The delicate mountain fog hung in the air, gradually dissipating as the golden rays of the sun broke through, casting an enchanting orange-yellow light over the rugged landscape. More than 150 eager 15-year-olds made their way toward the bustling square of the Gu Yue Clan, their expressions a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation. The weight of their families' hopes and dreams rested on their shoulders, each young face reflecting a yearning for a bright and prosperous future.
They gathered with a palpable sense of purpose around the imposing Clan Pavilion, a majestic structure that rose five stories into the sky. Its sharp, intricately tiled roof showcas noed traditional craftsmanship, while the vibrant colors of the tiles gleamed in the sunlight. The air was thick with a mix of eagerness and apprehension, and the sound of whispered encouragement buzzed among the group.
Guarding the pavilion were several formidable Gu Masters, dressed in ceremonial robes adorned with symbols of power and protection. Their vigilant presence added to the atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.
Surrounding the pavilion was the square, a sacred ground that housed the ancestral tablets of the clan. These tablets, meticulously engraved with the names and deeds of their forebears, stood as a testament to the clan's rich heritage and the weight of tradition that the youths were about to embrace. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of destiny, each moment leading them closer to an unknown yet promising path.
In the bustling group, heated conversations erupted as individuals exchanged guesses on each other's talents. Many of them glanced at the new youth, taking in her graceful appearance, from her well-endowed figure to her silken hair adorned with exquisite jewelry. However, what truly made her remarkable was both her identity, and her physical attributes . Despite some members of the group contemplating the absence of Fang Zheng, Fang Shung subtly manipulated their thoughts using her Manipulation Gu, ensuring their attention stayed focused on the task at hand.
As the academy elder spoke with enthusiasm, calling for the youth to prepare themselves for the awakening of their apertures, Fang Shung paid minimal attention to the elder's words. Instead, she observed the youths in the group, her gaze falling upon Mo Bei, Chi Cheng, and Gu Yue Tu Yuanzhi, who had been much talked about recently. She shifted her gaze as the academy led them under a wide clan pavilion.
They proceeded down and descended a man-made ladder, entering a glowing cave that seemed to be illuminated by a luminescent blue hue. The group walked a few hundred steps and took a turn, leading them to a wide river with clear, blue water.
Opposite them, a layer of cold and fresh water shimmered, its surface adorned with radiant blue and purple-hued flowers. These blooms exuded a glow reminiscent of the soft rays of the moon.
The area was dense with spirit Qi from the spirit spring. The academy elder addressed the young group, and the silence of the cave heightened the volume of his voice as he spoke, "You should all be aware of the spirit spring. Once you step onto its surface, you must proceed forward without turning back, as the extent of your movement will dictate your talents."
Following that, the elder unfurled a scroll, revealing a total of 150 names.
As the elder called for the first youth, "Gu Yue Tu!" a rather ordinary youth detached himself from the throng and ventured across the spring. Despite its impressive width, the water barely reached the youth's kneecaps.
Gu Yue Tu stepped cautiously into the vibrant garden, the delicate petals of the flowers crunching beneath his feet. The moment he did, a heavy pressure descended upon him, wrapping around him like an invisible vise, stifling his every movement. It was as though an ethereal barrier had materialized, rooting him in place. From the depths of the crystal-clear spring, glimmering motes of light rose into the air; these were the Hope Gu, ethereal beings that shimmered like stars caught in a gentle breeze.
As the Hope Gu hovered around him, Gu Yue Tu felt the oppressive weight beginning to lift. Summoning all his resolve, he pushed forward, straining against the lingering force that sought to hinder him. The academy elder, a figure of calm authority, sat poised with a pen in hand, meticulously recording the youth's progress in his leather-bound book. "1 step… 2 steps… 3 steps… 4 steps… 5 steps…" he counted, his voice steady and measured.
With every step, Gu Yue Tu felt hope blossom within him, a flicker of confidence igniting. Yet, after what felt like an eternity, his momentum faltered, and he felt as if he were bound by invisible chains, immobilized after a total of 14 determined steps. The elder's voice broke through the silence, announcing, "Gu Yue Tu, 14 steps, 28% aperture awakened. D grade Aptitude." The weight of those words hung in the air, heavy as lead. "Your possibility of reaching rank 1 only," the elder remarked, as Gu Yue Tu stepped back, his heart heavy. To become even a rank 1 Gu Master was considered a title of honor, elevating one's status above that of mere mortals within the revered Gu Yue Clan.
Next in line was Gu Yue Nui, a timid girl with wide, anxious eyes. She approached the spirit spring, trepidation evident in her every movement. As she immersed herself in the experience, the familiar pressure enveloped her, but soon the soothing presence of the Hope Gu emerged, granting her temporary relief. She managed to take only 8 faltering steps before she halted, weariness overcoming her. "Gu Yue Nui, 8 Steps. Mortal," the elder announced, the disappointment in his tone palpable as she walked away, shoulders slumped.
One by one, other youths came forward, each bringing with them the hope of awakening their latent powers. "Gu Yue Gai, 23 steps, 46% aperture awakened, C Grade aptitude…" the elder declared, his voice steady. "Gu Yue Jin, 2 steps, never to cultivate," he continued, the weight of harsh reality sinking in with each name, his pen scratching against the page. This year's awakening ceremony for the clan unfolded as another somber affair—a stark reminder that so many lacked the requisite talent, with most destined to be confined to the limits of C grade Aptitude, if they were lucky.
Soon, Elder Mo Chen, the leader of the Mo Faction in the Gu Yue Clan, sent his only grandson, Gu Yue Mo Bei, a youth with a steadier stature than his peers.
He took his first steps—10 steps, then 20, and finally 30—walking across the purple and blue flowers of the spirit spring. Despite the invisible pressure surrounding him, a significant amount of Hope Gu had already accumulated, granting him strength and resistance to this ethereal pressure.
With a cheerful tone, the academy elder called out, "Gu Yue Mo Bei, 36 steps! Come here!" Mo Bei approached confidently as the elder checked his aperture. His primeval sea had a 72% capacity. If properly nurtured, he would eventually become a clan elder.
Next came the familiar events from the original timeline. The same occurrences unfolded: Mo Chen's pride, Chi Lian's grandson Chi Chen demonstrating his talent, and the youth evaluation. Fang Shung observed with mild interest, having already known what was going to happen, so she was not surprised.
As the aperture awakenings continued, the academy elder finally called out, "Gu Yue Fang Shung!" She was the last to be called because her name had not been registered due to her non-aging condition.
Walking peacefully but unlike the others, the entire spirit spring illuminated with massive amounts of Hope Gu as she approached. All the elders present watched in shock, muttering in disbelief, "13 steps... 27 steps... 36 steps... 45 steps—oh heavens!"
Without any pressure, she traversed the entire spirit spring, her feet wet from the spring water.
Clan Leader Gu Yue Bo immediately recognized the significance of the sign. Moving through the entire spirit spring without any hindrance was a clear indication of an Extreme Physique. Gu Yue Bo was thrilled for his master. The others joined in the joy, especially Fang Huan and his father, whose excitement was clear. Their daughter had an Extreme Physique, guaranteeing that the Fang Faction had produced a truly gifted prodigy.
The other elders, although envious, still felt excitement for their clan's newfound genius. With the awakening ceremony concluded, the youths returned to the clan square.
Many elders, despite their envies, were still enthusiastic about the clan's newly acquired supergenius. Now, Fang Shung followed Fang Huan and his father to their family quarters.
Once indoors, they all took their seats on the chairs. Fang Huan opened his mouth to speak, "Daughter, you--"
Before he could complete his sentence, Fang Shung abruptly interrupted him, her cold voice cutting him off. "I am aware of this, slave. Don't presume to educate me or waste your breath."
Her father and grandfather remained obedient, showing no resistance to her commands. They had been reduced to mere tools under her control, silently submitting to her every whim.
From the window, Fang Shung watched as her jet-black hair gently swayed in the soft, cool breeze. She mused to herself, "Soon, this tranquility will end. This silence shall give way to explosions and devastation." She pondered on the future, realizing that remaining a seemingly minor figure thus far had allowed her to achieve anything she desired, thanks to Attitude Gu and Manipulation Gu. Yet, she knew that her journey would not remain unchallenged once she left the mountain, and Qingmao Mountain would be at her beck and call.
As she contemplated, she felt the curse placed by Heaven's Will slowly weakening. She recognized that she was a completely Otherworldly Demon. However, she still wondered whether Heaven's Will would perceive her as the same pawn it had perceived Fang Yuan, despite her true nature. Although she would be imperceptible to it, once she emerged into the limelight, it would eventually take notice.
She felt greatly excited about what sorts of journey and secrets she would unfold. For an adrenaline junky like her, the thrill of mystery was intoxicating for her.
In the Eastern Sea, in the northwestern corner, there was the edge of the world— a massive barrier. However, for those who were supreme experts, it was possible to notice mild fluctuations in a specific area of this barrier, indicating that it was broken. Beyond the barrier lay the Space Beyond.
For many venerables, the exact location of the secluded Domain of Heaven and Earth known as the "Space Cave" remained a mystery. Some believed it encompassed the entire Gu World, while others had differing theories.
Within the Space Beyond, one would find the inner sanctum of the Space Cave. This area had neither ground nor sky; instead, it was filled with an infinite expanse of white and gray fog and mist.
In a particularly darker region, densely shrouded in a dark gray fog and stretching for hundreds of thousands of Li, lay the heart of this area: the Rank 9 Gu House known as the "Obsidian Spire of Eternal Twilight."
It had a perpetual gloom to it thanks to the dark fog. It had a total of 16 layers or stories, each seemingly suspended in a state of perpetual dusk as if time had lost meaning it's meaning within the spire confines.
It had shiny, dark platings that adorn certain areas of the structure, adding an air of luxury and opulence to the otherwise somber exterior. These obsidian accents serve as a visual counterpoint to the grey tiles that form the bulk of the pavilion's surface, creating a striking, high-contrast aesthetic that draws the eye inexorably toward the building's imposing silhouette.
Underscores the structure's vertical grandeur, its multiple layers rising majestically toward the heavens like a titanic, ethereal pillar. This architectural feat is further enhanced by the presence of the beautiful, graceful pillars that support the pavilion's various levels, lending an air of elegance and refinement to the overall design.
The Twilight, in its name, tells the enigmatic nature of the Obsidian Spire, suggesting a realm where the boundaries between light and darkness, reality and myth, blur and become indistinguishable. It implies a place where secrets lurk in every shadow, and where the very fabric of existence seems to bend and warp according to unseen forces.
As one ventures beyond the Obsidian Spire's imposing facade, they find themselves immersed in a labyrinth of interconnected chambers, each more breathtaking and bizarre than the last. The inner sanctums of this mystical edifice are a testament to the ingenuity and madness of its long-departed architects.
Upon entering the main atrium, visitors are struck by the sheer scale and audacity of the design. Towering above, the atrium's vaulted ceiling is a mosaic of polished obsidian, reflecting the dim, diffused light that filters through the perpetual twilight outside. Delicate filigree work adorns the walls, depicting cryptic symbols and arcane geometries that seem to pulse with otherworldly energy.
From the atrium, a series of grand staircases spiral upward, leading to the various levels of the Spire. Each landing offers a glimpse into a different realm, from opulent throne rooms filled with ancient, gemstone-encrusted relics to shadowy libraries housing forbidden tomes bound in human skin.
One of the most striking features of the inner areas is the prevalence of fluid dynamics. Hallways twist and turn in impossible ways, defying gravity as they flow like molten rivers of stone. These "gravity streams" allow visitors to traverse the Spire's vast interior with ease, their footsteps echoing off the walls as they drift from one level to the next.
The Obsidian Spire of Eternal Twilight was powered by three Rank 9 Gu: Shadow Gu, Dark Gu, and Qi Gu. It was the strongest Gu house in the entire Gu world, surpassing even the Heaven Overseeing Tower. The Spire spoke of eternity, suggesting it could last forever. Who knows how old it truly is?
Atop its roof flew five flags: Azure, Ruby, Purple Gemstone, Emerald, and Black Jade. Inside the highest floor lay a vast room featuring a polished crystal table surrounded by five mighty obsidian thrones.
An ordinary man with azure eyes and dressed in an azure robe took his place on one of the thrones. Next, a leopard Beastman with purple gemstone eyes and dark golden fur adorned with grey spots sat on another throne. A Dragonman, with a black jade body and black eyes, proud horn, and clean scales, then claimed his seat.
Following him was a woman with a perfect hourglass figure, black hair, and white skin, who had striking ruby eyes as she settled onto her throne. Lastly, a man with white hair and emerald eyes entered. All of them directed their gazes toward him; he seemed to embody time and wisdom itself. His gaze was deep and filled with mystery as he took his seat on the throne.
The man with emerald eyes fixed his gaze on the four seated before him, each one ensconced in their obsidian thrones at the massive round table.
Without warning, the Dragonmen rose and bowed his head. "I take full responsibility... Huang Wo is dead because of my actions," he declared.
"Shilong, I am aware," the man with emerald eyes replied, his tone suggesting a deep knowledge of the unfolding events.
The weight of his presence pressed down on all four; he embodied the apex of power within the Gu World, standing just shy of true Rank 9 status. Though he lacked the distinctive traits of a Rank 9 Venerable, his strength was undeniable, bordering on equal.
At that moment, a Gu emerged, its spiritual form resembling a moth with three sharp horns and eyes that appeared as intricately woven threads. It fluttered towards the Dragonmen, trailing stardust from its wings. The other three tensed instinctively; they understood the gravity of what was about to transpire.
The Gu unleashed a series of golden script-like lines that ensnared the Dragonmen's body. In an agonizing process, it extracted an immense quantity of Transformation Path Dao Marks—over a million in total.
Despite his comparatively youthful appearance, the Dragonmen was over 9000 years old, yet the extraction was executed with the intent to inflict pain, causing him great suffering.
As the ordeal concluded, he sat back down, visibly strained. The woman with ruby eyes addressed the man with authority, "My Lord, your efforts to alter fate have been monumental, but at a cost: you've sacrificed 7000 years of your lifespan. Any further attempts may prove perilous."
Calmly, the man replied, "Altering the timeline of the Gu World poses significant challenges. With no parallel timelines to draw upon, this outcome was inevitable."
Lord fixed his calm gaze on the assembly and declared, "The constraints of Fate Gu remain intact. This is the optimal moment to peer into the future. The River of Time flows linearly, as everything has a defined direction and conclusion."
[Author's Note: The characters are referred to by their titles due to their status as seasoned experts. The last time the lord invoked the dragon's name was for a deserved punishment.]
[Dragon: Shilong Qiangwei, Ruby Woman: Zhi Xing Yao, Azure Man: Anming Dexing, Beastman: Lei Zhi, Lord: Ming Jian Feng].
Anming met his lord's gaze and asserted, "My lord, what of the variable we substituted for Fang Shung?"
With a knowing look, Jian Feng responded, "She has a path laid out for her by us."
Lei Zhi, his concern palpable, interjected, "Spring Autumn Cicada is no longer with her! If she is tracking 500 years post-Fang Yuan in his second life, and we've now replaced him with her, we need her to regain it."
Jian Feng dismissed the worry, stating firmly, "The venerables understand that she will undergo multiple rebirths. That's their dilemma, not ours."
He continued, "Furthermore, Broken Chaotic Sky is teetering on the brink of upheaval. The Unholy Curse also nears its conclusion. Have you located him in the Myriad Depth Mirage?"
Shilong, his voice tinged with guilt, admitted, "His space path attainment level is exceptional. Should I seek assistance from Astralium Nexus Arcanum?"
Jian Feng shot him a sharp look, declaring, "That is a Void-Ranked treasure. You cannot possess it. Your request only highlights your incompetence."
Shilong growled in frustration at himself.
But soon, the lord spoke, sending sparks of excitement through Shilong.
"Your aura is fluctuating with breakthrough energy," Jian Feng stated, and soon it was confirmed. Shilong promptly made for the "Infinite Pool" situated on the 14th floor of the Obsidian Spire of Eternal Twilight.
As he entered the tranquil black waters of the Infinite Pool, his aura surged, pushing him toward a breakthrough. His True Dragon Soul transformed, emerging more refined with lustrous scales, sharp claws, and golden eyes.
The dragon soul spiraled around him as Shilong rose from the depths of the Infinite Pool with newfound power.
Jian Feng soared through the air, his gaze fixed on the formidable figure of Shilong, now emanating the unmistakable power of the perfected True Dragon Soul.
"Congratulations, you have reached the pinnacle of the Immemorial Stage," he proclaimed decisively.
"Indeed, my lord. With this newfound strength, I will track down the man hiding in the Myriad Depth Mirage," Shilong replied, his voice brimming with confidence, earning Jian Feng's unequivocal approval.
Bathed in a golden aura, Shilong departed from the Obsidian Spire of Eternal Twilight, boldly navigating the infinite expanse of swirling white and grey fog.
In no time, Xing Yao, Lei Zhi, and Anming Dexing joined him.
"My lord, with his elevated cultivation, he can withstand the pressures of the Heavenly Dao," one of them asserted.
"His connection to the Celestial Dao is intensifying; it seems the Heavenly Dao is faltering," another added.
Anming, showing keen interest, pressed, "When will you break through to the Nihility Stage, my lord?"
"Nihility Stage is still some distance away," Jian Feng replied with determination. "However, if I acquire a True Fragment of World Origin Essence, I will catalyze my breakthrough immediately."
The four of them returned to the 16th floor of the Obsidian Spire. There, a space-time portal opened, and they took their places on their obsidian thrones, observing how in a single night, Fang Shung had ascended to the peak of Rank 1.
With a piercing look in his eyes, Jian Feng declared, "When she breaks through to Rank 2, inform me at once. Her connection to the Celestial Dao is non-negotiable and critical to our plans."
[Words 3436]