Test

The Next Day.

As Wei Yang promised, he arrived to show Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing around. The Bronze Wine's effects are immediate. However, Lo Jik isn't completely healed. After all, Bronze Wine is merely an expensive wine. But a Rank 3 Gu with healing properties to the mind would have dealt with the issue.

Having Wei Yang as a guide proves helpful, as Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing learn the facts not written in the rulebook.

For instance, the Shang Clan surpasses other Super Clans in size. Not even Southern Border's overlord, the Wu Clan, possesses a city spread over and inside a Mountain.

"Although everyone knows the Shang Clan Inner City is divided into five sections, a close observation classifies the Five Inner Cities into several sectors or zones. These Zones concentrate a service into different levels across the first three Inner Cities."

Wei Yang smiles. "But let's eat breakfast first. There is a peaceful restaurant called Early Spring."

The Early Spring offered a wide selection of cakes, toasts, porridges, and more. The knowledge of this establishment is a pleasant surprise for Lo Jik since he plans to use the Blue Blood Gu. Once he uses the Gu, he can't eat anything solid till the effects pass. But his diet must not fall short, too, or his unstable digestive system may go berserk. There are several nutritious porridges offered in the Early Spring.

Once fulfilled, Wei Yang introduces several Zones to Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing.

"This is the Culinary Zone. One of the most famous restaurants, Shi Tian, is in the heart of this sector. The owners of the restaurants are Gu Masters specialized in using the Gu related to cooking and enhancing the taste of one's food or its nutritious value. It allows the Gu Masters with less time to fill on more by eating little."

"This is the Caretaking Zone. Most Gu Masters possess extra Gu Worms after a threshold. These Gu Masters can 'deposit' their Gu for caretaking and nurturing. The infrastructure of the Caretaking Zone restricts the Gu Masters from depositing their Gu and killing them. Many Demonic Gu Masters have these thoughts to claim the insurance offered. But all of them fail."

"This is the Gu Fighting Zone. Here, Gu Masters control their Gu to fight in an arena for prizes. The most common Gu Worms are the Steed Gu Worms. However, Heaven and Earth are vast. There are many aggressive Gu in the Wild. For instance, the Rank 3 Frenzy Needle Bee. That Gu Worm can pierce any defense under Rank 3. However, the bee's stinger is short."

"This is the Red Light Zone, possessing the most numbers of Brothels and other services. The Bordellos here offer a wide selection of men and women of different regions, including several Gu Masters! Lone forces live a taxing life in the wilderness and like relaxing here. Are the two guests interested?"

Lo Jik already has some information on this area. He wanted to see if there were any Rank 4 or Rank 5 Gu Masters miraculously prostituting themselves.

There weren't any. The best this Zone can provide is Rank 2 Gu Masters.

Wei Yang introduced different zones. However, this City is too massive to cover in a day. After Lo Jik purchased a few vats of Bronze Wine, they returned to their courtyard.

On the third day, Wei Yang appeared again, introducing the remaining regions. Lo Jik looks noticeably better. Instead of the expected ten-day recovery period, he will probably be at his peak in another day or two. His head also stopped hurting. All he feels right now is slight weakness.

"This is the substitute refinement Zone. You two are Gu Masters and understand the challenges of refining a Gu in the wild. We Gu Masters fear encountering a strong-willed Gu the most. The higher the rank, the harsher it is to refine a Gu. Back in the day, Empress Wu Ji spent eleven years refining the Rank 5 Dragon Strength Gu. Of course, she was a Rank 4 Gu Master at the time. The Dragon Strength Gu was also one of the Ten Great Challenges of the Ancient Strength Path inheritance she discovered. This Zone uses Gu like the Kindling Will, Swift Refinement Cauldron, Abusive Tongue, and more. Of course, since the Gu provided are wild, this Zone does not offer any insurance."

"This is the Auction Zone. It holds a small-scale auction daily, a mid-scale auction every two weeks, and a large-scale auction monthly. There are stories of rare and Legendary Gu appearing in the auctions. You two can subscribe to the Auction's Newsletter Gu for 40 Primeval Stones/Month and receive a Message Gu detailing the auction's listings. Of course, this service is for an Auction house and not the Auction Zone."

Different Auction Houses host different-sized auctions.

"This is the Battle Zone. It's the most popular sector, with eighty Battle Stages spread across the three Inner Cities. A Gu Master can select Single Battle Stages to test and practice their Gu. Conversely, a Gu Master can choose Dual Battle Stages to spar and exchange pointers with other Gu Masters or Multi-Battle Stages to experience fighting multiple opponents."

Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing look around. As Wei Yang said, this location is packed. Others recognize Wei Yang as the man continues smilingly, having more to say about this location than the rest.

"The reason for the popularity for—"

This place is noisy and chaotic. However, a voice interrupts Wei Yang's explanation.

"Big Brother Wei?! It IS you!"

An honest-looking bloke pries through the crowd before greeting Wei Yang with a huge grin. This man looks close to 27 or 28. He questions, "It's rare to see you here, Big Brother. What are you doing here?"

"Little Xiao," Wei Yang smiles, patting the youth's shoulder in greeting. "I heard you fought your way into the Third Inner City. Good job."

"Yes! I recently advanced to Rank 3 Middle Stage, and my battle strength improved. It's all thanks to you, Big Brother." He stares at Wei Yang with a shining gaze. Wei Yang is oblivious to it.

'Oh. This guy is gay.' Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing glance at each other. Spectators often see more than the parties in question. This man barely spared Bai Ning Bing a glance while everyone around them spent more time staring at her than Wei Yang. And Lo Jik can't stress this enough—the newcomer tossed him a slightly competitive glance when greeting 'Big Brother Wei.'

"You have good talent, lad. You could have done it without me. Your achievements are impressive for your age. Even I wasn't much better when I was your age."

"You are being modest, Big Brother," 'Little' Xiao snickers. "You dominated the Third Inner City's Battle Stages until the Clan Leader recruited you. You only needed the cultivation of Rank 3 Middle Stage to do that! Now, you are an External Elder. How many External Elders are there in Shang Clan?" The man lists Wei Yang's achievements as the External Elder nods.

Shang Yan Fei wasn't a Clan Leader when he recruited Wei Yang.

Wei Yang looks at the duo, explaining, "The reason for the Battle Stage's popularity is the prospect of getting recruited into the Shang Clan. I won 18 consecutive matches in the Third Inner City's Battle Stage before the Clan Leader recruited me."

Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing understand the situation. It's another one of the unwritten rules and traditions. Shang Clan doesn't only attract the Demonic Gu Masters using the prospects of selling one's loot but also the lure of joining a Super Clan. Lone forces have unstable foundations and need more resources to survive. The thought of joining a Super Clan and advancing their strength is intense among them.

Wei Yang is a successful example of this recruitment process.

When the Young Masters supporting a few Demonic Gu Masters ascend to the Clan Leader's position, the Demonic Gu Masters also rise as External Elders. The External Elders enjoy the same treatment as the Clan Elders, absorbing a steady stream of resources and advancing.

It's also a reasonable process.

The Shang Clan has too many businesses and resources. They cannot manage all of it themselves. So, they use their trusting aides and develop a vast network built on benefits.

"Ah, Battle Stage," Wei Yang sighs. "This place resurfaces old memories. Would you like to spar with me, Guests?"

He looks at Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing.

Lo Jik feels disinclined to accept the invitation. The Shang Clan has some motives by sending a bonafide External Elder to chauffeur them. However, the lack of information is unsettling.

"Sure," Bai Ning Bing answers for both of them with a word.

"Big Brother Wei is going to fight?" an eerie gleam appears in Little Xiao's eyes as he offers. "Let me lead the way, Big Brother. The Battle Stages have been remodeled several times after you left."

"Okay," Wei Yang nods.

"What field do you want to choose, Big Brother?"

"Let the Esteemed Guests decide," Wei Yang glances at the duo.

"There are different fields?" Lo Jik muses.

Hearing Wei Yang address the duo as Esteemed Guests, Little Xiao doesn't dare tarry and quickly explains. There are different arena models to choose from. A Gu reveals varying strengths depending on the environment. Some Gu specialize in a desert, and others may work best underwater.

Bai Ning Bing browses through the options before glancing at the Flagpost Arena.

Noticing the crowd eyeing them, Wei Yang uses his authority to seal the Battle Stage. Only Little Xiao is in the spectator's seat as Lo Jik/Bai Ning Bing stands slightly away from Wei Yang as tall, black rocks emerge from different spots. This is the standard arena where there aren't additional winds, grass, soil, or anything useful for most Gu Masters.

"Two sides will ordinarily announce their cultivation for a fair assessment. However, this is a casual spar. We can dispense such formalities. Please, make a move."

Wei Yang's intent to 'test' the duo is painfully evident. Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes. Although she likes assessing the opponent, fighting someone as accomplished as Wei Yang is also right up her alley. She couldn't miss the opportunity. As for fighting them together? Well. Who is she to stop another man from committing suicide? She once wanted to experience the coolest suicide!

"Big Brother Wei is going to fight!" Little Xiao gushes, fortunately, from his mouth. "He is used to fighting with handicaps. Even Rank 3 Peak Stage Gu Masters found defeat at his hands! Now Big Brother Wei is a Rank 3 Peak Stage Gu Master! How strong has he become?"

Becoming an Elder in the Shang Clan means possessing a Rank 4 Cultivation and high achievements. Wei Yang can only fulfill these conditions if he has a combat strength comparable to Rank 4 Gu Masters!

Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing glance at each other before he takes a step back with a shrug.

"Esteemed Guest?" Wei Yang frowns slightly.

Bai Ning Bing suddenly rushes at Wei Yang. She claps her hands together before parting them. Frost condenses into an icy katana. It's not the Rank 2 Ice Blade Gu but the Rank 3 Ice Edge Gu! This Gu Worm's ice blade is significantly sharper. Frosty mist swims around the sword as a light armor condenses around Wei Yang. His eyes suddenly widen when a giant Black Flagstone flies in his direction with accurate precision!

"Eh?" Wei Yang produces a curious voice as the Flagstone falls a few steps away, blocking Bai Ning Bing from his gaze.

'I see,' Wei Yang nods. The Ice Edge Gu should be cutting through the flagstone—

A figure shatters through the rock. The large stone barely impedes his momentum as a fierce kick sends the astounded Wei Yang flying. The light armor around Wei Yang's body flickers, dimming significantly. But Wei Yang is unhurt. He realizes the tactic instantly.

'But how much strength does Lo Jik's body contain to cross that distance with a forceful jump? Was it a Movement Gu Worm?' His thoughts flicker as Wei Yang catches a white shadow on the prowl. A dangerous frost blade slices at his neck with lethal intentions. Stabilizing his body, Wei Yang grasps at the air. Two broadswords made of light appear in his palms as he surprisingly cuts the frost blade!

Rank 3 Broadsword Light Gu!

Broadsword Light and Sword Shadow Gu claim the title of the best Rank 3 Gu in attacking power. Even the Ice Edge Gu pales. But Bai Ning Big isn't new to smaller blades. She used to craft daggers from her Ice Blade Gu to use less essence. She suddenly stabs at Wei Yang with her sharp hilt.

Wei Yang's eyes widen when he sees a flying Flagstone descending from an arc to crush him AND Bai Ning Bing.

'Does he not care for his partner?'

Wei Yang's eyes catch sight of frost edging onto Bai Ning Bing's skin.

'True demonic talents. Ruthless and practical.'

A white light covers Wei Yang before his body disappears. Too slow to react, the Flagstone crashes on Bai Ning Bing. Meanwhile, the light transitions into a rainbow before reforming Wei Yang on the other side of the battlefield.

"It appeared! Big Brother Wei's Rank 3 Rainbow Light Gu." Little Xiao exclaims in relief, gripping the railings with his clammy hands.

"This is the—" Before Wei Yang can explain, he finds another flagstone flying at him. He sighs and smiles.

Youngsters are too impatient these days.

He glances at Lo Jik—

Where is Lo Jik?

*Bang*

The stone crashes mid-arc as a figure flies at Wei Yang. The dark shadow waves his palm as a Black Bear's Phantom roars silently behind him, mimicking the shadow's palm strike.

A Beast Phantom?

Wei Yang's body instantly turns into a stream of light.

*Boom*

A small mushroom cloud of dust explodes outward as Wei Yang exhales sharply. He doesn't dare speak or look down on the duo. After all, Bai Ning Bing turned into a crystalline devil, tears from the Flagstone covering her, and ruthlessly attacked Wei Yang.

The Rank 3 Frost Demon Gu!

Bai Ning Bing can support this Gu even longer than before despite her Extreme Physique due to the use of Jade Bones.

Wei Yang has to swiftly escape the attacks once Lo Jik appears. The External Elder believed he had an upper hand in close combat. However, Bai Ning Bing's swordplay and Lo Jik's close-combat skills proved too different from Wei Yang's expectations of the duo.

They exchange several rounds of moves when Wei Yang appears in the distance. He smiles.

"Let's stop here, Esteemed Guests. I've rejoiced enough in the thrill of combat."

"What Gu is that?" Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes.

"Ah, you are interested," Wei Yang chuckles. "This is the Rank 3 Rainbow Light Gu. In terms of speed, this Gu surpasses several Rank 4 Gu. But there are some flaws." The man openly admits his weaknesses.

"First, this Gu is too fast! A Gu Master cannot react in time. They may crash into walls and other things, injuring themselves. So, a Gu Master must use the Rainbow Light Gu with complementary Lightning Thoughts Gu, Flash of Inspiration Gu, and so on."

His smile widens.

"The Second weakness is that this Gu expends a lot of Primeval Essence. But as you experienced, I can use it despite this weakness due to the Light Source Gu. It halves the consumption of Primeval Essence when using the Light Path Gu. There is a third weakness. However, I will let the Esteemed Guests guess it."

'So, a cognitive assessment after the physical one.' Lo Jik blinks. What is going on? The Shang Clan can't be thinking of recruiting them, right? Or does the Shang Clan Leader have nothing to do with this, and Wei Yang is upto something?

"The third weakness is you cannot use Beast Strength or Body Refinement Gu aside from the ones complementing your Light Path."

Bai Ning Bing scoffs. Is this supposed to be a test? Isn't this basic knowledge?

It isn't.

Wei Yang blinks in surprise before nodding with a deep smile.

"You are correct, Miss." Although Wei Yang knows their names, he only addresses them as guests and other titles. "Recklessly strengthening my body may increase the Essence consumption or fail the use of the Gu, possibly injuring it."

"Elder Wei has outstanding means. I'm ashamed of myself. To think I haven't introduced myself. I'm Gu Yue Lo Jik, Elder Wei."

"Bai Ning Bing," she responds curtly.

"Hahaha! The two guests are Brother Gu Yue and Sister Bai. There is no need for formalities, Brother and Sister. Just call me Brother Wei. I appreciate the spar. It made me recall fond memories of the battles on this stage."

"No need to sugarcoat it," Bai Ning Bing speaks coldly, getting slightly irritated. "We don't have the complementary Gu Worms yet, Wei Yang. I'll challenge you after I get some additional Gu."

Little Xiao looks annoyed by how Bai Ning Bing addresses Wei Yang.

But Lo Jik smiles and cups his fists.

"You have been hosting for some time. Let us return the favor, Brother Wei. As for sparring, I can see you did not go all out. I hope I make you reveal your strength the next time we spar."

"Surely!" Wei Yang laughs. "It's my fault for making such requests and not going all out. Forgive me."

"This fight was great," Little Xiao interjects, offering. "Let me treat everyone to the dinner. After all, I learned a lot from watching this session. I know a restaurant. It's near the Battle Stage, and it's recently opened. Brother Wei, it also serves your favorite pork cutlets."

Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik glance at each other.

Little Xiao even knows Wei Yang's favorite food? Good for him.

"Oh?" Wei Yang nods.

"Is it alright?" Lo Jik offers token resistance as Wei Yang nods. "Little Xiao is a local. Let him treat us."

In the restaurant, Lo Jik gauges the situation. Little Xiao introduced himself as Xiao Yan. Meanwhile, Lo Jik answered some of the indirect questions. There's nothing he can do about Shang Clan's interest. But he CAN speak about another survivor he knows of—Fang Yuan. Let's hope it changes things.

<<<>>>

"You sparred with them? What do you think?" Shang Yan Fei questions without much interest. He only wants the duo investigated due to their connections to Xin Ci. However, Wei Yang's assessment catches Yan Fei's attention.

"They will soon surpass me."

Shang Yan Fei stops his paperwork and looks at Wei Yang with an expression saying—continue.

"Although Gu Yue Lo Jik's cultivation seems hidden. He shouldn't be far from Bai Ning Bing's Peak Stage Rank 3 cultivation. They must have an A-grade or a False A-grade Aptitude. However, my evaluation has nothing to do with their Aptitude."

Shang Yan Fei quietly points at the chair, not disrupting Wei Yang's explanation while offering him a seat.

As Wei Yang sits, he continues, "They both possess rich battle experience alleviated by their lethal techniques. Although they don't have a Gu set formed yet, they exchanged several dozen rounds with me. Bai Ning Bing isn't a sword user but a weapon user. Currently, she's adept in swords, blades, and long weapons like pike and spears. Meanwhile, Lo Jik is as devilish as her at killing others. He uses cheap tricks, too. But that's his greatest trick. Using cheap tactics, he lowers the enemy's caution against him and makes them focus on things Lo Jik can use. They won't know what hit them once they fall for this trick."

He takes a moment before continuing.

"But their battle experience is only one aspect. They are intelligent, Sir. They think before they act, moving toward their goals with focus. Bai Ning Bing is a straight shooter, but she shows signs of devious schemes. Lo Jik is more stable in comparison. However, his gentle demeanor cannot be mistaken for naivety. I wish I could claim them as Yin and Yang, Tiger and Dragon. But that would be a lie, Sir."

"Bai Ning Bing doesn't represent one aspect of the world, and Lo Jik doesn't claim the other. They learn from each other. It's not black and white but a united front of grey. They aren't a Tiger Cub prowling in the forest and a Dragon whelp roaming the sea."

Wei Yang thinks before speaking.

"They are Kun Peng, hunting Dragons and devouring Tigers. They will become brilliant assets to the Shang Clan if we recruit them."

Shang Yan Fei feels moved. He hadn't put the duo in his eyes before. After all, A-grade aptitude may be crucial in other clans. But it's only slightly uncommon in Shang Clan.

"I trust your foresight, Wei Yang. You have been beside me for years. But you are undervaluing yourself. I know your strength. Why else would I recruit you? Don't worry. I will purchase a Reform Gu for you once it appears in the market."

A Reform Gu is a rare Gu that increases the Gu Master's aptitude, like Polished Steel Gu.

"Thank you, Sir," Wei Yang's eyes slightly redden. He's been stuck at Rank 3 Peak Stage for years. His aptitude isn't enough to break through.

"There is no need for such formal words, Wei Yang," Shang Yan Fei smiles. "You are more of a brother to me than my blood-related siblings. Go now. I don't want to see my Third General sobbing. Keep an eye on those two and see what they think of Shang Clan."

Wei Yang chuckles.

"Understood, Brother Shang."

He leaves with a cheeky smile.

***

Alternate Title: Touring Shang Clan; Wu Ji's Ten Tests; Insurance Scam Exists *Demonic Gu Masters: Bonjour*; Lo Jik Always Keep Track of Bordellos; Damn, No Rank 3 Either?; Bronze Rewards Can Get Crazy, Too; The Vast Shang Clan; Healing Bronze Wine; Spar?; Little Xiao Wants Big Brother; Little Xiao Wants Private Guidance; Wei Yang's Achievements; Popular Battle Zone; The Hope of Demonic Gu Masters; Sparring; Tests; Demonic Duo; Cheap Tricks For Life; Wei Yang Is Lucky Lo Jik Didn't Put Sand In His Eyes; Clan Report; Getting Closer; The Rainbow Light Gu

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