Without a core Gu, Lin Yan's deductions for Flame Path killer moves had already reached a bottleneck.
In truth, even Sandstorm Blinds the Eyes and the Four Elements Gu Formation were inherited wisdom. His own foundation was still too shallow.
If he wanted to create his own killer moves, he needed to understand a large number of Gu and Gu recipes, and more importantly, obtain a suitable core Gu.
Thinking of this, Lin Yan began to calculate his gains. The three Rank 3 Wood Path Gu were worth around ten thousand primeval stones in total. The Green Copper Relic Gu was about two thousand, the Red Steel Relic Gu eight thousand, and the White Silver Relic Gu reached an astonishing fifty thousand primeval stones.
In theory, his total assets could reach seventy thousand primeval stones, comparable to an ordinary Rank 3 Family Elder.
But in reality, the most important Red Steel Relic Gu had already been used, and selling a White Silver Relic Gu would be foolish.
"If I sell everything else, I'll only have around twelve thousand primeval stones."
"Rank 3 Gu usually costs several thousand, rarely exceeding ten thousand… I should be able to choose a core Gu that suits me."
Even so, Lin Yan felt a faint headache. A core Gu had to be strong, generally at least Rank 3. Otherwise, it would be impossible to build a true combat system around it.
Then His gaze slowly fell onto the Human Elixir Gu. This Gu was extremely precious. Methods that could extend lifespan were something everyone desired, and its value could easily reach hundreds of thousands of primeval stones.
At the same time, after Lin Yan entered seclusion, news of the matter began to spread within the Family, quickly causing an uproar.
The Gu Masters were filled with envy and jealousy. "What? Lin Yan obtained the refinement path inheritance? His luck is too good!"
Even some Rank 3 Gu Masters could not remain calm, their eyes turning red. "White Silver Relic Gu! Refining it means advancing a small attainment, saving years of effort."
"Heh, that's nothing," someone sneered.
"The Human Elixir Gu is the real key—it can extend lifespan!"
For a time, after several aging Gu Masters from the Three Lakes heard the news, their dim eyes lit up with a sharp glint, excitement rising uncontrollably.
"It's actually Human Elixir Gu… I must obtain it!"
"Hmph, how can a mere Rank 2 Gu Master be qualified to hold such a thing?"
Many old Gu Masters nearing the end of their lives could no longer sit still. They gathered together and headed toward the center of Flame Lake to meet the Family Head, Huang Ming.
__________
Inside the conference hall, three Rank 5 Gu Masters and more than a dozen Rank 4 Family Elders had gathered, a rare sight. Below them stood seven or eight old men, their bodies frail, their steps unsteady, as if they might collapse at any moment.
There were naturally more elderly Gu Masters within the Family, but only these Rank 3 Peak individuals dared to stand against Huang Shayuan and possessed the means to compete for it.
Yet they were all seasoned and cunning. They understood that approaching Lin Yan directly would only drive the price higher, and there was no guarantee he would even agree to sell.
After all, everyone desired lifespan-extending methods. So they chose another path—uniting to approach the Family Head, intending to use the Family's authority to pressure Lin Yan, seize the Gu under righteous pretense, and then compete among themselves afterward.
They were well-versed in how to exploit the rules of the Righteous Path.One of them, Shen Kuang, stepped forward. His aged face bore no trace of kindness. His skin was dark and gaunt, deep wrinkles carved like ravines, and a scar stretched from the corner of his eye.
He spoke with a righteous tone, "Human Elixir Gu is refined using young children—an act of extreme evil. Any Family member who obtains such a Gu is obligated to hand it over for the Family to handle."
"Exactly!" Another old Gu Master, Huang Hui, with a stern and ancient face, spoke in a heavy tone, "If the younger generation becomes obsessed with longevity and strays onto the Demonic Path, the consequences will be disastrous. Any related inheritance should be made public. If there is a Human Elixir Gu recipe, it must also be handed over to the Family for safekeeping."
These old Gu Masters spoke righteously, appearing concerned for the future, making them seem like venerable seniors to outsiders.
In the main seat, Family Head Huang Ming's gaze was deep, a faint headache forming. These elders had all contributed greatly to the Family, dedicating their lives to it. He could not easily refuse them, nor could he openly reprimand them.
Their influence ran deep. Many juniors had once received their guidance. Among the dozen Rank 4 Gu Masters present, although most remained silent, quite a few had been cultivated by them.
Yet Huang Ming was unwilling to follow the crowd and seize Lin Yan's opportunity. Doing so would wound a genius and hinder his growth.
For a moment, he found himself in a dilemma.
Shan Xia was also present. She frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping coldly over the hypocritical elders, a faint sneer forming. Leaving aside her connection with Shan Shayuan, she also intended to win over Lin Yan. A genius like him was far too valuable to lose.
So Shan Xia decisively stepped forward and spoke, "All of you Old Seniors are accomplished and widely respected. Forcing a Gu from a junior like this is somewhat inappropriate. Why not consider another method—one that preserves your reputation while still allowing you to obtain the Human Elixir Gu, achieving the best of both worlds?"