Fang Zheng woke before dawn, the jade token cool against his palm where he'd fallen asleep clutching it.
Upper Rank 2. The breakthrough still thrummed through his body like an echo, his aperture settled but humming with newfound capacity. He could feel the difference—more primeval essence flowing through his meridians, the stone-film walls of his aperture stronger and more resilient than before.
But it wasn't enough. Not nearly enough.
Two months to reach Rank 3.
He sat up, running calculations in his mind. The breakthrough to upper Rank 2 had consumed time and focus, but no primeval stones—he'd used the accumulated potential the original Fang Zheng had been too cautious to seize. That meant his five hundred primeval stones remained intact.
For now.
"In this world, primeval stones are everything," he muttered, pulling on his outer robe. "Currency, cultivation resource, status symbol—without them, even a genius will stagnate."
The original Fang Zheng had learned that lesson the hard way, lending stones to ungrateful clanmates, hoarding resources out of misplaced kindness. Lu Yu Fang had no intention of repeating that mistake.
But he also couldn't waste stones carelessly. Every expenditure needed to serve a purpose, bring him closer to the strength he'd need to survive the coming storms.
The jade token represented opportunity—access to the clan's historical archives, the underground Gu breeding caves, generations of accumulated wisdom. But there was another repository of knowledge in Gu Yue village, one that wouldn't require explaining his presence to curious scholars or breeders.
The secret recipe room.
Every major clan kept one—a vault containing the recipes for combining Gu worms into more powerful forms, the carefully guarded techniques that gave each clan its distinctive character. The Gu Yue clan's moon-path Gu recipes would be stored there, along with whatever other secrets the ancestors had accumulated.
And unlike the archives, the recipe room would be less frequented. Quieter. Easier to study without drawing attention.
The only problem: he wasn't supposed to have access.
Fang Zheng smiled grimly as he counted out primeval stones, dividing them into three pouches of varying sizes. "Well, that's what currency is for, isn't it?"
Early morning mist still clung to Qing Mao Mountain as Fang Zheng made his way through the village. Despite the hour, people were already moving—Gu Masters preparing for patrol rotations, mortal villagers reinforcing walls, everyone moving with the grim efficiency of those living under siege.
The wolf tide had changed everything.
"Lord Fang Zheng!" A young Gu Master hurried over, his face brightening. "I heard you were injured during the last wolf attack. Are you recovered?"
Fang Zheng recognized him after a moment—Gu Yue Lu Ren, a former classmate. Unremarkable cultivation, middle Rank 1 at best, but earnest enough. "I'm well, Lu Ren. Thank you for asking."
"That's a relief!" Lu Ren's expression grew more serious. "We need people like you now, more than ever. With Senior Qing Shu gone..." He trailed off, the unspoken weight of that loss hanging between them.
Fang Zheng saw the anxiety in the younger man's eyes, the fear poorly hidden beneath forced optimism. Qing Shu's death had shaken the clan's younger generation badly—he'd been their champion, their proof that Gu Yue could stand equal to Bai Ning Bing's terrifying talent.
Now that pillar was gone, and Bai Ning Bing remained. Growing stronger. Growing more dangerous.
"Bai Ning Bing isn't invincible," Fang Zheng said quietly. "And neither is any Gu Master, no matter how talented. Remember that."
Lu Ren nodded quickly, seeming to draw strength from the words. "Yes, of course. I should get going—patrol duty. But it's good to see you up and moving, Lord Fang Zheng!"
As Lu Ren hurried off, Fang Zheng continued toward the clan's inner compound. The morale problem was obvious to anyone paying attention. Without Qing Shu, the younger Gu Masters felt exposed, vulnerable. They needed a new symbol of hope.
Gu Yue Bo is trying to make me into that symbol, Fang Zheng realized. Give the talented Grade A genius an impossible challenge, let him rise to meet it, inspire the clan. And if he fails, humble him enough to become a useful tool.
The patriarch's game was clearer now. Two months to reach Rank 3 wasn't just a test—it was political theater.
Well, Lu Yu Fang could play politics too.
The entrance to the secret recipe room was unmarked, hidden in a network of underground corridors beneath the clan hall. Only elders and high-ranking members were supposed to know its location, but the original Fang Zheng's memories provided the path.
A single guard stood at the corridor's entrance—an elderly Gu Master with a face like weathered leather, his expression sour as he watched Fang Zheng approach.
"Who goes there?" The old man's voice cracked like dry wood. "This is restricted territory. Turn back."
Fang Zheng cupped his hands respectfully. "Elder, I am Gu Yue Fang Zheng. I wished to study the clan's recipe collection, to better serve the family during this crisis."
The guard's eyes narrowed. "Fang Zheng? The Grade A genius?" He looked Fang Zheng up and down, unimpressed. "Even so, rules are rules. Only clan elders may enter the recipe room. Come back when you've reached Rank 3."
"I understand the rules, elder." Fang Zheng kept his tone deferential, pulling the smallest pouch from his sleeve. "But these are extraordinary times. Surely a small... donation toward maintaining this important facility might allow for some flexibility?"
He held out the pouch.
The old guard's expression didn't change, but his eyes flickered to the pouch for just an instant. "Are you trying to bribe me, boy? I've served this clan for fifty years. I won't compromise our security for—"
"Elder Gu Xin!" A middle-aged Gu Master emerged from a side passage, his timing suspiciously convenient. "I need to speak with you. It's about that matter we discussed..."
The old guard—Gu Xin—scowled. "Not now. Can't you see I'm—"
"It's about the Vitality Leaves you wanted," the middle-aged man said pointedly, moving closer. He leaned in, lowering his voice just enough that Fang Zheng could still hear. "You know the clan's merit system is backed up. Everyone's competing for resources during the wolf tide. But if you're willing to be... flexible... I could arrange something."
Fang Zheng watched the exchange with carefully concealed amusement. The middle-aged Gu Master was obviously in on this—likely took a cut from the guard's unofficial "maintenance fees."
"Besides," the man continued, "young lord Fang Zheng here is a Grade A genius. The patriarch himself has high expectations. If something were to happen, surely the blame wouldn't fall on a loyal guard who was simply... overwhelmed by momentary compassion for the clan's future?"
Gu Xin's scowl deepened, but Fang Zheng could see the calculation in his eyes. Finally, he sighed heavily. "You youngsters will be the death of me." He turned to Fang Zheng. "Very well. As you say, these are extraordinary times. The recipe room has fallen into disrepair—the war has diverted resources from maintenance."
"Of course, elder." Fang Zheng handed over the first pouch. "Please, allow me to contribute toward repairs."
Gu Xin weighed the pouch, his expression softening slightly. "The clan is fortunate to have such dutiful young people. However..." He suddenly winced, pressing a hand to his lower back. "Ah, this old injury acts up at the worst times."
Subtle, Fang Zheng thought dryly. But he pulled out the second, larger pouch without hesitation. "Elder, your health is vital to the clan's security. Please, accept this small token for medical supplies."
"How thoughtful." Gu Xin pocketed the second pouch with practiced ease, his "injury" mysteriously forgotten. He gestured to the middle-aged Gu Master. "Gu Qing, take these donations to the appropriate... accounts."
As Gu Qing collected the pouches with a respectful bow, Gu Xin produced a key from his robes. "Come, young lord. Since you're so committed to the clan's welfare, I'll personally escort you inside."
The stone door was carved with intricate moon-phase symbols, their grooves worn smooth by centuries of use. It opened silently despite its obvious weight, revealing a descending staircase lit by phosphorescent moss growing in careful patterns along the walls.
"The recipe room is below," Gu Xin explained as they descended. "Our ancestors established it three hundred years ago, when the Gu Yue clan first settled on Qing Mao Mountain. The 1st generation patriarch discovered a vitality spring in these underground caves and built the village here specifically to protect this resource."
Fang Zheng's interest sharpened. A vitality spring would explain the clan's early success, the resources to establish themselves despite competition from other families.
"The caves have been expanded over generations," Gu Xin continued. "Now they serve as both our secret vault and emergency shelter. Even if the village above is destroyed, this place will endure."
They reached the bottom of the stairs. Another door, this one reinforced with metal bands, stood before them. Gu Xin unlocked it with a different key, then stepped aside.
"You have one hour," he said firmly. "Don't damage anything, don't try to copy recipes without proper authorization, and if anyone asks, you were never here. Understood?"
"Perfectly, elder. You have my gratitude." Fang Zheng bowed deeply.
Gu Xin grunted. "Just remember this kindness when you become a clan elder, boy. Old men like me need allies too." Then he withdrew back up the stairs, leaving Fang Zheng alone.
Fang Zheng pushed open the inner door and stepped into the secret recipe room.
The chamber was larger than he'd expected, descending in tiers like an underground amphitheater. Stone shelves lined the walls, packed with jade slips and scrolls. But what immediately caught his attention were the stone pedestals arranged throughout the space—dozens of them, each supporting a white jade plate.
And on each plate rested a Gu worm unlike any he'd seen in combat.
These were Photo Shadow Gu—fist-sized insects with segmented bodies covered in metallic carapace. Their heads bore elaborate compound eyes like those of dragonflies, but far more intricate, each eye fractured into countless facets that shimmered with iridescent colors.
The Photo Shadow Gu were organized by color. Green ones near the entrance would contain Rank 1 recipes. Red and black ones for Rank 2. White for Rank 3. Orange for Rank 4. And in the very center, on a pedestal of polished black stone, sat a single purple Photo Shadow Gu—Rank 5 recipes, the treasures of the 1st generation patriarch.
One hour. Make it count.
Fang Zheng moved to the red and black section, selecting a Photo Shadow Gu. He channeled primeval essence into it, and the Gu worm's compound eyes flared with light. Two beams converged on the jade plate beneath, solidifying into glowing text.
Moonglow Gu - Rank 2
The recipe detailed a combination of Moonlight Gu and two Little Light Gu, creating an attack-type worm with twice the power but triple the feeding cost. Useful, but not what he needed.
Fang Zheng moved faster, activating Photo Shadow Gu after Photo Shadow Gu. Moon Blade Gu, Moon Shell Gu, Lunar Tide Gu—all interesting, but none offered the advantage he was searching for.
Then he found it.
A red and black Photo Shadow Gu tucked behind others, its placement suggesting infrequent access. Fang Zheng activated it, and his pulse quickened at the projected text.
Blood Moon Gu - Rank 2
Classification: Attack/Moon Path/Blood Path Hybrid
Recipe: 1x Moonlight Gu + 1x Blood Qi Gu
Function: Combines ranged moon-path attacks with blood-path vitality drain. Can absorb life force from wounded targets to replenish user's primeval essence.
Blood Moon Gu. The same weapon Fang Yuan had wielded to devastating effect. But finding a blood path recipe in the Gu Yue vault was unexpected—blood path was reviled, forbidden by most righteous clans.
Unless the 1st generation patriarch's connection to the Blood Sea Ancestor ran deeper than the clan publicly acknowledged.
Fang Zheng continued searching with renewed focus, looking specifically for blood path knowledge. His instinct proved correct.
Among the green Photo Shadow Gu, he found two Rank 1 blood path recipes:
Reincarnated Blood Gu - Rank 1
Function: One-time use. Rapidly generates replacement blood for severe blood loss.
Recipe: Green grass + bamboo leaves + animal blood + moon orchid petals
And:
Hemostatic Gu - Rank 1
Function: One-time use. Immediately clots blood and seals wounds.
Recipe: Green grass flowers + grass bamboo branches + animal blood + moon orchid petals
Fang Zheng stared at the recipes, his mind racing. Both used materials common to Qing Mao Mountain—things that grew wild on the slopes, easily gathered. The 1st generation patriarch must have modified these blood path techniques, adapting them to local resources.
Which meant they could be mass-produced.
And during a wolf tide, with Gu Masters fighting and dying daily, healing Gu worms would be in desperate demand.
This is how I fund my cultivation.
The three villages had established a battle merit list, offering primeval stones and resources for contributions to the war effort. Merit was usually earned through killing wolves or completing dangerous missions. But what if he could earn it differently—by providing consumable healing Gu that other Gu Masters desperately needed?
The economics were obvious. These were one-time use items that would be constantly consumed in battle. Buy materials cheap, refine them into Gu worms, sell for merit or primeval stones. Control the supply of something people needed to survive.
It was exactly the kind of ruthless opportunism Lu Yu Fang understood.
But there were risks. Blood path carried stigma. If he started openly selling blood path Gu worms, the Tie clan investigators coming to hunt the "demonic cultivator" might take special interest.
Unless I'm careful. These were Rank 1 healing aids using common materials. Their blood path nature was subtle—they used blood as a component, but so did many legitimate recipes. As long as he positioned them as healing tools rather than demonic implements, as long as he didn't flaunt their origins...
And crucially, these recipes were in the Gu Yue clan's official vault. Technically approved by the elders. If questioned, he could claim he was simply utilizing the clan's legitimate resources to support the war effort.
Fang Zheng also found the Blood Qi Gu recipe itself—the Rank 2 component needed for Blood Moon Gu. Combined with his Moonlight Gu, he could create the same weapon Fang Yuan had used.
But that would draw attention. Blood Moon Gu was distinctive, memorable. Better to save it for later, when chaos made questions dangerous to ask.
Forty-five minutes gone.
Fang Zheng forced himself to keep moving, activating more Photo Shadow Gu, searching for anything else valuable. He found cultivation techniques for essence purification, methods to improve meditation efficiency, tricks to increase refinement success rates.
By the time Gu Xin's voice echoed down—"Time's up, boy!"—Fang Zheng had memorized seven critical recipes and three cultivation techniques.
More importantly, he had a plan.
He climbed back up to find the old guard waiting, arms crossed. "Learn anything useful?"
"The clan's heritage runs deeper than I realized," Fang Zheng said carefully. "Especially the 1st generation patriarch's contributions. He adapted many techniques to our mountain's environment."
Something flickered in Gu Xin's eyes. "The founder was a practical man. Knew that fancy techniques meant nothing if you couldn't get materials to use them." He locked the door. "You'd do well to remember that. Practicality over ambition."
"I'll keep that in mind, elder."
They walked back through the corridors in silence. As they reached the exit, Gu Xin paused. "The patriarch was asking about you this morning. Wanted to know if you were adjusting after Qing Shu's death."
Fang Zheng kept his expression neutral. "I appreciate the patriarch's concern."
"He's watching you. You're Grade A aptitude—the clan's invested heavily. Don't disappoint." The warning was clear. "And don't do anything that might bring shame on the family."
"I wouldn't dream of it, elder."
As Fang Zheng turned to leave, something fell from his robes with a soft clatter.
The jade token.
It lay on the stone floor between them, its crescent shape unmistakable, the characters "Gu Yue" carved in elegant script.
Gu Xin's eyes widened. "That's... that's the patriarch's token!" His voice cracked with shock. "Only the patriarch and his designated successor carry such a thing!"
Fang Zheng picked up the token slowly, deliberately letting the old guard see it clearly. "The patriarch gave this to me yesterday. He said I could use it to access the underground caves, secret recipes, and historical archives." He met Gu Xin's gaze calmly. "That's why I came here to study the recipes."
The blood drained from Gu Xin's face. His mouth opened and closed soundlessly, realization crashing over him like a wave.
He thinks this was a test, Fang Zheng realized with sudden clarity. He thinks the patriarch sent me here specifically to see if he'd try to extort bribes.
And in a way, maybe it was. Gu Yue Bo had given him the token knowing Fang Zheng would use it. The patriarch was testing his clan's loyalty during crisis—seeing who could be trusted when disaster threatened, who might flee with the clan's secrets if the village fell.
"I..." Gu Xin stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. "Lord Fang Zheng, I didn't realize... if I had known you already had authorization..."
"It's quite alright, elder." Fang Zheng's tone was gracious, almost kind. "You were simply doing your duty, ensuring the vault's security. The patriarch would approve of your vigilance."
But Gu Xin wasn't fooled. His hands trembled slightly as he processed the implications. He'd taken bribes from the patriarch's designated successor. If Fang Zheng reported this, if the patriarch learned he was extorting young clan members...
"Lord Fang Zheng," the old guard said hoarsely. "Will you... that is, do you intend to mention our earlier... arrangement... to the patriarch?"
Fang Zheng let the silence stretch, watching the old man squirm. Then he smiled. "Mention what? That the recipe room was in disrepair? That you suffered from an old injury?" He shrugged. "Those seem like minor matters, hardly worth the patriarch's attention during such a crisis."
Relief flooded Gu Xin's face, but it was quickly replaced by calculation. If Fang Zheng was willing to keep quiet, that meant he wanted something.
"You're... very understanding, lord." Gu Xin's mind was clearly racing. "Perhaps... perhaps there's some way I could express my gratitude for your discretion?"
"Well," Fang Zheng said thoughtfully, "I do remember you mentioning the underground caves contain more than just the recipe room. The breeding caves, storage facilities..."
Gu Xin nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! The caves are extensive. I have keys to several restricted areas. If you ever need access, you need only ask." He reached into his aperture, withdrawing a Gu worm that made Fang Zheng's eyes widen.
It was a storage Gu—a cage-like structure woven from living grass, dotted with small red flowers, three large round leaves growing at its base. Similar to Wine Sack Flower Gu but larger, more refined.
"Daylongweed Gu," Gu Xin said quickly. "Rank 3 storage type. Can hold primeval stones, food, even small living creatures. Much more capacity than standard storage Gu." He pressed it into Fang Zheng's hands. "Please, accept this as a token of... as thanks for your understanding."
Fang Zheng hesitated just long enough to seem genuine, then nodded. "Elder, you're too generous. But if this helps me serve the clan better during the wolf tide, I'll accept with gratitude."
"And..." Gu Xin pulled out two more pouches of primeval stones, significantly larger than what Fang Zheng had initially bribed him with. "For your cultivation. Young people fighting the wolves need resources. Consider it an investment in the clan's future."
Fang Zheng accepted those as well, noting that the old guard was essentially returning his bribe threefold, plus a valuable Rank 3 Gu. The calculation was obvious—Gu Xin was buying insurance, ensuring Fang Zheng had no reason to expose him.
"Elder Gu Xin, your dedication to the clan's younger generation is admirable," Fang Zheng said warmly. "I'll be sure to remember your support."
The old guard managed a weak smile. "The future of the clan depends on talents like you, Lord Fang Zheng. It's only right that we elders do what we can to help."
They parted with mutual bows, both understanding the unspoken agreement. Gu Xin would provide quiet access to restricted areas. Fang Zheng would keep silent about the bribery scheme.
As Fang Zheng walked away from the underground entrance, he couldn't help but smile.
One visit to the recipe room, and I've gained:
Seven valuable Gu recipes, including blood path healing techniques
Three cultivation methods to accelerate my progress
A Rank 3 storage Gu
Additional primeval stones
An elder who's now invested in my success
The Daylongweed Gu was particularly valuable. Storage Gu were always in demand, and having a Rank 3 version would make material gathering and trading far more efficient. The fact that Gu Xin had given away something so valuable spoke to his desperation to secure Fang Zheng's silence.
He's probably terrified, Fang Zheng thought with amusement. Wondering if this was a test, if the patriarch is watching, if I'll betray him anyway.
But Fang Zheng had no intention of reporting Gu Xin. A corrupt guard who could be manipulated was far more useful than a loyal one who followed rules. And the old man's fear meant he'd be eager to help whenever Fang Zheng needed access to restricted areas.
Sometimes the best currency isn't primeval stones—it's leverage.
A Gu Master accidentally bumped into him on the street, breaking his train of thought.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, Lord Fang Zheng!" The man bowed repeatedly. "I have an urgent mission, I wasn't watching where—"
"It's fine," Fang Zheng said, waving him off. "Go. These are urgent times."
The man hurried away, relief evident in his posture.
Fang Zheng watched him go, his smile fading. All around him, clan members moved with barely controlled panic. The wolf tide pressed on their defenses daily. Morale was fragile. Resources were strained.
And he was standing here counting his profits like a merchant.
Should I feel guilty? he wondered. The original Fang Zheng would have. He'd have worried about taking advantage of people, about profiting from crisis.
But Lu Yu Fang knew better. In a world where strength determined survival, where hesitation meant death, sentiment was a luxury he couldn't afford.
The wolf tide would end eventually. Fang Yuan would betray the clan and escape. The 1st generation ancestor would revive. Multiple Rank 5 Gu Masters would descend on this mountain, and everyone caught in the middle would be crushed.
I have maybe two months before everything explodes, Fang Zheng thought soberly. Two months to get strong enough to survive what's coming.
Sentiment wouldn't save him. Kindness wouldn't protect him. Only power mattered.
And if exploiting a corrupt guard and selling blood path healing Gu was what it took to gain that power, then that's what he'd do.
He looked down at his hands—the hands that had accepted bribes and storage Gu, that would soon be refining blood path worms to sell for profit.
The original Fang Zheng would be disgusted, he thought. He'd see me as becoming like Fang Yuan—cold, calculating, willing to use anyone.
Maybe he was right.
But Fang Yuan had survived to become an Immortal Venerable, while the original Fang Zheng had died forgotten, a footnote in someone else's story.
Fang Zheng knew which path he preferred.
He continued walking through the village, his mind already moving to the next steps. He needed to gather materials for the blood path Gu recipes. Test refinement techniques. Find buyers for his products without drawing too much attention.
The jade token was warm in his pocket. The Daylongweed Gu hummed faintly in his aperture. Three hundred primeval stones—no, closer to five hundred now with Gu Xin's "donations"—gave him working capital.
He had resources. He had knowledge. He had a plan.
Now he just needed to execute it before the whole mountain went to hell.
Two months, he reminded himself. Sixty days to reach Rank 3 and position myself to survive what's coming.
The wolf tide howled in the distance.
Fang Zheng smiled and walked toward the sound.