Fang Yuan, just like in his previous life, attended the awakening ceremony where everyone had high expectations for him. However, their hopes were dashed when his talent was revealed to be C grade, disappointing everyone. In contrast, his brother Fang Zheng received an A grade, becoming the center of attention and admiration. Fang Yuan, now relegated to the sidelines as if he were a mere side character, remained unfazed, having already prepared himself for such an outcome.
His first objective was to locate the inheritance left by a Rank 5 Gu Master named Li Tian. Nothing was known about Li Tian's life or the stories surrounding him, and it was unclear when this inheritance had been placed in the area since the clan had been established long ago.
Fang Yuan knew that five months from now, someone would accidentally open the inheritance entrance but be unable to enter. This event would eventually draw the attention of clan members as well as the Bai and Xiong clans.
Even though Fang Yuan lacked confidence, he decided to take the risk. The inheritance reportedly contained a Gu that could upgrade one's talent—a priceless treasure that Fang Yuan desperately needed.
He was unaware of the specific details, as the inheritance would later be sealed during a war between the three clans. Ultimately, the entire mountain would become frozen.
As a mortal in his previous life, Fang Yuan never understood why, but after becoming a Gu Immortal, he learned the cause: the Northern Dark Ice Soul Physique.
At present, none of that mattered to him. All Fang Yuan cared about was his survival, and he was willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. He had already left his family home and relocated to a wooden house on the outskirts of the clan.
To keep up appearances, he feigned a life of despair, pretending to drink wine daily and wearing a dispirited expression to convince others that he had given up on everything.
It was nighttime, and after drinking some spicy wine at the restaurant, Fang Yuan walked slowly toward the forest. The faint chirping of crickets and the occasional rustling of leaves under the moonlight added an eerie serenity to his journey. His steps were deliberate, his eyes scanning the surroundings with calm precision.
After some time, he reached a small waterfall tucked away amidst the dense trees. The gentle sound of the cascading water created a tranquil melody, blending with the natural symphony of the night. He paused for a moment, letting the cool mist brush against his face before stepping into the shallow pool at the base of the waterfall. The icy water sent a brief shiver through his body but invigorated him for what lay ahead.
As he moved closer to the waterfall, the steady roar of the water became deafening. He pressed his hand against the wet rock face, feeling for any irregularities, and soon his fingers brushed against a concealed opening. Parting the curtain of water, he found a narrow entrance hidden behind the rushing stream. Without hesitation, he slipped inside.
The air grew colder and damp as he ventured into the cave. Darkness engulfed him almost immediately, with only faint streaks of moonlight managing to seep through the water outside. The cave walls were rough, jagged, and slick with moisture, the sound of his careful footsteps echoing softly in the confined space. Despite the stifling blackness, Fang Yuan pressed forward, his resolve unwavering.
"Next, it should be somewhere here. I just need to touch some rock. The rock should be on the right side of the wall, and it is a lower one," Fang Yuan muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible in the silence of the cave. He crouched slightly and began running his fingers over the cold, damp surface of the rocks near the base of the wall, meticulously feeling each one as he moved forward.
The path ahead was winding, the cave walls curving and twisting unpredictably, making the task even more arduous. Water dripped from the jagged ceiling, creating faint echoes that reverberated through the dark chamber. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and moisture, adding to the oppressive atmosphere. His fingers were becoming numb from the cold, but his determination did not falter.
The faint hope of discovery was gradually replaced by doubt as he neared the end of the tunnel without success. Just as despair threatened to creep in, his hand brushed against something different. The texture of the rock was smoother and colder than the others, its surface slightly uneven. "This must be it," he thought, his eyes narrowing.
With a deep breath, he steadied himself and pressed firmly against the peculiar rock. The sound of a faint click echoed through the cave, and a low rumble followed, as if the ancient mechanisms hidden within the walls were slowly awakening.
After a series of small rumblings, a stone platform emerged from the ground, revealing a single needle atop it. The needle was small and thin, resembling an injection needle but without the rest of the syringe. As the mechanism completed its motion, Fang Yuan's gaze locked onto the needle, his expression calm and composed. This was the step everyone had spoken of—the infamous barrier where all others had failed to advance, as if only those with special qualifications could proceed further.
Fang Yuan, however, was undeterred. He didn't know if he met the qualifications, but he was prepared to give his all. Without hesitation, he pressed his index finger against the sharp needle. A small bead of blood appeared, immediately absorbed by the needle. Suddenly, an excruciating pain shot through his entire body. It wasn't just physical—it felt as though his very soul was being extracted, torn from the core of his being.
"Wait, this wasn't in the information I had," Fang Yuan thought, his sharp mind racing as the pain intensified. He glanced at the needle, now glowing faintly as it continued to drain both his blood and his soul essence. Yet, despite the searing agony that would have left others writhing, Fang Yuan remained eerily still, his expression unreadable and stoic.
After what felt like an eternity but was only a few breaths, the needle retracted and disappeared back into the stone. In its place, a bright red button emerged from the platform. The button was engraved with strange symbols, clearly not belonging to the local language. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the unfamiliar script.
"English," he murmured to himself. Though he was a Chinese scholar, he had learned English during his school years, and the words were clear enough: "Push to descend."
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After writing this arc, I am taking a break and for the next three days, I can't write as I have tests to do in school, so sorry about that.