Chapter 47: Mr. Gu Ji

‘Cloud Martial Power Surge: Nineteen Movements’ was just a secret technique. Though it sounded valuable, the Cloudstride Sect could print as many as they desired. However, for the smaller clans and independent martial artists, it was still a rare treasure!

Wu Yuan was unclear of how much twenty top-grade body tempering pills cost, but he estimated they were worth at least 5000 silver taels.

Yet these two gifts were only conventional items?

Soul Condensing Pill? Immortal treasure? Just how precious were these items if even someone as esteemed as Gao Yu spoke about them with such reverence?

But most importantly, what had he just heard? Collected from an immortal relic?

"Senior, what are these immortal relics you speak of? Could it be that there truly are deities in this world?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.

First-grade martial artists reached the limits of the human body. Heavenly Rankers surpassed their human limitations and were known as 'land deities'. Although Wu Yuan didn't reach this level in his previous life, he had a vague concept of it.

A real immortal? A god?

"Haha, it's hard to say," Gao Yu chuckled. "The thirteen continents of the Middle Land are vast and boundless, hundreds of times larger than the Jiang Continent. The three overseas continents are even more mysterious. The world is filled with countless wonders, many of which are beyond the imagination of ordinary martial artists!"

"I only know that many mysterious regions where natural treasures emerge are rumored to be relics left behind by immortals. They are fraught with dangers and only Savant experts have the qualifications to enter."

"But where are these places, and how does one gain entry? I'm not entirely certain," Gao Yu admitted.

The information he shared was confidential. Ordinary people had no right to know, and even many third-rate Adepts and second-rate Adepts were clueless about them. But those present were the core members of the Cloudstride Sect. Gao Yu believed that Wu Yuan would soon join their ranks as a core member as well.

"Regions where natural treasures emerge?" Wu Yuan recalled the spiritual liquid he was consuming. Such an oddity was indeed not something that could be produced in ordinary locations.

"Protectorate, what is the purpose of this Soul Condensing Pill?" Wu Yuan inquired, "And how should one use it?"

All treasures had their corresponding methods of use. Misuse brings disaster, not fortune!

Huan Xinyan too looked curiously at Gao Yu. Even the brows of the quiet, middle-aged man in hemp clothing shifted a little.

Gao Yu began to explain, "In this world, there are countless natural treasures, but most of them are geared towards enhancing the physical body. Take, for instance, the Snow Lotus of West Kun Mountain, the Ancient Immortal Dew, or the Core Earth Berries. Our renowned Cloudstride Sect boasts the Cloudspring Blood, which falls under this category as well."

"These types of natural treasures all target the lower dantian lobe and have little effect on the middle dantian lobe, making them less appealing to Land Rankers."

"Unfortunately, very few natural treasures possess properties that benefit the middle or upper dantian lobes."

Gao Yu's voice grew solemn as he revealed, "The Soul Condensing Pill, however, is an exceptional item that specifically targets the upper dantian lobe."

"Targets the upper dantian lobe?" Wu Yuan's eyes lit up. The Human Federation, despite employing countless technological means, was unable to help Grandmasters unlock the upper dantian lobe.

"Of course, the effects of the Soul Condensing Pill are said to be nothing short of miraculous," Gao Yu said.

"But just how mysterious is the upper dantian lobe? Many Savant experts and even Land Rankers in the Cloudstride Sect who have consumed this pill have reported minimal effects, merely feeling more spirited. However, our hall master believes that if you have managed to unlock your upper dantian lobe, this pill might have a truly miraculous effect on you!"

"For those who recognize its potency, they know that it's tough to purchase a single pill even with hundreds of thousands of silver taels."

"There are ten in this jade vial." Gao Yu pointed at the jade vial.

Wu Yuan was taken aback. "100,000 taels for one pill? And there are ten in the vial?"

Didn't that mean...This small white jade vial was worth millions of silver taels? One gold could be exchanged for ten silvers. This Soul Condensing Pill was more precious than gold!

"Haha, don't be shocked. 'More precious than gold' is just an expression. The top natural treasures are usually traded for other treasures of equivalent value, their worth cannot be measured in mere gold and silver." Gao Yu laughed, "Our Cloudstride Sect's Cloudspring Blood, for example, is only available to our elite disciples and high-ranking members. It is not sold to outsiders."

"Gold and silver? They can't be consumed or enhance one's strength directly."

"For a nation or a sect, the most crucial priority is to continuously cultivate top-notch martial power." Gao Yu explained, "With martial power at one's disposal, concerns about funds become trivial. Without martial power, even mountains of gold and silver will be lost!"

Wu Yuan nodded mildly. Whether it was silver notes, gold notes, or actual gold and silver, they were all fundamentally objects of socially constructed value. They were debt certificates, a form of credit. They served no intrinsic purpose on their own.

Their existence was based on stability. And the foundation of stability was martial power!

The Starcom Consortium's silver notes and gold notes gained universal recognition from sects and nations alike, thanks to the unwavering reputation the Consortium had built over thousands of years.

"The method of consumption is simple. Adjust your mind to a tranquil state, and ingest it orally," Gao Yu continued, "Take two each time. After each dose, meditate for several days. Try to maintain a stable emotional state, and there should be at least a half-month interval between doses. If you sense any abnormalities in your mind, then wait longer."

"I understand," Wu Yuan said respectfully, accepting the jade vial. Wu Yuan's welcome gifts were now all handed to him.

"Wu Yuan, according to the sect rules, even though the Finance Hall applied for your special recruitment, you must go through a verification process by the Instruction Hall before admission. This is a standard process for all new entrants, even if one is the disciple of the Hierarchs. Therefore, you will need to visit the Southdream Province and pass the verification assessment of your capabilities at the Southdream Martial Academy before you can proceed to the sect," Gao Yu said, "It's one of the three tertiary martial academies under the purview of the Instruction Hall and serves as an official facility for disciple authentication."

Wu Yuan nodded. He understood that the Instruction Hall was responsible for organizational relations and personnel assessment, but it couldn't make the decision to reject or approve the applications from the other four halls.

Wu Yuan didn't find it cumbersome. The five halls of the sect each had their responsibilities, and mutual supervision was necessary to avoid one hall gaining too much power. This also indirectly proved that the Cloudstride Sect was a 'mature' great martial sect!

A powerful sect established by a Heavenly Ranker might thrive for a time, but without a proper system in place, it would inevitably decline, potentially dissolving upon the death of the Heavenly Ranker.

"You don't need to worry too much, demonstrate your usual capabilities. Remember not to use the Power Surge technique," Gao Yu instructed.

"Furthermore, to ensure your safety during this period, the sect has arranged for experts to remain at your side and protect you. A ten-soldier squad of elite city guards from Li City, all third-rate Adepts, will be accompanying and guarding you until you enter the sect," Gao Yu said.

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding. Ten third-rate Adepts? They were all well-trained soldiers. If the ten of them exhibited harmonious teamwork, they wouldn't fear challenging second-rate Adepts, and might even be capable of counter-killing them.

This arrangement was practically overkill! After all, special recruits typically ended up as second-rate Adepts, and the sect's enemies didn't have the manpower to target them individually.

Just as Wu Yuan thought this was all, Gao Yu continued speaking, "This is just the observable protection. The Finance Hall has also arranged for an expert to protect you covertly."

"Mr. Gu Ji," Gao Yu turned to the middle-aged man in linen clothes.

The linen-clothed middle-aged man stood up, his eyes were still lowered, and his voice was calm, "Under the orders of the hall master, I, Gu Ji, will protect special recruit Wu Yuan with my life. Before I breathe my last, Wu Yuan shall not be harmed!"

"Thank you, Mr. Gu Ji," Wu Yuan bowed slightly. A sacrificial guard! This was Wu Yuan's initial judgment. Moreover, Wu Yuan finally understood what was special about Gu Ji - he looked ordinary! Ordinary looks, ordinary height, ordinary clothes, ordinary voice. Had Wu Yuan not been observant of his surroundings, he would have almost forgotten about his existence.

"You may refer to me as Steward Ji or Uncle Ji," Gu Ji said, still keeping his head lowered. "Starting today, I am your newly recruited steward. I will change into appropriate attire to fulfill my role."

He paused for a moment before adding, "I also hope that you will forget about my martial arts skills. I am your last line of defense. Unless you're in a desperate situation or life-threatening danger, I will not take action. Only by remaining concealed can I truly be your trump card!"

"Wu Yuan will remember, Uncle Ji." Wu Yuan corrected himself timely.

Gu Ji nodded slightly, taking a step to position himself behind Wu Yuan. Though still donned in linen clothing, his aura had completely transformed. If he had initially resembled a simple farmer, unassuming and humble, now he gave off the impression of a savvy city dweller with a hint of scholarly elegance!

The only constant was that Gu Ji never revealed a trace of his martial prowess. Even Wu Yuan had to observe Gu Ji carefully before realizing his uniqueness.

Gu Ji's transformation left Huan Xinyan somewhat astonished.

As for how powerful Gu Ji was? Gu Ji remained silent, Wu Yuan did not ask, and Gao Yu did not elaborate!

"Wu Yuan, do you have any other thoughts or requests?" Gao Yu turned to Wu Yuan. Normally speaking, such concern wasn't necessary, but Gao Yu held Wu Yuan's opinion in high regard.

"My primary concern lies in the safety of my family and clan members," Wu Yuan voiced. "May I request additional protective measures?"

Wu Yuan was not afraid for his personal safety. However, after the recent assassination attempt, it would be a lie to say he wasn't worried for his family.

Yet, Wu Yuan recognized that he couldn't always be present to safeguard his loved ones and clan members; he would have to venture into the world sooner or later. This was also an important factor behind his decision to join a faction.

"Haha, a trifling matter, I shall bring it to the attention of the county mayor," Gao Yu chuckled. "Furthermore, all special recruitment disciples shall be granted a medium-sized mansion in the eastern region of the city, complete with residency rights. It shall be spacious enough for your family and a select few trustworthy clan members to move in."

"The eastern part of the city is a strategically protected area, closely monitored by the city guard. The Southdream Army frequently patrols the vicinity as well."

"Even a second-rate Adept dare not stir trouble in the eastern area of the city."

Gao Yu solemnly said, "In the future, when you rise to become a first-rate Adept, you will have the privilege of bringing your family straight to the sect headquarters. It is the safest place for them. As for my own family, they already reside within the sect headquarters."

"Thank you, Protectorate." Wu Yuan expressed his gratitude.

Gao Yu laughed, "You need not concern yourself with such trivial matters. The more talented and powerful you become, the less you will have to worry about them. The sect will naturally take care of everything for you."

"Your sole focus should be on your training! Strive to reach the pinnacle of martial arts!"

Wu Yuan nodded. Such treatment was similar to that of the top scientists in his previous life, who only had to concentrate on their research while the Federation took care of all their worries.

"Alright, about your special recruitment, I've already informed the mayor's faction. The news will soon spread." Gao Yu instructed, "County Mayor Jiang will make all the necessary arrangements for you. If you require anything, seek him out. Once everything is settled, make your way to the Southdream Martial Academy as soon as possible."

"Understood." Wu Yuan nodded.

...

Li City spanned several hundred li in radius, housing a population of over a million, and had more than ten municipalities under its jurisdiction. It was quite large.

But among the circles of upper society, news always spread swiftly. Within a single day, nearly every influential figure in Li City became aware of Wu Yuan's special recruitment invitation from the county martial academy.

He would be gaining direct admission into the Cloud Martial Hall!