Chapter 10: Gambling Rocks
After receiving his primeval stones, Fang Ming left Treasure Cave Gu House and continued strolling through the caravan market.
He did not return to Gu Yue Village.
The market was still lively. Lanterns hung from wooden poles, colored tents stood in rows, and merchants called out to passing villagers and Gu Masters. Some stalls sold Gu food, some sold weapons, and others displayed beast materials, maps, herbs, ores, and strange items brought from outside Qing Mao Mountain.
Fang Ming walked through the crowd quietly.
His target was the gambling tent.
Earlier, he had already tested Advanced Copy Gu there and confirmed that it could detect Gu hidden inside gambling rocks within 1 meter. The method was not perfect, because it also detected Gu carried by nearby Gu Masters, but that was not a fatal flaw. As long as Fang Ming was careful, he could separate the Gu hidden in stones from the Gu carried by people.
Now that he had sold Liquor Worm for 630 primeval stones, he had enough funds to act.
The gambling tent was a large gray tent standing deeper within the market. Compared with the noisy stalls outside, the atmosphere inside was much quieter. Gu Masters stood before counters, inspecting stones carefully, rubbing surfaces, weighing them in their palms, or whispering with companions. Larger stones were placed directly on the ground, while smaller ones sat on counters under the watch of shop assistants.
The counters were divided by price.
The cheap counter sold rocks for 5 primeval stones each.
The normal counter sold rocks for 10 primeval stones each.
The high-end counter sold rocks for 20 primeval stones each.
Fang Ming entered slowly and looked around.
Gambling rocks existed because some Gu, when starving or under special conditions, could self-seal and fall into hibernation. Rock shells, cocoons, and fossil-like layers might form around them, hiding them from ordinary inspection. If a Gu Master bought such a rock and opened a living Gu, he could make a fortune.
But most gambling rocks were useless.
Even if a rock truly contained Gu, the Gu inside might already be dead.
That was why this was gambling.
Fang Ming first walked to the normal counter.
A female shop assistant glanced at his academy clothing and smiled. "Young master, do you want to try your luck?"
"Let me look first," Fang Ming said.
He picked up a stone, weighed it in his hand, rubbed the surface, then placed it down. After that, he took another one and checked its pattern under the lantern light. His movements were not hurried. Sometimes he asked the price, sometimes he hesitated, and sometimes he moved away before returning to the same counter.
Advanced Copy Gu reacted silently within him.
Names appeared in his mind whenever he stepped within 1 meter of certain rocks.
Some reactions came from Gu Masters nearby.
Others came from the stones.
Fang Ming did not rush.
He had already noticed Green Blood Cockroach Gu earlier, and after moving around the counter several times, he finally confirmed which rock contained it.
Still, he did not take it immediately.
He continued pretending for a while longer before choosing 3 rocks from the normal counter.
One of them contained Green Blood Cockroach Gu.
The other 2 were useless.
The female assistant's smile became brighter. "Young master has chosen these 3?"
Fang Ming nodded. "These 3."
After that, he moved to another counter.
This time, Advanced Copy Gu soon detected another Gu.
Snow Larva Gu.
Fang Ming paused for a moment, then continued examining the rocks as if uncertain. He compared several stones, checked their surfaces, and asked a few simple questions before choosing 2 rocks from this counter.
One contained Snow Larva Gu.
The other was useless.
Finally, Fang Ming went to a third counter and casually chose 2 more rocks.
These were only cover stones.
Altogether, he had chosen 7 gambling rocks.
The assistant was clearly surprised now.
Academy students often came here to watch, and occasionally some with decent family backgrounds bought 1 stone for excitement, but Fang Ming had chosen 7 at once.
The surrounding Gu Masters also noticed.
A few gazes turned toward him.
"A student? and he bought 7 rocks, his family must be rich."
"Gambling rocks are not that easy. Young people really do not know how painful losing primeval stones feels."
The voices were soft, but Fang Ming heard them clearly.
He did not care.
The assistant counted the stones and said gently, "The total is 60 primeval stones."
Fang Ming paid.
The assistant accepted the primeval stones and looked at the rocks on the counter. "Young master, do you want our gambling den to open them for you? Opening rocks is free."
"No need," Fang Ming said. "I will open them myself."
The assistant blinked, then smiled. "As you wish."
Fang Ming placed the first rock before him.
Moonlight gathered in his palm.
He did not use too much force. The blue light slowly scraped across the surface of the gambling rock, shaving away layers of stone powder bit by bit.
The first rock became smaller and smaller.
Nothing appeared.
It was empty.
Several Gu Masters nearby lost some interest.
Fang Ming placed the second rock before him and continued.
Stone powder fell onto the counter.
The second rock was also empty.
Someone chuckled softly.
"2 empty already."
"What did you expect? This is rock gambling."
"Students always think they have good luck when they first enter."
Fang Ming's expression did not change.
He picked up the third rock.
Moonlight flashed again.
The outer layer slowly peeled away under the blue glow. At first, nothing seemed different, but as the stone became smaller, a faint change appeared in its texture.
A Gu Master nearby narrowed his eyes.
"Eh?"
Another person leaned closer. "There is something different."
"Don't tell me there is really a Gu inside?"
"Hard to say, keep watching."
The first 2 empty rocks had made the surrounding Gu Masters think Fang Ming was only wasting stones, but now their attention returned.
Fang Ming continued carefully.
His face remained focused, like a young student hoping his luck had finally turned.
But inwardly, he was calm.
Advanced Copy Gu had already told him what was inside.
As the stone shell thinned, more Gu Masters gathered.
At this moment, a young man in golden clothing walked into the tent. He was around 20 to 25 years old, with a jade piece hanging from his waist. The moment he appeared, some of the shop assistants immediately bowed.
"Second young master."
Fang Ming recognized him.
Jia Jin Sheng.
Jia Fu's half-brother and the owner of this gambling den.
Jia Jin Sheng's gaze landed on the half-opened stone in Fang Ming's hand. His eyes moved slightly, then he walked over with a smile.
"Young friend, this stone may still be empty. How about this? I will offer 30 primeval stones for it now. At least you recover part of your cost."
Fang Ming stopped his hand and looked at him.
"Recover my cost?"
Jia Jin Sheng smiled. "Rock gambling is uncertain. Many people become stubborn after seeing a slight change and end up with nothing. You are still young, so I am only giving you a safer choice."
Fang Ming laughed lightly.
"This is a gambling tent. I paid for the stone, so whatever comes out belongs to me. Are you planning to break your own rules in front of everyone?"
The surrounding Gu Masters quieted.
Jia Jin Sheng's smile stiffened slightly.
Fang Ming continued, "And this is Qing Mao Mountain. You want to force-buy from a Gu Yue clansman in front of other Gu Yue Gu Masters?"
The expressions of several Gu Yue Gu Masters nearby changed.
Their gazes toward Jia Jin Sheng became unfriendly.
Jia Jin Sheng quickly waved his hand and laughed. "Young friend misunderstood. I only saw that this might still be empty and wanted to help you recover some primeval stones. Since you do not want to sell, then naturally the rock remains yours."
Fang Ming did not answer.
He turned his gaze back to the stone and continued scraping.
The blue light thinned the outer layer little by little.
Soon, something green appeared inside.
The crowd stirred.
"There really is a Gu!"
"He actually opened one!"
"A student got a Gu from the third rock?"
"Check if it is alive!"
Fang Ming carefully removed the remaining shell.
A green cockroach-like Gu appeared in his palm. Its body was small, but its shell had a dark green gloss, and faint red lines could be seen beneath the surface like veins.
The surrounding Gu Masters stared at it.
Someone urged, "Quick, inject primeval essence and see if it is alive."
Fang Ming did as they said.
A small stream of jade-green primeval essence entered the Gu.
The cockroach Gu twitched.
The tent immediately erupted.
"It moved!"
"It is alive!"
"He really opened a living Gu!"
"This student's luck is too good."
Fang Ming looked at the Gu in his palm and said, "Green Blood Cockroach Gu. Rank 1 Gu. It has strong vitality and can be used in healing and vitality-related methods."
The explanation sounded calm.
He did not know this from experience.
Advanced Copy Gu had already identified it for him.
Jia Jin Sheng's eyes fixed on the Green Blood Cockroach Gu.
"Young friend, since you have opened it in my gambling den, how about selling it to me? I can give you a fair price."
Fang Ming put the Green Blood Cockroach Gu away.
"I do not know its real market value yet. I will ask my clansmen first."
Jia Jin Sheng's expression changed slightly.
Fang Ming glanced at the Gu Yue Gu Masters nearby. "After all, I am young. It is better not to sell too quickly and suffer a loss."
Several Gu Yue Gu Masters nodded.
"That is right."
"Check the price first."
"A living Gu should not be sold carelessly."
Jia Jin Sheng could only suppress his displeasure.
Fang Ming ignored him and continued with the remaining rocks.
The fourth rock was opened.
Empty.
The fifth rock was also empty.
By now, Fang Ming's forehead had formed a layer of sweat. He was still only an academy student, and using Moonlight Gu continuously to open so many rocks naturally consumed energy and primeval essence.
A nearby Gu Master said, "Young man, do you want help opening the rest?"
Fang Ming shook his head.
"I will do it myself."
He picked up the sixth rock.
Moonlight gathered again.
This time, his movements became even slower.
The blue light carefully scraped away the outer shell. At first, the crowd was not too excited. After 2 empty rocks in a row, some thought Fang Ming's luck had ended.
But soon, the texture changed again.
A Gu Master standing close narrowed his eyes.
"There is something."
The others immediately gathered again.
Fang Ming continued to dissect the rock carefully. As the shell thinned, a small slit appeared, less than 1 cm long. Those standing closest could vaguely glimpse a bit of white skin inside.
The tent became restless.
"It is not empty!"
"There is really another Gu inside?"
"I saw something white."
"What Gu is it?"
"Hard to say. It may be dead."
"But there is definitely something inside."
The uproar rose again.
Fang Ming had already opened 1 living Gu, and now a second rock seemed to contain another Gu.
Even if no one knew whether the Gu inside was alive or dead, this was enough to make the gamblers' eyes heat up.
Everyone waited for Fang Ming to continue.
But Fang Ming suddenly stopped.
He let out a long breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and placed the half-opened rock into his pocket.
"I am tired. I will open it later."
The surrounding Gu Masters froze.
Then several of them became annoyed.
"Young man, how can you stop here?"
"Open it first!"
"We already saw something inside."
"You cannot leave after making everyone curious."
Fang Ming ignored them and picked up his remaining unopened rock.
Jia Jin Sheng could no longer hold back.
"Young friend, since you are tired, why not sell that half-opened stone to me? I will offer a good price."
Fang Ming looked at him. "I already said I will open it later."
Jia Jin Sheng stepped closer. "A half-opened stone is inconvenient to keep. If the Gu inside dies because you handle it poorly, it would be a waste."
As he spoke, he reached out and placed his hand on Fang Ming's shoulder.
Fang Ming's smile disappeared.
He slapped Jia Jin Sheng's hand away and pushed him back forcefully.
"Jia Jin Sheng, right? I heard about you. A D-grade trash talent. Do not touch me with your filthy hand again."
The tent went silent.
Jia Jin Sheng staggered back a step, his face changing instantly.
Fang Ming's expression was cold and arrogant.
"I am Gu Yue Fang Ming, A-grade aptitude Gu Master, the most talented Gu Master the Gu Yue clan has ever had and will ever have. The future clan leader of Gu Yue Village."
His tone was so confident that it sounded as if this was already a settled fact.
The Gu Yue Gu Masters nearby were stunned.
Someone whispered, "Since when did our clan have a next clan leader?"
Another muttered, "Why is the future clan leader still Rank 1 and wearing academy clothes?"
Jia Jin Sheng's face turned ugly.
He was extremely sensitive about his poor talent.
He was also the Jia clan leader's youngest son.
Since when could a Gu Yue academy student speak to him like this?
He was already furious that Fang Ming had opened 1 living Gu from his gambling den and seemed to have a second one. Now, being called D-grade trash in public directly broke through his restraint.
Jia Jin Sheng punched Fang Ming.
Fang Ming dodged and rushed forward.
Before many people could react, he tackled Jia Jin Sheng to the ground and punched him in the face.
The tent erupted.
"Stop!"
"Pull them apart!"
"Do not fight here!"
Several Gu Masters rushed forward.
By the time they separated them, Jia Jin Sheng's face had already taken several punches and looked miserable.
Fang Ming, on the other hand, looked mostly fine. His face was filled with rage as he struggled against the Gu Masters holding him back.
"Let go of me! That trash dared touch me!"
Jia Jin Sheng also cursed back, trying to break free and rush forward again.
"You little bastard! You dare hit me?"
"Hit you?" Fang Ming sneered while struggling. "If they did not stop me, I would beat that dirty mouth of your until you could no longer speak."
The Gu Masters had to drag Fang Ming out of the gambling den.
Even along the way, Fang Ming kept cursing and trying to break free, as if he wanted to rush back and continue beating Jia Jin Sheng.
The farce quickly spread through the caravan and Gu Yue Village.
At that time, Gu Yue Bo and the clan elders were hosting Jia Fu in the Gu Yue clan's main hall.
Jia Fu sat as the caravan leader and spoke calmly about the caravan's recent journey. The elders listened with polite expressions. The caravan's arrival was important to Gu Yue Village every year. It brought goods, Gu worms, materials, and outside information, so even the clan head treated it seriously.
While they were speaking, a Gu Yue clan Gu Master hurried into the hall and cupped his fists.
"Clan leader, elders, caravan leader Jia Fu, this subordinate has an incident to report."
The atmosphere in the hall changed slightly.
Gu Yue Bo's eyes sharpened.
Several elders also looked over.
Jia Fu's smile paused for a moment.
An incident involving the caravan was not a small matter. If handled poorly, it could affect trade, reputation, and the relationship between the caravan and Gu Yue Village.
Gu Yue Bo said, "Speak."
The Gu Master quickly reported what had happened in the gambling tent.
Fang Ming had opened a living Gu from a gambling rock, then another half-opened stone seemed to contain a Gu as well. Jia Jin Sheng tried to buy it, then placed his hand on Fang Ming's shoulder. Fang Ming cursed him as a D-grade trash talent, declared himself the future clan leader of Gu Yue Village, and then the two fought inside the gambling den.
By the time the report ended, the hall had become strangely quiet.
Several elders' expressions turned odd.
Gu Yue Bo's face twitched slightly.
Then Jia Fu suddenly burst into loud laughter.
"Hahaha!"
His laughter echoed through the hall, making the tense atmosphere loosen at once.
Gu Yue Bo quickly cupped his hands. "Caravan leader Jia Fu, Fang Ming is young and arrogant. His behavior was unsightly. I apologize on his behalf."
Jia Fu waved his hand, still smiling.
"It is a small matter. If anyone should apologize, it is me. My younger brother's actions were also unsightly."
Then Jia Fu sighed lightly and shook his head.
"To actually start a fight with a child. He has truly embarrassed the Jia clan."
Gu Yue Bo smiled wearily.
He knew the Jia clan's internal competition for the next clan head position had already begun, and he had no interest in being dragged into the Jia family's mess.
The elders also understood this, so none of them spoke too much about Jia Jin Sheng.
After Jia Fu laughed the matter off, Gu Yue Bo turned to the academy elder.
"Punish Fang Ming. Lock him up until he repents."
The academy elder nodded seriously.
"Yes, clan leader."
This became Fang Ming's first public farce.
And it was also another step in building his arrogant persona.