Mountain and Beyond

The Caravan travels west, crossing mountains and valleys, bringing new sights for Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing as their hearts aspire to see and know more. Of course, crossing the wilderness invites hungry beast groups. But these Beast Groups are small and weak, proving no difficulty for the Monkey Siblings to protect their small stall and the two mortals within.

Seeing Monkey Sister agilely shooting spiral bone spears and Monkey Brother valiantly cutting down wolves and hounds using a sharp, matted bone blade leaves a deep impression on the girls. After all, Zhang Zhu never fought headfirst. He is a Healing Gu Master and avoids confrontation to provide support. The killed beasts also introduce a new source of income for their stall as Monkey Brother uses the rare Dismemberment Gu to divide the corpse. Beast pelts, flesh, and fangs are sold. Meanwhile, Monkey Brother stores Beast Eyes and Blood.

The Caravan arrives on the foot of Hun Mu Mountain 15 days later.

Unlike Huang Jin's dazzling and ancient beauty in the day, the Hun Mu Mountain leaves the Caravan terror-struck by its haunting appearance at night. A layer of ash-grey soil covers the mountain, growing weird-looking flora. The trees are pitch-black, twisting and turning like flowing smoke. Their surface is smooth without creases, and the branches don't sprout leaves. The deep purple grass is similar to the trees, not possessing visible veins as it spirals and turns. The cold wind causes these trees and grass to shake like clothes.

Four Clans exist in the Mountain, and their Caravan deals with the settlement near the Mountain's foot. Hun Mu's Specialty is these Soul Trees. Harvesting the Soul Wood is a unique process that these Four Clans utilize to attract the Caravans and trades. Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik didn't don't need anything from the Mountain. Instead, they specifically stay outside the mountain.

Instead of terror, curiosity and appreciation blaze in their hearts as they wonder what the Mountain Peak would like. But they don't have enough strength to scale the peak yet.

"Advancing to Rank 5 must be like scaling a mountain's peak," Bai Ning Bing sighs. "To look down on the Mountain."

"And to set sights on the sky above," Lo Jik smiles. Rank 5 is mortal.

Rank 6 is immortal.

One pays a terrifying price to ascend!

"Sights above?" Bai Ning Bing smiles. "Hehe. Yes. The sights above."

The next day, Xin Ci arrives at their tent an hour early with a slightly worried Zhang Zhu.

"A loan?" Lo Jik blinks. "You want to buy these Soul Woods? We don't need it."

Xin Ci carefully speaks as she feels Sister Monkey's cold gaze level on her.

"I reflected on your teachings, Brother Monkey. I desire a steady source of income. You want cultivation resources. Although it is my first caravan, I'm aware of several things. My mother was a significant member of the Zhang Clan. I learned about various trade practices from Zhang Clan's records. For instance, the Soul Wood is highly demanded for its refinement properties. There are other specialties, too. Grasping these opportunities will help with the profits."

Although Xin Ci is careful, Lo Jik looks past the topic.

"A loan?" He questions again. "How do you plan to protect the goods you purchase from this loan? At what interest will you repay me? What portion of profits do us Siblings receive for your capital?"

Sweat appears on Zhang Zhu's brows as Xin Ci smiles. There is unconcealed admiration in those eyes as she admits, "I can't protect these goods. I will separate some money from the loan to hire servants. As for profits, I will defer to Brother Monkey's decision."

"Ignoring the matter of profits, do you think others will let their servants go?" Brother Monkey rests his wooden cheek on his fist. "You are intelligent and kind, Xin Ci. However, others can thrive with cruelty despite possessing your cleverness and ability. Do you think other vice leaders will allow peppy little Mortal Miss Zhang to rise?"

Xin Ci's expression freezes. But something in her gaze answers Brother Monkey.

"You did realize that," he hums. "So this 'Loan' is merely the icebreaker. For what reason are you disturbing our cultivation, Xin Ci?"

"I told you, Brother. These mortals grow a pair of wings if you treat them kindly," Sister Monkey snorts, adding pressure on the duo.

While Zhang Zhu wishes he could take Xin Ci away from the clutches of these demons, Xin Ci lowers her head.

"I…" she feels her throat turn dry. The girl whispers. "It's not my station to speak this. But I want to request an early promotion."

"To what extent?" Questions Brother Monkey.

"And why?" demands Sister Monkey.

"I will never be anything more than a mortal," Xin Ci smiles. "Without worries of cultivation, I wholeheartedly focus on business. Brother Monkey, your goods are rare. But I feel underused as a stall vendor. I could be working harder for you, letting you earn more. I cannot guarantee profits. Who can? Life has its ups and downs. I know my worth. The business will only excel due to your strength. The crucial portion of the profits belongs to you. I also don't dare to presume to be in partnership with you. I will merely be an officer that can express your will to earn profits."

"Hehe. Why don't we force you to do that without paying anything?" Sister Monkey giggles. "It means more profit for us."

Brother Monkey stares at the slightly intimidated but otherwise unbothered Xin Ci.

"Because professionals have standards," he replies to his sister. "And forcing a professional is like threatening one's healer's family. They can heal you just like they can poison you."

Xin Ci shakes her head.

"This Xin Ci will never bite the hand that fed her."

When Bai Ning Bing believes Lo Jik will agree with her, his answer surprises everyone.

<<<>>>

'Intelligence, ability, and strength are three different aspects of our relationship. I value your mind and the will to do things. I also don't look down on your status as a mortal. But the difference in our strength is not something you can understand. Our goals are different than yours. A Gu Master needs resources. But a Gu Master values time and effort. Only a mortal can wholeheartedly think of profits. A Gu Master has other worries, too. We won't distract ourselves.'

Brother Monkey's words keep repeating in her head as she deals with customers, selling the offered goods for various materials or Primeval Stones.

Power.

Never in her life has Xin Ci thirsted for power more than now.

Could she understand Brother Monkey better if she was a Gu Master?

But he is different.

He never looked down on her. He understood the difference in their abilities, letting her handle the stall and bluntly stating the facts. That is one of the most refreshing aspects of conversing with Brother Monkey. Like her, he has questions, too. They chat and learn more about each other's perspectives.

In doing so, Xin Ci is also reintroduced to harsh facts.

The truth never hurts from the mouths of strangers. But she's grown close to Brother Monkey.

And his bland words dig into her soul.

It's not that Xin Ci forgot these truths. But a man like Brother Monkey is rare. She doesn't care about his age, appearance, or name. Those things are 'additions' to oneself, not the person itself.

Straightforward and wise, bold and blunt.

His presence also credits some popularity to Xin Ci's name since she deals with their stall in the caravan's bazaar. She handled the sale of the two Rank 2 Monkey Mask Gu.

From Hun Mu to Ju Yu, Fang Zhuang, and four other Clans, the Caravan moves for weeks and months! Xin Ci completed all the noted objectives. Aside from the weird Earthen Pot and the secret Grey-Bone Inheritance, the Monkey Siblings sell most of their goods. Lo Jik is the one who spent his time collecting all the Gu Worms and materials from the Bandit Monkeys. So, Bai Ning Bing's earnings were less. However, she spent her time wisely during the break and didn't regret the low earnings.

They also experienced many things.

For instance, the Tong Clan in Ju Yu Mountain is cursed with rainfall as huge as wine vats. But human nature persists. The Tong Clan extracts a special oil from these raindrops. Although they have to live underground, they are wealthy.

Fang Zhuang Mountains' rocks are all cubes of varying sizes and thickness. The clan is built with beautiful tiles. The Da Fang Clan is one of the rare Large Clans the Caravan interacts with due to its friendly relationship with the Jia Clan.

The Chin Clan of Zhu Chin Mountain collects jars of drooling essence from the drooling trees. These trees vary in size by season. They enter the ground during the winter, secreting thick, gel-like material to feed the carriage beetles. In summer, these trees will grow tall, making it unfeasible to collect the secretion due to the height and low quantities extracted.

The Caravan also rests at nearby hamlets to recover their daily necessities.

Time flies in the blink of an eye.

It's already scorching July.

The Caravan camps near the Xiao Yue Mountain region.

Jia Long, Brother Monkey, Sister Monkey, Zhang Xin Ci, and other vice leaders collect in a tent.

"We have completed the first segment of our trip. The route from Xiao Yue Mountain is uninhabited. It's filled with wild beasts and dangerous Gu. We all must stay alert."

Although Xin Ci is a mortal, she is still one of the vice leaders. Ordinarily, she wouldn't be invited after losing her goods in Fei Hou Mountain. Even her talent in business, which she used to earn the Monkey Siblings a sizeable sum, isn't enough. She discreetly glances at the duo.

'I was invited because of them.'

Although Brother Monkey's words hurt her. She soon realized that their bond grew closer. Brother Monkey allowed her some… liberties. Although he wouldn't lend her a dime, he exchanged valuable trade records from Jia Long. She read them and learned a lot. How can she forget such favors?

However, the truth is the opposite.

Brother Monkey merely operates on the code of convenient Kindness. The records he purchased were icing on a cake that was the food for the Rainbow Stream Gu. How could Brother Monkey let precious Rank 4 Gu starve to death?

In these months, Brother Monkey's stock of food decreased steadily. But he has also sold Rank 2 Swift Shadow and Rank 3 Shadow Sneak. He didn't sell the rare Rank 3 Multi-Shadow Beast and other Gu Worms. Even his Golden Moon Gu perished four days ago. But he didn't regret nurturing it with all the Moon Petals in his storage. Such consumption opened space for new items.

Also, Brother Monkey fully refined the Rank 4 Gu in his possession.

The meeting ends after an hour as Xin Ci calls out to the Siblings. But the duo knows the invitation is primarily for 'her' Brother Monkey.

"Would you like me to cook for you again, Brother Monkey?"

Without servants, Xin Ci cooks for herself. Xiao Die is an adequate helping hand. Surprisingly, her cooking skills come from Zhang Zhu. But the two girls didn't let the senior cook.

Bai Ning Bing feels moved, clearly liking Xin Ci's cooking. However, Brother Monkey shakes his head.

"We're entering beast territories from tomorrow. I need to readjust my focus to prepare for the wild beasts."

That's nonsense. Most of the Siblings' earnings soon came from the wild beasts they killed and dismembered.

"Sigh," Zhang Zhu advises Xin Ci once she returns to her tent with a calm expression. But how can he not notice the slight sadness in her gaze? He's already told how dangerous the duo can be. He saw them fight.

Not only that, the act of Brother Monkey collecting blood from the beasts cautioned others. Beast Blood is a popular feeding material for many Blood Gu. Blood Gu are the banners of demonic might! Of course, the Caravan wouldn't turn on the Siblings due to a Blood Gu. After all, others can't help but wonder and expect what they might trade from the duo.

Knowing Zhang Zhu's advice came from good intentions, Xin Ci always accepted them.

"Ah! I actually burnt it!"

Xiao Die's gasp resounds as Zhang Zhu groans. "That girl! I told her not to cook without you. But she wanted to help you with work."

"It's alright, Uncle Zhang," Xin Ci smiles, walking over to Xiao Die. "You should wait next time, Xiao—"

The girl smirks proudly, opening the lid and revealing a piping hot stew with a delicious aroma.

"Hehe. I was joking, Missy. Do you like it? Lord Monkey says that the easy way to cheer someone is by ruining expectations and surprising them! Do you feel better?"

Xin Ci's lips twitch.

The Monkey Siblings are the opposite.

Xiao Die doesn't dare squeak in Sister Monkey's presence. On the other hand, Brother Monkey 'enlightens' Xiao Die about various things.

Meanwhile, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing enter their tent.

"Let's open it," she states.

"The time is right. There's no reason to risk all of it for a few Rank 2 and 3 Gu Worms. We didn't find any food for them."

The duo discovered a sealed Earthen Pot to possibly refine a Rank 5 Gu. The value of Rank 5 Gu starts from a million Primeval Stones, ranging as high as hundreds of millions. The value of the Rank 5 Bone Flesh Unity Gu will be even more!

It can shake the foundation of Gu Society, capable of changing the ways of Cultivation. But its refinement materials are barely worth over 800000.

The duo decided not to risk the Earthen Pot in the most dangerous segment of the Caravan. If the pot accidentally breaks, the other Rank 3 Gu Masters might besiege the duo out of greed.

"There are 78 Gu Worms inside the pot alongside Rare Refinement Material. The prices will fluctuate based on the market we're in. It's good we spent time dividing this instead of leaving it all for the night."

Lo Jik quietly lets out the Blood Torrent Python as it protectively coils around them.

The duo already knows the contents of the pot due to the recipe. Lo Jik breaks the seal around the lid as a pungent smell fills their tent. But Bai Ning Bing doesn't show any expression. She's lost the corruptible arrogance in her heart formed as a Young Mistress of the Bai Clan. Only a solemn pride in her ability to survive and the will to achieve her dreams remains.

Lo Jik puts his hand inside, taking out a Rank 3 Gu. It's a shriveled ladybug that looks like a resin.

"Rank 3 Aura Travel Gu."

He hands the Gu to Bai Ning Bing.

Since the Gu is extremely weak, she doesn't spend long to refine it. Her recent gains allow her to use the Primeval Stones freely.

"Rank 3 Heart Connection Gu."

Lo Jik refined this Gu.

Just like this, the duo spends hours dividing the loot. Bai Ning Bing already purchased one of the emptied Hemp Sac Gu. She stores the materials in that Gu.

The 78 Gu Worms in the pot were divided into nine Rank 4, 48 Rank 3, 15 Rank 2, and six Rank 1 Gu Worms.

Lo Jik didn't take any Rank 1 Gu. Instead, he received a fat share from the Rank 2 Gu Worms.

Of the 15 Rank 2 Gu, Lo Jik claimed Sweet Whispers, Emotion Connection, and more. The Blood Flesh Unity Gu's recipe assessed one's emotions between blood relatives. Lo Jik took most of these Rank 2 Gu. He had 10 Rank 2 Gu. He left the two Relic Gu, three Blood Gu, and one Bone Gu to Bai Ning Bing.

The division of Rank 3 Gu was the opposite.

Of the 48 Rank 3 Gu, Lo Jik only claimed 13. But these were all Rare and useful to him. First, he took the two Rank 3 Silver Relic Gu. Bai Ning Bing already had a Peak Stage of Cultivation. But Lo Jik can use these to advance to the Peak Stage in a few days! Then, he claimed the Heart Connection, Blood Kin, Blood Qi, Superb Flesh, Mature Thoughts, and six other Gu Worms.

Bai Ning Bing gladly accepted the rest. They had already divided their loot. The last few months were spent collecting the Food for the Gu. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing's Gu Worms won't survive since they didn't find food for all the Gu.

The Rank 4 Gu didn't contain any Relic Gu. The nine Rank 4 Gu are specific and not directly used for combat.

Their value isn't much different, too. Unfortunately, they didn't find food for the Rank 4 Emotional Balance Gu. It also made the division simple for them.

Lo Jik claimed the Rank 4 Pittance Gu, Fraction Gu, Formless Door Gu, and Jade Shackle Gu.

Meanwhile, Bai Ning Bing claimed the Rank 4 Conversion Heart Gu, Formless Stream Gu, Essence Deprivation Gu, and Fickle Emotion Gu.

The duo enters a meditative state after dividing the rare materials.

'It's a pity we cannot refine the Bone Flesh Unity Gu.' Lo Jik sighs. Grey Bone Scholar spent his last years collecting all these Rare materials. Truthfully, the recipe doesn't need so many rare items. However, the addition of, let's say, Relic Gu increases the chance of success. All these materials were meant to give the inheritor a whopping 40% chance to refine a Rank 5 Unity gu! But Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing are neither Blood-Related nor refinement experts to make the recipe work.

It's sensible for them to crack it open and take what they desire.

The Rank 4 Gu Worms were only valuable for trade. Lo Jik didn't think much of them.

His best bounty came from the Rank 3 loot!

The Silver Relic Gu will allow him to advance to the Rank 3 Peak Stage. He uses one of them right away. Once his second aperture is at peak stage, he can use its essence to nourish the Initial Stage first aperture.

The use of Blood Qi Gu for the fusion of Blood Flood Python is known, too. A Steed Gu is useful for Lone Gu Masters like him.

He wished he could nurture a steed Gu for Land and Air Travel. However, he isn't filthy rich yet.

Still, Goals, right?

The Rank 3 Superb Flesh Gu and Pink Muscles Gu are the crucial fusion materials for the Rank 4 Elite Muscles Gu. The Blood Kin and Heart Connections are Blood Gu. They aren't handy yet. However, he has many Blood Recipes that use these Gu.

Truthfully, Lo Jik understands the advantages of the Second Aperture on a deeper level.

He can travel two paths!

But that's not all. Lo Jik has some immortal hints. He knows what more he can do with a second aperture.

'The best combination will be Blood and Enslavement Path. But the foundation is false. My body is refined, and my body's peculiarities make me more suited for Strength Path. So, the combination of Blood and Strength Path seems practical. But a closer look reveals that these paths aren't all that compatible. Each Path has its strengths and weaknesses. For instance, the Strength Path is good for dealing with things headfirst.'

'On the other hand, Blood Path claims one of the best offensive means aside from Lightning and Fire. However, it's 'ease' of food will restrict me. I will need to kill many living beings just to keep up with the use of Gu. I don't fear retaliation. But I have other options. Blood Gu are best suited for support.'

'Strength is a given path for me. I should have more confidence in this path after Bai Lin's rewards. I can use a rare Strength Gu as my second Vital Gu and develop a set around it. As for my second aperture? Hmm.'

Lo Jik only feels a thin haze shrouding this decision.

He doesn't use Lightning or Mature Thoughts Gu to preserve his essence as a bright silver light continues to nourish his Aperture.

But Lo Jik knows the answer is close.

He soon thinks about the caravan. Xin Ci proved crucial since Lo Jik earned almost 27000 Primeval Stones!

<<<>>>

Grey Wolves get their name from their slated grey coat of fur and jagged, rock-like hard teeth. Xiao Die notices something new today. The snout of a Grey wolf twitches when it opens its mouth to bite its prey—

"AAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!" A terrified scream leaves her lips when—

*Puchi*

A bone spear skewers the wolf in midair.

"Didn't I tell you to keep your mouth shut around me?"

Xiao Die trembles like a leaf in cold winter as the surrounding chaos pales compared to the terror in her heart. She glances at Sister Monkey before lowering her head.

"Thank You, Sister Monkey."

Xin Ci whispers with a pale expression as Sister Monkey sits on her stall without moving. Although they looted the Earthen Pot, there's no reason to reveal it to others. So, Sister Monkey protects her stall from hordes of Grey Wolves.

Zhang Zhu is beside them. His expression is ugly, too.

A Grey Wolf Tide!

But these wolves aren't the most terrifying.

*Awooooooo*

A bull-sized grey wolf locates Sister Monkey as a threat, tearing past the tiny weak point around the camp's defenses. The wolf's body slips into the ground before emerging in the distance, rushing at the monkey-faced creature.

"A Stone Grey Wolf!" Zhang Zhu's expression worsens. His Rank 3 Cultivation does not allow him to look down on hundred-beast kings since he's a healing Gu Master with weak offense.

"Hehehe," Sister Monkey cackles. "I was getting bored."

She rushed the beast, too. Two Bone Spears emerge in her hands as she battles the beast alone under everyone's stunned looks.

They aren't surprised by Sister Monkey's ability.

But…

"Oof," she steps back. "I see. I need to bend sideways when dealing with wild beasts."

'Is she using a hundred-beast king as a test dummy?' Zhang Xin Ci gulps.

Of course, Bai Ning Bing isn't stupidly reckless. She already knows the Gu on the Wolf's body. Bai Ning Bing has been observing the battlefield since the beginning. So, she has complete control.

Zhang Xin Ci and Xiao Die cannot help but glance at the main battlefield.

Brother Monkey darts around an Elephant-sized Grey Wolf with bone armor around his body and a fearsome bone saber in his hand.

It's the first time they are witnessing a battle of such intensity.

"Stop gawking," Zhang Zhu hurriedly pulls Xin Ci and Xiao Die aside.

But it's too late.

Another Stone Grey Wolf King pounces at them. Its sharp fangs sink into Xiao Die's right arm.

<<<>>>

Hours Later.

Xin Ci sits beside a tearful Xiao Die, whose eyes are bloodshot. The girl lies on the bed with the right stump bandaged by Zhang Zhu.

"Missy," Xiao Die whispers. "Crippled servants are thrown away. When will you throw me away? Sorry, Missy. I won't be able to help with cooking."

Although heartbroken, Xin Ci reveals a warm and comforting front. She holds back her tears and smiles gently. "I will never do that, silly girl." Keeping hope in her heart, she glances at Zhang Zhu. "Is there no way, Uncle Zhang?"

"I could have salvaged the situation if we had little Die's arm. But that Wolf King ran away after the initial attack."

Someone suddenly barged into their tent. Zhang Zhu flares up before feeling cold once he glances at their visitors.

"Brother Monkey," Xin Ci tries standing when the youth waves at her dismissively.

He glances at Xiao Die, whose expression freezes.

This is it.

Xin Ci bites her bottom lip. She doesn't expect to rely on the Sibling's assistance after Xiao Die's injuries.

Silence descends in the tent as Brother Monkey crouches beside Xiao Die. Fear flows from her gaze as she opens her mouth to beg. However, Brother Monkey quickly stuffs a ball of cloth in her mouth.

"This will hurt. Bite on it."

He speaks plainly as an orange light flows from his abdomen. The orange light covers Xiao Die's arm as she trembles.

"Brother Monkey!" Xin Ci almost throws herself between them when Zhang Zhu holds her back. "No, Young Miss. Lord Monkey is healing Xiao Die."

As expected, Xiao Die's arm emerges from the light anew.

Xiao Die clenches the cloth ball as Brother Monkey's voice echoes. "I won't pay you during the second leg of the caravan. Stay alert next time. Or I will have to cut your pay, Xin Ci. You're an intelligent girl. You should understand what will happen when you have nothing to repay with."

Xin Ci nods as a lone tear slides down her cheek. Although Brother Monkey's voice is cold, it's another favor nonetheless. After all, their deal is only for immediate protection. As long as their life is secure, why would Gu Masters care about mortal's injuries?

"Thank you, Brother Monkey." She wipes her tears and lets a relieved smile. The girl has been holding back her tears since the beginning.

He glances at her before sighing.

"Just rest," he states before leaving.

***

Alternate Title: Hun Mu Mountain; Aspirations; Disturbed; Hunting Beasts; Avenue for Business; Xin Ci's Idea; Difference; Unmoved; No Simps Here; Respect and Rejection; Hurt; Words That Cut Soul; Xin Ci: Let's Try— *Lo Jik: Shut up, Mortal*; Time Flies By; Sold Out?; Opening The Pot; Destroying an Invaluable Prospect; Grey Bone Scholar Turning in His Grave Right Now; Value is Based on Situations; The Wolf Tide; Relic Gu!; The Grey Wolves; Lo Jik's Bad Luck Strikes Again; Defenses; Xiao Die is Now Free Labor; Another Favor; A Smile Returns; A Convenient Kindness

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