Chapter 76 Travelling Gu Yue Village

The Southern Border was known as the land of countless mountains. Although the name was somewhat exaggerated, the number of vast and treacherous mountain ranges found here truly surpassed the other four regions.

The Youling Mountains before them were one such place. Its main peak rose more than seven thousand feet into the sky, while the mountain range itself stretched for over three hundred miles. Towering peaks disappeared into the clouds, their dark slopes rising one after another like an enormous black python sprawled across the land.

The terrain was particularly dangerous. Narrow paths wound between steep cliffs, while withered pines grew from sheer rock faces and deep ravines waited below. The mountains were also filled with wild Gu and beast groups hiding within caves, valleys, and concealed passages, frequently ambushing merchant caravans unfortunate enough to cross their territory.

“We’ve traveled this route several times before, but the Youling Mountains are completely uninhabited, without even a single clan village along the way. There’s no telling whether the old route is still safe. Send several groups of Gu Masters ahead to scout the path first.”

A large merchant caravan slowly entered the silent Youling Mountains. Most of its goods were being transported by Treasure Brass Toad, while the Gu Master responsible for leading the caravan was none other than Jia Fu, one of the young masters of Jia Family Village and a Rank Four Gu Master.

“Big Brother, how is it? Need my help?”

A voice suddenly came from above. Jia Fu raised his head and saw a Gu Master standing atop a Winged Snake descending toward the caravan. It was his youngest brother, Jia Jinsheng.

Ever since Jia Jinsheng displayed his Rank Two cultivation and unexpected combat ability during the previous Gu battle, the way his clansmen treated him had changed considerably. Even the old Jia clan leader had begun providing his youngest son with far more cultivation resources than before, including two precious Red Steel Relic Gu.

The two Red Steel Relic Gu had pushed Jia Jinsheng’s cultivation all the way to Rank Two peak stage, leaving him only one step away from Rank Three. However, he had purposely kept his true cultivation hidden, quietly familiarizing himself with his increased strength before revealing anything.

There were two reasons for this. First, he did not want Jia Fu and Jia Gui to become wary of him too early. Second, even after reaching Rank Two peak stage, the difference between him and his two Rank Four brothers remained enormous. Even with his Blood Path methods, confronting either of them directly would be courting death.

Seeing Jia Jinsheng approach, Jia Fu immediately greeted him warmly and grasped his hand. “It’s only a small matter. The Gu Masters under us can handle it, so there’s no need for you to trouble yourself. Come, let’s have some tea and discuss the arrangements for the journey while we wait for their report.”

At the same time, Jia Fu activated a signal Gu and ordered three teams of Gu Masters to separate from the main caravan. They quickly entered the surrounding mountains to scout the familiar routes ahead and determine whether they were still safe to travel.

Ever since the previous merchant caravan journey ended, Jia Jinsheng seemed to have become a completely different person. Not only had he revealed Rank Two cultivation, but his previous laziness and lack of ambition had disappeared as well. No one knew what fortunate encounter he had experienced or what Gu he had obtained, but in the eyes of the Jia clansmen, their formerly useless young master had finally encountered a stroke of great fortune.

Even the old Jia clan leader’s opinion of his youngest son had changed considerably. He had publicly praised Jia Jinsheng’s perseverance and determination, even remarking that his current attitude reminded him of himself in his younger years.

Of course, Jia Fu understood the deeper meaning behind those words.

No matter what fortunate encounter Jia Jinsheng had obtained, he was still only a Rank Two Gu Master. Compared with Jia Fu and Jia Gui, both of whom had already reached Rank Four, he seemingly posed no threat in the struggle for the position of clan leader. However, he was still their blood brother and had recently regained their father’s favor. If Jia Fu could win him over, it would naturally improve his own standing in the old clan leader’s eyes.

Even the younger brother Father had personally praised could willingly stand beside him. Would that not demonstrate Jia Fu’s tolerance and ability to win people over?

This was also why the old clan leader had placed Jia Jinsheng in Jia Fu’s caravan rather than Jia Gui’s. He already knew that Jia Gui had been behind the previous scheme against Jia Jinsheng. A man who could not even tolerate his own younger brother would naturally raise doubts about whether he possessed the character required to lead the entire clan.

Thus, this was not merely an arrangement for Jia Jinsheng. It was also another test for Jia Fu.

As for Jia Jinsheng, he had little interest in their expectations. His immediate goal was simple: increase his cultivation as quickly as possible until he possessed enough strength to compete for the position of clan leader himself. Until then, Jia Fu’s goodwill was simply another opportunity to obtain resources and benefits.

Jia Jinsheng had never given up on becoming the next clan leader.

The two brothers smiled at each other and walked back toward the caravan with their arms around each other’s shoulders, appearing exceptionally close. Anyone watching would have seen nothing but brotherly harmony, while beneath the surface, both were quietly making their own calculations.