Ever since the academy elder's ascension to the stage, the audience watched quietly. After hearing his announcement, they started discussing fervently.
"To think that at the end, Fang Yuan had the last laugh!"
"He's merely a C-grade, but he beat the Rank two Fang Zheng who has a Jade Skin Gu, did he cheat?"
"Probably not, from the academy elder's personal treatment and probing. If he did not find any problems, Fang Yuan probably did not cheat."
"Fang Yuan's fists were greatly injured, that's normal. But as a fifteen year old, having such strength that surpasses an adult by far, isn't it suspicious?"
"What is there to be suspicious about? There are always people who are born with strange talents. Either super strength, or super smart, actually Fang Yuan's strength isn't that scary, think about that guy." The speaking Gu Master indicated at the standing Chi Shan.
People were immediately enlightened, "Oh yes. When Chi Shan was still a kid, his strength was already greater than an adult, is Fang Yuan also such a monster?"
"That has to be it. When Fang Yuan was young, he could make poems. Those poems were famous around the village back then. We thought he was an A-grade, but he turned out to be C-grade, but it seems heaven has other plans and compensated him with strength.
"He is still a C-grade anyway, if he was B-grade he would be another Chi Shan. Hmph, nothing to be envious about, a Gu Master's cultivation relies on their talent. If I can get a Black Boar Gu in the future, I would have even greater strength than him. That is nothing much, he can only be arrogant for a while." Some people shrugged, speaking unconcernedly.
Fang Yuan walked down the stage, his eyes picking up the people's discussions as he smirked coldly inside his heart.
As for these people's thoughts and explanations, it was the direction Fang Yuan wanted them to go. Or rather, even if the higher-ups were suspicious, they would only be suspicious of his mysterious backer.
"Half a year ago, I risked the danger and used the wild boar tusks to create a second layer of protection at the camp. It is finally coming into play." Fang Yuan eyes were dark like the abyss.
The Gu Yue clan leader remained standing, his brows tightly furrowed.
The situation had clearly spiraled beyond his control.
Fang Yuan taking first place didn't concern him much—it was merely the top spot in a year-end assessment, nothing of true importance.
What truly troubled him was Gu Yue Fang Zheng.
There was no denying that today's events had delivered a heavy blow to Fang Zheng.
If he had been thoroughly defeated from the beginning, the loss might have been easier to accept.
But to be overpowered right at the moment when he had mustered his full strength and gained a surge of confidence—only to be knocked down by a single punch—that was different.
This kind of psychological blow could hinder his development moving forward.
"Under my guidance and arrangement, Fang Zheng was the first to advance to peak stage and Rank two initial stage, continuously gaining success and confidence. But this confidence is probably gone by now. Sigh, my hard work has all gone up like smoke." Gu Yue Bo sighed deeply, gaining a sense of disgust and loathing towards Fang Yuan.
If Fang Yuan had lost to Fang Zheng, everything would have been perfect.
But he actually won, that is too… infuriating.
Not only the clan leader, but the other clan elders' were also full of solemn and complex gazes.
"Fang Yuan's strength is actually so huge, is he really a monster like Chi Shan?"
"Actually, he was strange from young, making poems when he was younger than ten, so his strength getting larger as he grew up is nothing strange."
"But there is another possibility, and that is human action. Fang Yuan has a mysterious backer, maybe the backer assisted him."
"But the person behind him, who could it be?"
The clan elders' hearts were overturning, but their expressions said otherwise.
Clan leader Gu Yue Bo went silent before revealing a smile, saying, "Fang Yuan, getting first place with a C-grade talent, this is an unprecedented grand feat! Becoming first place, you have a hundred primeval stones as reward and also Gu worm choosing priority. Now, I shall reward you further, you can choose any small group you want and join it. Regardless of the group, whichever one you want, just say it and you can join!"
Upon saying so, all the Rank two Gu Masters and students stared at Fang Yuan in envy.
Small groups had their differences too, and joining a good group meant a bright future. Gu Yue Bo's reward was very generous.
"Although I made this decision on the spot, I believe the clan elders here would agree with me," Gu Yue Bo smiled even more intensely, looking at the clan elders beside him.
With Gu Yue Chi Lian and Gu Yue Mo Chen as the head of the clan elders, all of their faces were grim and some even frowned, but no one stopped him.
Trouble had come.
But Fang Yuan was not scared, as he had already anticipated this.
Fang Yuan could see the intentions behind such an action, this was a small probing (test) from the clan leader.
His gaze swept through the arena, the entire clan's best performing three groups were here. The clan leader's faction's Qing Shu group, Chi faction's Chi Shan group, and Mo faction's Mo Yan group.
If it was a regular student, joining any of the three groups meant getting a huge backer, representing a bright future.
But to Fang Yuan, it was the different.
Without hesitation, Fang Yuan stepped forward, cupped his hands respectfully, and said: "I thank the Clan Leader for the generous reward. However, I would like to take this opportunity to formally request the right to establish my own group. Having attained Rank Two, I now meet the qualifications to serve as a group leader. Furthermore, I am aware that this reward differs from what was initially promised, and thus, I humbly ask the Clan Leader to give due consideration to my petition."
Everyone was shocked from Fang Yuan declaration
"Did I hear that correctly?"
"Not choosing a top-performing group, but forming one? Does Fang Yuan think he's some kind of hot shot?"
"Is this Fang Yuan retarded?"
The students and Gu Masters started to discuss, looking at Fang Yuan like he was a fool.
The elders' expression turned dim.
Only the clan leader's expression remained unchanged, as he could easily reject Fang Yuan's request. "But the problem is finding a strong or valid reason to turn it down," the clan leader thought.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Fang Yuan immediately stepped forward once again in a respectful manner: "I understand that one must first be tested and complete a mission before being group leader, Therefore, instead of receiving the reward of joining a group, I would like to request that the reward be exchanged for a mission — one that also serves as my application to inherit my family's assets and continue my family's legacy.
"Naturally, this means I would be receiving two rewards from a single mission. However, I respectfully ask the Clan Leader to consider this request, as it would be my first mission, and the clan customarily offers generous support to newcomer. Given these circumstances, I believe this approach is fair and justified."
"Additionally, I assure you that I seek no unfair advantage from this request. On the contrary, I humbly ask the Clan Leader to assign me the toughest mission available — not as a favor, but as a trial. Through it, I shall prove myself worthy to stand as a group leader, and to rightfully claim my parents' inheritance."
Fang Yuan spoke with such fluidity and confidence that everyone who listened was bewildered — even the Clan Leader himself was astonished.
Sensing the shift in mood caused by Fang Yuan, the Clan Leader had no choice but to comply. "Very well. Since you have made your intentions clear, I shall grant your request."
"Internal affairs elder, based on your expertise, what mission do you deem suitable to test his capability?" He then turned to his left and addressed a middle-aged man with a steady, composed tone.
The internal affairs elder bowed slightly and replied, "In response to the Clan Leader, one of the toughest missions we currently have is the collection of honey wine. This task is extremely difficult, even for a five-man group. This is because the number of people no longer matters — the Gu Master collecting the honey wine must possess a defensive-type Gu to endure the stings."
Satisfied with the answer, the Clan Leader nodded and declared, "Fang Yuan, you are to be assigned the mission of collecting honey wine. Furthermore, to increase the level of difficulty, I am declaring this as a one-man-mission, meaning you will not be allowed to seek assistance from others. However, since this will be your first official mission, you will be granted a period of three months to complete it." With that declaration, the Clan Leader skillfully employed a balanced approach of reward and challenge — a reflection of his seasoned leadership and political control.
Fang Yuan cupped his hands and bowed to the Clan Leader, a faint smile on his lips.