertwining with one another and extending across half of the surface. Even a few withered flowers adorned the vines, their fragile forms still clinging to life.