The surname Guye was quite distinctive. Shang Yanfei searched his memory and quickly found its origin.
"The Guye Clan — one of the three families on Qing Mao Mountain, with a history spanning several centuries. Qing Mao Mountain..." Shang Yanfei's eyes brightened slightly as a piece of intelligence from over half a year ago came to mind.
Qing Mao Mountain had suffered a mysterious strike, transforming overnight from a lush green landscape into a frozen wasteland.
No one knew what had truly happened on Qing Mao Mountain.
Even now, the ice and snow covering the entirety of Qing Mao Mountain had not fully melted.
But from the various traces left behind, people could see the marks of a great battle between Gu Masters.
The destruction of Qing Mao Mountain had since become a mysterious incident, spreading far and wide throughout the Southern Border, with countless theories about its cause.
However, for certain people, the traces on Qing Mao Mountain were far too obvious.
The secret of the Ten Extreme Physiques was already semi-public knowledge among the upper echelons of the Gu Master world.
Shang Yanfei guessed the moment he received this intelligence that it was very likely caused by the Northern Abyss Ice Soul Physique, one of the Ten Extreme Physiques.
"If that's the case, then Fang Zheng's background can be explained. The investigation team sent back from Tombstone Mountain also reported no suspicious points."
Shang Yanfei quickly sketched out the rough outline of the entire incident in his mind.
"Then only one question remains. Why would they use fake identities and hide within a merchant caravan?"
Shang Yanfei had already guessed several possibilities, but the matter was still under investigation.
"Oh, right. You sparred with them — how were their skills?" Shang Yanfei asked.
Wei Yang's expression turned serious, and he reported respectfully: "Heaven-blessed talent! Given time, those two will surely surpass me."
"Oh? To receive such high praise from you?" Shang Yanfei was mildly surprised.
Wei Yang nodded and continued: "Although the two of them used Gu Insects to conceal their aura, the fact that they could hold out so long in combat means they are at least Third Transformation cultivators. And judging by their age, both should possess Grade A Aptitude."
Shang Yanfei smiled: "But Wei Yang, you should remember — Grade A Aptitude is merely a talent, it doesn't represent everything. You yourself have only Grade B Aptitude, yet you are my external-clan Elder. Over the years, how many Grade A cultivators have died at your hands? Heh, you are the best proof of that."
In an ordinary mountain stronghold, producing a cultivator with Grade A Aptitude would be considered a remarkable feat.
But for the Shang clan, Grade A Aptitude was nothing out of the ordinary.
First, it was simply due to the clan's vast resources and large population. Second, they could recruit Demonic Path Gu Masters — any Demonic Path Gu Master capable of standing out in the arena was sure to possess exceptional aptitude. Third, the Shang clan's wealth was mountainous, and they had more than enough means to purchase Gu that could alter one's aptitude.
"I humbly accept the Clan Leader's praise, though I am unworthy of such words." Wei Yang replied modestly. He continued, "I understand this principle well. That is precisely why I am even more certain that these two are no ordinary people."
"The two of them possess extraordinary combat talent and a natural keenness for reading the flow of battle. They were practically born for it. Their Gu Insects were incomplete, yet with just those two or three Gu, they held out for a remarkably long time — truly unexpected."
"As for their temperament, both of them are resilient. Despite being at a severe disadvantage, they never once lost heart. Under the pressure I applied, they were able to break through in the heat of battle, constantly adjusting, their coordination growing ever more seamless, their footing increasingly steady. Their progress was strikingly evident."
"To be specific, the two differ in notable ways. Fang Zheng is straightforward by nature, possessing fearless courage and a headstrong boldness — he carries an innate commanding presence. Bai Ningbing, on the other hand, is quick-witted and calculating, always plotting before acting. Throughout the battle, she relentlessly sought out openings, her gaze sharp and piercing. In particular, when I openly revealed that I possessed the Light Source Gu, Fang Zheng admitted defeat of his own accord — composed and at ease. The breadth of his magnanimity is far beyond that of an ordinary person."
"Clan Leader, these two are like young tigers on a hilltop and fledgling dragons on a tidal flat. One is yang, the other yin — one bold and domineering, the other subtle and strategic. Together they would be a perfect match, two bright stars complementing each other's brilliance. If we could recruit them to serve the Shang clan, it would be a tremendous boon!"
Shang Yanfei could not help but be visibly moved.
He had previously paid little mind to Fang and Bai, but after hearing Wei Yang's account, his interest was thoroughly piqued.
"Wei Yang, you've followed me for so many years — I trust your judgment. But there's no need to sell yourself short. Even when they've grown up in the future, they may not necessarily surpass you. You've been held back by your aptitude; otherwise, with your talent, you would be even more outstanding than you are now. Don't worry about it — if a Metamorphosis Gu comes up in the future, I'll make sure to save one for you," Shang Yanfei said.
The Metamorphosis Gu could raise a Gu Master's aptitude. It was exceedingly rare and immensely valuable.
Wei Yang's eyes reddened with emotion on the spot: "Clan Leader, I will never forget your kindness in cultivating me!"
"Mm. I, Shang Yanfei, will never mistreat anyone who loyally follows me. You may withdraw. Over the next few days, continue hosting them — probe what they think of my Shang clan and see if we can recruit them."
"Yes! Your subordinate receives the order!"
……
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Nanqiu Garden.
In the reception hall, Fang Yuan and Shang Ya zi sat facing each other.
Fang Yuan leisurely sipped his tea, but Shang Yazi's expression was far from pleasant.
"For days now, I've come to you with the utmost sincerity. Yet your asking price has only climbed higher with each passing day. It started at merely sixty-five Yuan Stones, then jumped by tens of thousands almost daily, until today — you're actually demanding eight hundred thousand! Are you toying with me for your own amusement?" Shang Yazi's chest churned with frustration as he spoke through gritted teeth.