Ch 44: Star Constellation
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At the palace in Hua Hai Blessed Land.
Fang Yuan's thoughts were a storm of emotions as he absorbed the implications of his recent discovery. From the start, his goal was to take control of the Imperial Court Blessed Land and the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building, silently growing stronger while leveraging his knowledge of the future.
He had already crafted plans for countless characters, setting the stage for his eventual rise to power.
But now, the plan had to change.
Fang Yuan inspected his first aperture. "... My aptitude has increased from 97% to 98%. That can only mean one thing: I'm awakening one of the Ten Extreme Physiques."
A gloom settled over his face. Though this should have been a positive development, the implications worried him. When he used the Blood Skull Gu to raise his aptitude to 97%, he checked for any signs of an Extreme Physique awakening. There had been none—back then.
But now, Things were suddenly different?!
"It must be Heaven's Will," Fang Yuan analyzed. "It's my fault. I was wrong from the beginning. I only used my brother's blood, yet both apertures' aptitudes increased from 90% all the way to 97%." He paused, reflecting. "I should've realized something was amiss."
The pieces began falling into place. "Heaven's Will had prepared this trap while I was still mortal, just after killing Fang Zheng. This move was meant for just the mortal me."
A sly smile crept across his face as he unraveled the truth, but then his brow furrowed once again. "No, I must remain cautious. Star Constellation's Will is the real mastermind behind this. There could be a bigger trap waiting for me."
Fang Yuan's thoughts sharpened as he analyzed further. "Star Constellation's Will isn't foolish. Even though the A.I. Chip is shielding my memories and concealing any changes, Star Constellation's Will must sense something is wrong."
"To Star Constellation, I'm just a tool—to be used and then discarded. But by killing Fang Zheng and becoming immortal, I've already forced its hand. Making a move against me."
His gaze darkened. "If I were still mortal, I might've asked Lang Ya to help seal my first aperture. But in the end, that wouldn't make any difference. What are her real intentions?"
Fang Yuan felt a flicker of panic creeping in. Fear momentarily clouded his thoughts, but after a while, he calmed down.
"I need to focus more on wisdom attainment. Just this one situation rattled me too much."
Taking a deep breath, he issued a command: "A.I. Chip, analyze the situation. Tell me Star Constellation's Will and Heaven's Will's intentions."
The mechanical voice responded.
[Beep! Analyzing… Simulating various scenarios…]
The familiar sound brought Fang Yuan a small measure of reassurance. As the A.I. Chip processed the data, Fang Yuan reflected on his luck—no one, not even the venerables, could have predicted the existence of such a tool.
---
After some time, the A.I. Chip's voice returned.
[Based on the analysis of all possibilities, there is a 98% likelihood that the purpose of this move was to push the host into becoming immortal with the second aperture, and not to enter the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building.]
Fang Yuan's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Huh?"
But as he reviewed the results and thought deeply, the realization struck him. "I see it now. No wonder…"
A grim smile formed on Fang Yuan's lips. "The question was never really about me... it was about what the original Fang Yuan would have done."
He paused, his eyes narrowing as the pieces began to fall into place.
"Of course, he would ascend as an immortal with his second aperture. That was always part of the scheme. An Extreme Physique is no trivial matter, and without a backer, he had no choice but to become immortal as soon as possible."
His smile deepened, becoming more cold and calculating.
"So, the real question is: What path would he choose to ascend as an immortal?"
The answer was now clear to Fang Yuan. "Of course… it would be___ Blood Path."
By killing his brother and stepping off the grand chessboard, Fang Yuan had forced Star Constellation's hand.
Star Constellation wanted to manipulate him into becoming a Blood Path Gu Immortal so that the Heavenly Court could deal with him easily later, using him to crush other venerables' plans. This scheme also aimed to prevent him from entering the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building and obtaining the Wisdom Gu, thus eliminating any hope of destroying Fate Gu.
Fang Yuan felt a chill run down his spine. "So terrifying… Such a simple move clears the path entirely for Star Constellation. Truly worthy of the only woman venerable and the founder of Wisdom Path."
"No wonder variant humans regard her as their worst nightmare."
Despite the danger she posed, Fang Yuan couldn't help but admire Star Constellation. "She's really doing her utmost for the human race. But if only she realized that times have changed…"
His thoughts became sharper as he reflected. "Humans don't need Fate to be on their side anymore. What they need is for Fate Gu to be destroyed."
Without Fate Gu, all beings could seek their true potential. But under the control of Fate Gu, humanity's growth had been limited—just as variant humans had been shackled for so long.
"There will never be a variant human like Limitless, the Dao-Seeking Crazed Demon, or other great figures of their time," Fang Yuan realized.
"Humans are the spirit of all living beings. Gu are the essence of Heaven and Earth."
In that moment, Fang Yuan felt a profound sense of enlightenment.
"But this situation works perfectly in my favor. I'll position myself as the ultimate winner, taking all the variant humans under my rule—becoming their only way out. And to think, Star Constellation will unknowingly help me in the future. Hahaha!"
"Now I need to rethink my plans," Fang Yuan muttered, his thoughts turning toward the future.
---
Fang Yuan began reflecting, carefully considering how he could bypass Heaven's Will.
"The real issue lies with the Spring Autumn Cicada Immortal Gu," Fang Yuan thought, his gaze falling upon the ancient Gu in his possession.
The Spring Autumn Cicada allowed a Gu Master's will and memories to flow backward along the River of Time, merging with the mind of their former self. In other words, it granted them the power to be 'reborn' with the knowledge of the future—a true time traveler's cheat.
But therein lay the problem: this Gu was heavily entangled with Heaven's Will. Heaven had been manipulating him from the start, guiding his every move to ensure the defeat of Spectral Soul's revival during the battle at Yi Tian Mountain.
"All this time, Heaven's Will has been watching my every step."
Fang Yuan frowned, a wave of frustration passing over him. "I can't even speak my plans aloud. Anything I say may be overheard by Heaven's Will."
He pondered the situation carefully. "I can't think of a solution for now... unless I destroy the Immortal Gu itself. But that would be foolish. For now, I'll leave things as they are."
"Still, I already have an idea that will grant me my freedom in the future." A faint smile crept onto his face.
"To think, I once considered taking Spectral Soul's path, ruling the world from the shadows and even refining Destiny Gu."
But as he thought of this, Fang Yuan realized that the venerables must have already anticipated his possible actions. After all, at this point, he would be complete otherworldly demon, no longer bound by Fate. They would have undoubtedly set their own schemes in motion, aiming to control his every move.
"Now, I need to revise and adapt my plans for the Imperial Court. The previous approach is no longer suitable."
With that thought, Fang Yuan began his final preparations for the Imperial Court contest, his mind racing with strategies and countermeasures to secure his benefits. Every step, every detail had to be meticulously considered—he knew the stakes were higher than ever.
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Ch 45: Final Preparations
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At Hua Hai Blessed Land
Fang Yuan sat in the palace of the blessed land, surrounded by three fairies who served as his maids. "Hmm, only two months... not bad," he muttered while examining a Letter Gu. "Tai Bai managed to make preparations in this short time. Truly deserving of his massive reputation in Northern Plains."
Fang Yuan had received a message from Old Bai, confirming that everything was in place for him to enter the game.
"It's time to leave," Fang Yuan said, rising from his huge bed.
---
Two months had passed outside the blessed land, but inside, ten months had gone by. During this time, Fang Yuan had made all the final preparations he could.
His first action was to use the Space Thought Gu, which he had been preparing for a long time.
(Purchased in chapter 36)
Space Thought Gu is used to reverse Gu refinement. If a Gu in the Gu Master's body had "corrupted," it could be reversed to its original form. Additionally, it could identify unknown Gu, providing valuable information.
Fang Yuan used the Space Thought Gu to reverse the refinement of the Brain Explosion Gu. This rank 4 Gu would burrow into a victim's ear, and if the target thought too quickly, it would expand and cause their brain to burst.
Although the Brain Explosion Gu itself held no value to Fang Yuan, the thoughts it carried inside were essential.
As the Space Thought Gu worked its magic, half-transparent thoughts materialized like bubbles around the Brain Explosion Gu. In an instant, the Brain Explosion Gu broke apart into black light, white smoke, and a fist-sized space thought—successfully reverse-refined into two rank 3 Gu. Though they were insignificant, the space thought was what Fang Yuan truly sought.
He absorbed the space thought into his mind, reviewing its contents.
It revealed Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable's inheritance, which contained directions to Luo Po Valley and the recipes for two rank 5 Gu—Open Door Gu and Close Door Gu—which were crucial for accessing the inheritance.
Luo Po Valley had been sealed by Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable, and to enter, one needed the Open Door Gu. To prevent others from following, a Close Door Gu was required to seal the entrance afterward.
---
Fang Yuan also dedicated himself to cultivating Wisdom Path and Soul Path during these ten months, selling resources from both of his blessed lands and using the funds to acquire mortal-level inheritances in these paths.
Though they were not immortal inheritances, when combined with what he got from Zhen Yuan Zi's inheritance, they produced significant results.
Fang Yuan managed to obtain several incomplete Wisdom Path immortal inheritances and even an incomplete rank 7 Soul Path inheritance from Zhen Yuan Zi's inheritance before.
So he cultivated these two paths diligently, refining Gu and using the Hairy Men to mass-produce low-rank Gu for backups—he needed tens of thousands.
Additionally, Fang Yuan used a Stargate Gu to connect his two blessed lands, making it easier to manage and transfer the refined Gu from the Hairy Men.
Reflecting on his progress, Fang Yuan smiled. "A.I. Chip, display my attainments."
[... Beep! Host's attainments below Quasi-Master will not be displayed:
Grandmaster: Transformation Path - Blood Path
Quasi-Grandmaster: Strength Path - Refinement Path - Formation Path - Wisdom Path - Soul Path
Master:Enslavement Path - Earth Path - Time Path
Quasi-Master: Fire Path - Dark Path - Water Path - Wind Path
....]
Fang Yuan was pleased with his efforts and the power of the A.I. Chip, which had grown much stronger since his ascension to immortality. His Wisdom Path and Soul Path had soared to Quasi-Grandmaster level, and even several elemental paths had risen to Quasi-Master after multiple simulations.
But what intrigued him most was his recent progress in Time Path. While he had desired an immortal inheritance in Time Path, even the mortal ones had been as expensive as Wisdom Path inheritances. Immortal ones were out of his reach.
However, while reviewing the memories of the five immortals in Hua Hai Blessed Land, he discovered an interesting piece of information.
A friend of the Hua Hai immortals specialized in Time Path, the one who used a time-path killer move in the blessed land. And he had failed to refine an immortal Gu during his ascension and still lacked one.
Fang Yuan used the Familiar Face killer move to ambush this Time Path immortal. Disguising himself as a blood demonic immortal, Fang Yuan negotiated with him. The terrified immortal offered up his immortal inheritance and several mortal ones in exchange for his life.
Then, with the help of the A.I. Chip, Fang Yuan's attainments in Time Path skyrocketed to Master level.
Utilizing his newfound mastery, he activated a Time Path killer move within his immortal aperture, altering the flow of time so that it slowed down to seven times the normal rate.
This gave Fang Yuan a significant advantage, allowing him to cultivate, refine Gu, and plan his next moves without fearing his next earth calamity.
---
Fang Yuan was getting ready to leave, meticulously organizing everything he had prepared.
"I've done all I can in the time I've had," he thought, confident in his abilities and preparations. After all, he had both the power and the information to be so.
As a Rank 6 immortal, Fang Yuan was armed with a substantial collection of Immortal Gu:
Rank 6 Immortal Gu: He possessed the Spring Autumn Cicada in his first aperture as his vital Gu, the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu, and the Shapeshifting Immortal Gu in his second aperture as his vital Gu, along with three Formation Path Immortal Gu.
Rank 7 Immortal Gu: He had two Formation Path Gu, one of them being the Formation Flag Immortal Gu and one Soul Path Gu, the Distracting Soul Immortal Gu.
Rank 8 Immortal Gu: The legendry Attitude Gu, the core of his Familiar Face Killer Move.
Beyond the Gu, Fang Yuan had a formidable slave—the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion, an immemorial desolate beast capable of rivaling Rank 8 immortals. This beast, protected within the Immortal Formation he inherited, was operated by a Formation Spirit, which functioned as half an Immortal Gu itself.
Fang Yuan had invested heavily in the Formation Path, evidenced by his Quasi-Grandmaster attainment in the path. However, reaching Grandmaster was proving to be far more difficult than he anticipated.
"Grandmaster attainment is incredibly hard to achieve," Fang Yuan mused. "Even with all the refinement, analysis, and simulations, all paths seem to stall at Quasi-Grandmaster. It's easy until then, but once you're at this level, there's no hint of progress. Not even a flicker of advancement."
He felt the pressure of the bottleneck but understood that power was not just in attainments—it was also in patience, planning, and persistence. With everything in place, Fang Yuan knew his attainments wouldn't be a problem in the future.
"And those five immortal slaves," Fang Yuan glanced at the three maids who served as bed warmers, and the other two who were tasked with labor in the blessed land.
"I've planted numerous safeguards in them to ensure control over anything they might do. I even gave them some necessary Gu for their killer moves. They could prove useful in the future, or if they lose value, I'll trade them off." Fang Yuan had already determined the fates of the five immortals.
The three fairies, who mistakenly believed Fang Yuan had an interest in them because they offered themselves, had no idea they were mere tools from the start.
---
"Time to go," Fang Yuan muttered, stowing everything within his immortal aperture as he prepared to leave.
He issued instructions to the two land spirits, ensuring the blessed lands would run smoothly in his absence.
"Next, I'll use the modified Familiar Face Killer Move since there might be immortals nearby," Fang Yuan activated the killer move.
Since obtaining it, he had the A.I. Chip analyze and modify the technique to suit his needs. He added Dark Path and Soul Path elements to the move, while the core remained a combination of Wisdom Path and Transformation Path effects.
The move was already quite powerful, but Fang Yuan had plans to refine Change Form Immortal Gu, which would make it even stronger in the future.
As the transformation took effect, Fang Yuan morphed into an old man with a black shadowy figure.
Using the Fixed Immortal Travel Gu, he thought, "This time, I've planned everything meticulously. Let's hope it goes smoothly."
"Now, it's time to meet the one who deserves the highest possible prize for acting—the future mother of all Academy Awards. Even an Oscar wouldn't be enough to acknowledge her incredible talent."
"I'm finally going to meet Hei Lou Lan."
"I wonder if she'd be willing to take me as her disciple? Imagine that—me, learning under the greatest actress of all time!"
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Ch 46: Ink Effect
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Three Months Later, Lang Ya Blessed Land
Fang Yuan had made remarkable progress over these three months.
He had chosen to remain in Lang Ya Blessed Land until the A.I. Chip completed the modification process for the killer move Familiar Face. This enhanced move incorporated three Immortal Gu—Attitude Gu, Change Form Gu, and Shapeshifting Gu—along with a vast number of mortal Gu from various paths.
The result was a killer move so powerful that Fang Yuan felt confident it could support his future plans flawlessly. This killer move, however, was not primarily designed for Imperial Court Blessed Land; Fang Yuan's ambitions extended far into the future, with his visions already taking shape.
Fang Yuan also focused intensely on formation path these months. With the assistance of the A.I. Chip, he finally modified the formation to align perfectly with his future vision.
"Finally, I can feel my formation path attainment nearing the grandmaster level. I didn't expect the A.I. Chip to have such a profound synergy with formation path," Fang Yuan said, his tone tinged with amusement.
He meticulously prepared to extract every possible benefit, ensuring he could handle any unexpected situations. These three months had been extraordinary—not only had his resources expanded, but his formation path attainment had also begun to tremble on the edge of a Grandmaster breakthrough.
However, the primary reason for his long stay was to prepare for his next calamity. Time was pressing, and Fang Yuan wanted to face it sooner rather than risk complications at critical moments. Also the dao marks and attainment growth that came with enduring calamities were invaluable to his long-term strategies.
"I won't have time to deal with the calamity later, so it's best to handle it now."
Lang Ya Blessed Land's 31:1 time flow made it the ideal place for such preparations. While three months passed inside, only three days had elapsed in the outside world. This was far safer and more efficient than accelerating his immortal aperture's time flow, which could destabilize it—especially after he had recently used a time-based killer move.
This arrangement was perfect for his current situation, especially since he wouldn't have the luxury of time after the Imperial Court Blessed Land event.
"Just imagine—if I no longer have to worry about calamities in the future, how amazing would that be?"
"Anyway, It's time to leave," Fang Yuan muttered to himself as he stood, ready to move forward.
His next course of action was clear. After completing the calamity, he would visit the tribes—starting with the Ma tribe—to bring them into the Hei Alliance. Then, he would finally enter the blessed land to claim his prize.
The time had come to close this arc and move to the next stage.
Taking out the Fixed Travel Gu, Fang Yuan activated it. In the blink of an eye, he vanished.
---
Hei Alliance
"How could this even happen? My senior brother didn't say it would turn out like this!" Tai Bai panicked, his voice trembling as he surveyed the chaotic aftermath.
"No need to panic." Despite his own injuries, Tai Bai forced the words out, though they faltered slightly.
"My brother must have predicted this, which is why he left so confidently." Even in his weakened state, Tai Bai pushed himself to send a letter Gu worm to Fang Yuan, urgently relaying the dire situation.
"I hope he arrives quickly. I don't know what to do now," Tai Bai sighed, his exhaustion weighing him down as he returned to his bed.
---
Absolute Ice Battlefield
"A.I Chip, show my attainment levels," Fang Yuan commanded as he rested in a hidden corner of the battlefield.
[... Beep! Host's attainments below Quasi-Master will not be displayed:
Quasi-Great Grandmaster: Transformation Path
Grandmaster: Blood Path, Strength Path
Quasi-Grandmaster: Refinement Path, Formation Path, Wisdom Path, Soul Path
Master: Enslavement Path, Earth Path, Time Path
Quasi-Master: Fire Path, Dark Path, Water Path, Wind Path, Ice and Snow Path, Light Path, Wood Path, Lightning Path....]
Fang Yuan smirked with satisfaction. "With the true meaning and my previous efforts in Transformation Path, my attainment has finally improved. Unexpectedly, my Strength Path attainment has soared as well. The true meaning of Reckless Savage is truly extraordinary."
He let out a sigh of appreciation, his gaze drifting momentarily. "But this move from Lang Ya is just as astonishing."
The deal with Lang Ya had allowed Fang Yuan to borrow the Immortal Tribulation Tempering Aperture killer move. Its concept was ingenious, using the blessed land as the target of refinement. By connecting the immortal aperture with the outside world of the Five Regions, the killer move influenced calamities and tribulations to temper the aperture itself.
Experiencing the move in the Absolute Ice Battlefield had granted Fang Yuan what he wanted—another portion of the true meaning of Reckless Savage Demon Venerable. This further elevated both his Transformation Path and Strength Path attainments.
"Good, everything went better than I expected," Fang Yuan muttered, his tone calm yet filled with a trace of joy.
Though he appeared exhausted, it was not due to danger. His luck had been remarkable. The immense effort required to hunt and kill various beasts to extract their crystallized true meanings had drained him. Yet, the rewards were, of course, worth the cost.
Heaven's Will, or more precisely, Star Constellation's Will, had made no significant moves against him—just as Fang Yuan had anticipated.
---
Fang Yuan understood the intricacies of his situation well. Heaven's Will operated like nature itself, simple and impartial, focusing solely on balance. It did not bear grudges or act out of malice. Any threat to the world or its life forms became its target. Ironically, Heaven's Will now sought to protect Fang Yuan, seeing him as a key to eliminating the ultimate danger: Spectral Soul Demon Venerable.
However, Heaven's Will still viewed Fang Yuan as a potential risk. His status as an otherworldly demon and the slayer of his natural counterbalance, Fang Zheng made him a concern, but for now, it prioritized Spectral Soul.
Meanwhile, Star Constellation's Will also sought to destroy the plans of Spectral Soul Demon Venerable but did not want to allow Fang Yuan to grow, as he himself could become a danger.
Thus, Star Constellation's Will, although not wishing to kill Fang Yuan, didn't want to see him get out of control. She was the one who made the move against Fang Yuan to force him to become a blood immortal—making him easier to manage or eliminate if necessary. However, Fang Yuan's rapid and unexpected growth made her move ineffective, even benefiting him in the end.
All in all, Heaven's Will protected Fang Yuan against all threats—even Star Constellation's Will, if she endangered his life. At the same time, Star Constellation's Will protected him from the Shadow Sect and covered him from her own forces, saving her actions for a more effective moment to put Fang Yuan under her control.
Now, because of Heaven's Will protecting Fang Yuan, Star Constellation's Will decided not to take any actions soon but instead prepare one decisive move to solve all problems.
Star Constellation was the founder of the Wisdom Path, and she wasn't like Heaven's Will, attacking recklessly. She made moves silently but deadly, and that was what made her so dangerous and tricky to deal with.
---
Fang Yuan had finally rested enough and was about to head to the Ma tribe when Tai Bai's letter arrived.
As Fang Yuan read it, he was shocked. "How can this be?... Did my actions change things this much?"
Unexpectedly—or perhaps it was expected—his Ink effect or maybe his rebirth effect had changed the course of events.
Fang Yuan was still stunned but tried to calm down. "So now, how should I enter the blessed land?"
"How did things even come to this?" Fang Yuan continued to think.
"How could the Hei Alliance be defeated by Dong Fang Tribe?"
"Who could have expected this from Dong Fang Yu Liang?"
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CH 47: Imperial Court
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Ten days later, at Crescent Lake.
Fang Yuan continued his dealings in immortal recipes with Lang Ya Sect, exchanging resources for his own use.
"Finally," Fang Yuan said, pleased with the outcomes at Lang Ya Blessed Land. He held the incomplete Change Form Immortal Gu he'd desired for so long. "Now, I can complete it and have Lang Ya refine the Gu for me," he mused. "Perhaps, with the help of the A.I. Chip, I can even improve the recipe further."
He glanced toward a certain location. "Hmm, it seems they're here after all. I'll retrieve what I need and then pay a visit to my foolish disciple."
---
On this day, Crescent Lake glistened under the bright sunlight.
Near the lake, the Chai Tribe—a small, struggling tribe—was camped, preparing to resume their journey. In the turbulent climate of the Northern Plains, especially with the ten-year blizzard approaching and the Imperial Court Contest looming, small tribes like Chai's were like fragile boats amidst a raging storm, vulnerable to the chaotic struggles of the powerful.
Their tribe leader, Chai Zhang, rallied his people. "Let's move out! We need to make it to the heroes' assembly!"
But then, a powerful pressure descended upon them, forcing Chai Zhang and all the Gu Masters to the ground, faces pressed to the dirt. They couldn't move, frozen by the sheer force of it.
"If you want to live, don't move," a chilling voice commanded.
The tribe remained still, too afraid to resist, until the oppressive force lifted, and the pressure dissipated.
One of the Chai tribe members shakily asked, "What… what just happened?"
---
The figure responsible for this shock was none other than Fang Yuan with his Black Shadow identity.
"Got what I needed," he said, gazing up at the sky. Over the past few days, he'd been spreading memories, carefully crafting identities to support his future plans.
After leaving his Blessed Land, he traveled alongside Hong Yun, establishing himself as a real person and ensuring all necessary preparations, he made before, were in its place.
Fang Yuan had subtly laid the groundwork, planting memories and spreading whispers that painted him as someone who cultivated in silence, a mysterious force quietly growing in the shadows. These small but calculated moves crafted an image of him as a secluded figure.
Fang Yuan observed Hong Yun, who had noticeably aged due to the accelerated time flow within the blessed land. Under Fang Yuan's guidance, Hong Yun had progressed to become a Gu Master.
Recognizing the impact of the time dilation, Fang Yuan later relocated him to a normal time zone, stabilizing his aging process.
Fang Yuan glanced at him again, thinking, "It wasn't intentional, but if I hadn't needed to sustain this false clone, I might've ended up meeting a Hong Yun older than myself when I released him."
Fang Yuan carefully placed Hong Yun in a safe spot outside the blessed land, which helped limit his aging to just a few months. "The time flow in this world is really messed up," Fang Yuan thought, reflecting on how the inconsistency of time was affecting his plans.
"Master," Hong Yun said, his voice uncertain. "I don't like this Gu anymore… Could I choose a different one?"
Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you say you would be a refinement Gu Master like me? I even suggested you pick something different until I found something more suitable."
"I… I didn't know it would be this boring," Hong Yun admitted, looking a bit sheepish.
"Well, it suits you for now. You've already refined a Rank 2 Gu," Fang Yuan smirked, amused.
Hong Yun flushed, muttering, "I wasn't even trying to succeed…"
Fang Yuan chuckled to himself. "He has remarkable luck, even outshining other refinement Gu Masters. Well, he can pursue whichever path he likes for now. When I acquire a Luck Path inheritance, I'll ensure he has the means to ascend as a Luck Path immortal."
With Fang Yuan's quiet plans to benefit Hong Yun, the boy's luck continued to affect him making his own luck rise.
"Now, it's time to go, Hong Yun," he said, motioning toward their destination. "We're off to meet your uncle—an old friend of mine."
And with that, the two mounted their Traveling Cloud Gu and set off to their next encounter.
---
Hei tribe
Hei Lou Lan grinned, his eyes gleaming with ruthless ambition. "With you and that old sir's help, we're bound to emerge victorious!"
Tai Bai nodded in agreement. "My senior brother should arrive today; his letter indicated he was near."
Tai Bai had smoothly integrated himself into the Hei camp using his connections, all under the pretext of repaying past favors to the Hei tribe. He had made a compelling case to gain their trust, showing his need to enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land for a lifespan Gu. Once inside, he spoke of a 'brother' who shared his situation, an equally Rank 5 Peak Gu Master who could also be valuable to Hei Lou Lan.
Hei Lou Lan, intrigued, invited this supposed 'brother' into her ranks. Tai Bai's reputation and his clearly limited lifespan made his story believable, and with Poison Vow Gu as security, Hei Lou Lan felt confident in the loyalty of any new recruits.
Just as Hei Lou Lan and Tai Bai Yun Sheng continued their discussion, a servant entered. "The old lord has arrived."
"Let him in," Hei Lou Lan commanded.
Fang Yuan entered, and his eyes swept over the scene, landing on Hei Lou Lan, who wore a fierce disguise: appearing broad and imposing, with a thick beard, a bulky frame reminiscent of a wild bear, and a set of sharp, uneven white teeth. Her triangular eyes sparkled with a dangerous intensity.
"If I didn't know this was a woman, and a surprisingly beautiful one at that, I'd never suspect this was a disguise." Fang Yuan mused, hiding his thoughts behind a calm façade.
Hei Lou Lan's voice boomed, echoing in the camp. "Welcome, old sir! Ready to make history together?"
Fang Yuan smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Of course. Making history sounds… intriguing." Internally, he scoffed, "Tsk, it's me who's creating history—generations will remember what I'm about to achieve."
Hei Lou Lan grinned, intrigued. "So, sir, you're a refinement Gu Master?"
Fang Yuan nodded with a calm expression. "Indeed, it's my primary path, but I also cultivate the Strength path."
Hei Lou Lan raised an eyebrow, surprised. "A secondary path? Impressive. But if I may ask, I've never heard much about you, old sir. And this is the first I've heard that Tai Bai has a senior brother."
Before Fang Yuan could respond, Tai Bai stepped in, his face showing indignation. "What do you mean by that?"
Fang Yuan raised a hand, calming Tai Bai, and answered smoothly, "I've led a quiet life in seclusion, focusing on cultivation. Tai Bai has only helped me when it was absolutely necessary. But you're welcome to verify—there are those who've met me over the years."
Hei Lou Lan softened, the suspicion in her gaze fading or looked like that. "I didn't mean anything by it, old sir. I'm simply grateful someone of your skill has come to join us at the Hei tribe instead of going to one of our rivals. Your presence is truly appreciated."
Fang Yuan cut straight to the point. "I'm here because, like my brother, I need to enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land. My time is… limited." His voice was calm but firm, exuding the gravitas of a man with little time to waste.
Hei Lou Lan's grin grew darker. "Straightforward—I like it. Then let's seal this alliance with the Poison Vow Gu."
Poison Vow Gu was a single-use Gu worm that enforced loyalty. By binding the law of restriction into its effect, it became nearly impossible to break the agreement. Once implanted, if anyone violated the agreement, the Poison Vow Gu would activate immediately, reducing the defector to a puddle of blood in an instant.
---
Fang Yuan sat with Hei Lou Lan and Tai Bai, having sealed the Poison Vow and listening intently as Hei Lou Lan outlined the current situation; With Tai Bai's early arrival and involvement, the Hei tribe had launched a large-scale expedition, positioning themselves as one of the more formidable forces.
"I understand the circumstances. I'll do my best," Fang Yuan said, keeping his expression serious. Inside, though, he felt indifferent. The Hei tribe's ambitions didn't concern him; he needed only to access the blessed land. With his knowledge, winning the Imperial Court was merely a stepping stone.
His thoughts shifted as he considered the Zhao tribe. Fang Yuan knew that Zhao Lian Yun could be a valuable pawn, someone he'd want under his control in the future. "How do I get the Zhao tribe to ally with Hei instead of going to the Ma tribe, as in the original plot?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, a plan began to form. "I'll set things in motion," he thought, "and hope the Zhao tribe comes here instead."
Just then, an attendant burst in, his voice filled with urgency. "Leader, the Zhao Tribe has arrived to join us!"
For a moment, Fang Yuan was speechless, genuinely taken aback. "What… how did this even happen so fast?"
"Maybe I should have wished for a venerable inheritance if it's this easy."
---
Ch 48: Hei Alliance
---
Zhao Tribe - Two weeks ago
In his study, the Zhao tribe leader placed down a document with a sigh, weariness etched into his face. Sunlight filtered through the window, highlighting the lines and age on his fifty-year-old face—a testament to the strain of leadership.
Hei tribe's large-scale expedition and the invitation from Dong Fang Yu Liang had divided the tribe into two bitter factions. One side urged an alliance with Dong Fang, hoping to mend their generations-old feud. The other side preferred joining Hei tribe, a powerful force, albeit one that might use them as expendable soldiers.
These two factions argued endlessly; one side urged aligning with the Dong Fang tribe to resolve their generations-old grudges, while the other saw an alliance with the much stronger Hei tribe as a safer choice.
But could siding with the Dong Fang tribe truly erase the deep-seated hatred that had accumulated through countless feuds? The Zhao tribe leader could not say for certain.
On the other hand, aligning with the Hei tribe brought its own risks. Their headquarters remained in the Cao Fu region, While Yu Tian's tyrants, represented by Hei tribe, already held powerful Alliance. And as latecomers, the Zhao tribe would inevitably face the brunt of the battles. Would they even receive fair treatment or just be used as cannon fodder?
Caught between these choices, Zhao tribe leader was deeply conflicted. His days were filled with tense arguments among the elders. He had to remain vigilant against Dong Fang Yu Liang's schemes while trying to hold together his divided tribe. Each day drained him more.
With a weary sigh, he leaned back in his chair, watching particles of dust floating in a sunbeam. In their aimless drifting, he saw himself—hesitant, swayed by the slightest breeze, unsure whether he'd rise or fall.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside his study, interrupting his thoughts.
The Zhao tribe leader's brows furrowed. "What's the matter?" he called.
Two elders entered, both beaming in rare agreement. "Leader! Good news—the Hei tribe has sent a letter."
Puzzled but hopeful, the Zhao tribe leader took the letter, wondering what had managed to unite these two opposing elders. As he read, his expression softened into relief. Written by none other than Tai Bai Yun Sheng himself, the letter guaranteed fair treatment and explicitly promised that the Zhao tribe would not be treated as expendable.
The Zhao tribe leader allowed himself a small smile. "I didn't expect old Sir Tai Bai to side with the Hei tribe."
"Yes, but it solves everything," one elder said excitedly.
"Now we can join the Hei tribe with confidence," said the other. "With Sir Tai Bai on our side, we won't be thrown into the meat grinder!"
The room buzzed with new optimism. Just as the elders were about to celebrate, a loud voice came from outside.
A guard hurried in, face flushed. "Lord tribe leader, the young miss slipped on the stairs and hit her head while running here."
The Zhao tribe leader shot up in concern. "My little darling! How bad is it? Quickly, bring her here!"
---
Hei Tribe
Meanwhile, in the Hei tribe's camp, an attendant rushed in, his voice filled with urgency. "Leader, the Zhao tribe has arrived to join us!"
Hei Lou Lan smiled broadly. "Excellent news! And it's thanks to you, Sir Tai Bai."
Seeing Fang Yuan's faintly puzzled expression, Hei Lou Lan added, "Sir Tai Bai personally suggested inviting more tribes to strengthen our forces and even put his reputation on the line for their protection."
Fang Yuan nodded, concealing his amusement, though his thoughts raced. "Is this my luck, or perhaps Hong Yun's… or is it fate itself at work?"
Fang Yuan's eyes glinted with a quiet intensity as he thought to himself, "One thing's certain—the future has changed because of me."
"But I didn't expect Old Bai to go that far," Fang Yuan thought, a hint of surprise flickering in his otherwise impassive gaze. "Is he truly doing all this for me... or is it for his precious Purple Master?"
A faint smile played at Fang Yuan's lips. Regardless of Tai Bai's motives, his efforts were proving invaluable.
As the gathering ended, Fang Yuan and Tai Bai made their way outside. At the entrance, the Zhao tribe leader and his elders stood, waiting to meet Hei Lou Lan. Upon spotting Tai Bai, they bowed deeply.
"Sir Tai Bai, thank you," the Zhao leader said sincerely. "Because of you, we have found a safe place for our people."
Tai Bai extended a hand to help him rise. "You are welcome. And hmm," he gestured to Fang Yuan, "this is my senior brother. You may call him Black Shadow."
The Zhao tribe respectfully greeted Fang Yuan. "Greetings, Sir Black Shadow."
Fang Yuan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment before turning to Tai Bai. "Come, we have matters to attend to," he said, moving with calculated grace that hinted at the unseen depths of his plan.
---
In the camp, Fang Yuan sat with his somewhat dim-witted disciple, Hong Yun, along with Tai Bai Yun Sheng.
"Hong Yun, this is your Uncle Tai Bai," Fang Yuan introduced.
Hong Yun smiled foolishly. "Greetings, Uncle Tai!"
Tai Bai chuckled warmly. "Haha, it seems I now have a nephew! How are you finding things here, Hong Yun?"
"Everyone is so kind and treats me really well," Hong Yun replied, his face lighting up.
Fang Yuan inwardly scoffed at this. He knew too well why people were showing such kindness to his disciple; they sought to gain information by being friendly to the young follower of a peak Rank 5 Gu master. "As if I'd tell my foolish disciple anything crucial," he thought with amusement.
"Hong Yun, why don't you go out and make some friends your age?" Fang Yuan said, dismissing him with a wave.
Once Hong Yun had left, Fang Yuan turned to Tai Bai, ensuring there were no one spying around and using a subtle barrier to block any prying eyes or ears. "Junior brother, I need to thank you. Without your efforts, I wouldn't have gotten into the Hei Alliance so smoothly."
Tai Bai shook his head. "There's no need, Senior Brother. It's the least I could do for our master's sake."
Fang Yuan smiled, retrieving something from his aperture. "Regardless, I still owe you something."
But Tai Bai's face twisted in frustration. "Brother, do you mean to insult me? I didn't do this expecting a reward; I did it for our master!"
Fang Yuan held up a hand, still smiling. "I know, but this is something you need. I had planned to give it to you anyway."
He revealed a fifteen-year Lifespan Gu, offering it to Tai Bai.
Tai Bai's eyes widened in shock. "This…?"
"I know your lifespan is running low, so I prepared this for you," Fang Yuan said, smiling. "After all, I wouldn't want my junior brother to die simply because he ran out of time."
Taking the Lifespan Gu with a grateful expression, Tai Bai nodded deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother."
"No need for thanks between us," Fang Yuan assured him. "Once I complete our master's plans, I'll seek out more Lifespan Gu for you."
With their spirits lifted by the mood, the two turned their discussion to the Imperial Court contest and how to safely enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land.
"An amazing plan," Tai Bai marveled as Fang Yuan explained his tactics. "You've truly accounted for every detail."
"I've set some tricks in motion and will use my identity to its fullest," Fang Yuan replied. "Your reputation, however, will be useful in promising support to tribes who join the Hei Alliance. Forget about any reservations—pledge them aid as freely as needed."
With a sigh, Tai Bai nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say." He stood, preparing to leave. His quarters were adjacent to Fang Yuan's, and he glanced back before departing, respect and newfound resolve clear in his eyes.
---
Fang Yuan sat alone, deep in thought, reflecting on his plans, especially his recent actions with Tai Bai. "I hadn't intended to give him any Lifespan Gu before," he mused. "Originally, I wanted to push him to become immortal and refine the two Immortal Gu I desire like the plot."
He sighed. "But no plan survives the unexpected." His gaze drifted toward the distant figure of Tai Bai.
"My true intentions were to use him thoroughly, with plenty of options afterward. I could have enslaved him, or simply killed him to swallow his blessed land."
"But now, things were different. With the awakening of one of the Ten Extreme Physiques, everything had shifted." Fang Yuan checked his aperture, noting the rapid change.
"My aptitude has surged from 98% to 99%."
Fang Yuan's gaze sharpened. "It's a good thing I'm immortal," he thought, "I don't have to fear the burden on my mortal aperture or risk it exploding. I've methods to delay any complications, but I need to wrap up this Imperial Court contest quickly."
Next his mind focused on the incomplete recipe of Change Form Immortal Gu he had. "If I can refine it, the effects on my Familiar Face killer move could be transformative," he mused, confidence rising.
A sense of calm, calculating confidence settled over him as he issued a command to his A.I. Chip. "Set the completion of the Change Form Immortal Gu recipe as the top priority."
The A.I. Chip responded promptly:
[Beep! Mission order updated. Priority set to: Completing the Change Form Immortal Gu recipe. Secondary missions: improving Familiar Face killer move and analyzing optimal strategies against fake wills and special wills…]
Fang Yuan's gaze returned to Tai Bai, his expression unreadable. "Old man, I've already decided your fate."
"Every step is a piece in a much larger game."
A final, chilling thought solidified his resolve. "I will kill you in the blessed land."
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Ch 49: Fated Meeting?
---
Fang Hong Yun wandered through the bustling camp, his eyes wide with curiosity as he observed everything around him. Every servant or tribe member he passed greeted him with respect, knowing who he was and the powerful figures connected to him.
News had spread quickly about Tai Bai's senior brother—a Rank 5 peak Gu Master—and, naturally, his disciple, Fang Hong Yun. People in the alliance paid special attention to the young disciple, recognizing him as a young and easy-to-influence figure. To those with ambitions or hidden agendas, Hong Yun represented a golden opportunity—a bridge to influential Gu Masters. For them, gaining his trust could mean valuable insights into the workings of two strong Rank 5 masters or even alliances with a formidable faction within the alliance.
As Hong Yun strolled through the alliance grounds, immersed in his exploration, a sudden impact broke his focus.
"Ouch! Big brother, I'm sorry! I didn't see you!" A small voice cried as a young girl tumbled to the ground, looking up at him with wide eyes.
Startled, Hong Yun quickly helped her up. "Ah, it's okay," he said kindly, offering her a hand with a warm smile.
"Thank you, big brother! My name is Zhao Lian Yun. What's yours?" she replied, dusting herself off. Zhao Lian Yun looked as though she had been carved from jade, her clear pinkish skin glowing, her embroidered clothing adding to her charm. Her hair was soft and dark, framing her face, and her crystal-clear eyes shone with a lively sparkle.
Naturally, Zhao Lian Yun hadn't bumped into him by accident. This wasn't some meeting of fate; she had already heard about Hong Yun and recognized it as a valuable opportunity.
Unbeknownst to Hong Yun, Zhao Lian Yun was an otherworldly demon, a person with grand ambitions and the keen sense to seize opportunities. In her mind, this was the perfect chance to gain the support she needed. Hong Yun was valuable—being the only disciple of a Rank 5 peak Gu Master and having Tai Bai as his uncle gave him considerable importance. Without a tribe, these masters were free agents, and befriending their disciple held immense appeal.
"My name is Fang Hong Yun, the disciple of my master," he introduced himself with an innocent, unguarded smile.
Zhao Lian Yun was briefly taken aback. "Is he testing me with such a vague statement?" she wondered but quickly dismissed the thought.
Seeing that Hong Yun seemed genuinely naïve, maybe even a little simple, only fueled her sense of opportunity. His innocence could be her key to moving closer to these powerful figures, and she even considered the idea of becoming their disciple—or perhaps marriage. At eleven, Zhao Lian Yun was aware that, in the Northern Plains, powerful alliances were often forged early, sometimes through strategic marriages.
They talked for a while, and despite the differences between a Gu Master and a mortal, their conversation flowed surprisingly well.
As they continued to talk, Zhao Lian Yun put her plan into motion. She could sense that Hong Yun was inexperienced and easy to influence, a characteristic that could lead to a beneficial connection, She even thought, "It would be better to become engaged to him than to let my tribe decide".
In the Northern Plains, alliances were frequently formed through marriages between children as young as twelve or thirteen.
(Note: Historically, it was common for girls aged 12 to 14 to marry and even have children, a practice that persisted in many societies until the mid-20th century. This would likely hold true in Northern Plains traditions as well.)
Eventually, Zhao Lian Yun glanced at the horizon. "I have to go now. My father will worry if I'm gone too long," she said, preparing to leave.
Hong Yun nodded, waving. "Ah, okay... bye, Little Yunyun," he called cheerfully.
As Zhao Lian Yun walked away, she reflected on her interaction. "So, he wasn't testing me. He truly is as innocent as he seems—practically naive." She grinned, realizing that his innocence could work entirely in her favor. "A few more encounters, and I'll be even closer to him. This might be easier than I thought.""
"The more he's like this, the better for me." She smirked slightly, her eyes glinting with ambition.
But for now, she had to return to the Zhao tribe and ensure her absence didn't raise suspicion. The groundwork was laid, and she would wait patiently for the next chance to progress her plans.
---
After a week had passed, Fang Yuan was refining Gu for himself and the Alliance this time.
As a Rank 5 peak refinement Gu master, Fang Yuan had access to ample resources, and his main role within the alliance had shifted to focusing on refinement of high Rank Gu, gaining substantial benefits.
Nearly every refinement attempt succeeded, leaving him with extra mortal materials and extra refined Gu worms for personal use. While these rewards were insignificant to him as an immortal, the key benefit was avoiding battles, allowing him to stay hidden for the time being.
Even though Fang Yuan had already refined enough Gu for himself within the blessed land, he continued producing more. It cost him little time, and maintaining a steady output allowed him to subtly strengthen his influence within the Alliance.
But despite months of refining, his refinement attainment remained stuck at Quasi-Grandmaster. Fang Yuan finally knew how difficult it was to push attainment beyond Grandmaster level. "If only I had Dream Realms to explore, my attainments would soar. But for now, this is sufficient," he pondered.
As for his main path, Fang Yuan had already made his choice: ever since he left his blessed land, he committed to mastering the FormationPath. This path would be essential to his plans, providing the backbone for his cultivation strategy in the near future.
Fang Yuan then checked on the progress of the missions he had assigned to the AI Chip.
"The AI Chip has made significant strides in completing the unfinished immortal recipe, it seems that the immortal recipe of shapeshifting Gu helped a lot. Perhaps it will be ready in just a few days," he considered. But he reminded himself, "Even if it's ready, I'll wait for Lang Ya's invitation before taking any action."
"At that time, securing an immortal inheritance in Wisdom Path will also be within reach," he mused to himself, before his thoughts were interrupted by a sudden voice nearby.
"Lord Black Shadow, the leader has invited you to a meeting," a respectful voice called from outside.
"Understood," Fang Yuan responded.
Some time later, Fang Yuan and Tai Bai entered the meeting hall, where a crowd had already gathered. Hei Lou Lan sat in the leader's seat, radiating confidence.
"Hahaha, two esteemed sirs, please, take a seat!" Hei Lou Lan welcomed them with a hearty laugh. Then, her expression turned sinister. "Dong Fang Yu Liang has sent a letter, asking for a direct confrontation. Each side will send a team for a decisive battle. He's offered that if we win, the Dong Fang tribe will withdraw from the imperial court."
"Right in line with my expectations," Fang Yuan thought as he listened.
"Haha, he must know he can't win against me, not with the Hei Alliance so powerful," Hei Lou Lan laughed with a bloodthirsty glint in her eyes. "If we win, the imperial court is as good as ours. And even if we lose, we won't retreat. We'll attack, crushing their forces in one swift move." Her laugh rang out, echoing with confidence and menace.
Fang Yuan observed her, his expression calm, though inwardly he was amused. "She really does play the maniacal act well—or perhaps her mind truly is steeped in insanity."
Yet his thoughts returned to Dong Fang Yu Liang. "I expected him to concede defeat, but he seems determined, perhaps driven by a stronger purpose... or fear."
Dong Fang Yu Liang's primary goal in this imperial court was to save his sister, Dong Fang Qing Yu. She was born talentless and sickly, with no aptitude for cultivation, deemed worthless by all but her brother. He was willing to go to any lengths for her, motivated by a promise from an immortal in his family to heal her if he succeeded.
"Poor Dong Fang Yu Liang," Fang Yuan reflected. "In my previous life, he captured Ma Hong Yun using Three Hearts Combination Soul. Yet, his beloved sister betrayed him, freeing his enemy and even giving away the secret of Three Hearts Combination Soul." Fang Yuan felt a pang of pity; even the immortal assisting him planned to use and ultimately kill him, a fate Fang Yuan could understand all too well.
"I left him a Gu that can heal his sister that he should have got it," he thought, "It must be why he's changed course."
"I need to enter the Imperial Court without wasting time on meaningless battles. With this strategy, the Hei Alliance can exert its full strength to dominate quickly. I'll only make small, subtle moves; no need to draw attention to myself," Fang Yuan thought, carefully organizing his plans.
Although he had modified his approach, his plans had, in fact, become simpler. Originally, his goal was to seize the Imperial Court blessed land. Now, his method was more direct.
"I'll just extract all the benefits the blessed land has to offer—and then destroy it once I'm done."
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Ch 50: Inkman King
---
After five days.
Hei Lou Lan stood at the Hei Alliance entrance, bidding farewell. "Old Sir Black Shadow, I am entrusting you with this mission. I hope you succeed," she said, projecting her authority as the Alliance Leader.
The Hei tribe's scheduled team battle with the Dong Fang tribe was only days away, yet Hei Lou Lan already considered it her victory.
Confident in her impending success, she prepared to negotiate with tribes like the Ma tribe, offering them enticing benefits to join the Hei Alliance and expedite the end of the Imperial Court Contest. For this delicate mission, she had initially chosen Tai Bai to ensure a smooth alliance.
As the number one healing Gu Master in northern plains, Tai Bai was essential to Hei Lou Lan's plans. Sending him before the team battle showed just how certain she was of her victory as she was sending away the best healing Gu master for the team battle.
But Fang Yuan wouldn't let things go this way.
Fang Yuan had received a message from Lang Ya urging him to visit the blessed land quickly for mutual benefit. This prompted Fang Yuan to rearrange the plan—he would go in Tai Bai's place.
Hei Lou Lan hesitated initially, valuing Tai Bai's reputation, but Fang Yuan showed her a letter, from Tai Bai himself, stating that he would vouch for Fang Yuan with the Ma tribe. Fang Yuan assured her that as Tai Bai's senior brother, he could represent him fully.
Finally, Hei Lou Lan agreed. With Tai Bai's presence vital in the upcoming battle, sending Black Shadow as an envoy seemed the best option.
Besides, Fang Yuan's skills as a refinement Gu Master wouldn't be particularly useful in the upcoming battle, making it more strategic to send him on the diplomatic mission.
With this in mind, Hei Lou Lan concluded that dispatching Black Shadow was the better choice, allowing Tai Bai to remain for the upcoming battle. Then after the battle, she could assign him to more critical tasks with other tribes.
---
As Fang Yuan soared through the sky on his blue cloud, he distanced himself from the Hei Alliance, musing, "I'm sure that the upcoming battle will end in Hei Lou Lan's victory. Dong Fang Yu Liang will only put on a show before withdrawing. Giving him a healing Gu to cure his sister was a good move."
"The Imperial Court Contest will conclude faster than ever with my secret involvement."
"I'm confident in Hou Luo Lan," Fang Yuan muttered, his gaze turning dark, "but even if I were there and she was in a difficult spot, I have no intention of stepping in any battle. Any involvement on my part could draw suspicion from the immortals watching, risking an investigation into my identity." His expression grew even more serious. "If they delve into Tai Bai's memories or uncover anything unusual, everything I've built could fall apart. I need to tread carefully."
Fang Yuan continued until he reached a secluded spot, carefully releasing his investigation killer moves to ensure no one was around. Satisfied, he shifted to his original form.
"Lang Ya asked me to come sooner than I'd planned," he muttered, regaining focus. "AI Chip, what's the status of the recipe?"
[Beep! The immortal recipe completion is at 92%. Estimated time remaining: 5 ~ 12 days.]
"Alright. I can stay with Lang Ya until it's finished," he concluded, activating his fixed travel Gu to transport him directly to Lang Ya Blessed Land.
---
Lang Ya blessed Lad
swish
In the familiar room where he always teleported to, Fang Yuan sensed Lang Ya's welcoming presence just outside.
"Hello, my friend! I appreciate your quick arrival," Lang Ya greeted him warmly.
Fang Yuan returned the smile. "How could I resist? You promised me I'd gain much by coming here."
Lang Ya chuckled, clearly pleased. "Come, there's someone here eager to meet you."
Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Someone wants to meet me? Lang Ya, you didn't share my information, did you?"
"Ah...well, perhaps I did, just a little." Lang Ya averted his gaze. "I may have mentioned the prophecy and, in passing, brought up your name."
Fang Yuan sighed. "If we weren't friends, I'd think you were trying to get me into trouble." He shook his head but followed Lang Ya without further protest.
---
At the Tea Table in Lang Ya Blessed Land
"Fang Yuan, I'd like you to meet my friend, the Inkman King, Mo Tan Sang," Lang Ya introduced with pride.
Mo Tan Sang had a middle-aged appearance and had a mighty disposition, his appearance was that of an Inkman, he had black skin and thick white hair.
"Sir Fang Yuan, I've heard incredible things about you. If not for the Land Spirit's truthful nature, I'd find it hard to believe." Mo Tan Sang said with a friendly smile that gave people a feeling of great closeness.
Currently, the five regions were dominated by humans. Variant humans were living while pressured on all sides; many were sold as slaves or raised as pets, their livelihood was rather difficult.
But in northern plains, inkmen had the most favorable status among the variant humans.
Many variant humans had no fixed residence and would have to wander around like vagabonds. But inkmen had established a city in northern plains, which possessed three inkman Gu Immortals.
Mo Tan Sang was the inkman city's king. Under his leadership, the inkmen were able to resist pressure from various forces and withstand the covetous gazes of countless Gu Immortals, defying immense pressures to maintain their independence.
It was not easy to maintain the inkmen's survival, it served to show how talented and skilled this Inkman King was.
---
Fang Yuan muttered inwardly, "I had waited for your invitation ,Mo Tan Sang."
Maintaining composure, Fang Yuan smiled slightly. "It's an honor to meet the renowned Inkman King, whose presence exudes such majesty."
"Please, there's no need for such high praise," Mo Tan Sang replied humbly.
Fang Yuan chuckled lightly. "I had no idea Lang Ya and the inkmen were such close allies."
Mo Tan Sang took the initiative to explain: "Lang Ya land spirit and I have been very good friends for many years. In truth, inkman city has always had close relations with Lang Ya blessed land. This time, Lang Ya extended an invitation, presenting us with a valuable opportunity."
And without a pause, he continued, "He mentioned he would welcome the inkmen into his Hairy Men Alliance. Then he spoke of the prophecy and told me he would give me the opportunity to join. Naturally, I was skeptical at first, but Lang Ya explained how you were able to predict the details of the coming calamity and the attackers, assuring me that you had made an agreement to speak the truth before giving the prophecy. Since the Land Spirit cannot lie, I had to believe it was real."
"I'm truly amazed by your abilities, Sir Fang Yuan. You are undoubtedly a leader in the wisdom path—a true model for all wisdom Gu Masters."
Fang Yuan's eyes flickered in surprise, his expression stiffening at the lavish praise and even more at Mo Tan Sang's familiar words—'a leader in'—'a model for'.
Beside Fang Yuan, Lang Ya's face flushed red with embarrassment, clearly uncomfortable that everything had been revealed out like this.
"Ahem… I'm not deserving of such high praise," Fang Yuan managed, trying to ease his tension.
Mo Tan Sang's sincerity shone through as he continued, "I genuinely mean it, Sir Fang Yuan. And as the Land Spirit's friend, you're my friend as well. If you ever need assistance, please consider Inkman City your second home. I would be honored to welcome you as a friend."
Fang Yuan was impressed by Mo Tan Sang's tact and warmth. "He truly is the Inkman King, skilled in words and trust-building," he thought, appreciating the Inkman King's natural charisma.
Returning the sentiment, Fang Yuan nodded with a small smile. "I would be pleased to experience the hospitality of Inkman City and am equally glad to have a friend like you."
The three continued their conversation, trading stories and laughter. It was as if they were old friends, reunited after a long journey.
---
After some time of talking, Mo Tan Sang finally shared the real reason he had asked to meet. "I wanted to ask... did you perhaps deduce anything about the future of the inkmen? I would be willing to give anything for any prophecy you might have."
Fang Yuan maintained his calm demeanor. "I have," he replied smoothly, "and I'm willing to share it freely, as we're friends, after all."
Mo Tan Sang's expression softened, yet he insisted. "How could I ask that of a friend? I need to earn this information properly. Please, name your price."
"Of course, he'll insist," Fang Yuan thought with a hint of amusement. "He wants it formalized so an agreement can ensure the prophecy's truth."
Feigning a reluctant sigh, he replied, "Well, there is something I desire greatly— wisdom path inheritances with insights on handling wills, especially those that can counter strong wills." Fang Yuan's mind was set. Wisdom path techniques were essential, especially against the wills of powerful beings like Giant Sun, whose will he would face soon.
Mo Tan Sang agreed, though he clarified, "We inkmen have wisdom path inheritances, but no immortal wisdom Gu can be granted. However, I can provide rare mortal wisdom Gu, recipes and formidable killer moves, effective against various wills."
"That's acceptable," Fang Yuan replied. "I'll share the prophecy first."
After finalizing an agreement similar to the one he made with Lang Ya, Fang Yuan carefully shared a vision of the inkmen's potential future. He painted a picture of prosperity, with the freedom to establish new cities and a brighter future than Mo Tan Sang could imagine.
But he also warned that if he wasn't cautious or if he shared this prophecy too openly, the inkmen might find themselves enslaved by other tribes. It was a subtle, deliberate warning to keep Mo Tan Sang from probing further or disclosing too much.
With the deal complete, Mo Tan Sang left, having promised not to share any of Fang Yuan's information, not even his name. Fang Yuan had even included a veiled threat, hinting that such an action would make him a lasting enemy of the inkmen. Satisfied, Fang Yuan asked Lang Ya to prepare a room, as he planned to stay for some time.
---
In the solitude of his room, Fang Yuan reflected. "That went well, but I need to avoid deals like this in the future. I can't keep revealing future events as prophecies—it's too risky."
There was a purpose behind his actions, despite knowing that hinting at the future could increase the chances of others deducing his coming from future. He needed to grow rapidly, ensuring he wouldn't be a pawn in Heaven's Will or a Venerable's scheme. Preparation was essential, or he would live to regret it.
Fang Yuan also understood that Star Constellation's Will would eventually expose information about his plans, so he resolved to tread carefully to avoid drawing attention or revealing his true intentions. He'd kept his movements subtle so far, and by the time anyone noticed his influence, his preparations would be complete.
Also his intense focus on Wisdom Path served a double purpose—not only advancing his schemes but also building a protective layer against any who might attempt to probe his mind.
As Fang Yuan was about to inspect his newly acquired immortal wisdom inheritances, he felt an unusual fluctuation within his first aperture.
Checking his aperture, Fang Yuan noticed the change and murmured, "My aptitude has risen from 99% to 100%."
His gaze turned intense. "So, my Extreme Physique is ...."
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Ch 51: Gu Yue Extreme Physique
---
The Gu Yue Clan, rooted in the Southern Border, was established by a rank 5 Gu Master who spread his bloodline across countless descendants, ensuring the clan's legacy.
This master was the clan's founding ancestor, known as First Gen Gu Yue, who created Gu Yue Village. His objective wasn't just family expansion; he had a singular aim—enhancing his own aptitude.
Originally, First Gen Gu Yue came from Central Continent's Immortal Crane Sect, where he was senior brother to Sky Crane. But when he encountered Blood Sea Ancestor's true inheritance, he schemed to claim it over his junior, acquiring powerful blood path Gu worms, notably the Blood Skull Gu.
This particular Gu excited First Gen Gu Yue, as it could elevate his talent from grade C to grade A.
Yet, perhaps due to affection for his descendants or the influence of fate, he resisted using his family for his own gain. Instead, he transformed himself into an undead existence, a zombie, holding out for the emergence of an Extreme Physique. His motivations remained ambiguous—whether love for his clan or manipulation by Heaven's Will.
"This… as I predicted," Fang Yuan murmured, a smile on his face.
"First Gen Gu Yue had been waiting for one particular Extreme Physique," Fang Yuan recalled. He still remembered the words from the ancestor's lingering memories:
"Brat, you have guts and brains. You're truly my descendant. I'll take your blood to raise my aptitude. Don't think you're going anywhere. I purified my heirs' lineage with a blood path Gu to bring out a child with the Ancient Moon Desolate Yin physique. With the blood of such a descendant, my aptitude will reach 99% A-grade!"
"And now, I am that Ancient Moon Desolate physique," Fang Yuan said with excitement.
"The Gu Yue Clan truly bore this bloodline. It's why First Gen Gu Yue used a blood path Gu, purifying their blood over generations." Fang Yuan though "Gu Yue means Ancient Moon"
Ancient Moon Desolate Yin was a physique aligned with the Time Path, granting faster cultivation and stronger abilities in that path.
Fang Yuan reviewed his own efforts. "I tried to improve my chances of getting this physique, by filling my first aperture with Time Path Gu worms and already having an immortal time path Gu my vital Gu. I even focused on raising my Time Path attainment."
He sighed, a wry smile forming. "Though I knew it was likely pointless, I did it anyway. The true reason I gained this physique should be my bloodline."
"Maybe my killer move to slow time flow in my immortal aperture, increasing the number of Time Path dao marks in it, helped. I even used a Transformation Path killer move to convert all my dao marks into Time Path marks a lot while training. But in the end, it should be the bloodline."
A thought crossed his mind, and his expression shifted. "So, Heaven's Will isn't omnipotent if it couldn't fully determine my physique." Fang Yuan then frowned slightly, remembering how Heaven's Will once helped him when he first absorbed the original Fang Yuan's memories.
"Heaven Will may be able to influence my physique, but it doesn't matter what I get— as an immortal, I can make full use of it. Besides, if Heaven Will tries to make a move, it will only reveal its presence to me. The current situation is Heaven Will thinks I don't know it exists thus making me just a pawn in the dark, Just as I want it to think for now."
Fang Yuan lay back on his bed, taking out some Gu worms to temporarily lower his aptitude.
As one with an Extreme Physique, his potential was unmatched: his aptitude surpassed A grade, his mortal aperture's capacity capped at 100%, and if he ascended to Gu Immortal, he would gain a super-grade blessed land. Such a physique granted him a cultivation and battle power far exceeding those of the same rank.
However, the same physique came with grave risks. The mortal aperture of an Extreme Physique was prone to overloading and could explode at any time, killing the Gu Master and causing severe destruction—a risk that only increased as cultivation progressed and Fang Yuan was a Rank 5 Gu master already in his first aperture.
So to prevent this outcome, certain measures were necessary, though most came at a cost. Temporarily decreasing aptitude was one solution, though it was only a stop-gap, as his aptitude would soon rise again.
After finishing, Fang Yuan returned his focus on cultivating the wisdom inheritances he had just obtained.
---
Nine days later
[Beep! The immortal recipe is now 100%. It's complete.]
Fang Yuan opened his eyes, a smile forming on his lips. "Seems it's time to meet my friend Lang Ya."
He got up and headed out, seeking his old friend. Almost immediately, Lang Ya appeared before him, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Fang Yuan, did you finish your business?" Lang Ya asked.
"Yes, everything's sorted," Fang Yuan replied. "And I have good news. I've completed the recipe for the Change Form Gu." handing over the recipe.
Lang Ya's eyes sparkled as he scanned the parchment. "Oh, this is amazing! So, Earthly Limit Astral Qi is the main material? I see…" He was so focused on the recipe that he didn't notice Fang Yuan patiently waiting with a smile on his face.
After a moment, Lang Ya snapped back to reality, realizing Fang Yuan had been waiting. "Ah, forgive me for keeping you waiting, my friend. I'll pay you extra for this recipe. I've always wanted to complete it."
Fang Yuan shook his head, feigning embarrassment. "No, I can't accept anything for this recipe, Lang Ya. Honestly, I feel like I'm the one benefiting the most here."
Lang Ya smiled warmly. "How can that be? This is valuable to both of us."
Fang Yuan nodded, then took a deep breath. "Actually, you know I'm a transformation path immortal, and I'd like to ask if you'd refine this Gu for me as part of our agreement. I'm a bit hesitant to ask…"
Lang Ya waved his hand, even if he looked slightly annoyed. "Of course, that was the deal. I'll refine it for you."
"Thank you, but there's no rush," Fang Yuan replied smoothly, sensing the slight tension. "I have another deal in mind that might interest you."
Lang Ya's curiosity was piqued. "Oh? And what could that be?"
Without a word, Fang Yuan took out a Rank 7 Gu, the Formation Flag Immortal Gu, and unveiled the formation contained within it. As he did so, a mighty creature emerged.
"This… how can it be? You have…" Lang Ya's voice trailed off as he saw the powerful beast. It was an immemorial desolate beast, the legendary Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion.
Fang Yuan nodded. "Yes, an immemorial desolate beast that can go toe-to-toe with a Rank 8 immortal. This particular one is even more valuable—it's the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion, a natural counter to any soul path immortal."
Lang Ya stared at the beast in astonishment. "Such a creature… I could use this to protect my blessed land!"
Just then, a voice chimed in. "Master, the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion has finally reached its peak state," the formation spirit reported.
---
Fang Yuan had been putting souls into the formation to strengthen the beast, bringing it to the peak of its power.
He had originally intended to keep this immemorial desolate beast as a trump card, but plans had changed.
The primary reason Fang Yuan needed to sell the beast was due to the six critical immortal Gu worms used to control it within the formation. He needed these for his next plan.
Also he wanted to modify the formation many times but doing so would risk losing control over the powerful beast so selling the beast was the only right option he had.
"Only by doing this can I fully prepare for the Imperial Court blessed land," Fang Yuan thought. "Without an enslavement Immortal Gu, this formation spirit is the only thing that lets me control this beast. Otherwise, I couldn't control him in the first place but now I need to change the whole formation for another purpose."
---
Lang Ya stopped studying the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion as his attention shifted to another figure. "This… what is this? It looks almost like a land spirit."
The formation spirit huffed proudly. "Of course, you wouldn't know. I'm a formation spirit."
"A formation spirit?" Lang Ya repeated, fascinated. "This is the first time I've ever seen one."
Lang Ya had a curious look as he was examining the formation spirit.
"The formation spirit was created using a one-time consumable Formation Spirit Immortal Gu," Fang Yuan explained. "The Gu was designed by Zhen Yuan Zi to mimic a land spirit."
"Zhen Yuan Zi… there truly are many amazing people in this world." Lang Ya was then excited. "So, do you want to sell the entire formation?"
Fang Yuan shook his head. "No, only the Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion."
Lang Ya's excitement dimmed, but he quickly recovered. "Alright, what do you want for it?"
Fang Yuan's eyes sparkled. "Just a Rank 6 Gu you possess."
Lang Ya's eyes lit up, but Fang Yuan's next words tempered his enthusiasm.
"I want… the Dog Shit Luck Immortal Gu."
.
.
.