Chapter 59: Heart of Victory
Seven days of rumors filled Shang clan city.
Fang Yuan was going to fight Ju Kai Bei.
One was a rising Rank three strength-path Gu Master. The other was a Rank four veteran who had stood in the battle stage for years. The battle stage promoted the fight heavily, and by the time the day arrived, the seats were packed.
Fang Ming also came.
He did not come to cheer.
He came to learn.
On the stage, Fang Yuan stood calmly. Across from him, Ju Kai Bei's body was tall and oppressive. His Rank four aura alone was enough to pressure most Rank three Gu Masters.
The bell rang.
The fight began.
Fang Yuan attacked first.
Horse strength gave him speed. Boar strength gave him impact. His beast phantoms changed with his movements, and his fists were fierce and direct.
Ju Kai Bei did not collapse.
Ivory armor covered his body. His strength grew as the fight continued, and his experience showed in every exchange. He defended, pressed forward, and slowly forced Fang Yuan into danger.
Fang Ming watched silently.
Ju Kai Bei's Gu set was mature. Defense, strength accumulation, and close combat worked together. He was not using random Gu. Every piece had a purpose.
This was what Fang Ming lacked.
Then the situation turned.
Fang Yuan was pushed near defeat. Ju Kai Bei closed in, and most people thought the battle was over.
But Fang Yuan smiled.
Eight beast phantoms appeared.
Then they became solid.
Boar, bear, crocodile, bull, horse, turtle, elephant, python — the phantoms rushed out and attacked Ju Kai Bei from all sides.
The crowd fell silent.
Strength Qi Gu.
Fang Ming's eyes sharpened.
So that was the answer.
Strength path's weakness was range. Fang Yuan had solved that weakness with Strength Qi Gu, turning beast phantoms into real attackers.
Ju Kai Bei endured, but the result was already clear.
After the attack ended, he admitted defeat.
The battle stage erupted.
Some shouted Fang Yuan's name. Some stared in disbelief. Some strength-path Gu Masters looked as if they had seen hope return.
Fang Ming remained seated.
He had learned more than one thing.
Ju Kai Bei showed him the value of a mature strength-path set.
Strength Qi Gu showed him how strength path could cover its long-range weakness.
But the greatest lesson was Fang Yuan himself.
Fang Yuan had not stepped onto the stage hoping to win.
He had stepped onto it to win.
There was a difference.
Wanting victory still left room for failure. Fang Yuan's heart did not.
From the start to the end, his methods, patience, hidden cards, and timing all existed for one result.
Victory.
Fang Ming lowered his eyes.
He had always been cautious. He survived by planning, avoiding danger, and taking benefits when possible.
That was useful.
But if he wanted to reach Rank five, if he wanted immortal ascension, if he wanted to compete with monsters of the future, survival instinct alone was not enough.
He needed a heart that accepted only success.
Not recklessness.
Not arrogance.
Prepared, controlled, absolute success.
Fang Ming stood and left before the crowd settled.
That night, he returned to his courtyard.
The gate closed.
The refinement manuals were put aside. The Gu food records were put away. His Gu were checked one by one.
Tyrannical Dash Gu.
Blood Oath Gu.
Mountain Shell Gu.
Eclipse Moonlight Gu.
Thousand Mile Smoke Gu.
His public path was forming.
His hidden path was waiting.
Fang Ming sat in the stone chamber and closed his eyes.
Rank five was not a wish, It was the next result.