The Gu Masters of the Wu clan had been observing the battle the entire time, prepared for any unforeseen accident. Yet the intensity of the clash and the way it unfolded were far beyond their expectations.
They had believed that Wu Ji would win easily. At most, her opponent might offer some resistance—but in the end, he was destined to lose. However, they were taken by surprise when Wu Ji was met with fierce resistance. In fact, her opponent even gained a slight upper hand over her at times. Still, they reconsidered.
"His primeval essence must run dry soon. After all, Wu Ji is a Strength Path Gu Master—her expenditure of primeval essence is minimal. And with her talent, she certainly holds the advantage."
But their certainty wavered when both sides revealed their trump cards. The final outcome was utterly unexpected. Wu Ji collapsed, teetering on the brink of death, her body covered in grievous wounds. Her opponent was also severely injured, yet he remained in better condition and could still treat himself.
A Rank three Gu Master rushed through the formation that isolated the inner environment from the outside. As he entered the battlefield, fierce winds erupted around him, propelling him rapidly toward Wu Ji.
He landed beside her and swiftly examined her condition. Upon sensing a trace of life within her, he hurriedly activated several Gu worms in his aperture to treat her injuries.
Elsewhere, Fang Tian received similar treatment—though his was far rougher and harsher. A white cloud lifted him into the air and carried him toward a thin Gu Master with crafty features. The man grabbed Fang Tian by the collar of his robe and unleashed dozens of Gu worms that burrowed into his body.
After some time, the Gu Master withdrew his worms and slapped Fang Tian several times with force until he regained consciousness.
"You insolent brat, wake up! You should be proud of yourself—your strength impressed me and the clan elders alike. But you'd better learn humility next time, or you'll face consequences you cannot bear!"
Fang Tian did not fully understand what was happening. However, the tormenting pain that had wracked his body had vanished. In its place spread a sensation of vitality and vigor. Somehow, the Gu Master before him had healed all his injuries.
Fang Tian quickly rose and examined his body in several ways. Everything appeared normal. He wished to thank the Gu Master who had treated him, but the man had already left to check on Wu Ji's condition.
Soon after, two Rank three Gu Masters approached him. Both were middle-aged, their faces marked with scars. One had patches of baldness scattered across his scalp, while the other possessed long hair and a thick beard.
"You brat… we've been ordered to imprison you until young Wu Ji awakens. Do not resist, or you'll end up in worse shape than you are now."
"And why imprison me?! I fought fairly and honorably. Do you intend to seize my Gu worms?"
"That's none of your concern. As for your Gu worms—do you think the Wu clan is so impoverished that we would steal Rank three Gu worms at best?"
Fang Tian had no choice but to comply, allowing the two Gu Masters to escort him to a prison near the arena where he had fought. One of them warned him:
"We'll place a seal on your aperture. If you attempt to activate your Gu worms or escape, we'll be alerted. So behave yourself. It won't be long before you're released—don't let one incident ruin your entire path."
One of the Gu Masters released nearly twenty Gu worms ranging from Rank one to Rank three, while the other cast four Rank four Gu worms into the air. The worms floated as they were infused with primeval essence until the two Gu Masters' reserves were nearly drained. A mass of darkness formed in midair, then attached itself to Fang Tian's navel and sank deep into his body. He felt something viscous sealing his aperture and weakening his connection to it.
Yet, with sufficient effort, he could tear that sticky substance apart.
"At least they were honest… Well, this was somewhat expected. The strength I displayed in battle was extraordinary. But it can be attributed to Wood Charm Gu, which allowed me to absorb primeval essence from the surrounding air, enabling me to fight Wu Ji evenly—and even surpass her."
In a large chamber, a young woman sat upon a wooden seat. She wore an unconventional lemon-yellow dress that matched beautifully with her round, full face—she looked like an adolescent girl who had not entirely shed the traces of childhood.
Before her stood four Rank three Gu Masters, patiently awaiting her orders. Behind them, on the wall, a recording displayed Fang Tian's battle with Wu Ji.
When the scene reached its climax—where both sides revealed their trump cards—the woman's eyes sparkled with admiration. She could not help but praise the talent of both combatants. The fight reached its conclusion: Wu Ji was sent flying, blood spraying from her like a fountain, while Fang Tian collapsed as he canceled his killer move and returned to human form.
The scene replayed several times. Each time, the woman let out sounds of astonishment.
"These youngsters are remarkable! I did not expect Wu Ji to possess such talent either—but she is far too arrogant. Perhaps this defeat will teach her something. As for that boy, his talent surpasses Wu Ji's by leagues! We must recruit him into the Wu clan."
"As you say, Elder Chen Yue… but what are your orders regarding the boy?"
The woman who appeared like a teenage girl was none other than Wu Clan's Rank four, mid-stage elder—Wu Chen Yue. She was one of the few Rank four elders in the clan and had risen as a powerful supporter and patron of Wu Ji. Naturally, this battle had drawn her attention—but the result had far exceeded her expectations. Wu Ji had been defeated and gravely injured, now confined to bed.
Her initial reaction had been to imprison the culprit. Though this action violated clan rules, with her authority she could suppress any objections. Now that she had grasped Fang Tian's talent, she was thinking in the long term. If she could bind this boy to her faction, then once he advanced to Rank four or five and became an external elder of the Wu clan, her influence within the clan would greatly expand. She could suppress her rivals for resources and secure a larger share of the benefits.
The elder tapped her slender, pale fingers against the edge of her wooden seat. After some contemplation, she made her decision.
"Leave the boy imprisoned for a few days. Send to me once Wu Ji awakens. That girl must repay the favor I have bestowed upon her."
"As you command, Elder Chen Yue!"
The four Gu Masters cupped their fists respectfully toward Wu Chen Yue. She waved her hand dismissively, sending them away, and returned to watching the battle replay with fascination and admiration.