Fang Tian poured his steel-red Primeval Essence into the vessel that contained the incomplete form of a Gu Worm, which was on the verge of finishing refinement. Several months had passed—so many that Fang Tian had lost track of time. However, it had not been more than four months.
During these months, he broke through the upper stage and peak stage of Rank One within two months. After mentally preparing himself, he then broke through to Rank Two with almost no difficulty.
After fulfilling the condition imposed by Li Hua—that he must reach Rank Two before beginning Gu refinement—Fang Tian finally attempted refinement. He chose to refine Wood Origin Gu, since it was familiar to him, believing it would be easier to refine another one.
How wrong he was.
The initial steps went smoothly, but the amount of Primeval Essence exceeded the required limit, causing the refinement to fail. He suffered a backlash and spat out blood, though fortunately the injuries were minor and his recovery did not take long.
After recovering, he tried again. This time, the refinement went smoothly, and he successfully refined Wood Origin Gu of Rank One. Despite refining only a Rank One Gu, the sense of achievement was indescribable.
Thus, the third month passed—marked by both successes and failures in Gu Refinement. What could not be denied was that he had improved tremendously and had grown accustomed to the practice of refinement.
Still, compared to experts like Li Hua—an absolute genius among mortals—he was nothing more than a beginner. To reach her level, he would need at least eight to ten more years of refinement practice, time he clearly did not possess.
At this moment, a beetle-like Gu Worm, with several dead black roots protruding from its body, leapt into Fang Tian's hand.
"This is great. I was in an awkward position after reaching Rank Two—I didn't even have a single Rank Two Gu. It took me two attempts just to raise Twisting Vines Gu to Rank Two. Now I finally have a solid defensive Gu. Even though it's Rank One, I can display Rank Two battle strength with it."
Over the past months, Fang Tian had cultivated diligently and finally reached Rank Two, triggering several changes. First, his Aperture began producing light steel-red Primeval Essence, a qualitative transformation. Second, his aptitude increased from 99% to 100%, officially elevating him into one of the Ten Extreme Physiques.
This was dangerous in the long term, but extremely beneficial in the short term. The threat of self-detonation for the Ten Extreme Physiques only became severe near Rank Four, which was still far away for him.
The short-term benefits were obvious—combat strength. Each of the Ten Extreme Physiques possessed terrifying luck, talent, and strength. Their bodies were filled with Dao Marks of their respective Paths, allowing them to amplify the power of compatible Gu to an entire Rank higher—or even to the peak of their current Rank.
"That means if I use Rank One Gu, I can display Rank Two power. And if I use Rank Two Gu, I can display peak Rank Two power."
A smile curved Fang Tian's lips. For months he had cultivated tirelessly without rest, pushing his mind to the brink. He felt as though he were about to go insane.
Thus, he decided to temporarily leave the Inheritance and return to his former village at the foot of the mountain to interact with people again.
This was undoubtedly dangerous. A clan ruled the mountain—Yan Zu Clan, or something similar. If he remembered correctly, it was a small clan, but it still had around fifteen or so Rank Three elders, with the clan leader at peak Rank Three. If Fang Tian wanted to descend, he would need to be extremely careful.
If detected by the clan's Gu Masters, he would be hunted like a stray dog and forced to flee with all his strength. Worse still, he lacked a movement-type Gu. He only possessed one Rank Two offensive Gu and one Rank One defensive Gu aligned with the Wood Path, which could barely reach Rank Two defensive strength—but that meant little in real combat.
As for investigation-type Gu, he had none. Perhaps he could infiltrate Yan Zu Clan Gu Masters and blend in, gaining some benefits—but the risks were extremely high.
"Ah… I'm still weak and cowardly. I can't take risks without preparation, or I'll be beaten to death."
After long deliberation, Fang Tian decided to return to the village first, observe the situation, and see what had changed. If he found an opportunity to infiltrate Yan Zu Clan, he would take the risk—carefully plan, plunder what he could, and flee at maximum speed.
Thus, the next morning, Fang Tian bid farewell to his only companion of the past four months—the Hundred Beast King, Dragon Canopy Tree.
The area was no longer barren. Small shrubs resembling the Dragon Canopy Tree had sprouted—dozens, perhaps hundreds of them—filling Fang Tian with joy.
If his friend could produce these shrubs, it meant he would possess a true defensive line should he ever need refuge here. Though it was only a Hundred Beast King, its number of followers was vast—and growing.
"Alright, my friend. I'm leaving for a while. Protect this place in my absence. I don't want any bastard trespassing on my property. Don't worry—I'll bring you a big meal when I return."
The tree swayed weakly. Though it could not understand his words, it was genuinely affectionate toward him. Fang Tian had not only healed it instead of killing it—he had hunted wild boars, wolves, and Shadow Cats to feed it, strengthening it and increasing its followers. Their bond was anything but simple.
Fang Tian descended the mountain and headed toward the village. He estimated it would take half a day to arrive, but he had no choice.
He raised his head, his long green hair falling before his eyes. Ahead stood a yellow Shadow Cat mottled with Red. It opened its jaws, intending to devour him—but Fang Tian did not panic.
Instead, he poured steel-red Primeval Essence into Twisting Vines Gu, now Rank Two, renamed Vine Garden Gu.
Forty thick vine arms erupted from the ground, binding the Shadow Cat so tightly it couldn't evade at all.
The Shadow Cat let out a terrified yowl as the crushing weight and power of the vines nearly shattered its bones. Its fear intensified when Fang Tian stepped onto it with a sigh.
"Shadow Cat, be wiser next time. You should thank me—I'm busy today and not in the mood to kill you. Now go."
Vine Garden Gu hurled the Shadow Cat several meters away. It crashed through branches and fled in panic.
"This Vine Garden Gu is excellent, but its Primeval Essence consumption is simply ridiculous. If I weren't abnormally talented, my Primeval Essence would've been drained before activation."
It had consumed 60% of his Primeval Essence just to activate it. Though powerful, Fang Tian felt uneasy relying on a single high-consumption offensive method. Even with natural regeneration and the Heavenly Treasure Lotus of Primeval Essence, he couldn't fight multiple battles.
"I really need to refine more offensive Gu compatible with the Wood Path—Rank One or Two doesn't matter. Of course, I'll have to consider feeding them."
Small Buds Gu fed on Spirit Spring Water, which was easy to supply. Though the Spirit Spring had dried up after extracting the Heavenly Treasure Lotus, thousands of gallons of water remained. Small Buds Gu consumed only 800 milliliters every twelve days.
Twisting Vines Gu fed on fertile soil—abundant everywhere—while Wood Origin Gu fed on heat-exposed soil, a strange but easy requirement.
Heavenly Treasure Lotus fed on his Primeval Essence once every two months.
As the sun neared sunset and farmers and hunters returned to their village chatting casually, Fang Tian was already waiting. Dressed in leather reeking of sweat and blood, he looked like a short, frail hunter—yet his sharp eyes assessed everyone around him.
His hair had been dyed black before arriving, making him unremarkable. On a rooftop, a peak Rank One Gu Master observed the villagers indifferently.
A burly hunter clapped Fang Tian on the shoulder.
"New kid, huh? Look at that weak body—how do you even hunt? Hahaha!"
Fang Tian glanced at him. The hunter had a square face, hooked nose, thick orange beard, and a massive, towering body—more than a head taller than Fang Tian.
"Ah yes, big brother. I got lost while hunting in the mountains and couldn't find my village. By chance I found this one. If you don't mind, I'd like to stay here for a few days before returning."
The burly hunter laughed heartily and tightened his grip on Fang Tian's shoulder.
"No problem, little brother! We'll take good care of you in our village!"
Fang Tian laughed dryly as the hunter led him into the village with the other mortal farmers and hunters.