On a tall mountain covered in vast forests, under a clear blue sky and the songs of birds heralding the arrival of spring.
Amidst the great woods, there was a small crystal-clear blue river. The reflection of the sun shimmered on the surface, fish danced in synchronized patterns, and a few low-level beasts roamed freely, waiting for their moment to act.
Beyond that river lay a village inhabited by Gu Masters. The Biao Feng clan was a mid-sized force within the Southern Border.
This village was located on the tallest mountain, where green bamboo was a common sight in the landscape. People dressed in light blue robes wandered the streets, with white ribbons on their heads and numbers ranging from 1 to 3 tied around their waists.
Whispers could be heard as noon approached.
In a house tucked into the corners of the city, there were two peasant couples in the middle of childbirth. The man had a strong build, brown hair, and eyes black as coal.
The woman shared similar features with her husband, except for her deep red eyes. Her skin bore the marks of hard field work, and her snow-white hands were scarred. Yet, despite her ragged appearance, her face was beautiful.
"Be strong, Miao Hu, push, it's almost out!"
Encouraged the man, with tears welling up in his eyes. His face showed a mix of love and concern.
Miao Hu bit down hard on a towel while she pushed and cried from the pain. Her eyes were rolled back nearly all the way, and blood stained the area where her body lay.
Her legs trembled, numb and unfeeling, and the grip of her hands was so tight that blood began to drip from them.
"Come on, almost there, my love!" said the worried husband, though a smile had formed on his face.
Miao Hu summoned all the strength she had left. She was suffering immensely, and only a few words came out of her mouth.
"Zhen Ren, you're not the one giving birth!" screamed the woman, nearly on the verge of fainting.
(Author's note: I don't know how to write baby cries)
At that moment, a new voice joined the room. The baby's cry was loud, its body covered in blood, and from its belly, a cord still connected it to its mother.
"It's a boy! It's a boy!"
Zhen Ren shouted with excitement as he held his newborn son. Emotion overtook him, and tears streamed down his face as he looked at his wife with deep warmth in his eyes.
"Let me see him..." said Miao Hu, almost in a pleading tone. Her body was weak, and her voice faint, like the whisper of the wind.
Zhen Ren gently handed the newborn to his wife while taking a pair of scissors with his free hand to cut the cord.
After a long wait of nine months, at the age of 28, Miao Hu had her first child. Her emotions were indescribable as she carefully gazed at the baby in her arms.
"He's a beautiful baby," she said in a soft tone filled with affection.
"His eyes are like mine, but he got your hair," Miao Hu said tenderly.
Zhen Ren gave a wide smile, his happiness overflowing.
"Hu Er, have you thought of a name yet?" he asked as his eyes rested on the child.
Miao Hu seemed to close her eyes slightly, and a moment later, she opened them again, revealing a faint glimmer of light.
"His name will be Kie Jan, in honor of the union of our fates that began at Elder Bai's ceremony," she said with a warm smile.
"Kie Jan, not bad at all, it's a good name," said Zhen Ren, delighted.
The baby's eyes slowly opened, and his cry filled the room. He couldn't help it—it was a natural reaction.
Kie Jan... It seems I've been reborn into the body of a mortal family's child. Their dialect is just like that of the Southern Border. Cultivating will be hard here... after all, this isn't the Eastern Sea, thought the newly reincarnated 'Kie Jan'.
In the Gu world, there are five continents and two immemorial heavens. The five continents are known as: Southern Border, Central Continent, Northern Plains, Western Desert, and the Eastern Sea.
In the past, during the Immemorial Era, there once existed Nine Immemorial Heavens.
The Nine Immemorial Heavens consisted of: the White Heaven, Red Heaven, Orange Heaven, Yellow Heaven, Green Heaven, Blue Heaven, Cyan Heaven, Purple Heaven, and Black Heaven. But when Ren Zu and his ten children wreaked havoc across heaven and earth, seven heavens were destroyed in succession. All that remained were the White Heaven and the Black Heaven, alternating between day and night.
The newly reborn 'Kie Jan' sighed inwardly. With his newly opened eyes, he looked at his new parents. A trace of familiarity crossed his mind, which he suppressed moments later.
It will be an even greater problem if I can't at least find a way to awaken my aperture, he thought, carefully analyzing his situation.
...
The first year passed without any issues. Kie Jan made some discoveries as he grew.
"My parents are mortals who work in rice fields. The village enslaves mortals, but in these fields, the death rate is very high. This wouldn't be normal unless it was an Immortal resource point… how strange this is."
"I can finally walk. My arms are short and my body is small. This is a slow process."
"The situation is dire. Several Gu Masters of the demonic path are raiding these large resource points. It seems we're caught between superpowers."
"Mother sometimes stops eating just to feed me. This kind of situation is depressing. It seems fate wants me dead," he thought to himself.
…
Eight more years passed. Kie Jan grew up healthy and strong. His appearance was exquisite for the child of mortals. His brown hair and blood-red eyes gave him the aura of a great man in the making. His skin was soft and slightly tanned.
"Little Kie, come here. Father will tell you a great story from the Gu Master world," said Zhen Ren.
Kie Jan had the personality of an insistent and curious child. His father and mother knew that anything related to Gu Masters fascinated him.
But all of this was a façade. Kie Jan, on the surface, showed deep affection for his parents. His skill in pretending was well-developed. Centuries of experience had numbed him to human emotions, and he was able to mimic the behavior of a normal child.
"Is it about The Legends of Ren Zu?" Kie Jan asked excitedly.
Zhen Ren smiled warmly. His gaze showed fatigue, his clothes were torn, and his hands were covered in blisters. Several bandages wrapped around his torso, visible through the rips in his garments.
He let out a small sigh and said, "Little Kie, it seems you're fascinated by the story of Ren Zu and his children."
Kie looked slightly dazed by the question. Internally, a thought crossed his mind: Did Father suddenly become stupid?
His eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! I love the legends of Ren Zu. It's a great story. Father, can you read it to me again?"
"Alright, little Kie. One last time, then off to bed. Tomorrow I'm going shopping—it's a special day in the village," said Zhen Ren.
Chapter 1, Section 1 – The Legends of Ren Zu
(Author's Note: I don't remember the comic very well, forgive me.)
The legend says that when the world was formed, it was uncivilized, filled with wild animals and chaos everywhere. At that time, the first human figure appeared—he was the Ancestor of Humanity, Ren Zu. He ate birds and raw meat, and so, he lived a harsh life.
Particularly due to a group of animals called Dilemmas. They loved Ren Zu's scent and always wanted a bite of him.
Ren Zu was a mortal human in a world of wild beasts and mysteries. Without claws like tigers or the tough hide of dragons, how could he overcome such hardships? He lived in seclusion, scavenging the leftovers of wild beasts, hiding in a cave, trying to survive. Over time, his food sources became unstable, and it seemed he would die of starvation.
However, one day, three Gu appeared in the cave where Ren Zu was hiding. The one in the center glowed with golden light and had a mystical form with feathers around its glow. The one on the left was large and brown, its features indistinguishable due to the light it emitted. The third was tiny and looked like a speck of light about to fade away.
The three Gu said to him, "If you use your existence to support us, we will help you overcome this obstacle."
Ren Zu was in a dire situation and did not refuse the Gu's offer. First, he gave his own youth to nourish the largest of the three. Instantly, marks appeared on his body, granting him Strength—it was the Strength Gu.
With Strength, Ren Zu's life improved drastically. He began to have a stable source of food and was able to protect himself. He discovered that he loved intense battles and would strike the Dilemmas mercilessly, eating their flesh and drinking their blood. However, he always emerged wounded. That's when he realized that strength wasn't everything—strength wasn't omnipotent. Instead of wasting his efforts, he needed time to use it wisely. Before a group of Dilemmas, he was just one man, small in the face of fierce beasts.
Then the second Gu appeared: "Human, if you give me your middle age, I will give you Wisdom." Ren Zu gave up his middle age, becoming an early old man—but he discovered something.
Thanks to the Wisdom he received, he realized that proper use of strength and planning was the best way to live.
Over time, Ren Zu lived peacefully in solitude with the three Gu. But his life gradually deteriorated, and eventually, the Strength Gu and Wisdom Gu spoke:
"Oh human, you are now old. You have nothing left to offer us. You no longer have youth or middle age. What can you give us?" With those words, both Gu flew away and abandoned him.
Without strength or wisdom, Ren Zu was just a weak old man. The Dilemmas hunted him and finally surrounded him. His heart was filled with despair. He had no energy left, couldn't even chew wild berries. He was in his final moments.
However, the smallest Gu still stayed by his side. The wild beasts didn't seem to move in the presence of this Gu.
Then the Gu spoke, seeing the man's condition: "Human, nourish me. I can help you escape the Dilemmas."
Ren Zu let out a groan. Tears fell from his eyes as he looked at the Gu.
"Gu, what do I have left? Just look at how Strength and Wisdom abandoned me. I have neither youth nor middle age of value to you. If I give you my old age, I'll have nothing left—I'll die. I'd rather die breathing than offer you my life. I want to live, even if my life ends in the jaws of beasts. I have nothing to offer you, so go away."
The Gu replied, "Among the three of us, my demand is the smallest. Human, give me your essence. That will be enough."
"Even if I give you my essence, what can you give me?" Ren Zu asked in his aged voice. "This is a dead end. Even with the help of Strength and Wisdom, I would surely die."
Compared to the other Gu, this one was tiny and weak. It looked like small specks of milky-white light, about to vanish. It lacked any of the beauty and brilliance of the other Gu.
However, after Ren Zu gave his essence, the Gu burst into a magnificent light, illuminating the entire area. The Dilemmas, upon seeing the light, screamed in terror.
"It's the Gu of Hope! Retreat! We Dilemmas fear Hope!"
The Dilemmas fled in fear.
Ren Zu widened his eyes, his mouth agape. From that moment on, he knew how to survive against the Dilemmas—he just had to nourish Hope with his essence.
Silence filled the room. Kie Jan was fast asleep. His tender skin turned slightly red. It was winter, and the cold seeped through the holes in the broken house.
"Sweet dreams, little Kie," whispered Zhen Ren, wrapping his son in a dirty but intact blanket.
Zhen Ren's gaze was weary, his black hair slightly disheveled—he was already on the threshold of middle age.
The black sky was adorned with vast stars, and a crescent moon rose majestically. Zhen Ren felt incredibly small compared to the grandeur of this world.
He stepped out of his house; the ground was covered in snow. He wore a coat to endure the biting cold that loomed over the mountain.
After walking through the frozen streets, he looked at his hands, contemplating the world once more and questioning many things. Ever since he had a child, his way of seeing the world had changed.
"We mortals have no chance of surviving in this world, much less someone like me who isn't a Gu Master. We are treated like cattle, and if we make a single mistake, the Gu Masters can act freely and kill us."
"Our lives are worthless compared to those who cultivate. They murder innocents and take advantage—and they call themselves righteous? Bastards, every one of them!" He inwardly roared with fury.
He had lived a marginalized existence. Emotions had tied him to a woman, forcing him to continue this life, for this was a world where dreams and status were crushed if you weren't a Gu Master. If you were a mere mortal, you were treated like an ant.
In the distance, he saw two Gu Masters—a beautiful woman with brown hair and dark red eyes: his former wife, Miao Hu.
Beside her stood a burly man with the appearance of a vicious pig. His nose was wide, and his thick arms draped over the woman's shoulders.
"Hu Er, don't be too disheartened. A 28% Primordial Essence at your aperture opening is just a minor obstacle. With effort and time, you can grow as a Gu Master." He spoke consolingly, his expression warm.
The middle-aged man looked ahead and spotted the former husband of his current lover. Immediately, his eyes gleamed with intensity.
"Hu Er, you did well in abandoning that disgusting mortal. It doesn't matter if you left your son behind. With me, what could you possibly lack?" He smiled proudly and slyly.
Miao Hu lowered her gaze in contemplation. She had abandoned her family for a better life—even gaining the chance to become a Gu Master.
In a world dominated by men, women were treated as commodities, coveted objects. Only by standing beside a strong, wealthy, and prominent man could they feel safe. They were rabbits surrounded by tigers.
(Author's Note: A reality only the insane deny.)
"Forgive me, my son, but this is all your father's fault. I should never have fallen for a man who didn't know my worth. With Biao Feng Chen Yan, I found what I was missing. This is the life I deserve." She thought to herself.
Zhen Ren watched the scene in the darkness, gritting his teeth in fury. He hated this kind of system—because of the so-called "righteous path," he had lost his most beloved. Because of the clan system, he never had the chance to grow or live comfortably.
Scraping by on leftovers and working hard, his progress was slow. He cursed his fate and cursed the world. Why couldn't everyone have the same opportunities? This was the hatred all mortals felt toward Gu Masters.
On Biao Feng Chen Yan's belt hung a red iron plaque with an engraved number—"2", representing his Gu Master cultivation level. In contrast, Biao Feng Miao Hu wore a feminine blue martial robe, with a green bronze plaque at her waist bearing the number "1".
In the Gu World, the mortal cultivation realm (Gu Masters) ranged from Rank 1 to Rank 5. Ranks 6 to 9 were immortals. This classification also applied to the Gu of this world.
Biao Feng Chen Yan looked ahead into the snow. His vision was slightly blurry, but he could vaguely make out the same figure from before.
"Hu Er, look who we've found." He smiled proudly and maliciously, pretending the encounter was mere coincidence.
Miao Hu looked forward and saw her former husband—the man with whom she had spent most of her youth. Beautiful memories flashed through her mind, but she forcefully suppressed her emotions.
Matching her new husband's demeanor, Miao Hu smirked with pride and disdain at the man before her.
"Look who it is—my former, miserable husband. Are you still burdened by the failure of our past?" she asked, referring to their son.
Biao Feng Chen Yan nodded approvingly at his lover's words.
"Get lost. Do you want to die by provoking the wrath of a Gu Master? The lives of you mortals are as cheap as grass. Only through Gu Master cultivation can one rise above." His tone was dripping with arrogance.
Zhen Ren clenched his teeth in fury, taking a fighting stance as he publicly challenged Biao Feng Chen Yan.
"Biao Feng Chen Yan! I, Zhen Ren, challenge you to a combat duel!" he declared, trying to sound brave and impress the world.
Immediately, those words drew the attention of every Gu Master and mortal in their homes. Whispers erupted.
"That poor man is insane. As a mere mortal, he dares challenge a Rank 2 Gu Master? He doesn't value his life."
"These filthy mortals are finally rebelling. His death will serve as an example."
"Zhen Ren has always hidden his true strength. Is he really going to fight now?"
The last remark caused a stir among the crowd.
"Are you saying Zhen Ren is also a Gu Master? How dare he challenge our Biao Feng Clan so brazenly?"
"This scoundrel must be from the Demon Path, infiltrating our clan without a doubt!"
In the Southern Border World, the ways of clans and bloodlines dictated everything. Only descendants could cultivate Gu. Those who did so outside the clan system were heavily suppressed—demon path cultivators and lone practitioners had no prosperity in the Southern Border.
The Southern Border was dominated by super clans at the peak—superpowers with vast territories controlling everything. The Wu Clan, the Shang Clan, the Tie Clan, the Xia Clan, the Chi Clan, and other super forces ruled this continent. Lesser factions were mere mortals, with no immortal backers.
Naturally, those integrated into a superpower would have a great number of Rank 6 immortals—people truly devoted to their clan.
Biao Feng Chen Yan's smile faded, his gaze turning cautious. In contrast, Miao Hu's eyes were filled with utter shock. How could this be possible?
Zhen Ren stood straight as a spear, his eyes sharp, radiating the resolve of a hero at the extreme of righteousness.
The next moment, a majestic voice resounded through the dark night, joining the spectacle. Everyone turned to look.
"Biao Feng Chen Yan, you have committed many crimes against the righteous path of the Southern Border. You murdered your brother for the family inheritance and killed one of my clan's young masters, provoking our wrath."
This man had bronzed skin, a majestic voice, a robust build, and long black hair that swayed slightly.
"Rank 4 aura! He's a Rank 4 Gu Master!" the crowd shouted in shock.
Immediately, guards and clan elders appeared in sight. The streets descended into chaos as mortals fled their homes, avoiding the impending battle.
The leader of the Biao Feng Clan emerged from the crowd, also displaying his Rank 4 cultivation.
His hair was streaked with gray, his face slightly wrinkled, but his eyes bore deep into the outsider. Instantly recognizing him, he spoke, breaking the tension in the air.
"Tie Peng Ziu, ¿qué te trae al cuartel general del clan Biao Feng?"
As soon as the clan leader spoke, an elder Gu Master of Rank 3 also shouted:
"¿Ustedes, del Clan Tie, se atreven a provocar la ira de nuestro líder, Biao Feng Chen Yao? ¡Insensatos desvergonzados que buscan la muerte!"
Instantly, multiple gazes turned toward him, ready to reprimand him—but Tie Peng Ziu sighed deeply.
"Biao Feng Clan, you have committed many crimes and disrespected the righteous path of the Southern Border. As a representative of my super clan, I order you to leave this mountain." His deep voice resonated across the plaza.
Many Biao Feng Gu Masters watched cautiously. Whispers spread, and the clan leader, Biao Feng Chen Yao, frowned deeply.
No one else spoke—only the two Rank 4 Gu Masters. The sheer pressure of their presence was enough.
Zhen Ren, staring at Tie Peng Ziu's back, wore a faint smile. Memories of the past reassured him that he was safe—he had nearly brought about his own death by challenging a Gu Master.
"Why did the Tie Clan send a Gu Master to the Biao Feng headquarters? What crimes are they being accused of?" he wondered internally.
Biao Feng Chen Yao fell into deep contemplation. He knew the crimes they spoke of—and the blame fell entirely on him. He was the clan leader, after all.
In a hoarse voice, he spoke: "I know what you're implying. This is not the place for this, and we don't want a fight. What does the Tie Clan want in exchange?"
Tie Peng Ziu smiled genuinely. "A wise man submits to circumstances—worthy of the Biao Feng Clan's leader. Come, we'll speak in private." He praised, a smile framing his face.
Biao Feng Chen Yao led the way to the clan's main hall, taking Tie Peng Ziu inside.
The commotion in the streets continued. Whispers spread, and Biao Feng Chen Yan stared at the ground in despair.
His mood at rock bottom, he muttered: "The truth cannot be hidden. They'll use me as a scapegoat—all the blame will fall on me. A sacrifice for the clan's honor..."
His spirit was truly broken.
Miao Hu seized the moment to comfort her husband.
"Dearest Chen Yan, let's—" She didn't finish. Her face twisted in shock and horror.
"Shut up, damn whore!" he snarled in fury.
His arm had turned to metal, a sharp blade piercing through Miao Hu's torso.
The crowd erupted in chaos, stepping back in horror.
"What's wrong with Biao Feng Chen Yan?! He just killed his wife!" someone screamed.
Biao Feng Chen Yan coldly stared at Miao Hu.
"You're still a mortal. Your aptitude is Grade D. Did you really think I loved you?"
Tears streamed from Miao Hu's eyes. Her torso was drenched in blood, a gaping hole visible. In disbelief, she whispered her last words:
"Why...?"
Then she collapsed, dead. The white snow stained red.
Her lifeless eyes stared deeply in Zhen Ren's direction.
SWOOSH!
In an instant, Biao Feng Chen Yan moved at blinding speed, crushing Miao Hu's skull. Brain matter and bone fragments splattered across the ground, exploding like a watermelon, painting the snow crimson.
"I only liked you because you were young and beautiful. Now, your worth is less than grass."
His voice was icy, devoid of the warmth he had once feigned. Knowing his death was imminent, his mind descended into madness—an insatiable bloodlust.
Zhen Ren watched in terror, frozen in fear. Not even a trace of his earlier bravery remained.
"Good. No one will stop us now. Zhen Ren, I accept your duel." Biao Feng Chen Yan declared with malice.
The crowd erupted in uproar. Mortals screamed in the streets. The last thing seen of the former couple were their lifeless eyes—before their heads were mercilessly crushed.
Biao Feng Chen Yan cultivated the Path of Metal and, secondarily, the Path of Strength. In his early years, he discovered he had been blessed with abnormal strength. However, after a chance encounter with a Metal Path Gu Master's legacy, he abandoned his hopes of pursuing the Path of Strength.
Tie Peng Ziu watched the scene from the window, the Biao Feng Clan leader beside him.
"A fine spectacle." He smiled, clenching his fists with restrained rage.
"Apologies for my nephew's behavior, Elder Peng Ziu. Please, accompany me."
The floor was made of leather, the walls adorned with wood, and the ceiling decorated with Light Path Gu.
Biao Feng Chen Yao opened the door to his private study. Both entered, greeted by a mortal slave carrying two cups of tea.
"Close the door!" the clan leader barked.
The fearful young woman hurried quickly, her delicate white hands bruised—all of which Tie Peng Ziu noted.
"Good tea," he remarked after taking a deep sip.
Biao Feng Chen Yao sighed inwardly. From his Primeval Sea aperture, he retrieved a two Gu that resembled a faintly smiling old man's face.
It was the Rank 3 Primordial Elder Gu, capable of storing Primordial Stones.
"Two million Primordial Stones," the clan leader said as he presented the Gu.
Tie Peng Ziu immediately took them, infused his own primeval essence, and successfully refined them instantly.
"Indeed, it is two million. The weight is exact," he confirmed with a clear smile.
Biao Feng Chen Yao studied the man before him—long black hair, lightly bronzed skin, sword-sharp eyebrows, a high nose bridge, a muscular build, piercingly bright eyes, and a faint smile.
"Rumors say Tie Peng Ziu killed two brothers, both Rank 4 Blood Path cultivators. To the common folk, he's a hero..." he mused, observing carefully.
This was his first time meeting someone of equal rank who carried such fame.
"I believe I'll take my leave now. That spectacle deserves a visit to someone," Tie Peng Ziu declared confidently.
From his Primeval Sea, he summoned a blue Gu worm resembling a dragonfly with three pairs of wings on its back—the Rank 3 Dragonfly Letter Gu, an Information Path Gu.
Instantly recognizing it, Biao Feng Chen Yao carefully accepted the Gu and saw Tie Peng Ziu out.
"Feel free to take any mortal. Do not touch my clan members. And above all... I will handle the mission assigned by the Tie Clan leader," he said, his voice heavy.
"You'd best kill him within the mountain, Biao Feng Chen Yao. You wouldn't want others coming to cause trouble if they learn one of your clansmen was sent to the Demon Suppression Tower," Tie Peng Ziu stated coldly.
The Demon Suppression Tower was a Gu House that imprisoned Demon Path cultivators across the Southern Border—a pride of the Tie Clan and the righteous path.
The next second, Biao Feng Chen Yao paled, his eyes nearly bulging from their sockets as fear gripped him.
Before him, Tie Peng Ziu underwent a drastic change—
His peak Rank 4 aura surged to early Rank 5!
"A Rank 5 Gu Master!... So those words weren't a suggestion..." He exhaled shakily. "I... appreciate your kindness, Lord Tie Peng Ziu. I will trouble you no further."
Tie Peng Ziu nodded. Multiple Gu worm auras flickered around his body before he vanished instantly—a killer move.
Gu are the essence of heaven and earth; humans are the spirit of all living beings.
Gu Masters cultivate with Gu to advance their realm—Refine, Feed, and Use are the core principles of cultivation. Through these, one comprehends the Great Dao.
Killer moves demanded intense concentration and abundant Primordial Essence, varying based on the Gu used and their purpose.
"I'm too old for this..." Biao Feng Chen Yao lamented, his back slightly hunched as he felt the weight of age.
Under the night sky, Tie Peng Ziu soared freely like a nightingale, surveying the Biao Feng Clan village in its entirety. His hawk-like eyes scanned the ground for prey.
"Found him. He's here."
He sighed.
"Wandering these mountains wasn't a waste. Though the contribution points for this clan mission are meager..."
"I've gained plenty of benefits. This will definitely help..." he murmured to himself.
SWOOSH!
In an instant, he descended forcefully, locking onto his target.
Before him stood a weathered wooden door, the house's frame slightly moldy.
"How will he react? I'm a bit nervous. Of all of us, I'm the last to wander this world's land. I've never before met... a fragment of myself."
"No, I should wait. Sunrise is near. I'll stay and observe."
"He must be an orphan. Only mortals live in a place like this."
"I should change my appearance. What would others think if they saw me here?"
With that thought, Tie Peng Ziu activated a killer move on himself, altering his appearance. From a pig-shaped tattoo on his shoulder, he drew out a fresh set of robes.
"Much better. Though the red hair is a bit flashy... I now resemble the Second Supreme Elder of a Western Desert superpower—Fang Di Chang." He spoke to the empty air.
...
With birdsong and sunlight streaming through the window, a new day dawned in the Gu World.
Kie Jan slowly opened his eyes. He had dreamed deeply, recalling fragments of his many lives across this world—from the Immemorial Era to the present. He had lived through much, even learning some Venerable methods.
Yet to his dismay, he realized only he could wield his greatest advantage in this world—the golden finger of every story: a System.
"The Nine Heavens existed; the Five Continents stood isolated. From the reign of variant humans to the rise of an Earthly Paradise... my heart yearns for a new day." He recited, attempting poetry.
Poetry was synonymous with talent and intellect in the Gu World. Across all his lives, Kie Jan had never improved this skill—his affinity for the Information Path was nearly nonexistent.
"Good morning, Dad! I'm awake—where are you?!" he shouted excitedly through the house.
After searching, he found no one—nor any signs of his father's return the previous night.
"Strange. Maybe he stayed drinking at the village tavern... or he's already working." He sighed. "Time to face my greatest nemesis... the kitchen." His tone mixed excitement and dread.
Kie Jan's talents shone in many areas, but in basic tasks, his luck was abysmal.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Someone rapped at the door. Kie Jan, mid-bite of bear meat and eggs, perked up curiously.
Ding!
"Oh? The System finally activated." Thrilled, he focused on the translucent blue screen materializing in his vision.
[Welcome back, Player.]
[Previous Identity: Ren You Hi]
[Current Identity: Kie Jan]
[Updating Data...]
"Might take a while. I'll check the status bar in the meantime. Though it's unnecessary... some skills fade with each body shift. 'Heaven's Will,' huh?"
He pondered silently. Everything was balanced, yet his many life transitions inevitably brought obstructions.
His accumulated years were vast as the sky, deep as the ocean—yet memories of his life on Earth grew hazy. The System, beyond aiding his cultivation, was his most cherished tether to that other world.
The System possessed mythical power, capable of disregarding the very laws of the Gu World. It provided an incredible advantage - even the Thread of Destiny Gu couldn't affect it much. This was largely due to his unique identity as an Otherworldly Demon.
[Status
Name: Kie Jan
Age: 9 years
Aptitude: Unknown
Rank: Mortal
Region: Southern Border
Title: None]
[Path Achievements]
[Sword: Quasi-Supreme Grandmaster
Refinement: Quasi-Supreme Grandmaster
Time: Great Grandmaster
Qi: Great Grandmaster
Wisdom: Great Grandmaster
Transformation: Quasi-Great Grandmaster
Strength: Quasi-Great Grandmaster
Blood: Grandmaster
Soul: Grandmaster
Earth: Grandmaster
Water: Grandmaster
Metal: Grandmaster
Formation: Grandmaster
Restriction: Quasi-Grandmaster
...
...
...]
[Personal Gu Collection: Restricted]
[Shop]
[Inventory]
"That's quite a lot. Even the achievement paths had to be shortened," he thought with a mental sweatdrop.
Ding!
[Data update successfully integrated]
"A good start. The only drawback remains my aperture awakening..." He sighed. "Right! Someone's outside. Maybe it's Dad or Mom visiting. What a shame."
Kie Jan knew the circumstances behind his mother's infidelity. With his Great Grandmaster-level Wisdom Path deduction, it was easy to deduce. He didn't blame her - the world was chaotic and opportunities scarce.
Knock knock knock knock knock
The repeated knocking sounded somewhat desperate.
"Hold on! You'll break the door!" Kie Jan shouted in annoyance.
After taking a few steps, a strange sensation ran through his body, his gaze showing confusion.
He immediately opened the door. His blood-red eyes saw the somewhat desperate-looking person outside.
The man wore a jade-green Chinese martial robe with wrist and ankle wrappings, the distinctive belt of a Southern Border Gu Master. Several tattoos adorned his body, emitting a Rank 2 aura. His eyes were light brown, his complexion pale, and most strikingly, his ruby-red hair reached his back.
A slight shock passed through both their eyes.
Upon carefully examining the stranger before him, a trace of unease crossed Kie Jan's mind.
"He looks like the illustrations from Reverend Insanity's novel - Fang Di Chang. Though I sometimes confused him with Men Qiu Zheng, except the latter had pink hair... strange."
The person before Kie Jan immediately knelt, showing respect.
"This humble subordinate pays respects to the Central Pillar," he said in a neutral tone.
"Come in. Don't cause trouble," Kie Jan said in a clearly feigned annoyed tone.
Tie Peng Ziu seemed slightly underdressed - clearly the outfit he chose wasn't suitable.
Kie Jan served two cups of tea. Though the person before him claimed to be a subordinate, he wasn't inhuman - he was quite courteous.
Tie Peng Ziu took a deep sip of the tea served by Kie Jan.
"Indeed, this is good tea, worthy of the Central Pillar," he praised while looking at the child before him.
This situation would seem embarrassing to outsiders. Tie Peng Ziu was already approaching middle age, but the use of certain killer moves had reduced his lifespan, making him appear older.
"If you're a fragment of me, what's the password?" Kie Jan demanded, eyes showing slight wariness.
His attention was also on the System as he read the provided information.
[A Rank 5 early-stage split soul
Name: Tie Peng Ziu
Soul number: 279005]
"Indeed, it really is him."
He sighed internally while maintaining a carefully feigned wary expression.
"I'm no righteous dog, nor a demonic cultivator. I'm just me, Feng—" Tie Peng Ziu began but was interrupted by Kie Jan.
"Feng Jiu Ge..."
"Exactly. Does that prove it? Tell me, is this disguise too exaggerated?"
Tie Peng Ziu asked for his other "self's" opinion.
As a mortal, Kie Jan possessed no Gu Master or Immortal methods to determine if the person before him was disguised.
"Yes, it proves it. But wasn't there a better option to remain inconspicuous?" Kie Jan asked with a slight laugh.
Tie Peng Ziu snorted coldly. The next moment, he lifted his disguise, revealing his bronzed skin, long black hair and robust physique - though he still concealed his cultivation level.
"Actually, that doesn't matter," Tie Peng Ziu smiled.
"You hide your cultivation well. My System lets me see you have early-stage Rank 5 cultivation," Kie Jan declared while sipping his tea.
"Cheater," he snorted coldly while sighing internally.
"I was somewhat impressed earlier. When I arrived at the village, there was a conflict between a mortal and a Gu Master in the clan's main square. I'm so sorry, Central Pillar."
He spoke while trying to console his main body.
Curiosity gripped Kie Jan. A premonition that something bad had happened flooded his mind, courtesy of his other "self's" words.
"What do you mean?" he asked curiously.
Tie Peng Ziu's expression turned serious, returning to an expert's demeanor.
"I believe your parents have died. There's no need to verify - you look like a smaller version of them."
Kie Jan: "...."
Tie Peng Ziu: "...."
Deep silence invaded the room. Kie Jan's face darkened momentarily before he released a long, melancholic sigh after three breaths.
"I expected this. In this world, becoming attached to anything only brings trouble. Perhaps I wasn't the real Kie Jan, but I hope they rest in peace."
He spoke with profound wisdom.
Kie Jan had lost many loved ones in this world. He could show emotion but was already accustomed to losing precious people. He remained human, even if he saw others in this world as mere characters. Through multiple lifetimes, his being had become immutable to the pain of losing someone.
"If they reach the Door of Life and Death... I doubt they'll rest in peace..." said Tie Peng Ziu.
"True. Sometimes I forget details like these. In the future, dealing with Ming You will be problematic, especially since that Secluded Domain of Heaven and Earth is important to the main plot."
Tie Peng Ziu nodded slightly, set down his teacup, and looked around carefully.
"A mortal's life brings back memories... I wanted to ask something," said Tie Peng Ziu.
Kie Jan set down his teacup and moved both cups aside to wash later.
"Speak."
"We may have lost our sense of purpose in this world, but many wonders await. Do you plan to cultivate or remain a mortal here?" Tie Peng Ziu asked, somewhat disturbed.
They might be one, but both had experienced different lives.
Kie Jan: "...."
Again, an uncomfortable silence fell.
"I'd like to, but if I do, I'll be severely suppressed by this clan system! It'll be difficult."
Tie Peng Ziu celebrated internally - most of his work was already done.
"My Soul Path methods allowed me to sense that a split soul would be reborn near my Tie Clan. When I faintly detected your presence, I found this place. Upon approaching, I knew you weren't an ordinary split soul," Tie Peng Ziu declared confidently.
"It's a good method, truly. But taking such action is so risky. Shouldn't you be with the Tie Clan right now?" Kie Jan asked.
"Central Pillar, that's what I wanted to—"
Tie Peng Ziu was about to finish speaking when Kie Jan interrupted.
"Call me Kie Jan or Little Kie. Don't you know what discretion is?"
Tie Peng Ziu: "...Fine."
Immediately renewing his energy, he spoke with slight enthusiasm:
"I can assist your cultivation at no cost. You're fortunate to have such an excellent split soul." He said proudly while activating a Light Path Gu to assume a saintly demeanor.
"Speak. What plan have you devised?" Kie Jan snorted coldly, well acquainted with his other "self's" behavior. After all, living with someone similar to oneself was annoying.
"First, let me tell you my story."
After this, Kie Jan nodded slightly as Tie Peng Ziu began recounting his history - sounding heroic in some adventures and emphasizing how remarkable he was, clearly seeking praise from his main self.
Tie Peng Ziu was born to an external elder of the Tie Clan and a Tie Clan woman. His mother, Tie Lai Min, died in childbirth, while his father, Do Fang Chi You, perished valiantly during a Demon Path assault.
Despite having Tie Clan blood, he was rejected by his own clan - a common fate for those from external branches. Over time, he grew accustomed to it, inheriting his parents' legacy when he became a Rank 2 Gu Master.
Fortunately, he was unique in his family. His aptitude was excellent, and he faced no issues claiming his inheritance. After several minutes, Kie Jan prepared lunch and packed his belongings, preparing to leave the village for the first time - never to return. Tie Peng Ziu explained everything that had transpired before their meeting.
It was somewhat relieving - Biao Feng Chen Yan had been publicly executed, accused of numerous crimes. He accepted all charges without protest, knowing his fate and preferring to die contributing to his clan.
During their journey, Tie Peng Ziu explained his plan to Kie Jan.
"Claiming you're my illegitimate son makes perfect cover. From now on, things will be easier. Tell me - do you have a wife or children?" Kie Jan asked curiously.
As they traveled through vast forests and towering mountains, they fortunately encountered no beasts or troubles along the way. It must be said that Kie Jan had excellent stamina for someone not burdening the journey.
"No, and I don't plan to marry either. That would only bind me tighter to the clan. I'm waiting for my chance to ascend to Immortal - or perhaps defect to seek some inheritance without arousing suspicion about my knowledge," Tie Peng Ziu said calmly.
Kie Jan nodded, then focused on formulating plans to survive in an environment like the Tie Clan.
Swish Swish
Two figures dashed swiftly through dense forests. In the distance, a massive gray-green tower came into view - the Gu House and pride of the Tie Clan: the Demon Suppression Tower.
"Some memories are vague... Has Tie Ruo Nan been born yet?" Kie Jan wondered internally.
Finally, polished redwood houses became visible at the entrance. Grand pillars supported a palace roof, and the walls stretched endlessly as disciplined Gu Masters patrolled the perimeter.
At the main city gates stood five Rank 3 Gu Masters - the current guards. The sun set as night ascended over the sky.
"Good evening, comrades. I've already notified my arrival - returning from a long mission," Tie Peng Ziu said while handing over an Information Path Gu to register everything.
"Who's the companion?" one guard asked.
"My son. Apologies for his rudeness - he's somewhat shy."
The guards exchanged tacit glances. One approached to inspect the boy for any travel-related issues.
"Proceed. You know the protocol. And welcome, sir. Please head to the meeting hall - the clan leader has summoned all elders and young masters," the guard captain said.
All five wore black martial robes with white accents, bronze belts engraved with the number "3", and had black or brown hair.
Kie Jan observed everything carefully. While calm internally, his face showed astonishment - after all, this was his first time as a mortal visiting one of the super clans. He had to maintain appearances.
Golden kanji adorned the gates:
"Justice is the last thing lost... The honor of serving justice is the Tie Clan's blessing... blah blah, justice, righteousness, the righteous path remains unchanged even after a million years," Kie Jan internally complained.
After passing through bustling streets and receiving uncomfortable stares, they reached a traditional Chinese house with upturned eaves, painted white and made of wood.
"Nice house," Kie Jan remarked.
"Go ahead inside. I have matters to attend at the clan's main hall," Tie Peng Ziu said with some urgency.
"Alright... Dad," Kie Jan replied in a mocking tone.
Tie Peng Ziu gave him an awkward look before disappearing from view.
The hall contained a small table with three side chairs. Blue flowers in a transparent garden were the only decoration. Kie Jan inspected each room, nodding slightly at everything he saw.
"Indeed, we share not just achievement levels but also tastes and preferences," he acknowledged proudly.
Every space in the house was simple, almost melancholic with gray tones. Kie Jan walked to the garden - actually a large training field.
"An external elder lives like this... worthy of me," he nodded proudly.
Kie Jan gazed carefully at the sky. The cool night held massive clouds over the dark expanse, with countless twinkling stars seeming endless.
"Today I rise again on damaged wings. My will falters in the Time River's waves. My mood is playful, defying destiny, leaving only traces of emotion on my expressionless face."
Kie Jan seemed perplexed, faintly sensing gazes directed at him. Immediately, a System message appeared before him, sounding in his mind:
[Player is being observed by "Heaven's Will"]
[System errors have been adjusted]
[Restricting information and regenerating new data]
He sighed...
"Heaven's Will has always suspected and watched me. As I'm not a complete Otherworldly Demon, Heaven can peer into and influence my actions... Having a System is a relief."
Kie Jan and his clones lived under constant threat of extermination by Heaven's Will. Heaven followed the law of replenishing deficits and eliminating excesses.
As an otherworlder wielding power opposing this world's 'Heavenly Dao', he was clearly marked for elimination. Fortunately, he'd prepared everything before reincarnating here.
The System could temporarily block Wisdom Path deductions, create false memories and soul imprints - all to avoid detection by investigation or soul-searching methods. Information blocking was another benefit; even Heaven's Will couldn't perceive his deepest secrets.
However, a Venerable might deduce clues through Wisdom Path methods to uncover the truth.
"The River of Time is a Secluded Domain of Heaven and Earth. Legends say it has existed since the world's birth, recording everything that was and will be in images..."
"Yet ever since Red Lotus created the Spring Autumn Cicada Gu, ripples slightly altered history's course... Red Lotus remains profoundly mysterious. But thanks to him damaging the legendary Destiny Gu, some people became free from its threads."
Sigh... Kie Jan had always maintained extreme caution toward Red Lotus Demon Venerable - especially regarding other Immortal and Demon Venerables crucial to future events.
"I urgently need to become an Immortal or determine which timeline I'm in. If this is Gu Yue Fang Yuan's generation, then the Chaotic War of Five Regions hasn't happened yet. The key is slightly altering his mindset or assisting him..."
"An otherworlder drifting without direction in his early years must feel profoundly lonely - especially after the schemes he endured during his mortal Gu Master days at Qing Mao Mountain."
Kie Jan released a long sigh, gazing at distant mountains and feeling minuscule against the world again. This was natural - such feelings dwelled in many hearts.
Hours passed. Kie Jan wore traditional Southern Border blue attire, his shoulder-length brown hair tied with a blue ribbon.
Knock knock knock knock
Kie Jan emerged from the kitchen to find delicious food and tea set on the table.
Opening the door, he saw the familiar Tie Peng Ziu - accompanied by a middle-aged woman with pale complexion and short hair.
Tie Peng Ziu stepped aside courteously for his superior - none other than Tie Xue Feng, younger sister of the current Tie Clan leader.
"Little Kie, please fetch the items I mentioned during our journey. Miss Xue Feng will assist us," Tie Peng Ziu said warmly, his affectionate expression noticed by Tie Xue Feng.
As she studied the boy before her, Tie Xue Feng felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
A small laugh escaped her lips immediately, and she said, "There's no need to be so formal, please. We're friends. It's my pleasure to help you, Peng Ziu."
Kie Jan let out a silent sigh of relief and quickly went to his room to grab a few things, while Tie Peng Ziu and Tie Xue Feng waited for him at the table.
Kie Jan ran as fast as he could, full of energy. He brought back a letter and a pouch containing a Gu.
"Come closer. Kie Jan, right?" the woman asked, her eyes carrying a trace of friendliness.
He nodded slightly in confirmation. He didn't seem inclined to speak, perhaps out of respect or fear—after all, when someone suddenly tells you they're your 'father,' most people would react with hostility.
Tie Xue Feng read the letter carefully. All the information appeared authentic at a glance. She then reached for the sealed Gu inside the pouch.
From the stone, a weak Gu emerged from hibernation. It resembled a bundle of roots, with a metallic white fruit growing from them.
Level Three Photo-Audio Gu!
Photo-Audio Gu came in all sorts of shapes—some looked like dragonflies, others like spongy rocks. This one was just one of many existing varieties.
The recording played. The images were vague, but a woman's voice could be clearly heard, confirming all the information Tie Peng Ziu had provided.
Tie Xue Feng took a few moments to evaluate everything. She looked at the two people standing before her.
"Both pieces of evidence are genuine and do not appear to be forgeries. However, according to our clan's protocol, bloodline verification is required. This may seem harsh for our Tie Clan, a symbol of the Righteous Path in the entire Southern Border."
Tie Peng Ziu nodded slightly. He placed a hand on Kie Jan's shoulder and spoke. His voice echoed clearly through the room.
"Little Kie, don't be afraid. Everything is fine. Don't you want to be a Gu Master and explore the world?" said the elder with confidence and reassurance.
Kie Jan's thoughts were elsewhere. This was a scenario he had already anticipated, given his level of achievement as a Grand Grandmaster in the Wisdom Path.
"Blood Path method… Luckily, we've already prepared for this," he thought confidently.
During their journey to the Tie Clan headquarters, Tie Peng Ziu hunted some native forest beasts. With Kie Jan's help, they easily refined a level 4 Gu after expending a lot of beast blood and resources bought through the System—nearly half a million primeval stones—and infusing their own blood as well.
The Gu resembled a red snake, about the size of an adult fist, with two sharp fangs protruding from its mouth.
Level Four Blood Purification Gu!
This Gu has the ability to replace one's blood with another person's. It only needs to be injected with Yellow Gold primeval essence, after which its fangs will draw the target's blood.
Refining mortal Gu was easy for Kie Jan and Tie Peng Ziu. Both were at the quasi-Grand Grandmaster level. With minimal blood materials and enough primeval stones, the success rate was so high that they succeeded on the first attempt.
From her primordial sea aperture, Tie Xue Feng brought out a scarlet-colored Gu, similar in appearance to the Blood Purification Gu.
"This is a level 2 Blood Path Gu, Bloodwalk Gu. As long as it extracts blood from the first person, it can verify kinship with the target," Tie Xue Feng explained to both of them.
They both nodded in agreement. With their consent, the test was conducted and it was a resounding success.
Outside the house, it was already midnight. Tie Peng Ziu walked his guest to the door, everything proceeding smoothly.
"Little Kie, welcome to the Tie Clan family," Tie Xue Feng said warmly. There was a hidden trace of affection in her eyes, clearly noticed by both men.
Kie Jan nodded silently. Another obstacle had been resolved, all to secure his growth. What did it matter if lies or secrets were involved? For his personal development and as a Gu Master, he would do whatever it took. Only the benefits dictated his attitude.
"I've successfully entered. Now, all that's left is to await my aperture awakening…"
Ding!
[Congratulations to the player for completing the mission: "Blood Union"Rewards: New System Tool.Description: By linking with a person who shares essence with the player, mutual benefits from the System become accessible. The greatest advantage is mental communication regardless of distance.]
With the sound of a new System message, Kie Jan read it carefully. His smile widened, and he spoke with full confidence:
"The good news just keeps coming."
Tie Peng Ziu paused mid-sip of his tea, looked curiously at his main body, and immediately asked:
"Little Kie, did something happen?"
Kie Jan looked deeply at his other 'self.' A proud smile formed on his lips as he spoke:
"Wanna cheat with me?" he said with a sly grin.
Tie Peng Ziu didn't need to be particularly smart—he immediately understood the meaning behind Kie Jan's words.