Everyone is Misdirected

One can never be sure of Gu Refinement despite using the correct recipe. When everything goes right, all can come crashing down with one failure. For Lo Jik, time is essential. However, he failed to refine the Yang Rotation Gu, causing severe backlashes. The only fortunate thing is the survival of Yin Rotation Gu. But it's weakened and needs considerable time to recover by itself.

Two people sit cross-legged on the ground beside the beautiful pond of the Shui Courtyard. Both of them have pale skins. The man looks sickly despite his sharp appearance. Despite possessing a muscular physique, his shoulders often shudder. On the other hand, the woman has a breathtaking appearance. Her pale skin is not a show of sickness. Her blue eyes stare at the chessboard between them.

They are Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik. Two bowls of soup are next to the duo. While Bai Ning Bing sips the soup, Lo Jik looks dazed and doesn't touch his bowl.

"Drinking it will help you," Bai Ning Bing smirks. "Don't waste my worries."

"You're an ice-cold bitch, Bing," Lo Jik scoffs. "Your idea of worry is to bring a bedridden Gu Master to play chess? It feels like my brain wants to split my skull, climb down my face, and spit on my tongue."

"That's quite the imagination," Bai Ning Bing observes Lo Jik. Like Lo Jik, despite trusting his abilities, she's grown an innate suspicion for things on the surface. What if Lo Jik succeeded in refining the Yang Rotation Gu? This matter is directly linked to her survival. And between Lo Jik and her survival, Bai Ning Bing will choose herself 99% of the time!

The remaining 1% comprises specific situations where her death is inevitable. So, she might return the favor of Lo Jik teaching her different things in the wilderness.

And… Bai Ning Bing is right to suspect Lo Jik.

He failed.

On the surface, Lo Jik failed at refining the Yang Rotation Gu. That's a lie. He didn't receive injuries refining the Yang Rotation Gu. It's due to Rank 3 Fight Poison Gu.

If the Self-Reliance Gu is the best healing Gu for the Strength Path Gu Masters, surpassing the effects of Flesh Bone Gu, then Fight Poison Gu is the best Gu against the poisons.

Lo Jik already has a plan for the first phase of the Gu.

First, he removed the Black Boar and Monkey Strength from his body using the slightly more expensive option—Rank 2 Pure Shattering Lightning Gu. This Gu is a consumable item. It wears off the effects of permanent Gu from the body. Next, he plans to refine Gu like the Fight Poison and the Hateful Strength Gu.

He will then use the Blue Blood Gu and focus on cultivation in the three months. Then Lo Jik will use the Fickle Heart Strength Gu.

Unlike the Particle Viewing Gu, Lo Jik can use the Rank 5 Fickle Heart Strength Gu due to its properties.

But he failed at the second step. The materials for refining the Fight Poison Gu perished.

'This is just the initial setup. I also have to refine a Movement Gu. Although the Feathered Wings Gu is practical. It does not raise my speed. And I need some time to practice with the Wings. My next need will be to refine the Rank 3 Wise Cat Steps Gu. Just that alone will cover my basic setup. Utilizing the Borrow Strength Gu to its full potential will take time.'

His head hurts thinking so much.

"Your turn," Bai Ning Bing smirks as Lo Jik picks up the bowl, drinking the soup in one gulp.

"How is it?" She questions. "I bought this from a stall in Fifth Inner City."

"Aren't you afraid of Shang Ya Zi?" Lo Jik muses, thinking of a way to end this match.

"It's only an issue if I stay there for a few more days. I've been exploring the city since I participated in the auction houses of the Third Inner City. But I only bought one Gu. It's hard to compete without those damn tokens. If I had a token, I could have bought the Gu Worm of my choice before the auction."

Lo Jik nods calmly.

"I'll list the materials needed for Yang Rotation Gu's refinement. See if some of them appear in the auctions."

"Hmm." She muses. That's no problem since she knows it's not her bill.

"How long till you heal?" She questions.

"I don't know. I don't have the Gu Worms that heal the injuries to mind and spirit. Sleeping is the only way."

"You sure enjoy yourself!" A sharp voice disrupts their peace as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing glance at the rude visitor. "Aren't you trying to buy relevant Gu Worms? The Auction House is just a game of chance. Hehe. Why did you stop? Were the prices in the shop too high? Or were the materials you needed temporarily out of stock?"

The duo stares at the sickly-looking man wearing clean robes with a white belt around his waist.

"Brother Ya Zi, welcome." Lo Jik warmly smiles. "Please speak softly. My head aches, and every word out of your mouth is like a dying cat screeching in fear as a hound violates its body."

Shang Ya Zi's steps and expression freeze. Veins suddenly map his forehead as he snarls at them.

"You Demonic Bastards! Don't think I don't know you two. Hmph. You foolishly offended the Tie Clansmen. And you," he stares at Bai Ning Bing. "You slapped their Elder in public before entering the Auction House! Haha. The Tie Clan won't let go of you. I can mediate between you two."

Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes. It's true. She slapped Tie No Ting since he had the nerve to smack the soup pouch from her hands. Bai Ning Bing likes drinking soup. Since the Shang Clan has thousands of recipes, she intends to try all of them once before deciding on her favorites and sticking with them. Of course, Bai Ning Bing didn't stay around to suffer the consequences of her actions before holing herself inside the Auction House for three days and nights.

Although prideful, she can be just as shameless.

"And you wish to purchase the Inheritance for your troubles," Lo Jik smiles.

The competition between Young Masters is fierce. Once Ya Zi's position falls, it will be harsh for him to rise. Others won't let him succeed. Although all the Young Masters are blood-related siblings, they don't share a brotherly bond.

"I'm being sincere," Shang Ya Zi smiles. "500000 is the best deal you can get."

Lo Jik shrugs.

"We'll just auction it."

Shang Ya Zi's expression stiffens.

"Do you think others in the auction will fight over a Rank 4 Gu Master's inheritance?" He scoffs. "You cannot threaten me with an Auction. Any force that buys the inheritance will need resources to extract the Inheritance's potential. Lone Forces won't bother with recipes, too. You will make a huge loss!"

"Then we will wait you out," Bai Ning Bing shrugs. "We wouldn't have to deal with a drunk idiot who's about to lose his position in two months."

The Young Master's evaluation takes place after the Clan's awakening ceremony.

Their blunt replies make Shang Ya Zi grit his teeth.

He is desperate. The treatment between Shang Yan Fei's other children and the Young Masters is as massive as Heaven and Earth. How can Shang Ya Zi return to being a regular Clansman? After all, Shang Yan Fei does not dote on his children. He wants them to resolve their issues themselves. But in desperation, Shang Ya Zi is oblivious to his leverage on Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing.

There are still two months.

A lot can happen in two months.

What if he manages to retain his position? Can't he make Lo Jik's and Bai Ning Bing's life a living hell?

Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing share these concerns. But they present a bold and indifferent front. The Tie Clan Elder does not scare them as much as their potential being blocked by a drunk Young Master.

Shang Ya Zi hatefully stares at the duo.

If only he could butcher them and torture their souls!

"Don't look at us like that, Brother Ya Zi," Lo Jik chuckles softly. "Although the stores under your command are a bit dry and often lack goods, we are making do with the few stores not under your command. Of course, the quality is lacking. Heh. Would you like to play a round? The weather is good, and the sky is bright. It will console your mind."

What weather?

What sky?

They are INSIDE a Mountain!

Shang Ya Zi takes a shuddering breath.

"Listen to me—"

A pillar of light suddenly appears near Shang Ya Zi before he can finish. The light disperses, revealing a Peak Stage Rank 3 Gu Master in Shang Clan's battle robes. This man has a squarish jaw and a calm look in his brown eyes.

'Elder Wei Yang?' Shang Ya Zi's eyelids jump.

"I'm Shang Clan's External Elder, Wei Yang. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Esteemed Guests. The Clan Leader has invited you two for a meeting."

'What? Father? Why would Lord Father want to meet these two? I conducted an investigation and even sought the assistance of Elder Wei Yang's Feng Yu Manor. These two have no background.' Shang Ya Zi instantly realizes a problem. 'Oh, no. I intentionally increased the prices, suppressed their offers, and temporarily removed a few Gu Worms from the Shop Listing. What if they bring this issue to Lord Father?' It's against the clan rules to do this. Shang Ya Zi didn't OWN these shops. The Shang Clan does. He is only a temporary manager.

Fear blooms in Shang Ya Zi's heart. He kicked an iron board this time.

Meanwhile, Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing frown.

Shang Clan Leader?

They instantly think about the legends around Shang Yan Fei.

'Shang Yan Fei is a Blood Path Gu Master. Although many Blood Path Gu Masters thrive on the corpses of the innocents, Shang Yan Fei is not known to idly butcher others without a cause. There are also rumors that he found two of Blood Sea Ancestor's True Inheritance. However, it can also be a High-Grade Inheritance with special Gu Worms like the Blood Skull Gu without relevant Gu Recipes. Does he want to meet us due to the Blood Tide?'

Lo Jik considers the situation. Why else would the mighty Shang Yan Fei want to meet them.

"Rest assured, Esteemed Guests," Wei Yang smiles at them. "The Shang Clan does not need to overly complicate things to harm two Gu Masters. The Clan Leader is interested in you two."

Shang Ya Zi's body shudders.

'Are they Lord Father's bastards? No. Didn't Lord Father protect Shang Tuo Hai once he entered the clan? Even if they aren't related to Lord Father, my position is in danger.'

"How can we not accept this invitation, Elder Wei?" Lo Jik smiles as he places a piece on the board. "I win."

'What?'

Bai Ning Bing gazes at the chessboard before gritting her teeth. 'This infuriating cheater!'

Lo Jik moved the pieces when Bai Ning Bing wasn't paying attention.

He grunts and stands up, revealing a strained expression.

"I apologize, Elder Wei. But I will have to pace my steps. My mind is tired and hurt."

Wei Yang nods in understanding.

"Esteemed Guests," Shang Ya Zi hurriedly speaks as Lo Jik smiles.

"Brother Ya Zi, let's chat later. I will need some time to recuperate. After all, I don't have any healing Gu for the mind. Let's discuss things a month later."

Ya Zi's expression reveals his understanding.

Either wait a month before showing your face or come with a rare Gu that heals the mind.

Shang Ya Zi felt hateful. But he left nonetheless.

<<<>>>

Unlike the luxurious and extravagant three inner cities, the Second Inner City is simple and constructed from stone. Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing felt disappointed at its sight but soon recovered their thoughts. After all, the Shang Clansmen are willingly staying in a modest setting. This is a clever and open method to build characters.

'But a humble life doesn't change nature. Shang Ya Zi has a massive bug up his ass. He's petty enough to keep causing trouble. So, why would I want to help him remain a Young Master? This is the kind of situation we may face again. Since we're in the Shang Clan's territory, it's wise not to stir too much trouble. A cordial relationship with these Young Masters is also a way to gain a token. Can we use Shang Ya Zi to get one?'

His head starts throbbing painfully as Lo Jik decides to stop thinking.

Wei Yang leads them into a modest stone courtyard, introducing it as Shang Yan Fei's residence inside the Second Inner City.

"Please wait. The Clan Leader will meet you soon. I recommend trying some of the fruits."

Wei Yang smiles and leaves the room as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing glance at the central stone table with chairs.

'What fruits?'

They calmly sit, descending into silence. Eventually, Lo Jik closes his eyes and rests his mind. An hour passes like this as frowns surface on their features. Two hours later, Bai Ning Bing opens her eyes, questioning, "Do you know what's happening?"

"Shang Clan's Leader is known to have several wives and dozens of concubines. Maybe he took to your appearance."

Lo Jik mutters without revealing his thoughts.

"Then why would you be here?" She snorts.

"Maybe he thinks we're lovers and wants to scare me off."

Bai Ning Bing frowns. That's possible.

The duo turns silent with that.

Two more hours pass. They've been in the stone hall for four hours.

"If he took to my appearance, he would have appeared sooner and still received my rejection. My beauty isn't it." Bai Ning Bing confirms. But she doesn't speak her true thoughts, too. What if this residence is bugged out? She and Lo Jik feel it's probably because of the Gu Yue First Gen's Blood Tide.

'Although I can hide the Blood Skull Gu… is that necessary? It's useless to me. Bai Ning Bing gave her share of it for two Yang Rotation Gu. Conversely, if I refine the Bloodline Transformation Gu, the Blood Skull's value will rise, allowing me to kill others and use their blood to increase my Aperture. The difference between Blood Skull and Polished Gu series is that the former can let me attain an Extreme Physique. If I sell it, what should I name for the price? It's more valuable to Shang Clan since they have Immortals. That's why the Tie Clan and the Immortal Crane Sect are interested in the possible Blood Sea inheritance.'

'Immortals have myriad means and can deduce a recipe from observing the Gu Worm. That's one of the aspects of the Refinement Path. There are also other talented Gu Masters that can fuse and create new recipes.'

Although Lo Jik feels urged to recklessly develop both paths, he curbs that need. His pace is already incomparable to his peers except Bai Ning Bing. First, he needs to focus on completing his Strength Path set. Then, Lo Jik will develop his Second Aperture for the Refinement Path.

After accepting the Imaginative Strength's Inheritance, the importance of developing a path and understanding the essence of the Gu he uses has become clear to Lo Jik.

'This place is undoubtedly bugged.'

Lo Jik sighs.

"I don't know why we're here. Your guess is as good as mine."

'Why would the Clan Leader invite us and leave us to our devices?' Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes. Her thoughts are similar to Lo Jik.

If that's so, they need to act a certain way. They decide to play the part of Brother and Sister Monkey since the Shang Clan must know of their identities.

Shang Yan Fei and Wei Yang observe Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing getting progressively impatient through a cloud of colorful smoke. They are inside Shang Yan Fei's study within the First Inner City.

"What do you think, Wei Yang?"

Wei Yang stares at the cloud. His eyes land on Bai Ning Bing.

"Bai Ning Bing was the Bai Clan's Young Mistress, chosen to succeed the Clan. However, her survival inside the wilderness polished her arrogance into a keen pride. Lady Xin Ci and Xiao Die are opening up to Xiao Lan and revealed some crucial details. I have compiled a report on Bai Ning Bing. Although Bai Ning Bing is slightly sadistic, she isn't crazed like other Demonic Gu Masters. Or Bai Ning Bing would have killed little Xiao Die long ago."

Wei Yang's gaze shifts to the sickly Lo Jik.

"But Lo Jik is slightly more complicated. Although we know little of who he was in the Gu Yue Clan, he swiftly became an Elder due to his first wife's gift." Such extensive knowledge could only come from Fang Zheng. However, they didn't need spies for that. Wei Yang purchased the information from the Tie Clan. "That gift must have been some Aptitude Gu Worm. He also risked his life to stay in the Bai Clan's camp near the Bai Gu Mountain, seducing the Bai Clan's Leader."

That could not have come from the Tie Clan. Shang Clan has spies in several other Large and Mid-Sized Clans of interest. The Bai Clan's spy is merely one of the thousands in Feng Yu Manor's network.

"So, he is a womanizer," Shang Yan Fei frowns. He has been one before taking the Clan Leader's position. Shang Yan Fei admits he doesn't want men like himself or Lo Jik near his precious daughter.

"You misunderstand me, Sir," Wei Yang reveals. "Gu Yue Lo Jik is an emotional man. After his wife's death, he stayed near her grave for three days and nights, only leaving once called by his Grandfather-in-Law or the Clan Leader. As for the Bai Clan suddenly finding a Spirit Spring, I suspect Gu Yue Lo Jik is behind that, too."

"Oh?"

Shang Yan Fei reveals his curiousness. The Shang Clan planned to devour and turn the Bai Clan into one of their forces in a decade or two. The Clan already knew of the Bai Clan's dried Spirit Spring. After all, the Bai Clan once produced a Demonic Gu Immortal of the Refinement Path 300 years ago and entered the Shang Clan's eyes. Although this Immortal was killed by a Righteous Path Immortal over a disagreement, the Bai Clan's value rose in the Shang Clan's eyes.

"I suspect that Lo Jik stayed and seduced Clan Leader Bai Lin to give Bai Ning Bing enough time to loot the Grey Bone Inheritance. However, kindness and repayment did not elude Lo Jik. He must have an amazing investigative Gu, or more possibly, he must have information from the Grey Bone Scholar's inheritance about the location of a Spirit Spring. Lo Jik revealed this information to Bai Lin in some manner, allowing her to use the Tie Clan's power to clear the insect group near it."

"It doesn't match up," Yan Fei narrowed his eyes. Although he doesn't want to admit it, his daughter's beauty should attract scoundrels like Lo Jik. Understanding Yan Fei's intent, Wei Yang sighs.

"That's why I called him a complicated matter, Sir. Lady Xin Ci is intelligent. She intentionally warmed up to Xiao Lan after realizing the latter was there to inform on the former. However, Lady Xin Ci doesn't mind it. She willingly revealed the truth to put your mind at ease through Xiao Lan. However, Lady Xin Ci's trust also allowed Xiao Die to open up to Lan. Xiao Die has a lot more to say."

Yan Fei nods, his thoughts forming as he allows Wei Yang to finish.

"Lady Xin Ci attracted Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing due to her business talent. However, Lady Xin Ci and Lo Jik grew close. Some Gu Masters intentionally play with mortals to feel powerful. However, Lo Jik belongs to the kind that intentionally keeps from forming bonds with mortals due to their weakness. But he didn't abandon Lady Xin Ci at first thought. He also did not let Lady Xin Ci's beauty affect him. Lo Jik showed supreme kindness by teaching Lady Xin Ci and Xiao Die before departing."

Yan Fei stares at Gu Yue Lo Jik before exhaling softly.

"It doesn't matter. You're responsible for showing Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing around and assessing their talent. Find out if we can use them."

Wei Yang nods before questioning.

"Do you want me to investigate the matter of the Blood Tide?"

The External Elder is meticulous. His extensive report on Bai Ning Bing and Gu Yue Lo Jik proves that. However, Shang Yan Fei shakes his head.

"From the information purchased from the Tie Clan, there were three Rank 5 Gu Masters on Qing Mao Mountain hours before the break of the Blood Tide: Tie Xue Leng, Gu Yue's Ancestor, and an unknown Rank 5 Gu Master that controlled Iron Beak Cranes of the Central Continent. Tie Xue Leng died. Others want to believe there were some benefits from the battle of the remaining Blood and Enslavement Path Gu Masters. But there wasn't."

"Please advise, Clan Leader." Wei Yang bows.

Yan Fei gestures to Wei Yang to sit.

"I extensively researched the Blood Path after obtaining Blood Sea Ancestort's True Inheritance. One of the restrictions on me by the Supreme Elders is to not create an army of Bladewing Blood Bats and Blood Guillotine. However, I know how they operate. A Crane Tide could not deal with them. Also, the Blood Tide lost control. Gu Yue's Ancestor is probably dead. Why would he leave any Gu? The chances of the unnamed Rank 5 Gu Master surviving are low, too. The intel suggests someone used a Dismemberment Gu on the Myriad Crane King. The only benefit in that ordeal must be the Myriad Crane King's body parts. The duo already sold that, too."

Wei Yang nods in understanding.

"You can leave now."

"Yes, Sir."

<<<>>>

"I'm sorry, Esteemed Guests. The Clan Leader is caught in some urgent work."

Wei Yang smiles at Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing.

Lo Jik smiles back, "That's alright, Elder Wei."

Meanwhile, Bai Ning Bing merely stares at the man frostily.

Seeing the lack of outright reaction, Wei Yang sighs internally. The louder they are, the easier they are to deal with. But he still speaks.

"It's not alright, Sir," Wei Yang shakes his head. "As an apology, I shall attend to the two of you. Allow me to amend my mistake of not informing you sooner. Usually, I would order a banquet at Shi Tian Restaurant. However, I noticed that you are suffering from mental exhaustion. So, I booked a private room in Qiu Qiu Wine Hall. They serve a refreshing Bronze Wine that soothes the mind and the spirit. Allow me the honor to host the two Guests."

Lo Jik nods. "The honor is ours, Elder Wei. How can I refuse such an offer? But I'm a heavy drinker, Elder Wei. I hope we two don't become a burden."

"Nonsense," Wei Yang laughs. He leads the duo out of the Second Inner City before climbing three levels. The Qiu Qiu Wine Hall is the best establishment in the Shang Clan's Third Inner City for a Gu Master to enjoy delicious wines. There is also food. But the food is complementary to Wine.

As Wei Yang and Lo Jik enjoy wine courses to enhance the Bronze Wine's effects, Bai Ning Bing eats little and only drinks water.

After the course, Wei Yang sees Lo Jik and Ning Bing in their courtyard before advising him to rest and let the Bronze Wine do its work. Wei Yang also reveals he will show the duo around and be their guide.

Yet, Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik wonder…

Why?

***

Alternate Title: Failing To Refine; Rightful Doubts; A Plan for Setup; Injured; Cold; Bai Ning Bing's Worry; Playing Chess; Winning; Thinking Hurts; A Vivid Imagination; Ya Zi's 'Persuasion'; External Elder Wei Yang; Panicking Ya Zi; Calling Yan Fei Out; Fucbois Repel Each Other; Their Daughters Don't; Bai Ning Bing Ruining Careers Before They Begin; Bugged; Stalled; Meticulous Wei Yang; The Network of Super Clans; Bai Clan Also Had a Groovy Ancestor; Sticks and Stones May Not Break Your Bones, But There is Always a Young Masters That Gets Offended; A Clan's Guide; Complicated?; Unlike Most Demons; Not Righteous or Demonic… Hmm. Where Did I Hear That Before?; Bronze Wine

***

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