Ch 52: Not a Choice
---
"I want Dog Shit Luck Gu."
Lang Ya hesitated, eyeing Fang Yuan with a hint of reluctance. Fang Yuan observed him calmly, then added, "I knew you had this Rank 6 Gu, besides you're the one who truly benefits in this deal."
Lang Ya sighed. "You even know I have this Gu."
"Of course. I deduced that you hold the true inheritance of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable," Fang Yuan continued smoothly.
Lang Ya nodded, giving in. "Giant Sun Immortal Venerable had only three true inheritances, all centered on Luck Path: self-luck, all living beings' luck, and heaven and earth luck. I have the self-luck inheritance. The all-living beings' luck inheritance was left in the Imperial Court blessed land, and the heaven and earth luck inheritance is in Longevity Heaven."
"Now, you understand that the Gu you're asking for is part of a true inheritance," Lang Ya said, hoping Fang Yuan might reconsider. "It was also a core Gu of the Venerable himself. You know how rare Luck Path Gu worms are—they're nearly impossible to come by."
Fang Yuan leaned in, his tone calm and persuasive. "Lang Ya, the value you gain here far outweighs the cost. This Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion is no ordinary creature; it's a rare immemorial desolate beast capable of rivaling a Rank 8 immortal. As a powerful guardian, it will protect your blessed land and deter any would-be attackers. You know how many eyes are on you, waiting for a chance."
He added, "I've delivered it to you in its peak state, held securely by a formation. With my assistance, enslaving it will be very easy. A guardian of this strength is precisely what you need now."
Lang Ya paused, considering Fang Yuan's words, then shook his head. "But the Dog Shit Luck Gu has been invaluable to Lang Ya blessed land. It's protected us from countless disasters and dangers—it's not something I can part with so easily."
The Dog Shit Luck Gu was a rare and powerful luck path Gu, invaluable to Lang Ya Blessed Land. It boosted success in various aspects, like increasing the odds of refining Gu worms or triggering manageable calamities that Lang Ya could easily handle. Overall, the effects of this Rank 6 Gu were remarkable, thus Lang Ya had already decided to refuse the trade.
"I understand what you mean," Fang Yuan nodded. "So, as an extra benefit, I'll share the recipe for the Formation Spirit Gu. I can assure you, no one else has refined this Gu since the first was created—what you see now is unique. Besides, you truly need this beast. Your blessed land will face dangerous situations and inevitable attacks in the future, and the strength of this creature will be a decisive asset."
Lang Ya's eyes widened. "What? Can you share any information about these future attackers?"
Fang Yuan shook his head. "Unfortunately, I could only deduce the severe damage awaiting the blessed land. But if I uncover anything more specific, you'll be the first to know."
Lang Ya took a deep breath, reflecting. "You're right. I trust you. It seems I need this Green Claw Ghost Winged Lion more than the Dog Shit Luck Gu."
"Alright, I'll make the trade."
Fang Yuan's smile was subtle. He knew Lang Ya should be satisfied with the deal, as the true advantage lay with him. Trading a Rank 6 Gu for an immemorial desolate beast was a bargain no one could refuse.
Lang Ya Land Spirit had began his preparations, retrieving his Gu worms then activating an immortal killer move with the Rank 7 Beast Enslavement Gu at its core.
Normally only Rank 8 Beast Enslavement Gu can control an immemorial desolate beast but because of the enslavement immortal killer move, Lang Ya could do what Rank 8 does with only Rank 7.
Finally with the help of the formation spirit, Lang Ya smoothly brought the powerful beast under his control.
"Hahaha! Lang Ya blessed land is now even safer and stronger!" Lang Ya laughed, visibly pleased with his new guardian.
"Congratulations, my friend," Fang Yuan said with a sincere expression.
Lang Ya laughed. "Thank you for making this trade with me. Here's the Gu you wanted: Dog Shit Luck Gu."
Fang Yuan accepted the Gu and refined it easily, storing it along with the Formation Flag Gu in his aperture.
"When can you refine the Gu for me, my friend?" Fang Yuan asked, noting Lang Ya's good mood.
"Give me some time to gather the missing materials. Once I have them, I'll begin," Lang Ya promised before leaving to make his preparations.
---
A few days later.
Lang Ya had completed all preparations, carefully checking the quality of the immortal materials and ensuring there were no issues.
Maybe due to his agreement with Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable to do his best in refining Gu, or perhaps his friendship with Fang Yuan, he put forth his utmost effort. He even enlisted the help of five hairy man immortals to assist in the refinement.
In the hall, two of these hairy men approached Fang Yuan—a male and a female. The male spoke, "You must be Lord Fang Yuan, the inheritor of Thieving Heaven Demon Venerable."
"Yes, and how should I address you?" Fang Yuan replied with a gentle smile.
"You can call me First Hair, and this is my wife, Second Hair. We are cultivating refinement path and will be aiding in the process," the male hairy man replied.
Fang Yuan recognized them immediately. This couple would have perished during the future attack of the Shadow Sect. First Hair was a Rank 7 refinement immortal, and his wife was Rank 6.
"Then just call me Fang Yuan ,First Hair."
Fang Yuan then engaged in pleasant conversation with them, treating them as equals and showing genuine respect. This approach quickly won the favor of the hairy men, who began seeing Fang Yuan as a friend.
These hairy men had lived under Lang Ya's protection in the blessed land all their lives, leaving them incredibly naïve. Isolated from the world, they were trusting anyone easily, believing almost anything they saw or heard without question.
---
Reflecting on Lang Ya's preparations, Fang Yuan was pleased, realizing this would further increase the chance of a successful refinement. Still, he remained cautious, subtly befriending the five hairy man immortals to verify none were undercover trying to harm him for the shadow sect.
He soon learned their names and specializations: First Hair was a refinement path immortal, Second Hair also specialized in refinement, Third Hair cultivated wood path, Fourth Hair pursued qi path, and Fifth Hair cultivated light path.
Fang Yuan, who had already become their close friend, was quietly increasing his influence among the Hairy men, all while thinking how he might protect them in the future. After all, any loss to them or the blessed land would ultimately be a loss for him.
After some time, Lang Ya finally interrupted their happy gathering.
"Fang Yuan, I'm going to use the Refinement Cauldron to further boost the chances. I estimate a sixty percent success rate for Change Form Immortal Gu. And with your Dog Shit Luck Gu, that chance increases even more," Lang Ya announced.
"Hahaha, excellent news! I was already planning to join the refinement," Fang Yuan replied, smiling. He had acquired the Dog Shit Luck Gu before the refinement, precisely to increase his success chance.
The Dog Shit Luck Gu could increase Fang Yuan's own luck, and he had already been using it to make luck in his favor. He knew how heaven-defying high luck could be.
But then Lang Ya added something that made Fang Yuan's expression turn heavy.
"I have inherited my main body's special hairy man nature Gu refinement technique, Heaven and Earth Style. This method leverages the dao marks of heaven and earth to aid the Gu refinement. Calamities and tribulations may arise, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. With the abundant refinement dao marks in this blessed land and your increased luck, success is nearly guaranteed on the first attempt," Lang Ya said proudly.
Fang Yuan's face fell. He didn't want to use the Hairy Man Heaven and Earth Style, as he knew the risks involved. This technique drew upon the power of heaven and earth itself, effectively harnessing nature's dao marks for the refinement, akin to borrowing the power of the world.
However, this method invited calamities, which meant Heaven's Will could manipulate and plot, conjuring a devastating calamity so that the refinement would fail.
Fang Yuan pondered how he could reject using this method, but Lang Ya's next words left him cornered.
"I'll also be teaching you some of the secrets behind the hairy man nature Gu refinement technique, including valuable refinement methods and several mortal killer moves for Gu refinement," Lang Ya added, smiling at Fang Yuan. "You can pay me later, and I'll lower the price for you. Consider this a gift of gratitude."
Fang Yuan was stunned, realizing how difficult his position had become. Inwardly, he cursed, "Damn you and your gratitude."
Fang Yuan now faced two options: either refuse Lang Ya's offer, risking suspicion from Star Constellation's Will, or accept it, fully aware that it could jeopardize his chances in the Gu refinement.
Refusal would be a dangerous move, signaling to Star Constellation's Will that Fang Yuan knew far more than he should. That could cost him dearly—losing his precious indirect protection from Heaven's Will against the Shadow Sect, along with the hidden support that kept him safe from Central Continent's sects and Heavenly Court's interference.
Worse still, it would ruin his future biggest chance, claiming the heaven-defying power—the Rank 9 Gu—the Sovereign Immortal Fetus Gu, which he knew it would become his ultimate advantage against venerables in the future.
"The real danger is Star Constellation's Will," Fang Yuan reflected. "With the Spring Autumn Cicada Gu in my aperture, every step I take is being watched. If I refuse, Star Constellation's Will and Heaven's Will would abandon me as a pawn. I'd become a target instead, and everything I've worked for would be destroyed."
He sighed, realizing just how trapped he was. "I have no choice. Heaven's Will even holds my life in its hands. With Spring Autumn Cicada Gu filled with Heaven's Will, it could easily kill me if I make the wrong move, even if the Gu succeed and I return in time. Any immortal it sends would easily finish the job."
Fang Yuan's thoughts solidified as he accepted the inevitable. He would have to play along for now. "Soon, very soon, I'll have my freedom and achieve my goals," he reassured himself.
It was not a choicein the first place.
Fang Yuan's thoughts solidified, and he looked at Lang Ya with a deep, knowing smile. "Let's proceed as you suggested, my dear friend."
.
.
.
Ch 53: success or failure?
In this chapter, I used one-time coin toss to decide IF Fang Yuan would get the Gu or not—heads for success, tails for failure. I wanted to add a touch of realism, so let's see if Fang Yuan's luck can effect a simple coin toss.
Enjoy reading.
---
Finally, the Gu Refinement Day had arrived.
The attempt to refine the Change Form Immortal Gu was about to begin.
Fang Yuan stood with a serious expression, his gaze fixed on Lang Ya's land spirit.
Recently, Lang Ya had been showcasing the vast assets of his blessed land, from the Refinement Cauldron and powerful Gu worms to the innumerable Hairy Men residing there.
Lang Ya Blessed Land was the largest sanctuary of Hairy Men in the current world. Within its borders were four continents. Three of them were sea-bound and similar in size, while the fourth, the smallest, floated in the sky.
On the Black Hair Continent, Steel Thread City was the grandest settlement, housing hundreds of thousands of Hairy Men with countless villages and towns surrounding it.
The White Hair Continent resembled Black Hair Continent, with only the color of the Hairy Men's hair distinguishing them.
The Yellow Hair Continent was similarly structured, its main difference also being the hair color of its inhabitants.
Cloud Cover Continent floated in the sky, revered as a sacred land that Hairy Men from the other continents aspired to reach. It contained twelve cloud cities, each a Mortal Gu House. When activated together, these cities formed the Twelve Wave Cloud Confusion Formation, protecting the entire Cloud Cover Continent. Each cloud city had a representative city lord, typically an immortal cultivator.
Now, Fang Yuan, Lang Ya, and the other immortals were assembled on Cloud Cover Continent.
"An entire empire of Hairy Men," Fang Yuan mused. "It seems that, because of my prophecy, Lang Ya has begun revealing his assets without restraint."
"Of course, he's showing all of this to me for another reason," Fang Yuan thought, a knowing smile forming on his lips.
Lang Ya land spirit gave Fang Yuan a meaningful look before summoning the Refinement Cauldron.
Dao marks illuminated the surroundings, filling the area with a powerful aura.
"These are all refinement path Dao marks!" Lang Ya land spirit announced proudly.
As he spoke, lumps of light illuminated the sky, shining with vibrant, dazzling colors.
Mortals looked up in awe. "What's happening in the sky?"
"Look quickly! Another immortal miracle!"
"There are rainbow stars! Such a grand sight!"
Across the Black Hair, Yellow Hair, and White Hair Continents, commotions erupted as people, from commoners to nobility, stared at the stars with wonder.
"Each star radiates Immortal Gu aura; these are components of the Immortal Gu House, the Refinement Cauldron," Fang Yuan noted knowingly.
Lang Ya nodded. "Indeed, your refinement attainment must be high to grasp this at a glance."
"Not quite that high yet," Fang Yuan replied, thinking to himself, "But it will be, once I gain that from Eighty-Eight True Yang Building."
"Pay attention—I'm about to begin!"
At this, Dao marks across a hundred km lit up, painting the sky in rainbow colors.
High above, Lang Ya land spirit commanded countless Gu worms. Mortal Gu materials were instantly refined at a speed so fast that even Fang Yuan with the A.I Chip struggled to keep up.
"Even with the A.I Chip, I can barely keep up," Fang Yuan thought, admiring Lang Ya. The land spirit refined Gu with such ease, as if he already knew the outcome of each material. "High attainment can't be replaced by the A.I Chip after all."
After a while, Lang Ya land spirit growled, "Your turn."
n an instant, Fang Yuan's vision shifted, placing him in Lang Ya land spirit's former position, floating in the air. Meanwhile, Lang Ya land spirit was now grounded, watching Fang Yuan intently.
This arrangement was something Lang Ya had meticulously planned. After assessing the situation, he decided this Gu refinement would use a dual Immortal Gu refinement method.
Lang Ya would rely on the unique hairy man Gu refinement techniques, while Fang Yuan would handle the key immortal materials, maximizing his own luck as part of the process. Both would play equally crucial roles in the refinement.
Fang Yuan was well-prepared. He appeared in the sky and took out a large basin of Interior Rain.
Lang Ya land spirit saw this and nodded, feeling slightly pleased. "Fang Yuan is calm and collected, with deep foundations in the basics. His methods hold a profound essence."
---
The Gu refinement proceeded smoothly, each step meticulously followed.
Luck path greatly aided the process, with each element seeming to align toward success. Dog Shit Luck Gu demonstrated its worth.
For six days and nights, Lang Ya land spirit and Fang Yuan worked, though it would have taken only half this time had Fang Yuan not insisted on resting to stay in peak condition.
Finally, their efforts paid off with the formation of an incomplete Immortal Gu.
Lang Ya land spirit, overjoyed, exclaimed, "This first refinement attempt looks likely to succeed! As long as nothing goes wrong in the final steps… I may as well congratulate you now!"
But before he could finish, thunder roared and lightning flashed across the sky.
A tribulation had descended!
Fang Yuan's expression shifted, yet his hands remained steady as he tempered the incomplete Immortal Gu with a mystical icy flame.
Inwardly, he cursed, "It's here. Damn Lang Ya! Why go all out on a standard refinement, using the Hairy Man Heaven and Earth Style?"
"I swear I'll make you pay. If you enjoy refinement this much, I'll make sure that you're imprisoned, refining Gu for eternity."
At that moment, Fang Yuan realized he had never despised anyone in this world more than he despised Lang Ya now.
---
Lang Ya, intending to impress Fang Yuan, chuckled confidently, "Don't worry; it's only a Rank Six tribulation for a Rank Six Gu. Nothing serious!"
But suddenly, his tone rose in disbelief. "...what?!"
Lang Ya's eyes widened as black lightning surged in the sky, rumbling with terrifying intensity.
Chaotic Black Lightning, a potent calamity for Rank Seven immortals, had appeared. Combining lightning and dark paths, it was devastatingly destructive.
"Why is this happening?" Lang Ya growled in confusion.
Fang Yuan silently reflected, "I thought it would be a Rank Eight calamity that would ensure failure. What are you really planning, Star Constellation?"
Recovering his composure, Lang Ya smiled, "It's only a Rank Seven calamity, Fang Yuan. My Hairy Men immortals can still handle it."
The five Hairy Men immortals launched defensive moves against the lightning.
"This lightning is too strong! Third Hair, assist me!"
"First Hair, you're worthy of being___ahhh!"
"Second Hair, focus on defense!"
It was more of a disaster to have the Hairy Men than the calamity itself; despite their immortal status, they struggled even in the calamity's early stages.
Feeling embarrassed, Lang Ya grumbled, "I have plenty of methods against this. Don't worry, Fang Yuan."
Seeing the Hairy Men fumble, Lang Ya land spirit snorted, "I'll handle this with my own killer move. Behold—Earth World with Heart of Light !"
Golden light, sharp like shards of the sun, appeared and countered the Dark Path. Large areas filled with Earth made the lightning almost useless.
In the sky, dark clouds loomed as countless bolts of lightning flashed. But each strike was nullified by the killer move, rendered powerless upon impact.
"Even if its power increased tenfold, it couldn't interrupt the Gu refinement," Lang Ya land spirit boasted smugly. But just as he spoke, the dark clouds began to dissipate, and the intensity of the dark lightning waned.
Fang Yuan grew suspicious. "That's it? No further schemes this time? Perhaps Star Constellation's Will didn't see any benefit in stopping me getting the Gu…" He allowed himself a small smile, sensing victory as the Gu neared completion.
But suddenly, an attack reached the dark lightning from the direction of the hairy men. This strike didn't weaken the calamity—it intensified it, as if giving the lightning a new target. Now, the lightning seemed to sense its purpose, converging from all directions toward Fang Yuan.
"You fools!" Lang Ya land spirit scolded, fury blazing in his eyes. "Who attacked just now?"
---
Near the refinement site, two figures watched in hiding.
"Hmph, like we'd sit idle while he grows stronger," one said.
"This was dangerous. We can't let Lang Ya discover us now," the other cautioned.
"I know. I just wanted to disrupt Heaven's Will, even if I don't know its full plan."
"Let's go. No more moves for now."
---
The dark lightning bypassed Lang Ya's killer move, homing in on Fang Yuan and the Hairy Men immortals.
Fang Yuan cursed inwardly, "Damn Shadow Sect! I was too focused on Heaven's Will to expect your interference."
"Ahhhh! Someone save me!" a Hairy Man screamed in terror.
Lang Ya attempted another killer move to halt the lightning, but with his attention divided, the lightning struck both Fang Yuan and the Hairy Men.
Fang Yuan quickly unleashed defensive moves but still suffered minor injuries, unable to fully exert his power while overseeing the refinement. Without help, failure seemed inevitable.
Pressed on all fronts, Fang Yuan's mind was stretched thin, trying to focus on both the refinement and his defenses.
At that exact moment, his A.I. Chip sounded.
[Alert: Heaven's Will is attempting to read the host's memory. Detected source: Spring Autumn Cicada Immortal Gu.]
Fang Yuan's concentration faltered upon hearing this, his mind racing. Heaven's Will… coming from the Spring Autumn Cicada!
In that split second of distraction, a bolt of black lightning struck down, interrupting his refinement
With that, the refinement process was stopped, the tribulation dispersed.
The refinement of Change Form Immortal Gu was a failure.
.
.
.
---
Ch 54: No need to thank me
( I didn't make the end have any cliffhangers in previous chapter. My weak heart couldn't do something like this to you. Just remember this good deed.)
---
Hei Alliance
"H-Hong Yun, how did you manage to get all this wealth?!" Zhao Lian Yun's eyes widened as she stared at the mountain of Primeval Stones before her. It was a staggering amount—something only Rank 4 Gu Masters or higher could dream of possessing.
Hong Yun puffed out his chest with pride, a wide grin on his face. "Hehe, Master gave it to me before he left! He said I need to learn how to manage money. Look now, Lian Yun, we are rich, aren't we?"
Zhao Lian Yun couldn't help but marvel at the sheer generosity—or perhaps foresight—of Fang Yuan. "This is outrageous! The kind of wealth that could move mountains and buy loyalty, all handed to this blockhead?" She composed herself quickly, her thoughts turning cold and calculating.
"Yes, it's… impressive," she murmured.
Then Hong Yun, as guileless as ever, beamed and pushed some stones toward her. "Take some, Lian Yun. You said last time you needed money, didn't you?"
The offer was tempting, but Zhao Lian Yun had greater ambitions. 'Why settle for scraps when I can go for the whole feast?' she thought, pushing the stones back.
Zhao Lian Yun didn't take anything, her thoughts racing. "I have to focus on the bigger picture. Taking these Primeval Stones would make it obvious that I'm only using Hong Yun for my own benefit. If I can build a connection with a Rank 5 Peak Gu Master, improve my relationship with them, or even become their disciple, this kind of wealth will be trivial in comparison."
She cast a calculating glance at Hong Yun, who was still smiling proudly. "And if that plan fails… well, this idiot is so simple-minded. Controlling him would be child's play. Worst case? Marry him and take full control of his actions."
Zhao Lian Yun's lips curled into a smile. "No, I can't take any of this. It's yours, Hong Yun."
The boy looked flustered, scratching the back of his head. "But… but you need it! I want to help."
She laughed lightly, already prepared for this response. "I don't need charity," she said, her tone sweet but firm. "Actually, I have an idea that could make all this wealth multiply many times over. And since it's my idea, I'll take half the profits. How does that sound?"
Hong Yun's curiosity was piqued. "Really? That sounds great! What's the plan?"
After explaining her scheme, Zhao Lian Yun watched his reaction closely. To her surprise, he had a stunned expression for a moment before chuckling awkwardly.
"I actually thought of that before," Hong Yun admitted, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "But Master gave me so many Primeval Stones that I didn't need to go through with it."
Her brows shot up in astonishment. "Oh wow, blockhead. You actually thought of smuggling public property and abusing your position in upcoming battle against Dong Fang. I'm impressed."
Hong Yun flushed red. "U-uh, it's not that bad! I mean… it's just a thought!"
Zhao Lian Yun shook her head, biting back a laugh. "If you say so." This fool might have potential after all… but he's still just a tool for me to use.
The conversation shifted, and the two began discussing other ways to grow their wealth. But Zhao Lian Yun's mind was already working ahead, plotting her next steps. Hong Yun was useful—she just had to make sure she stayed in control.
---
Southern Border - Shang Clan
A woman sat quietly by the window, her gaze distant, lost in thought. The soft rays of sunlight streaming through the glass seemed to frame her figure in a halo of warmth, yet her heart felt cold and restless.
"My lady, do you still miss him?" a maid asked hesitantly, her voice gentle but filled with concern.
Shang Xin Ci gave a faint nod, her lips barely parting. "Mm."
Shang Xin Ci was a vision of ethereal beauty. Her silky jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. Her eyes, clear as moonlight. Her snow-white skin contrasted against her pink, tender lips, which curved faintly in a smile so pure and innocent it could soften the hardest of hearts. In terms of beauty, she was truly once in a thousand years.
"Lady Xin Ci, don't worry," the maid said, her tone laced with reassurance. "That lord is surely fine. I'm certain he'll return soon."
Shang Xin Ci remained silent. Deep within her heart, a vivid image of a man surfaced—a figure she held dearer than anything in this world. A single thought consumed her mind:
If only I could see him now, how wonderful that would be.
The maid's eyes sparkled as she continued, her voice brimming with admiration. "The news says he refined two Immortal Gu worms all on his own! Now, even just a rumor about him is worth the wealth of a Rank 5 Gu Master."
Shang Xin Ci's lips moved again, her voice soft and filled with longing. "I only hope he is safe now."
Her love was pure, overflowing with boundless depth, a rare gem in a world as cruel as theirs.
It was a love so intense, so unwavering, that it defied all reason and logic. If Shang Xin Ci were near the legendary Rank 9 Love Gu at this moment, the Gu would surely resonate with her emotions, acknowledging her devotion.
Her feelings were unmatched—an impossible, burning light in the darkness of the Gu world.
---
Lang Ya Blessed Land
[Alert: Heaven's Will is attempting to read the host's memory. Detected source: Spring Autumn Cicada Immortal Gu.]
Fang Yuan's expression hardened. The sudden notification distracted him for a moment, just as a tribulation attack descended, disrupting his refinement process. The result was immediately clear—the refinement of the Change Form Immortal Gu had failed.
[A.I. Chip automatically activated its protection protocol, shielding the host's secrets. Only pre-approved memories are accessible.]
"So this is the true move of Star Constellation's Will," Fang Yuan thought grimly, his sharp eyes glancing at the fading dark clouds. "She used the will hidden in the Immortal Gu to test whether I'm still a suitable pawn in her game."
"Was the actions of Shadow sect also in her plan?"
His mind raced, analyzing the implications. "At least I've prepared. The A.I. Chip has perfectly crafted the memories I allowed to be accessed, simulating flawless continuity in my recent actions. Still, it's a pity—I didn't obtain the Gu."
Just as Fang Yuan was calculating his next moves, a subtle fluctuation caught his attention. Immortal Gu aura lingered faintly in the area.
(A/N: Guess what?)
Before Fang Yuan could act, Lang Ya appeared behind him with an excited expression.
"Wow, Fang Yuan, you're really lucky!" Lang Ya exclaimed, his massive frame shaking with laughter. "It's incredibly rare for a failed refinement to leave behind a semi-finished Immortal Gu."
Fang Yuan narrowed his eyes, concealing his surprise. "It must be the effect of my extraordinary luck. Dog Shit Luck Gu truly is the essence of self's fortune in Luck Path."
Lang Ya patted Fang Yuan's shoulder, beaming. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to punish whoever caused that foolish attack during the refinement." But before Fang Yuan could respond, Lang Ya's tone shifted. "Now, the good news is that there's still a semi-finished Immortal Gu here. Do you want to use your third and final chance to refine it?"
Fang Yuan frowned, his tone cold. "Why should I waste my last chance? The refinement failed because of your people, and technically, it shouldn't be considered a complete failure since the semi-finished Gu remains."
Lang Ya scratched his head awkwardly, trying to avoid the topic. "Failure is failure, Fang Yuan. You're just fortunate to have something left instead of nothing."
Fang Yuan's gaze darkened. He knew Lang Ya's reasoning was technically correct, but he wasn't about to let it slide without compensation. "I need proper compensation for my losses, Lang Ya."
Unexpectedly, Lang Ya nodded, his expression serious. "Fair enough. Actually, Fang Yuan, I wanted to discuss something with you."
Lang Ya's face broke into a sly grin. "I'd like to officially invite you to join our Hairy Men Alliance. If you agree, I'll personally refine the Immortal Gu for you one more time and compensate you for the earlier incident."
Fang Yuan feigned surprise, but inwardly he was calm. He had anticipated this invitation. Lang Ya had been subtly showcasing the power and unity of the Hairy Men in the blessed land for precisely this moment. Joining the alliance—and eventually, the future Lang Ya Sect—was already part of his long-term strategy.
After a brief pause, Fang Yuan nodded. "Fine. I'll join."
Lang Ya burst into laughter, clearly overjoyed. "Hahaha! Excellent! You won't regret it, Fang Yuan. I'll begin refining the Gu immediately."
"Don't use the Hairy Man Heaven and Earth Refinement Style!" Fang Yuan's sharp voice echoed.
Lang Ya nodded obediently, and the two of them began the arduous process of refining the Gu together. Fang Yuan's high luck, coupled with Lang Ya's expertise, pushed the refinement to its limits.
For days, they were refining, meticulously advancing step by step until finally, the final moment arrived.
Change Form Immortal Gu, completed!
(A/N: The coin toss was heads.)
.
.
.
(A/N: Hmm, let me pull you behind the curtain for a moment. Flashback to the decision-making process: I used a one-time coin toss to decide whether Fang Yuan would get the Gu or not—heads meant success, tails meant failure.
Yes, you heard that correctly. It wasn't about the refinement's success but whether he'd ultimately lay his hands on the Gu. And guess what? It was HEADS.
Now, thinking back to my note at the start of the chapter:
No cliffhangers? Weak heart? Hahaha! You truly believed false truth?
I feel satisfied knowing I've kept you on your toes and, perhaps, nudged you toward understanding the dangers of society. A little lesson in trust, manipulation, and survival—just as Fang Yuan himself might teach.
No need to thank me; the pleasure was all mine.
.
.
.
Ch 55: World Peace
---
After many ups and downs, Fang Yuan finally obtained the Change Form Immortal Gu.
"Alliance Leader, every time I watch you refine, I'm amazed by your skill. Truly worthy of being the legendary Long Hair Ancestor's Land Spirit," Fang Yuan said with genuine admiration.
He marveled at the remarkable attainment of the Long Hair Ancestor, one of the only three individuals in history to reach Supreme Grandmaster Attainment in the refinement path. "If not for the restrictions of fate, they could have become Venerables in their time," Fang Yuan thought of the legendry three, the Three Olds.
"Hehehe." Lang Ya laughed, clearly pleased by the praise. The thought of having someone like Fang Yuan in the Hairy Men Alliance delighted him, especially since Fang Yuan was a lone immortal with immense potential. The prospect of gaining Fang Yuan's loyalty—or even the possibility that Fang Yuan might one day become a Hairy Man himself—made Lang Ya's excitement grow.
"Welcome to the Hairy Men Alliance, Fang Yuan," Lang Ya declared, his voice warm and filled with genuine pride. "I assure you, you will never regret this decision."
The Hairy Men around them cheered in agreement, their faces alight with joy, as if welcoming Fang Yuan into their family. They were already treating him as one of their own.
Fang Yuan, however, remained composed. His thoughts churned with calculations and schemes, but his outward smile radiated warmth and sincerity. "They need to know who Fang Yuan truly is," he mused. "I must plant the seeds of my image now, as the future Great Love Immortal Venerable."
---
"I am honored to join this Alliance," Fang Yuan began, his voice steady and filled with conviction. "Together, with you—the incredible Hairy Men race—we can reshape this world."
His words carried a magnetic force, drawing everyone's attention.
"I've always respected every race, always hated witnessing their suffering. To watch Hairy Men, or any race, treated like slaves—no, I cannot stand it. No one, no child, should be born a slave. No one should die as one, their life filled with darkness and despair. No one should die without ever seeing the light of freedom."
A hushed silence fell over the gathering as Fang Yuan's words sank in. The Hairy Men around him felt the weight of his message.
"Did any of you ever imagine himself in this fate?" Fang Yuan's voice softened, but the intensity of his gaze pierced through them and the pain in his words was undeniable.
"Do any of you want to live in a future where you were born to serve, to be enslaved, to have no hope of a better life?"
"Did you want to live and die as tools for others, your dignity stripped away, your hopes crushed?"
A deep sadness seemed to ripple through the crowd, their shoulders drooping under the weight of shared pain.
"But it doesn't have to be this way," Fang Yuan declared, his voice rising with determination. "I have a dream—a promise I made to myself—no matter the cost, I would change this cruel world."
"A world where all beings live with dignity, where slavery is abolished, and peace reigns. Some of you may believe that revenge is the answer, that enslaving others would make things right. But would that truly make us different from our oppressors? No. We must rise above such hatred."
"No one should have to live in chains, whether they are Hairy Men or any other race."
He paused, his tone growing resolute. "I, Fang Yuan, will become a Venerable, and I will ensure that all races are treated equally. No one should fear losing their family or their freedom. No one should live in chains, trembling at the whims of the strong. This alliance is the first step toward a world where war and slavery no longer exist. A world where all beings, regardless of race, can live freely and equally."
The Hairy Men looked at each other in shock, their expressions a mixture of awe and disbelief as Fang Yuan continued.
"This alliance is not just a gathering of like-minded people. It is the first step toward true peace—where all beings live freely, with equal rights, where no one has to fear that one day a stronger Gu Master will come to steal everything from them."
"No more war. No more slavery. No more fear. All for the world's peace."
Fang Yuan's words lingered like a powerful promise, heavy with meaning and conviction. The room was utterly silent, the weight of his vow settling over the Hairy Men like a solemn decree.
Then, at last, the silence shattered. The Hairy Men, their hearts ablaze with newfound hope, erupted into cheers. They roared Fang Yuan's vow—"world peace!"—in unison, their voices echoing with unbridled passion. The phrase world's peace resonated deeply within them, a vision so incredible it left their spirits soaring.
For the first time, they dared to dream of a world where they were free—not only from the chains of slavery but from the paralyzing grip of fear itself.
Fang Yuan wasn't lying—he truly intended to pursue this vision. Coming from the modern world, his perspective was vastly different from that of the Hairy Men. To them, his ideals seemed revolutionary, almost utopian. By the standards of this world, his heart could even be called the most kind.
---
Fang Yuan's expression remained calm, but inside, he felt a flicker of satisfaction. "They're moved by my words," he thought, "but they don't see the truth behind them."
"Most living beings cling to their so-called dignity, but dignity means nothing without freedom," Fang Yuan mused inwardly. "If I simply rename slavery, redefine its terms, and ensure they work harder while believing they are free—won't that create a world far more efficient and orderly? A world entirely under my control."
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he signaled to Lang Ya before retreating. The Hairy Men continued to cheer, their voices full of hope for the future Fang Yuan had promised.
Lang Ya watched him go, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. "Can such a future truly be possible?" he wondered, the question lingering even as he turned back to his people.
---
Later, Lang Ya visited Fang Yuan in his quarters.
Lang Ya seemed hesitant, but his calm tone masked his conflicted feelings. "The alliance agreement is simple. If the blessed land is attacked, you come to defend it. And, of course, no harming alliance members. Everything else is minor," he explained casually.
"I see..." Fang Yuan replied thoughtfully, his mind already evaluating how best to navigate these terms.
The Hairy Men Alliance operated on straightforward principles. Members earned alliance points through contributions, which they could use to exchange resources or commission tasks. To Fang Yuan, it seemed less like an organization and more like a loose gathering aimed at fostering unity among the Alliance members.
"This setup suits me perfectly," Fang Yuan thought. "I have countless mortal Gu that need refining. I can post tasks and let the Hairy Men handle it. But first, there's a matter to address."
"Alliance Leader," Fang Yuan said, lowering his voice, "I need your help with something—something that must remain a secret between us."
Lang Ya raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Oh? What is it?"
Fang Yuan's expression grew serious. "This cannot leave this room. Not even the other Hairy Man immortals can know. Can I trust you?"
(A/N: Not even the readers.)
Lang Ya chuckled, though he sensed the gravity of Fang Yuan's request. "Of course! You have my word."
The two delved into a private discussion. Fang Yuan made full use of his new status as an alliance member, as well as the compensation Lang Ya had previously promised due to the failed refinement attempt, which had been disrupted by an unknown Hairy Man's attack.
Despite his careful negotiation, Fang Yuan still ended up owing a large sum of alliance points to Lang Ya by the end of their talks.
Even so, Fang Yuan ended up with many benefits. For anyone else, Lang Ya would never have offered such favorable terms.
However, Fang Yuan's immense value to the alliance made these concessions worthwhile. Lang Ya saw it as a strategic investment in Fang Yuan's potential contributions.
To secure the agreement, Fang Yuan gave Lang Ya his word: if he couldn't repay the debt within a year, he would offer his Immortal Gu worms as compensation.
---
As Fang Yuan found himself alone, his thoughts grew sharp and focused. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as a glimmer of resolve burned in his eyes.
"This is only the beginning," he mused, his voice low but steady. "The one and only Great Love Immortal Venerable's legacy starts now."
.
.
.
Ch 56: Imperial Court Blessed Land
---
Three Days Later
Fang Yuan arrived at the Hei Alliance camp. He took three days, as a normal mortal Gu master would take to come here.
Over the past days, he had carefully left traces of himself that appeared natural. If Dong Fang Yu Liang decided to investigate him, he would find nothing suspicious—just the traces of a lone Gu Master traveling. Fang Yuan didn't make it look flawless; but still, it seemed like the way of someone who valued isolation and quiet.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng, standing near the main tent, was the first to notice. His face lit up with both relief and curiosity. He hurried over to greet Fang Yuan.
"Brother, you're finally back! I was starting to worry," Tai Bai said warmly, his concern genuine.
Fang Yuan gave Tai Bai's shoulder a friendly pat. "Ah, Brother Tai Bai, my apologies for the delay. I had some matters to take care of along the way."
Tai Bai nodded, though his panic was clear. "Did you get what I sent?"
Fang Yuan chuckled lightly. "No need to worry, Brother. But I do need to know exactly what happened. I want the details of how everything went that way."
Tai Bai's expression grew serious. He was silent for a moment before taking out a Gu and handing it to Fang Yuan. "Brother, I've stored all the information in this Gu. I've been holding onto it, waiting for you."
Fang Yuan took the Gu and quickly absorbed its contents.
His mind raced as the pieces of information fell into place. Combining the new information with his knowledge of the plot and the changes he had made, he thought to himself, "So, this situation is the result of my small move!"
A flicker of surprise crossed Fang Yuan's eyes. Such a small move, yet it had altered the entire fate of the Imperial Court. "So this's the Ink effect?! No wonder any otherworldly demon is hated by Heaven's Will."
"By simply giving Dong Fang Yu Liang, the leader of the Dong Fang tribe, a Gu to heal his sister, I set this chain of events in motion," he mused. Fang Yuan was thinking of the move he made to speed up the victory of the Hei Tribe.
.
.
Dong Fang Yu Liang.
After curing his sister with the Gu, Dong Fang Yu Liang's courage and ambition grew. At first, his main aim was to rescue his young sister. But achieving that showed him what was possible for the future.
His goals expanded—he now dreamed of becoming the Lord of the Imperial Court, entering the Blessed Land, strengthening his tribe, and increasing his own chances of immortality.
As a Wisdom Path Gu Master, Yu Liang devised a daring yet calculated plan to achieve his goals. Though risky, it was the safest path he could deduce.
His plan began with a bold move: he sent an invitation for a team battle to decide the outcome between the Hei Tribe and Dong Fang Tribe. However, he wasn't foolish enough to leave it in the hands of someone as unpredictable and warlike as Hei Lou Lan. Instead, he used the help of a Gu Immortal from his tribe to formalize the battle as an agreement between the two Tribes.
In this team battle, Yu Liang refused to bring an army, making it appear as if he was confident in his tribe's strength. Step by step, he cornered Hei Lou Lan into accepting the fight.
The Hei Tribe had no choice but to agree. As a Righteous Path tribe, their reputation was at stake. Refusing a fair fight requested by a Wisdom Path master would damage their honor. Moreover, they assumed Dong Fang Yu Liang was foolish to challenge them, believing they were stronger enough to win.
Hei Lou Lan, however, was no fool. She agreed to the battle but added a condition. If the Dong Fang tribe lost, they would have to join the Hei Alliance. Mockingly, she added that the same would apply to the Hei tribe if they lost.
Hei Lou Lan was sharp and cunning, willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals. She had no intention of losing her goal. By accepting the challenge and setting these terms, she ensured that no matter the outcome, she would enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land, her main aim.
---
"I see..." Fang Yuan said, thinking it all through. After a moment, a small smile appeared on his face. "This is even better than I expected."
"Better? Brother, I don't get it. How are we supposed to get into the Imperial Court Blessed Land now?" Tai Bai Yun Sheng asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
Fang Yuan let out a light laugh. "Think about it, Tai Bai. Hei Lou Lan is already set to enter. As the Hei Tribe's leader already got a guaranteed ticket—for his dear Hei Alliance."
"And remember, we've got a deal with the Hei Tribe—they take us in as part of the agreement for helping them out."
Tai Bai blinked, slowly putting the pieces together. "So... we just have to wait?"
"Exactly," Fang Yuan replied, his voice steady and confident. "The lord of the Imperial Court has already been decided. There's nothing else we need to do but sit tight."
Tai Bai's face lit up as relief replaced his earlier worry. He nodded, finally relaxing.
---
Finally, that Day Arrived
The long-awaited day to enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land had come.
Dong Fang Yu Liang led the remaining army to the entrance.
As they approached, all eyes turned to Dong Fang Yu Liang. He held the key to open the Imperial Court Blessed Land.
He stood tall, lifting the item in his hand high into the air. A soft golden glow began to shimmer around him, faint at first but quickly growing brighter.
The light swirled and expanded, forming a radiant ring that seemed alive with energy. Moments later, the golden ring transformed into a majestic city gate.
The gate stood imposing, its surface adorned with intricate silvery flower patterns. Large copper buttons, each the size of a fist, dotted its structure, adding to its awe-inspiring appearance.
Boom!
A deep, resonating sound echoed as an unseen force pushed the colossal doors open.
Instantly, a rich scent of sandalwood filled the air, blending with the icy winds of the Northern Plains. Above, the swirling snowflakes abruptly halted, suspended as if caught in time.
Guided by an unseen power, the frozen snowflakes began to gather, condensing into a solid, gleaming ice staircase.
The staircase stretched from the towering gate all the way to the ground, its surface sparkling like crystal under the pale sunlight.
"Imperial Court Blessed Land!" Hei Lou Lan's voice trembled with excitement, unable to hide her eagerness.
Dong Fang Yu Liang wasted no time. He moved swiftly, taking three steps at a time as he climbed the ice staircase, becoming the first to enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land.
From behind, Fang Yuan observed in silence, his gaze steady and calculating. "The Imperial Court Blessed Land, home of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building…" He ascended calmly, each step deliberate and unhurried.
The Imperial Court Blessed Land was Northern Plains' greatest sanctuary, opening once every ten years as a reward to the Imperial Court Lord. Its most notable rule was absolute: no Gu Immortals were allowed to enter.
Fang Yuan's lips curled into a subtle smile as he thought, "I've planned for this moment to the very end, calculating every detail."
The world of Gu Immortals had a simple way of identifying their kind—Dao marks. These marks, unique and unmistakable, made it impossible to hide an immortal's identity.
But Fang Yuan had planned for this. The mechanisms of the Blessed Land were absolute, but his modified Familiar Face killer move, perfected with the help of the A.I. Chip, was even more advanced. It didn't just hide Dao marks; it erased their influence entirely from the outside world by using the Dark Path.
"Finally, I'm here." Fang Yuan murmured confidently as he stepped forward, disappearing through the gates.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng and the other experts followed soon after, their expressions a mix of anticipation and awe.
An hour later, the entire army had entered the Imperial Court Blessed Land. The ice staircase disintegrated, crumbling into fine snow as the massive red gate slowly shut itself.
The golden ring of light shrank into a single bright dot before vanishing completely.
"They've all made it inside without issue," murmured one of the Gu Immortals watching from a hidden vantage point. Their expressions were a mix of helplessness and nostalgia.
Their role was simple: to ensure no outsider used this opportunity to infiltrate. Now that the gate was sealed, they quietly retreated, their task complete.
And just like that, the journey of Fang Yuan into the Imperial Court Blessed Land had begun.
.
.
.
Ch 57: Mo Yao Inheritance
-----
"Finally, I'm here." Fang Yuan's voice carried a trace of excitement as he stepped into the Imperial Court Blessed Land. For him, after entering here, what's next was almost guaranteed. The contest for the Imperial Court had been nothing more than a little game. The real thing was about to begin.
Taking out his movement Gu, Fang Yuan channeled his crystal-clear purple primeval essence from his first aperture to activate it. He moved swiftly, conserving energy and maintaining his aura as a mortal Gu Master.
His modified Familiar Face had been enhanced with a dark path killer move, expertly concealing his immortal aura. This precaution was vital—he couldn't risk alerting Giant Sun's Will. Any disturbance could destroy all his meticulously crafted plans.
The added dark path effect ensured his actions were flawless, but it came with a steep price. The killer move drained immortal essence rapidly, especially if Fang Yuan used any other immortal methods.
The more he used his immortal techniques, the quicker he had to reapply the dark path concealment, burning through his immortal essence reserves even faster.
To somehow save his immortal essence, Fang Yuan relied solely on mortal essence for now, carefully managing his resources.
He knew he'd need every drop of immortal essence for the crucial moments that were about to come.
---
The Imperial Court Blessed Land was a Rank 7 Space Blessed Land, once known as Wang Ting Blessed Land. As a space-type blessed land, its size was massive—far larger than most other Blessed Lands.
Before becoming an immortal, Giant Sun Immortal Venerable had inherited this land by sheer luck, making it his own. After ascending to the rank of Immortal Venerable and gaining unparalleled power, Giant Sun set up the Imperial Court contest, also known as the Heroes Assembly. This tradition allowed the Blessed Land to be Northern Plains' greatest utopia, serving as a symbol of glory.
Inside the Blessed Land, mortal Gu could be used freely without restrictions. While Immortal Gu couldn't be restrained, as was the case in all Blessed Lands.
---
Flying leisurely through the skies, Fang Yuan felt the cool breeze brushing against his face and the serene fragrance of nature that permeated the Blessed Land.
"Life is truly beautiful," Fang Yuan said, looking around in a relaxed manner.
Compared to the chaotic world outside, this place was like a paradise—calm, vast, and untouched.
"I don't need to rush. Nothing and no one can stop what I'm about to do next anymore."
"The moment I successfully entered, everything was already decided." Fang Yuan thought, a faint smile playing on his lips. He flew at an unhurried pace, savoring the breathtaking scenery around him.
The landscape of the Imperial Court Blessed Land mirrored that of the Northern Plains. Stretching out like an endless plain, its smooth, rolling mounds and elegant slopes seemed like streams of jade-green silk flowing without end.
Yet, it had its own unique charm—every 8 li or every 4 Km, a grand tower stood firmly on the ground.
(Note: "Li" is commonly mentioned in Chinese novels also known as Chinese mile, equivalent to 0.5 kilometers.)
The sight of these towers amazed Fang Yuan. Each was about 25 mtall, towering with a dignified presence. The surfaces gleamed with gold and silver, adorned with a dazzling array of precious gems that made them beautiful beyond words.
Inside these towers, Fang Yuan saw a complete ecosystem for Gu worms. each tower contained countless barriers, resembling the cells of a beehive, each cell was a home to numerous Gu worms. When Gu worm colonies within the Blessed Land gave birth to new Gu, these worms would naturally migrate to the towers, where they found shelter and food.
These towers had been meticulously constructed by Giant Sun. Regardless of a Gu worm's type, they could find their food within. Each tower housed at least tens of thousands of Gu worms, including both common and rare types.
"Truly remarkable," Fang Yuan murmured, his gaze lingering on the towers. Even for an immortal, some of these Gu worms would have been almost impossible to obtain through ordinary means. Yet here they were, in huge numbers.
"But soon, all of this will belong to me," he added with a cold smile.
Each tower represented an immense fortune, especially to someone like Fang Yuan, who was a Transformation immortal and even his current main is Formation Path.
His road on focusing on all paths made none of these Gu worms useless to him. This Blessed Land, with its riches and treasures, was already as good as his.
---
Two Days Later
"Finally arrived... Xing Jiu Peak, where my plans can begin," Fang Yuan muttered, gazing at the deep blue mountain towering before him.
"This short journey has already brought me great rewards," he thought, marveling at his luck.
Around the Imperial Court Blessed Land, countless Gu Master inheritances were scattered, waiting to be discovered. In just two days, Fang Yuan had stumbled upon more than thirty mortal inheritances—without even actively searching for them.
"Dog Shit Luck Gu and Hong Yun have truly made my luck soar to the heavens," Fang Yuan chuckled, his eyes glinting with excitement.
"What'll happen once I claim the Venerable's Luck Inheritance? I can't even imagine how much stronger my luck will become..." He laughed heartily. "Hahaha! My luck might become limitless!"
As he approached Xing Jiu Peak, Fang Yuan noticed a group of Gu Masters gathered at the base, attempting to enter the inheritance.
Descending a short distance away from them, Fang Yuan's presence did not go unnoticed.
"Stop there! Who are you?" one of the Gu Masters demanded as others turned their wary eyes on him.
"Oh, right. I'm using my true appearance now," Fang Yuan mused, a cold smile forming on his lips. He had switched to his real appearance after entering the Blessed Land.
The Gu Masters grew more cautious, their stances shifting as though they were ready to attack.
"Relax, everyone," Fang Yuan said gently. "I'm from the Hei Alliance. I can't believe my appearance changed so much that you don't recognize me."
"At least my heart remains the same as before—a heart loyal to the alliance."
Despite his calm demeanor, none of them believed him.
Fang Yuan sighed, his expression one of mock regret. "So it's true, then. What you all liked about me before was just my appearance. Really, not cool, guys."
Without waiting for their response, Fang Yuan activated a killer move, instantly slaughtering them all.
"The world's really doomed," he muttered, shaking his head. "Today's people have a liking to an old man's face."
"Sigh... betrayal truly is the most painful thing in this world. I thought we were just friends," Fang Yuan said. In truth, he didn't even know their names, yet he shamelessly made the claim.
Shrugging, he turned toward the inheritance. "Well, I have work to do."
---
A loud hum filled the air.
Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz…
Large swarms of insects surged forth like a tide. They were of various colors, with many wild Gu among them. Their buzzing was fierce and threatening, but they hovered near the starlight door without attacking.
"This is clearly a test," Fang Yuan thought. To him, it was trivial—even for his mortal abilities, this challenge posed no threat. With ease, he dealt with the swarms and moved closer to the starlight door.
Fang Yuan passed through the starlight door and found himself before a strange courtyard. Its walls were entirely made of blue metal, and its design was abstract and unfamiliar—unlike anything found in the five regions.
Pushing open the gate, he stepped inside. The courtyard was covered with a thin layer of light cotton, giving it a mysterious, serene, and grand aura.
At first, Fang Yuan moved cautiously, scanning for traps or hidden tests. But after a thorough search, he found none.
The courtyard had six rooms, and Fang Yuan explored them all.
Finally, he uncovered the entire inheritance left behind by the courtyard's master, Du Min Jun, whose talents were amazing in his era. The inheritance mainly included:
-Emotion Poetry Gu: A Gu of the enchantment path, capable of storing emotions.
-Painting Idea Gu: A rare Gu combining the rare wisdom path and the unknown painting path that can turn "something" into scenery images and etch itself into a Gu Master's memory, thus he will never forget it.
-Light Path inheritance.
-Star Path inheritance that has numerous star path Gu worms and recipes, including: A Bit of Star Gu, Brilliance of Two Stars Gu, Three Stars in the Sky Gu, Four Stars Cube Gu, Five Stars Aligned Gu.
"These Star Path Gu worms will be a tremendous help in opening the Stargate and linking it to Hu Immortal Blessed Land," Fang Yuan thought, a satisfied smile on his face.
---
"Now, let's begin."
Fang Yuan activated the Painting Idea Gu, pressing it against the Grey-White Stone Slab.
(A/N: He got the Grey-White Stone Slab from Chai tribe in ch 47.)
It displayed a terrain map. The Painting Idea Gu sent the map directly into Fang Yuan's memory.
As the details of the map became clear, Fang Yuan's smile widened.
"Finally," he murmured. "The key to my plans—the Di Qiu Inheritance, or as I should really call it, the Mo Yao Inheritance."
.
.
.
Ch 58: The Owner Token
---
Fang Yuan was on the verge of obtaining all the information necessary to maximize the benefits from the blessed land.
He had collected all of Lang Ya's knowledge about the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building, revisited stored memories of the Central Continent Gu Immortals' attack on the Imperial Court Blessed Land, and uncovered every hidden secret tied to this place from the plot.
There was just one last piece to complete the puzzle: Mo Yao.
---
Di Qiu
Fang Yuan stood at the location that had been etched into his mind by the Painting Idea Gu. This was the site of the Di Qiu inheritance, exactly as shown on the map.
Normally, opening the Di Qiu inheritance would require using the power of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building's second floor. That's where Mo Yao had set up her arrangements.
"Here I am," Fang Yuan muttered to himself, a trace of nostalgia in his voice. "The same path... but this time, the outcome will be different."
Without hesitation, he stepped into the depths of Di Qiu.
The A.I. Chip's simulated voice echoed in his mind as he moved.
"Eighty-Eight True Yang Building simulation update. Probability of success: 96.7%."
Fang Yuan smirked, impressed yet again by the chip's capabilities. "It really is heaven-defying," he thought. "To simulate the entire Eighty-Eight True Yang Building, predict every possibility, and let me experience countless scenarios... The 88True Yang Building is already as good as mine."
During the last three months in Lang Ya Blessed Land, Fang Yuan had meticulously refined every detail of his plan, leaving nothing to chance. That was the reason of his absolute confidence.
---
Navigating the cave was straightforward. Mo Yao's preparations had ensured everything was ready for the "fated one." From the Painting Idea Gu to pinpoint the location, to the Light Path Inheritance that illuminated the dark passages, it was as if she had designed the route to ensure he wouldn't miss it.
After traversing the dark cave, Fang Yuan finally reached the inheritance ground. He activated the mechanisms Mo Yao had left behind, setting the stage for the next step.
The soil and rocks around Di Qiu began to shift and expand. The cave entrance sealed itself shut with an ominous boom. Deep underground, three lights swirled together, their glow growing brighter until they merged into a brilliant transformation.
Then, as quickly as it began, the light vanished, revealing a gaping void of pure darkness.
"My turn," Fang Yuan said with a grin.
Fang Yuan channeled his immortal essence, manipulating it with precise control to bypass the usual requirements. Normally, this would require waiting for the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building's second floor to appear, but Fang Yuan's methods made that unnecessary.
"Good thing Mo Yao designed this place to suppress any traces of immortal aura," Fang Yuan thought, a hint of gratitude in his mind. Even though he had used dark path methods to hide his presence, the additional safety net was invaluable.
Minutes later, the ground above sealed itself once more, and the whole cave vanished as if it had never existed.
Fang Yuan had a smile that hinted at his growing confidence. "I wonder how chaotic things must be outside the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building right now," he mused.
---
Eighty-Eight True Yang Building was an Immortal Gu House, located at the peak of the eighth-level Sacred Palace.
The Sacred Palace functioned as the gateway to the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building.
The Sacred Palace was the residence of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable. Its grandeur was awe-inspiring; the structure had eight levels, each approximately two kilometers tall.
The entire palace resembled a massive mountain, its peak piercing the heavens. From a distance, it seemed to rise directly from the earth, blending into the skyline. At present, the Dong Fang tribe controlled this iconic place as the winner of Imperial Court.
-Inside the Sacred Palace-
In a private chamber adorned with golden murals and glowing inscriptions, Dong Fang She, an elder of the Dong Fang tribe, sat at a luxurious jade desk. His expression was calm but sharp, his eyes radiating authority.
Standing before him were Hei Lou Lan and Tai Bai Yun Sheng.
Hei Lou Lan's imposing aura filled the room. Her eyes burned with determination as she crossed her arms, standing tall. Tai Bai Yun Sheng, in contrast, exuded calm wisdom, his hands clasped behind his back as he maintained a polite demeanor.
"Elder Dong Fang She, we won't waste your time," Hei Lou Lan began, her voice firm and commanding. "We need a guest token to enter the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building. I trust you understand the urgency."
Dong Fang She raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his seat. "The Eighty-Eight True Yang Building is not a market where tokens are handed out freely. Each one is precious, and competition is fierce. Even if I wished to help you, there are... limitations."
"Besides being the leader of the Hei tribe, you have the Huang Jin bloodline! Why do you need a guest token?"
Hei Lou Lan looked irritated. "Huh? That's not your f*cking problem."
Tai Bai Yun Sheng stepped forward, his tone gentle but persuasive. "Elder, I've seen how diligently you manage the affairs of the Sacred Palace. Your wisdom and foresight are unmatched. Surely, you know that allowing us entry would bring benefits, not trouble."
Dong Fang She chuckled lightly, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Flattery, Master Tai Bai, is an art you've mastered well. However, the Dong Fang tribe cannot act recklessly. What assurance can you offer me that granting this token won't bring complications?"
Hei Lou Lan stepped closer, her presence dominating the room. "Assurance?" she scoffed. "I've fought for my position and earned my place through blood and sweat. If you need assurance, here it is: my strength speaks for itself. You wouldn't want to see me as an adversary."
Dong Fang She's eyes narrowed slightly, yet he remained unfazed. "A bold statement, Hei Lou Lan. But I value diplomacy over threats." He glanced at Tai Bai Yun Sheng, clearly favoring the healer's approach.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng smiled faintly, cutting through the tension. "Elder, we are not here to make enemies, only allies. Hei Lou Lan's talents and my expertise could be valuable assets to your tribe. With your support, we could uncover secrets within the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building that might otherwise remain hidden."
Dong Fang She leaned forward, his gaze shifting between them. "You present a compelling argument. Yet, guest tokens are limited, and distributing them arbitrarily could weaken the tribe's position. Why should I risk this for you?"
Hei Lou Lan smirked. "Because you know I don't fail, Dong Fang She. If I enter that building, I'll succeed, and the Dong Fang tribe will benefit from my success. That's a guarantee you can't ignore."
The elder considered her words carefully before letting out a long sigh. "Very well. I will arrange for the token. But remember, the Dong Fang tribe takes such matters seriously. If you cause trouble, there will be consequences."
Tai Bai Yun Sheng bowed slightly. "Thank you, Elder Dong Fang She. You have my word that we will proceed with caution and respect."
Dong Fang She nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I expect nothing less from someone of your reputation, Tai Bai Yun Sheng. As for Hei Lou Lan... I trust your strength will justify my decision."
With that, the meeting concluded. As they left the chamber, Hei Lou Lan grinned confidently at Tai Bai Yun Sheng.
"Not bad, old Tai Bai. You handled that better than I expected," she remarked, her tone carrying a rare hint of approval.
Tai Bai Yun Sheng chuckled softly. "And you showed remarkable restraint. Honestly, I didn't think the Hei tribe leader was the type to negotiate. I always heard you relied on violence to solve everything."
Hei Lou Lan smirked, her sharp eyes gleaming. "There's a time for using violence, old man. This wasn't it."
As they spoke, both froze mid-step, their expressions reflecting sheer disbelief.
---
The entire Sacred Palace erupted into chaos.
Gu Masters rushed around in panic, their faces pale with fear. Murmurs turned into shouts, and in mere moments, a loud commotion swept through the grand halls.
"What… what the hell is going on?!"
A scene never before witnessed was unfolding right before their eyes.
The Eighty-Eight True Yang Building had been activated! The first floor was gradually condensing into form, its ethereal silhouette becoming solid. Yet, this should be impossible.
Typically, only the lord of the Imperial Court—currently Dong Fang Yu Liang—had the authority to open the building.
Dong Fang Yu Liang's brows furrowed deeply as he turned to the elder beside him. His normally calm demeanor cracked, replaced by anger and urgency.
"What happened?!" he bellowed. "Investigate this immediately! I must know what's going on. How could this happen without my permission?"
Dong Fang Yu Liang, as a wisdom path Gu Master, quickly took a deep breath to steady himself. His sharp mind kicked into gear as he began issuing precise orders to investigate the situation.
But before anyone could even begin their inquiries, another shocking event unfolded.
The second floor followed the first, materializing into form.
The scene left everyone speechless. Silence fell like a heavy shroud over the Sacred Palace.
Gu Masters stood frozen, their expressions ranging from disbelief to outright terror. They could only stare at the surreal phenomenon, their minds struggling to comprehend what they were witnessing.
"Is the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building… damaged?" someone muttered, their voice trembling.
"Could it be… that even the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building cannot resist the flow of time?"
Panic spread like wildfire. Many Gu Masters clutched their heads, their eyes wide with fear. The once-imposing and indestructible Eighty-Eight True Yang Building now seemed fragile, its grandeur shaken by an inexplicable event.
Hei Lou Lan and Tai Bai Yun Sheng exchanged a glance. Their expressions hinted at the same unsettling thought: Who—or what—was behind this unprecedented disruption?
---
The unexpected development left Dong Fang Yu Liang frozen in disbelief. He quickly glanced at his owner token, his face twisting with shock and frustration.
"No control… I have no control over the first floor?! Damn it! Who… how?! This has never happened before!"
Even as a wisdom path Gu Master, Dong Fang Yu Liang struggled to maintain his composure. His usually calm mind was clouded by the sheer impossibility of the situation.
To understand the gravity of the issue, one must know the rules of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building. When a descendant of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable clears a floor, their owner token advances into a one-edge owner token, granting control over that floor.
This progression also unlocks access to the treasure room, where the descendant can claim a reward without any exchange. If one were to clear ten floors, the owner token would evolve into a ten-edge owner token, allowing the retrieval of a complete Giant Sun inheritance.
But now, something unprecedented had occurred. The first floor had been cleared, yet Dong Fang Yu Liang's owner token remained unchanged—it had not advanced into a one-edge owner token.
"If this keeps happening," Dong Fang Yu Liang muttered through gritted teeth, "the chance to obtain a Giant Sun inheritance will vanish completely!"
Panic and anger surged through him. The implications were dire, and the thought of being unable to fulfill his ambitions filled him with dread. But as furious as he was, there was someone even more enraged than him.
Hei Lou Lan.
Her fiery gaze burned with fury as she clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her usually steely composure cracked under the weight of her rage.
"Damn it! How can this happen?!" she roared, her voice echoing through the Sacred Palace. "This ruins everything! Now, even if I kill or imprison Dong Fang Yu Liang as planned, it'll be useless!"
.
.
.
CH 59: Last Draft
---
The first floor had been cleared, but instead of triumph, silence followed. No treasure manifested, no reward given.
Hei Lou Lan's rage erupted like a volcano.
"What in the hell is this?!" she roared. Her nails dug into her palms as her fists clenched tightly.
"This wasn't how it was supposed to go."
Her mind raced, and her anger boiled over. "Damn it! How could such a thing happen?" she cursed, pacing furiously. "Dong Fang Yu Liang, you slimy, scheming bastard!" The veins on her temples throbbed, a visible testament to the storm raging inside her.
Then a flicker of doubt crossed her face, her eyes narrowing. "No, no... it can't be him. He doesn't have the ability to pull something like this."
The building's rules were supposed to work in her favor. She had prepared meticulously, uncovering its secrets, manipulating its machinations to her advantage by the information, she got from the tribe and mainly from her aunt. Yet, this unexpected twist left her vulnerable—she despised feeling vulnerable.
Hei Lou Lan wasn't someone to be caught off guard. Her life had been a battlefield of careful calculations and relentless ambition, each step bringing her closer to her ultimate goal: Revenge.
There was no room for setbacks, not now, not here.
She looked at her ruthless male disguise reflection in a golden pillar. The anger in her eyes burned like a flame. "You're smarter than this. Stronger than this," she muttered, her jaw tightening. "There's always a way. Always."
But doubt lingered, gnawing at her resolve. "How could rules that stood for over a hundred thousand years suddenly break?"
The rules of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building were absolute. When a descendant of Giant Sun Immortal Venerable cleared a floor, the owner token advanced, granting control over the floor and access to its treasure room. A Ten-edge token unlocked the Giant Sun inheritance, a prize capable of reshaping destinies.
Dong Fang Yu Liang was supposed to be on that path—or so she thought.
Her teeth ground together as she thought of him, that slippery, cunning fox. She decided to tolerate his presence, allowing him to climb, take risks, and clear floors—to snatch the prize easily from him in the end. This was her simple plan.
And all that was for one goal, her ultimate goal.
Revenge.
Her father, Hei Cheng, loomed like a shadow in her mind. Memories of her mother's lifeless body and the betrayal that shattered her childhood burned within her.
Hei Lou Lan didn't care about her tribe or the Hei name. All that mattered was power—the kind that would allow her to crush Hei Cheng and repay him for the suffering he had inflicted on her mother.
Her plan had been meticulous. Let Dong Fang Yu Liang climb all the way to the tenth floor. When the time was right, she would strike, seizing the owner token and all its rewards. Her bloodline and immortal methods would allow her to claim everything he earned. Whether by killing or imprisoning him, she would ensure his silence long enough to escape the blessed land and disappear.
But this unexpected situation was threatening to destroy everything.
"I need revenge. I need at least to get a Strength Immortal Gu. I must get stronger!" she growled under her breath. As a Great Strength True Martial Physique, one of the ten extreme physiques, her path to immortality was fraught with extreme obstacles. Once ascended, she would have the chance to exact her revenge.
Her mind raced through her plans. The guest token she had demanded earlier came to mind. It was her safeguard, her ace in the hole. If Dong Fang Yu Liang became suspicious and banished her with his owner token, the guest token would give her one last chance—a brief moment to launch an attack.
"Sigh… That's why I asked for the guest token," she murmured, recalling the methods her aunt had given her before entering the building to make full use of the guest token. "A second chance if I fail. A way to stay in the game."
"Now, maybe I should____"
As she pondered, a sudden light filled the hall. Hei Lou Lan snapped her head toward the source.
The second floor disappeared, and the first floor shimmered, dissolving into light before reappearing, reformed and finally appeared anew.
She froze, her mind racing. "What…is happening? Did the building fix itself or something?"
Her sharp gaze turned toward the owner token to make sure.
Dong Fang Yu Liang stood at the center of the chaos, the owner token gleaming in his hand, a triumphant smile on his face.
"Everyone!" he called out, his voice cutting through the tension. "What happened shouldn't worry you anymore."
"After some time, I'll open the first floor as promised. Those who can enter, may enter!"
"Now, everyone should prepare to enter the first floor of the Eighty-Eight True Yang Building."
Hei Lou Lan was happy, her glare locking onto him like a predator eyeing its prey. "It seems not over. I still have my chance."
"My plan will continue."
.
.
.
The End
This marks the end of this version.