Chapter 344

Chapter 344: Advanced Gu Techniques

Zhou Luo had continuously cultivated the art of refining Gu insects.

Moreover, to elevate Yao Wu’s skills, he specifically purchased some ancient books on Gu refinement.

Unfortunately, techniques for refining Gu were inherently scarce, making them difficult to find even in the Immortal City.

These ancient books enabled Yao Wu to improve somewhat, yet she remained unable to achieve a breakthrough.

She genuinely needed a skilled master to guide her.

Meanwhile, Zhou Luo, who had only just entered this field, had now smoothly advanced to an entry-level Gu Master.

Compared to his other crafts, this Gu refinement technique wasn’t worth mentioning.

But he took pride in having painstakingly researched it himself, and since it fascinated him, he never neglected its practice.

However, as his studies in Gu refinement deepened, Yao Wu could no longer mentor him effectively.

Thus, the auction house offering an ancient Gu book for sale took him somewhat by surprise.

If he could obtain this ancient Gu manual, it might not significantly enhance his skills, but it would still be better than nothing.

Later, he planned to hand the book to Yao Wu—there was a chance it could aid her progress.

Even if it proved useless, that top-grade Gu insect should still boost her combat capabilities.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, the bidding below for this lot had already raised the bid to eight hundred spiritual stones.

The price had climbed considerably high.

Zhou Luo directly made his bid: "One thousand spiritual stones."

The moment he spoke, the hall below fell into absolute silence.

Previously, Zhou Luo’s display of wealth had left others struggling to compete, especially since he occupied a VIP chamber. Thus, none dared contend against him now.

Finally, no further offers emerged, and Zhou Luo successfully acquired both the top-grade Gu insect and the advanced ancient manual.

Shortly afterward, both items were personally delivered to the VIP chamber.

In no hurry to depart, Zhou Luo first examined the top-grade Gu insect.

Assisted by his spiritual appraisal skill, he promptly discerned that this insect was designed to amplify attacks.

Placing it above the heart allowed surges of spiritual energy to flood the wielder’s body, bolstering physical strength.

This belonged to a relatively common category of Gu insects, and though its rank was lofty, its value did not justify such a price.

He then shifted his attention to the ancient book.

Upon opening it, the pages detailed a refinement method for an insect called the Heartfelt Gu.

This Heartfelt Gu was a top-grade Gu insect, divided into the child Gu insect and the mother insect.

Just as its name implied, someone ingesting the child Gu insect would develop deep affection for whoever swallowed the mother insect, becoming unreservedly devoted—unless the Gu could be forcibly expelled.

Besides this ability, the Heartfelt Gu possessed another significant function: healing wounds.

Since mother and child Gu shared identical origins, whenever either suffered critical injuries, the Gu insects could be activated to enable recovery.

Additionally, the Heartfelt Gu granted numerous other capabilities.

As the Heartfelt Gu naturally possessed profound energy, if harnessed, it could unleash numerous remarkable effects.

Zhou Luo swiftly skimmed through the contents.

This Gu insect seemed rather excellent, ensuring the loyalty of any woman he would marry in the future, with no downsides — only countless benefits.

Unfortunately, cultivating this Gu insect required at least reaching the peak first-grade realm.

For now, he had only just begun, with no telling when he might achieve such cultivation.

He temporarily stored the ancient book away and turned to Bai Zhi Yan: "Let’s go, we’ll head to the Bai family residence."

"Mm," Bai Zhi Yan nodded.

The two then departed the auction house and made straight for the Bai family manor.

Unlike Maple Leaf City, the Bai residence occupied the far eastern edge of Snowfall City, dominating the entire eastern district across an expansive, partitioned territory.

Only Bai family members were permitted entry.

Thus, as the pair approached the compound gates with their cultivation concealed, a Bai family cultivator immediately stepped forward.

"This is Bai family territory. Outsiders are forbidden," declared the burly man, voice booming and authoritative.

Before Zhou Luo could speak, Bai Zhi Yan advanced, her previously delicate aura shifting sharply as an intense presence radiated from her.

"I am Bai Zhi Yan," she stated coldly.

The name seemed unfamiliar to the guard, but her commanding demeanor made his heart murmur with doubt.

A member of the Bai clan? Perhaps she held significant standing?

Cautious now, his tone softened: "If you belong to the Bai family, do you possess an identity token?"

"My father is Bai Changzhou," Bai Zhi Yan answered gravely.

Hearing that name, the man visibly stiffened.

It was the current family head’s name — a name no one dared speak directly within the entire Bai family.

And she claimed him as her father?

Could she be a direct descendant of the main lineage?

The burly man’s mind raced. He didn’t recall any young lady among the family’s daughters named Bai Zhi Yan.

Dared not handle this carelessly, he replied, "One moment. I must consult an elder."

He then hurried away.

"Husband, why didn’t we just enter directly?" Bai Zhi Yan turned to Zhou Luo, curiosity in her eyes.

Given their status, storming the Bai residence wouldn’t have met resistance.

Zhou Luo offered a light smile: "This is your family. We’re guests here — no need for unpleasantness."

Bai Zhi Yan paused, a ripple stirring her heart.

She’d always heard that upon reaching Foundation Establishment, cultivators underwent a transformation in disposition — beings as unreachable as heaven compared to Qi Refinement cultivators like her.

Thus, every Foundation Establishment cultivator radiated overwhelming pride, disdaining all beneath them.

Yet Zhou Luo was entirely different.

Despite attaining Foundation Establishment and soaring to fame throughout Qinyuan Domain,

he remained profoundly gentle toward those around him, never exhibiting a trace of the arrogance expected at his realm.

Earlier, she’d imagined he might assertively force their way into the Bai family.

Only now did she understand: his kindness extended beyond her alone.

Reflecting, she realized this consideration arose precisely because it was her family.

It moved her deeply.

Soon, from the manor entrance, two disciplined squads of guards rushed out, lining both sides as they advanced toward the couple.

At their center strode a middle-aged man in rich, embroidered robes.

When his eyes settled on Bai Zhi Yan’s face, his expression transformed, and he cried out: "Yan’er!"

Seeing her kin, Bai Zhi Yan’s beautiful eyes reddened, tears welling up.

She stepped forward as well, calling out: "Uncle Li."

Bai Li had never imagined he would see his niece again in this lifetime.

Within the entire family, no one had cherished Bai Zhi Yan more than him, her Second Uncle.

Truly, Bai Zhi Yan had grown up showered in his affection alone.

This bond ran deeper than even her parents’ love.

So when Bai Zhi Yan was abducted years ago, his rage had been volcanic — he’d personally led a team far and wide, scouring lands including the Qinyuan Domain.

Alas, they eventually returned empty-handed.

Now, reunited with his niece, his joy overflowed.

Standing before her, the middle-aged man trembled with emotion, eyes shining red, face alight with elation.

He clasped Bai Zhi Yan’s hands, voice unsteady: "You’re back… that’s all that matters. That’s all that matters."