Volume One, Chapter Fourteen: The Primordial Core Gu

“Why is your aura so weak despite awakening the rare Ice Gu?” Fei Yue keenly noticed Chen Tianming’s fervent gaze, and her subtle probing left her feeling quite puzzled.

“I will work hard, Teacher Fei Yue,” Chen Tianming nodded.

Through Gu refinement, not only can a Gu master’s mental strength be honed, but their perception also sharpens, enabling them to detect details imperceptible to ordinary people.

Moreover, one can judge the level of cultivation by the strength of a person’s aura.

Cultivation cannot be concealed—this Chen Tianming understood very well.

However, if Chen Tianming were to conceal the Thunder Gu and only reveal the Ice Gu, others would only perceive the aura of the Ice Gu and thus could only assess the cultivation of the Ice Gu, unable to sense the cultivation of the Thunder Gu.

Therefore, Chen Tianming usually only displays the Ice Gu to hide the fact that he possesses the Thunder Gu.

“I just conquered the Ice Gu technique, and now a formidable practical Gu instructor has arrived. Surely I stand a good chance of mastering the Ice Gu technique,” Chen Tianming’s confidence soared.

At this moment, a male student asked, “Fei Yue, when you arrive, will you be teaching the Seed Class?”

“Yes, after I finish teaching you all, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be assigned to the Seed Class.”

“If any of you can control Gu insects to traverse all nine Gu patterns, you may approach me privately. I will set aside personal time to provide enhanced guidance, striving to help you achieve even more outstanding results in the assessment,” Fei Yue smiled as she spoke.

Upon hearing this, the practice ground erupted with the boys’ cheers!

The prospect of being alone in a room with a beautiful teacher thrilled them beyond imagination.

All previous respect for Fei Yue was forgotten as they buzzed with excitement, as if energized by some invisible force.

“I’m close to nine Gu patterns, Teacher Fei Yue! Wait for me to come find you!”

“Really? How many can you traverse?”

“Three.”

“Get lost!”

“All right!”

“Cut it out, you trash! I can already control the Gu insects to traverse four patterns—could crush you all in no time,” Ji Ba boasted proudly.

“Four? What’s there to brag about here? I’m almost at six. Don’t you know it gets harder with each pattern?” Liu Changming sneered.

“Pfft! Haha! You guys are garbage. Li Chengying can already control the Gu insects to traverse eight patterns, and next semester, he could finish all nine patterns while lying around napping,” Yang Debiao teased. “He’ll definitely be the first to report to Teacher Fei Yue.”

“Wang Defa? Li Chengying is that strong?”

“Eight... eight patterns! That’s unbelievable.”

“I heard that our school’s Thunder Gu master only controls seven patterns so far. Li Chengying is even more impressive?”

Hearing the surrounding students’ chatter, Li Chengying proudly lifted his chin, feeling somewhat elated.

Yet, to appear distinguished, he refrained from showing any childish excitement. He wanted to project a mature and steady image.

Although Yang Debiao’s abilities were mediocre, he was quite satisfied that Yang could speak on his behalf when necessary.

As a member of the Li family, Li Chengying couldn’t just flaunt himself while others were still debating who controlled how many patterns—it would be unseemly.

That’s when a spokesman was needed to voice what he wished to convey.

This way, his power and dominance were evident, without undermining his mature persona.

...

Stars raced across the sky; years slipped away like flowing clouds.

The annual grand examination had finally arrived. For many, today would be a nightmare, as they faced the very real possibility of expulsion.

But Gu mastery was no game; every Gu academy was strict. Talent without effort wasted resources, and it was better for such students to change paths early.

For diligent and promising students, today was their moment to prove themselves. Especially for those who had already mastered and could unleash Gu techniques, this day would mark a turning point in their fate.

Outstanding performance would secure promotion to the Seed Class, which came with greater resources, widening the gap between them and ordinary Gu masters.

At this moment, within the Li family estate.

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Li Chengying had specially donned a crimson robe embroidered with golden threads, adorned at the back with a fiery cloud pattern, exuding both majesty and dominance.

“Chengying, today you must perform well. You know… our Li family allocates a batch of resources each year to outstanding younger members for cultivation.”

“These resources are granted not only based on bloodline closeness but also on your achievements. If your results are excellent, joining the direct lineage is only a matter of time. Don’t embarrass yourself today!” Li Hai spoke earnestly.

Li Hai was not only head of the Li family but also served as the branch dean of the Cloudtop Gu Academy.

He was the overall coordinator of this year’s annual assessment.

As his nephew, Li Chengying naturally hoped to shine, especially with other high-ranking family members expected to inspect the event.

Hearing his uncle’s words, Li Chengying replied confidently, “You can rest assured a million times over!”

As they approached the sedan chair, Li Chengying suddenly seemed to remember something and whispered, “Uncle, I heard Li Rouxue will also be at Cloudtop Academy today?”

“You’re quite well-informed,” Li Hai nodded with a smile. “Indeed. Li Rouxue, an outstanding student from the Royal Gu Academy in the capital, got early vacation this year. After some discussion with the family head, we arranged for her to visit Cloudtop Academy.”

Seeing Li Chengying’s enthusiasm, Li Hai cheerfully opened the sedan door. “Don’t worry! I’ve arranged the invigilators. When the family head, Li Rouxue, and the board members inspect your area, I’ll make sure your name is on the list, so Li Rouxue can witness your performance.”

“Don’t waste my efforts, nephew!” Li Hai said earnestly. “Do you know how many outstanding youths the Li family has? How many truly excel? How many want to show off before the family head? Yet few get the chance!”

“If you perform excellently and earn the family head’s favor, not only will you receive a wealth of resources, but you’ll also gain the right to use the Ultimate Origin Gu.”

“Ult—Ultimate Origin Gu?” Hearing this, Li Chengying was instantly overwhelmed with excitement.

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