Volume One, Chapter 8: The Mysterious Girl (Part One)

This was a demonology class, and the teacher responsible for imparting knowledge was none other than Cao Shuguo, the head teacher of Class Five next door.

“Chen Tianming, can’t you have a more serious attitude toward your studies? Look at you—how many times have you been late this semester?”

“Your family’s not well off. You finally awakened a rare Gu, yet you don’t cherish it. And on top of that, you’re so careless in your learning—you’re just wasting your talent.”

“Look at Zhou Zhen from our class. He can already skillfully guide his Gu through six Dao Gu patterns. And you? I’ve heard you can’t even make it through one ice-type Gu pattern.” Cao Shuguo glared at the tardy Chen Tianming, his anger barely contained as he loudly reprimanded him.

Chen Tianming curled his lips, feeling powerless to retort. The Zhou Zhen Cao referred to was the very guy who awakened a Thunder Gu on Awakening Day. Cao Shuguo constantly used Zhou as a shining example to motivate students, but coming from him, it always felt like blatant boasting.

“Guiding six Gu patterns? My grandfather can already handle eight,” Chen Tianming thought scornfully but said nothing. He leisurely took his seat and began to listen.

“Alright, open your books. Today, we’ll continue learning about some relatively common demons.”

“As everyone knows, demons cannot be killed by ordinary means. The only way to eliminate them is through ‘Gu.’ So I hope you all study hard and strive to become qualified Gu masters as soon as possible.” Cao Shuguo cast a sidelong glance at Chen Tianming as he spoke.

Seeing Chen sitting upright without fault, Cao resumed his lecture.

Thanks to his unique double training time, Chen Tianming had already mastered guiding his Gu through eight Gu patterns. He believed that if he could focus absolutely, he could coax his Thunder Gu to obediently complete the ninth pattern.

But the problem was, whenever the Gu reached the entrance to the ninth pattern, it stubbornly refused to enter.

The ninth Gu pattern was like a coquettish woman who teased Chen, making him restless and eager, yet his little companion was uncooperative, lingering at the threshold despite threats or temptations.

“Brother Tian, how’s your progress with the Ice Gu?” Hou Longtao, sitting beside him, asked with concern after Cao Shuguo’s attention shifted away.

“No progress,” Chen answered absentmindedly.

The Ice Gu... as Cao Shuguo said, Chen couldn’t activate the Gu to traverse even a single pattern because he hadn’t inscribed the pattern on the Gu jar at all.

That was like having bowls and chopsticks for a meal, but no food in the bowl.

How could you eat air?

He had no choice; this semester, all his energy went into the Thunder Gu.

As a result, the Ice Gu was completely neglected — frozen in the coldest dormancy.

Hearing Chen’s response, Hou Longtao grew anxious.

“Brother Tian, I heard Li Chengying can already guide his Gu through five patterns. Soon he might unleash the first Gu technique of a Fire Gu master. But I wonder which fire technique he’s chosen?”

“Do you think it’s a simpler fireball spell, or a harder-to-control fiery arrow that can strike multiple targets at once?”

“Why are you so interested in him?” Chen Tianming asked, puzzled.

“Knowing oneself and the enemy’s moves ensures victory in battle,” Hou answered.

“He and Yang Debiao have disliked you for a long time. I think sooner or later, they’ll come after you. So I want to learn their Gu techniques in advance. If they try to sneak attack one day, I can counter them effectively.”

“Alas! But those two are too secretive. They haven’t revealed the pattern of their first Gu technique yet.” Hou’s expression showed regret.

“You’re really foolish,” Chen Tianming said, frustrated. “Speed up your Gu training. Learn the first technique before they do. Then what can they use to fight you?”

It was like having a loaded pistol with the safety off, ready to shoot, while the enemy had a gun but no bullets—obviously weaker.

Hou Longtao suddenly understood.

“You’re so smart, Brother Tian. How did I never think of that?”

Watching the excited Hou, Chen felt helpless. This guy had a clever monkey-like face but acted like a fool. If Chen weren’t around, he feared Hou would get himself into trouble without even his underwear left.

...

Time slips quietly through the gaps between fingers—fleeting and thin.

In the blink of an eye, the semester ended swiftly. Chen Tianming had spent the entire term holed up at school, either studying or refining his Gu.

He had no choice; he was desperate to improve.

But no matter what, time would not pause for anyone’s wishes; it relentlessly pushed forward.

Stepping out of the school gates, Chen’s eyes were blank. Instinctively, he headed toward the bus stop to go home—but as the bus arrived, it suddenly struck him: he no longer had a home.

That home had long been sold.

Frowning in thought, Chen decided to visit his long-unseen sister.

He wondered how she was faring at their aunt’s house.

After waiting a long time for the bus that never came, Chen decided to walk. The time was still early, and he could practice along the way.

His expression was relaxed as he slowly made his way toward his aunt’s.

Soon, he reached a quiet alley corner—a place with few pedestrians, perfect for concentrating.

Today, his Gu was obedient, swiftly traversing eight Gu patterns in rapid succession. Approaching the ninth pattern’s entrance, it passed through without any resistance.

This startled Chen Tianming. He instinctively slowed his pace and focused intently...

Under his control, the Gu moved slowly—gradually—bit by bit—steadily—delving deeper inside...

The Gu had already completed the last two-thirds of its path when a sharp scream pierced the air nearby.

“Robbery! Someone’s being robbed!”

The sudden shout nearly disrupted Chen’s control. Ignoring the commotion, he steadied his mind and continued guiding the Gu.

In an instant, the Gu pattern on the surface of the purple Gu jar was fully filled by the Gu. A surge of astonishing purple energy condensed in Chen’s palm.

The power came suddenly, but he felt as if an extra finger had grown on his hand—he could control it as easily as his own palm.

The Gu had completed its course; the Gu technique manifested!

Chen looked up to see a middle-aged man wildly running toward him. The man’s eyes were fierce, warning Chen not to interfere. But when he saw the purple arcs of electricity radiating from Chen, his expression softened immediately.

With a thud, he dropped to his knees.

“Forgive me, honored Gu master. I was wrong. I won’t dare do it again. Please spare my life.”

“Spare you, you dog. If you dare pull this stunt again, I’ll tear you apart,” Chen said, towering over the kneeling thief with an imposing aura.

“Y-yes, I won’t do it again. No, no... there won’t be a next time, really.” Saying this, the man dropped the stolen bag and fled in a hurry.

“Wow! You’re a Thunder Gu master?” The girl chasing the thief had just caught up. Hands on hips, one hand on her chest, she panted, “You really helped me a lot today. The stuff in this bag is very important to me. Let me treat you to a meal to thank you!”

Chen carefully examined the girl before him. She wore black plastic-framed glasses and had long rose-red hair. Judging by her features, she was around his age, with delicate facial features, but freckles on her cheeks marred her appearance, making her look like an ugly duckling with red hair.

He hurriedly waved his hand. “It was nothing but a small favor, not worth mentioning.”

Then he turned to leave.

Watching Chen’s retreating figure, the girl called out anxiously, “Could you please tell me your name? I promise to repay you generously someday.”

“I am a chivalrous wanderer who never leaves a name. If fate allows, I shall tell you when we meet again,” Chen said coolly without looking back, concealing his deeds and fame.

The girl gazed after him, filled with envy. “Ah! If only I could become as powerful a Gu master as he is.”

...