Failure and Success

A sense of gloominess pervades Gu Yue Village. It's been three days since the small beast tide. A dark-haired youth with plain features yet subtle and lean physique steps out of the Internal Affairs Hall pavilion, glancing at the grey sky. Mud and snow mix under his feet as he exhales lightly.

He is Fang Yuan.

'I took the same measures as last time, using the Boar King to inflict injuries upon my team and kill them all. Now I'm free from Uncle's pawn and can apply for an asset-splitting mission in three days.'

He suddenly stops, glancing at a group of his batch's Gu Masters approach him. Gu Yue Mo Bei, Chi Cheng, and Fang Zheng must have gone through many things during the beast tide, revealing more determined expressions. Fang Yuan's gaze lasts slightly longer on Fang Zheng as Mo Bei speaks.

"Do you know Gu Yue Jin Zhu died during the beast tide? We're going to the group memorial assembly. Do you want to join us?"

Gu Yue Mo Bei and Chi Cheng are fierce rivals, so it's rare to see them set aside their differences for grief.

Gu Yue Jin Zhu…

Fang Yuan has some recollections of her. She was their batch's more skilled martial artist and could go toe to toe against Mo Bei until her stamina ran out. 'So, she died,' he muses. 'Death is not an unfortunate end in our world.' He calmly shakes his head.

"I have something to do."

It's the same as his previous life. However, Fang Yuan quickly notes a change.

Fang Zheng should have urged Fang Yuan to follow them. However, he doesn't speak a thing.

The group passes Fang Yuan with short scoffs and snorts as they speak with each other.

"Fang Yuan is too cold-hearted."

"He's already a Rank 2 Gu Master. But he lacks basic human manners."

"Hmph," Chi Cheng snorts. "Don't you know the rumors around Fang Yuan? He used his female teammate as a shield while hiding inside the Boar King's body to survive! Fang Yuan is not a man but a chicken!"

Fang Zheng frowns. Such insults against his Elder Twin would usually make him feel embarrassed. However, his mind feels pressured by other news.

"Speaking of shamelessness," a girl mutters.

"Yeah!" A boy grits his teeth. "That Gu Yue Lo Jik!"

Mo Bei's and Fang Zheng's expressions darken.

Fang Yuan turns from the group, noticing a stunning difference from his previous life—Gu Yue Lo Jik.

'Gu Yue Lo Jik supposedly hid away from the beast tide. However, he hid in plain sight, setting several traps. The strangest thing is that an extremely weakened Blood Hound Wolf set its 'sight' on Lo Jik. Lo Jik surviving that battle is a miracle since Healing Gu Masters found him a few kilometers from the village, struggling to walk straight. He expended his mental faculties to deal with the mutated wolf. He can be said to be incredibly misfortunate. He died to a Bear King before, and now a Blood Hound Wolf targeted him in this one.'

'However, grand fortune often awaits such tribulations. Lo Jik managed to loot the Blood Path Gu from the wolf. Rank 2 Blood Vomit, Blood Rousing Incense, Fur Concealment, Distorted Bloodpath, alongside a Rank 1 Blood Python Gu! Blood Rousing Incense is the best one in the group since it can excite a Gu Master's blood and saturate oneself and surroundings with adrenaline, allowing everyone to show peak combat power even if injured.'

Fang Yuan walks his snowy path alone.

'Aside from Blood Vomit and Fur Concealment, the other Gu are easy to feed, only requiring beasts' blood. If I can have one of those Gu,' Fang Yuan's gaze flashes. 'I was a Great Demonic Head of Blood Path in my previous lifetime. Even this seemingly jumbled set of Gu will reveal impressive might under my skills. Distorted Bloodpath is good, too—targeting one creature at a time and deluding their five senses.'

'Rank 2 Blood Vomit and Rank 2 Blood Distortion can be fused to form Rank 3 Bloody Distorting Spit Gu. It's a solid long-range method to delude the opponent's senses without the restrictions of the Rank 2 Blood Vomit, only targeting one creature at a time.'

This might be an unexpected gain.

Fang Yuan considers things carefully.

'Others don't openly refine Blood Path Gu. I can't let such a boon go to waste!'

Since Fang Yuan planned to leave, Blood Path gu that are easy to feed may become his best assurance!

'There's also a Rank 1 Blood Python Gu. It can even be refined into Rank 5 Blood River Python Gu. It's one of the trying aspects of Blood Path. Rank 5 Blood River Python is bloodthirsty and isn't easily tamed. However, once it stays in a Blood Pond for 100 years, it resonates with Heaven and Earth to form a Rank 1 Blood Python Gu. Hehe, Rank 1 Blood Python Gu is special,' Fang Yuan narrows his eyes. His desire towards this Rank 1 Blood Python may be the greatest!

'However, this isn't all.'

How can others call Lo Jik shameless if he survived such an encounter and achieved such grand loot?

It's merely a product of envy.

'Gaining so many Gu at once is no different from obtaining a minor inheritance. Qing Mao Mountain is limited, where Rank 2 Gu Masters represent the crucial force of a Clan. The competition is highest at this stage. These last three days, many Gu Masters tried coaxing and threatening Lo Jik into handing these Gu to others, using the righteous reasons of being more capable in these trying times.'

Fang Yuan's lips quirk slightly.

'Those fools. They are unwilling to even fork out a basic sum for these Rare Gu. None mentions to purchase the Gu.'

'However, I don't have the money to purchase either,' Fang Yuan narrows his eyes. He has other things. But using recipes to trade these low-ranked Gu isn't appropriate, and the rare Gu in his Aperture is too shocking to be revealed.

'Things will be different if an elder quotes a price,' Fang Yuan muses. 'I'll have enough capital to purchase those Gu once I regain my family's inheritance.'

<<<>>>

Lo Jik slowly opens his eyes, exhaling sharply.

The last three days haven't been easy, and it's not because of the pestering Gu Masters wanting to purchase Blood Rousing Incense or Distorted Bloodpath.

It's the injuries to his nervous system!

To keep himself afloat, Lo Jik continuously used the Instinct Gu to reach the village under the assault of the Final Revenge Gu. It almost crumbled his nervous system and turned him into a vegetable. However, his gains are astonishing. He only needed to ask around a few times before realizing the use of these Gu.

'I should revise my plan,' Lo Jik muses. 'Black Boar and Green Silk Gu fuse into Black Mane Gu. Rank 2 Black Mane Gu is not a rare defensive Gu. However, Black Mane Gu and Fur Concealment combine into a rare Rank 3 Concealment Mane Gu! It has high defense, and the hair covering me will turn me invisible to the naked eye!' This Gu is much more attractive to Lo Jik than the Boar Charge Gu.

'But I don't know the recipes for these Blood Gu. They will eventually become useless in my hands.'

He quietly lies on the bed, resting.

'I used this chance to show that my Blood Python comes from that Wolf, too. An elder checked the mutant wolf's corpse since Gu Yue Village grew fearful that a group of Mutant Blood Hound Wolves were nearby. This beast tide already caused startling casualties at its start. I wonder how rough the main event will be next year.'

Lo Jik grits his teeth.

He wishes he could refine his Gu. However, he has to take it slow. In fact, he hasn't fully refined the Gu worms he got from the loot since his mind is tired.

His expression soon settles as he recalls the recent changes in the village.

The disastrous beast tide was a callous reminder for others that they could die anytime. Strength matters the most if they wish to survive and grow!

So?

Gu Yue Qing Shu entered closed-door cultivation!

'Hehe,' Lo Jik snickers. 'The Mo and Chi faction cannot wait any longer.'

<<<>>>

"Don't force yourself," Qing Shu snickers, appearing carefree. It's been ten days since his announcement of closed-door cultivation. However, his resurfacing is not yet announced. Despite glowing, one can observe notes of exhaustion in his gaze as a genuine Rank 3 aura emerges from his being.

Sitting across him is a curious Lo Jik, who is about to stand and bow to Qing Shu. Hearing Qing Shu's words, Lo Jik doesn't stand for ceremonies and sits back, offering tea and letting Qing Shu look around his temporary residence.

"Congratulations, Elder Qing," Lo Jik smiles, passing a cup of tea to the man.

"Haha," Qing Shu chuckles gently. "It's because of you, Lo Jik. When I heard you fought off such a dangerous Blood Hound Wolf, incurring injuries from the Final Revenge Gu and barely surviving, I felt embarrassed. Had I been a Rank 3 Gu Master during the small tide, I could have changed things. However, advancing to Rank 3 raised my status to an Elder. I cannot lead my faction anymore. Sigh, there are downsides to every decision."

He sips the tea before exhaling softly. "I owe you a debt of gratitude, Lo Jik. However, I cannot momentarily repay it."

"It's fine, Elder," Lo Jik shrugs. "I didn't think I was helping you in any manner. In my eyes, I just sold a Rank 1 White Boar Gu and survived a life-and-death battle. You owe me nothing."

Qing Shu gazes at Lo Jik deeply, explaining, "We both know what I owe. However, I won't repeat it. I shall get a chance to repay that favor sooner or later. Today, I'm here to meet you for a different matter. I would like to purchase the Blood Gu worms."

Lo Jik nods, calmly replying, "I'm not selling Blood Python Gu or Blood Rousing Incense."

Lo Jik has a deep impression of the Rank 1 Blood Python Gu and wishes to find a recipe to evolve it. Meanwhile, Blood Rousing Incense Gu is a good support Gu worm with minimal restrictions on feeding it.

However, Blood Vomit Gu and Distortion Bloodpath Gu are different stories. The former is a hassle to feed. The latter needs peculiar conditions to truly shine. Lo Jik also has the Moonglow Gu as his long-range method instead of the Blood Vomit Gu.

Qing Shu isn't surprised, inquiring, "What about the Fur Concealment Gu?"

"I need that Gu Worm." Lo Jik nods.

Their conversation remains concise and on point, as Lo Jik offers the price. Rank 2 Gu Worms are usually sold between 1000-2500 Primeval Stones. However, the Distorted Bloodpath Gu is easy to feed, effortlessly settling for the upper ends of the limit. Meanwhile, Blood Vomit Gu's price stabilizes at 1600 Stones.

The duo further converse for a while, where Qing Shu 'accidentally' slips hints about some refining recipes. Lo Jik understands that it's Qing Shu's way of repaying the debt he feels owed.

'So, Blood Qi Gu and Blood Python Gu combine into Rank 2 Blood Basin Python Gu. Similarly, Rank 2 Blood Basin Python Gu and Rank 2 Blood Qi Gu are refined into Rank 3 Steed-type Blood Trench Python Gu. No wonder a few Gu Masters were more persuasive about Blood Python Gu. It's a precious Gu worm with a trend of refinement! Blood Python needs the corresponding Blood Qi Gu to advance to the next realm!'

Blood Python instantly shot up to one of his more precious Gu with this revelation.

<<<>>>

3 Days Later.

"Congratulations, Batchmate Fang," Lo Jik smiles. He heard about Fang Yuan earning a massive inheritance.

Fang Yuan nods calmly. The two know each other enough to dispense small talk as the former raises his wish to purchase the Blood Gu.

Unfortunately…

The Gu Worms in Lo Jik's possessions were not for sale.

<<<>>>

*Puff*

Lo Jik's expression changes as the light ball explodes! Blood surges from his mouth, and his eyes turn bloodshot due to the backlash as a pitch-black ladybug disperses into ashes alongside a fat green silkworm.

'Fuck!'

Lo Jik grits his teeth.

Nothing is assured in the fusion of Gu Worms. The perfectly healthy Black Boar Gu suddenly destroyed, dismantling Lo Jik's expectations to refine the Rank 3 Concealment Mane Gu.

He cleans his mouth and stares into the empty space, recalling his experiences after recovering from his injuries.

First, he paid a large sum to a healing Gu Master to speed up his recovery. Then, he sold two Gu to Qing Shu, earning 3900 stones. However, he spent 140 Stones to purchase the Green Silk Gu. There was also his cost of living. Since he's a Rank 2 Gu Master, the cost of recovering his essence rises, too, increasing his consumption of Primeval Stones for cultivation.

He currently amassed 6844 Primeval Stones.

'Sigh, I still have the White Boar and Jade Skin Gu. Let's try refining the White Jade Gu. As for these injuries, I should save for the caravan. Hopefully, they will have good Healing Gu worms.'

Still, one thing confuses him.

'What's going on with Mo Yan? She should be a Rank 2 Peak Stage by now. Chi Shan left his cultivation two days ago, shocking the villagers with his Peak Stage aura. Of course, they aren't Qing Shu's match yet since he was at that stage for years, solidifying his foundations. However, Mo Yan shouldn't be taking too long.'

He frowns.

'Did I overdo it?'

Such worries are useless now.

It's not like he leaves his house all that much, accruing more infamy of being a coward.

'Hehe, why would I care about completing Clan Missions? They barely pay anything worthwhile. It's better to stay back, let others risk their lives, and gather strength. Although I failed to refine the Black Mane Gu, didn't I only get the chance to do so by staying back? If I let the clan dictate my life, I'll barely get any breather. Hmm. Also, there's Shen Cui. The earlier rumors have settled. Although we cross paths in the bazaar, we barely look at each other. But she's caught onto my hint… and she's interested.'

'Fang Zheng's responsibilities increased after Qing Shu left. It's forced him to mature and focus on his cultivation. That's good. Hurry, Fang Zheng. Advance to Rank 3!'

Lo Jik closes his eyes, meditating and silently dispelling accumulated mental exhaustion.

<<<>>>

Lo Jik continues his daily lifestyle for days. He doesn't hurry to meet Shen Cui. He needs the right timing, and it can't be forced. Instead, Lo Jik focuses on his cultivation. He must refine adequate Rank 2 Gu and raise his second Aperture's cultivation.

However, he is delaying the last objective for Mo Yan. He's sure that she's still cultivating.

Earlier, when Chi Shan emerged from his closed-door cultivation, others expected Mo Yan to do the same since the duo possessed similar cultivation. However, Mo Yan is nowhere to be found. She's either dead…

Or still cultivating!

Lo Jik will happily take the risk for Silver-tier rewards corresponding to Rank 2 Cultivation and focus on successfully refining Gu.

Days fly by in the blink of an eye as Lo Jik procures a slightly rare Rank 1 Half-Wit Gu.

Half-Wit Gu is shaped like a dark grey ball. It's a strange Gu that muddles one's mind for three breaths.

Lo Jik did not purchase the Gu for fun.

Three orbs of light float at an arm's length from Lo Jik. One reveals an oily-black glimmer and the other two gleam with greyish light. The three orbs of lights bump into each other.

To fuse Gu worms means to combine the Gu Master's will left within the Gu! The mental burden on Lo Jik multiplies as he endures the stress, allowing the three orbs to mingle and settle. He grits his teeth as the orb of light expands from the size of a fist to a baby's skull. Lo Jik calms his mind and starts to toss the Primeval Stones inside the orb. The light intensifies after consuming Primeval Stones as the process continues, making Lo Jik's head almost explode from the burden.

However, he refuses to budge.

It's only after his 243rd Stone that the orb of light fluctuates. Already experienced and prepared, Lo Jik does not let the sudden fluctuation disrupt his concentration. He keeps a firm reign on the process as the harsh white light mellows and morphs into a dim, oily-black glow.

Soon, a fist-sized iron disc rests atop Lo Jik's palm.

There are several carvings of human-shaped figures fighting each other on the disk.

Rank 2 Battle Instinct Gu!

Although tired, he grins!

With this, he used the Iron Skin and Half-Wit Gu alongside the Instinct Gu to refine this Rank 2 Gu!

The only Rank 1 Gu in his aperture is now the Blood Python Gu.

'Not only did the effect of Battle Instinct Gu increase to 15 minutes, but the negative side-effects are low, too. Although it consumes almost 300 grams of Iron every 15 days. It does not need the Aura of Rejection that my aperture forms after using a Primeval Stone.'

Lo Jik sighs.

He lets the Gu into his mind.

Next, Lo Jik focuses on his Second Aperture.

Light-Red Essence ebbs and flows as the light wall around it feels extremely solid, only needing one push to conduct the qualitative change and morph into a water wall. In the center hovers a sun-like Hope Gu, with the tiny Blood Python Gu wrapped around it. Floating on the water's surface is a half-burnt, blood-red incense stick the size of an adult's index finger—Rank 2 Blood Rousing Incense. Not far from it is a cream-colored silkworm, fat and round. It's the Fur Concealment Gu, which can turn the hair on one's body invisible.

Finally, in the depths of the essence, lying motionless on the seabed is an oval white stone with a jade-like luster.

Rank 2 White Jade Gu!

However, the White Jade's breath is weak.

'Sigh, I can only purchase limited Jade Stones for the Gu to consume without attracting too much attention to myself. I will purchase a bulk of jade reserves from the coming caravan.'

'Moonglow Gu for long-range. Martial Arts and White Jade Gu for close-range/defense. Blood Rousing Incense and Battle Instincts Gu for support. Only Fur Concealment is useless to the current me. However, it's a rare Gu with several advancement options. If I can't refine the Concealment Mane Gu, I can refine the Storage Gu Hidden Fur Compartment. The cost of feeding the Gu rose from meager 8-15 Stones to 360 Stones! Other Gu Masters cannot support such consumption without proper backing. However, I'm using my trade with Qing Shu to cover these shortcomings.'

He exhales loudly and slumps back.

'At least I managed to refine successfully.' He smirks.

'I can now focus on Shen Cui and practice using these Gu.'

***

Alternate Title: Losses; Difference From Previous Life; Free; Split Asset; The Blood Gu; Growth; Getting Attention; The Special Blood Python Gu; Demonic Figurehead; Need; Severe Beast Tide; Shameless and Heartless; A Product of Envy; New Elder; Qing Shu's Gratitude and Repayment; A Partial Success; Mo Yan's Still Not Out; Chi Shan Is At An Awkward Stage; Memorial Service; Selling Gu; Possibility of Rank 5?; Worries; Destroyed Black Boar Gu; THe Unlucky Continues; Fortune and Misfortune Travel Hand-in-Hand; The White Jade and Battle Instincts