CH 34: Child of Luck
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The Northern Plains were vast, covering five billion square kilometers—ten times the size of Planet Earth.
After five days of traveling through the massive grasslands, Fang Yuan finally reached his destination. He couldn't use the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu to come here because, unfortunately, he didn't have memories of every place in the Northern Plains and This particular area was unknown—a small, insignificant location.
Now, he stood in Tian Chuan, a small region within the Northern Plains. His target was a valley nestled within this area.
"I've arrived," Fang Yuan muttered as he gazed at the vast expanse of warm pools.
This was Warm Pond Valley, a crucial location for tribes seeking refuge during natural cold disasters. The valley was filled with warm pools that protected tribe members from freezing temperatures. The Fei Tribe controlled this vital area with an iron grip.
Fang Yuan's interest, however, wasn't in the tribe itself but in a specific individual—Ma Hong Yun, the future owner of the Fortune Rivalling Heaven Gu. Currently, the boy was known as Fei Cai.
Gazing at the valley, Fang Yuan smirked. " Ma Hong Yun… or should I say Fei Cai? Perhaps your name will never be Ma Hong Yun in the future."
He chuckled to himself, his mind racing with schemes. "Fei Cai, I have grand plans for you. For now, Let's take advantage of the Fortune Rivalling Heaven Gu."
The legendary Giant Sun Immortal Venerable, who created the luck path, left behind three inheritances, each targeting the principles of heaven:
'Self Luck' – To replenish oneself.
' All Living Being's Luck' – To steal others' luck to benefit oneself.
'Heaven and Earth Luck '– To take heaven and earth's luck and enhance one's own luck.
The Fortune Rivalling Heaven Gu was the pinnacle of the All Living Beings' Luck inheritance. It allowed its owner to transform misfortune into great fortune, effectively giving them heavenly luck. Everything around the Gu Master, from people to events, would align in their favor—even disasters would turn into blessings.
"This Gu was one of the supreme inheritances within the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building," Fang Yuan mused, recalling the past. "But that damn Mo Yao! Her infiltration into the Imperial Court Blessed Land caused the Fortune Rivalling Heaven Gu to escape and land in Ma Hong Yun's hands."
Fang Yuan clenched his fists in frustration. "Mo Yao was a fool, deceived her entire life by the Shadow Sect. Maybe they orchestrated the entire situation to keep me from obtaining it."
After a moment, he calmed himself. "It doesn't matter now. I can still benefit from this."
Fang Yuan's eyes glinted with purpose as he surveyed the valley once more. "Fei Cai can be said the 'Child of Luck' in this world. If I harbor ill intent toward him, my own luck will plummet."
Though Fang Yuan, as an immortal, could easily kill Fei Cai, but just trying doing so would severely affect his own luck—something he couldn't afford, especially with the upcoming need to refine the Change Form Immortal Gu.
"But I have a plan to benefit from him, his luck and especially from his future wife," Fang Yuan smiled to himself.
"Time to proceed."
During his five-day journey, Fang Yuan had carefully removed all ill intent toward Fei Cai. He knew luck was a mysterious force, and he didn't want any bad fortune while dealing with such a critical aspect of his plan. He remembered that even Fei Cai's father had perished despite being his backer, likely due to the strange nature of luck, which seemed to guide a better supporter to Fei Cai.
Thus, Fang Yuan decided to become Fei Cai's supporter, giving him resources and even helping him become immortal in the future.
Fang Yuan used his AI Chip in combination with some wisdom Gu worms for that to cement the belief that he would be Fei Cai's backer in the future. If successful, his own luck would soar, and he could even turn Fei Cai's luck against his enemies.
Of course he wouldn't have this belief forever but only for a short time as he planned but what was important now, the current him had the belief to support Fei Cai.
Fang Yuan also made sure to erase any lingering thoughts of making Fei Cai one of his clones in the future. It had been the hardest impulse to remove, but he knew that, ultimately, he would always make the decision that brought the most benefits. He had already set instructions within the AI Chip, ones he no longer remembered consciously but knew would serve him well when the time came.
For now, Fang Yuan was simply offering some mortal resources in exchange for Fei Cai's immense luck—an incredibly small price to pay.
Fei Cai had more than enough value for Fang Yuan to make this investment. Not only was his current luck useful, but Fang Yuan had long-term plans for the boy. He intended to make full use of Fei Cai.
---
Fang Yuan activated his Attitude Gu as he approached the Fei Tribe. To the ordinary observer, he appeared to be nothing more than an elderly man with a long white beard, walking calmly like any mortal. Yet anyone who looked closely would feel an unexplainable sense of threat, instinctively realizing he was far from ordinary.
A young man riding a Terror Claw Horse nervously approached him, eyes filled with caution. "Sir, do you need anything from our Fei Tribe?"
Fang Yuan glanced at him, evaluating him silently. "A Rank 3 Gu Master, he must have some influence in the tribe. And that should be the Terror Claw Horse..." He replied calmly, "I wish to meet your tribe leader."
The young man nodded hastily. "Please wait here. I will inform the leader."
After a brief wait, Fang Yuan found himself standing in the grand hall of the Fei Tribe, welcomed with respect. The tribe leader, Fei Qing—Fei Cai's father—greeted him with a cautious expression.
"May I ask what brings you to our tribe, sir?" Fei Qing asked respectfully. Though he couldn't sense any aura from Fang Yuan, the overwhelming feeling of danger made him feel like an ant before a mountain.
Fang Yuan didn't bother to look at Fei Qing directly, instead gazing upward as though deep in thought. "I don't know," he said cryptically. "Fate brought me here. I had a vision—one that told me I must accept a talented disciple from your tribe. I am simply following Fate's will."
Fei Qing was momentarily stunned by the vague answer, he thought that it was a crazy old man but quickly composed himself. "May I ask who this disciple might be?" he inquired.
Fang Yuan pretended to ponder before responding, "From the clues I've gathered, it must be your son, Fei Cai."
Fei Qing was shocked. "My son…? But he's still a mortal!".
"There is a reason behind everything," Fang Yuan said, his voice filled with the weight of wisdom. "Fate guides us, and we must respect its decisions."
Though Fei Qing couldn't fully grasp Fang Yuan's words, the elder's presence and air of wisdom left him deeply impressed and it was The power of the legendary Rank 8 Gu that is affecting him and his tribe.
Fei Qing, now excited, quickly composed himself. "It would be a great honor for my son to become your disciple. I will summon him immediately."
A short while later, Fei Cai was brought to the hall, eyes filled with confusion.
"Father, why did you bring me here?" Fei Cai asked, looking around cluelessly.
Fang Yuan sized up the so-called "Child of Luck." As expected, Fei Cai's face displayed nothing but a dull, vacant expression. Fang Yuan had anticipated this, so he left it to Fei Qing to explain.
Fei Qing turned to his son, his expression a mix of pride and disbelief. "Fei Cai, this is a rare opportunity. This honorable elder has come, guided by Fate itself, to take you as his disciple."
Fei Cai looked at his father, then at Fang Yuan, confusion written all over his face. "Me? A disciple?"
Fang Yuan, with an air of authority and wisdom, stepped forward. "You do not need to understand right now. Fate works in mysterious ways, and your potential has yet to awaken. In time, you will understand why you were chosen." His calm voice carried the weight of Fate.
Fei Qing, sensing his son's hesitation, quickly added, "You must not doubt this blessing, Son! It is a rare honor for this elder to choose you. Don't waste this opportunity."
Fei Cai, though still confused, nodded slowly. "If… If Father says it's good, then I'll do it."
Fang Yuan inwardly smirked. He knew Fei Cai's simplicity made him easy to manipulate, but he also knew the untapped potential within him, proven by Fei Cai himself in the Reverse Flow River, the place that tested willpower. "Good. From now on, you are my disciple," Fang Yuan declared.
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper only Fei Cai could hear. "You can call me Black Shadow Master. I am powerful and will always be your support, my disciple."
Fei Cai's eyes lit up with excitement and respect. "Yes, Master!" Then, he hesitated and looked up at Fang Yuan's white hair. "But, Master… shouldn't you be called White Shadow?"
Fang Yuan smiled faintly. "In the future, you will understand. For now, I will leave and return in a few months to check on you. Until then, take care, my disciple."
As a parting gesture, Fang Yuan handed Fei Qing some small mortal resources that had no value for him—appearing generous to the tribe.
Before leaving, Fang Yuan made sure to create an impression within some people of the tribe that he wasn't really powerful.
Mainly to Fei Chang. he was the one, who would kill Fei Qing and was a critical piece in Fang Yuan's larger scheme. The destruction of the Fei Tribe would leave Fei Cai vulnerable and dependent solely on Fang Yuan, cementing his control.
Fang Yuan also ensured the rest of the tribe knew that his interest in Fei Cai was minimal, especially in Fei Chang's eyes. Fang Yuan could allow the eventual downfall of the Fei Tribe to unfold unhindered.
As Fang Yuan left, he thought to himself, "The next time I return, there may not be a Fei Tribe anymore."
His mind turned to the intricate plans he had set in motion for this so-called "Child of Luck."
"Even without your luck, Fei Cai, you hold a great value to me."
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Ch 35: Strange Thing
Hu Blessed Land
Fang Yuan sat on his bed, his thoughts focused. "Today is the day Hu Blessed Land will face its earth calamity."
Months had passed since his return to the blessed land, and a lot had happened.
In these months, Fang Yuan continued purchasing hairy men, using them to refine the Gu worms he needed. He employed gentle methods with them, exploiting their natural talent and passion for refinement. He provided them with a comfortable life, free from worries—except for the task of refining Gu worms, which was their sole focus.
He bought vast quantities of materials for them, ensuring they had everything necessary to refine without interruption. Food, drink, and high-quality housing were all provided, but Fang Yuan introduced a competitive element. The more Gu worms refined and the higher the rank of the worms, the more rewards they would receive.
This competitiveness only fueled their love for refinement, driving them to work tirelessly, always striving for improvement.
At the same time, Fang Yuan was busy buying souls, which he used to produce Guts Gu on Dang Hun Mountain. He then used the Guts Gu to strengthen his soul. His soul had already surpassed the strength of 1,000 Man Soul, and he could feel the immense benefits of a powerful soul. The thought of reaching 10,000 Man Soul—and eventually millions—filled him with excitement.
He also used Guts Gu to produce more Rockmen, which provided him with the immortal essence stones he needed to make further purchases. However, his approach to the Rockmen was starkly different from his treatment of the hairy men. He was cruel and ruthless, focusing solely on maximizing production. The Rockmen were merely tools to be used and discarded.
Some of the Rockmen became so hopeless that they resorted to suicide, but Fang Yuan showed them that even death would only result in more Rockmen being created. The realization crushed their spirits, leaving them in despair. Now, the only hope that flickered in their eyes was to be sold, to escape the hell Fang Yuan had created.
The Rockmen even fought amongst themselves, desperate to be the first to be sold into slavery and leave Fang Yuan's land.
If an outsider witnessed the difference in how Fang Yuan treated the hairy men versus the Rockmen, they would struggle to believe it was the same person.
But he was the same person who was only focusing on his benefits.
---
After returning to Hu Blessed Land, Fang Yuan discovered something peculiar about his A.I. Chip—it had the ability to recall small details and forgotten memories, including information he had only glanced at in the past. While this appeared to be a new ability, when Fang Yuan asked the A.I. Chip about it, its response was clear:
[Beep! ...After Immortal Ascension, the chip's abilities were upgraded, but no new features were added.]
Fang Yuan was puzzled. "Why wasn't this ability available before?" he mused. "Perhaps it's unlocking gradually as I grow stronger, or maybe my soul was too weak at the time to handle its full potential."
He pondered deeply, realizing the need for wisdom, soul, and information attainment to have the ability to analyze or understand the A.I. Chip.
But there was one thing is absolute, The A.I. Chip would always remain a tool devoid of emotions, and its unwavering loyalty to Fang Yuan was a constant, something that would never change.
To further his plans, Fang Yuan decided to make use of the A.I. Chip's capabilities. He began selling incomplete immortal recipes—those with low success rates or that would take thousands of years to refine fully.
The income from the Rockmen wasn't providing enough immortal essence stones, so selling these recipes allowed Fang Yuan to purchase the rare mortal Gu worms he needed, or even a wisdom path inheritance.
For the incomplete immortal recipes, He saw no loss in selling them. Maybe in less than 100 years, he would have completed and refined them himself.
Fang Yuan continued to acquire various Gu worms from different paths. On the wisdom path, he purchased Space Thought Gu, which was essential for his plans to get the Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable inheritance.
He also obtained a wisdom mortal inheritance and various wisdom path Gu worms, such as Deliberate Will Gu, Battle Intent Gu, Keep Will Gu, Sharp Intent Gu, and the critical Special Will Gu—which he needed to contend with the Giant Sun Will, as it too was a specialized will.
Fang Yuan also expanded his strength path arsenal by obtaining Borrow Strength Gu, a Gu that allowed him to borrow the strength of natural elements. To maximize its utility, he purchased elemental strength Gu, including Sky Strength Gu, Earth Strength Gu, Water Strength Gu, Fire Strength Gu, Wind Strength Gu, and Lightning Strength Gu.
By combining these with Borrow Strength Gu, he could harness the power of the heavens and earth in battle, borrowing strength from nature itself.
Fang Yuan also didn't forget to refine the Rank 5 All-Out Effort Gu and the Gu worms necessary for the killer move that was destined to be developed: Myriad Self. This amazing killer move, initially thought to belong to the strength and enslavement paths, later revealed itself as part of the human path, incorporating elements from water, transformation, and even rule path.
"It can become one of my main moves in the future, besides these Gu worms can also be used for my new transformation killer moves" Fang Yuan thought, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "But I'll need to create Myriad Self to suit my current situation. With my attainments in strength, enslavement, and transformation, I'll make miracles happen."
Fang Yuan reflected on his months of preparation. During this time, he had utilized the reality simulation to delve into the essence of transformation, focusing on desolate beasts to ease the process of creating immortal transformation killer moves. He had also refined numerous rank 5 Gu worms for himself, such as Eagle King Wings, Dragon Scale Gu, Dragon Claw Gu, and Steel Body Gu.
"My attainments have__"
Just as Fang Yuan was about to organize and evaluate all his gains, his expression shifted. A solemn look crossed his face as he gazed at the sky. "The sixth earthly calamity is coming!"
Though he had prepared extensively, utilizing reality simulation and the A.I. Chip's analytical abilities to design immortal killer moves with Shapeshifting Immortal Gu and countless mortal Gu as supplements, a sense of unease crept over him. Earthly calamities were no small matter, and this one could pose a greater danger than anticipated.
"Heaven's Will may act against me now. I have to remain vigilant," Fang Yuan thought, his pupils contracting. Facing an earthly calamity was daunting enough, but with Heaven's Will possibly intervening, the stakes were even higher.
Fang Yuan braced himself, knowing that no matter how prepared he was, there was always an unpredictable element when dealing with Heaven's Will and the powers of the calamity.
The wind gradually died down, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. High above in the sky, dark clouds swirled and rumbled ominously, as if the heavens themselves were gathering their wrath. A brilliant lump of light began to form, pulsating with immense energy, casting a sinister glow over the land.
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze locked on the growing light. The atmosphere was thick with tension, an undeniable sense of impending doom. His heart remained calm, but his mind raced with countless calculations.
"It's coming," he muttered under his breath, his pupils shrinking as the light in the sky continued to gather power.
The earthly calamity had arrived.
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Ch 36: The Earth Calamity
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In Hu Blessed Land, the calamity had begun.
Amidst the swirling sea of clouds, a burst of radiant light exploded, creating a massive white circular gate that loomed over the blessed land. The intense brilliance was nearly blinding. From within the glowing portal, a giant creature descended—its blue-jade body so immense that it resembled a mountain in motion.
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed as he observed the creature. "Still a desolate beast calamity? Hmm..." His expression remained cautious, his gaze unwavering as he studied the beast.
Among the numerous types of earthly calamities, the desolate beast calamity was notorious for its destructive potential. When such a calamity occurred, one or more desolate beasts would charge toward the central control area of the blessed land, wreaking havoc. If they weren't dealt with quickly, entire blessed lands could be decimated in their wake.
As Fang Yuan assessed the creature, its massive white tusks glistened under the light, and its shimmering blue skin caught his eye.
"A Six Storey Building Water Elephant," Fang Yuan mused. "Not particularly powerful. And no Immortal Gu on it, either."
He recalled the distinctions well: a Water Elephant with six storeys was classified as a desolate beast; with seven, it became an ancient desolate beast, and with eight, an immemorial desolate beast.
After scanning his surroundings and sensing no additional threats, Fang Yuan prepared to act. He activated his Thunder Eagle desolate beast transformation, a killer move he had created in preparation for moments like this.
"I could engage it directly or dodge its attacks if needed. And if anything unexpected happens, I can always retreat." Fang Yuan's thoughts raced as he considered his options, feeling confident but cautious.
Within ten minutes, the battle was over. Fang Yuan, having perfected his killer move and being intimately familiar with the weaknesses of desolate beasts—especially the Water Elephant—swiftly dispatched the creature. His deep understanding came from his previous experiences of living like them, granting him an upper hand.
"That's it?" Fang Yuan muttered to himself, keeping his killer move active for a little longer, just in case. He was always wary of hidden schemes—especially from Heaven's Will.
After a few moments of silence, it became clear: the sixth earthly calamity had ended.
Fang Yuan's expression remained composed, but his thoughts churned. "I was expecting the Gruel Mud Immortal Gu to manifest. I even prepared seals for it..."
A brief flicker of disappointment passed through his mind. "I need that Immortal Gu for future plans. If I can't get it here, I'll have to find another way."
Reflecting on the ease of the calamity, Fang Yuan became suspicious. "Why would Heaven's Will send such a weak calamity? That leaved behind a desolate beast's corpse... Was this considered help, or is there a hidden motive?"
After some contemplation, he shook his head. "Whatever the reason, it doesn't matter. No scheme can stop me from growing stronger. Not even Heaven itself."
His resolve was unwavering. With the A.I. Chip at his side and a deep understanding of the future plot, Fang Yuan felt confident in his continued rise to power.
"The future will indeed be interesting," he mused, his gaze growing more intense as he prepared for the next phase of his plans.
---
two months Later
Fang Yuan spent the next months refining the Gu worms he still needed. One of the most important was the Rank 5 Lurking Soul Coat Gu, which allowed him to conceal his soul fluctuations. The refinement of this Gu was only possible thanks to the help of the hairy men, who tirelessly refined tens of thousands lower-rank versions of the Gu for him to combine into higher-level ones.
The hairy men worked non-stop under Fang Yuan's competitive system, eager to prove their refining abilities. Tens of thousands of lower-rank Lurking Soul Coat Gu were refined in the process.
Fang Yuan also used his knowledge from 500 years worth of future memories to refine several unknown Gu worms that would aid him, like Thread Trace Gu, which allowed a Gu Master to trace beings by following the Dao marks they left behind. Additionally, he refined Strength Qi Gu, which summoned phantom beasts to fight on his behalf. Fang Yuan alone possessed the recipe for this Gu, having reversed the refining process of Atmosphere Gu to obtain Strength Qi.
Fang Yuan was using all the resources at his disposal to strengthen himself.
"A.I. Chip, display my attainments," Fang Yuan commanded, though he knew the frustrating outcome.
[... Beep! Host's attainments below Quasi-Master will not be displayed:
Transformation Path: Grandmaster
Blood Path:Grandmaster
Strength Path: Quasi-Grandmaster
Refinement Path: Quasi-Grandmaster
Enslavement Path: Master
Earth Path: Master ]
Despite all the progress he had made in refining and analyzing Gu, with the assistance of the A.I. Chip and using Reality Simulation, his refinement and transformation attainments were still stuck at their level. No matter how many Gu worms he refined or how many simulations he tried, breaking through that barrier proved elusive.
The only good news was some paths achieved ordinary level especially wisdomPath as it was the focus of Fang Yuan for a long time even in reality simulation he was trying to simulate the wisdom type beasts.
"From the Grandmaster level onward, it becomes increasingly difficult to advance," Fang Yuan thought, recalling the intricacies of attainment levels.
At the Grandmaster level, a Gu Master could use inductive reasoning to employ their own path's methods to imitate other paths. However, at the Great Grandmaster level, one could harness natural Dao marks. The highest, Supreme Grandmaster level, allowed venerables to sense and refine all natural Dao marks of a particular path, making them a Dao Lord with the ability to manipulate those Dao marks at will.
"I will achieve Supreme Grandmaster in all paths and refine every Dao mark in existence," Fang Yuan thought, feeling a surge of ambition as he set his sights on his ultimate goal.
The path ahead was arduous, but Fang Yuan was determined to seize power no matter the cost.
---
Fang Yuan had successfully negotiated a new deal with the Immortal Crane Sect, which had been lingering outside his blessed land, eagerly eyeing the opportunity to invade.
"This will keep them from attacking me for now. Let them believe I'm still just a mortal," Fang Yuan thought, his expression calm but inwardly annoyed by the situation. "It seems like I'm losing in this deal, but don't worry, Crane Sect. I'll pay you back in time."
His strategic mind churned as he considered his next move. "Lang Ya Blessed Land's calamity is approaching soon."
He paused for a moment, weighing his options.
"Should I go to Lang Ya and strengthen our relationship?" Fang Yuan calculated the time difference between his blessed land and the outside world. "Wait, two months in here is only twelve days outside... That means there's still some time before the calamity hits there."
For a moment, he had forgotten the significant time flow difference between his blessed land and the outside world.
"Alright, it's time to go there," Fang Yuan said with a smile, preparing to use the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu.
"I'm headed to the Western Desert," he whispered, as his thoughts shifted toward the next phase of his plans.
With the activation of the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu, Fang Yuan's figure flickered and disappeared, setting his sights on his next destination.
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Ch 37: Formation Path Inheritance
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Western Desert.
Fang Yuan opened his eyes, gazing at a jade-green forest in the distance. A shimmering blue lake, like a sapphire set in a vast sea of yellow sand, enhanced the serene beauty of the scene.
This was a small oasis, home to a natural spirit spring.
Oases like these were often the lifeblood of mortal clans. A Gu Master who resided here, nurturing the spirit spring, could gradually grow the oasis into a mid-sized, or even a large-sized, oasis over time. It was a delicate balance between survival and nature—humans found environments that supported life and, in turn, molded these environments to suit their needs.
This coexistence defined life in the Western Desert.
But this oasis was not Fang Yuan's destination. Without lingering, he continued onward.
After some time, he finally reached his destination, the Tremor Desert.
This desert was unlike the others in the Western Desert—it experienced intense tremors at irregular intervals. However, it was what lay beneath the shifting sands that truly mattered.
"Hmm, there should be a cave that leads down below," Fang Yuan muttered, as he began searching the desert.
He scoured the area for some time, but found no trace of the cave. "Even though I know there's a way down here somewhere, it's no wonder no one has discovered the formation path inheritance left by Zhen Yuan Zi."
Zhen Yuan Zi was a long-deceased formation path Gu Immortal of the Western Desert and a former member of Che Clan.
His inheritance was hidden here, not in the possession of his clan because Che Clan's Gu Immortals had pushed him out, which led Zhen Yuan Zi to conceal his legacy beneath the Tremor Desert, keeping it away from those who betrayed him.
---
Fang Yuan paused as the ground rumbled beneath his feet. He was about to use a simple sound-based killer move to locate the hidden cave, but he waited for the tremors to subside first.
Once the tremors stilled, Fang Yuan unleashed his killer move. A low, resonating sound wave spread across the desert, bouncing back to him with information.
"Success," he whispered, sensing the cave's location. With a sharp glance toward the revealed spot, Fang Yuan swiftly made his way down into the hidden entrance, ready to face whatever tests awaited him.
After some time, Fang Yuan arrived at a bronze hall.
At the center, a metallic lamp hung from a long, curved crane neck. The flame on its beak was the size of a peach, flickering faintly, casting a weak glow across the vast hall. Despite the flame, the far corners of the bronze room remained shrouded in darkness.
Fang Yuan stood on a massive stone tile, surrounded by towering red pillars, each thick enough that three grown men would need to stretch their arms out to encircle one. The hall exuded an ancient and solemn atmosphere.
"This senior Zhen Yuan Zi was truly a righteous path Gu Immortal," Fang Yuan mused. "Though there were dangers in this inheritance test, they were easy for any Gu Immortal." He was genuinely surprised by how smoothly things were going.
It was well known that righteous path inheritances were often straightforward, lacking the vicious traps and deadly setups typically seen in demonic path inheritances.
"Now, for the final step to claim the inheritance," Fang Yuan thought. He took a step back, appearing as if he were retreating.
But as soon as he did, his vision blurred, and the hall shifted around him.
Fang Yuan noticed that the red pillar was now far behind him, and he had advanced by more than ten steps toward the metallic crane neck lamp. It was strange—he hadn't moved forward at all.
He took another step back.
Swoosh.
Again, his surroundings changed, this time even more dramatically. He had advanced dozens of steps and was now much closer to the metallic lamp.
Fang Yuan repeated the process, stepping back several more times, and with each 'retreat,' he advanced further and further, until he stood directly before the crane neck lamp.
"This is the easiest immortal inheritance I'll ever encounter," Fang Yuan smiled, reaching out to touch the lamp.
The next moment a will awakened inside the lamp. An old voice, groggy and slow as if rousing from a deep sleep, echoed throughout the hall: "Not bad, not bad. Fated one, you've passed the formation and arrived before me. This proves that you are qualified to inherit the true inheritance."
Fang Yuan's eyes lit up. "A formation spirit, huh?"
Formation spirits, similar to land or heavenly spirits that guarded blessed lands or grotto-heavens, were rare. Unlike land or heavenly spirits, formation spirits were created through the one-time use of a Formation Spirit Immortal Gu.
Zhen Yuan Zi had devised this Gu, keeping its existence a secret. The formation spirit's loyalty was bound to its master until the master's death, after which a new inheritor could claim it.
The formation spirit's voice sharpened with surprise. "You know about formation spirits? How is that possible? Senior Zhen Yuan Zi created me, and no one else should have known of my existence."
Fang Yuan, unfazed, simply responded, "I'm your master now, aren't I?"
The formation spirit hesitated briefly before nodding. "Zhen Yuan Zi's test was simple. When the metallic crane neck lamp appears extremely close, the correct move is to retreat. Only a Gu Immortal with immense wisdom and deep formation path attainment could discern this truth. Thus, you are indeed my master."
The spirit paused before continuing. "Master, there is a Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion here. It will awaken soon, and you must subdue it."
Fang Yuan remained composed. "I know," he said confidently. "Let's accept the inheritance first." Without hesitation, he began refining the Formation Spirit that was created by Formation Spirit Immortal Gu.
The formation spirit offered no resistance, and the process went smoothly. Fang Yuan's immortal essence easily refined the spirit, binding it to his will. As the core of the entire formation, the formation spirit could now manipulate the vast setup in Fang Yuan's stead, provided there was enough immortal essence to fuel it.
With the refinement complete, Fang Yuan received several Immortal Gu, a significant number of mortal Gu, and most importantly, Zhen Yuan Zi's complete formation path true inheritance, transferred directly from the formation spirit.
Next he began activating the formation with the help of its spirit.
---
The Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion woke from its deep slumber, but it posed no threat. Fang Yuan had already anticipated its awakening and used his immortal essence to activate the formation. With the beast still weakened by its prolonged sleep and already suppressed by the formation, subduing it was straightforward.
Sitting calmly in the bronze hall, Fang Yuan observed the massive creature. The immemorial desolate beast, the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion, had the potential to fight against Rank 8 Immortal Gu Masters once it returned to full strength. Its nature as a soul path beast made it a fearsome counter to any soul path Gu Immortals, as it thrived by consuming souls.
"Who can think I have obtained such a formidable beast," Fang Yuan mused, excitement gleaming in his eyes. He could already envision the advantages it would provide in future battles.
Turning his attention to his other gains, Fang Yuan cataloged them carefully. Six Immortal Gu lay before him—five of them were formation path Gu, three at Rank 6 and two at Rank 7. Additionally, the formation spirit counted as half an Immortal Gu, given its unique nature and abilities. There were also countless mortal Gu worms and valuable resources left behind, alongside a detailed Rank 7 formation path true inheritance.
"Hahaha! From now, I no longer need to fear any Rank 7 Immortal Gu Master," Fang Yuan laughed, the weight of his newfound power invigorating him.
Satisfied with his haul, he decided to stay in the bronze hall for the time being. "I'll remain here for now," Fang Yuan said, glancing around the ancient hall. "I need to absorb and fully comprehend the killer moves and formations contained in this inheritance. Besides, I still have time before heading to Lang Ya."
The hall's formation provided security, its hidden nature protecting him from any outside threats. Here, Fang Yuan could focus on mastering the wealth of knowledge he had just acquired.
"A.I. Chip, begin analyzing the information you have received," Fang Yuan commanded, as the process of studying and integrating the inheritance into his arsenal began.
This marked the first step on Fang Yuan's journey into the depths of formation path mastery.
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Ch 38: Absorbing Gains
[Quick Clarification]
Before diving in, I want to clarify the number of Immortal Gu Fang Yuan received from Zhen Yuan Zi's inheritance:
Three Rank 6 Formation Path Gu.
Two Rank 7 Formation Path Gu.
One unknown Immortal Gu, which I haven't detailed yet.
Additionally, the formation spirit is counted as half an Immortal Gu, created by the Formation Spirit Immortal Gu, a one-time consumable Formation Path Gu designed to mimic a land spirit.
I hope this clears up any confusion!
Enjoy reading!
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Months Later...
Months had passed since Fang Yuan arrived at the bronze hall, an immortal formation hidden deep within Tremor Desert. He had spent this time absorbing the vast inheritance and pushing his formation path mastery to new heights.
"My gains in formations have soared," Fang Yuan reflected as he rose from his meditation. "With the help of the A.I. Chip, I have absorbed almost all knowledge of the inheritance."
"If I look at this from the perspective of the Gu world, I could consider the A.I. Chip a formation killer move itself—combining the powers of soul, wisdom, and information."
Through the reality simulation feature of the A.I. Chip, Fang Yuan could simulate and test formations without consuming resources or risking damage to his Gu. "It's like trial and error, but without any risk or loss," he mused, a rare smile crossing his face.
"Let's check my attainments again. A.I. Chip, display them."
[... Beep! Host's attainments below Quasi-Master will not be displayed:
Transformation Path: Grandmaster
Blood Path: Grandmaster
Strength Path: Quasi-Grandmaster
Refinement Path: Quasi-Grandmaster
Enslavement Path: Master
Earth Path: Master
Formation path: Master
Wisdom Path: Quasi-Master
Soul Path: Quasi-Master ]
...
Fang Yuan examined the list with satisfaction. "My formation path attainment has risen from nothing to Master level. It's incredible how much progress I have made thanks to the inheritance and the A.I. Chip. I used to think that wisdom or information paths would give me the greatest advantage with the chip, but it turns out formation path is even more powerful."
"Formation path will definitely become one of my main focuses in the future," Fang Yuan calculated. The path's versatility—its ability to encompass all other paths—meant that it was the most complex but also one of the most rewarding.
Due to the need of having a high enough attainment in other paths to use this path effectively, few could cultivate it, and fewer reached master level, making formation path experts as rare as wisdom path cultivators.
"And my wisdom attainment has also improved, reaching Quasi-Master level," he noted. "As expected of a Rank 7 Formation Master, Zhen Yuan Zi had many wisdom path inheritances, including some incomplete Immortal ones. He must have cultivated wisdom path in his later years to create the Formation Spirit Immortal Gu."
Fang Yuan sighed as he considered his gains. "I can feel my wisdom path attainment nearing Master level. If it weren't for the need to leave and head to Lang Ya, I would have stayed here for a few more months to absorb everything slowly."
"But what was truly unexpected," Fang Yuan mused, "was the Rank 7 Immortal Gu and the incomplete soul path inheritance I found. Even though it's incomplete, it came from a Rank 7 immortal, and because of it, I've reached Quasi-Master in soul path."
He glanced at the Gu, a faint smile on his face. "The Rank 7 Gu is called Distracting Soul Immortal Gu."
Fang Yuan sat in the grand hall, his gaze fixed on the subdued Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion, a formidable immemorial desolate beast which had been slowly recovering under Fang Yuan's care.
The soul path Gu then made sense to Fang Yuan. "After all, the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion is a soul path beast. Controlling such a beast requires mastery over the soul path. The entire formation here was designed to enslave and control this creature, with the Distracting Soul Immortal Gu being one of the core of the formation."
Fang Yuan's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Though the beast is currently still in weak state, barely at the strength of an ancient desolate beast, I have been feeding it souls to help it regain its peak power. For now, it has the strength of an ancient desolate beast, but in a few months, it will return to its full immemorial desolate beast strength."
He knew what that meant—a beast capable of fighting Rank 8 Gu Immortals. A creature like that under his control would make him nearly untouchable in certain battles.
"Desolate beasts can rival Rank 6 immortals, ancient desolate beasts Rank 7, and an immemorial desolate beast like this one... can stand toe-to-toe with Rank 8 immortals." Fang Yuan's heart stirred with excitement at the thought.
Having this soul path beast at his side, along with the inheritance and Gu he had gained, Fang Yuan felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead.
---
"It's time to go to Lang Ya Blessed Land; its calamity should be about to begin," Fang Yuan muttered as he stood up, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Turning to the formation spirit, he issued a command, "Help me store this Gu formation into Formation Flag Immortal Gu."
The Formation Flag Immortal Gu was one of the Rank 7 Gu of the formation path. This powerful Gu allowed the user to store entire formations and move them with ease. However, there was a significant risk: if the Formation Flag Immortal Gu were destroyed, the formation it held might also be lost forever.
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed as he considered the delicate task ahead. The formation in question was massive, far beyond his current attainment to store alone. Furthermore, it controlled the immemorial desolate beast, the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion. Mishandling the process could lead to catastrophic damage.
With the formation spirit's assistance, Fang Yuan carefully began the process of transferring the immense formation into the flag. The shimmering glow of the Gu enveloped the hall, and soon, the intricate structure was contained within the flag.
After the formation was safely stored, Fang Yuan placed it into his immortal aperture, feeling the immense power it represented now tucked away safely.
With the formation gone, the true nature of the place revealed itself. The enormous cavern, which had been sustained by the Gu formation, now began to crumble. Large amounts of sand from the desert above cascaded down into the collapsing space.
Fang Yuan, unfazed, retrieved his Fixed Immortal Travel Gu. With a final glance at the collapsing cavern, he vanished into thin air.
---
Lang Ya Blessed Land
"I've made all the preparations depending on Fang Yuan information. I just hope his information is accurate," Lang Ya said to himself, sitting in his room, his expression tense. He had spent countless hours fortifying his defenses and getting ready for the impending calamity and possible invasion.
Suddenly, a jade light illuminated the room, startling him. Lang Ya's heart raced as the light grew brighter.
"What...!" Lang Ya gasped in shock.
A figure materialized before him, bathed in the jade light. For a moment, he couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Fang Yuan!" Lang Ya exclaimed, his voice full of surprise.
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---
(I plan to make the attainments showing like this next chapters:
Transformation Path - Blood Path : Grandmaster
Strength Path - Refinement Path: Quasi-Grandmaster
Enslavement Path - Earth Path - Formation path: Master
Wisdom Path - Soul Path: Quasi-Master
What do you think?
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Ch 39: Lang Ya Calamity
---
"Fang Yuan?!" Lang Ya's voice trembled with shock.
Fang Yuan smiled, his tone full of righteousness. "Lang Ya, my friend, I've come to help you with your calamity."
"You... how? Ah...you have Fixed Immortal Travel Gu!" Lang Ya was still trying to process what was happening, his eyes fixated on the Gu in Fang Yuan's hand.
"It's one of my trump cards," Fang Yuan explained smoothly. "I used it to get here quickly, just in case something went wrong during your calamity,."
Lang Ya's eyes brightened as he stared at the Gu in Fang Yuan's hand. "Fang Yuan, how about exchanging this Gu with me?"
Fang Yuan's expression turned angry. "I didn't expect you to be like this. I've exposed one of my greatest secrets, and I'm risking my life to help you. I came here as a friend, and this is how you treat me? You want my Gu?"
Lang Ya, flustered and embarrassed, stammered, "No, no! I didn't mean it like that! I was just... I was excited seeing such a rare Gu... I... I...!"
Fang Yuan looked dejected and betrayed. "Do you even consider me a friend?"
Lang Ya's face reddened with guilt, his shame weighing on him. "I'm sorry... I really do think of you as a friend. I was just excited to see such a rare Gu."
Fang Yuan, his expression softening slightly, nodded. "Okay, I believe you." But inwardly, he was laughing. "Land spirits are so innocent... Lang Ya finally considers me a friend. This will open up so many benefits."
Fang Yuan then turned to Lang Ya with a concerned expression. "I came here to help you. After all, the calamity is already dangerous, not to mention the attackers who are targeting you during it."
Lang Ya, touched by Fang Yuan's sincerity, responded gratefully, "Thank you, my friend."
Fang Yuan smiled, seemingly honest and warm. "That's what friends are for."
As they spoke, the ground trembled.
Above them, cracks began to form in the sky, revealing flashes of bright lightning.
"The earthly calamity has begun," Fang Yuan said calmly, though inwardly his thoughts raced. "Heaven's will didn't alter the calamity. Just as I expected — it plans to destroy me after I ruined the Venerable's plan. No need to alert me to its existence even if it knew there's something wrong with me... or perhaps it's just a favor to the variant humans."
"It doesn't matter,... I will always be prepared for what's coming" Fang Yuan was confident about his future.
What Fang Yuan didn't realize was that the future he envisioned would never come. Even in his worst-case scenario, the outcome was still far better than what awaited him.
---
The sky erupted with a deafening BOOM, a sound that echoed endlessly across the heavens, shaking the blessed land.
Lightning rumbled unceasingly above the blessed land, as bolt after bolt smashed down like a torrential storm. Thunder roared from the heavens, shaking the earth below.
Fang Yuan was ready to unleash a killer move, but Lang Ya quickly intervened. "No need, Fang Yuan. Thanks to your information, I've already prepared for this."
He motioned toward a series of towering metal rods strategically placed around the blessed land.
"Lightning rods?" Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.
"Yes! That's a perfect name for them!" Lang Ya exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I forged these using metal path Gu. With their help, I can redirect the lightning, shielding the blessed land from harm and even gaining some benefits from the calamity."
Fang Yuan leaned back, watching as the rods effortlessly absorbed and diverted the fierce lightning strikes.
"As expected," Fang Yuan thought, a faint smile forming. "Lang Ya is well-prepared. I won't even need to lift a finger, yet I'll still win his gratitude."
---
Outside Lang Ya Blessed Land
In the dark clouds above, five figures stood quietly. Two men, Gui Wang, a Rank 6 soul path immortal, and Loner Hong Yu, a Rank 6 fire path immortal, observed the scene.
Beside them stood the Hua Hai three immortals, three incredibly beautiful and charming fairies.
The cold-looking, blue-robed immortal was Fairy Qing Suo. The petite girl dressed in yellow was Fairy Huang Sha, while the coquettish girl in the pink skirt was Fairy Fen Meng.
The three fairies stood a distance away from Gui Wang and Hong Yu, clearly on separate sides. The Hua Hai sisters glanced warily at the two male immortals, disgusted by Gui Wang's appearance and revolted by Hong Yu's reputation for betraying his own family.
Yet despite their differences, they were all here for the same purpose: to benefit from Lang Ya Blessed Land.
Suddenly, a crack echoed through the air as a bright flash of lightning erupted from above the crescent lake.
"The earthly calamity has begun!" Gui Wang shouted, excitement lighting up his face.
"This is 'Endless Thunder and Lightning Rain,'" Loner Hong Yu muttered in shock. "Its power is terrifying."
Fairy Qing Suo's face turned pale as she watched the scene. "If this happened in our Hua Hai Blessed Land, even with all of us, we wouldn't be able to resist it."
Fairy Huang Sha and Fairy Fen Meng exchanged worried glances. "Can we really snatch Immortal Gu recipes?" Fairy Fen Meng asked.
Gui Wang laughed coarsely, noticing their concern. "Don't be so scared. Just think of how many Immortal Gu recipes are hidden in Lang Ya Blessed Land. Why else would Heaven send down such a powerful earthly calamity?"
After some time of convincing everyone, he pointed toward the blessed land. "The calamity is becoming more dangerous. If we want to take advantage of it, we need to act now, before the land spirit seals off the gaps in space."
"Alright," Loner Hong Yu agreed, his eyes gleaming with greed.
The Hua Hai three immortals, after a moment of hesitation, nodded in unison. "Please, Gui Wang, make the first move."
With that, the group began their invasion of Lang Ya Blessed Land.
...
..
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After half an hour
The calamity had ended. Fang Yuan sat calmly with Lang Ya, observing the five immortals who had once held such high hopes. They now stood powerless before him and Lang Ya, their once-great ambitions reduced to nothing.
Upon entering the blessed land, Lang Ya had sealed all their Gu. Panic surged as they tried to flee, but Lang Ya had already sealed off their escape. Now, they stood captured without even a struggle, their fate clearly in Lang Ya's hands.
The five immortals, understanding their predicament, bowed deeply before Lang Ya. "Subordinates greet Lord Lang Ya land spirit!" they said in unison, their voices filled with fear.
"Hm…" The land spirit stroked his snow-white beard, pleased with the gesture. "Also, greet my friend here," Lang Ya added, introducing Fang Yuan. "This is Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable's inheritor, Fang Yuan."
The moment those words left Lang Ya's lips, the five immortals looked at one another, shock written on their faces.
"Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable's inheritor?!" they exclaimed inwardly, their thoughts racing as they processed the gravity of the situation. The three women among them, the Hua Hai sisters, exchanged glances before casting charming looks in Fang Yuan's direction.
Fang Yuan, noticing their flirtatious gazes, felt a stirring of lust.
Fairy Huang Sha, the petite girl in yellow, had skin as white and tender as freshly peeled fruit, her eyes brimming with a hidden allure.
Fairy Fen Meng, dressed in pink, exuded the mature charm of a coquettish beauty.
Fairy Qing Suo, in her blue robe, was cold and aloof, her snow-white skin adding to her untouchable aura.
For a moment, Fang Yuan's emotions wavered. "How could the past me feel nothing in the face of such beauty?" he thought, struggling to regain his composure. He hadn't touched a woman in his life, and now, faced with fairies whose beauty surpassed that of even the stars in his previous world, the temptation was undeniable.
But he quickly calmed down. "I need a female slave for my plan," he thought coldly. "These immortals will serve me well, especially since they control the Hua Hai blessed land. I can use them, discard them, whenever I need."
"It's not that I can't control myself," he reasoned. "But sometimes, one needs to vent. I'm not a clone of him. I'm me."
Turning to Lang Ya, Fang Yuan spoke, his voice measured. "My friend, how about selling these five immortals to me? I need them for important matters. You could even lend them to me for ten years, and I would return them afterward. I'll compensate you if any are lost or damaged."
Lang Ya paused from preparing tea, surprised. "You want them? Well, because of your help and the information you've provided, I could sell them to you at a low price. But…" Lang Ya hesitated. "You've just ascended. Do you even have enough to buy them?"
Fang Yuan smiled. "I've prepared some funds for an occasion like this. And I could owe you, completing your recipes until my debt is paid."
Then, with a more serious expression, Fang Yuan continued, "I also have a prophecy concerning the future of the hairy men, Lang Ya. You'll be very interested in this, my friend."
Lang Ya's eyes widened. "The future of the hairy men?" He looked intently at Fang Yuan, curiosity piqued.
After some time he said "I want to know, but we'll need an agreement first. It's not that I don't trust you, my friend, but I need assurance."
"Of course," Fang Yuan nodded, his face calm, though his mind was already racing. Hahaha, Lang Ya already trusts in my wisdom attainment. With my prediction about the calamity, he already believes I can foresee the future.
"All living beings want the easy way," Fang Yuan thought, a smirk forming inwardly. "They want to know what the future will be for them—it's only natural. But for me, it's Perfect, everything is falling into place. Soon, I'll even have the chance to get an immortal wisdom inheritance."
Lang Ya took out an information path Gu, and the two began drafting the agreement. Fang Yuan carefully chose his words, aided by the AI chip, ensuring his statements would be perfect for him.
The agreement was clear: Fang Yuan's prophecy about the future of the hairy men would be true, and he would not lie about it to Lang Ya.
Once the contract was sealed, Lang Ya's excitement bubbled over. "Now, tell me! Tell me what will happen to the hairy men!"
Fang Yuan smiled.
"In the future, the hairy men will stand equal to humans in rights. They'll be able to go out without fear."
"Their status will become so noble that many super force will welcome them with open arms."
" The hairy men will grow into a powerful force, one to be respected by all, even becoming the envy of a lot of humans and variant humans"
As Fang Yuan finished, the air around them grew still. Lang Ya was stunned, as were the five immortals.
Inwardly, Fang Yuan grinned. "Yes, that's the future I know about. Of course, I left out a few… minor details, haha!"
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Ch 40: Immortal Slaves
Lang Ya Blessed Land
The atmosphere in Lang Ya Blessed Land was heavy with shifting emotions. Lang Ya land spirit, still reeling from Fang Yuan's prophecy, couldn't help but let the words echo in his mind, "The hairy men will become this great" His thoughts tumbled over one another, emotions swirling between excitement, confusion, joy and disbelief.
He sat, processing what he had just heard, all the while grappling with the deep-seated doubt of how such a grand future could unfold. After all, humans had always been the dominant race, and the prospect of the hairy men rising to equal, or even greater, prominence felt almost impossible.
Yet, his faith in Fang Yuan was unwavering. His experiences with Fang Yuan, such as the accurate prophecy of the calamity and the complete information of invaders, solidified his belief.
In his mind, Fang Yuan's wisdom and knowledge were beyond question. The fact that Fang Yuan was the inheritor of the Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable only deepened Lang Ya's trust. To, Fang Yuan's words weren't just predictions—they were inevitable truths.
"Fang Yuan isn't just any Gu Master, If he foresaw it, then it must be true," Lang Ya thought, exhilarated by the possibilities. Fang Yuan's prophecy was not just a glimpse of a distant dream—it was the beacon of a future that Lang Ya could believe in.
His mind raced with visions of a world where hairy men stood as equals to humans, perhaps even dominating them.
He believed it because he wanted to believe. Even when there is a trace of doubt, he denied it himself by remembering Fang Yuan's abilities.
His mind had always the though: "If Fang Yuan saw it, then it must be true like the prophecy of the calamity. The hairy men will truly rise to greatness."
The more Lang Ya considered the future, the more exhilarated he became. Fang Yuan's prophecy was not just a dream; to him, it felt like an inevitable truth—one that would soon unfold.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuan observed Lang Ya's emotional rollercoaster with a quiet, knowing smile.
Everything Fang Yuan had spoken was indeed the truth—but only from a certain perspective. He had been very careful, crafting the agreement so it would work entirely in his favor so he wouldn't be forced to say all he know about hairy men or something he didn't want to say.
While the prophecy was accurate, Fang Yuan had been careful to avoid mentioning the involving process that would lead the hairy men to such a future.
He knew Lang Ya cared the most about it being the truth.
Fang Yuan didn't need to do any trick—just offer a true and beautiful vision that would captivate his imagination was enough.
"But I can lie now," Fang Yuan smirked. "The agreement only covered the prophecy I would say, and now that I've delivered it, its effects have ended."
With the agreement's effects already concluded, Fang Yuan allowed himself a moment of silent satisfaction. He had manipulated the situation perfectly, using his A.I. Chip to ensure every word and clause favored him.
---
After some time
Lang Ya finally settled down, though the excitement still shimmered beneath the surface. With a beaming smile, his face lit up, and his eyes sparkled with newfound energy as he looked at Fang Yuan.
"My dearest friend, Fang Yuan!" His joy was palpable, his demeanor entirely transformed. Every glance and gesture was filled with gratitude and enthusiasm.
Fang Yuan, seeing his chance, brought up the next topic. "What about the five immortals?" he asked, maintaining his calm and measured tone.
Lang Ya laughed heartily. "Hahaha! They're yours! I don't even need any payment. Your prophecy is enough of a reward. But, if you have any other prophecies in the future, you must tell me!"
Fang Yuan nodded, his smile never wavering. "Thank you, my friend. May I also borrow your information path Gu for a moment?"
"Of course, take it!" Lang Ya, still caught up in his excitement, handed the Gu over without a second thought.
Fang Yuan inspected the Gu, satisfied. "Perfect. I don't have the means to make them proper slaves just yet, but I can use this to create an agreement that will bind them to me like slaves or worse." His smile darkened as he glanced at the five immortals, already envisioning their future as his tools.
Before Fang Yuan could move toward them, Lang Ya reappeared, still excited but also curious. "Fang Yuan, how exactly will the hairy men reach this future? what actions should I take? And What else did you see?"
Fang Yuan met Lang Ya's eager gaze, unbothered by his sudden appearance. "My friend, I'm still a new immortal. I was fortunate to have glimpsed that prophecy. But rest assured, if I learn anything more that could affect the hairy men, I will inform you. We are friends, after all."
Lang Ya nodded, beaming. "Yes, yes! It's amazing to know that we hairy men will be the masters of the world. We might even enslave humans to repay them for what they've done to us… ah!" He stopped himself, chuckling. "Ah.. Why did I say that? Hahaha."
"Ahem. My friend, please keep me informed if you ever have another prophecy, no matter what it takes!"
Fang Yuan simply smiled, unfazed by Lang Ya's outburst. He turned his attention to the five immortals, his tone calm yet commanding. "I've finished drafting the agreement. I want you all to accept these terms."
The five immortals glanced at the agreement, their faces filled with anger. It was nothing short of a slavery contract, even worse than what most slaves endured. It was riddled with clauses and stipulations so intricate that some of them couldn't even comprehend it.
Fang Yuan had used the A.I. Chip to ensure the contract left no room for betrayal, not even the thought of it.
He didn't want them to even think of betraying.
Gui Wang and Hong Yu, sensing the danger, remained silent, realizing that their lives were in Fang Yuan's hands with their Gu sealed.
However, the three fairies, clinging to a sliver of hope, stepped forward. They remembered Fang Yuan's earlier gaze and believed they could still influence him.
They pleaded in soft, melodious voices,
"Young master, please be merciful and release us."
"We are willing to serve you for life and follow all your orders."
"We can even be your women from now on.""
Their seductive tone would have swayed most men, even making their little brother furiously rising up. igniting a primal desire to conquer such beauty.
But Fang Yuan's face turned cold hearing them, his gentle smile vanishing as he unleashed an oppressive aura that forced them to kneel. "Do you think you're worthy to be my women? I'll say this only once: accept the agreement now, or I'll kill you on the spot."
Their faces were pale, realizing the grim reality before them—either accept the terms or face immediate death. Though they were once proud immortals, their dignity and power meant little in this moment of despair. The choice was clear: survival or freedom. Driven by fear, they submitted, choosing slavery over the cold embrace of death.
After all, not everyone possesses the courage to die free. The bitter truth was that many who chose life under the chains of slavery would later wish for death, just as countless others had throughout history. Bound by Fang Yuan's cruel contract, they would soon learn the true cost of their choice.
'It's better to die free, than live as a slave.' This phrase holds a profound truth.
---
Fang Yuan watched them with satisfaction, pleased with the outcome "I now have five immortals as my slaves, hahaha"
He then scoffed at their earlier attempts to seduce him. "Hmph, not just anyone is worthy to be my woman or bear my children. I only have four candidates in mind,"
"Of course, My first wife will be Shang Xin Ci—a perfect, pure girl who has true love for me."
Shaking off these thoughts, Fang Yuan refocused on the present. "Now, which one should I deal with next? Fei Cai or Hei Lou Lan?"
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Ch 41: Northern Plains Identity
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After three days.
Fang Yuan stood outside a seemingly ordinary valley, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "It was really easy to find you here in the Northern Plains," he thought, his eyes scanning the area before him.
After leaving Lang Ya Blessed Land, Fang Yuan knew that the time wasn't right to approach Fei Cai, nor could he directly seek out Hei Lou Lan. His plans required a more delicate touch, and for that, he needed a suitable "ticket" to move freely in the Northern Plains. A trusted identity was crucial for entering the complex game of the Northern Plains' political landscape.
"Tai Bai Yun Sheng... it's you," Fang Yuan mused, his smile widening. "I have great plans for you, but first, you will be my ticket to the Northern Plains and one of my tools like all people in the shadow sect"
Tai Bai Yun Sheng was far from ordinary. He was one of the extremely rare Time Path Gu Masters, a path revered for its powerful and mysterious abilities. Moreover, he was also a renowned healing Gu Master.
His reputation in the Northern Plains was akin to the blazing sun at midday—bright and untouchable. His influence spread across the entire region, making him a living legend among the Northern Plains people.
A loner by nature, Tai Bai Yun Sheng was widely regarded as a great, righteous path Gu Master. Known for his kindness and unwavering sense of justice, he was conscientious and always repaid favors. His benevolent nature had earned him the respect of common folk and elites alike. His reputation went far deeper than individuals like Chang Shan Yin, Hei Lou Lan, or Liu Wen Wu.
In terms of prestige and merit, Tai Bai Yun Sheng could rightfully be called the first in northern plains.
Fang Yuan understood Tai Bai Yun Sheng's character well. His life was dedicated to traveling the Northern Plains, helping the common people. This creed of assisting others was not just a duty—it had become his very essence. Fang Yuan had long been keeping track of him, aware that his location could be easily predicted due to his famous habit of moving from village to village, healing the needy.
"With Tai Bai Yun Sheng's identity, I can freely move in the Northern Plains. And with my plans for him, he'll soon serve an even greater purpose," Fang Yuan thought, his mind calculating several steps ahead.
---
"Thank you, Lord Tai Bai Yun Sheng!"
"Thank you, Old Sir! If there's anything I can do for you, please just ask!"
"Old Sir Tai Bai, we owe you our lives!"
Gratitude flowed from the villagers, many of them crying in relief and thankfulness. Tai Bai Yun Sheng offered them a gentle smile, his heart warmed by their words, but after a short while, he left alone, as was his custom, heading in the direction of his next destination.
Unbeknownst to him, Fang Yuan observed the scene from a distance, waiting patiently for the right moment. When Tai Bai Yun Sheng ventured into a more isolated part of the landscape, Fang Yuan made his move. Once sure there were no onlookers, he activated his Familiar Face killer move.
All this time, his AI Chip had been tirelessly analyzing and modifying this move, refining it to perfection. Now, it worked seamlessly, allowing him to take on the appearance of an elderly man with a long white beard—the same appearance he had used when infiltrating the Fei Tribe.
He only used Attitude Gu as the core for the interaction since he was only dealing with mortals for now, making it unnecessary to waste any immortal essence.
"Tai Bai Yun Sheng, right?" The disguised Fang Yuan spoke with a calm, steady tone.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng turned, startled by the unexpected voice. He saw an elderly man with an overwhelming aura, and immediately grew wary. "Respected Sir, what do you need of me?" he asked cautiously.
Fang Yuan didn't respond. Instead, he released his immortal aura for a moment, sending a wave of terror through Tai Bai Yun Sheng's body. "You... Sir... I'm sorry if I was rude," Tai Bai Yun Sheng stammered, his legs almost giving out as he prepared to kneel.
But Fang Yuan quickly stopped him, gently grabbing his arm to prevent him from bowing.
"There's no need for kneeling, and you don't have to call me 'Sir.' You can call me Senior Brother—we're fellow disciples after all." Fang Yuan spoke with a smile that was both friendly and disarming.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng was taken aback. "Fellow disciple? What do you mean?" he asked, confused.
"Do you not remember our master—the one who gave you your Immortal inheritance?"
At these words, a vivid image flashed in Tai Bai Yun Sheng's mind: an old beggar with disheveled purple-red hair. Sometimes he was insane, other times silent and in a stupor. But when lucid, his gaze revealed a deep wisdom and an awe-inspiring aura.
Years ago, a young Tai Bai Yun Sheng had offered the old beggar a bowl of water. In return, the beggar had given him the choice of three Gu Immortal inheritances. Tai Bai Yun Sheng had chosen the third, a Time Path inheritance. This was a pivotal moment in his life—one that he had never forgotten. The old beggar had saved him, pulling him from the lowest point in his life.
"Master..." Tai Bai Yun Sheng mumbled, emotions stirring within him.
"Listen closely," Fang Yuan said, his tone calm yet commanding. "Master's name is Purple Mountain True Monarch. He has always kept you in his thoughts. I'm here because he instructed me to seek you out."
"Purple Mountain True Monarch...?" Tai Bai Yun Sheng repeated the name, his mind flashing back to the beggar's tangled purple hair. Could this be true?
Fang Yuan continued, inwardly thinking, "Little Purple, I've given you a grand name. It's fine to borrow this fool from you."
"Master doesn't care about appearances. He wanders the world, exploring the unknown. When I came to the Northern Plains, he told me about you—how he gave you three choices, and how you chose the Time Path inheritance. The one without attack power," Fang Yuan said, his tone imbued with subtle emotion, as though he had witnessed it all firsthand.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng's doubts faded. Fang Yuan had accurately described the moment that only he and the old beggar could know. It was impossible for anyone else to know these details. "So... you're my senior brother..." Tai Bai Yun Sheng said in awe, fully convinced.
Fang Yuan looked at him like he was stupid, but said nothing.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng chuckled nervously and cupped his fists in respect. "Senior brother, please tell me what I must do for our master."
Fang Yuan dispelled his disguise, reverting to his true appearance. "Listen carefully. Master has a grand plan for the Imperial Court Blessed Land, and we are part of it," Fang Yuan said, his tone growing more serious.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng was shocked by how quickly everything was unfolding. "Senior brother, your appearance...?" he stammered.
"Hmph, this is my real appearance. My name is Fang Yuan, and I'm not from the Northern Plains, as you can see. I came here because of our master's plan. Do you understand, or are you going to be shocked again?" Fang Yuan replied, clearly annoyed.
"Yes, senior brother, I understand!" Tai Bai Yun Sheng said, still embarrassed by how overwhelmed he had felt. Inside, however, he justified his reaction. After all, who could remain calm with everything happening so fast and unexpectedly? It was only natural to be stunned by such revelations.
"I need an identity to enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land," Fang Yuan explained. "From now on, I'll take the form of that old man you saw earlier—a Rank 5 peak Gu Master. You will vouch for me."
Tai Bai Yun Sheng nodded, agreeing. Fang Yuan then explained the details of the plan and handed over a few Gu as additional help.
"Remember, I'm your senior brother—a Rank 5 peak refinement Gu Master."
"Of course, senior brother... but, um, what should I call you?"
Fang Yuan smirked. "Just call me Black Shadow. No need for anything else."
"Black Shadow?" Tai Bai Yun Sheng raised an eyebrow. "Shouldn't it be White Shadow, considering the old man appearance?"
Fang Yuan remained unfazed. "It's just a name. Black Shadow."
"Oh, alright then."
Fang Yuan turned to leave. "I've given you the means to contact me. Once everything is organized, let me know and I'll come to you."
"Take care, senior brother," Tai Bai Yun Sheng said gratefully.
Fang Yuan paused before vanishing. "...Take care, junior brother."
As Fang Yuan disappeared into the distance, Tai Bai Yun Sheng's heart swelled with joy. "I have a family now," he whispered, feeling warmth spread through him for the first time in years.
---
Fang Yuan didn't leave immediately; instead, he watched from afar, a sharp glint in his eyes. "I've read his mind, and he believed it all," he muttered with a slight smirk.
Fang Yuan wasn't one to trust in the plot blindly. He made sure that Tai Bai Yun Sheng had the determination to follow his instructions.
"I have even shown him my true identity and appearance," Fang Yuan mused with a cold smile. "Tai Bai, you are useful now, and even more so after becoming an immortal. I will make sure to squeeze every bit of worth from you until your last breath."
His gaze turned sharper as he thought about the future. Manipulating people was an art, and Fang Yuan was a master. Tai Bai Yun Sheng was just another tool—valuable for now, but disposable when the time came.
Everything seemed to be falling into place for him. His meticulous planning was taking shape, and Tai Bai Yun Sheng would serve as a crucial pawn in the game.
"Everything is going well," Fang Yuan thought, satisfied. "With this, I'll be able to enter the Imperial Court Game and make all the necessary preparations to claim the entire Eighty-Eight True Yang Building for myself."
A surge of ambition filled Fang Yuan's heart. "Soon, I will soar in the sky," he thought, already calculating his next steps and organizing his intricate plans.
But just as his thoughts were aligning and his future seemed clear, a sudden sensation jolted him. A Gu inside his aperture was destroyed!
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Ch 42: Ma Hong Yun
"I don't plan on giving Tai Bai any lifespan Gu and will follow the original plot on this matter," Fang Yuan though deeply.
"Still, if I feel the time isn't right for him to ascend, I might give him one."
As Fang Yuan considered his plan to deal with Tai Bai and claim the entirety of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building for himself, a sudden jolt ran through him as a Gu inside his aperture was destroyed.
Yet, Fang Yuan remained calm, even smiling.
"It's earlier than expected," he thought. "I made a slight move without intention, but it still had the desired effect."
He chuckled to himself. "Looks like it's time to head there."
In the next moment, he vanished.
---
Thud. Thud. Thud...
The sound of hurried hoofbeats approached from afar.
A group of Gu Masters, mounted on terror claw horses, arrived at the swamp. The horses had bloodshot eyes, sharp fangs, and were carnivorous. With skin stretched tight over rippling muscles and four long claws instead of hooves, they exuded a terrifying strength. Webbing connected their claws, allowing them to navigate the swamp with ease.
"Lord Elders, they passed through here and headed in that direction," reported an investigative Gu Master, his eyes glowing red as he scanned the surroundings.
"Uncle, this isn't good!" A younger Gu Master frowned anxiously. "If they reach Rocks Pool, they'll be out of Warm Pond Valley. It'll be difficult to kill them after that."
"Relax," an elder replied, laughing. "Fei Qing was poisoned by your father's Gu, and we added another rare poison for good measure that we just found it luckily. He's also dragging a child along."
"The more he uses his ghost cloud, the worse the poison will become. He won't get far. Let's continue the chase."
They resumed their pursuit, entering the sparse woods. Meanwhile, the swamp surged behind them, and a yellowish silkworm burrowed out of the earth. The silkworm was broken open from within, revealing two figures: a middle-aged Gu Master and a child, both gasping for breath.
"We finally deceived them," the middle-aged man, Fei Qing, said weakly, his face a deep shade of purple from the poison spreading through his body.
His swift ghost cloud Gu had been tampered with, and sensing something was wrong, Fei Qing abandoned it during their escape, choosing to hide with his son in the swamp. But without the movement Gu, he had no way to flee, and the poison had taken its toll. Escape was no longer an option.
"Fei Chang... you despicable traitor! You poisoned me, your own cousin, just for the clan leader position!" Fei Qing spat out green-black blood in fury.
"Father! Hang on!" The boy, Fei Cai, sobbed, throwing himself onto his father's chest.
Fei Qing, eyes full of both despair and resolution, gently stroked his son's head. "Little Cai, I can't go on. Fei Chang's plot runs deep. I've deceived them for now, but it won't last. They'll return soon. You must leave quickly. Father will stay and hold them off. Take the path I showed you, and you may have a chance to survive."
"No, Father! I want to stay with you! Let's run together, please!" Fei Cai cried in grief.
Fei Qing, on the brink of death, grabbed his son by the shoulders. "Don't cry, Little Cai. Northern Plains men can shed blood, but not tears. Remember, you carry the bloodline of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable. You are a member of the Huang Jin family. That bloodline is rare and strong. You have the qualifications to enter the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building."
His coughs intensified as more green-black blood oozed from his mouth. "If you ever get the chance to enter Imperial Court Blessed Land, go to the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building and claim the grace that Ancestor Giant Sun left for us. Only then can you avenge me."
"Father…"
"Go! If you stay, it'll be too late!" Fei Qing pushed his son, forcing him to take several steps back, his face streaked with tears.
"Leave now!" Fei Qing growled.
Fei Cai wiped his eyes and turned to run, tears still falling down his cheeks. He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to obey his father's command.
Fei Qing watched his son run off, his vision growing dim. But his eyes widened in shock as he realized something.
"Fool! Stop!" he shouted with all his remaining strength.
"F-Father?" Fei Cai turned back, confused.
"You idiot!" Fei Qing snapped. "I told you to run northwest! Why are you heading southeast? Are you trying to run back to the tribe camp and get yourself killed?"
Fei Cai panicked and quickly changed direction. But he went the wrong way again.
"That's southwest, you fool!" Fei Qing yelled.
Before Fei Cai could change direction again, a voice came from behind them.
"What happened here?" The voice belonged to an old man with a white beard—Fang Yuan, disguised.
"Master White Shadow!" Fei Cai cried out in surprise.
Fang Yuan frowned. "I told you, my name is Black Shadow, you foolish disciple."
"Ah! Right, Master Black Shadow!" Fei Cai quickly corrected himself.
Ignoring him, Fang Yuan approached Fei Qing. "What happened with the Fei tribe? Did the Ma tribe attack you?"
Fei Qing, his body almost entirely overcome by poison, looked dejected. "No, it was my own people."
Fang Yuan tried to heal him using a healing Gu, but Fei Qing stopped him. "No, old sir, there's no need. The poison has already spread throughout my body. My blood is entirely black and green. I can't be saved."
"Master, please!" Fei Cai begged. "There must be a way to save my father!"
Fei Qing looked lovingly at his son. "Sir, please take care of him. He can be foolish, but his heart is pure."
Fang Yuan sighed. "You have my word. I will look after him."
Hearing this, Fei Qing smiled weakly. "Thank you. Now go. I will stay here."
"Father, please come with us! My master can carry you!" Fei Cai pleaded.
Fei Qing shook his head, his voice barely a whisper. "Son, my time has come. I... I will die soon. No need to burden your journey with a corpse," he rasped, coughing up more green-black blood. "Go now, and listen to your master."
"Now leave!" Fei Qing growled once more, issuing his final command as he felt his end nearing.
Tears streamed down Fei Cai's face as he turned to Fang Yuan, his heart heavy with sorrow.
Fang Yuan took out a Rank 5 Rising Blue Cloud Gu, activating it before approaching Fei Qing. He gently placed Fei Qing onto the cloud and then glanced at Fei Cai, who stood looking lost. "Come aboard."
"Master, what is this?" Fei Cai asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"This is a Rank 5 movement Gu," Fang Yuan said with a tone of pride. "Extremely rare and one of the best in its class."
"Wow," Fei Cai gasped, gazing in awe at the beautiful blue cloud beneath him.
Fang Yuan directed the cloud, choosing a direction, and they took flight.
---
"Fei Qing, hmph, where are you hiding?!" Fei Chang's voice was grim and hoarse, his sharp gaze full of murderous intent as he scanned the area. He had been searching relentlessly for Fei Qing but hadn't found a single trace for a long while.
Frustration building, Fei Chang arrived at Rocks Pool, only to see his men—no sign of Fei Qing anywhere.
"Damn it! Where did they go?" Fei Chang cursed, his anger flaring as he scoured every possible hiding spot. "He should've died from the poison by now. At the very least, I should've found his corpse!"
Wooo Woooo…
At that moment, the deep, powerful sound of a bugle horn echoed from outside Warm Pond Valley.
Fei Chang and his men immediately turned pale.
"Lord elders, return quickly to reinforce the tribe! Ma tribe has brought a massive army and launched an attack without warning. The tribe is in a state of emergency!" A Gu Master hurried over on a flying bird, bringing dire news.
"What?!" Fei Chang was shocked. Just as the internal conflict in the Fei tribe had escalated, Ma tribe had invaded. The timing was too perfect to be a coincidence!
'If there's no Fei tribe left, what point is there in becoming the tribe leader? We must defend, defend to the death! Warm Pond Valley is easy to defend and hard to attack, and forcing Ma tribe to retreat isn't impossible. I still have hope!' Fei Chang thought, immediately abandoning thoughts of Fei Cai and rushing back to the tribe camp.
However, Ma tribe's invasion had been meticulously planned. They seized the opportunity created by Fei tribe's internal chaos, launching a devastating ambush. Despite the defensive advantage of Warm Pond Valley, Fei tribe could not withstand the overwhelming force of Ma tribe's massive army and was ultimately defeated.
Everything followed the same fate, only a little earlier than it should be.
---
In an unnamed valley, Fang Yuan sat quietly, observing Fei Cai, who knelt beside his father's corpse.
Fei Qing eventually succumbed to the poison and died. Fei Cai wept for a long time, his tears finally drying as he came to terms with the loss.
"Hmph, you've finally stopped crying. Go and bury your father," Fang Yuan ordered.
"Yes," Fei Cai replied, his voice thick with sorrow. He got to work, burying his father in the valley's cold earth.
Once he was finished, Fang Yuan addressed him, "I promised your father I'd take care of you."
He paused before continuing, "From now on, I won't just be your master. I will take you as my son."
Fei Cai looked up at Fang Yuan, his heart swelling with gratitude. He understood the weight of this gesture—being adopted was the greatest kindness anyone could show him especially in northern plains.
"Fa—Father?" Fei Cai hesitated.
"Hmm, better call me Master Black Shadow. And your name... it needs to change."
Fang Yuan gazed at him thoughtfully. "From now on, you will be known as Fang Hong Yun."
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Ch 43: Luck Effects
---
Fang Yuan gave Fei Cai a new name. "From now on, you shall be called Fang Hong Yun."
Fang Hong Yun's face lit up with excitement. "Hong Yun, huh? That's great… Master, so your surname is Fang!"
Fang Yuan didn't respond, his mind wandering elsewhere. "I've already read through Fei Qing's memories and knew all of his future actions. That allowed me to prepare everything and show up at just the right moment."
"What I didn't expect was the presence of that lethal poison. No mortal Gu would be able to cure him." Fang Yuan's thoughts lingered on the poison that had claimed Fei Qing's life.
The only immortal, Fang Yuan, wouldn't bother curing his poison—his death was inevitable.
"It must have been luck at play. Now that Hong Yun has a stronger backer, Fei Qing's role is no longer necessary."
Fang Yuan's eyes gleamed with ambition. "Luck... a force that can either bless or curse. I will master this power, ensuring it will never harm me in the future."
As he calmed his thoughts and considered his next move, Fang Yuan sensed someone approaching from afar. His aura faded instantly as he scouted the intruder. "Huh, just a mortal."
Upon closer inspection, Fang Yuan recognized the person. A grin spread across his face. "Haha, being close to Hong Yun has truly improved my luck."
The person approaching was a woman, striking in her appearance. She wore black clothing, with a veil of dark gauze covering her face, revealing only a pair of narrow red phoenix eyes. A gloomy, solitary aura surrounded her, enhancing the demonic charm of her beauty—she was unforgettable.
From a distance, Fang Yuan identified her instantly. "Bian Si Xuan," he murmured, smiling. "I was just about to look for you... It seems luck is now on my side."
Bian Si Xuan, also known as the Shadowless Sword, was a demonic path Gu Master and a renowned assassin in Northern Plains. More importantly, she carried a Gu that Fang Yuan needed for his future plans.
Without hesitation, Fang Yuan launched an attack. His killer move was precise, and Bian Si Xuan, a mortal, didn't even have time to react before her life was taken. Her head was severed cleanly from her body, though her lower half continued moving for a brief moment before collapsing.
Fang Yuan calmly approached the corpse, retrieving the Gu worms from her aperture. "Hmm, good. I've obtained it—the Brain Explosion Gu."
After dealing with the body, Fang Yuan returned to Fang Hong Yun, who was still waiting. "Master, where did you go so suddenly?" Hong Yun asked, concern etched on his face.
Fang Yuan smiled. "Haha, Hong Yun, taking you as my son was the right decision."
Hong Yun's face beamed with joy at his words. "Father!"
Fang Yuan looked at him then said, "...No, Master is still better."
"Now, Hong Yun, close your eyes.""
Without question, Fang Hong Yun complied. Fang Yuan swiftly transported him into his immortal aperture, where a clone awaited. This clone, crafted using a simple transformation path killer move, resembled a real person. However, it had no combat power—it was merely a puppet.
The clone had the appearance of Fang Yuan's identity—Black Shadow.
Finally, Fang Yuan activated the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu and set off for his next destination.
---
In another part of the world, the landscape was teeming with green trees, vibrant plants, flowers, and various types of wood-path Gu materials. The area was filled with dense wood path dao marks. This was a blessed land, specifically a Wood path blessed land, designed for cultivating wood-path beasts, plants, and Gu worms.
"Everything is going well, but... the next calamity, sigh," an elegant woman said softly. She wore a green dress, her lively face brightened by a gentle smile. But she wasn't a human—she was the land spirit of this blessed land.
"Hm, my masters are back," the land spirit muttered, sensing their return.
A moment later, three women entered—the Hua Hai Three Immortals, followed by Fang Yuan. The Hua Hai land spirit was perplexed. It was only the second time her masters had brought someone into the blessed land, and this time it was a man. The first time had been for an urgent matter, but this was different.
"So, this is Hua Hai Blessed Land, the one that made you famous. Hmph," Fang Yuan remarked coldly, not sparing a glance at the three pale fairies. "Do as I ordered."
Fang Yuan's interest in the immortals wasn't just due to their abilities; he knew they controlled a blessed land that even Lang Ya hadn't discovered this yet. Few immortals were fortunate enough to possess such a treasure.
While these five immortals could have purchased a Rank 6 Immortal Gu for Lang Ya, he valued the prophecy more, which allowed Fang Yuan to take control over them and their blessed land.
"Hua Hai land spirit, from now on, you will obey Master Fang Yuan's orders. Whatever he commands, you will follow," the three immortals declared in unison.
Hua Hai Blessed Land was unique in that its authority was divided among the three immortals, with each holding a portion of the control. For any decision, the land spirit required approval from all three, ensuring their interests remained aligned.
"Ah... O-okay," the land spirit stammered, feeling a sense of loss but knowing she had no choice but to follow Fang Yuan's orders now.
"Land spirit, give me the details of this blessed land," Fang Yuan commanded.
The land spirit hesitated, glancing at her former masters. Seeing them reduced to mere slaves, she felt sorrow but complied. "The blessed land spans 5,600 square kilometers, with a time flow twelve times the normal rate. However, my masters invited a time-path immortal and used a time-path killer move. The current time flow is five times the normal rate."
Fang Yuan continued to ask about the Gu worms, resources, and overall state of the land.
"This is a high-grade blessed land. How did these three manage to survive calamities without an Immortal Gu?" Fang Yuan mused, turning to the immortals.
"Master," they answered, "we inherited a powerful killer move from the blessed land. It relies on numerous mortal Gu because we lack the necessary Immortal Gu. With the land spirit's help and careful preparations, we've managed to survive every calamity."
Fang Yuan was impressed by their luck, that they had managed to overcome each calamity with the same killer move. However, their luck had run out when they entered Lang Ya Blessed Land.
"Hm, when is the next calamity?" Fang Yuan asked.
This time, the land spirit responded, "The next is not just any calamity—it's a Heavenly Tribulation. It will occur in about ten years."
Fang Yuan now understood why the Hua Hai Three Immortals had risked so much to enter Lang Ya Blessed Land. They lacked confidence in surviving a Heavenly Tribulation, especially with such a high-grade blessed land.
For Rank 6 immortals and their blessed lands, Earthly Calamities occurred every ten years, while Heavenly Tribulations came every hundred years.
Fang Yuan surveyed the blessed land again. "Good. Wood path will be very useful for me in the future."
He recalled his long-term plan. "Soon, I'll take all the resources Northern Plains has to offer but now I___" Before Fang Yuan could make any further moves, something unexpected happened.
Something that would force him to alter his plans, shifting the way he intended to handle certain individuals.
Was it expected or unexpected? No body had expected it.
(Author: But I did)
It seemed Heaven's Will—or more precisely, Star Constellation's Will—had already done a move against Fang Yuan.
At this moment, A great changes began to stir in Fang Yuan's first aperture.
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