Chapter 1045 - 724: Primordial Dao Body
"If it’s just common knowledge of poisonous gu technique, naturally there’s no harm."
Lady Hu heaved a sigh of relief.
Shen Xuan posed some questions regarding the gu technique, presenting them logically, from shallow to deep.
Lady Hu occasionally furrowed her brow in thought, combining her own understanding, and cautiously and meticulously answered each question.
As it turns out, the poisonous gu technique in the Cultivation Realm, is both similar and different from the witchcraft gu Shen Xuan heard of in his past life.
The core of gu technique lies in "raising gu insects."
This "raising gu insects" way is the most essential and absolutely non-transferable unique skill of every Gu Master.
Gu insects in the world are strange and varied, with differing functions.
There are auxiliary gu insects that specialize in reconnaissance, eavesdropping, transmitting messages, and sharing perceptions.
There are strange gu insects that can sneak into dreams and read memory fragments.
There are assassination gu insects skilled in invisibility, penetrating defenses, and delivering fatal strikes.
Furthermore, there are special gu insects with magical abilities such as death substitution, damage transfer curses, and even healing and detoxification.
Colorful and multifaceted, mysterious and unpredictable.
Every true Gu Master possesses at least one "lifeline gu" that is cultivated with one’s own life and connected to one’s spirit.
When the gu lives, the person lives; when the gu dies, the person is harmed.
The strength gap between Gu Masters often does not depend on their own cultivation, but on the types, quantity, and grade of the gu insects they nurture and control.
A Foundation Establishment Gu Master who possesses rare and powerful gu insects can poison or plot against a True Pill Cultivator, which is not impossible.
Of course, gu technique also has limitations.
Facing opponents with realms far superior to one’s own, powerful Divine Sense, and strong protective divine powers, ordinary gu insects find it hard to approach, let alone breach defenses.
Direct frontal assault is not the strength of a Gu Master.
"I never imagined the gu technique is so profound and mysterious, with a complete system. Today’s conversation with Fellow Daoist Hu has been immensely enlightening for Shen. I’ve gained a new perspective!"
After discussing for a full hour, Shen Xuan finally stopped asking questions, his face showing a look of admiration, and he cupped his hands in gratitude.
"No need for such formality, Shen Pill Master."
Lady Hu smiled humbly and explained, "As for the gu technique, I merely have a preliminary glimpse into its mysteries. This path is unconventional and deep, with many restrictions. Are you interested in venturing into it, Shen Pill Master?"
"I do not plan to for now."
Shen Xuan shook his head.
At present, his attention is still focused on cultivating his Fire Technique Primordial Golden Core, striving to break through to the Middle Stage, as that is the right path."
Lady Hu asked no more.
Though gu technique is intriguing, its cultivation threshold is high, with many restrictions, and it requires dealing with various poisonous insects and exotic creatures, not everyone is suited for it.
The vast majority of cultivators are merely curious about it and steer clear when truly asked to learn.
Lady Hu’s explanation gave Shen Xuan a preliminary understanding of gu technique.
Truly venturing into it would involve numerous secret techniques, resources, risks, and taboos, requiring careful consideration and preparation.
"If I have further questions about gu technique in the future, I will have to trouble Fellow Daoist Hu."
Shen Xuan said.
"You’re too kind, Shen Pill Master."
Lady Hu gave a modest bow, "As long as it does not involve my sect’s core secret techniques, I will speak freely of anything Shen Pill Master asks."
"Naturally. I understand such discretion."
Today, Shen Xuan’s questions centered around the overall framework, principles, and common methods of gu technique, especially how to identify and defend against gu technique attacks, and were particularly detailed.
As for specific "secret techniques for raising gu" and "tricks for using gu," he did not mention them at all.
...
Several days later, at the clan leader’s residence.
Led personally by Zhang Shixiu, Shen Xuan entered the inner hall.
Xu Haozhi and Gu Xiaoyao were already waiting there.
"Shen Pill Master is here! Please have a seat!"
Xu Haozhi stood up, his face warmly smiling, cupped his hands in salute, and was quite courteous.
Currently, Pill Master Shen Xingchen has become famous in the Myriad Phenomena Immortal City.
Some cultivators who had no avenues to obtain pills managed to reach out to the Fuhai Commerce Alliance.
As the Pill Shopkeeper, Xu Haozhi privately requested Shen Xuan to refine several batches of Golden Transformation Pills.
Though each transaction was cleared between money and goods, Xu Haozhi is very aware of the favors involved.
Someday, if Shen Pill Master asks for a favor, he must return this goodwill.
This is the unspoken rule in the interactions between cultivators.
Debts of goodwill are the hardest to repay.
Otherwise, one would damage one’s reputation and would struggle to gain others’ trust.
"No need to be so formal, Shopkeeper Xu, we’re all acquainted, there’s no need for extra courtesy."
Shen Xuan smiled slightly and sat down comfortably.
His gaze swept over Gu Xiaoyao, who was drinking by himself on the side, "Look at Fellow Daoist Gu, he doesn’t stand on ceremony."
"Hehe, as an old friend of Shen Pill Master, I don’t bother with these formalities."
Gu Xiaoyao squinted, taking a delightful sip.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Xu Haozhi got to the main topic, "Shen Pill Master, I’ve got some news on what you asked me to investigate some days ago."
While speaking, Xu Haozhi glanced at Zhang Shixiu and Gu Xiaoyao.
"Speak freely."
Shen Xuan’s expression was calm, "Those present are not outsiders."
"Alright."
Xu Haozhi cleared his throat, "According to reliable information, a month from now, the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace will host a high-standard large-scale auction. It is reported that several Tier Four Spiritual Objects may appear!"
"Tier Four Spiritual Objects?"
Upon hearing this, Shen Xuan raised his brows slightly, a hint of surprise appearing on his face.
"Such level treasures appearing? Would it not attract Nascent Soul True Monarchs to personally attend?"
"Of course."
Xu Haozhi pondered as he spoke, "However, the number of Tier Four Spiritual Objects is not large, and the transaction method is likely to be barter. The Daoist Palace’s main role is to guarantee and mediate."
Shen Xuan nodded, "Tier Four Spiritual Objects are beyond our reach."
"The Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Demon Pill and Essence Blood, which Shen Pill Master is interested in, should make an appearance."
Shen Xuan nodded slightly, asking, "Is there a possibility for the Nascent Soul Pill to appear?"
Xu Haozhi responded decisively, shaking his head, "The possibility is very minimal. Such Realm-Breaking Spirit Pills, which are crucial to a sect’s foundation, if they appear, the Myriad Phenomena Daoist Palace would trade for them internally, not let them enter the auction and fall into outsiders’ hands."