A large number of Gu Masters had gathered in front of the
Flowing Mud Mountain Gu.as the first day had already passed. Ever since the caravan arrived, news of the opening of the clay Mountain had spread.
Common and rare Gu worms would be displayed on the first floor. The second floor was reserved for Gu refinement materials of all types and ranks, while the fourth and fifth floors were dedicated to Gu worms of Rank Two and Rank Three. As for the third floor, it was an open market where Gu worms could be exchanged, with the price difference compensated using primeval stones, or by substituting refined Gu materials to make up the difference.
Naturally, the caravan was not responsible for providing the Gu worms or the corresponding materials. It merely acted as a secure intermediary for the exchanges. Under the watchful eyes of a Rank Three Gu Master, no swindler dared to take the risk. In addition, a percentage of the profits was allocated to the caravan leader and the officials in charge.
Fang Tian blended into the crowd of Gu Masters waiting outside. His Rank Two aura allowed him to be among the first to enter the Muddy Liquid Mountain. The waiting time was not long, as a Rank Three Gu Master emerged from within the mountain and spoke in a majestic voice, amplified through a Gu worm.
"I will keep this brief. The Muddy Liquid Mountain will soon open for the buying and selling of Gu worms. Follow the rules—any violation or disturbance will be punished accordingly."
"Additionally, if you wish to exchange Gu worms and compensate for the price difference, both buyer and seller must pay a 3% commission to me, the person in charge of the Muddy Liquid Mountain."
A few voices of protest rose, but they quickly fell silent when the Rank Three Gu Master's gaze swept over the crowd. At that moment, Fang Tian spoke up.
"Forgive my rudeness, sir, but could you explain the bidding and purchasing system for Gu worms? Since there is no auction, the highest bidder should obtain the Gu—but how exactly does the process work?"
When the Rank Three Gu Master sensed Fang Tian's mid-stage Rank Two aura, the sharpness of his gaze softened slightly, and he explained patiently.
"It's simple. A standing board will be displayed on each floor, listing the Gu worms and the current offered prices. You only need to submit your bid to the Gu Masters working inside, and they will place it on your behalf, ensuring the Gu reaches you."
Fang Tian and the other Gu Masters nodded in satisfaction. At that moment, several lights rose from within the Muddy Liquid Mountain. An entrance rapidly formed under the control of the official in charge, allowing the Gu Masters to glimpse the interior.
Several Gu Masters held their breath, astonished by the scene inside—it far exceeded their imagination. Even Fang Tian forgot to close his mouth, drool nearly spilling out.
Inside the Muddy Liquid Mountain, instead of the expected earthen ground, the floor was covered with wooden planks. Instead of kerosene lamps, a Rank One Gu material—Sunlight Stone—was used, bathing the hall in warm, radiant light. It felt as though they had stepped into midday rather than into the darkness of evening.
More than one hundred and fifty small platforms had been formed, each surrounded by a solid, transparent qi barrier. The platforms varied in size—some small, others as large as a basin—and each displayed a Gu worm. In addition, a massive stone pillar, ancient and imposing, stood at the center of the hall, marking the second floor, third floor, and higher levels.
Fang Tian and the other Gu Masters surged forward with overwhelming enthusiasm. A collision occurred in the back rows, leading to a brief fistfight.
"Whoa, it's Liquor Worm! The starting price is 510 primeval stones—it's comparable to Rank Two Gu worms despite being Rank One!"
"Look! It's Horse Strength Gu! This Gu is equivalent to Black Boar Gu!"
Rank One and Rank Two Gu Masters gathered excitedly around the Gu worms, while some moved on to higher floors, uninterested in these offerings.
Fang Tian wandered about, expanding his knowledge of Gu worms, without bidding on any. He found these Gu worms fascinating.
"Poison Butterfly Gu… oh, this is a movement-type Gu—Spinning Fire Wheels Gu. Unfortunately, it doesn't suit me, and it's only Rank One."
"Blue Silk Spider… a healing Gu, but extremely impractical if the description is accurate. Minimal healing for an enormous consumption of primeval essence."
Fang Tian stopped in front of a Rank One Gu worm and read its name softly.
"Purification Water Gu… very good. Perhaps 640 primeval stones? No—make it 660."
He deliberately spoke loudly to intimidate competitors and project an air of indifference toward money. Gu Masters from the Yan Zu clan glanced at him and thought:
"Isn't this person being excessively wasteful?"
Competition for Purification Water Gu was weak, allowing Fang Tian to immediately assert dominance. He continued forward until he reached a small platform displaying a Gu that resembled a small brown horse.
"Horse Strength Gu. A strength path Gu that grants permanent strength after prolonged use on a Gu Master's body. It's a rare Gu, comparable to Bear Strength Gu, Black Boar Strength Gu, Ox Strength Gu, and Wolf Strength Gu."
A Rank One Gu Master explained the details to the onlookers, who stared greedily at the Gu. There were six in total—four Rank One Gu Masters, while Fang Tian and another were Rank Two. However, this did not mean they were equals.
Fang Tian's cultivation level was higher than the other Rank Two Gu Master, who was only at the initial stage. Thus, Fang Tian attempted to assert dominance by speaking calmly.
"It's a very good Gu. Six hundred and seventy primeval stones are a fair price."
All Gu Masters competing for Horse Strength Gu heard this and frowned deeply. The Rank One Gu Masters showed expressions of indignation, prompting one of them to shout:
"Who do you think you are, daring to bully a member of the Yan Zu clan in his own village?!"
The shout drew the attention of Gu Masters from both the Yan Zu clan and the caravan, placing Fang Tian in a slightly awkward position.
"Ah, I meant no offense. I merely offered a price beyond what you could afford. Why try to retaliate by causing trouble? Didn't you hear what the Rank Three elder said at the entrance?"
The Rank One Gu Master stiffened at the mention of the Rank Three expert, but he still persisted.
"You're the one causing trouble by placing false prices!"
This accusation was extremely serious. If someone placed a bid they could not fulfill, the punishment would be severe for disrupting the sale. Yet Fang Tian remained unfazed and laughed instead.
"Oh? And how do you know my price is false?"
By now, a crowd of Gu Masters from both the caravan and the Yan Zu clan had gathered. All other competitors withdrew to avoid trouble, leaving only Fang Tian and the Rank One Gu Master among the original six.
The Rank One Gu Master believed he had cornered Fang Tian and puffed out his chest confidently.
"You're wearing a veil, hiding your face. I also saw you do the same with Purification Water Gu—but who knows what price you actually wrote on the board?"
Fang Tian did not respond. Instead, his cold gaze intensified beneath the veil, piercing straight through the Gu Master. He pointed at one of the Gu Masters working inside the Muddy Liquid Mountain.
"What is the punishment for violating the rules personally set by the elder?"
The Gu Master scratched his head awkwardly—he had been placed in a difficult position. Offending the Yan Zu clan would be disrespectful, but speaking against Fang Tian would offend a fellow caravan member.
"Ah… I believe it's expulsion and a fine for the troublemaker. If the disturbance is of this scale, the punishment would be even harsher."
Fang Tian smiled beneath his veil and turned back to the Rank One Gu Master.
"Still willing to bet that I'm lying?"
The Rank One Gu Master's face flushed red with anger as he turned to flee the Muddy Liquid Mountain. Unfortunately, he failed—Gu Masters working there seized him and dragged him away to an unknown location.
Fang Tian returned to Horse Strength Gu and raised the price once more. Seeing no further competition, he continued onward, searching for Gu worms that suited him.
Unfortunately, he found nothing suitable. Instead, he placed a bid on an ice-path Gu worm called Cooling Gu, which lowered the temperature of the body or materials upon use To freezing degree.
After one last glance at the Liquor Worm, Fang Tian restrained himself from purchasing it. He had already spent 1545 primeval stones on Rank One Gu worms. He still needed to buy Rank Two Gu worms that matched his path—a costly endeavor.
Moreover, he still needed to purchase Gu food, Gu refinement materials, and many other necessities.
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author Note.
Please leave some power stones and a comment to support the story. moreover
If you could suggest Wood path Gu worms' names or any path please do it too I'm struggling with naming.
GU WORMS TYPE THAT I NEED.
Wood path movement Gu.
Offense wood path or wind path ice path water path Dark path Stars path or any combination of these paths and wood path. But I prefer the wood path. and scouting gu too any path would work