Roar!
The beast phantom appeared with a flash and gave a loud roar; the mountain back toad croaked in pain and suddenly slammed towards Fang Yuan.
Fang Yuan snorted and dodged.
Mountain back toad carried a small hill on its back; it was very heavy and had a slow speed, so Fang Yuan could easily dodge it.
Horizontal charge Gu and vertical crash Gu were used in succession; mountain back toad repeatedly tried to attack Fang Yuan but could not even touch his clothes.
The audience was watching the match with stupefied expressions.
The mountain back toad was a lofty and immovable image in everyone's minds, but right now, it was crying out from Fang Yuan's attacks.
"This kid is actually so violent!" Li Hao was starting to get worried. He gritted his teeth and prompted the mountain back toad to jump.
"You brat, I am going to smash you into minced meat!" Li Hao cracked a sneer; his mind full of killing intent.
However, mountain back toad's shadow was not over Fang Yuan.
Instead, it was over Li Hao.
Mountain back toad's enormous body began to fall down and smash heavily on Li Hao.
Most of the audience were so stupefied that they could not react in time. Only Wei Yang and a few others' eyes shone as they realized Li Hao's battle tactic.
Just using mountain back toad to smash Fang Yuan was likely to fail easily.
Fang Yuan possessed horizontal charge Gu and vertical crash Gu; he could completely dodge the attack.
However, the mountain back toad was landing on Li Hao and Li Hao could use position swap Gu to change his position with Fang Yuan. As long as he grasped the proper timing, he could prevent Fang Yuan from reacting in time and be crushed by the mountain back toad.
With a weight like that of mountain back toad, even if Fang Yuan was not squashed to death, he would absolutely suffer heavy injuries.
However, the moment mountain back toad jumped in the air, Fang Yuan immediately charged towards Li Hao!
By using horizontal charge Gu and vertical crash Gu, he soon reached Li Hao.
"Accursed brat, he actually saw through my plan!" Li Hao was very annoyed right now.
There was still some distance between Fang Yuan and him now, but if he used position swap Gu now, Fang Yuan would have enough time to dodge mountain back toad's attack.
But if he did not use it now and Fang Yuan stuck close to him, even if he used position swap Gu to change positions, it would be too late to escape and he would be crushed to death along with Fang Yuan by the mountain back toad.
Helplessly, Li Hao activated position swap Gu and changed position with Fang Yuan.
Bam!
The mountain back toad landed on the ground, Fang Yuan, as expected, used horizontal charge to dodge.
He was always paying attention to the cooldown period of horizontal charge Gu and vertical crash Gu. There were three breaths of time interval between them. Taking into account the time taken to charge fifty steps, he would always have a movement Gu to use.
These small details often determined success or failure.
Fang Yuan accumulated a rich combat experience in his previous life, allowing him to have no flaws.
He again charged towards mountain back toad, punching and kicking with an all-out offensive. Beast phantoms also appeared one after another, making his attacks extremely fierce.
Stones flew about, mountain back toad got into a dangerous situation again and began croaking.
The audiences who were hooting before fell silent.
Many watched this scene, startled and their jaws opened wide.
All-out effort Gu became so powerful and tyrannical in Fang Yuan's hands, even mountain back toad could only turn into a punching bag and fall into a vulnerable position!
One side was like wildfire, extremely intense; but at Li Hao's side, it was quiet and still.
Li Hao had never expected Fang Yuan to persevere in attacking the mountain back toad so relentlessly.
His previous opponents had all ignored mountain back toad and tried attacking Li Hao. If Li Hao was defeated, there was no need to worry about mountain back toad.
This was the strategy that smart people used!
But Fang Yuan apparently chose the most stupid target to attack.
He concentrated all his strength on mountain back toad and paid no heed to Li Hao.
Li Hao was given the cold-shoulder, he felt like he had become a spectator who was not related to the situation; the situation was truly embarrassing!
Beast phantoms continually flashed and converged in the air. Fang Yuan moved around mountain back toad and attacked fiercely.
Mountain back toad's enormous and mighty physique now looked so clumsy.
"Not good, mountain back toad is coughing out blood!" Li Hao who was watching the scene from afar felt his body go cold.
Position swap Gu!
Strange lights flashed in his eyes as he captured Fang Yuan's image.
The next instant, Fang Yuan's field of view had changed greatly, he was moved far away by Li Hao in a split second.
In contrast, Li Hao took Fang Yuan's position and was standing beside mountain back toad.
He placed his palms on mountain back toad and started healing it.
He was inwardly startled by the injuries on mountain back toad.
He had fought so many matches on the battle stage, but had never seen such serious injuries.
"Am I going to lose this match? Losing to such a young junior? No, impossible!" The intense premonition of defeat rose for the first time in Li Hao's heart.
Fang Yuan sneered and charged again.
How could he allow Li Hao to heal mountain back toad so openly in front of his eyes?
Seeing Fang Yuan charging over, Li Hao gritted his teeth, but he could only give up on healing and retreated back.
He waited till Fang Yuan had charged in front of mountain back toad before using position swap Gu.
Like this, he was again standing beside mountain back toad and Fang Yuan was far away.
But Fang Yuan was not worried and still charged over.
Li Hao's healing was repeatedly disrupted while Fang Yuan's attacks also had no effect.
Despite this, Fang Yuan still kept on charging over without giving up.
Several repeated attempts later, it was Li Hao instead who stopped healing; his complexion mixed.
The audience could not make any sense of this.
But there were still some smart people.
"Fang Zheng's repeated attacks appear to be useless but actually Li Hao's primeval essence was greatly consumed."
"That's right. Although position swap Gu is mystical, it has its flaws and huge primeval essence consumption is one."
"The further the distance and stronger the target, the more primeval essence Li Hao needs to expend to activate position swap Gu."
"Fang Zheng possesses the strength of two boars, a crocodile and a bear; the primeval essence consumption of Li Hao to use position swap Gu is definitely a lot. Moreover, he still wanted to heal mountain back toad, even a rank three's primeval essence can't support such intense usage."
Li Hao also realized this and thus stopped his healing attempt.
He did not have much primeval essence left now.
If it were his previous opponents, he could still continue with his rank three white silver primeval essence. But his opponent now, Fang Yuan was also a rank three Gu master and had already established superiority in terms of primeval essence.
Looking at Fang Yuan charging over again, Li Hao hesitated but had no choice but to go ahead.
Fang Yuan clenched his fists and immediately abandoned the mountain back toad, attacking towards Li Hao.
Bang bang bang.
His fists broke the air, the momentum and fierceness they contained were incomparable, like tides striking the cliff.
Several moves later, Li Hao could not endure it anymore!
Although he had other Gu, his true core was the mountain back toad and position swap Gu.
In order to decrease the primeval essence consumption of position swap Gu, he had completely removed the beast phantoms hidden in his body.
Fang Yuan's offensive was extremely fierce like the howling storm, making Li Hao have difficulty breathing.
Li Hao relied on his previous foundation of a strength cultivator to forcefully withstand few moves before he had no choice but use position swap Gu to change places with mountain back toad.
Fang Yuan did not pursue Li Hao but began attacking mountain back toad.
Phantoms of boar, brown bear and crocodile flashed one after another.
Rocks flew about and mountain back toad spurted out large mouthful of blood, counterattacking in a frenzy.
But Fang Yuan used horizontal charge and vertical crash Gu alternatively; as such, mountain back toad's counterattacks looked really clumsy.
"How could it be like this...."
"Even Lord Li Hao had to fight personally and share the burden with mountain back toad."
"Fang Zheng's attacks are terrifyingly fierce, suppressing both Li Hao and mountain back toad."
The match's progress was beyond most of the audience's expectation. Every since Li Hao abandoned strength path and changed into support path, they had never seen him fall into such a predicament.
Li Hao's battle tactics were pretty good. The combination of position swap Gu and mountain back toad was brilliant. @@novelbin@@
Even Fang Yuan could not crack this battle tactic.
However...
He did not need to crack it!
He had never thought of cracking it, just swinging his arms, and continuing his all-out strategy. No matter who appears in front of me, I will beat them!
This seems like a foolish move, but actually concealed great wisdom in it.
Savagery and tyrannical momentum was unleashed like this.
"This is a good method." Some people's eyes brightened, "If I were to fight Li Hao in the future, I need to be like Fang Zheng; disregarding everything else and attacking mountain back toad."
As soon as these words came out, the person's words was denied and mocked by others beside him.
"Nonsense! You want to imitate him, is your brain okay? Fang Zheng can do this because he is a strength cultivator and his primeval essence expenditure is low. You are a fire path cultivator, you attacking mountain back toad is exactly what Li Hao would want to see."
Without primeval essence, a Gu Master's battle strength was sure to fall sharply and would be almost equal to a mortal.
In a battle, the side with higher primeval essence was often dominant. And as the gap between primeval essence quantity increased, this dominance increased further.
The Gu Master who thought of imitating Fang Yuan heard this and immediately choked with no way to retort.
Someone patted his head and said as if he had comprehended something: "I suddenly see that strength cultivators have their advantages."
"That's right." Someone sitting nearby immediately replied, "Strength cultivators' attacks draws the strength of their bodies, thus strength Gu Masters have a common advantage in that they have little primeval essence consumption."
"Every cultivation path has its own advantage and disadvantage. Strength path being renowned back in the Antiquity Era was not without reasons."
Everyone looked at the stage again.
Li Hao and mountain back toad were retreating step by step under Fang Yuan's fierce attacks.
All-out effort Gu's primeval essence consumption was very small.
And Fang Yuan's true attacking power came from his several beast phantoms.
But these beast phantoms by themselves did not expend any primeval essence!
This was the most absurd part!
If it were other Gu Masters in Fang Yuan's place, they would have been tired after dozens of rounds, but Fang Yuan's attacks became fiercer the longer he continued.
His momentum continually rose, his fists carried with it the sound of the wind and were extremely tyrannical; the sound they produced were like the roars of ferocious tigers or the growls of giant bears!
From Fang Yuan's performance, the crowd could see the grand and proud demeanour of strength path cultivators from the ancient times!
His heartbeat pulsed rapidly and his blood raced; Fang Yuan felt more pleasant the more he fought.
Since rebirth, he had been extremely cautious in his actions which accumulated suppressed feelings in his heart, and now as he punched and kicked fanatically, those feelings were all let out.
The gloominess in his heart was swept clean.
No doubt, obtaining all-out effort Gu was a turning point in Fang Yuan's life.
Before this, he had to rush about busily, always in danger, not even able to fill his stomach properly. Encountering even a slightly larger problem would require him to think and ponder extensively.
But after obtaining all-out effort Gu, he finally had the qualification to be proud and could use his fists to resolve many things.
Like now, he did not need to crack Li Hao's brilliant battle tactic and could just use his fists to sweep across.
Demons was cunning but they were even more tyrannical!
Sweeping the heaven and earth, engulfing the mountains and rivers, blood splashing the world, absolute strength prevails over all schemes!
You are fierce; I am fiercer than you. You are unreasonable; I am more unreasonable than you!
Demon! Demon! Demon!
Kill! Kill! Kill!
Fang Yuan fought to his heart's content, his emotions surging intensely inside him; finally, he could bear it no longer and the emotions poured out like a torrent.
"Because hardships strengthen resolve, the strong-minded will not be lured by worldly affairs. Today I step on grass; later I shall step on mountains and rivers!"
From today, I will walk on the path of supremacy!
Sweep the earth and laugh at the world.
Tread the green mountains; step on the blue seas; bind the blue dragon; assault the sky!
Bath in difficulties and sharpen the demonic soul; lift the flag and sing in triumph; defy heaven, defy fate, defy the universe!
Bam!
A punch ruthlessly struck the mountain back toad, the small hill on its back collapsed, blood flowed out of its body as it was beaten to death by Fang Yuan!
Horizontal charge, vertical crash!
Li Hao was sent flying for dozen of steps before he fell down on the ground.
Plop, he fell on the mud, no longer moving.
The black mud mixed with dark red blood contaminated his flowery robe.
He paid with his life for his contempt.
The battle ended abruptly. Fang Yuan proudly stood on the spot; his masculine, ferocious aura pervaded the scene.
His declaration still echoed in the battle stage.
Other than that, it was a scene of silence, no one spoke!
-x-X-x-
In the secret room, Fang Yuan sat on the cushion, his eyes shut tightly.
Light silver primeval essence continued to pour into the self-reliance Gu.
Self-reliance Gu was diving in the primeval sea in Fang Yuan's aperture.
It was shaped like a cockroach, a dark-brown colored flat body. There were feelers on its head, and wings on its back.
This was the rank three healing Gu that Fang Yuan purchased for a huge amount of primeval stones.
Self-reliance Gu could be said to be the best Gu for strength cultivating Gu Masters.
The greater the physical strength of the Gu Master, the better the effect of the self-reliance Gu's healing. In contrast, the weaker the Gu Master, the weaker the healing effect.
Self-reliance, relying on oneself, it meant obtaining the ability to regenerate and heal using one's own strength.
Fang Yuan had the strength of two boars, one bear and a crocodile, now that he used the self-reliance Gu, the healing effect was on par with the flesh-bone Gu. This was not its limit yet, when Fang Yuan gains new strength from more Gu, its effect would surpass the flesh-bone Gu, continually improving.
But the self-reliance Gu has its weaknesses.
It could not heal others, only the Gu Master himself.
This greatly limited its use.
Moreover, it was expensive, as a rare Gu, it costs forty-five thousand primeval stones! Even more expensive than the sword shadow Gu. Thus, although there were many strength path Gu Masters, few could afford it.
Different from ancient times, strength path Gu Masters now were of the lowest social class, holding jobs that involve physical work. There were many low rank ones, few high rank ones, and even less outstanding ones. Barely any stood at the peak, in the entire southern border, only Empress Wu Ji was a successful story. But even she relied on the ancient strength path inheritance to do so.
This was an era where strength path declined.
Now, Fang Yuan was using the self-reliance Gu to recover his injuries.
In the battle with Li Hao, he had gotten injured.
The biggest culprit was not Li Hao, not the mountain back toad, but Fang Yuan himself.
As he attacked with such a ferocious force, and for such a long time, it caused his muscles and tendons to be overworked, and some of them tore, even the canopy Gu was in bad shape, needing time to recover.
Thankfully, he had used the iron bones Gu before, thus there was no problems with his bones. If not, even his bones would have broke.
Normally, when people exerted too much strength, they would pull a muscle. If a cannon is fired too many times, it would be easy to jam up.
Any kind of strength needed a foundation to contain it. On this aspect, strength path Gu Masters follow the same rule.
Fang Yuan had the canopy Gu and iron bones, but his strength was too great, unleashing such a flurry of attacks, even his muscles could not take it, there was great stress on his organs, blood etc.
After this battle, there were lots of hidden injuries in his body.
Even his sweat had blood traces.
"Since I started using the self-reliance Gu to heal, this is the tenth hour already. Mostly because of the steel tendon Gu, it is making my healing difficult." Fang Yuan had an understanding of his situation.
Before this, he had been using the steel tendon Gu to transform and train his body. It caused the tendons in his muscles to gain a layer of black color, shining with a metallic glow, becoming tougher.
Right now, his tendons were either pulled or torn, to reconnect and heal them, it would be much harder than an ordinary person's muscles and tendons.
Why is that so?
Ordinary people might not know why, only treating this as a natural phenomenon. But Fang Yuan knew clearly, he had been a Gu Immortal after all, he knew these involved the natural laws of heaven and earth.
Man is the spirit of all beings, Gu is the essence of heaven and earth. @@novelbin@@
Whether the Gu worm's body is large or small, it would contain a law fragment of the Great Dao.
Steel tendon Gu's effect is to reinforce the tendons in the Gu Master's body until they are tough as steel. This caused Fang Yuan's tendons to contain the corresponding power of the natural law, the traces of Great Dao.
For the self-reliance Gu to heal, it not only has to recover the body's tendons, but also has to overcome and overwrite this layer of natural law.
But thankfully, this law did not clash with the healing law. Otherwise, not only would Fang Yuan not be healed, he would be damaged instead.
Similarly, the brown bear innate strength Gu, black and white boar Gu, and crocodile strength Gu were the same.
They contained the Great Dao law fragments regarding "physical strength", when their strength lurk in Fang Yuan's body, they form into beast phantoms and conceal themselves. Only after he unleashes their true power could they be seen by the naked eye.
The so called beast phantom, its essence was the Dao mark of "physical strength"— a trace of Great Dao in heaven and earth.
Take the poison vow Gu as another example.
It contained the law of restriction, it stays in a Gu Master's body to restrict them.
This Dao mark is normally not seen, but under the effect of the eating one's words Gu, it will be forced to appear, and then exterminated.
The law contained in the eating one's words Gu were opposite of the poison vow Gu. But the former was slightly stronger, thus it could overwrite the other.
Or taking it further, why did the rainbow light Gu, position swap Gu, require Gu Masters to be free of strength modifications?
It was the same reason.
The law of strength would interfere with the law of light and the law of space. If the Dao mark of strength is too strong, it would cause the two Gu to fail when utilized.
"Gu Masters use Gu, but the truth is that they use the Great Dao law fragments within the Gu. Gu is the carrier of the fragment, a tool of heaven and earth. When Gu Masters refine Gu, they are fusing laws, and forming laws. Nurturing Gu, using Gu and refining Gu... Gu cultivation is not a small Dao, but a true Great Dao. In cultivating, Gu Masters learn about nature, and learn about heaven and earth. This is why the hope for immortality, and becoming an everlasting existence still remain."
Fang Yuan was clear in his heart.
...
"Because hardships strengthen resolve, the strong-minded will not be lured by worldly affairs. Today I step on grass; later I shall step on mountains and rivers!"
In the study room, Shang Yan Fei muttered, thinking about the poem Fang Yuan recited, showing interest on his face.
"Because of difficulties, one gain aspirations and resolve. The allure of the mortal world cannot restrict one's heart. What grand aspirations! Especially that last line, are you treating my Shang clan as grass?"
"Lord clan leader, the way I see it, Fang Zheng was referring to his opponent Li Hao, being too weak for him." Wei Yang cupped his fists and said.
Shang Yan Fei shook his head: "It is fine, I am not so narrow minded. But it is a pity I missed a good show. Although I did not see it personally, I can imagine the scene of Fang Zheng unleashing his ability, striking with a grand aura."
Shang Yan Fei stood at a high point, he had a broad vision, and naturally was broad minded. Towards Fang Yuan's aspirations, he could understand, and appreciate it.
Reminded by Shang Yan Fei, Wei Yang recalled the scene of the battle, and exclaimed: "That is indeed so. The battlefield back then, Fang Zheng was extremely ferocious, stunning the spectators, everyone was dominated by his aura and no one said a word!"
Shang Yan Fei got up from his seat, strolling slowly to the window: "Armies are easily built, but generals are hard to come by. A pity this general is too arrogant, not even placing Shang clan in his eyes. But, he had gone through tough times, managed to survive, and gained much from it, as his cultivation rose rapidly. This caused his nature to develop in that direction."
"Lord clan leader's analysis is spot on. Young men would definitely have such ambitions, being lawless and fearless." Wei Yang lowered his head, adding on.
Shang Yan Fei looked outside the window, squinting.
Fang Yuan equated Shang clan city to grass, this was an overwhelming aspiration, he was definitely someone with great ambition. But Shang Yan Fei himself did not mind that.
He was a man standing at the peak, on the top of the whole southern border, he could definitely accept people with ambitions. Furthermore, Shang clan city would not truly become grass just because someone said so.
What he minded was the first sentence.
Because hardships strengthen resolve, the strong-minded will not be lured by worldly affairs...
In this world, there were lots of people with great ambitions but no ability, while people with aspirations and talent were few, one in a million. Those who not only had talent and aspirations, but also a firm will, were almost non-existent!
Aspiration and talent were not scary, but if they had an indomitable will and determination, that would cause worry.
Such a person, in history, he would either be called a hero, a villain, or a conqueror.
Such people, can change history, and create history!
Such a person, how would he submit to others? How would he allow himself to be used by Shang clan? If he could not be used, and this person walks the demonic path, he would definitely leave his mark in this world, causing storms and disasters in his life. This was not something the righteous path wants to see...
Thinking so, Shang Yan Fei suddenly said: "I heard, Fang Zheng snatched Li Ran's opportunity, thus he compensated him two hundred thousand primeval stones to repay the favor. How much does he still owe?"
Wei Yang replied: "He already paid a hundred and thirty thousand, only seventy thousand remain. But it should be repaid soon."
Hearing this, Shang Yan Fei's worry eased.
He nodded: "That's true. Someone with ambition would not mind the small details, so what if it is two hundred thousand primeval stones. Hehehe."
Thinking of how Fang Yuan saved Shang Xin Ci, Shang Yan Fei laughed.
He was really interesting, doing things with his own principles, repaying kindness and taking revenge for hatred. But he does not have righteous morals nor any restraints, such a nature was dangerous, but there was still hope of recruiting and controlling him.
Right now he was at the peak of his fame, there was little hope of recruiting him, they had to wait.
After he faces hardship from reality, they will use kindness to move him, and recruit him under Shang Xin Ci's wing. With such a helper, Shang Yan Fei would feel assured about her safety.
"Nevermind, Fang Zheng, let me see how far you can go..." Shang Yan Fei thought in his heart.
He had a sharp foresight, entirely clear of the situation.
After Fang Yuan killed Li Hao, the entire battle zone went into a commotion.
The power of the all-out effort Gu was seen by everyone.
Many started to realize Fang Yuan was a tough opponent. But on the other hand, it made many experts start to notice and desire the all-out effort Gu.
Fang Yuan would have a peaceful time for a while, but soon, those days will end.
According to his nature, he would definitely suffer extensively. At that time, he would know how weak he truly was.
Using the battle stage, he would be suppressed and polished.
As Shang Yan Fei predicted, Fang Yuan's days got easier, as he won without a fight in his subsequent matches.
Who was Li Hao?
He was the number one strongest in fifth inner city battle stage, someone about to rise to fourth inner city.
Even he died by Fang Yuan's iron fist, who could stop him?
But a forceful challenge cannot be cancelled, those demonic Gu Masters thinking of taking advantage of the situation were forced to enter the arena.
At the start, some minded their reputation and tried to spar with Fang Yuan.
But Fang Yuan heavily injured several people, and after he killed one person, they did not dare to think highly of themselves anymore, once the battle started, they surrendered.
Nineteen, twenty, twenty-one victories...
Fang Yuan went onto the stage no longer to battle, but just to collect primeval stones.
It could be said to be the easiest time of his life.
And during this period, a group of pursuing Bai clan Gu Masters arrived at the foot of Shang clan city.
-x-X-x-
"We've finally reached Shang clan city." Staring at the mountain of buildings, Bai Feng sighed.
He was a Bai clan elder, when he was young, he roamed the southern border, and had once came to Shang clan city. But this time round, he was already old, the buildings were all unfamiliar to him, and even his goal was to arrest the two demonic Gu Masters.
"Do you guys think those two demonic scoundrels really chose this direction?" Bai Lian sounded worried.
"It should be this direction. We split into a few groups at the place where the footless bird landed, but the other directions were all dead ends. Only this path left behind traces." Tie Dao Ku said.
He was uncertain in his heart.
Although Tie clan was the number one investigator in the southern border, he was an attacking type Gu Master. Moreover, the southern border had many forests and mountains, complex terrain that made it easy to hide oneself and difficult to trace them. @@novelbin@@
"Maybe the two of them died long ago along the way, becoming food for wild beasts." Someone said optimistically.
There was a huge possibility in this, they had found many traces of skeletons along the way, and all the remains of the caravan assaulted by beast hordes.
"I do hope they are alive!" Bai Zhan Lie gritted his teeth, his grandfather was killed by Fang and Bai, he wanted to kill them with his own hands, taking revenge for that intense hatred in his heart.
"Alright, let's enter the city first. If there are no discoveries, we shall spend some primeval stones to send a letter to clan leader, and see what orders she has for us." Bai Feng took the first step.
The few of them arrived at the city gate looking like travellers on a long journey.
Coincidentally, this gate was the one Fang and Bai had once gone through.
"To enter the city, each person has to pay ten primeval stones." The city guard stopped them from entering.
Bai Feng took out a yellow pear token, waving it.
The guard looked at it, and after inspecting it, said: "Yellow pear token can exempt three people from the fees."
Bai Feng's group of six handed in thirty primeval stones.
"This brother, did you see the two of them entering the city?" Bai Zhan Lie pointed at an arrest warrant on the wall, asking.
This was the arrest warrant for Fang and Bai.
But the surface of this arrest warrant had been covered by another new arrest warrant, almost half of the surface was covered.
This was common.
Once in a while, new arrest warrants would appear.
The city guard's expression changed, howling at Bai Zhan Lie: "What are you saying? A city gate with me guarding, how can there be a demonic Gu Master entering? Do you think I am blind? This is slander, you are slandering a righteous young man from Shang clan!"
Bai Zhan Lie's expression froze.
Clan elder Bai Feng quickly apologised, in Shang clan city, even if he was a Bai clan elder, he had to lower his head.
The city guard saw Bai Feng's rank three cultivation, and did not dare to pursue the matter, only muttering under his breath.
Only until Tie Dao Ku showed an unhappy expression, and displayed his identity: "Enough, shut up. Do you think my Tie clan is unclear of what your Shang clan is like?"
The city guard stopped speaking.
After facing this initial display of authority, Bai clan entered the outer city grimly.
"Let's get some food, we are all tired after these few days of travelling. We need to rest, it will not affect our mission. I know a good restaurant in fifth inner city, it is at the battle zone, I had participated in it back in the day, and reached fourth inner city." Bai Feng recommended.
This suggestion was well received.
The gang arrived at fifth inner city, at the battle zone. Bai Zhan Lie, Bai Lian and the other juniors were instantly awed by the atmosphere of the battle zone.
As they walked, they could hear the people's excited conversations.
"Tan Jing finally took revenge, and defeated Shi Nan Sheng. Shi Nan Sheng vowed to take revenge, their grudge is growing."
"Sang Kong controls the virus cloud moth, his battle strength has risen again, he can almost dominate the fifth inner city."
"Dominate? Hehe, he will have to wait until Gu Yue Fang Zheng ascends to fourth inner city."
...
"Gu Yue Fang Zheng!!!"
Bai clan's gang stared with wide opened eyes, like they were struck by lightning. They quickly stopped, and stared at the talking passerby.
They scared the shit out of him.
After three minutes.
On the battle stage, Fang Yuan walked up to the stage. His opponent was a middle aged man, tall and burly, thick waist and shoulder, with a long moustache on his face, looking extremely fierce and aggressive.
Ding!
The bell rang and the battle officially started.
"I admit defeat!" The middle aged man shouted at the first second. He was swift and direct, causing the audience to feel unsatisfied.
"Again?"
"Aren't you embarrassed, admitting defeat before fighting."
"Embarrassment is better than dying, in the entire fifth inner city now, who dares to fight against Fang Zheng? The all-out effort Gu is too powerful!"
The crowd was noisy as usual.
The battle ended as soon as it started.
The hosting Gu Master took both their vine information Gu and edited the information inside before returning it to them.
The middle aged man turned to leave, admitting defeat was a humiliation, but circumstances forced him to, after all Fang Yuan was cruel and ruthless, he never spares his opponents. He did not dare to fight just to save his reputation.
Fang Yuan did not leave immediately, but took out forty thousand primeval stones and handed them to Li Ran.
This caused everyone to go into discussions again.
"Another forty thousand, he really gave it!"
"Although this Gu Yue Fang Zheng is ruthless, he keeps his word. Two hundred thousand, he has repaid most of it already. Only thirty thousand remain."
"Li Ran used these primeval stones to purchase Gu worms, he is starting to display his strength in the battle zone. I am so envious."
"Repaying kindness and taking revenge for hatred. From this aspect, I truly respect Gu Yue Fang Zheng."
"With this win, he is at twenty-nine net wins. Just one last match, and he would be in fourth inner city."
"The faster the better, how dares to challenge him? Even Li Hao died by his hands..."
...
"Gu Yue Fang Zheng, after all these hardships, we've finally found you!" Among the crowd, Bai Zhan Lie gritted his teeth, as his face contorted with anger.
His companions also showed an ugly expression.
They had chased after him for so long, suffering along the journey. In the end, they found that the person they wanted to arrest had been living luxuriously in Shang clan city, making a name for himself.
Before this, they had continuously guessed if he had died under the beast hordes, digested into faeces and defecated.
The scene now, was a huge contrast to their expectations.
Not only did Fang Yuan not have problems, he was living well, even changing his Gu worms and raising his battle strength and cultivation.
What were they supposed to feel!
"Oh heaven is blind, how can such a vile scoundrel live so well?" Bai Feng raised his head and cried out.
"His luck is too good, saving the illegitimate daughter of Shang clan leader and receiving the purple thorn token! In Shang clan city, we can do nothing to him, he is protected by Shang clan!" Bai Lian gritted her teeth, she had learnt much from the passerby.
The enemy who killed the two young masters were right before them, but there was nothing they could do to him.
"Not only him, even that Bai Ning Bing received the purple thorn token. Now, she has also joined the battle stage, and has good battle records." A companion beside her sighed.
"What world is this, evil people live well while good people die. Sigh!"
"Actually, it is not like we have no way to deal with them. They could join the battle stage, so can we." Tie Dao Ku spoke with a low voice, his gaze sharp as daggers.
He had heard from Bai clan leader that Fang Yuan had the charred thunder potato mother Gu.
Right now, he could confirmed that Fang and Bai were the ones who killed his young master!
But arresting them was impossible now, so why not just kill them! That way, young master's revenge can be taken, and Tie Dao Ku can return to Tie clan.
"That's right! This is a good idea." Bai Feng's eyes shone, as his spirits were lifted.
Using the rules of the battle stage, even if Fang Yuan had the purple thorn token, he could not be protected. Even if they could not kill him, taking away his all-out effort Gu would halt his growth.
The truth is, his growth speed was too scary, it struck fear in them. He cannot be allowed to grow anymore!
"Wait, where is Bai Zhan Lie?" Bai Lian suddenly asked.
...
Fang Yuan walked out of the battle stage, as numerous people gave way to him.
Numerous gazes landed on him, there were fear and respect, indifference and animosity.
"Although I killed many Gu Masters, my reputation is not bad. Every time I give Li Ran primeval stones, it is a performance that improves my reputation. Out of the two hundred thousand, only thirty thousand remain."
Fang Yuan walked as he considered his options.
After battling Li Hao, he earned three Gu worms, but did not gain the mountain back toad or the position swap Gu.
He beat the mountain back toad to death, and the position swap Gu is Li Hao's vital Gu, it perished after Li Hao died.
But that battle had many spectators, Fang Yuan earned over six thousand primeval stones.
This month, his consecutive victories earned him enough to return forty thousand to Li Ran and still save a small sum of primeval stones for himself.
Because of his actions, and Li Ran's response, Wu clan did not do anything to Fang Yuan for now.
This earned him precious time for development.
"I have twenty-nine victories now, just one more and I'd be in fourth inner city. The pressure there is much higher, with experts everywhere, but wins also give me much more reward. After using the steel tendon Gu, I can increase the number of my beast phantoms already, but..."
To increase the number of beast phantoms, it is a long process, there will only be effect after two to three months.
After getting to fourth inner city, Fang Yuan's pressure would be greater, he needed more strength to deal with the situation.
"A large size auction will be held soon, and there is an instant success Gu up for bidding. If I can get it, I would be able to obtain new beast phantoms overnight, but my primeval stones are too few, I don't even have the qualification to participate in the auction..."
Money is always insufficient when one needs to use it!
Just as Fang Yuan was considering who to borrow from, a young man appeared and blocked his path.
"Gu Yue Fang Zheng, do you recognise me?!" Bai Zhan Lie screamed.
"Zhan Lie!"
"Zhan Lie, don't be rash."
Bai clan and gang arrived, forming a semi circle around Fang Yuan.
A stand-off!
-x-X-x-
Fang Yuan slightly furrowed his eyebrows and lightly glanced at the group.
He had some impression of Bai Zhan Lie; the number one genius from Bai clan's younger generation, they had even drank together at one time.
Bai Lian was even more familiar, she had accompanied him for some time, using honey trap on him. Unfortunately, how could beauty shake Fang Yuan's heart? The result was that Fang Yuan played her at her own game.
Others such as Bai Feng, Tie Dao Ku and so on, Fang Yuan did not recognize them.
Even so, Fang Yuan knew this group of people's origins and motives.
This was the victim's family coming to visit.
"Justice has long arms, Gu Yue Fang Zheng, you slaughtered my Bai clan's two young clan leaders, you will not escape justice even if you escape to Shang clan city!" Bai Feng shouted.
"Fang Zheng, the trap you buried killed my Tie clan's young master and clansmen. This hatred is absolutely irreconcilable, I, Tie Dao Ku, will take your head!" Tie Dao Ku's expression was flared up as he pointed at Fang Yuan's nose and roared.
The disturbance here immediately attracted the attention of nearby passerbys. To go where the crowds were, it was human nature; more people began to pay attention.
"Oh, you are a Tie clansman? Strange! How could I have no idea what you are talking about if I killed your clansmen?" Fang Yuan sneered.
"Stop denying it! You have the charred thunder potato mother Gu, you dug the pitfalls with extremely sinister intentions. My Tie clan group stepped into your pitfall, the explosions blew up even their corpses. We have been chasing your all the way, who could it be besides you?" Tie Dao Ku's eyes seemed to be almost shooting out flames, wishing he could immediately cut Fang Yuan into pieces.
"Hehehe." Fang Yuan was dazed for a moment before he started laughing, "So it was like that, it seems I did the right thing by digging those pitfalls. Thank you for telling me this good news and making me happy."
"You!" Tie Dao Ku opened his eyes wide, he was seething with anger, "You admitted it! You actually admitted it! Good, very good, Fang Zheng, you are dead meat. You dared to kill my Tie clan's young master, you have made an enemy out of Tie clan!"
"So what?" Fang Yuan shrugged his shoulders and sarcastically said, "Laughable, I dug those pitfalls to deal with the grass skirt monkeys. But you guys stepped on them, this can only be blamed on your Tie clansmen for not having eyes. Moreover, what crimes did I commit for you guys to tail after me? Courting your own death, hehehe, it is good that they died, it is fabulous that they died..."
The surrounding people were dumbstruck.
"He provoked a Tie clansman so directly?"
"Has Fang Zheng gone crazy? Tie clan is also one of the lords of southern border and isn't any weaker than Shang clan."
"Tie clan has captured demonic Gu Masters from everywhere and its famous demon suppression tower is the nemesis of the demonic path. Fang Zheng actually killed a young master of this clan!"
"He has the purple thorn token and knows he is safe! As long as he stays in Shang clan city, he would be a distinguished guest of Shang clan. Even if Tie clan leader came, Lord Shang Yan Fei would need to protect him. If he didn't protect Fang Zheng and the news spread out, it would signify that Shang clan is afraid of Tie clan. Hehe..."
The discussion of the surrounding people calmed down Tie Dao Ku who was burning in anger.
Fang Yuan possessed a purple thorn token and his cultivation was now rank three; dealing with him was not as easy as before.
"Hmph, Fang Zheng, don't think you are safe by hiding here. You want to rely on the battle stage to become Shang clan's external elder? In your dreams! I will tell you, as long as I Bai Feng am here, you will never be able to dominate the battle stage!" Elder Bai Feng said in a gloomy tone.
Tie Dao Ku followed immediately: "Fang Zheng, I will deal with you in the battle stage. There is no escape for you, the huge crime you have commited must receive severe punishment!"
"Oh, you guys want to stop me in the battle stage?" Fang Yuan's eyes flashed with a trace of cold light.
He was not afraid of these people, even though Bai Feng, Tie Dao Ku, Bai Zhan Lie and Bai Lian were all rank three Gu Masters.
If they were going to deal with him through the battle stage, they could not display their superiority in numbers.
"It is just that my current situation...."
Fang Yuan mumbled inwardly then suddenly chuckled and said to Bai Feng: "Your Bai clan obtained Bai Gu inheritance but are still not satisfied and want to deal with me? Without me, how could you have obtained the inheritance? Hmph, it seems you don't want to know the whereabouts of your two young clan leaders."
The Bai clansmen immediately revealed astonished expressions.
From Fang Yuan's tone, it seemed the two young clan leaders were not dead...
"Fang Zheng, what do you mean?" Bai Feng immediately asked in bewilderment.
"Fang Zheng, don't try to deceive us with lies. We have searched almost everywhere in Bai Gu inheritance ground but haven't found even a trace of the two young clan leaders." Bai Lian coldly shouted.
"It was me who found the Bai Gu inheritance, does Bai clan think it has more understanding of the place than me? Ridiculous!"
Fang Yuan disdainfully scoffed and continued: "Why would I retreat while carrying those two burdens? Can't you think with your brains? Deceive you? Hmph, I am not even afraid of Tie clan, why would I fear your puny Bai clan?"
"Fang Zheng, if the two young clan leaders are still alive then this will just be a misunderstanding, our Bai clan... is not an unreasonable clan." Bai Feng picked his words carefully to coax Fang Yuan into revealing the whereabouts of the two young clan leaders.
"You want to know? Hehe, fine. It just so happens that I am starving, how about you treat me to a meal? Let's go to third inner city's most famous Shi Zi restaurant." Fang Yuan indifferently said.
Bai clansmen looked at each other.
The whereabouts of the two young clan leaders was extremely important since it affected the future of Bai clan.
Despite Bai clan having extreme hatred towards Fang Yuan, elder Bai Feng gritted his teeth and nodded: "Alright, let's go there!"
Shi Zi restaurant was not just a simple restaurant, but was a luxurious brothel.
This restaurant introduced women from foreign lands like Northern Plains, Eastern Seas and Western Desert; the women were all enchanting, with plump butt and large breasts. Another speciality of this restaurant was their lion meatball and was served on a human.
Lion's meat, tiger's meat and all kinds of precious ingredients were made into meatballs and displayed on top of a beautiful woman in between her breasts.
The name lion meatball held deep meanings. It was not only to eat the food, but also to 'eat human'.
The reason why Fang Yuan wanted to visit this place was not because he was interested in lion meatball, but because this restaurant had a strong background and contained many secret private rooms. Many Shang clansmen would often choose a private room for their private affairs, concealing their names and had no worries about news leaking.
Fang Yuan chose a secret room and sat along with everyone.
A feast was laid before them, the aroma of the dishes assailed their nostrils. However, they did not order the signature dish, lion meatball.
"Say it, where are our two young clan leaders?" Bai Feng impatiently asked the moment he sat down.
"Before I tell you, I would like to ask this Tie clan Gu Master to stay outside for a moment." Fang Yuan gazed at Tie Dao Ku.
"Why?" Tie Dao Ku's gaze was sharp as knife, as he ruthlessly cut off Fang Yuan. A bad feeling emerged in his mind.
"Because this is a private affair between me and Bai clan!" Fang Yuan's tone was unyielding, "Besides me, everyone else should be Bai clansmen, otherwise I guarantee I won't say a word!"
Bai Feng hesitated, the matter concerned the two young clan leaders, he had to be careful about it, thus he looked at Tie Dao Ku.
Tie Dao Ku snorted and annoyedly left the secret room, closing the door shut.
The sound produced in the secret room was isolated from the outside.
"Say it, where are the two young clan leaders, don't even think of deceiving us! This is Shang clan city, there are many Gu worms that can verify your words." Bai Feng sternly asked.
Fang Yuan lifted a wine cup and sipped at it: "Whereabouts? Of course, they are both dead, you guys are really naive! Since I made an enemy out of your Bai clan, I will naturally eliminate all threats!"
"What!"
"You dared to toy with us?
"Fang Zheng, you are courting death!!"
The Bai clansmen stood up furiously, their flaming anger pressed on towards Fang Yuan.
They were full fury but could not take any actions.
This was not Bai clan's territory, Fang Yuan possessed a purple thorn token and also had impressive strength. They would definitely have to pay a catastrophic price to kill Fang Yuan. Most importantly, if they killed him like this, it was making an enemy out of Shang clan!
Your Bai clan killed my Shang clan's esteemed guest in Shang clan city, hehe.
Bai clan was now facing the crisis of their spirit spring drying up, they were in a precarious situation. Now, after obtaining the Bai Gu inheritance, many forces were eyeing it covetously, if they provoked a titan like Shang clan on top of that, the consequences would be too dire to imagine!
Fang Yuan calmly sat on his seat, he raised his eyes and looked at everyone, then indifferently said:
"I actually admire you guys. Your Bai clan's spirit spring is drying up and are in deep trouble, yet you guys still have the mood for leisure and came chasing after me. Hehe, you are really amazing."
These words were like a bolt of lightning which fiercely struck their hearts, causing tides to surge in elder Bai Feng's heart.
He was horrified as he blurted out: "This... how do you know this?!"
This information was sealed off by Bai clan's higher ups, even Bai Zhan Lie and Bai Lian did not know it. But Fang Yuan laid bare the secret with one sentence, how could it not frighten Bai Feng?
"Of course it was from your noble clan's two young clan leaders. Before I killed them, they knelt and begged for forgiveness, trying to use this information to obtain my trust and exchange for their lives." Fang Yuan talked nonsense, anyway, dead men tell no tales.
"Impossible! This information is only confined to clan leader and few elders. The two young clan leaders are young and ignorant, how could we let them know this?!" Bai Feng immediately retorted.
Fang Yuan curled his lips: "Maybe they heard it when they were playing around? After all, their mother is your clan leader. These are just minor details."
"Lord clan elder, is what he said about the spirit spring drying up true?"
"How could this be, if the clan's spirit spring dries up..."
Bai Lian, Bai Zhan Lie and others questioned one after another, their expressions worried and frightened.
Spirit spring was the foundation of a clan, there was no need to mention its importance. If the clan lost the spirit spring, no matter how strong it was, it would only be rootless weed.
Bai Feng immediately came back to his senses by their questions and inwardly knew he had messed up.
Maybe Fang Yuan was only guessing, the two young clan leaders were young, their credibility were not high.
Bai Feng felt immense regret and wished he could give himself a tight slap. He was impatient and could not hide secrets. Otherwise, when he was young, he would not have been driven out of the clan by his father to force him to mold his character.
These years, he had cultivated some shrewdness but in the end, a leopard cannot change its spots.
But honestly, he could not be blamed. Spirit spring was too important, Bai Feng was carrying this burden in his heart. The pressure was accumulating like a volcano and burst out due to Fang Yuan's one sentence.
-x-X-x-
Bai Feng's expression was gloomy and his gaze kept on flashing. He was thinking of denying this but Fang Yuan saw through his plan.
"Don't even try to cover it, it's no use. As the spirit spring continues to dry up, the primeval stones produced will also decrease sharply. Bai clan has been concealing it well, you have either used your remaining stock in the storage or traded to fill up this gap. But this will definitely leave traces, as long as someone carefully investigates it, they will find out." Fang Yuan was calm and comfortable.
Bai Feng tightly clenched his fists, glaring at Fang Yuan like he wanted to swallow him alive.
Looking at the appearance of this elder, even a stupid person would realize the truth.
"Our clan's spirit spring is drying?" Bai Lian was dazed, leaning on her chair listlessly.
Bai Zhan Lie bit his lips, going silent.
The others also did not speak, they were astonished and terrified. The atmosphere in the secret room turned extremely oppressive.
"Hehehe." Fang Yuan chuckled, "Your Bai clan is really in danger. Even a stronger clan will collapse if their spirit spring dries up and they don't find a new spirit spring. Now, you have obtained Bai Gu inheritance, the forces around you are all coveting it; tell me, what will happen if I spread this secret information?"
"No!" Bai Lian lost color in her face and immediately interjected.
The others also thought of the seriousness of the matter and their expressions turned grave.
Now, Bai clan had obtained Bai Gu inheritance, their strength rose due to the benefits gained from Fang Yuan's discovery. The few neighbouring large clans were staring at them covetously, but also held their guard.
If the news of the spirit spring drying up was exposed, Bai clan would lose their deterrence and become a paper tiger; the surrounding forces were sure to make their move!
Those forces would never want to see Bai clan survive this ordeal and because of the Bai Gu inheritance, rise in power and suppress them.
Hence, this information had to be guarded!
Bai clan's gang were startled awake by Fang Yuan, gaining some understanding of the situation. Bai Zhan Lie and others fixed their gazes at Fang Yuan, their eyes shining even more fiercely and emitted killing intent.
"Want to kill me?" Fang Yuan sneered and shook his finger, "Since I am meeting with you alone, I have naturally made thorough preparations. In truth, if you hadn't come to find me, I would have gone to find you."
These were not senseless words. The Bai clansmen had no choice but to restrain their killing intent and retract the ominous glint in their eyes.
"Alright, let's get down to business now." The corner of Fang Yuan's lips slightly curled up as he adjusted his sitting posture.
He pointed his hands down and said: "Take a seat and let's discuss it."
"Discuss what, what's there to talk about with you? Hmph!" Bai Feng's expression was gloomy, but despite saying so, he still sat down.
The remaining clansmen hesitated for a while before sitting down.
The tense situation immediately eased a little.
"Of course we are going to discuss the fees to keep me silent. Was it easy for me to lead you here? Wasting my time and energy, you should compensate me! Primeval stones, I want primeval stones. Give me three million primeval stones and I can promise you I won't reveal this information."
The Bai clansmen immediately stood up again when they heard Fang Yuan.
"You dare to threaten us!"
"You killed our two young clan leaders, and dare to demand primeval stones?!"
"Fang Zheng, don't go too far. At worst, I will stake my old life and take you down with me!!"
The group roared and growled in anger.
"Hahaha." Fang Yuan threw his head back and laughed. He then stood up and a cold light blossomed in his dark eyes as he looked at the group.
"That's right, I am threatening you! You don't agree? Then I will simply leak this information. What did you say, you want to die together with me? Hmph, even if I die, this information will be leaked to the world. At that time, you will become the sinners of the clan; because you didn't agree to my request, your clan will be besieged by the surrounding forces!"
"You, you, you..." Elder Bai Feng was angered to his limit as he speechlessly pointed at Fang Yuan.
The other clansmen also glared at Fang Yuan with furious eyes while gritting their teeth, but no one moved.
"You what?" Fang Yuan sneered at Bai Feng, his tone full of disdain, "What can you do to me? Kill me? I have a purple thorn token, do you dare to try it? I know you are all courageous, not afraid of death. But your clan is the most important. If your family and friends die, it will be all because of you!"
The Bai clansmen clenched their fists, standing stunned on the spot. @@novelbin@@
"Ahh—!" Bai Zhan Lie suddenly raised his head and shouted, he then lifted his fist and smashed it down.
Due to his furious punch, the whole banquet table was smashed and the dishes crashed to the ground.
He felt deep hatred!
His grandfather Bai Zhan Wen had died because of Fang and Bai. This hatred was irreconcilable!
Because of this, he joined the pursuit group, constantly running about, now that he finally found the killer...
The enemy was clearly in front of him, but he could not do anything! Fang Yuan was clearly within his reach, but he could not exact revenge!
Not only could he not exact revenge, he still had to endure Fang Yuan's threat.
His chest burned with anger, an anger that threatened to burn the sky and was already burning his heart. But he could not move, he did not dare to imagine the consequences if he moved. His life was a minor thing, but the whole clan might face a calamity because of him!!
"No need to get angry. Actually, in this whole event, I was also a victim." Fang Yuan's tone relaxed and said with a sigh.
"Just think of it, Bai Gu inheritance was originally mine, but your Bai clan stole it from me. Your Bai clan chased after me and Bai Ning Bing, we were forced to kill Bai Hua and Bai Sheng to make it easier to escape. Later, I suffered serious injuries and landed on Zi You mountain, having close encounter with death all along the way. Do you think it was easy for me?"
"Your Bai clan's power is huge and I can't afford to offend it. I could only curl up in Shang clan city, but you still won't let me go. Tell me, what should I do? I am not someone who is unreasonable, three million primeval stones, that is the lowest I will go. I am very sincere, I have told this secret to only a few people and haven't spread it outside. I also intentionally sent the Tie clansman outside in consideration for your Bai clan."
Fang Yuan's expression was very sincere.
"Three million primeval stones, you are demanding an exorbitant price!"
"Fang Zheng, let's be fair, how did our Bai clan treat you! We treated you nicely with food and accomodation, but what came out of it? You repaid our kindness with enmity!"
"Our clan's two young clan leaders died in your hands, elder Bai Zhan Wen also died because of you. Many of our expert clansmen also died or got seriously handicapped while protecting you on your travels around Bai Gu mountain!"
The Bai clan's group all had different expressions; some were extremely angry, some were sneering and some were crying, but they all had a similarity — their deep hatred towards Fang Yuan!
Fang Yuan's expression changed, he gave a cold smile: "It seems you are still not aware of the situation, I tried to give you face, but you don't want it? Very well."
Fang Yuan stood up and turned to leave.
Bai clansmen immediately fell into panic.
"Wait, wait a moment." Bai Feng was desperate as he sidestepped and blocked Fang Yuan.
"I will tell you honestly, I am going to go sell this information now. I believe Shang clan's Feng Yu Manor will give a good price for it. Can you guess how much they are going to pay me?" Fang Yuan smiled sinisterly.
"Fang Zheng, don't go too far!" Bai Zhan Lie roared and quickly walked towards Fang Yuan and stared at him dead on.
Fang Yuan nonchalantly said: "You want to attack me? You want to put your clan in danger?"
Bai Zhan Lie's inner fire was stumped, as he stood stunned.
Slap!
Fang Yuan took this chance and slapped. He was very strong and with just a little strength, he sent the energetic Bai Zhan Lie retreating five to six steps.
"What do you think you are doing?!" Bai clansmen immediately flared up and surrounded Fang Yuan.
"Do you all want to become the sinners of your clan?" Fang Yuan snorted, his words were like ice, dousing the Bai clansmen's surging anger.
"You unappreciative scum." Fang Yuan pointed at Bai Zhan Lie, "If I don't teach you a lesson, do you really think you are the Heavenly Emperor?"
Fang Yuan showed no restraint in berating Bai Zhan Lie in front of the Bai clansmen.
He next looked at everyone: "You are all idiots! If I wanted Bai clan to face a calamity, it just takes one sentence from me! A wise man succumbs to circumstances , you still can't see the situation clearly? Make a move if you want. Come, even if I die, having your Bai clan accompany me in death won't be so bad."
Fang Yuan was completely surrounded, but his attitude was still unbridled.
Instead it was Bai clansmen, who were bigger in numbers, that had to give in while gritting their teeth and clenching their fists.
Bai Zhan Lie held his swollen face, his eyes bloodshot. This humiliation almost caused the anger in his his heart to burst up to the nine heavens. The veins in his forehead bulged out as he tried his best to maintain the final sliver of reason left in his mind.
The clan was their weak spot; Fang Yuan targeted this and also showed an attitude that was unafraid of death, causing Bai clan fall into a hopeless situation where they could only tolerate Fang Yuan.
"I will give you thirty breaths of time to consider." Fang Yuan continued.
The group of Bai clansmen immediately fell into a struggle.
They did not want to lower their heads to Fang Yuan, this murderer. However, if they did not lower their heads, their clan would be in danger.
They were at a loss and all of them looked towards elder Bai Feng.
Bai Feng's clenched fists slowly loosened before he again clenched them and unclenched after a while.
This continued again and again, showing the struggle in his heart.
Thirty breaths of time passed by, but Fang Yuan looked like he had forgotten it.
Bai Feng was impatient, but he only opened his mouth after five minutes, breaking the silence.
"Three million... is too much. We can't agree to this. Moreover, we don't have that much money on us!" His voice was hoarse like a guy who was about to die of thirst in desert.
He listlessly loosened his hands, having no more strength to clench them again.
For the clan, he had no choice but to give priority to the overall situation. Despite wishing he could cut Fang Yuan into pieces, he chose to lower his head for the moment.
The other Bai clansmen also felt their hearts relieved after hearing his words. Their killing intent towards Fang Yuan sank into the shadows, becoming thicker and deeper.
Fang Yuan laughed: "The three million does not need to be paid in full, just take it slowly, for now hand over five hundred thousand."
"Five hundred thousand? Why would we carry so many primeval stones with us?!" Bai Feng refuted.
Fang Yuan's brows raised: "You can borrow from loan sharks, pawn your belongings or even sell Gu worms... no matter what you do, I need five hundred thousand primeval stones within a day. Moreover, I do not want to see any of Bai clan's people staying in Shang clan city!"
-x-X-x-
"What are they doing inside, it has already been over an hour..." Outside the secret room, Tie Dao Ku was standing with his arms crossed, the doubt in his heart increasing with time.
The secret room isolated sound but it was not firm. In the case where a fight broke out, he would be able to immediately sense it.
The problem, however, was that it had been calm and quiet since the start, making Tie Dao Ku unable to figure it out.
Creak.
Just as he was thinking this, the door opened from the inside.
"Brother Dao Ku, please come inside, we have finished our talk." A Gu Master of Bai clan informed.
Tie Dao Ku entered the secret room, the first thing he saw was the table smashed by Bai Zhan Lie and all kinds of dishes scattered on the ground.
Tie Dao Ku could not help but raise his brows.
Clearly, this feast could not be enjoyed anymore. Even if it could, the Bai clansmen present there did not have any appetite.
Their faces were ashen and their expressions sluggish as if they had suffered heavy injuries.
Only Fang Yuan's complexion was normal and even looked healthier than normal.
Just now, he had reached an agreement with the Bai clansmen and everything was settled by using poison vow Gu on the spot.
"What happened?" Tie Dao Ku was bewildered.
"I will leave first, take care." Fang Yuan left these words and walked out of the secret room.
"Fang Zheng, just wait for me at the battle stage!" Tie Dao Ku growled.
Fang Yuan ignored him and walked away, disappearing from everyone's sights.
"What exactly happened here?" Tie Dao Ku was very puzzled. How could talking for a while make all these Bai clansmen's expression change, he could not feel any flames of hatred in them.
"Sigh...." Bai Feng heaved a deep sigh.
He raised his head and looked at Tie Dao Ku, his gaze complex: "Brother Tie, something happened and it is not convenient for me to speak of it. We are withdrawing, we cannot go against Fang and Bai anymore."
"What?" Tie Dao Ku cried out involuntarily, revealing an incredulous expression.
"Our Bai clan has little assets, we cannot afford to take risks. Take care!" Bai Feng stood up and walked straight out of the secret room.
"You don't have to be worried, he is relying on Shang clan, but isn't my Tie clan also one of the lords of the southern border?" Tie Dao Ku hurriedly tried to persuade them. To deal against Fang and Bai, it was better with more people. If Bai clan left, he would be all alone!
However, how could he know the situation behind this?
His persuasion was of no use, Bai clan was bent on leaving and he was not able to stop them anymore.
Looking at the image of the Bai clansmen leaving, Tie Dao Ku's expression turned extremely cold and mumbled to himself: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting; Fang Zheng, you made a good move! But don't think I, Tie Dao Ku, will give up just like this. Hmph!"
His will was firm, others might have given up, but he still chose to persist.
He decided to register his name at the battle zone right away. He would hunt Fang Yuan in the battle stage!
"Sir, please stop." A waiter ran over and politely stopped Tie Dao Ku with a smile on his face: "You haven't paid the bill."
"...what?"
...
"Five hundred thousand primeval stones, how can we prepare such a large sum of money within a day?" Walking on the spacious street, Bai Lian voiced out her worries.
"With my identity as an elder of Bai clan, I can go to the loan sharks to borrow three hundred thousand. As for the remaining two hundred thousand... I will have to pawn small tornado." Bai Feng understood the situation.
The other Bai clansmen were moved.
Bai Zhan Lie cried out: "Lord Elder, small tornado Gu is your core Gu, are you really going to pawn it?"
Bai Feng let out a bitter smile.
"Even with elder pawning small tornado Gu, it won't be enough to get two hundred thousand. Add in my lotus cloth Gu." Bai Lian pursed her lips.
With this, the remaining Bai clansmen also understood.
"Pawn my fountain thoughts Gu as well."
"My little wind drill Gu as well."
"I will contribute my three forked bone spear..."
Bai Feng slowly nodded: "You all have the spirit of sacrificing for the clan, there is no worry that Bai clan won't flourish. Today's disgrace will be paid a thousand times over in future. But now, we still need to think of the clan. I decided on this, so I will take all the responsibility for this matter once we return to the clan."
"Lord Elder!" The group was stunned.
They could not take their revenge and had to instead sign a disgraceful and unfair treaty. Although it was the best choice, there would definitely be heavy pressure and criticism when they returned to the clan.
Political struggles existed everywhere.
However, Bai Feng was going to bear the responsibility for the whole affair, no doubt he was protecting the political prospects of Bai Lian, Bai Zhan Lie and the others.
Bai Feng revealed an affectionate smile and sighed: "No need to say anything, I am already old, the clan's future lies on your shoulder. How could we gain anything without giving and sacrificing? It is because of countless people sacrificing and enduring humiliation, that the clan is able to thrive, and preserve the smile of our family members."
"Yes!" Bai Lian, Bai Zhan Lie and others nodded, realization dawned on their minds.
Their ashen expressions gradually disappeared and were replaced with a gaze that was glowing brighter and brighter.
...
Three days later, in a large scale auction.
"Ladies and gentlemen, you are looking at a frost breath Gu. Rank three Gu worm, able to breathe out cold air which has the effect of inflicting frostbites and slowing your opponents. Frost breath Gu's biggest advantage is that every activation only consumes five percent of light snow primeval essence. The starting bid is twenty-three thousand primeval stones!" On a round platform, the hosting Gu Master was speaking through sound amplify Gu.
"Twenty-five thousand."
"Twenty-eight thousand."
"Thirty thousand!"
After a round of intense bidding, the frost breath Gu was sold for thirty eight thousand primeval stones.
Fang Yuan calmly looked down at the circular stage from his seat.
He was sitting in a private room at the auction; others could not see him. This was the benefit of having a purple thorn token.
In small scale auctions, he could use the purple thorn token to buy auctioned goods in advance. He was not able to do that for the large scale auctions.
"Please take a look, this is a flame heart Gu. Its shape is like a miniature volcano. After refining it, it resides in the heart of the Gu Master. As everyone knows, its ability is to strengthen fire type Gu worm's attacks. Rank three flame heart Gu, starting bid of thirty thousand primeval stones!" The hosting Gu Master shouted loudly from the platform.
He had just finished speaking, when someone immediately made a bid: "Thirty-five thousand!"
The first bid immediately raised the bid by five thousand primeval stones, showing a clear assertiveness.
But this could not stop interested parties.
"Thirty-six thousand!"
"Thirty-eight thousand."
"Forty thousand..."
The price finally stopped at forty-two thousand.
"Looks like these people are quite rational. This is a reasonable price..." Fang Yuan watched this from the private room, evaluating the situation.
Shang clan city frequently traded, this type of large scale auctions were held at fixed intervals. The Gu Masters living in Shang clan city were all used to it and were smart when bidding in auctions.
No one was foolish.
Of course, there were occasional extravagant participants.
Fang Yuan had observed for a long while, today's auction did not seem to have such a person.
This was his luck and also others' luck.
If there had been such a person, Fang Yuan would have to start bidding and empty out these people's capital early. This type of battle of wits and contest of force was child's play to Fang Yuan.
All the Gu showed in the large scale auctions were rare and precious. All of them were rank three or above, there was almost none below rank three.
Besides the Gu worms, there were also rare Gu food, rare Gu refinement materials, Gu refinement recipe, information about some inheritances, perfect looking gambling rocks; there were also female slaves, male slaves, captured beast kings and so on.
Frost breath Gu and flame heart Gu were sold for about thirty to forty thousand; this price could only be considered to be low compared to other auction goods.
Soon, Fang Yuan saw a rank four grass tree army Gu being sold for two hundred and fifty thousand primeval stones.
Grass tree army Gu could turn every plant and tree within a certain range of the Gu Master into an offensive method. In the terrains of Southern Border, it was an absolute killing weapon.
Ordinary rank four Gu could cost up to a hundred thousand primeval stones. Grass tree army Gu's price already reached the price of an ordinary rank five Gu.
Fang Yuan carried five hundred thousand on him right now, but at this auction, it really was not much and could only buy two grass tree army Gu.
Instant success Gu was a rank four rare Gu.
After a bidding competition, Fang Yuan successfully bought it with over one hundred and eighty thousand primeval stones.
Next, he spent a total of eighty-three thousand primeval stones to buy a white silver relic Gu and a golden shield Gu.
He did not make any bids after that.
Primeval stones could not be spent recklessly and should be spent in useful areas. Currently, all-out effort Gu was his core, he also had self-reliance Gu. He lacked a bitter strength Gu; this Gu was not cheap, moreover it was extremely rare, rarely seen even at Shang clan city. @@novelbin@@
Why?
Because the fusion success rate was extremely low, so there were only a small number of people who used it.
Gu worm's transactions also depended on the supply and demand of the market. With low demand and high production costs, the supply would naturally be low.
"If I can't buy bitter strength Gu, then I can only try refining it myself. It is just that its success rate really causes a headache."
"I got the white silver relic Gu, but there is no hurry to use it. If I was cultivating alone, it would be better if I used it earlier, but now that I have Bai Ning Bing to rely on. I will leave the white silver relic Gu to use for later."
"I have used over two hundred and seventy thousand primeval stones today, now just over two hundred and twenty thousand remains. I will accumulate them for the super sized auction held every two years in Shang clan city."
"Li Ran told me that Bai clan's group has indeed left Shang clan city. Although I extorted three million out of them, I can't underestimate this clan. Suffering in silence with the mentality of sacrificing, no wonder they rose to power abruptly in my previous life. Right now, they are using the excuse of exploring Bai Gu inheritance to recklessly search for the spirit spring in Bai Gu mountain. The progress is a lot faster than in my previous life, I have no choice but to be vigilant against them."
"Bai clan has already chased me to here, would Tie clan be far off? Tie clan, demon suppression tower... as for that Tie Dao Ku, he is of no worry for the moment."
Just as Fang Yuan was making future plans, at the entrance of Shi Zi restaurant.
Eighteen foreign girls stood in two rows, laughing and chatting with each other.
They wore revealing clothes and the fragrance of their makeup filled the air. They had plump breasts and looked sultry.
They had no need to solicit customers, just standing there was the best signboard, attracting countless male Gu Masters to loiter around and enter.
With a grim face, Tie Dao Ku was standing at the side with several other Gu Masters, guarding the entrance.
Humiliating!
The shame in his heart had reached its limits.
To think that Shi Zi restaurant's banquet was so expensive, without any money to pay for it, he could only work to write off his debt.
"Look at what a grand Tie clan's Gu Master has fallen to, I am actually forced to do this type of thing! The restaurant has background and doesn't care that I am a Tie clansman. Sigh! I hope no one sees me, absolutely no acquaintances..." Tie Dao Ku prayed desperately.
"Eh! Isn't this brother Tie Dao Ku? What are you doing here?" A voice arrived.
Tie Dao Ku was immediately stunned.
A familiar person...
Familiar...
Person...
"Aaaah! Fang Zheng, just wait!" Veins bulged out of Tie Dao Ku's forehead as he roared furiously in his heart.
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