Chapter 97 Enslaving Fang Yuan

Meanwhile, back inside the mountain crevice, Fang Yuan obediently recounted everything that had happened, though naturally, his version contained a few carefully chosen embellishments.

According to Fang Yuan, he had been an honest academy student who accidentally discovered the Liquor Worm and followed it until he found Flower Wine Monk’s remains. When the images appeared on the wall, he was deeply shocked. His fourth-generation ancestor had been upright, righteous, and generous. How could such a person possibly have poisoned Flower Wine Monk and attempted to murder him for his wealth?

Obviously, the images had been fabricated by that shameless demonic scoundrel Flower Wine Monk to slander the Gu Yue Clan! Fang Yuan naturally refused to believe such lies. He had even attempted to destroy the image wall so that Flower Wine Monk’s scheme could never damage the reputation of Gu Yue Village.

Unfortunately, before he could destroy it, Jia Jinsheng discovered what he was doing. According to Fang Yuan, Jia Jinsheng then forced him to lead the way here, resulting in everything that followed. As for Flower Wine Monk’s inheritance, Fang Yuan naturally had no interest in such a thing. What value could a demonic cultivator’s inheritance possibly have compared with the reputation of his beloved clan?

Fang Yuan claimed that he had intended to kill Jia Jinsheng solely to protect Gu Yue Village’s reputation. Unexpectedly, Jia Jinsheng turned out to be a hidden Blood Path demonic Gu Master, and Fang Yuan was defeated instead. Fortunately, the first-generation ancestor had awakened at the critical moment and saved him. Otherwise, Jia Jinsheng might have escaped with the evidence and ruined the reputation the Gu Yue Clan had protected for generations.

“So that’s how it is. As expected of a descendant of my Gu Yue bloodline, you truly know how to consider the interests of the clan.” The first-generation Gu Yue chuckled, his blood-red eyes remaining fixed on Fang Yuan. “Judging by your age, you probably haven’t even graduated from the academy yet. Even with the Liquor Worm, you’re only at Rank One middle stage. If I’m not mistaken, your aptitude should be either B-grade or C-grade, right?”

Fang Yuan immediately cupped his fists and replied respectfully, “Ancestor’s eyes are truly discerning. This junior is lacking in talent and slow in cultivation. I possess only C-grade aptitude.”

The first-generation Gu Yue’s smile deepened upon seeing Fang Yuan’s respectful attitude. “It’s fine, it’s fine. Your ancestor also possessed only C-grade aptitude. Didn’t I still rely on my own efforts to reach Rank Five and become a powerful expert?”

“This junior would not dare compare himself with Ancestor.” Fang Yuan lowered his head even further, but his heart had already become vigilant. He could tell that this old monster was definitely planning something.

Sure enough, the first-generation Gu Yue had no intention of leaving things there. He reached into his robes and took out a pill-shaped Gu. “Young man, there’s no need to be so modest. Since you’re so loyal to the clan and care so deeply about Gu Yue Village, how could your ancestor possibly mistreat you? Take this Gu. Although it cannot improve your aptitude, it will be extremely helpful to your future cultivation.”

Fang Yuan’s gaze immediately fell upon the Gu, and his heart sank. In his previous life, he had been a Rank Six Blood Path Gu Immortal with grandmaster attainment in Blood Path. How could he possibly fail to recognize it?

Rank Three Blood Puppet Gu!

This old bastard wants to enslave me!

“Thank you for your kindness, Ancestor, but this junior is naturally dull and has yet to make any contribution to the clan. I am truly unworthy of such a reward. Please take this Gu back.” Fang Yuan repeatedly waved his hands, clearly unwilling to accept it.

The first-generation Gu Yue snorted coldly. Although he had been sleeping for hundreds of years, that did not mean he had made no preparations before entering his slumber. He had also witnessed Fang Yuan’s earlier actions and naturally knew that this junior was nowhere near as obedient and loyal as he pretended to be.

“Junior, I saw everything you did earlier. Do you really think a few lies can deceive your ancestor?” His blood-red eyes stared coldly at Fang Yuan. “You intended to sell the secret of the image wall to an outsider for your own benefit. If you have complaints about the clan, you should help improve it instead of doing something so disgraceful!”

Fang Yuan’s pupils trembled slightly. He immediately dropped to his knees and lowered his head. “Ancestor, please forgive me. This junior was confused for a moment and blinded by greed. I never intended to slander the clan, nor do I harbor any dissatisfaction toward it. I promise that such a thing will never happen again.”

When Fang Yuan raised his head again, the first-generation Gu Yue’s withered hand was already stretched out before him. The blood-red, pill-shaped Blood Puppet Gu still rested in his palm.

“Then prove your loyalty to the clan by swallowing this Gu. Since this is your first offense, I will forget everything that happened as long as you take it.” The first-generation Gu Yue’s expression softened slightly. “And your ancestor did not lie to you. This Gu will indeed greatly benefit your cultivation.”