After that, he went to the Family's Gu Chamber to select Gu, planning to choose new ones and refine all his Rank 1 Gu. It was time for him to step deeper into the path of Gu refinement.
When he arrived at the Gu Chamber beside Wen Lake again, the Rank 3 Gu Master there showed a noticeably different attitude, nodding to him with a faint smile.
Although it was still the same Gu chamber, the list of Gu Lin Yan received was different, with many rarer options added.
The Gu Master in charge noticed his confusion and said, "Since it is the reward for first place, the Family will not be stingy. Gu can be transferred from other chambers."
Lin Yan understood. He opened the list and first looked at his three core Gu—Fire Line Gu, Fire Coal Gu, and Fire Cloak Gu. All of them had Rank 2 refinement paths. Refining them further would be the most cost-effective choice, covering offense, support, and defense.
However, he was not in a hurry to decide. He planned to consult his uncle first. As for the two Rank 2 Gu he could choose, he wanted ones that could make up for his weaknesses. Reconnaissance was one aspect, but movement was even more important.
He already had a target in mind, and sure enough, Rank 2 Fire Eye Gu and Rank 2 Walking Fire Gu were both listed.
The Gu Master in charge looked surprised. "Are you certain you want these two? There are even rarer options available, and there are no restrictions on your reward."
Hearing this, Lin Yan smiled faintly. "These two are enough."
Indeed, some rare Rank 2 Gu had extraordinary effects and could greatly enhance a Gu Master's combat power, even turning the tide of battle. However, they did not fit Lin Yan's development system and lacked follow-up refinement paths, so he had no intention of choosing them.
Moreover, Fire Eye Gu and Walking Fire Gu were themselves valuable. The Flame Path was naturally weak in reconnaissance and movement.
Ordinary Rank 2 Flame Path Gu usually cost six to seven hundred primeval stones, while these two together were worth nearly three thousand, which was enough to show their rarity.
Soon, Lin Yan obtained both Gu. Fire Eye Gu resembled an oval silkworm, its back covered with a layer of clear crimson jade, with a pattern like two fused pupils. Walking Fire Gu looked like a red-and-white praying mantis, with long and slender legs.
The former was easier to feed, requiring only the eyes of Flame Path beasts. The latter was more troublesome, needing Blazing Grass as food—a Rank 1 material with volatile properties that would explode upon contact.
For Lin Yan, this was still manageable. Some easy-to-feed Gu, like Cool Wind Gu, were usually handed to Aunt Liu to manage, saving him a lot of time.
After that, he did not return immediately. With nine hundred primeval stones remaining, he decisively spent them all to buy three more Fire Pattern Gu.
His ability to drain Lin Qingyao's primeval essence earlier had largely relied on Fire Pattern Gu. With five flame patterns enhancing both offense and defense, the advantage was already significant, even against a Rank 2 Gu Master.
Lin Yan returned fully prepared and once again entered seclusion. But before he could enter his cultivation chamber, someone came to see him.
Shan Shayuan looked at his nephew and laughed loudly. "You brat, your trump cards never seem to end. You actually took first place. You really kept me guessing."
"It's all thanks to Uncle's guidance," Lin Yan replied with a faint smile, though inwardly he added, and the best sparring partner in my dreams.
"Hah, I didn't help much. This was your own achievement." Shan Shayuan waved his hand and continued, "If anything, you should thank her. She came here specifically to see you today."
Hearing this, Lin Yan turned his gaze to Shan Xia. She was dressed in a red robe, her features elegant and composed. His expression remained calm as he greeted, "Sister Xia."
Shan Xia, however, was visibly surprised. "I didn't expect you to break through to Rank 2 so quickly. That speed is incredible."
She was genuinely shocked. It had only been a short time since the Newcomer Grand Competition ended. If this pace continued, wouldn't he reach Rank 3 within a year or two, standing on the same level as her?
After exchanging a few polite words, Shan Xia revealed her purpose. As expected, she had come for his Rank 1 killer moves—Wind and Sand Swirl to Blind the Eyes, and Sinking Mud Pit, Bone-Chilling Cold.
Lin Yan did not mind. These two killer moves were effective against Rank 1 Gu Masters, but their value dropped significantly against Rank 2. He had already planned to exchange them for resources.
"Ten thousand primeval stones for one?" Shan Xia frowned, her tone turning sharp. "No. Even for a killer move, the level is too low, and it relies on logistical Gu. You should understand that its value to the Family is limited."
The two negotiated back and forth, their words clashing like sparks. Neither side was willing to give in easily.
Lin Yan could clearly feel Shan Xia's experience in such matters. As expected of someone who led a caravan, her skill in negotiation was far beyond his. In comparison, his own experience was lacking.
Fortunately, Shan Shayuan occasionally stepped in, pointing out key points and helping to stabilize the situation.
In the end, Lin Yan reached an agreement with the Family. He sold the two killer moves for ten thousand primeval stones, with the condition that he could not sell them to any other force in the future. Ten thousand primeval stones was enough to purchase several Rank 3 Gu, showing just how valuable these moves were.
He also made an additional request—eight thousand of the amount would be used to exchange for a Red Steel Relic Gu from the Family's internal treasury, which could raise a Rank 2 Gu Master's minor realm.
This price was not excessive. Relic Gu had always been costly, often worth several times more than Gu of the same rank.
Shan Xia agreed to his condition.
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