Aftermath

Two elders are in a fierce conflict in Gu Yue Bo's study. The Clan Leader keeps a calm expression. However, his heart is bleeding. It's been three days since the Wolf Tide, and nobody found Zie Qi. The few Gu Masters who saw him the last claimed that Zie Qi fled into the forest with wolves chasing him. The situation is dire, and others believe Zie Qi did not survive. How can Gu Yue Bo not mourn such a loss? But a Clan Leader has to keep calm and continue facing different situations—such as the one unfolding ahead.

"You are not suggesting that one Rank 2 Gu Master did more than the Medicine Faction collectively, Elder Mo Yan, right?" Elder Yo Ki sneers. She is under Gu Yue Yao Ji's camp and, from extension, under Gu Yue Bo's facilities.

"I am!" Mo Yan asserts. "My husband saved countless lives by risking the assault of 3 Bold Lightning Wolves! He is also the one who led other Gu Masters to recover our people's surviving Gu when Gu Yue Yao Ji wasted all the precious Gu Masters under her disposal—meant for our people—to find her Granddaughter's corpse! Hmph! Even then, Lo Jik found Yao Le's corpse. He handed over 30 precious Gu without keeping a single one for himself. Others did the same under his example. Clan Leader, we all suffered losses. I will never question Gu Yue's people's integrity. However, won't everyone want to recover their losses? When the Medicine Faction failed to assist the Internal Affairs Hall, my Husband stepped up! I believe he deserves the Command Token."

Mo Yan's concise words tore the Medicine Faction's efforts. The Special Command Token allows a Gu Master to enter the Gu Yue Clan's secret storage and exchange a rare Gu they collected over the years. It's precious, and other Elders might not have even one of them! This token is bestowed to the Gu Master with extraordinary accomplishments. Due to their nature, the Medicine Faction holds most of this Token.

However, Lo Jik's charge at the end of the Wolf Tide surprised many. He displayed extraordinary combat prowess, holding multiple Bold Lightning Wolves at bay several times! Not only that, the use of Blood Rousing Incense supported others around him, earning him a lot of favors. When Gu Yue Yao Ji fumbled due to panic over her late Granddaughter, leaving her position vacant, Lo Jik led others to safety. He also displayed quick thinking when he realized that the Medicine Faction wasn't performing their duties. He collected the Gu Masters who owed him their lives, making them recover all the Gu worms and report in the Internal Affairs Hall!

Gu Yue Bo notes all these accomplishments. The Gu Worms Lo Jik handed back were all rare!

"Hmph!" the other Elder snorts. "How do you know your Husband didn't keep a few of these Rare Gu for himself?"

*Pah*

Mo Yan suddenly slaps the Middle-aged woman, surprising her victim and Gu Yue Bo. Mo Yan snarls, "You best speak with caution, Slandering Cunt! I haven't even begun counting the losses of Gu Masters permanently crippled due to Yao Ji's unfit leadership!"

"You… You!" the woman shouts furiously as Gu Yue Bo clears his throat.

"That's enough. Elder Mo Yan is correct—"

"Reporting to Clan Leader," a knock interrupts their conclusion. "There is another Rank 3 Gu Master, Lord Clan Leader."

"What?"

Others speak simultaneously.

"Who?"

"It's… Fang Yuan."

<<<>>>

Mo Yan returns to her home with a tired expression. She is still shaken by confronting Frenzy Lightning Wolves' might. Although Shadow Gu is great in offense, the attack Gu she possesses is subpar. Instead, she provided more support to Qing Shu and Chi Shan. Qing Shu's extraordinary display also makes Mo Yan feel slightly inferior.

When she enters her home, her expression worsens further.

Lo Jik isn't here—again.

He's staying in his former Cabin and occasionally returns to her. Since he is always smiling and pleasant, Mo Yan doesn't believe he is giving her a cold shoulder. However, it's been almost 18 days since this started. He doesn't let her feel lonely. Every moment spent together makes her warm and happy.

But he doesn't live here.

Why?

Why won't he?

Did she do something?

Is it that Shen Cui?

What should she do?

The sound of the door opening snaps Mo Yan out of her thoughts.

"I'm back!" his voice booms, and their house already feels warm.

"Oh, there you are~!" Lo Jik snickers and sits by her side. He looks glowing. It only makes Mo Yan feel slightly worse as she grumbles. "Here."

"Hmm? What's this?" Lo Jik accepts the strange token.

"I told you the benefits of being an Elder, right?" She explains softly. "Like our weekly stipends rising from 100 to 300 stones and such. This Command Token allows a Gu Master to enter the Clan's secret storage and exchange for a Rare Gu they collected over the years. Only Elders usually get this reward. However, an Elder can also nominate another Gu Master. I nominated you."

Lo Jik grips the token tightly, muttering, "I see."

"Is that all?" She snorts.

"Here."

Mo Yan accepts the obsidian orb. She blinks in surprise before closely looking at it. Her lips gape. "This is a…"

"Rank 2 Shadow Beast Gu," Lo Jik smiles. "I chanced into some materials and exchanged the remaining few. You told me about its refinement recipe, remember? So, I spent the last two weeks refining it. I only succeeded today and wanted to gift it to you on our anniversary a few days later."

He waves the token. "But I can't wait, can I?"

"That's why you were in the other cabin?" Mo Yan gasps. She faces him with a bright expression. "You should have told me!"

"How would that be a surprise?" Lo Jik snorts. "Here, let me help you refine it—mmgh!"

Mo Yan pounces at him at once, tearing his clothes off with utmost need and desire. His previous world had jewelry as gifts. Here? Gu Worms all the way.

<<<>>>

"So, Fang Yuan is an Elder?" Lo Jik mutters as Mo Yan hums softly, explaining the details of this morning's meeting. She revealed how Fang Yuan verbally stripped Gu Yue Yao Ji of her accomplishments, pointing out her indisciplined leadership. Fang Yuan also seems to be in Chi Lian's camp, which is odd. After all, the Chi Faction has declined since Chi Cheng's death. Mo Yan revealed how Mo Chen will help Mo Bei become an Elder after the Wolf Tides end. The worst one to take it was Fang Zheng.

He mourned Zie Qi's and Yao Le's loss before accusing Fang Yuan of securing some secrets that allowed him to advance to Rank 3.

Of course, Fang Yuan hid secrets!

Qin Shu had years of foundation.

Chi Shan had the Elders' support.

Mo Yan sacrificed her trump cards for the necessary resources.

And Fang Zheng had an A-grade Aptitude.

Fang Yuan had none of it! Even if one points at Chi Lian for assisting Fang Yuan, one cannot raise a C-grader into a Rank 3 Gu Master in 2 years!

So, Mo Yan casts a worried glance at Lo Jik. She consoles him. "We will find a way for you to become a Rank 3 Gu Master. If that Fang Yuan can, so can you."

Lo Jik smiles and shakes his head. "It's okay. I won't rush this matter. Besides, being an Elder's husband has its own perks."

She smiles in relief.

"You best exchange that command token quickly. The Gu in the secret storage isn't reimbursed, so you may lose out on your preferred Gu."

"Are you sure you don't want it?" Lo Jik offers again. She smiles widely, shaking her head.

"How can I ask for more with a husband like you, Silly," Mo Yan slowly gets up. "That Shadow Beast Gu is amazing! It's crucial material for the Rank 3 Multi-Shadow Beast! Hmph, I won't tell you the recipe this time and make you leave me alone!"

Lo Jik smirks wryly. Since he shouldn't have the Shadow Beast's recipe, he indirectly made Mo Yan speak of it by asking about her most desired Gu Worms.

"I'm going to collect the materials before others exchange for them. Do you want something from the merit boards?" She questions as she dresses hurriedly.

"Nothing," Lo Jik slumps back. "I need sleep!"

"Rest well, Dear," she pecks his lips before rushing out with weird steps.

Once Mo Yan leaves, exhaustion leaves Lo Jik's body. He slowly sits up.

Oh, he refined Gu in the last 18 days. But he didn't refine the Shadow Beast Gu. It was a Silver Reward. However, the acquisition of the Command Token surprised him. After all, he didn't recover other's Gu for this Token. He used this pretense to convert his unused Gu Worms into Merit Points/Primeval Stones. He even took the chance to unload the silver-tier materials!

Since he's self-sufficient, he cashed out most of the Merit Points! He would have a grand wealth IF he did not advance into Rank 3, prompting him to resume cultivation.

'I was lucky,' Lo Jik smiles. 'Gu Yue Yao Ji fumbled hard at her Granddaughter's death. Ordinarily, I would need to be a Rank 3 Elder to unload all those Gu. However, I used my sudden prestige and led others to recover Gu and wealth. I used my Rank 3 White-Silver Essence to have more endurance than others, containing my strength and holding multiple Bold Lightning Wolfs at bay.'

After all, he could hide the cultivation of his Second Aperture.

'Even if I don't receive any rewards from my Trait, it's alright. After refining a few rank 3 Gu, I still have more than 60000 stones! The gains are crazy! The one thing I didn't sell is the Relic Gu. It will place too much attention on myself.'

There is another reason he was efficient in dealing with Bold Lightning Wolves.

His Heaven Piercing Eye Gu!

It allowed Lo Jik to locate the Gu on the wolf's body and attack them!

After dressing up, Lo Jik sits cross-legged and observes his second aperture.

A glowing light wall surrounds a sweeping place filled with a 69% glimmering Light-Silver Sea.

Green Copper for Rank 1, Red Steel for Rank 2, and White Silver Essence for Rank 3 Gu Master.

Lo Jik was always at the cusp of advancing to Rank 3. The Peak Stage White Silver essence and the increased Aptitude were akin to blessing a tiger with wings! In the empty space floats a massive sun! It shines brightly on the aperture, causing the constantly ebbing and flowing see to refract the light and reveal beautiful colors!

Rank 3 Hope Gu! Its feeding costs rise with its advancement. Rank 3 Gu generally consume food monthly. It's also Lo Jik's most well-fed Gu since he's resumed his cultivation and will use Primeval Stones to converge the Aura of Rejection.

The strangest thing is that the Primeval Stones created by the Heavenly Treasure Lotus do not release the Aura of Rejection. His current cost of feeding Hope Gu goes upto 120 stones. But it's not an additional cost and mixes with his Cultivation.

Around Hope Gu is a terrifying blood-red python.

Rank 3 is a qualitative change for Gu Masters AND Gu Worms. Not only did Hope Gu increase in size several times, but the Blood Torrent Python did, too! It's 10 meters long with a width similar to a wild boar. Sleek, blood-red scales shimmer on its body as its terrifying purple eyes dart around. It spits its purplish tongue, filling the Aperture with long hisses while possessively coiling around the Hope Gu.

Yes, this Gu is a cheeky fucker.

Blood Python Gu is a series of Steed Gu. It allows the Gu Master to traverse different regions. Only at the Rank 3 variant does the Gu become large enough to fulfill that purpose. It also means Lo Jik cannot effortlessly reveal the Gu. Others still believe his Blood Python is a Rank 1 Gu.

This Gu is the first Lo Jik refined as a backup method to attack. After all, the Steed Gu, especially the aggressive kind as the Blood Torrent Python Gu, have physical might no different than thousand-beast Kings! As such, Lo Jik lost the Blood Qi Gu.

'Actually,' Lo Jik muses. 'There is a better way to increase the refinement chances by fusing the Gu in a blood pond. However, I cannot craft it even if I have the Blood Stream Gu. It will be too conspicuous!'

Near the Hope Gu is a mysterious Spider Nest.

The webs stick in empty space, layered with hundreds of spider webs. As if feeling Lo Jik's gaze, a furry spider with a vicious appearance crawls out.

Gu Yue Yao Ji once tried obtaining the Solar and Lunar Spider Gu to refine the Rank 3 Dawn to Dusk Spider Gu. That Gu is indeed an incredible Rank 3 Healing Gu. However, it loses its crucial advantage of being easy to feed. After all, the Solar and Lunar Spiders consume Sunlight and Moonlight! But Lo Jik knew of another precious recipe. It doesn't need any additional refinement materials. However, a Gu Master can only fuse that Gu during the twilight time of the day!

The Rank 3 Gu has midnight-black fur and eight limbs. However, its eyes are shimmering gold, and so are its mandibles. On its furry back is the totem of a 'crescent' Sun.

Rank 3 Twilight Spider Gu!

Unlike the Rank 2 variants that possess half the might at one part of the day and Rank 3 healing effect during the other, the Twilight Spider Gu is a precious Rank 3 Gu that can heal several injuries ranging from dismemberment to fatal stab wounds. Of course, wounds that immediately kill a Gu Master cannot be relieved. As for torn limbs, one must have the other body part, even if mangled.

'Although its healing effects are nothing compared to the Rare Rank 3 Gu like the expendable Undead Grass Gu, it's unimaginably effortless to feed! I can take this Gu out at any time of the day to feed it. However, this Rank 3 Gu is a stopgap. My body is not ordinary. I have Pink flesh and thick bones. I will need to expend more Essence to heal my injuries.'

Thinking till here, Lo Jik cannot help but must.

'Should I sleep with Yao Ji?' This wouldn't be the first time he slept with a woman of significant age. 'She's also a Rank 3 Gu Master. The first-time rewards will all be Bronze, but I may get a rare Healing Gu. She also lost her Granddaughter. I could use that. But… I'm with Mo Yan. Shen Cui is fine. However, Mo Yan may use her Grandfather's forces to try and end me the second I get near Yao Ji.'

He sighs. You lose some, and you gain some. He only has the qualifications of bedding Yao Ji because he stuck with Mo Yan. But that's also the choice preventing him from rocking the old bitch's world.

Lo Jik shakes his head and continues the inspection.

The third Rank 3 Gu he refined, the most challenging one, despite its cheap nature, is a skin-colored beetle floating on the Light-Silver sea.

The Thick Skin Gu.

Lo Jik failed to refine the Gu two times, almost losing his Black Mane Gu.

This Gu is similar to Pink Muscles and Tough Bones, permanently improving the quality of his skin. Of course, Lo Jik must spend time using the Gu and refining his body.

'The initial refinement set will be accomplished once I refine my skin. I'll be able to hold more Beast Strength and attack without fearing my body getting scuffed. Of course, Skin-Flesh-Bone is merely the initial success of Body Refinement. Next comes Blood and Organs. There are different ways to achieve that, but it's complicated, and one cannot be impatient.'

Lo Jik has been using the Thick Skin Gu for the last week. His skin used to sit on his sculpted muscles, giving him a lean, chiseled appearance. Now? His skin looks healthier and slightly covers the contours of his muscles unless he flexes around those spots. This Gu is useless without Pink Muscles and Tough Bones. It's also easy to use. One needs to spend a month to complete its use. So, other Gu Masters always opt for Bronze Skin Gu, which toughens the skin and complements Iron Bones-Steel Tendons.

'There's also the combination of the Beast Hide Gu, Tiger Flesh Gu, and Elephant Bones Gu. It complements Beast Strength Gu more than my combination. However, my set is tailor-made for the human body.'

There are also other Gu like the Three Task at Once Gu or the Lightning Thoughts Gu. However, these Gu are the recent additions.

Aside from that, Lo Jik sold Gu like the Seed Communication Gu as one of the Gu he found. Its use dwindled ever since Lo Jik advanced to Rank 3. Besides, he needed the Gu to mold Shen Cui into his little plaything. Now that she is, he had no use for it.

'Sigh, eleven Rank 2 Gu and nine Rank 3 Gu. It's ridiculous. I'm not even counting the four Relic Gu! However, almost all of them are easy to feed. The only one that's problematic is the Lightning Thoughts Gu. It was a novelty at first. Using it multiple times made me realize it's not meant for me.'

A Gu Master can store Lightning Thoughts and consume them during the battle for swift reactions. However, his Battle Instincts Gu is already performing the same task. The crucial benefit of this Gu is the organization of one's thoughts into physical manifestations, allowing the Gu Master to focus on the principal objectives. However, its use does not excuse the cost of feeding it! It won't be expensive to nurture with regions catered to its needs, like the valley where the Wolf emerges from. However, Gu Masters don't enter that region.

Lo Jik planned to dump this Gu on Mo Yan or sell it.

'After all, I can eventually raise my Battle Instinct Gu to Rank 3 Mind-Body Connection Gu or the Thick Head Thoughts Gu. However, the materials needed to refine the Gu are not found in Qing Mao. I can either wait for the Caravan and take a chance or leave the Mountain to find the materials.'

The Rank Mind-Body Connection Gu permanently raises the quality of his nervous system. Meanwhile, the Thick Head Thoughts Gu produced Thick-Headed Thoughts, which are advantageous for confrontations.

Such issues increase Lo Jik's determination to leave the Village.

'Now, I should use the Blood Stream Gu and White Jade Gu to refine the Rank 3 Blood Jade Change Gu.'

Lo Jik got the recipe for the defensive Gu from Soul's Blood Gu.

'Rank 3 Blood Jade Change Gu is similar to Bai Ning Bing's Ice Blade Gu. However, the Gu is not limited to one shape and can instantly create flowing blood walls that turn solid to protect the user. It will also be my primary close-combat method besides martial arts since I can form weapons from the Gu.'

Offense and defense in one!

This is the superiority of Blood Gu.

'However,' Lo Jik exhales. 'It consumes even more Jades.' He scoffs a wry chuckle. Not every Blood Gu will be easy to feed.

'I will need to learn how to use the weapons I form,' he notes. 'I must also design and memorize an armor's blueprint to cover my body.' Fortunately, Lo Jik is from a world with several eras of advancement. He may not know everything, but designing a tactical outfit isn't challenging.

Of course, he must refine the Gu successfully before thinking of all that.

Hope Gu's superiority shines here. To others, Lo Jik is a Rank 2 Peak Stage Gu Master with extraordinary combat potential with his Moonglow Gu. However, he is secretly advancing by leaps and bounds! He is in firm control of what to reveal and what to hide.

Aside from all that, Lo Jik also prepares to leave the Clan. He needs medicine, food, clothes, and other materials. He also needs to manage the space within the Earth Hole Gu. His Primeval Stones alone fill up the space.

It's why Lo Jik decided to go all out with his cultivation and refinement of Gu Worms.

He will spend every living moment cultivating!

His cultivation speed is already heaven-defying due to the Peak Stage essence from the Lotus Gu. However, the addition of the stream of Primeval Stones makes him progress at a pace incomparable to Mo Yan or someone like Fang Zheng!

Others will pale once they realize his daily consumption.

But why should Lo Jik care?

Other Elders get a stipend of 300 Primeval Stones because it's the Wolf Tide. It's usually 100 stones otherwise. Meanwhile, Lo Jik's weakly earning is 350 stones from the Lotus Gu. Of course, Gu Masters like Fang Yuan with the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass Gu possess more earnings.

The point is that other aspects are more crucial to Lo Jik than money.

Primeval Stones exist to be spent, not saved. And advancing to Rank 3 removes all his inhibitions!

Why should he cultivate at a modest space?

What benefits does he derive?

None!

Lo Jik temporarily lost his Trait's assistance.

However, he has several gains by growing powerful.

First and foremost—Security! This Wolf Tide a few days ago killed the likes of Zie Qi, who had an Elder's protection. Even Elders are not safe now. Lo Jik needs cultivation and Gu to survive.

Second, he frees the space in the Earth Hole Gu for the essentials.

Third, his chances of survival increase in the wild.

Fourth, he wouldn't feel like an idiot who wasted the best opportunity to cultivate!

The last one is the most important.

Who would willingly decide to stay weak?

He still has 64210 stones after his recent accomplishments. His wealth is only lower than Elders with deep pockets.

***

Alternate Title: Fighting for Benefits; Losses; A Talent Lost; Zie Qi's Demise; Fumbling Yao Ji; The Command Token; Annoyed Mo Yan; An Anniversary Gift?; Fucking Hard; The Real Reason; Rising To The Occasion; Elder Fang Yuan; Dumping Resources; Mind-Boggling Wealth!; Rank 3!; Stupid Growth; Cheeky Snek; The Superior Hope; Benefits of Cultivating; Who Wants to Look Stupid?; The Twilight Spider; Thick-Skinned Indeed; A Bright Future Ahead; Using Other's Death For Benefits; Grow, Grow, GROW!; The Best Time to Cultivate!; Grieving Fang Zheng; Planning Vacation