Chapter 63: Take Everything
Another month passed in Shang clan city.
Fang Ming did not rush to leave. The Three Kings Inheritance had already opened, and news from San Cha Mountain arrived more frequently with each passing week, but rushing there early was pointless. The first batch of Gu Masters would test the dangers with their lives. Those who entered blindly would become information for those who came later. Fang Ming was not lacking patience, and while Shang clan city could still be used, he had no reason to abandon it too early.
There were still things here worth taking.
On this day, Fang Ming went to Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.
The attendant recognized his Purple Thorn Token and bowed deeply. "Esteemed lord, what would you like to see today?"
"Rank five goods." Fang Ming said.
The attendant froze for a moment.
Even with a Purple Thorn Token, requesting Rank five goods was not a small matter. Rank five Gu, materials, and recipes were not displayed casually. They were not things that could be shown to every wealthy customer who walked in. After hesitating for a breath, the attendant said carefully: "Esteemed lord, Rank five goods are not displayed casually. May I ask…"
Before he could finish, Fang Ming released his aura for one breath.
Rank five.
The attendant's expression changed instantly.
Then, just as quickly, the aura vanished. Fang Ming returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.
The attendant lowered his head even more. "Please wait a moment, esteemed lord. This humble one will report immediately."
Fang Ming sat calmly.
This was intentional.
He had hidden his cultivation long enough. Now, exposing it slightly was useful. A young Rank five Gu Master had value, and value brought access. If he remained a Rank four in everyone's eyes, some doors would open because of the Purple Thorn Token, but not enough. If he showed Rank five, the calculation became different.
By evening, the news had reached the people who needed to know.
Not ordinary Gu Masters.
Not the crowded streets.
Only Shang clan's higher levels.
Gu Yue Fang Ming had reached Rank five.
Soon, Shang Yan Fei sent an invitation.
Fang Ming accepted.
The meeting was held in Shang Yan Fei's study. When Fang Ming entered, Shang Yan Fei looked at him for a moment, then smiled.
"Rank five. You hid deeply."
Fang Ming cupped his hands. "Compared to Lord Shang clan leader, this junior is still far away."
"At your age, Rank five is already enough to shock many people."
Fang Ming did not answer.
Shang Yan Fei leaned back slightly. "Have you considered staying in Shang clan?"
The offer came directly.
Fang Ming had expected it. A young Rank five without fixed clan backing was valuable. A young Rank five who had protected Shang Xin Ci and already held a Purple Thorn Token was even more valuable. If such a person could be drawn into Shang clan, even if he could not become completely loyal immediately, he would still be a useful piece.
But Fang Ming did not want chains.
Not yet.
"Lord Shang clan leader's offer is generous." Fang Ming said. "But right now, my attention is on the Three Kings Inheritance. I wish to explore it first. After that, I can consider my future more clearly."
Shang Yan Fei smiled faintly. "You want time."
"Yes."
"That is reasonable."
If Fang Ming accepted immediately, Shang Yan Fei might even look down on him. A young Rank five should have ambition. One who bowed too quickly either lacked spirit or hid something more deeply.
They spoke for a while longer. Shang Yan Fei asked about his cultivation, the Three Kings Inheritance, and Shang Xin Ci's young master competition. Fang Ming answered carefully, neither too distant nor too eager. At the same time, his system moved.
Copy target detected.
Blood Robe Gu.
Rank five defensive Gu.
Fang Ming chose it.
Blood Oath Gu gave control. Tyrannical Dash Gu gave movement. But he still needed a strong hidden defense. Mountain Shell Gu was useful, but it was only Rank four, and it belonged to his visible set. If Fang Ming wanted a hidden blood-path system that could truly support him in dangerous moments, defense could not be missing.
The copy continued quietly.
By the time the meeting ended, it had completed.
Fang Ming stood and cupped his hands. "Many thanks for Lord Shang clan leader's understanding."
Shang Yan Fei nodded. "I will wait for your answer after the inheritance."
Fang Ming smiled. "If I return safely, I will give Lord Shang clan leader a proper answer."
He left the study calmly.
Another month passed.
This time, Fang Ming injured himself during Gu refinement.
The injury was ugly, but controlled. His primeval essence flow became unstable, several meridians suffered backlash, and his internal organs showed signs of refinement damage. To outsiders, it was a failed refinement attempt. To Fang Ming, it was a reason.
He used his Purple Thorn Token and requested treatment from Doctor Su Shou.
Doctor Su Shou looked at him once and frowned. "Refinement backlash?"
"Yes."
"Young people always think they can control everything."
"I was careless." Fang Ming said.
Doctor Su Shou snorted and placed her hand above his chest. White light flowed into his body.
The healing was gentle but deep. It did not simply close injuries. It repaired hidden damage, soothed meridians, and stabilized primeval essence flow. Fang Ming could feel the pain in his chest and abdomen slowly dissolve, like frozen mud loosening under warm water.
His system reacted.
Copy target detected.
White Lotus Healing Gu.
Rank five healing Gu.
Fang Ming remained still.
Strength path strained the body. Tyrannical Dash Gu strained the body even more. In the future, if his public strength-path set truly took shape, the burden on his flesh, bones, tendons, and organs would only become heavier. A Rank five healing Gu was not flashy, but it could keep him alive. In many situations, that mattered more than another attack method.
The copy completed before the treatment ended.
Doctor Su Shou pulled her hand back. "The injury is handled. Do not refine Gu recklessly for a while."
Fang Ming stood and cupped his hands. "Many thanks, Doctor Su Shou."
She looked at him. "A young Rank five should value his body more."
Fang Ming smiled faintly. "I will remember."
He left.
Another month passed.
The Three Kings Inheritance continued drawing Gu Masters from all over Southern Border. More information returned. More people died. The inheritance became hotter, but Fang Ming still had one more thing to do before leaving Shang clan city.
He requested another audience with Shang Yan Fei.
When Shang Yan Fei heard this, he smiled. He thought Fang Ming might have come to accept the recruitment proposal. But when Fang Ming entered the study, he did not speak of joining Shang clan.
He spoke of business.
"Lord Shang clan leader, does Shang clan possess a Rank five Relic Gu?"
Shang Yan Fei raised an eyebrow. "You mean Purple Crystal Relic Gu."
"Yes."
"We have it." Shang Yan Fei said. "But it is not for sale."
"I understand."
Fang Ming sat calmly. "That is why I came to trade."
"Oh?" Shang Yan Fei became interested. "What do you have that can match a Purple Crystal Relic Gu?"
Fang Ming took out a Gu.
Its aura was only Rank three.
"Bone Flesh Unity Gu." Fang Ming said.
Shang Yan Fei's eyes sharpened slightly.
Fang Ming continued: "One Purple Crystal Relic Gu can help one Rank five Gu Master advance by one small realm. It is valuable. Very valuable. But Shang clan does not lack only experts. Shang clan has many low-grade Gu Masters stuck at low ranks. D-grade and C-grade Gu Masters often cannot break through because their apertures cannot hold enough primeval essence."
Shang Yan Fei remained silent.
Fang Ming continued: "Bone Flesh Unity Gu allows primeval essence transfer between linked Gu Masters. A higher-ranked Gu Master can use higher-quality primeval essence to help a lower-ranked Gu Master break through barriers they could not cross alone. For a small clan, this Gu is useful. For Shang clan, it is strategic."
Fang Ming's tone remained steady. "If used properly, Shang clan can help many Rank one Gu Masters reach Rank two, and many Rank two Gu Masters reach Rank three. A Purple Crystal Relic Gu raises one person. Bone Flesh Unity Gu can raise the foundation of many."
Shang Yan Fei said slowly: "It is still only Rank three."
"Yes." Fang Ming replied. "But rank and value are not always the same thing."
The study became quiet.
Shang Yan Fei understood.
For ordinary Gu Masters, a Rank five Relic Gu was more valuable. For a super clan, the calculation was different. A Gu that could raise one expert was precious, but a Gu that could increase the growth speed of many low-rank Gu Masters had strategic value. Especially for a clan as large as Shang clan.
After a long while, Shang Yan Fei smiled.
"You are good at selling value."
"I am only stating what Shang clan can do with it."
"Where did you get this Gu?"
"From a Gu Master in the caravan."
This was true.
He had copied it from Fang Yuan during the caravan journey.
Shang Yan Fei looked at him deeply. He sensed no lie.
Finally, he nodded.
"Good. I accept this trade."
A sealed jade box was brought into the study. Inside was a purple Gu, clear as crystal, shining like condensed starlight.
Purple Crystal Relic Gu.
Rank five cultivation Gu.
Fang Ming accepted it.
At the same time, his system had already begun moving.
Copy target detected.
Blood Handprint Gu.
Rank five attack Gu.
By the time the trade ended, the copy also completed.
Blood Handprint Gu entered Fang Ming's hidden collection.
He now had blood-path control, defense, and attack.
Fang Ming stood and bowed. "Then I hope both sides profit."
Shang Yan Fei smiled. "Likewise"
Fang Ming left with the Purple Crystal Relic Gu.
Behind him, Shang Yan Fei remained seated, looking at the Bone Flesh Unity Gu. After a while, he laughed softly.
"Interesting."
Outside the study, Fang Ming walked calmly through the corridor.
His Rank five cultivation had been exposed. His recruitment value had risen. His public strength-path direction was growing. His hidden blood-path set had gained two more pieces. Every meeting with Shang Yan Fei was dangerous, but every danger had value.
Before leaving Shang clan city, he had to take everything he could.
That night, Fang Ming returned to his courtyard and sorted through his current strength.
Spring Autumn Tag-Along Gu, a Rank six counterfeit time-path Gu.
Tyrannical Dash Gu, a Rank five strength-path movement Gu.
White Lotus Healing Gu, a Rank five healing Gu.
Purple Crystal Relic Gu, a Rank five cultivation Gu.
Eclipse Moonlight Gu, a Rank four attack Gu.
Thousand Mile Smoke Gu, a Rank four movement and stealth Gu.
Mountain Shell Gu, a Rank four defensive Gu.
Lightning Eye Gu, a Rank three detection Gu.
Storage Gu, a Rank three storage Gu.
And finally, his hidden blood-path trump cards.
Blood Oath Gu, a Rank five control and support Gu.
Blood Robe Gu, a Rank five defensive Gu.
Blood Handprint Gu, a Rank five attack Gu.
Fang Ming looked at the list for a long time, this was far from complete he wanted more but time wait for no one.
Shang clan city has given him time to patch up his weakness, access to knowledge, and resources.
Now, it was almost time to leave.