All-class Gu Immortal

Chapter 28 The New Gu Insect - Golden Silkworm (Two-in-One Large Cup)

Zhou Qing placed a Gu Stone into the square cluster where the Golden Silkworm was located.

The golden silkworms that emerged from their cocoons all crawled toward the Gu Stone and quickly surrounded it.

"puff!"

The Green Silk Gu declared, 'These are all mine, mine!'

"Don't be so stingy! If these silkworms can produce better silk, I'll have more money, my strength will improve faster, and I can help you enter the pool sooner to obtain more Gu stones."

Zhou Qing advised.

"Pfft, pfft." The Green Silk Gu was successfully persuaded.

"I didn't expect the Gu worms to be so intelligent; sometimes they can be quite troublesome."

Zhou Qing thought to himself that he still had to discuss things with Qing Si Gu.

Of course, given his control over the Green Silk Gu, he could take strong measures, but that would inevitably affect their relationship.

Without compromising his own well-being, he desires partners for mutual progress, not completely obedient servants.

After all, the Green Silk Gu is just a Gu worm, not some hot and beautiful silkworm girl.

"Bah."

"Bah."

At this moment, the golden silkworms that were wrapped in the Gu stone suddenly underwent a strange change. A large number of golden silkworms fell down stiffly, motionless, and looked like they were dead.

Zhou Qing stepped forward to examine it, picked up a stiff golden silkworm and placed it in his palm.

The once soft silkworm has hardened, and when you pinch it, it feels like it's frozen, with a cool, icy sensation.

"Bah."

"Bah."

More and more silkworms are dying, reaching as many as several hundred.

He noticed that the six golden silkworms at the very back were still alive, clinging firmly to the surface of the Gu stone.

"Ok?"

The hard Gu stone seemed to melt, and the six golden silkworms actually burrowed into the middle of the Gu stone, eventually becoming completely still.

Zhou Qing waited for a while, but the golden silkworm still didn't move.

"Erqing, I'm leaving you with this."

Looking at the hundreds of dead golden silkworms, Zhou Qing, adhering to the principle of not wasting anything, let the green silk gu eat them all.

[Progress: Mature Stage (510/800)]

After consuming several hundred golden silkworms, the growth rate of the Green Silk Gu increased by 15 points.

"Pfft pfft~" The Green Silk Gu stared longingly at the Gu Stone in Zhou Qing's hand.

"for you."

Zhou Qing took out a Gu stone and placed it on the wooden shelf.

The Green Silk Gu leaped up in a flash, spread its body, and lay down on the Gu Stone.

The silkworm cocoons that had been somewhat restless all returned to calm.

"Aqing, dinner's ready!"

At that moment, the old woman's voice came from inside the main house.

"Here I am." Seeing that the silkworm house had returned to calm, Zhou Qing locked the door and returned to the main house.

Upon entering the main house, a table was set with three dishes and a soup.

“It’s so rich!”

Two meat dishes, a roast duck and a plate of stir-fried pork with chili peppers, a vegetable dish of scrambled eggs with scallions, and a soup of green vegetables and tofu.

"You need to eat well while you practice martial arts. Luckily, the scallions and vegetables I planted are growing well."

The old woman smiled and picked up a large piece of scrambled eggs for Zhou Qing.

"It smells so good." Zhou Qing shoveled rice into his mouth.

The old woman had set up a vegetable garden on the west side of the courtyard opposite the silkworm house, where she grew scallions and greens.

She had originally planned to raise some more hens to lay eggs, but Zhou Qing stopped her, saying it might scare the silkworms.

Although the old lady didn't want to be idle, he also didn't want her to be too tired.

Moreover, raising chickens in the yard would smell terrible.

Now, Grandma helps him take care of the silkworms every day. When the silkworms start to spin silk and form cocoons, she doesn't sit idle. She sits in the yard sewing shoe soles, and when it's time to reel silk, she helps with the reeling.

Otherwise, Zhou Qing would definitely be so busy he wouldn't have a moment to spare.

After a hearty meal, Zhou Qing rested for a while and then practiced the White Cloud Palm Technique in the courtyard.

Soon, it became completely dark.

Zhou Qing took out the meat he had received in advance from the martial arts school, cooked it, and ate it in one bite.

When he felt hot all over, he went to the courtyard again to exercise his chest and blood circulation.

He channeled his qi and blood to his palms, and his palms immediately swelled up and turned grayish-white.

"Sa!"

"Sa——"

The palm strike wasn't particularly fast, but it still generated gusts of wind.

In less than half an hour, Zhou Qing felt the heat in his body completely disappear, which was the result of the meat dish's effects being completely exhausted.

He remembered that when he first ate meat eight days ago, the effects of the medicine lasted for half an hour.

This time it only lasted half an hour.

Double the difference!

When the amount of qi and blood in the chest reaches the thickness of two fingers, it can break through the skin barrier. However, to break through the flesh barrier, the amount of qi and blood must reach the size of a fist, and it must be circulated to all the muscles in the body to achieve the effect of muscle training.

Before Zhou Qing broke through the skin barrier, the meat dish had an immediate effect on him.

After breaking through the skin barrier, four slices of meat a day are no longer enough.

It's not that the effects of meat have diminished, but rather that the body's demand for qi and blood has increased.

【Technique: White Cloud Stake】

[Progress: Proficient (86/800)]

[Skill: White Cloud Poison Palm]

[Progress: Beginner (265/800)]

[Effects: Poisoning, Toxin Resistance]

Having mastered the White Cloud Stance technique, Zhou Qing began learning its fighting style, specifically the White Cloud Poison Palm, which was truly used in combat.

The true White Cloud Palm Technique is achieved by combining the White Cloud Stance and the White Cloud Poison Palm.

However, practicing both cultivation techniques and combat skills simultaneously slowed down the progress.

Especially since the White Cloud Stance is a training method that focuses on strengthening the body's Qi and blood, the progress is slower. Previously, practicing for half a day and eating meat could increase the progress by 35-40 points.

Currently, only 10 progress points can be added.

The White Cloud Poison Palm technique is in the beginner stage, and progress is increasing rapidly. On average, half a day of practice can increase progress by 30 points.

This is equivalent to redistributing the progress of one skill to two skills, with no increase or decrease.

However, once the White Cloud Poison Palm technique reaches a proficient level, the progress will likely slow down significantly.

The poor are scholars, the rich are warriors—this is truly the case.

For someone from a poor background, even reaching the Skin Refining Realm is considered a stroke of good fortune.

To get past the second meat barrier, you'll need much more resources.

Zhou Qing was highly skilled in silkworm raising and could earn six to ten taels of silver a month, which was a very high income for an ordinary person.

However, this amount of money is far from enough for martial arts training.

"I need more flesh, more energy and blood!"

Zhou Qing clenched his fist.

It all comes down to money.

I need to earn more money to buy more meat from the martial arts school.

"Just practicing martial arts requires such a huge expense. I really don't know how expensive it is to cultivate as a Gu Master."

Zhou Qing sighed.

Cultivating a powerful Gu worm is probably much more difficult than practicing martial arts.

"For me, this is not bad either."

The deaths of his parents are shrouded in mystery, and the unknown world of Gu Masters is far too dangerous for him.

Black Wind Mountain alone has vast areas shrouded in miasma year-round, waiting for him to explore.

Moreover, there are even larger mountains nearby, such as Huanglong Mountain, Jiulian Mountain, and the Qilian Mountains that stretch for thousands of miles, as well as the boundless Shiwan Mountains.

Even if Zhou Qing devoted his entire life to exploring it, he might not be able to uncover even a tenth or a twelfth of it, so there was no need for him to rush.

"The cave and cold pool we discovered today can serve as my base on the mountain, but we need to deal with the hidden dangers first."

Zhou Qing's gaze gradually deepened.

The immediate problem is dealing with Zhang Jian's troubles, while the more distant problem is dealing with the Gu worms in the cold pool.

Strength is needed, regardless of distance.

"Phew~" Zhou Qing let out a long sigh, changed out of his sweat-soaked clothes, took a cold shower, and then went back to the silkworm room to sleep.

The next day, Zhou Qing went up the mountain early to pick mulberry leaves, preparing food for the next batch of silkworm eggs that were about to hatch.

The Green Silk Gu is still absorbing the power of the Gu Stone in the silkworm house, so Zhou Qing did not go to the area above the mountainside today.

However, he was lucky enough to kill a wild rabbit with a hidden arrow that wasn't poisoned.

Wild rabbits are not as valuable as snow rabbits, but they can still sell for thirty coins, mainly because the wealthy and powerful people in town have a taste for them.

Thirty coins could buy more than a pound of pork.

Just over a month ago, he couldn't even afford two liters of old rice, which cost three coins a liter, and had to buy brown rice and drink bran and wild vegetable soup.

It's like comparing heaven and earth.

Zhou Qing carried a basket and a wild rabbit, and first went to Baiwei Restaurant in Changle Lane, where he sold the rabbit for thirty-two coins.

Afterwards, he went to a snack stall at the entrance of Baiweilou and ordered two bowls of tofu pudding and eight fried dough sticks. Halfway through his meal, She Quanyi also went to the snack stall.

"Ah Qing." Upon seeing Zhou Qing, She Quanyi's eyes lit up, and he stepped forward.

"Boss, two more bowls of tofu pudding and eight fried dough sticks for Uncle She," Zhou Qing called out to the food stall owner.

"Okay." The owner quickly brought over the tofu pudding and fried dough sticks.

"Uncle She, thank you so much for yesterday. How are you feeling?" Zhou Qing clasped his hands in a fist salute and returned the whistle to She Quanyi.

"I feel much better after a good night's sleep. I'm relieved to see you're alright." She Quanyi breathed a sigh of relief and took the whistle.

"How is it?" She Quanyi asked in a low voice.

“If you go up through the bamboo forest, there is indeed a wine spring, but the water inside is undrinkable,” Zhou Qing said softly.

He didn't tell She Quanyi the exact location, since that wasn't part of the deal.

Moreover, that place was safe for him, but fatal for She Quanyi.

"I understand." She Quanyi didn't ask any more questions.

The two fell into a brief silence and began eating their fried dough sticks.

As more and more mountain dwellers arrived, they began to talk about the recent events that had occurred on the mountain.

After eating and drinking his fill, Zhou Qing paid the bill and was about to leave when he saw a long-faced man walking towards him menacingly.

The person who arrived was Zhang Jian.

Upon seeing this, She Quanyi's expression changed.

Just as he was about to get up, Zhou Qing pressed down on his shoulder and walked towards Zhang Jian.

"So it's Brother Zhou." Zhang Jian forced a smile when he saw Zhou Qing blocking the way.

"Greetings, Manager Zhang." Zhou Qing clasped his hands in greeting.

"What do you mean by this, Brother Zhou?" Zhang Jian frowned.

"I can't interfere in other people's business, but you can't cause trouble for Uncle She!" Zhou Qing's attitude was firm.

"So this is the confidence you have to stall for time?" Zhang Jian looked at She Quanyi, his tone unfriendly.

"Zhou Qing, I'm giving you face by calling you Brother Zhou, you don't really think I'm afraid of you, do you?"

“You can try!” Zhou Qing raised his right hand, and his palm instantly swelled up, turning into a grayish-white color like a bluestone slab.

"Pi Guan!"

"Skin Refining Warrior?!"

Some of the unsuspecting mountain villagers were filled with surprise.

"We're both skin-refining martial artists, do you really want to be my enemy?!" Zhang Jian's face was ashen. "The Zhao family is not something a silkworm farmer like you can afford to offend!"

"Baiyun Martial Arts School is not to be trifled with!"

Zhou Qing said in a deep voice.

"You don't represent the Zhao family, and I don't represent the Baiyun Martial Arts School. If you're not satisfied, then let's fight!"

"Fine! Fine! Fine! You win, we'll see!" Zhang Jian sneered, saying "fine" three times. Seeing that he couldn't intimidate Zhou Qing, he didn't bother to argue further. He left after uttering those harsh words.

"Well done!"

"Aqing is truly a young hero."

"I think Ah Qing is even more public-spirited than Song Wenhuai, the 'Timely Rain' of the previous dynasty!"

Seeing that Zhang Jian had been deterred by Zhou Qing's few words, the villagers at the snack stalls erupted in cheers.

"You're too kind, gentlemen. Uncle She helped me, and I helped Uncle She. It's just mutual assistance." Zhou Qing clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute to the crowd, showing no joy whatsoever from such flattery.

If it weren't for the Gu worms, he wouldn't have wanted to stand out like this.

He was certain that Zhang Jian wouldn't dare to fight him in town.

After all, the Zhao family and Baiyun Martial Arts School had only a so-so relationship, so neither of them wanted to cause trouble.

As the steward of the Zhao family, Zhang Jian had more to consider.

Moreover, if Zhang Jian knew that there were Gu worms in Jiuquan, he would be even less likely to make a fuss.

As for outside the town, everyone has to rely on their own abilities.

"Uncle She, I still need to return the mulberry leaves, so I'll be leaving now. If Zhang Jian causes you any more trouble, just come find me."

Seeing the cheers growing louder and louder, Zhou Qing quickly picked up the basket and prepared to leave.

"Ah Qing, thank you so much!" She Quanyi said gratefully.

"It's an agreement, just my duty." Zhou Qing waved his hand and quickly left.

"Ah Qing is really something."

Looking at Zhou Qing's still somewhat thin figure, everyone couldn't help but give him a thumbs up.

Who hasn't dreamed of becoming a chivalrous hero who fights for justice and helps the weak when they're young? But how many of them can actually do it?
Zhou Qing returned home, opened the silkworm house, and put down the basket.

He looked into the grid and found that the Green Silk Gu was fast asleep, and the Gu Stone had completely disappeared.

On the other side, six golden silkworms were also using their siphon-like mouthparts to suck amber-like crystals from inside the Gu Stone.

Before reaching adulthood, silkworms have chewing mouthparts, which are like a pair of pliers that open and close from side to side.

Adult silkworms that begin to spin silk all have siphon-type mouthparts, which at first glance look like a mosquito coil extending from their mouths. This type of mouthpart is not suitable for silkworms to eat.

Therefore, after a silkworm reaches adulthood, it will use all the energy stored in its body to spin its last thread of silk until it pupates and transforms into a moth inside the cocoon.

But it's truly amazing that the golden silkworm in front of us can use its siphon-like mouthparts to suck up such a hard Gu stone.

Zhou Qing watched the golden silkworm absorb the Gu stone while doing his work.

About 15 minutes later, the Gu Stone was completely consumed by the six golden silkworms.

The six golden silkworms were a size larger than before.

"This is."

The next moment, the golden silkworm, which was already five years old, began to molt again.

A crack appeared in the skin on their heads, and their round heads emerged, followed by their entire bodies.

The silkworm that has completed its molt grows larger once again, from the thickness of one finger to the thickness of two fingers.

The original golden silkworm was entirely emerald green with a white linear pattern on its back, but now the linear pattern on the back of the golden silkworm has turned amber.

Moreover, the golden silkworm has a pair of wings as thin as cicada wings growing from its back.

"Buzz!"

The six golden silkworms simultaneously raised their upper bodies, their siphon-like mouthparts on their heads quickly straightened like steel needles, and their wings on their backs flapped rapidly, making a faint sound similar to that of mosquitoes in flight.

"Buzz!"

Six golden silkworms flew down from the wooden frame, their target Zhou Qing.

"Um?!"

Zhou Qing dodged aside.

The scene before him caused his expression to change.

Six golden silkworms crashed into the wooden frame behind him, their erect mandibles piercing deep into the wooden board.

The silkworm wriggled its body, trying to pull its mouthparts out of the wooden board.

"How could this be?"

Zhou Qing frowned slightly. After the golden silkworm absorbed the Gu stone, it underwent such an astonishing change and became so aggressive.

"Pfft!" The largest golden silkworm broke free.

It flew towards Zhou Qing again.

Zhou Qing circulated the qi and blood in his chest and gathered it in his hands, instantly turning his palms grayish-white.

"Whoosh!"

Just as he was about to grab the golden silkworm, the green silkworm awoke from its slumber and moved even faster.

It jumped onto Zhou Qing's shoulder and spat out silk threads.

The silk threads that shot out softened in mid-air, tightly wrapping the golden silkworm, and then were pulled hard.

Just as it was about to fall into the mouth of the Green Silk Gu, the Golden Silkworm struggled violently, but to no avail, and its erect mouthparts drooped down.

"Wait a moment."

Zhou Qing reached out and grabbed the golden silkworm that was about to die in the mouth of the Green Silk Gu.

As he acquired the golden silkworm, the jade tablet in his mind emitted a faint blue light.

The next moment, a line of text appeared in his field of vision.

You have acquired a new Gu worm – the Golden Silkworm.

[Golden Silkworm: A Gu worm in its growth stage. It is formed from a mutation of the Golden Silkworm. It can be fed mulberry leaves, false persimmon leaves, blood, and other Gu worms to aid its growth and evolution.]

[Refining Requirements: Feeding with one's own blood]

[Talents: Flight, Silk Spinning, Asexual Reproduction]

Asexual reproduction: A special ability gained by the golden silkworm after mutation. Golden silkworms possess strong vitality and adaptability to their environment; they only need sufficient food and can reproduce on their own without mating.

"Gu worm!"

Zhou Qing's expression changed; the golden silkworm had mutated.

"Buzz!"

At this moment, the other five golden silkworms saw that things were not going well and prepared to escape.

"Get 'em!"

Zhou Qing ordered the Green Silk Gu to take action.

"Whoosh!"

The Green Silk Gu immediately leaped onto the wooden frame and used its silk to bind the five golden silkworms together.

"It seems that not all Gu worms possess the intelligence of the Green Silk Gu."

Looking at the golden silkworm struggling violently in his hand, Zhou Qing frowned slightly.

The golden silkworm stabbed at his palm with its mouthparts.

The grayish-white palms were more resilient than cowhide, capable of crushing wooden stakes without causing pain, yet now they were constantly pricking with needles.

After observing for a moment, Zhou Qing cut his index finger with a knife and squeezed out blood towards the golden silkworm.

(End of this chapter)