Qing Mao Mountains

Gu Yue Yao Jiang was a renowned rank 2 Gu Master in the clan, known for his expertise in medicinal herbs and powerful defensive Gu. He belonged to the Yao Faction, which was led by Elder Yao Ji and in charge of the clan's medicinal hall. Despite having only a few Gu Masters, the Yao family was highly respected in the clan, thanks to Yao Ji's rank 3 initial stage cultivation.

However, recent investigations by the Mo family had brought gloomy news: the birth of rank 3 wolf kings had led to an alarming increase in their numbers, causing a sharp decline in the availability of medicinal and cultivation resources.

Against this backdrop, Yao Jiang and his team ventured into the deep inner forest, on a mission to procure the rare [Moon Herbage]. This precious resource was not only a crucial ingredient in medicinal pastes that healed injuries, but also played a vital role in refining the popular [Moonglow Gu] – one of the most sought-after rank 2 Gu in the clan. Although it was not a core ingredient, it could raise the refinement success rate by 20%!

Unfortunately, it only grew in the inner forest of Qing Mao Mountains, an area untamed by humans, filled with wild rank 1 and rank 2 wolves and monkeys. The group knew they had to be extra cautious to avoid any danger lurking in the shadows.

As they crept through the forest, the Gu Masters suddenly heard a low growl that made them freeze in their tracks. Ahead of them, a pack of rank 2 wolves had emerged from the undergrowth, their eyes reflecting the eerie moonlight. Without wasting a moment, the Gu Masters activated their Moonlight Gu, conjuring blades of pure moonlight in their hands.

The wolves snarled and charged, but the Gu Masters stood their ground, moving with incredible speed and agility. Yao Jiang, with his rank 2 cultivation, could keep two wolves occupied, but his party was not so lucky. Old Wang, his subordinate, fell victim to the wolves' vicious attack, and Yao Jiang could only watch in horror as his mentor and friend's head was separated from his body.

With the situation turning dire, Yao Jiang had no choice but to take charge. "I will try to create an escape route," he shouted to his troops. "When I do so, run towards the village and do not stop!"

With lower C-grade aptitude Gu Master, Yao Jiang could not be considered a genius. However, he had risen to the position of party leader thanks to his wits, and quick adaptibility in situations like these. He knew what to do.

He quickly dashed forward with a mobility Gu, knocking over the wolves in front of him and supporting his remaining comrades. To distract the remaining wolves and buy time for his team, he activated the [Provocation Gu], attracting the wolves' attention and provoking them to attack him.

It was a bold move, but it came at a heavy cost. As Yao Jiang fought bravely, he accepted his fate.

'Today is the day I die', he thought, 'But I should take as many wolves as I can before resting...'

However mighty his thoughts were, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down, he saw an enormous hole, realizing with horror that he had been struck by a rank 3 Lightning Wolf. He collapsed on the ground, knowing that his end was near.

With Yao Jiang incapacitated, the rest of the party became easy prey for the wolves. In no time, the remaining Gu Masters were slain, leaving only a gruesome silence in the forest.

This marked the beginning of a horrific period that would go down in the Qing Mao Mountains history as the wolf beast tide – a time when the wolves ruled the forest and the Gu Masters were forced to fight for their survival.