Open The Aperture

"This is…?!" Shen Lian was shocked.

At that very moment, something extraordinary occurred. A profound connection was forged between Shen Lian and the Iron Skin Gu. In an unexpected turn of events, the refinement process was a resounding success. In a matter of moments, the Iron Skin Gu infiltrated Shen Lian's skin, transforming into a cool, flowing current that traversed his body, journeying all the way to his elbow.

What was truly remarkable, however, was that Shen Lian could witness the Iron Skin Gu's activities. He observed as the Iron Skin Gu approached a closed acupoint, diligently pushing forward. After breaching a membranous barrier, the acupoint opened up, allowing the Iron Skin Gu to enter. Inside, it began to writhe and secrete a viscous liquid, which then expanded into a perfect hollow sphere, solidifying into a transparent membrane. The entire process resembled the construction of a nest. The Iron Skin Gu had created an aperture within the acupoint!

"This... could this be enlightenment?" Shen Lian wondered. He swiftly retrieved a book from his belongings, flipping through its pages. His eyes gleamed with newfound understanding. "Following the successful refinement of a Gu, it will enter the host's orifice and construct an aperture. This aperture serves as a unique space, opened by the Gu to store primeval essence." It was indeed enlightenment! Only through the creation of an aperture could one truly distinguish themselves from ordinary individuals and rightfully be called a Gu Master.

A sense of accomplishment washed over Shen Lian. He could feel that as the Iron Skin Gu resided within the aperture, various substances within his body were being refined, extracted, and drawn towards it. Around the aperture, a dark vortex reminiscent of a black hole began to form, drawing in these substances as if they were a wisp of mist. "Primeval essence! This is primeval essence!" Shen Lian's spirits soared, realizing that he was finally on the right path. Simultaneously, he pondered why the Demagogy Gu hadn't created an aperture for itself.

Just as he contemplated this, the Demagogy Gu suddenly infiltrated the Iron Skin Gu's aperture. It seemed to do so with an air of authority, as if it had constructed the aperture itself. The two Gu coexisted harmoniously, and the Iron Skin Gu welcomed the Demagogy Gu without hesitation. Shen Lian couldn't help but be astounded. It appeared that the Demagogy Gu was no ordinary rascal, exuding an air of arrogance that transcended the realms and elements.

Moreover, according to the booklet, Gu possessed a wolf-like character – tenacious, rebellious, and challenging to tame. The refinement process was riddled with difficulties and couldn't be accomplished in a day. Some Gu with strong wills might take several years to successfully refine. For instance, the average refinement period for the Iron Skin Gu was three months, requiring a hundred days of meticulous effort. The Demagogy Gu, however, swiftly tamed the Iron Skin Gu and facilitated its instant refinement. This ability defied conventional wisdom – having a cheat was truly a stroke of luck.

Shen Lian noticed a change in the interface. It displayed additional information. [Iron Skin Gu (white level). Special effect: Iron Skin.] [By expending 2 bewitching points, the Iron Skin Gu can evolve to the next level. Do you wish to evolve this Gu? Yes/No]

With a moment of hesitation, Shen Lian read the information carefully. He then perused the book, and his face gradually lit up with joy. "After the first-level Gu evolves, it will exhibit additional bronze stripes on its body," he mused. He examined the interface again. It read: [Iron Skin Gu (bronze level 1). Special effects: Iron Skin, Strengthening Physical Fitness.] "Indeed, it has evolved, and new special effects have emerged." Shen Lian sensed the Iron Skin Gu's accelerated refinement of primeval essence. Bronze level was undoubtedly superior to white level!

He delved deeper into the book. "According to the book, a Gu Master's level is determined by the Gu with the highest level. I'm currently a white level Gu Master, but now that the Iron Skin Gu has evolved to bronze level, I'm promoted to a Bronze Gu Master!" Shen Lian clenched his fists in excitement.

His research continued, but within half an hour, an overwhelming hunger overcame him. "Well, energy must come from food." Shen Lian massaged his grumbling stomach and summoned his maid, Cui Lan.

"Young Master Lian, I'm here."

"I'm hungry; please prepare some food for me."

A short while later, Cui Lan brought a whole roast chicken and a generous bowl of beef soup. Shen Lian devoured it all, only then beginning to feel somewhat satiated. "My appetite has certainly increased," he mused. Shen Lian adjusted his diet accordingly, eating four meals a day, occasionally adding meat to accommodate Iron Skin Gu's primeval essence refinement. It became apparent that without ample resources, practicing martial arts, let alone the path of a Gu Master, was a daunting endeavor. Money was a necessity. Lin Xiuping's urgency to sell the life-saving Gu made more sense to Shen Lian now. In lieu of keeping an unnecessary Gu, it was more practical to sell it for financial security. Indeed, he was in dire need of money. "I'm truly fortunate," Shen Lian acknowledged with a sense of gratitude. "Now, I've stumbled upon a treasure."

His focus turned back to the book. He soon came across more information:

"In three years, how much refined iron, mercury, and crane crest will be consumed? How much money will be spent? And the success rate is less than 50%. Life for a Gu Master is not easy."

Shen Lian began to comprehend the perils of the path of evolution. The journey was fraught with challenges, but he had been blessed with an advantageous start. With newfound determination, he visualized his finger pointing to the interface.

"Evolve Iron Skin Gu!"

In an instant, the interface sparkled, and his bewitching points rapidly dwindled to zero. The Iron Skin Gu trembled intensely as if undergoing a profound transformation. The tremors persisted for about an hour, and when they finally ceased, there appeared to be no noticeable change. However, upon closer inspection, Shen Lian discovered bronze patterns on the Gu's back.

Grinning with delight, Shen Lian read the interface once more: [Iron Skin Gu (bronze level 1). Special effects: Iron Skin, Strengthening Physical Fitness.] "Indeed, it has evolved, and new special effects have emerged." Shen Lian sensed the Iron Skin Gu's accelerated refinement of primeval essence. Bronze level was undoubtedly superior to white level! "I've been promoted to a Bronze Gu Master!" Shen Lian exclaimed with clenched fists.

His research continued, but within half an hour, a strong pang of hunger hit him. "Well, energy must come from food." Shen Lian massaged his grumbling stomach and summoned his maid, Cui Lan.

"Young Master Lian, I'm here."

"I'm hungry; please prepare some food for me."

A short while later, Cui Lan brought a whole roast chicken and a generous bowl of beef soup. Shen Lian devoured it all, only then beginning to feel somewhat satiated.

 "My appetite has certainly increased," he mused. Shen Lian adjusted his diet accordingly, eating four meals a day, occasionally adding meat to accommodate Iron Skin Gu's primeval essence refinement. It became apparent that without ample resources, practicing martial arts, let alone the path of a Gu Master, was a daunting endeavor. Money was a necessity. Lin Xiuping's urgency to sell the life-saving Gu made more sense to Shen Lian now. In lieu of keeping an unnecessary Gu, it was more practical to sell it for financial security. Indeed, he was in dire need of money. "I'm truly fortunate," Shen Lian acknowledged with a sense of gratitude. "Now, I've stumbled upon a treasure."

His focus turned back to the book. He soon came across more information:

"In three years, how much refined iron, mercury, and crane crest will be consumed? How much money will be spent? And the success rate is less than 50%. Life for a Gu Master is not easy."

Shen Lian began to comprehend the perils of the path of evolution. The journey was fraught with challenges, but he had been blessed with an advantageous start. With newfound determination, he visualized his finger pointing to the interface.

"Evolve Iron Skin Gu!"

In an instant, the interface sparkled, and his bewitching points rapidly dwindled to zero. The Iron Skin Gu trembled intensely as if undergoing a profound transformation. The tremors persisted for about an hour, and when they finally ceased, there appeared to be no noticeable change. However, upon closer inspection, Shen Lian discovered bronze patterns on the Gu's back.

Grinning with delight, Shen Lian read the interface once more: [Iron Skin Gu (bronze level 1). Special effects: Iron Skin, Strengthening Physical Fitness.] "Indeed, it has evolved, and new special effects have emerged." Shen Lian sensed the Iron Skin Gu's accelerated refinement of primeval essence. Bronze level was undoubtedly superior to white level! "I've been promoted to a Bronze Gu Master!" Shen Lian exclaimed with clenched fists.

His research continued, but within half an hour, a strong pang of hunger hit him. "Well, energy must come from food." Shen Lian massaged his grumbling stomach and summoned his maid, Cui Lan.

"Young Master Lian, I'm here."

"I'm hungry; please prepare some food for me."

A short while later, Cui Lan brought a whole roast chicken and a generous bowl of beef soup. Shen Lian devoured it all, only then beginning to feel somewhat satiated. "My appetite has certainly increased," he mused. Shen Lian adjusted his diet accordingly, eating four meals a day, occasionally adding meat to accommodate Iron Skin Gu's primeval essence refinement. It became apparent that without ample resources, practicing martial arts, let alone the path of a Gu Master, was a daunting endeavor. Money was a necessity. Lin Xiuping's urgency to sell the life-saving Gu made more sense to Shen Lian now. In lieu of keeping an unnecessary Gu, it was more practical to sell it for financial security. Indeed, he was in dire need of money. "I'm truly fortunate," Shen Lian acknowledged with a sense of gratitude. "Now, I've stumbled upon a treasure."

His focus turned back to the book. He soon came across more information:

"In three years, how much refined iron, mercury, and crane crest will be consumed? How much money will be spent? And the success rate is less than 50%. Life for a Gu Master is not easy."

Shen Lian began to comprehend the perils of the path of evolution. The journey was fraught with challenges, but he had been blessed with an advantageous start. With newfound determination, he visualized his finger pointing to the interface.

"Evolve Iron Skin Gu!"

In an instant, the interface sparkled, and his bewitching points rapidly dwindled to zero. The Iron Skin Gu trembled intensely as if undergoing a profound transformation. The tremors persisted for about an hour, and when they finally ceased, there appeared to be no noticeable change. However, upon closer inspection, Shen Lian discovered bronze patterns on the Gu's back.

Grinning with delight, Shen Lian read the interface once more: [Iron Skin Gu (bronze level 1). Special effects: Iron Skin, Strengthening Physical Fitness.] "Indeed, it has evolved, and new special effects have emerged." Shen Lian sensed the Iron Skin Gu's accelerated refinement of primeval essence. Bronze level was undoubtedly superior to white level! "I've been promoted to a Bronze Gu Master!" Shen Lian exclaimed with clenched fists.

His research continued, but within half an hour, a strong pang of hunger hit him. "Well, energy must come from food." Shen Lian massaged his grumbling stomach and summoned his maid, Cui Lan.

"Young Master Lian, I'm here."

"I'm hungry; please prepare some food for me."

A short while later, Cui Lan brought a whole roast chicken and a generous bowl of beef soup. Shen Lian devoured it all, only then beginning to feel somewhat satiated. "My appetite has certainly increased," he mused. Shen Lian adjusted his diet accordingly, eating four meals a day, occasionally adding meat to accommodate Iron Skin Gu's primeval essence refinement. It became apparent that without ample resources, practicing martial arts, let alone the path of a Gu Master, was a daunting endeavor. Money was a necessity. Lin Xiuping's urgency to sell the life-saving Gu made more sense to Shen Lian now. In lieu of keeping an unnecessary Gu, it was more practical to sell it for financial security. Indeed, he was in dire need of money. "I'm truly fortunate," Shen Lian acknowledged with a sense of gratitude. "Now, I've stumbled upon a treasure."

His focus turned back to the book. He soon came across more information:

"In three years, how much refined iron, mercury, and crane crest will be consumed? How much money will be spent? And the success rate is less than 50%. Life for a Gu Master is not easy."

Shen Lian began to comprehend the perils of the path of evolution. The journey was fraught with challenges, but he had been blessed with an advantageous start. With newfound determination, he visualized his finger pointing to the interface.

"Evolve Iron Skin Gu!"

In an instant, the interface sparkled, and his bewitching points rapidly dwindled to zero. The Iron Skin Gu trembled intensely as if undergoing a profound transformation. The tremors persisted for about an hour, and when they finally ceased, there appeared to be no noticeable change. However, upon closer inspection, Shen Lian discovered bronze patterns on the Gu's back.

Grinning with delight, Shen Lian read the interface once more: [Iron Skin Gu (bronze level 1). Special effects: Iron Skin, Strengthening Physical Fitness.] "Indeed, it has evolved, and new special effects have emerged." Shen Lian sensed the Iron Skin Gu's accelerated refinement of primeval essence. Bronze level was undoubtedly superior to white level! "I've been promoted to a Bronze Gu Master!" Shen Lian exclaimed with clenched fists.

His research continued, but within half an hour, a strong pang of hunger hit him. "Well, energy must come from food." Shen Lian massaged his grumbling

"Shen Lian rubbed his stomach and called out to the maid. "Cui Lan."

"Young Master Lian, I'm here."

"I'm hungry, please prepare some food for me."

After a while, Cui Lan brought a whole roast chicken and a big bowl of beef soup. Shen Lian ate so much that he devoured the entire roast chicken and beef soup, and only then did he feel a little full.

"Wow, my appetite has increased so much." Shen Lian promptly adjusted his diet to suit his needs. He started eating four meals a day, occasionally adding meat to support the progress of refining his primeval essence with the Iron Skin Gu. It's true that without money, one couldn't truly practice martial arts, let alone venture onto the path of a Gu Master!"