"Congratulations, congratulations."
"Elder Fang Ming is young and promising. Our Gu Yue clan has gained another pillar."
"During the wolf tide, another Rank three Gu Master appearing is truly fortunate."
After the elder meeting ended, several elders surrounded Fang Ming and spoke customary words.
Their smiles were warm, but their thoughts were not necessarily the same.
Fang Ming replied politely.
"How can these small achievements of mine compare to the elders? I was only lucky to receive the clan's nurturing and the Chi branch's support."
His words were modest, and his attitude was steady.
The academy elder stood at the edge of the crowd, looking at Fang Ming with a complicated expression.
Back in the academy, Fang Ming had already been outstanding. He was first in refinement, first in the year-end examination, and had reached Rank two before graduation. But even so, the academy elder had not expected him to become Rank three so quickly.
"Elder Fang Ming, you have truly surpassed my expectations," the academy elder said.
Fang Ming cupped his fists. "Academy elder's teachings, I have not forgotten."
The academy elder nodded, feeling gratified.
Gu Yue Chi Lian watched from the side.
Fang Ming's conduct was proper. He did not show arrogance after becoming Rank three, nor did he avoid the elders like a nervous junior. His words had measure, and his expression did not reveal too much.
This made Chi Lian more satisfied.
A person who became Rank three was useful.
A person who became Rank three and still knew how to act was even more useful.
After exchanging words for a while, Fang Ming declined several invitations and followed the clan attendant toward the clan's Gu room.
According to the rules, after a Gu Master advanced to Rank three and became an elder, the clan would grant him one Rank three Gu worm.
This was both a reward and a necessity.
Cultivation alone was not battle strength.
A Rank three Gu Master without Rank three Gu worms could only be considered half-formed. Against true enemies, he would still lack methods.
At the same time, the clan's Rank one to Rank three Gu recipes would be opened to elders. Fang Ming could choose suitable recipes and refine his own Gu worms in the future.
During ordinary times, an elder would also receive one hundred primeval stones every week. During the wolf tide, this allowance rose to three hundred.
These benefits were enough to make ordinary Rank two Gu Masters envious.
But Fang Ming knew clearly that benefits were not given for free.
After receiving elder treatment, he had to take elder responsibility. During the wolf tide, this meant standing closer to danger.
The clan Gu room was heavily guarded.
The elder in charge personally led Fang Ming inside.
Compared to the academy Gu room, this place was much quieter. The Gu worms here were fewer in number, but their value was much higher. Several Rank three Gu worms were sealed separately, each protected by restrictions.
The elder in charge said, "Elder Fang Ming, you may choose one Rank three Gu. Once chosen, it cannot be exchanged."
Fang Ming nodded.
He walked slowly between the counters.
A Rank three offensive Gu was tempting, but he already had Moonglow Gu, and he planned to refine it further. A healing Gu was also useful, but public healing Gu were tied too closely to the medicine hall. A support Gu could be valuable, but the wolf tide did not give him enough time to slowly build around it.
Movement was different.
To survive the wolf tide, one had to be able to advance, retreat, dodge, and escape.
Fang Ming stopped before one counter.
Inside was a Gu worm shaped like a small dragonfly. Its body was blue and silver, and thin arcs of lightning flickered around its wings.
Beside it was written: Thunderwings Gu.
Rank three movement Gu.
When activated, it could form a pair of thunder wings and allow the Gu Master to fly or move rapidly for a short time.
Fang Ming only looked for a moment before saying, "I choose this."
The elder in charge was not surprised.
"Thunderwings Gu consumes a lot of primeval essence, but its movement ability is excellent. During the wolf tide, this Gu can save your life."
"Then it is suitable," Fang Ming said.
The elder began preparing the procedures.
Fang Ming did not move away immediately.
His gaze passed over the other sealed Gu worms.
At the medicine counter nearby, a green grass-shaped Gu worm rested inside a jade box. It had three thin leaves, and faint fragrance drifted from it even through the seal.
Three Step Fragrant Grass Gu.
Rank three healing Gu.
When activated, its fragrance could stabilize injuries and restore flesh wounds within a short range. It was not the strongest healing Gu in the clan, but it was practical, quick, and suitable for battlefield use.
Fang Ming stood near the counter, as if casually reading the description.
His monthly chance had already recovered.
The Gu was within one meter.
He lowered his eyes.
A cold feeling spread silently.
The elder in charge was still recording the Thunderwings Gu transfer and did not pay attention to him. In the Gu room, elders examining other Gu worms after making their choice was not strange. Many people looked out of curiosity, even if they could not choose again.
Fang Ming remained still.
The fragrance of the Three Step Fragrant Grass Gu was faint and clean.
After several dozen breaths, the cold feeling faded.
A copy of the Three Step Fragrant Grass Gu appeared in his hidden possession.
Fang Ming's expression did not change.
Soon, the elder in charge returned.
"Elder Fang Ming, the Thunderwings Gu is ready. After you refine it, it will belong to you."
Fang Ming accepted the sealed box.
"Many thanks."
After leaving the clan Gu room, Fang Ming did not immediately return to his residence.
A Chi branch servant was already waiting outside.
"Elder Fang Ming, Lord Chi Lian invites you."
Fang Ming followed him.
Gu Yue Chi Lian's residence was guarded more strictly than before. The wolf tide had begun, and every faction had become more cautious.
Inside the study room, Chi Lian was seated behind a desk.
When Fang Ming entered, Chi Lian looked at him for a while.
"You chose Thunderwings Gu?"
"Yes."
"Good choice. A new elder needs to stay alive first before speaking of achievements."
Fang Ming cupped his fists. "Senior's guidance is correct."
Chi Lian waved his hand. "No need for empty words. Sit."
Fang Ming sat down.
For a moment, Chi Lian did not speak. His fingers tapped lightly on the desk.
The Chi branch had sponsored Fang Ming early, but truthfully speaking, the support had not been heavy. Fang Ming's rise had been too fast. Before Chi Lian could slowly bind him with resources and favors, Fang Ming had already become Rank three.
This was both good and troublesome.
Good because the Chi branch had gained face and strength.
Troublesome because a Rank three Gu Master was not a student. If the Chi branch gave too little, the relationship would become thin.
Chi Lian naturally understood this.
He opened a drawer and took out a sealed white jade box.
"Fang Ming, since you have become Rank three, you cannot rely only on the clan's gift. During the wolf tide, one movement Gu is not enough. You still need proper defense."
He pushed the jade box forward.
Fang Ming looked at it.
Chi Lian said, "Sky Canopy Gu. Rank three defensive Gu."
Fang Ming's eyes moved slightly.
Sky Canopy Gu.
This Gu could form a white canopy-like barrier over the body, blocking attacks from all directions. It consumed primeval essence quickly, but its defense was reliable.
It was not a small gift.
Fang Ming did not take the box immediately.
"Lord Chi Lian, this is too valuable."
Chi Lian snorted. "You are now an elder of my Chi branch's side. If I still give small favors, others will laugh at my Chi branch for having no bearing."
He paused, then said more seriously, "Take it. During the wolf tide, staying alive is more important than saving resources."
Fang Ming looked at him, then accepted the box.
"I will remember this favor."
Chi Lian's expression eased.
This was what he wanted to hear.
Between Gu Masters, affection was unreliable. Benefits and favors were more stable. Fang Ming accepting the Sky Canopy Gu meant the connection between him and the Chi branch had become heavier.
Chi Lian said, "Your offense is still lacking. Moonglow Gu is only Rank two. With your current status, it is no longer enough."
"I understand."
"The clan recipes are open to you now. If you want to refine a Rank three moon-path Gu, do it quickly. The wolf tide will not wait for you."
Fang Ming nodded.
After leaving Chi Lian's study, Fang Ming returned to his residence.
He placed the Thunderwings Gu and Sky Canopy Gu on the table.
One movement.
One defense.
Together with the copied Three Step Fragrant Grass Gu, he now had the basic frame of a Rank three Gu Master.
But Chi Lian was right.
His offense was still behind.
Moonglow Gu had served him well at Rank two. Its moonblades were larger and sharper than Moonlight Gu, and it had helped him during many missions. But against larger wolf packs, hundred beast kings, or enemy Rank three Gu Masters, Rank two offense would soon become weak.
Fang Ming opened the recipe list obtained from the clan.
Moon Edge Gu.
Rank three moon-path attack Gu.
It was one of the orthodox advancement options from Moonglow Gu. Its moonblades were thinner, faster, and sharper, focusing on cutting power rather than size. Among Gu Yue clan's Rank three moon-path Gu, it was practical and easy to explain.
The materials were not cheap.
Moon edge stone.
Silver grass dew.
Sharp shell powder.
A small amount of lightning wolf bone ash.
Together with auxiliary materials and primeval stones needed for refinement, this would consume a large portion of Fang Ming's remaining resources.
But this was necessary.
Primeval stones left in a pouch were not strength.
Only Gu worms refined and controlled were strength.
Three days later.
Inside the sealed room, Fang Ming sat cross-legged.
A ball of pale blue light floated before him. Moonglow Gu was inside the light, surrounded by refinement materials. Primeval stones were placed around him, their luster dimming one after another.
The fusion process was not smooth.
Rank three Gu refinement was much harder than Rank two. One mistake could destroy the materials and injure the Gu worm. Fang Ming remained calm, controlling the primeval essence carefully.
The pale blue light flickered.
Then it condensed.
A sharp crescent-shaped Gu worm slowly appeared in the air.
It was thin like a curved blade, its body blue-white, with a silver edge that gave off a cold glow.
Fang Ming reached out.
The Gu landed on his palm.
Moon Edge Gu.
Rank three attack Gu.
Only after refining this Gu did Fang Ming truly have the surface strength of a Rank three Gu Master.
Thunderwings Gu for movement.
Sky Canopy Gu for defense.
Moon Edge Gu for offense.
If others looked at him now, they would see a newly advanced elder with a proper foundation, backed by the Chi branch and supported by the clan.
As for the Three Step Fragrant Grass Gu copied in the Gu room, that naturally could not be shown.
Fang Ming closed his hand around Moon Edge Gu.
Rank three cultivation was only the gate.
Gu worms were the weapons needed to stand beyond it.
Public Gu
Gu
Rank
Use
Moon Edge Gu
Rank 3
Main offensive Gu, refined from Moonglow Gu
Thunderwings Gu
Rank 3
Movement Gu, chosen from the clan as elder reward
Sky Canopy Gu
Rank 3
Defensive Gu, gifted by Gu Yue Chi Lian
Iron Skin Gu
Rank 2
Secondary defensive Gu
Pouch Gu
Rank 1
Storage utility
Bookworm Gu
Rank 1
Knowledge storage; now acceptable to reveal since Fang Ming is Rank 3
Hidden Gu / hidden resources
Gu
Rank
Use
Spring Grass Gu
Rank 3
Hidden healing Gu, copied in the clan Gu room
White Silver Relic Gu ×4
Rank 3
Hidden cultivation resources
Wind Step Gu
Rank 2
Hidden movement trump card
Snake Tongue Gu
Rank 2
Detection Gu, copied from Chi Shi, Fang Ming's teammate
Black Boar Gu
Rank 1
Permanent strength growth, hidden
Bear Strength Gu
Rank 2 or Rank 3 depending on final choice
Copied from Xiong Li; grants permanent strength of one bear, similar to Black/White Boar Gu, not an active combat Gu
Copied skills / foundations
Skill / foundation
Source
Effect
Combat instincts
Copied from Fang Yuan
Battle sense, timing, weak-point reading, danger reaction
Chi Shan strength path dao marks
Copied from Chi Shan
Faint strength path dao marks, amplifies strength slightly
Flying skill mastery
Copied from Fang Yuan
Practical flying control, useful with Thunderwings Gu
Xiong Li strength path dao marks
Copied from Xiong Li
Similar to Chi Shan's natural strength foundation, strengthens Fang Ming's physical force