The Terror of Option Chapter 1226 1226: 21 RI

Soon after, Fang Zheng rushed over as well.

"Lord Qing Shu!" He had an exhilarated expression, stupidly running towards Gu Yue Qing Shu, but soon was forced to retreat by the pin needles.

"Group leader, it's Fang Zheng!!" He shouted in shock, sensing sothing amiss for the first ti.

But how could Gu Yue Qing Shu answer him.

"Big brother, what's wrong with Lord Qing Shu?" Fang Zheng, under confusion and shock, could only turn to Fang Yuan.

But Fang Yuan ignored him, squatting down and grabbing with his right hand, making a claw shape towards Bai Ning Bing.

Plunder Gu!

He secretly activated this Gu, quickly sensing that he had grabbed sothing.

He quickly pulled back, and a Gu worm flew out of Bai Ning Bing's body.

It was a red steel Relic Gu!

This was given to Bai Ning Bing by the Bai clan leader, but Bai Ning Bing never used it as he quickly reached Rank three cultivation.

Now, it beca Fang Yuan's loot.

Seeing the red steel Relic Gu coming out of Bai Ning Bing's body and flying away, landing in Fang Yuan's palm, the Bai clan Gu Masters were anxious until their eyes turned red, starting to scream.

"Scumbag, if you don't want to die, stop right now!"

"Stealing our Bai clan Gu worm right in front of us!!" @@@@

"It's a red steel Relic Gu worm..."

Fang Yuan laughed coldly. Once the red steel Relic Gu was obtained, he used the Spring Autumn Cicada to instantly refine it but did not keep it in his aperture, putting it in his clothes instead, giving the impression that he had not refined them yet.

He grabbed once again; this ti a grey coloured beetle flew out.

"Stone Aperture Gu..." Fang Yuan recognised this Gu imdiately. As his eyes shone, he refined it once again and kept it in his arms.

"Damn it, yet another Gu worm!"

"Stop him, stop him, he dares to do so openly, he does not hold any regard for our Bai clan."

"Save Bai Ning Bing, kill these guys!"

The Bai clan Gu Masters growled, running furiously from the mountain path.

Bai Ning Bing had the full support of his clan, so every Gu worm in his possession was outstanding. Now that they were snatched away by Fang Yuan in public, they all could feel their hearts bleeding.

This felt worse than killing them.

Seeing these people approaching with their imposing aura, Fang Zheng took a step back in fright, but Fang Yuan was unfazed.

In the current scene, he and Fang Zheng were at the east side of the mountain path while the Bai clan Gu Masters were at the west, and in the middle of the two sides were Gu Yue Qing Shu and Bai Ning Bing.

Whoosh whoosh!

Pin needles rained like cats and dogs.

"Damn it..." Bai clan Gu Masters started scolding, as they were blocked by Gu Yue Qing Shu.

"Gu Yue Qing Shu is going to die anyti, the remaining ti only allows to use the Plunder Gu once, what would it be this ti?" Fang Yuan cald down, using the Plunder Gu again.

Every ti the Plunder Gu was used, it expended a large amount of prival essence. It depended on how strong the target Gu worm was. The harder the process, the more prival essence is expended. If the plunder fails, the Gu Master would even face a backlash.

Thus, the Plunder Gu was a rather unreliable Gu, with little usage.

But at this mont, Bai Ning Bing was almost dead, his consciousness was hazy and he was almost at his limits. Plundering his Gu worm was not hard at all.

Among the Gu worms in Bai Ning Bing's possession, the most valuable is the Frost Demon Gu. This Gu was on par with the Wood Charm Gu, allowing a person to transform into the frost demon. But if used for extended periods, it would cause the Gu Master's life force to dwindle, turning into an ice statue.

Bai Ning Bing knew this weakness, thus he had never been like Gu Yue Qing Shu, using the Gu to such an extent.

Other than the Frost Demon Gu, the second most valuable is the Blue bird ice coffin Gu, a Rank three Gu. Right now, it resides in Bai Ning Bing's throat.

If he can plunder the Blue bird ice coffin Gu, it is the best scenario. But the Plunder Gu is only a Rank two Gu, even if the Gu Master wills it, it does not have to ability to do so.

Eventually, Fang Yuan caught Bai Ning Bing's Water Shield Gu.

This was not bad at all. The Water Shield Gu together with the White Jade Gu could provide Fang Yuan greater defensive power.

The tree spirit that Gu Yue Qing Shu turned into was eventually felled by the Bai clan Gu Masters.

They split open the wooden cage and saved the Bai Ning Bing who had fainted after losing his right arm.

Just as they were about to slaughter Fang Yuan and Fang Zheng, the Gu Yue clan reinforcents arrived.

The two were at a stalemate for a while, before both retreated in mutual understanding.

Qing Shu's death and Bai Ning Bing's injury, with the threat of the wolf tide, such a loss is already horrifying. If a large-scale fighting broke out, for each clan their pressure for survival would intensify greatly.

Regardless of which world, people always compete for their own benefits.

And the greatest benefit in the world, is undoubtedly "survival".

Eventually, Gu Yue Qing Shu's corpse and Gu worms, were brought back by the Gu Yue clan's Gu Masters.

The two sides held caution as they retreated from the battlefield.

The sky was raining, and the entire area was gloomy.

A group of people stood at a slope behind the village, this was the graveyard.

Every now and then, there would be a few more gravestones erected here.

In this world, it was tough for people to survive, and whether it is due to external threat or internal cause, there would always be a few sacrifices.

The clan elder's voice was low as it entered everyone's ears, making them feel even more down.

"We have the sa surna, we co from the sa clan, the sa blood flows in our bodies."

"We are so close together in distance, yet we are forever separated by life and death."

"This pain aches in my heart."

"Wait for ."

"Soday in the future, I will lay beside you as well."

"Let us turn into ash and soil, as we support our future generations..."

On a newly erected gravestone, a group of people hung their heads low. So were crying softly, and so were staring at the na on the tombstone as they were filled with sadness.

The cruelty of death was like a white bony arm, slashing a bloody injury on everyone's heart.

Except that so were already numb from the pain, while others were still too inexperienced.

Gu Yue Fang Zheng was among these people, his drooping eyes staring at the tombstone with "Gu Yue Qing Shu", these four words.

Dead?

In his eyes, there was endless uncertainty.

Yesterday's battle, the entire process and situation was still imprinted deep in his heart.

His experience was limited, he did not understand Gu Yue Qing Shu's moving and tragic bravery as well as his sacrifice.

But now that the truth was in front of him, he could not accept it suddenly.

"Dead? That kind Lord Qing Shu that always smiles, advises, shows concern and takes care of .... Is actually dead?"

"Why did this happen?"

"Why is it that in this world, good people die easily, while bad people live long?"

"Is this a dream, am I having a dream right now?"

Fang Zheng clenched his fists, and the realistic feeling of touch caused him to feel ever more upset.

The discussions of the surrounding Gu Masters entered his ears.

"Sigh, I can't believe that this ti, even Lord Qing Shu sacrificed himself."

"Humans will eventually die, but it is too much of a pity, I heard that Bai Ning Bing still had a breath of vitality left, he was eventually saved."

"May he rest well underground, and bless us with the hopes of surviving this wolf tide..."

The crowds slowly dispersed, until Fang Zheng was the last one left.

The young man's lonely shadow, facing the graveyard full of tombstones alone.

"Lord Qing Shu!" He suddenly kneeled on the ground, his tears falling on the ground.

He was lost, he was regretful, he was in pain!

Drip. Drip drop, drip drop...

Bean-sized raindrops fell from the dark clouds, hitting on the ground, causing the leaves and tree branches to bend.

The sll of the earth rushed into Fang Zheng's nostrils, and he wept in painful grief. The sound of his crying and the raindrops mixed together; his ten fingers grabbed the soil, trying to retrieve Qing Shu's life, but eventually he only had two handfuls of soil.

It started raining, and Bai Ning Bing lay upon a soft bed, staring at this rain blankly.

His right arm which was broken was already taken care off, wrapped with a white bandage. His eyes also returned to black, but his cultivation was Rank three, he had no longer suppressed it to Rank two.

When he woke up from his slumber, he suddenly lost all spirits, feeling extrely empty.

He laid on his bed peacefully, his eyes opened for over ten hours. He let the Rank three white silver prival essence nurture his aperture; he couldn't bother to care about it.

This rain triggered the deepest mories in his heart.

It was under such a sumr rain that he was officially adopted by the Bai clan leader. The clan leader's benevolent and hopeful gaze fell on him, as the surrounding clan elders gave their words of congratulations, gushing in like tidal waves.

The young him stood on the icy ground barefooted, and he stared at the rain outside the window, but all he felt was being lost and lonely.

"What is the aning of living?" This question troubled him for twenty over years, and could continue to trouble him, until the problem of his self-explosion surfaced again.

"Is it for kinship, for the clan..." Bai Ning Bing unavoidably thought of Gu Yue Qing Shu.

From young to adulthood, he had seen such a sacrifice many tis — sotis it is a Bai clansman, sotis they were from Gu Yue clan or Xiong clan.

He could not understand these fanatics, he was born as a cold and emotionless person.

Gu Yue Qing Shu could not give him answers, thus Bai Ning Bing thought of Fang Yuan.

The first ti he saw Fang Yuan, Fang Yuan was sitting by a tree, eating a wild fruit he picked, emotionlessly starting at the battle below.

He was excited until his body shuddered, shivering with excitent. The reason was that he saw himself from Fang Yuan's similar eerie abyss-like iris.

But now that he thought about it, Fang Yuan's gaze had sothing more than him.

That thing, is the answer to his questions.

The rain got heavier and thunder rumbled while lightning flashed in the sky.

"What is the aning behind living?" In the dark room, Gu Yue Fang Zheng asked the sa question.

Gu Yue clan leader, Gu Yue Bo sighed. He stared pitifully at the young man who had lost his soul, and then looked outside the window, at the rain.

Fang Zheng's doubt was understandable; an unavoidable death always urges people to think behind the true value of existence.

"You know sothing? More than ten years ago, there was another young man with a similar situation as you, and asked the sa question." Long after, Gu Yue Bo started to speak.

"That person, is your clan leader's... my adopted son — Gu Yue Qing Shu."

Fang Zheng was montarily stunned, raising his head. A pair of swollen red eyes, showing an intense urge for answers.

-x-X-x-

"I said to him, a person has a thousand and one reasons to live. Why are you alive, I cannot answer that, only you have the answer. Go find it yourself," Gu Yue Bo said.

"Then clan leader, what is your answer for yourself?" Fang Zheng blinked in confusion, asking.

Gu Yue Bo laughed. In his eyes, Fang Zheng and Qing Shu's images were overlapping, Gu Yue Qing Shu had asked the sa question in the past.

Clan leader thought for a mont, recalling the past, then repeating the sa answer he gave back then, "An organisation is bound to have sacrifices. From the mont a person is born, death is imminent. Between life and death, humans are fragile, but one thing can warm the heart, and shine upon our souls. That is love — this is my answer."

Sacrifice is common.

Gu Yue Qing Shu is he, Gu Yue Bo's adopted son, and after raising him for so many years, his current sacrifice brought great pain to this foster father.

But as clan leader, he had seen far too many sacrifices.

When one has the resolution of life and death, pain and grief becos more acceptable.

Fang Zheng lowered his head, keeping silent; it seems he was thinking.

Clan leader laughed, taking a letter from the drawer in his desk. He handed it to Fang Zheng.

"This is Gu Yue Qing Shu's letter. It records the answers to questions he's been thinking about for years, I am handing it to you now, you can take a look. This is his answer."

Undoubtedly, Fang Zheng's current heart had intense attraction to this letter.

He opened it on the spot, and after seeing the first line, his tears could not help but flow out.

It was Gu Yue Qing Shu's familiar handwriting, in his words there was his unique amicable aura.

The starting paragraph recorded his perplexity and pain.

Next was the situations that had given him so ideas through continuously thinking about them these past years.

Fang Zheng looked at the letter, and felt like he had experienced Gu Yue Qing Shu's entire life. He followed Gu Yue Qing Shu's footsteps, until he finished the entire letter.

At the end, this was recorded.

"The clan is like a forest, and we mbers are like the trees in the forest. The old trees extend their branches and shelter the young from rain and wind. When the young trees grow into large and tall trees, the old trees will turn into the nutrients in the soil, fertilizing the land and nurturing new trees. People will always die, and heaven and earth will not rember us. But new trees are the proof that the old trees have existed. Under this continuous testant, the clan forest becos larger and spreads further, walking towards the path of prosperity and flourishnt."

"People are bound to die. As Gu Masters, we cannot hide from impending death. Even Rank seven and eight Gu Masters can rely live a little longer. Towards death, I feel fear as well. But I understand deeply, eventually, one day I Gu Yue Qing Shu will die too. I might die of old age, illness, or the battlefield. But at that mont, I can leave peacefully with no regrets."

At the end of the letter.

"Lord foster father, the question I asked you before, I think I have found the answer."

After seeing the letter, Fang Zheng wept soundlessly.

In his mind, it was filled with mories of Qing Shu. When he committed a mistake, Qing Shu did not bla but instead comforted him. When facing trouble, the gaze of encouragent was given, and when in a loss, the hands of Qing Shu would warmly touch Fang Zheng's head.

Gu Yue Bo kept the letter and said, "In future, when you think of the answer, you can also write a letter and tell . Go, return and have a rest. The danger of the wolf tide is not over, we need you to contribute your strength as well."

"No." Fang Zheng slowly raised his head, clenching his fists.

"What?" Gu Yue Bo asked.

"I've found my answer." Fang Zheng's tone was filled with indescribable determination as he continued, "I want strength! To protect my family, and protect them from any harm. I want to protect the clan, and strengthen the clan! I want the wolf tide to no longer be able to torture us, I want to see the happiness of joy of my companions! This pain, I do not want it to repeat. I want to use my pair of hands, my body, my soul, to protect those around !"

Gu Yue Bo showed an expression of surprise, and at this mont, he felt that he saw Gu Yue Qing Shu.

"Qing Shu, you did not die in vain..." Seeing Fang Zheng's shining eyes, clan leader sighed emotionally in his heart.

An old tree has fallen, and just as it gradually decays away in the soil, a new sprout is already starting to grow rapidly.

...

Ren Zu was unable to endure the heart of loneliness, thus he dug out both eyes, turning them into a son and daughter. This alleviated his sense of loneliness.

But good things do not last, for his children started to crave the scenery of the outside world, forgetting all about their father Ren Zu and always going out to play until they forgot the ti, and even forgot to take care of Ren Zu.

Ren Zu could not see anything, it was total darkness.

But at ti, he could see a little bit of light.

To this, he felt perturbed, and asked the Attitude Gu.

Attitude Gu told this to him, "Oh, this is the eternal light given out by the Faith Gu."

"Faith?" Bai Ning Bing seeing this, laughed and threw the book that recorded the ancient legends out.

The door was opened at this mont, and the person entering was almost hit in the face by the book.

"Ning Bing, what are you doing?" The one entering was the Bai clan leader.

He frowned, consoling, "I know your mood is bad, but losing your right arm is nothing. In this world, there are many Gu worms that can heal such an injury."

"In the past, I got the clan elders to stay by your side and protect you, but you always rejected it, and even attacked the clan elders. You've finally suffered a loss this ti huh?"

"But this is a good thing. Since young you've had too smooth of a path, but as long as it is not death, such a loss is no big deal. Your injuries are already healed, but the wolf tide is getting more ferocious, the clan needs your strength!"

"A bunch of wolf cubs, what can they amount to?" Bai Ning Bing shut his eyes, lying on the bed and answering nonchalantly.

Clan leader's face showed a serious expression, "The situation is not looking good, or rather, it is pessimistic. According to our reconnaissance, there are already three frenzy lightning wolf packs moving near the village. Your failure brought a great influence to our clansn. I hope that tonight, you can co out and show yourself. As long as you are standing, it can greatly motivate our clansn. Do you understand?"

"I get it, I get it. It's a small matter." Bai Ning Bing responded, showing impatience.

If it was any other person acting like this to the clan leader, they would have gotten heavily punished, but Bai Ning Bing was different.

Bai clan leader sighed helplessly, closing the door and leaving.

When the room had only Bai Ning Bing left, he opened his eyes, showing a gaze full of loneliness and perplexity.

He did not tell the others about the problem with his body, and the premonition of death that he was feeling.

From the clan's ancient records, he found out the na of the Northern Dark Ice Soul physique. In that limited information, the ten extre physiques were also known as the absolute death talents, for when the aperture walls reach their limits, the self-destructive power would be extrely great.

It is true that the Bai clan leader had raised Bai Ning Bing for many years, being so lenient to him. However, if the matter of the Northern Dark Ice Soul physique was exposed, Bai Ning Bing had no doubt that the first person to kill him would be this Bai clan leader.

"What's the point of a person being alive?"

In the past, when he considered this question, Bai Ning Bing would feel lost, feeling emotions like boredom, frustration and anger... all these negative emotions.

But now, his heart felt a sense of peacefulness.

People would grow up, not to ntion a genius like him.

In the past, he knew that he was going to die, thus in his despair he longed to live, and he felt a sense of fear towards death deep in his heart.

But now, after he had almost died, he had gotten over it.

Allowing the Rank three white silver prival essence to nurture his aperture, he was no longer worried. @@@@

After all, he was no longer afraid of death.

Even though he was still lost about the aning of living, he knew where the answer was.

This answer, was already in Fang Yuan's heart.

This feeling was indescribable; it was like an instinct, but he was clear of it.

Moreover, the Stone Aperture Gu was in Fang Yuan's hands.

"Fang Yuan... we will et again," he lightly muttered, his eyes shining with a brilliant light, like the glimr of a diamond.

"Stone Aperture Gu..." In the rented house, Fang Yuan held the Gu worm in his hands, falling into deep thought.

Stone Aperture Gu was like a dice, cubic and had a grey white body, extrely sturdy.

This Gu was an expenditure type Gu, gone after one use. Its use was to turn a Gu Master's aperture wall into a sturdy rock wall.

This act completely squeezes the aperture's potential and growth dry, allowing the Gu Master to reach peak stage cultivation.

For example, Fang Yuan was now a Rank two middle stage, so after using the Gu, he can instantly beco Rank two peak stage.

But the price is, Fang Yuan would no longer have the possibility to advance to Rank three. At the sa ti, he would lose the ability to regenerate prival essence, thus he would only be able to use prival stones to replenish them.

The Stone Aperture Gu was for so Gu Masters who were at their wits end. For so Gu Master's aperture that suffered an unrecoverable injury, developing cracks and can't be healed, they would have to use this Gu.

Or in special situations, the Gu Master has no hopes of advancing and need to raise their cultivation quickly to live. Thus they will use this Gu.

"The cost of refining this Stone Aperture Gu is very high. Seeing that Bai Ning Bing refined this Gu worm, he probably wants to convert his aperture into a stone aperture to prevent the imminent death. Unfortunately this thod can only delay his death, but cannot stop his destruction. If the Northern Dark Ice Soul physique is so easily broken, how can it be called a ten extre physique?"

This Stone Aperture Gu was useless to Fang Yuan, but the red steel Relic Gu he got from Bai Ning Bing's body as well as the Water Shield Gu were very useful.

As for the Gu worms Fang Yuan extracted from Gu Yue Man Shi and the other's bodies, they were not outstanding, and once he returned to the clan he had them exchanged for large amounts of rit points.

Because of the wolf tide, the issue of Qing Shu and Bai Ning Bing's battle was suppressed by all three clans, controlling their urges. The three clans needed each other's power to survive this ordeal first.

Xiong Lin's report, exposed the fact that Fang Yuan possessed the White Jade Gu. But he used the reason of buying it from the caravan to get through for the ti being.

-x-X-x-

As a person involved, Fang Yuan had to go through the clan's investigation.

It was not an in-depth investigation; the ever growing severity of the wolf tide had attracted almost all the attention of the clan's higher-ups. Fang Yuan's Earth Communication Ear Grass and Stealth Scales Gu were still concealed but even if they were exposed, Fang Yuan could just attribute it to the caravan.

In any case, communications had already been severed due to the wolf tide; the caravan won't be coming. Under such circumstances, the clan couldn't obtain the confirmation from the caravan and could only delay the investigation.

When the results of any investigation truly ca out, Fang Yuan would have already beco a Rank three and left Qing Mao mountain.

Of course, if the Four Flavors Liquor worm and Spring Autumn Cicada were exposed, it would be a completely different matter.

Either of them could cause a huge commotion in the village if exposed.

Four Flavors Liquor worm represented a whole new fusion recipe and had extrely significant aning. Fang Yuan wouldn't be able to explain it even if he pushed it onto the caravan, and would be thoroughly investigated by the clan.

And Spring Autumn Cicada? If it was discovered, the wolf tide would be greatly sidelined. This is a Rank six Gu after all! Even the clan head Gu Yue Bo would imdiately dispense with the civilities; the nonsense of kinship and the clan head position could all be given up. There was no doubt that it would be forcibly seized.

July was month of a scorching hot sumr, and the hot air was filled with the iron sll of blood.

The wolf tide was growing more serious and fights were becoming more intense.

Many had begun to realize that the wolf tide this ti was of a rarely seen enormous scale among all of past history.

Bold lightning wolf packs had fallen to a supporting role now; thousand beast king frenzy lightning wolf packs had started to roam nearby the village. @@@@

Mankind's living space had shrunk down to an extre level.

Even Gu Yue clan headquarters were as such; there was no need to ntion the village at the foot of the mountain.

Nine out of ten houses were empty and a portion of fortunate villagers were living in the clan by utilizing all kinds of connections. But the majority of the villagers could only leave their hos and make an arduous journey to evade the wolf tide.

Their destination was another mountain village. But the fierce beasts, wild Gu and the lightning wolves that filled the whole mountain reduced their hopes to an almost negligible amount.

This was a hopeless journey.

Gu Yue clan could only give up on these mortals, they would all die before they even reached halfway to their destination. Either because of the fierce beasts or due to attacks from insects.

No matter if it was mortals or Gu Masters, they were all struggling between life and death. Even the elders who usually had a high position, had no choice but to don their armors and go to the battlefield.

The Gu Masters that had retired were enlisted again. When the wolf tide ends, those that manage to live on would definitely not surpass even one tenth.

The cruelty of nature was displayed in all its glory at this mont. It was the survival of the fittest and in no way could it be avoided by speaking words of warmth.

Fang Yuan sat cross-legged on the bed; his eyes were closed as he looked at his aperture.

In his aperture, 44% of red steel sea waves were surging up and down. These prival essence were all dark red. It was the Rank two peak stage dark red prival essence.

Rank two prival essence were collectively called red steel prival essence. But it had four different small realms: initial stage, middle stage, upper stage and peak stage. There were also slight differences in the red steel prival essence.

Rank two initial stage prival essence was light red; middle stage prival essence was scarlet; upper stage was crimson and peak stage was dark red.

Many days ago, Fang Yuan had advanced to upper stage. His crimson prival essence went through Four Flavors Liquor worm's refinent and along with the replenishnt from prival stones, it had completely changed to the current dark red prival essence.

Right now, the aperture wall was no longer a watery mbrane with the flowing light, but it was instead a thick stone mbrane ford by layers upon layers of piled up white light.

White Jade Gu and Stealth Scales gu were in the depths of the red steel sea.

Four Flavors Liquor worm was playing around in the sea but when the Spring Autumn Cicada slowly showed up, it imdiately sunk towards the depths of the sea.

Under the aura of the Spring Autumn Cicada, the surface of the whole prival sea beca as calm and smooth as a mirror without the slightest wave.

Spring Autumn Cicada's condition was getting better.

Its two wings were completely recovered, appearing like a pair of tender leaves. Only its main body was still withered.

Fang Yuan would check on Spring Autumn Cicada every so often; he could clearly sense the recovery speed of Spring Autumn Cicada increasing rapidly.

The Spring Autumn Cicada was like a dying patient before, one who couldn't even open their mouths to eat and could only take in liquid food to preserve their life force.

Now, this patient could get off the bed and eat much more food to nourish itself; the recovery speed would naturally beco faster.

Besides the Spring Autumn Cicada, there were two new mbers in Fang Yuan's aperture.

They were both taken from Bai Ning Bing; one was Water Shield Gu which looked like a jellyfish as it floated in the sea. Another was red steel Relic Gu.

Fang Yuan's advancent to upper stage was because of the purified prival essence by the Four Flavors Liquor worm and continuous nourishnt of the aperture wall, causing a qualitative change. Fang Yuan hadn't used the red steel Relic Gu.

Just based on cultivation level, Fang Yuan would already be the third highest person among Rank two Gu Masters of Gu Yue clan. Xiong Li and Qing Shu were dead; Fang Yuan was in the top five even among the whole Qing Mao Mountain.

As for Chi Shan and Mo Yan, they originally were at Rank two upper stage but had advanced to peak stage not long ago. This could be said to have aroused the morale of the clansn who were down after Qing Shu's sacrifice.

Fang Yuan was progressing and others naturally were also progressing.

Chi Shan and Mo Yan had been in upper stage for quite a bit of ti and had continuously been pressured by the peak stage Qing Shu.

The intense stimulation of death brought by the wolf tide caused Gu Masters to have a deep thirst for power, squeezing out their potential and leading to cultivation advancent.

"But if we count fighting strength, I am the number one among the Rank two Gu Masters of the whole Qing Mao mountain. Now, after I use this red steel Relic Gu, my cultivation will rise to peak stage and when combined with my deep experience, I can even battle Rank three Gu Masters to a certain degree," Fang Yuan calculated.

His low profile and patience had brought him plentiful gains now.

He could advance to this stage with just C grade aptitude, the whole clan would be shocked if they knew this. Even the A grade aptitude Fang Zheng was only at Rank two middle stage.

Naturally, even if he advanced to peak stage, Fang Yuan couldn't win against Rank three Gu Masters.

Bai Ning Bing was able to surpass levels and kill a Rank three Gu Master because of his Northern Dark Ice Soul physique. Gu Yue Qing Shu also could do that because he had the Wood Charm Gu, a powerful and special Rank three Gu worm.

In actuality, Fang Yuan had a much stronger trump card than them — Spring Autumn Cicada.

However, this Rank six Gu was very special, and Fang Yuan forced himself to not use it. Spring Autumn Cicada hadn't fully recovered and if it was forcefully used, whether it could rebirth would be a huge question mark.

The red steel Relic Gu was only effective to Rank two Gu Masters; there was no value in keeping it.

Fang Yuan was just about to use this Gu when there ca a knock on the door.

Dong, dong, dong.

"Lord Fang Yuan, it is , Gu Yue Jiang Ya," a voice shouted after the knocking.

Fang Yuan frowned, this Jiang Ya was getting more overbearing recently; he would repeatedly look for him to ask for vitality leaves.

The number of deaths and crippled people were increasing, causing the price of the vitality leaves to beco increasingly higher and even becoming a situation of high demand but no supply.

"How many tis have I told you that I don't have more vitality leaves. Get lost." Fang Yuan coldly snorted. How could he give up his cultivation ti for trifle prival stones earnings.

Outside the door, Jiang Ya had a flattering smile on, "Lord Fang Yuan, please appease your anger. You are aware of the current situation, what choices do I have? Many Gu Masters know I sell vitality leaves and they all look for . It is not easy for the little to pass my days. How about this, I will pay ten percent more. Lord Fang Yuan, please be kind and give a dozen vitality leaves."

After speaking, he started begging and his sound carried so sobbing.

Fang Yuan was indifferent, "That is your affair, what does it have to do with ? Hmph, your guts are getting bigger these days, you forgot the agreent between us and actually brought soone else."

"Ah....." Jiang Ya gave a bitter smile outside the door. He looked at the old Gu Master beside him. He had no other way, this Gu Master was very powerful and had stubbornly followed him here.

"Little friend Fang Yuan." This old Gu Master spoke, "I am Gu Yue Ye, I believe you have heard of . I ca to purchase so vitality leaves and hope you, little friend, can show so respect and give a little ti to produce so."

"Give you respect. Heh, what reputation do you have?" Fang Yuan sneered. This Gu Yue Ye was sowhat famous, he was a retired Gu Master but had been brought back by the clan due to the wolf tide.

At his peak period, he had reached Rank three. However, because of injuries, his cultivation dropped down to Rank two peak stage and now due to his old age, his cultivation had further dropped down to Rank two upper stage.

Although his cultivation was the sa as Fang Yuan, his fighting strength could not be compared to the latter.

Gu Yue Ye's expression was ashen, he had long heard of this eccentric loner Fang Yuan; a lad with a vicious and stubborn temper, arrogant and rude, considering everyone beneath him. He had prepared his heart before he ca here, but to think that he had still underestimated Fang Yuan.

He wanted to use his reputation, but this usually successful thod had no effect on Fang Yuan.

He felt his face burning and his heart filled with anger. He had lost all his honor right now!

"This disrespectful son of a bitch!" He cursed inwardly, but didn't leave.

He needed the vitality leaves!

He was an experienced man and deeply knew the importance of the vitality leaves. In tis, a vitality leaf could an the difference between life and death.

As one gets old, their courage starts to shrink.

Back when he was young, he was hot-blooded and easily excited. He wanted to protect the clanspeople, he wanted to change the world, he wanted to beco a great hero! In those tis, he had the resolution to view death as a return ho!

However, right now he was old and was much more cool-headed. He had seen through many aspects of life in these years and could be said to have reflected on himself.

Especially after several of his children died, his heart had grown more cold.

Any organization needs sacrifices.

Resources are limited. Although they are produced all the ti, they are also consud. As such, this add and decrease limits the total amount.

Humans need food, clothes and lodging to survive; these are resources. Gu Masters need Gu worms, prival stones and food to cultivate; these are also resources.

Becoming strong requires even more resources. But if you don't sacrifice, then where can I get more resources?

I rather compromise others than sacrifice my benefits!

Protecting, honor, family love, dreams, hot blood; they are all honorable reasons for sacrificing.

There are no organizations that do not encourage self-sacrifice. However, the higher-ups would never say that, they would instead talk of 'protecting, honor, family love, dreams, hot blood, happiness' and so on, and give all kinds of material benefits.

However, the material benefits are just nonsense once one dies. What could a dead 'great hero' enjoy?

Look at Gu Yue Qing Shu.

He 'blissfully' died and was buried in the soil; his na carved in the gravestone as his spirit continues to influence future 'heroes'.

-x-X-x-

Jiang Ya looked at the Gu Yue Ye whose face was grim, the forr secretly feeling happy in his heart.

This old man had forcefully made Jiang Ya bring him to this place. Jiang Ya only had Rank one cultivation and was a junior, thus he had to lower his head to Gu Yue Ye and bring him here.

But now that he had been humiliated, Jiang Ya's heart was envious of Fang Yuan's unrestrained personality.

Gu Yue Ye wanted to give Fang Yuan a few tight slaps, to lecture this arrogant junior. But for the vitality leaves, he had to control himself, "Junior Fang Yuan, you can't say that. You are still young, you don't know the importance of human relationships, there will co a ti when you need to beg others. Just think, in future when you co to ask for a favour and I treat you like this, how would you feel?"

"Bullcrap human relationships!" Fang Yuan laughed in disdain in his heart.

The so-called unity was just because they were individually weak.

Human relationships, it was important on earth. After all, there was no difference in personal strength among people. But in this world where people cultivated, things were inherently different.

Human relationships were just a byproduct of strength — if one is strong, their human relationships would thrive.

But for those who pursue relationships, they definitely have sothing to ask others of.

As for not needing relationships — if one is overly powerful, they can snatch anything they want, give it away or die, why would they need people's relationships?

These were demonic path thoughts, and Fang Yuan would naturally not advertise them publicly.

But since he was disturbed like this, Fang Yuan might as well do this business.

Thus, he said, "It's not that I can't sell it either. One vitality leaf for sixty-eight prival stones. How many do you want?"

"Huh!" Gu Yue Ye outside the door was shocked by this price, quickly saying, "Junior Fang Yuan, this price is too expensive!"

Fang Yuan snorted, "Then don't buy it. Among the resources provided by the clan, there are also vitality leaves, you can exchange it with rit points."

Gu Yue Ye laughed bitterly, "How would I not know that, but these vitality leaves are all sold to those with relationships, the dicine hall clan elder Gu Yue Yao Ji has complete control over it, how can I interfere? Junior Fang Yuan, sell a favour, I will definitely repay you. From what I see, sixty prival stones is a just price."

"I do not anticipate people's repaynt, you have wasted enough of my ti. Seventy prival stones, if you don't want to buy it, leave." Fang Yuan responded.

Gu Yue Ye was furiously stomping, "Junior Fang Yuan, how can you do business like this?"

Fang Yuan snickered, "Tis are different, it is seventy-two prival stones now, every sentence you say wastes so of my ti, and when I feel unhappy I will raise the price, I hope you can make the right decisions."

Hearing this, Gu Yue Ye's face beca furious; he wanted to say sothing, but every ti he opened his mouth, no words ca out.

His hagged face was green and red, and Jiang Ya who was beside him saw this and cheered internally.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, saying, "Okay, I'll buy it, I need five vitality leaves."

"You can hand the prival stones to Jiang Ya. As for the vitality leaves, collect them from him three days later." Fang Yuan said.

This was overbearing, trading goods and money was the most basic fairness.

But Gu Yue Ye still paid the money, handing multiple bags to Jiang Ya on the spot.

His movents were slightly trembling, for this was his agre savings, the savings from him scrimping throughout the years, and now they were all taken by a shrewd rchant!

Finally, he walked out of this bamboo building with an endless feeling of indignance.

"Lord Fang Yuan, what you did was really cool revenge! But I'm afraid you have completely offended Gu Yue Ye. This old man, when he was young he always took revenge on people, he would not let go of this easily." Outside, Jiang Ya said carefully.

"Let him be, an old man relying on his seniority, he is bound to get eliminated by the clan." Fang Yuan opened the door, and Jiang Ya handed him the bags. @@@@

The clan wants to resist the wolf tide, so that requires large amounts of resources. With less resources, they cannot maintain the large organisation structure, thus they would need to get rid of mbers.

These old n being alive were wasting precious scarce resources, they were destined to go.

The wolf packs eliminated the old and sickly, expelling the crippled wolves. In human society, they would not be so obvious, always masking their evil with a shield of light, thus they called these old Gu Masters to fight.

So what if Gu Yue Ye understood the intention?

Being in the system, a person in society, they had no choice.

The clan uses the reason of protecting their family and clan to call them to fight and sacrifice, how can they refuse?

On Earth there is a sentence, if the Emperor wants the subjects to die, they cannot do otherwise. But still countless people fight for the positions of being the emperor's subjects. This was the allure and cruelty of the system.

"Every round of the wolf tide in the past, those old Gu Masters who co out to fight, how many can survive? Let's not say five vitality leaves, even if we give this Gu Yue Ye fifty pieces, he might not make it out alive." Fang Yuan stood at the door, laughing coldly.

When Jiang Ya heard this tone, his heart was freezing.

He could feel an aura from Fang Yuan, full of coldness and frost, like the northern winds blowing until he cannot raise his head.

Fang Yuan looked at Jiang Ya, his eyes dark and black, continuing, "From now on, other than the arranged timings, you cannot look for ! If you break my rules, be prepared to face the consequences. Letting you sell the vitality leaves for , is on account of your brother. But respect is given by others, and thrown away by ownself. Think over your own actions."

Jiang Ya heard Fang Yuan's lecture, not daring to speak. Thinking of Gu Yue Ye's sad state, sweat poured from his forehead.

"Also, from now on, raise the price of the vitality leaves to seventy prival stones." Fang Yuan said again.

"Seventy?!" Jiang Ya was shocked as he gulped, his eyes shining, as if he can see an endless supply of prival stones.

But he was also rather afraid, asking ekly, "Lord Fang Yuan, raising prices like this, will it cause others to think that we are growing a fortune through the misfortune? Would we have the suspicion of taking advantage of the clan's state? If we do this, we might incur public outrage."

"Public outrage? Hmph, what can they do, do what I order, don't talk crap. If soone finds trouble, tell them the vitality leaves are sold by ." Fang Yuan snorted.

"Yes, yes, yes." Jiang Ya nodded furiously, Fang Yuan's words were what he wanted to hear, he was going to do this as well.

He was just a Rank one small fry, he cannot offend too many people. Throwing all these problems to Fang Yuan, he had already started doing so.

A small fry also has his own survival thods, and towards Jiang Ya's intention, Fang Yuan was clear at heart.

But cultivation difference and era difference, results in Fang Yuan living a different lifestyle.

After using that red steel Relic Gu, he would be Rank two peak stage, near to Rank three. That ans he has finally grown past the initial step, and having this strength ans his life and future would be different.

In the past he needed to lay low, but now he needed to be oppressive.

Only when he is oppressive can he obtain the biggest benefit.

As for this Jiang Ya, he still has so value to make use of. Even with his petty acts, as long as it does not infringe on Fang Yuan's benefits, he can tolerate it.

Even revealing so unimportant trump cards is not a big deal.

During peaceti, those higher-ups have nothing to do, thus they might find problems. But now that there is the wolf tide, who has the energy to care about such minute details?

After the wolf tide, it is not guaranteed that the Gu Yue village still exists.

Half a month later.

Lightning wolves attack like tidal waves, causing the Gu Masters to retreat in a hurry.

"Xiong Yuan Zhen, you must hang in there! Gu Yue village is not too far away." Xiong Jiao Man stared at the clansn on the ground, her eyes turning red as she shouted.

"Leader big sis, I can't take it anymore. I have sothing in my heart I want to tell you..." Xiong Yuan Zhen was at his dying breath, his injuries were severe and his face was full of death.

"Okay, speak!" Xiong Jiao Man sobbed. She knew in her heart that although this Xiong Yuan Zhen was normally quiet, but he was secretly in love with her. At this mont, she knew what he wanted to say.

But when Xiong Yuan Zhen opened his mouth, he did not manage to confess and say "I love you."

He had died, died of blood loss, injuries too severe to cure.

His body was full of injuries, all from the bites of the lightning wolves. The most fatal blow was at his chest, from his right shoulder all the way to his belly button — this was caused by a bold lightning wolf.

"Big sis, the situation is bad, another bold lightning wolf group ca!" The recon Gu Master shouted, his voice filled with panic.

Xiong Jiao Man's cries ended, placing Xiong Yuan Zhen's body down. She was the group leader, her group mbers need her!

The dead has passed, and those alive has to continue facing the cruelty of this world.

"These goddamn wolves, is there an end to them!" Xiong Jian Man cursed fiecely. Her body figure was hot and she had a nice pretty face, so when she said these swear words there was a unique flavor about her.

Hearing her words, the others cald down internally.

As Xiong Jian Man cursed, she observed.

The investigation result made her slightly distressed. She could kill a group of bold lightning wolves, fight her way out of two groups, but against four bold lightning wolf groups, the wisest decision is to retreat to the valley behind her and use the Signal Gu, hoping for reinforcents.

"Retreat to the valley," Xiong Jiao Man shouted as she activated both her giant bears to protect them.

These two giant bears were well-raised by her. One brown and one black, with smooth and shiny fur, but they were both full of injuries all over their bodies.

When Xiong Jiao Man and the others successfully retreated to the valley, these two bears were left with one; the black one had been engulfed by the lightning wolves' pack after killing tens of lightning wolves, having run out of energy.

A Gu worm shot out from the bear corpse, returning back to Xiong Jiao Man's hand in an instant.

This was the Bear Enslavent Gu.

It can be planted into bears to allow the Gu Master to manipulate giant bears.

Of course, it can only be an ordinary bear, for the Bear Enslavent Gu is a Rank two — it cannot enslave a bear king.

If it can enslave a bear king, they would be strong. Because a bear king, even if it is the weakest, has at least a hundred bear subordinates.

If a Gu Master can enslave a bear king, it ans they have a beast group to manipulate as well.

"Now we wait for reinforcents, hopefully they can get here soon!" Xiong Jiao Man panted as she sighed.

They had retreated to the valley, thus the area they had to defend against greatly decreased, causing the pressure from the wolf packs to also decrease. But it also ant they had no way out, and the blood and continual battle would attract more wolf packs.

The crisis was not resolved.

"Eh." At this point, from the cliff above their heads, a voice was heard.

Everyone raised their heads to look, and saw that there was a young man.

"It's him..."

"Gu Yue Fang Yuan!"

The seven Xiong clan Gu Masters were first invigorated, but then showed a complicated expression.

-x-X-x-

Ever since Bai Ning Bing and Qing Shu's intense battle, Fang Yuan who had chased after Bai Ning Bing the entire way had beco well-known, and his popularity rose.

These days, Fang Yuan had shown his strong side in the wolf tide, heading alone to hunt lightning wolves and showing shocking results.

He was the new generation's rising star. If not for his strange personality and bad reputation, his status would be on par with Chi Shan and Mo Yan.

But to the Xiong village mbers, Fang Yuan was also Xiong Jiang's murderer.

Thus, when Xiong Jiao Man and the others saw Fang Yuan, they showed a complicated expression.

Fang Yuan stared at them from above, waving his tree vine, saying slowly, "You can continue to wait for reinforcents, or escape using the vine in my hand and climb up the mountain."

Who knew when the reinforcents would co?

Matters on the battlefield were ever changing.

Xiong Jiao Man and the others obviously chose the tree vine in front of them, but Fang Yuan actually asked them for remuneration.

This caused the Xiong clan Gu Masters to be furious.

"Fang Yuan, we are alliance mates. How can you do this!" Soone shouted furiously.

"Asking for the Bear Enslavent Gu, how shaless can you be!" Soone sneered.

Fang Yuan calmly retorted, "One Bear Enslavent Gu and seven hundred prival stones, in exchange for all seven of your lives, this is a cheap price. You can reject , and I will go back to the clan to report your circumstances. Hehe, but when will the reinforcents co, will they encounter a wolf pack on the way here, that I cannot guarantee."

Everyone beca quiet.

Their expressions were ugly.

"Alright, I promise you. Fang Yuan, you really live up to your reputation." Finally, Xiong Jiao Man chose to give way for the sake of everyone. Her words were full of spite towards Fang Yuan.

Fang Yuan shrugged nonchalantly, the result was as expected.

He threw down the tree vine, and laughed coldly in his heart.

These four bold lightning wolf packs were lured here by him, he wanted to wait for them to die before retrieving their Gu worms and get a huge amount of rit points. But their Signal Gu had attracted the attention of the surrounding groups of Gu Masters, and they were all rushing over to help.

To not waste his effort, Fang Yuan could only act as a reinforcent Gu Master for once.

Xiong Jiao Man and the others used the tree vines and successfully escaped from the wolf pack. Not long after, three Gu Master groups arrived, and one of them was the Chi Shan group.

This caused the seven Gu Masters to beco even more upset.

Xiong Jiao Man was extrely regretful. Not long ago, she had withdrawn her consciousness from the Bear Enslavent Gu and cooperated with Fang Yuan in refining the Gu worm, thus even if she wanted to go back on her words now, it was impossible.

"Fang Yuan, I will rember you." Xiong Jiao Man stared at Fang Yuan fiercely in the eye.

"Rember or not, that's your business." Fang Yuan laughed plainly, turning around and leaving.

"Miss Xiong, we et again." At the other end, Chi Shan group arrived, speaking with a courteous tone.

Ever since the Bai Ning Bing incident, Gu Yue clan lost a Qing Shu, and Xiong clan's Xiong Li died, thus the two clans got closer. Politically, Bai clan beca resisted by the other two clans together, even though the alliance was still in place.

"Little sister pays respects to elder brother Chi Shan." Xiong Jiao Man lifted her frowning brows, cupping her fists towards Chi Shan, continuing, "This ti, we are asking the Gu Yue clan for so reinforcents, Xiong clan has been surrounded by wolf packs for six days and six nights already."

These days, the wolf tide was getting more severe. The lightning wolf packs have already started to surround the villages with the intention of attacking.

Xiong clan had the lowest position among the three clans - situated at the mountain foot, they would be the first to get attacked by the wolf packs. In fact, this is the third ti they had gotten surrounded, and they needed reinforcents. With the coordination of offence from the outside and inside together, they would then be able to scatter and defeat these lightning wolf packs.

"The matter about reinforcents is not issue, didn't we cooperate well the last two tis? But this matter, I have to report to the clan leader first. Co with ," Chi Shan said.

Xiong Jiao Man and the others followed Chi Shan group, coming to Gu Yue village.

Gu Yue village already had layers of defences. The outer walls were strongly reinforced with dozens of towers. Below the village walls were trenches dug and filled with sharp bamboo poles.

The village walls had been planted with the Steel Vine Gu and Poison Flower Gu; at one glance, the walls were covered in sharp vines and the beautiful poisonous flowers were all budding, over hundreds or even thousands of them.

Entering the main door, one could see that the surrounding buildings, whether it was a residence or tavern, had been all transford into temporary forts.

Xiong Jiao Man and the other six, after leaving the Xiong clan, their journey was filled with difficulty. Traversing through wolf packs, they all had different injuries. Thus, they were led into a bamboo building to receive treatnt.

There was over ten healing Gu Masters in the bamboo building, mostly Rank one Gu Masters, but also a few Rank two Gu Masters. But what caused Xiong Jiao Man and the others to be shocked was, the person in charge was not a Rank two healing Gu Master, but a young girl.

"Put this unconscious one on the vine chair."

"The one here has a fracture on his leg, Gu Yue Xing, co here and give him treatnt."

"Superficial injury, Ah Feng, co here and stop the bleeding, Ah Xing co here and apply the disinfectant, Xiao Hua go place a fracture board on that leg fracture, then co here to bandage the injury.

The young girl had black hair, a peach-like small mouth, both eyes shining like crystals and her face was slightly chubby, with a alluring voice. But when she handled the patients, she was very experienced, causing others to look in amazent.

Xiong Jiao Man suddenly thought of one person, asking, "This little sister, are you Gu Yue Yao Le?"

"Xiong clan's sister Jiao Man, hello. To think you know of my na." After assigning the Gu Masters to their stations, Gu Yue Yao Le walked over and introduced herself.

"Sister Yao Le, you are a famous character. Inheriting Lord Yao Ji's benevolent heart, and also extrely talented in dical skills, even with your Rank one cultivation, you are known as the top ten rising stars in Qing Mao mountain. Even at the Xiong clan, there are nurous people admiring you, sister." Seeing her strong background, Xiong Jiao Man politely praised as she was on a trip to ask the Gu Yue clan for help.

"I'm flattered, sister Jiao Man." Gu Yue Yao Le is still young, and her face turned red as she looked down in embarrassnt after being praised.

At this ti, a Xiong clan Gu Master complained, "Although you're both the top ten rising stars, that Gu Yue Fang Yuan seriously cannot compare to you, little sister."

"Don't ntion Fang Yuan, my blood boils thinking of him!"

"Tis without heroes, lad gains fa! Sigh..."

"This person's morals are lacking, to think he is also a top ten rising star, and even the number one position. Thinking about it makes want to vomit."

This sentence imdiately attracted the attention of the people nearby, including the Gu Yue clan's Gu Masters.

"Gu Yue Fang Yuan? What did he do this ti?" Soone curiously asked.

"Hmph, he took one of my Bear Enslavent Gu, and even seven hundred prival stones, as a reward for saving us. I've never seen anyone so shaless, and corrupted by greed!" Xiong Jiao Man snorted, venting her unhappiness.

"This is nothing, there are worse things."

"His heart is blacker than coal, selling a vitality leaf for eighty prival stones, he is taking advantage of the situation, this person is greedy and extrely shaless!"

"He is too arrogant and proud. My friend wanted to join his group, however not only was he rejected, but he even got insulted in public. What's his deal, he's rely a C grade talent."

"He is a living prodigal son, wasting the inheritance both his parents left him to buy a red steel Relic Gu from the caravan. Next he snatched another red steel Relic Gu from Bai Ning Bing. If I had these two Gu worms, I can also have his cultivation!"

"Lord Gu Yue Qing Shu is the best after all, humble and kind, too bad he died early."

"But his brother Fang Zheng has a sense of justice, helping those in need and is kind hearted, also having Lord Qing Shu's humble attitude, he is completely the opposite of his brother."

Xiong Jiao Man did not expect her ranting to cause so much reaction from the Gu Yue clansn.

She was shocked. To think this Fang Yuan was such a failure as a human, being hated by so many people.

She felt strange, asking, "Since he is so hated, why did no one teach him a lesson?"

The bamboo building instantly beca silent.

The Gu Yue clansn all looked at each other, not saying a word.

In truth, many people could not stand Fang Yuan's mannerisms, as well as his act of maximising profit under such circumstances. Many people found problems with him, but the result everyti was that the person finding fault got into an even bigger ss themselves.

After many tis, no one ca to find fault with him anymore.

And Fang Yuan also beca publicly known as the head of the top ten rising stars that erged from the wolf tide.

All these statuses, originate from strength.

Fang Yuan's battle strength was the strongest, so he was the head. Regardless of how bad his reputation is, or how poor his human relationship is.

"That Fang Yuan again..." Gu Yue Yao Ji lightly frowned, muttering.

She had never seen Fang Yuan, but had already heard much about him. Towards Fang Yuan, she had a poor impression of him.

"This Fang Yuan, although my senior, the things he does are unforgivable, and he is so extre. He dared to extort sister Jiao Man this ti and got the Bear Enslavent Gu, not giving a hoot about our two clan's agreents. No, I must tell grandma and let her teach this Fang Yuan a lesson, otherwise our Gu Yue clan will be humiliated."

Thinking of this, the young girl suddenly felt that there was a need for a clan higher-up to co out and teach this Fang Yuan a lesson.

She naturally did not have this ability, but she felt that her grandma, dicine hall's Gu Yue Yao Ji could.

In her eyes, her grandma was omnipotent.

"You want to deal with Gu Yue Fang Yuan?" Yao Ji looked at her granddaughter, her expression blank, and soon after that she started getting nervous.

"My dear granddaughter, did he bully you?" She hurriedly asked.

"He did not bully , but he bullied others. This ti it is the Xiong clan sister Jiao Man, he extorted her, getting a Bear Enslavent Gu and seven hundred prival stones. This is too much, if this goes on, the clan's reputation would be completely ruined by him," Gu Yue Yao Le said.

"Mmm, grandma knows this matter. Darling granddaughter, leave first, grandma will not disappoint you." Yao Ji said after deep considerations.

"Thank you grandma! Grandma you do not know but this person is too wicked, raising the price of his goods and bullying the weak, he is a true villain."

After the young girl left, Yao Ji fell into deep thoughts.

She had wanted to deal with Fang Yuan for a long ti, however it was naturally not a naive reason like Yao Le's, but because Fang Yuan possessed enough profits for her to strike.

First was the Liquor worm.

Although previously, Yao Ji had bought one from the caravan. But that was given to her granddaughter Yao Le. She herself still needed one Liquor worm as an ingredient to refine a Rank three Gu worm she wanted to fuse.

Next was the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass.

The clan's Nine Leaf Vitality Grass were mostly in Yao Ji's control, and by relying on selling the vitality leaves, she could consolidate her authority and status in the clan.

"This Fang Yuan is too arrogant! First I wanted to buy his Liquor worm, but he refused, what guts. This ti he raised the price of the vitality leaves and earned a fortune. Does he really think I, the dicine clan elder, is thin air? Hmph!"

-x-X-x-

Two giant banners fluttered in the wind with a ringing noise.

One was the battle rit board; Fang Yuan was now among the top ten in the list. Another banner listed all kinds of goods which could be exchanged with battle rits.

However, most of the Gu Masters in the crowded plaza had their attention on a newly announced decree.

The content of the announcent was: The wolf tide is becoming more fierce and the casualties among the clan's Gu Masters are increasing day by day. To reinforce the treatnt thods, the dical hall orders all the Gu Masters who possess Nine Leaf Vitality Grass to temporarily hand them over to the clan. The dical hall will organize staffs to unify all the productions.

There were a list of nas in the notification. They were the nas of the Gu Masters that possessed Nine Leaf Vitality Grass in the clan.

Naturally, Fang Yuan was also listed.

Right now, he was standing in a distant corner looking at this notification; his expression couldn't help but turn ugly.

At first sight, he had realized this to be Gu Yue Yao Ji's move against him.

"Hmph, this Gu Yue Yao Ji has been indignant since she failed to purchase the Liquor worm from . I already accumulated enough battle rits to exchange for that Three Steps Fragrant Grass gu, but she prevented this from happening in the dark. Now, she is actually coveting my Nine Leaf Vitality Grass....."

Gu Yue Yao Ji's actions were understandable.

People of the sa trade were natural enemies.

By controlling the sale of the vitality leaves, Gu Yue Yao Ji could consolidate her authority, deepen her influence and maintain her connections. However, Fang Yuan sold them in increased price, so this imperceptibly was infringing on her benefits and shaking her influence.

"I have a lot of Gu worms on now; White Jade Gu, Moonglow Gu, Plunder Gu, Water Shield Gu, Earth Communication Ear Grass and more. Nine Leaf Vitality Grass is my most important economy source; if I lose this Gu, it will be like receiving a checkmate. Gu Yue Yao Ji made a really fierce move," Fang Yuan frowned.

The discussions of the surrounding Gu Masters entered his ears.

"dicine hall made a truly great decision! There are very few vitality leaves and they simply can't et our needs. Every ti a batch appears in the goods board, they will imdiately be purchased by others."

"Elder Yao Ji is truly gentle and kind. Look at the na list, it includes several Gu Masters from both Chi and Mo factions. She has no doubt offended many powerful elders with this action."

"Elder Yao Ji is thinking for the clan, she is worthy of respect!"

"Ai, only Lord Yao Ji has such courage. If it was any other elders, who would dare to take such action?"

"Eh! Look, the notification contents have changed. Chi and Mo faction's Gu Masters have handed over their Nine Leaf Vitality Grass."

The crowd was boiling.

Nine Leaf Vitality Grass being consolidated and unified production ant the availability of much more vitality leaves. This was a great news to the crowd.

Fang Yuan watched the notice with rapt attention and sure enough saw: Beside the na list of these Gu Masters, there were new words 'handed over'. His own na had thus beco conspicuous.

His heart felt increasing pressure.

Gu Yue Yao Ji was an old veteran with deep sches; with this move, she was borrowing the montum to pressure Fang Yuan. If Fang Yuan resisted or disobeyed, that would be attracting even bigger troubles, giving people a hold over him; it was absolutely not a sensible act.

This was the power of the system.

If the clan wanted you to sacrifice, it won't directly say so. Instead it will drape a shiny cape of righteousness, and give you no choice but to submit.

An example was the recruitnt of those retired old Gu Masters and making them sacrifice their lives, how could they resist?

The current movent of collecting the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass was asking Fang Yuan and other Gu Masters to sacrifice their benefits to satisfy everyone, and was basically to Yao Ji's benefits. Anyone that dared to disobey was going against the clan and alienating themselves! They were traitors and rebels!

"To resolve this, small sches like delaying tactics won't work and will instead put oneself into an even more passive state. Yao Ji's move carries righteousness and the public opinion; any small sches will be destroyed. Only by using an even bigger montum, fairly fighting back and defeating her montum openly will resolve this."

Fang Yuan already had a solution.

This plan was simple but grand; advance to Rank three!

Rank three and Rank two Gu Masters had completely different status. In the clan, any Gu Master that advanced to Rank three would imdiately beco an elder and join the decision makers circle. Even the clan head couldn't lightly infringe upon their benefits.

Don't think that the Gu Masters of the Mo and Chi factions obediently handed over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, seemingly sacrificing their own benefits. Behind the scenes, Gu Yue Yao Ji should have already completed secret transactions with Gu Yue Chi Lian, Gu Yue Mo Chen and other elders.

This was political transaction. @@@@

However, the majority couldn't see this truth and were hoodwinked by Yao Ji.

If Fang Yuan was a Rank three Gu Master, even if he had to hand over the Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, he would definitely obtain enough compensations in other aspects.

Why was Gu Yue Yao Ji so anxious to deal with Fang Yuan?

On one hand, it was because of benefits; Fang Yuan's actions infringed on her benefits and similarly she wanted so Gu worms that was on Fang Yuan's body.

On the other hand, Fang Yuan was already at Rank two peak stage; if she didn't make any move now and waited for him to beco a Rank three elder, there would be no more opportunities.

"Advancing to Rank three is a must. The clan can sacrifice Rank two Gu Masters, but Rank three Gu Masters are its pillars and each loss would incur a huge damage. Moreover, I have accumulated too many troubles. Qing Shu died but the clan didn't do a careful investigation. I have the Water Shield Gu, Plunder Gu and other Gu worms, but the clan has turned a blind eye to it. My cultivation is advancing so fast, the higher-ups clearly know about it, but are enduring it and haven't examined the secrets on ."

Fang Yuan was very clear on his current situation.

On the surface, he looked to be strong and well off, but he was actually surrounded by danger.

The clan didn't move against him because their attention was completely on the wolf tide. If they can't resist the wolf tide, the clan would be destroyed. In front of such pressure, Fang Yuan's situation was only a minor detail to them.

However, once the wolf tide is gone, the clan's higher-ups would regain their energy; how could they not look for him to settle the account?

Before in the academy, the clan elders didn't move against Fang Yuan because he was too weak. He was taking small steps and didn't infringe upon their benefits, thus not attracting their attention.

But, it was different now.

Fang Yuan's cultivation was already at Rank two peak stage, if he took one step further, he would beco an elder.

Simply this cultivation had already touched the elders' nerves. His every movent was observed and noted by the elders.

Any newly advanced elders could influence the whole political situation of the Gu Yue clan. This resulted in continuous suppression of Fang Yuan. What's more, Fang Yuan hadn't joined the system and entered any factions, thus these made the suppressions beco even more intense.

Neutral faction was also a faction.

No one could tolerate the current Fang Yuan, soone who was roaming beyond the clan system.

"If I advance to Rank three, the suppression will definitely be much more lower than now, though they will still be there. Rank three is a point of qualitative change, a threshold. Stepping through it will bring one to a whole new world. Similarly, with Rank three cultivation, I can freely move about. At worst, I will simply leave the clan." Fang Yuan was clear on this.

However, advancing to Rank three was not an easy thing. Especially considering Fang Yuan's C grade aptitude, it was almost an impossible barrier.

In his previous life, he had stalled at Rank two peak stage for over a hundred years. Until afterwards, he paid a painful price to obtain a Gu and promoted his aptitude. Only then could he step through this difficulty.

In a Gu Master's cultivation, it was easy to advance through small realms, they only needed enough ti and patience. However, every large realm had a barrier, and the higher you go, the harder it is to cross. Especially the difficulty in advancing from Rank five to Rank six was beyond imagination, harder than ascending heaven!

Fang Yuan already had a lot of difficulties in advancing from Rank one to Rank two. Now, to advance from Rank two to Rank three, there was no possibility of success by following the traditional route.

Fortunately, in Fang Yuan's five hundred years of life experience and vast mories, there were two to three thods. Saying it nicely, they were alternative paths but saying it coarsely, they were demonic practices.

This option was very suitable for Fang Yuan's current situation.

With this option, advancing to Rank three required one to refine a peculiar and bloody Gu — Man-beast Life Burial Gu. An ancient devil path sect leader had made painstaking efforts and invented this recipe to strengthen his subordinates' cultivation.

The Man-beast Life Burial Gu was specialized for Rank two Gu Masters to breakthrough to Rank three realm.

In his previous life, Fang Yuan explored unknown places and coincidentally found this recipe. It had made a deep impression on him and he had firmly kept it in mind.

The crucial point was that the materials required for the fusion were not rare.

If it were normal tis, Fang Yuan might need two-three years to collect them, given his circumstances. However the wolf tide gave him a great opportunity.

He had already collected sufficient prival stones and Gu worms. The only remaining thing was to wait for an opportune mont.

"Everyone, quickly look at the notice the dicine hall has just issued."

"They want to collect Nine Leaf Vitality Grass and unify the production of vitality leaves?"

"This is a great news."

In the bamboo building, a group of Gu Masters gathered near the notice pasted on the wall. They were all filled with delight when they read it.

"Hahaha, I reckon Fang Yuan is close to tears."

"Hmph, serves him right for selling the vitality leaves at such a high price, exploiting our hard earned money!"

"I really want to see what expression Fang Yuan has now....it would definitely be very ugly."

Many people were taking joy in the others' misfortune.

"Hehehe, this really lets us vent our resentnt. We really need to thank Miss Yao Le for this, if she didn't persuade Lord Yao Ji, how could there be such a day?"

"Right, we are really grateful to Miss Yao Le."

"Miss Yao Le is not only beautiful, she is also kind-hearted, upholding justice and fairness for us. She has the deanor of Lord Yao Ji."

As she heard the continuous praises, Gu Yue Yao Le shyly lowered her head, she felt happy.

"Little sister Yao Le." Right at this ti, Xiong Jiao Man walked in through the door, "I ca to say my goodbyes. I saw the dicine hall's notice, I am really thankful to you for letting vent out my indignance. People like Fang Yuan are black sheeps and need to be controlled."

"Big sister, you are leaving?" Gu Yue Yao Le threw a concerned look.

Xiong Jiao Man put one hand on her hip and pointed the thumb of her other hand to a group of Gu Masters standing outside the door, saying, "I have already asked for reinforcents, I must hurry back. Let's et again next ti."

Yao Le's heart was filled with grief.

Xiong Jiao Man had ten Gu Masters when she had left her clan, but there were only seven left when she reached here. Now, these Gu Masters were going to step into the cruel battlefield again, how many of them could safely return?

-x-X-x-

Yao Le sent Xiong Jiao Man and the others to the door with her gaze as they got further apart.

But this separation was extrely short lived; rely fifteen minutes later, Xiong Jiao Man and the others returned to the bamboo building.

"We are unlucky, there's a wolf tide," Xiong Jiao Man laughed bitterly, explaining.

When the Gu Masters in the bamboo building heard this, their expressions tensed.

Xiong Jiao Man's group had great numbers, yet they were forced to retreat to the village - it showed the intensity of this wolf tide.

"Everyone get ready, the lightning wolf pack is about to assault the village," Xiong Jiao Man said.

Once she finished her words, sirens resounded in the entire village.

The village went quiet for a mont, then in the next instant noise erupted.

"This alarm... there is a large-sized wolf pack attacking the village!"

"Quick, quick, gather all our group mbers here, there's a huge battle incoming."

"Damn it, I just got back, I wanted to get a good sleep..."

Gu Masters cursed as so showed a cold expression. At once, in the bamboo building and on the streets, Gu Masters could be seen moving quickly, gathering towards the four doors of the village as well as the outer walls.

On the interior side of the village outer walls, there was a large wooden ladder at every interval for Gu Masters to climb up.

And the many defensive towers were made higher than the outer walls, like brave courageous defenders of the village.

Fang Yuan was among the crowd, arriving at the base of the outer wall. A Gu Master was treading on the wooden ladder, and as he was about to head up, Fang Yuan pulled him down and ascended himself.

"Which bastard..." That Gu Master was about to scold out, but saw that it was Fang Yuan and imdiately shut up.

Fang Yuan climbed up the wooden ladder, then he expedited the White Jade Gu and peeked at the front lines.

Just outside the village, there were roaming lightning wolves everywhere, thousands of them!

Taking a glance, there was an endless number of glimring green wolf eyes, causing one to break out in cold sweat.

These wolves were all starving, and so were so hungry even their bodies were shrinking.

The lightning wolves' amount was too much, it beca a moving disaster. The surrounding wild beasts were either chased away or eaten, and for the wolf packs, they were getting less and less food.

To them, a village full of people was a fatal attraction.

Wolves were full of wildness, and a hungry wolf is even scarier, more dangerous, and crazier.

A lightning wolf that is full would not attack the village.

Other than these normal lightning wolves, there was also the bold lightning wolf.

Although mixed in with the wolf packs, the bold lightning wolf was still easily recognised.

Their bodies were as large as a calf.

There was at least thirty!

Many people upon seeing this, drew in a deep breath.

This was the second ti Gu Yue village had been attacked by wolves this year, but this size was almost twice or even more than that of the last ti.

These bold lightning wolves were all at the peak of their health, strong like bulls. Ordinary lightning wolves might not get food, but these hundred beast kings definitely had ample nutrition.

Resources were naturally given to the higher-ups first.

The benefits of the lower rank mbers would be stripped, sacrificed and given to the higher ranks.

Be it human society or wild beast groups, it worked the sa way.

"These bold lightning wolves are not the real threat." Fang Yuan's gaze moved, continuously finding and quickly saw three large wolf shadows at the back of the wolf pack, hiding under the shadow of the trees.

Thousand beast king, frenzy lightning wolf!

Each frenzy lightning wolf was as large as an elephant.

When Fang Yuan saw this, his pupils shrunk slightly, but went back to normal imdiately. He continued observing, only finding even more bold lightning wolves coming in from all directions.

Fang Yuan did not see the lightning crown wolf.

Fang Yuan breathed out a sigh of relief secretly, for without the lightning crown wolf, the village was relatively safe.

In his mory, the lightning crown wolf appeared at the end of August. It caused great damage to the Gu Yue clan, and if not for the clan leader and elders joining forces to block them relentlessly, along with Gu Yue Qing Shu sacrificing his life to raise his strength, Gu Yue village would've gotten wiped out already.

Ever since his rebirth, Fang Yuan changed many things. Gu Yue Qing Shu had already been sacrificed prematurely, so Fang Yuan dared not be careless. There was even a possibility of the lightning crown wolf appearing now. Thus, he rushed to the site to observe the scenario.

Howl!

Three frenzy lightning wolves raised their heads as they howled long and loud.

In their cries, nurous lightning wolves received their orders, and started to attack the village.

On the village's end, the Gu Masters had already prepared themselves, getting into formation.

Rank one Gu Masters were all at the wall's corners, both hands supporting the cold walls.

Rank two Gu Masters, so climbed the wooden ladders while others gathered at the top of the towers.

Right behind them, the temporary forts that were remodelled from buildings were filled with Gu Masters, so were support teams, so were healing Gu Masters from the dicine hall, and recon Gu Masters were moving between them providing the battle information to the back end staff.

So clan elders were at the back end, so ascended the tower buildings, and others watched at the sidelines, reserving their strength and being a pillar of ntal support to the clansn.

"They're here." Fang Yuan stood on the wooden ladder, his eyes glimring.

LIghtning wolves moved from the entire mountain, forming into a tidal wave and assaulted the village.

Rumble rumble...

They first fell into the pre-dug pitfalls outside the walls, their bodies penetrated by nurous bamboo spears, like dumplings inside a pot. @@@@

So died on the spot, while others had so life remaining, crying out pitifully.

The wind blew, and the sll of blood entered everyone's noses, while wolf cries entered their ears.

The wolf packs attacked in a frenzy. Not only did they not stop, they were in fact stimulated by the blood and attacked even more furiously.

Lightning wolves fell into the trap one by one, using their lives to pave the way for the others. Stepping on their companions' corpses, and crashing up onto the village walls.

At once, thudding sounds were heard.

A lightning wolf was powerlessly against the wall, but with the endless hordes, the impact caused the outer wall to shake.

Rank one Gu Masters below the outside wall held in their trendous fear, and risked their lives injecting prival essence into the Steel Vine Gu and Poison Flower Gu.

The village walls' nurous thorns stabbed into the lightning wolves' body. The Poison Flower Gu gave these steel vines a poisonous touch as the poison invaded the lightning wolves' body.

Lightning wolves scratched and attacked the village walls, opening their mouths and biting, but as their injuries intensified and the poison accumulated, their movents gradually turned sluggish.

Pewpewpew.

Rank two Gu Masters stepping on the wooden ladders, along with those at the tower buildings, shot out moonblades.

The moonblade shot into the wolf packs, and instantly blood splashed everywhere, and wolf limbs went flying.

The bold lightning wolves began to enter the battle, imdiately bringing injuries and deaths to the Gu Masters.

Fang Yuan's corner.

A thin long blue lightning current moved about and hit onto the village walls, instantly penetrating and creating a hole. It electrocuted an unfortunate Rank one Gu Master inside as well.

That bold lightning wolf that killed a Gu Master quickly received heavy attention.

Nurous moonblades flew towards it, but it dodged left and right, relying on the surrounding lightning wolves to provide cover, thus suffering only minor injuries.

Howl!

It opened its mouth, and between its sharp teeth, sparks flew, quickly forming an electric current that flew through the air towards Fang Yuan.

Water Shield Gu.

Fang Yuan snorted, and from his nose, two lines of light blue water vapour flowed out.

The water vapour expanded, forming a water ball shield, protecting him.

The lightning current hit the water shield and caused it to shake, almost breaking.

Moonglow Gu!

Fang Yuan kept the water shield, and from his wrist, three moonblades shot out.

The moonblades' angle was tricky. The bold lightning wolf dodged the first, but its right front leg was hit by the second, causing its movent to slow down, and the third hit its head, causing a severe injury that crushed its left eye.

It cried out in pain, but other Gu Masters saw the opportunity and quickly, a flurry of moonblades enveloped it.

Pewpewpew!

This bold lightning wolf was instantly pelted, its body bathed in blood, and injuries were so deep its bones could be seen. Its body shook a little before collapsing completely. The surrounding wolf packs went into a panic, like ripples in a pond.

But at this point, there were three frenzy lightning wolves behind holding the fort, and the wolf packs only went into chaos for a while before raising their claws and attacking the village walls again.

Fang Yuan shot a few more moonblades out before getting down the wooden ladder. With just this, his deep red prival essence had already gone below half, needing replenishnt.

Seeing him coming down, a Rank two Gu Master quickly replaced his position and ascended the wooden ladder.

Normally, Gu Masters that had long range attacks would ascend the wooden ladder, or gather at the tower building's roof. Their emphasis was on the bold lightning wolf, as its threat was greater than any ordinary lightning wolf.

So bold lightning wolf had a Gu worm that assisted with jumping in their bodies, allowing them to leap into the village.

Fang Yuan walked down the ladder, and continued towards the back.

Surrounding him, there was people walking around, similar to him, those that had expended their prival essence and were recovering. Another group of Gu Masters replaced their positions and entered the battlefield, providing their strength towards defending the clan.

This was a battlefield.

Strength below Rank two peak stage was agre. Only Rank three Gu Masters were the important pillars, able to control the situation.

Fang Yuan ca to a bamboo building. This was a modified building and was heavily reinforced. He squeezed his way in, where many Gu Masters were sitting inside, holding prival stones and recovering their prival essence.

So healing Gu Masters moved among the crowd; so squatted on the ground, so bandaged injured Gu Masters, and the first aid kits were placed at the side.

Fang Yuan found a spot to sit down, and a healing Gu Master imdiately ca over.

He shook his head towards her, and she understood, approaching another Gu Master instead.

...

Such a rotational strategy, all the way till ten o'clock at night, Fang Yuan had already entered battle five tis. But the lightning wolf packs did not seem to reduce, in fact, they could see even more wolf packs, hurriedly arriving upon hearing the frenzy lightning wolf's call.

"It seems this wolf tide will sustain through the night," said a clan elder who stared outside the village, his face full of worry.

At night, Gu Masters' vision was poorer, but on the other hand, the lightning wolves had superior vision and were unaffected by the darkness.

"This is only the second wolf tide this year, and it is already so intense. The situation is not optimistic." Another clan elder sighed.

Gu Yue Yao Ji's face was sullen.

She was the dicine hall clan elder, leading the healing Gu Masters. First-hand injury reports would be sent to her.

On that thin piece of bamboo paper, it recorded the injuries and deaths of the day. Yao Ji held it in her hands, feeling solemn.

The death toll was far greater than previous years.

But she understood, this was not due to the decline of quality of Gu Masters, but because the wolf numbers were too great, and too ferocious.

"Nine Leaf Vitality Grass, how's the acquisition?" Seeing the blood red sun setting, Yao Ji sighed, asking faintly.

Her subordinate quickly reported - three people had not given up theirs yet, and Fang Yuan was among them.

Yao Ji listened and snorted, then asked, "Where is Yao Le?"

"Miss Yao Le is near the east door, leading the healing team. I've advised her many tis, but she refuses to stay at the back, insisting on going to the frontlines to battle." Saying so, he kneeled down in horror.

Yao Ji thought for a while before nodding, waving her hand to send off the subordinate.

Near to her granddaughter, there was a clan elder. Xiong Jiao Man and the gang were also there, fighting at the village walls. It could be said that the frontlines was the safest place.

Although Yao Ji doted on her granddaughter, she supported her courage as well.

The ones in power have their considerations.

These experiences will beco Gu Yue Yao Le's political advantage when she inherits the dicine hall!