"Gu Yue Fang Zheng?" After hearing Wei Yang's report, Shang Yanfei furrowed his brows slightly.
The surname Gu Yue 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 of several hundred years. Qing Mao Mountain..." Shang Yanfei's eyes lit up faintly as he recalled an intelligence report from over half a year ago.
Qing Mao Mountain had been struck by a mysterious attack. Overnight, it transformed from green mountains and clear waters into a frozen wasteland blanketed in ice and snow.
No one knew what exactly had happened on Qing Mao Mountain.
To this day, the ice and snow covering the entire mountain had not fully melted.
But from the various traces left behind, people could see evidence of a great battle between Gu Masters.
Now, the destruction of Qing Mao Mountain had become a mysterious event, widely circulated throughout the Southern Border, with countless theories about its cause.
But 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.
The moment Shang Yanfei received this intelligence, he had guessed that all of this was likely caused by the Northern Underworld Ice Soul Physique, one of the Ten Extreme Physiques.
"If that's the case, then Gu Yue Fang Zheng's background can be explained. The investigation team from Tombstone Mountain also sent back correspondence — there were no suspicious points."
Shang Yanfei swiftly sketched out a rough outline of the entire event in his mind.
"Then the only remaining question is — why did they assume false identities and hide within a merchant caravan?"
Shang Yanfei had already guessed many 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 solemn, and he reported respectfully: "Heaven-blessed talent! Given time, these 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 mask their auras, the fact that they could hold out so long in combat means they must be at least Third Transformation in cultivation. And given their age, one can deduce that both of them should possess Grade A Aptitude."
Shang Yanfei chuckled: "But Wei Yang, you should know that Grade A Aptitude is merely a measure of natural talent — it doesn't represent everything. You yourself only have Grade B Aptitude, yet you are my non-clan Elder. Over the years, how many with Grade A Aptitude have died at your hands? Heh heh, you are the best proof of that."
In an ordinary stockade, producing someone with Grade A Aptitude would be a remarkable event.
But for the Shang Family, Grade A Aptitude was quite common.
First, it was because the family was large and powerful, with numerous clansmen. Second, they could recruit Demonic Path Gu Masters, and any Demonic Path Gu Master who could stand out in the martial arts arena was bound to have exceptional Aptitude. Third, the Shang Family's wealth was mountainous, giving them full ability to purchase Gu that could alter one's Aptitude.
"This humble subordinate is undeserved of the Patriarch's praise," Wei Yang said modestly. He continued: "This subordinate is also well aware of this principle. That is why I am even more certain that these two are no ordinary figures."
"They possess extraordinary combat intuition — a natural keenness for the flow of battle. They seem as if they were born for fighting. Their Gu Insects were incomplete and lacking, yet relying on just two or three of those Gu, they held out for a remarkably long time. It was truly surprising."
"As for temperament, both of them are resilient. Even when deeply disadvantaged, they showed no discouragement. Under the pressure I applied, they were able to break through in the moment, constantly adjusting, coordinating with increasing synergy, their formation growing ever steadier. Their progress was extremely evident."
"To be specific, the two differ from each other. Gu Yue Fang Zheng is straightforward by nature, possessing extraordinary courage. He charges in headfirst with an innate air of grandeur. As for Bai Ningbing, she is quick-witted, always planning before acting. In battle, she was constantly trying to find openings in my defenses — her gaze was sharp. In particular, Gu Yue Fang Zheng — when I openly admitted to possessing the Light Source Gu, he主动 acknowledged defeat, remaining completely composed. His magnanimity is far beyond that of ordinary people."
"Patriarch, these two are truly tiger cubs on Pingyang Ridge, young dragons in the shallows. One yang, one yin — one fierce and domineering, the other subtle and calculating. Together they complement each other like twin stars shining in tandem, each enhancing the other's brilliance. If we could recruit them to serve the Shang Family, it would be excellent!"
Shang Yanfei could not help but be moved.
Previously, he had not thought much of Fang and Bai, but after hearing Wei Yang's assessment, his interest grew considerably.
"Wei Yang, you have followed me for so many years — I trust your judgment. But there is no need for you to belittle yourself. Even when they grow in the future, they may not necessarily match you. You are constrained by your Aptitude. Otherwise, with your talent, you would have been even more exceptional than you are now. Don't dwell on it. If a Rebirth Gu comes up in the future, I will save it for you," Shang Yanfei said.
The Rebirth Gu could raise a Gu Master's Aptitude. It was exceedingly rare and of tremendous value.
Wei Yang's eyes reddened with emotion: "The Patriarch's kindness in nurturing this subordinate — this humble one will never forget it for as long as he lives!"
"Hmm. I, Shang Yanfei, will never mistreat anyone who follows me loyally. You may go. Continue entertaining them these next few days, gauge their thoughts about our Shang Family, and see whether they can be recruited."
"Yes! This subordinate obeys!"
……
Three days later, in Nanqiu Garden.
In the reception hall, Fang Yuan and Shang Yazi sat facing each other.
Fang Yuan was leisurely sipping his tea, while Shang Yazi's expression was far from pleasant.
"For days now, I have come to you with utmost sincerity. Yet your asking price has risen higher and higher each time. Originally it was merely sixty-five Yuan Stone — nearly tens of thousands more each day, and by today you are actually asking for eight hundred thousand! Are you toying with me for entertainment?" Shang Yazi's chest was filled with stifled frustration as he spoke through gritted teeth.