บท 51: Bai Gu
The surrounding forest at Bai Gu's foot may have creatures of flesh and blood. However, Bai Gu's ecosystem supports tough creatures. Bulls with exoskeletons that graze on bone debris, jade-white hounds with tough fur and jaws capable of shattering boulders, and massive steel-like black crows with tiny wings, making them incapable of flight—from ostrich to stone beetles, Bai Gu has it all! Lo Jik has not seen these things, but even the Mo Family's records, which he fed to his Bookworm—reveal some information about the Mountain.
So, Lo Jik knows that fighting these creatures and clearing a way out will be tough. It may also attract the Bai Clan's attention. By now, he deduced the origins of the Bai Clan. They are one of the four overlords of the Meiguanxi Mountain, sharing their resources with Fang, Fan, and Liao Clan. Unlike Qing Mao's political situation where Gu Yue ruled, these four clans are similar in politics and cultivation.
Something must have attracted them to this mountain. Of course, this Hunting Competition might also be a simple event, and Lo Jik is making more of it.
"Now," Lo Jik whispers as the duo swiftly ascends the slope of Bai Gu Mountain. Their synergy shows when Lo Jik grabs Bai Ning Bing's arm, accurately tossing her on a small cliff housing a cave before jumping with all his might, not needing any flying-type Gu to cover 9 meters. Bai Ning Bing agilely rolls as Lo Jik lands with a soft thump. They stay in place as furious growls echo from under them.
It's a pride of Bone-Licking Lions.
Humans are the spirit of all living beings, and the Gu are the essence of Heaven and Earth. Humans use the Gu, using their intelligence to accomplish several tasks.
Ordinarily, the Multi-Shadow Beast Gu is a prominent Scout Gu that others desire but cannot claim. However, these shadows can also distract wild animals. Lo Jik used the shapes of plump, human-sized rabbits to lure the Lion's Pride before scaling the cliff without causing any issues. The Bone-Licking Lions are magnificent beasts, capable of attracting a Rank 1 Gu at their births. The Leader of the pride was also a Thousand-Beast King! Although the Gu on their body attracts Lo Jik's attention, it's nothing compared to the lure of the first Inheritance of their lives!
The Duo continues forward. Bai Ning Bing already suspects that Lo Jik possesses an Eye-type Investigation Gu. However, Lo Jik never let her doubt that it's an X-Ray Vision Gu that can see through almost anything except the Ground and the Living. He also periodically revealed painful expressions during their journey as if using the Gu consecutively had adverse effects.
The map in Lo Jik's mind only points to a few landmarks. They noticed one of these landmarks quickly while scouting the Mountain.
A Bone Forest around the foot of the mountain.
There are several bone forests on the mountain. However, only this forest covers the foot of the Mountain.
"What kind of inheritance do you think it is?" Bai Ning Bing questions while curiously inspecting a Bone tree. It's their routine, and Lo Jik doesn't hurry her. She likes touching and experiencing new things.
"I only know from the hints that it should be from a Righteous Gu Master," Lo Jik smiles while resting on a branch. It also gives him a better view to scout.
'Also, there is a chance that the inheritance should hide a cultivation-type Gu. Almost all of Shen Cui's gifts support cultivation.'
She nods, scratching the bark of the tree as bone dust falls. Frowning, she wipes at the surface of the bark, noticing a clear scratch on its surface. Pondering, Bai Ning Bing picks a nearby rock to carve the bark as if a Lion clawed at it.
Lo Jik observes quietly. The Bai Ning Bing from before would have never noticed such small details.
Now?
She even observes the claws and paws of different animals to emulate their footsteps.
"You could have used your dagger," Lo Jik smirks.
"It's already dull. It's my only way to skin the animals I find," she retorts. "A sharp rock is fine."
She kicks the rock away before letting out a satisfied noise.
"Let's go."
"Sure," Lo Jik glances in the direction of the encampment. The camp is still preparing for the hunt, so the duo has some time—
—was what Lo Jik thought!
"The Spirit Spring can be anywhere. We don't have the Gu Worms to perfectly scout the Bone Environment. This forest doesn't have too many fierce beasts of Gu, too. Let's go. Spirit Spring converges Primeval Energy and attracts many dangerous beasts."
"You are right, Elder Bo. However, the Clan Leader would want detailed information. Let's inspect the ground—eh? Claw mark of the Bone-Licking Lion? It's too big! A thousand-beast king! Let's hurry and leave!"
The two Rank 3 Gu Masters in grey and white leave the forest. The space ripples above the marked tree, revealing a battle-ready duo. Lo Jik takes his hand from Bai Ning Bing's back. One must be in contact to share the effects of the Stealth Scales Gu.
The duo glance at each other.
"Nice work with that claw," Lo Jik sighs in relief.
"Heh!" She snickers smugly. "The Clan's Spirit Spring must be running out. That's why they are here." She deduces.
Bai Ning Bing was the successor of her Bai Clan. She knows the importance of a Spirit Spring. Is it any wonder the Bai Clan brought such forces to the foot of Bai Gu Mountain?
"Doesn't matter to us. There will surely be a Myriad-Beast King near the Spirit Spring," Lo Jik reveals. "Let's go. The inheritance site should only be a few hours from the forest."
As they travel, Lo Jik notices several Bone Gu. However, he doesn't capture all of them. That would raise the value of his Eye Gu in Bai Ning Bing's eyes. Instead, he focuses on the most precious loot.
"Hurry!" Bai Ning Bing hisses as she watches Bone Roosters awakening from their sleep.
Lo Jik purposefully overturns the wrong boulder.
Nothing.
Bai Ning Bing's anxiousness skyrockets! She may be capable of defending herself, but her Gu Set isn't optimal!
Lo Jik moves two other rocks. Just when Bai Ning Bing firms her mind to drag Lo Jik away, he swiftly moves and picks a palm-sized rock.
She instantly feels the aura of a Rank 3 Gu emerging.
"Hehe, found it," Lo Jik snickers, glancing at the dumbfounded Bai Ning Bing. "Let's go."
<<<>>>
Eight Hours Later.
It's already night when two ragged figures climb down into a cave. This cave is small and empty, with hundreds of bone spikes sticking from one side of the walls. If closely observed, one will see a spiral carving on the spikes.
"We're here," Lo Jik gasps for breath. He glares at Bai Ning Bing. "You HAD to recklessly ride a bull?!"
"My first bull," she frowns. "And it wasn't reckless. I had a plan—ride and tame. I read in my clan records that Bone Bulls accept their riders as masters. And it was exciting, no?!"
She meets his quiet glare before retorting, "How is it any different from you uncovering the Rank 3 Converging Bone Gu?"
Lo Jik relents. He risked getting caught for the Rank 3 Gu because it's a concealment Gu. It's an expendable Gu that can hide the cultivation of a Gu Master. Even if a Gu Master uses Gu, others won't detect his aura. This concealment lifts off when he reaches Rank 4.
Bai Ning Bing looks around. "So? This is the inheritance site? I hope there are Primeval Stones."
"Me, too," Lo Jik sighs. "My cultivation stalled for some time now."
"How do we get inside?" She questions as Lo Jik looks around. He already saw through the entire Inheritance Site. There are several exits and branching tunnels controlled by different mechanisms. However, Lo Jik didn't enter from the exits because it would leave traces.
'There's so much inside. An eye of a milk spring, too,' Lo Jik gulps. This is several times more precious than his loot from the Mo Family!
"The hint said about following the spiral and twist," Lo Jik pulls words out of his ass. He already knows the mechanism in the cave and looks around. "Let's try twisting these spiral bone spikes."
Bai Ning Bing nods as they get to work.
Shortly after, Lo Jik twists one of the longer bone spikes as an entrance opens inside the cave. The duo shares a glance before entering the path. The bone corridor is illuminated by a white glow from the walls. Hundreds of bone spears stick from the wall, hindering their path as Lo Jik frowns and knocks at them.
"They are reinforced," he frowns. "Trying to break them will attract attention and consume a lot of time and essence. There should be another mechanism."
Bai Ning Bing looks at the nearby bones, trying to twist them. However, Lo Jik glances at the conspicuous small spear near the entrance.
"Why isn't it fully out?" He mutters before trying to pull the spear.
*Drrrrr*
The spiral spear pulls out as the cave entrance behind them shuts down. Meanwhile, the Bone Spears in their path return to the wall.
"I see," Bai Ning Bing's gaze brightens. "It's a psychological trick. The previous mechanism needed us to twist a long spike. It left a deep imprint on our minds."
"Maybe your mind," Lo Jik snickers smugly.
"Hmph! That was just lucky."
"Luck is part of someone's talent, too," Lo Jik shrugs as they enter the first hall.
It's entirely made of bone. In the center is a carriage-sized bone vat, spilling glimmering white refractions on the ceiling. A subtle and sweet fragrance fills the hall, making Bai Ning Bing and Lo Jik sniff loudly.
"Milk," they whisper. But they don't move. It may be a Righteous inheritance, but there can be traps. Lo Jik has to pretend to scout several things.
Lo Jik only gives a green light after 20 minutes. Bai Ning Bing doesn't hurry him. She may like endangering herself, but benefits are benefits! Bai Ning Bing needs more Primeval Stones to ensure her survival. How can she risk that for a momentary intrigue?
"Whoa!" Bai Ning Bing gasps as she puts her hand inside the vat. She can feel countless Gu inside! She retrieves a fistful of Rank 1 Gu. The Gu is an index-long white bone spear. Rank 1 Bone Spear Gu! She smiles at Lo Jik. However, her features freeze in shock as she questions. "What are you doing?"
Lo Jik pulls his face out. Milk drenches his features as he smacks his lips. "I'm hungry and thirsty. I always wanted to try drinking like this. You try it. The milk feels so refreshing on the skin!"
Bai Ning Bing blinks before hurriedly sticking her face into the vat. She gulps and drinks. Her expression turns pleasant. So delicious!
She looks up, wiping her face. Her expression freezes again. After all, Lo Jik is clean.
"What are you doing?" Lo Jik questions with a weird expression. "Don't you know the milk will dry and feel sticky? Tsk, tsk. So hungry for milk, Ning Bing?"
"YOU!" She shouts!
She's been pranked, duped, and disrespected—
"Pfft!" Bai Ning Bing breaks into giggles. "That was good."
"Here," Lo Jik smirks, tossing her a strip of clean cloth.
"How do we take all these Gu Worms? It will take time to refine them. Feeding them is also an issue."
Lo Jik nods before sighing. "There are approximately a thousand Rank 1 Bone Spear Gu inside. The vat should be connected to a Milk Spring to feed the Gu. The Bone Spear Gu must be the foundation of this Inheritance. Let's continue. There could be an answer to our problem in the later rewards."
Bai Ning Bing understands. If this Righteous Inheritance is solid and complete, it will cover the aspects of Gu Cultivation. These aspects are attack, defense, movement, investigation, healing, and storage. The Bone Spear Gu represents the foundation of the Inheritance and possible attack Gu.
"Let's go," she nods, entering the second hall.
Three bone pillars with their peak carved into clenched fists of human bones stand in the middle of the second hall.
Observing the area, Lo Jik finds the first point of branching paths. Only one path leads to deeper levels, while others to less precious rewards. Of course, knowing all this, Lo Jik plans to accept the weaker rewards, too. However, his priority is the True path.
He hums.
"Hey, there are three paths here," he touches the wall.
Meanwhile, Bai Ning Bing observes the pillars, noting a carved passage.
This passage reveals the use of the three Gu inside each Bone Fist alongside the message from the creator of the Inheritance Site.
"Ribcage Shield Gu, Flying Bone Shield Gu, and Arm Bone Wings Gu… choose one, satisfied at heart. Bai Gu inheritance left for the future generation."
The Ribcage Shield Gu grows bone armor near the torso. The Flying Bone Shield Gu creates Flying Shield Bones controlled by the Gu Master's mind. The Arm Bone Wings Gu sprouts bone wings on the Gu Master's arms, slightly increasing their movement speed and boosting their attack speed.
The intention of this path is simple.
"These pillars must have a mechanism," Lo Jik mutters. "This is a Righteous Inheritance. Instead of challenging our might, it tests our nature. Hehe. Let's take one for now. I'm not lacking a defensive or movement Gu Worms. It's yours to choose."
Bai Ning Bing ponders before crushing the skeleton hand for the Rank 3 Flying Bone Shield Gu.
They wait patiently before a path opens for the duo.
The Third hall isn't as spacious. In the center sits a skeleton in white clothes. On its lap is a book as long as an arm, as wide as half an arm, and 8 inches thick.
"Oh?" Lo Jik inspects for some time before nodding. They flip the book together. It's a recipe book. At the end is a passage from the creator of the Inheritance—Grey Bone Scholar. It says that the skeleton belongs to him. Inside his skull is his lifebound Vital Gu. The Inheritors can crush his skull and take the Gu from his head, leading a peaceful life and protecting others. Also, the Inheritors may as well kowtow three times.
Bai Ning Bing scoffs. However, Lo Jik promptly kneels and knocks his forehead on the ground.
*Thk* *Thk* *Thk*
His forehead hits the bone floor.
Bai Ning Bing hesitates to follow his actions. Her excitement for the Inheritance turned dull once she looked at the recipe book. There are only two Rank 3 Recipes and a few Rank 2 Recipes. This inheritance site was short.
'Unless,' she glances at Lo Jik.
He quietly stands up.
Lo Jik reaches for the skull for the Gu inside it before stopping and frowning.
"I see," he mutters. "A righteous man will not disturb a corpse."
A path slowly opens, but Lo Jik doesn't enter it yet. "Two paths of righteousness, one descends into flesh."
He mutters, pulling shit out of his ass again as Bai Ning Bing's gaze brightens.
Lo Jik has the inheritance hints! She chooses to quietly wait, too.
The floor shakes as the platform moves sideways, revealing a staircase underneath. Lo Jik smirks. His hand lashes out and crushes the skull, taking the Rank 3 Gu inside it. It's a fist-sized white Gu—like a Cactus Ball.
The Rank 3 Bone Spike Gu. It's one of the two Rank 3 Recipes in the Recipe Book. This Gu is the classic example of damaging the enemy at one's expense. It produces thousands of spikes over one's body to attack the enemy. In doing so, it also pierces through Gu Master's flesh and skin. Even if a Gu Master has a good healing Gu, the pain of using this Gu isn't something ordinary Masters will accept.
Lo Jik's body is also refined by three different Gu. His skin is thicker, his flesh is better, and his bones are more solid. The cost of using this Gu and further healing is too much.
Bai Ning Bing loses interest in the Gu Worm, too. Her body refined the Ice Muscles Gu. It stops her body from perspiring or profusely bleeding.
The duo descends the stairs, encountering a bone wall. Pushing it aside, they enter a strange, grotesque room. The walls are made of pulsating flesh!
"Is this the True Inheritance?" Bai Ning Bing mutters. "The Flesh Sac Secret Chamber."
As if sensing their presence, slits appeared in several spots on the four walls. The flesh parts to reveal small mouths. These lips open wide, exposing straight white teeth.
Hehehehe… hahaha…
Haunting chuckles and giggles echo from these mouths, making the hair of listeners stand at the end. Bai Ning Bing cannot help but feel threatened by such a scene.
"These are the Flesh Laughter Gu," Lo Jik muses. "They are used to store Gu and other items. Hmm. Eighteen, huh?" He counts the mouths. At this point, the teeth of one of the mouths fall off, revealing a scarlet tongue. The curled tongue unfurls and straightens, revealing a booklet half the size of a palm.
This surprises the duo as Lo Jik calmly picks it.
This is not a recipe book. Instead, it states—
Since the inheritors reached this spot, they are righteous. You may take the true inheritance. I have two identities—Grey Bone Scholar and Flesh Bone Master. This Flesh Sac Secret Chamber holds many Gu. Knock the teeth and try your luck. You may take the hibernating Gu inside if you're fated.
"A test of luck?" Bai Ning Bing grunts. "Your luck sucks. Remember? We got chased by mutated beasts three times!"
"And we killed one of the strongest Mutated Beasts," Lo Jik narrows his eyes. "Like that time, it's not a test of luck but skills. Seventeen Flesh Laughter Gu remain. If we force them open, they will destroy the Gu hibernating inside them. Knocking the wrong tooth will also achieve the same result. I may observe and open them all."
His words surprise Bai Ning Bing before she recollects her composure. She understands the point he's trying to make.
"We can either divide the seventeen mouths in your favor. It means I get to pick eight Flesh Laughter Gu and try my luck. I could get eight Rare Gu or Nothing." Bai Ning Bing narrows her eyes. She isn't annoyed with it but feels calm. How else would things go?
Lo Jik has already been generous with her, and it's not due to her beauty.
"The three reasons we are traveling together are—it's safe, you owe me two Yang Rotation Gu, and this inheritance needs two people for some reason. However, we haven't found that reason. It means the Inheritance doesn't end here. You still need me. I don't expect a 50/50 divide after you open seventeen Flesh Laughter Gu. But seven Gu Worms sounds fair to me."
Lo Jik doesn't say anything. He didn't expect anything less from her and hinted as much for her to 'understand' her value. After all, Lo Jik can already 'see' the hidden path. He cuts all her hopes with a sentence.
"To think you will haggle one day."
Bai Ning Bing's expression changes. Wilderness curbed her arrogance, and Lo Jik's teachings were life-saving for the girl who could not recover her essence. She should have died when the Pepper Hound chased after them. But she's also proven a valuable partner. This inheritance isn't enough for Bai Ning Bing to spit at everything they endured together.
"You know," Bai Ning Bing sighs with a smile. "Our journey has been exciting. It's one of my greatest memories where I didn't have to think about life-and-death matches to feel alive. For that, I admit. I shouldn't haggle. Five Gu Worms."
Bai Ning Bing has grown. Even when called out, she still haggles!
Lo Jik almost feels proud when he dashes her hopes. "Nice try. Three Gu Worms."
Before she can retort, Lo Jik adds. "However, we will take turns for the Gu, starting with me. When we locate the inheritance that needs two individuals, we divide it 50-50."
Bai Ning Bing sighs. "What about the Gu Worms outside this room?"
"70-30."
"Hmph! 60-40 in your favor."
"Fine," Lo Jik nods. "We will sell our surviving loot in Shang Clan and divide the Primeval Stones."
"Good!" She nods. "Let's clear other paths if this Flesh Sac Chamber is time-consuming."
"Alright!"
<<<>>>
The Grey Bone Scholar's Inheritance Site expands into three branches from the second hall. These three branches extend into two branches, whether they break the skeleton or not. Including the Flesh Sac Secret Chamber, there are twelve branches and halls! Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing took hours to destroy the pathways and collect everything except the Rank 1 and 2 Gu in the Milk Vat.
Bai Ning Bing shivers with excitement!
Too much!
To think her first inheritance will be so much!
They gained eight recipe books. These books shared the recipe for the Bone Spike Gu and another Rank 3 Gu, including several Rank 1 and 2 Gu. She gets these books while Lo Jik will jot down the details to feed the Bookworm. Next, they have three Rank 3 Bone Spike Gu from the smashed skeletons.
Entering the paths after smashing the skeletons, they discovered the lone recipe books. However, they got rare Rank 3 Gu Worms by exploring the halls that would have opened if they hadn't smashed the skeleton thrice.
The Rank 3 Bone Armor Gu, Bone Blade Gu, and Bone Eye Gu—defense, attack, and investigation!
They also took the Rank 3 Ribcage Shield Gu and Arm Bone Wings Gu.
They didn't find any storage Gu or any Rank 4 recipe. So, they returned to the Flesh Sac Secret Chamber and rested for some time before getting to work.
One must knock at least 5 teeth correctly to unfurl the Flesh Laughter Gu.
Lo Jik took 2 hours to knock open the first one. The scarlet tongue revealed a white egg with black stripes.
The Rank 3 Footless Bird! It's an expendable movement Gu that forms a bird that can cover thousands of kilometers! However, it crumbles once it lands.
Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing don't get to share the Gu just yet. Instead, Lo Jik rests. He takes less than two hours to open the second Gu.
Rank 3 Jade Bones Gu!
Bai Ning Bing feels moved. She has Ice Muscles, and this Gu can permanently turn a Gu Master's bones into Jade Bones.
Ice Muscles, Jade Bones, and Snow Skin.
It's the path Bai Ning Bing follows!
However, she doesn't lay claim to it.
Lo Jik's speed in opening the Gu increases. However, one of the Flesh Laughter gu suddenly expands into a massive hall, allowing the duo to understand that the inheritance is about to end.
But they haven't moved on yet. Bai Ning Bing still has three chances to select a Gu out of the remaining sixteen Rank 3 Gu!
"So," Lo Jik clears his throat. "I'm first."
He looks at all the choices before questioning, "How do you want to deal with the 'Storage' Gu. Do we share what's inside or keep it for ourselves? It will go both ways."
"Don't look down on me," she snarls. "Both the options benefit me!"
Lo Jik sighs.
"Does it? If I take the Bookworm, I will probably get a few Rank 4 recipes. If you take the Primeval Elder Gu, you get the Primeval Stones inside it. Instead of complicating things and transacting different things, I propose we share the contents. You can purchase the Bookworm from me through your half of the stones."
Two of the sixteen Gu are the Rank 2 Bookworm and Rank 3 Primeval Elder Gu.
Bai Ning Bing ponders before nodding.
"I'll take the Bookworm," Lo Jik smiles.
"I'll take the Primeval Elder Gu," she replies with a complicated tone. It's a favor. Would Lo Jik not like a Primeval Elder Gu? But he also has two other Storage Gu. The feeling of someone being nice to her, not due to anything but their shared experiences, is weird.
She used to look down on others. It's still a weird sensation, but she accepts it regardless.
"Hmm, I will take the Rank 4 Milk-Bone Sac," Lo Jik nods. It's a Rank 4 Storage Gu that only stores Milk and Bone Gu. It's specifically left her to pack the first hall's benefits. Since the storage conditions are stringent, the space inside can fit ten times the vat's size!
"Jade Bone Gu," Bai Ning Bing smiles.
"Flesh Bone Gu," Lo Jik picks his third option, making Bai Ning Bing click her teeth. This Rank 3 Gu is hailed as one of the top Healing Gu! It's a set of dentures accommodating spotless white teeth. This Gu can heal and reconstruct flesh and bones. Unlike the Twilight Spider Gu, which 'fills' injuries, including the ones in Organs, this Gu cannot reconstruct organs.
"Footless Bird," Bai Ning Bing smiles.
"Really?" Lo Jik blinks.
"Why not?" she smirks. "I want to control one of our best escape options." She states her intentions. Even Lo Jik's wings and feathered boots cannot match the Footless Bird's speed.
"The rest of the Gu Worms are mine," Lo Jik eyes the remaining ten Gu.
The Rank 3 Iron Bones, Bronze Skin, Hollow Bones, Bone Powder, Flesh Cage, Clear Flesh, and more!
Lo Jik didn't need them. And some of the Gu will die if he doesn't find food for them. He stores all of it inside the Kindling Will Gu before dividing the Gu taken from the upper floors. Bai Ning Bing has the Flying Bone Shield, so Lo Jik takes the other two Bone Gu.
Meanwhile, Bai Ning Bing takes the Bone Eye Gu due to lacking a Scout Gu, alongside two Rank 3 Bone Spike Gu due to their lower value.
Lo Jik takes the Bone Armor, Bone Blade, and a Bone Spike Gu.
Of course, they have to divide the benefits from Milk Vat. But that comes after Lo Jik refines the Rank 4 Milk-Bone Sac.
The duo rests, quietly refining their Gu for a while. Since the Primeval Elder Gu was weak, Bai Ning Bing swiftly refined it.
"100000! We're rich!" Bai Ning Bing gushes.
Lo Jik sighs, too.
He can finally use some Primeval Stones. Of the 50000, Bai Ning Bing hands Lo Jik an additional lump sum of 7000 Stones since he lent it to her.
Meanwhile, Lo Jik also refined the Bookworm. As expected, this was the True recipe guide. It included several 'flesh' recipes, too. The use of the Bone Books falls as the duo destroys it.
Before handing her the Gu, Lo Jik uses the Three Tasks at Once to take his time and jot down all the recipes. Why did he use the Three Tasks at Once?
Because he also refined the Milk-Bone Sac.
Bai Ning Bing reluctantly pays another 2100 for the Rank 2 Bookworm.
So, Lo Jik now has 59100 (653,310) Stones!
Another day passes before Lo Jik and Bai Ning Bing glance at each other.
They enter the secret path!
***
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