The Gu True Man

Even in Death, the Demon's Heart Remains Unrepentant

"Fang Yuan, hand over the Spring and Autumn Cicada obediently, and I'll give you a quick death!"

"Old Fiend Fang, don't try to resist! Today, all the righteous sects have joined forces to raze your devil's den. We've already laid an inescapable net here—this time, you'll surely end up with your head severed from your body!"

"Fang Yuan, you damned fiend! You killed millions to refine the Spring and Autumn Cicada. You've committed heinous sins, unforgivable, too numerous to record even with all the bamboo in the world!"

"Fiend! Three hundred years ago, you humiliated me, stole my innocence, slaughtered my entire family, and exterminated my nine generations! From that moment, I've craved to eat your flesh and drink your blood! Today, I'll make you wish you were dead!!"

……

Fang Yuan, clad in a tattered emerald robe, his hair disheveled and his body drenched in blood, glanced around.

The mountain wind billowed his blood-stained robe, fluttering like a battle flag with a rustling sound.

Fresh blood gushed from hundreds of wounds on his body. In just a moment of standing, a large pool of blood had formed at his feet.

Surrounded by enemies, there was no way out.

The situation was sealed—death was certain today.

Fang Yuan saw the situation clearly, yet even as death loomed, his expression remained unchanged, calm as ever.

His gaze was deep, like an ancient well, unfathomable as always.

The righteous heroes besieging him were either esteemed elders of great sects or renowned young elites. They now encircled Fang Yuan tightly: some roared, some sneered, some narrowed their eyes with**, some clutched their wounds and stared in fear.

They dared not strike, all dreading his last-ditch counterattack.

Thus, they stood in a tense stalemate for three hours. As the sun set, its afterglow ignited the mountain-side sunset clouds, painting the sky ablaze with brilliance.

Fang Yuan, who had stood motionless as a statue, slowly turned around.

The heroes stirred instantly, all stepping back in unison.

By now, the gray-white rocks beneath Fang Yuan's feet had long been dyed dark red by blood. His pale face, drained of blood, was bathed in the sunset glow, suddenly taking on a delicate flush.

Gazing at the green mountains and setting sun, Fang Yuan smiled softly: "Green mountains and setting sun, autumn moons and spring breezes. Truly, 'morning hair like silk, evening turned to snow; success and failure, all vanish in a turn of the head.'"

As he spoke, memories of his past life on Earth suddenly flooded his mind.

He had once been a Chinese student on Earth, who by chance had traversed to this world. Three hundred years of wandering, two hundred years of dominating the realm—over five hundred years drifted by like a fleeting moment.

Many memories buried deep in his heart came alive at this moment, vividly replaying before his eyes.

"After all, I failed," Fang Yuan sighed inwardly, a touch of emotion, but no regret.

He had foreseen this outcome. When he made his choice, he had been prepared.

The so-called demonic path meant spurning virtue, killing and pillaging—rejected by heaven and earth, enemies with the whole world, yet indulging in unrestrained dominance.

"If the newly refined Spring and Autumn Cicada works, in my next life, I'll still be a fiend!" With this thought, Fang Yuan couldn't help but laugh aloud.

"Old fiend, what are you laughing at?"

"Be careful, everyone! The fiend is going to lash out in his final moments!"

"Hurry up and hand over the Spring and Autumn Cicada!!"

The heroes pressed forward. At that moment, with a thunderous boom, Fang Yuan resolutely self-detonated.

……

Spring rain fell gently, silently nourishing Green Fur Mountain.

Night had deepened, and a faint cool breeze carried the drizzle.

Green Fur Mountain was not dark. From mid-slope to the foot, countless faint glimmers twinkled, like a brilliant ribbon draped over the land.

These lights emanated from stilted houses—though not as numerous as "ten thousand household lamps," there were still thousands.

This was Guyue Mountain Village, nestled in Green Fur Mountain, adding a rich human touch to the vast, quiet mountains.

At the very center of Guyue Mountain Village stood a magnificent pavilion. A sacrificial ceremony was underway, making it brightly lit, its radiance dazzling.

"Ancestors, bless us! May many talented youths with excellent aptitude emerge in this Enlightenment Ceremony, adding new blood and hope to our clan!" The Guyue Clan Chief, middle-aged with frosty temples, knelt on the brown floor in a solemn white sacrificial robe. His upper body straight, hands clasped, eyes tightly shut, he prayed devoutly.

Before him stood a tall, three-tiered black-lacquered altar, holding ancestral tablets. On either side of the tablets were bronze censers, with curls of incense smoke drifting upward.

Behind him, over ten people knelt as well. Clad in loose white sacrificial robes, they were the clan's elders and decision-makers, holding power in all matters.

After praying, the clan chief bent forward first, his palms flat and pressed tightly to the floor, and kowtowed. His forehead tapped the brown floor, making soft thudding sounds.

The elders behind him, their expressions solemn, followed suit in silence.

For a moment, the ancestral hall echoed with the soft clatter of foreheads hitting the floor.

When the ceremony ended, everyone rose slowly and quietly left the solemn hall.

In the corridor, the elders let out silent sighs, and the atmosphere lightened.

Murmurs gradually arose.

"Time flies! In the blink of an eye, a year has passed."

"Last year's Enlightenment Ceremony feels like yesterday—it's still vivid in my mind."

"Tomorrow is the annual Enlightenment Ceremony. I wonder what new talents will emerge in our clan this year?"

"Sigh, I hope a youth with Grade A aptitude appears. Our Guyue Clan hasn't had such a genius in three years."

"Indeed. Villages like Bai and Xiong have produced geniuses these years. Especially Bai Ningbing of the Bai Clan—his talent is terrifying."

At the mention of Bai Ningbing, a shadow of worry crossed the elders' faces.

This youth's aptitude was extraordinary. In just two years, he had reached the rank of Three-Transformation Gu Master. Among the younger generation, he stood unrivaled. Even the older generation felt pressured by this rising star.

In time, he would surely become the backbone of Bai Village—at the very least, a powerful figure capable of shouldering great responsibilities. No one doubted this.

"But there's hope among the youths in this year's ceremony."

"True. A genius has appeared in the Fang branch. He could speak at three months, walk at four months, and compose poems by five. Exceptionally intelligent and talented. It's a pity his parents died early; now his uncle and aunt are raising him."

"Yes, he's precocious and ambitious. I've heard his recent works—Toasting, Ode to Plum Blossoms, River Town—truly a genius!"

The Guyue Clan Chief, the last to leave the ancestral hall, closed the door slowly and heard the elders' chatter in the corridor.

He immediately knew they were talking about a youth named Guyue Fangyuan.

As clan chief, he naturally paid attention to outstanding juniors—and Guyue Fangyuan was the most brilliant among them.

Experience showed that those with innate talents, like a photographic memory or adult-like strength from childhood, often had excellent cultivation aptitude.

"If this youth tests as Grade A, with proper cultivation, he might even rival Bai Ningbing. Even if he's Grade B, he'll surely become a pillar of the Guyue Clan in time. But with his precocity, Grade B is unlikely—Grade A is highly probable." This thought brought a faint smile to the clan chief's lips.

He coughed and said to the elders: "Everyone, it's late. Rest well tonight to conserve energy for tomorrow's Enlightenment Ceremony."

The elders froze slightly, exchanging glances with hidden wariness.

The chief's words were veiled, but they all understood.

Every year, elders vied fiercely for talented juniors, often quarreling until they were red in the face.

It was time to rest, to gather strength for tomorrow's contest.

Especially Guyue Fangyuan—his chance of Grade A aptitude was high. With his parents deceased, he was one of the last two orphans in the Fang branch. Taking him into one's own branch and nurturing him well would ensure a century of prosperity for that lineage!

"But let this be clear: compete honorably. No underhanded tricks to harm clan unity. Remember this well!" the chief warned sternly.

"We dare not."

"We'll keep it in mind."

"Farewell, Chief. No need to see us off."

The elders, each with their own thoughts, took their leave.

Soon, the long corridor fell silent. Spring rain and a slanting wind drifted in through the window. The chief walked slowly to the window.

Instantly, fresh, moist mountain air filled his lungs, refreshing him.

From the third floor of the pavilion, he overlooked most of Guyue Mountain Village.

At this late hour, most households still had lights on—unlike usual.

Tomorrow's Enlightenment Ceremony mattered to everyone's interests. An air of excitement and tension hung over the clan, leaving many restless.

"This is the future hope of the clan," the chief sighed, his eyes reflecting the flickering lights.

At that moment, another pair of clear eyes gazed quietly at the late-night lights, filled with complex emotions.

"Guyue Mountain Village... Is this five hundred years ago?! The Spring and Autumn Cicada really worked..." Fang Yuan's gaze was deep. Standing by the window, he let the wind and rain drench him.

The Spring and Autumn Cicada's power was to reverse time. Ranked seventh among the Ten Strange Gu, it was truly extraordinary.

In short: rebirth.

"I've been reborn with the Spring and Autumn Cicada—returned to five hundred years ago!" Fang Yuan stretched out his hand, staring at his young, pale palm, then clenched it tightly, savoring the reality.

The faint patter of rain on the window echoed in his ears. He closed his eyes, then opened them after a long moment, sighing softly: "Five hundred years of experience... it truly feels like a dream."

But he knew—this was no dream.

(ps: Well, the new book is finally here! As I mentioned at the end of Supreme Demon Tamer, the protagonist is very evil, and this book will be controversial. I hope readers will read the preface to understand what kind of book this is. I've said all I need to in the preface. If you like it, let's embark on this wonderful adventure together. For a new book, your collections, recommendation votes, and comments are the best encouragement.)

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