Fang Tian moved along one of the tributaries of the Red Dragon River, vigilance growing within him. Although he knew nothing beyond Mount Ju Xian, he still knew of the Red Dragon River, the great rivers of Southern Border, and some of the super forces whose territories lay around them.
Wu Clan occupied the largest territories around the Red Dragon River, followed by Zhao Clan, whose lands also lay near the Red Dragon River. However, Fang Tian was not moving along the main river, but only beside one of its tributaries.
Now that he had become strong enough to avoid most dangers and escape when necessary, Fang Tian decided to continue his journey in search of some clues about human villages or the cities of major clans.
There was certainly a Wu Clan city; if he went there, he would surely find what he needed and could save a great deal of time and effort through it. However, he did not know whether he would receive good treatment in the city as a lone cultivator.
The righteous path did not like lone cultivators. Although lone cultivators were called "lone," their actions often leaned more toward the demonic path than the righteous path.
"But I still have to go to some city or village with human activity, I can't wander around like an idiot like this… also, I still need to liquidate the goods and Gu worms from Bao Clan's caravan, and Wu Clan is one of the ideal options!"
As the sun neared its descent, Fang Tian veered away from the tributary of the Red Dragon River after sensing several movements about a hundred feet away. A small group of humans had gathered at the edge of a medium-sized human village. These humans carried tools to fish and hunt strange aquatic creatures in the tributary of the Red Dragon River.
It could be said that this village was built because of the tributary of the Red Dragon River. If the tributary dried up or changed its course, the village would wither away and the humans would migrate. This was a very natural cycle for mortal humans. Perhaps if they were under the rule of a clan, although they would become their slaves, they would enjoy a stable and safe environment.
Fang Tian revealed himself, stepping out from the bushes and moving toward them as if he were out for a stroll, not like a stranger arriving at a human village for the first time. After using Horse Strength Gu, Fang Tian's previously slender and weak build became taut, his muscles bulging, making his appearance striking.
Thus, when he revealed himself and advanced toward the humans, they were struck dumb as they stared at him.
"Who is this? Do you know him? Elder Zhu, do you know him?"
"No, I don't. Look at his appearance, he looks neat and well-groomed for someone who came out of the forest. Is he a Gu Master?! Should we inform our village elders?!"
Their village was a medium-sized village. Although it did not belong to any clan, they still had three Gu Masters protecting them. These Gu Masters were revered by the villagers and treated with the utmost respect.
One of the villagers hurriedly turned and threw down the fishing net he was holding toward the village. Fang Tian did not stop him. Instead, he called out to the mortals in front of him.
"You, you, and you, come here. All of you, I have a few questions for you. Answer me honestly, or you will be punished!"
Fang Tian was merely considered a young man, and even his physique was not frightening, yet the humans obeyed and hurried toward him.
"Ah, sir… may I— I mean, may we offer you something to please you?!"
The eldest villager spoke to Fang Tian in an extremely cautious and respectful tone. Fang Tian waved his hand as if swatting away a fly, then said,
"Cut the nonsense. Tell me, are there any Gu Masters in your village? My business is with them, not with you!"
The villagers nodded nervously, now certain that Fang Tian was a Gu Master. They quickly retreated, cold sweat soaking their backs. Not long after, three Gu Masters arrived. Two of them were middle-aged, while one was merely a young man at Rank One, middle stage. Of the remaining two, the strongest was at Rank Two, initial stage—a muscular man with a huge build—while the other was a woman of ordinary beauty with the aura of Rank One, peak stage.
"Oh, greetings, elders… or whatever you are called. May I stay in your village for a while? I can pay a good price."
The woman's expression hardened, while the man showed a somewhat nervous expression. The young man remained as foolish as ever, his expression barely changing; perhaps tension and fear were the only things emanating from him. The slender woman with slightly taut features answered,
"Why would someone of your cultivation level want to stay in our humble village?… Know this, we will not yield if you intend to harm our people!"
The woman was fierce and seemed extremely stubborn, but Fang Tian did not judge her solely on that. He looked at the muscular man, then at the foolish young man.
"Young man, just as my wife says, we cannot allow you to do as you please in our village. But if you wish, we can let you stay here under our supervision for a few days, though there will be a price."
The man smiled slyly at his wife, prompting the woman to urge Fang Tian in a sweet tone, as if she truly cared about his interests.
"That's right, young man. You only need to pay a few dozen primeval stones, and you can stay here for a few days and live quite comfortably. And if you add a few more stones, perhaps we can even arrange some entertainment for you."
The woman laughed coquettishly, winking at Fang Tian, while the couple began to coax him. The young man remained oblivious to what was happening, but when he heard the words "primeval stones," his features widened and he began to look delighted. Fang Tian shook his head in disdain at these Gu Masters.
Although they appeared righteous, they were still trying to extort Fang Tian. They also knew perfectly well that he was several stages stronger than them, yet they continued to probe the limits of his tolerance. Fang Tian did not want trouble with these two cunning spouses. Even if he had to pay hundreds of primeval stones for the information he desperately needed, he would do it. After some thought, Fang Tian took out Merchant's Pocket Gu and tossed about a hundred primeval stones to the couple.
The young Gu Master hurriedly gathered them with his hands, one by one, without using any Gu worms, smearing mud on his robe and scattering dirt over himself. Fang Tian ignored the young man's foolish behavior, then followed the couple into their village.