The names of the first three chapters were self-evident. They were about continuously polishing the smoke-like psychic power, condensing it into gelatinous psychic power, molding it into the shapes of silver awls and silver needles, and finally shooting them. In the future, as Gu Zuo’s psychic power grew stronger and his strength increased, each chapter would become more profound and he would be able to display even more destructive power. However, when Gu Zuo read the <>, he discovered that the techniques of the first three chapters were basically just the foundation of the fourth chapter’s technique.

In <>, one’s psychic power would evolve into tools of attack or defense — It wasn’t only limited to silver awls and silver needles. It could also be a shield, a sword, a spear, or a dagger. It could be all sorts of things that one could imagine to stab one’s enemies or to protect oneself.

And the offensive or defensive powers that these things could hold were naturally far superior to what Gu Zuo previously learned and it went beyond the roles of psychic power that he himself explored.

— To put it simply, the <> was a step further in the utilization of psychic power.

After getting a clear understanding, Gu Zuo was somewhat in a hurry to study it.

The technique of this chapter was even more challenging than that of the previous three chapters. The amount of psychic power that he needed to use was much greater. Even with the capabilities of the present Gu Zuo, he could only barely condense all his psychic power into the embryonic form of a dagger. But Gu Zuo tried it out anyway. After he launched the dagger, the destructive power it caused to hard objects surpassed the damage of a silver awl by over a hundred times! Even if over a hundred silver awls were shot all at once, this would only widen the area of damage. It couldn’t compare to the dagger, which had greater strength, had faster speed, and was easier to confront an enemy with!

What if there were even more daggers later on? What if there were tens, hundreds, or thousands? How could the silver awls and silver needles compare?

Sure enough, the <> was an incredible thing!

For quite a few days, Gu Zuo was immersed in the marvels of the <>.

He was constantly polishing, condensing, and transforming his psychic power. He would often use up his psychic power until empty. Then, he’d quickly sit down in meditation, regulate his breathing, and recover.

Quite a few days and several of such instances passed just like this. Gu Zuo distinctly realized that, although his psychic power didn’t consequently increase by much, his level of sensitivity and his condensing and transforming speeds had all improved greatly.

This type of feeling was too peculiar and satisfying. Gu Zuo had been shut in his room for a long time without taking a single step outside — In any case, the medicinal pills that he should’ve refined had long been completed. Recently, his big brother’s body didn’t contain any hidden damage. Thus, he could wholeheartedly try out the newest item book, and study new skills!

Until one day, Tianheng called on him to come out.

Because Huang Ji had arrived.

With less than ten days of time, Huang Ji probably could only temper his body with beast blood once.

— In other words, after this one attempt, Huang Ji had already made his own judgment, and promptly came to a decision.

Gu Zuo hastily jumped off the bed, and prepared to rush outside.

However, Tianheng reached out his hands to keep Gu Zuo in place.

Gu Zuo was puzzled.

Tianheng laughed in spite of himself. He extended a hand to fix Gu Zuo’s outer robes, and crooked his fingers to comb through Gu Zuo’s hair.

Gu Zuo reacted immediately.

He hadn’t left his room for several days, so his entire person was a mess!

Unexpectedly, by the time this big brother of his took the initiative to act, Gu Zuo discovered that…he was quite embarrassed.

Afterwards, Gu Zuo sent out his psychic power and “looked” at his own current state. Once he hurriedly tidied himself up, he finally felt that he was presentable.

He blushed a little bit: “Big brother, I can go.”

Tianheng smiled as he ruffled Gu Zuo’s hair. He spoke leisurely: “Okay.”

Sure enough, after walking out of the room, Huang Ji was already waiting for them outside.

Like a javelin, he stood with a straight back under a huge tree. From top to bottom, he was clad in black, and his face was grim and unfeeling. Those taut contours, those pursed, thin lips, and those piercing eyes gave rise to a type of feeling — He was like a lone wolf in the mountains. He was icily arrogant and valiant.

With a pharmacist’s keen sense of smell, Gu Zuo was able to discover that Huang Ji’s body was emitting a faintly bloody odor of dozens of different wild beasts. His mood also seemed to be fluctuating.

Perhaps, more than half of the matter had already been completed.

After seeing Gu Zuo and Tianheng, Huang Ji turned to nod at them: “Junior Sect Brothers.”

Gu Zuo walked over, and asked with a smile: “Senior Sect Brother Huang, what brings you here?”

Tianheng’s gait was unhurried. Likewise, he carried a sense of welcome.

Huang Ji said: “Can I still count on the words you said before?”

Gu Zuo nodded at once: “Like I said, if Senior Sect Brother Huang wants to come, then big brother and I will welcome you at any time.”

Huang Ji was very blunt: “I trust you.”

Gu Zuo understood. Huang Ji was resolved to handing the matter of developing the Heavenly Beast Body over to him!

In the blink of an eye, Gu Zuo became very excited.

Although the Tiandu Body was much rarer and stronger than the Heavenly Beast Body, at the time, he relied on Tianheng in order to survive &#k2014; This had absolutely nothing to do with the Profound Friendship that currently arose between them &#k2014; As a result, even though he found a treatment method back then, he just felt a sense of relief. Basically, there wasn’t any thrill or excitement to speak of.

But it was different now.

The present Gu Zuo wasn’t concerned about money or any other worries. His thoughts were preoccupied by three things. The first was to let his big brother obtain the best path for a smooth cultivation. The second was to raise his own strength before returning home. And the third was to hone his skill levels, to turn his occupation into a hobby, and to continue living a peaceful and harmonious life.

Hence, as a pharmacist who had superior skill levels and who was pretty good at refining medicine, after Gu Zuo discovered a half-feral Heavenly Beast Body which no one knew how to develop, he naturally wanted to study… That’s not right. He wanted to help to develop the other party.

Huang Ji agreed, and Gu Zuo was very happy.

However, Gu Zuo suddenly thought of a problem.

Developing the Heavenly Beast Body would require a lot of medicinal ingredients. What was to be done about the expenses? He was the one who invited Huang Ji over, so he couldn’t just tell Huang Ji to pay for all of it, right?

Could it be said that this was the price of realizing the Heavenly Beast Body…

Gu Zuo immediately became gloomy.

Off to the side, Tianheng quickly detected Gu Zuo’s reaction, and secretly transmitted to him.

Ah Zuo, what’s wrong?

Gu Zuo talked about what was troubling him.

Tianheng suddenly couldn’t help letting out some muffled laughter in his consciousness.

It’s no matter. As the Sky Leaderboard’s number one, Huang Ji moving here will act as a stabilizing force. If unconcerned third-parties come here, it might be very difficult for them to go looking for trouble. Ah Zuo should just regard it as hiring a high-priced bodyguard. Don’t worry about it anymore.

Gu Zuo silently heaved a sigh.

It could only be like this… At worst, the labor cost wouldn’t be collected. As for the required medicinal ingredients, beast blood, and so on, Huang Ji could certainly look for them himself.

At that time, he would write out the list of items.

Just like that, they determined Huang Ji’s entrance and place of garrison.

Huang Ji’s livelihood was very plain, simple, and succinct. As a result, he didn’t have much luggage, and most of it was packed away using an inter-spatial tool. He arrived here effortlessly.

Under Tianheng’s instructions, the Tianlong Guards had long arranged a room for him. Because his status was higher, they didn’t allow him to mingle with other martial artists. Rather, they worked overtime to give him a new room.

Huang Ji didn’t exchange pleasantries, but he also didn’t go to stay in this room. After getting permission from Tianheng, he strolled a few times around the hill. He selected a location along a cliffside and directly excavated a cave dwelling.

…This kind of unconstrained Immortal Realm guest left the “staff members” of this hill rather flabbergasted.

Gu Zuo specially went to take a look at the dwelling that Huang Ji excavated himself.

This place was really just an ordinary cavern. It was a dozen or so meters deep and four to five meters wide. At the entrance, there was an enormous rock that could cover half of the cave mouth. When Huang Ji went in, he would pull it closed; when he went out, he would push it open.

It was a very rustic and interesting appearance.

Near the cavern, there was a stream of spring water, which was also occupied by Huang Ji. Considering that this was where Huang Ji might take a bath, Gu Zuo instructed everyone else that they couldn’t rashly come to this side of the hill. They weren’t allowed to disturb Huang Ji’s rest or cultivation.

Naturally, Huang Ji was very pleased.

After Huang Ji was completely settled down, Gu Zuo prepared a small feast. It was considered a small-scale welcoming ceremony, and it was to introduce Huang Ji to all of his dear big brother’s subordinates. This was to prevent any misunderstandings should they encounter Huang Ji in the future. Such mistakes would be anything but reassuring.

Of course, while it was said that this included all of Tianheng’s subordinates, the ones who could join the feast were still only those who were truly on their side. For example, Bao You and the others who were under control, the loyal and devoted Tianlong Guards, and the Gongyi Clan children who were linked by blood. In addition, there was Tianheng’s biological brother Tianyang and biological sister Mingxia, who shared a close relationship.

Tianyang was working hard so that he could someday marry a certain charming and beautiful woman. Mingxia was working hard so that she could become a successful and able woman. Every day, the two lived in seclusion. It was basically very difficult to see them outside.

This time around, because the reputation of the Sky Leaderboard’s number one was too great and that Tianheng had specifically informed them, Tianyang and Mingxia had come out. In any case, they had already appeared at the small feast. After seeing Huang Ji, they felt very different things.

They heard that this Huang Ji was obviously a woman, but one needed to refer to Huang Ji as Senior Sect Brother… Also, they heard that this Senior Sect Brother Huang’s strength was phenomenal. This time, he came to find their Brother Ah Zuo for treatment… Additionally, they heard that Senior Sect Brother Huang’s disposition was rather straightforward. When speaking with him, it was better to be honest. Any subterfuge would instead offend this person.

Contrary to what one might expect, Tianyang was fine about it. Meanwhile, a trace of curiosity arose within Mingxia.

In Qingyun Sect, Mingxia had seen many valiant and formidable women. She also knew lots of women who were stronger than the men. She herself also wanted to become a female martial artist who wouldn’t hold others back. However, for those whom she could truly get into close contact with, for those who could trample over crowds of men, there was only this Huang Ji.

Perhaps, because Mingxia had been looking for too long, Huang Ji, who was originally drinking wine, turned his head and met Mingxia’s gaze at this moment. The expression in his eyes wasn’t all that scary, but it made Mingxia sense an extraordinarily imposing aura. It seemed to have a very strong deterring power, which put her on guard with a bit of trembling.

Huang Ji saw that Mingxia didn’t respond, and just turned his head back and continued drinking.

He saw through Mingxia’s strength at a glance. He could tell her identity from the resemblance between her and Tianheng. But for a little girl like this, she probably stared at him for a few times because of her heavy curiosity. On the contrary, he didn’t feel that the other party had offended him — From the moment he was born and ever since he entered Qingyun Sect, all kinds of gazes were never in short supply. He paid no attention to this.

Because Mingxia was the only girl in the crowd of people, she sat somewhere between the newly-arrived Huang Ji and Gongyi Tianyang.

Gu Zuo was also close by. When he saw Mingxia’s expression, he quietly asked: “Mingxia, what’s wrong?”

Mingxia calmed her state of mind, and started to talk with Gu Zuo. From her first meeting with Gu Zuo, this good-tempered teenager who was just a little bit older than her, she was very close to him. In particular, after seeing her family’s eldest brother regard Gu Zuo so importantly, she treated Gu Zuo as a member of her family even more. As a result, compared to that ever-dignified eldest brother and that busy second brother, she was more willing to chat with Gu Zuo.

Hence, Mingxia just said to Gu Zuo: “I’m very envious.”

Gu Zuo first stared blankly, but then he understood.

Mingxia was envious of Huang Ji’s strength and freedom. Even when Huang Ji called himself a man, no matter how other people didn’t acknowledge this in their hearts, they still had to address him as Senior Sect Brother. The current strength of Mingxia, who was previously pampered growing up, was still the most inferior among everyone. She dearly wished to become a “woman” like Huang Ji — A woman who could make her own rules and who wouldn’t be subjected to the fetters of others.

Gu Zuo paused.

Ah, if he could do whatever he wanted, then he would do it, too. But even if he and his big brother Tianheng operated for a long period of time, they would only be able to gradually reveal a fraction of their skills. It was basically impossible to act completely unrestrained.

Huang Ji could do it because his potential was huge, but he didn’t have so many goals like them. Growing up, Huang Ji’s disposition possessed beastly qualities — Not only was there the willfulness, instinct, and tyranny of a beast, there was also the cunning of a beast. But no matter the sort, it all likewise bore the direct nature of a beast, which allowed Huang Ji to choose the path that was the most favorable to him. With his own disposition being like this, he could act confidently and freely.

Apart from his herculean strength, his power was due to his soul’s purity, and great inner strength.

After pondering for a while, Gu Zuo spoke to this young girl: “Mingxia, if it’s like this, know that Senior Sect Brother Huang will be living here for a rather long time. You can properly understand him and study his strong points. In the future, I believe that you will certainly find your own path of martial arts!”

Mingxia was comforted: “Big Brother Ah Zuo, would this bother Senior Sect Brother Huang?”

Gu Zuo solemnly said: “I can talk to Senior Sect Brother Huang in advance… Senior Sect Brother Huang is a pretty good person. So long as you don’t trouble him too much, he shouldn’t take offense.”

In short, Gu Zuo was certain that mentioning this matter to Huang Ji beforehand would be fine.

Under his big brother’s lead, the people who were brought here had all found certain paths forward. It was only Gongyi Mingxia, whose foundations were the weakest, who needed proper guidance.

Previously, it was because there were no opportunities. But now there was this free and valiant Huang Ji. Under the pretense that the labor costs hadn’t been collected yet, why not dig out some of Huang Ji’s personal value…

Gu Zuo silently made up his mind.

Mingxia’s face showed a little bit of happiness, which made her pretty features seem incomparably spirited.

Gu Zuo warned: “However, Mingxia, you have to pay proper attention. Because Senior Sect Brother Huang has been accustomed to living alone since childhood, he’ll occasionally be somewhat stiff and direct when chatting with other people. Mingxia, when you talk with Senior Sect Brother Huang, remember that you can’t be too euphemistic.”

Mingxia didn’t fully understand, but she was aware of the severity within these words. She solemnly agreed.

It was then that Gu Zuo felt somewhat reassured.

After the small feast, all of the guests left. However, Huang Ji didn’t return to his cavern for the time being.

It wasn’t for any other reasons. It was mainly because Huang Ji’s treatment process was going to be here later on. Gu Zuo also needed to clearly explain it to Huang Ji, which would allow him to be well aware of the situation.

Huang Ji sat on the other side, and his sitting posture was very upright. At the same time, it was impossible to fault — Regardless of where anyone wanted to attack, he could react instantly, ricocheting the attack back from those angles and conducting his own counterattack.

He truly maintained a beast-like vigilance at all times.

…Ever since Gu Zuo discovered Huang Ji had the Heavenly Beast Body, when he looked at Huang Ji again, he couldn’t help feeling that each of Huang Ji’s movements and actions all carried the intent of a beast king.

When he thought about it, he felt quite exasperated.

After shaking his head, Gu Zuo didn’t speak any superfluous words, and directly took out a long, long list from his sleeve. He handed it over to Huang Ji: “Senior Sect Brother Huang, here’s the names of the first stage’s required medicinal ingredients and beast blood. Once Senior Sect Brother Huang obtains all of it, we can begin the first step of development.”

Huang Ji took the list, and lowered his head to check it out.

Most of what was on the list was actually the names of medicinal ingredients. It was a very long string of names. There was a huge disparity between the quantities and varieties of the ingredients. He recognized some of them. The general uses were to reconcile and dilute hostile forces and other such things. This should’ve been to avert the violent sentiments in the wild beast blood and physique.

Of course, Huang Ji wasn’t a pharmacist. He couldn’t recognize them all. However, since he trusted Gu Zuo, he also trusted these medicinal ingredients.

Thus, he continued to read down the list. Below that large handful of ingredients, there were several written lines that pertained to the necessary beast blood.

Due to Huang Ji’s Heavenly Beast Body being developed too late and that he had already reached the Immortal Realm, he hadn’t completed several of the preceding stages of body tempering. If it was to be completed now, then it would be much more complicated than before.

As such, the initial, incremental progress of one type of beast blood to a few types of beast blood wouldn’t be needed. From the beginning, Gu Zuo’s requirements were at least thirty-six different types of wild beasts that could fly, crawl, run, swing, burrow, and swim. The blood essence within their bodies would be collected, and individually packaged in different containers.

Yes, at the present time, they needed to use blood essence with strong power… Ordinary blood essence was already incapable of tempering Huang Ji’s physical body from the inside out.

Huang Ji nodded his head: “Okay. How long do you need?”

Gu Zuo said: “The sooner, the better.”

His heart was still a little depressed because these medicinal ingredients really were all required, and there were none that he could keep hidden… This was different from when he normally refined pills. This was the same as delivering himself to the front door. Moreover, he still needed Huang Ji’s help, so this was simply a big loss.

He had acted as an unscrupulous businessman many times already. It was a pity that he needed to be a person with integrity this time.

Tianheng could see through Gu Zuo’s mood. He shook his head, and couldn’t help finding it somewhat funny. Never mind. After this, he would buy some medicinal ingredients for his Ah Zuo. This would appease him.

Gu Zuo was still holding a solemn discussion with Huang Ji.

Huang Ji said: “I’ll be as fast as possible.”

Gu Zuo nodded: “Once the medicinal ingredients and beast blood are done, we can start tempering the body immediately.”

Huang Ji nodded as well.

The two looked each other in the eyes.

Gu Zuo: “Senior Sect Brother Huang, after the first body tempering, would you be able to help out with a small favor?”

Huang Ji: “Talk.”

Gu Zuo: “My big brother and I usually have lots of work, and my little sister, Mingxia, is very young. Her strength is also feeble. If she can’t be guided down the correct path in time, I’m afraid that, in the future, there’ll be obstructions in cultivating on her path of martial arts. Because there normally isn’t anyone who can give her pointers, I hope that when Senior Sect Brother Huang has some free time, you can teach her a thing or two. If Senior Sect Brother Huang thinks it’s troublesome, you can simply live in Mingxia’s ornamented tower so it’s more convenient.”

When Gu Zuo spoke up to here, Huang Ji’s expression finally had a slight change: “I can’t.”

Gu Zuo was disappointed: “Why not…”

What he said was spoken from the heart. In addition to the hope that Mingxia followed Huang Ji to learn from the other’s strong spirit and approach towards practicing martial arts, there truly wasn’t anyone else who had free time to give her pointers. It wouldn’t be too relieving if they casually found a place to resettle Mingxia. On the off-chance that something bad happened, it would be absolutely terrible.

Gu Zuo originally felt that, although Huang Ji had a bit of an independent nature, it shouldn’t have gotten to the point of refusal… But if the guy really wasn’t willing, then there was nothing to be done. It wouldn’t be good to force the other party, right?

Amid such muddled thoughts, Gu Zuo suddenly became a little anxious. After thinking about the problem of Mingxia’s guidance, he felt that this matter demanded immediate action!

After that, Huang Ji opened his mouth: “Men and women shouldn’t touch hands when they give or receive things.”

Gu Zuo: “Huh?”

They were both girls… Eh, right. Huang Ji still believed that he was a man! Moreover, he himself said that he liked women!

After remembering this, he felt embarrassed at once.

Huang Ji supplemented: “Giving directions is okay, but moving in together is not.”

Gu Zuo’s mood changed from disappointed to embarrassment to joy: “So long as you can give some pointers, that’s fine…” Then, he said, at a loss, “Just now, I wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry. When the time comes, I’ll let my little sister take the initiative to find Senior Sect Brother Huang if she doesn’t understand something.”

This time around, Huang Ji answered positively.

Soon after, he leaped up. His entire body became a bolt of lightning, and he vanished towards the other side of the hill.

Gu Zuo rubbed his face, and turned his head to look at Tianheng who was at his side. Gu Zuo didn’t know whether to laugh or cry: “Big brother, it looks like I lost a lot of face just then…”

Tianheng patted his head: “Does Ah Zuo still need some medicinal ingredients? I’ll instruct the Tianlong Guards to make lots of purchases for you to use.”

Gu Zuo’s mood suddenly improved.

So to say, this was him being comforted by his big brother.

T

/N: Thanks for the correction, Charysa.

Please don’t forget to support the original author.