Hui Jian stepped into the Central Continent, the cold wind of the Northern Plains behind him, and the promise of a new beginning before him. The towering mountains and vast stretches of greenery were a stark contrast to the bleak, frozen lands he had left behind. Yet, even here, the air was thick with danger. The warmth of the Central Continent belied the cold ruthlessness that pervaded its society, one ruled by power, ambition, and Gu.
His first steps felt heavy. Not from exhaustion, but from the weight of realization. His Northern Plains Gu were being suppressed. The Wild Strength Gu he had relied on to boost his physical prowess felt muted, like a beast chained by invisible bonds. It would still work, but at a fraction of its power. The air here was different. Everything was different. He clenched his fists, feeling the slight hum of the Gu within him but knowing it would never serve him as well here.
Hui Jian continued forward, his eyes scanning the horizon. The path before him was uncertain, filled with dangers he had yet to understand. But he thrived in such uncertainty. His mind, sharp as ever, was already calculating the next steps he needed to take. His Gu would need to be replaced, or at least refined, to suit this new environment.
As he moved deeper into the Central Continent, he thought of the Legends of Ren Zu, of Ren Zu's fourth child, Boundless Forest Samsara. The tale came to him as naturally as breathing. It spoke of the cycles of loss and gain, how nothing in the world was permanent, how everything ebbed and flowed like the tides.
Ren Zu had once stood upon the highest peaks, full of hope, but life had taken much from him. In his despair, he turned to his children, and Boundless Forest Samsara had been the one to teach him that life was cyclical, that the suffering he endured would eventually give way to new opportunities. Hui Jian felt a kinship with that story. He had left behind the camp, sacrificed lives, and given up his position. But in return, he was here now, in the land where power could be taken by those willing to grasp it.
The thought brought him a sense of calm. Yes, the Central Continent was a new beginning. He could grow here, stronger than ever before.
His suppressed Gu reminded him of the challenges ahead. The underground market would be his first destination, a place where he could exchange his Northern Plains Gu for ones more suited to this region. It was notorious for its ruthlessness and cutthroat traders. Every deal was a game of survival, every handshake potentially lethal. But it was also a place of opportunity. Hui Jian could not afford to linger on the fringes; he needed the right tools for this new land.
Arriving at the market was like stepping into a different world. The air was filled with the buzzing of conversation, the haggling of traders, and the ever-present hum of primeval essence. The stalls were chaotic, each manned by a different type of Gu Master. Some had the look of old sages, their eyes gleaming with knowledge of forbidden paths. Others were hardened fighters, scars etched across their faces, selling weapons and Gu designed purely for destruction.
Hui Jian approached cautiously. He wasn't here to draw attention. His eyes flitted across the various wares on display, taking in the prices and gauging the mood of the traders. He found himself at a small stall run by a hunched man, his eyes sharp despite his age.
"You're new here," the trader said, his voice a rasp. "Northern Plains, if I'm not mistaken?"
Hui Jian offered a small smile, noncommittal. "Just looking for a few trades."
The trader snorted, sizing him up. "You'll find the prices higher here, stranger. The Central Continent doesn't take kindly to outsiders. But if you're willing to pay the price, I might have something for you."
Hui Jian scanned the Gu on the table. Most of them were lower-ranked, Rank 1 or 2. They were functional, but nothing stood out. His eyes narrowed as he spotted a Rank 2 Wind Step Gu, a movement-type Gu native to the Central Continent. It could prove useful in navigating the unfamiliar terrain. But the price was steep, far more than he had anticipated.
"You're asking too much for a Rank 2 Gu," Hui Jian said calmly.
The trader shrugged, unmoved. "That's the price for outsiders. Take it or leave it."
Hui Jian's gaze hardened, but he said nothing. He knew better than to push too hard, especially without leverage. The marketplace was a shark's den, and he couldn't afford to be the bait.
After a few tense moments of silent negotiation, Hui Jian gave up the suppressed Northern Plains Gu in exchange for the Wind Step Gu. The trader's eyes gleamed as he pocketed the exotic Gu from the Northern Plains. Hui Jian turned away, walking deeper into the market, already thinking about his next move.
As he wandered through the stalls, his mind worked quickly, calculating his next steps. He needed more power, more resources. His survival here depended on his ability to remain low-key, yet also to build a foundation that would carry him through the treacherous politics of the Central Continent.
The key was to blend in, to become a shadow that no one noticed until it was too late. He would need to create a new identity. He could no longer be Hui Jian, the man who had walked through the cold wilderness of the Northern Plains. That man was gone.
In his place would be Wei Liang.
The name had no history, no baggage. It was a fresh start. A blank slate. In this new land, Wei Liang would be a Gu Master of no renown, an outsider seeking his place. But beneath the surface, the true Hui Jian would still exist, watching, calculating, and waiting for the right moment to strike.
As the day wore on, Hui Jian—now Wei Liang—began making subtle connections. He engaged in light conversation with other traders and low-level Gu Masters, gathering information about the local power structures and potential allies. His words were carefully chosen, never revealing too much but always offering just enough to make others believe he was a newcomer seeking guidance.
It wasn't long before a faction within the market approached him. A small group of traders, led by a man named Lao Feng, took an interest in Wei Liang after witnessing his calm demeanor and keen eye for valuable Gu. They offered him a place within their ranks, promising protection and access to rare goods if he joined them.
Wei Liang smiled politely, offering vague gratitude, but he kept his true thoughts hidden. He had no intention of being anyone's pawn. But for now, it was useful to let them think they had earned his loyalty. He could learn much from this faction, and when the time was right, he would move on, just as he always had.
As night fell, Wei Liang returned to his temporary lodgings. He had traded away his Northern Plains Gu, secured a few vital Central Continent Gu, and forged a new identity. But there was still much to do.
Before resting, he opened the pouch containing the Wind Step Gu, his thoughts drifting back to the story of Ren Zu. Boundless Forest Samsara had taught his father the importance of change, of moving forward through loss and gain. Just as the seasons changed, so too did life. Hui Jian had lost much in his journey, but here, in the heart of the Central Continent, he would gain far more than he had ever imagined.
He closed his eyes, the quiet hum of his new Gu lulling him to sleep. Tomorrow, his path would continue, and the world would soon learn the name of Wei Liang.